Theory And Practice.

principles supposed to be fundamental to the Institution . He comes to fche conclusion that " theory " is one thing , and " practice " quite another , even in Freemasonry . But what then ? Is he to turn from the Masonic Institution and only heap reproaches upon ifc because he has not found it to

come up to the full measure of his ideals ? Not at all . There is no call or justification for such a course . Masons , generally , are upright men , intelligent and large-hearted , who respect the principles of Freemasonry . But they all bear the touch of an imperfect human nature , and they do not always conform in word and deed to the obligations which they have taken upon

themselves as Masons . We must excuse them often , as we must ask excuses for ourselves , on the ground of the weakness of our common humanity . But , all the same , there should be a recognition of this variation between theory and practice , accompanied by an earnest purpose to make the real more like the ideal , both as relates to individual conduct , and the action of a Lodge or other Masonic organisation .

It is not required that we should be so devoted to Freemasonry as to be blind to its faults . But when we notice defects let it nofc be to disparage the Institution which has so much to commend ifc , but rather to correct whatever is seen to need correction ; that so it may become more glorious in its presentation of truth , and more useful in its practical ministries among men . — " Freemasons Repository . "

Properly Explain.

PROPERLY EXPLAIN .

EVERY degree of Masonry is important . Every step and ceremony , symbol , " and legend is intended to teach great and important truths , therelore care should be taken that the lessons intended to be inculcated should be made as plain as possible . It is not enough to put the candidate through the various ceremonies and leave him to guess the meaning . There

should be a rational accounting for every parfc of the work . There is no doubt that many a good man , an intelligent , thinking man , has been lost to the Lodge , or at least become indifferent in Masonry simply because he was not given a proper explanation of the meaning of the degrees . The great army of non-affiliates ,

against whom whole qhunks of anathemas are thrown continually , has in its ranks many who lost interest because the work was meaningless to them , by reason of a slipshod rendering and a neglect to explain why this or that was done . Either do not confer the degrees at all , or render them correctly , intelligently ,

and with as lucid an explanation as possible . Never hurry through the work at the expense of its completeness and without proper regard for the solemnity and importance . We are not aware of any comedy performance in any of the degrees of Masonry . The whole system is a patient search after truth , a

serious effort to strengthen the moral nature and elevate the standard of right in every man who comes into the Fraternity . Every act should therefore be dignified and free from any appearance of carelessness , neglect , or indifference . From the

beginning of the work to the end , there should be a determination to so impress and explain the design of the rites and ceremonies that the candidate who receives them will carry their lessons with him and be made better by reason of having understood their serious character .

It is , far better to spend more time in properly teaching the candidates in the lessons of the degrees than in smoking during a long refreshment hour . Refreshment and sociability are absolutely necessary in the Lodge , but they are not to supersede any of the work of the Lodge , or to interfere with the rightful

presentation of its teachings . This thing of hurrying the work v and lengthening out refreshment is not conducive to the best interests of the Lodge . Referring a candidate to the monitor for what should be explained in the Lodge room is indicative of carelessness , and breeds dissatisfaction and indifference in the candidate and the brethren . In mosfc cases the man who is

" referred to the monitor " never sees the monitor , and , in fact , does not . care a continental whether he does or not . When he realises , as he surely must at some time , that the Master and Officers regard the degree-work so lightly , a feeling of disgust comes over him , and he falls into a state of innocuous desuetude . — " Masonic Standard . "

Royal Arch.

ROYAL ARCH .

— . u . — CONCORD CHAPTER , No . 124 . I ' PHE annual convocation was held at the Freemasons' Hall , Old Elvet , J _ Durham , on Tuesday , 30 th ult ., when there was a large attendance . The principal business was the installation of Comp . R . Hauxwell H . as M . E . Z ., in succession to Comp . H . Brown . The installation ceremony was fflost ably and impressively performed by Comp . H . Brown I . P . Z . P . P . G . D . C .

Royal Arch.

SUMMER OUTING OF LA TOLERANCE LODGE , No . 538 . GLORIOUS sunshine , a light westerly wind to temper the heat , the bright blue vault of Heaven flecked with clouds that mirrored in the silvery Thames , whose banks and woods were clothed in Nature ' s freshest and brightest apparel , causing the most indifferent to cry with the poet

' ! Eestas adest "—in other words a perfect summer ' s day greeted the Brethren ofitbis old Huguenot Lodge , when they assembled on Thursday , accompanied by their wives , and cousins , and sisters—and other fellows' sisters—to enjoy the pleasing programme that had been arranged for there delectation by Bro . T . H . Clear W . M ., and a Committee of his Officers .

A party numbering over sixty met at Paddington Station about 11 o ' clock , and proceeded in special saloon carriages to Taplow , where they embarked on the launch " Princess Beatrice , " and steamed up the river to Marlow . Sunshine above , sunshine all around ; it was a perfect day , a day to be proud of . Although the charming scenery was a feast in itself , the

W . M . did not forget the other feast so indispensable on these occasions , and a capital lunch was served on board , as a preliminary to the more substantial dinner later on . The laughter of the merry party was re-echoed in the woods , the caroling of the birds found response in the hearts of the ladies , whose costumes rivalled the gay pastures on the river banks , and whose beaming faces proclaimed their gratification .

Returning to Taplow about six o ' clock , the party adjourned to " Skindles's , " dear to the memory of boating men , where mine host , 3 . D . Hodgson , had a delicate little dinner laid out . This being disposed of Brother Clear informed the guests that although they did not want any speeches Freemasons wero bound to show their loyalty to the Queen and their fidelity to the Craft wherever assembled , and he asked them to drink a bumper to the health of Her Majesty . Needless to say this sentiment was cordially responded to , after which Miss Minnie Turner sang the National Anthem .

We do not know whether Bro . Clear is of Irish descent or whether he has lately been to the neighbourhood of Castle Blarney , but certain it is thafc his next toast , " the Ladies " had a distinct flavour of the Emerald Isle . To such a height did his theme carry him that he actually wanted to make them all Freemasons , and was sure that our Grand Master King Solomon

would have offered no objection . In these days , when Ladies were coming to the front in all ranks of life , why should they not be admitted to our mysteries ? Meanwhile , he trusted the Brethren would entertain the ladies more than they had hitherto done , and as the summer excursion had been so auspiciously begun that it would be an annual occurence with La Tolerance Lodge in the . future .

• _ Bro . Dudgeon , an avowed son of Erin , responded for the fair sex , and thinking there could not be too much of a good thing , concluded by asking the gentlemen to give them another bumper . Bro . G . T . Augspurg I . P . M . in graceful terms proposed the health of the Worshipful Master , who had' worked so hard to give them all such a

pleasant outing , an example which he hoped would be followed by the Wardens . Bro . Clear briefly acknowledged the compliment , and thanked the company for their kind reception . These excursions were always pleasant , because on such occasions they met old friends , and made new ones ; so if they had enjoyed themselves , the Committee were amply repaid . Soon after the party entrained at Taplow , and returned to town , thence to their respective homes . It was a thoroughly happy and successful day .

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