[166] Much has been written about the secrecy of Masonry. Hutchinson, in his lecture on "The Secrecy of Masons," lays all the stress upon its privacy as a shelter for the gentle ministry of Charity (_Spirit of Masonry_, lecture x). Arnold is more satisfactory in his essay on "The Philosophy of Mystery," quoting the words of Carlyle in _Sartor Resartus_: "Bees will not work except in darkness; thoughts will not work except in silence; neither will virtue work except in secrecy" (_History and Philosophy of Masonry_, chap. xxi). But neither writer seems to realize the psychology and pedagogy of secrecy--the value of curiosity, of wonder and expectation, in the teaching of great truths deemed commonplace because old. Even in that atmosphere, the real secret of Masonry remains hidden to many--as sunlight hides the depths of heaven. [167] Read the noble chapter on "Prayer as a Masonic Obligation," in _Practical Masonic Lectures_, by Samuel Lawrence (lecture x). [168] Read a thoughtful "Exposition of Freemasonry," by Dr. Paul Carus, _Open Court_, May, 1913. [169] Proverbs 24:3, 4. [170] While Masonry abjures political questions and disputes in its Lodges, it is all the while training good citizens, and through the quality of its men it influences public life--as Washington, Franklin, and Marshall carried the spirit of Masonry into the organic law of this republic. It is not politics that corrupts character; it is bad character that corrupts politics--and by building men up to spiritual faith and character, Masonry is helping to build up a state that will endure the shocks of time; a nobler structure than ever was wrought of mortar and marble (_The Principles of Freemasonry in the Life of Nations_, by Findel).