Masonry-Operative, Speculative, And Practical.

MASONRY-OPERATIVE , SPECULATIVE , AND PRACTICAL .

EVEEY man , in the instruction he has received during the ceremonies of his reception into our Institution , has been informed that Masonry is to be considered under two denominations—Operative and Speculative . These two have been so elaborated upon , the meaning of each , and what they do or should teach , so fully explained , that the impression is too often

left upon the mind of the candidate that the two comprehend the whole of Masonry ; that only under them can it be considered . When we take into consideration the meaning of the term " denomination , " this may be , and perhaps is , in a general sense , a correct statement ; but , to our ramd there might , with

propriety , be added at least a third—the practical one—which , though in the strict sense of the term it may not be classed under the head of " denomination , " is yet intimately connected with the two , and which should be most strongly impressed upon the minds of every candidate as the one of all others the most

important , and upon which alone depends the welfare and the utility of the Institution . In its incipiency Freemasonry was largely of an Operative character , and its members to a great extent were workmen ; but that it was ever a purely operative institution we seriously doubt . Its members were banded

together , not for the mere purpose of improving themselves in any particular art , trade , or profession , or as a mutual protection against the wiles of the unscrupulous and unskilled , but for the more important purpose of elevating themselves in the scale of true manhood . There was combined with the operative such moral

and intellectual instruction as would come within the comprehension of , and prove beneficial to , the most humble of its votaries , while at the same time , in the types and symbols it adopted , and in its esoteric teachings , there were veiled lessons of the highest importance , mysteries , a knowledge of which required the most

careful study . This attracted to the Institution those of more advanced thought and learning , and it became alike beneficial to all . In the course of time , and by a natural process , the moral and intellectual gained the ascendancy to such an extent that as an Operative Institution it no longer had an existence . Although the Freemasons oi to-day no longer labour as did our ancient

Brethren , yet they are ever loyal to the old Institution in its quality . Eemembering whence they came , they still retain , not only its working tools as object lessons in all their teachings , but have adopted some of their distinguishing features , while many of their laws and regulations have become for them landmarks immovable .

The second denomination under which we are told that Masonry is to be considered is the Speculative , an outgrowth , as we have seen , from the old , with its duality of expression , to that taught and practiced at the present time , and which is denominated as Speculative Masonry . Why thus classed is to

us somewhat of an enigma . The word Speculative as generally used , and especially when applied to any particular question , carries the idea that the subject under consideration is something of an ideal , a theoretical nature , nothing positive , or that is substantiated . The explanation given in the ritual is entirely

different , and one which is foreign to , and has no connection with , that which it attempts to explain . By Speculative Masonry , it says , we learn to subdue the passions , act upon the square , keep a tongue of good report , maintain secrecy , and practice charity . In this there is nothing of an ideal nature , except as it foreshadows a degree of excellence which should be attained by

every Freemason . By it we " learn" certain duties , a knowledge of which is essential in the development of Masonic life and character . The mere learning of duties—an increase in knowledge in regard to those things which are essential to Masonic life and progress—is of no importance , except that , when so learned and understood , they are applied to and practiced in evervday life .

The precep t s of Masonry inure to a great extent to this life , teaching its votaries how best on this earthly plane to live . By following its precepts and living a life in accord with its requirements , we are by so much being prepared for that immortality which Masonry teaches . We are more and more

being inspired wilh the perfections of the Divine Creator , and led to pay to Him that rational homage which is due from the creature to the Creator . That there are many who , if we may judge by their actions , fail even to approximate to its high standard cannot be denied . The cause for this may , on the part of some , no doubt , be traced to a spirit of indifference . They

fail to appreciate the high importance of Masonry , or the binding force of its obligations . Others there are who live in wilful violation of many of its most important" requirements . Some have united themselves with the Fraternity from selfish and unworthy motives , seeking the personal benefits to be derived from a membership in the Institution , without doing anything for the advancement of others or to promote the interests of the

Masonry-Operative, Speculative, And Practical.

Fraternity . That this sad condition can be wholly eradicated is problematical ; but that it may be greatly circumscribed there can be no doubt . To accomplish this result there must not only be more oare used in the acceptance of material , admitting none whose previous life and conduct does not afford a sure guaranty

of the honesty and unselfish character of their purpose ; but when admitted they must be thoroughly instructed in the practical part of Masonry . This education must commence with the Entered Apprentice , continued as advancement is made to the Degree of Fellow Craft ; nor should this education cease when the Brother

is raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason . It should be continued through life . If less stress was paid to the ideal- —the Speculative in Masonry—and more to the practical , we should find fewer among us who are unworthy . The good name of Masonry would be better protected , and its power for good greatly enchanced . — " Masonic Tidings . "

Consistency.

CONSISTENCY .

THEEE is no trait of character in a man that commands more universal respect than consistency . Professions are of no value unless lived up to in our intercourse with each other . On the contrary , unless we practice what we profess , our professions are not only vain and barren of fruit , but they bring

us into contempt in the minds of honest people , who will measure them according to the good they find in them in what we do . This principle applies not only to man in his individual capacity , but also to every organisation of men for any purpose whatever . Secret societies are no exception to this rule . On the contrary ,

it is applied more rigidly to them , generally , for the very fact that a veil of secrecy is thrown around them , and excites suspicion that will not be satisfied save with positive proof . Such being the case , there is the greater necessity for us as Masons to exemplify in our daily walk and conversation such characteristics as we claim for our time-honoured Institution . Unless we

present to the world this proof of the sincerity of our intentions in the business in which we are engaged , there is a lack of that consistency on our part which should ever distinguish us as Free and Accepted Masons . — " Masonic Advocate . "

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