Candidates For Masonry.

gation into the hidden arcana , its history , philosophy and symbolism , and the example of an upright walk and conversation . Masonry is more than a merely social institution , and requires of its initiates something beyond merely social

qualities . As a general rule , we should not devolve fcho whole duty even upon a discreet committee . Every brother should bo a sentinal , always on duty , beyond whoso

sleepless vigilance none should pass but the worthy , and every committee of investigation should use the utmost care before consenting to make a favorable report upon admissions to our institution . —N . Y . Dispatch .

A Revival Needed.

A REVIVAL NEEDED .

IT is pleasant to consider the general prosperity which now attends the Masonic Fraternity . Never was the organisation in better condition than now , as respects numbers , material resources , and opportunities for progressive development and enlarged usefulness . Masous

may well rejoice that they have membership in an institution established on a firm and abiding foundation—one which certainly holds first rank among the Fraternal Bodies so numerous in this age . Bufc with all the advances made , and the present prosperity witnessed in so

many ways , there is yet a call for a reviving of interest in and devotion to the fundamental principles of Freemasonry . Brethren may well be exhorted to consider what the Masonic institution stands for and represents ,

and what are its leading purposes , that so they may be wise and diligent ; fco keep ifc within the appointed lines of its rightful expression , never consenting , either in their ignorance or folly , to a perversion of its original character and mission .

If a revival is needed among Craftsmen generally it is of the nature indicated . There is a disposition to quite overlook or considerably undervalue those special features thafc distinguish the Masonic system . Ifc does nofc present itself- with as much distinctive individuality to its

supporters now as ifc did to fche fathers . Tho younger members of the Fraternity can hardly be said to havo such a feeling of attachment to the Lodge as was formerly characteristic of Craftsmen . A generation ago , or more , thoro was no such bond of alliance as the Masonic Lodge .

Men who wero Masons were drawn toward each other , and made sympathetic and helpful in a more than ordinary degree . Members of the same Lodge were more than acquaintances—they were friends and helpers of each other according to fche close relation in which they were

thus placed , and in the expression of Masonic obligations which to fchem had a very real and literal meaning . Have wc nofc departed somewhat from that former understanding of the character and purposes of Freemasonry ? We have multiplied rules and forms ; we have brought the

Craffc organisation more into the light , and sought to fashion ifc more in accord with other systems and societies , bufc in so doing has there not been some loss of the devotion and enthusiasm formerly so characteristic of Masons ? We would nofc detract from the glory thafc now attaches

to Freemasonry . We appreciate its assured position of honour and usefulness . We believe that at the present time it justifies its existence- by contributing light and help to its own membership , and exercising a most wholesome influence in tho community . But still we think

that a revival of the genuine Masonic spirit ia needed . Masonic pledges and relations ought to count for more than they do ; there should bo a renewal of the old time love to the institution and devotion to its interests , as its special ministries and privileges are emphasized and brought

into deserved prominence . Let us cultivate the esprit de corps both in the Lodgo and in tho wider lines of Masonic association . Let us in all just ways magnify the glory of our ancient society , mindful of the fact that it suggests so

much of important truth and of varied service . So shall we help to bring in a true Masonic revival—a quickening of spirit thafc will tend to results of enlargement and blessing . —Freemason ' s Repository .

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IMPORTANT NOTICE . —Confidential Advice free per post to all in weak and failing health , with loss of strength and vitality . Fifty years ' experience in Nervous Ailments . Address , Tho Secretary , 3 Fitzallan Square , Sheffield . Form of Correspondence Free . Write to-day . ,

The Spirit Of Masonry.

THE SPIRIT OF MASONRY .

IT is not enough tbat one , to bo a good Mason , upngnb aud true , should punctually attend all communimi ' lions , keep square with , the Treasurer and live up to his obligations strictly according to the written letter of the law . A man may do all this and still be want ng in a vital element . The spirit of the law , tho unwritten text ,

tho esoteric principle , is what constitutes the true creed , and by this alono can one enter into the inner sanctuary , fche spiritual sanctum sanctorum , outside of which no true Masonry can exist . A Mason can regulate his condnct by

the gqnara and plumb line , move to the extreme length of his cable tow in his ministrations to afflicted brethren , attend rigorously to all the various details of Lodgeroom duty , and still be deficient . There are many ways in which a brother can manifest what is in bis heart , and

many ways of doing the same thing . Relief may be given in a manner that wounds instead of heals , while the mere earnest pressure of the hand , or tbe utterance of a single word can speak volumes of sympathy and comfort and bring timely assistance , when mere eleemosynary assistance fails .

In brief , the spirit of Masonry is in tbe heart , and not in the mere outward act . The bond of true fellowship , which makes us kin , is an essence , not a substance ; a sentiment , not a mere formula ; and he may come nearest to the perfect type of Fraternity who lacks the means to

contribute temporarily . When soul speaks to soul and hearts are attuned in tbe grand unison of kindred fellowship and trust ; when the hand in its cordial pressure typifies tbat closer embrace in which heart holds heart ; when our common humanity is voiced in the word spoken in season ,

then is tbe perfect bond . Acts that are formulated , duties that are rendered perfunctorily , words that are empty , are bufc poor substitutes in the dark hour which comes to all for what the heart hungers for . True Masonry is summed up in the following exquisite stanza :

When each can feel a brother ' s sigh , And with him bear a part , When sorrow flows from eye fco eye

And joy from heart to heart . That is the real spirit of Masonry , brethren . Do you possess ifc ? If nofc , set about its inculculation . —New Yorlc Sunday Times .

East Lancashire Benevolent Institution. Annual Dinner To The Annuitants.

EAST LANCASHIRE BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION . ANNUAL DINNER TO THE ANNUITANTS .

rpHE customary treat was given , on Saturday , the 4 th inst ., to the 1 " Old Folks" in the Freemasons' Hall , Cooper Street , Manchester , bufc owing either to possible infirmities or throngh residing at a long distance , only teu male and female annuitant 1 ) put in an appearance . These , however , were received and welcomed by BroJ Tom Lawton , No . 78 , the indefatigable Secretary , and ha

brother Peter , the President . Notable absentees from the organisers and . workers oE and . for this laudable object were Bros . William Jeffrey P . M . 152 P . P . G . D ., and T . J . Hooper P . M . 1633 P . P . G . Treas . Both of these brethren have , from the time of the firsfc dinner given to the aged people , beon most active in canvassing for subscriptions towards the expenses , and energetic in labouring to mak ^

the entertainments a success . It is needless therefore to say their unavoidable absence , throngh indisposition , was mnch regretted . A splendid dinner , prepared and served nnder the superintendence of Bro . and Mrs . Phillips , was mnch enjoyed by aU present , after which tho toasts of the Queen , H . R . H . the Princo of Wales , H . R . H . the Princess of Wales , and the rest of the Eoyal Family were

given . The toasts were warmly received and responded to , after which Bro . Peter Lawton proposed Prosperity to tbe Easfc Lancashire Systematic Educational and Benevolent Institution . Thia toast was also well received and heartily responded to . Severn ! of tho visitors entertained the company with songs and recitations , Bro . Murphy , of the Arthur Sullivan Lodge , being well to t e

front with his iinished performances on both gnitar and banjo . Bro . Lisenden recited "Kissing Cup ' s Race , " and "Over the Hills from the Poor Honse . " Bro . Peake sang " Sailing" in a spirited manner , and Bro . Thomas Rigby sing "Tom Bowling . " Some of tbe annuitants also contributed songs and recitations ; altogether a very enjoyable evening was spent . Amongst the visitors wero

Bros . A . H . Jefferies P . M . 1161 645 , & c . P . P . G . D . C , 0 . D . Cheetham P . M . 993 P . P . G . D ., Henry Walmsley P . M . 317 , H . Peake 993 , W . T . AllettP . M . 993 and W . M . 1633 . The " old folks" left the building afc nine o ' clock , and received packets of tea and tobacco respectively , one and all expressing their satisfaction and enjoyment .

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