Outside Criticism Of Masonc Ritual.

OUTSIDE CRITICISM OF MASONC RITUAL .

WHILE some of those within the ranks of Freemasonry are arguing among themselves as to the proper words to be used at various parts of our ceremonies , there are others outside the Craft who

appear to regard the subject as fair matter for general comment , just as we imagined would be the case , if once our uniformity advocates began their arguments in the general press of the country . It is only two

weeks since we referred to this subject , and spoke of the evil that was likely to arise if such topics as those generally touched upon under the heading of uniformity were to be discussed in public , and already we have

evidence that our words were not spoken a moment too soon . We thank the correspondent who wrote last week , approving of our utterances , especially as we feel that our " Contented Brother " is not alone in endorsing the course we took .

"We should not again refer to this subject , at so short an interval , but for a paragraph appearing in one of the Provincial papers , in connection with the consecration of the new Lodge at Manningtree . Our

contemporary remarks : " Perhaps the only criticism that could be passed would be upon the wording of a hymn which was sung during the ceremony . This conmnsition nnenerl with thp lines ;—

Hail ! Eternal , by whose aid , All created things were made . These lines are in every way very weak , but the chief

objection to them is that they seem to regard the Eternal as a mere assistant in the work of creation , and not as the author of it . " We will not say this criticism is undeserved , or that it was intended in

any unkind spirit , but what must be the sentiments of any thinking man who sees in one public paper , in a column especially devoted to Freemasonry , and apparently presided over by a member of the Craft , that grave errors exist in the Masonic ritual , and in

another reads the criticism on the well-known lines we have quoted ? Perhaps the two points have very little connection with each other , but on the other hand it is not difficult to intimately associate them , and we think this little episode should prove how

unwise it may become to discuss the mere wording of our ceremonies in public journals . Such criticism as that we have referred to above , in regard to the " aid " of the Eternal , can do no harm

u properly understood . Perhaps the line deserves the rebuke it has received , and perhaps it may be desirable to amend it , but what a lever this could be made in the hands of some of those who are ever ready and anxious to impute improper motives

to Freemasonry . We can almost imagine a papal bull ; or a letter to be read throughout the world from the Pope of Borne , denouncing the irreligious body of Freemasons , and giving as proof of their ' infidelity the two lines of the hymn quoted above , '

Outside Criticism Of Masonc Ritual.

while others would snpport the denouncers of Freemasonry , by pointing to the evidences of internal dissension in the ranks of the Order in regard to its ritual . We are by no means bigoted on the subject

of Masonic poetry . In years gone by we discussed the matter at some length , and came to the conclusion , as most Masons must do , that a knowledge of Freemasonry does not of necessity bring with it the

ability to write good verses . In fact this is one of the subjects in which Freemasonry has hitherto proved deficient , and we are still surprised that this should be the case , in view of the distinguished

supporters it has received from every sphere of life . Some of the most brilliant poets have been associated with the Order , but they have not left many traces of their membership in the form of poetic productions ,

pernaps oecause tney regarded tne secrets oi tne Order as too sacred for their attention , or because they did not regard the demand as of such a character to induce them to supply it . This is to be regretted , but the Craft should show its appreciation

of what has been done by defending its poetry against the attacks of outsiders . If the words of our ritual can be defended , then the remarks of our critics should not be allowed to pass wholly unnoticed . If there is no defence , then

amendment should be attempted , but m , all these matters we think it most essential that good feeling should prevail , and only proper points of difference should be dicussed before the world at large . We can but thank our Essex contemporary for what he

has pointed out , because we believe it has been done with sincerity , and it is to be hoped that members of the Craft may so regard it , in case they look upon the matter as worthy of serious consideration .

Masonic Building.

MASONIC BUILDING .

An Oration before ihe Grand Lodge of Colorado , Free and Accepted Masons , 17 th September 1889 , by Bro . John W . Sleeper , Grand Orator .

fllHE tendency of modern education , so far as it applies _ L to the first and fundamental work of training the young , is to develop fche whole mental system in accordance with the laws of the growth of knowledge , as indicated in nature . In order to accomplish this , the development of

the physical side of the child ia no longer neglected . The question to be solved is not , as formerly , how much mental strain can the strongest child endure , regardless of future health , or present means of ventilation , and ofcher

sanitary arrangements of the school-room , but how may fche child be developed symmetrically and uniformly , steadily and naturally ? As" the child learns to talk without apparent effort , and

with evident pleasure , so he is enticed through the firsfc stages of school life , without the least unwillingness or weariness . Even his amusements are made to subserve the purpose of obtaining useful knowledge , and imper *