'The Tassels Of The Lodge."

teaches us that as we are all upon an equality as Masons , no injustice should ever be allowed to step into the disadvantage of a brother . When , as sometimes happens , for we are all men as well as Masons , neglect of any of the foregoing or other

virtues , brings disgrace upon any of our Order , then stern justice is required , and must be meted out ; but , always when sitting in judgment upon the failings of a brother , we should have due regard to another of the virtues , which is of great

importance to the true Freemason , and take care that our Justice is in every instance tempered with Mercy . Each of these four Cardinal Virtues have representatives , amongst the numerals , metals , colours , & c , as will be shown by the following diagram , from one of Dr . Oliver's works : —

CARDINAL VIRTUES . TEMPERANCE . FOKTITTJDE . PHUBUSCE . JUSTICE . Numerals . 2 3 4

1 Metals . Quicksilver . Copper . Lead Tin . Colours . ifurple . Ureen . Black . Blue . I Gems . Amethyst . Emerald . Diamond . Sapphire . j Planets . Mercury . Venus . Saturn . Jupiter . j

Gothic deities . Woden . Friga . Seafrnr . Tlior . j Days of the week . Wednesday . Friday . Saturday , Thursday . j Elements , & c . Thunderbolt . Life . Earth . Air . j Jewish Sephiroth . Mercury . Beauty . Strength , Victory . Indian Worlds . World of existence Heaven . First World . Middle World . I

The Worshipful Lecturer then explained the Masonic forms , which are referred to in the teaching of these tassels , which for obvious reasons we are unable to publish , aud proceeded as follows : — In considering these tassels collectively , the

truly genuine and expert Mason will learn several lessons of great importance , both to himself and to those witk whom he is associated in his ordinary avocations of life , as well as in his more exclusive relations with the Masonic fraternity ; and while we as Masons cultivate the teachings

'The Tassels Of The Lodge."

of these virtues in the Lodge , let us also practice them in our daily walk of life , and so exemplify them in our conduct , that we may as readily be distinguished by them amongst the outer world , as we are in a manner familiar to you all , known to

each other as members of our ancient and honourable Craft ; so that one may be able to say " There is a man eminent for his Temperance in all matters of life , —his Fortitude under danger , trial , and affiction , —his Prudence in his dealings with his

fellow-men , and his even-handed Justice towards all with whom he is associated . Surely that man is a Freemason I " We are taught in the lecture on the tracingboard of the first degree , to which I have already referred " That these virtues were the constant practice of our ancient brethren and should be of

those of the present clay " let us therefore when in the Lodge never forget to moralize upon these Tassels , and after each visit to our temple , let us bear away with us as brethren of Fortitude , a renewed desire and earnest determination to carry

out their teaching in its amplest sense ; and , as these four tassels are symbolical ornaments of our Lodge-room , so let the virtues which they represent , be the ornaments of our character , and so shall we follow the recommendation given to tho Entered Apprentice , immediately after his iuitia-