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Article UNITED GRAND LODGE ← Page 2 of 2 Article LIMITATIONS OF OBLIGATIONS. Page 1 of 1 Article LIMITATIONS OF OBLIGATIONS. Page 1 of 1 Article THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER. Page 1 of 2 →
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United Grand Lodge
readers will remember , embraced some resolutions defining the status of Past Masters outside their own Lodges . As the subject is one worthy of considerable discnssion , and as
the decision ultimately arrived at was carried by the narrow majority of one vote , in an assembly of 421 voters , we shall refer further to the matter in a future issue . The
decision arrived at on Wednesday makes it illegal for the Past Masters to wear their collars outside their own Lodge . except when attending Grand , Provincial , or District Grand Lodge .
Bro . Raynham W . Stewart very wisely acted in accordance with our suggestion of last week , and postponed his motion in reference to a grant towards the proposed Imperial Institute of the Colonies and India until the next
Quarterly Communication , in March , by which time we hope sufficient will be known in regard to the proposed Institute to enable the brethren to give a decided opinion as to the part they will take in connection with it . Thih completing the business , Grand Lodge was closed .
Limitations Of Obligations.
LIMITATIONS OF OBLIGATIONS .
An Oration by the Rev . B . W . Hill , Grand Orator , before the Grand Lodge of Oregon , June 1886 . ( Continued from p 341 . )
DUTY TO ONE'S NEIGHBOUR AS WELL AS TO ONE'S SELF . rFIHE last two limitations are very closely bound together ;
¦ *• so closely , in fact , that they may well be spoken of as one . A man who is true to others will be true to himself , and the very hi g hest proof of Masonic manhood is the discharge of the obligations connected with the social
relations of life . Hence social duty includes all that relates to one ' s self , even as the circle contains the point within . The obligations which are connected with our dut y to our neighbours cannot be laid aside—or repudiated by any one
who professes to live and act as a Mason should . Hence we find that the virtues of friendship and charity are both included in this portion of human duty , and that the Masonic obligation emphasizes this by making their
practice an essential part of the life to which the Mason has bound himself , and by precept and illustration in lectures and ceremonials setting forth the beauty and desirability of their exercise . If anything were required to prove the
power of Masonry in brightening human life , the prominence which is g iven to the practice of acts of neighbourl y duty might reasonably be cited . And here no " pent-up
Utica" contracts the Mason ' s sphere , for , in its widest sense , this duty reaches out to and embraces all mankind . Stress may be given to special obligation to those of " the household of faith , " but the Great Master ' s definition of
" neighbour " is regarded in Masonry as the only true one , and wherever the cry of suffering humanity is lifted up to heaven there must the true Mason be ready to go in answer to the appeal , as far as lies within his power .
Wherever human woe and toil and sorrow may be relieved by the kindly touch of human sympathy and the generous exercise of a broad charity , there must the ennobling
mflnence and teachings of Masonry be manifested in generous emulation as to who can do the most and work the hardest in the relief of the distress and the lightening of the burdens of
life" Since heart from heart may borrow Healing for deep heart sorrow . " Thus Masonry teaches us to make firm and lasting friendships based upon the practice of the virtues which
most adorn . and bless life . It is not so much precept as practice which we desire , and to this end all instruction tends . And yet we are to draw the distinction in these things between the charity and friendships bestowed upon
the worthy , and the refusals given to those who are vicious , idle or depraved . The latter have no solid claim on the sympathy or countenance of Masonry , and when b y accident they become invested with the mysteries , it is not a
part of Masonic obligation to stand to and sustain them so long as they refuse to forsake their evil ways . It is the teaching of Masonry that virtue can alone prepare the
heart for Masonic instruction , and it follows that whenever virtue departs all tho force of obligation is destroyed , and the only claim which can then be asserted is the claim which is founded upon common humanity and common
Limitations Of Obligations.
suffering . Masonic obligation , then , teaches us to discharge the duties we owe to God and to man , and around these duties it draws a circle which cannot be passed for any pledge taken in support of itself . Masonry thus , by
reason of its very limitations , becomes a prop , and more , a corner-stone to all that is good and noble and elevating in human life . The very mainspring of all its principles and fill its work is the great commandment , " Thou shalt love
the Lord thy God with all thy soul , and with all thy mind and with all thy strength , and thy neighbour as thyself . " Here is the heart of Masonry ; here is its fundamental limitation ; here is its hope and assurance of permanence and
usefulness . Masonry is thus , by virtue of its very limitations , strong and vigorous . Appealing to all that is best and noblest in our nature , and lending its mighty influence to the faithful performance of each human duty , it builds
itself when it strengthens men to the discharge of the obligations of life , and in retiring when other duties must be discharged , it gathers power and wins confidence . It intertwines in sacred chain all the obligations which sustain the
home and the state , and with them its blessing is given to the bonds of friendship and the charities of life . Let us recognize , then , the strength and the limitations of Masonry and with voice and hand foster what is thus founded on true humanity and the broadest philanthropy .
May this Grand Lodge of Oregon stand foremost in all that will extend the true principles of the Order , until the time shall come when its mission of charity and truth is accomplished and universal brotherhood rules the earth .
1 UBU lVb US " Do good , not dream it all day long ; So then shall life , death , and that vast for ever , Be one grand , sweet song . " Voice of Masonry .
The Office Of District Deputy Grand Master.
THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER .
IiHERE was a period , long continued , in the history of most Masonic jurisdictions when the subordinate Lodges were under the immediate and sole supervision of the Grand Master of Masons . This custom began when
the Lodges were few in number , and the Grand Master ' s supervision could be adequately maintained over them all j but it was continued after the circumstances became
greatly altered , when the Lodges had largel y multiplied , and when it was impossible for any one brother to superintend the work of such a host of subordinate Masonic bodies . The result was , these bodies became dissatisfied
with the inattention to which they were subjected , and sought for some change of system which might improve their condition . This was the case in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania , as it was in other
jurisdictions . Grand Masters themselves were dissatisfied with the then status of affairs , for they were conscious that it was physically impossible for them to visit all , or even a tithe of , the Lodges under their respective
jurisdictions , so that both Lodges and Grand Lodges contemporaneously sought for some method of relief . It was found in the system of appointment of District Deputy Grand Masters , who , in their several Districts , should represent the Grand Master . With a roll of Lodges of from five to
fifteen in number under the Deputy a care , it became his duty to visit each one of them at least once in every year , to receive all communications from them , to advise and direct them , reporting and accounting annually to the
Grand Master for the performance of his duties , and receiving such authority and aid from him from time to time as the circumstances required . This system has proved an admirable one—so admirable that it seems
impossible to improve upon it . It brings the Grand Master home to each Lodge . It gives the District Deputy so circumscribed a territory , having so few Lodges within
it , that it is possible for him to know each one of them intimately and well , to be familiar with their officers and active members , and to supervise , direct and correct the work in such a manner as to insure its proper rendition .
It follows from what has been stated , that the condition and prosperity of every subordinate Lodge depends very largely upon the faithful performance by the District
Deputy Grand Master of the duties incumbent upon him . Any Lodge for a long period left , to itself will almost necessarily fall into errors of practice , which will increase
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
United Grand Lodge
readers will remember , embraced some resolutions defining the status of Past Masters outside their own Lodges . As the subject is one worthy of considerable discnssion , and as
the decision ultimately arrived at was carried by the narrow majority of one vote , in an assembly of 421 voters , we shall refer further to the matter in a future issue . The
decision arrived at on Wednesday makes it illegal for the Past Masters to wear their collars outside their own Lodge . except when attending Grand , Provincial , or District Grand Lodge .
Bro . Raynham W . Stewart very wisely acted in accordance with our suggestion of last week , and postponed his motion in reference to a grant towards the proposed Imperial Institute of the Colonies and India until the next
Quarterly Communication , in March , by which time we hope sufficient will be known in regard to the proposed Institute to enable the brethren to give a decided opinion as to the part they will take in connection with it . Thih completing the business , Grand Lodge was closed .
Limitations Of Obligations.
LIMITATIONS OF OBLIGATIONS .
An Oration by the Rev . B . W . Hill , Grand Orator , before the Grand Lodge of Oregon , June 1886 . ( Continued from p 341 . )
DUTY TO ONE'S NEIGHBOUR AS WELL AS TO ONE'S SELF . rFIHE last two limitations are very closely bound together ;
¦ *• so closely , in fact , that they may well be spoken of as one . A man who is true to others will be true to himself , and the very hi g hest proof of Masonic manhood is the discharge of the obligations connected with the social
relations of life . Hence social duty includes all that relates to one ' s self , even as the circle contains the point within . The obligations which are connected with our dut y to our neighbours cannot be laid aside—or repudiated by any one
who professes to live and act as a Mason should . Hence we find that the virtues of friendship and charity are both included in this portion of human duty , and that the Masonic obligation emphasizes this by making their
practice an essential part of the life to which the Mason has bound himself , and by precept and illustration in lectures and ceremonials setting forth the beauty and desirability of their exercise . If anything were required to prove the
power of Masonry in brightening human life , the prominence which is g iven to the practice of acts of neighbourl y duty might reasonably be cited . And here no " pent-up
Utica" contracts the Mason ' s sphere , for , in its widest sense , this duty reaches out to and embraces all mankind . Stress may be given to special obligation to those of " the household of faith , " but the Great Master ' s definition of
" neighbour " is regarded in Masonry as the only true one , and wherever the cry of suffering humanity is lifted up to heaven there must the true Mason be ready to go in answer to the appeal , as far as lies within his power .
Wherever human woe and toil and sorrow may be relieved by the kindly touch of human sympathy and the generous exercise of a broad charity , there must the ennobling
mflnence and teachings of Masonry be manifested in generous emulation as to who can do the most and work the hardest in the relief of the distress and the lightening of the burdens of
life" Since heart from heart may borrow Healing for deep heart sorrow . " Thus Masonry teaches us to make firm and lasting friendships based upon the practice of the virtues which
most adorn . and bless life . It is not so much precept as practice which we desire , and to this end all instruction tends . And yet we are to draw the distinction in these things between the charity and friendships bestowed upon
the worthy , and the refusals given to those who are vicious , idle or depraved . The latter have no solid claim on the sympathy or countenance of Masonry , and when b y accident they become invested with the mysteries , it is not a
part of Masonic obligation to stand to and sustain them so long as they refuse to forsake their evil ways . It is the teaching of Masonry that virtue can alone prepare the
heart for Masonic instruction , and it follows that whenever virtue departs all tho force of obligation is destroyed , and the only claim which can then be asserted is the claim which is founded upon common humanity and common
Limitations Of Obligations.
suffering . Masonic obligation , then , teaches us to discharge the duties we owe to God and to man , and around these duties it draws a circle which cannot be passed for any pledge taken in support of itself . Masonry thus , by
reason of its very limitations , becomes a prop , and more , a corner-stone to all that is good and noble and elevating in human life . The very mainspring of all its principles and fill its work is the great commandment , " Thou shalt love
the Lord thy God with all thy soul , and with all thy mind and with all thy strength , and thy neighbour as thyself . " Here is the heart of Masonry ; here is its fundamental limitation ; here is its hope and assurance of permanence and
usefulness . Masonry is thus , by virtue of its very limitations , strong and vigorous . Appealing to all that is best and noblest in our nature , and lending its mighty influence to the faithful performance of each human duty , it builds
itself when it strengthens men to the discharge of the obligations of life , and in retiring when other duties must be discharged , it gathers power and wins confidence . It intertwines in sacred chain all the obligations which sustain the
home and the state , and with them its blessing is given to the bonds of friendship and the charities of life . Let us recognize , then , the strength and the limitations of Masonry and with voice and hand foster what is thus founded on true humanity and the broadest philanthropy .
May this Grand Lodge of Oregon stand foremost in all that will extend the true principles of the Order , until the time shall come when its mission of charity and truth is accomplished and universal brotherhood rules the earth .
1 UBU lVb US " Do good , not dream it all day long ; So then shall life , death , and that vast for ever , Be one grand , sweet song . " Voice of Masonry .
The Office Of District Deputy Grand Master.
THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER .
IiHERE was a period , long continued , in the history of most Masonic jurisdictions when the subordinate Lodges were under the immediate and sole supervision of the Grand Master of Masons . This custom began when
the Lodges were few in number , and the Grand Master ' s supervision could be adequately maintained over them all j but it was continued after the circumstances became
greatly altered , when the Lodges had largel y multiplied , and when it was impossible for any one brother to superintend the work of such a host of subordinate Masonic bodies . The result was , these bodies became dissatisfied
with the inattention to which they were subjected , and sought for some change of system which might improve their condition . This was the case in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania , as it was in other
jurisdictions . Grand Masters themselves were dissatisfied with the then status of affairs , for they were conscious that it was physically impossible for them to visit all , or even a tithe of , the Lodges under their respective
jurisdictions , so that both Lodges and Grand Lodges contemporaneously sought for some method of relief . It was found in the system of appointment of District Deputy Grand Masters , who , in their several Districts , should represent the Grand Master . With a roll of Lodges of from five to
fifteen in number under the Deputy a care , it became his duty to visit each one of them at least once in every year , to receive all communications from them , to advise and direct them , reporting and accounting annually to the
Grand Master for the performance of his duties , and receiving such authority and aid from him from time to time as the circumstances required . This system has proved an admirable one—so admirable that it seems
impossible to improve upon it . It brings the Grand Master home to each Lodge . It gives the District Deputy so circumscribed a territory , having so few Lodges within
it , that it is possible for him to know each one of them intimately and well , to be familiar with their officers and active members , and to supervise , direct and correct the work in such a manner as to insure its proper rendition .
It follows from what has been stated , that the condition and prosperity of every subordinate Lodge depends very largely upon the faithful performance by the District
Deputy Grand Master of the duties incumbent upon him . Any Lodge for a long period left , to itself will almost necessarily fall into errors of practice , which will increase