Freemasonry Too Conservative.

FREEMASONRY TOO CONSERVATIVE .

There is such a thing as being too conservative . It is a fault to which the Masonic Fraternity is pre-disposed . Notwithstanding we are taught that Masonry is a " progressive" moral science , the lesson is too apt to be unheeded , and Avhen

once Avithin the inner Temple , there is a disposition to envelop ourselves in the ancient shadows of the edifice , content with the awe ib inspires , rather than impelled to search for more light and knowledge . Like a man placed in a large library ,

the dusty and mildewed ancient volumes of which contain all knowledge , all mysteries , and all sciences , yet each ' ] volume sealed and inspection barred . He may lie doAvn in the dust accumulations of centuries and feast his eyes upon the iron bindings , but conservatism has sealed up the contents from the world and from usefulness .

Such is the idea which many have conceived of Masonry : such is the conservatism that afflicts a large class of the Fraternity . They have suffered themselves to become encased in shells like the tortoise , and it is one of the provinces of the

Masonic press to break these shells , and let in light and progressive ideas . A young Mason , not long since , observed to us , that" there was one fault with Masonry which served to impress the new member unfavourably ,

and that was , it Avas inclined to be somewhat cold and old fogyish . " We explained to him , that it was not Masonry , but the Avrong conception of Masonry Avhich many had , that seemed to him cold and old fogyish . It is the shell of conservatism that needs breakins ; -. " What , then , is

Masonry ? " he asked . Our answer Avas , first , a divestment of all the vices and superfluities , and a conformity to the teachings of the purest morality , the exalted virtues of which are brotherly love , relief and truth , guided by the cardinal

virtuestemperance , fortitude , prudence , and justice . Secondly , it is progression to a knowledge of the liberal arts and sciences . We are taught to study the celestial and terrestrial spheres ; our duties to God and our duties to man ; the philosophy of life ,

exemplified in the three stages , youth , manhood , and age ; the philosophical use of the five human senses ; the seven liberal arts and sciences , which embrace all knowledge which contributes edification , pleasure , and usefulness to man . Thirdly , Masonry unfolds to us the history of the past ; points out the future ; binds its devotees

Freemasonry Too Conservative.

in bonds of fraternal affection ; opens up the traditions of mythological lore , teaching impressive lessons never to be forgotten ; explains the mysterious , and finally ushers man into the full splendour of light and knowledge . Can such

a science be " old fogyish ? " Why , Masonry ought to be the most progressive of all sciencesonly ignorance will bind it to the conservative car of old fogyism . The lodge room , like the family circle , should be

made pleasant , social , instructive , and free from cold restraint . It is no place for long or sour faces . It should be governed by decorum , but not Avith stiff formality . There is everything in Masonry to make its devotees pleasant , happy , and

social , as intelligence always adds to the true happiness of man . The lodge room should combine all the attractions of social communion , intellectual enjoyment and wholesome instruction ¦ —and Avhen all Masons shall become

reading-Masons , such will be the case , and we shall hear no more of old fogyism from chilled neophytes . Intelligent Masons -will also learn to encourage all attempts at the propagation of good deeds , for all good deeds are Masonic deeds , and that is

Masonry Avhich tends to make men and women better , to add to the happiness of mankind , or relieve the world of a single misery . . That is Masonry Avhich helps to establish and build up an enlightened public sentiment , that helps correct a

public evil , that fosters virtue and reproves vice , that encourages knowledge , refinement , civilization , and human progression , and , lever-like , acts but in lifting up the mass of mind about us . This , and much more is Masonry . It must be studied

to be either known or appreciated . Break the conservative seals that bar inquiry , and open the dusty volumes aud read and learn , and then teach your fellow man . —MASONIC MIRROR , SAN FRANCISCO .

Masonic Faith.

MASONIC FAITH .

Faith plighted is ever to be kept , was a maxim and an axiom even among Pagans . The virtuous Roman said , either let not that Avhich seems expedient be base , or if it be base , let it not seem expedient . What is there Avhich that so-called

expediency can bring so valuable as that which it takes away , if it deprive you of the name of a good man , and rob you of your integrity and