Reasons For Masonic Secrecy.

is new , or difficult in the acquisition , however trifling or insignificant , readily captivates the imagination , and insures a temporary admiration ; while what is familiar or easily attained , however noble or eminent , is sure to be disregarded by the giddy and unthinking . Did the essence of Freemasonry consist in the knowledge of particular secrets or peculiar forms , it might be alleged that our amusements were trifling and superficial . But this is not

the case . These arc the only keys to our treasure , and having their use , are preserved ; while from the recollection of the lessons which they inculcate , the well-informed Master derives instruction , draws them to a near inspection , views them through a proper medium , adverts to the circums . auccs which gave them rise , and dwells upon the tenets which they convey . Finding them replete with useful information , he prizes them as sacred ; and convinced of their propriety , estimates their value from their utility .

Lodges Of Instruction

LODGES OF INSTRUCTION

In London , for the purpose of diffusing Masonic knowledge among the brethren , " Lodges of Instruction" are held at stated periods , in which "the lectures and work are taught , and all the ceremonies and duties which can , by possibility , devolve on the Master of a lodge , arc gone through with by each member , as he shall become competent . " The instructions include the ceremonies in conferring degrees , the ceremonies of installations , dedications , consecrations , etc . The result is , that a large

number of the members of the lodges are qualified to discharge the duties of the chair so that no difficulty arises from the absence of the regular presiding officer . Such lodges might be advantageously established among us . The value of " Lodges of Instruction , " in imparting and diffusing a correct knowledge of the lectures , and the mode of work in the several degrees , must be obvious to every Mason . Nor should instruction be confined to the lectures and the various

ceremonies . The principles of the Order should be expounded , that every Mason may distinctly understand tho duties that devolve upon him , not only as a member of the Order , but as a citizen . Snob expositions of the principles of the Order are top much neglected , and hence it is , that a large number of those who have been initiated into its mysteries , are , in fact , ignorant of their peculiar duties . Too after their curiosithas

many , y been gratified , by passing through the ceremonies of the Order , and acquiring knowledge enough to make themselves known , rest satisfied , and do not trouble themselves to inquire farther Into its hidden mysteries , its symbolical allusions , and its capabilities of making men wiser and better . The technical lectures , although they contain much useful information , are but the stepping-stones to higher attainments , which display " the

wisdom , strength , and beauty of the institution . " The Mason who desires to be proficient in his art , will endeavour to acquire all the knowledge which belongs to it , and trace out the source of those abiding principles which , for uu-numbered ages , have refreshed the world , and sustained the institution itself under severe trials and unmerited persecutions . We would , therefore , suggest to each lodge , the establishment of a " Lodge of Instruction , " to be held at stated periods . If the experiment be tried , we feel confident it will result in good . —Masonic Record .

Rhetoric Of Masonry.

RHETORIC OF MASONRY .

There is a rhetoric in the Masonry of a beautiful temple , no less instructive to the eye than that of language is to the ear . He , however , who best understands the latter will best appreciate the former ; hence , how necessary to him who aspiros to an honourable station within that temple is the pursuit of an art which , while it instructs it adorns , and strengthens while it enriches . Many a lesson of great practical wisdom may daily be received from the contemplation of the rising structure of a stateledifice

y , and to no man is such likely to prove of more avail than to the master Mason himself . He there may learn how the proper disposition of well prepared materials , united by the implements and laws of art , lumish grace , strength , and beaut y to the eye , and wisdom to the understanding . Order of arrangement , care in preparation , correct adjustment , and regular construction , speak a language tho pen can but feebly describe . _ A lesson is imparted at the same time to the contemplative mmd . that will produce its fruit in due season . The idoa

Rhetoric Of Masonry.

intended to be conveyed by tho juxtaposition of certain parts conformable thereto , each in his own appropriate place , reminds us of the well selected , well turned , and weighty words of a strong and graceful sentence . Independently , in the former ease , of the mere use intended , and in the latter , of the mere sense conveyed , there is an effect produced both upon the heart and upon the mind which is sacred to the shrine of the secret source of knowledge . So in rhetoric , ( or the art of speaking or

saying what we have to say clearly , elegantly , and effectively , ) there is much labour required , both in the construction and proposition of the verbal materials of that temple , which is displayed in the architecture of an eloquent address . It may be profitable to contemplate how the justly proportioned pillars rise from their solid bases to the crowning capitals , as the idea developed reaches consummation by the graceful assent of word upon word ; bow lightness and grace are achieved by joining

arch to arch , even as the apt allusion , passing on from point to point , ornaments , while it upholds tho general idea . AVe may now , perhaps , from these random remark , the better comprehend the reason why the poets of ancient Greece and Rome have so frequently used the phrase " to build the song , " or poem . The term always struck us as forcible ana descriptive in relation to tbose nations ; for as we derive from them the noblest models of architectural excellence , so do we of poetical rhetorical works .

They have ever been , and ever will be , models of excellence to all the world . It is true , a great Masonic Temple owes its origin to a source than which none can be loftier ; and we opine that the everlasting principles inherent in its Order are such as to demand the respect and admiration of ages yet to come , as they have undoubtedly -of those that are gone . A finished temple and a finished discourse are analogous in their structure and effect , and often mould the embryo aspirationsof posteritto great

, y perfection . Surely by one whose duty it may be from time to time to lecture in this lodge , and to pay the Craft with the wages of knowledge , holy knowledge and experience , the Masonry of rhetoric and the rhetoric of Masonry should not be deemed unworthy of his serious attention . —Anon .

What Does Freemasonry Teach?

WHAT DOES FREEMASONRY TEACH ?

Go ask that brother who has fallen in the path of life , whose plans have miscarried , and who finds himself held down by the burdens of care and distress , he will tell you that it teaches him that his brothers will lift him up , remove the obstruction from his path , and assist in bearing the burdens under which be has succumbed . It teaches him that there is something in it besides forms and ceremonies—that there is an invisible tie which , links us altogether in one great family of friends and brothers ,

and that the heart of each heats responsive to the wants and needs of the other . Ask the Mason ' s widow wbat it teaches , she will tell you that it teaches her of unobtrusive benevolence , of sympathy and kindness , brotherly affection and esteem . It teaches her that life is not all sorrowful—that the clouds that lower about her will soon break away , dispelled by the light and love of the Mason ' s presence . Ask the orphan what it teachesand ho will

, tell you that brotherly affection and regard , which knit the father's heart into the fraternity , has descended to the son a priceless legacy which will be to him better than silver or gold ; for it will teach his feet in what path to roam , will open to him the avenues which lead him to knowledge and usefulness , and lead him to learn that character which is alike the test of admission to the lodge , and which is more to be prized than wealth

or honours . Ask the wanderer in a strange land what it teaches , and he will tell you that it teaches the universality of that language which is intelligible in all climes , and which , when used , never fails of eliciting a response . It teaches him of brothers there ready to assist and serve him , of difficulties removed , of courteous treatment , and last , but not least , of the usefulness of that institution which has grown aud spread where civilised man has

gone . Ask the brother , who , perchance , in some unguarded moment has erred and fallen , what it teaches , he will tell you it teaches of that charity which deals gently with the erring , that keeps the silent tongue that upbraideth not—that takes him lovingly by the hand and leads him back to rectitude , and helps him once more to stand erect like a man and brother . It points out the follies of his ways , and urges him to avoid them in future .