How Ought Masons To Conduct Themselves Outside Of The Lodge?

answered alike for . all , because we ' all entered into like obligations when we became members of our beloved fraternity . Let us then carefully consider what the duties are which we owe to the profane world , and those we thus recognise as binding let us hold fast with all the strength of our souls , that we may become fully impressed with their importance , and become irresistahly incited to conformity with those duties . to be

First of all , nay brethren , we should prove ourselves men of character ; tbat is of a settled , determined , moral will , to which we' attain by learning to conquer ourselves . If the profane world has learnt to regard us as men of firm character , if it is understood that we are no broken reeds , we , unconsciously , exercise a certain influence on our daily surroundings , and this very influence will extend even to remote circles . All well disposed will ladly listen to our inionsand our actions

g op , , open and above board and subject to the scrutiny of all , will induce many to imitate our example . The wicked will fear our opinions because they are aware that our course of conduct has made a favorable impression on the many , and we will therefore to a greater or less extent exercise a wholesome influence upon those , who otherwise would havo opposed us .

Again , my brethren let us strive after and continually guard our moral purity ; let us never tarnish the unspotted garb of innocence and beauty , without which we cannot be Masons . Every thought of our inmost soul , everything we do , let it be pure , and furnish convincing proof that integrity , probity and high-mindedness are our ideals , which we in spite of our indwelling frailties , are constantly endeavouring to cherish . Be assured that even if the profane world , for ; a season ,

misinterprets our efforts and perhaps judges us harshly , we will , nay we must eventually succeed in winning its esteem and approbation ; for it cannot withhold the approving smile , and before long we will have collected around us a circle of genial , warm-hoarted friends , by whose united efforts we will be enabled to effect much good . Neither are we to lose sight of that fealty which we have sworn to , and owe to our brotherhood , and which has also its just claims upon us ; although at times we may be ill repaid . This feeling we discharge by either earefaUy keeping sill interested secrets , or by cherishing a lively interest in our brother ' s weal or

woe , or in the conscientious discharge of our duties , if we hold an office in the lodge . The eventual acknowledgment of our fidelity can never be wifcheld from us if we are deserving , even if , like true Masons , wc ourselves renounce all claims of reward , and merely do right for the sake of tbe right . Yes , my brethren , let us preserve this fealty regardless of person or influence ; and oppose by our every effort , with undaunted courage and good conscience , all who lack character and indulge in malice , or revel

in infamy , or all who , with calumniating venom try to reduce to their own mean level all that is good and pure , and who will not hesitate to direct their vituperations against us . In our censure let us be just , but mild , and always evince a readiness to forgive , if we see that our adversary meets us half way , especially when he manifests sincere regret ; because we too , in spite of our earnest endeavours , bave many weaknesses and faults which need to be tenderly treatedllest assured ,

, that by mildness we will much sooner win the most hardened heart than by harshness , no matter how just our reproofs may be . Acting in this wise , we will , as the true disciples of St . John , tread iu his footsteps , we will bring many to repentance , and prepare the way for Him who enfolds all mankind in His arms with all surpassing love !

And if , in conclusion , my brethren , we add to firmness of character , morality , probity , justice , and mildness , a self-sacrificing zeal for the common good , if we cheerfully devote a portion of our time to useful , common purposes , if -. ve do not think it too hard to undergo privations , if we give as liberally as our pecuniary means permit to advance such purposes , we will appear not only in the eyes of the brotherhood , but also to the profane world , as True Masons , our example will act

beneficially even beyond our graves , and our memory will be held in esteem by all the good . Such , my brethren , is the delineation which I have made to myself of the proper conduct of a Mason inside and outside of alodge . It is an ideal sketch , of which I should like to he the counterpart—would not you , too , brethren ? I willingly believe it ! May the hours we have spent this evening together aid in strengthening every one of us in his determination to be a true

and faithful craftsman , both inside and outside of the lodge . And may we all abound in brotherly love—the mother of all virtues!—S . M . I . B . A—N .

Poetry.

Poetry .

ARE YOU A MASON ? I am one of the band AVho will faithfully stand In the bonds of affection and love ; I have knocked at the door , Once wretched and poor , And there for admission I strove .

By the help of a friend , AVho asssistauce did lend , I succeeded au entrance to gain , AVas received in the AVest , By command from the East , But not without feeling some pain . Here my conscience v . as taught

, AVith a moral quite fraught AAlth sentiments holy and true ; Then onward I travelled To see it unravelled , What Hiram intended to do .

A ery soon to the East I made known my request , And "light" by command did attend ; AVhen , lo ! I perceived , In due form revealed , A Master , aud Brother , and Friend .

Thus far I have stated , And simply related , What happened when I ivas made free ; But I've " passed " since then , Aud was " raised" up again , To a sublime and ancient degree . Then onward I inarched

, That I might be "Arch'd , " And , to find out those treasures long lost : AVhen , behold ! a bright flame , From the midst of which camo A voice which my ears did accost .

Through the " vails " I then went , And succeeded at length The " Sanctum Sanctorum " to find ; By the " Signet " I gained , And quickly obtained Employment which suited my mind .

In the depths I then wrought , And most carefully sought , For treasures so long hidden there ; And by labour aud toil , I discovered rich spoil , AVhich are kept by the craft with due care .

Having thus far arrived , I further contrived , Among valiant Knights to appear ; And as Pilgrim and Knight , I stood ready to fight ; No recreant foe did I fear . For tho widow distressed

There ' s a word in my breast , ' For the helpless and orphan I feel ; And my sword 1 could draw , To maintain tbe pure law , AVhich the duty of Masons reveal . Thus have I revealed , ( Yet wisely concealed )

AVhat tlie " free and accepted " well know ; I am one of the band , AVho will faithfully stand , As a brother , wherever I _ go . .,