The Teachings Of Masonry.

I entreat you not so to understand me . Masonry is not a religion . Its brotherhood is distinctly a human association . Christianity is emphatically a reli gion , it is a divine scheme founded upon supernatural facts , it has to do with external interests , it is a spiritual association on terms of spiritual experience , * and it has for its object , to restore fallen man to communion

with God , and to fit him to dwell with God for ever . It is idle , therefore , to speak of the two subjects in same strain , or as being of equal importance . It is idle to pretend that Masonry can be to a man any substitute for the gospel . Better , far better that Masonry had never existed than that the gospel of

Jesus Christ should waive any of its pretensions , or be shorn of any of its glory . Masonry may be of use to the secular moral ' and social interests of mau ; the gospel can save souls , and provide for their eternal interests . Our blessed Saviour in his ministry on earth did both the divine and human workand does

, so still . And after his example we need not forego the spiritual work because we recognise moral and social obligations , neither need our spiritual relations in Christ to take us out of the world and its bonds

of labour and social useramess . There can , of course , be no comparison between the position of the Christian and that of the Mason , as such ; but undoubtedly a Christian Mason has the means of doing good to his fellow men than a Christian man who is not a Mason . A man may do a Christian ' s work better for beiug a Mason . This is all that I can claim for Masonryhut I

, think this ought to be enough to justify the Christian , who should continue tomaintainhis Masonie character . Be it onrs to endeavour so to realise the responsibilities of both the divine and the human institution

that the spirit of brotherhood suggested in earthly things , may be perfected and glorified in heaven . The principle of brotherly love of which I have spoken , is so universvally professed , that in a Christian pulpit there can be no occasion to insist upon it But upon its practice , there is alas , need to say much by way of incentive , as well as to afford special

occassion ( such as the present ) for its exercise . That which as a body Masonry largely and liberally does in the way of benevolence , it is essential that individual Masons should furnish the means of doing . And not only so , hut it is also desirable that living in the society of men not formallassociated with us

y , we should not appear to be disunited with them in sympathy , and interest , and effort for pbilanthrophic ends , that we should let men see that our princi p le is universal , our brothernood that of humanity , aud therefore that we should not always limit our endeavours to do good to the sphere of ora' own

associations . On this ground you are invited this day to contribute , not only to the funds of your own charities , but to those also of the central schools of this City . And therefore , without urging upon you their special claims . I conceive I shall do more justice 10 both the interests that are thus before youb

, y reminding you , —that you have opportunity this day to represent to the world around , the benevolence and liberalit y that you profess as Masons , —and , Moreover , that on hi gher ground you are called on to illustrate the fruits of the love to man which

issues from that love of God in . Christ , which you profess as Christians . " Por he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen , how can he love God whom he hath not seen .

Monument To An Octogenerian Brother.

MONUMENT TO AN OCTOGENERIAN BROTHER .

( From our own Correspondent . ) Several months ago we addressed , through the MAGAZISB , an appeal to the Craft in the Province of Ayr , in regard to the erection of a monument to the memory of the venerable and widely-known Bro . Prancis Love . It is with unfeigned pleasure that we

have to report the desired consummation of the very laudable efforts made by the Ayrshire brethren to commemorate , in a tangible form , the name and Masonic virtues of the above-named brother , and that in Stevenston Churchyard there has now been raised a monument which will serve not only as a

landmark to the Craft in and around the scene of our deceased brother ' s Masonic labours , but as an incentive to every brother who looks upon it to strive so to adorn the doctrine of his profession , as that the jewel which has been entrusted to his keeping will retain its lustre until the moment of its consignment to the archives of the silent lodge .

"And so when death shall claim us too , And others' form be there : May we in memory's heart be held . By Masons everywhere . " The Thistle and Pose have in their tribute to departed worth well sustained the prestige of their lodgeand merit the approval of their brethren . The

, monument is an obelisk , standing about 17 ft . high . The basis formed of panelled rustic rock-work , with centre flower , on which stands the pedestal , with marble plate inserted for inscription . Surmounting this is a moulded cornice , with egg and dart carved on it , on which stands the base of the obelisk , having

cut on front a Bible opened at Mieiah vi . 8 , with , compass and square in relief . Prom this rises the obelisk , at the foot of which is carved sun , moon , and stars , and other Masonic emblems . The obelisk itself is panelled , and has at its centre a shield cut on it , surrounded with flowers . The whole produces a fine effect in the truly picturesque burying-ground of Stevenston . The monument bears the following inscription : —

This Monument , In Memory of Brother Francis liove , Stevenston , Who died on 11 th July , 1 S 60 , aged 78 years , Is erected by The members of Thistle and Hose Lodge of Freemasons , No . 169 , and other brethren . Brother Love hailed the

Lodge No . 169 as his Mother Lodge , and was a member of . it for the long period of 59 years ; was an honorary member of Mother Kilwinning and other lodges ; had attained to the degree of Mark Master , and was buried with Masonic honours . As he was a man of unassuming manners and great simplicity of character , a loving and tender-hearted

husband and father , and a citizen of unimpeachable integrity and uprightness , he will long live in the affections of his friends , anchthe fraternity to which he belonged . September , A . D . 1 S 62 , A . L ., 5862 .

Speaking of Stevenston recalls to our mind the tradition existing here which connects the patron saint of the lodge and Abbey of Kilwinning with that parish . Strong evidences of a change in the course of the Garnock are still traceable , and tradition , while preserving the record of that charge , supplies all the cause of it . " St . Winning , " we are told , " had gone