The Charitable And Social Aspects Of Freemasonry.

ing tbe higher truths taught by sacred and profane poets . Happily thoy are nofc rulers ; they are nofc numerous , and the fundamental principles of the Craft are not affected by their presence . The main body cannot fairly be charged with the vice of

over self-indulgence , while their charity is only bounded by their means . The practice of charit y is not only inculcated in the ceremonies , but its exercise almost invariably forms part of the social pleasures after labour . Ifc is then that the better part of the selfish few is displayed , and

tho generous many realise the duty ancl pleasure of giving . An appeal for help at such a time never goes unheeded , and amidst the enjoyments of the table there springs up a sense of obligation to others which has borne

much grand fruit . No better illustration of noble gene rosity can be found anywhere than in the Institutions which Freemasons have raised for fche support of the aged ancl distressed of their body , or for the instruction and welfare of the bereaved children of brethren who

have passed to their last earthly homo ; ancl it is one of the most beautiful features of the Craft thafc the humblest Freemason shares tho blessings provided with the highest . Misfortune is the only passport to relief , and merit the only distinction recognised . Besides

these well-known Institutions , that have a world-wide reputation , every Lodge has its own means of help , and while the proceeds are dispensed in secret assembly , they are raised chiefly at the banquet table , thus affording another proof of the fact that Freemasonry is not only

associated with the highest principles of morality and religion , but is constantly and essentially identified wifch the spirit and practice of charity . It would be imprudent to enter too closely into particulars , ancl it would be impertinent for outsiders to seek to know them . The

broad facts are common property , and should be borne in mind when the social phase of Freemasonry is under consideration . Those who cast a slur upon it , whose minds are haunted by unworthy suspicions , would do well to make themselves acquainted with what it is permissible for them

to know , ancl to be honest ancl charitable in the construction they put upon that knowledge . The result would be startling to tbe open mind , and certainly would bo pleasant to the ignorant or wilful slanderer . It would certainly prove that Freemasonry is moved by a spirit worthy of

imitation in its simple , though grand , foundation . It would not be possible to satisfy all persons , nor do Freemasons care to make tho attempt . Were it not that " the world ia in pain our secrets to gain , " and that so many false ideas are current with regard to the Craffc , no effort

would be made at defence . Ifc is gratifying , however , to know that while the means of publishing erroneous impressions has grown , side by side has sprung up the

antidote to the poison , ancl what the Order loses by the intrusion of prying eyes it gains in the power it possesses of satisfying the vision of the righteous inquirer , and obscuring that of the idly and maliciously curious .

There is another belief abroad that Freemasonry is a costly indulgence , and that the temptations are dangerous to many , who date their misfortunes from the period of joining the Craffc . This is another invention of the

enemy , and one of those reckless charges so easily made , and so difficult to refute . There may be a case here and there , in which a brother is generous before he is just ; whose ambition outstrips his means ; but he is so in defiance , and not because of the

principles he has adopted . To condemn a whole bod y because of a few instances of sin and folly would be ] ust as reasonable as to charge Roman Catholics wifch the crimes of a few of their body ; or to say there is no truth

• nreh gion because some of its professors violate its first princi ples . When a man joins a Lodge he knows , or might easil y know , the full extent of his responsibility so far as money is concerned . Of his own position—it is assumedhe is assured . It should be remembered that he is nofc

sought , it is an offence to solicit any one to become a Freemason ; he enters of his own free will and accord , and knows beforehand what will be his monetary liability , po far the matter is one of mathematical nicety and

determination . The test , it is supposed , comes afterwards . Without entering into the matter further , we , who have held most offices iu Lodge , ancl have passed the chair , can safel y say that no temptation to go beyond one's means nas assailed ns , aud that no case presents itself to us in which Freemasonry can honestly be credited with the dangerous effects charged against it . If a brother com-

The Charitable And Social Aspects Of Freemasonry.

plies with the conditions upon which he enters the Craft , however humble his position outside the doors of the Lodge , directly he enters the portal of the temple ho becomes tlio equal of all within , aud the expenditure or non-expenditure of money cannot give him either dignity or honour . These

come from service , and the observance of the spirit of Freemasonry , which breathes brotherl y love , charity and equality . No money can bay office , and ifc cannot command lasting respect in Freemasonry , so thafc the temptation to be reckless in expenditure has no basis .

What evils there are in Freemasonry—excrescences in form ancl failures in reaching the ideal—are known only to the brethren . They do not nfl ' ect the outside world , nor do thoy seriously interfere wifch the equable flow of tho principles of the Order . It certainly is desirable that some

of tho brethren should pay more attention to tbe signs and ceremonies than they do at present . Many enter tho Lodge in the mosfc careless manner , which fosters , if ifc does nofc begot , an indifference fatal fco the development of the true Masonic spirit . Tbis slovenliness is one of the sins

of the day , and ought to be afc once firml y dealt wifch . When a brother is unable or unwilling to give the signs properly , he should be relegated to a Lodge of Instruction , there to complete his education in the formal elements of Freemasonry . The . insistance of the observance of tho

form of entering artel leaving a Lodge would have the effect of stimulating interest iu the higher virtues of tho Order , and Avould certainly tend to the cultivation of a better taste ancl a purer comprehension of the groat principles which underlie its forms . Ifc is impossible , perhaps ,

to mix up the sections with the ordinary work of the Lodge , but it cannot be denied that a more general knowledge of them would conduce to a nobler conception of Freemasonry . Here , again , Lodges of Instruction are peculiarly valuable , and they ought to be encouraged in every possible

way . We cannot conclude without saying , that grand as aro tho princi ples of the Craft , much that is dono in the work of charity , there is scope for greater efforts still . For instance , how many brethren are now languishing for tho

want of a helping hand ? Most of thorn do not want money , bnfc employment ; and yefc how little , comparativel y speaking , is done in this direction . We do not believe in Masonic mendicancy ; we do not admire the practice of trading upon tho fact of membership ; bufc ifc is nofc difficult

to distinguish betweon tho genuine Mason , who needs assistance that he might help himself , and the impostor who goes from Lodge to Lodge , abusing the confidence and kindness of the brethren . Wc do not speak for these men , but for that class who are eager for employment , and would

be glad of tho help that so many brethren have it in their power to give . Wc plead for those , for the greater development of the principles of the Craft , not to satisfy the world , but in order to obey the injunction laid upon all those who profess and call themselves Freemasons .

Reviews.

REVIEWS .

All Books intended for Review should be addressed to the Editor of The Freemason ' s Chronicle , Belvidere "Works , Hermes Hill , Pentonville , London , "N " . Surgical and Mechanical Dentistry . By Air . Edwin Woodman , K . D . S . , Surgeon Dentist , 50 Marquess Koad , Canonbury , N .

Wi'J have gone through Brother Woodman ' s treatise with much interest , ancl recommend its perusal to our readers , more particularly to those who are blessed with offspring . In respect to this latter the author says : "In the minds of many there is an amount of prejudice which deters them , although they may be aware of the necessity , from availing themselves of the benefits which the Science of

Dentistry affords , and which can now be so readily obtained . " Somo excellent hints on the management and regulation of children ' s tooth , to which in his business Bro . Woodman gives special attention , are here to be found , while the preservation of unsound teeth receives at the writer ' s hands careful consideration . Next follows advice as

to when scaling and bleaching may with advantage be adopted , and then a full description of the means adopted for painless extraction . We cordially recommend this littlo work , which , like everything that emanates from our worthy brother ' s establishment , is carefully got up .

HOUOWAY ' SS OumiENT AND PILLS — Diseases of the most formidable ami chronic chai-actors have boon cured by HoIIoway ' s remedies . "Ulcerations which have proved themselves incurable by any other known means have healed kindly under the purifying and regenerating influence of this excellent Ointment . Sprains , stiff joints , contracted muscles , and glandular swellings

can be most safely and effectually healed by Holloway s Ointment and Puis , which can do no' harm under any circumstances . Neither of these medicaments has anything deleterious in its composition ; both aro essentially purifying and strengthening in their nature . The combined powers of these noble remedies enable them successfully to cope with most descriptions of impurities , and to cure , or at least relieve , most varieties of disease .