So-Called Masonic Jurisprudence.

Constitution . Now , the word "jurisprudence" simply means hnoivledge of the laws , when , therefore , a man speaks of "United States Jurisprudence , " I know that it refers to the Constitution of the United States , or to laws enacted bv the Congress of the United States , and when our United

States politicians talk about Constitutional or unconstitutional , I know that they refer to the Constitutions of fche United States , which all its citizens are obliged to obey , and as there is no Masonic Constitution which Masons in all parts of the world are obliged to obey , it is simply absurd for a Mason to talk or write about Masonic

Jurisprudence . The fact is , in England "Masonic Jurisprudence " means , the last printed Masonic Constitution , with all the laws adopted by the Grand Lodge of England up to fche time when it closed its last meeting ; but the said

Constitution and laws , aro no more binding upon Masons who belong to foreign Masonio jurisdictions than English Acts of Parliament are binding upon foreign nations ; for each Grand Lodge has its own adopted Constitution and ita own laws . Now . snnnose the wiseacres of Pennsylvania

believe that " sound limb" means that if a man has a slight defect in one of his eyes , or who has lost a joint of hia little toe , he is disqualified for receiving the mysteries of Masonry , such nonsensical notions may be made into a

Masonic law in Pennsylvania ; but " sound limb is not a Masonic law in a jurisdiction whero the phrase sound limb is not mentioned in its Constitution . We see now that each Grand Lodge has a right to make its own laws , and it is therefore absurd to talk about Masouic Jurisprudence .

And in a like manner the phrase of Masonic Universality " is a Masonic delusion ; for even in those American Masonic jurisdictions which confine the Masonic creed to belief in God only , as long as the Masters of Lodges in these iurisdictions have to tell candidates to take the Bible

as a rule and guide of faith , and as long as Masons must venerate tho sectarian patron saints , and as long as the Masonic ritual is interlarded with sectarian allusions , the phrase of " Masonic universality " is as much a Masonic delusion as those of Masonic Jurisprudence and Masonic landmarks are .

In conclusion , I say , that should a Masonic congress ever meet , composed of delegates from all the Grand Lodges in the world , and should the said congress adopt a Masonic Constitution , with a Court of Appeal to decide all disputed or dmihtfnl rtrmstinnq . anrl should the said Constitution be — ——— ^« . »— «— , — . — —

- « -- approved and accepted by all the Grand Lodges in the world , then the phrase " Masonic Jurisprudence" will be understood , and it will have but one meaning . But as long as matters remain as they are the phrase " Masonic Jurisprudence " may be put down as sheer nonsense .

BOSTON , U . S ., llth AUGUST 1891 .

Fidelity Of Purpose.

FIDELITY OF PURPOSE .

IP Freemasonry teaches anything with emphasis it is the virtue of fidelity . The Entered Apprentice is taught it at the beginning of bis Masonic life . When standing erect , upright to all outward appearance , he is charged that it is his duty always to act and walk in that manner .

No temptation or personal ease or self aggrandisement is ever to lead him to prove false to any trust reposed in him . He is to be true to his God ; to deal justly with all men

and to practise Charity . The great need of the present day in Masonry and out of it is the practice of fidelity . There are no greater heroes or men more honoured than those who have lived lives of faithfulness . Life is

considered of little weight when in the balance wifch fidelity . Fais ce que dois advienne que penira should be the motto of every man , especially a Mason . Every member of the Fraternity should be faithful to his obli gations . There is nothing : in any requirements of f

¦ reemasonry that is intended to interfere in any respect whatever with the ordinary duties of life . Indeed , the man who neglects his family , fails to pay his just debts , oversteps the bounds of virtue in a pretended devotion to Masonry , is plainly unfaithful to his obligations .

Unfortunately , some men allow their zeal for the Institution to lead them to place its imagined demands above everything e | se . The real demands of the Craft make a man a better citizen , a better father , a better merchant , and consequently a better man . Fidelity to obligation means a strict

Fidelity Of Purpose.

adherence to truth , honesty , virtue , and everything calculated to elevate morally . Applicants for Masonic light should be known to possess a fidelity of purpose in seeking admission to the Fraternity before they are permitted to cross tho threshold of thc

Lodge . No unworthy motive should be allowed to actuate a man in his petition for initiation . Expectation of favours , gain of popularity , increase of patronage , and other selfish considerations that often influence our actions are foreign to the spirit of Masonry . We should unite

with the Fraternity with a view to improvement , morally and intellectually . By association with thoso whoso desires are for higher and nobler and better achievements wo aro sure to be ourselves benefitted . Our aspiration will bo for a holier and purer life .

Once within the precincts of the Lodgo our obligations become mutual . We aro all equal . We all stand upon the same broad platform , and have all sworn fidelity to every principle of right . When elevated from the ground floor to the honoured position of Master our duties aro

increased , and we owe to the brethren a service of lovo , and , if possible , a stronger fidelity to the obligations of tho Lodge than before . The motives that cause men to seek official positions in Masonry are sometimes in direct violation of the obligation assumed upon becoming

members of the great brotherhood . Purity of purpose to load the brethren to a practice of virtue and uprightness should bo found in every Master of a Lodge . Ifc is a sad commentary upon the weakness of human nature when wo see a man who has chosen to be embodiment of uprightness

so far forgetting himself as to he a profane swearer , a wine bibber , or unfaithful to his trusts . Fidelity of Masters to the duties devolving upon them brings honour and preferment ; a want of it dishonour and oblivion . —Thc Australasian Keystone .

Obituary.

Obituary .

IM — : o : — BRO . JOHN PAVEY .

WE regret to have to record the death of Bro . John Pavoy , of the Cothnm Nurseries—fche result of his boing thrown out of his trap some three weeks ago . Bro . Pavcy , who was formerly a builder , of the Hotwells , married , some two years ago , the widow of the late Mr . Thomas Bush , of tho

Gotham Nurseries . He represented the Clifton Ward in the Council for two or three years till his marriage , when he retired . Early in the morning of 23 rd July he drove to his nursery ground at Brentry . He returned to Gotham afc 8 o ' clock , and was about to get out of the trap when tho

pony , frightened by a piece of paper blown from an ashbox , started , and swerving round caused him to fall heavil y on to the road . Though he had broken a rib and seriously injured his head , Bro . Pavey walked to Highbury Chapel , and brought back the pony , which had been stopped there .

On returning to his house he began to realise how seriousl y he was injured , and Mrs . Pavey sent for medical aid . Dr . Fendick and others have been in attendance , and afc first there was some hope of the patient ' s recovery , but moro serious symptoms set in last week , and death followed on

Saturday morning . Though 67 years of age Bro . Pavey , who was of a most genial and amiable disposition , enjoyed good health , was active and energetic , and had the erect carriage of a military man . He for many years sat afc tbo

Barton Regis Board of Guardians as one of the representatives of Clifton , and was for some time vice-chairman . Ho was one of the oldest members of the Colston Lodgo . Some years ago he was elected W . M ., and in June last he was re-elected to that position . He also held Provincial rank .

The arrangements for the Masonic ceremony—which is to be held on 12 th September on the occasion of the laying of the foundation of the new hospital for the sick poor in Dundee—have now been completed . Sir Archibald Campbell , Bart ., of Blythswood , the Mastor Mason of Scotland , will perform the ceremony , which will be taken part in by all the Masonic Lodges in the country .

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TMPOETANT NOTICE . —Confidential Advice free per post to all _ L in weak and failing health , with loss of strength and vitality . Fifty years experience in Nervous Ailments . Address , the Secretary , 3 Fitzallan Sqnare , Sheffield . Form of Correspondence Free . Write to-dav . *> 0 years experience , All diseases arising from impurity of tho Wood absolutely enrcd .