Masonry V. Agnosticism*

the Fraternity ; and to . inculcate that devoid of which all our doings are nothing worth . It comes of God's sanctifying spirit besought to redeem us ; and " to pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of Charity , the very bond of peace and all virtues , without which whosoever liveth is counted dead before Thee ! " Grant it for the sake of Thy Holy One . Such is the pure

ennobling sentiment of prayerful piety . In so far as this connects with the Throne of Grace , Masonry surely is not irreligious . In that Masonry inculcates devotion and confidence in Divine things , it is admittedly akin to and the worthy hand-maid of religion . And as Masonry moves and bids us trust in God , the Father Almighty , and to ask Him in merciful condescension to assist ns at all times and places proper , we acknowledge Him , and should so serve and strive ever to realize the Divine

blessing . And Him , therefore , must we seek in every relation of life , and in all things excellent , to put them into reasonable practice for our sovereign good . Thus , " in Thy Light shall we see light ; " 0 thou Lord of life and enlightener of all , humbly approaching Thee , to grow in Thy strength and favour into the millennium of the Sun of Righteousness at the perfect meridian of the coming day ! " The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom , "

most truly , if men would but determinedly accept and act upon this . To them that love Him is the promise , He shall guide and kee ] i thee for ever ; thy feet from falling , and thy soul from death . Blest be His Name ! and may increasing faith merit the reward of all those who put their trust , in Him . And so , as forcibly follows , it is shown how the child of faith abjures the demon Doubt , and summons help and comfort from on hi gh to sustain him

through life ' s journey—Maker ! Preserver ! My Redeemer ! God ! Whom have I in the heavens , but Thee alone ? On earth but Thee , whom should I praise , whom love ? For Thou has brought me hitherto , upheld By Thy omnipotence ; and from Thy grace , Unbought , unmerited , though not unsought- - The wells of my Salvation bast refresh'd My spirit , watering it at morn and eye .

The Maiden's Bower: A Serenade.

THE MAIDEN'S BOWER : A SERENADE .

BY BRO . EMRA HOLMES . THE dews of night are falling light Upon the maiden ' s bower : The evening star now shines afar High over hill and tower .

My lady sleeps , no vi gil keeps , And calm is her repose , Whilst I ' m awake for her sweet sake , And scarce mine eyelids close . Sleep soft , my love . 0 God above , Now shield her from all harm ;

Let heavenly gleams shine through her dreams , And keep her from alarm ; I'll tune my lays to chant her praise , And serenade my queen , The fairest flower in maiden bower , The sweetest , too , I ween .