The Scope And Philosophy Of Freemasonry.

material and p h j sieal wants and needs of humanity ; it rears no buildings , employs neither brick nor stone in the construction of its edifice , nor mortar in its operations , and fashions no abiding habitations , as does its prototype ,

Opera Hvo Masonry . But , however employed , it is a speculative science , which , under tho name , of Freemas ' . ury , has become a wide-spread and far-reaching organisation , bearing within itself the most convincing

evidence that it was formed for worthy purposes and to promote among men peace , harmony , good will , mutual

sympathy , relief and brotherly love ; to inculcate love of country and respect for its rulers and laws , and to discountenance rebellion against its constituted authorities or becoming social enjoyments .

To comprehend the real philosophy of Freemasonry wo must turn from the outer , tho material Man , to the interim invisible nature which forms the superstructure upon which rest Man ' s spiritual and intellectual being .

Freemasonry is the product of civilisation , refinement and knowledge , aud while based on the spiritual , and interwoven in its structuro with the social and sentient nature of man , it is only develoyed as the mind expands ,

strengthens and becomes fully ripe for new and enlarged enjoyments , to be found in its hidden recesses and the intricacies of thought . It appeals to and captivates the inner man , furnishes food for reflection and study , charms and entices men to attach themselves to it in all climes and

countries , and among the people of all nations where there exists that advanced sentiment which we term civilisation , hence the conclusion that it has in its organism , character ,

modes of procedure and work that which pleases Man , wins the regard of his higher and better nature , satisfies the craving of his mind aud the hig her aspirations of his soul .

The strongest intellects have studied the scope and character of the teachings of Freemasonry , admitted their force and power for good , and lent their willing efforts to perpetuate the institution ; the purest minds , in recognition of the

morality and virtue of its inculcations , have yielded to its influence , aud sought to propagate it as a thing that is good and true and lofty , and thus , "through a great many

years , it has been transmitted from generation to generation , " until it has spread to all parts of the habitable globe , where intelligence prevails .

Freemasonry has withstood the fierce assaults of religious bigotry and the vindictive hate of political denunciation . It has been calm and silent , amid the unprovoked assaults of either priests , demagogues , or thc vile creatures

animated by partizan fury and filled with envy and innate wickedness which pertain to " men of the baser sort ;" great men , wise and renowned statesmen , devout and

Christian divinesaud teachers , have stood firm iuitsdefence , and without fear or misgiving avowed their love tor , and confidence in it .

There must then , in the nature of the case , be something peculiar , something extraoidinary in its nature aud character , which adapts it to all classes and conditions of good men , and which for long years have given it strength ,

power and influence among the best and most enlightened of mankind . It must strike a chord in human nature , well ni g h universal , which causes a quick response , and which was implanted in the heart by the All Wise for a good and beneficent purpose .

It is this mental machinery , this unseen reasoning force that comes into action and binds men , strong in every faculty , cultured to the highest point , to Masonry , and gives them enjoyment and satisfaction in a participation in its

ceremonies , m loving , teaching and expounding its nature and principles , and perhaps while they may not tell how or why it is so , nevertheless they feel the inspiration and are neither ashamed of it nor willine- to io-nore it . The

proiane may assure the initiate that its ceremonies are frivolous , and without practical benefit , yet he who has knelt at its altars and penetrated its mysteries is at once impressed with the solemnity of its ritualistic observance ,

and the utility of its lessons of wisdom and virtue , tending to smooth the rough pathway of life and pointing to that unending bliss of the higher and real life reserved for the just and good .

And thus , as we mused and felt that Freemasonry is an institution designed to meet a need of human nature , of society , of civilisation , and to be cherished as one of the

lifting forces to make men better , wiser and happier , and although our labour may be comparativel y feeble , yet perchance some heart may be cheered , some brother or com-

The Scope And Philosophy Of Freemasonry.

panion made happier and better by it , and with God's blessing we will do what we can " to promote so noble and g lorious an undertaking . " —Lihorul Freemason .

Conditions Of Future Prosperity For Our Institution.

CONDITIONS OF FUTURE PROSPERITY FOR OUR INSTITUTION .

FREEMASON RY has a bright and attractive record . We read its history to note the wonderful progress

it has made , its attainment of great influence , and the large and varied services it has rendered ; not only within the lines of its own membership , but in wider regions where

its benign power has been exerted for the good of man . It has been a productive institution , fruitful in ministries that adorn and bless the related life of the world , and it

has prospered according to its deservings . Its past , all so luminous and inspiring , in our inheritance . Well may we rejoice in its prestige and in its accomplishments . The fathers established Freemasonrv on a firm foundation

they wrought worthily in building and adorning the structure they have left for onr use ; and with an equal sense of gratitude and responsibility should the Craft of to-day receive the gift thus transmitted .

Freemasonry , however , cannot live and thrive on this glory of the past alone . We may cherish a glad , exultant feeling as we connect our Fraternity with the great names that adorn its history and hold prominent place among its

traditions , but however strong and abiding this feeling may be it will not ensure future prosperity . We may call over the noble and pure teachings of the Masonic system , as it has made expression of itself in the past , and the blessed work it has done in the name of truth and

humanity , but we cannot secure a desired progress by dwelling on the merits of the fathers and magnifying their labours . They have sent down to us a precious heritage , an organisation of large resources and possibilities for

good , well equipped for social and moral help fulness , and our obligations to preserve the institution and make it of more use among men are correspondingly increased . It is our duty—the duty of the latest generation into whose

hands this heritage comes—to make a bold , clear , practical expression of the power of Freemasonry , and so transmit it with new and bri g hter lustre to coming generations , that it mav remain to cheer and bless the world to the

latest period of time . Is this obligation sufficiently realised ? Is there felt broadly and deeply , as there should be , the need of studying the signs of the times , and of adapting the Masonic system and organisation to the

movements in social and public life that call for increased effort in certain directions , and a possible modification of methods in some particulars ? All this may be done without disturbing essential landmarks , and without doing

injury to the fundamental principles and purposes of Freemasonry . We are conservative as any , and we should feel called upon to resist strenuously any attempt to reorganise or greatly change the character and objects which

are distinctive in the Masonic system . We believe , however , that Freemasonry is a progressive institution ; aud consequently we hold that it may adapt itself to the movements and needs of society , as these are constantly

presenting themselves in varied forms , add to its rules , improve its methods , and broaden its lines of operations . The zealous Craftsman should remember , as much as the faithful worker in any other worthy association ,

that" New occasions teach now duties , Time makes ancient good uncouth ; They must upward still and onward Who would keep abreast of truth . "

If asked to specify some of the conditions on which the future prosperity of the Masonic Institution largely depends , we should name the following :

1 . More insistance upon the intellectual features of the system . There need be no innovations upon the ancient landmarks , or changes in the accepted ritual in an endeavour to make the intellectual side of Freemasonry more

prominent . Philosophy and science , art and literature , are recommended to the attention of every brother at a very early stage in the ceremony of his induction into the Order . His attention is called to natural science , to the profound

themes of philosophical inquiry , to the importance of logic and intelligent reasoning in passing upon great subjects put before the mind , and to architecture , painting , music , with other branches of learning and accomp lishment that