What Is Masonic ?

feature of the Grand Lodge , and as such , a part of the body of Masonry , making no change in the fundamental principles , but rather retaining some to be communicated when the Mason had proven himself worthy of

additional honour . But here the division made no radical change in the body of Masonry . Now , however , when wo come to an examination of all the higher degrees we find a radical change has taken place , and that there has been

introduced a new feature , hitherto unknown to fche body of Masonry . The basis of fellowship has been radically changed in some of the added degrees , while in the case ot tho Chapter a new organic structure has been created , which

separates it altogether from the Lodge from whence it draws its membership . In the Templar degree we have a new test for membership by which the catholicity of Masonry is narrowed . Companion Dadmun here contends

that this is in reality no departure from the true principles of Masonry , and alleges that some of the fundamental principles and teachings of Symbolic Masonry are in conflict with the Hebrew faith . The doctrine of a resurrection , while not held by the Sadduccee , was still not in conflict

with the Hebrew faith . It was the accepted doctrine of

those who are recognized as the representatives of the people . It is true thafc there were sects who rejected the doctrine of the resurrection , but that the Sadducees were ever numerous enough to stand for the Hebrew people , Companion Dadmun will hardly claim .

"Admitting all that the most zealous may choose to assert as to the teachings of the higher degrees , ifc is doubtful whether fchey have added anything to the body of dogma which it is essential for Masons to know , as

Masons . The truths of Capitular Masonry might well have been made the property of a larger circle than are now entitled to their possession . Had the constitutional requirement for admission been exactly the same as the

requirement for the Entered Apprentice , the slight alterations made necessary thereby would have been more than corncompensated for in the wider circle which would have been

reached by the sublime truths taught in the degrees . One thing all will admit : The degrees have received at least a certain kind of recognition from all Masons , and to that extent are entitled to the term Masonic . If it has not

been possible to give that absolute recognition which would settle this question for ever , it has left the question of independence within the control of Chapter and Commandery , and with the independence it has given to us

powers which otherwise might have been disputed . Whether as associations of Masons or as Masonic bodies , it leaves us with power to control our degrees and make all necessary regulations for the government of our members .

To lose this power would leave us poor indeed , and pave the way to dissolution . For this reason this discussion is in one sense timely , and will have a tendency to bring out

such facts in Masonic history as are of value to the Craffc to enable all to understand the principles which underlie the Institution in all its parts , whether foundation or superstructure .

The Separateness Of Life.

THE SEPARATENESS OF LIFE .

SYMPATHY , fellowship and co-operation are all grand words , to which special emphasis is given in the unfoldings of the Masonic system . Man is recognised as a social being , and so are provided the communions ancl the

services which claim tho attention of the Craft . Meeting in the Lodge , and on various occasions which call forth glad interchanges of thought ancl feeling , brethren aro

drawn very closely together , and thus derive very much of the zest of life , while they arc moved to a faithful discharge of the duties which devolve upon fchem in the way of their associated relations and responsibilities .

All this is moat excellent , but it is only one part of fche right regulation of life , and only one sido of Masonic teaching and requirement . Man was rnado to havo a distinctive

selfhood ; and in many things of thought , expression and responsibility he must stand apart from tho multitude in the exercise of the prerogatives of a God-given personality . It is essential to the best culture of his intellectual and

moral being that he should maintain a strong individualism ; that he should often be by himself and walk by himself , engaging in self-communings from which will come some good measure of preparation for the active work to which he is called . It is within himself , and by himself , that he

The Separateness Of Life.

must plan and do firsfc of all , if he would become the wise ,

successful man of duty and large accomplishments . " Man , who man would be , Must rule the empire of itself ; in ifc Must be supremo , establishing his throne Of vanquished will , quelling the anarchy Of hopes and fears , being himself alone . "

George Herbert wisely says , " By all means choose some

time to be alone . " Some persons seem to dread any separateness of life . They appear to be lost if there is not a clatter of tongues in their ears . They are not disposed to welcome any occasional period of solitude , or engage in

earnest thought and meditation respecting the great questions of life and duty . The gregarious instinct is altogether too strong in such natures . They need to be taught the worth of occasional isolation from the busy world , and

to be instructed concerning the importance of personal reflection as bearing upon the production of a noble , true character , and the right regulation of conduct . Ifc was a

good rule that Pythagoras gave his disciples , viz .: that each should take an hour each day to be by himself alone , to meet his own mind and learn what oracle it had fco

impart . Freemasonry , while calling men to fellowship , preparing the way and making the opportunity for so many social joys , not the less insists upon the maintenance of a

distinctive selfhood . It has ifcs chambers of reflection as well as its banquet halls . It requires of its members thafc they should develop a vigorous personality , and realise in their own inner thought aud consciousness the right proportions

and due adjustment of all the various conditions in life to which they are respectively connected . It would not have him lose individuality in the general flood of being ; or regard company and association as supplying all that is

needed for the highest personal development . The genius of Freemasonry demands much independent thought and activity , some isolation of being , and a good deal of close

communion with one s self , as well as that freo flowing , abundant fellowship of spirit which is of the first importance . —Texas Masonic Journal .

Obituary.

Obituary .

BRO . ALBERT BROWN .

THE members of Royds Lodge , No . 120-.., have sustained a severe loss in the death of Bro . Albert Brown , the found . r and first W . M . of the Lodge , which took place on the 27 th July , in his 53 rd year . Bro . Brown , who for 25 years had

been Manager of the Malvern Branch of the Worcester 0 d Bank , was an old and zealous Mason . He was a P . M . of the Semper Fidelis Lodge , No . 529 ; had passed the chair in the Royal Arch , Mark , Temple , and Rose Croix ; filled

all Provincial offices up to S . G . W ., and had been for some years P . G . Treasurer . In 1867 he was the chief mover in founding the Royds Lodge , of which he occupied the chair for fche firsfc two years , and of which he was the Treasurer from the beginning . Both in his Masonic and civil capacity Bro . Brown was well-known and highly respected .

THE GARDENS OF OLYMPIA . —An important additional feature has been added to the new National Agricultural Hall , the great enter , prise afc Kensington , which will be popularly known as " 0 ' yu . pia . " The Director- ! , of which the Earl of Lathom is Chairman , and Sir John Humphreys tho Deputy-Chairman , have made a wise purchase

of laud adjoining their present estate , with the intention of transforming it iuto delightful gardens , where the people , after the close of tho Colonial Exhibition , may continue to enjoy music and accompanying pleasures in tho open air . This is a work of real usefulness , and one that can only tend to the happiness of the people . The

Lancet recently devoted an article to tho subject , in which it said , " We havo long felt , looking afc the matter from a health point of view , thab something ought tn be done to supply London with means of out-door ai _ m _ Bra _ iit available for the summer evenings , and for fche classes whose only time of leisure occurs after the business hoars

of the day are over , as well as for those who can resort to such pleasurable scenes by day . " The company now pDSsesses twelve acres of land of great value , in the heart of fashionable London , four acrjs of which is being covered with buildings , while there will be eight acres of open grounds available for musical promenade , sports , tennis , & c .

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