Excessive Enthusiasm.

EXCESSIVE ENTHUSIASM .

IT is the proud boast of the members of the Craft that Freemasonry occupies a grand position in the affairs of the "world , and no doubt in the main they are quite right in saying so . But there are some among us who are beginning to doubt , whether all the reputation the Order enjoys in this country is

deserved ; while , if we may judge from the actions of some of the more prominent members of the Craft during the last few months , there are a few who

regard some oi its surroundings m the light ol delusions or snares . In many quarters questions have been asked—and they will have to be answered—as to whether Freemasonry is not existing at the present time more on what may be termed cheap popularity

than on any hrm or substantial basis , and , although it may take some considerable time for the effect of this questioning to make itself apparent , it is none the less certain of ultimately doing so , and it rests with the Craft itself to decide whether the result shall

be for good or for evil . It cannot be denied that much of what was regarded a few years back as among the secrets of Freemasonrv is now naraded . in the most ostentatious — —

mf - " ' J _ / _____ fashion , to the world at large , ancl it is a little difficult to discover wherein the benefit lies , for it must be distinctly understood that in connection with Freenumerical increase not

masonry aoes always sigmiy greater prosperity . A few years back , as we have said , things were different ; little was then known of

the doings of Freemasonry outside the Lodges in which its "work was carried on , but now we have Freemasonry paraded before us on all sides . It is

almost a matter oi impossibility to take up half a dozen issues of a daily or weekly newspaper without finding therein something in reference to Freemasonry —either a report of some Masonic gathering or a record of some Masomc action . In this respect the disbursement of Charity appears to be at all times

regarded as the most important feature , and we ask —is this right and proper ? Is it consistent with the teachings of the Craft , or in keeping with the grand principle of Masomc Belief ? Is it not rather a

pandering to the vanity of a few , who , whether they are among the donors or not , find a pleasure in seeing the Order with which thev are associated fflorifierl in the

^ 0 V —~ eyes of the public ? Further , may we not regard this continued reference to the benevolence of Freemasonry as something in the form of a huge advertisement of the Order , which , as a consequence , is sought after by

tne adventurous and uniortunate ot all classes , m the hope that some day it may pay a fair return for any Bums that may be expended in fees or subscriptions .

We think it would astonish a considerable number of those who support Freemasonry if they could look behind the scenes , or know what was daily taking place in its midst . It has been urged time after time that Freemasonry is not a benefit society—so

Excessive Enthusiasm.

far as pecuniary benefit is concerned—but that all its efforts are devoted towards improving the moral and intellectual capabilities of its members . As , however , it is not possible for all men to guard against misfortune , it has wisely been ordained that one of its

distinguishing characteristics shall be Benevolence , but this benevolence is an offshoot of Freemasonry , and must not be regarded as the be-all and end-all of

the Order , such as some among us seem to imagine . We have heard members of the Crafty—who for the time being were perhaps suffering from " excessive enthusiasm , " and on that account are to be excused

—urge that , the members of a Lodge were not doing their duty as Masons when they allowed so many candidates for the Masonic Charities to , appeal without n , nv nrosneet of ultimately succeedine * in winning j .

^ ^ j- ^ 0 , -m , an annuity or a scholarship . We have heard brethren say that those assembled around them ^ were unworthy the name of Freemasons so long as they allowed' this state of affairs to continue , and at the same time , we

have asked ourselves whether such arguments "were not indirect opposition to the teachings of Freemasonry , which enjoins its members to help others so long as that may be done without detriment to themselves or their connections ? How many of the brethren who

have contributed to Masonic Charity have acted up to this teaching ? and how many are there who have spent the money which by right belonged to their connections , in furtherance of Masonic Charity , while in

a fit of " excessive enthusiasm . " Freemasonry is not , perhaps , to be blamed for this , but when so much credit is taken for the thousands annually spent by the Masonic Order it is sometimes desirable , to . look on the other side of the picture , especially when ,

after such strong and continued appeals ., as are now made , so little information is obtainable or consideration shown to those who

answer the appeals . It is not our present purpose to speak of specific complaints which have recently been made , but we cannot help referring to the indifference —we may say the silent contempt—with which any inquiry is treated by those who have the management of affairs . Is it likely men will continue to work for

the Charities if they are treated in this manner whenever they think there is cause for inquiry or room for

improvement / May we not rather expect them to conclude that their criticisms are justified , and their complaints necessary ; for the natural inference is , that if a charge is disregarded or unanswered—when made by any one interested , or who has secured the

right to a voice—it is true ; or , at least , that there is some foundation for it , for we certainly cannot see any reason for supposing that in this respect Masonic matters are materially different to what they are outside of it .

We are by no means certain that the extensive system of parading Masonic acts of benevolence to the outside world is not the direct cause of so many distressed persons coming forward , ancl appealing for the help which is apparently distributed with so lavish