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Article GRAND ORIENT AND ENGLISH FREEMASONRY. ← Page 2 of 2 Article BRO. THEVENOT'S LETTER, Page 1 of 1 Article BRO. THEVENOT'S LETTER, Page 1 of 1 Article THE LODGE LIGHTS. Page 1 of 1 Article REJECTION OF CANDIDATES. Page 1 of 1 Article THE LATE FESTIVAL. Page 1 of 1 Article MARRIAGE. Page 1 of 1 Article BIRTH Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Orient And English Freemasonry.
that , prior to tho year IS 10 , no such dogmatic affirmation as tho one amended ever existed in tho letter of the Constitution ; and , moreover , it has been fnlly assorted that if that declaration of faith was then introduced it was only owing to some occidt influence not independent of political motives , to obtain the Government authorization for the re-opening of tho Lodges , and also for tho acceptance of tho long
vacant Grand Maitriso by Princo Mnrat . Nor , indeed , need it bo stated once more that no other Masonic rite iu the world over had any identical or similar article written down in its Book of Constitution as au ARSOI . UTE dogma for the Brotherhood ; as those Constitutions , it is well known , aro generally more remarkable for what they omit than for what they recite . Tho explanations given ,
however simple , however fraternally candid , do not seem to have satisfied tho opponents of the Grand Orient . Grand Lodge of Ireland did not even pause to consider them , and instantly committed itself to an action from which , however much it may bo regretted , it cannot gracefully retreat . Grand Lodgo of Scotland , moro moderate and wise , seems to fly from the responsibility of too precipitate a
decision which would break tho Masonic link with the Grand Orient ; and , instead of taking a straightforward resolution , as was expected at its last meeting , allowed tho matter to remain where it was before , probably awaiting in tho meanwhilo the verdict of the Grand Lodge of England to guide them as to the right step to bo taken , and what penalty , if any , should be inflicted upon French Masons . The
Masonic world , too , whether it belioves or not in the right of Grand Lodge of England , or any other Grand Lodges , to interfero with the resolution passed by the Graud Orient , anxiously awaits tho report of tho Committee and the resolution that will consequently be passed at the next meeting of tho Grand Lodge . Will it be that the question had to bo abandoned ? Such a course , if not detrimental
would , at any rate , satisfy no ono . Firmly convinced of tho Masonic integrity and learning of the Grand Lodge Committee , having faith in the undoubted fealty of English Masons to tho pure principles of the Order , the Grand Orient , in setting aside the unfortunato coincidence in the matter of tho German Jewish Disability ( brought also before the Grand Lodge , and dropped ) implicitly , aud with all deference , admits the competency
of tho Grand Lodgo to pronounce upon and solve tho question raised , in trno Masonic spirit , and hopo that tho latter will think twico and wisely consider before widening tho breach that is meant to separate tho French from Irish Masous—a breach which wonld lead to disunion and schism in the body of tho Fraternity at largo , and the consequences of which would conduce to the creation , in both countries , of rival Lodges , with rival m-inciules . actuated more or less
by deviation from our true Masonic rulo aud principles . Yours fraternally , M . B . Paris , 5 th March 1 S 7 S .
Bro. Thevenot's Letter,
BRO . THEVENOT'S LETTER ,
To the Editor of THE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —It appears to mo that Bro . Thevenot's letter is tantamount to an admission that Freemasonry as now constituted iu France sanctions the admission of an atheist , if only ho lias " a mind whoso superior acquirements might justify an exception in his behalf . " For what says our brother ? (!) French Masonry
does not believe in the existence of atheists " in the absolute senso of tho word . " ( 2 ) It believes' -there aro among men different ways of conceiviug and comprehending the cxistenco of a Supremo Law or Supremo Being ; " in other words , there arc materialists and theists , and both aro equally eligible to be admitted into French Freemasonry . ( 3 ) If it wero a law of French Masons that every candidate should
bo asked " whether he believes or not in God , " then it wonld be necessary " to make somo sort of definition in reforenco to the matter . " This , I tako it , is what your worthy correspondent , Bro . Eev . Dr . Ace , wonld describe as a petitio principii , or begging of the question . Masons here and iu other countries are not required to defino " God "—I beg pardon , "to make some sort of definition in
reference to the matter ; they are simply called upon to subscribe to the Constitutions , which lay it down that belief in tho existence of God is a fundamental principle of Masonry . Tho mention of " God " in the French Constitutions is not , according to Bro . Thevenot ' s exposition , to be tolerated ; for it would bo necessary to define Him , and that , lie tells us , " has always led to some very regrettable
discussions . " This means , of course , that there are in French Lodges members who deny the existence of God , or , in other words , atheists . Theistio Masons do not require any definition , and there only remain the atheistic Masons , who would necessarily refuse ( o subscrihe to any sort of definition of Him whoso existence thoydeny ; to do so would bo a denial of their unbelief . (•!¦) The G . Oiient has already
reckoned among its illnstrious members Lalando , Helvetia ? , and othcrs , _ " who openly professed atheistic principles . " This is an admission that tho G . Uncut hits frequentl y done what it is doing now , that is , it has accepted , as it is now accepting , professed atheists ! and this wo English Masons consider is utterl y subversive of the pure principles of Masonry . ( 5 ) The Grand Orient " , " being neither atheist
nor materialistic , " retains the old Masonic motto , "without , however , milking it obligatory , " nnmely , "A hi ( Jl-. in ; ih < Grcin-l Archihch del'L ' nivcrs , " which , Bro . Thevenot snys , " is as much scientific and philosophic as , perhaps , religious , whether it bo considered as a figurative allusion to our Grand Master Hiram , or ns a glorification of labour . " Here , again , we have a distinct admission That French
Masonry has m it a certain leaven of atheism . Tho MaPonic motto may b > -. ii'in .-rpie-. td in ti n-ii ^ i-jiis s-. ' . ise or in a non-religions sense ; or it may be omitted aitu ^ eiher . That , is , if a i-Yciieh Mns- > ii likes to believe in God he may do to , bnt he is equally ac liher : v to denv Him . What more , I ask , is needed than Bro . ThoveuotV loiter to yiore iho radical change ivhi-.-It hn-i come over the i-i' -nt of F-PMHI
Bro. Thevenot's Letter,
Freemasonry ? It is not atheistic " in the absolute sense of the word , " for it recognises theists , and admits tbem into its Lodges . Neither , wo presume , is it theistio "in tho absolute senso of the word , " for it recognises atheists , and if they aro men of superior
mental acquirements , admits them likewise . This may be a sop in the pan to tho UniversaJist , but it is not in accordance with trno Masonry . Fraternally yours , « 0 . "
The Lodge Lights.
THE LODGE LIGHTS .
To the Editor of THE FREEMASON S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Can any of yonr correspondents throw any light upon tho proper position of tho Lodgo candlosticks F Iu various Lodges tho practice varies . In several old Lodges , they aro placed on tho left side of tho pedestal , but I notice iu still more
Lodges that they occupy a stand on the right . I supposo one must be right and tho other wrong , and should bo glad of information on tho point from a qualified authority . I am , yours fraternally , 6 th March 1878 . A YOUNG W . M .
Rejection Of Candidates.
REJECTION OF CANDIDATES .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —As a member and well-wishor of the Grey Friars Lodge 1101 , allow mo to thank you for yonr able article in your last issue , on tho unmasonie conduct of those who black , balled a most respectablo and worthy candidate . But what will you say , Sir , when , on the present notice , wo are
asked to go into mourning out of respect to our departed Bro . Chancellor , when his memory has beeu so insulted , by the action of somo five or six of those who profess to have been his friends in black , balling his nomination , that being his last Masonic act in the Grey Friars Lodge . Well may the outside public say : Seo how theso Masons love one another . I am Sir , and Bro . yours truly and fraternally , A MEMUEK OF 1101 .
The Late Festival.
THE LATE FESTIVAL .
To the Editor of TnE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —In your last issue of tho FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE , I notice that you mention thirteen Lodges in the Metropolitan district as having supported the Masonic Chatitios regularly ;
you seem to omit tho Koyal Albert Lodge , ! No . 90 / . I believe that my Lodge has sent a Steward to the K . M . B . I . regularly for somo fifteen years , aud in your previous issue you represent my list as being £ 15 ; if I remember correctly it was about £ 5-1 . Apologising for troubling yon ,
I am , yours fraternally , F . A . WHITE WM . 007 28 th February 1878 . [ We have great pleasure in inserting the above letter , and we shall be still more pleased if our correspondent ' s conjecture turns
out to bo correct . Ave , however , havo only the printed lists as they reach ns to deal with , and from one ( for tho Boys' Festival iu 1 S 7 G ) ont of tho ten wo have published , No . 007 was absent . It does not , of course , follow that the Lodge did not send up a Steward on that occasion , for if his return of subscriptions was not delivered to tho Secretary prior to , or even during the banquet , it would not
figure m tho list as published by ns , but would bo among those set down as " lists outstanding . " In such case wo should probably know nothing about it . However , it matters littlo what happened at this Festival , as there is no donbt that No . 907 will always tako rank among the most regular and cordial supporters of all our Institutions . —ED . F . C . I
IMPOSING IUNERAT . AT WORKSOP . —Au imposing demonstration of respect was shown , on the 18 th ult ., at Worksop , on the occasion of tho funeral of Bro . William Mallendcr , who died very suddenly on the 14 th ult . Deceased was a member of tho " Pelham " Lodgo of Freemasons . Ho also belonged to tho Abbey Church choir , and filled tho post until recently of Quartermaster of tho Worksop
Volunteers . Tho funeral procession was a very long one , and , starting from tho residence of the family , tho corpse was followed by tho Freemasons in a body , a number of the Volunteers in civilian dress , and nearly the whole of tho men of business and tradesmen of the town . The body was carried on the shoulders of the deceased ' s
workmen . The church was completely full , aud there was also au immense number of persons ontside . Bro . Rev . E . Hawley , vicar , and Bro . 'Rev . 1- ' . V . Bnssell , curate , of tho Abbey Church , conducted tho burial service , which was full choral . —Sheffield and Uotluyrliam [ odependent .
Marriage.
MARRIAGE .
On tho -jtli itistnnt , at All Saints Church , Senrliov . muh , ]> r the l ! cv . R . Brown-Bui'tWwiek , Vieiir , OKOROK UKXKV , only sou of Die : late Isaac Walsha-. v , riirarliiroiijjli , t- > JOSH-IIIXK A . V . V Donso . v , only child of the late John Stjriekcr , of Suttou-on-tlie-Forcst , Yorks . Xo Cards .
Birth
BIRTH
(! : ; U " L-. f' !' .-. < iii-. i : i . \ ru-. uf ! 1 i . 'ili , II •_ "lie 'A Hv " . I ' . Jt . viir . of a daughter . [
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Grand Orient And English Freemasonry.
that , prior to tho year IS 10 , no such dogmatic affirmation as tho one amended ever existed in tho letter of the Constitution ; and , moreover , it has been fnlly assorted that if that declaration of faith was then introduced it was only owing to some occidt influence not independent of political motives , to obtain the Government authorization for the re-opening of tho Lodges , and also for tho acceptance of tho long
vacant Grand Maitriso by Princo Mnrat . Nor , indeed , need it bo stated once more that no other Masonic rite iu the world over had any identical or similar article written down in its Book of Constitution as au ARSOI . UTE dogma for the Brotherhood ; as those Constitutions , it is well known , aro generally more remarkable for what they omit than for what they recite . Tho explanations given ,
however simple , however fraternally candid , do not seem to have satisfied tho opponents of the Grand Orient . Grand Lodge of Ireland did not even pause to consider them , and instantly committed itself to an action from which , however much it may bo regretted , it cannot gracefully retreat . Grand Lodgo of Scotland , moro moderate and wise , seems to fly from the responsibility of too precipitate a
decision which would break tho Masonic link with the Grand Orient ; and , instead of taking a straightforward resolution , as was expected at its last meeting , allowed tho matter to remain where it was before , probably awaiting in tho meanwhilo the verdict of the Grand Lodge of England to guide them as to the right step to bo taken , and what penalty , if any , should be inflicted upon French Masons . The
Masonic world , too , whether it belioves or not in the right of Grand Lodge of England , or any other Grand Lodges , to interfero with the resolution passed by the Graud Orient , anxiously awaits tho report of tho Committee and the resolution that will consequently be passed at the next meeting of tho Grand Lodge . Will it be that the question had to bo abandoned ? Such a course , if not detrimental
would , at any rate , satisfy no ono . Firmly convinced of tho Masonic integrity and learning of the Grand Lodge Committee , having faith in the undoubted fealty of English Masons to tho pure principles of the Order , the Grand Orient , in setting aside the unfortunato coincidence in the matter of tho German Jewish Disability ( brought also before the Grand Lodge , and dropped ) implicitly , aud with all deference , admits the competency
of tho Grand Lodgo to pronounce upon and solve tho question raised , in trno Masonic spirit , and hopo that tho latter will think twico and wisely consider before widening tho breach that is meant to separate tho French from Irish Masous—a breach which wonld lead to disunion and schism in the body of tho Fraternity at largo , and the consequences of which would conduce to the creation , in both countries , of rival Lodges , with rival m-inciules . actuated more or less
by deviation from our true Masonic rulo aud principles . Yours fraternally , M . B . Paris , 5 th March 1 S 7 S .
Bro. Thevenot's Letter,
BRO . THEVENOT'S LETTER ,
To the Editor of THE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —It appears to mo that Bro . Thevenot's letter is tantamount to an admission that Freemasonry as now constituted iu France sanctions the admission of an atheist , if only ho lias " a mind whoso superior acquirements might justify an exception in his behalf . " For what says our brother ? (!) French Masonry
does not believe in the existence of atheists " in the absolute senso of tho word . " ( 2 ) It believes' -there aro among men different ways of conceiviug and comprehending the cxistenco of a Supremo Law or Supremo Being ; " in other words , there arc materialists and theists , and both aro equally eligible to be admitted into French Freemasonry . ( 3 ) If it wero a law of French Masons that every candidate should
bo asked " whether he believes or not in God , " then it wonld be necessary " to make somo sort of definition in reforenco to the matter . " This , I tako it , is what your worthy correspondent , Bro . Eev . Dr . Ace , wonld describe as a petitio principii , or begging of the question . Masons here and iu other countries are not required to defino " God "—I beg pardon , "to make some sort of definition in
reference to the matter ; they are simply called upon to subscribe to the Constitutions , which lay it down that belief in tho existence of God is a fundamental principle of Masonry . Tho mention of " God " in the French Constitutions is not , according to Bro . Thevenot ' s exposition , to be tolerated ; for it would bo necessary to define Him , and that , lie tells us , " has always led to some very regrettable
discussions . " This means , of course , that there are in French Lodges members who deny the existence of God , or , in other words , atheists . Theistio Masons do not require any definition , and there only remain the atheistic Masons , who would necessarily refuse ( o subscrihe to any sort of definition of Him whoso existence thoydeny ; to do so would bo a denial of their unbelief . (•!¦) The G . Oiient has already
reckoned among its illnstrious members Lalando , Helvetia ? , and othcrs , _ " who openly professed atheistic principles . " This is an admission that tho G . Uncut hits frequentl y done what it is doing now , that is , it has accepted , as it is now accepting , professed atheists ! and this wo English Masons consider is utterl y subversive of the pure principles of Masonry . ( 5 ) The Grand Orient " , " being neither atheist
nor materialistic , " retains the old Masonic motto , "without , however , milking it obligatory , " nnmely , "A hi ( Jl-. in ; ih < Grcin-l Archihch del'L ' nivcrs , " which , Bro . Thevenot snys , " is as much scientific and philosophic as , perhaps , religious , whether it bo considered as a figurative allusion to our Grand Master Hiram , or ns a glorification of labour . " Here , again , we have a distinct admission That French
Masonry has m it a certain leaven of atheism . Tho MaPonic motto may b > -. ii'in .-rpie-. td in ti n-ii ^ i-jiis s-. ' . ise or in a non-religions sense ; or it may be omitted aitu ^ eiher . That , is , if a i-Yciieh Mns- > ii likes to believe in God he may do to , bnt he is equally ac liher : v to denv Him . What more , I ask , is needed than Bro . ThoveuotV loiter to yiore iho radical change ivhi-.-It hn-i come over the i-i' -nt of F-PMHI
Bro. Thevenot's Letter,
Freemasonry ? It is not atheistic " in the absolute sense of the word , " for it recognises theists , and admits tbem into its Lodges . Neither , wo presume , is it theistio "in tho absolute senso of the word , " for it recognises atheists , and if they aro men of superior
mental acquirements , admits them likewise . This may be a sop in the pan to tho UniversaJist , but it is not in accordance with trno Masonry . Fraternally yours , « 0 . "
The Lodge Lights.
THE LODGE LIGHTS .
To the Editor of THE FREEMASON S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Can any of yonr correspondents throw any light upon tho proper position of tho Lodgo candlosticks F Iu various Lodges tho practice varies . In several old Lodges , they aro placed on tho left side of tho pedestal , but I notice iu still more
Lodges that they occupy a stand on the right . I supposo one must be right and tho other wrong , and should bo glad of information on tho point from a qualified authority . I am , yours fraternally , 6 th March 1878 . A YOUNG W . M .
Rejection Of Candidates.
REJECTION OF CANDIDATES .
To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —As a member and well-wishor of the Grey Friars Lodge 1101 , allow mo to thank you for yonr able article in your last issue , on tho unmasonie conduct of those who black , balled a most respectablo and worthy candidate . But what will you say , Sir , when , on the present notice , wo are
asked to go into mourning out of respect to our departed Bro . Chancellor , when his memory has beeu so insulted , by the action of somo five or six of those who profess to have been his friends in black , balling his nomination , that being his last Masonic act in the Grey Friars Lodge . Well may the outside public say : Seo how theso Masons love one another . I am Sir , and Bro . yours truly and fraternally , A MEMUEK OF 1101 .
The Late Festival.
THE LATE FESTIVAL .
To the Editor of TnE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —In your last issue of tho FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE , I notice that you mention thirteen Lodges in the Metropolitan district as having supported the Masonic Chatitios regularly ;
you seem to omit tho Koyal Albert Lodge , ! No . 90 / . I believe that my Lodge has sent a Steward to the K . M . B . I . regularly for somo fifteen years , aud in your previous issue you represent my list as being £ 15 ; if I remember correctly it was about £ 5-1 . Apologising for troubling yon ,
I am , yours fraternally , F . A . WHITE WM . 007 28 th February 1878 . [ We have great pleasure in inserting the above letter , and we shall be still more pleased if our correspondent ' s conjecture turns
out to bo correct . Ave , however , havo only the printed lists as they reach ns to deal with , and from one ( for tho Boys' Festival iu 1 S 7 G ) ont of tho ten wo have published , No . 007 was absent . It does not , of course , follow that the Lodge did not send up a Steward on that occasion , for if his return of subscriptions was not delivered to tho Secretary prior to , or even during the banquet , it would not
figure m tho list as published by ns , but would bo among those set down as " lists outstanding . " In such case wo should probably know nothing about it . However , it matters littlo what happened at this Festival , as there is no donbt that No . 907 will always tako rank among the most regular and cordial supporters of all our Institutions . —ED . F . C . I
IMPOSING IUNERAT . AT WORKSOP . —Au imposing demonstration of respect was shown , on the 18 th ult ., at Worksop , on the occasion of tho funeral of Bro . William Mallendcr , who died very suddenly on the 14 th ult . Deceased was a member of tho " Pelham " Lodgo of Freemasons . Ho also belonged to tho Abbey Church choir , and filled tho post until recently of Quartermaster of tho Worksop
Volunteers . Tho funeral procession was a very long one , and , starting from tho residence of the family , tho corpse was followed by tho Freemasons in a body , a number of the Volunteers in civilian dress , and nearly the whole of tho men of business and tradesmen of the town . The body was carried on the shoulders of the deceased ' s
workmen . The church was completely full , aud there was also au immense number of persons ontside . Bro . Rev . E . Hawley , vicar , and Bro . 'Rev . 1- ' . V . Bnssell , curate , of tho Abbey Church , conducted tho burial service , which was full choral . —Sheffield and Uotluyrliam [ odependent .
Marriage.
MARRIAGE .
On tho -jtli itistnnt , at All Saints Church , Senrliov . muh , ]> r the l ! cv . R . Brown-Bui'tWwiek , Vieiir , OKOROK UKXKV , only sou of Die : late Isaac Walsha-. v , riirarliiroiijjli , t- > JOSH-IIIXK A . V . V Donso . v , only child of the late John Stjriekcr , of Suttou-on-tlie-Forcst , Yorks . Xo Cards .
Birth
BIRTH
(! : ; U " L-. f' !' .-. < iii-. i : i . \ ru-. uf ! 1 i . 'ili , II •_ "lie 'A Hv " . I ' . Jt . viir . of a daughter . [