Pleasures Of The Imagination.

"Noprofane can enter the magic circle , whose boundary is the mystie tie . Finally—as to the future . Who can predict it , either here or hereafter ? Its climax is the Grand Lodge above ,

where all the errors of the Lodge below will be rectified , all the Craftsmen justly rewarded , all the Truth perfectly revealed . The law of love which we seek to make as

universal as the Craft here , will be controlling there . Faith will be lost in sight , Hope in fruition , and Charity sovereign throughout the endless ages of eternity .

Brethren of the Mystic Tie , it is your privilege to enjoy the highest pleasures of the imagination . Enter into your inheritance—Keystone .

Breadth Of Freemasonry.

BREADTH OF FREEMASONRY .

FREEMASONRY is an exceedingly broad institution . It includes purposes of a varied character . It seeks to do more than one kind of work and accomplish more

than one sort of good . It has within itself , regarded as a system and an organization , resources that are ample for abundant ministries to its members and to the world . As

these capabilities are understood and drawn upon its true greatness becomes apparent . A mistake is made by those within or without the Fraternity who only regard some one feature of the institution ,

and note but a single line of its service and blessing . There are those who thus err by estimating Freemasonry as merely a charitable association , an organization designed to minister to the relief of the destitute . We are glad when

this province of Masonic duty is pointed out , and when emphasis is put ou the benevolont work to which members of the Craft are sacredly pledged . It is to the credit of the Ancient Society that so much has been done in caring

for the weak and unfortunate members of the communion , in ministering relief in wider circles , and in building and supporting Homes and Asylums which do a blessed work of education and charity . Masonry can never justify its

existence unless it makes expression of itself in this way of practical helpfulness to the poor and needy . But this is not all there is of the system or organization . Freemasonry is designed to do more than merely administer charity—to establish Homes and care for the unfortunate . It is a

mistake to regard the Institution only as an organized ministry of benevolence . Equally in error are they who think of Freemasonry only as a club—an association formed for the purposes of

festivity and good cheer . Too many enter the Lodge influenced by this idea ; and we regret to say that they find thero those long connected with the Fraternity to sustain them in the view taken . Fellowship and social enjoyment

are indeed to be included among the objects which Freemasonry approves and provides for ; but they are by no means the only matters of consideration . Indeed , the

social side of Freemasonry , as illustrated by its suppers and festivities , its friendly meetings ol one sort and another , represents only that which is of lesser value in a justly discriminating estimate of the Brotherhood .

It is the moral and intellectual elements of Freemasonry which most dignify and adorn the organization . Were it not for these characteristics it would have uo such

bindinoforce as now upon an intelligent constituency . When brethren come to realise what the Masonic tie means as a bond of comradeship , and when they learn by pleasant experience of its festival joys , thev will praise the Masonic

Institution for its social ministries ; but men of thought and culture will not be content to approve Freemasonry on such grounds alone . They will be drawn to the systemheld to it by a strong attachment—because it invites to

intellectual activities , and furnishes so much varied food for the mind and heart to feed upou . Its philosophy , its scientific uufoldings , its rich and varied symbolism , its inculcation of truth in so many forms , will best commend

Freemasonry to those who inquire most carefully and judge most intelligently as to its merits . Its practical helpfulness , good fellowship , and social privileges , are excellent features in its crown of excellence ; but beyond these gifts and

graces are other contributions that are never to be overlooked , for they minister more directly to the mind and soul . The firyt-named characteristics recommend organized

Freemasonry to many brethren , for they enjoy tho pleasant communions to which it opens the door , while they have a quick and generous appreciation of its Charitica . This ia

Breadth Of Freemasonry.

well , hut may we not plead for the yet larger estimate that takes into account the worth of Freemasonry as affording a solid nutriment for the intellect of man , giving zest to his mind and heart by unfolding principles of divinest import ,

while it opens the way to thought , reading and argument by this best expression it makes of itself ? May we not ask that Freemasonry be considered on its higher ranges , to the end that its moral and intellectual worth may never be obscured ?—Freemason ' s Bepository .

A NEW COMMANDERY . HIEAM LODGE MEMBEES WILL NOT SWEAE ALLEGIANCE TO THE GEAND LODGE .

FOE several weeks past there has been an air of comparative quiet in New Haven Masonio circles . The war between the Grand Lodge and Hiram having been waged bitterly , after a protracted oampaign the weapons were laid down . The armistice waa not considered enduring however , and it was believed that the strife

might be precipitated again at any time . Just now there is a new status to the Masonio inharmonious conditions . While the Graud Lodge is not directly involved , a body

which is in allegiance to the Grand Lodge , and a division of Hiram members are involved . The objeofc of a new movement now on foot is briefly stated , but without detail , in the following com . mnnication :

NEW HAVEN , 19 fch May 1888 . We , the undersigned , members of Hiram Lodge , belonging to the New Haven Commandery and Franklin Chapter , do most respectfully petition that Sir Knight James D . Dewell be requested to call

a meeting of said members to convene in the Lodge room of Hiram Lodge , No . 1 , Masonic Temple , at an early day for the purpose of taking such aotion as may be deemed necessary for the interests of all concerned . Signed ,

C . M . Ingersoll , H . L . Harrison , William Hillhouse , J . Martin , L . B . Hinman , J . E . Cummins , Henry W . Sanford , Enos S . Kimberly , John P . Augur , L . Bostwiok , Chas . E . Hoagkirk , S . S . Thompson , T , J . Donvan , Eobert Dyas .

Agreeably with the above a meeting will be hold at Masonio Temple , corner of Chapel and Union Streets , in the Blue Lodge room on Thursday evening , 31 st May , at 8 o'clock . JAMES D . DEWELL .

The object of this meeting of Hiram Lodge members is understood to be the formation of a new Commandery of JKnight Templars . It is well-known that members of Hiram Lodge who wore identified with New Haven Commandery , No . 1 , and Franklin Chapter , are not allowed to participate in the meetings of these bodies without

they sign their allegiance to the Grand Lodge . This course the members of Hiram have been unwilling to follow . They have preferred to be loyal to Hiram and relinquish their connection with both the Commandery and the Chapter rather than to swear allegiance to the Grand Lodge .

It seems , however , that there has very recently been a movement on foot whereby several members of Hiram Lodge were invited to resume attendance at the Commandery meetings . In order to resume their relations with the Commandery they were obliged to swear allegiance to the Grand Lodge . To offset any further

movement in this line tho old , loyal Hiramites have decided to start a Commandery of their own . When questioned about the movement , one of the prime movera had this to say : — " I can hardly say what will be done , but the object is to start a new Commandery . Over one-half the

members of New Haven Commandery and of Franklin Chapter are members of Hiram Lodge , and they could hardly run these bodies without us . I understand that since thi 3 trouble with the Grand Lodge and the exclusion of Hiram members from the Chapter and the ' Commandery the two latter bodies have been in a weakly

state . No parades have been held and there has not been much enthusiasm . Eecently the Commandery secured several members of Hiram in order to build up the organisation , and these few were indaced to swear allegiance to the Grand Lodge . I do not believe there will be any more induced to swear away their rights , however .

When Hiram has over one-half the membership of the Commandery and they have been denied the right to sit in the meetings , it is about timo that another Commandery was started , and this we propose to do . What has the Grand Lodge to do with the Commandery ? Nothing at all . Then why should members swear allegiance to the

Grand Lodge . Why , until 1811 it was not necessary to be a Mason in order to join the Commandery ! I do not know what our number will be . It may be No . 1 , as that is the number of Hiram Lodge . I cannot state exactly what will be done until the meeting iu held , however . "

The United Service Lodge , No . 2258 , will be consecrated at the Mefcham Masonic Hall , Stonehouse , ou Monday , 2 nd July . The D . P . G . M . Bro . W . George Rogers will act us Consecrating Officer , the public engagements of the

P . G . M . Lord Ebrington , M . P ., not permitting him to attend on that date . A special choral service is beingarranged , and the ceremony will probably be of a most imposing character .