Aphorismata Masonica.

APHOBISMATA MASONICA .

f Masonry does not demand impossibilities . Squares a , nd circles both belongto Masonry , but Masons are not expected to square circles . Masonry has utility for its end as well as morality , and vain attempts are as remote from its proper scope as wicked ones . A few Hints on Behaviotje in Lodge . —Think that you are among those who have bound themselves to act as gentlemen , and that the -nearer your conduct approaches the same standard , the better . If wealthier and more

distinguished persons he present , recollect that your Masonic equality with them can only be shown by your own strict propriety of conduct , if you are among those otherwise your inferiors , bear in mind that courtesy and easy condescension , not stiff and pompous patronage , are your best means of displaying your equality . Let ceremony neither be exaggerated nor forgotten ; for in the one case yon forget what is due to yourself , in the other you forget your duty to others , and those obligations of propriety , which "belong to Masonry pre-eminently , as they do to all civilization .

On Songs at Lodge Banquets . —Never let your own taste for humour lead you to sing what may be construed into an impropriety . The resources of music are boundless , and if you are a good singer and possess a creditable taste , you are an agreeable benefactor ; but if you indulge in what ^ lf not improper , is at least , Questionable , you are running a risk of giving personal offence to other Brethren , and forgetting a most serious obligation of your own oath .

On Lodge "Decorations . —Where these are imperfect and in bad taste , do not sneer at or ridicule them , but think of two things : —1 st . Whether the funds that might have purchased better are not perhaps devoted to more serious and important purposes . 2 nd . Whether you are able and willing to contribute to their improvement , if necessary . On Dress while in Lodge , —By the custom of wearing full dress you recognize others as gentlemen , and prove your own desire to conform to their customs . Attention to small matters is often the readiest medium for showing our respect

towards great ones . On Punctuality . —As good workmen , and as successors of a great and mighty workman , some Masons do a wrong act in coming into Lodge at late and irregular times . Some , from the nature of their other avocations , cannot help so doing ; but a little self-denial should be exercised , especially by the older Masons , whose bounden duty it is to set before the younger that example of practical and regular industry by which alone mighty temples rose out of unhewn rocks , cities stood on once unpeopled plains , and to which T . Gr . A . O . T . TJ . points in every example of His all-active creation . Let the working bee and the early lark be our best

examples of this virtue . On Study of Masonry . —Believe that you have much to learn , and that your present ignorance is the first passport to the outer gate through which you enter into more glorious and deep mysteries . Feel yourself as a child wanting instruction , and wisdom will perfect its work , patiently and kindly . Enter in simple and

unpretending faith , and that faith will speedily produce its fruits of knowledge and morality . Do not think to jump at conclusions by guessing what is to follow . Such conduct is like that of the schoolboy who tries to crib the answer to his sum from a key he has surreptitiously obtained , and copies down the wrong one . True knowledge comes only by honest means , and patient labour is the handmaiden of honesty .

On Secrecy . —Secrecy is a virtue oftentimes even in your own private affairs , or in those of a friend ; how much more so , then , where the mutual compact of a number of men has received your assent ? To hint at any thing concerning those whose secrets you have pledged yourself to keep undisclosed , is to prove yourself an idle babbler , unworthy of confidence and incapable of truth .