Page 167 - Cornelius Hedges Story

For This And Succeeding Generations Gardiner 154

Those who depreciatingly speak of this corps of Masonic
workers as constituting only a mutual adm­ iration society,
must acknowledge that their labors among the rubbish of the
temple, are bringing to light some of the richest treasures to
rear and adorn the new world. It is the grand workshop in
which principles are elaborated, and whence comes forth
tile Promethean fire that gives life, action and feeling to the
dead forms and statute-like symbols in which our institution
too much abounds. We feel it an honor to be one of such a
band, and only regret that we bring to the general fund so little
compared with what we carry away.”513
Cornelius Hedges’ Masonic writing was voluminous and varied,
as Grand Master E. C. Day pointed out. Actually, the themes of his
writing are so varied that in a work of this limitation it will only
be possible to mention a few and illustrate his style and depth of
thought with certain selected excerpts. Hedges often wrote lamenting
the lack of support among the craft for Masonic publication.514
He also wrote several essays on the pros and cons of voluminous
Masonic publicity. Briefly, Hedges held the foll­owing view:
“The secrets of the fraternity have been reduced to the
minimum, and many good Masons are in despair, thinking the
institution is hastening to its doom. On the contrary, we have
believed that the vitality of Masonry consisted in its principles
mostly, and very little in its secrets. And this is the ground on
which we have favored publicity. If the principles of Masonry
had been understood, there would never have occurred, the
Morgan excitement and the anti-Masonic crusade.”515
Other familiar topics in Hedges’ writing are essays on: Unwanted
Masonic inter-jurisdictional disputes and quarrels,516 Physical
qualifications in Masonry, a question of the operative verses the
speculative,517 the mission of Masonry in the world;518 and the so
called “rival” soc­ ieties, do they present apparent danger?519
Judge Hedges made excellent use of the English language in his
Masonic writings, but the thoughts expressed are the elements which
give his writing enduring qualities. The ultimate goal of Masonry
was one topic of genuine concern to Hedges. At one time he wrote:
“There is more to Masonry than its few secrets and its ritual.
It is the great conservative and cohesive element in society,
holding fast to all that is good and reinforcing every agency
contributing to human elevation and progress.”520