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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Correspondence.
taken not to admit into them " comparatively pauper members , or I those whoso only care in joining Masonry is to make out of it as much profit as possible . " This sentence of " M . M . 's " may be in somo degree construed to mean that aflluence should be tho only royal r < ad to Masonrv : but I am certain he does not wish to convoy any snch
an idea . It is difficult , of course as you have all along pointed out , to dive into the hidden recesses of a man ' s mental structure , and to prove his intellectual integrity , still , in a majority of cases , those who nrnnnsn nnrl second candidates should be in some measure
acquainted with those whose sponsors thoy become , and should not willingly introduce to the brethren those who are not , so far as can be , humanly speaking , judged fit and proper persons to become Masons . Hoping to see this matter still further dealt with in your valuable columns ,
I remain , Dear Sir and Brother , Yours fraternally , J . D . 30 th August 1882 .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —All wha study the interests of the Fraternity will be glad that you have opened np the question above asked , and thafc other Masonic writers are devoting fcheir attention to a subject of such vital importance to the Craft . For a long time it
has been a prevailing opinion amongst Masons fchafc fche Order was too rapidly extending its borders , and that , iu yonr own words , merely numerical strength in Freemasonry is not an " unmixed good . " Since you have invited an interchange of views upon the matter , may it not bo suggested that in many cases more than due influence is exercised in order to induce men to become Masons ? I know it
is an accepted maxim amongst us that we shall nofc persuade any one to join the Brotherhood , and indeed the candidate at bis initiation avows that he has been impelled to do so of his own " free will and accord , " and from a favonrable opinion preconceived of the Order . And yet it has been not infrequently known that without stopping seriously to consider whether their status or means are likely to give stability to those who are virtually asked or encouraged to join
our ranks , many brethren are only too eager to precipitate the entrance of their friends into Lodges by tho implied benefits which they are likely to derive from their connection with Freemasonry ? Thafc is a principle which cannot be too rigidly discouraged by those who would rule wisely and well , and who are jealous for the prestige and good government of their Lodges . The old saying no doubt holds good that— Angels are bright still ,
Altho' the brightest have fallen ; and , though many who " pass well " afc first have lapsed into the serried ranks of those who reflect no credit upon the Craft , yet the great principles wc hold so dear are by no means affected by such declensions . But , on the other side of the question , I am disposed to believe thafc in a great number of cases men are practically led to seek admission into the Institution by the " improper solicitation of
friends . " I do not mean to say dishonestly , or with ' any wilful intention of bringing in unworthy members , but out of an excess of zeal , and a desire to draw into their society those acquaintances whom they may have learned to respect in oth r walks of life . This is merely a passing opinion , which may fit in with others which your correspondents will suggest in helping to elucidate information on this momentous question .
I am , Sir and Bi other , Yours fraternally , GAVEI Aldersgate-street , 30 th August 1882 .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE , _ DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Thero are so many phases of this question that , in order fully to ventilate ifc , even a word from so bumble an individual as myself may be acceptable . I leave it to older and wiser heads than mine to solve the difficult problem of remedying that which you and your correspondents consider a great and increasing
evil to the Craft , namely , the too rapid increase in the number of its members . But there is a case I could mention of a warrant being applied for and obtained by a coterie , who saw no hope of attaining to honours in their own Lodges , and who were assisted by Pasfc Masters who either sought after a second reign , or some Provincial honours . This was prior to the year you mention when a curb was placed upon
tho " indiscriminate granting of warrants , " and the circumstances attending it were , to say the least , not very meritorious . Sovoral brethren were invited by ono most anxious to achieve distinction ( as is only natural where one has occupied a Warden's chair , but has been passed over by an incoming Master who disbelieves in fche strict order by rotation method of advancement ) to meet at his private
residence , when the ' * grievances " of thoso who had hoped for , bufc d id not receive collars , found full vent in sympathetic company . The " leader of tho opposition , " if I may uso tho term , lost no opportunity of expatiating upon tho " slight" they had received , and urged npon each and all to strive thoir utmost to obtain anew Lodge . Of course , tho leader was to be first Wor . Master , and those who supported him were to bo his chosen Officers for tho year . On that they
all agreed , with wonderful unanimity , and it was furthermore made a condition that promotion should go by strict rotation , that is to sav , each Officer should move one " peg " up afc the close of each successive year , until all had passed fcho chair . I never heard tho precise modus operandi by which that warrant way obtained , but ifc *¦•« obtained ; the Lodgo was founded , and iu order to make a " go .,, I start , " several persona were moro than persuaded to become member . ** . , with the obvious view of obtaining funds by means of the initiation
Correspondence.
fees . The result has been that at least a dozen of the first initiates have since lapsed , proving that they conld not afford , if they had been candid enough to admit it , to pay their initiation fees ; and if they aro not actually a burden upon the Craft , many , I know , have long sinco fonnd it impossible to keop up their payments , or discharge
their responsibilities to the Lodge . As an almost inevitable conseqnence of the secret conclave I have shadowed forth , the "plot " leaked out very shortly after the Lodge was founded , nnd most unpleasant recriminations ensued , which I will not here revive . I believe the Lodge has afc last sailed from turbulent waters into a sub . stantial calm ; but its early days will be long remembered by those
who watched the launch , and knew the circumstances under which it was arranged . I do not see how any blame can be attached to Grand Lodge for granting the warrant ; but the responsibility is a grave one that rests upou those who , for the sake of snatching at honours which have been denied them in fcheir own Lodges , were not over scrupulous as to whom they persuaded to join , and afterwards admitted into their Masonic circle .
I remain , Dear Sir and Brother , Fraternally yonrs , A YOUNG MASON Gravesend , 28 tb August 1882 .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cornwall.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CORNWALL .
THE Provincial Grand Lodge of this Province was held on the 29 th nit ., at the Public Rooms , Truro , under the presidency of the Earl of Mount Edgcnmbe Provincial Grand Master . Lodge was formed shortly after ten o'clock , the room being well filled . The Provincial Grand Master afc once proceeded fco business , which throughout tho whole day he conducted in his usual efficient manner . The Secretary , W . Bro . E . D . Anderton , having read the minutes of the
preceding Grand Lodge , they were confirmed . The Treasurer W . Bro . William Tweedy presented the balance-sheet , by whioh the sum of £ 223 10 s 7 d was duly accounted for , and a balance of £ 28 15 s 4 d was shown on hand . The Secretary reported that the number of brethren in December was 1 , 522 against 1 , 551 in December 1880 . One new warrant had been issued during the past year , but from unavoidable
circumstances the consecration had nofc yet taken place . Ifc was also right to mention the great obligation of the Province to W . Bro . W . J . Hnghan , for the excellent Masonic Directory he had compiled . The balance-sheet and report having been adopted , the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe moved that a cordial vote of thanks be given to W . Bro . W . J . Hughan , for his connection with the Directory . This being
carried , W . Bro . Hughan responded in a few suitable words . The report of the Cornwall Masonic Annuity and Benevolent Fund , the recommendations of the Committee of Relief , the report from Bro . Charles Truscott respecting votes for Masonic Charities , the making grants -to the Cornwall Masonic Annuity Fund , and the great Masonic Charities , and fche report of the Truro Cathedral
Fund Committee , after being duly considered , were accepted or decided upon . Tbe consideration of the Revised Book of Constitutions was then proceeded with . A Committee hdd been appointed to report thereon , and a printed form of the various matters which had commended themselves to their notice was submitted and circulated . On one or two points a debate arose , but ultimately the whole
were arranged to the satisfaction of the Lodge . Bro . W . J . Hughan next proposed some alterations and additions to the Cornwall Masonic Annuity and Benevolent Fund ; and these , with one slight alteration , were carried . The brethren now formed in procession and proceeded to the temporary church , erected alongside the Cathedral , where a very eloquent sermon was preached by the Prov . Grand Chaplain ,
Bro . P . H . Newnham , from 1 Cor . iii . 9 . " We are God ' s fellowworkers .... Ye are God ' s building "—The Rev . Brother said , meeting there as they did that day , in a place which musfc for ever be connected with the memories of a day unique alike in the annals of their Craft and in the history of religious work in that Province of Cornwallit was only natural that he should endeavour to connect
, what he desired to say to them with the associations of that day , and also with that growing work which they saw close by . That work would be viewed very differently by different minds , according to their natural power of appreciating the beautiful in the lines of architecture , and their knowledge of the rules which have governed the ideas of the builder . Where one man will see only a
heap of stones and a fewpillaraand arches rising , another would be able to appreciate the beauty and understand something of the general plan of fche work , while a third would be able , by the help of technical knowledge , already to foresee the general appearance of the finished structure . Even so had God built up the religious structure of the world ' s faith from tho earliest days until the present timo . Tho
existing system of Freemasonry combined into ono many of the earliest religions symbols and rituals by which the sp iritual instinct in its earliest in f ancy sought to embody its faith iu one living God , and its hopes of a future immortality . Out ot tho darkness of the past God had built up tho edifice of its present stace of completion . But the giand Cathedi . il of tho world s
worship was still liko their present building far from comp lete . Aim yefc hearts that had given themselves to its stndy could even now fore * seo tho shape its arches would assume , and could givo a good guess of tho kind of rcaf that would rest npon them . And , as God had thus built up tho religious life and thoughts of tho world , so did He bujW up their individual lives . Every thought , word , deed , accident , coincidence of their lives was a stone , often apparently shapeless anc
unhewn , but which , worked into form by the chisel of time , wa found to fit into its place in building up the plan of their lives . Aut that plan was , as the first clause of the text affirmed , that they woniu become " God ' s follow-workers" in tho sichemo of His future buildingt ' icomasoiiry had fulfilled its destiny in tho pastiu bringing materiaia for the foundations , and building the cypts of God ' s destined VVorlU Temple . It must now claim its share in completing its own allofced poc
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Correspondence.
taken not to admit into them " comparatively pauper members , or I those whoso only care in joining Masonry is to make out of it as much profit as possible . " This sentence of " M . M . 's " may be in somo degree construed to mean that aflluence should be tho only royal r < ad to Masonrv : but I am certain he does not wish to convoy any snch
an idea . It is difficult , of course as you have all along pointed out , to dive into the hidden recesses of a man ' s mental structure , and to prove his intellectual integrity , still , in a majority of cases , those who nrnnnsn nnrl second candidates should be in some measure
acquainted with those whose sponsors thoy become , and should not willingly introduce to the brethren those who are not , so far as can be , humanly speaking , judged fit and proper persons to become Masons . Hoping to see this matter still further dealt with in your valuable columns ,
I remain , Dear Sir and Brother , Yours fraternally , J . D . 30 th August 1882 .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —All wha study the interests of the Fraternity will be glad that you have opened np the question above asked , and thafc other Masonic writers are devoting fcheir attention to a subject of such vital importance to the Craft . For a long time it
has been a prevailing opinion amongst Masons fchafc fche Order was too rapidly extending its borders , and that , iu yonr own words , merely numerical strength in Freemasonry is not an " unmixed good . " Since you have invited an interchange of views upon the matter , may it not bo suggested that in many cases more than due influence is exercised in order to induce men to become Masons ? I know it
is an accepted maxim amongst us that we shall nofc persuade any one to join the Brotherhood , and indeed the candidate at bis initiation avows that he has been impelled to do so of his own " free will and accord , " and from a favonrable opinion preconceived of the Order . And yet it has been not infrequently known that without stopping seriously to consider whether their status or means are likely to give stability to those who are virtually asked or encouraged to join
our ranks , many brethren are only too eager to precipitate the entrance of their friends into Lodges by tho implied benefits which they are likely to derive from their connection with Freemasonry ? Thafc is a principle which cannot be too rigidly discouraged by those who would rule wisely and well , and who are jealous for the prestige and good government of their Lodges . The old saying no doubt holds good that— Angels are bright still ,
Altho' the brightest have fallen ; and , though many who " pass well " afc first have lapsed into the serried ranks of those who reflect no credit upon the Craft , yet the great principles wc hold so dear are by no means affected by such declensions . But , on the other side of the question , I am disposed to believe thafc in a great number of cases men are practically led to seek admission into the Institution by the " improper solicitation of
friends . " I do not mean to say dishonestly , or with ' any wilful intention of bringing in unworthy members , but out of an excess of zeal , and a desire to draw into their society those acquaintances whom they may have learned to respect in oth r walks of life . This is merely a passing opinion , which may fit in with others which your correspondents will suggest in helping to elucidate information on this momentous question .
I am , Sir and Bi other , Yours fraternally , GAVEI Aldersgate-street , 30 th August 1882 .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE , _ DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Thero are so many phases of this question that , in order fully to ventilate ifc , even a word from so bumble an individual as myself may be acceptable . I leave it to older and wiser heads than mine to solve the difficult problem of remedying that which you and your correspondents consider a great and increasing
evil to the Craft , namely , the too rapid increase in the number of its members . But there is a case I could mention of a warrant being applied for and obtained by a coterie , who saw no hope of attaining to honours in their own Lodges , and who were assisted by Pasfc Masters who either sought after a second reign , or some Provincial honours . This was prior to the year you mention when a curb was placed upon
tho " indiscriminate granting of warrants , " and the circumstances attending it were , to say the least , not very meritorious . Sovoral brethren were invited by ono most anxious to achieve distinction ( as is only natural where one has occupied a Warden's chair , but has been passed over by an incoming Master who disbelieves in fche strict order by rotation method of advancement ) to meet at his private
residence , when the ' * grievances " of thoso who had hoped for , bufc d id not receive collars , found full vent in sympathetic company . The " leader of tho opposition , " if I may uso tho term , lost no opportunity of expatiating upon tho " slight" they had received , and urged npon each and all to strive thoir utmost to obtain anew Lodge . Of course , tho leader was to be first Wor . Master , and those who supported him were to bo his chosen Officers for tho year . On that they
all agreed , with wonderful unanimity , and it was furthermore made a condition that promotion should go by strict rotation , that is to sav , each Officer should move one " peg " up afc the close of each successive year , until all had passed fcho chair . I never heard tho precise modus operandi by which that warrant way obtained , but ifc *¦•« obtained ; the Lodgo was founded , and iu order to make a " go .,, I start , " several persona were moro than persuaded to become member . ** . , with the obvious view of obtaining funds by means of the initiation
Correspondence.
fees . The result has been that at least a dozen of the first initiates have since lapsed , proving that they conld not afford , if they had been candid enough to admit it , to pay their initiation fees ; and if they aro not actually a burden upon the Craft , many , I know , have long sinco fonnd it impossible to keop up their payments , or discharge
their responsibilities to the Lodge . As an almost inevitable conseqnence of the secret conclave I have shadowed forth , the "plot " leaked out very shortly after the Lodge was founded , nnd most unpleasant recriminations ensued , which I will not here revive . I believe the Lodge has afc last sailed from turbulent waters into a sub . stantial calm ; but its early days will be long remembered by those
who watched the launch , and knew the circumstances under which it was arranged . I do not see how any blame can be attached to Grand Lodge for granting the warrant ; but the responsibility is a grave one that rests upou those who , for the sake of snatching at honours which have been denied them in fcheir own Lodges , were not over scrupulous as to whom they persuaded to join , and afterwards admitted into their Masonic circle .
I remain , Dear Sir and Brother , Fraternally yonrs , A YOUNG MASON Gravesend , 28 tb August 1882 .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cornwall.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CORNWALL .
THE Provincial Grand Lodge of this Province was held on the 29 th nit ., at the Public Rooms , Truro , under the presidency of the Earl of Mount Edgcnmbe Provincial Grand Master . Lodge was formed shortly after ten o'clock , the room being well filled . The Provincial Grand Master afc once proceeded fco business , which throughout tho whole day he conducted in his usual efficient manner . The Secretary , W . Bro . E . D . Anderton , having read the minutes of the
preceding Grand Lodge , they were confirmed . The Treasurer W . Bro . William Tweedy presented the balance-sheet , by whioh the sum of £ 223 10 s 7 d was duly accounted for , and a balance of £ 28 15 s 4 d was shown on hand . The Secretary reported that the number of brethren in December was 1 , 522 against 1 , 551 in December 1880 . One new warrant had been issued during the past year , but from unavoidable
circumstances the consecration had nofc yet taken place . Ifc was also right to mention the great obligation of the Province to W . Bro . W . J . Hnghan , for the excellent Masonic Directory he had compiled . The balance-sheet and report having been adopted , the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe moved that a cordial vote of thanks be given to W . Bro . W . J . Hughan , for his connection with the Directory . This being
carried , W . Bro . Hughan responded in a few suitable words . The report of the Cornwall Masonic Annuity and Benevolent Fund , the recommendations of the Committee of Relief , the report from Bro . Charles Truscott respecting votes for Masonic Charities , the making grants -to the Cornwall Masonic Annuity Fund , and the great Masonic Charities , and fche report of the Truro Cathedral
Fund Committee , after being duly considered , were accepted or decided upon . Tbe consideration of the Revised Book of Constitutions was then proceeded with . A Committee hdd been appointed to report thereon , and a printed form of the various matters which had commended themselves to their notice was submitted and circulated . On one or two points a debate arose , but ultimately the whole
were arranged to the satisfaction of the Lodge . Bro . W . J . Hughan next proposed some alterations and additions to the Cornwall Masonic Annuity and Benevolent Fund ; and these , with one slight alteration , were carried . The brethren now formed in procession and proceeded to the temporary church , erected alongside the Cathedral , where a very eloquent sermon was preached by the Prov . Grand Chaplain ,
Bro . P . H . Newnham , from 1 Cor . iii . 9 . " We are God ' s fellowworkers .... Ye are God ' s building "—The Rev . Brother said , meeting there as they did that day , in a place which musfc for ever be connected with the memories of a day unique alike in the annals of their Craft and in the history of religious work in that Province of Cornwallit was only natural that he should endeavour to connect
, what he desired to say to them with the associations of that day , and also with that growing work which they saw close by . That work would be viewed very differently by different minds , according to their natural power of appreciating the beautiful in the lines of architecture , and their knowledge of the rules which have governed the ideas of the builder . Where one man will see only a
heap of stones and a fewpillaraand arches rising , another would be able to appreciate the beauty and understand something of the general plan of fche work , while a third would be able , by the help of technical knowledge , already to foresee the general appearance of the finished structure . Even so had God built up the religious structure of the world ' s faith from tho earliest days until the present timo . Tho
existing system of Freemasonry combined into ono many of the earliest religions symbols and rituals by which the sp iritual instinct in its earliest in f ancy sought to embody its faith iu one living God , and its hopes of a future immortality . Out ot tho darkness of the past God had built up tho edifice of its present stace of completion . But the giand Cathedi . il of tho world s
worship was still liko their present building far from comp lete . Aim yefc hearts that had given themselves to its stndy could even now fore * seo tho shape its arches would assume , and could givo a good guess of tho kind of rcaf that would rest npon them . And , as God had thus built up tho religious life and thoughts of tho world , so did He bujW up their individual lives . Every thought , word , deed , accident , coincidence of their lives was a stone , often apparently shapeless anc
unhewn , but which , worked into form by the chisel of time , wa found to fit into its place in building up the plan of their lives . Aut that plan was , as the first clause of the text affirmed , that they woniu become " God ' s follow-workers" in tho sichemo of His future buildingt ' icomasoiiry had fulfilled its destiny in tho pastiu bringing materiaia for the foundations , and building the cypts of God ' s destined VVorlU Temple . It must now claim its share in completing its own allofced poc