Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar01300
worked the first , second , third , and fourth sections of the lecture , assisted by the brethren . Bro . Samuel Goode , of the Finsbury Park Lodge , No . 12 S 8 , was unanimously elected a member . Bro . Trewinnard was appointed to preside . it the next meeting , after which the
Lodge was closed and adjourned . We are very pleased to seo this Lodge is making progress . Many brethron , well known in Masonry , havo recently joined . From what we have soon of their working , the conductors are animated by a spirit of emulation in obtaining a perfect knowledge of the ritual .
Physical Disqualifications.
PHYSICAL DISQUALIFICATIONS .
IT is ono of tho lessons repeated over and over again to Brethren that they must not depart from tho ancient Landmarks , and must not tolerate any innovation in the law of Masonry . In this way a strong feeling of conservatism is creatod amongst tho Craft , so that it is not easy to change the character of tho Institution , nor move it from tho well established lines of procedure . It is a matter of
rejoicing that this is tho fact ; that tho Masonio organizations is planted somewhore and maintains fast hold of the anciont traditions and laws . Very likely the best informed Brethren attached to tho Institution , if they were beginning de novo to lay tho foundations of Masonry , would arrange the system somewhat differently from tho plan and
method that aro stamped upon the Order as it now exists . Doubtless they might introduco many things into such construction work that would be improvements over the ancient formulas—things that would seem to bo more in accordance with tho spirit and thought of the present age . But Masonry comes to us full shaped out of the past ; and it is better that we should take it as it is , abiding by its ancient
laws and regulations , even though some of these provisions are not precisely what we would have them , rather than to run the risk of changes and modifications which onco introduced may lead to the entire disruption of the organization . This is our thought respecting the snbject of physical disqualifications . It has been put into tho fundamental law of Masonry that a
proper pre-requisito to the making a man a Mason is that ho should be hale and sound of body , not deformed nor dismembered . Such a restriction was grafted upon those associations of tho middle ages from which the Masonry of modern times has descended . In those ancient societies the protection of physical labor was the chief thing aimed at . Strength and perfectness of bodily condition wero pssential
to doing the work required ; and it was a wise enactment which provided that the assemblies of thoso old Fraternities should be sound in body and without the touch of any physical drawback . That things' have changed since those olden days is not to be questioned . Masonry has grown into a Fraternity that now exists chiefly for social and benevolent purposes . In view of these changes ,
this natnral progress , there is opportunity for a strong argnment in favour of " letting clown the bars " in tho matter of physical requirements . Brother Hughan presents this sido of the case in an article we have copied , an article that will be sure to command attention . Our opinion , however , is as stated above ; we are disinclined to favor changes in the old and clearly defined provisions of Masonic
law , notwithstanding some of these modifications seem to bo recommended by many good reasons . There is danger in such a course , according to our thought ; for once begin to strike down the landmarks , and there is no telling to what lengths the iconoclastic spirit of the age may proceed . It is better to err on the side of a prudent conservatism , rather than sanction changes in the name of progress that
shall unsettle , perhaps , the whole fabric of the Institntion . Having said this much in the defining of tho position , we only desire to add that in our opinion thero i 3 sometimes given a too arbitrary construction , a too harsh enforcement of the anciont law providing that candidates for Masonry shall be whole in body and physically sound . Is it not something of overscrupnlonsness when a
distinguished Brother avows his belief that a woman or an atheist can just as properly be made a Mason as a man who is deprived of even the joint of his little finger ? Is it not making rather too mnch of the landmark when a surgeon ' s examination is demanded , when a lost joint or some obscure physical weakness is held to be an insuperablo objection to the reception of a candidate , whilo no such
careful scrutiny is instituted respecting moral defects ? Surely there is as much reason for a generous elasticity in tho construction of the law respecting physical qualifications , as thero is for a liberal application of the tests by which tho mental and moral condition is to bo tried . It is not well to strain at gnats and swallow camels . — Freemasons' Repository .
We have received a copy of the Illustrated Australian News . It contains a series of engravings representing tho more important buildings , manufactures , and works at Melbourne , and some of the other towns of Victoria , Australia . Amongst them will be found a view of Melbourne ,
and of the buildings now in course of construction for the International Exhibition which is to be held at that city during 1880 . The newspaper also contains an interesting account , in French and English , of the Colony , its history , its climate , its institutions , and the advantages which it
offers to Colonists , "he illustrations have been well executed , and the paper is full of interesting and highly instructive information . Messrs . David Syme and Co ., of Elizabeth-street , Melbourne , Victoria , are the proprietors . '
Ad01302
Price 3 s Gel , Crown ovo , cloth , gilt , MASONIC PORTRAITS . RKVHijftBD PBOM " THE FBESHASON ' B CUBOUICLE . " LIST OF THE PORTRAITS . 1 . OUR LITERARY BROTHER 17 . THK CHRISTIAN MINISTER Bro . H . 11 . Levy . Bro . Rev . 0 . J . Martyn . 2 . A DISTINGUISHED MASON 18 . Tni : MYSTIC Bro . , J . B . Monckton . Bro . R . Wentworth Little . 3 . THE MAN or ENERGY 19 . A MODEL MASON Bro . John Constable . Bro . L . F . Littell . 4 . FATHER TIME 20 . A CHIP FROM JOPPA Bro . Sir John Bennett . Bro . E . P . Albert . 5 . A CORNER STONE 21 . A PILLAR or MASONRY Bro . Alderman Stono . Bro . E . J . Pago . 6 . THE CRAFTSMAN 22 . BAYARD Bro . Horace Jones , Bro . Capt . Philips . 7 . THE GOWNSMAN 23 . A RIGHT HAND MAN Bro . iEneas J . Mclntyre . Bro . H . G . Buss . 8 . AN EASTERN STAR 24 OUR CITIZEN BROTHER Bro . John G . Stevens . Bro . John Symonds . 9 . THE KNIGHT 1 ERRANT 25 . AN ABLE PRECEPTOR Bro . W . J . Huglmii . Bro . E . Gotthoil . 10 . TnE OCTOGENARIAN 26 . AN ANCIENT BRITON Bro . T . Adams . Bro . J . L . Thomas . 11 . A ZEALOUS OFFICER 27 . THE ARTIST Bro . James Terry . Bro . E . J . Harty . 12 . T HE S OLDIER 28 . T HE F ATHER or THE L ODGE Bro . Lieut .-Col . Creaton . Bro . Richard Spencer . 13 . FROM UNDER THE CROWN 29 . A SHINING LIGHT Bro . J . C . Parkinson . Bio . Magnus Ohren . 14 . OUR HERCULES 30 . AN ART STUDENT Bro . Frederick Binckes . Bro . E . II . Haigh . 15 . A MERCHANT PRINCE 31 . THE MARINER Bro . Sir F . M . Williams . Bro . Thomas Cubitt . 16 . THE CHURCHMAN 32 . A SOLDIER OK FORTUNK Bro . the Rev . J . Huysho . Bro . Jas . Stevens . 33 . "OLD MUG . " Bro . Henry Muggeridge . OPINIONS OE THE PRESS . "A series of articles , biographical , descriptive , and eulogistic , of some of the principal Masonic worthies of tho day . They sire well written , and though personal , by no moans offensive , or intrusivo into private lifo , and in Masonic society will bo welcomed as an interesting series of word paintings of members Of tho Craft . —Standard . " We do not remember to have read any similar series of sketches whioh surpass this in merit . "—Land and Water . " The book will be of grout interest to Masons , containing as it docs pen-andink sketches of the most distinguished men among them , and giving some considerable information on matters Masonic , from various points of view . "Lloyd ' s Newspaper . "Admirably written , being free from what aro too often observed in composition—inelegant language and prolixity . "—Sunday Times . "' J . G . ' writes with a considerable amount of freedom , never hesitating to 'hit off' a weakness whor . ho finds it publicly displayed by a 'distinguished brother ; ' at the samo timo ho never loses sight of a good trait when it is displayed , either in connexion with the Craft or in tho service of the public out of doors . Tho sketches aro lively reading . "—City Press . " This is a neat book . Tho Portraits consist of a series of 'word pictures ' of eminent English Masons . It styles Bro . Vf . J . Hughan ' Knight Errant , ' and sketches thirty-two others under equally uniquo titles . Wo commend the hook as worthy of a place in every Masonic library . "—Voice of Masonry . " Evinces much literary ability , and is a valuable addition to tho few works wo havo in Masonic biography . "—Philadelphia Keystone . " The book ought to bo in every well arranged Masonic Library . " —New York Courier . " Wo value tho work , and heartily thank Bro . Morgan for our copy . "Masonic Jewel . " The portraits consist of a series of what wo call ' pen and ink sketches' of brethren prominent in all tho noblo undertakings of English Masonry . . . . Prominent among his brethren we find Bro . Fred . Binckes , ( 'Our Hercules , ' whoso herculean efforts in behalf of those blessed institutions , the charities of English Masons , have a world-wide reputation , which will live long after the zealous Craftsman has been , ' laid away to rest . ' " —New York Square . " The style of tho author is pleasing , and the quality of his productions highly complimentay to his ability as a writer . "—Masonic Advocate . " It is a valuable contribution to English current literature . " —Masoniclicoicw . " They belong to a kind of writing which has come to be amongst the most popular reading of the day The types aro as general as they are graphic . Tho salient characteristics arc seized with an easy power , and happily hit olf in felicitous phrase . "—Sheffield Post . " Good sensibly written articles . Tho writer prefaces each of his sketches with some pithy common sense remarks . "—Cashel Gazette . " Cleverly and agreeably sketched , and the work altogether forms a valuable addition to Masonic literature . "—Hyde News , "Veryamusing , and beyond doubt , faithful portraits of tho worthies who unconsciously sat for theni . "—Deal , Walmer and Sandwich Mercury . "The members of tho Craft will take it as an acceptable addition to their biographical literatnro . "—Monmouthshire Chronicle . " They are written in a fair and genial tone , thoroughly Masonic . "—Leigh Chronicle . " Should have a very large sale . "—Kingibridge Gazette . "These sketches aro drawn with sparkling ability . " —Banffshire Reporter . "We must sincerely congratulate the author on the success of his endeavour to aim at faithful portraiture , while there is an entire absenco of what might give offence to tho most sensitive mind . "—Folkestone Express . "A very acceptable contribution to tho history of the Order . Tho volume has our warmest commendation . "—Kelso Courier . " Drawn with no little humour , and embellished with many a deft stroke of good natured satire . "—Figaro . " The inquiring Brother who may wish to know something of tho strength and beauty of the principles of Masonry , will find a pleasure in scanning the characteristic pictures in this book . "—The Brii / lionse Sews . " There is a piquancy in the ready off-hand dash that lends much zest to tho subject , and bars it from studied rhetorical expression . " —Hebrew Leader . " There can be no doubt that the writer has produced n series of Portraits which will be a source of amusement and pleasure to Masons throughout tho world . "—Swrcy Cornel . " Will be found very interesting and pleasant reading , especially to tho Masonic world . "—Burnet . Press . " Calculated to raise tho Order—if that bo possible—in the estimation of its members , if not of tho outer world . "—Trowhridye and North Wilts Advertiser " Written iu a . spirited , racy style , and conveying , in as clear a manner as possible , a 'counterfeit presentment' of some of the rulers of the Craft . "Essex Standard , London : W . W . MORGAN . By Order of all Booksellers , or will bo sent free by post , direct from the Office , 67 Barbican .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar01300
worked the first , second , third , and fourth sections of the lecture , assisted by the brethren . Bro . Samuel Goode , of the Finsbury Park Lodge , No . 12 S 8 , was unanimously elected a member . Bro . Trewinnard was appointed to preside . it the next meeting , after which the
Lodge was closed and adjourned . We are very pleased to seo this Lodge is making progress . Many brethron , well known in Masonry , havo recently joined . From what we have soon of their working , the conductors are animated by a spirit of emulation in obtaining a perfect knowledge of the ritual .
Physical Disqualifications.
PHYSICAL DISQUALIFICATIONS .
IT is ono of tho lessons repeated over and over again to Brethren that they must not depart from tho ancient Landmarks , and must not tolerate any innovation in the law of Masonry . In this way a strong feeling of conservatism is creatod amongst tho Craft , so that it is not easy to change the character of tho Institution , nor move it from tho well established lines of procedure . It is a matter of
rejoicing that this is tho fact ; that tho Masonio organizations is planted somewhore and maintains fast hold of the anciont traditions and laws . Very likely the best informed Brethren attached to tho Institution , if they were beginning de novo to lay tho foundations of Masonry , would arrange the system somewhat differently from tho plan and
method that aro stamped upon the Order as it now exists . Doubtless they might introduco many things into such construction work that would be improvements over the ancient formulas—things that would seem to bo more in accordance with tho spirit and thought of the present age . But Masonry comes to us full shaped out of the past ; and it is better that we should take it as it is , abiding by its ancient
laws and regulations , even though some of these provisions are not precisely what we would have them , rather than to run the risk of changes and modifications which onco introduced may lead to the entire disruption of the organization . This is our thought respecting the snbject of physical disqualifications . It has been put into tho fundamental law of Masonry that a
proper pre-requisito to the making a man a Mason is that ho should be hale and sound of body , not deformed nor dismembered . Such a restriction was grafted upon those associations of tho middle ages from which the Masonry of modern times has descended . In those ancient societies the protection of physical labor was the chief thing aimed at . Strength and perfectness of bodily condition wero pssential
to doing the work required ; and it was a wise enactment which provided that the assemblies of thoso old Fraternities should be sound in body and without the touch of any physical drawback . That things' have changed since those olden days is not to be questioned . Masonry has grown into a Fraternity that now exists chiefly for social and benevolent purposes . In view of these changes ,
this natnral progress , there is opportunity for a strong argnment in favour of " letting clown the bars " in tho matter of physical requirements . Brother Hughan presents this sido of the case in an article we have copied , an article that will be sure to command attention . Our opinion , however , is as stated above ; we are disinclined to favor changes in the old and clearly defined provisions of Masonic
law , notwithstanding some of these modifications seem to bo recommended by many good reasons . There is danger in such a course , according to our thought ; for once begin to strike down the landmarks , and there is no telling to what lengths the iconoclastic spirit of the age may proceed . It is better to err on the side of a prudent conservatism , rather than sanction changes in the name of progress that
shall unsettle , perhaps , the whole fabric of the Institntion . Having said this much in the defining of tho position , we only desire to add that in our opinion thero i 3 sometimes given a too arbitrary construction , a too harsh enforcement of the anciont law providing that candidates for Masonry shall be whole in body and physically sound . Is it not something of overscrupnlonsness when a
distinguished Brother avows his belief that a woman or an atheist can just as properly be made a Mason as a man who is deprived of even the joint of his little finger ? Is it not making rather too mnch of the landmark when a surgeon ' s examination is demanded , when a lost joint or some obscure physical weakness is held to be an insuperablo objection to the reception of a candidate , whilo no such
careful scrutiny is instituted respecting moral defects ? Surely there is as much reason for a generous elasticity in tho construction of the law respecting physical qualifications , as thero is for a liberal application of the tests by which tho mental and moral condition is to bo tried . It is not well to strain at gnats and swallow camels . — Freemasons' Repository .
We have received a copy of the Illustrated Australian News . It contains a series of engravings representing tho more important buildings , manufactures , and works at Melbourne , and some of the other towns of Victoria , Australia . Amongst them will be found a view of Melbourne ,
and of the buildings now in course of construction for the International Exhibition which is to be held at that city during 1880 . The newspaper also contains an interesting account , in French and English , of the Colony , its history , its climate , its institutions , and the advantages which it
offers to Colonists , "he illustrations have been well executed , and the paper is full of interesting and highly instructive information . Messrs . David Syme and Co ., of Elizabeth-street , Melbourne , Victoria , are the proprietors . '
Ad01302
Price 3 s Gel , Crown ovo , cloth , gilt , MASONIC PORTRAITS . RKVHijftBD PBOM " THE FBESHASON ' B CUBOUICLE . " LIST OF THE PORTRAITS . 1 . OUR LITERARY BROTHER 17 . THK CHRISTIAN MINISTER Bro . H . 11 . Levy . Bro . Rev . 0 . J . Martyn . 2 . A DISTINGUISHED MASON 18 . Tni : MYSTIC Bro . , J . B . Monckton . Bro . R . Wentworth Little . 3 . THE MAN or ENERGY 19 . A MODEL MASON Bro . John Constable . Bro . L . F . Littell . 4 . FATHER TIME 20 . A CHIP FROM JOPPA Bro . Sir John Bennett . Bro . E . P . Albert . 5 . A CORNER STONE 21 . A PILLAR or MASONRY Bro . Alderman Stono . Bro . E . J . Pago . 6 . THE CRAFTSMAN 22 . BAYARD Bro . Horace Jones , Bro . Capt . Philips . 7 . THE GOWNSMAN 23 . A RIGHT HAND MAN Bro . iEneas J . Mclntyre . Bro . H . G . Buss . 8 . AN EASTERN STAR 24 OUR CITIZEN BROTHER Bro . John G . Stevens . Bro . John Symonds . 9 . THE KNIGHT 1 ERRANT 25 . AN ABLE PRECEPTOR Bro . W . J . Huglmii . Bro . E . Gotthoil . 10 . TnE OCTOGENARIAN 26 . AN ANCIENT BRITON Bro . T . Adams . Bro . J . L . Thomas . 11 . A ZEALOUS OFFICER 27 . THE ARTIST Bro . James Terry . Bro . E . J . Harty . 12 . T HE S OLDIER 28 . T HE F ATHER or THE L ODGE Bro . Lieut .-Col . Creaton . Bro . Richard Spencer . 13 . FROM UNDER THE CROWN 29 . A SHINING LIGHT Bro . J . C . Parkinson . Bio . Magnus Ohren . 14 . OUR HERCULES 30 . AN ART STUDENT Bro . Frederick Binckes . Bro . E . II . Haigh . 15 . A MERCHANT PRINCE 31 . THE MARINER Bro . Sir F . M . Williams . Bro . Thomas Cubitt . 16 . THE CHURCHMAN 32 . A SOLDIER OK FORTUNK Bro . the Rev . J . Huysho . Bro . Jas . Stevens . 33 . "OLD MUG . " Bro . Henry Muggeridge . OPINIONS OE THE PRESS . "A series of articles , biographical , descriptive , and eulogistic , of some of the principal Masonic worthies of tho day . They sire well written , and though personal , by no moans offensive , or intrusivo into private lifo , and in Masonic society will bo welcomed as an interesting series of word paintings of members Of tho Craft . —Standard . " We do not remember to have read any similar series of sketches whioh surpass this in merit . "—Land and Water . " The book will be of grout interest to Masons , containing as it docs pen-andink sketches of the most distinguished men among them , and giving some considerable information on matters Masonic , from various points of view . "Lloyd ' s Newspaper . "Admirably written , being free from what aro too often observed in composition—inelegant language and prolixity . "—Sunday Times . "' J . G . ' writes with a considerable amount of freedom , never hesitating to 'hit off' a weakness whor . ho finds it publicly displayed by a 'distinguished brother ; ' at the samo timo ho never loses sight of a good trait when it is displayed , either in connexion with the Craft or in tho service of the public out of doors . Tho sketches aro lively reading . "—City Press . " This is a neat book . Tho Portraits consist of a series of 'word pictures ' of eminent English Masons . It styles Bro . Vf . J . Hughan ' Knight Errant , ' and sketches thirty-two others under equally uniquo titles . Wo commend the hook as worthy of a place in every Masonic library . "—Voice of Masonry . " Evinces much literary ability , and is a valuable addition to tho few works wo havo in Masonic biography . "—Philadelphia Keystone . " The book ought to bo in every well arranged Masonic Library . " —New York Courier . " Wo value tho work , and heartily thank Bro . Morgan for our copy . "Masonic Jewel . " The portraits consist of a series of what wo call ' pen and ink sketches' of brethren prominent in all tho noblo undertakings of English Masonry . . . . Prominent among his brethren we find Bro . Fred . Binckes , ( 'Our Hercules , ' whoso herculean efforts in behalf of those blessed institutions , the charities of English Masons , have a world-wide reputation , which will live long after the zealous Craftsman has been , ' laid away to rest . ' " —New York Square . " The style of tho author is pleasing , and the quality of his productions highly complimentay to his ability as a writer . "—Masonic Advocate . " It is a valuable contribution to English current literature . " —Masoniclicoicw . " They belong to a kind of writing which has come to be amongst the most popular reading of the day The types aro as general as they are graphic . Tho salient characteristics arc seized with an easy power , and happily hit olf in felicitous phrase . "—Sheffield Post . " Good sensibly written articles . Tho writer prefaces each of his sketches with some pithy common sense remarks . "—Cashel Gazette . " Cleverly and agreeably sketched , and the work altogether forms a valuable addition to Masonic literature . "—Hyde News , "Veryamusing , and beyond doubt , faithful portraits of tho worthies who unconsciously sat for theni . "—Deal , Walmer and Sandwich Mercury . "The members of tho Craft will take it as an acceptable addition to their biographical literatnro . "—Monmouthshire Chronicle . " They are written in a fair and genial tone , thoroughly Masonic . "—Leigh Chronicle . " Should have a very large sale . "—Kingibridge Gazette . "These sketches aro drawn with sparkling ability . " —Banffshire Reporter . "We must sincerely congratulate the author on the success of his endeavour to aim at faithful portraiture , while there is an entire absenco of what might give offence to tho most sensitive mind . "—Folkestone Express . "A very acceptable contribution to tho history of the Order . Tho volume has our warmest commendation . "—Kelso Courier . " Drawn with no little humour , and embellished with many a deft stroke of good natured satire . "—Figaro . " The inquiring Brother who may wish to know something of tho strength and beauty of the principles of Masonry , will find a pleasure in scanning the characteristic pictures in this book . "—The Brii / lionse Sews . " There is a piquancy in the ready off-hand dash that lends much zest to tho subject , and bars it from studied rhetorical expression . " —Hebrew Leader . " There can be no doubt that the writer has produced n series of Portraits which will be a source of amusement and pleasure to Masons throughout tho world . "—Swrcy Cornel . " Will be found very interesting and pleasant reading , especially to tho Masonic world . "—Burnet . Press . " Calculated to raise tho Order—if that bo possible—in the estimation of its members , if not of tho outer world . "—Trowhridye and North Wilts Advertiser " Written iu a . spirited , racy style , and conveying , in as clear a manner as possible , a 'counterfeit presentment' of some of the rulers of the Craft . "Essex Standard , London : W . W . MORGAN . By Order of all Booksellers , or will bo sent free by post , direct from the Office , 67 Barbican .