A Duty.

which if carried out would impair or weaken the integrity of the character of Freemasonry . Those Brethren who can surely protect Freemasonry from fche subtle or open efforts to organise a clandestine body on the pretence that it is Masonic , are bound by the solemn duty placed on them when they become Masons , to use

their knowledge to detect and expose such an attack on the Craft to which they are attached . The very life of Freemasonry depends on the ability of its members to protect it , and this duty is so interwoven into all the obligations of every Mason thafc ifc is an ever-existing , imperative , and solemn selfasserting command on the conscience and courage of all Masons .

It is now well known thafc there are associations of persons which by implication pretend to be " Masonic . " This word is used as though ifc was the common property of anybody or everybody who seeks notoriety , or to call the attention of the thoughtless and curious multitude to the society they seek to set up for purposes not explained .

When it is found that here and there meetings are held by individuals , who , without any right to use the word Masonic , do use it , then the duty of the Freemason is to discover what is meant by the use of this word . If inquiry is made which proves the thing is a counterfeit , or an abuse , or a pretence of true

Masonry , and those engaged in the proceedings are not Masons , then prompt exposure of the affair is demanded . Every true Mason is interested in the discovery and the exposure of the fraud . Thus the integrity of the ancient and honourable Fraternity of Freemasons is protected . —' - Keystone . "

A Mason's Responsibility.

A MASON'S RESPONSIBILITY .

FEEBMASONEY , like a Chinese house , was built from the roof down . There was a Grand Master before there was a ¦ jiand Lodge , and Masters and overseers before there were Lodges . Freemasonry was the gift from the one to the many , it is not a constituent body . The Grand Master is subordinate to no higher authority . He is amenable to ho one .

1 'he symbolism through which Freemasonry communicates its lessons shows this fact conclusively . King Solomon ' s Temple and the teemiug incideuts connected with its projection , building , destruction and rebuilding furnish the central idea . That a secret word and sign should be bestowed upon the iaithful Craftsman was a conception of the man of Tyre , when he was

considering how fco disperse the workmen afc the completion of the Temple . He was the first Grand Master . Freemasonry was his gift , in that he consolidated isolated toilers into Lodges and rewarded the worthy with a means of recognition and a certificate of -honourable discharge . Freemasonry , therefore , owes nothing to its votaries . They come into its fellowship unsolicited and voluntarily assume the obligations ifc imposes .

" There are duties owing by every Mason to his Brethren , " says Mackey , and this thought cannot be too strongly pressed upon the attention of the Fraternity . When , as a novice , you asked a part in the rites and privileges

of the particular Lodge with which you determined to affiliate , you were to be a recipient only in so far as the ceremonies of initiation made you a Mason . Your obligation , the traditions and esoteric teachings of Freemasonry all made plain to you that you assumed responsibilities .

To be a member of a Lodge , fco attend regularly its meetings , to witness the ceremonies of initiation and to partake of its refreshment , is not all that is required to make a Mason , in the highest sense of that title . The dissatisfied Mason and the nonaffiliate are those who expected to be recipients of some unknown 1

good , and wno are disappointed to learn thatthey are offered only the incentive to do good to others . Labour is expected of them . They have been taught to bestow , not to expect to receive benefits . That this is the highest good finds no echo in their selfish natures .

If all of Freemasonry lay m its forms and ceremonies , what a hollow mockery it would be ! To witness , not that noble contention as to who can best work and best agree , but greed for self and greed for place , helped on by scheming plots and unfraternai strife , might lead the onlooker to exclaim , " There is none that doeth good , no , not one ! "

But some seed falls upon good ground . The bickerings of the selfish and ambitious sink into insignificance and fade in the golden glow of a true humanity . Distinctions of rank or wealth are obhteiated on the level ot a common manhood . The great pulsating heart of a catholic charity beats warmly for the suffering and impoverished . The ready right hand of fellowship is

extended to support the weak and raise the fallen . An humble and devout dependence on the One Great Law Giver reveals a faithful search rewarded by the recovery of the Lost Word . Truth glistens with au imperishable lustre . On every side Masons are going about doing good . Their word re-establishes the wavering . That they go hand in hand in the accomplishment of

A Mason's Responsibility.

any good work establishes the contention that fchey have learned to be workers , giving of their powers and expecting nothing in return . — " Keystone . "

Duties And Obligations Of The Master.

DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE MASTER .

nnHEEE is none too humble in the Craft to become the Master I of a Lodge , and , indeed , ifc is a laudable ambition so to do . None should sit idly in the Lodge room with no desire to reach the higher rank of the Craft . All should be inspired with ambition to secure official degrees and none is more laudable to labour for than' that of the rank of Past Master . With such a desire should be coupled a clear perception and comprehension of

fche character and duties of the Master of the Lodge . Its scope is not confined to the repetition of certain phrases and direction of the " work , " but comprises vastly more of the understanding and service to be performed . A Master should be able to fully instruct the Craftsmen , not only in the meaning and origin of the ceremonies , bufc also fco fully and intelligently explain to them the philosophy which is veiled in its allegories and illustrated by its ancient symbols . He should be able to convince his Brethren that all science

and all art , legitimately directed , are bufc the lines which run toward the great and benign work and teaching of the Graft . By art and science we are led to fully appreciate the wonderful works of the Great Architect of the Universe , and by them are made better and nobler followers of the compass and square , and more clearly to comprehend the wonderful glories of our Almighty

Father , who created us . The Master of a Lodge should set an example to his fellow-Craftsmen , by exemplary conduct and good citizenship , and his conversation in and out of Lodge be a model for the Brethren to admire and imitate , and should always practice those great moral doctrines and virtues which he inculcates within the walls of a Lodge room . He musfc be methodical and punctual in all things connected with his duties

as executive of the Lodge , make all decisions without fear or favour , using his best judgment , and act in all things wifch justice and impartiality , so that he may command the respect , of all fair-minded Freemasons . These are a few of the requirements necessary for a successful Master . Constant study and strict attention to the duties incumbent upon him will remove all obstacles and render his official life comparatively smooth . —Ex .

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