A Right Purpose.

A RIGHT PURPOSE .

LIFE must be regulated to make it most productive . Something must bo purposed in the way of definite accomp lishment . Thero most he an end or aim to which the view is directed , and there must be earnest endeavour according to well approved plans and methods . One reason

why there are so many sad failures in lite , is that people act inconsiderately , having no fixed purpose as to what they will do , and what they will refrain from doing .

They do not lack ability ; but they lack a strong power of will to mark a course and to walk iu the way thus defined . Hence they are feeble in character , and vacillating and uncertain in the conduct of life .

To develop the possibilities of human nature and enable a man to live at his best , it is essential that he should be animated by a ri g ht purpose . The highest purpose he cau form and abide by is a determination to obey God , to keep

his own beart pure , and to fitly discbarge the duties of related life . Taking such a purpose for the working plan of onr endeavours , we shall be most likely to mako some progress , and accomplish something of good for ourselves

and others . Having such an aim we shall Jive for noble and blessed ends , for the cultivation of our own souls in the graces and excellencies of true manhood , and the rendering of some practical help to our fellow-men thafc they may become wiser and happier and better .

In taking any important step in life thought and resolve should be exercised as to where the way leads ancl what is to be the chief object of pursuit . When a young man is attracted towards the Masonic organisation and is

moved , perhaps , by some sudden impulse to seek admission to its communion , let bim pause and ask himself the question , "What for ? " Why should I connect myself with such a society ? What is the motive that impels

me ? What do I propose to do or obtain by means of such an alliance ? If he is thinking off-elfish considerations , of material benefit , he shonld pause , for hia heart is not right ; ancl not being * " duly qualified , " even should ho enter the

Fraternity be will undoubtedly be greatly disappointed in his expectations . The selfish motive mny he of higher order , ancl may appeal to the social , intellectual , or moral nature . It may lead a man to apply for admission within Masonic lines because he wishes to

make friends , to share in tbe sweet fellowship supposed to exist among Craftsmen ; or because he thinks to derive profit and p leasure from Masonic law and teachings , or from tbe unfolding of the rich symbolism thafc attaches to

tho system . A purpose resting ou snch a basis is not to be condemned ; ifc is altogether justifiable to seek a practical acquaintance with Freemasonry looking for some

enrichment of character and life thereby . Much may naturally be expected from its abundant ministries of social and moral blessing .

But the nobler motive is that already indicated , a purpose to render some additional service to others by entering into tho relations and making use of the helps which Freemasonry provides . Ho is best qualified , to take his

place among "Brethren and Fellows , " who , being possessed of other essential requisites , is most desirous of doing some good as the doors of opportunity are opened to him , and of making the world abont him a little brighter and better by his endeavours .

Having passed the Hues and become identified with the Craffc this same purpose ought to be kept steadily in view . Nominal Masons who nre without any just feeling of responsibility as to what are tho obligations pat upon them

hy their membership in Lodge , C ' hapbr or Oo-rrnaiulery , are grievous sfcvunbliTig blocks iu the . way of progress . They may absorb good'bnt they do not dispense bicsniugs they are recipient :- ; , not donors ; and thoy fail to exp : ydd

genuine practical Frivnia ' -onry , tor l-eo reason tiiafc thoy an flofc actuated by a sufficiently worthy and oarjiesi purpose . Another class , saturated , iu ( bought , eeara and life with the spirit of tho Institution , become it .- * ideal l'opresents-itive . s .

i'hey live for others , nofc for i ' ien-. dalvo ,- ; only , and , being kd and rnled continually by this gr-ind purpose , they vino ° nfc of mere animal and selfish desire . , find contribute

generousl y to the amelioration of snffering aud the progress 01 societ y . Gladly do they accept the obligations of rented , iife and clo the work that is there on j . . hied . Brethren

siien ns these , illustrating all so well the virtues of ma ^ na nirrni- y , forbearance , and true charity , rejoice that lhey urc Privileged to make nse of the means and inr ? fc ; nmentalitie ;

A Right Purpose.

furnished by Freemasonry , and thus more efficiently render the service to whicb fchey are called . —Freemasons ' Repository .

Practical Masonry.

PRACTICAL MASONRY .

" "OTACTICAL Masonry is enough for me" was the JL remark made by a Craftsman in our hearing not long ago . He had taken part in a conversation respecting Masonic symbolism ancl some of fche underlying principles

of the Institution , and bad already expressed an opinion adverse to what he was pleased to designate as mere sentiment : then followed tho declaration quoted . He wanted only a practical kind of Freemasonry . Bufc what did be

mean by the statement ? Very likely he was thinking of what the system and the organization represent of fellowship , festivities , mutual helpfulness as between brethren strong ancl active , ancl perhaps the rendering of benevolent service at the call of a comrade in distress . All this is

well . It does represent the practical side of our great Institution . But is all else of little or no worth ? Is nofc fche sentiment wrought into fche very fibre of tho Masonic system of value ? The significant legends , lessons , and symbols ,

that constitute a vital part of the ritual and . ceremonyare not these too of importance ? Take away from Freemasonry its sentiment and it would lose both , in power and attractiveness . Were ifc not something : of a science and a

philosophy , presenting and illustrating grand principles which underly right living , it would have far less glory than now . We may not be dreamers and sentimentalists in onr interpretation of the teachings or tha mission of the

Masonic Fraternity ; bufc while giving duo heed to its practical side—to what is most tangible aud direct in the expression of i . ts life—we may also rejoice that its ministries

aro sufficiently broad and abundant to supply a nutriment craved alike by fcho intellect- and tho heart . Let us nofc ignore the sentiment of Fn emasoury . — -Exchange .

The children of the Royal Masonic Iu . itifiifion for Girls enjoyed a treat on Thurdday , the 2 o ' f , ii ult ., when ou tho invitation of Brother Alderman Savory they paid a visit , to his scat , Buekhnrst Park . A special train convey cd tho

children , who were accompanied by MUs Davis and most of fcho assistant governesses , to Sunuingdale , where a number of carriages were in waiting to convoy the party to the park . Various amusements and beats were provided

for ihe edjdn-ment of the gi ; o :-fs and a pleasant timo was spent by tho children and tho :-. e who accompanied them . Brother Savory expressed n wish that ihe visit mi ght become an annua ! oue , a wish which we are sure will ba re-echoed by all who were present last week .

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

— : o : — LATE HOURS IN FREE 1 US 0 SRT .

; To the Editor of Ihe FREEMASON S CHRONICLE . I DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —The writer who last week addressed you on this subject has no clou lit riven gone ! reason f r many of tbe lato ¦ meetings with which we are troubled i * i Frecin t-sonry . If bivthieu would assemble at thu proper tinu-, . ind proceed to the work set , out

on ifio fi ' - 'enda a . 't POOH a * thoy arrived , we . should not hear so mnch of : lite tinisb . es . If tlie start is made in proper time , there is lit-. lc chane ¦¦ of tho end beiu . r de toyed beyond a reasonable hour . Thero i ^ , ho vever , another mutter to by considered , and to this you referred in vein * editorial . I nir-rui the practice of orowdiiv too

; euu'h ' . vork into , the , ksv homs available tor tha meetin' *" . A . Wor-: bhipfut Master , anil finse who advise him , should know how lony * tho various cereniov' . it'A t * . ik >* , nnd ' should eale . uii . te aeeuvi ! . in <*;! v , nlwnvs | fRmoiiiheriiit *; there may he , brethren at thn meetine , whose desire it in to leave , tit a comparatively c ';< vly Invar . 1 think , perhaps , iho

; whole subject re-solves i * . , - * elt into a question of generalship ou tho ' part of the rulers of the Lodge . ! Yours & c . : A LAY MEMBER . 2 Gch Au- 'tisfc 1880 .

Deaths.

DEATHS .

GATEHOITSR . —On tho i- ' ad Aup . ii'h , at Den , ! , U ' ir . r . iA'r ALT nan GATR-IOUS *; , aged ' j . "> , third surviving son nf TICOJIAS LTATKHOI ' * , UrtiMflbri'ljfi-, Uusluim , Chicdc . ster , soii-in- ' aw of n'ia . J ' . JCES Kri-. VE"fi-, Cfapfiam , S . 1 V " . JARtVODD . —Oil oatur . lay , liic-iadi ult ., fit il . u lioyal Jld . aunic Institution ft . r Gilds , Catter . aea id . aa , Mi-s Idazi V . ' ensii'Mrr . T . virwdoo , Matron ol Hie Institution , ii ; jcd 7 ( i .