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Article OUR WEEKLY BUDGET. ← Page 3 of 3 Article FREEMASONS AS MEN. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Our Weekly Budget.
ters and several magnates clad in the national costume , brilliant with gold and precious stones . Throughout the city the shops were closed , the balconies hung with black , and most of the large houses hoisted a black flag . In honouring Deak , the Hungarians have done honour to themselves .
The funeral of our late Bro . W . R . Callender , M . P . for Manchester , took place on Saturday morning , at the Churchyard of St . John ' s , Heaton Mersey . The procession , which was timed to leave the residence of the deceased about half-past ten , consisted of about one hundred and fifty
private carriages , which contained the representatives of numerous public , political , and charitable bodies . There were present , also , a strong muster of brethren from the Lodges in Lancashire and Cheshire , who formed a double line from thegatesof thechurchyardtotheporchof thechurch . No
Masonic emblems were , however , displayed . The Masonic part of the procession was headed by R . W . Bro . Le Gendre N . Starkie , P . G . M . East Lancashire , there being present , according to the Manchester Examiner and Times of the 31 st ult ., representatives from tho following Lodges : —
Callender , Anchor and Hope , Humphrey Chetham , Trafford , Blair , Integrity , Zetland , St . George ' s , Caledonian , Friendship , Egerton , Harmony , Richmond , Yarborough , Unanimity , Alexandra , Newhall , Shakespeare , Architect , Faith , Marquis of Lome , Duke of Athol , Ashbury , Do Grey
and Ripon , St . David ' s , St . John ' s , Virtue , Wilton , Endeavour , Milton , Wike , Bridgwater , Light , Imperial , George , Earl of Ellesmere , Kirkcaldy , and others . By command of the M . W . G . M . of Mark Masons , Grand Secretary Bro . Binckes has issued a circular letter , to the effect that all
Mark Lodges shall be suitably draped with mourning , and all members thereof wear mourning for the space of six months , as a token of respect and esteem for the late Bro . Callender , who held the position of Deputy Grand Mark Master and Prov . G . Mark Master for Lancashire .
The Confidence Lodge of Instruction has volcd three guineas towards the purchase of Bro . Harty ' s cngi aving of the Installation of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales as M . W . G . M . It were well if other Lodq-es followed the good example thus set . We would also suggest that the
presentation to a retiring master of a work which records so memorable an event in Freemasonry would in very many cases be preferable to the gift of a P . M . 's jewel , however
elaborate and massive the latter may be . In both cases merit would be duly honoured , but where the engraving was given , a brother ' s family , assuming him to be a Benedict , might be said to participate in his honours .
Bro . Louis Beck S . D . 1559 announces his annual ball for Tuesday , Sth February , at Willis ' s Eooms , King-street , St . James ' s . Bro . Jarvis is the M . C .
The 21 st annual ball of our respected Bro . T . Adams P . G . P . was held on Tuesday , the 1 st inst . Tlie ball , as usual , was a success , about 250 brethren and ladies being present . The usual supper took place . Bro . W . Smith P . G . S . rose , and said : —He , as well as every one present
regretted the absence of Bro . Adams , owing to a domestic affliction , and he , as well as the numerous assembly , would drink his health and long life , and hope he would soon become reconciled to his sad bereavement . He trusted , under the circumstances , there would be no other . toasts .
Ihe company then repaired to the ball room , where dancing was kept up with great spirit , Mr . Bradsell conducting the band . Bro . Jarvis was an efficient M . C . Among those
present were Bros . T . Cubitfc , 11 . W . LitfJe , T . Ball , W Smith , Bennett , Manders , Swallow , Michael , White , Miller , Cremer , W . C . Parsons , Scales , Stiles , Read , Keefe , Davis , Lindner , Cox , Bethel , Treadwell , Kingston , H . M . Levy , & c .
We have received a copy of the Calendar for the Province of West Yorkshire , compiled by Bro . Henry Smith , Prov . Grand Sec , and of an Annual for the Provinces of Durham and Northumberland , compiled and published by Bro . Jas .
H . Coates , whicn wc recommend to the members of the Craft . We would suggest to Bro . Smith that in future editions he should adopt the book form , retaining the distinctive features of his present issue . The Annual for
Durham , which is the third year of publication , has this year been increased by the addition of the list for the adjoining province of Northumberland , and other useful information .
Freemasons As Men.
FREEMASONS AS MEN .
FROM THE KEYSTONE . THE principles of Freemasonry are perfect , but their practical exemplification by Freemasons is sometimes imperfect . It is much ploasanter , and it sounds better , to land tho former and overlook the latter , but it is not quite right to do so . Wo must consider facts as they are , and not merely as they ought to be , especially if wo wish to rectify them . When we admit that all Freemasons do not " act npon the square , " we state a painful , but not a remarkable
fact . We aro none of ns as good as our principles . There is no religious sect that does not possess members who both consciously and unconsciously aro neglectful of its doctrines . To err is human . Tho spirit may be willing , but tho flesh is always weak . We state the matter thus , not to extenuate the serious and intentional faults of brethren , but to place members of the Masonic fraternity upon the
same level with thoso who espouse noble principles , but are occasionally neglectful of them in practice . A bad Mason does not prove Masonry to bo a failure , any more than a bad Christian argnes rotten Christianity . It is tho old , old story of tho variation between faith and practice— no matter how perfect tho former may be , the latter will be less so . Hence the necessity of aiming very high in every
case , if we would make our actions agree with onr principles . Wo said it was pleasanter to praise than to blame . So it is . But if there be great faults , it is right to find fault . A physician who is called to attend a patient afflicted with a serious disorder , does not tell him there is nothing tho matter , and try to laugh him convalescent , but he gives him something liko a true account of his case .
and administers to him it may be some unpalatable medicines . In other words , ho works for a cure . Ho may even cut off a limb to save a life . It would be an unpardonable offence—one that even the law would take cognizance of , for him to be carelessly guilty of the malpractice of allowing the limb to become gangrenous , and to poison the whole system , for want of amputation . No more have we a right
to shut our eyes to the gross and inexcusable imperfections of Freemasons , and cover them with the mantle of charity . We believe in charity , but we believe also in the suspension or expulsion of those who are openly and persistently false to the principles they , under the most solemn sanctions , have promised to uphold . Hence , we do hesitate to deprecate the injurious actions of weak or vicious brethren ,
for two reasons—first , that snch may see them in their true light , appreciate their enormity , foresee their legitimate results , and save themselves from the disgrace of exposure and expulsion , and the Craft from their ill-report ; and second , that young members of the Craft , who possibly may havo themselves been among the sufferers by their actions , may not lose faith in the principles of the
Fraternity , or in the purity ot the large body of its members . It is true in Freemasonry as in the world , that the love of money is the root of mnch , if not all evil . All men are not honest . Wo cannot read a daily newspaper without finding in it a record of defal . cations , which run from thousands to hundreds of thousands . But there should never be defalcations officially among
Masons—nevertheless there are . Even Lodge Secretaries and Treasurers have , occasionally , broken tho solemn obligations they wero nnder to keep safely and unimpaired the funds confided , almost sacredly , to their keeping . And individual Masons have sometimes borrowed sums of money from young brethren , which they had no certainty of being able to return . Such things ought not to be . Let the world and th e
church have its defalcators , but let not thoso who wear the lamb skin or white leather apron sully its purity . If thoy cannot or will not " act upon the square , " let them not wear it npon the lappel of their coats . If they cannot come into the Lodge with clean hands , free from iniquity , let them not cover them with white gloves . Would that snch would see the impropriety of wearing the garb of
Masons when they are not Masons iu their hearts ? Would that they might become , at least , non-affiliates , and we would then not say one word against that class , nor persuade them to join a Lodge . Young Masons naturally expect aud hope great things of tho Craft , and have a right to do so . They consider what ib undoubtedl y is in its principles , and in a brother they look for the exemplification of
true brotherly love . Hence , if they iu any instance unfortunately do not find it , they may sutler their own love to grow cold , and become indifferent Masons , rarely attending the Lodge , and losing faith in the efficiency of its principles . This ought not to be . In the beginning their experience may havo been unfortunate , but they may rest assured the body of the Craft is true to its principles . Bad Masons are the exception , not the rule . There is a power in Masonry for
good , and it profits by the support of those who are in real sympathy with it . It has its mercenary members , we regret to say , but they nre comparatively few in numbers . It lias those , too , whose words are not as good as their bonds , and whose bonds , even , are valueless , but they are but a vulgar fraction of the fraternity . They aro Masons in name , bnt not iu truth , and Masonry itself should not be discredited with their deeds .
In this connection we would remind the reader that Masonry should never be unduly connected with business . Business is busi . ness , and should be always transacted upon business principles , and in a business-like way , even between Masons . Give a man because he is a Mason , but never lend to him on that account . Many a bad
debt has ' arisen in this way . Masonry does not enable a man to pay a debt—that depends upon his financial ability alone . The principles we have enunciated , and the facts we have referred to , aro worthy of the conscientious and careful reflection of all , and if they are painful in some aspects , they deserve the moro to be considered , and corrected ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Our Weekly Budget.
ters and several magnates clad in the national costume , brilliant with gold and precious stones . Throughout the city the shops were closed , the balconies hung with black , and most of the large houses hoisted a black flag . In honouring Deak , the Hungarians have done honour to themselves .
The funeral of our late Bro . W . R . Callender , M . P . for Manchester , took place on Saturday morning , at the Churchyard of St . John ' s , Heaton Mersey . The procession , which was timed to leave the residence of the deceased about half-past ten , consisted of about one hundred and fifty
private carriages , which contained the representatives of numerous public , political , and charitable bodies . There were present , also , a strong muster of brethren from the Lodges in Lancashire and Cheshire , who formed a double line from thegatesof thechurchyardtotheporchof thechurch . No
Masonic emblems were , however , displayed . The Masonic part of the procession was headed by R . W . Bro . Le Gendre N . Starkie , P . G . M . East Lancashire , there being present , according to the Manchester Examiner and Times of the 31 st ult ., representatives from tho following Lodges : —
Callender , Anchor and Hope , Humphrey Chetham , Trafford , Blair , Integrity , Zetland , St . George ' s , Caledonian , Friendship , Egerton , Harmony , Richmond , Yarborough , Unanimity , Alexandra , Newhall , Shakespeare , Architect , Faith , Marquis of Lome , Duke of Athol , Ashbury , Do Grey
and Ripon , St . David ' s , St . John ' s , Virtue , Wilton , Endeavour , Milton , Wike , Bridgwater , Light , Imperial , George , Earl of Ellesmere , Kirkcaldy , and others . By command of the M . W . G . M . of Mark Masons , Grand Secretary Bro . Binckes has issued a circular letter , to the effect that all
Mark Lodges shall be suitably draped with mourning , and all members thereof wear mourning for the space of six months , as a token of respect and esteem for the late Bro . Callender , who held the position of Deputy Grand Mark Master and Prov . G . Mark Master for Lancashire .
The Confidence Lodge of Instruction has volcd three guineas towards the purchase of Bro . Harty ' s cngi aving of the Installation of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales as M . W . G . M . It were well if other Lodq-es followed the good example thus set . We would also suggest that the
presentation to a retiring master of a work which records so memorable an event in Freemasonry would in very many cases be preferable to the gift of a P . M . 's jewel , however
elaborate and massive the latter may be . In both cases merit would be duly honoured , but where the engraving was given , a brother ' s family , assuming him to be a Benedict , might be said to participate in his honours .
Bro . Louis Beck S . D . 1559 announces his annual ball for Tuesday , Sth February , at Willis ' s Eooms , King-street , St . James ' s . Bro . Jarvis is the M . C .
The 21 st annual ball of our respected Bro . T . Adams P . G . P . was held on Tuesday , the 1 st inst . Tlie ball , as usual , was a success , about 250 brethren and ladies being present . The usual supper took place . Bro . W . Smith P . G . S . rose , and said : —He , as well as every one present
regretted the absence of Bro . Adams , owing to a domestic affliction , and he , as well as the numerous assembly , would drink his health and long life , and hope he would soon become reconciled to his sad bereavement . He trusted , under the circumstances , there would be no other . toasts .
Ihe company then repaired to the ball room , where dancing was kept up with great spirit , Mr . Bradsell conducting the band . Bro . Jarvis was an efficient M . C . Among those
present were Bros . T . Cubitfc , 11 . W . LitfJe , T . Ball , W Smith , Bennett , Manders , Swallow , Michael , White , Miller , Cremer , W . C . Parsons , Scales , Stiles , Read , Keefe , Davis , Lindner , Cox , Bethel , Treadwell , Kingston , H . M . Levy , & c .
We have received a copy of the Calendar for the Province of West Yorkshire , compiled by Bro . Henry Smith , Prov . Grand Sec , and of an Annual for the Provinces of Durham and Northumberland , compiled and published by Bro . Jas .
H . Coates , whicn wc recommend to the members of the Craft . We would suggest to Bro . Smith that in future editions he should adopt the book form , retaining the distinctive features of his present issue . The Annual for
Durham , which is the third year of publication , has this year been increased by the addition of the list for the adjoining province of Northumberland , and other useful information .
Freemasons As Men.
FREEMASONS AS MEN .
FROM THE KEYSTONE . THE principles of Freemasonry are perfect , but their practical exemplification by Freemasons is sometimes imperfect . It is much ploasanter , and it sounds better , to land tho former and overlook the latter , but it is not quite right to do so . Wo must consider facts as they are , and not merely as they ought to be , especially if wo wish to rectify them . When we admit that all Freemasons do not " act npon the square , " we state a painful , but not a remarkable
fact . We aro none of ns as good as our principles . There is no religious sect that does not possess members who both consciously and unconsciously aro neglectful of its doctrines . To err is human . Tho spirit may be willing , but tho flesh is always weak . We state the matter thus , not to extenuate the serious and intentional faults of brethren , but to place members of the Masonic fraternity upon the
same level with thoso who espouse noble principles , but are occasionally neglectful of them in practice . A bad Mason does not prove Masonry to bo a failure , any more than a bad Christian argnes rotten Christianity . It is tho old , old story of tho variation between faith and practice— no matter how perfect tho former may be , the latter will be less so . Hence the necessity of aiming very high in every
case , if we would make our actions agree with onr principles . Wo said it was pleasanter to praise than to blame . So it is . But if there be great faults , it is right to find fault . A physician who is called to attend a patient afflicted with a serious disorder , does not tell him there is nothing tho matter , and try to laugh him convalescent , but he gives him something liko a true account of his case .
and administers to him it may be some unpalatable medicines . In other words , ho works for a cure . Ho may even cut off a limb to save a life . It would be an unpardonable offence—one that even the law would take cognizance of , for him to be carelessly guilty of the malpractice of allowing the limb to become gangrenous , and to poison the whole system , for want of amputation . No more have we a right
to shut our eyes to the gross and inexcusable imperfections of Freemasons , and cover them with the mantle of charity . We believe in charity , but we believe also in the suspension or expulsion of those who are openly and persistently false to the principles they , under the most solemn sanctions , have promised to uphold . Hence , we do hesitate to deprecate the injurious actions of weak or vicious brethren ,
for two reasons—first , that snch may see them in their true light , appreciate their enormity , foresee their legitimate results , and save themselves from the disgrace of exposure and expulsion , and the Craft from their ill-report ; and second , that young members of the Craft , who possibly may havo themselves been among the sufferers by their actions , may not lose faith in the principles of the
Fraternity , or in the purity ot the large body of its members . It is true in Freemasonry as in the world , that the love of money is the root of mnch , if not all evil . All men are not honest . Wo cannot read a daily newspaper without finding in it a record of defal . cations , which run from thousands to hundreds of thousands . But there should never be defalcations officially among
Masons—nevertheless there are . Even Lodge Secretaries and Treasurers have , occasionally , broken tho solemn obligations they wero nnder to keep safely and unimpaired the funds confided , almost sacredly , to their keeping . And individual Masons have sometimes borrowed sums of money from young brethren , which they had no certainty of being able to return . Such things ought not to be . Let the world and th e
church have its defalcators , but let not thoso who wear the lamb skin or white leather apron sully its purity . If thoy cannot or will not " act upon the square , " let them not wear it npon the lappel of their coats . If they cannot come into the Lodge with clean hands , free from iniquity , let them not cover them with white gloves . Would that snch would see the impropriety of wearing the garb of
Masons when they are not Masons iu their hearts ? Would that they might become , at least , non-affiliates , and we would then not say one word against that class , nor persuade them to join a Lodge . Young Masons naturally expect aud hope great things of tho Craft , and have a right to do so . They consider what ib undoubtedl y is in its principles , and in a brother they look for the exemplification of
true brotherly love . Hence , if they iu any instance unfortunately do not find it , they may sutler their own love to grow cold , and become indifferent Masons , rarely attending the Lodge , and losing faith in the efficiency of its principles . This ought not to be . In the beginning their experience may havo been unfortunate , but they may rest assured the body of the Craft is true to its principles . Bad Masons are the exception , not the rule . There is a power in Masonry for
good , and it profits by the support of those who are in real sympathy with it . It has its mercenary members , we regret to say , but they nre comparatively few in numbers . It lias those , too , whose words are not as good as their bonds , and whose bonds , even , are valueless , but they are but a vulgar fraction of the fraternity . They aro Masons in name , bnt not iu truth , and Masonry itself should not be discredited with their deeds .
In this connection we would remind the reader that Masonry should never be unduly connected with business . Business is busi . ness , and should be always transacted upon business principles , and in a business-like way , even between Masons . Give a man because he is a Mason , but never lend to him on that account . Many a bad
debt has ' arisen in this way . Masonry does not enable a man to pay a debt—that depends upon his financial ability alone . The principles we have enunciated , and the facts we have referred to , aro worthy of the conscientious and careful reflection of all , and if they are painful in some aspects , they deserve the moro to be considered , and corrected ,