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Masonic Literature.
and sho is not the only jurisdiction having a large membership thai fails to do her dnty towards extending Masonio knowledge . The Now Eng land States , for instance , with a membership of 78 , 170 , support . if I am not mistaken , only fonr Masonic periodicals . What a showing thit is for tho intellectuality of New England Masons ! Yet it k iu > worse for them than for thoso of the rest of the country , and , to use
a Yankee phrase , "guess not quite so bad . " It galls , yet it is an undeniable fact . We have seen many brethren who could prefix "Sir" to their names , who were as ignorant as new born babes as to the real origin of Masonry , aside from the traditions nnd allegorical illustrations of the degrees through which they had passed , and who expressed the
utmost surprise , and , I may suy , indignation , when told that " Masonry is a system of morality , veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols ;" also , that there are many excellent periodicals published , devoted to the interests of Masonry . Their views of Masonry seemed to be concentrated in the one idea of work , ivork , WORK , WORK . I almost tiro of the sound of the name , as if the whole aim , intent and purpose
of Masonry were in conferring degrees , increasing membership , and attending feasts , parades and G . Lodge Communications . I tell you , my brethren , the bare ritualistic work of Masonry is but one of the least of its fundamental parts . Its principles are subjects of endless thought . Its symbols are well worth the serious contemplation of the brightest talent . Its history , from its formation through the dark
ages , to its transformation from Operative to Speculative Masonry in 1717 , is yet mere guess work , with twelve distinct theories to guess upon . Perhaps the word " guess" may be a strong one to use . but what is not proven must be guess work . Were it not for such authors as Mackey , Morris , Hooper , Hughan , Moore , Fort , and others equally talented , who realise the vast importance of Masonio literature
we might well say that we are in perfect darkness , and have no choice but that of accepting the ritualistic work of Preston , Webb , Cross , and their disciples , as literal facts . Are they literal facts ? Can they be proven as such P If so , when , where , and by whom ? But , bear in mind that every act of Freemasonry's esoteric and exoteric work presents to the mind trnths and principles which are
the very acme of perfection , and which are best impressed upon onr minds hy the numerous traditions of its degrees . Mackey ' s Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry is a library of itself . Procure it , and you will be well repaid for the money invested in it . Bro . Fort , too , in his " Early History and Antiquities of Freemasonry , " throws light upon mauy subjects , and last , but by no means least
the reports on foreign correspondence of onr various Grand Bodies are replete with good things that make an intellectual feast worth thousands in comparison to the flash literature that is so prevalent . When snch brethren as Drummond , Parvin , Wheeler , Singleton and others with equal abilit y , let fly their trenchant pens , then we who are less informed stand aside and profit by their experience
and learning . Were it not for that class of brethren who realise the vast importance of their work , we should remain in ignorance and lose many a dainty morsel of intellectual food . For ourselves , we read all that we can get hold of , and then form our own conclusions . We read Masonio literature because we crave for more light . We com . ment upon the literary productions of others , because we find that it
putsa fresh impetus into our sluggish brain . We try to profit by our readings , and we think we do , whether others think so or not . We find time , too , although we have to scratch to find bread and butter for the months dependent upon us . " Where there is a will there is a way ; " and having a will we are bound to have the way . We read all the Proceedings of our Grand Bodies that we
are able to beg , borrow and —; well , we sometimes forget who we borrow of . We read them because we would not be ignorant of what is going on in other jurisdictions to promote the best interests of our Institution . Although we find many things said and written thafc we wish were not ; many resolutions and bye-laws passed that do not coincide with our views , and which in our opinion do not follow ont
the ideas of brotherly love and unity , yet they present other men ' s ideas , and many of them show the Yankee cuteness of their framers to carry out their points . In reading the reports on foreign correspondence we find many good points for or against important questions that have sprung up . We find too , a vast diversity of opinions , and are enabled to form our
own with a greater degree of correctness than we otherwise could . . Now , if the brethren would only think as we do , there would not be many copies of the Grand Lodge Proceedings unused and nnstndied , bnt unfortunately for themselves many of them do not . Again , we have many periodicals published in the interests of Masonry , which are " good to have in the house . " They nofc only give ns Masonic
news before it is stale , but contain many choice bits of Masonic literature , history , facts , and the doings of our brethren in other places . We have many times heard brethren say that they could not afford it , or bad not time to read 'hem . "Can't afford it ! " Stop a moment and let us see whether you can or not . Now , the expense is from nine , to hve
fcwenty- cents a month , not quite a cent a day , for a first-class fv " 1 ! ' ' h ' cb will give more sound , substantial reading than twowrds of the trash that yon do take , and that is published at a greater Pnce . "Can ' t afford it ! " What a flimsy argument ! To illustrate , short time since we asked a prominent brother Mason how many II - ? T Scimc publications he was taking , and met the hackneyed answer ,
« ne ; can t afford it . " Now for the sequel , and we pointed it ont 0 hini afterwards too . Before he passed ont of our sight his cigar would have paid for a good Masonic monthly for one year . He conid afford to " stand treat , " bnt could not afford the same amonnt ; money invested in something that would have been of lastii g nisrtTrVh- ° ' " Standin S treat" gratified his appetite and dimik „ , " P cket book , while good , sound Masonic literature would have
him me 5 lnsof enlightening his befogged brain , and have fnrnisherl left K ' lD lnte " ectoal treat . One passed off in smoke and nothing was idea "' V' 6 aslje 8 > wllile the other would have bronght to his mind new kind £ f ao ' that he had never before even dreamt of . Now , which ot treating is the best P Surely there can be but one answer .
Masonic Literature.
Wo reminded him afterwards that that " can t afford it nonsense was " played out . " Tie admitted it , and to-day lias sevenil Masonio periodicals on bin table . We havo not the means at hand of knowing just how many publications there are devoted to Masonry ; ' out this much we do know , that any one of them is well worth double the amount of money asked for it .
Now , the brethreu who say they cannot afford the price asked for any one of the Masonio publications , in tho majority of instances , can , or at least do afford as much , if not more , for flash literature , which is devoid of either fact or principle . Yes , they can afford that , but cannot afford to take a Masonic paper which has in it good , sound , substantial brain food on topics in which every Mason has the
most vital interest . That class can afford to stand treat now and then , and to have a jolly good time with the boys , but are too awfally poor to subscribe for a Masonic journal . Fie upon such Masons ; they do not know what Masonry is . They never go further than the outside shuck—never penetrate beyond the mere surface .
Nine-tenths of the questions our Grand Masters are called npon to answer come from that class who would , if they could , appear to be learned Masons ; yet they are too poor , or too lazy , to read even the constitution and bye-laws of their own jurisdiction . Then that nonsensical plea comes in " haven't time . " Plenty of time to do anything your inclinations desire , bnt no time to read of
Masonry ; plenty of time to retail choice bits of gossip , and to have a good time , but no time for the perusal of Masonic subjects ; plenty of time to air your profound ( P ) learning in the Lodge-room , but no time to back np your theories with facts or history ; plenty of time to devote to any other recreation that presents itself , but no time to improve the mind and store it with knowledge .
Although much has been said and done within the past twenty years to bring the Craft to a higher state of intellectual culture , there is plenty of room yet for improvement . One way to bring about that improvement is to patronise our Masonio publications to a greater extent than we do , and thus gladden the hearts of publishers by larger subscription lists , and consequently secure even a
better class of Masonio publications . Wo aro quite that Masonic editors have not tho faculty of living without money , and must have cash as well as others . I trust the readers of the " Voice of Masonry " will not think I am writing in the interest of any particular publication , for I am not . It is for all of them if they wish it . If any of the " can't afford it , " or "haven ' t time" class should ,
through some mysterious dispensation , happen to read this , we are quite certain they will be as " mad as March hares . " Now , thafc is just what we want . If we can only get them mad they will give the subject some thought . Then we shall have gained a point , and as one point gained leaves the field open for more , perhaps in the end this continual cant of " can't afford it" and "haven ' t time" will cease .
A word , now to you , editors . Keep on in yonr good work , Give ns who do crave for more intellectual light that for which we crave . Give us good , sound , substantial Masonic literature . Do not get discouraged because your subscription lists do not in . crease in the proportion that you wish , but "keep a stiff upper lip . " Remember that nil Masons are not drones . There are many who
receive benefit from your publications and look forward to their coming with pleasure . Advocate those principles of our Institution that stand without peers . Uphold the right , and frown down the wrong , whether it be inside or outside of our mystic circle . All that the Craft want is to be woke up . Wake them up . Keep on in your work until the happy end is accomplished , aud then , and not until then , can you rest upon your laurels .
Royal Arch.
ROYAL ARCH .
Prosperity Chapter , No . No . 65 . —A convocation of this Chapter was held on Thursday evening , at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , when there was only a small attendance . In fche absence of the M . E . Z . Comp . Chicken , who is on a visit to America , Comp . Brown P . Z . officiated , with Comp . Daniel as H ., and Comp . Hawkins as J . There was very little work before the Chapter , and the Companions adjonrned early to an excellent banquet , served in an adjoining room .
Ad00303
LAMPLOtTGH'S PYRETIC SALINE . Effervescing and Tasteless , forming a most Invigorating , Vitalising , and Refreshing Summer Beverage . ^ STF- > . Gives instant relief in HEADACHE , SEA or BILIOUS SICKKESS , IHDI- /(§ y 0 tf ?*& OESTION , CONSTIPATION , LASSIIUDE , HEABTBUIHT , and FEVEBISH IOTfcLjr ^ 5 f \ j COLDS , and prevents and quickly relieves or cures the worst Pm ^ 7 | fV ^ J / 3 form of TYPHUS , SCARLET , JUNGLE , and other FEVERS , NS g ^ Wgy PBICKLT HEAT , SMALL-POX , MEASLES , ERUPTIVE or SKIN- COM- ^ % gs ^^ PLAINTS , and various other Altered Conditions of the Blood . <| yjr DE . MO'lGAN . — "It furnishes the blood don ) , writes ; —I have great pleasure In with its ! - ¦ : * , saline constituents . " bearing my cordial testimony to its efficacy -r ^ T , n .. r „ r ..-r ,,. . ,-. . In the treatment of many of the ordinary and DR . TUKLEY .- " ! found it act as a spe- chronic forms of Gastric Complaints and olflc , in my experience and family . In the other forma of Febrile Dyspepsia . " worst lorm of Scarlet Fever , NO other merticine being required . " ! DR . J . W . DOWSING . — "I used it in the i treatment of fortv two cases of Yellow Fever Dlt . SPAKKS ( Government Medical In- ! and I am happy to state I never lost a single spector of Emigrants from the Port of Lon- I case . " A systematic course prevents and cures obstinate Costiveness . Notice my Name and Trade Mark . In patent Glass-stoppered Bottles , 2 / tf , 4 / 0 , 11 / , and 21 / each . H , LAMPLOUGH , Chemist , 113 Holborn , LONDON , E . C .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Literature.
and sho is not the only jurisdiction having a large membership thai fails to do her dnty towards extending Masonio knowledge . The Now Eng land States , for instance , with a membership of 78 , 170 , support . if I am not mistaken , only fonr Masonic periodicals . What a showing thit is for tho intellectuality of New England Masons ! Yet it k iu > worse for them than for thoso of the rest of the country , and , to use
a Yankee phrase , "guess not quite so bad . " It galls , yet it is an undeniable fact . We have seen many brethren who could prefix "Sir" to their names , who were as ignorant as new born babes as to the real origin of Masonry , aside from the traditions nnd allegorical illustrations of the degrees through which they had passed , and who expressed the
utmost surprise , and , I may suy , indignation , when told that " Masonry is a system of morality , veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols ;" also , that there are many excellent periodicals published , devoted to the interests of Masonry . Their views of Masonry seemed to be concentrated in the one idea of work , ivork , WORK , WORK . I almost tiro of the sound of the name , as if the whole aim , intent and purpose
of Masonry were in conferring degrees , increasing membership , and attending feasts , parades and G . Lodge Communications . I tell you , my brethren , the bare ritualistic work of Masonry is but one of the least of its fundamental parts . Its principles are subjects of endless thought . Its symbols are well worth the serious contemplation of the brightest talent . Its history , from its formation through the dark
ages , to its transformation from Operative to Speculative Masonry in 1717 , is yet mere guess work , with twelve distinct theories to guess upon . Perhaps the word " guess" may be a strong one to use . but what is not proven must be guess work . Were it not for such authors as Mackey , Morris , Hooper , Hughan , Moore , Fort , and others equally talented , who realise the vast importance of Masonio literature
we might well say that we are in perfect darkness , and have no choice but that of accepting the ritualistic work of Preston , Webb , Cross , and their disciples , as literal facts . Are they literal facts ? Can they be proven as such P If so , when , where , and by whom ? But , bear in mind that every act of Freemasonry's esoteric and exoteric work presents to the mind trnths and principles which are
the very acme of perfection , and which are best impressed upon onr minds hy the numerous traditions of its degrees . Mackey ' s Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry is a library of itself . Procure it , and you will be well repaid for the money invested in it . Bro . Fort , too , in his " Early History and Antiquities of Freemasonry , " throws light upon mauy subjects , and last , but by no means least
the reports on foreign correspondence of onr various Grand Bodies are replete with good things that make an intellectual feast worth thousands in comparison to the flash literature that is so prevalent . When snch brethren as Drummond , Parvin , Wheeler , Singleton and others with equal abilit y , let fly their trenchant pens , then we who are less informed stand aside and profit by their experience
and learning . Were it not for that class of brethren who realise the vast importance of their work , we should remain in ignorance and lose many a dainty morsel of intellectual food . For ourselves , we read all that we can get hold of , and then form our own conclusions . We read Masonio literature because we crave for more light . We com . ment upon the literary productions of others , because we find that it
putsa fresh impetus into our sluggish brain . We try to profit by our readings , and we think we do , whether others think so or not . We find time , too , although we have to scratch to find bread and butter for the months dependent upon us . " Where there is a will there is a way ; " and having a will we are bound to have the way . We read all the Proceedings of our Grand Bodies that we
are able to beg , borrow and —; well , we sometimes forget who we borrow of . We read them because we would not be ignorant of what is going on in other jurisdictions to promote the best interests of our Institution . Although we find many things said and written thafc we wish were not ; many resolutions and bye-laws passed that do not coincide with our views , and which in our opinion do not follow ont
the ideas of brotherly love and unity , yet they present other men ' s ideas , and many of them show the Yankee cuteness of their framers to carry out their points . In reading the reports on foreign correspondence we find many good points for or against important questions that have sprung up . We find too , a vast diversity of opinions , and are enabled to form our
own with a greater degree of correctness than we otherwise could . . Now , if the brethren would only think as we do , there would not be many copies of the Grand Lodge Proceedings unused and nnstndied , bnt unfortunately for themselves many of them do not . Again , we have many periodicals published in the interests of Masonry , which are " good to have in the house . " They nofc only give ns Masonic
news before it is stale , but contain many choice bits of Masonic literature , history , facts , and the doings of our brethren in other places . We have many times heard brethren say that they could not afford it , or bad not time to read 'hem . "Can't afford it ! " Stop a moment and let us see whether you can or not . Now , the expense is from nine , to hve
fcwenty- cents a month , not quite a cent a day , for a first-class fv " 1 ! ' ' h ' cb will give more sound , substantial reading than twowrds of the trash that yon do take , and that is published at a greater Pnce . "Can ' t afford it ! " What a flimsy argument ! To illustrate , short time since we asked a prominent brother Mason how many II - ? T Scimc publications he was taking , and met the hackneyed answer ,
« ne ; can t afford it . " Now for the sequel , and we pointed it ont 0 hini afterwards too . Before he passed ont of our sight his cigar would have paid for a good Masonic monthly for one year . He conid afford to " stand treat , " bnt could not afford the same amonnt ; money invested in something that would have been of lastii g nisrtTrVh- ° ' " Standin S treat" gratified his appetite and dimik „ , " P cket book , while good , sound Masonic literature would have
him me 5 lnsof enlightening his befogged brain , and have fnrnisherl left K ' lD lnte " ectoal treat . One passed off in smoke and nothing was idea "' V' 6 aslje 8 > wllile the other would have bronght to his mind new kind £ f ao ' that he had never before even dreamt of . Now , which ot treating is the best P Surely there can be but one answer .
Masonic Literature.
Wo reminded him afterwards that that " can t afford it nonsense was " played out . " Tie admitted it , and to-day lias sevenil Masonio periodicals on bin table . We havo not the means at hand of knowing just how many publications there are devoted to Masonry ; ' out this much we do know , that any one of them is well worth double the amount of money asked for it .
Now , the brethreu who say they cannot afford the price asked for any one of the Masonio publications , in tho majority of instances , can , or at least do afford as much , if not more , for flash literature , which is devoid of either fact or principle . Yes , they can afford that , but cannot afford to take a Masonic paper which has in it good , sound , substantial brain food on topics in which every Mason has the
most vital interest . That class can afford to stand treat now and then , and to have a jolly good time with the boys , but are too awfally poor to subscribe for a Masonic journal . Fie upon such Masons ; they do not know what Masonry is . They never go further than the outside shuck—never penetrate beyond the mere surface .
Nine-tenths of the questions our Grand Masters are called npon to answer come from that class who would , if they could , appear to be learned Masons ; yet they are too poor , or too lazy , to read even the constitution and bye-laws of their own jurisdiction . Then that nonsensical plea comes in " haven't time . " Plenty of time to do anything your inclinations desire , bnt no time to read of
Masonry ; plenty of time to retail choice bits of gossip , and to have a good time , but no time for the perusal of Masonic subjects ; plenty of time to air your profound ( P ) learning in the Lodge-room , but no time to back np your theories with facts or history ; plenty of time to devote to any other recreation that presents itself , but no time to improve the mind and store it with knowledge .
Although much has been said and done within the past twenty years to bring the Craft to a higher state of intellectual culture , there is plenty of room yet for improvement . One way to bring about that improvement is to patronise our Masonio publications to a greater extent than we do , and thus gladden the hearts of publishers by larger subscription lists , and consequently secure even a
better class of Masonio publications . Wo aro quite that Masonic editors have not tho faculty of living without money , and must have cash as well as others . I trust the readers of the " Voice of Masonry " will not think I am writing in the interest of any particular publication , for I am not . It is for all of them if they wish it . If any of the " can't afford it , " or "haven ' t time" class should ,
through some mysterious dispensation , happen to read this , we are quite certain they will be as " mad as March hares . " Now , thafc is just what we want . If we can only get them mad they will give the subject some thought . Then we shall have gained a point , and as one point gained leaves the field open for more , perhaps in the end this continual cant of " can't afford it" and "haven ' t time" will cease .
A word , now to you , editors . Keep on in yonr good work , Give ns who do crave for more intellectual light that for which we crave . Give us good , sound , substantial Masonic literature . Do not get discouraged because your subscription lists do not in . crease in the proportion that you wish , but "keep a stiff upper lip . " Remember that nil Masons are not drones . There are many who
receive benefit from your publications and look forward to their coming with pleasure . Advocate those principles of our Institution that stand without peers . Uphold the right , and frown down the wrong , whether it be inside or outside of our mystic circle . All that the Craft want is to be woke up . Wake them up . Keep on in your work until the happy end is accomplished , aud then , and not until then , can you rest upon your laurels .
Royal Arch.
ROYAL ARCH .
Prosperity Chapter , No . No . 65 . —A convocation of this Chapter was held on Thursday evening , at the Guildhall Tavern , Gresham-street , when there was only a small attendance . In fche absence of the M . E . Z . Comp . Chicken , who is on a visit to America , Comp . Brown P . Z . officiated , with Comp . Daniel as H ., and Comp . Hawkins as J . There was very little work before the Chapter , and the Companions adjonrned early to an excellent banquet , served in an adjoining room .
Ad00303
LAMPLOtTGH'S PYRETIC SALINE . Effervescing and Tasteless , forming a most Invigorating , Vitalising , and Refreshing Summer Beverage . ^ STF- > . Gives instant relief in HEADACHE , SEA or BILIOUS SICKKESS , IHDI- /(§ y 0 tf ?*& OESTION , CONSTIPATION , LASSIIUDE , HEABTBUIHT , and FEVEBISH IOTfcLjr ^ 5 f \ j COLDS , and prevents and quickly relieves or cures the worst Pm ^ 7 | fV ^ J / 3 form of TYPHUS , SCARLET , JUNGLE , and other FEVERS , NS g ^ Wgy PBICKLT HEAT , SMALL-POX , MEASLES , ERUPTIVE or SKIN- COM- ^ % gs ^^ PLAINTS , and various other Altered Conditions of the Blood . <| yjr DE . MO'lGAN . — "It furnishes the blood don ) , writes ; —I have great pleasure In with its ! - ¦ : * , saline constituents . " bearing my cordial testimony to its efficacy -r ^ T , n .. r „ r ..-r ,,. . ,-. . In the treatment of many of the ordinary and DR . TUKLEY .- " ! found it act as a spe- chronic forms of Gastric Complaints and olflc , in my experience and family . In the other forma of Febrile Dyspepsia . " worst lorm of Scarlet Fever , NO other merticine being required . " ! DR . J . W . DOWSING . — "I used it in the i treatment of fortv two cases of Yellow Fever Dlt . SPAKKS ( Government Medical In- ! and I am happy to state I never lost a single spector of Emigrants from the Port of Lon- I case . " A systematic course prevents and cures obstinate Costiveness . Notice my Name and Trade Mark . In patent Glass-stoppered Bottles , 2 / tf , 4 / 0 , 11 / , and 21 / each . H , LAMPLOUGH , Chemist , 113 Holborn , LONDON , E . C .