Social Influence Of Masonry.

our members iu their communications with each other , but the same influence extends its benign effects to the world . After admitting that our rites and ceremonies , our principles and our doctrines , have such good

influences within our own circle , it seems to be a work of supererogation that we should show that these influences extend still farther . But so it is . Would it be a reasonable proposition that a man whose social habits and qualities had been

systematically cul tivated , and the necessity of their use impressed upon his mind , would he be no more social and liberal in their use than one who had

never been led to think upon the subject at all ; We think not . He could not avoid the salutary influences of the lessons , if he would , and he would not desire to do so if he could . Now , let us apply this fact to our subject , and

we arrive at the truth . Masons are taught in the lodge those lessons which they are to practice out of it , and so far as intercourse between man and man is concerned , the same liberal and catholic spirit extends to all , whether a member of the

Fraternity or not . The spirit of tolerance and generosity fostered by Masonic lessons , pervades the soul of the true Mason in his intercourse with non-Masons , as well as with the brethren . The theory and the practice of the Institution alike demand this at the hands of every Mason .

But suppose we inquire into the actual state of facts . What is the character of Masons for generous , unselfish conduct in the social circles , or in the common process of social life ? This question can be answered by every individual for

himself , aud we do not fear that the answer , in a single instance , will be against us . Let each in . dividual look over the list of his- friends and see who are the most willing to exhibit the best phases of the social principle in common life—those who

oppose , or those who love Masonry . We do not fear the result . We care not whether the examination-is made by the friends or the opponents of the Order . The social training will tell , and the results will be so apparent that they cannot be overlooked .

But the social influence of Masonry is not only powerful and salutary , as inducing a more friendly feeling and action among mankind generally , but it exerts an elevating influence as well . We do not dig a trench and ask others to level their

foundation by that , but we raise aloft the standard of human action , and invite them to come up to

Social Influence Of Masonry.

that—to raise themselves to that high level . It is a levelling up , and not a levelling down , that we promote . Teaching the continual dependence of mankind upon each other ; that each has a part of the

burden of life to bear , and a portion of the labour of life to perform ; that the good of each and of the whole requires a social and amiable disposition ,, why should not the social princip le be more fully developed than among those who do not pay anj

attention to these subjects . We ought to be under better influences than others , and hence we ought to be more social in our dispositions than others , and we trust we are . We say this in no spirit of boasting , but because it ought to be , as we believe

it is , a practical fact . We believe we have done something to curb the prevailing selfish spirit which , this age fosters . We think our lessons have made - men . more careful to exhibit kindness and charity - towards those with whom they are brought in con-

tact . We hold that the world is more humane ,.. kind , generous , and careful of the rights and feelings of others , for our Fraternity . Believing ¦ this , we shall continue to labour for its propagation , being fully assured that "truth is mighty and will prevail . "

The Haughfoot Lodge And Speculative Masonry.

THE HAUGHFOOT LODGE AND SPECULATIVE MASONRY .

EXTRACTS FEOH OLD EECOEDS OP HAUGKFOOT LODGE . —contd . " Haughfoot , Dec . 27 th 1722 . " The which clay roll called , and found absent from the meeting , ( follows the names of 24-Masons )

of whom 6 are excused , and the preses with the consent of the lodge fyned the others in twenty shillings Scots , except John Sanderson whom they fyned in three pounds Scots . " The sd clay John Young was by plurality of

votes chosen preses of the meeting till next St .. John ' s Day , " The sd day William Craig producing a letter from Torsonce , as au excuse for Middleton ^ signifying for the reason therein contained , tha t

he could not attend the annual meetings iu time coming , and that ho had sent a crown for his former deficiencies , wliich the lodge having considered , they order the crown to be payed into the treasurer for this year , aud passes from the former defi-