X, Y, And Z.

here , without being able to go into details . There is a time and a place where these can be made fully apparent , but it is not here and now . Bnt we may indicate what we mean .

It is possible to know tho significance of certain forms , without learning the scope and meaning of the whole . Indeed , the latter is usually disposed of with a word . What is the

prevailing teaching of the E . A . degree ? Does the initiate usually apprehend it ? Or does he learn it as a sort of

X , Y , or Z , perhaps ever to remain an unknown quantity in his mind ? Doubtless in too many cases this is true . The initiate possesses the skeleton of Masonry , without having

it clothed with flesh and blood , without having had breathed into it the breath of life . And he fraternally grasps this dead body through life , and tries to persuade himself that it is a living friend , a true brother , when ' all tho time it is nothine * but a skeleton , which mav move its _ _ . .. ___ _

— — - ^ j j limbs like a jumping Jack , when the string is pulled , but has no power to move itself , or to move him . Take the F . C . degree , and a similar remark is applicable to it ; while the M . M . degree is a perfect maze of unexplained , but not unexplainable , mysteries .

What a wonderful opportunity does Freemasonry afford for delight and instruction to the loving student of its mysteries ! He may begin to discover them immediately after he has received the First degree , and from the time

that he subsequently receives the Second and Third degrees , and the Royal Arch degree , he may continue to pursue his studies , and receive his reward , until time shall be no more with him , and he be raised to the Grand Lodge above . The affluence of intellectual wealth in

Freemasonry is past computation . Ifc is this which attaches to it men of the largest attainments , the finest culture , and the maturest age . Brethren grow old in its service

without ever growing weary of it . Past Grand Masters are as fond of it , more fond of it indeed , than the most enthusiastic tyro . The reason is , they know , better than most others , the values of the X , Y , and Z in Freemasonry .

It is a familiar truth in Masonry that it is full of triads . We have a triad exemplified in the work of the Lodge , which we may state thus : —It should be correct in form , impressive in rendition , and clear in meaning ; in other

words , it should be the true work , emphatically delivered , and adequately explained . If you have all of this yon have perfect Freemasonry ; if you lack a part of ifc you

have a fragmentary Freemasonry , and if you have but a small fraction of each you have—what you have , and the less you think of it the better , for it is an abortion .

Brethren , strive to learn the entire alphabet of Masonry . All learn their A , B , 0 , and some learn to mind their P ' s and Q ' s , but quite a number fail to comprehend their X , Y , Z . They are not very hard to learn either . Every

one may learn them , and it is the purpose of The Keystone so to dispense Light in Masonry as to render this task easier , and thus increase both the knowledge and the pleasure of every one of its Masonic readers . —Keystone .

Masonic Culture.

MASONIC CULTURE .

THE word culture has a pleasing sound , and is often used to smooth off a sentence , little regard being had to its large import . Intrinsically , however , the word is one of vast and varied significance . It may be applied to the whole nature of man , representing a training of the

body , an enlightenment of the mind , an expansion of the affection and sympathies , together with a right direction and use of the moral faculties , such as impart fullness of life to a being thus pre-eminently endowed . In its

unrestricted meaning ifc may well serve to indicate that grace and strength of human character—fchafc symmetrical development of the intellectual and moral powers—which come as the results of earnest thought and striving for the best things of mortal accomplishment .

Culture in this general sense stands for the noblest work in which man may engage . It points to his improvement in some way—to his rise from an inferior to a superior condition . It implies greater productiveness of life—ancl also more of knowledge and more of blessedness As n

modern writer states the proposition : " All culture \? beneficent : it brings out the reserved forces of our endowment , ifc makes us feel our true relations fco the world about

us , and ifc must unquestionably refine our nature , and elevate us in the scale of being . " This was the view taken by Goethe who says : " Ifc matters but little whether a man

Masonic Culture.

be mathematically or philologically or artistically cultivated , so he bnt cultivated . " It may justly be claimed for Freemasonry that it renders some aid in a work of general training of the heart and the life . Its Province is to broaden and deepen the currents

of human thought . It has a recognised ministry of instruction and enlightenment , whilst its influence is always felt on the side of a generous culture which seeks to exalt man above ignorance , pride , vanity , and all debasing passions , and so present him in his nearest possible

resemblance to a perfected , qualified humanity . There is , however , a technical culture in Freemasonry by no means to be disregarded—a culture important in itself and also as constituting an essential preparation for that more general work of enlightenment and discipline

already indicated . Masonic culture is a phrase that must carry with it first of all the idea of an understanding of fche system that is included within the broad lines of our Fraternity . There can be no culture such as is entitled to the prefix of Masonic unless a due amount of study has

been given to the underlying principles and teachings of the Institution , thereby reaching some clear perceptions as to its character and purposes . Then there must be an acquaintance with forms and ceremonies , so as to know what these observances are , when used , how applied and how related to each other , together with their moral significance .

It is a mistake to suppose that one can acquire all needed culture in these matters by " passing through " the various degrees and orders which belong to the Masonic system , or witnessing now and then — at very distant intervals , perhaps—the rendering of the

work . Something more is requisite if one would be a cultured Mason even according to this lower form of designation . The inquiring mind must apply its powers to discern the intended application of varied forms

and practices , —the meaning of ceremonies that in themselves may seem very silly , but which rightly understood will take on a very different character . The intelligent Craftsman will of necessity be a student in respect of

whatever belongs to the prescribed expression of Masonic truth , while he will note with care all signs and tokens—symbols as well as words—bearing upon the illustration of these various lessons brought to his attention .

Masonic culture , even as thus limited , makes too many demands on brethren to be altogether popular . Some cannot give the time ; some have not the inclination ; others do not realise the worth of such study and application ;

while others who are prompt attendants upon Festival occasions seemingly care nothing for the Masonic system or organisation except as its social features are presented . And so the class of the non-cultured is exceedingly large .

Brethren take all the degrees and gain high honours , but they do not master the first principles in the science of Masonry ; they do not study the ritual nor give careful scrutiny to the ceremony ; they do nofc think , read and

investigate in order to become cultivated and proficient in the Royal Art . It needs no argument to show that such as these add but little to the strength and efficiency of the

organisation . Only the well-informed and well-disciplined —they who comprehend the essential nature and genius of the Masonic system—can be relied upon to stand by the

Fraternity in any exigency that may arise , and to be faithful under all conditions and at all times . Our sacred trusts are safe only as ability , intelligence and virtue shall have

prevailing power in the hearts and lives of brethren—only as such a class shall have controlling influence in the counsels of the Craft . They who ar « thus cnl'ured , being well versed in the technical lore of Freemasonry , understanding its history , and appreciating both its philosophy

ancl its moral teachings , are best prepared to make it productive in its most important u ^ es for the practical good of men , and to lead it on in the way of a true progress . They are to be the teachers , helpers , inspirers of others le-is

informed and less strong—remembering always the law of duty and responsibility to which they are bound : " Unto ¦ vhora much is given , of the same much is required . "Freemason ' s Depository .

HotLOWAT ' s OraTMRSfT A } W PILLS . — As Spring approaches , a mos favourable opportunity offers for rectifying irregularities , rernovin / immrit e and erasing blemishes which have arisen from the prus' -we of matter to-1 ) •by winter from being trans'tired through the pores . This searchbi Ointment , well rubber ! npon the skin , penetntes to the de ' plv-sear , e i-gsin-i , upon which it exerts a most wholes me and bpnefi' -ial iufljence

Veil nigh all the indigestions give wsiy to this simple treatment , ailel h \ 'Uri ' ying and aperiative doses of H 11 > wav ' s Pill * , round eai'h !> o \ - , f w-iicJ nlain . " instructions . " arc folded . Bilious disorders , lo s of ' . inpetitc . ful "> - •-i after eating , las . stn . de , srout , nnd rheivmitism m riw •¦ ffectivt !! ch ,- k ¦ ¦ . ! j their painful progress , and the seeds of long suffering era lic . i ' . e I b ; ! ! ic-.- > remedies .