The Good In Masonry.

is to teach men to be tender-hearted and true , to be loyal and charitable . Charity in this sense does nofc mean alms-giving . Ifc has a broader signification . It means a kind word fitly spoken , a quiet hand-shake , a smile of approval , and all those little attentions to the welfare

and well being of another that at once puts him afc his ease . What can be more offensive fco a sensitive person than an ostentatious bestowal of charity , either sympathetic or financial ? Masonic sympathy should be so quick aud

lasting that it can feel for the woes and misfortunes of others , and lend a helping hand in all cases of need . Masonry bestows these charitable acts like the gentle dew , and finds that "it is better to give than to receive . "

Man , if left to himself , is apt to think he has been neglected and afc once becomes discouraged . Masonry supplies this by furnishing a sympathetic friendship which is interested in his welfare . This sympathy stimulates him to greater exertion , and makes him contented in his

endeavour to benefit his condition and to assist his fellow man . He soon learns that a Mason ' s happiness cornea from bestowing these kind words and charitable deeds . How much good such kind words and charitable acts have done and can do , he onl y can tell who has heard or received them in hours of need .

Many Masons may have been members of Lodges for years and failed to appreciate the worth of this fellowship . Their lives may have been cast in pleasant places , but let adversity come—how soon they will realize the soothing influence of our Mystic Order ! If sickness overtakes them ,

how soon they feel the sorrow and friendship of the Craft ; and if they be called to pass through " the dark valley of the shadow of death , " how sustaining the assurance that the surviving loved ones will have an army of supporters

and defenders to protect their virtue and maintain their integrity ! It is in these trying scenes , these moments of man ' s necessity , thafc the mild influences of our beloved Order are felt and appreciated .

There aro times in the lives of men when language seems inadequate to express ideas , or afc least when persons are capable of nndertanding each other by this means . The most eloquent address , the most gifted pnlpit orator often fails to reach the heart of one who has been bereaved of

loved ones . The quiet hand-shako , the sympathetic tear of one who has been like afflicted is a balm to the troubled spirit .

So God , in His infinite wisdom , has furnished man with this sign language that reaches the heard when human words fail . Masonry has adopted this to express the feelings of one brother for another .

It is not in the meetings of our Lodges thafc fche greatest good is accomplished . There we meet to receive instruction , to learn lessons of temperance , fortitude , prudence , justice , and charity ; to examine the designs on fcho " trestle-board ; " to listen to words of wisdom , counsel aud

experience , and to receive instruction as to the besfc methods of applying them . It is iu the every day walks of life , on the farm , in the shop , fche office , in fact , everywhere , thafc fche grand teachings of Masonry are exemplified . We hear ifc often said of a man , " He is a bright

Mason . " He may be well versed in Masonic law aud jurisprudence . He . may have the Masonic ritual afc his tongue's end . He may be a living dictionary of Masonic information , and yefc , if he does not possess Masonic charity , this fellowship for his brother man , his life work as a Mason is a sad failure .

He is a bright . Mason , indeed , who loves his fellow man . He may nofc be able fco recite the first principles of Masonic lore , and yet , if his heart overflow with thafc true Masonic love—if there be constantly welling up from his bosom that sympathetic feeling for the wants aud woes of others

—his name shall stand , in life , at the head of the column of membership ; and when he has passed from earth the memory of his noble acts and kind words shall live in the minds of those who knew him , and will cause them to emulate his noble example .

I hold thafc Christian grace abounds Where charity is seen j that when ? We climb to beaven , ' tis on the rounds Of love to man .

This I moreover hold , and dare Affirm where ' er my rhyme may go : Whatever things be sweet or fair , Lore makes them ao .

The Good In Masonry.

And when a man cau live apart From works , on theologio trust , I know the blcod about his heart Is dry as dnst .

Another lesson , illustrating the brotherhood of man , is the requirement thafc each Mason should store his mind with useful knowledge , so thafc he may be able fco impart fche same to others . Masonry regards the mind of man as

being susceptible of wonderful development . She teaches him that life is rapidly passing , and that he should so divide his time as to be able to minister to those dependent upon him , and still have a portion to spare for his own

mental improvement . Symbols and illustrations of wonderful advancement in science and progress in art are presented to incite him to greater exertion , and he finds a new happiness in the pursuit of knowledge .

The object of Masonry in this is twofold : First , to give the Masonic student happiness , as a reward for his research ; and , second , to fnrnish him employment for his leisure

hours . It is safe to say that ; a majority of the violations of the moral code—in fact , of all crimes committed—had their beginning iu fcho lack of proper employment .

Masonry anticipates this evil , and encourages its members to avoid it by occupying their time in fitting themselves for future usefulness . That Mason who has taken the degrees and has nofc learned fche meaning of this has failed in comprehending the full import of the lesson intended .

How many Masons date the beginning of their mental improvement and ultimate advancement in life from the symbolism of our degrees ? Education , however , comes not like a grist from the mill .

Learning by study must be won ; 'Twas ne ' er entailed from sire to son . It is by the small accretions , scarcely perceptible , that in

the end furnish a fund of knowledge—here a fact and there a truth are added ; little by little are gathered together , and in the end a halo of information seems fco surround the Masonic student .

A little learning is a dangerous thing j Drink deep , or uvste not the Pierian spring , For shallow draughts intoxicate the brain , Bat drinking largely sobers us again .

Masouic duty requires thafc fche mind of its followers should not only be well stored with nsef nl information , bnt that this knowledge shonld be freely imparteJ to others . Mental misers are monstrosities . The well-spring of

information may he constantly drawn from and the supply ever remain undiminished . It is like the widows' pofc of oil—ifc increases with the use . Masonry urges its followers to

pursue these studies in search of science , art and truth , till they arrive at and recognize fche Author of all science , of all art , and of truth itself .

As the grand old ocean is kept pure by its own agitation , so the mind of the Mason acquires nourishment b y his own exertion in the acquisition of knowledge ; as a change of labour furnishes rest to the overtaxed muscle , so the

proper employment of the mind furnishes refreshment to the anxious Masonic student ; and as the discovery of vast wealth deep in fche mines of earth after years of toil brings satisfaction to che finder , so the discovery of truth brings joy to the heart of the believing Mason .

It is not strange to the initiated that its members make long and toilsome journeys to attend the meetings of our Lodges , and listen to the wisdom and advice of men grown

hoary in Masonic service . It benefits the Masoa who imparts the information , and thrice benefits him who receives it .

In presenting these few of the many objects and purposes of our Order , the motive has been to show why the illustrious ones of earth in all ages have been and are votaries of Masonry . To them , there have been abundant

reasons for adhering to its tenets . They have felt thafc a just equivalent has been rendered fchem in . exchange for their time . The authors of Masonry foresaw the need of a closer fellowship and provided for this want . Masonry

has stood the test of time , and will stand so long as there is any violation of the moral law . It will stand as it has stood till " nation shall nofc liffc up sword against nation ,

neither shall they learn war any more . " It will stand till fche Fatherhood of God and fche Brotherhood of Man pervade the whole earfch . There ia yefc work for each Mason to do , Selfishness ,