veneration for the Supreme Being, and for that omnific word by which He is named. A Mason, then, cannot take His name in vain without doing violence to one of the main principles of the Order. In so far as he does this, he is false to himself and his brethren; and I would submit whether, if, after sufficient admonition, there be no reformation, he should not be put on trial before his Lodge ?" The Grand Lodge of Arkansas has resolved, "That any kind of gambling, profane swearing and the intemperate use of ardent spirits, is un-Masonic, and that such as are guilty of this un-Masonic conduct, be subject to admonition, suspension or expulsion." In reference to this resolution, the Grand Master says: "Let the world see that we retain no gambler, drunkard, profane swearer or Sabbath-breaker in our membership. Carry out the resolution above cited, and we will compel the world to believe that no man can be a Mason but a GENTLEMAN." The M. W. G. M. of North Carolina, says: "A good Mason's heart sickens and sinks within him, when he hears a Mason taking the name of God in vain; when he sees him plunging into the deadly hilarities of the intoxicating wine-cup, and when he sees him, in the panoply of a just and upright Mason, at the gaming-table. In an age so enlightened as this, with a code of moral ethics to which the world has free access, it would be regarded as ridiculous mockery to pretend to so much morality, if it is to be disregarded in the daily practice of our lives." The Grand Lodges of Maryland and Oregon have resolved: "That profane swearing is a vice as unbecoming a Free Mason as a Christian, and that it is the bounden duty of Masters and members of Lodges to exert their power and influence for its suppression among the Fraternity, and if persisted in, the offending brother should be subjected to discipline." The M. W. G. M. of California, says: "It would seem strange that Masons should be seen reveling in riot and excess, and yet they are seen; but strangest of all would it seem that Masons should ever be found profane to that degree of excess that would make a novitiate in impiety blush, and yet I have heard that august name, at mention of which Archangels bow their heads and the powers of darkness are seized with fear and trembling, used as a common by-word, and often spoken irreverently by those who are expected to set a better example, and whose almost only fault is sometimes this!" Brother Albert G. Mackey, in his work on Masonic Jurisprudence, speaks thus: "I know, indeed, of no offence more directly opposed to the whole spirit of the Institution, than a profane use of that holy name, which is the most important feature of the system of Masonry, as the all-pervading symbol of that divine truth which it is the professed object of every Mason to discover. Profanity in a Mason, therefore, while it is an insult to the majesty of our Maker, is also an irreverence for the religious design of the Masonic Science, and as such, is a Masonic crime." I offer no apology for making these copious extracts, for it is well for us to know what the Craft, throughout the Union, think of these vices which are a burning shame and disgrace to our Order; and, particularly, the crowning vice of all-profanity. Would that I were gifted with the irresistible force of eloquence, and the persuasive power of pathos, that I might speak to you on this subject in "thoughts that breathe and words that burn." Would that I could speak glowing words of force and power, that would sink deep into your hearts, for this is a matter of the most vital importance to all of us who love our Institution, and who wish to see her prosperity sustained and her usefulness extended. If any of you, Brethren, are addicted to this defiling and disreputable habit, at once cease it. For your own sake, that you may preserve your self-respect and the dignity of your character and professions; for the sake of your brethren, that they may not be unjustly censured on account of their association with you; for the sake of our beloved Order, that it may be preserved in its beauty and purity, I pray and beseech you, by every argument that would appeal to the noble feelings and generous impulses of your natures, abandon, at once and forever, renounce and abandon this accursed vice, which is condemned by God and man! Charity, that "perfection of every virtue" which covers a multitude of sins, is a virtue that we are called upon to practice toward all mankind, and most particularly to our brethren; and it should be the peculiar characteristic of every Mason. This is the most noble and exalted of all the virtues which can grace a man, for our selfish interests gain nothing by the exercise of it, except that satisfaction which always results from the performance of good deeds. One of our charges expressly declares that universal benevolence we are always to inculcate; and "to do good and communicate," is a command which all Masons should obey. Charity is the round of the Masonic ladder that is nearest to Heaven, and we are no true Masons if we fail to be charitable and benevolent. An un charitable Mason is a monstrosity. We are bound by the most sacred sense of duty to relieve suffering humanity, in all the various forms in which it may be presented to our notice. If your brother is needy, let your hearts and purses be opened to him; contribute to his wants as liberally as his circumstances may require and your ability will admit. Let your assistance be given freely and unhesitatingly, for "bis dat qui cito dat;"* and always let your contributions be made quietly and unostentatiously, so that the recipient shall feel no sense of humil iation, nor your pride be puffed up thereby. Charity consisteth not so much in the amount given, as in the motives which prompt the giving and the freedom with which we make the bestowal. The widow's mite was more acceptable than the rich man's offering, for he gave from his store what he could spare without inconvenience, while she gave her all, knowing that whoso giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord. Charity is shown, not only in contributing pecuniary relief, but also in the many acts of kindness and gentle sympathy, which a generous heart is always prompted to perform towards the wretched and unfortunate of every grade and condition. "A man may tak a neebor's part, Yet hae na cash to spare him." If a brother be down-cast and disappointed, give him a helping hand to raise him up from the slough of despond, and gently whisper in his ear words of hope and encouragement, which will strengthen and fortify him to bear up under all his trials. If he be afflicted by the loss of all that is nearest and dearest to his heart, cheer and *He gives twice who gives quickly. console him with words of sympathy and love, and point him to that source "whence all earthly comforts flow," and whence the weary and heavy laden may always obtain consolation. If a brother offend and maltreat us, let us not be harsh and cruel to him; if he injure us, and we have power to inflict revenge and vengeance upon him, and to crush and ruin him, let us yield our power, and extend mercy and forgiveness to him, for while it is "human to err, it is divine to forgive." Therefore, if we would obtain mercy, we should be charitable, kind and merciful to all. "The quality of mercy is not strain'd, It droppeth, as the gentle rain from heaven, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings. It is enthroned in the hearts of kings It is an attribute to God himself— And earthly power doth then shew likest God's When mercy seasons justice. * * * * Though justice be thy plea, consider this That in the course of justice, none of us Should see salvation : we do pray for mercy; And that same prayer doth teach us all to render The deeds of mercy." As a proof that the noble principles of Charity and Benevolence actuate us, let me incidentally call your attention to what Free Masonry has done in our midst |