For The Living.

human ignorance to enlighten , human depravity to reform . There is room for all , and work for all . Working each in its own way , and with its own material , they are labouring in a common cause , for a common object—to relieve ,

enlighten , purify and elevate mankind . They have done well ; tbey have accomplished much ; but above and over all , they are yet grander social , intellectual and moral heights , to which , by their united efforts , mankind may bo elevated .

The influence of Masonry and other kindred societies , in controlling and regulating the actions and conduct of men , may be compared to one of the forces of the universe . Astronomers tell us that the movements of the solar and planetary system are regulated by two forces . One urges

each p lanet onward into space ; another draws it towards its appointed centre . By the exact proportion and harmony of these two forces , balancing and controlling each other , moon moves with perfect regularity around its planet , planet around its sun , sun and solar system around

its central power , filling entire space with music and harmony , now , as when " The morning stars first sang together . " Could the attraction of a planet for its central sun be destroyed , and it be impelled uncontrolled into space , no imagination can picture the desolation that would follow in its track . So with the man who has

surrendered himself to the guidance of passion . He moves but to destroy and desolate . His pathway through life is covered with the wrecks of human lives and souls , and no man can measure his destroying power . It is the Province of Masonry and her co-workers to keep him within his

appointed orbit and around his central sun of purity and right . Brethren , what have we done to advance this noble work ? Have we lived our pledges ? Have we worked to the square of virtue ? Will our work bear the scrutiny of

the Master ' s " all-seeing eye ? " Have the lessons to which we have so often listened borne fruit in good works ? As we lay down the square and the level and the plumb , if we have builded in our own hearts and households the temples she had directed ns to build , practiced the virtues she has

enjoined upon us , it is the most eloquent defence of Masonry that could be given or desired . If , ou the contrary , we have disregarded her admonitions and falsified her teachings ; if we have not reflected her teachings in purer

lives and more extended charity ; if we have poisoned for her the shafts of malice and drawn upon her the finger of scorn , no words of mine can heal the wounds our hands have made .

As Lodges and as individuals , let us enter upon our labours manfall j ' , gird our loins and quit ns like men . As another anniversary rolls around let there be no stain upon our escutcheon . Let us make progress toward the goal to which Masonry points us . Let not the most malignant

scoffer be able to point to one act of ours contrary to the tenets of our high profession . Let us discard and eliminate al I base material , aud throw aside overy weight that oppresess us . " With malice toward none , and charity for all / ' let us gather the rubbish from the templeand lay its

founda-, tions deep and firm as granite . Place or set in the walls no shapeless stones . Above all , brethren , let us live together in harmony , and practice toward each other that greatest of all Masonic

virtues , charity . Harmony is essential to every well regulated institution , especially of ours . Our only hope for success is in united effort , united power . Let there be among us no contention except " who can best work and best agree . "

One word more , and I am done . Masonry is for tho living , not for the dead . If you have words of love or affection , of sympathy or forgiveness , do not keep them Jf ° ™ ears that cannot hear , for hearts that cannot feel , that do not need them . Speak them now . Let them

9 p ! f u ° their mission of mercy while the ear can hear and the heart feel . They may smooth rugged paths to tired and bleeding feet . They may bind up the wounds of broken and bleeding hearts . They may give new life and courage to weary grief-stricken soulssinking under the i 3 * ^ UilUOi

, , ^ —• J 0-- « -uu . xw « u Liquid ) Oiuailig VUV ¦ ™ and ° PP ression 3 of life . Speak them to-day , and m the hour of your need your blessings shall return a Hundredfold . Now and here let us renew with the living our vows of mutual fidelit y and brotherhood , and with hands and

hearts united , raise high the standard of . lasonry filling her banners to the breeze , and bear them uu to Tlctory m a canse as grand as the universe , as und ying as the soul .-Tcnce of Masonry .

Notices Of Meetings.

NOTICES OF MEETINGS .

OLD CONCORD LODGE , No . 172 . THE fifty-third annual ball of this Lodge waa held at the Cannon Street Hotel , on Taesday , the 16 th insfc ., when a thoroughly enjoyable evening wa 9 spent . Owing to there being so much illness at the present time , the muster was not so large as on previous occasions , but from 150 to 200 ladies aud gentlemen put in an appearance , and kept the ball rolling merrily nntil the morning was far advanced . Onr brethren of the Old Concord had done all in their

power to make the ball a success , and we can compliment the Stewards on the result . The W . M . ( Bro . J . B . Evans ) was tbe Preaident for the ocoaaion , and he had the following brethren to support him as Stewards : —Bros . H . Tatton Sykes S . W . ( Vice-President ) , E . Steele P . M ., Hunt J . W ., Jordan J . D ., Norman Dir . of Cers ., Pnaey , Jones , G . A . Eavaisou , Eeichardt , Poole , Sohneberger ,

Francis , Bailey , C . Hooper , F . Davies , Eaece , Hopperton and Geo . King P . M . ( Hon . Seoretary ) . The band of the Grenadier Guard * , under the direction of Bro . Dan Godfrey , supplied the musio , and right well did they carry out their duties , while our old friend Brother Jarvi 3 efficiently performed the arduous task of M . C . Shortly after nine the brethren and their friends began to arrive , and not long

after that time the proceedings commenced with the captivating waltz " Elsie . " The ball-room gradually filled , and by half-past tea all was going as merry as the proverbial " marriage bells . " Shortly before one o'clock supper was announced , and under the genial President , the guests sat down to a most recherche supper , whioh was done ample justice to by all assembled . After grace had been said , Bro . J . B .

Evans rose to propose the first toast , "The Queen and the Craft , and in doing so said that he knew fnll well that his friends around him did not want to listen to many speeches , and he should be as brief as possible . Bro . Evans said he thought it just as well nob to linger on the great trouble that had befallen Her Majesty and her family , but he was sure she was glad to see the loyalty of her

subjects , which had been so clearly exhibited during the past few weeks . He hoped that Her Majesty might be spared for many years to come , and that it would not be long before she recovered from the loss she had sustained . Bro . E . Steele P . M . then rose , and in proposing the health of their President , Bro . Evans , said he was s . irry Bro . H . Tatton Sykes S . W . ( Vioe President ) was absent that evening , owing

to a family bereavement . They all knew in what way he had carried out his duties as President of the ball , and he wa * sorry there were not more present to do honour to him on that occasion . But he ( Bro . Steele ) felt sure those around him knew it was not Bro . Evans ' fault ; no one could have worked harder for the success of the ball . On rising to respond Bro . J . B . Evans said he did

not know how to thank those present for the way they had received the toast . He assured them he deeply felt the honour they had done him ; all he could add was , that he had striven to do all in his power to make the ball a success , and he sincerely hoped the company hnd all enjoyed themselves . He felt that that night was an important one in his career , and he hoped they would all enjoy themselves in

such a way that it would be a long time ere they forgot the Old Concord Lodge Ball of 1892 . Before concluding Bro . Evans said there was one important feature to be got through , that was to propose the health of the ladies . They all appreciated the company of the Jadies , and hoped they would be present on many future occasions . Bro . Evans then called on Brother Norman to respond .

Bro . Norman was very happy in hia remarks ; he said that as he Mb sure they wanted to get back to the ball-room ho would not detain them by giving a long speech , but content himself by wishing tbem every enjoyment . In conclusion Bro . Norman called on the gentlemen to drink to the health of the ladies . ThiB waB heartily done . The company now adjourned to the ball room , where dancing was kept up

till after four o'clock , to the entire enjoyment of all concerned . The best of good feeling was to be seen everywhere , and the way iu which the ladies entered into the fun of the " Leap Year Dance" was most gratifying to Bro . C . Hooper , who proposed this dance . We must certainly congratulate Bro . Evans and the Stewards on the brilliant success of their ball . Among those present we noticed the following : —

Bro . J . B . Evans W . M . and Mrs . Evans , Bro . and Mrs . F . J . Fox , Mr . and Mrs . G . S . Palmer , Bro . E . Steele I . P . M ., Mr . G . H . and Miss Lawtber , Captain M . and Mrs . Lawther , Brother G . King P . M . Secretary , Brother J . J . Lea , Mrs . Searlo , Bro . and Mrs . Carl T . Fleck P . M . 172 , P . M . 619 , P . Z . 172 , M . E . Z . 1275 , Mr . and MrB . Garnham , Mrs . and Miss Boncey , Bro .

Hollingswortb , Bro . and Mrs . Upton , Bro . and Mrs . Cowley , Mr . and Mrs . Minns , Mr . and Mrs . Stapel , Bro . L . and Mrs . Upton , Mr . Harding , Bro . G . and Mrs . Evans , Mr . Pariah and daughters , Mr . Purchase and daughter , Mr . H . and Mrs . Brown , Mr . and Mrs . Davies , Mr . and Mrs . Fowle , Mr . H . W . Jones , Mr . Millbourn , Mr . Jnm « s and Miss BrowD , Mr . Geo . and Mrs . Brown , Mrs . and Miss Triggs , Bro . C . Hooper , Miss Pembarton , Mr . H . aud Mrs . Banister , Mrs . F . C . Jouep ,

Bro . and Mrs . Dickenson , Bro ., Mrs . and Mias Carpentor , Bro . King , Mr . A . W . a-nd Miss Woods , Mr . Walter F . Morgan , Mr . and Miss Conchman , Bro ., Mrs . and Miss G . A . Ravaisou , Bro . W ., Mra . and the Misses ( 2 ) Eavaisou , Bro . Gesking , Bro . and Mrs . Jordan , Bro . and Mra . George , Mr . and Mrs . Hagermann , Mr . Lambert , Miss Adcock , Miss Lake , Mr . H . Gosney , Miss A . Beauchamp , Mr . F . A . Goosney , Bro . Norman D . C , Bro . Puzey , Bro . Poole , Bro . Reece , Bro . Jarvis , Mr . Cook . & c , & c .

RUTLAND LODGE , No . 1130 ( MELTON MOWBRAY )

r pHE installation meeting of this Lodge was , by dispensation , held - * - in the Colles Memorial Hall , on Friday , the 12 th inst . The gathering was presided over by the W . M . ( Bro . W . J . Freer P . M . P . P . G . Sword Bearer ) , and there was a considerable attendance of