Masonry In America.

MASONRY IN AMERICA .

SEMI-CENTENNIAL OF OLIVE BRANCH LODGE , LEROY , N . Y . ( Continued from page 388 . ) " Another element of conservatism , which has contributed alike to the vitality and vigour of this great Brotherhood , is the morality of its teachings . By morality I mean , not that rule of conduct which is only thc conventional verdict of an ever changing public opinion by the

force of circumstances which come of education , interest , or selfishness—a public sentiment that condemns to-day what it tolerates to-morrow , which so easily converts wrong into right and right into wrong—but that morality which is reflected from the immaculate standard of Divine justice and wisdom , and which constitutes an immutable rule of human action .

ihe moral teachings ol Masonry are from this pure source ; and are not subject to the mutations of that standard of popular morality , whose tendency at this time is alarmingly downward . " In addition to what is termed morality , there are other teachings which may be more properly denominated religious truths , drawn directly from Revelation , as the

immortality of the soul and the resurrection of the body . These together , form a body of moral instruction which conserves the character of the Institution , preserves its power , ministers to its vitality , elevates it to a condition above the ordinary reach of that surging tide of vicissitudes which has swept away so many institutions from their foundations . What this Fraternity does for itself bv

its moral teachings , it does for its individual members . Its moral conservatism is felt by multitudes of young men who enter its pale , and so far master its principles , as to understand and appreciate them . " Never did the young men of the land need the elevating and restraining influence of such guidance more than at the present time . The public have become fearfully

familiar with wrong doing , and alarmingly tolerant of crime , when it relates to the successful accumulation of money , especially if the fraud be on a scale sufficiently large to render him who commits it notorious . The examples of men in high places and low places , impregnate the atmosphere with a pernicious quality , intoxicating the brain , corrupting the heart , and ruining the life of that

class who should be tbe flower of thc land and the hope of the country . "Now , the legitimate influence of this Ancient Order over young men , tends directly to the formation of such tastes and habits , to such culture and conduct , as serve to raise them above these baneful influences , or fortifies them against their prevailing tendencies , and thus helps them

to rise superior to the gravitating power of the popular standard of morals , and ' so enables them to attain an honorable and useful position in life . " It is very true and I am sorry to say it , that this private Masonic training is not always effectual . Many a young man and many an old man : s found in this Fraternity , who is , apparently no belter for his connection with

it ; over whose conduct its principles do not accm to have any controlling influence . These are the exceptions , and in contrast with others , show how much the moral teachings of the Order do in conserving the morals of its members and through them , contributing to the public good . "The conservatism of Freemasonry is seen ami fell in its social influences . This is pre-eminently a social

Institution—it is a united brotherhood . The very term is one of mutual endearment , expressive of equality , of union and harmony , of affection and of a community of interest where the welfare of one is identical to that of the other —so that if one suffer all the members sufler with it . This is in some degree true of other Societies which claim to be fraternities , but it is true of this , in a measure which can

not be approached b y any other human association . If a person is regarded as worth y of being admitted within its mystic cycle , he crossed its threshold as all others have done before him . His outside relations are not recognised . There is a common level upon which he must stand . Whatever his pretension or position in the world , they avail him nothing . The high and the low , the rich anil

the poor , the learned and ihe unlearned , are taught to look upon each other as thc children of a common parent , and to dwell together as members of the same great family . If in this there is any coming down in social position , then it humbles the high . If , on the contrary , there is in this any elevation of position , then it exalts the humble , and fraternal equality is the happy result .

In this country , where the line of social distinctions is drawn not so much by morals as by money , where the revolving wheel of politics is perpetually creating distinctions in society , elevating one and casting down another ; here , where the great growth of cities , the accumulation of immense wealth in the hands of the few , are ever widening thc chasm between different classes of society ; where the

rich are becoming richer , and the poor , as a ' natural consequence , are becoming poorer , and a species of greenback caste is thus springing up in a land , whose abounding resources more and more induce a tendency to irregularity ; this Fraternity finds ample scope for thc exercise of its social conservatism , in keeping up , as far as may be that standard of equality , which has good character for

its basis , and which ignores thc unmeaning , unjust , and brainless distinctions that so much obtain among men — thus practically inculcating the lesson whichall nien ought to learn—lhat the only real social distinction shouhNie that which arises from the conduct of men , and that the only aristocracy which arises from the conduct of men , which the world should ever recognise , is ihe superiority of mind and excellence of morals .

But of all the changes that come over a community , and which carries with it the smart of wounded pride , the mortification of disappointed hope , and the suffering of absolute want , is that which is so common in this coun-

Masonry In America.

try , filled with the restless activities of enterprise and speculation—the change from worse to worse . This change , in its suddenness and severity , when it comes by the concurrence of circumstances over which no human agency seems to have any control , opens the way for that office of charity which is " the main mission of Masonry to dispense . While the poor are ever to be found in our

life ' s pathway , and from whatever cause their poverty may come , the great law of love remains evermore the chief statute of this Order . Charity , as it ever has been , so it ever must be its most prominent practical feature . " In a world like this , such a virtue can never be idle or out of place . The weaknesses and the wickednesses of men combine to create a condition of things which

demands thc exercise of this virtue . The poor man who has seen better days , whose fortune has fled from him on wings which he could not clip—the desponding man whose hopesof worldly wealth have been crushed by the failure of his best endeavours-the man of disease , whose earthly dependence was the daily labour of his own hands—the stranger , who fines himself in a strange land without

friends and destitute of money—the widow , who lost her means or support when she lost her husband—that group of little orphan children , who in utter destitution send up their cry for food and for friends—those constitute the object of that charity which docs so much to relieve the wants of the suffering , to bind up thc broken-hearted , to check that spirit of murmuring , and to replace it with the

good cheer of animating hope ; to give courage to the weak ; to find friends for the fatherless , and to relieve the daily wants which cluster around the poor man's door , and thus , in its benign ministry of love , smooth the rough ways of life . It docs the noble work of equalizing the social condition of society by this means of charitable alleviation , thus demonstrating practically what I mean by

the power of the social conservatism of Freemasonry . "Thus it is that this venerable Institution , which numbers its age by centuries , and which to-day appears in * nll the freshness of young life , acts upon the two extremes of society , checking thc towering pride of prosperity , and raising and cheering the stricken spirit of despondency . There is always in an age of great success a

constant tendency to exceeding selfishness . Rapid accumulation of riches begets a morbid spirit of covetousness . When success nourishes forgctfulncssand misfortune leads to recklessness and much silent suffering is the product of both , this society acts thc part of the good Samaritan , and dispenses charities noiselessly to the timely relief of the suffering , unobserved by the public eye , and unattended by the mortifications of wounded pride , feels . wilh a

keen sensitiveness , the least exposure of a depressed and dependent condition . "Thus does this Society seek to equalize the two extremes of society , by placing the worthy on an elevated level , thereby conserving the social elements of society , and proving itself a blessing to ihosc who give , and to those who receive . The conservatism of Free Masonry is more over seen and felt in its influences upon the political relations of the

country . "J'he " Institution is , and from its xt-ry nature must be , free from the atmosphere of political partizanship , composed , as it is , of men of all politics ; existing , as it does , in thc midst of various and conflicting parties , it could not survive a single political campaign , were it to ally itself to any of the questions which from lime to time divide and

distract the community . Though purposely and fundainentlysep . ir . ilcd from all matters of politics , yet the genius of Masonry has always been wedded to the genius of Liberty . This great Brotherhood has flourished most among the frjest people . Its bitterest and basest enemies have been tyrants who have most opposed the principles of freedom , and have most opposed those who have sought

to regain and enjoy that heritage which God has made the common birthright of man . " The despotism of Europe trice ! for centuries to crush out its life by persistent persecutions . The dungeon , the rack , and the stake have been employed , and have contributed their consummate cruellies to the Work of extorting its secrets , disbanding its Lodges , and expatriating its

nieinbeis . But such endeavours has only betrayed the weakness and the wickedness of an intolerant ignorance , and a cowardly lyr . iny , which has demonstrated tbe strength and stability of an institution , whose principles were far in advance of the spirit ofthe age , and were akin to that progress that was destined to elevate the race in the scale of a true nobilitv .

" When ' the Star of Empire , westward took its course , then did Freemasonry seek an asylum in the New World . As soon as ihe spirit of liberty inspired the infant Colonies with the lofty sentiment of Independence , Masonry was found in the Congress which framed the declaration of the popular will , and in the army that carried lhat declaration into successful execution . This

Institution in the first days of the young Republic was established everywhere . So entirely congenial were its principles wilh lhat of the cause which then engrossed the hearts and minds of the people , and challenged the utmost of their patriotism , that the largest and most prosperous Lodges were connected with the army . Among those

who sat m those Lodges , as a member , was that illustrious man towards whom the eyes of the people were then turned , and on whom llie hearts of all the friends ol freedom , have ever since been placed , ' the Father of his Country . ' f To be continued . )

Having been cured of rheumatism by the use of your Vegetable Pain Killer , I take pleasure in sending you this testimonial . I have used it also in cases of colds , coughs , neuralgia , bowel complaints , & c , and consider it a most valuable medicine . — J NEASON , farmer , Besley , June 3 , 186 9 . —To Perry Davis & Son , London , W . C . "

Metropolitan Masonic Meetings

METROPOLITAN MASONIC MEETINGS

For the Week ending August 27 , 1 S 70 . MONDAY , AUGUST 22 . Lodge 905 , De Grey and Ripon , Angel Htl ., Gt . Ilford . Sincerity Lodge of Instruction ( 174 ) , Railway Tavern

Fenchurch-street Station , at 7 . Wellington Lodge of Instruction , White Swan Tavern , Deptford , at 8 . Camden Lodge of Instruction ( 704 ) , Adelaide Tavern , Ilaverstock-hill , at 8 ; Bro . T . A . Adams , Preceptor . Eastern Star Lodge of Instruction ( 95 ) , Royal Hotel ,

Mileend-road , at 7 . 30 , Bro . E . Gottheil , Preceptor . British Oak Lodge of Instruction , Bank of Friendship Tavern , Mile End , at 7 for 8 .

TUESDAY , AUGUST 23 . Lodge 186 , Industry , Freemasons' Hall . Metropolitan Chapter of Instruction , Portugal Hotel , Fleet-street , at 7 ; Comp . Brett , Preceptor . DomaticLodgeof Instruction , PalmerstonTav .,

Grosvenorpark , Camberwell , at 7 . 30 . Royal Union Lodge of Instruction ( 3 S 2 ) , Hotel de Cologne , 60 and 61 , Haymarket , at 8 ; Bro . T . AAdams , Preceptor . Faith Lodge of Instruction , Metropolitan Railway , Victoria

Station , at 8 ; Bro . C . A . Cottebrune , Preceptor . Yarborough Lodge of Instruction , Green Dragon , Stepney , at S ; Bro . Isaac Saqui , Preceptor . Prince Fredk . William Lodge of Instruction ( 753 ) Knights of St . John's Tavern , St . John ' s-wood ; Bro . F . G . Baker , Preceptor . Prestonian Club of Instruction ( for M . M . ' s only ) , Lyceum Tavern , Strand .

WEDNESDAY , AUGUST 24 . General Committee of Grand Lodge , and Lodge of Be nevolence , at 7 precisely . Lodge 507 , United Pilgrims , Horns Tavern , Kennington ,, 754 , High Cross , White Hart , Tottenham . Chap . 13 , Union Waterloo , Masonic Hall , Woolwich . K . T . Encampment , Temple Crossing , Horns Tavern

Kennington . Pythagorean Lodge of Instruction ( 79 ) , Prince of Orange , Greenwich , at 8 ; J . Robt . Nash , Preceptor . United Strength Lodge ' of Instruction ( 22 S ) , Bull & Gate , Kentish Town-road , at 8 ; Bro . J . N . Frost , Preceptor . Israel Lodge of Instruction , Rising Sun Tavern , Globeroad , al 7 . 30 ; Bro . Isaac Saqui , Preceptor .

Strong Man Lodge of Instruction , The Grapes Tavern , Dukc-strcet , Manchester-square , at 8 ; Bro . T . A . Adams , P . G . P ., Preceptor . New Concord Lodge of Instruction , Rosemary Branch Tavern , Iloxton , at 8 .

Sydney Lodge of Instruction ( 829 ) , Cambridge Hotel , Upper Norwood , at 7 . 30 . Peckham Lodge of Instruction , Maismore Arms , Parkroad , Peckham ; Bro . David Rose , Preceptor , Temperance in thc East Lodge of Instruction , George the Fourth , Catherine-street , Poplar .

THURSDAY , AUGUST 25 . General Committee Girls' School , Freemasons' Hall , at 4 Chapter 657 , Canonbury , Maxell ' s Hotel , West Strand . Fidelity Lodge of Instruction ( 3 ) , Goat and Compasses , Euslon-road , at 8 ; Bro . T . A . Adams , Preceptor . Finsbury Club of Instruction , Jolly Anglers' Tavern , 42 , Bath-street , City-road .

United Manners Lodge of Instruction , Three Cranes , Mile-end-road , at 8 ; Bro . T . J . Barnes , Preceptor . St . George ' s Lodge of Instruction ( 140 ) , Globe Tavern , Royal Hill , Greenwich , at S . Burdett Coutts Lodge of Instruction ( 127 S ) , Approach Tavern , Approach-road , Victoria-park , at 7 . 30 ; Bro . [ ohn . Saunders , Preceptor .

FRIDAY , AUGUST 26 . Chap . 749 , Belgrave , Anderton ' s Hotel , Fleet-street . St . Luke's Lodge of Instruction ( 144 ) , Pier Htl ., Chelsea . Unions Emulation Lodge of Improvement for M . M . ' s , Freemasons' Hall , at 7 . Domatic Chapter of Instruction , Metropolitan Railway , Victoria Station , at 8 ; Comp . Cottebrune , Preceptor .

Pythagorean Chapter of Instruction ( No . 79 ) , Prince oi Orange , Greenwich-road , al S ; Comp . W . West Smith , Preceptor . Metropolitan Lodge of Instruction , Portugal lit ! ., I- 'lectstreet , at 7 ; llro . Brett , Preceptor . United Pilgrims' Lodge of Instruction , Duke of Edinburgh , Shepherd ' s-lane , Brixton .

Belgrave Lodge of Instruction , Duke of Wellington Htl ,, Spring-gardens , Charing-cross ; Br . Pulsford , Preceptor Doric Lodge of Instruction , Three Cranes Tavern , Mile end-road , at 8 ; Bro . Isaac Saqui , Preceptor , Duke of Edinburgh Lodge of Instruction , Silver Lion ,

Penny-fields , Poplar , at 7 ; Br . D . S . Potts , Preceptor . Temperance Lodge of Instruction , Victoria Tav ., Victoriaroad , Deptford , at S . Charterhouse Club of Instruction , Hat and Feathers Tavern , 25 , Goswell-road , at 8 ; Bro . I . Mather . I ' . M . 65 , Preceptor .

SATURDAY , AUGUST 27 . Chapter 834 , Andrew , Consecration and Installation . Star Lodge of Instruction ( 1275 ) , Marquis of Granby , New Cross-road , at 7 . South-Eastern Masonic Charitable Association , New Cross Branch .

FRUITS . —What are the fruits of Masonry ? It has often been effectual to save life and property ; it has often relieved distress ; it constantly teaches ihe ignorant j it daily wipes rivers of tears from the eyes of distress ; it has often reconciled the most jarring interests ; it has often converted thc bitterest foes into the dearest friends . — Inw 00