Masonry's Great Aim And Use.

modern symbolism familiar to Blasonic ears under the guise of architectural terms and implements . Christopher Wren , the inspired architect of St . Paul ' s , and the last Grand Master of Operative Masons in England , died in 1716 . Social and political changes , the revival of learning , and the introduction of new schools of architecture , had been gradually undermining the exclusiveness of the

mediseval Order . Therefore , to perpetuate the noble principles of morality , which the various unions had ever taught , the four operative Lodges of England extended the privileges of their Order to other than master builders , provided they were found worthy and well qualified . In 1717 , the year following the death of Wren , the first Grand Lodge was instituted , and the Speculative Masonry inaugurated .

The date of the organisation of the first Lodge m our country is in dispute , both Boston and Philadelphia claiming the honour . It is certain , however , that as early as 1733 , over a hundred and sixty years ago , a Lodge of free and accepted Masons was in existence in the American colonies . From that day to the present the organisation has gone on increasing , until

to-day a tenth of our population is embraced within its beneficent fold . Its propagation has extended to every nation and to every quarter of the globe . From the land of the midnight sun even unto the isles of the sea , a Masonic Lodge is found . The sun never sets upon its members , for in Masonry's triumphal march it has not only encircled but entwined the world .

Against such an Order , possessing such a history , it would seem that no hostile shaft could possibly be hurled . Yet the malignant brooders in darkness , the enemies of light , the off-spring of slander , ignorance and spite , the oppressors of liberty and of the truth , have assailed its walls , questioned its motives , attacked its principles , only , however , to be hopelessly foiled . Look well at its bulwarks ; inspect its gates . Not a stone has been displaced , not a teaching surrendered .

The absurd notions concerning Masonry entertained by some , hardly deserve refutation at our hands . On an occasion , however , of this , character , it is appropriate to speak briefly of the principles of this Order , which , although secretive in its ritual , yet challenges a world to point to anything in its doctrines that does not honour God , one ' s country , his neighbour , or himself . Do you ask me why , then , in its history kings and potentates have

issued their edicts against it , why even ecclesiastical authority has placed it under ban ? My answer is quickly given . It is because Blasonry stands for individual freedom , and places among its primal instructions liberty of thought and toleration of religion . Well may despots , either civil or religious , fear its influence , since it stands for all that makes for truth the victory .

Freemasonry is non a religion , yet its entire organisation is permeated with religious sentiment . To its altars the father joyously welcomes his son , and when these bodies fill the narrow cells of death , all true Blasons ask no more hallowed burial than the lesson that Masonry there gives .

Freemasonry is not a political organisation , yet the liberties of every stage are rendered firm and more permanent by its presence within it . Its charity and brotherly love , expressed in silent , unseen ways , its care for the widowed and fatherless , remove the bitterness of sorrow from the lives of many , and lift many a burden from the State . Banish from earth Masonic sympathy and Masonic love , and the weight of public taxation would be increased on every hand .

Eecently , during that magnificent exposition at Chicago , a Congress of Eeligions of the world was held . The burden of the discussion was : " What constitutes essentials in religion , and what can the world agree upon for an ethical basis ? " Had some loyal , devoted member of the Order been called upon to address that Congress he could , with deepest truth , have said :

" Delegates to this Congress , the question which you ask was largely answered long ago . I invite your attention to the investigation of the teachings of that Order which has now a history hallowed by centuries . True to its principles , it solicits no man's approval , yet it gladly welcomes to its fold all good men who are found worthy . Its highest desire is to promote

the true happiness of man , to enlarge his nobility , to cultivate his manhood . Its highest mission is to recognise the universal Deity , and to do good to all . To be good and true are the first lessons we are taught in Blasonry , and by means of its great and eternal lights it wonld direct mankind to higher and better things . I speak for it in the name of no particular religion , creed or

faith , yet I can truthfully represent it to be founded upon the broad , universal , ethical principles which pervade—or should pervade—all religions . In its temples the children of every Godly faith and creed fraternally gather ; each still possessing his differences in opinion , yet all possessing a unity in life and in love .

Bfy Brothers , if one had on such an occasion thus spoken , would he not have uttered what we all havo learned to be true ? We are told , however , that Blasonry requires of its members a secret obligation , but have we not learned that it is worthy of an obligation , and from its vows have we not

derived strength and inspiration ? In its rites we have found nothing degrading or debasing ; but , on the contrary , have witnessed a symbolism that has ennobled and purified . True it is that we may often fall far short of its high ideals , but the same regretful fact is observed of human connection with all other noble institutions .

I said a moment ago that Freemasonry was a strength to the State . Of our own nation , especially , how gloriously is this true ! we have but recently celebrated the birth of the " Father of His Country . " Of particular interest was that occasion to Blasons , for they recall the fact that he was one of the most enthusiastic members of their Order . The very corner-stone of onr national capitol , we remember , was laid by George Washington , who participated as Grand Master of Blasons at that august ceremony . Lafayette ,

Masonry's Great Aim And Use.

the noble son of France , upon coming to our shores , was initiated into a Blasonic Lodge before he was made , through Washington's request , a majorgeneral of our armies . The martyred Warren , at Bunker Hill , died the Grand Blaster of the Massachusetts Lodges . Israel Putnam , the gallant Greene , were both members of our Order , and every other major-general of the revolutionary

cause was likewise a Freemason . The history of this country could not have been written without these names . And what shall we say of Alexander Hamilton , our brightest early statesman , ancl of Benjamin Franklin , the admiration of both continents , patriot , law-giver , and diplomat , each of whom loved and honoured this organisation , of which they were devoted members . More than all this can be added , for the very corner-stone of

American liberty was laid by Freemasons , since most of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were members of the Order . Do we look for mighty names abroad ? Kings have founded their thrones through the help and aid of this Brotherhood . Frederick the Great , of Prussia , " the oldest soldier of the world , " sent a sword to George Washington , " the bravest soldier of the world , " knowing full well that his gift would meet with peculiar appreciation , since both were Brother Blasons .

Search we into the fields of literature , ever acknowledging , as all true Masons do , that "the pen is mightier than the sword ! " Robert Burns , Scotland ' s peasant monarch of song ; Lessing and Goethe , the one Germany ' s inspiration , the other her master-mind , were all Masons , and wrote many a verse in honour of our Craft . I speak not of modern names , for time would fail me and selection would be invidious ; yet in every foremost nation of both hemispheres , the name ofthe Blason is the proud possession of many of its noblest sons .

My Brothers , we have assembled here this day to lay the corner-stone of another of the many Blasonic Temples that adorn our land . Reflecting upon our history , our motives , our present , and our future , may we not rejoice , and in grateful recognition of the blessing of the Supreme Architect , dedicate the work of this day to his name ? It has ever been the privilege of Freemasonry to lay corner-stones , as the capitol of Washington , the

monument of Bunker Hill , State Houses , churches and memorials without number testify . As , however , we gather here at this hour , our hearts should be impressed with the real Masonic lesson , of which this ritual is only the symbol . We set this corner-stone in place , trying and making true the work , only to remind us of that primal necessity of laying the corner-stone of character in such a way that it shall be approved by the Grand Master .

The task you have appointed me is done . I congratulate the Craft , the city , the State , the nation , upon the auspicious beginning of this labour of love . Blay the richest favours of the Universal Father attend the work thus commenced to a triumphal consummation ; may wisdom direct all its progress , and when the Temple stands complete , may it symbolise to us all the embodiment of beauty and of strength . When its portals shall swing

wide to admit the Apprentice , the Fellow , and the Blaster , may all who enter find within its walls God ' s blessings and His peace . And when in time to come , its walls have crumbled , when even yonder mountains , suggesting antiquity , solidity , exaltation , snowy purity , Freemasonry ' s grandest emblems , when they have all passed away , still , even then , may the silver chords of fraternal love and the golden bowl of life ' s best deeds be with us to

bind us and to cheer us in the everlasting Lodge on high . Prompt us to labour as Thou hast directed , On the foundation laid sure in the past ; And may " the Stone which the builders rejected , " Crown our endeavours with glory at last . Then at the eventide ,

Laying the Square aside , Blay we look calmly on life ' s setting sun ; And at the mercy Seat , Where ransomed spirits meet , Hoar from that Blaster the plaudit— " Well done . " — " Yoke of Blasonry . "

Freemasonry By Limelight .

FREEMASONRY BY LIMELIGHT .

BROTHER JAB 1 ES STEVENS delivered his new lecture on the Symbols of the Craft Degrees , illustrated by limelight lantern diagrams prepared and exhibited by Bro . Walter C . Tyler , of Waterloo Road , S . E ., S . D . 862 , at the Duke of Edinburgh Lodge of Instruction , No . 1259 , at Limehouse , on Thursday , 9 th instant . The large dining hall of the Eastern Hotel , Commercial Road , was filled to overflowing by a greatly interested audience , in perfect sympathy with the lecturer ' s highly successful endeavours to afford

entertainment and instruction to his Jellow craftsmen . The esoteric ' character of the lecture and its beautiful illustrations precludes a detailed account in thc press , and we can , therefore , only re-echo the loudly expressed opinion of the large gathering on this occasion , that the information afforded should be widely disseminated . It evoked great enthusiasm , and after some

two hours of full enjoyment a cordial vote of thanks , together with honorary membership , was given to Bios . Stevens , Tyler , and Driver ( who assisted the operator ) . Thirty-six Brethren were added to the roll of members , and a suggestion that a jmited assembly of East-End Brethren , for a repetition of the lecture in one of the large Halls of the district , was made and received with acclamation .

A popular issue in weekly parts is about to be published of the new and revised edition of " Cassell ' s Illustrated History of England , " which was recently completed after being some ten years in preparation . The drawing and engraving of the illustrations for this work have cost upwards of £ 15 , 000 , and entirely new defipns have been prepared by several leading artists . The work extends to 5 , 000 quarto pages ; the edition will be most carefull y produced , and will be completed in a y ear , costing less than half the price for which the work has hitherto been obtainable .