Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
India.
in the Malta Pastoral ; therefore , it is not to be expected that its course can be more smooth and even among a new people , with manners and habits so different from European nations . Nor are we astonished or surprised , at finding some of the old but most influential native gentlemen , putting , as far as they can do so , a direct veto on those over whom they have influence from entering into the Order , whilst the only reason assigned isthat it will bring them into too near a contact with
Euro-, peans ; and that they may be letl to eat anil drink with them : and most Indian families being still conducted on the patriarchal principle , and all branches of it generally residing under one roof , this check has had some influence , especially amongst the Parsees . Still , however , there have been already eight initiations of native gentlemen into our Order ; and others have gone through preliminaries that will enable them to be introduced at subsequent meetings ; ancl their conduct and example will
no doubt ultimately soften down , if not entirely do away with , existing prejudices , which a want of knowledge alone has given birth to ; for the bright light of truth must one day clear away the dark ancl dismal clouds of calumny , superstition , ancl ignorance . Nevertheless , the Bombay Brethren do not look forward to , or wish for , either a great influx of members , or a rapid advancement of them through the different degrees ; on the contrary , they are most careful and cautious in their selections . It is not to all who knock that the
door is opened ; but most anxious are they that no objectionable person should gain admittance . The fee is high , and the scrutiny severe , whilst the examination before advancement is critical ancl searching ; and a good practical knowledge of one degree is required before a second step is given—the by-laws requiring a much longer period to elapse than stated by the Constitutions . One point more , and 1 have done for the present—the Lodge "Rising Star" ranks under the banners of the Grand Lodge of Scotlandin
com-, mon with all the Lodges at present working in Western India . Unnatural mothers will ever produce undutil ' ul children ; the Grancl Lodge of England having proved herself an inattentive and disobliging guardian , a foster mother has been found , who will watch more carefully over her adopted children . To the citizen of the world it little signifies under what banner he ranges himself , provided it be a truly Masonic one ; and whether the Rose , the Shamrock , or the Thistle be emblazoned
upon it , he can still work on with that love and harmeny that should ever characterise free and accepted Masons . But with age parents become feeble , ancl often even disabled ; it , therefore , behoves them to cherish their offspring , so that in the evening of weakness and in trouble , youthful ancl willing Lewises may be found to lend their strength and support when needed . But children cannot always endure neglect , even from their own parent—much may be borne ; but there is a point at which even filial love will cease .
Bombay , June 19 , 1844 . FRATER . HONG KONG . —The latest intelligence from this country announces , that Bro . H . C . Sum ( representative from the Grand Lodge of Ireland to the Grancl Master of England ) , has thrown up his appointment as : Consul , and intends practising as a lawyer . *
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
India.
in the Malta Pastoral ; therefore , it is not to be expected that its course can be more smooth and even among a new people , with manners and habits so different from European nations . Nor are we astonished or surprised , at finding some of the old but most influential native gentlemen , putting , as far as they can do so , a direct veto on those over whom they have influence from entering into the Order , whilst the only reason assigned isthat it will bring them into too near a contact with
Euro-, peans ; and that they may be letl to eat anil drink with them : and most Indian families being still conducted on the patriarchal principle , and all branches of it generally residing under one roof , this check has had some influence , especially amongst the Parsees . Still , however , there have been already eight initiations of native gentlemen into our Order ; and others have gone through preliminaries that will enable them to be introduced at subsequent meetings ; ancl their conduct and example will
no doubt ultimately soften down , if not entirely do away with , existing prejudices , which a want of knowledge alone has given birth to ; for the bright light of truth must one day clear away the dark ancl dismal clouds of calumny , superstition , ancl ignorance . Nevertheless , the Bombay Brethren do not look forward to , or wish for , either a great influx of members , or a rapid advancement of them through the different degrees ; on the contrary , they are most careful and cautious in their selections . It is not to all who knock that the
door is opened ; but most anxious are they that no objectionable person should gain admittance . The fee is high , and the scrutiny severe , whilst the examination before advancement is critical ancl searching ; and a good practical knowledge of one degree is required before a second step is given—the by-laws requiring a much longer period to elapse than stated by the Constitutions . One point more , and 1 have done for the present—the Lodge "Rising Star" ranks under the banners of the Grand Lodge of Scotlandin
com-, mon with all the Lodges at present working in Western India . Unnatural mothers will ever produce undutil ' ul children ; the Grancl Lodge of England having proved herself an inattentive and disobliging guardian , a foster mother has been found , who will watch more carefully over her adopted children . To the citizen of the world it little signifies under what banner he ranges himself , provided it be a truly Masonic one ; and whether the Rose , the Shamrock , or the Thistle be emblazoned
upon it , he can still work on with that love and harmeny that should ever characterise free and accepted Masons . But with age parents become feeble , ancl often even disabled ; it , therefore , behoves them to cherish their offspring , so that in the evening of weakness and in trouble , youthful ancl willing Lewises may be found to lend their strength and support when needed . But children cannot always endure neglect , even from their own parent—much may be borne ; but there is a point at which even filial love will cease .
Bombay , June 19 , 1844 . FRATER . HONG KONG . —The latest intelligence from this country announces , that Bro . H . C . Sum ( representative from the Grand Lodge of Ireland to the Grancl Master of England ) , has thrown up his appointment as : Consul , and intends practising as a lawyer . *