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Article TO THE EDITOR. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
To The Editor.
TO THE EDITOR .
Sm , —I regret to observe that your last number contained some very bitter remarks on the condition of Scotch Masonry , and that you have gone the unwarrantable length of accusing the whole Brotherhood of uproriousness and immorality . I cannot subscribe to such an indiscriminate condemnation . I know many worthy members of the Craft who are far above the reach of censure . Others there are to Avhomperhapsthe character may be applied .
, , At present , the noble Grand Master , the Duke of Athol , is labouring hard to maintain proper discipline in the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and in the other Lodges . A salutary law has been some time in force , enacting that an interval of fourteen days shall transpire between each ofthe three degrees ; but the following amendment has recently been added , which will no doubt be fatal to this very judicious enactment : " That in cases of emergency they may depart from the law as to the interval of time
between each Degree , but in such cases the causes of departure from the laiv shall be inserted in the Lodge minutes , and reported by that Lodge to the Grand Lodge . " I understand that this clause met with very great opposition from the noble Grand Master , in proof of ivhich he afterwards expressed " on earnest hope , that the discretionary power thus restored to Masters and Lodges , to pass and raise at a shorter interval than two Aveeks between each Degree , ivould not be abused , and
only resorted to in cases of urgent and imperative necessity . " A significant proof of the Duke ' s non-concurrence in the dangerous innovation . It is , moreover , my firm belief , that the noble Grand Master , considering the elements he has to overrule , is at heart one of the best Masons , and spares no toil or pains to maintain the dignity of his office to the honour of the Craft . But the Officers of the Grand Lodge are far from being unanimous ; and those , too , Avhose offices are in a manner
inseparable , are themselves separated , and at variance ivith each other ! Instead , therefore , of bringing before the review of the Grand Master all matters in form and order , he has frequently to arrange them himself . The number of Lodges suffered to go in arrear either of return of entrants , or of annual certificates , from two to five years , is no less than sixty . Those for five years were " alloived three months more grace previous to being declared dormant , and erased from the Grand Lodge Roll . "
The Scottish Masonic Benevolent Fund is progressing very favourably , and has by last report afforded relief to twenty-seven Brother Masons and thirty-one widoivs and children of Masons . Several excellent enactments have been made to secure the prosperity of tbe Charity , inter alia , " that no Brother in arrear of his contribution to the Fund of Benevolence shall be eligible to be elected as an office bearer or Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge . " From the following statement it will be seen that Scotch Freemasonry
is steadily on the increase , which is generally attributed fo the active personal superintendence of the Most Worshipful Grand Master , whose attention to the business of the Grand Lodge has been unremitting and laborious . Entrants per Grand Lodge Books ending 30 th April , 1849 ,. 1078 . „ „ „ 1850 ., 1169 . „ „ „ 1851 .. 1429 , I ha ve the honour to remain , Sir and Brother , fraternally Yours , A SCOTO-SAXON MASON ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
To The Editor.
TO THE EDITOR .
Sm , —I regret to observe that your last number contained some very bitter remarks on the condition of Scotch Masonry , and that you have gone the unwarrantable length of accusing the whole Brotherhood of uproriousness and immorality . I cannot subscribe to such an indiscriminate condemnation . I know many worthy members of the Craft who are far above the reach of censure . Others there are to Avhomperhapsthe character may be applied .
, , At present , the noble Grand Master , the Duke of Athol , is labouring hard to maintain proper discipline in the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and in the other Lodges . A salutary law has been some time in force , enacting that an interval of fourteen days shall transpire between each ofthe three degrees ; but the following amendment has recently been added , which will no doubt be fatal to this very judicious enactment : " That in cases of emergency they may depart from the law as to the interval of time
between each Degree , but in such cases the causes of departure from the laiv shall be inserted in the Lodge minutes , and reported by that Lodge to the Grand Lodge . " I understand that this clause met with very great opposition from the noble Grand Master , in proof of ivhich he afterwards expressed " on earnest hope , that the discretionary power thus restored to Masters and Lodges , to pass and raise at a shorter interval than two Aveeks between each Degree , ivould not be abused , and
only resorted to in cases of urgent and imperative necessity . " A significant proof of the Duke ' s non-concurrence in the dangerous innovation . It is , moreover , my firm belief , that the noble Grand Master , considering the elements he has to overrule , is at heart one of the best Masons , and spares no toil or pains to maintain the dignity of his office to the honour of the Craft . But the Officers of the Grand Lodge are far from being unanimous ; and those , too , Avhose offices are in a manner
inseparable , are themselves separated , and at variance ivith each other ! Instead , therefore , of bringing before the review of the Grand Master all matters in form and order , he has frequently to arrange them himself . The number of Lodges suffered to go in arrear either of return of entrants , or of annual certificates , from two to five years , is no less than sixty . Those for five years were " alloived three months more grace previous to being declared dormant , and erased from the Grand Lodge Roll . "
The Scottish Masonic Benevolent Fund is progressing very favourably , and has by last report afforded relief to twenty-seven Brother Masons and thirty-one widoivs and children of Masons . Several excellent enactments have been made to secure the prosperity of tbe Charity , inter alia , " that no Brother in arrear of his contribution to the Fund of Benevolence shall be eligible to be elected as an office bearer or Grand Steward of the Grand Lodge . " From the following statement it will be seen that Scotch Freemasonry
is steadily on the increase , which is generally attributed fo the active personal superintendence of the Most Worshipful Grand Master , whose attention to the business of the Grand Lodge has been unremitting and laborious . Entrants per Grand Lodge Books ending 30 th April , 1849 ,. 1078 . „ „ „ 1850 ., 1169 . „ „ „ 1851 .. 1429 , I ha ve the honour to remain , Sir and Brother , fraternally Yours , A SCOTO-SAXON MASON ,