Public Recognition Of Public Services.

on whose behalf the expense would be incurred . All must admit that Freemasonry reaps a great amount of credit from the Charities of the Order , even if they , in turn , owe thoir very existence to Freemasonry itself , and on this principle ifc is certainly not asking too much when

wo urge that Grand Lodge should defray the expense of decorating those who assist in such good work . At present it would appear that the governing body of Freemasonry puts a tax on Benevolence , for it is enjoined by the

Constitutions thafc only a certain jewel may be worn by those who have worked in the cause of Charity , supposing they desire to wear any outward mark of having so laboured , and the price charged for that jewel—even though it only cover fche cost—is far beyond what is necessary or desirable .

Some of tbe greatest honours of the world are exemplified by an iron or equally inexpensive badge , and why could not this , one of the greatest honours of Freemasonry , be represented by an equally economical method .

Failing official and free recognition from Grand Lodge , we can only hope that each of the Provincial centres will ere long adopt the cnstom now carried ont by the few , and that ultimately the members of each private Lodge

represented at the Festivals or the Uhanties will consider they have not completed their duty until they have publicly presented a Charity jewel to each of their fellows who has the right to wear it . When that is done we believe

that even greater interest will be taken in the Charities than is at present displayed by Freemasons as a united body .

Masonic Study.

MASONIC STUDY .

MOST Masons feel their strongest interest centreing in their own Lodges , partly because , if there be any ambition of promotion , it is there they mnst look for it ; bnt another urgent reason is that they deem the time and zeal they expend upon their own Lodges a sufficient

contribution to the general work . Of course , no Lodge can long continue to flourish without its own membership exhibiting an interest in its affairs , bufc they ought not to forget that a Lodge is but an atom in the general account ,

and that the work of the whole Craft is of paramount importance . In a general way brethren do not place as much value on this fact as it deserves , and their views are less cosmopolitan than they ought to be , considering tbe

sacred ties which unite the body throughout the world . We do not believe that thero is any desire to ignore or set aside the solemn obligations into which they have entered , but they are lukewarm in their desire to obtain knowledge

both in regard to the principles of Freemasonry and the doings of their brethren beyond their own narrow sphere . How many rest content with the meagre amount of light

imparted to them when they are initiated , the majority taking for granted whatever is told them , without making the least further inquiry into the interesting subject . The manner in which this ceremony too often is performed can

give but a very faint idea of what beauties are in store for those who , having been put on the scent , can follow it up and ascertain truths which , but for the glimpse thus given them , they would never dream of . Even were the ritual , in its original form , fully and clearly delivered at an

initiation ceremony , and this is seldom the case , the amount of information conveyed in it should only incite brethren to know what really lies beyond , and put them in the way of exploring the wide field which awaits their

cultivation . It too often happens that the devotion and mere routine and ceremonial in the Lodge prevents anything else being done . And then , when we take into

account the general disposition to avoid study out of it , it is no wonder Freemasons are , to a great extent , ignorant of the real value of the Fraternity to which they belong . When this evil is known and admitted in many Lodges

the importance of holding meetings for the purpose of instruction cannot be denied , and we are confident that were such set on foot , they would prove a great success The dominion of Masonry is only bound by tbe limits of the globe , and if we desire to fully appreciate the duties

connected with the Craft , we must begin by understanding that the work of any particular Lodge or group of Lodges is but a small part of the whole , and only a real

weight and value in the proportion it bears to the corresponding efforts of the rest . As a Fraternity , we have yet to consider and take to heart the real value of organised

Masonic Study.

effort—the effort not of one Lodge , and of one Grand Lodge , but the weight , the power , the influence of the whole Craft , moving forward in one given direction , and bending its energies to one well considered and attainable end . When we reach this point we shall understand the

real meaning of Masonic principles , and onr labours will be all the more fruitful in that we shall be travelling on a higher plane , overlooking at once the errors of the past ,

and the errors we have yet to avoid , ere we can feel that the Temple is completed , and our wages due . The mystic tie which binds ns is the result of a series of profound indisputable truths , and

though—The world , wifch selfish rust and reckless stain May mar its beanfcy , it cannot touch its strength , and they mnst ultimately

prevail . Let ns , therefore , by thought , by stndy , and by action , endeavour to bring about among ourselves a more thorough appreciation of duty , a nearer relation to each other , and a broader field for the whole . —Sydney Freemason .

Masonry As An Institution.

MASONRY AS AN INSTITUTION .

MANY Masonic ' writers employ mnch time , and expend much labour and ink , to prove or disprove the antiquity of Masonry . There is no doubt that the Institutution is ancient , as it has existed from time immemorial ,

and there is abundant proof that no one living can tell the exact period of its first foundation . This being the fact , and few we think will dispute it , why waste time and

and where it existed in the past . That Masonry has done mnch to enlighten tbe world must be apparent even to the youngest made member . Its teachings of reverence for the Deity , and Brotherly Love toward every man , has made it the institntion that has outlived even dynasties and

nations . Its principles of morality , equality and rectitude of life and conduct , have supported it amid many trials and persecutions ; so that to-day the Institution flourishes all over the world where civilization extends , and is

respected and esteemed alike by prince , peer and peasant . Let every brother practise out of the Lodge what is taught within it , and leave the question of antiquity of Masonry to the past . Let them look to the present and see if they cannot perform the true Masonic part in some way or oiner tnere

. vve are snre are many opportunities constantly presented to view , without Masons taking much trouble to find them , and by following them ont they can prove to the world that Masonry is , indeed , the Institution that it claims to be . —New Zealand Mail .

labour upon what cannot be positively proven ? It is the Masonry of to-day that shonld engage the attention of Craftsmen ; its purposes , advantages and aims ; not when

The Grand Lodge Of Maryland.

THE GRAND LODGE OF MARYLAND .

AT the last annnal Grand Communication of the Grand Lodge of Maryland , in his opening address , Grand Master Shryock said :

Almost coincident with the birth of the Republic , was first instituted the Grand Lodge of Maryland . The war which secured American independence had hardly ceased ,

when , upon the soil of this State—the first dedicated to . civil and religious liberty—an assembly was appropriately held , which inaugurated the beneficent existence and work of this Grand Lodge in 1787 , just four years after the recognition of the nation's independence .

Thus ninety-nine and one-half years ago this body was organised . Since then it has gathered in semi-annual communication two hundred consecntive times . It has

seen Freemasonry grow , from a small and feeble beginning to a mighty organisation , binding thousands of men together in a revered Brotherhood . One hundred years ! Think of it , brethren ! How many

changes has that period witnessed ? How many historic events it has recorded ? How many convulsions it has survived ? It saw the infancy of the Republic , when we were but thirteen sparsely settled States ; it saw that

beneficent instrument , the Constitution of the United States , adopted and applied ; it saw the right to navigate the high seas vindicated by a young power then hardly twenty-one years old . It has witnessed the application of steam to all