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Article REVIEWS. Page 1 of 1 Article IS MASONRY DOING ITS DUTY? Page 1 of 1 Article IS MASONRY DOING ITS DUTY? Page 1 of 1 Ad Untitled Page 1 of 1 Ad Untitled Page 1 of 1
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Reviews.
REVIEWS .
AH Books intended for Review should be addressed to the Editor of The Freemason ' s Chronicle , 67 Barbican , E . O . Recollections of Four Years in Venezuela . By CHARLES D ANIEL DANCE , a Mission Priest in the Diocese of Guiana . With a map and three illustrations . Henry S . King and Co ., London . 1876 .
VENEZUELA is a country of which little is known , perhaps , except by tho naturalist , the geographer , and the small section of the commercial world which has business relations with it . It is one of the smaller South American States . The important river Orinoko is its southern boundary , and between this aud the ocean , which forms the northern , a number of other river 3 and small streams intersect it .
In parts of tho couutry are mountains , while its resources aro capable of being largely developed were it only bettor and more securely governed . But anything iu tho shapo of stability seems unknown to and unappreciated by the various South American republics , and Venezuela is far from being an exception . The climate , however , is healthy in the mountains and on the table . lands , and there is a very
fertile soil , so that if it were found safe to employ capital—which would be the case if the affairs of the State were better administeredthere appears to bo little doubt that Venezuela might look forward to a long unbroken career of prosperity . Whether such good fortune is in store for her or not is a question which time alone can solve . In the meanwhile , the experiences of one who has
passed some years in the country must be valuable , as showing what it is capable of , and interesting , as opening out to us a new field for stndy and observation . Mr . Dance , as announced on his title-page , was a mission priest , one of that numerous and gallant body who are to be found in all parts of the world , proclaiming not only the grand truths of religion , but introducing among barbarous
peoples the simpler arts of civilised communities . The missionary is one to whom the world , even from a commercial point of view , is very largely indebted . Wherever ho goes , and he continues to penetrate well nigh everywhere , he carries with him an amount of knowledge which very soon suffices to convert the ignorant aboriginal tribes not only into God-fearing , but likewise into handy , enterprising ,
hard working people , who till the soil , build themselves habitations , and gradually bring themselves more and more on a level with civilised communities . Mr . Dance ' s book , therefore , as we have already said , is valuable , as conveying to us a good general idea of the resources of this country . Those who read it will , we con . scientiously believe , derive much pleasure as well as profit from its
contents . The habits of the population , the scenery , the character of the soil and its productive . powers , the branch or branches of trade and commerce most likely to take root and flourish , respecting all these a mass of information ia vouchsafed us , which , as far as our limited knowledge goes , will not be found , at all events in so agreeable a form , elsewhere . Mr . Dance
is a pleasant writer . We seem to be accompanying him in his labours , and certainly he has the knack of making the reader quite at home with him throughout the whole course of his narrative . He is the same companionable writer , whether describing the ludicrous mishaps of Auselmo , a river excursion , or travelling across the Llanos ( table-lauds ) . Ho seems , indeed , to have been on
excellent terms with all classes of people ; no wonder , then , we predict that the author and his readers will find themselves throughout on the same excellent footing . We like tho book . We should have liked it better , perhaps , had it been wholly descriptive , but we have not forgotten that Mr . Dauce was a mission priest . The remarks which would probably seem Btrange and out of place in tho simple
traveller , come appropriately therefore from him . There are a few illustrations , just enough to whet our appetite for more , and a very exceUent map , in which the country , its hills , rivers , towns , coastline , & C , are clearly delineated . Having said thus much , we leave our readers , to whose favourable notice we recommend Mr . Dance ' s narrative , to judge for themselves whether or not our verdict ia in accordance with the evidence .
Is Masonry Doing Its Duty?
IS MASONRY DOING ITS DUTY ?
WE have not of late seen anything more outspoken or to tho point than tho following , from the RevievJ , under the head of " Evenings with the Old Chair . " " Do you thiuk , Old Chair , that Freemasonry in this country , at the present time , is properly performing its mission ? To go a little further , is it accomplishing any good that could not as well be
accomp lished if there were no Freemasonry ?" The Old Chair confesses it difficult to reply to the above in a Satisfactory manner , without employing more space than it has a right to claim ; but the Old Chair does not thiuk Masonry " is properly performing its mission . " It is conceded that Freemasonry , with itt lar « e membership , is capable of wielding a vast influence , and with
the wealth and social standing of its members , it might do immense good . But what is it doing ? Has it provided a Home for the aged atid infirm who are destitute of home and friends ? Has it made provision for the education and support of indigent orphans P Does it furnish aid or assistance to virtuous poverty , by which the unfortunatt
may be assisted to a better position ? In short , is it doing anything worthy of its means and members , to " properly perform its mission ?' If so , the Old Chair has not been advised of it . The Grand Lodge meets , blunders over a little legislation , elects officers , and " closes . " Not a word is said about doing anything foi the good of society , to befriend tho friendless or aid the helpless ,
Is Masonry Doing Its Duty?
nothing abont how the great Masonic family can be improved , nor how the mission of the Order may be accomplished . Lodges are organized " to make Masons , " and they never do anything else ! That soems to be their mission , and their only mission . No , no , the Old Chair is of opinion that Masonry is not performing its proper work , and a large portion of its members are derelict in their
duty to the Order . Is it any wonder that anti-Masonic associations are formed and anti-Masonic papers issued and organizations formed to create public sentiment against it ? The foregoing is more especially addressed to the brethren iu Ohio , but it applies with great force in other jurisdictions , and supplements what we havo so often said in regard to the latent power residing in
tho Craft , which it appears to be so difficult , not to say impossible , to arouse . The brethren , apparently , will not consider the value of concerted action , nor the immense power residing iu their hands were they disposed to exert it , or if they do , the fact that it will require somo exortiou and especially somo sacrifice , seems to act as a sedative and keeps the hand and the braiu idle , while the triumphs we might
achieve are suffered to go by default . Just now the Masonic world in Europo appears to be , aud in fact is , gathering its forces for the breaking down of the institution in this country , by ignoring aud setting at defiance our rights to our own inheritance and our own soil , by recognizing and ontering into correspondence with clandestine organizations and spurious Masons , thus inciting them not
only to persevere in their course , but to become aggressors in their turn , and so reduce tho work of the Fraternity to a mere scramble for precedence , regularity being of no consequence , and previous occupation of territory no consideration . The evils to grow out of such a state of affairs are plain enough to those who will take the trouble to think ; they involve not only a
conflict but a general relaxation of authority , for when there are two or more organizations in opposition to the solo legitimate one , their touting for support , their scramble for adherents , their willingness to grant warrants and facilitate initiations will nob only act in direct contravention of lawful authority , but will also havo a marked and deplorable effect in setting aside the well established laws and
principles of the Craft , whenever such laws stand in the way of the schemers . Not only this , but when the laws and regulations of the lawful authority are enforced , as they should and must be , those clandestine associations will prove a ready and welcome refuge for those falling under discipline ; while it stands to reason that the presence of such persons will be aU the more readily hailed in the camp of the
adversaries because of the disciplinary acts of authorities they spit at and condemn . The old Latin maxim , Inter armes silent leges , will be their motto , and the clash of arms will silence the laws so far as they are concerned . This is not a pleasant tableau to contemplate , but events are being daily shaped to bring about this exact state of affairs , and just as surely a 3 effect follows cause , just so certainly we
may prepare our minds for the arrival of events to result , not from the casual circumstances of a day or a year , but from calculations long since mado and steadily pursued . Tho Grand Orient of France , which , even while in friendly communication with us , was plotting to destroy our peace , and , if possible , to break up our jurisdiction , has at last emerged from the cloud of equivocation and false pretence
with which it has for somo years surrounded itself and openly declared itself the ally and patron of clandestine Lodges , and tho jurisdiction of American Grand Lodges , and the next step , that of granting warrauts to Lodges to bo located here , will not be long in following . Tho Germau Grand Lodge League , which has just closed its annual session , there is every reason to believe will be
found to have adopted a similar course of recognition , which , added to its unwillingness to condemn tho usurpations of one of its constituents , will place it , side by side with France . Both these organizations are in full communion with the remaining Masonic Powers in Europe , and aro therefore by implication , if uot in reality , upheld by them in their course , tho result of which the Grand Lodges on this
side of the Atlantic will not be long in discovering , and yet Lodges seem to regard the making of Masons as their principal mission , while Grand Lodges are so occupied with their local affairs that they have no time to give to tho consideration of a dauger that promises to give them leisure in one sense at least by depriving them of their
jurisdictions . An appeal for concert of action among them is as idle as playing scientific music to a granite statue , and it remains to be seen whether the brethren at large care any more than their leaders on so vital a subject . Seeing this , can wo say that Masonry is doing its duty ?—N . Y . Dispatch .
Ad00703
" A suitable gift from a Master to his Lodge . " NEATLY BOUND IN CLOTH , PRICE 8 s 6 d EACH , VOLUMES I ., II . and III . London : —W . W . MORGAN , 67 Barbican , E . C . Sent , Carriage Paid , to any address in the United Kipgdonu on receipt of Cheque or P . O . O . Cloth Cases for Binding can be had from the Offices , price Is 6 d each ,
Ad00704
SCALE OF CHARGES FOR ADVERTISEMENTS . Advertisers will find THE FREEMASON ' CHRONICLE an exceptionally , 'ood medium for Advertisements of every class . Per Pago £ 8 0 0 Back Pago £ 10 0 0 Genera ! Advertisements , Trade Announcements , < ic . single column , 5 s per inch . Double Column Advertisements Is per line . Special Terms for a Series of insertions on application . Births , Marriages and Deaths , 6 d per line ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
REVIEWS .
AH Books intended for Review should be addressed to the Editor of The Freemason ' s Chronicle , 67 Barbican , E . O . Recollections of Four Years in Venezuela . By CHARLES D ANIEL DANCE , a Mission Priest in the Diocese of Guiana . With a map and three illustrations . Henry S . King and Co ., London . 1876 .
VENEZUELA is a country of which little is known , perhaps , except by tho naturalist , the geographer , and the small section of the commercial world which has business relations with it . It is one of the smaller South American States . The important river Orinoko is its southern boundary , and between this aud the ocean , which forms the northern , a number of other river 3 and small streams intersect it .
In parts of tho couutry are mountains , while its resources aro capable of being largely developed were it only bettor and more securely governed . But anything iu tho shapo of stability seems unknown to and unappreciated by the various South American republics , and Venezuela is far from being an exception . The climate , however , is healthy in the mountains and on the table . lands , and there is a very
fertile soil , so that if it were found safe to employ capital—which would be the case if the affairs of the State were better administeredthere appears to bo little doubt that Venezuela might look forward to a long unbroken career of prosperity . Whether such good fortune is in store for her or not is a question which time alone can solve . In the meanwhile , the experiences of one who has
passed some years in the country must be valuable , as showing what it is capable of , and interesting , as opening out to us a new field for stndy and observation . Mr . Dance , as announced on his title-page , was a mission priest , one of that numerous and gallant body who are to be found in all parts of the world , proclaiming not only the grand truths of religion , but introducing among barbarous
peoples the simpler arts of civilised communities . The missionary is one to whom the world , even from a commercial point of view , is very largely indebted . Wherever ho goes , and he continues to penetrate well nigh everywhere , he carries with him an amount of knowledge which very soon suffices to convert the ignorant aboriginal tribes not only into God-fearing , but likewise into handy , enterprising ,
hard working people , who till the soil , build themselves habitations , and gradually bring themselves more and more on a level with civilised communities . Mr . Dance ' s book , therefore , as we have already said , is valuable , as conveying to us a good general idea of the resources of this country . Those who read it will , we con . scientiously believe , derive much pleasure as well as profit from its
contents . The habits of the population , the scenery , the character of the soil and its productive . powers , the branch or branches of trade and commerce most likely to take root and flourish , respecting all these a mass of information ia vouchsafed us , which , as far as our limited knowledge goes , will not be found , at all events in so agreeable a form , elsewhere . Mr . Dance
is a pleasant writer . We seem to be accompanying him in his labours , and certainly he has the knack of making the reader quite at home with him throughout the whole course of his narrative . He is the same companionable writer , whether describing the ludicrous mishaps of Auselmo , a river excursion , or travelling across the Llanos ( table-lauds ) . Ho seems , indeed , to have been on
excellent terms with all classes of people ; no wonder , then , we predict that the author and his readers will find themselves throughout on the same excellent footing . We like tho book . We should have liked it better , perhaps , had it been wholly descriptive , but we have not forgotten that Mr . Dauce was a mission priest . The remarks which would probably seem Btrange and out of place in tho simple
traveller , come appropriately therefore from him . There are a few illustrations , just enough to whet our appetite for more , and a very exceUent map , in which the country , its hills , rivers , towns , coastline , & C , are clearly delineated . Having said thus much , we leave our readers , to whose favourable notice we recommend Mr . Dance ' s narrative , to judge for themselves whether or not our verdict ia in accordance with the evidence .
Is Masonry Doing Its Duty?
IS MASONRY DOING ITS DUTY ?
WE have not of late seen anything more outspoken or to tho point than tho following , from the RevievJ , under the head of " Evenings with the Old Chair . " " Do you thiuk , Old Chair , that Freemasonry in this country , at the present time , is properly performing its mission ? To go a little further , is it accomplishing any good that could not as well be
accomp lished if there were no Freemasonry ?" The Old Chair confesses it difficult to reply to the above in a Satisfactory manner , without employing more space than it has a right to claim ; but the Old Chair does not thiuk Masonry " is properly performing its mission . " It is conceded that Freemasonry , with itt lar « e membership , is capable of wielding a vast influence , and with
the wealth and social standing of its members , it might do immense good . But what is it doing ? Has it provided a Home for the aged atid infirm who are destitute of home and friends ? Has it made provision for the education and support of indigent orphans P Does it furnish aid or assistance to virtuous poverty , by which the unfortunatt
may be assisted to a better position ? In short , is it doing anything worthy of its means and members , to " properly perform its mission ?' If so , the Old Chair has not been advised of it . The Grand Lodge meets , blunders over a little legislation , elects officers , and " closes . " Not a word is said about doing anything foi the good of society , to befriend tho friendless or aid the helpless ,
Is Masonry Doing Its Duty?
nothing abont how the great Masonic family can be improved , nor how the mission of the Order may be accomplished . Lodges are organized " to make Masons , " and they never do anything else ! That soems to be their mission , and their only mission . No , no , the Old Chair is of opinion that Masonry is not performing its proper work , and a large portion of its members are derelict in their
duty to the Order . Is it any wonder that anti-Masonic associations are formed and anti-Masonic papers issued and organizations formed to create public sentiment against it ? The foregoing is more especially addressed to the brethren iu Ohio , but it applies with great force in other jurisdictions , and supplements what we havo so often said in regard to the latent power residing in
tho Craft , which it appears to be so difficult , not to say impossible , to arouse . The brethren , apparently , will not consider the value of concerted action , nor the immense power residing iu their hands were they disposed to exert it , or if they do , the fact that it will require somo exortiou and especially somo sacrifice , seems to act as a sedative and keeps the hand and the braiu idle , while the triumphs we might
achieve are suffered to go by default . Just now the Masonic world in Europo appears to be , aud in fact is , gathering its forces for the breaking down of the institution in this country , by ignoring aud setting at defiance our rights to our own inheritance and our own soil , by recognizing and ontering into correspondence with clandestine organizations and spurious Masons , thus inciting them not
only to persevere in their course , but to become aggressors in their turn , and so reduce tho work of the Fraternity to a mere scramble for precedence , regularity being of no consequence , and previous occupation of territory no consideration . The evils to grow out of such a state of affairs are plain enough to those who will take the trouble to think ; they involve not only a
conflict but a general relaxation of authority , for when there are two or more organizations in opposition to the solo legitimate one , their touting for support , their scramble for adherents , their willingness to grant warrants and facilitate initiations will nob only act in direct contravention of lawful authority , but will also havo a marked and deplorable effect in setting aside the well established laws and
principles of the Craft , whenever such laws stand in the way of the schemers . Not only this , but when the laws and regulations of the lawful authority are enforced , as they should and must be , those clandestine associations will prove a ready and welcome refuge for those falling under discipline ; while it stands to reason that the presence of such persons will be aU the more readily hailed in the camp of the
adversaries because of the disciplinary acts of authorities they spit at and condemn . The old Latin maxim , Inter armes silent leges , will be their motto , and the clash of arms will silence the laws so far as they are concerned . This is not a pleasant tableau to contemplate , but events are being daily shaped to bring about this exact state of affairs , and just as surely a 3 effect follows cause , just so certainly we
may prepare our minds for the arrival of events to result , not from the casual circumstances of a day or a year , but from calculations long since mado and steadily pursued . Tho Grand Orient of France , which , even while in friendly communication with us , was plotting to destroy our peace , and , if possible , to break up our jurisdiction , has at last emerged from the cloud of equivocation and false pretence
with which it has for somo years surrounded itself and openly declared itself the ally and patron of clandestine Lodges , and tho jurisdiction of American Grand Lodges , and the next step , that of granting warrauts to Lodges to bo located here , will not be long in following . Tho Germau Grand Lodge League , which has just closed its annual session , there is every reason to believe will be
found to have adopted a similar course of recognition , which , added to its unwillingness to condemn tho usurpations of one of its constituents , will place it , side by side with France . Both these organizations are in full communion with the remaining Masonic Powers in Europe , and aro therefore by implication , if uot in reality , upheld by them in their course , tho result of which the Grand Lodges on this
side of the Atlantic will not be long in discovering , and yet Lodges seem to regard the making of Masons as their principal mission , while Grand Lodges are so occupied with their local affairs that they have no time to give to tho consideration of a dauger that promises to give them leisure in one sense at least by depriving them of their
jurisdictions . An appeal for concert of action among them is as idle as playing scientific music to a granite statue , and it remains to be seen whether the brethren at large care any more than their leaders on so vital a subject . Seeing this , can wo say that Masonry is doing its duty ?—N . Y . Dispatch .
Ad00703
" A suitable gift from a Master to his Lodge . " NEATLY BOUND IN CLOTH , PRICE 8 s 6 d EACH , VOLUMES I ., II . and III . London : —W . W . MORGAN , 67 Barbican , E . C . Sent , Carriage Paid , to any address in the United Kipgdonu on receipt of Cheque or P . O . O . Cloth Cases for Binding can be had from the Offices , price Is 6 d each ,
Ad00704
SCALE OF CHARGES FOR ADVERTISEMENTS . Advertisers will find THE FREEMASON ' CHRONICLE an exceptionally , 'ood medium for Advertisements of every class . Per Pago £ 8 0 0 Back Pago £ 10 0 0 Genera ! Advertisements , Trade Announcements , < ic . single column , 5 s per inch . Double Column Advertisements Is per line . Special Terms for a Series of insertions on application . Births , Marriages and Deaths , 6 d per line ,