Grand Treasurership Nightmare.

to have reckoned without their host , for electioneering work for the 189--3 appointment has already been Btarled upon , and will bo continued , to tho annoyance and disgnst of a largo section of tVe Order , we aro convinced , unless some decisive action is speedily taken . In

all questions of selection of Officers by popular vote , it is recognised as being positively indecent to canvass for an appointment before it is vacant , and although it is understood there will bo a vacancy in tho office of Grand Treasurer fiftcon months hence , we consider it is highly

objectionable any active canvass should ba started upon until tho election and investiture of the brother who , in tho natural course of events , will fill the appointment during the latter twelve months of that period . Surely the Grand Treasurer for 1891-2 should be invested before

tho Craft is foi'ccd to listen to tho qualifications and special abilities of those who may be nominated for the 1892-3 office , and we hope that little more will be said in regard to tho claims of rival candidates for the next few months . We aro not wholly satisfied that such aotive

canvassing as has been carried on in regard to this appointment is either necessary or desirable , but certainly there can be no need for so early a start as the one we aro just now threatened with , nor can there be any excuse or justification for the implied slurs which have been cast b y

one would-be candidate upon another , and which , wo are sorry to say , inadvertently found expression at a particularly busy season of the year in our columns . We , of course , refer to a letter of " A PROVINCIAL P . M ., " which appenred in our issue of 20 th December , which if not

intended as reflecting on the character and ability of the brother therein referred to , at least bore that construction , and certainly does not give evidence of the true Masonic spirit which should characterise all aspirants for G . Lodge honours , more especially thoso who desire to win them by

popular vote . Bro . Cumberland's reply , given last week , it may be said , is not much bettor , but it must be remembered he is answering the attack of a brother who hides his identity under a nom-de-plumo , and who , whether ho meant it or not , adopts a most questionable method of

expressing his opinions . Wo sincerely hope , for tho sake of peace , harmony , and the reputation of the Craft , that contemptible methods of fighting will be oxcluded from tho annual contests for the Grand Treasnrershi p , and

nlso that , for a few months at least , the Craft may be allowed a rest in the matter , which , as we have alread y pointed out , may form a very pleasant topic for occasional consideration , but is certainly unsuitcd for regular and persistent discussion .

Theory V. Practice.

THEORY v . PRACTICE .

BROTHER A . had spent a long life of usefulness , and was an example worthy of imitation to all who know him , in his disinterested acts of benevolence and kindness . In early life he became a member of the Masonic

fraternity , being at that time also a member of his Church , where his first step towards becoming a Mason was known almost as soon as in the Lodge . He was waited upon by hiB pastor , Mr . B ., to warn him , of what he considered a

most dangerous step , and to inquire into the motives that induced him to join a society in which he feared he would lose his interest in the Church , and gradually become a backslider in religion , and ultimately fall into perdition .

Notwithstanding the earnest remonstrances of his pastor , Bro . A . was regularly advanced in his Lodge , and became a member distinguished for his usefulness , his fidelit y and benevolence to all whose circumstances or condition claimed it .

After a long life of usefulness , both in the Church and in the Lodge , his energies began to fail , and having , in the days of his activity , ever been foremost in his contributions to every benevolent purpose , dispensing from his

abundance to the relief of suffering humanity whenever it came to his knowledge , in his days of feebleness , when his powers of activity were gradually removed , he found himself poor and penniless , but his Trust in God was undiminished .

In his last sickness , when it was generally considered he would not long survive , at least not many days , he was called upon by the pastor of his Church , Mr . B ,, who had

Theory V. Practice.

always regarded him as a living example , and whose life had given proof of tho falsity regarding thejevil tendency of these secret societies which the said pastor had preached and enforced upon all occasions ( notwithstanding tho

silent , but powerful example of Bro . A . to the contrary ) , against uniting with them . After the usual inquiries as to the physical condition of the patient , Mr . B . commenced a series of inquiries regarding his spiritual condition , to all of which he received answers of assurance that tho

anchor of Hope , on which Bro . A . relied , was sure and stedfast . He reminded Bro . A . of his remonstrances when ho was about to join the Masons , and asked his present views upon the subject , with eternity just before him , which , in all

probability , ho was en the point of entering , and what his impressions of the two institutions—the Churoh and Masonry—were ? In the Church , replied Bro . A ., I have been taught many things that are dearer to me now than

life itself . These teachings I have endeavoured to embody in my life and conversation with my fellow men wheresover I have met them . I trust I have been consistent because I have always been sincere .

But , inquired Mr . B ., have you not found tho Masonic society an empty profession , ready to receive your services and your contributions when your means permitted , but which has left you in your days of sickness and distress unheeded and uncared for ?

To these bitter remarks , Bro . A . replied , in his mild , but forcible manner : It is true , that in my days of strength , I did contribute to the extent of the means which the Lord gave me , to the cause of charity and benevolence , in the Church and out of it , in the Lodge and out of it , and now

at the close of life , I am as poor as poverty itself in worldly goods , and I shall leave nothing behind me ; yet , in my sickness , there has not one of my Church whom I loved , with whom I have laboured and prayed , who have called to sec me , or once inquired whether I required anything , or

wanted any assistance . I have been left uncared for , my labours among them seem to be forgotten , and my devotion to their interests entirely overlooked . My absence from the meetings has not brought a single member to inquire into my necessities , -until this present visit of yours , which

I perceive is more to gratify your curiosity in regard to my views of Freemasonry , in the hour when I am momentaril y expecting to bo called hence , and to be no more seen of men , than to elicit information in regard to my wants or sufferings .

And the Freemasons , exclaimed Mr . B ., to whom you have , for a series of years , devoted so much attontion , and contributed so liberally . Have ( interrupted Bro . A . )

daily visited me , individually and by committee ; they have never stopped to inquire what I wanted—every necessary want was anticipated , quietly , and without a

chance to return my heartfelt thanks . My last prayer will be for my brethren of the Masonic fraternity , and I trust their example of living practical Love and Benevolence will be imitated by my brethron in the Church .

You have my views of the Order—the result of years of experience , which I hope you will not fail to instil into tho hearts of those over whom you have been called to preside , ever rembering the language of the Apostle James , " Faith

without works is dead , " and excite in them to exercise that life giving charity—that love of God and his creatures , which is so solemnly enjoined upon us by the revelations of the "Great Light . "

This is drawn from actual occurrence , and we have delineated it here because it carries with it a moral of practical utility worthy of consideration . Do those who claim that the Fraternity is an evil out of which no good

can come fail to perceive that the faith that is within them is a dead faith , imparting no life to the soul—a faith that is cold and selfish , lacking that charity which suffereth long , and is kind ; which beareth all things , hopeth all things , and which never faileth . —Masonic Review .

At the instance of Prince zu Schoenaich Carolath , Grand Master of the Grand Lodge Royal York , negotiations aro proceeding between the principal Continental Lodges for the establishment of a Central Court of Reference .

A member of the Craft , deputed by the Prince , is at the present time carrying on negotiations to this end with Signor Adriano Lemmei , Grand Master of the Grand Orient in Rome .