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Article BRO. SIMPSON'S MOTION IN GRAND LODGE. Page 1 of 1 Article THE INACTIVE MASON. Page 1 of 2 →
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Bro. Simpson's Motion In Grand Lodge.
BRO . SIMPSON'S MOTION IN GRAND LODGE .
WE are rejoiced that Grand Lodge has accepted unanimously Bro . Rev . R . J . Simpson ' s motion for the appointment of a Committee to consider the best means of commemorating our Grand Master ' s visit to India . The occasion is certainly one that calls for some
recognition from the Craft . The visit was essentially one of peace and goodwill towards India . It was undertaken with the view of bringing the Indian and British subjects of Her Majesty into a nearer and more intimate union of feeling towards each other , as well as of loyalty
towards their common Sovereign . Ihe visit was one uninterrupted triumph , a triumph , too , obtained , not after desperate conflict with a determined foe , but in the glorious times of peace . We recognise , therefore , the propriety of commemorating an event so auspicious in our
annals . Indeed , we have all along been most favourably disposed towards any reasonable proposal that might be made . We are anxious , however , and not unnaturally , that the proposal , whatever form it may assume , shall be worthy both of the occasion which prompts it , and the
Craft which makes ifc . There were strong objections to the earlier propositions that were advanced . They were , to a certain extent , excellent of their kind . They did not , however , command the approbation of the general body . We think it wise , then , thafc Grand Lodge has now accepted
Bro . Simpson ' s motion . A select ; committee , with ample time before it , -will be able to ascertain the feeling of the Craft . We may be sure those eminent brethren who have
been nominated to serve on it will carefully examine the various suggestions that may be offered , and will select the one most likely to command respect . We leave the matter in their hands with the utmost confidence . We think it
would have been better , perhaps , had the Committee , as originally proposed by Bro . Simpson , been granted without any addition whatever to its numbers . We do not for one moment imagine that the Grand Officers proposed to be added by Bro . Pbilbrick , or the Provincial Grand Masters
whom Bro . Curteis suggested should still farther swell tho number , are less competent to deal with this matter than Bro . Simpson ' s nominees . But in matters of this kind , a small yet compact body of men is likelier to manage well than a more numerous and possibly , therefore ,
a more unwieldy body . It may be that in the multitude of counsellors there is wisdom , or , as the more correct rendering hath it , iu a multitude of counsellors there is safety . The general experience , however , we believe , is in favour of small but carefully selected committees , and the
addition of half-a-dozen Grand Officers and some forty Provincial Grand Masters will render the task of deliberation , to say the least , a matter of greater difficulty . But after all this is , comparatively , a minor point . We feel assured the Committee will do its work conscientiousl y , and with that assurance we are quite satisfied .
As to the form which the memorial may take , we do nofc think ifc proper we should make any direct suggestion . The plan of enlarging the benefits of one or other , or all of our Charitable Institutions , seems the likeliest to command universal assent . It may , however , be in the power
of clearer-sighted men than ourselves to suggest some better scheme still . Under these circumstances we abstain from offering any opinion now . We have already indicated the direction , of our own feelings , but , as we have said , we await the issue of the Committee ' s labours with perfect confidence . It will be time enough to think of criticising their work when the work has been achieved .
The Inactive Mason.
THE INACTIVE MASON .
THE progress of Freemasonry during the last few years is undeniable . In spite of the obstacles it encounters at well nigh every step it takes , the intolerance exhibited by this or that religion , the persecutions , the annoyances , the ridicule , and , we may add , the careless
indifference of its own sons , Freemasonry at this moment exercises a most potent influence in all civilised communities . It matters not whither we turn , be it towards the Continent of Europe , or to the new world , we find everywhere indications the most assuring as to the almost daily increasing
stability of our Craft . Equally undeniable is it that the influence we exercise everywhere is an influence for good . It is true we are a secret society , and the work we are con . tinually promoting is not generally " understanded of the people . " Owing , indeed , to this very secrecy which
enshrouds all our operations , we are often accused of serious crimes and misdemeanours as well against all forms of government as against all religious faiths . Happily , however , this secrecy is partial in its character . It keeps hidden from the eyes of the vulgar those sacred rites and
ceremonies which have belonged to us through all time , but the results of its mysterious working are known of all men . It is rightly forbidden to divulge our mysteries , bufc the world knows well enough that one of the principal objects of Freemasonry is to establish a closer bond of union among
the different peoples of the earth , and that the chief means we employ is the promotion of good fellowship . We exemplify this mainly through our numerous , and , we may safely venture to add , our spontaneous acts of charity . We are not , or at least we strive not to be , ostentatious in our
good works . Bufc the knowledge of our beneficence is spread abroad throughout all lands , until it has come to be a universally received maxim that , whatever his political and religious views may be , a good Mason must bo a good man . This is a compliment we cannot too highly
value . No one outside the pale of our Societ y knows what Freemasonry is , but the effect of its unknown teaching is apparent everywhere . We are recognised as a power among men ,. We are not formally constituted either as a political or a religious body . Our power
therefore , both in religion and politics , is , in one sense , more apparent than real , and yet , in very truth , more real than apparent . Our law is to respect all religious faiths and all forms of government . It follows , then , that in all countries where Freemasonry has established a home for
itself , the ruling powers can reckon on the support of all its members , while the religions sect or sects which prevail will obtain , even though they may hardly deserve , the respect of our body . We know well enough , indeed we have already said , we are persecuted of certain reli gious
faiths . But this is invariably of great service to our Craft . It must be that our persecutors are either renegade Masons , or , having always been outside the pale of Masonry , are in utter ignorance of our doctrines and constitution , so far as they are kept hidden from the
public . No formal absolution that may be accorded to the perjurer will induce honest men to have faith in his subsequent statements ; and no one accepts as Gospel the statements of the ignorant . Thus , the charges that are so
pertinaciously brought against us , being easily refutable , serve only to magnify our worth . The harm they inflict is , nofc ou us , but on those who make them . We have , then , little reason to fear the attacks that are made on oar Institution . In some countries we are forbidden to assemble , and where this is the case , our fraternity obeys the law ; but wherever the right of meeting is accorded ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Bro. Simpson's Motion In Grand Lodge.
BRO . SIMPSON'S MOTION IN GRAND LODGE .
WE are rejoiced that Grand Lodge has accepted unanimously Bro . Rev . R . J . Simpson ' s motion for the appointment of a Committee to consider the best means of commemorating our Grand Master ' s visit to India . The occasion is certainly one that calls for some
recognition from the Craft . The visit was essentially one of peace and goodwill towards India . It was undertaken with the view of bringing the Indian and British subjects of Her Majesty into a nearer and more intimate union of feeling towards each other , as well as of loyalty
towards their common Sovereign . Ihe visit was one uninterrupted triumph , a triumph , too , obtained , not after desperate conflict with a determined foe , but in the glorious times of peace . We recognise , therefore , the propriety of commemorating an event so auspicious in our
annals . Indeed , we have all along been most favourably disposed towards any reasonable proposal that might be made . We are anxious , however , and not unnaturally , that the proposal , whatever form it may assume , shall be worthy both of the occasion which prompts it , and the
Craft which makes ifc . There were strong objections to the earlier propositions that were advanced . They were , to a certain extent , excellent of their kind . They did not , however , command the approbation of the general body . We think it wise , then , thafc Grand Lodge has now accepted
Bro . Simpson ' s motion . A select ; committee , with ample time before it , -will be able to ascertain the feeling of the Craft . We may be sure those eminent brethren who have
been nominated to serve on it will carefully examine the various suggestions that may be offered , and will select the one most likely to command respect . We leave the matter in their hands with the utmost confidence . We think it
would have been better , perhaps , had the Committee , as originally proposed by Bro . Simpson , been granted without any addition whatever to its numbers . We do not for one moment imagine that the Grand Officers proposed to be added by Bro . Pbilbrick , or the Provincial Grand Masters
whom Bro . Curteis suggested should still farther swell tho number , are less competent to deal with this matter than Bro . Simpson ' s nominees . But in matters of this kind , a small yet compact body of men is likelier to manage well than a more numerous and possibly , therefore ,
a more unwieldy body . It may be that in the multitude of counsellors there is wisdom , or , as the more correct rendering hath it , iu a multitude of counsellors there is safety . The general experience , however , we believe , is in favour of small but carefully selected committees , and the
addition of half-a-dozen Grand Officers and some forty Provincial Grand Masters will render the task of deliberation , to say the least , a matter of greater difficulty . But after all this is , comparatively , a minor point . We feel assured the Committee will do its work conscientiousl y , and with that assurance we are quite satisfied .
As to the form which the memorial may take , we do nofc think ifc proper we should make any direct suggestion . The plan of enlarging the benefits of one or other , or all of our Charitable Institutions , seems the likeliest to command universal assent . It may , however , be in the power
of clearer-sighted men than ourselves to suggest some better scheme still . Under these circumstances we abstain from offering any opinion now . We have already indicated the direction , of our own feelings , but , as we have said , we await the issue of the Committee ' s labours with perfect confidence . It will be time enough to think of criticising their work when the work has been achieved .
The Inactive Mason.
THE INACTIVE MASON .
THE progress of Freemasonry during the last few years is undeniable . In spite of the obstacles it encounters at well nigh every step it takes , the intolerance exhibited by this or that religion , the persecutions , the annoyances , the ridicule , and , we may add , the careless
indifference of its own sons , Freemasonry at this moment exercises a most potent influence in all civilised communities . It matters not whither we turn , be it towards the Continent of Europe , or to the new world , we find everywhere indications the most assuring as to the almost daily increasing
stability of our Craft . Equally undeniable is it that the influence we exercise everywhere is an influence for good . It is true we are a secret society , and the work we are con . tinually promoting is not generally " understanded of the people . " Owing , indeed , to this very secrecy which
enshrouds all our operations , we are often accused of serious crimes and misdemeanours as well against all forms of government as against all religious faiths . Happily , however , this secrecy is partial in its character . It keeps hidden from the eyes of the vulgar those sacred rites and
ceremonies which have belonged to us through all time , but the results of its mysterious working are known of all men . It is rightly forbidden to divulge our mysteries , bufc the world knows well enough that one of the principal objects of Freemasonry is to establish a closer bond of union among
the different peoples of the earth , and that the chief means we employ is the promotion of good fellowship . We exemplify this mainly through our numerous , and , we may safely venture to add , our spontaneous acts of charity . We are not , or at least we strive not to be , ostentatious in our
good works . Bufc the knowledge of our beneficence is spread abroad throughout all lands , until it has come to be a universally received maxim that , whatever his political and religious views may be , a good Mason must bo a good man . This is a compliment we cannot too highly
value . No one outside the pale of our Societ y knows what Freemasonry is , but the effect of its unknown teaching is apparent everywhere . We are recognised as a power among men ,. We are not formally constituted either as a political or a religious body . Our power
therefore , both in religion and politics , is , in one sense , more apparent than real , and yet , in very truth , more real than apparent . Our law is to respect all religious faiths and all forms of government . It follows , then , that in all countries where Freemasonry has established a home for
itself , the ruling powers can reckon on the support of all its members , while the religions sect or sects which prevail will obtain , even though they may hardly deserve , the respect of our body . We know well enough , indeed we have already said , we are persecuted of certain reli gious
faiths . But this is invariably of great service to our Craft . It must be that our persecutors are either renegade Masons , or , having always been outside the pale of Masonry , are in utter ignorance of our doctrines and constitution , so far as they are kept hidden from the
public . No formal absolution that may be accorded to the perjurer will induce honest men to have faith in his subsequent statements ; and no one accepts as Gospel the statements of the ignorant . Thus , the charges that are so
pertinaciously brought against us , being easily refutable , serve only to magnify our worth . The harm they inflict is , nofc ou us , but on those who make them . We have , then , little reason to fear the attacks that are made on oar Institution . In some countries we are forbidden to assemble , and where this is the case , our fraternity obeys the law ; but wherever the right of meeting is accorded ,