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  • March 27, 1875
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  • QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE.
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Qualifications For Office.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE .

A remark of ours last Aveek , in connection with the last meeting of the CaA-eac Lodge , No . 176 , Avhen the acting W . M . gave the Lecture on the tracing board in the 1 st degree , that it is to be regretted the practice of delivering these lectures is not more frequently observed , leads us , not unnaturally , to the very important question :

What are the qualifications for office in the Lodge r Are the qualifications of a candidate for office over seriously put to tho test ? The ambition to rise in one ' s profession is very natural . No man Avishes , or perhaps Ave shonld say rather , but few men Avish to remain apprentices always .

Having completed their period of probation , having shoAvn their proficiency in the minor duties of their calling , men aspire to become mastei ' -Avorkmen , for then their sphere of labour Avill be more extensive , and their opportunities for doing good and useful Avork greater . Similarly , brethren ,

having attained the sublime degree of M . M ., not unnaturally look fonvard to the day Avhen they will hold some post of honour in their Lodge ; in the first instance a subordinate office , and then rising , by degrees , higher and higher , they hope , in the fulness of time , to reach the very

enviable distinction of Master . This is all very right and proper , and Ave should have no very high opinion of any brother , qua member of the Craft , who Avas not animated by such legitimate ambition . Just in the same Avay every regimental captain aspires to become first a field

officer ancl then a general , and no ckrabfc every man in the ranks would like to be captain of his company . But just as this mere mechanical knowledge of the manual and platoon exercises is not necessaril y a qualification for the captaincy of a company ; just as the mere knowledge how

to command a company is not sufficient for the command oi a regiment ; Avhile the colonel of a regiment is not always capable of fulfilling the still higher and more important duties of a general officer , so in Masonry . A brother may be a good Master Mason , regular in his attendance at

Lodge , zealous in all Masonic duties , and capable , perhaps , of fulfilling some minor office , with credit to himself and the Order generally . He may even attain the still higher rank of Warden , and be found not Avanting in the discharge of the still more onerous duties of his rank . But docs it

folIoAv that he will make a good ruler of his Lodge ? We grant that , prima facie , a good M . M ., Avho has shown himself an efficient J . D ., and afterwards S . W ., may be expected to perform the duties of W . M . respectably , if not efficiently . But ifc must bo remembered that different and

additional qualities aro looked for in a Master . Zeal , of course , we expect in all grades ; moreover , wo have assumed that in every capacity ho has filled he has SIIOAVU abundant zeal . Punctuality and regularity in attending Lodgethese , also , AVC have given him credit for , as Avell as for a righteous desire to shine in Avorks of benevolence . But

admirable , nay essential , as arc all these traits , they do not fit him for the chair . The command of a Lodge requires something more than zeal , punctuality , kindliness , and a knoAvIedgcof the ordinary duties of Craft Masonry . Tarvis componerc magna solebom . A good Speaker of our House

of Commons must be something more than a good man of business , a ready debater , a powerful orator . He must be thoroughly acquainted Avith all the ins and outs of Parliamentary usage . The laAvs , both written and ivmvritten , which govern the conduct of public business must be as

familiar to him as the A B C of ordinary duties to the ordinary member . A man is generally chosen to fill this office Avho unites to these qualities the further merit of having a commanding presence , a sonorous , yet suasive voice , ever-ready tact , and not a love only of , but the power

to maintain , order at all times and under all conditions . To expect ail these qualifications in every W . M . Avere to carry expectation to an extreme point , for the friendly government of fifty men , more or Jess , is not as the stern rule of a multitude . But a W . M . should possess , not only the

ornamental qualities of his office , such as Ave have alread y enumerated , but the useful likeAvise . Zeal , and an eager desire to promote the Avelfare of the Craft , are essential . So , too , are knoAvledge , presence , tact , and resolution . The

last two qualities are most imperativel y needed . The labour of Masonry is a labour of love , but not all brothers Avork after the same method . HoAvever agreed as to the Avorthinoss of certain ends , they aro not necessaril y agreed as to the means Avhereby those ends shall be attained . Hence

tnct is necessary , .-o that if members differ , itinay be without anger . I fence also firmness and resolution in the conduct of

Qualifications For Office.

business are necessary . Men readily bow to an authority , when they would yield unwillingly , or with an ill grace , to an equal . Moreover , a Master should not only be the ruler of his Lodge , he should be also its guide and instructor . But to enact this latter role he must be

intimate with the Constitutions of the Order , with the byelaAvs of the Lodge , Avith the ritual , Avith even the minutest details of every ceremonial to be observed . The usage and practice of other Lodges should be familiar to him , so that he may never be at a loss , when difficult questions arise , as

to what course is the best to bo pursued . How much greater is the respect Avhich a young member feels for his Master if he knoAvs the latter is competent to fulfil all the ordinary requirements of his office . How infinitely stronger still is this feeling Avhen he knows that his

Master can not only rule and direct him in his duties , but also aid and instruct him IIOAV they should be fulfilled . All may not be equally competent . It Avere as ridiculous to expect this as that all should have the same means . But all may attain a certain standard of

competency . At all events , all who aspire to this office should possess , in a certain degree , certain qualities . Without these , or , at all events , till he has acquired them , no member should bo deemed eligible . The mere ambition of an individual member , hoAvever honourable it may be ,

is of less consequence than the proper conduct of the Lodge . Preston , on the subject of office holders , says : " It must also be admitted that those Avho accept offices and exercise authority in the Lodge , ought to be men of prudence and address , enjoying the advantages of a well

cultivated mind and retentive memory . All men are not blessed with the same poAvers and talents , all men , therefore , arc not equally qualified to govern . He Avho wishes to teach must submit to learn ; and no one can be qualified to support the higher offices of the Lodge Avho has not

previously discharged the duties of those which are subordinate . Experience is the best preceptor . Every man may rise by gradation , but merit ancl industry are the first steps to preferment . " These are the views of one of our most eminent authorities , that to men " of prudence

and address , possessing also " a Avell cultivated mind and retentive memory " should be entrusted the higher offices of a Lodge . Unhappily for the good government of the Craft , it is not always such men as these who are chosen to support the more exacting duties . Some kind and degree

of merit they doubtless possess , bub not the merit Avhich enables them " to govern Avell . To faithfully execute the duties of any high office demands more time than it is in the power of every Mason to give , and more talent than every member possesses . Speaking of men Avho hurry

through the several grades , and seek advancement Avithout any qualification to recommend them , Preston observes : " Passing through the usual formalities , they consider themselves authorised to rank as Masters of the Art , solicit and accept office , and even assume the government

of the Lodge , equally unacquainted with tho rules of the institution that they pretend to support , and the nature of the trust Avhich they are bound to perform . The consequence is obvious ; anarchy and confusion ensue , and the substance is lost in the shadow . " And again , " Were the

brethren who preside at our meetings to be properly instructed previous to their appointment , and duly apprised of the importance of the offices they are chosen to support , a general reformation Avould speedily take place . This conduct Avould establish the propriety of our

government , and lead men to acknowledge that our honours were not undeservedly conferred ; the ancient consequence of the Order would be restored , and the reputation of the Society preserved . " It is over a hundred years since Preston ' s Illustrations Avere first published . " The

consequence of the Order" has not only been " restored , " but extended ; " the reputation of the Society " not only " preserved , " but increased . The sublime truths of our ancient mystery are more studied , better understood , more highly appreciated . But even now there are members

Avho look rather to personal advancement than to the interests of the Order . AVe question if many regard their entrance into and presence in the Brotherhood Avith the same solemn feelings as our late Grand Master H . R . H . the Duke of Sussex , who , in a speech at Sunderland , in 188 . 9 , thus

expressed himself—( See Oliver ' s Historical Landmarks oj Freemasonry , footnote , p 7 ) : — " When I first determined to link myself Avith this noble institution , it was a matter of very serious consideration with me ; and I can assure the Brethren that it was at a period Avhen , at least , I had

“The Freemason's Chronicle: 1875-03-27, Page 2” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 4 July 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fcn/issues/fcn_27031875/page/2/.
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THE GREAT CITY LODGE AND THE LORD MAYOR. Article 1
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE. Article 2
ENTHUSIASM AND MASONRY. Article 3
ROYAL AND IMPERIAL FREEMASONS. Article 4
THE EGYPTIAN RITUAL OF THE BOOK OF THE DEAD. Article 4
REVIEWS. Article 6
THE THEATRES, &c. Article 8
Untitled Article 8
Untitled Article 8
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Untitled Article 8
HISTORY OF THE WEEK. Article 8
THE DRAMA. Article 10
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Article 11
CORRESPONDENCE. Article 11
COUNT CAGLIOSTRO. Article 11
DIARY FOR THE WEEK. Article 12
NOTICES OF MEETINGS. Article 12
MONEY MARKET AND CITY NEWS. Article 14
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Qualifications For Office.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE .

A remark of ours last Aveek , in connection with the last meeting of the CaA-eac Lodge , No . 176 , Avhen the acting W . M . gave the Lecture on the tracing board in the 1 st degree , that it is to be regretted the practice of delivering these lectures is not more frequently observed , leads us , not unnaturally , to the very important question :

What are the qualifications for office in the Lodge r Are the qualifications of a candidate for office over seriously put to tho test ? The ambition to rise in one ' s profession is very natural . No man Avishes , or perhaps Ave shonld say rather , but few men Avish to remain apprentices always .

Having completed their period of probation , having shoAvn their proficiency in the minor duties of their calling , men aspire to become mastei ' -Avorkmen , for then their sphere of labour Avill be more extensive , and their opportunities for doing good and useful Avork greater . Similarly , brethren ,

having attained the sublime degree of M . M ., not unnaturally look fonvard to the day Avhen they will hold some post of honour in their Lodge ; in the first instance a subordinate office , and then rising , by degrees , higher and higher , they hope , in the fulness of time , to reach the very

enviable distinction of Master . This is all very right and proper , and Ave should have no very high opinion of any brother , qua member of the Craft , who Avas not animated by such legitimate ambition . Just in the same Avay every regimental captain aspires to become first a field

officer ancl then a general , and no ckrabfc every man in the ranks would like to be captain of his company . But just as this mere mechanical knowledge of the manual and platoon exercises is not necessaril y a qualification for the captaincy of a company ; just as the mere knowledge how

to command a company is not sufficient for the command oi a regiment ; Avhile the colonel of a regiment is not always capable of fulfilling the still higher and more important duties of a general officer , so in Masonry . A brother may be a good Master Mason , regular in his attendance at

Lodge , zealous in all Masonic duties , and capable , perhaps , of fulfilling some minor office , with credit to himself and the Order generally . He may even attain the still higher rank of Warden , and be found not Avanting in the discharge of the still more onerous duties of his rank . But docs it

folIoAv that he will make a good ruler of his Lodge ? We grant that , prima facie , a good M . M ., Avho has shown himself an efficient J . D ., and afterwards S . W ., may be expected to perform the duties of W . M . respectably , if not efficiently . But ifc must bo remembered that different and

additional qualities aro looked for in a Master . Zeal , of course , we expect in all grades ; moreover , wo have assumed that in every capacity ho has filled he has SIIOAVU abundant zeal . Punctuality and regularity in attending Lodgethese , also , AVC have given him credit for , as Avell as for a righteous desire to shine in Avorks of benevolence . But

admirable , nay essential , as arc all these traits , they do not fit him for the chair . The command of a Lodge requires something more than zeal , punctuality , kindliness , and a knoAvIedgcof the ordinary duties of Craft Masonry . Tarvis componerc magna solebom . A good Speaker of our House

of Commons must be something more than a good man of business , a ready debater , a powerful orator . He must be thoroughly acquainted Avith all the ins and outs of Parliamentary usage . The laAvs , both written and ivmvritten , which govern the conduct of public business must be as

familiar to him as the A B C of ordinary duties to the ordinary member . A man is generally chosen to fill this office Avho unites to these qualities the further merit of having a commanding presence , a sonorous , yet suasive voice , ever-ready tact , and not a love only of , but the power

to maintain , order at all times and under all conditions . To expect ail these qualifications in every W . M . Avere to carry expectation to an extreme point , for the friendly government of fifty men , more or Jess , is not as the stern rule of a multitude . But a W . M . should possess , not only the

ornamental qualities of his office , such as Ave have alread y enumerated , but the useful likeAvise . Zeal , and an eager desire to promote the Avelfare of the Craft , are essential . So , too , are knoAvledge , presence , tact , and resolution . The

last two qualities are most imperativel y needed . The labour of Masonry is a labour of love , but not all brothers Avork after the same method . HoAvever agreed as to the Avorthinoss of certain ends , they aro not necessaril y agreed as to the means Avhereby those ends shall be attained . Hence

tnct is necessary , .-o that if members differ , itinay be without anger . I fence also firmness and resolution in the conduct of

Qualifications For Office.

business are necessary . Men readily bow to an authority , when they would yield unwillingly , or with an ill grace , to an equal . Moreover , a Master should not only be the ruler of his Lodge , he should be also its guide and instructor . But to enact this latter role he must be

intimate with the Constitutions of the Order , with the byelaAvs of the Lodge , Avith the ritual , Avith even the minutest details of every ceremonial to be observed . The usage and practice of other Lodges should be familiar to him , so that he may never be at a loss , when difficult questions arise , as

to what course is the best to bo pursued . How much greater is the respect Avhich a young member feels for his Master if he knoAvs the latter is competent to fulfil all the ordinary requirements of his office . How infinitely stronger still is this feeling Avhen he knows that his

Master can not only rule and direct him in his duties , but also aid and instruct him IIOAV they should be fulfilled . All may not be equally competent . It Avere as ridiculous to expect this as that all should have the same means . But all may attain a certain standard of

competency . At all events , all who aspire to this office should possess , in a certain degree , certain qualities . Without these , or , at all events , till he has acquired them , no member should bo deemed eligible . The mere ambition of an individual member , hoAvever honourable it may be ,

is of less consequence than the proper conduct of the Lodge . Preston , on the subject of office holders , says : " It must also be admitted that those Avho accept offices and exercise authority in the Lodge , ought to be men of prudence and address , enjoying the advantages of a well

cultivated mind and retentive memory . All men are not blessed with the same poAvers and talents , all men , therefore , arc not equally qualified to govern . He Avho wishes to teach must submit to learn ; and no one can be qualified to support the higher offices of the Lodge Avho has not

previously discharged the duties of those which are subordinate . Experience is the best preceptor . Every man may rise by gradation , but merit ancl industry are the first steps to preferment . " These are the views of one of our most eminent authorities , that to men " of prudence

and address , possessing also " a Avell cultivated mind and retentive memory " should be entrusted the higher offices of a Lodge . Unhappily for the good government of the Craft , it is not always such men as these who are chosen to support the more exacting duties . Some kind and degree

of merit they doubtless possess , bub not the merit Avhich enables them " to govern Avell . To faithfully execute the duties of any high office demands more time than it is in the power of every Mason to give , and more talent than every member possesses . Speaking of men Avho hurry

through the several grades , and seek advancement Avithout any qualification to recommend them , Preston observes : " Passing through the usual formalities , they consider themselves authorised to rank as Masters of the Art , solicit and accept office , and even assume the government

of the Lodge , equally unacquainted with tho rules of the institution that they pretend to support , and the nature of the trust Avhich they are bound to perform . The consequence is obvious ; anarchy and confusion ensue , and the substance is lost in the shadow . " And again , " Were the

brethren who preside at our meetings to be properly instructed previous to their appointment , and duly apprised of the importance of the offices they are chosen to support , a general reformation Avould speedily take place . This conduct Avould establish the propriety of our

government , and lead men to acknowledge that our honours were not undeservedly conferred ; the ancient consequence of the Order would be restored , and the reputation of the Society preserved . " It is over a hundred years since Preston ' s Illustrations Avere first published . " The

consequence of the Order" has not only been " restored , " but extended ; " the reputation of the Society " not only " preserved , " but increased . The sublime truths of our ancient mystery are more studied , better understood , more highly appreciated . But even now there are members

Avho look rather to personal advancement than to the interests of the Order . AVe question if many regard their entrance into and presence in the Brotherhood Avith the same solemn feelings as our late Grand Master H . R . H . the Duke of Sussex , who , in a speech at Sunderland , in 188 . 9 , thus

expressed himself—( See Oliver ' s Historical Landmarks oj Freemasonry , footnote , p 7 ) : — " When I first determined to link myself Avith this noble institution , it was a matter of very serious consideration with me ; and I can assure the Brethren that it was at a period Avhen , at least , I had

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