Stray Leaves From A Freemason's Note Book.

STRAY LEAVES FROM A FREEMASON'S NOTE BOOK .

FROM THE VOICE OF MASONRY . FREEMASONRY presents itself to ns under two general aspects . One wears a solid , sober , serious air , like tho cold , hard outlines of a Templo built of Parian marble , nnd as though its individual members wero engaged in a very dignified and important work , with grand objects in view and great dnties to perform , and such thoy havo to

do . In the Lodge , and during its labours , the demeanour must be carefully observed . After the labours of the evening aro concluded , the members enjoy themselves socially in snch way as their tastes and temperaments may suggest , bnt still iu a fraternal and pleasant manner . Legitimate Freemasonry does not wear a cowl , ns though it had just escaped from a cell , but walks abroad in the bright

sunlight to inhale the pure , bracing , free air of heaven . It does not wear a long face , even at its labours , and is substantially the same everywhere and at all times ; " good men and true" labourers on the Temple of Faith , Hope and Immortality . Freemasons may have their faults , and do have them , but to bo pleasant and social is not a fault ; they may produce laughter or a smile , but this is no sin .

A good many years ago an old and particular friend and a very prominent and active Freemason , who was much annoyed at the treatment he had received at the hands of some brother , asked me the question : " Is Freemasonry what it professes to be , or is it a mere pretence ? " I replied that I believed it to be genuine , in its professions and characteristics , without any mere

pretences . Recently 1 had occasion to write to the same brother , for wo have been intimate friends since his young manhood , near forty •years ago , about a matter in itself not very pleasant , and quoted his question of former years , as referred to above . In his reply , referring to that question , he said : " I can't answer yon . The Order is largely composed of men ; men are largely made np of human nature , ancl

human natnro is about the same in Mosque , Synagogue , Cathedral , Meeting House or Lodgo . I have sometimes thonght that the world was all wrong , but upon more matnre reflection I havo concluded that , taken all together , good and bad , tho world makes a fah average out of the bad material of which it is composed . Lodges , like tho churches , aro not always what they should be , and

Freemasons too often forget their duty to themselves and their fellow mortals ; but the possibilities of Freemasonry are always the same , and when adhered to , lead to the Temple of Truth , Virtne , Morality , and good-will to man . " That describes the whole matter in the writer's usual sententious and facetious way , and much better than I can do it . I withhold the

name of tho writer , because I have not permission to use it publicly , but this is a correct view of Freemasonry in its grave , solid and dignified characteristics . Would that all its members could see it in the same light , instead of robing it inta kind of mock dignity and putting professions in its mouth which it hardly comprehends , nnd pledges it rarely makes good . As I said , Freemasonry has two sides

to it . Work in the Lodge is serious and exacting . The general duties of the Craft include visiting the sick , burying the dead and providing for the needy . These are the substantial and distinguishing features of the grand . old Temple of Freemasonry , and much more attention should be paid to these dnties . Bnt there is another side to Freemasonry—a side view , presenting

a different aspect—not of Freemasonry , bnt of its membership . It is a Bunny view , taken on a calm , summer eve , when the perfume of the flowers and the fragrance of the foliage fill the air with Nature ' s richest aroma . Referring to the answer to my letter above quoted , that " men aro largely made np of human nature , and that human nature is about the same in Mosque , Synagogue , Cathedral , Meeting

House or Lodge , " I wish to turn away from the demure , care-worn face , and bask a little while in the sunshine of human nature in its sunnier aspects . I suppose , Brother Brown , that most of your readers wero boys once j nearly all men have passed through boyhood , and we all remember the saying that " men are bnt children of a larger growth . "

Well , when boys tire of their books and problems and exacting studies , over which presides the iron features of the stern old Master , when such boys are permitted a little time for recreation on the green , and in the pure and open air , they seem to be different creatures from what they were in the school-room ; they grow more and get more soul in them in a brief half honr than they would in a week pondering over their Greek and Algebra . It is just so in the

experiences and memories of Freemasons , even the oldest of us . Eminently a social institution , after the labours are finished and " school is out , " the members wish for social enjoyment , as soldiers when the hard-fought battle is over , around the camp fire or in bivouac , there are warm hand shakings and joyous greetings and hearty commendations—the quiet and sunshine after the tempest and storm .

Masons are like other men . At a session of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky many years ago , I was talking with a member in relation to a certain brother , when I asked , " What kind of a man is that , any how ? " " Well , " said he , assuming a look of grave thoughtfulness , " there is a great deal of human nature in him . " His reply was full of meaning , and thoroughly answered my question . Some

brethren , even in the full maturity of manhood , cannot forget tbey were once boys , and are glad to be boys again . The desire for amusement , even among Masons of mature years and prominent official position , is sometimes uncontrollable , and cannot be restrained even until the serious work of the Lodge is ended , whilst others are

all dignity and decorum , and no effort can extort a smile from them . Of both classes , or rather of the sunny and puritanical , I will venture to give some illustrations , for I imagine that some of your grave , dignified readers sometimes enjoy the relaxation of a smile . I was visiting a Lodge in Ohio ; the hall was capacious and handsomely furnished ; tho Master was a large , dignified man , and looked

Stray Leaves From A Freemason's Note Book.

as though lie would brook no levity while tbe Lodge was at work . A brother , who was vouched for at the door , came in and , presenting himself before the altar , sainted the Master with profound respect . As he entered tho hall there came at his side , but unnoticed by him , his very large and finely formed Newfoundland dog , who walked beside Ms master to the altar , and stood there with quiet dignity

facing the East . The owner was not yet aware of his presence , and took his seat , but the keen-eyed Master was , and knowing that no such visitor had been announced , inquired , " Who vouches for him ?" Waiting a moment for a reply , and not receiving one , the gavel came down , followed by tho imperious command , " Put him out ! " The owner rose to execute tho command , when the noble animal was ,

like a cowan , ushered into the outer room , wearing a facial expreasion which said very plainly : " Well , I havo visited the Lodge any how . " This almost convulsed tho members , and the dignified Master had quite as much as he could do to preserve order and decorum . Evidently he had a hard struggle to control his emotions , yet he had no smile , but sat there like a marble statue in tho Chair of

Solomon . This is one example of unbending dignity and stern diacipline in a Lodge . And now , while I am on the subject of dogs , allow me to give yon another instance of a dog in the Lodge , by way of contrast to the preceding one . Grand Master Bierce , of Ohio , had his peculiarities , and who has not ? It is this , with other features , that individualises

men . Bierce ' s peculiarities were pleasant rather than harmful , often evoking a smile , but never a tear . He had a kindly feeling for all animals , bat especially for dogs , and the homelier and more unattractive they were the more welcome to his friendship and caresses . It made no difference what their ap .

pearanco or breed of blood , from the little , hairy-faced Scotch terrier , to the intelligent and kingly Newfoundland , all were sure of a wel . come from the General . Brother Bierce was Master of his Lodge for more than twenty years . He had a small dog named Peter , who always accompanied his master to the Lodge and to church . On one occasion he followed his owner to a different church from that which

the General usually attended , when the sexton unceremoniously drove him out of doors . Peter ' s dignity was greatly offended , and he never conld bo induced to enter that church again ! But Peter was always secure of a kind reception at the Lodge . His master always required him to be at his side on the dais , where , sitting on his haunches , he assumed great importance . In the matter

of opening and closing the Lodge he was greatly interested , and usually followed the Deacons around during the discharge of their duties , as if he desired to see if they were correct in their work . This interested the members greatly , and especially the Master , who was much gratified at the progress his pet had made in hia instructions .

Peter made such progress in his knowledge that he soon learned to distinguish the night in the week on which the Lodge met , and when the honr came for meeting , if he could not readily find the General , he would go directly to the Hall , enter , and take his accustomed position on the dais and there await his master's coming . On one occasion the General had been attending court in the adjoining

county—he was an attorney in good practice—and expected to reach home in time to meet his Lodge , but was detained until next day . Peter , however , remembered the night and went to the Lodge , where he took his accustomed seat . The members waited for some time , when one asked , " I wonder if the General has got home ? " Another remarked , "I think he has , for here is Peter waiting for him . "

But the General did not come , and Peter was compelled to go home alone . The General was greatly delighted when he heard of Peter ' s recollection and faithfulness , declaring that Peter ' s memory was much better than that of some members of his Lodge , who were more deeply interested . Such are some of the by-plays of Masonic experience , and the

pleasant addendas to the labours of Craftsmen . In good time Peter died aud went to the place " where good dogs go , " bub his memory was cherished by his master , and his rare sense and faithfulness long appreciated . In after years , in a ripe old age , the General finished his work , and his name will long be remembered by his co-labourers " about the Temple" in Ohio . These pleasant recollections of Masonic labours and life and intercourse are scenes on which we may

dwell in after years . Now and then the evening glow from the altars lights np the social intercourse of Masonic life , and gives a zest to the pleasant fellowship of the Craft when not restrained by stern discipline or active labour ; while the joke and the repartee , the pleasant chat and glowing sunshine shut oat anxious cares and make us forget our sorrows in the kindness and warmth of fraternal love . A cheer for the Craft—ready for labour when labour ia needed , and glad of the hours devoted to rest and recreation .

" Hail to the Craft , the grand old Craft , Which has weathered the storm so long , Which has won renown , from Crozier and Crown , And a lay from the child of song !" Now let me turn over a new leaf , and copy a pleasant little story from memory ' s page . A good many years ago I happened to be in

St . Louis while the Grand Lodge was holding its annual meeting , aud concluded to attend the evening session . Having no voucher that I knew of , I sent in my name . Thero were those inside who knew me , and immediately came to welcome and vouch for me . Among others was one whom I felt sure I had never seen before . He waa quite a young man , over six feet high , muscular , and straight as a sunbeam . Grasping my hand ho greeted me with a rough welcome , and said

he also could vouch for me . Did you ever meet me in a Lodge ? said I . "No , sir . " " Did yon ever seo mo before ? " "No , sir . " " How , then , can you vouch for me ? " Why , sir , " he replied , " I read yonr magazine when I was a little boy in my father ' s house , in old Kentucky ; I'll vouch for you , sir ! " I thonght it a new way of obtaining a voucher , bnt went in . I received a very fraternal welcome , and the Grand Master assigned me to a seat on the dais . I remember no names that were present ,