Taught To Be Cautious.

TAUGHT TO BE CAUTIOUS .

HOW often , with feelings of mingled vexation and regret , have we heard some of our younger brethren make the remark , without even a moment's consideration as to its importance , — " Oh , I have been taught to be cautious . " True , they may have

been taught , but have they profited by the lessons that those who have advised them have striven to inculcate ? We fear not . They should at all times remember that the mere utterance of a catchy phrase does not denote they have grasped the importance of the meaning attached to the words . One of the

chief features of our teaching undoubtedly is , that the neophyte should at all times , by his conduct and example , let the world know that he hopes to become a better citizen from his association with the Masonic Order . Thismuch to be desired result cannot be achieved unless a guard be set around his daily actions , and a strict determination at all times enforced to uphold the principles and tenets he has voluntarily undertaken to see carried out . At the same time , while we

are jotting down these somewhat crude remarks , we do not wish it to be understood that the young Mason should take up with too tenacious a grip the mantle of the . evangelist . By all means let him strive to instil into the minds of all with whom he may be brought into contact the full benefits he may recognise as belonging to his new association , but let him exercise the discretion that has been so strongly recommended for his consideration .

It is not only with the younger class of our brethren that , on the present occasion , we desire to treat . We have found jfche same laxity displayed by our advanced fellows . What can be more painful to the earnest Craftsman than to hear in mixed assemblies such phrases as " On my honour as a Mason ; " "On my Masonic word . " & c . What is the intrinsic value of

such windy expressions ? Does the conscientious Mason attach any value-to their utterance , or do the promulgators commend themselves to the uninitiated by such a proclamation , which many look upon as a ready way of claiming relationship with the Craft ? Unless made use of for some ulterior purpose we fear the use of these and such like expressions denote that those who indulge in them have not understood what was being enforced on them when they were taught to be cautions .

And now let us deal with the brethren who undertake work in the control and management of the Lodge . From such we have a right to look for a sound and practical enforcement of the precepts so earnestly and continuously brought under their notice . Any brother who has attended his Lodge on an installation night has heard the Worshipful Master , on investing his Officers , address them on the responsibilities they were undertaking ; how he looked to them , as men of experience , to aid and assist him in any work that might present itself , and particularly

Taught To Be Cautious.

urging them to a diligent watchfulness over any matters that might be likely to affect its welfare and prosperity . This teaching may indeed be proclaimed as lost when we find as a result the work undertaken , in a slip-shod way , and want of punctuality , combined with lack of interest , the rule instead of the exception .

In considering this subject , however , we need not confine ourselves to individuals . Let us take a case of the day that presents itself ; it affects a Lodge in its corporate capacity . A well-known London Mason is in a country town , where a Lodge is about to hold one of its regular meetings . As we understand the

facts submitted to us , lie is a stranger to his Masonic brethren where he is temporarily sojourning , but he desires to visit the Lodge in question . As we have already said , the brother referred to is a London Mason , and to Londoners he is well known . He is a Past Master , and for the last twenty years has rendered good service to the younger members of the Craft in the capacity of Preceptor . At the present time he is associated with ft prominent Metropolitan Lodge , wherein , for something like ten or twelve

years , he has fulfilled the duties of Secretary . With these credentials we need hardly urge that this brother had in due course been taught , and we trust he has profited by the experience he has thus acquired . Be this , however , as it may;—let us continue our story . On the night of meeting our brother presents himself at the Lodge in question , stating that his desire is to take part in the proceedings . We may state here that the details of this case are ex parte ; we should be pleased to receive any counter-statement

that may be forthcoming . Our informant now tells us that the applicant undergoes an examination , and the verdict of the brethren who have undertaken to prove him is given as " all right . " The Lodge , however , refuses admittance , and we are told the applicant exhibits his jewels , & c . [ We attach no importance to this . ] He also shows his Membership Card , on which his name appears as a P . M ., as a Secretary , and as a Member . Our friend , however , has not with him his Certificate , and this irregularity in the eyes of the Lodge referred to was voted an insuperable objection , and he was refused admission .

We will readily admit the right of the Lodge in question to refuse admission to a stranger , but we urge they went too far , and would not accept fair evidence they had themselves asked for . Why did they go so far as to prove this brother ? We know him ; and are convinced he is competent to " work " himself into any Lodge where competency is recognised . Why then was he refused admission ; why did the brethren go so far , and proclaim " all right " when they , to all intents and purposes , seem to have decided that the stranger should not be allowed to join them ? They had been taught to be cautious ; had they benefited by the teaching ?