The Lambskin, Or The Badge Of A Mason.

follow the idea of the whito apron . We seo ifc in all its splendour as the distinctive badge of a Mason . We may picture an open grave , with devoted friends and Brethren about it , performing the last sad rites , and observe mother

earth as " she onco more receives him and piously covers his remains within her bosom . " This vision may lead us to where we can see the Master deposit this emblem with this beautiful lesson : " The lambskin or white leathern

apron is the emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason . It is more ancient than the golden fleece or Roman eagle ; more honourable than the star and garter when worthily worn ; " or we may go back to where we

first saw symbolic light and witness again the presentation of this gem of symbolism . Is not this the correct picture of the Masonic badge : White at birth , white in life , white at death .

The "handsome ap"nn , " as it is generally called , is quite different . It is . tine piece of workmanship ; in fact , a product of art , with a silken flap and beautifully bound

edges : many emblems embellish ifc , and fancy strings complete the picture . How would snch an apron do to present the candidate , or deposit it in the grave with our dead ?

The working tools and all the emblems of Masonry speak mutely , yet eloquently , to those who understand them , and nothing renders meditation more instructive or more beautiful than the volumes contained in their

meaning . The letter G , nor the All-seeing eye , is not needed to tell the world thafc a white lambskin apron is the badge of a Mason . Then why not leave it unspotted and untouched , to silently speak for itself ? Those who would preserve the symbolism of the apron should keep it white as snow .

What strange inconsistency to present a white apron to the novice , and tell him that it is an emblem of innocence , yea , more , that it is the badge of a Mason , and then appear in Lodge or in procession wifch an apron bedecked with

fancy ornaments . How beautiful it sounds to those assembled about the grave to hear the Master render the impressive funeral service and expatiate , ritualistically , upon the pure white apron and he himself wearing a fancy one .

Is it not like the drunkard reeling under the influence of rum , with a guilty conscience smiting his every movement , as he advises the youth to abstain from strong drink ?

It is like erecting a house of tne finest Parian marble and daubing it over with painfc . Ifc is the same as to paint the acacia some radiant hue and expect of ifc a symbolic lessons of immortality . It is an attempt to paint the lily , an effort to add to the

brilliancy of the diamond . Ifc as much a failure as to expect an exemption from the common doom of man , as vulgar as to painfc the pages of the " Great Light , "

thus placing the words of inspired wisdom upon that divine trestleboard away from the gaze of man . It is the throttling of truth . White , gold and blue do not signify what we learn is from the white alone .

We might give to the profane every secret of the institution ; we might shower upon them esoteric legends of which we are in possession ; we might thrust upon them every line of our ritual , which is unwritten and which we

are not permitted to write , and they could not enjoy it . Why ? Because the perfection of the columns of beauty , and the architectural splendour of this temple , is accomplished by linking this esotery with other symbolism . The one gives tone and force to the other .

The fortitude of the illustrious Tyrian is not enough to show or tell tbe candidate . He must hear not only of the broken column , bufc must have explained the beauties

found here and there in these splendid figures , superb types and excellent allegories . And in this broad sweep of Symbolism we find the apron every where as the representative of high sentiment and great truth .

If I understand its symbolism , it is not intended to captivate those who have no right to its lesson , nor the key to unlock its beauty , but is a sermon for the Craft

whenever and wherever their eyes rest upon it . It carries , when left in its primitive state , its message of purity and portrays its beauty as much as the sun its light .

To sum the matters up , then , those of us who substitute a gaudy apron for a Masonic badge deprive the Institution of one of its most powerful and beautiful symbols . If any of us possess such a piece of clothing as

The Lambskin, Or The Badge Of A Mason.

a fancy apron let us see that ifc is kept at home , safely locked , never to see the light of day in a Masonic Lodge , nor in a Masonic procession .

li the father , who has answered the last dread summons , left as a legacy such a piece of clothing , tho son should preserve it for having beon his parent ' s property , but not for its Masonic worth .

Theso remarks wero made in the hope of pointing to the younger members , who must soon take the place of the aged and infirm , the importance of preserving pure Craft symbolism , and if we transmit it to our successors as we have received it our work has not been in vain . Our aim

should be to give to posterity tbe talents left in our care , and faithfully perform a sacred trust and solemn duty . This talented duty of Masonry , with its mystic elevating influence , was designed for the " household of the faithful , " and not for display before the world . —Masonic Home Journal .

Notices Of Meetings.

NOTICES OF MEETINGS .

— : o *—CRAFT .

— : o : — LODGE OF FREEDOM , No . 7 * .

AT an ordinary monthly meeting of thia ancient Lodge , held at tbe New Falcon Hotel , Gravesond , laat Monday , under the presidency of tbe W . M . Bro . Rev . Augustus Jackson , Mr . Alexander Reid , of Cliflfe House , Greenhithe , was duly initiated into the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry . The ceremony was ably worked by tbo Worshipful Master . The sum of five guineas waa

voted from the funds of the Lodge for the benefit of a brother who waa reported to be in distressed circumstances . A letter of condolence and sympathy was directed to be sent to the family of the late Bro . P . B . Nettleingham P . M ., whose death we recorded last week . The brethren afterwards adjourned to supper .

ARCHITECT LODGE , No . 1375 . THE ] regular meeting of the above Lodge was held at the Masonio Hall , Chorltou-cum-Hardy , on Friday , the 5 th inst ., Bro . Cyril H . Beever W . M . There were alsr-- present : —Bro ? . W . Dyson Fryer I . P . M ., James Morrison S . W ., AlfreJ Pickford J . W ., Henry Nail P . M . Treasurer , J . G . Bromley P . M . Secretary , Thos . A . Holland S . D ., Chas Rawle J . D .. W . T . Hesketh P . M . D . C , Wm . C . Flint I . G .,

W . Moult Organic , A . W . Bennett , L . R . Kirkhatn , T . R . E . Birkett , A . Redfearti , and Edward M . Beebeo Stewards , Arthur A . Moss P . M ., John Bradshaw P . M ., Ed . Roberts P . M . ( FUKEMASON ' CHRONICLE . ) John M . Crone , John Coupland , Sam Tiller , Hajjh W . Bloomer , R . J . Kastner , William Rushton , B . R . Rowland . Visitors : —Bros . Wm .

Bee P . M . D . C . 1-159 P . P . G . S . East Lane , Nagib Fiani 2363 . After the confirmation of minutes , Bro . Hesketh P . M . del vered Lecture II . Section ; 4 , " The five noble orders of Architecture , " to a very attentive and appreciative audience . At the subsequent festive board , Loyal nnd Masonio toasts were submitted and cordially

received , that of the visitors receiving a fair share of notice . In responding , Bro . Bae said that the general work of the Lodge had been performed iu so excellent a manner , and was of so hi _» h a character , that he conld not refrain from adding his testimony to that fact . Then , too , the lecture delivered by Bre . Hesketh had been

to him un intellectual treat which he should not readily forget . As showing the interest which he took in his own Lodge , he must tell them that he had never missed a single meeting : Masonry being a source of deep pleasure to him , and iu attending the Architect Lod ge as a visitor , he felt that a very great honour had been conferred upon

him . Bro . Fiani also responded . Bro . Nail drank to the continued good health of Bro . Morrison S . W ., who had made his first appearance amongst them after a prolonged absence caused by a railway accident , already reported in this journal . Bro . Morrison in reply thanked the brethren for their kind solicitude , and treated them to

a humorons history of his journey abroad . "He related many strange incidents of travel , some of which our readers may possibly become familiar with nnder another form . Before the evening ' s enjoyment came to ft close , the name of Bro . Rowlands was announced as a probable joining member .

In connection with the above Lodge , wo have the melancholy task of recording a bereavement which Bro . Bennett R . Howell , one of its prominent Past Masters , has sustained in the recent death of his daughter Gladys ( favourite name Qaeenie ) , aged 13 years . The subject of onr notice was a yoang lady whose duteous conduct and

manifold noble qualities had endeared her to a very large circle of friends , both young and old , wlinso silent testimony to her worth was evinced by a profusion of wreaths which they forwarded . Her death was a very peaceful one : she was sensible to the last , and seemed to

take her departure to the bright and bettor laud beyond without a regret , except for the sorrowing friends whom she was leaving to mourn her loss . Bro . Howell is Master of the Withing ton AVorkhouse , and is well known in Manchester and the aorroundiog districts alike aa a public man and a Freemason . ,