The Universality Of Masonry.

would be ready to lay down their lives , will meet the wide world over within the points of the compass and forget their isms . It is this broadening of human nature , this nurturing with the milk of human kindness , that makes the brother of the fez and the desert , and the soldier of the cross see good in each other , and for the two to meet together under the same tent , to eat together , to

drink together , and to forget the old time warfare , and to swear an eternal allegiance to be Brethren in fact as well as in spirit , to labour together for the advancement of human kind , and to care for the widow , the orphan and the helpless of each other . We overlook the minor ideas of belief , tolerating all that is good ,

together making an unceasing battle against ignorance and oppression , believing that the ultimate triumph of Masonry will be the realisation of the golden rule , to which end all of us should strive , and Masonry would be better for our having been part of it and the world better for our having lived in it .

Masonry has had and now claims as its devotees the leaders as well as the followers , the crowned monarch , whose mere word is law , to the labourer with the operative crow , pick and spade . Though the profane may regard the worldly rank of these as far apart , yet they meet on a common ground , for a common purpose , and all wear the same badge , the lamb skin apron . In their day

the greatest soldier and king of Europe and the Father of our great Eepublic were charmed by the genius of Masonry , were instructed by it , and through them its impress was made on the institutions of both hemispheres of to-day . They believed that what made a good man would make a good citizen or subject . The leaders in war , government , statescraft , and social improvement are members of this great Brotherhood . Not only

the leaders , but the bearers of burdens . The craftsmen of the greater temple are constantly building , adding new columns , chiseling new capitals , making new vessels of gold , weaving newer and brighter and better and grander truths into the curtains adorning the newer and greater temple of man ' s better self , elevating humanity and bettering the world . —S . L . Seabrook , in " American Tyler . "

What Constitutes A Freemason?

WHAT CONSTITUTES A FREEMASON ?

THIS question has presented itself to me hundreds of times , . What constitutes a Freemason ? Does a gold pin , labouriously decorated , formed into a square and compass encircling the letter " G , " gorgeously displayed upon the coat lapel , entitle a man to the rights aDd benefits of Masonry ?—No .

Is a man a Freemason simply because he has been initiated into the mysteries of the Fraternity , with no other voucher whatever ?—No .

Brethren , I am a young man , likewise a young Mason , and you will pardon me if I am wrong when I say that my construction of a Freemason is this : 1 . A man of unquestionable character , whether he be rich or poor , great or small .

2 . A man of temperance ( in all things ; . 3 . A man of truth , who would not lie for any consideration . 4 . A man of high principle , who would not stoop to wrong

another ( no matter whether man or Mason ) m any way whatever . 5 . A man who holds God ' s name in reverence , and refrains from using coarse or vulgar language , whether in the Lodge room or upon the streets .

" 6 . A man who does all in his power to comply fully with his obligation , who stands ever ready to aid a Brother , his widow or orphans , to visit them in their sickness , comfort them in their distress , regardless of whether they be rich or poor , or of his own political party .

7 . And last , a man who regularly attends his Lodge , pays his dues with promptness , responding to all calls for aid from Lodges where the hand of misfortune has been placed , does all in his power for the upbuilding of the Fraternity , sacredly keeps the secrets entrusted to him either at his initiation or by a Brother , and strives to lift up by gentle means any fallen member .

How many of us endeavour to live up to this standard ? The Lodge room is no place for a political caucus . It is no place for men to meet to form plans to injure another ( no matter

whether he be a Mason or not ) . It is no place for a body of men to meet for the purpose of shielding one of their number from the punishment he may deserve by having violated the laws of Freemasonry .

All worthy Masons are equals , regardless of their political creed , regardless of their pecuniary circumstances , and the poorest of the poor should be treated as a Brother , whether he be Democrat , Eepublican , or of any other party .

When Masonry becomes a money making establishment where a man with money can buy his way into the Fraternity , regardless of his chara cter , regardless of every form of immorality , then Masonry will lose its chaim . Brethren , let us fight off this evil . Let us assemble regularly

What Constitutes A Freemason?

at our Lodges and watch very closely that none are allowed admittance to our Fraternity but those possessing the necessary qualifications . No matter how intimate we may be with a candidate , no matter how much we prize his good will , no matter if he be one ' s own mother's son ; if he is not qualified do not admit him .

Let us keep sacred the trust our forefathers have given us , and ever preserve inviolate the interests of Freemasonry . Let us love Masonry for its goodness and beauty , not for any pecuniary gain . Let us strive to uphold those who are upright , and to raise those who have fallen .

Let us , upon entering the Lodge room , lay aside all political prejudice , lay aside all . selfishness , and think only of the invigorating beauty of our Fraternity . Let us conduct ourselves that others may see this beauty , that the gentle influence of our Lodge may spread itself oyer the community wherein it is located as it should be .

At home or abroad , let us meet a Brother as we should , dwell with him as we should , and part with him as we should . So mote it be . —Carroll E . Folsom , in " Masonic Herald . "

Where Should The Bible Be Opened.

WHERE SHOULD THE BIBLE BE OPENED .

XT is most usual in America to have the Book opened in the first degree at Psalm cxxxiii ., in the second at Amos vii ., 7 , 8 , and in the third degree at Ecclesiastics xii ., 1-7 , This for obvious reasons . In England , according to Mackey , the usage is as follows

First , Buth , vi ., 7 ; second , Judges xn ., 6 ; third , I Kings vii ., 13 , 14 . Other passages that have been in use at various times are for the first degree , Genesis xxviii ; second , I Kings vi ., 8 ; third , II Chronicles , vi .

The verse is given as well as the chapter , as it is not enough that the book be opened at the proper page . It is also essential that the particular passage be covered by the square and compass . —Exchange .

The Bromley St . Leonard Lodge of Instruction , No . 1805 , resumed its meetings for the season on Wednesday , at the Bow Bells , Bow Road , E .

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