Refreshment After Labour.

REFRESHMENT AFTER LABOUR .

IT is not necessary for our present purpose that we should inquire whether or no Freemasony existed as a speculative science prior to the date generally ascribed to the formation of the first wanci in

ijoage -London , it is sufficient tor us to know that long before the commencement of last century it was a recognised custom to associate a feast or other entertainment with almost every ceremony or general assembly which took place , and it is but reasonable

to expect that Freemasonry should prove no exception to the rule . If , as some writers aver , Freemasonry , with all its signs , ceremonies , degrees and symbols , is but the invention of a coterie of jovial ' spirits ,

living something less than two hundred years ago , we think they are entitled to great praise for their work , and no small amount of credit for having

associated in such a pleasing manner , as has been done , the idea of refreshment following labour , a reward to sweeten the exertions of the faithful

workman . However this may be , it is certain that at the present day the refreshment of the Craft plays almost as important a part—particularly in the eyes of the outside world—as its labours , while there are some

who go so far as to assert that feasting and enjoyment are really the heart and soul of Freemasonry . a condemnation of far too sweeping a character , as a very brief consideration of the facts of the case will

speedily prove . Here in London alone , for instance , we have three Charitable Institutions connected with the Craft , performing work which proves there is much more in Freemasonry than mere eating and drinking ,

without taking into consideration the many Provincial Funds of a somewhat similar character , or the Lodge or personal expenditure made in the name of Freemasonry , with the hope of alleviating some of the trouble and distress which human flesh is heir to . But it is not our present intention even to attempt

any defence or otherwise of the Masonic system of enjoying refreshment after labour , we are content to take things in this respect as we find them , and shall endeavour to review the Masonic entertainment in its varied aspects , recognising it as a well established institution .

Those within the mystic circle oi Freemasonry who have had opportunities of visiting Lodges , and especially Lodges meeting in other towns than their own , will agree with us there is little of " Uniformity of Working" when it comes to what is generally

known as the fourth degree of Craft Masonry . If they have had wide experience they will have realised the pleasure of sitting down to the most elaborate banquet which art can devise—a fitting termination to the ceremonv of installation . n , nrl T . IIPV will Wim

also enjoyed the feast of reason and flow of soul ininseparable from a truly Masonic company , assembled for an hour or two ' s relaxation , and partaking of a glass of grog , with an occasional whiff

Refreshment After Labour.

from a favourite pipe . It does not require much experience to learn that enjoyment is not always proportionate to the grandeur of the entertainment provided , as the most pleasing experiences are

sometimes those associated with a modest , rather than an extravagant repast . When brethren have to rely on their own exertions , more than on the good things of this world , for their amusement or

enjoyment , they are likely to devote their attention more zealously to ensure it than is the case when their efforts are backed bv those of art and nature , with an outcome generally pleasing and satisfactory . In the one case there is a certain , amount of restraint mit

upon their actions—formality will perhaps best express our meaning , while in the other a corresponding sense of freedom appears to exist , with results it is easy to imagine . From these remarks it must not be thought we are opposed to any of the varied forms

oi recreation which prevail m connection with Masonic Lodges , or that we are prejudiced to any particular system . As we have already said , we are content to take things as we find them , and are con vinced that the most Masonic course for others to adopt is for each and all to enioy themselves as they

or the members of their respective Lodges may think best , especially as by so doing they will ensure a continuance of that variety which makes such charming diversion in the enjoyment of the Craft . We have had a wide experience in these matters : we have feasted

with the rulers of the Craft , dined with the best of subordinates , supped with the members of quiet country Lodges , and pledged our toasts in the less exhilarating beverages of the " Temperance Lodges , " enjoying ourselves in every case , because we have always acted on the principle of the Vicar of Braywhatsoever King reigns , we should support him .

We have indeed experienced such enjoyment as , we venture to say , is unknown outside the portals of the mystic tie , and we know that similar enjoyment must have fallen to the lot of all who have approached the subject with similar feelings to our own , and with the same desire of being happy and communicating happiness .

If we search the earlier records of the Craft , or form an opinion from the actual forms and ceremonies of the Order , we must come to the conclusion that in clays gone by the labour and refreshment of Freemasonry were more intimately associated with each other than is customarv at the present dav . when , in

the majority of instances , Lodges are finally closed before the brethren sit down to refreshment , and it is somewhat of a novelty to be present when a Lodge is called off , and the column of the Junior Warden stands erect during the repast and subsequent

proceedings . We do not know that the change which has taken place in this respect is of any material importance , as it is generally recognised that the refreshment which follows labour is as much Masonic , though the Lodge has been properly closed , as it