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Article APPROACHING FESTIVAL OF THE R.M. BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. ← Page 2 of 2 Article REGULARITY IN LODGE ATTENDANCE. Page 1 of 2 Article REGULARITY IN LODGE ATTENDANCE. Page 1 of 2 →
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Approaching Festival Of The R.M. Benevolent Institution.
they are under of supporting helpless or invalid members of their families . Yet , as we have pointed out , there are only thirteen vacancies to be filled up in May , and , therefore , 118 deserving people , and it may be more , will have to be left to endure their present state of poverty for at least a
further period of twelve months . This is a terrible tale of distress , which ifc is out of the question to expect can be alleviated entirely , but it must be borne in mind that the extent of the relief which it may be possible to afford rests almost entirely with the Craft . A handsome subscription
at the approaching Festival may enable the Committee of Management of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution to increase , temporarily at all events , the number of the annuitants . We may be sure that Brother Terry and his staff will leave no stone unturned in order to bring about so desirable a result . He has achieved most brilliant successes in the past , and we trust he will be fortunate
enough to secure one that shall mark the Festival of 1883 as among the highest of his achievements .
Regularity In Lodge Attendance.
REGULARITY IN LODGE ATTENDANCE .
AS a Mason is known by the regularity of his initiation , frequent trials and approbation , & c , so also ia a good and true Mason known by the regularity of his
attendance at the meetings of his Lodge , the assiduity with which he applies himself to his Masonic duties , and the advancement to which he aspires in pursuit of the studies of the Art . We have often heard it remarked that
many a man has been known to ride his Masonic " hobby to death , " and unquestionably there is a certain degree of force in the simile , when we watch the progress of some brethren who , like the hare in the fable , disdaining the tortoise-like plodding of more sensible men , scamper over
the chequered floor , carried on the wings of a fleeting popularity towards their only goal—distinction . They covet every jewel that glistens on another brother ' s breast , and there is not a degree but they must possess its secrets . Bufc in a majority of cases these men are of a transient
disposition , and the overcharged enthusiasm which impels them forward , with sometimes ] ill-judged impetuosity , speedily evaporates , and often leaves its pursuer brokenwinded or apathetic . There is a vast difference between these spasmodic spirits , whose ambition is fickle and
unabiding , and those who plod on with steady earnestness of purpose , with the single eye of not only aggrandising their own position , and feasting on a brief span of popularity ; but of affording substantial assistance in the hard dry work of their Lodge , and enriching others by the results of their
own sound and persevering industry . These are the men who are the comfort and mainstay of the Worshipful Master , who have the vital interests and prosperity of our Lodges at heart , and who have fche abiding satisfaction of knowing that they are held in the confidence and esteem of
sensible men . They , too , are the brethren who exemplify the more useful virtnes of human excellence , punctuality and regularity , which is so essential in every sphere of life , and which tell far more in the long run than the most brilliant flashes of intermittent enthusiasm . A brother
can scarcely bfl termed a useful member in his Lodge who bestirs himself by fits and starts , and puts in a fussy show now and then of activity . We are aware that many men think it quite sufficient to put in an occasional appearance afc their Lodges , and to " drop in " casually at a Lodge of
Instruction . They know sufficient of the work to enable them to follow the outline of their dnties in Lodge , and show themselves times just enough during the year to prevent them from being forgotten by the rest of the members . But this is not what we call praiseworthy , or
any approach to the fulfilment of those duties which a Mason takes upon himself at his initiation . Far be it from any one to ' check the impulses of that ambition which fires the mind naturally when it is first illuminated with Masonic light . In the very nature of our Institution , the
beautiful symbolism which then dawns upon the new-found sight of him who gains the" predominant wish " of his heart , " stirs the young blood , " and impels him to stretch forth his mental hands to grasp a farther instalment of those
grand and glorious principles of which he has received as yet but a little foretaste . It would be strange indeed if the young Mason could be found who would rest satisfied with this first insi ght into our mysteries , and think he had completed his Masonic education when he had responded
Regularity In Lodge Attendance.
to the toast of his health as the Initiate at his first banquet with the brethren . From this starting-point all Masons have set out on their explorations of the system , and it would be absurd to expect them to run all at the same pace . We might as well imagine the droll picture of a
dozen horses starting for the Derby , and moving in a machine-like line to the winning post , all abreast . The race is not always to the swift , however , and it is the experience of most ' of us in every phase of life that steady and consistent perseverance is to be preferred—and
is preferred—to the gushing and irregular speed manifested by the unstable and impulsive . It is , therefore , the greatest comfort and satisfaction to a Master , when he finds that on assuming his gavel he can count upon a certain number of the brethren who are always at their
posts , to assist him in carrying out the work , upon whose fidelity and constancy he can reckon , and about whom he has no occasion for an anxious thought . We have seen the blush of vexation and disappointment mantling to the brow of many a Worshipful Master who , when he comes
to the opening of his Lodge , is compelled , through the absence of his Wardens or other Officers , to select from the rank and file some other brother upon whom collars have not yet been bestowed . He is vexed and irritable , because he has invited a Yisitor or two to come and see the
working of his Lodge , and all at once he finds the machinery out of gear . Perhaps the brethren he has called to fill pro tern the chairs whose rightful owners are delinquent fail to answer his expectations , and the audible voice of the prompter does not improve matters in the least . This ,
indeed , is but a natural sequence in a Lodge where regularity of attendance is not one of the cardinal virtues , for we never knew a Lodge yet where perfection of working , and competency amongst the rank and file were very conspicuous when the attendancejwas kaleiodoscopio and
everchanging . Far different is the view presented in many of the Lodges which it is our privilege and pleasure to visit , both in London and in the provinces . We have seen Masters who can stand robust and erect , and look around them with complacent satisfaction as they bestow
compliments , which they feel inwardly are no mere platitudes , upon their Officers . There is a sterling ring in the utterances of such men , and it betokens the evident fact that regularity of attendance is a point most rigidly observed by members of the Lodge . There is no " screw loose "
anywhere , and matters flow on as peacefully and as right as the proverbial fiddle . In the other case to which we have alluded , there is a jarring and an uncomfortable feeling of uneasiness , just as we find in a home where there is a smoky chimney and a scolding wife . It is pleasant to
reflect that the latter aspect is but seldom seen , though on some occasions we have been literally pained at the slip-shod way in which the work of Lodges has been scamped over , and the beautiful ritual laboriousl y mutilated . We love to see , in a gathering of the
brethren , a pervading sense of inward consciousness that duty is systematically and well regarded . Then we discern the perfection of the circle of brotherl y unity , peace and concord , such as should be ever manifested in a Masonic gathering . As a matter of necessit y
the work must be well performed , for the invariable regularity of attendance speaks volumes in support of fche inference that such and every brother has his heart in it , and unswerving ' . interest in and fidelit y to the interests of his Lodge . Better have a dozen such
of men who are constant and true in the discharge of their responsibilities , —than a big show in point of numbers , but with a very small cultivation of esprit de corps . The point which we would wish especially to drive home to the thoughts of our readers is , that regularity is one of
the first principles which should guide all Masons , and especially younger brethren , in their Masonic career . They have entered upon a path of duty which demands certain calls upon their time and thoughtful consideration , and they are morally bound to fulfil their obli gations
honourably and with assiduity . There must be no disaffection , and no apathetic neglect or glossing over of their responsibilities . In a word , there should be no drones in the Masonic hive , where there is so much excellent work to be performed . The strength , vitality and thoroughly healthy
condition of our Lodges depends entirely upon the sturd y recognition of duty on the part of individual members , and shonld be insisted upon in the minds of every right-thinking man . It would be half the battle if this was always kept in view , as then we should have heard the last of
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Approaching Festival Of The R.M. Benevolent Institution.
they are under of supporting helpless or invalid members of their families . Yet , as we have pointed out , there are only thirteen vacancies to be filled up in May , and , therefore , 118 deserving people , and it may be more , will have to be left to endure their present state of poverty for at least a
further period of twelve months . This is a terrible tale of distress , which ifc is out of the question to expect can be alleviated entirely , but it must be borne in mind that the extent of the relief which it may be possible to afford rests almost entirely with the Craft . A handsome subscription
at the approaching Festival may enable the Committee of Management of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution to increase , temporarily at all events , the number of the annuitants . We may be sure that Brother Terry and his staff will leave no stone unturned in order to bring about so desirable a result . He has achieved most brilliant successes in the past , and we trust he will be fortunate
enough to secure one that shall mark the Festival of 1883 as among the highest of his achievements .
Regularity In Lodge Attendance.
REGULARITY IN LODGE ATTENDANCE .
AS a Mason is known by the regularity of his initiation , frequent trials and approbation , & c , so also ia a good and true Mason known by the regularity of his
attendance at the meetings of his Lodge , the assiduity with which he applies himself to his Masonic duties , and the advancement to which he aspires in pursuit of the studies of the Art . We have often heard it remarked that
many a man has been known to ride his Masonic " hobby to death , " and unquestionably there is a certain degree of force in the simile , when we watch the progress of some brethren who , like the hare in the fable , disdaining the tortoise-like plodding of more sensible men , scamper over
the chequered floor , carried on the wings of a fleeting popularity towards their only goal—distinction . They covet every jewel that glistens on another brother ' s breast , and there is not a degree but they must possess its secrets . Bufc in a majority of cases these men are of a transient
disposition , and the overcharged enthusiasm which impels them forward , with sometimes ] ill-judged impetuosity , speedily evaporates , and often leaves its pursuer brokenwinded or apathetic . There is a vast difference between these spasmodic spirits , whose ambition is fickle and
unabiding , and those who plod on with steady earnestness of purpose , with the single eye of not only aggrandising their own position , and feasting on a brief span of popularity ; but of affording substantial assistance in the hard dry work of their Lodge , and enriching others by the results of their
own sound and persevering industry . These are the men who are the comfort and mainstay of the Worshipful Master , who have the vital interests and prosperity of our Lodges at heart , and who have fche abiding satisfaction of knowing that they are held in the confidence and esteem of
sensible men . They , too , are the brethren who exemplify the more useful virtnes of human excellence , punctuality and regularity , which is so essential in every sphere of life , and which tell far more in the long run than the most brilliant flashes of intermittent enthusiasm . A brother
can scarcely bfl termed a useful member in his Lodge who bestirs himself by fits and starts , and puts in a fussy show now and then of activity . We are aware that many men think it quite sufficient to put in an occasional appearance afc their Lodges , and to " drop in " casually at a Lodge of
Instruction . They know sufficient of the work to enable them to follow the outline of their dnties in Lodge , and show themselves times just enough during the year to prevent them from being forgotten by the rest of the members . But this is not what we call praiseworthy , or
any approach to the fulfilment of those duties which a Mason takes upon himself at his initiation . Far be it from any one to ' check the impulses of that ambition which fires the mind naturally when it is first illuminated with Masonic light . In the very nature of our Institution , the
beautiful symbolism which then dawns upon the new-found sight of him who gains the" predominant wish " of his heart , " stirs the young blood , " and impels him to stretch forth his mental hands to grasp a farther instalment of those
grand and glorious principles of which he has received as yet but a little foretaste . It would be strange indeed if the young Mason could be found who would rest satisfied with this first insi ght into our mysteries , and think he had completed his Masonic education when he had responded
Regularity In Lodge Attendance.
to the toast of his health as the Initiate at his first banquet with the brethren . From this starting-point all Masons have set out on their explorations of the system , and it would be absurd to expect them to run all at the same pace . We might as well imagine the droll picture of a
dozen horses starting for the Derby , and moving in a machine-like line to the winning post , all abreast . The race is not always to the swift , however , and it is the experience of most ' of us in every phase of life that steady and consistent perseverance is to be preferred—and
is preferred—to the gushing and irregular speed manifested by the unstable and impulsive . It is , therefore , the greatest comfort and satisfaction to a Master , when he finds that on assuming his gavel he can count upon a certain number of the brethren who are always at their
posts , to assist him in carrying out the work , upon whose fidelity and constancy he can reckon , and about whom he has no occasion for an anxious thought . We have seen the blush of vexation and disappointment mantling to the brow of many a Worshipful Master who , when he comes
to the opening of his Lodge , is compelled , through the absence of his Wardens or other Officers , to select from the rank and file some other brother upon whom collars have not yet been bestowed . He is vexed and irritable , because he has invited a Yisitor or two to come and see the
working of his Lodge , and all at once he finds the machinery out of gear . Perhaps the brethren he has called to fill pro tern the chairs whose rightful owners are delinquent fail to answer his expectations , and the audible voice of the prompter does not improve matters in the least . This ,
indeed , is but a natural sequence in a Lodge where regularity of attendance is not one of the cardinal virtues , for we never knew a Lodge yet where perfection of working , and competency amongst the rank and file were very conspicuous when the attendancejwas kaleiodoscopio and
everchanging . Far different is the view presented in many of the Lodges which it is our privilege and pleasure to visit , both in London and in the provinces . We have seen Masters who can stand robust and erect , and look around them with complacent satisfaction as they bestow
compliments , which they feel inwardly are no mere platitudes , upon their Officers . There is a sterling ring in the utterances of such men , and it betokens the evident fact that regularity of attendance is a point most rigidly observed by members of the Lodge . There is no " screw loose "
anywhere , and matters flow on as peacefully and as right as the proverbial fiddle . In the other case to which we have alluded , there is a jarring and an uncomfortable feeling of uneasiness , just as we find in a home where there is a smoky chimney and a scolding wife . It is pleasant to
reflect that the latter aspect is but seldom seen , though on some occasions we have been literally pained at the slip-shod way in which the work of Lodges has been scamped over , and the beautiful ritual laboriousl y mutilated . We love to see , in a gathering of the
brethren , a pervading sense of inward consciousness that duty is systematically and well regarded . Then we discern the perfection of the circle of brotherl y unity , peace and concord , such as should be ever manifested in a Masonic gathering . As a matter of necessit y
the work must be well performed , for the invariable regularity of attendance speaks volumes in support of fche inference that such and every brother has his heart in it , and unswerving ' . interest in and fidelit y to the interests of his Lodge . Better have a dozen such
of men who are constant and true in the discharge of their responsibilities , —than a big show in point of numbers , but with a very small cultivation of esprit de corps . The point which we would wish especially to drive home to the thoughts of our readers is , that regularity is one of
the first principles which should guide all Masons , and especially younger brethren , in their Masonic career . They have entered upon a path of duty which demands certain calls upon their time and thoughtful consideration , and they are morally bound to fulfil their obli gations
honourably and with assiduity . There must be no disaffection , and no apathetic neglect or glossing over of their responsibilities . In a word , there should be no drones in the Masonic hive , where there is so much excellent work to be performed . The strength , vitality and thoroughly healthy
condition of our Lodges depends entirely upon the sturd y recognition of duty on the part of individual members , and shonld be insisted upon in the minds of every right-thinking man . It would be half the battle if this was always kept in view , as then we should have heard the last of