Thoughts "For The Good Of Freemasonry."

peculiar glory , is to be found in the mutual ancl harmonious blending and development of those qualities . Without seeking to obliterate , or to lessen in the least degree the importance of social distinctions , it reminds us in a manner not to be mistaken of our natural equality and mutual dependence , and that those distinctions are purely adventitious ancl circumstantial , while with true philosophic beauty ancl impressiveness it enforces the lessons of active beneficence ancl charity , by reminding us that our individual happiness is best promoted by affording relief and consolation to our fellow creatures in the hour of their affliction .

Discountenancing a spirit of mendicity and imposture , refusing to admit to a participation of its privileges any applicant influenced by sinister or other unworthy motives , it yet teaches us to be mutually helpful , that " it is more blessed to give than to receive , " and seeks to stimulate benevolent impulse by fraternal recognition ancl sympathy . As a philanthropic sodality , it embraces men of all religions , of all races ancl climes , but withal it is strictly eclectic , receiving into fellowship only such as

believe in the Great Architect of the Universe , ancl are of good report ; wisely tolerant on all questions of speculative opinion , but rejecting the atheist ancl the immoral man . The religious element in our formularies effectually precludes the one , ancl the whole tenor of Masonic teaching is condemnatory of the other . Again , while fully alive to the material and social advantages of wealth , of learning , ancl of high social status as means of usefulness , adding to the prestige and influence of our Order iu the " outer world , " still those qualities are justly held to be subordinate to those higher considerations of moral worth . Character is supreme . " The internal and not the external qualifications of a man is what Masonry regards . "

And observe the reputation of the Craft . That which commands the truest homage of thoughtful men , and on which the ultimate progress of our principles must mainly depend , should be jealously guarded by every brother , not forgetting that the reputation of the Fraternity results from the aggregate character of its members . He , therefore , cannot be considered a worthy Mason , whatever his pretensions or claims in other respectswhose life is a continual violation of its ethical princilesThis I take to be

, p . so obviously true that to further argue the question would be superfluous , ' ancl yet I am not quite sure that sufficient prominence is given to it . Nay , I rather inchne to the opinion that the moral tone ancl dignity of the Order might be improved by increased attention to this fact . Such is the frailty of our nature that we need to be reminded of our duties and motives , to their performance again ancl again enforced .

_ Without in the slightest degree detracting from the pleasantness of our Lodge festivities , it is incumbent on all Worshipful Masters to allow nothing that may be incongruous with what is taught in open Lodge ; but'to charge the Brethren to practise out of the Lodge those excellent precepts that are taught , in it . The lasting glory of Freemasonry is not simply in it ' s remote antiquity , nor in the fact that its branches are spread , over the four quarters of the globe , for although it boasts a glorious history , ancl its

universality is confessedly a distinguishing feature thereof , let us remember it is its goodness , its virtues that must win for it the respect of mankind , stand the test of time , and the unsparing criticisms with which it is sure to be assailed . Notwithstanding the unparalleled progress of the last thirty-five years , ancl its present prospects , practical consistency and consonance with truth alone can Save it from decadence and ultimately becoming a thing of the past .