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  • Dec. 2, 1882
  • Page 6
  • WHAT CAME YOU HERE TO DO ?
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The Freemason's Chronicle, Dec. 2, 1882: Page 6

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What Came You Here To Do ?

WHAT CAME YOU HERE TO DO ?

FROM THE MASONIC REVIEW . IF the above query were propounded to each Brother as he entered the door of the Lodge , I fear very few would be able to give a ready and unconventional answer . Tho friends , as well as the enemies of our Societ )* , entertain curious ideas of what transpires within our tyled doors , and very many of the more desirable material

among the former are to some degree disappointed , when permitted to share in onr labours , to discover that tho occult and most interesting beanties of onr science aro crowded into obscurity by less intellectual and , I may say , un-Masonic observances . Initiating , passing and raising candidates , aro in many Lodges , and in thp opinion of many Masons , the only occasion when anything of

interest is on the trestleboard , and when such labour is not marked npon it tbe irrational conclusion is hastily formed that Masonic progress has como to a standstill . . It wero well that Masons should not only remember but thoroughly understand that tho mere initiation of a candidate is only a ceremony—nnly an initiation ; it does not make a man a

Mason to acquaint him with tho methods of satisfying others that he is one ; nor is it true loyalty to the Craft for Masons to be so ready to invest every passable candidate with its rights ancl privileges . Every man of negatively good qualities admitted to tho Fraternity makes one with whom all tho other members are to bo averaged . Tbe number threo is ono of great universality in Masonry , and will

serve to illustrate the idea presented . Let 1 represent the standard of Masonic excellence , 2 a medium , and 3 a negatively good character , ono that presents no reasons why it is fit to work into Masonic material , and none why it is unfit . Three candidates representing these relative qualifications present themselves , are accepted , and with what result ? Freemasonry ' s standard is not maintained , but

is lowered to accommodate what may , with many chances in its favour , become rubbish in the attempt to give it the Masonic dressing . The admission of such candidates is a guarantee to each of them that men of similar calibre are eligible , and as friends usually present the petitions of friends , this brother's friends will be the only kind he will offer for inspection , and they are a kind that hopo

for Masonic respectability to give them caste . A few years ago a moral and industrious young man petitioned one of the Lodges in the city in which T resided . I was well acquainted with him , and the Master of the Lodge to which he made petition enquired of me respecting his reputation . He remarked that he had learned his habits were good , usually sppnt

his evenings with ladies , or in promenading the streets , dressed neatly and acting gentlemanly—but , nnd here he smiled— " he parts his hair in the middle , and I doubt his ability to appreciate Freemasonry . " The candidate was accepted and initiated , and is quite often seen at Lodge , a quiet and apparently interested spectator ; he was once elected and installed Junior Deacon , but never qualified

himself , and is now , as he will always be , a nominal Mason , and the doubt expressed by the Master I have observed to bo well founded . Masonry requires manliness in its members , and the man that effects effeminacy , and " parts his hair in the middle , " lacks Masonic manliness . I doubt whether a purely " aesthetic young man" is worth making a Mason , he certainly adds nothing to the

wisdom , and can contribute nothing to the strength and beauty of the edifice , and ought to be rejected . Freemasons affect to attend the Lodge that they may learn lessons of moral rectitude , and add to their stock of Masonic knowledge . How many do it ? In how many Lodges does the Master ever do moro than his ritualistic duties require ? Many in

the observance of them manifest a degree of machine intelligence approaching to absolute ignorance of the duties of the Master ' s office . The theory of the Masonic organisation is excellent , perhaps as nearly approaching perfection as it is possible for human intellect to conceive , but its practice is shamefully abused , and due alone to the ignorance of its officials , and the botched work and inferior

material they suffer to pass the inspection of the overseers . That this ignorance is wide spread , and exists in high places , is evinced in the variety of mirth-provoking questions put to the several Grand Masters , and annually repeated by them to their Grand Lodges . To the majority of these queries answers may bo found in the several G . Lodge Constitutions , and in the remainder the exercise of a

little common sense to construe tho Constitutions would supply a ready answer . If Freemasonry were studied wo would havo no edicts of non-intercourse ; no Grand Lodge complications ; less legislation ; fewer Lodges ; more Masons ; true Masonry ¦ . What came you hero to dp ? therefore becomes a very important question for Masons to consider , not only as respects themselves as

members , but as Lodges . It leads us to contemplate why we spend time and money for Masonic purposes , and inaugurate methods for their accomplishment . In my intercourse with the Craft , I have seldom found a Lodge in which there were not a fow , perhaps but one or two , earnest , zealous seekers after Masonic light , Craftsm . n who recognised iu the rites

and lectures of the Society something more than an arbitrary ceremony for observance in the admission of a now member , something more elevating and instructive than the simple repetition of these forms and the transaction of routine business , bat what that something is they need assistance to discover . Let such make tbe Lodge a school of instruction , let the acquisition of tho sought-for Masonic knowledge be what they come to the Lodge to do , and have

something before the Lodge at each communication for the good of Masonry in general , and of their Lodge in particular . Indeed it is a wonder to me that some Lodges I have visited over secure a meeting , for the very little they know of Freemasonry wrs explained in such a humdrum , slipshod , insipid manner , that it was like swallowing an emetic to endnre it . One of the emblems from which we draw instruction is tho beehive ; it recommends to us the practice of industry . At another

What Came You Here To Do ?

time we are told that man was formed for social and active life the noblest part of tho work of God , and that he will so demean himself as not to be endeavouring to add to tho common stock of knowledge and understanding , may be deemed useless members of society , and unworthy of our protection as Masons . Gauged b y this standard how many are worthy f

The idea of a Masonic Lodge , when open , is a workshop ; it is at labour , and no good Master of work will permit his mon to idle their time . Every one should be busy , and not only busy but intelligently employed . We all admit that first impressions are the most lasting , therefore it becomes of the greatest importance that the initi . tion of a profane into our mysteries be done with a thorough

knowledge of the ritual , aud such a knowledge can be acquired onl y by frequent practice , therefore Lodges of Instruction should be frequently called , not for officers alone , but for the members , to the end that the absence of a regnlar Officer may not impair the suecessful working of the Lodge . My own practice , as Master , has been to assemble the Officers quietly , at residences or private

offices , whore each man was drilled in the role he was required to play in the drama of initiation , for as a drama it should be regarded and acted . And the manner is of far more importance than mere verbal accuracy , we admire the accomplishments of the lower animals at the circus , but do not forget that human culture and intelligence are wanting to make the exhibition more than an

acquired habit or task . Therefore the Officers should be taught how to act their parts naturally , to use deliberation in speech and action , to convey by the intonation of the voice and expression of eye , coupled with grace and ease iu delivery , a sense of earnestness and sincerity , that the candidate may be deeply impressed with the ceremonv and become more than a nominal Mason . When the

Officers become proficient and capable of imparting instruction to others , tho members shonld be assembled and put in the official positions , with the Officers at their elbows to instruct them . All of the secrets , arts , parts and points must be insisted upon by the Master , for there is but one correct way , and any way is incorrect , nothing should be omitted for sake of brevity , for every thought

and action in the Masonio ritual is pregnant with deep significance , is an important part of the whole , and essential to the proper exemplification of the wisdom , strength and beauty of the Institution . Indeed , rather than curtail the ceremonies , I would sanction the postponement of a portion of the ceremony until another meeting , as is the practice still in some jurisdictions , when several candidates

are initiated at the same communication and lectured at another . Eeligious and political societies regard a persistent inculcation of their doctrines essential to keep the membership intact ; weekly sermons and periodical revivals in the churches , and vigorous political campaigns by the earnest patriots (!) are the result of this idea . Why then should we , Free and Accepted Masons , whose principles

are preached from the same book the chnrch uses , and whose territory embraces all political divisions and countries , be less earnest and industrious in our preaching than they ? If it be that Masons regard their own principles of minor importance , the reason for such an erroneous opinion lies in the fact that we have not preached our principals sufficiently .

I have never failed to hear the Craft express the greatest satisfac tion after listening to a sensible , instructive lecture by a competent and studious brother , and the very novelty of such discourses makes them the more eagerly listened to . The Lodgo should be made a thorough school for Masonic culture , and to be successful , "the

Master shonld have a lecture delivered each Lodge night , either by himself or some well informed brother selected for the purpose . After the lecture a general conversation should ensue on the subject discussed ; interest and attention would be excited ; the energies of individual brethren would be brought out and much useful

information elicited . Yonng Masons usually aro like children , anxious to learn the why and wherefore of everything , aud the practice of the Craft is to make them as ignorant as their predecessors by shutting to them all the fountains of learning . They find the membership unable to answer the simplest enquiry , and aro either snubbed by the elders

or laughed at by the youngers for their verdancy . This is all wrong ; encourage research ; solicit the youngest Entered Apprentice to ask questions , and assure him of its importance by making it the subject of a Lodge lecture . Tho ancient charges say , " All preferment amoung Masons is grounded upon real worth and personal merit only * * *

therefore no Master or Warden is chosen by seniority , but for his merit , " and with this as good Masonic authority I encourage the ambition of Masons to hold office . No one can detest more than I the scramble for office seen too often not only in tho Grand Lodge but Lodges , and I think very much of the scandal could bo removed were the above constitutional requirements enforced . Tbe Mason who will qualify

himself for a position and then aspire to it is worthy of confidence and advancement ; he has evinced his zeal by study , his fitness by Masonic skill , and his worthiness by qualifying himself to " honestly finish his work , whether task or journey . " If competent men were chosen for Officers the Craft would be the better for it , and only those who are ambitions to excel would wear the honours .

In the instruction of candidates it is an exe . 'lent plan to do it in classes half a dozen members and tho candidate make a good sized class , and if there are additional candidates form additional classes . By this means the candidate has the information repeated in his hearing several times before he is called upon to respond himself , and he loses much of that timidity and nervous . io-iS that is apt to attack him in open Lodge .

By all means cultivate music . Select some appropriate words for opening and closing the Lodge , and nse them at every communication . There are few gatherings in the general associations of man that are conducted without the nccompanimont of music . It is everywhere prevalent , and everywhere appropriate ; there is nothing that can so effectually arouse tho passions , elevate tho soul or stimulate man to exertion , as music . The natioual air inspires the soldier to face

“The Freemason's Chronicle: 1882-12-02, Page 6” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 5 July 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fcn/issues/fcn_02121882/page/6/.
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THE REVISED BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS. Article 1
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INSTALLATION MEETINGS, &c. Article 3
Obituary. Article 3
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND. Article 4
KNIGHT TEMPLARISM IS THE BANE OF ANCIENT CRAFT MASONRY. Article 5
MARK MASONRY. Article 5
AN IMPOSTOR. Article 5
WHAT CAME YOU HERE TO DO ? Article 6
JOPPA CHAPTER, No. 188. Article 7
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QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION OF UNITED GRAND LODGE. Article 9
DEATH. Article 11
NOTICES OF MEETINGS. Article 12
SHEPHERD'S BUSH LODGE, No. 1828. Article 13
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

What Came You Here To Do ?

WHAT CAME YOU HERE TO DO ?

FROM THE MASONIC REVIEW . IF the above query were propounded to each Brother as he entered the door of the Lodge , I fear very few would be able to give a ready and unconventional answer . Tho friends , as well as the enemies of our Societ )* , entertain curious ideas of what transpires within our tyled doors , and very many of the more desirable material

among the former are to some degree disappointed , when permitted to share in onr labours , to discover that tho occult and most interesting beanties of onr science aro crowded into obscurity by less intellectual and , I may say , un-Masonic observances . Initiating , passing and raising candidates , aro in many Lodges , and in thp opinion of many Masons , the only occasion when anything of

interest is on the trestleboard , and when such labour is not marked npon it tbe irrational conclusion is hastily formed that Masonic progress has como to a standstill . . It wero well that Masons should not only remember but thoroughly understand that tho mere initiation of a candidate is only a ceremony—nnly an initiation ; it does not make a man a

Mason to acquaint him with tho methods of satisfying others that he is one ; nor is it true loyalty to the Craft for Masons to be so ready to invest every passable candidate with its rights ancl privileges . Every man of negatively good qualities admitted to tho Fraternity makes one with whom all tho other members are to bo averaged . Tbe number threo is ono of great universality in Masonry , and will

serve to illustrate the idea presented . Let 1 represent the standard of Masonic excellence , 2 a medium , and 3 a negatively good character , ono that presents no reasons why it is fit to work into Masonic material , and none why it is unfit . Three candidates representing these relative qualifications present themselves , are accepted , and with what result ? Freemasonry ' s standard is not maintained , but

is lowered to accommodate what may , with many chances in its favour , become rubbish in the attempt to give it the Masonic dressing . The admission of such candidates is a guarantee to each of them that men of similar calibre are eligible , and as friends usually present the petitions of friends , this brother's friends will be the only kind he will offer for inspection , and they are a kind that hopo

for Masonic respectability to give them caste . A few years ago a moral and industrious young man petitioned one of the Lodges in the city in which T resided . I was well acquainted with him , and the Master of the Lodge to which he made petition enquired of me respecting his reputation . He remarked that he had learned his habits were good , usually sppnt

his evenings with ladies , or in promenading the streets , dressed neatly and acting gentlemanly—but , nnd here he smiled— " he parts his hair in the middle , and I doubt his ability to appreciate Freemasonry . " The candidate was accepted and initiated , and is quite often seen at Lodge , a quiet and apparently interested spectator ; he was once elected and installed Junior Deacon , but never qualified

himself , and is now , as he will always be , a nominal Mason , and the doubt expressed by the Master I have observed to bo well founded . Masonry requires manliness in its members , and the man that effects effeminacy , and " parts his hair in the middle , " lacks Masonic manliness . I doubt whether a purely " aesthetic young man" is worth making a Mason , he certainly adds nothing to the

wisdom , and can contribute nothing to the strength and beauty of the edifice , and ought to be rejected . Freemasons affect to attend the Lodge that they may learn lessons of moral rectitude , and add to their stock of Masonic knowledge . How many do it ? In how many Lodges does the Master ever do moro than his ritualistic duties require ? Many in

the observance of them manifest a degree of machine intelligence approaching to absolute ignorance of the duties of the Master ' s office . The theory of the Masonic organisation is excellent , perhaps as nearly approaching perfection as it is possible for human intellect to conceive , but its practice is shamefully abused , and due alone to the ignorance of its officials , and the botched work and inferior

material they suffer to pass the inspection of the overseers . That this ignorance is wide spread , and exists in high places , is evinced in the variety of mirth-provoking questions put to the several Grand Masters , and annually repeated by them to their Grand Lodges . To the majority of these queries answers may bo found in the several G . Lodge Constitutions , and in the remainder the exercise of a

little common sense to construe tho Constitutions would supply a ready answer . If Freemasonry were studied wo would havo no edicts of non-intercourse ; no Grand Lodge complications ; less legislation ; fewer Lodges ; more Masons ; true Masonry ¦ . What came you hero to dp ? therefore becomes a very important question for Masons to consider , not only as respects themselves as

members , but as Lodges . It leads us to contemplate why we spend time and money for Masonic purposes , and inaugurate methods for their accomplishment . In my intercourse with the Craft , I have seldom found a Lodge in which there were not a fow , perhaps but one or two , earnest , zealous seekers after Masonic light , Craftsm . n who recognised iu the rites

and lectures of the Society something more than an arbitrary ceremony for observance in the admission of a now member , something more elevating and instructive than the simple repetition of these forms and the transaction of routine business , bat what that something is they need assistance to discover . Let such make tbe Lodge a school of instruction , let the acquisition of tho sought-for Masonic knowledge be what they come to the Lodge to do , and have

something before the Lodge at each communication for the good of Masonry in general , and of their Lodge in particular . Indeed it is a wonder to me that some Lodges I have visited over secure a meeting , for the very little they know of Freemasonry wrs explained in such a humdrum , slipshod , insipid manner , that it was like swallowing an emetic to endnre it . One of the emblems from which we draw instruction is tho beehive ; it recommends to us the practice of industry . At another

What Came You Here To Do ?

time we are told that man was formed for social and active life the noblest part of tho work of God , and that he will so demean himself as not to be endeavouring to add to tho common stock of knowledge and understanding , may be deemed useless members of society , and unworthy of our protection as Masons . Gauged b y this standard how many are worthy f

The idea of a Masonic Lodge , when open , is a workshop ; it is at labour , and no good Master of work will permit his mon to idle their time . Every one should be busy , and not only busy but intelligently employed . We all admit that first impressions are the most lasting , therefore it becomes of the greatest importance that the initi . tion of a profane into our mysteries be done with a thorough

knowledge of the ritual , aud such a knowledge can be acquired onl y by frequent practice , therefore Lodges of Instruction should be frequently called , not for officers alone , but for the members , to the end that the absence of a regnlar Officer may not impair the suecessful working of the Lodge . My own practice , as Master , has been to assemble the Officers quietly , at residences or private

offices , whore each man was drilled in the role he was required to play in the drama of initiation , for as a drama it should be regarded and acted . And the manner is of far more importance than mere verbal accuracy , we admire the accomplishments of the lower animals at the circus , but do not forget that human culture and intelligence are wanting to make the exhibition more than an

acquired habit or task . Therefore the Officers should be taught how to act their parts naturally , to use deliberation in speech and action , to convey by the intonation of the voice and expression of eye , coupled with grace and ease iu delivery , a sense of earnestness and sincerity , that the candidate may be deeply impressed with the ceremonv and become more than a nominal Mason . When the

Officers become proficient and capable of imparting instruction to others , tho members shonld be assembled and put in the official positions , with the Officers at their elbows to instruct them . All of the secrets , arts , parts and points must be insisted upon by the Master , for there is but one correct way , and any way is incorrect , nothing should be omitted for sake of brevity , for every thought

and action in the Masonio ritual is pregnant with deep significance , is an important part of the whole , and essential to the proper exemplification of the wisdom , strength and beauty of the Institution . Indeed , rather than curtail the ceremonies , I would sanction the postponement of a portion of the ceremony until another meeting , as is the practice still in some jurisdictions , when several candidates

are initiated at the same communication and lectured at another . Eeligious and political societies regard a persistent inculcation of their doctrines essential to keep the membership intact ; weekly sermons and periodical revivals in the churches , and vigorous political campaigns by the earnest patriots (!) are the result of this idea . Why then should we , Free and Accepted Masons , whose principles

are preached from the same book the chnrch uses , and whose territory embraces all political divisions and countries , be less earnest and industrious in our preaching than they ? If it be that Masons regard their own principles of minor importance , the reason for such an erroneous opinion lies in the fact that we have not preached our principals sufficiently .

I have never failed to hear the Craft express the greatest satisfac tion after listening to a sensible , instructive lecture by a competent and studious brother , and the very novelty of such discourses makes them the more eagerly listened to . The Lodgo should be made a thorough school for Masonic culture , and to be successful , "the

Master shonld have a lecture delivered each Lodge night , either by himself or some well informed brother selected for the purpose . After the lecture a general conversation should ensue on the subject discussed ; interest and attention would be excited ; the energies of individual brethren would be brought out and much useful

information elicited . Yonng Masons usually aro like children , anxious to learn the why and wherefore of everything , aud the practice of the Craft is to make them as ignorant as their predecessors by shutting to them all the fountains of learning . They find the membership unable to answer the simplest enquiry , and aro either snubbed by the elders

or laughed at by the youngers for their verdancy . This is all wrong ; encourage research ; solicit the youngest Entered Apprentice to ask questions , and assure him of its importance by making it the subject of a Lodge lecture . Tho ancient charges say , " All preferment amoung Masons is grounded upon real worth and personal merit only * * *

therefore no Master or Warden is chosen by seniority , but for his merit , " and with this as good Masonic authority I encourage the ambition of Masons to hold office . No one can detest more than I the scramble for office seen too often not only in tho Grand Lodge but Lodges , and I think very much of the scandal could bo removed were the above constitutional requirements enforced . Tbe Mason who will qualify

himself for a position and then aspire to it is worthy of confidence and advancement ; he has evinced his zeal by study , his fitness by Masonic skill , and his worthiness by qualifying himself to " honestly finish his work , whether task or journey . " If competent men were chosen for Officers the Craft would be the better for it , and only those who are ambitions to excel would wear the honours .

In the instruction of candidates it is an exe . 'lent plan to do it in classes half a dozen members and tho candidate make a good sized class , and if there are additional candidates form additional classes . By this means the candidate has the information repeated in his hearing several times before he is called upon to respond himself , and he loses much of that timidity and nervous . io-iS that is apt to attack him in open Lodge .

By all means cultivate music . Select some appropriate words for opening and closing the Lodge , and nse them at every communication . There are few gatherings in the general associations of man that are conducted without the nccompanimont of music . It is everywhere prevalent , and everywhere appropriate ; there is nothing that can so effectually arouse tho passions , elevate tho soul or stimulate man to exertion , as music . The natioual air inspires the soldier to face

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