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Worth Thought.
tion is a good way from being a money-making affair . At this day , there are many first class publications issued , that not only bring lig ht to their readers , bnt add to the general stock of Masonic information . Many of the secular and political periodicals of tho day " pay , " and their owners " eat , drink , and grow fat , " while , I fear , some of those devoted to Masonry do not pay , and their owners eat
what they can get , say , " hog and hominy , " live on hopes that are never fulfilled , and grow decidedly poor in flesh and pocket . Now , that is all wrong . It is a burning shame that such an Institution as that of Masonry , of this century , does not give its periodicals adequate support . The fact that so many of them havo
succumbed to the pressure of want of patronage shows that their efforts are not properly appreciated hy the Craft at large . I trust the reader will not think , for a moment , that I am interested , pecn niarily , in any Masonio publication . I am interested just this much ; I wnnt them all to succeed , as I think they do a vast amount of good for onr far famed and noble Institntion .
We do deeply deplore the lack of Masonic information amongst the Craft , and that there are so few who think Masonry has a literature worthy of publication , and so many whose sole idea of tbe Institution seems to be concentrated in Lodge room work ; as if that , and having many degrees , were the acme of Masonry . While we are not prepared to discuss the multiplicity of degrees and rites that is making
such a stir in the Masonic world , yet we cannot help thinking that if nine-tenths of them were swept out of existence we should have more Masonry , and a lesser number of pretended Masons . Why , my brethren , rites , degrees and Lodge room work are but a drop in the bucket in comparison to tbe grand principles which Masonry teaches . With many the idea seems to be paramount , that a bright Mason
mnst be a thorough ritnalistic one , and that when he is that he is all Masonry can make him . What an erroneous idea ! A parrot can be taught to repeat set phrases , and any brother with a good memory can learn the Masonio ritual ; but to tell ns of Freemasonry ' s past and present history , and render a correot version of its laws , requires years of the closest study , besides a retentive memory .
There never was a greater mistake made than to suppose that the Masonio periodicals of this day are not worthy of perusal . The poorest amongst them is worth more than the amount asked for it . If any one doubts the truth of this assertion , jnst let him try any one of them for a year , and , if he has any of the real spirit of Masonry in him his first year will not be his last ; bnt if he is a surface Mason , he will
not be suited , because Masonic Editors and writers have the faculty of speaking plainly , as well as others . We learn from the " Masonio , Historical and Biographical Memoranda , " edited by Bro . J . H . Drummond , of Maine , that the Freemasons' Monthly Magazine , edited and published by Charles W . Moore , was commenced November 1841 . " For thirty-one years ,
month after month , he issued the magazine , without a single lapse . The thirty-first volume closed in October 1872 , and he delayed the commencement of the thirty-second volume till January 1873 ; he lived to complete that volume ; with it be finished his work on earth . This magazine was the first published that was exclusively Masonio . Tbe Masonic Revieio , of Cincinnati , olosed its fifty-sixth
volume , January 1882 . The Voice of Masonry is in its twenty-fourth year . The Keystone , of Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , and Loomis ' s Musical and Masonic Journal , of Hartford , Connecticut , are in their sixteenth year . These , I believe , are the oldest of American publications . There are others equally as good , perphaps , yet I think their editors and publishers will unite with me in saying that it is
the hardest kind of work to come out even at the end of the year . That certainly is not very encouraging , yet it is a fact . Is it a wonder that we deplore the want of an inclination on the part of the Craft towards sustaining Masonic literature ? Inasmuch as Freemasonry has a literature we may well be prond of , let us one and all do onr best to advance that literature . We
cannot all be Masonic lawyers or historians , bnt we can , if we will , add onr mite to the canse by subscribing for one or more of the Masonic publications , and thereby canse their Editors to give us a better class of Masonic literature for onr money . If any one doubts that a Masonio publication can be improved by a larger subscription list , let him look over the files of this Magazine for the past ten years and mark the difference between "then , and now . "
At this seasoa of tbe year the Craft have been called from refresh , ment to labour . Now , my brethren , let ns include in onr labour a little intellectual work—brain work would be a better term—and give the study of Masonic history , law and literature a portion of onr spare time , and by so doing not only benefit ourselves but those around us . Let us have a little more "Masonry on the brain . " It
will not hurt ns any . It will do ns good , and we will be the better for it both mentally and spiritually ; while the dismal features of life will not look half so gloomy . Give any one of our Editors a lift b y subscribing for his publication , and if at the end of the year , yon do not find your money well invested , " then I miss my guess : that ' s all . "
As far as I am concerned , I am free to admit there was a time when I was egotistical enough to think I knew much about Masonry , hut as I began to read , I very soon found I knew little about Jfcj and I am confident I am not the ODly one who has bad the conceit taken out cf him in the same manner . I can truthfully say , the Wore I study Masonry the more I am convinced that I have not as
yet learned its alphabet , and the more I read of its historical features and " law points " the more I see the necessity of a more thorough education , Masonically speaking , than is the lot of the Majorit y of Masons . Let ns , one and all , from the Grand Master down to him who
stands in the north-east , do onr best to enhance the value of Masonic literature , ever bearing in mind that our Institution stands without n peer in the land , and to keep it in that position we must ever remember that , without its historical , legal and miscellaneous litera - ture we will take the downward course , and instead of being without a peer , the poorest organisation in the land will be our peer .
Province Of Hampshire And Isle Of Wight.
PROVINCE OF HAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OF WIGHT .
THERE was a very large muster of Freemasons from the various Hampshire and Isle of Wight Lodges on tho 1 st inst ., at tho school-room , Bishopstoke . The principal item in the agenda paper was tho election of Provincial Grand Treasurer , this office being vacant by the retirement of Bro . Mark E . Frost . The Past Grand Master , Brother W . W . Beach , M . P ., presided , and was supported by the Deputy P . G . Master , Brother W . Hickman , the P . G . Officers ,
and representatives of every Lodge in the Province . Tho minutes of the last meeting having been confirmed , the report of the commit , tee appointed to receive the accounts of Brother Frost , on his retirement , was presented and explained by the P . G . Secretary , Brother J . E . LeFenvre . The accounts showed assets invested to the amount of £ 800 , and cash in hand £ 368 2 s 7 d , and the securities
and cash had been received from Brother Frost , and deposited with the National Provincial Bvnk . The report was adopted , on the motion of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , seconded by Brother Druitt P . G . S . W . The P . G . Master said it was his pleasing duty to move , and he was sure the P . G . Lodge would gladly accede to , a vote of thanks to Brother Frost , for the valuable services rendered
by him for so many years . He ( the P . G . Master ) had himself many opportunities of observing the care with which he had carried out his duties , and the calm judgment he brought to bear on Masonio matters referred to him , and he was sure that every member of the P . G . Lodge would bear testimony to the courteous manner in which Brother Frost had ever met the brethren in P . G . Lodge . He was
especially indebted to him for the cordial assistance he had given , and the P . G . Lodge was no less obliged to him for tho faithful service he had rendered to their canse . He had had many onerous duties , and he had performed them ably and well . The Deputy P . G . Master seconded the proposition , which was carried with acclamation ; and Bro . Frost briefly acknowledged the compliment .
Bro . S . E . Ellis , P . M . Royal Sussex , then rose and nominated Bro . Robert J . Rastrick , P . M . and Treasurer of the United Brothers' Lodge at Sonthsea , to fill the office of P . G . Treasurer . He said that for several years the office had been filled by a Portsmouth Brother , and he argued that it was right that one of the permanent Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge should reside at Portsmouth , pointing out
that other districts were already represented . There were fourteen Lodges at Portsmouth , with 1 , 000 subscribing members ,- and he thought they shonld have resident in the town some one in authority to whom they could refer . He referred to Bro . Rastrick ' s long Masonic career , and to the fact that for some generations his family had rendered good service to Masonry in the Province . Bro . Major Hooper
of Sonthsea , seconded . Bro . R . Eve P . P . G . W . nominated Bro . R . Loveland Loveland of the Sandown Lodge . He disputed the claim of Portsmouth to any territorial right to the office of Treasurer , and said that if any such right existed the Isle of Wight must have an equal claim . He referred to the great zeal which Bro . Loveland had exhibited , not only in his own district , bnt in every part of the
Province . Bro . F . Newman P . P . G . S . W . seconded . On a division , Bro . Rastrick was elected by a large majority , and the P . G . Master then invested bim with the collar and jewel of the office . Bro . Rastrick briefly thanked tho Lodge for their confidence . The report of the Committee appointed to consider the proposed Revision of the Book of Constitutions was , after some modifications , adopted . Bro .
J . R . Hay man , who had given notice of his intention to move that the sum of 1 , 000 guinpas be expended out of the Provincial Grand Lodge funds in the purchase of a perpetual presentation to the Royal Masonic Institntion for Boys , asked permission to withdraw his motion for the present , and this was acceded to . Bro . R . Eye moved that , as the Provincial Grand Master would
preside at the next Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , the sum of one hundred guineas be presented from tbe P . G . Lodge Funds to that Institution on the occasion . The proposition was duly seconded . Brother Francis P . M . ( Havant ) said that he had found , on investigation , that this Province had subscribed only £ 801 to the Girl ' s School , as compared with £ 2 , 177 to the Boys ' ,
and £ 1 , 586 to tho Benevolent Institution , and while they had only four boys , there were twelve girls from the Province in the Masonic School . He therefore thought that to some extent they owed a debt to the Girls' School , and he moved , as an amendment , that the sum of 250 guineas be presented on the occasion of the P . G .
Master presiding . Brother Eve said he would withdraw his proposition , and with pleasure second that of Brother Francis . The proposal to grant 250 guineas was unanimously agreed to , and the P . G . Master expressed his acknowledgments for the compliment thus paid to him . The Lodge was then closed . —Portsmouth Times .
'The Brownrigg Chapter , No . 1564 , was consecrated on Friday , the 2 nd inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Woking Station , by most Excellent Companion General Brownrigg , C . B ., Grand Superintendent of Surrey . Comps . J . H . Askham 1564 , W . H . Allen P . M . 153 , G . Payne P . M . 1564 , are the Principals who were installed .
HOWIOWAY ' S OIKTMKKI ASD Pttis . —Chest anil Stomach Complaints , —The source and centre of almost every ailment is impurity of the Moor !; dislodge this poison , arid disease departs . Holloway ' s Pills exercise the inestimable power o £ thoroughly cleansing each component of the blood , and rendering the fluid fit to perform its important fnnctions . They cope most successfully with chest diseases
, stmiiach complaints , liver disordors , and many other maladies , which wove ence the besetting dangers of mankind at certain seasons in town and country . The directions for use enable every one to regulate tbe operations of these Pills with the greatest nicety . Chronic invalids , valetudinarians , and all whom other treatment has failed to relieve , are respectfully invited to try Holloway ' s celebrated medicine , which will strengthen and cure them .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Worth Thought.
tion is a good way from being a money-making affair . At this day , there are many first class publications issued , that not only bring lig ht to their readers , bnt add to the general stock of Masonic information . Many of the secular and political periodicals of tho day " pay , " and their owners " eat , drink , and grow fat , " while , I fear , some of those devoted to Masonry do not pay , and their owners eat
what they can get , say , " hog and hominy , " live on hopes that are never fulfilled , and grow decidedly poor in flesh and pocket . Now , that is all wrong . It is a burning shame that such an Institution as that of Masonry , of this century , does not give its periodicals adequate support . The fact that so many of them havo
succumbed to the pressure of want of patronage shows that their efforts are not properly appreciated hy the Craft at large . I trust the reader will not think , for a moment , that I am interested , pecn niarily , in any Masonio publication . I am interested just this much ; I wnnt them all to succeed , as I think they do a vast amount of good for onr far famed and noble Institntion .
We do deeply deplore the lack of Masonic information amongst the Craft , and that there are so few who think Masonry has a literature worthy of publication , and so many whose sole idea of tbe Institution seems to be concentrated in Lodge room work ; as if that , and having many degrees , were the acme of Masonry . While we are not prepared to discuss the multiplicity of degrees and rites that is making
such a stir in the Masonic world , yet we cannot help thinking that if nine-tenths of them were swept out of existence we should have more Masonry , and a lesser number of pretended Masons . Why , my brethren , rites , degrees and Lodge room work are but a drop in the bucket in comparison to tbe grand principles which Masonry teaches . With many the idea seems to be paramount , that a bright Mason
mnst be a thorough ritnalistic one , and that when he is that he is all Masonry can make him . What an erroneous idea ! A parrot can be taught to repeat set phrases , and any brother with a good memory can learn the Masonio ritual ; but to tell ns of Freemasonry ' s past and present history , and render a correot version of its laws , requires years of the closest study , besides a retentive memory .
There never was a greater mistake made than to suppose that the Masonio periodicals of this day are not worthy of perusal . The poorest amongst them is worth more than the amount asked for it . If any one doubts the truth of this assertion , jnst let him try any one of them for a year , and , if he has any of the real spirit of Masonry in him his first year will not be his last ; bnt if he is a surface Mason , he will
not be suited , because Masonic Editors and writers have the faculty of speaking plainly , as well as others . We learn from the " Masonio , Historical and Biographical Memoranda , " edited by Bro . J . H . Drummond , of Maine , that the Freemasons' Monthly Magazine , edited and published by Charles W . Moore , was commenced November 1841 . " For thirty-one years ,
month after month , he issued the magazine , without a single lapse . The thirty-first volume closed in October 1872 , and he delayed the commencement of the thirty-second volume till January 1873 ; he lived to complete that volume ; with it be finished his work on earth . This magazine was the first published that was exclusively Masonio . Tbe Masonic Revieio , of Cincinnati , olosed its fifty-sixth
volume , January 1882 . The Voice of Masonry is in its twenty-fourth year . The Keystone , of Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , and Loomis ' s Musical and Masonic Journal , of Hartford , Connecticut , are in their sixteenth year . These , I believe , are the oldest of American publications . There are others equally as good , perphaps , yet I think their editors and publishers will unite with me in saying that it is
the hardest kind of work to come out even at the end of the year . That certainly is not very encouraging , yet it is a fact . Is it a wonder that we deplore the want of an inclination on the part of the Craft towards sustaining Masonic literature ? Inasmuch as Freemasonry has a literature we may well be prond of , let us one and all do onr best to advance that literature . We
cannot all be Masonic lawyers or historians , bnt we can , if we will , add onr mite to the canse by subscribing for one or more of the Masonic publications , and thereby canse their Editors to give us a better class of Masonic literature for onr money . If any one doubts that a Masonio publication can be improved by a larger subscription list , let him look over the files of this Magazine for the past ten years and mark the difference between "then , and now . "
At this seasoa of tbe year the Craft have been called from refresh , ment to labour . Now , my brethren , let ns include in onr labour a little intellectual work—brain work would be a better term—and give the study of Masonic history , law and literature a portion of onr spare time , and by so doing not only benefit ourselves but those around us . Let us have a little more "Masonry on the brain . " It
will not hurt ns any . It will do ns good , and we will be the better for it both mentally and spiritually ; while the dismal features of life will not look half so gloomy . Give any one of our Editors a lift b y subscribing for his publication , and if at the end of the year , yon do not find your money well invested , " then I miss my guess : that ' s all . "
As far as I am concerned , I am free to admit there was a time when I was egotistical enough to think I knew much about Masonry , hut as I began to read , I very soon found I knew little about Jfcj and I am confident I am not the ODly one who has bad the conceit taken out cf him in the same manner . I can truthfully say , the Wore I study Masonry the more I am convinced that I have not as
yet learned its alphabet , and the more I read of its historical features and " law points " the more I see the necessity of a more thorough education , Masonically speaking , than is the lot of the Majorit y of Masons . Let ns , one and all , from the Grand Master down to him who
stands in the north-east , do onr best to enhance the value of Masonic literature , ever bearing in mind that our Institution stands without n peer in the land , and to keep it in that position we must ever remember that , without its historical , legal and miscellaneous litera - ture we will take the downward course , and instead of being without a peer , the poorest organisation in the land will be our peer .
Province Of Hampshire And Isle Of Wight.
PROVINCE OF HAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OF WIGHT .
THERE was a very large muster of Freemasons from the various Hampshire and Isle of Wight Lodges on tho 1 st inst ., at tho school-room , Bishopstoke . The principal item in the agenda paper was tho election of Provincial Grand Treasurer , this office being vacant by the retirement of Bro . Mark E . Frost . The Past Grand Master , Brother W . W . Beach , M . P ., presided , and was supported by the Deputy P . G . Master , Brother W . Hickman , the P . G . Officers ,
and representatives of every Lodge in the Province . Tho minutes of the last meeting having been confirmed , the report of the commit , tee appointed to receive the accounts of Brother Frost , on his retirement , was presented and explained by the P . G . Secretary , Brother J . E . LeFenvre . The accounts showed assets invested to the amount of £ 800 , and cash in hand £ 368 2 s 7 d , and the securities
and cash had been received from Brother Frost , and deposited with the National Provincial Bvnk . The report was adopted , on the motion of the Deputy Provincial Grand Master , seconded by Brother Druitt P . G . S . W . The P . G . Master said it was his pleasing duty to move , and he was sure the P . G . Lodge would gladly accede to , a vote of thanks to Brother Frost , for the valuable services rendered
by him for so many years . He ( the P . G . Master ) had himself many opportunities of observing the care with which he had carried out his duties , and the calm judgment he brought to bear on Masonio matters referred to him , and he was sure that every member of the P . G . Lodge would bear testimony to the courteous manner in which Brother Frost had ever met the brethren in P . G . Lodge . He was
especially indebted to him for the cordial assistance he had given , and the P . G . Lodge was no less obliged to him for tho faithful service he had rendered to their canse . He had had many onerous duties , and he had performed them ably and well . The Deputy P . G . Master seconded the proposition , which was carried with acclamation ; and Bro . Frost briefly acknowledged the compliment .
Bro . S . E . Ellis , P . M . Royal Sussex , then rose and nominated Bro . Robert J . Rastrick , P . M . and Treasurer of the United Brothers' Lodge at Sonthsea , to fill the office of P . G . Treasurer . He said that for several years the office had been filled by a Portsmouth Brother , and he argued that it was right that one of the permanent Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge should reside at Portsmouth , pointing out
that other districts were already represented . There were fourteen Lodges at Portsmouth , with 1 , 000 subscribing members ,- and he thought they shonld have resident in the town some one in authority to whom they could refer . He referred to Bro . Rastrick ' s long Masonic career , and to the fact that for some generations his family had rendered good service to Masonry in the Province . Bro . Major Hooper
of Sonthsea , seconded . Bro . R . Eve P . P . G . W . nominated Bro . R . Loveland Loveland of the Sandown Lodge . He disputed the claim of Portsmouth to any territorial right to the office of Treasurer , and said that if any such right existed the Isle of Wight must have an equal claim . He referred to the great zeal which Bro . Loveland had exhibited , not only in his own district , bnt in every part of the
Province . Bro . F . Newman P . P . G . S . W . seconded . On a division , Bro . Rastrick was elected by a large majority , and the P . G . Master then invested bim with the collar and jewel of the office . Bro . Rastrick briefly thanked tho Lodge for their confidence . The report of the Committee appointed to consider the proposed Revision of the Book of Constitutions was , after some modifications , adopted . Bro .
J . R . Hay man , who had given notice of his intention to move that the sum of 1 , 000 guinpas be expended out of the Provincial Grand Lodge funds in the purchase of a perpetual presentation to the Royal Masonic Institntion for Boys , asked permission to withdraw his motion for the present , and this was acceded to . Bro . R . Eye moved that , as the Provincial Grand Master would
preside at the next Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls , the sum of one hundred guineas be presented from tbe P . G . Lodge Funds to that Institution on the occasion . The proposition was duly seconded . Brother Francis P . M . ( Havant ) said that he had found , on investigation , that this Province had subscribed only £ 801 to the Girl ' s School , as compared with £ 2 , 177 to the Boys ' ,
and £ 1 , 586 to tho Benevolent Institution , and while they had only four boys , there were twelve girls from the Province in the Masonic School . He therefore thought that to some extent they owed a debt to the Girls' School , and he moved , as an amendment , that the sum of 250 guineas be presented on the occasion of the P . G .
Master presiding . Brother Eve said he would withdraw his proposition , and with pleasure second that of Brother Francis . The proposal to grant 250 guineas was unanimously agreed to , and the P . G . Master expressed his acknowledgments for the compliment thus paid to him . The Lodge was then closed . —Portsmouth Times .
'The Brownrigg Chapter , No . 1564 , was consecrated on Friday , the 2 nd inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Woking Station , by most Excellent Companion General Brownrigg , C . B ., Grand Superintendent of Surrey . Comps . J . H . Askham 1564 , W . H . Allen P . M . 153 , G . Payne P . M . 1564 , are the Principals who were installed .
HOWIOWAY ' S OIKTMKKI ASD Pttis . —Chest anil Stomach Complaints , —The source and centre of almost every ailment is impurity of the Moor !; dislodge this poison , arid disease departs . Holloway ' s Pills exercise the inestimable power o £ thoroughly cleansing each component of the blood , and rendering the fluid fit to perform its important fnnctions . They cope most successfully with chest diseases
, stmiiach complaints , liver disordors , and many other maladies , which wove ence the besetting dangers of mankind at certain seasons in town and country . The directions for use enable every one to regulate tbe operations of these Pills with the greatest nicety . Chronic invalids , valetudinarians , and all whom other treatment has failed to relieve , are respectfully invited to try Holloway ' s celebrated medicine , which will strengthen and cure them .