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Article MUST LIVE IN THE PRESENT. ← Page 2 of 2 Article MUST LIVE IN THE PRESENT. Page 2 of 2
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Must Live In The Present.
veteran of to-day can point out many differences between tho practices of the Fraternity now and when he first beheld the light in the Lodge-room . Charity is dispensed in a very different manner from that of a quarter of a
century ago . There were no Boards of Relief to which the worthy could apply and bo assured of assistance , and which were at the same time a safeguard to tho Lodge and a terror to the impostor . The changing times demanded this change , aud with advancing necessities it was made .
The ceremonies have all changed . New degrees have been formulated , and whether those who cling to the withered hand of the dead past , content with the limited vision afforded in the circumscribed ancient and venerated symbols , will have it so or not , these other degrees have
been engrafted upon the old tree and aro bacome a part of it , spreading farther aud farther the growing branches , casting a wider and more genial shade , and yiolding more abundant fruitage of eternal Truth . In the primitive days ,
when tho last century was young , the initiate was introduced into a society of good , whole-souled Jellows , who taught thoir morality at the public inn , and dispensed their charities over a mug of ale . Tho times demanded no more . The ceremonies of one or two degrees were
sufficient to satisfy tho cravings of tho comparatively unread and unthinking world of that time . A few years later , as education advanced and enlightenment spread , there was a desire for more ceremony , and a third degree was added . This was the topmost branch of the parent
trunk . This soon became too limited for the curious , and other ceremonies were prepared further illustrating the truths already suggested . Aud so from age to age , as the demand grew stronger for more pictures of Masonic truth , have tho ceremonies and degrees been increased , and
hut few to-day question their legitimate character . If to the single degree , uncertain as its origin may be , and indefinite as its ceremony appears at this remote period , could be added a second and a third , why nob a fourth and fifth , and so on others , as tho changing times and the
desire of inquiring minds demand ? Certain it is that somewhere in the dead past such changes were wrought in the institution , and as man increased in knowledge and enlightenment , Masons had a desire to increase their facilities for imparting truth .
Who of those who are so tenacious in adhering to " ancient landmarks , " and who cry out against any change in the vernacular of the ritual , would be satisfied for one moment with the degrees as promulgated by Dr . Desaguliers ? Tho many old manuscripts that have been dug out
of the past are the strongest evidences of the change and progress that Masonry has made in its forms and general government . It is folly to bo so wedded to the antiquity of the Fraternity that wo will not admit of rational changes
and legitimate progress . Those whose skill in word-craft have led tbem into descriptions of the beauties of Masonry , have invariably left the dead past with its quainttiess out of their writings , and have comedown to our own intelligent language . It requires bnfc a cursory glnnco at the history
of h reemasonry to convince any one that changes have been made , and he who will adhere to the old saws because be feared to countenance an innovation , would cause the wheels of progress to stop and the world to stand still .
Ho would measure the hours of the day by the shadow of the sun dial or the sand in the hour glass . He would dispel the darkness of night with the pine torch , and illumine the streets with the tallow-dip .
If Freemasonry is to be governed by intelligence rather than ignorance ; if thought and unfolded truth , as enli ghtenment presents them , are to characterize it al „ V * present and iu the future , then we must admit the greater light of this advanced age into its workings . There are
doctrinal truths—tenets of our profession—that some call Ancient Landmarks , which mnsfc be preserved , and will only be strengthened by the revelations of these days of thought and activity . They are not Ancient Landmarks ; they are the scintillations of Truth that shine out in all
ages and belong alike to the present and tho past . They aro the links of that unbroken chain , whose ever increasing length only makes it the more precious , as we see that tho real Freemasonry of the present is tho same everlasting
Truth . This hand , reached out from the dead past , is not withered . It will never wither . The forms and ceremonies , meaningless without some vital force of morality in them , must perish if not made to appeal to the growing needs of man .
Must Live In The Present.
— - ——¦< Then let us be in touch with all of the grand advancement that is going on iu the world at this time , that the Fraternity may fill that measure of usefulness that its sublime teachings make possible for it , and not be paralyzed by the withered haud of the dead past . —Voice of Masonry .
French Freemasons aro making mora progress than ever in their efforts to eclipse the Church in the matter of matrimonial ceremonies . The most pompous wedding that has ever taken place according to the new Masonic Ritual has occurred in tho Grand Orient Lodgo of tho Rue Cadet .
A young maa belonging to the Brotherhood had been married by tho Mayor to tho lady of his choice . The members of his Lodge accordingly assembled on Friday , the 1 st inst ., at throo o ' clock , and after having effected duo and formal cognisance of the official marriage certificate
resolved to regard the bride as a sister . The ceremony took placo on a platform hung with drapery , and decorated with a raised bust of the Republic , surrounded by eigit tricolours and plenty of flowers . Watching events were many Masons , with their wives and families , the bride and
bridegroom being in another room , while behind a screen were a dozen or so of musicians who performed at intervals . The real ceremony began by the solemn entry of the members of the Lodge of Yrais Experts , with their swords and banners . These gentlemen formed the " Arch of Steel "
with their weapons , and a speeoh was made by M . Lepelletier , a journalist , who cast ridicule on religious rites and superstitions , and affirmed that these would bj supplanted by the new Masonic Ritual . He concluded his discourse with the cry of " Vive la Repnblique ! " and the organ
pealed forth the strains of the Wedding March as the bride and bridegroom , with their followers , entered the Hall , and took their seats on the platform . The presumably happy man wore his " Masonio apron , " the lady being attired in the conventional white satin , or peau de soief with
orangeblossoms . When everybody had sat down , the " Venerable '' made a speech on the advantages of Civil Marriage and the Law of Divorce , a peculiar mixture of subjects , which must have given the bride and bridegroom some food for reflection . The " Grand Architect" next threw over the
pair a nuptial sash as a token of their union ; hung a Masonic emblem round the neck of the lady , and gave the bridegroom the wedding ring , which the latter placed on the bride ' s finger . The " Celebrant" now showed the wedded pair a glass ring , which he broke on the ground
as a symbol of the fragility of badly-assorted matrimonial matches . The ceremonies did not end here , for all the Masons marched up and deposited their insignia on a table before the couple ; a glass of wine was given to the
bridegroom , and one of water to the lady ; a chain of union was formed by the Brethren , and also another " Arch of Steel" j tho wedding presents were bestowed , and finally more speeches were made . Tho rites were not concluded until five o ' clock . —Daily Telegraph .
At a meeting of the Loyal Veterans' Encampment , of Knights-Templar , held at the Masonic Club , Plymouth , on Tuesday , 29 th ult ,, Emt . Sir Knt . John Wallis was elected E . C . for the year ensuing ; E . Sir Kt . J . R . Lord P . E . C .
Treas ., and E . Sir Knt . W . H . Phillips Equerry . Bro . Archibald Roberts has been elected W . M . of Fortitude Lodge of M . M . M ., No . 66 ; Bro . Samuel Jew P . M . P . P . G . Treas . re-elected Treas ., and James Gidley P . M . P . G . Tyler Tyler .
A Special Provincial Grand Lodgo for the Province of Berkshire has been convened by the Provincial Grand Secretary to consider the question of making a suitable present to the Duke of Clarence and Avondale , Provincial Grand Master for Berkshire , on bis approaching marriage with Princess Victoria .
HoMiwir ' s OiimnwT AM Puts . —Indisputable- Remedies . —In the ' use or the medicaments there need , lie no hesitation or doubt oE their cooling , hoalinir and purifying properties . Tho Ointment stands unrivalled for tho jacility it displays in relieving , healing and thoroughly curing the most inveterate soros nnd ulcers , and in case of bad legs and had breasts they act as a charm . The Pills are tho most effectual remedy ever discovered for the euro of liver
complaints , diseases most disastrous in their effects , deranging all the proper functions of the organs affected , inducing restlessness , melancholy , weariness , inability to sleep , and pain in tho sude , until tho whole system is exhausted . These wonderful Pills , it ' taken according to the printed directions accompanying each bos , . strike at , tho root of the malady , stimulate the stomach and liver into a healthy action , and offect a complete cure .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Must Live In The Present.
veteran of to-day can point out many differences between tho practices of the Fraternity now and when he first beheld the light in the Lodge-room . Charity is dispensed in a very different manner from that of a quarter of a
century ago . There were no Boards of Relief to which the worthy could apply and bo assured of assistance , and which were at the same time a safeguard to tho Lodge and a terror to the impostor . The changing times demanded this change , aud with advancing necessities it was made .
The ceremonies have all changed . New degrees have been formulated , and whether those who cling to the withered hand of the dead past , content with the limited vision afforded in the circumscribed ancient and venerated symbols , will have it so or not , these other degrees have
been engrafted upon the old tree and aro bacome a part of it , spreading farther aud farther the growing branches , casting a wider and more genial shade , and yiolding more abundant fruitage of eternal Truth . In the primitive days ,
when tho last century was young , the initiate was introduced into a society of good , whole-souled Jellows , who taught thoir morality at the public inn , and dispensed their charities over a mug of ale . Tho times demanded no more . The ceremonies of one or two degrees were
sufficient to satisfy tho cravings of tho comparatively unread and unthinking world of that time . A few years later , as education advanced and enlightenment spread , there was a desire for more ceremony , and a third degree was added . This was the topmost branch of the parent
trunk . This soon became too limited for the curious , and other ceremonies were prepared further illustrating the truths already suggested . Aud so from age to age , as the demand grew stronger for more pictures of Masonic truth , have tho ceremonies and degrees been increased , and
hut few to-day question their legitimate character . If to the single degree , uncertain as its origin may be , and indefinite as its ceremony appears at this remote period , could be added a second and a third , why nob a fourth and fifth , and so on others , as tho changing times and the
desire of inquiring minds demand ? Certain it is that somewhere in the dead past such changes were wrought in the institution , and as man increased in knowledge and enlightenment , Masons had a desire to increase their facilities for imparting truth .
Who of those who are so tenacious in adhering to " ancient landmarks , " and who cry out against any change in the vernacular of the ritual , would be satisfied for one moment with the degrees as promulgated by Dr . Desaguliers ? Tho many old manuscripts that have been dug out
of the past are the strongest evidences of the change and progress that Masonry has made in its forms and general government . It is folly to bo so wedded to the antiquity of the Fraternity that wo will not admit of rational changes
and legitimate progress . Those whose skill in word-craft have led tbem into descriptions of the beauties of Masonry , have invariably left the dead past with its quainttiess out of their writings , and have comedown to our own intelligent language . It requires bnfc a cursory glnnco at the history
of h reemasonry to convince any one that changes have been made , and he who will adhere to the old saws because be feared to countenance an innovation , would cause the wheels of progress to stop and the world to stand still .
Ho would measure the hours of the day by the shadow of the sun dial or the sand in the hour glass . He would dispel the darkness of night with the pine torch , and illumine the streets with the tallow-dip .
If Freemasonry is to be governed by intelligence rather than ignorance ; if thought and unfolded truth , as enli ghtenment presents them , are to characterize it al „ V * present and iu the future , then we must admit the greater light of this advanced age into its workings . There are
doctrinal truths—tenets of our profession—that some call Ancient Landmarks , which mnsfc be preserved , and will only be strengthened by the revelations of these days of thought and activity . They are not Ancient Landmarks ; they are the scintillations of Truth that shine out in all
ages and belong alike to the present and tho past . They aro the links of that unbroken chain , whose ever increasing length only makes it the more precious , as we see that tho real Freemasonry of the present is tho same everlasting
Truth . This hand , reached out from the dead past , is not withered . It will never wither . The forms and ceremonies , meaningless without some vital force of morality in them , must perish if not made to appeal to the growing needs of man .
Must Live In The Present.
— - ——¦< Then let us be in touch with all of the grand advancement that is going on iu the world at this time , that the Fraternity may fill that measure of usefulness that its sublime teachings make possible for it , and not be paralyzed by the withered haud of the dead past . —Voice of Masonry .
French Freemasons aro making mora progress than ever in their efforts to eclipse the Church in the matter of matrimonial ceremonies . The most pompous wedding that has ever taken place according to the new Masonic Ritual has occurred in tho Grand Orient Lodgo of tho Rue Cadet .
A young maa belonging to the Brotherhood had been married by tho Mayor to tho lady of his choice . The members of his Lodge accordingly assembled on Friday , the 1 st inst ., at throo o ' clock , and after having effected duo and formal cognisance of the official marriage certificate
resolved to regard the bride as a sister . The ceremony took placo on a platform hung with drapery , and decorated with a raised bust of the Republic , surrounded by eigit tricolours and plenty of flowers . Watching events were many Masons , with their wives and families , the bride and
bridegroom being in another room , while behind a screen were a dozen or so of musicians who performed at intervals . The real ceremony began by the solemn entry of the members of the Lodge of Yrais Experts , with their swords and banners . These gentlemen formed the " Arch of Steel "
with their weapons , and a speeoh was made by M . Lepelletier , a journalist , who cast ridicule on religious rites and superstitions , and affirmed that these would bj supplanted by the new Masonic Ritual . He concluded his discourse with the cry of " Vive la Repnblique ! " and the organ
pealed forth the strains of the Wedding March as the bride and bridegroom , with their followers , entered the Hall , and took their seats on the platform . The presumably happy man wore his " Masonio apron , " the lady being attired in the conventional white satin , or peau de soief with
orangeblossoms . When everybody had sat down , the " Venerable '' made a speech on the advantages of Civil Marriage and the Law of Divorce , a peculiar mixture of subjects , which must have given the bride and bridegroom some food for reflection . The " Grand Architect" next threw over the
pair a nuptial sash as a token of their union ; hung a Masonic emblem round the neck of the lady , and gave the bridegroom the wedding ring , which the latter placed on the bride ' s finger . The " Celebrant" now showed the wedded pair a glass ring , which he broke on the ground
as a symbol of the fragility of badly-assorted matrimonial matches . The ceremonies did not end here , for all the Masons marched up and deposited their insignia on a table before the couple ; a glass of wine was given to the
bridegroom , and one of water to the lady ; a chain of union was formed by the Brethren , and also another " Arch of Steel" j tho wedding presents were bestowed , and finally more speeches were made . Tho rites were not concluded until five o ' clock . —Daily Telegraph .
At a meeting of the Loyal Veterans' Encampment , of Knights-Templar , held at the Masonic Club , Plymouth , on Tuesday , 29 th ult ,, Emt . Sir Knt . John Wallis was elected E . C . for the year ensuing ; E . Sir Kt . J . R . Lord P . E . C .
Treas ., and E . Sir Knt . W . H . Phillips Equerry . Bro . Archibald Roberts has been elected W . M . of Fortitude Lodge of M . M . M ., No . 66 ; Bro . Samuel Jew P . M . P . P . G . Treas . re-elected Treas ., and James Gidley P . M . P . G . Tyler Tyler .
A Special Provincial Grand Lodgo for the Province of Berkshire has been convened by the Provincial Grand Secretary to consider the question of making a suitable present to the Duke of Clarence and Avondale , Provincial Grand Master for Berkshire , on bis approaching marriage with Princess Victoria .
HoMiwir ' s OiimnwT AM Puts . —Indisputable- Remedies . —In the ' use or the medicaments there need , lie no hesitation or doubt oE their cooling , hoalinir and purifying properties . Tho Ointment stands unrivalled for tho jacility it displays in relieving , healing and thoroughly curing the most inveterate soros nnd ulcers , and in case of bad legs and had breasts they act as a charm . The Pills are tho most effectual remedy ever discovered for the euro of liver
complaints , diseases most disastrous in their effects , deranging all the proper functions of the organs affected , inducing restlessness , melancholy , weariness , inability to sleep , and pain in tho sude , until tho whole system is exhausted . These wonderful Pills , it ' taken according to the printed directions accompanying each bos , . strike at , tho root of the malady , stimulate the stomach and liver into a healthy action , and offect a complete cure .