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Article NOTES ON MASONRY IN BENGAL. ← Page 2 of 7 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Notes On Masonry In Bengal.
spirit , and when notwithstanding this , there are errors which very urgently require rectification , it may not be a profitless task to examine the subject , and , if possible , to ascertain what are the causes which thus banefully operate . If we succeed in the endeavour , then and then only will those whose duty and happiness it is to rule and govern the Craft , be able to apply the proper remedy , and remove the canker which is devouring the fruit .
On mature consideration , it appears that there are some obstacles to the success of Masonry in India , which may be called natural—since they spring from the circumstances in which people are there placed . First , the distance at which the lodges in India , as a country , are placed from the mother country , and consequently , the head-quarters of Masonry ; likewise the consequent partial interruption of that free and frequent communication and intercourse , with the best information ,
which so greatly tend to the uniformity of practice in the principles of the Art , and which distinguishes the Masonry of the United Kingdom . There have been frequent attempts made to remedy this drawback , and the zeal of individuals has done much to obviate the disadvantages which continually result from the circumstance alluded to ; but strenuous as have been the endeavours of these Brethren , both in labouring incessantly in their vocation in Englandand in disseminating knowledge
, in India , they have failed in doing all that the ardent Mason might wish to see accomplished , as the present state of many of our Oriental Structures may show . This partly arises from a second general cause , generic with the former , but specifically different , that is , the distance of the different Lodges one from another . The Stations at which , from
the number of Brethren resident it is possible to hold a Lodge , are so far apart , that the intercommunication is all but cut off ; so that the knowledge possessed by the Lodge as a body , is almost invariably confined to itself , and mutual instruction , by means of visiting and friendly meeting , is , in most cases , impossible . The vast tract of country over which the Lodges are spread , is a barrier almost insuperable to this very desirable and profitable end . It is almost as equally impossible for
single Brethren to go so long a journey , to receive or communicate -Masonic lore , since every one in India either holds office under government , or is concerned in important commercial affairs , which require his constant and immediate superintendance . In the first case , leave of absence is not always procurable ; and in the other , whatever may be the zeal of the individual , the risk being too great , the case falls under the Masonic Rule so well known to the Brethren , which for proper
reasons , prohibits such a sacrifice . The third , and perhaps , the principal obstacle against Masonry in the East Indies , is the peculiar nature of the-society there , and its liability to perpetual fluctuation . The whole of the society , with a very few exceptions , numerically most trifling , are as before observed , servants of the government in one branch or ether . Permanency of residence , is an idea which enters the head of no one in India : some may stay longer than othersbut sooner or later
, the move must come . The exigencies of the service are not to be gainsayed : the officers military , civil , or ministerial , must go where , if glory awaits them or no , they arc ordered . We will set forth a case of not unfrequent occurrence . There is a station where five or six regiments , mostly recently arrived , are cantoned . In process of time , those heretofore strangers , begin to become acquainted and familiar . There may have been a Lodge before , almost extinct , on account of the removal of
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Notes On Masonry In Bengal.
spirit , and when notwithstanding this , there are errors which very urgently require rectification , it may not be a profitless task to examine the subject , and , if possible , to ascertain what are the causes which thus banefully operate . If we succeed in the endeavour , then and then only will those whose duty and happiness it is to rule and govern the Craft , be able to apply the proper remedy , and remove the canker which is devouring the fruit .
On mature consideration , it appears that there are some obstacles to the success of Masonry in India , which may be called natural—since they spring from the circumstances in which people are there placed . First , the distance at which the lodges in India , as a country , are placed from the mother country , and consequently , the head-quarters of Masonry ; likewise the consequent partial interruption of that free and frequent communication and intercourse , with the best information ,
which so greatly tend to the uniformity of practice in the principles of the Art , and which distinguishes the Masonry of the United Kingdom . There have been frequent attempts made to remedy this drawback , and the zeal of individuals has done much to obviate the disadvantages which continually result from the circumstance alluded to ; but strenuous as have been the endeavours of these Brethren , both in labouring incessantly in their vocation in Englandand in disseminating knowledge
, in India , they have failed in doing all that the ardent Mason might wish to see accomplished , as the present state of many of our Oriental Structures may show . This partly arises from a second general cause , generic with the former , but specifically different , that is , the distance of the different Lodges one from another . The Stations at which , from
the number of Brethren resident it is possible to hold a Lodge , are so far apart , that the intercommunication is all but cut off ; so that the knowledge possessed by the Lodge as a body , is almost invariably confined to itself , and mutual instruction , by means of visiting and friendly meeting , is , in most cases , impossible . The vast tract of country over which the Lodges are spread , is a barrier almost insuperable to this very desirable and profitable end . It is almost as equally impossible for
single Brethren to go so long a journey , to receive or communicate -Masonic lore , since every one in India either holds office under government , or is concerned in important commercial affairs , which require his constant and immediate superintendance . In the first case , leave of absence is not always procurable ; and in the other , whatever may be the zeal of the individual , the risk being too great , the case falls under the Masonic Rule so well known to the Brethren , which for proper
reasons , prohibits such a sacrifice . The third , and perhaps , the principal obstacle against Masonry in the East Indies , is the peculiar nature of the-society there , and its liability to perpetual fluctuation . The whole of the society , with a very few exceptions , numerically most trifling , are as before observed , servants of the government in one branch or ether . Permanency of residence , is an idea which enters the head of no one in India : some may stay longer than othersbut sooner or later
, the move must come . The exigencies of the service are not to be gainsayed : the officers military , civil , or ministerial , must go where , if glory awaits them or no , they arc ordered . We will set forth a case of not unfrequent occurrence . There is a station where five or six regiments , mostly recently arrived , are cantoned . In process of time , those heretofore strangers , begin to become acquainted and familiar . There may have been a Lodge before , almost extinct , on account of the removal of