Silent Workers In Freemasonry.

SILENT WORKERS IN FREEMASONRY .

AMONG the many who attempt to form an opinion " of the influence of Freemasonry , or who seek to measure the power it exercises in the world at large , there are few who pay a proper regard to tho silent workers in its midst , or who give sufficient credit for what is being quietly done by those within its ranks , without show or ostentation of any kind . Too often the opinion of a critic or of a laudatory writer is based on his particular experience of Freemasonry , without any attempt or desire to ascertain

the views oi others , and even where a little trouble is taken to secure a just verdict it not infrequently happens that the only men studied are those we may describe as the more energetic members of the Craft , brethren who take the lead in their particular circle , so far as outward appearance is concerned , and who , by pushing themselves forward on every

possible occasion , seem to be the leaders among their fellows . Such men are frequently but poor specimens of the true Freemason , and hence it is that any opinion formed on the basis of their doings is often most unreliable when considered in association with the whole Craft . In this respect we imagine Freemasonry stands in

mucn tlie same position as everything else . The real backbone of the Order consists of those who keep steadily plodding along , neither making an undue prominence of their association with tlie Graft , or omitting to practise its principles whenever an occasion may arise . Such men are sincere in their desire to benefit by the teachings of Freemasonry , and it is impossible for them to be associated with the Order without reaping the reward they seek , while it seldom happens they remain longmembers without finding opportunities of testing

the usefulness of its lessons . They are silent workers in the world , and when they obtain admission to Freemasonry they only acquire a readier means of exercising the trait we may describe as part of their nature ; bat for all this Freemasonry is very proud of their association , and it owes much to their perseverance and earnestness . On the other hand , we find men whose object is far less praiseworthy , and others again who bring discredit on

Freemasonry / simply because they never properly work for the good of the Order . They may rise to a Vi'omment position in the Craft , but their reason fordoing so is far removed from the true dictates of Freemasonry . They seek to make use of the Craft rather than try to benefit by its lessons . They have a desire in life ; and to attain it , or with the hope of

winging it withm easier reach , they join Free- masonry , and then make no scruple of using the Order for mercenary or other unworthy purpose . We seldom , if ever , find such results among the silent workers , indeed it would be of little avail for one of this class to endeavour to make use of Freemasonry

Silent Workers In Freemasonry.

i —which in this country , at- least , may be said to have little power in the great concerns of state or general business—for the simple reason they would not have sufficient experience to turn it to account to any appreciable extent .

The silent worker in Freemasonry may certainly be said to be in the majority among the members of the Craft , and this is accounted for from the fact that iu most cases seven-eighths of tho members have little to do but attend the regular meetings of their Lodge , listen to what is going on , vote on the one or two subjects whieh are brought forward , and then adjourn

for an hour or two ' s social enjoyment . And yet what a vast amount of good is accomplished by these same brethren . If they are silent with thoir work they aro at least practical , and if they get through thenduties without any apparent exertion , they see that what they do undertake is for a good purpose .

These silent workers in the Masonie fold offer an insurmountable barrier to those who urge that promotion in a Lodge should always go by seniority . They are often content to remain simple Master Masons year after year , and when their turn for office comes round they seem to dread undertaking the duties attached thereto , lest it should force them from the enjoyment of their rest . It often happens that

sucii men express a wisli to be passed over m regard to appointment to office , and for years they remain without a collar , unless it be that in the absence of a regular officer they act as deputy . On such occasions they prove themselves efficient in the duties required of them , and give further illustration of the fact that it is not always those who make the most

show who are the best at a task . In many other ways the silent worker may make his presence felt , but it is in regard to the whole system of Freemasonry that his influence must be gauged . It is true that the energetic bustling members of the Order do much ,

but il they were left to themselves for a season or two they would soon find out the truth of remarks made earlier in this article , that the silent worker is the backbone of the Order . Such being the case we think that every encouragement should be offered to men who prefer to adopt this particular method of

procedure , in direct opposition to those who strive to make as much show and excitement as possible , but who , more often than not ,. utterly collapse after a very brief display of their brilliancy .

Mercenary Motives.

MERCENARY MOTIVES .

, ' e QELTTISHNESS is fcho porta- Mint stands at tho gnte of O many profane mansion .-, bufc fcho Craffc strenuousl y endeavours to exclude him from ( ho precincts of

Freej ^ masonry . iSo oni ! can knock afc fche portals of a Masonic Lodge who lias not first formall y abnegated this " leprosy of the age , " this " alcohol of egotism , " ancl freely and voluntarily declared thafc he is nofc actuated b y mercenary