Lodges Of Instruction.

answer to his complaint , and to tell him he must " lump " what ha does not like , and what his conscience tells him is wrong , is very much like tyranny . But then the whole truth leaks out in the closing paragraph . " VIA MEDIA " likes his weed and his beer ; they soothe him , and instruction under such conditions is agreeable and

edifying . Well , perhaps this is all true . As I said before , it is a condition of things very acceptable to an elastic conscience , but scarcely in agreement with the entire teaching of the Craft . As Lodges of Instruction are generally conducted , there is great sameness and monotony . The desire for creature comforts under

such circumstances is not to be wondered at . Dulness is not a necessary accompaniment , however , to instruction , and it is not essential to always get through a given quantity of work each evening . What is done should be done well and thoroughly , and instead of merely rehearsing the ceremonies it would be better to question the relevancy

of phrases and the meaning of terms . By this means a true spirit of inquiry would be evoked , a new interest created , and the desire for beer and smoke would yield to the nobler demand for knowledge . There are many words and phrases in the ritual of Freemasonry which cannot be considered in print ; they would come rightly under

discussion in a Lodge of Instruction . I am aware that better Ire ceptors wonld be required , and no doubt they would be forthcoming were the demand for improved teaching as general as it ought to be . How many there are who lament tbe lack of interest taken by the mass of the brethren in Masonic literature . How can it be otherwise

with the present dull level of Lodges of Instruction ? Now and then a battle is fought between " Emulation " and " Stability " working , and sometimes a brother may make a bold innovation npon accepted theories ; but as a rule the instruction is confined to the mere repetition of the ceremonies and lectures according to the style followed

in each particular school . There is nothing edifying about this ; it is a parrot-like training , adapted to the meanest capacity , but not calculated to excite a desire for deeper inquiry , nor to satisfy it when it exists . I would make our Lodges of Instruction real schools , and as teachers

in ordinary schools are bound to understand what they teach , and to prove their power by giving object lessons , so should Preceptors be men learned in Masonic lore and capable of giving an intelligent ,

if not always correct , explanation of every phrase and symbol . Just as ordinary schools have now become pleasant as well as more instructive places , so would Lodges of Instruction answer their high privileges were they to follow a similar plan .

If beer and smoke still be considered desirable they might be enjoyed either at calling off time or at the close of labour . The latter method I should prefer , because an opportunity would be afforded of discussing many matters of Masonic interest that do not belong to the ceremonies . I once saw this plan adopted on a limited scale , and

do not hesitate to say that it was eminently agreeable . An hour devoted to the consideration of questions affecting the Charities , the office of Grand Treasurer , the conduct of Grand Lodge , and various other matters wonld be most beneficial , and certainly wonld not lack in interest . Masons would thus come to have a higher view of their

duties and responsibilities , would become intelligent judges instead of partial recorders of the opinions of individuals and cliques . Knowledge grows by what it feeds upon , and as there is no limit to the supply , there would be no end to the growth . A never-ceasing

interest would ensue , and the demand for Masonic books and papers would necessarily increase . The present almost Cimmerian darkness that prevails in the minds of the majority of the Craft as to tho moral and spiritual meaning of the ceremonies would vanish , and light , more light , would illumine the Masonic path .

I am , Dear Sir and Brother , Yonrs fraternally , WATCHMAN .

Lodges Of Instruction

LODGES OF INSTRUCTION

To the Editor of the FREEMASON S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —As rather an old Mason it strikes me that lately there has been an unnecessary amount of criticism written and uttered as to the manner in which Lodges of Instruction are conducted , and for which I fail to see there has been any

adequate provocation . It would have given some idea of the necessity of a change in the working and conduct of Lodges of Instruction had any evil been pointed out as injurious to the interests of the Craft , but as such has not been done , I am led to believe that it has not been fonnd to exist . When we consider the growth of Lodges of

Instruction year after year in the Metropolitan area , numbering about 130 , I think it can be taken as very fair evidence that they are doing their work well , and when we consider tho very liberal sums they annually present to tho Masonic Institutions there does not appear much to complain of . Under these circumstances I wonld

humbl y suggest that it would be as well " to let well alone , " and not attempt to enforce any alteration from outside , but leave each Lodge to regulate its business in its own way , when that ia compatible with the Constitutions of the Order . Aa to the recommendation of Bro . Pierpoint , W . M . of tho Domatic Lodge , lately expressed , that it

] s the duty of the Masters and Officers of Lodges to pay occasional visits to Lodges of Instruction established under their banners , with this I entirely concur , but allow me to observe that this is by no means a new recommendation , for as far back as 1864 , when I had the honour of filling tho chair of the Domatic Lodge , I frequently

expressed the same views , not only to the Officers , but to members of the Lodge , and to give an earnest to my advice I often visited the jJomatic Lodge of Instruction , which was then held at the Holyrood J alace Hotel , in the Strand , which stood on the site of the New Law ^ oivrts . I once took the chair on the occasion of working the Fifteen Sections while occupying the chair of the Mother Lodge . I do

Lodges Of Instruction

not put this forward in any boasting spirit , bnt mention it merely to show that the necessity of attending Lodges of Instruction waa not neglected , bat enforced , many years ago .

I remain , yonrs fraternally , P . M . 177 . 30 th March 1885 .

Talkative Masons.

TALKATIVE MASONS .

To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Can nothing be done to put a check on that happily few and far between abomination—the talkative Mason ; the brother who will speak under some pretext or other at every meeting he attends ? I trust , however , no member of this band will

ask you to put a atop to the Mason who will write—taking me aa an example—and yet if one does so , it will be a fair case of tit for tat , and may perhaps lead to some good in the end . I have recently , aa a Visitor at some of our most popular Lodges , had much of my enjoyment spoilt by being compelled to listen to the twaddle of a

talkative brother I have had the misfortune to meet on several occasions . Really it has been a misfortune to meet him , although to say so may not be in strict accordance with the teachings of the Order . He pushes himself forward in the most obtrusive manner , and on one occasion in particular had the bad taste to persist

in speaking out of turn in direct opposition to the " call" of the Worshipful Master , much to the disgust of several Past Masters who were present , and some of whom did not fail to express their surprise at the ruler of the Lodge being overruled by a visitor . It was the Worshipful Master ' s first night in the chair , and from what I have

heard , it will not be safe for my talkative friend to try his persevering tactics again in that Lodge . The Master has not forgotten the way in which the occurrence was referred to by some of bis frienda afterwards , and will I think take care the offence is not repeated . Surely , Sir , your representatives can recognise among the moro

familiar faces they meet some one or two of the class I refer to , and if when they recognise them they will avoid all reference to what they say something perhaps will be done to put a stop to the "talk" I and others object to , for I believe that the vanity of these effusive members is increased when they see their utterances reported ia the journals of the Craft . I am , & c . AN ADMIRER OT DEEDS BATHER THAN WORDS .

The Matron Of The Girls' School.

THE MATRON OF THE GIRLS' SCHOOL .

To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I gather from your report of the proceedings at the last General Committee Meeting of the Royal Masonio Institution for Girls , supplemented by information gathered from other quarters , that our dear old friend Miss Jarwood is suffering

from the effects of a long-well-spent life ; in other words that she is getting too old to carry out her duties as Matron of our Girls' School , without entailing on her unnecessary trouble and anxiety . I wish to know if there is any necessity for us any longer to impose on her the responsibilities attaching to her office ? I believe she has been

officially associated with the Institution for upwards of fifty years , and has , I think , fairly earned a full retiring pension . It would not be a grave act of extravagance to offer her retirement on full pay , and I for one should like to hear of her enjoying her remaining days in the peace and quietness she so well deserves . Doubtless sho

is attached to the School iu which she has spent so much of her life , aud perhaps would not care to leave it , but like many others similuily circumstanced she would scon find the benefit of relief from the cares aud anxieties which must necessarily surround her office , and such a course would no doubt add a few years to her already lengthy life .

I will not refer to the course taken by the Committee in creating another officer , an acting Matron , further than to say that I consider such an act impolitic , unbusiness-like , and almost implicative of slight to tho dear old lady who has endeared herself to all friends of the School in the past , and who , I hope , has yet many years to spend among us .

I am , & c . A SUBSCRIBER R . M . I . G .

Trading On Freemasonry.

TRADING ON FREEMASONRY .

To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I have recently seen references in Masonic Reports to the trade or profession of tbe Master , Officers or Brethren of several Lodges . I must say I feel such references are out of place . Iu the last number of your contemporary a sort of apology

is offered for the omission of mention of an initiate s particular branch of business , who we are now told is " an agent for a firm of ink makers . " This reference can hardly have been made without a request from the brother more particularly concerned , who being yonng

to tho Craft may perhaps be excused for this unmasonic outburst ; but what can we say of your contemporary ? Surely the Editor ought to know that to blazon forth to the world the business of an initiate is in direct opposition to the teachings of Freemasonry . Yours fraternally , TRADITIONAL .