Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Proposed Committee Of Inquiry Into Masonic Working.
sible for us to illustrate our meaning , as we should do if we were discussing some legal or social question . Yet can thero be no harm in pointing out—as regards the ceremony of initiation , for instance—that while it cannot be of serious moment that exactly the same phrases should be employed
m all Lodges , it cannot be otherwise than necessary it should be carried out in its entirety in tho mannor prescribed by the authorities . Nothing should be added to , nothing taken from it . There must be no transposition of the several parts . This , or indeed any other one of our
ceremonies may be likened to a puzzle , the several parts of which , are made to fit together , so as to form a particular figure , but there is only one way , not several ways , of fitting these parts into each other . At the same time it cannot in the slightest degree affect the value of the puzzle ,
whether it be painted green , white , purple , orange , or any other colour . This colour is to the puzzle what the phraseology of a ceremony is to the ceremony itself . So long as the virtue of the latter is untainted , the mere language is of little moment . This , if our interpretation is
correct , is Bro . Stevens ' s meaning , when he insists on the necessity for uniformity in Masonio ceremonial . He does not say the same language mnst be used everywhere and on all occasions , but he does say there should be uniformity of observance .
Then as to his second point , that there should be established a College of Preceptors or similar body , whose duty it will be to see this uniformity carried out . We are not going to discuss its constitution , which as yet only exists in the imagination of one of our brethren . It might be a
part of the Board of General Purposes , or it might be a body apart . It might be entitled a Committee of Ritual or a College of Preceptors . These are matters of detail which , are easy of settlement when the proper time for settling them has arrived . But once it has come
to be recognised that uniformity of ceremonial observance is not only desirable but necessary , and it follows there must be somebody having the requisite authority to see that this uniformity is observed . In the Grand Lodges of the United States there are certain Officers known as
Lecturers , whose duty it is to visit the Lodges in their respective jurisdictions . By this judicious arrangement the desired uniformit y of working is attained . It cannot be of less importance that the working should everywhere , both in London and in the Provinces , as well as in the
Districts abroad , be satisfactory , seeing that England is undoubtedly the mother country of Freemasonry as constituted in modern times . Again , severe notice is very properly taken if the several degrees are allowed to be taken at less than certain prescribed intervals of time ,
and the ceremonies must be gone through a second time , so that the majesty of the law may be vindicated . The offending Lodge is admonished , and , were the offence repeated , would be still more severely punished . Can it be of less importance that the ceremonies used in conferring
the degrees should be carried out aright , and as nearly as possible witb the same formalities everywhere throughout the jurisdiction of our Grand Lodge ? Rather , say we , it is of even greater importance that the ceremony should
be done rightly , than that it should be done only when a certain period of time has elapsed . In the one case a Constitution is violated—and far be it from us to regard such violation with anything like levity—but that is the sum and substance of the harm that is done . In the other
case , not only is the ceremonial indifferently or improperly observed , but the recipient of the degree experiences a certain loss of knowledge as the result of such indifference or incompleteness . Or , to put the matter more clearly , he does not receive that degree of enlightenment to which
he is entitled . There is yet another point to be considered . It is chiefly by the intercommunication of brethren in our Lodges , and especially in our Lodges of Instruction , that a
correct knowledge of the science of Freemasonry is spread throughout our ranks ; but if it be found that diversities of practice exist in the working of our ceremonies , is it not inevitable that a certain amount of confusion must arise in
the minds of many , not so much as to the value of certain modes of expression , but as to the ideas expressed in some cases and omitted in others ? As we have before pointed out , it is impossible , for many reasons , to be explicit
m treating thus publicly of what concerns our ceremonial . Suffice it to say , that it ought not to be left to individual judgment to add or omit anything without constitutional warranty ; There is no more undue restraint in insisting on uniformity of practice in matters of Ritual than in pre-
The Proposed Committee Of Inquiry Into Masonic Working.
scribing certain conditions as to tlio admission of candidates , or for their advancement to the higher degrees when they havo been admitted ; or , indeed , in Grand Lodge passing such ordinances as in its wisdom it may think necessary to tho good government of the Craft .
As to the other two points , which wo have described a 3 being negative in their character , they may be dismissed briefly . Bro . Stevens does not propose in any way to disturb tho present working in our Lodges . He considers there should be Uniformity of Ritual , but ho
regards it as a politic matter that time should be given for the general adoption of the standard of Ritual . Let this be first of all determined . Let Preceptors and others interested acquire the requisite knowledge of this standard , and as time progresses , its establishment will follow as a matter
of course . Neither does Bro . Stevens consider it politic in any way to trench upon the powers vested in the Board of General Purposes . This Board is , indeed , an instrument ready at hand for giving effect to the recommendations , if any , of the proposed Committee of Inquiry , subject of
course to the authorisation of Grand Lodge . True , Freemasonry is essentially conservative—we use the word in no political sense—in its character . Thus change for the sake of change is distasteful in its eyes . It proudly claims to be " always the same" in spirit . It will not neglect to repair
an omission , or correct an error , if it is once convinced of the propriety of such reparation or correction . But to insist on Uniformity of Working , in the sense we have indicated , is in harmony with , instead of being antagonistic to , this conservative spirit . It is suggestive of a return to ,
instead of a deviation from , the ancient landmarks . It means a reform in things essential to the well-being of Freemasonry , but a reform involving no innovation that can possibly prove nocuous . Bro . Stevens , and those who agree with him , not unreasonably urge , that while it may be fairly
left open to the learned to differ among themselves as to tho proper interpretation of certain recognised parts of Freemasonry , each of those parts has its due significance , and should not be omitted or curtailed at pleasure . Neither do they think it becoming that in any of our Lodges any
practice which has not received the Sanction of authority should in like manner be interpolated . In fine , Bro . Stevens , if we interpret him aright , is desirous of attaining the maximum improvement in Masonic working with the
minimum of change . Whether we agree with him or not as to the manner in which he proposes to attain this object , we cannot but allow he is animated by a very laudable ambition .
We have now dealt with tho material points of the case . We have given expression to the opinion that while Grand Lodge has a perfect right to change its opinion on this or any other matter , it will be more in harmony with its usual consistency , and certainly less injurious to its high
character for wisdom , if it confirms on Wednesday the decision it arrived at last December . We have also at some length endeavoured to explain the grounds on which , in our opinion , Bro . Stevens has founded his proposition , as well as the nature and extent of tho changes involved therein . It remains for ns to offer a few words on the constitution of
his proposed Committee . It includes the names of several well-known able , experienced , and energetic members of the Craft , whose collective and individual wisdom and discretion cannot be doubted . But there are those of many equally well-known able , and experienced Craftsmen which
it does not contain . We are fully alive to the difficulty of organising the best possible Committee . Our most distinguished brethren havo other and important duties which
cannot be left unfulfilled , or be fulfilled only in a perfunctory manner . The likelihood of bringing together all we should like to see engaged in so important a task is most remote . We doubt not Bro . Stevens has done his best to secure
the services of our ablest and most influential brethren , bnt his nomination decidedly needs strengthening . Far be it from us , in saying this , to suggest anything in the way of detraction from the undoubted merits of those nominated—merits we have just acknowledged
unreservedly . Still , it cannot be doubted that if certain brethren , whose names we need not bo at the pains of specifying , as they will naturally occur to our readers , were included , the confidence of the Masonic public would
be increased . It is not necessary that all its members should be of one mind as to the propriety of the inquiry . If the minute is confirmed , the investigation must be as thorough and complete as possible , and to this end it is desirable that the assistance of all the brightest lights of
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Proposed Committee Of Inquiry Into Masonic Working.
sible for us to illustrate our meaning , as we should do if we were discussing some legal or social question . Yet can thero be no harm in pointing out—as regards the ceremony of initiation , for instance—that while it cannot be of serious moment that exactly the same phrases should be employed
m all Lodges , it cannot be otherwise than necessary it should be carried out in its entirety in tho mannor prescribed by the authorities . Nothing should be added to , nothing taken from it . There must be no transposition of the several parts . This , or indeed any other one of our
ceremonies may be likened to a puzzle , the several parts of which , are made to fit together , so as to form a particular figure , but there is only one way , not several ways , of fitting these parts into each other . At the same time it cannot in the slightest degree affect the value of the puzzle ,
whether it be painted green , white , purple , orange , or any other colour . This colour is to the puzzle what the phraseology of a ceremony is to the ceremony itself . So long as the virtue of the latter is untainted , the mere language is of little moment . This , if our interpretation is
correct , is Bro . Stevens ' s meaning , when he insists on the necessity for uniformity in Masonio ceremonial . He does not say the same language mnst be used everywhere and on all occasions , but he does say there should be uniformity of observance .
Then as to his second point , that there should be established a College of Preceptors or similar body , whose duty it will be to see this uniformity carried out . We are not going to discuss its constitution , which as yet only exists in the imagination of one of our brethren . It might be a
part of the Board of General Purposes , or it might be a body apart . It might be entitled a Committee of Ritual or a College of Preceptors . These are matters of detail which , are easy of settlement when the proper time for settling them has arrived . But once it has come
to be recognised that uniformity of ceremonial observance is not only desirable but necessary , and it follows there must be somebody having the requisite authority to see that this uniformity is observed . In the Grand Lodges of the United States there are certain Officers known as
Lecturers , whose duty it is to visit the Lodges in their respective jurisdictions . By this judicious arrangement the desired uniformit y of working is attained . It cannot be of less importance that the working should everywhere , both in London and in the Provinces , as well as in the
Districts abroad , be satisfactory , seeing that England is undoubtedly the mother country of Freemasonry as constituted in modern times . Again , severe notice is very properly taken if the several degrees are allowed to be taken at less than certain prescribed intervals of time ,
and the ceremonies must be gone through a second time , so that the majesty of the law may be vindicated . The offending Lodge is admonished , and , were the offence repeated , would be still more severely punished . Can it be of less importance that the ceremonies used in conferring
the degrees should be carried out aright , and as nearly as possible witb the same formalities everywhere throughout the jurisdiction of our Grand Lodge ? Rather , say we , it is of even greater importance that the ceremony should
be done rightly , than that it should be done only when a certain period of time has elapsed . In the one case a Constitution is violated—and far be it from us to regard such violation with anything like levity—but that is the sum and substance of the harm that is done . In the other
case , not only is the ceremonial indifferently or improperly observed , but the recipient of the degree experiences a certain loss of knowledge as the result of such indifference or incompleteness . Or , to put the matter more clearly , he does not receive that degree of enlightenment to which
he is entitled . There is yet another point to be considered . It is chiefly by the intercommunication of brethren in our Lodges , and especially in our Lodges of Instruction , that a
correct knowledge of the science of Freemasonry is spread throughout our ranks ; but if it be found that diversities of practice exist in the working of our ceremonies , is it not inevitable that a certain amount of confusion must arise in
the minds of many , not so much as to the value of certain modes of expression , but as to the ideas expressed in some cases and omitted in others ? As we have before pointed out , it is impossible , for many reasons , to be explicit
m treating thus publicly of what concerns our ceremonial . Suffice it to say , that it ought not to be left to individual judgment to add or omit anything without constitutional warranty ; There is no more undue restraint in insisting on uniformity of practice in matters of Ritual than in pre-
The Proposed Committee Of Inquiry Into Masonic Working.
scribing certain conditions as to tlio admission of candidates , or for their advancement to the higher degrees when they havo been admitted ; or , indeed , in Grand Lodge passing such ordinances as in its wisdom it may think necessary to tho good government of the Craft .
As to the other two points , which wo have described a 3 being negative in their character , they may be dismissed briefly . Bro . Stevens does not propose in any way to disturb tho present working in our Lodges . He considers there should be Uniformity of Ritual , but ho
regards it as a politic matter that time should be given for the general adoption of the standard of Ritual . Let this be first of all determined . Let Preceptors and others interested acquire the requisite knowledge of this standard , and as time progresses , its establishment will follow as a matter
of course . Neither does Bro . Stevens consider it politic in any way to trench upon the powers vested in the Board of General Purposes . This Board is , indeed , an instrument ready at hand for giving effect to the recommendations , if any , of the proposed Committee of Inquiry , subject of
course to the authorisation of Grand Lodge . True , Freemasonry is essentially conservative—we use the word in no political sense—in its character . Thus change for the sake of change is distasteful in its eyes . It proudly claims to be " always the same" in spirit . It will not neglect to repair
an omission , or correct an error , if it is once convinced of the propriety of such reparation or correction . But to insist on Uniformity of Working , in the sense we have indicated , is in harmony with , instead of being antagonistic to , this conservative spirit . It is suggestive of a return to ,
instead of a deviation from , the ancient landmarks . It means a reform in things essential to the well-being of Freemasonry , but a reform involving no innovation that can possibly prove nocuous . Bro . Stevens , and those who agree with him , not unreasonably urge , that while it may be fairly
left open to the learned to differ among themselves as to tho proper interpretation of certain recognised parts of Freemasonry , each of those parts has its due significance , and should not be omitted or curtailed at pleasure . Neither do they think it becoming that in any of our Lodges any
practice which has not received the Sanction of authority should in like manner be interpolated . In fine , Bro . Stevens , if we interpret him aright , is desirous of attaining the maximum improvement in Masonic working with the
minimum of change . Whether we agree with him or not as to the manner in which he proposes to attain this object , we cannot but allow he is animated by a very laudable ambition .
We have now dealt with tho material points of the case . We have given expression to the opinion that while Grand Lodge has a perfect right to change its opinion on this or any other matter , it will be more in harmony with its usual consistency , and certainly less injurious to its high
character for wisdom , if it confirms on Wednesday the decision it arrived at last December . We have also at some length endeavoured to explain the grounds on which , in our opinion , Bro . Stevens has founded his proposition , as well as the nature and extent of tho changes involved therein . It remains for ns to offer a few words on the constitution of
his proposed Committee . It includes the names of several well-known able , experienced , and energetic members of the Craft , whose collective and individual wisdom and discretion cannot be doubted . But there are those of many equally well-known able , and experienced Craftsmen which
it does not contain . We are fully alive to the difficulty of organising the best possible Committee . Our most distinguished brethren havo other and important duties which
cannot be left unfulfilled , or be fulfilled only in a perfunctory manner . The likelihood of bringing together all we should like to see engaged in so important a task is most remote . We doubt not Bro . Stevens has done his best to secure
the services of our ablest and most influential brethren , bnt his nomination decidedly needs strengthening . Far be it from us , in saying this , to suggest anything in the way of detraction from the undoubted merits of those nominated—merits we have just acknowledged
unreservedly . Still , it cannot be doubted that if certain brethren , whose names we need not bo at the pains of specifying , as they will naturally occur to our readers , were included , the confidence of the Masonic public would
be increased . It is not necessary that all its members should be of one mind as to the propriety of the inquiry . If the minute is confirmed , the investigation must be as thorough and complete as possible , and to this end it is desirable that the assistance of all the brightest lights of