As A Garment.

assail us , and the fall of many a man is attributable to some such visitation . If we were always hopeful and radiant and joyous it would be different , but even the most optimistic of us are subject to such trials . It is then that a man needs and craves human sympathy .

Unfortunately we are frequently loath to offer it , because of a false sense of delicacy and the fear of giving offence . We should get over that , and when we see that a kindly word might do good we should not hesitate to offer it to him who is

cast down . We should wear our Masonry as a garment in the highways and byways of life without any ostentation or unnecessary display , but in such a manner that all may see its beauties .

There is another trait in poor , blinded human nature that I deplore . That is the revengeful and vindictive spirit that permits a so-called Mason to oppose the entering into the Order of a good man because of some personal difference of opinion . We ought , as Masons , to try to get above such

narrow mindedness as that . It is a shame to take refuge behind the black-ball or wreak some maliciotis revenge upon a man because he has come between us and some pet scheme . Masonry should be as broad as the universe , and as farreaching as the aspirations of the human soul in search of

light . If we grovel in ways that are dark , our eyes become blinded to the splendour of the light . Unless we take off the hoodwink of prejudice , we can never behold the true glory of Masonry in all its divine effulgence . There is nothing narrow

nor contracted about the upright and light seeking Craftsman . Its teachings tend to broaden the perceptions and to beautify the earth , and to lead us onward and upward to the true Source of all light , which is eternal in 1 he heavens , and which fadelh not awav . —Montgomery M . Folsom , in " Masonic Herald . "

Masonic Elections.

MASONIC ELECTIONS .

A MASONIC election is governed by no ordinary rules or regulations , but is a law unto itself . Political metnods are not permissible . Advertising , circularising , personal solicitation , and all similar forms or electioneering are forbidden . If a Brother should adopt them he should defeat himself . There is amply sufficient sense of propriety

in the Craft to relegate to the rear any one who seeks lower Freemasonry to the level of the proiane by practicing their sinister methods . Now and then , when professional or would-be politicians in the Craft dall y with these methods , they speedily find that they " do not pay , " and by force of circumstances abandon them .

From the earliest period of which any record remains , it is apparent that the law of Masonry has been , that merit is the only Fraternal ground for advancement , either to degree or to Orfice .

All preferment among Masons is grounded upon real worth and personal merit only ; that so the Lord may be well served , the Brethren not put to shame , nor the royal Craft despised ; therefore no Master or Warden is chosen by seniority , but for merit . "

This language deserves to be written in letters of gold in all of our Lodges and to be engraved on the memory ot every Freemason . But the difficulty with all laws and rules of conduct lies in their administration . ITow shall the regulation that " all

preferment among Masons is grounded upon real worth and personal merit only , " be applied ? The individual conscience and judgment of the Freemason is the court having primary jurisdiction in this matter : every Brother is a ruler and a judge . Hence a weighty responsibility rests with every

voter in the Fraternity . He is not to vote for a personal friend who has no merit , nor even for any Brother of inferior merit . If he rightly apprehends his duty , he will vote only for that Brother who in the highest degree possesses the qualifications which an able administration of the office

demands . Fie will select him who possesses moral , intellectual , administrative and social abilities , and perhaps in the order named . He must be a cultured man , of sound judgment ; an accomplished Freemason ; one who stands well in the community , and is respected and loved ; one who

can confer honour on Masonry , and not merely receive honour from it ; and last , but not least , one who is not diligently seeking the office for himself . The self-seeker should be left severely alone . In Lodge and Chapter , in Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter , let these rules of conduct prevail , and only the best Brethren will be selected to adorn Masonic station , and

Masonic Elections.

only the best results will follow the Masonic elections . 'I he various bodies will be governed with justice and equity , prosperity will attend them , the interest of Freemasons in Masonry will be increased , and the Craft will maintain its prestige of being not only ancient but also honourable .

If our leaders and rulers are those who are eminent for their virtues , their abilites and their achievements , the world will respect us , and the best citizens of the world will be knocking at our portals for admission . Freemasonry courts no man , but it does admire virtue , honour , intelligence , and

ability , and wherever men distinguished for these characteristics petition for initiation and membership , our doors are thrown wide open to receive them . Brethren , whether you wield the ballot for the approval or rejection of a candidate

for Masonry , or a candidate for Masonic office , remember that " real worth and personal merit" are the only qualifications for either reception into the Fraternity or advancement to any of its stations of honour . — " Keystone . "

Break The Line.

BREAK THE LINE .

OF the many evils attending the annual elections in Masonic Bodies , says the " Masonic Constellation , " none exists that develops into so many detrimental results as the promotion in line Officers regardless of their qualifications or ability to successfully administer , the duties thus thrust upon them . Seldom does an Officer exhibit deficiency that is

noticed by the occasional attending member ; hence , when election night rolls around he should acquaint himself before throwing his ballot for advancement . It , on the other hand , any minor Officer gives evidence of worth , his services should be recognised by advancement . No matter who he is , or

what he is , if his work has not been up to the standard , turn him down before he reaches the third or second place in the Official line . Never re-elect a Presiding Officer , no matter what he has accomplished , if the next in line is in all essential particulars qualified to assume and administer the duties . — " Masonic Sun . "

Ad00504

SPIERS*PONIh STORES ( No Tickets Required ) QUEEN VICTORIA STREET , E . G ., Opposite Blackfriars Station ( District Rly . ) AND St . Paul ' s Station ( L . C . & D . Rly . ) . PRICE BOOK ( 1 , 000 pages ) , illustrated , free on application . FREE DELIVERY IN SUBURBS b tf our ovOn Vans . Liberal terms for Country Orders . FOR FULL DETAILS SB E PRICE BOOK .