Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Canada.
advance at the expense of the civil rights of others , bnt that brotherhood which endeavours to relieve suffering and to make its members loyal and trne men . Freemasonry teaches u * our duty to our fellow-man . It teaches ns to lovo justice and mercy , and to relievo ihe distressed ' ancl soothe the afflicted . It likewise teaches ns our duty to God . It teaches us to believe that He wil '
reward virtue and punish vice , and t ' . iafc He is evov present . It teaches ns never to mention His name without reverence ; to seek His aid in all lawful undertakings and to pay Him that sincere and loving homage , which is due from the created to the creator . It recommends to us—as the main source of contemplation , tho Bible which must be open in every Lodge while at work . It tpaohos us to
regulate our conduct by the divine precepts which that book contains and ever to esteem God , and ever to esteem His services and religion . It teaches us onr duty to ourselves , it urges us to live peaceable and well-regulated lives . It teaches us to shun every object whioh is wrong , and to learn from the Bible lessons of humility , faith , and charity , and to discharge every duty that may arise in the
course of our life here , and thafc we shonld at all times be preparing for the great event whioh every moment is bringing nearer to us , so that wheu the silver cord be loosened , and the golden bowl be broken , and our dust be returned to its mother dust , and the spirit to the God who gave it , we shall be judged worthy to stand at the right hand of God . Freemasonry strives to stimulate
virtue , and to encourage every good work . Oar secrets are lawful and honourable , onr objects are well-known to the world , but for the sake of such among the congregation who are not Freemasons , and yet whom we gladly welcome with us to-day , I wonld say that there is not an obligation in Freemasonry , and I have taken moro than eighteen degrees , that conflicts in any way with the dnfcy we
owe to ourselves and to the State . It impresses upon its members V-e necessity of so living according to the law of God , that they may fit themselves as living stones for that temple whioh is not made with hands , eternal in the heavens . Like every other society , it numbers among its members many whose lives are inconsistent with its precepts ; many who fail to reflect any degree of its grandeur . But
even among Christ's Apostles there was a Judas , and Freemasonry must not be condemned because there are some who are untrue to its principles . When there are defections I hold they should be attributed to their proper cause—onr poor , weak fallen nature , instead of ascribing them to any society to which the offenders belonged . Freemasonry strives to inculcate morality , and endeavours to oast its
influence into the scale of right . So far as it strives , I say , to make men truer and nobler , it is deserving , not of condemnation , but of the co-operation and earnest sympathy of all right-minded men . We are not bound to protect a brother who has been found guilty of murder , or any other offence against fche laws of God and man , although snch charges have been madeaga ' nst this venerable
society . The teaching of our patron saint , John the Baptist , was earnest . He did not tolerate lnkewarmness in tbe discharge of his duty to God , himself and bis fellowmen . He received the approval of the Master in the words of the text , " Verily I say unto you , among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist . " So let us follow that example that we , too , afc
least may receive the blessing of onr Father in heaven . Time forbids me to enlarge upon the lessons which are inculcated by our symbols , each of which convoy a practical lesson npon onr duties , which we conld practise with advantage to ourselves here . Bub just a word with regard to the white lambskin apron . When the candidate is firsfc introduced to tho mysteries of our Order , that symbol of purity and innocence is given him . It is so susceptible of defilement that
an unkind feeling toward a brother cannot be entertained by the wearer of the apron . Oh , how hard ifc is for poor , weak , sinful men to carry its teachings into practice , but we must aim afc ifc so that we may triumph over our weakness . By the very same symbol we are reminded of another fact that suffering has been endured and blood has been shed in order that we might be clothed in spotless white . And we are reminded of him who died to save our souls .
We are taught by ifc that we have been bought with a price—even the blood , of onr Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ . Let ns strive to remember these things , and , keeping in mind the privileges and responsibilities of our calling , carefully live the mysteries which wo believe , and we will be worthy members of an illustrious order . We have in our ranks men as true as steel . Men who would be
ornaments to any society on earth , if we would only strive as the gavel and the chisel teach us to break off tbe rough corners of our characters . We must live Freemasonry as well as teach ifc . Wherever moral corruption shows itself , wherever want wastes the widow and theorphan , wherever evil struggles with the good , there is work for each of us to do . We cannot give back to the widow the
husband for whom she mourns . But we can relievo her wants . We can wipe away tbe tear from the cheek of the poor orphan child . This is a Mason's work . Ifc is a noble work—a Godlike work . I believe that there are hundreds of thousands of widows and orphans throughout the world who will heartily thank God for the work done by this grand old institution . In Canada there are many
orphans wbo are now occupying good positions whose lives would have been blighted had it not been for the timely assistance rendered by the Masonic body in the hour of need . Society , I believe , brethren , cannot afford to dispense with any organisation that seeks to unite the sons of Adam in one great family . The report of the Grand Lodge shows thafc 9 , 53682 dollars was expended in benefits
for the families of deceased brethren during the past year . Add to this sum the amounfc which has been expended by fche 348 local Lodges in the Province of Ontario . Take the city of Toronto and see tbe great work that is being done by the Masonic body hero . I understand your local Board of Benefits contributes to the support
of 45 widows and 75 orphans , and besides paying funeral aud other expenses . For all these purposes upwards of 4 , 000 dollars per annum is expended . Bnt the good work done by the private Lodges , some 13 or 14 in nnmber , in the city and vicinity , shonld not be unnoticed . Each Lodge has ifca own benefit fund , by means of which ifc
Canada.
lenders assistance to its members , and also the widows and orphans of brothers who have been members of that Lodge . In this way each Lodge will contribute about 100 dols . per annum . This makes a ; rand total of over 5 , 000 dols ., which is given by the Freemasons of Toronto to assist widows and orphans , who wonld otherwise hnve been in want . Thero is no sin , perhaps , greater than in neglecting the
performance of this dniy , for which we ask your generous support . We are forcibly reminded of the peril of selfishly enjoying our wealth without attending to tho wants of our poorer neighbours by thafc parable in Luke , iu which we read of one who was cast into the torments of holl for neglecting his poorer brethren . Brethren , yon have
dono a noble work—a Christ-like work in the past , and I trust you may persevere in ifc . " Be not woary in well-doing , for iu duo time , ye shall reap if ye faint not . " I cannot describe the heartfelt gratitude of the poor widow aud orphan child for the generous assistance rendered them in the hour of their sore trial . To visit
the fatherless ancl the widow in their affliction is surely a noblo work . How many widows' hearts have rejoiced , and how many orphans who are now occupying high positions , owe their present prosperity to the generous assistance given by Freemasons ? As the light of its benevolence has shone in the pathway of many a poor , distressed and poverty-stricken family , they havo reason to
say—we thank God for this society . Ifc requires more than degrees to make a true Freemason , and a man who joins our Order for the sake of personal gain , has an unworthy conception of the dignity of our calling . Tbe spirit of God coming into the heart of a man can alone mako a true Freemason , and in this age when terrible vices , such as gambling , intemperance , and others , assail us afc every turn ,
it is onr bonnden duty to conteud against them . It is pleasing to note that some of tho Grand Lodges of the United States have denounced those vices as high treason against the canons of Freemasonry . The time has now come when wo must assume our position before the eyes of the world , and I would say , that the Freemason who has not the moral courage to stand against these things is a moral
coward , and by no means following the example of our noble patron , John the Baptist . Our religion , our faith , our ritual call us to exercise those virtues which elevate human character , and let us in tho namo of God leave off these vices and strive to help others to leave them . If there be one here to-day who is given to the vices of intemperance or gambling , let him dash them to the
ground as tho vilest enemies—enemies who aro endeavouring to rob his soul of happiness here and hereafter , as woll as to deprive his family of the necessaries of life . Endeavour to live as one ever nnder the all-seeing eye should live . Brother Masons , to do so , work on earth nofc as eye-servants , but like the servants of Christ , doing the will of God from the heart . " Labour not for that which
perishefch , bufc for that which endureth to everlasting life . We may never all meet again . Changes must , and do come , and death is cer . trin . Life is transitory and uncertain . Bufc there is a desire thafc can never fail . God grant that ifc may be yours and mine . There is one principle that can never fail . That principle is
an intense longing love for heaven , thafc desire is a faith in Him who lived and died for you . God grant thafc you may believe Him now . My prayer is that each of us may live to accomplish our work on earth as men and Masons , and thafc at last ifc may be said unto ns : — " Well done , good and faithful servant , enter thou into the joy of thy Lord . " Amen .
Bro . Isaac has kindly consented to rehearse the ceremony of installation , at the Kingsland Lodge of Instruction , held at the Canonbury Tavern , N ., ou Monday , 3 rd September , at 8 . 30 . p . m . It is to be hoped there will be a good attendance of brethren .
A meeting of the North London Chapter of Improvement was held on 23 rd inst ., at the Canonbury Tavern , St . Mary's Road , Islington . Comps . Higgins M . E . Z ., Dean H ., Brasted J ., George P . S ., Sheffield S . N . This Chapter of Improvement commands good attendances throughout the year .
Brighton having been freed from the crowd that usually assembles during the race week , has now resumed its wonted aspect . We note , however , that improvements aro continually being made for the comfort of visitors , while tho critical eyes of the Mayor , Brother Alderman Cox , Chairman of the Brighton Aquarium , and his popular Deputy , Bro . Alderman Davey , aided by the Town Council , have been well
exercised . As far as amusements are concerned , Mrs . Nye Chart , at her elegant theatre , has supplied the visitors with The Lights of London , and next week Miss Kate Santley will appear in the Merry Duchess . At tho Aquarium Mr . J . Parry Cole ' s Drawing-room Operetta Company are drawing good houses . The artistes comprise Miss Champneys , Madame Susannah Cole , Misses Marian Stewart and
Edith Stokes , and Messrs . St . Just , W . Offord , L . Tarringfcon , and E . Lansmere . Ou Tuesday the visitors had an opportunity of witnessing tho feats of a celebrated swimmer , well known in America , Professor Marquis Bibbero . This gentleman claims to be a champion swimmer , and fully justifies his claim . He swam the East River , New York , tied hand ancl foot , and performed other marvellous feats .
Great credit is due to fche indefatigable manager , Mr . Wilkinson ( of Crystal Palace celebrity ) for his excellent catering for the patrons . The Oxford has been drawing good houses , Andy Merriles ' Female Christys lately appeared at the Gaiety . The West Pier is crowded day and night , and Bro . Devine's excellent band has been greatly augmented . The selections of popular music elicit frequenfc plaudits , and cncores
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Canada.
advance at the expense of the civil rights of others , bnt that brotherhood which endeavours to relieve suffering and to make its members loyal and trne men . Freemasonry teaches u * our duty to our fellow-man . It teaches ns to lovo justice and mercy , and to relievo ihe distressed ' ancl soothe the afflicted . It likewise teaches ns our duty to God . It teaches us to believe that He wil '
reward virtue and punish vice , and t ' . iafc He is evov present . It teaches ns never to mention His name without reverence ; to seek His aid in all lawful undertakings and to pay Him that sincere and loving homage , which is due from the created to the creator . It recommends to us—as the main source of contemplation , tho Bible which must be open in every Lodge while at work . It tpaohos us to
regulate our conduct by the divine precepts which that book contains and ever to esteem God , and ever to esteem His services and religion . It teaches us onr duty to ourselves , it urges us to live peaceable and well-regulated lives . It teaches us to shun every object whioh is wrong , and to learn from the Bible lessons of humility , faith , and charity , and to discharge every duty that may arise in the
course of our life here , and thafc we shonld at all times be preparing for the great event whioh every moment is bringing nearer to us , so that wheu the silver cord be loosened , and the golden bowl be broken , and our dust be returned to its mother dust , and the spirit to the God who gave it , we shall be judged worthy to stand at the right hand of God . Freemasonry strives to stimulate
virtue , and to encourage every good work . Oar secrets are lawful and honourable , onr objects are well-known to the world , but for the sake of such among the congregation who are not Freemasons , and yet whom we gladly welcome with us to-day , I wonld say that there is not an obligation in Freemasonry , and I have taken moro than eighteen degrees , that conflicts in any way with the dnfcy we
owe to ourselves and to the State . It impresses upon its members V-e necessity of so living according to the law of God , that they may fit themselves as living stones for that temple whioh is not made with hands , eternal in the heavens . Like every other society , it numbers among its members many whose lives are inconsistent with its precepts ; many who fail to reflect any degree of its grandeur . But
even among Christ's Apostles there was a Judas , and Freemasonry must not be condemned because there are some who are untrue to its principles . When there are defections I hold they should be attributed to their proper cause—onr poor , weak fallen nature , instead of ascribing them to any society to which the offenders belonged . Freemasonry strives to inculcate morality , and endeavours to oast its
influence into the scale of right . So far as it strives , I say , to make men truer and nobler , it is deserving , not of condemnation , but of the co-operation and earnest sympathy of all right-minded men . We are not bound to protect a brother who has been found guilty of murder , or any other offence against fche laws of God and man , although snch charges have been madeaga ' nst this venerable
society . The teaching of our patron saint , John the Baptist , was earnest . He did not tolerate lnkewarmness in tbe discharge of his duty to God , himself and bis fellowmen . He received the approval of the Master in the words of the text , " Verily I say unto you , among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist . " So let us follow that example that we , too , afc
least may receive the blessing of onr Father in heaven . Time forbids me to enlarge upon the lessons which are inculcated by our symbols , each of which convoy a practical lesson npon onr duties , which we conld practise with advantage to ourselves here . Bub just a word with regard to the white lambskin apron . When the candidate is firsfc introduced to tho mysteries of our Order , that symbol of purity and innocence is given him . It is so susceptible of defilement that
an unkind feeling toward a brother cannot be entertained by the wearer of the apron . Oh , how hard ifc is for poor , weak , sinful men to carry its teachings into practice , but we must aim afc ifc so that we may triumph over our weakness . By the very same symbol we are reminded of another fact that suffering has been endured and blood has been shed in order that we might be clothed in spotless white . And we are reminded of him who died to save our souls .
We are taught by ifc that we have been bought with a price—even the blood , of onr Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ . Let ns strive to remember these things , and , keeping in mind the privileges and responsibilities of our calling , carefully live the mysteries which wo believe , and we will be worthy members of an illustrious order . We have in our ranks men as true as steel . Men who would be
ornaments to any society on earth , if we would only strive as the gavel and the chisel teach us to break off tbe rough corners of our characters . We must live Freemasonry as well as teach ifc . Wherever moral corruption shows itself , wherever want wastes the widow and theorphan , wherever evil struggles with the good , there is work for each of us to do . We cannot give back to the widow the
husband for whom she mourns . But we can relievo her wants . We can wipe away tbe tear from the cheek of the poor orphan child . This is a Mason's work . Ifc is a noble work—a Godlike work . I believe that there are hundreds of thousands of widows and orphans throughout the world who will heartily thank God for the work done by this grand old institution . In Canada there are many
orphans wbo are now occupying good positions whose lives would have been blighted had it not been for the timely assistance rendered by the Masonic body in the hour of need . Society , I believe , brethren , cannot afford to dispense with any organisation that seeks to unite the sons of Adam in one great family . The report of the Grand Lodge shows thafc 9 , 53682 dollars was expended in benefits
for the families of deceased brethren during the past year . Add to this sum the amounfc which has been expended by fche 348 local Lodges in the Province of Ontario . Take the city of Toronto and see tbe great work that is being done by the Masonic body hero . I understand your local Board of Benefits contributes to the support
of 45 widows and 75 orphans , and besides paying funeral aud other expenses . For all these purposes upwards of 4 , 000 dollars per annum is expended . Bnt the good work done by the private Lodges , some 13 or 14 in nnmber , in the city and vicinity , shonld not be unnoticed . Each Lodge has ifca own benefit fund , by means of which ifc
Canada.
lenders assistance to its members , and also the widows and orphans of brothers who have been members of that Lodge . In this way each Lodge will contribute about 100 dols . per annum . This makes a ; rand total of over 5 , 000 dols ., which is given by the Freemasons of Toronto to assist widows and orphans , who wonld otherwise hnve been in want . Thero is no sin , perhaps , greater than in neglecting the
performance of this dniy , for which we ask your generous support . We are forcibly reminded of the peril of selfishly enjoying our wealth without attending to tho wants of our poorer neighbours by thafc parable in Luke , iu which we read of one who was cast into the torments of holl for neglecting his poorer brethren . Brethren , yon have
dono a noble work—a Christ-like work in the past , and I trust you may persevere in ifc . " Be not woary in well-doing , for iu duo time , ye shall reap if ye faint not . " I cannot describe the heartfelt gratitude of the poor widow aud orphan child for the generous assistance rendered them in the hour of their sore trial . To visit
the fatherless ancl the widow in their affliction is surely a noblo work . How many widows' hearts have rejoiced , and how many orphans who are now occupying high positions , owe their present prosperity to the generous assistance given by Freemasons ? As the light of its benevolence has shone in the pathway of many a poor , distressed and poverty-stricken family , they havo reason to
say—we thank God for this society . Ifc requires more than degrees to make a true Freemason , and a man who joins our Order for the sake of personal gain , has an unworthy conception of the dignity of our calling . Tbe spirit of God coming into the heart of a man can alone mako a true Freemason , and in this age when terrible vices , such as gambling , intemperance , and others , assail us afc every turn ,
it is onr bonnden duty to conteud against them . It is pleasing to note that some of tho Grand Lodges of the United States have denounced those vices as high treason against the canons of Freemasonry . The time has now come when wo must assume our position before the eyes of the world , and I would say , that the Freemason who has not the moral courage to stand against these things is a moral
coward , and by no means following the example of our noble patron , John the Baptist . Our religion , our faith , our ritual call us to exercise those virtues which elevate human character , and let us in tho namo of God leave off these vices and strive to help others to leave them . If there be one here to-day who is given to the vices of intemperance or gambling , let him dash them to the
ground as tho vilest enemies—enemies who aro endeavouring to rob his soul of happiness here and hereafter , as woll as to deprive his family of the necessaries of life . Endeavour to live as one ever nnder the all-seeing eye should live . Brother Masons , to do so , work on earth nofc as eye-servants , but like the servants of Christ , doing the will of God from the heart . " Labour not for that which
perishefch , bufc for that which endureth to everlasting life . We may never all meet again . Changes must , and do come , and death is cer . trin . Life is transitory and uncertain . Bufc there is a desire thafc can never fail . God grant that ifc may be yours and mine . There is one principle that can never fail . That principle is
an intense longing love for heaven , thafc desire is a faith in Him who lived and died for you . God grant thafc you may believe Him now . My prayer is that each of us may live to accomplish our work on earth as men and Masons , and thafc at last ifc may be said unto ns : — " Well done , good and faithful servant , enter thou into the joy of thy Lord . " Amen .
Bro . Isaac has kindly consented to rehearse the ceremony of installation , at the Kingsland Lodge of Instruction , held at the Canonbury Tavern , N ., ou Monday , 3 rd September , at 8 . 30 . p . m . It is to be hoped there will be a good attendance of brethren .
A meeting of the North London Chapter of Improvement was held on 23 rd inst ., at the Canonbury Tavern , St . Mary's Road , Islington . Comps . Higgins M . E . Z ., Dean H ., Brasted J ., George P . S ., Sheffield S . N . This Chapter of Improvement commands good attendances throughout the year .
Brighton having been freed from the crowd that usually assembles during the race week , has now resumed its wonted aspect . We note , however , that improvements aro continually being made for the comfort of visitors , while tho critical eyes of the Mayor , Brother Alderman Cox , Chairman of the Brighton Aquarium , and his popular Deputy , Bro . Alderman Davey , aided by the Town Council , have been well
exercised . As far as amusements are concerned , Mrs . Nye Chart , at her elegant theatre , has supplied the visitors with The Lights of London , and next week Miss Kate Santley will appear in the Merry Duchess . At tho Aquarium Mr . J . Parry Cole ' s Drawing-room Operetta Company are drawing good houses . The artistes comprise Miss Champneys , Madame Susannah Cole , Misses Marian Stewart and
Edith Stokes , and Messrs . St . Just , W . Offord , L . Tarringfcon , and E . Lansmere . Ou Tuesday the visitors had an opportunity of witnessing tho feats of a celebrated swimmer , well known in America , Professor Marquis Bibbero . This gentleman claims to be a champion swimmer , and fully justifies his claim . He swam the East River , New York , tied hand ancl foot , and performed other marvellous feats .
Great credit is due to fche indefatigable manager , Mr . Wilkinson ( of Crystal Palace celebrity ) for his excellent catering for the patrons . The Oxford has been drawing good houses , Andy Merriles ' Female Christys lately appeared at the Gaiety . The West Pier is crowded day and night , and Bro . Devine's excellent band has been greatly augmented . The selections of popular music elicit frequenfc plaudits , and cncores