What Next ?

monies , as in the case of other societies and the different orders which have grown up among Masons . Whether the Worshi p ful Master and Grand Ma for alluded to be right or wrong in their decision , T thank

them for having clone something which may tend to put the Craft on inquiry , it matters not about what , and hope that they and those Worshi p ful Masters of Chicago , whom the Voice mentions , will get out their magic lanterns or

some sort of lamps , and begin to look for something better than they have found yet , and I think I may be allowed to add , better than they have been looking for . Indeed , such is the low state of expectation among the Craft as to

finding anything in Craft Masonry , that any discovery must be a surprise . Jf It is to be hoped that as soon as the parties interested in the matter of improving the clothing get through with

that matter , they will turn their attention to the geometry and other like subjects pertaining to the Craft as Masons , and so develop a knowledge of those things that the degrees can be conferred at the same time that the stage properties are made most of . —Voice of Masonry .

Reliable Masons.

RELIABLE MASONS .

RELIABILITY is an essential element of a noble character . The man who is true and steadfast , and who can be depended upon at all times , is best entitled to the world ' s honour . Men who are reliable are needed in every department of life . They are the inspiration and

support of their weaker brethren , who are so largely in the majority—those upon whom instability is stamped as the distinguishing badge of character . How many people there are having good intentions , who will work well for a

time , but on whom no dependence can be placed ! They are not reliable . Perhaps they are identified with a cause or interest in behalf of which they show an excess of zeal

for a time ; but their ardour soon cools , and ere long they are found opposing that which before they advocated with so much of earnestness . It is the same in their relations

with individuals . Their friendships may be very ardent , but they are not enduring . They are changeable and inconstant , sure to disappoint the expectations of those who depend npon them . Persons of this stamp may do

some good in the world , because at times , when in the right mood , their impulses and activities are in the right direction ; but they are sure to do nvueh harm . At the

best they are but fair weather helpers , who cannot be counted upon to stand by a cause , a princi ple , or a friend in a time of need .

The reliable man is of different mould . He has a fixedness of interest—a strength of character that holds him steadfast to the work in which he engages and the

alliances which he forms . He will bravely stand by an enterprise or a friend when clouds come over the way and difficulties have to be encountered iu the rendering of snch

support , always ready to make sacrifices if these are called for in the expression of his loyal devotion . Constancy of this sort is indeed most commendable . This element of reliability holds high rank among the

Masonic virtues . Brethren are urged to be resolute of purpose and steadfast in all their undertakings , man y of the most impressive lessons in the unfolding of the system of Freemasonry being those that enforce such duties .

Masonic teachings , and indeed the whole spirit of the Institution , favour the building up of a strong , symmetrical character , and the holding of the life to well determined lines of usefulness . The best instructed Craftsman

is he who has learned to stand steadfast to the right , to show tenacity of will and purpose , and who is swayed not so much b y his impulses as by his judgment . Such an one makes proof of that reliability which counts for much both ou the side of grace and of utility .

All members of the Masonic organization are not thus reliable . Some are double-minded and wavering , often bringing reproach upon the Institution by their want oi constancy . They are heedless and inconsiderate , acting

upon the feeling of the moment and subject to every chance influence , having no abiding moral purpose—no strength of will or of affection . Masonic interests suffer in thr

hands of brethren thus unreliable and inconstant . Their vacillation ot character always stands in the way of their accomplishing the best work , and by their whims and caprices they often discourage those associated with them

Reliable Masons.

in the Lodge or other institution , so proving themselves to be sad stumbling blocks in the way of progress . What shall be done with brethren of tin ' s class ? Bear with them patiently , until patience ceases to be a virtue , and then , if

altogether unreliable , doing more harm than good in the organisation , they may well be made the subjects of a rigorous discip line . Many who are heedless and inconsiderate may be trained to a better course ; may rise above

early habits to the development of that steadfastness of strength which covers the life with glory and excellence . Blessed is Freemasonry for the lessons and helps it provides toward this result . —Freemasons' Repository .

How To Make A Lodge Interesting.

HOW TO MAKE A LODGE INTERESTING .

THE subject has been brought up in the different Lodges since the resumption of labour , relative to the best means which can be adopted to make the communications interesting , to both members and visitors , when there is no work .

It is a very dull place for a visitor , who may be an entire stranger in the Lodge , to sit through a communication when there is no work . As a general thing the

members , when " called off , assemble in groups by themselves , and leave the visitor , if unacquainted , to amuse himself as best he can . Of course this is neither Masonic , nor right ; yet we are sorry to say it is usually tbe case .

But , leaving the visitors out of the question , there are members who are so retiring that they do not form a part of these groups , and sit alone or " clear out" as soon as thev find there is no work to do . When labour is

resumed at the stroke of the Masters gavel , it is found that very few are present to close the Lodge . Tbe question ^ to be considered is : " How can a Lodge be made interesting enough to keep the brethren together ?"

We often hear brethren say : " It is no use going to the Lodge ; there is no work and nothing to interest ns . We can find better employment elsewhere . "

In opposition to this , however , we occasionally hear it said : " Let us go to such and such a Lodge . There is always something to be found there , even if there be no work . " But these instances are few and far between .

We would advise officers of Lodges to study the character of the brethren , and see if something cannot be devised to furnish amusement during idle hours . Literary or musical exercises , of a voluntary character , might be

tried as an experiment . Discussions on Masonic subjects could be introduced , if the Lodge has a taste for debate . Exercising the brethren in the lecture of examination would be profitable , and keep them from getting rusty .

Readings and lectures by competent brethren might prove both attractive and instructive . In fact , there are many things which might be devised for keeping the brethren together ; so that , when the Lodge is " called off " it will not be nearly emptied , as is now too often the case .

We advise officers of Lodges to take this matter into consideration , and see if something cannot be done to make the regular communications both interesting and

instructive , and therefore attractive , to members and visitors alike . Then may we hope to see full Lodge rooms and prosperous Lodges . —Neio York Sunday Times .

The Province of North Wales and Shropshire having been divided since the death of the late Sir W . W . Wynn , who held the office of Provincial Grand Master , the new Shropshire Province , of which Sir Offley Wakeman is the

Grand Master designate , will be consecrated on the 22 nd inst ., the Ri ght Hon . the Earl of Lathom , Deputy Grand Master of England , being the installing officer . As at present arranged , the North Wales Provincial Lodge will

be constituted at Wrexham the following day . Lord Harlech is to be the Provincial Grand Master , Colonel Henry Piatt , P . M . Royal Leek Lodge , No . 1849 , Bangor ,

is to be the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , and Bro . T . E . Harris , of St . Eleth , Royal Leek , and St . David's Lodges , the Provincial Grand Secretary .

We have been requested to announce that the future meetings of the Hyde Park Lodge of Instruction , No . 1425 , will be held at the Porchester Hotel , Leinster Place , Cleveland Gardens , W . Tbe brethren assemble on Monday evenings , at eight o ' clock .