Within Ourselves.

WITHIN OURSELVES .

rPHE tendency of this age is to give publicity to overy-JL thing that by contortions or assumed information can be raado attractive to the curious . It has been said by a close observer , that uow , curiosity aud exaggeration arc phases of the general public mind that grows fat on what it feeds .

Tho mischiefs that come out of this diseased couditiou of the appetite of so many people cannot be justly estimated . Gossip is so pleasaut . It is food for starved talkers . So much can be said , so many words consumed in tho laborious and voluminous utterances of the superficial and unthinking .

Whatever partakes of even a local sensation , over so unimportant , is the theme of general talk till it is inflated into public prominence . So it goes . One adds to his story of the matter , another has some

infallible method of demonstrating the impossible and nonexisting ; a third oxplains exactly what it is all about and manufactures a theory , and a reason , aud a conclusion , till at last the original mite becomes one of the Gorgon sisters .

All this is most harmful . It destroys the respect due to truth , because truth is so obscured that no reliance can be p laced on narrations of things , or , indeed acts . It has become almost a proverb with , cautious men '• not to believe anything you hear . "

The value of statements of matters of real importance is less and less estimated . Consider what effect this must have on the consideration given to the testimony of those who are regarded as among the reliable individuals in communities .

This is worthy of serious consideration . The integrity of sources of information which concern the public on matters of public interest , ought not to be weakened by the doubt if it is true , by the unchecked exaggeration of uninformed talkers .

What a lesson the Fraternity of Freemasons teach on this subject ? How significant are the teachings of our ancient and honourable society as to the cautious circumspection it

maintains as to its own affairs . It is of high import to all thinking men . Silence is tbe ordained rule with the Freemason . Tattle , gossip , free discourse , talk about what does not concern tho profane , or the public , ov the curious , are all forbidden .

" Within ourselves " is the limit placed on all Masons . It is not permitted that Masons discuss any matter that only can be allowed " within ourselves . " To gratify tbe eur . ' ous , who live and movo and bave

their being in all communities , is not permitted even to the garrulous among Lodge members . They soon learn that all such talk is out of place in the conversation with the profane . Silence ! Silence is golden they learn .

" Within ourselves " is the " oblong square" which confines , circumscribes and limits flippant talk—any talk which relates to subjects which belong exclusively to the Fraternity . So it comes to pass that publicity is not accepted by tbo

fraternity . Thus exaggeration as to what does not concern the profane is prevented . What the curious would like to know of the Fraternity is not knowable in the streets , or house tops , or public places , or where Masons meet in their daily vocations , or in their pleasures , outside of a Lodge room .

" Within ourselves" is a chosen circle of intercommunication of the Brotherhood . Thus tho proceedings of Lodges are never tho subject for public discussion . No possible contortions or asssumed information can come out of the ill-judged talk in what the profane delight to indulge

to satisfy the rage to make public everything . The Freemasons are thus great teachers of a high duty . They enjoin it , follow it , obey it . The profane may well take example from this great institution . It teaches .

If no higher influence is imparted , a moral , conservative restraint is presented to those wbo like to indulge in gossip . When it is observed that the Masons aro free , or exempt from , the habit , that in itself will direct attention to the example which their silence makes instructive .

Among Masons in the community the absence of this indiscriminate mixing up in matters that are of no possible benefit to anybod y but the curious who only seek for some subject for mere talk , must be of wholesome effect on the

Within Ourselves.

thoughtless , if they will ever think . When it may , if ever , become the accepted rule that " people " have no possible concern with matters that have no remote connection with others than thoso directly interested , and they , within

themselves , are exclusively competeut to discuss them , then the wisdom of the Masonic teaching will be the exposition of the goldeu rule which circumscribes within proper boundaries the licence of discussion of matters that outside

are protected by silence . This is tho moral of the Masonic symbol , tho finger to tho lips , teaching silence . It may be translated " within ourselves . "—Keystone .

The Theatres, &C.

THE THEATRES , & c .

St . James's Hall . —Tbe drawing-room concert given at this hall on Monday evening , the 19 th inst ., by Mr . E , Drew , was of a most seleot oharacter , and proved highly enjoyable to those present . Th 9 singing of Miss Bessie Warwick , the talented coloured soprano of America , was a flood of melody that drew forth from the audience

enthusiastic and repeated applause . The two songs by Mr . Mills were well rendered , and the amusing sketch by the Messrs . Woodin dis . played considerable talent . The other lady vocalists were equally good . The whistling of Mr . Maokay waa exoellent , and Yoriok , the Stage Laureate , was really wonderful in his instantaneous composition

of verse on any given theme . Mr . Drew and Mi 89 Annie Parker , as Sir Peter and Lady Teazle , were really capital , and the captivating beauty of the lady won all hearts . The whole entertainment waa a combination of artistic talent that could not fail to suit the taste of the most refined .

Egypt at Niagara Hall . —This most interesting exhibition is announced to olose early next month , so that those brethren who desire to witness it and hear the instructive lecture by Bro . J . Hunter Boyd should not lose any time . As stated in oar previous notice the diorama contains muoh matter to interest our Masonio brethren and affords food for reflection to the philosophic mind .

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