A Sermon

1 . The temple was noted for its massive strength : cut stones of enormous dimensions mortised into the solid rock , far beneath tho surface of tbe ground , were employed for its foundations * , \\ w \ on tho ample base , secured by

building np imtnmse walls of stone on tho precipitous sides of Monnfc Mnii-ib , tlu-re IOSO tbe solid , majestic structure that never failed , by ita splendid proportions , to speak to the Israolitisb worshippers of Him who " laid tho foundations of tho earth " and re ; rod ihn nrch of tbe starry firmament .

The house winch Solomon bnilfc was groat in its massive strength . Tho same feature is to characterize our lives . We are to aim at full-orbed manhood . We aro bound to develope all our [ towers , and grow up to the statue of perfect men . We havo no right to remain weaklings .

Every side of our complex nature is to ho cultivated to its fullest capacity . Weakness at any point where strength mig hfc have been attained is a source of disappointment to tbe Great Architect , as well as a source of loss and danger to us who profess to be building under His supervision . If it was so important that massive strength should

characterize tbe material temple at Jerusalem , howjnuoh more necessary must that quality be in the spiritual temple of a human character . The house which we build is great for it is capable of becoming the highest abode of Deity , and , whether for weal or woe , it is to abide throughout eternity . Let us make it strong .

2 . The temple was noted for its wondrous beauty . Its wails were composed of beautiful white stones , thoroughly polished , and pnt together witb such ingenuity thafc no interstices were visible . The interior of the structure was

of cedar , finely carved , and overlaid wifch the purest gold . The two massive pillars of brass that stood at tbe entrance had carved chapiters , adorned with lilies and pomegranates and delicate network of the most exquisite workmanship .

So , too , our lives are to be characterized by beauty . The massive strength of a rugged manhood ii to bo adorned with all tbe attractive qualities it is possible for ua to cultivate . Tbe strength of a vigorous intellect is to be softened and beautified by the play of a highly cultured

imagination ; and the strength of an unswerving devotion to moral principle is to be hallowed by a divine tenderness in dealing with human failures and imperfections . " The material universe is the abode of Deity , whom we worship * and wisdom , strength and beauty are round about Him as

tho pillars of His works . His wisdom is infinite , His strength omnipotent , and His beauty shines forth throughout the whole of creation in works of symmetry and

order . What God has done in tho world around us we are expected to do in tbe world within ua . The house which wo build is great . Then let us make ifc beautiful .

In Solomon ' s Temple strength and beauty were consecrated to religious ends . The Temple was for the worship of Jehovah . All its appointments contemplated relig ious purposes . Its courts were open to the blue vaults of heaven ; find through its costly sacrifices and gorgeous

ritual the hearts of its worshippers were to he lifted heavenward . It is this very idea ofthe religious aspect of human life that Masonry seeks specially to emphasize . As the covering of a Masonic Lodge is emblematic of the heavenly firmament , to teach us that we are to rise to tbe Lodge

above by that spiritual ladder which rests on the volume of the Sacred Law , and whose chief rungs are Faith in the Great Architect of the Universe ; Hope in His salvation ,

aud Charity with all mankind . We cannot be faithful Masons without recognising thafc religion is the highest element in life , and that all qualities are to be made subservient to religious ends .

No man can be a true Mason who fails to feel the force of religious considerations . In this connection I would like to emphasize tbe important words quoted by onr Grand Master in his admirable address yesterday afterroon : " Free and Accepted Masonry was originally

intended for the few , whose intelligence was such as would enable them to appreciate its beauties , and whose morals were such as would enable them to exemplify its virtues . Though not another Mason should ever be made , we should

guard our doors securely against those who seek to wear our badge for mercenary purposes , and whose daily lives of debauchery , profanity and vulgarity give the lie to fcheir professions of faith in the tenets of onr Craft . "

And what is trne of our individual life is equally true of tbe wider civic and national life in which each one of has his part to play . There ate profound questions of

A Sermon

statesmanship and important problems of science and commerce that men mnsfc grapple with , and settle to tho best of their ability . Things like theso are tbe solid and substantial elements of national life . Then there are tho beautiful adornments of art and literature , the things that

tend to enrich and beautify the life that has previously been made strong . But while nations as well as individuals are bound to cultivate both strength and beauty , let ifc

never be forgotten thafc the strong and the beautiful must be pursued along true moral lines , and made conducive fco religious purpose ? . This is the very truth that nations havo always found it easiest to forgot .

The danger of our present civilisation is not tho absence of strength , or tbe lack of beauty , bufc tho neglect of moral princip le . And this danger to tho Slate can only be obviated by tho moro faithful cultivation in tho lives of individual men and women of tho greafc principle of religion .

In the elder days of Art , Builders wrought with greatest oare Euoli minute nnd unseen part , For tho coda aee every wheie .

Let ua do our work as well , Both the unseen and the seen ; Mnke the house where God may dwell Beautiful , entire and clean .

Else our livea are incomplete , Standing in theso walls of Time , Broken stairways whore tine i'eet

Stumble aa they seek to climb . Bnild to-day , then , strong and snre , With a firm and ample base , And ascending and secure , Shall to-morrow find its place . —Voice of Masonry .

The Increase Of Freemasons.

THE INCREASE OF FREEMASONS .

IT is never to be forgotten that proselyting is forbidden i i Freemasonry . No effort is permitted to bring over to Masonry any pro " ane who has nofc of himself manifested a desire to unite with the Fraternity . Persuasion , or any inducement cannot he used to bring

into the Craffc any one who thus is influenced , for he would nofc be worthy oc the trasfc to be devolved on him as a Meson . Ifc must Is of his own free wil ' , by the exercise of his in ^ Uigenee and conscience that his judgment is impressed and causes him to seek admission into , and association with , the Brotherhood of Freemasons .

All the information he may require to decide for himself can be found in tbe exoteric teachings of recognized Masonic authority . The history of Masonry is sufficiently well known , its principles explained , its influence on society open to

investigation , the character of the whole Craffc before the world clearly portrayed , so that the true , earnest and honesfc aspirant for Masonic membership needs no inducements <*< •allurements to eielte compulsion to present bis application for admission .

Masonry is nofc , never has bem , and so long as its fundament ;! princip les are maintained , never can be composed of men who seek the benefits or advantages which nmk the incitements to enter profane

organizations . Entering Masonry , all must divest themselves of those motives aud considerations which give to all other associations which g litter with enticements , excuses or pretexts , to attract members .

Masonry pays no premiums nor bounties for membership . Its laws are as rigid as those of the " Medea and Persians , " which history has made into a proverb , that they are unalterable .

These laws are few and plain , originating With tha earliest of days in a system of jurisprudence that is to-day older than empires , languages or organized society ; is therefore free from those modern policies which are liable fco all sorfcs of internretations .

Justice and equity are the corner-stones of Masonic jurisprudence . Justice , that has been sanctioned as right by the wisest of the generations of men ' , equity , which is tbe conscience of the fathers since the aforetime . Both were living principles set forth before the " Ten Tables " of the pre-Christian era . St . John and St . Paul , nearly