A Type Op Great Reform.

formed after the political thought of Masonry , its mission is simply one of charity . It seeks to make mon more social , more humane , more benevolent , moro fraternal . Our patron , St . John , was a " burning and shining lig ht" in the midst of a dark ag ? , and at a time of

profound corruption and selfishness asserted the supremacy of virtue , and rebuked with boldness the vices of man and society . Follow , brethren , this illustrious example , and

let Freemasonry be imbued with his spirit . But it is chiefly as an order of Christianity that ouv institution is distinguished to-day , and by which it will be remembered in the future . Let us see to it that it does not fail in its duty . —Voice of Masonry .

The Worthy Craft.

THE WORTHY CRAFT .

AN institution like Freemasonry , based upon the grandest principles of Justice , Truth and Right , is destined to endure , like the house built upon a rock . No storms nor tempest can shake its firm foundation . ""It has stood for centuries , has resisted every attempt to crush it , and to-day it has a firmer hold upon humanity than ever

before . Brotherly Love , Truth , and Charity—the cardinal virtues of the Craft , form fche foundation stones , upon which rest all of the noblest of human attributes , — Temperance , Fortitude , Faith , Fidelity , Perseverance , for God , and Love for man . What wonder that an institution

founded upon such a basis should appeal strongly to the moral sense of all , who pass its well guarded portal , —and make men brothers in earnest , as well as in name . It may well be said of Masonry , thafc it is the carrying oufc of that golden rule , left us by the Great Master : " Whatsoever ye

would that men should do to you , do you even so to them . " The obligation to do good , is reciprocal upon all Master Masons , nothing can absolve a brother from the faithful performance of tbe solemn obligations he took at the Masonic altar , bis duties may be summed in thafc grand

rule given by One who passed hia life in doing good to his fellow-men , and finally suffered an ignominious death to save a lost and sinful world . Justice , Truth , and Love , — this trinity contains all that is needed for man ' s social , moral , and religions guidance . Justice—that swerves not

to the right nor to the left , —but respects the rights of the rich and poor alike , —and is ever tempered with compassion and mercy . Truth , —ever faithfully combats error , and inspires sentiments of confidence and respect in the life of humanity . Love—the undying flame thafc ever

brightens the highways and by-ways of life , —that comforts the sick , sympathises with the afflicted , —upholds tbe weak , counsels the erring , —and adds to human life its chiefest charm , that love which is born of charity . Love , tbe Divine attribute of Deity , —for God himself is Love .

Such are tho principles of our Craft . It is a faithful ally and firm friend of the Christian Church . Broad as the universe ; free , as the winds of heaven ; unselfish and

unsecfcarian , it challenges admiration ; brings its votaries together on a platform of perfect quality—and cements them in a common bond of Brotherly Love and Charity . The worthv Mason—he who is true to himself and to his

obligation , can never be other than a good citizen , a faithful friend , a kind neighbour , and au honest man , —for Masonry teaches love for humanity and no less than a strong devotion to the members of the Craft . All men are our brothers but some have a stronger claim upon us

tbau others , arising from the lofty lessons taught us in fche beautiful degrees of our Craft . Let us all , as Masons , both by our lives and works , prove ourselves worthy of our profession , and reflect honour upon an organization that honours us , by permitting us to enjoy the benefits which flow from our connection with so ancient and

honourable an institution as that of Freemasonry . I know of no more potent influence for good than the thorough inculcation and wide dissemination of the principles that control and govern our Order . It had its origin in the necessities of a time in the history of the

world , that however much the present may excel , has nevertheless , in art and science , in literature and religion , left its impress so indelibly upon the records of the age that time has failed to dim its lustre or efface its bri ghtness .

It calls into action the highest and noblest feelings of the mind . It develops and matures the better parts of our nature ; and while it cannot supersede or diminish the value of the teachings of Him who taught as never man

The Worthy Craft.

had taught , it nevertheless throws a halo of beauty and harmony around the human character , that makes it shine with a brightness whose beauty only the religion of the Cross could excel ; the future of Masonry no one can tell . It has lived through the countless years of the past , and

all coming time will honour and prosper it , unless its votaries should fail of the high destiny within their reach . The institntion is noble enough in its origin and grand enough in its conceptions , to command the respect of tho earnest men of the present or any succeeding age , and so

long as we are true to the lessons that are taught us , true to the commands that are laid upon us , true to the obligations that we assume , our success and prosperity is certain ; and to my mind it appears that one of the greatest benefits of this benign institution is , tbat it widens ,

deepens , and expands the humanity of man . While politicians discuss and tremble on tbe brink of an uncertain issue , whilst moralists theorise , and white" religious organizations hesitate , Masonry long ago reached but } ts arms and gathered into its ample embrace every nation and

kindred and clime under the whole heaven . Tho recognition of the brotherhood of man , in its broadest and grandest signification , sanctifies any organization and places a bright jewel in the crown of rejoicing of its faithful followers and believers that will shine as the stara for ever and ever .

And while the widow ' s tears you dry , Or raise a stricken brother from despair , Or hnsh the homeless orphan ' s bitter cry , May love ' s expanding care Embrace humanity . —American Tyler .

Coming Together Again.

COMING TOGETHER AGAIN .

THE time for recess is over , and now will be heard the Master ' s gavel calling upon the Craft to return to their labours . It is to be hoped that the majority will have been properly refreshed by the period of respite which has been accorded to the members during the heated term , and that

tbey will be willing to devote their energies to the work whioh may be before them . Work is always laborious when not entered upon with spirit and a love for it . If performed only as a matter of duty , it ceases to be pleasant . But if entered upon from the actual pleasure it

gives , then it ceases to be labour . Many regard the period of " calling off" as something which deprives them of much enjoyment , and would prefer to bave the regular meetings held all the year . But the

" heated term this year has been especially hot , and little pleasure could have been found in assembling inside a Lodge Room with closed doors and windows , and the atmosphere vitiated by burning gas or other material for illumination .

The " calling off time has , however , passed for this season , and it is to be hoped that there will be no more sweltering nights for many nights to come , so that when the workmen gather together everything will be pleasant and agreeable , and tbey can enter upon the work with

renewed energy and vigour . But is there not something more to be considered ? What has transpired among the members during the period of recess ? Will all meet again who participated in the last closing of the Lodge ? The mortality records say

no ! There are not many of the Lodges but will find that fche roll list has been made shorter b y the summons of that grim tyrant who has never yet failed to have his victim , and also that the emblems of mourning -will be found on

both Altar and Jewels . The regular attendants will , in many cases , miss familiar faces ; while those who merel y occasionally visit the Lodge room will perhaps look around for those they once knew , only to find their seats vacant or others filling tbem .

These instances may have a saddening effect on the mind at there-assembling , but they bear with them an important lesson which every Mason shonld heed , and thafc is , " be ye always ready . " It further teaches that if anything has occurred to disturb tbat brotherly love which should

actuate every member of the Fraternity the meeting in the Lodge-room after tbe period of " calling-off" has ended should be made the opportunit y for healin" all differences and further welding together those links which bind all Masons into one fraternal cha'fl' of liowc and Friendship . The Canadian Craftsman .