Under Bonds.

for himself alone , that when he has attended his lodge and Avitnessed the ceremonies of initiation , when he has posted himself up in the text of the ritual , Avhen he has proposed a friend or blackballed an enemy , he has fully discharged his Masonic

duties , deceives himself ancl forgets that he is under bonds , A oluntarily assumed , but which can never be shaken off , to a constant exemplification of the tenets laid before him at his first entrance

within the lodge , and constantly reiterated whenever he visits the temple ; nay , stored in his memory , imprinted on his conscience , and ever demanding a place in his daily life . Masonry is obligation in this , that Masons are bound by their

tenure strictly to obey the moral law , not on stated occasions at long intervals , not as a garment worn only on high days and holy days , not as a mask to hold betAveen themselves and the

world , but as an active governing principle , working silently and Avithout ostentation , but crystallising Avorcls and thoughts into deeds , and making itself manifest to all who observe its professors . Masonry is obligation in this , that

whoever , by the favour of his brethren , becomes Master of a lodge , places himself under bonds to exemplify the standard ritual , to maintain order and give prompt and equitable decisions on points of laAV , think you ? Aye , this and more too . He is under bonds to know the doctrines and tenets of

Masonry , to look beyond the ceremonies and seek to understand the mysteries they veil , to make the knoAvIedge thus acquired apparent in his own deportment , that by his example the brethren may profit and be led to seek themselves for the

truths that bear such precious fruit . lie is under bonds in his dealings with the brethren , to lead them in Avays they haA e not known , to make crooked things straight before them and darkness light ; to teach them to be peaceful citizens , to

pay a proper respect to the civil magistrates , to work diligently , live creditably , ' and act honourably by all men ; to avoid private piques and Quarrels , aud to guard against intemperance and excess ; to be cautious in their behaviour ,

courteous to each other , and faithful to the Craft ; to promote the general good of society , to cultivate j the social virtues , and to exemplify the teachings of the mystic art . and that his teachings may not be in vain , that his precepts may not fall on dull

or heedless ears , that the seed he scatters may not fall in the clefts of rocks , nor be lost by the Avayside . he must practise as Avell as preach j sec that j I

his OAYII lamp is trimmed and brightly burning as Avell as those of the brethren under his charge . Masonry is obligation in this , that the brethren Avho accept the subordinate offices of a lodge are under bonds to a faithful discharge of their several

trusts ; to be promptly at the post of duty , to make apparent their love for the institution by industrious research into its history , its philosophy , and its ethics ; to so conduct themselves both in ancl out of the lodge , that in them the bigot , the

prejudiced , the ignorant enemy shall find nothing to carp at ; that their example shall force itself upon the brethren as one to be imitated . Masonry is obligation in this ,- that every one Avho becomes a Mason is under bonds and covenant

to comply with the useful rules and regulations of the Craft , to study its sublime tenets and Aveave them into his daily walk and conversation , to take them with him into the domestic circle , into his communications with his fellow men , into all the

affairs of life . He is under bonds to Ins lodge ancl to the Craft in general , to make return for the privileges conferred on him by Masonry , in striving to learn and obey the behests of the institution , in proving to the world that its

principles are lodged in his heart , have become a part of his life , influencing his acts and relations as men ' s acts ancl relations should be influenced by an active , virtuous principle . He is under bonds to consider the duties AY Inch belong to Masonry

as ever active and never dormant ; that they are not confined to the lodge meetings and public ceremonials of the Craft , but are to be Avith us , and of us , AA'herever Ave go , and Avhatever we do He is under bonds to know that his duties to the

lodge are not fulfilled by occasionally attending a communication and being alwaj-s ready Avith an excuse Avhen appointed on a committee or other - Avise called upon to bear his part of the burden ; to knoAv that it is neither fair nor sufficient to elect

officers find then leave them to fight their Avay along as best they may ; to know that while it is the business of the officers to direct , it is the duty of tho brethren to labour ; that if the brethren expect their officers to bo promptly in their places , | the officrs have a right to entertain the

sameex-\ ! peetation in regard to the brethren , [ and that all

| should unite iu spreading the cement of brotherly love . Masonry is obligation in this , that our lodges are under bonds not only to maintain , but , if possible , to elevate the standing of Masonry in the community by greater care in the selection of