The Privilege To Visit The Lodgeroom.

who now visits another or foreign jurisdiction , finds himself too often a stranger in a strange land ; and of late there has been manifested a spirit from which even Grand Lodges have not been free , to make even his visit to a lodge a difficult matter .

But this is certainly an inroad upon the ancient usages and customs of our Society . Masonry has ever boasted its universality—has boasted that the well-instructed Mason is recognized as such everywhere , and will meet a brother ' s Avelcome

whereever a Mason may be found . This boast can certainly not have reference merely to his receiving-Masonic alms when he may need them aAvay from home ; it can certainly not seem simply that he will be taken care of Avhen sick in a strange land ;

for if onl y that is meant , then Masonry has nothing to offer beyond what the numerous charitable and beneficiary associations of the present time grant in an equal degree . No , it must mean and does mean , a Mason , Avhen from home , AVI'II

find—at least ought to find—in every Mason he may encounter , a brother , who will endeavour ^ to make the stranger forget that he is among strangers ; Avho will prove , if required , a sincere counsellor , and make the wayfarer ' s abode as pleasant a one as circumstances will permit . But how can this be done unless the stranger can make

himself known to his brethren ? And is not a visit to a Masonic Lodge tho most appropriate Avay for a sojourning brother to seek out and make the acquaintance of the resident brethren ? The true and well-instructed Mason will always prefer this

channel to any other . It is , therefore , highly important that in his approach to the Lodge he should meet the extended hand of Avelcome . This , however , is notalwiiys the case ; in too many instances he even has been excluded altogether , by order of

. a Grand Lodge , simply because he hailed from some particular jurisdiction . The Subordinate Lodges , of course , cannot be held responsible for such a violation of Masonic courtesy and propriety . They , hoAvever , Ave fear ,

are too often derelict in carrying out the spirit of Masonic hospitality . How often have Ave Avatched a strange brother after he has entered a Lodgeroom , who by his Avhole demeanour showed that he Avas a stranger among strangers ! He may have been from the far West , or some distant region ; he knew , probably , but feAV persons , and

The Privilege To Visit The Lodgeroom.

these only in a business connection . Away from his home , from his family , from his friends , he may have felt lonely , and sought for companionship . He bethought himself of the lessons Avhich he had learned in the Lodge-room in his distant

home , and he said to himself , I will arise and seek my brethren of the Mystic Tie , and there I shall satisfy the longing of my soul for true fellowship or companionship . He sought and found the Lodge-room , proved himself a bright Mason , knocked , and the door was opened to him , and he Avas invited to take a seat . What else did he find

there ? Strangers to Joseph ? Eagerly did he participate in the loved work of the Lodge , but alas ! like a strange workman in a foreign country , no glances of fraternal welcome met his eye , no warm pressure of the hand gave a silent estimation that he was among brethren . And when the

labour closed , and the craftsmen Avere no longer under the government of the gavel , and flocked together in little knots for friendly greeting and social chat , alas ! the poor strange brother is too often left standing alone , Avhile the friendly

conversation all around made him doubly conscious of his utter loneliness ; and in too many instances he is supposed to depart more depressed in spirit than when he came into the room . And yet one ' word of greeting , the cheerful word of inquiry ,

one fraternal smile of welcome , might have gladdened his heart , strengthened for the coming toils of the day , and prevented him , probably , from falling into the snares of more sociable but

treacherous company . Surely , all true brethren will agree with us that a visit to a Lodge ought to be made a more pleasant thing , especially to the stranger , and that at least the ordinary courtesies be extended to the visitor at our Masonic home ,

Avhich he would receive if admitted to our family circle . The neglect of it , Avhenever it occurs , is a disgrace to the Lodge which is so far forgetful of its fraternal duties . —Pomeroy ' s Democrat .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES .

SYMBOLIC ARCHITECTURE . "Symbolic Architecture expresses the two chief objects of the Masonic Fraternity—the moral culture and the unity of mankind . The place Avhere this symbolic architecture is practised is the Lodge : and the Lodge is the living union of the body and soul of Freemasonry . ' '—From a bundle of Masonic Excerpts . — CHARLES PURTON COOPER .