Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Evening Star Lodge, No. 1719.
connected with that pursuit . I trust that the Evening Star Lodge , as its name implies , will , when the day draws to close , lig ht up the world , and will show that its members at any rate are anxious to throw light upon the Craft , which no doubt they themselves love , and that they will brinsr ' 'he Craft such men as will be an ornament to it , and not only an ornament to the Craft itself ,
but an ornament to this lodge in particular . Brethren , I will not detain you longer , but I will call upon my good friend , Bro . Woodford , for the opening prayer . The ceremony then proceeded up to the point at which the Chap lain delivers the oration , when Bro . Hervey called upon Bro . Woodford to address the brethren . In compliance with the request , Bro . the Rev . A . F . A .
Woodford , P . G . C , then delivered the following oration : V . W . Presiding Officer , Bro . Wardens , and Brethren , — Thoug h I esteem myself highly privileged in being permitted to address you on the present occasion , I yet feel how very difficult the function of the Orator becomes when he has to avoid trespassing on the ground of others abler than himself , or repeating an " oft told tale . " What / then ,
shall I say to you to-day—what can I say about Freemasonry , the nature and design of its institution , which may in any sense be worthy of the occasion , or of that great Order , to which we all belong ? You have so often listened to eloquent di-quisi'ions on Freemasonry , to forcible representations of what it is , and what it is not , of what it ought to be , and what it cannot be , that there seems on these
recurring ceremonies , but little left , even to the most expert and themostenthusiasticof us all , to advance . orto enounce . And vet , Sir , I make bold to think , ( though I may be wrong ) , that as things best known to us are often undervalued and things closest to us are often overlooked , so there are some " points " in- Freemasonry , which , on such crlehrations as these , it is good for us all alike to be
reminded of ; it is improving for us all alike to realize and record . Leaving then , all the abstract dogmata , and well-known technicalities of Freemasonry behind , let us go on to-day , Sir , to consider carefully a few suggestions which may be valuable and edifying to all ranks and conditions amongst us . And , first of all , is it not wise for us , as a body , I make bold to ask , always most anxiously
lo give heed to the salutory advice of our Illustrious and Royal Grand Master , " Keep clear of Politics ? " I do not mean to say that we in England are in any danger of becoming a political club , or a heated caucus of hysterical politicians , because undoubtedly we are not . But what I apprehend our Grand Master meant in his kindly and seasonable words was , that we should sedulously guard
against all tendencies which might lead to anything like an avowal of opinions as Freemasons favourable to this party or that . For Freemasonry is absolutely colourless as regards political cries and prepossessions ; it knows nothing of them , directly or indirectly ; it utterly abjures them one and all . Outside the lodge , indeed , as free citizens , we may range ourselve . s under this or that party banner , we may
avow ourselves , as Englishmen , loyal followers of this or that leader , and no blame can attach to any of us . But inside the lodge , within the sacred portals of Freemasonry , our political opinions ought to be in suspense , in quiescence , yes , and altogether unknown ! It is one of the greatest charms of Freemasonry , that many of us most conscientiously
severed in the world without , can meet as Freemasons , ignoring all party distinctions . We agree to differ , we differ tu agree ; and the only politics we know of amongst us , arc , that Masonic Conscrvativism , which strenuously upholds the ancient custom of labour and refreshment , that Masonic Liberalism , which renders our hearts and hanrls open and free as " Melting Charity . " And
while then , we may honestly congratulate ourselves in lingland on the happy privileges of our Order in this respect , what do we often just now see or hear of abroad ? Alas , but this , that an utter forgetfulness of the goodly axiom , " Keep clear of Politics , " has brought discredit and Joubt on Masonic professions and Masonic Lodges . Nay , we listen constantly , at this very moment , to accounts
of the closing of foreign lodges . Why ? Because in the eyes of the authorities they have become only " centres of political propagandism . " I do not stop to-day to enter upon , as indeed I cannot , the right or wrong of such •lets , or the justice or the injustice of such allegations . Sufficient for me that they take place , that they are put forward at all , to strengthen my argument , to uphold my
contention . But I leel bound in justice to say this , that 'he proceedings and professions of some foreign lodges appear so coi . trary to all that we are taught in England to consider as agreeable to the true doctrine of Freemasonry , that I for one am not the least surprised when I hear , that lodges which are so forgetful of the leading Punci plcs of Freemasonry as to discuss affairs of state and
publish purely political resolutions , are " closed by authority . " For we must always bear in mind a truth which we sometimes forget , that all states , qua states , ave a right to object to professed secret societies , discussing public affairs . In England , we exist as a secret society by . express permission of the legislature , but vvith this proviso , and on this distinct undertaking , .. r- " >* ji- ) anu uu luu uunuui uilWblt . a . IWljgr at
ye have nothing to do with politics , and that we ssociate together only for the purpose of social union , and ^ nevolent efforts . No lodge of Freemasons , then , anyerc , has a right to claim the condition of secrecy in ^ « cr to discuss matters which only belong to the legislate , and then express astonishment if it is forbidden to he-re i ° r . clnsed a'togctherby the state . So let us rejoice that m hngland such be addressed to to
no reproach can us . \ v s '" - "u nu sucn reproacn can oe auaressea us . l 0 . ^ emphatically a loyal order , "Charity and to J .- our mott 0 ' we are loyal t 0 the Throne , loyal ereT •¦'' Master . loyal to Grand Lodge , loyal to those const PCWClples ° public otder and P ersonal freedom which out wlYii stren gth and cohesion of society , and withand n > M- We should inevitably drift into social confusion Public anarch y . We are , as Freemasons , if lovers of
Consecration Of The Evening Star Lodge, No. 1719.
peace and progress , opponents of all revolution and intestine commotions , the mischevious principles of violent change , because we know so well from dearly bought experience , the blessings of civil and religious liberty , the onward and tolerant dissemination of those distinguishing foundation-truths , which constitute the safety of nations , advance the happiness of society , and tend to
maintain the greatness and glory of that mighty empire of which we all are confiding and rejoicing citizens . I think , Sir , that I have said enough on this topic , and which I perhaps should not have troubled you with at all , had not recent proceedings abroad led me to think that such remarks might be both suitable , and seasonable , and not unacceptable , in this present assembly , by way of protest
so to say , against unwise proceedings and unmasontc theories elsewhere , which seem to detract from the august and loyal character of Preemasonry . And now Sir , I wish to call the attention of this numerous antl important gathering , to the need of firm adherence to our great principle of toleration . In English Freemasonry , happily , we have no requirement , ( let us ho e ) , to
insist on its necessity , or to enforce its sacred and abiding duty . We properly admit all within the Masonic Family , who , venerating and acknowledging T . G . A . O . T . U ., as children of one Divine Parent , are willing to associate to gether frr the purpose of Masonic beneficence and humanitarian sympathy . We repudiate , it is true , the Atheist , and we reject the libertine , wishful that
our lodges , symbolical ever of what is good , of what is beneficent , of what is true , and lightened up by wisdom , strength , and beauty , should be rallying points in a world of division and dispersion , for virtuous aspirations and intelligent minds , linked in bonds of fraternal friendship ; and animated , directed , and restrained by all the moral and all the social virtues . And
in order to ensure the attention , anil carry conviction to the minds of all our members , we base all our moral teaching on the Divinely given law of God , and we make His Word the distinguishing ornament of all our lodge rooms , and the mentor and sanction of all our actions through life . By it , as Fretmasons , we profess to govern our tongues and our deeds , to control our tempers , and
our strivings , to direct our footstep ? , and to dominate our hearts . But beyond this we do not go , we neither stop to dogmatize , nor do we wish to denounce . And though there will always be in English Freemasonry , probably , a more limited and a more expansive school of teaching , yet our avowed and authoritative formularies are based on the broad foundation , let us always remember , of a simple
Theistic tearhingon the one hand , and a Universal Fraternity on the other . Hence under our beneficial and kindly lodge , Christians and Hebrews , Hindoos , and Parsees , Mahommedans and Bhuddists , can all assemble in our lodges because , without the surrender of any individual principle of personal creed , they all concur in accepting a common formulary of belief in God the Father ,
the Creator , the Ruler , the Judge of all men , the Supreme Grand Master of the great brotherhood of us children of the dust . It is very remarkable that just now , from various opposing points , we have to contend with a serious infraction of the great principle of toleration ! Yes , in tHs world of ours , there still lingers a spirit of direct intolerance , which as
Freemasons we ought always to disavow . In Germany for instance , in more than one Grand Lodge Hebrews are not admitted , as they have every claim to be , to the privileges of Freemasonry , and I feel for one , bound on the present occasion , to point out , that such proceedings are contrary to every principal of abstract justice and true toleration . I need say nothing to-day of the worth or
kindly spirit of our Hebrew brethren . They arc well known to us all , and here in England , we happily boast a large number of hard-working members of our Order , who are ever animated by its excellent principles , and prove themselves indeed to be worthy men and true Masons 1 Truly , then , we must all deplore that in any lodges of Freemasons , Hebrews are inadmissable , simply
because they are Hebrews , and that any Hebrew should be excluded by any possible law , or on any possible grounds , as a Hebrew , we must feel is a proceeding worthy only of the dark ages and bye-gone seasons of cruel oppression and slander . It is of course always very difficult to interfere with independent Grand Lodges , which have a right to make their own laws , but I think we may say
this , and shall say this in England , that the exclusion of the Hebrews from Masonry is unworthy of any body of Freemasons , is a discredit to our Cosmopolitian Order , and utterly at variance with all the principles of true Freemasonry . Equally worthy of animadversion , as I regard it , is that attempt now being made in France and Belguim to exclude the name of God from the
Constitutions . They have long since banished the Bible from their lodges , and it is not cnnatural , perhaps , that they dislike any longer to assent to any belief in God . It is a sad , if logical corollary on the previous act of intolerance and injustice . For , in my humble opinion , it is an act of the highest intolerance and injustice combined , so to act , and it can only result , humanly speaking , in the
bringing down to the ground that most unhallowed fabric , which like the building of Babel of old , some French and Belgian " libres penseurs " seem to think can do without the name and presence of God to bless their labours , and consecrate their undertaking , forgetting the best of all teaching "Except the Lord bless the house , their labour is lost that build it . " And what , Sir , can I
say of that gross intolerance of an Ultramontane party , which is now cursing the living , refusing to bless the dying , and even disinterring the bones of the dead ? I think our best position is dignified silence , only premising that in my opinion the acts of intolerance which the Church of Rome daily rejoices in and applauds , must only recoil upon itself , and are in truth a parody on all religion , a discredit to civilization , and a dishonour to God I
Consecration Of The Evening Star Lodge, No. 1719.
There are two more points to which I think it well to allude before I sit down . We have amongst us , just now , a prejudicial tendency to admit , too rapidly and unreservedly , new members . There is a teaching popular with some of us , that if a man can pay his fees , and is in reputable circumstances , all the prerequisite conditions for initiation are complied with , and that we ought not
to be too particular I Now , Freemasonry , I think it right to remind you , can never be strong , simply in numbers , especially , if we are admitting those who , for many reasons , ought never to have been received amongst us , at all . Unless we take care we are in great danger of making Freemasonry a great benefit society , against which , sir , as you will remember our old and admirable
G . M ., Lord Zetland , so often protested . For so great now are the material advantages which our -Order possesses that many , I fear , come into it , not for what it is , or may be to them , but for what they themselves may receive from it . As a great , charitable and benevolent Order , Freemasonry , has perhaps , the highest position of any earthly Society in England ; but reduce it to the level of
a large benefit Order , not only do we destroy its " prestige" and do away with its utility , but we as certainly pave the way for its eventual dissolution and fall . Let us , then , be on our guard against any proposal , or any teaching that would lose sight of the essential distinction between Freemasonry and every other benefit Order in existence . And one more point , let us
as Freemasons keep out of the law courts . Of course , Her Majesty ' s courts are open to all of us , Freemason : though we be , when need requires it , but whit I mean i-t . ( to use a vulgar expression ) " lrt us wash our dirty linen at home . " Let us submit all Masonic causes of complaint to our own proper tribunals . If we have differences , let u ; employ Masonic arbitrators , and you , sir , in any difficult
or delicate question would be willing to give combatant brethren the great benefit of your healing counsels an I friendly advice . But let us be ashamed to parade Masonic questions of dispute before an amused public , and let us lay to heart the salutary and impressive rebuke of Bro . Justice Field . Verbum sat sapienti . And now , sir , I have done . I am very glad to have been permitted to say a
few more words in favour of our great Order , to which a long apprenticeship has deeply attached me , and to commend earnestly its claims of utility , good , and value , tJ the attention and affection of my younger brethren especially . You and I , sir , are both , as we say , " getting on " in years , and we have seen many days of work in "AulJ Lang Syne , " and you will agree with me when I assert
that the principles of Freemasonry , rightly understood , and duly carried into practice , tend as well to the public welfare , as to individual happiness , to the honour of God and the peaceful progress of man . The true Freemason always rejoices to think , that he has been permitted to form part of our religious , our cultivated , our generous , our pleasant brotherhood , and like the Masonic poet would say , in the very spirit of the truest Mason teaching ,
" Oh , Power Supreme , unsearchable thy views , Omniscient or to give , or to refuse ; Grant me , as I began , to end my days , In acts of humble charity and praise . In Thy own paths my journey let me run , And as in Heaven , on Earth ' Thy will be done . '" With one sincere aspiration for the new lodge I conclude
my imperfect address . May the members of the Evening Star Lodge , now about to be consecrated , ever shine forth before the Craft as worthy Masons , and good men , zealous for the unchanging principles of Masonic light and toleration , earnest supporters of our great charities , and distinguished on the roll of English lodges , by their loyalty to their Grand Master , their obedience to Grand Lodge , and
that prevailing character for works , hospitably , and true Masonic sentiments , which will raise them high in the good opinion of their brethren in Freemasonry . Above all , may all their labours and efforts tend to the honour of our wide-spread brotherhood , the welfare o the human race , the comfort , unity , and edification of all the present and future members of this lodge , whose consecration we are
privileged to witness to-day , and which claims our " hearty good wishes , " and our sympathetic and cordial support , when , as to day , it opens out its Masonic career , and begins under solemn sanctions its Masonic life , as an offshoot of our great Masonic tree . Hearty applause followed the delivery of this oration . The ceremony of consecration wai then completed , and
Bro . Hervey installed Bro . Alexander James Duff Filer as Master of the lodge . The officers appointed were Bro . Dr . Whitmore , P . M . ; Bro . John Aird , S . W . ; Bro . T . N . Kirkham , J . W . ; James Glaisher , Treasurer ; M . Ohren , Secretary ; W . Sugg , S . D . ; T . A . Greene , J . D . ; Hodgson Jones , I . G . ; and C . T . Speight , Tyler . Several joining members and initiates were proposed for an
emergency meeting to be held on the 23 rd of October , and Bro . Ohren informed the W . M . that all the furniture of the lodge , such as the collars and jewels , all of which were very beautiful , had been presented by the officers of the lodge , and at the next meeting the lodge would propose a vote of thanks to them for their handsome presents .
On the motion of the W . M ., seconded by Bro . Magnus Ohren , a vote of thanks was passed to the Consecrating Officer , and the honorary membership of the lodge was conferred upon Bros . Hervey , Woodford , Fenn , Hyde Pullen , and Buss ; and Bro . Hervey having acknowledged the compliment , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Freemasons' Tavern , where a banquet
of the choicest description was provided by Bro . E . Dawkins , the manager . At the conclusion of the repast grace was sung by the musical brethren , and the W . M . proceeded with the toasts . The toasts of " The Queen and the Craft , " and " The M . W . G . M . " having been disposed of , the W . M . proposed the toast of " The Pro G . M ., the Den , G . M ., and the res '
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Consecration Of The Evening Star Lodge, No. 1719.
connected with that pursuit . I trust that the Evening Star Lodge , as its name implies , will , when the day draws to close , lig ht up the world , and will show that its members at any rate are anxious to throw light upon the Craft , which no doubt they themselves love , and that they will brinsr ' 'he Craft such men as will be an ornament to it , and not only an ornament to the Craft itself ,
but an ornament to this lodge in particular . Brethren , I will not detain you longer , but I will call upon my good friend , Bro . Woodford , for the opening prayer . The ceremony then proceeded up to the point at which the Chap lain delivers the oration , when Bro . Hervey called upon Bro . Woodford to address the brethren . In compliance with the request , Bro . the Rev . A . F . A .
Woodford , P . G . C , then delivered the following oration : V . W . Presiding Officer , Bro . Wardens , and Brethren , — Thoug h I esteem myself highly privileged in being permitted to address you on the present occasion , I yet feel how very difficult the function of the Orator becomes when he has to avoid trespassing on the ground of others abler than himself , or repeating an " oft told tale . " What / then ,
shall I say to you to-day—what can I say about Freemasonry , the nature and design of its institution , which may in any sense be worthy of the occasion , or of that great Order , to which we all belong ? You have so often listened to eloquent di-quisi'ions on Freemasonry , to forcible representations of what it is , and what it is not , of what it ought to be , and what it cannot be , that there seems on these
recurring ceremonies , but little left , even to the most expert and themostenthusiasticof us all , to advance . orto enounce . And vet , Sir , I make bold to think , ( though I may be wrong ) , that as things best known to us are often undervalued and things closest to us are often overlooked , so there are some " points " in- Freemasonry , which , on such crlehrations as these , it is good for us all alike to be
reminded of ; it is improving for us all alike to realize and record . Leaving then , all the abstract dogmata , and well-known technicalities of Freemasonry behind , let us go on to-day , Sir , to consider carefully a few suggestions which may be valuable and edifying to all ranks and conditions amongst us . And , first of all , is it not wise for us , as a body , I make bold to ask , always most anxiously
lo give heed to the salutory advice of our Illustrious and Royal Grand Master , " Keep clear of Politics ? " I do not mean to say that we in England are in any danger of becoming a political club , or a heated caucus of hysterical politicians , because undoubtedly we are not . But what I apprehend our Grand Master meant in his kindly and seasonable words was , that we should sedulously guard
against all tendencies which might lead to anything like an avowal of opinions as Freemasons favourable to this party or that . For Freemasonry is absolutely colourless as regards political cries and prepossessions ; it knows nothing of them , directly or indirectly ; it utterly abjures them one and all . Outside the lodge , indeed , as free citizens , we may range ourselve . s under this or that party banner , we may
avow ourselves , as Englishmen , loyal followers of this or that leader , and no blame can attach to any of us . But inside the lodge , within the sacred portals of Freemasonry , our political opinions ought to be in suspense , in quiescence , yes , and altogether unknown ! It is one of the greatest charms of Freemasonry , that many of us most conscientiously
severed in the world without , can meet as Freemasons , ignoring all party distinctions . We agree to differ , we differ tu agree ; and the only politics we know of amongst us , arc , that Masonic Conscrvativism , which strenuously upholds the ancient custom of labour and refreshment , that Masonic Liberalism , which renders our hearts and hanrls open and free as " Melting Charity . " And
while then , we may honestly congratulate ourselves in lingland on the happy privileges of our Order in this respect , what do we often just now see or hear of abroad ? Alas , but this , that an utter forgetfulness of the goodly axiom , " Keep clear of Politics , " has brought discredit and Joubt on Masonic professions and Masonic Lodges . Nay , we listen constantly , at this very moment , to accounts
of the closing of foreign lodges . Why ? Because in the eyes of the authorities they have become only " centres of political propagandism . " I do not stop to-day to enter upon , as indeed I cannot , the right or wrong of such •lets , or the justice or the injustice of such allegations . Sufficient for me that they take place , that they are put forward at all , to strengthen my argument , to uphold my
contention . But I leel bound in justice to say this , that 'he proceedings and professions of some foreign lodges appear so coi . trary to all that we are taught in England to consider as agreeable to the true doctrine of Freemasonry , that I for one am not the least surprised when I hear , that lodges which are so forgetful of the leading Punci plcs of Freemasonry as to discuss affairs of state and
publish purely political resolutions , are " closed by authority . " For we must always bear in mind a truth which we sometimes forget , that all states , qua states , ave a right to object to professed secret societies , discussing public affairs . In England , we exist as a secret society by . express permission of the legislature , but vvith this proviso , and on this distinct undertaking , .. r- " >* ji- ) anu uu luu uunuui uilWblt . a . IWljgr at
ye have nothing to do with politics , and that we ssociate together only for the purpose of social union , and ^ nevolent efforts . No lodge of Freemasons , then , anyerc , has a right to claim the condition of secrecy in ^ « cr to discuss matters which only belong to the legislate , and then express astonishment if it is forbidden to he-re i ° r . clnsed a'togctherby the state . So let us rejoice that m hngland such be addressed to to
no reproach can us . \ v s '" - "u nu sucn reproacn can oe auaressea us . l 0 . ^ emphatically a loyal order , "Charity and to J .- our mott 0 ' we are loyal t 0 the Throne , loyal ereT •¦'' Master . loyal to Grand Lodge , loyal to those const PCWClples ° public otder and P ersonal freedom which out wlYii stren gth and cohesion of society , and withand n > M- We should inevitably drift into social confusion Public anarch y . We are , as Freemasons , if lovers of
Consecration Of The Evening Star Lodge, No. 1719.
peace and progress , opponents of all revolution and intestine commotions , the mischevious principles of violent change , because we know so well from dearly bought experience , the blessings of civil and religious liberty , the onward and tolerant dissemination of those distinguishing foundation-truths , which constitute the safety of nations , advance the happiness of society , and tend to
maintain the greatness and glory of that mighty empire of which we all are confiding and rejoicing citizens . I think , Sir , that I have said enough on this topic , and which I perhaps should not have troubled you with at all , had not recent proceedings abroad led me to think that such remarks might be both suitable , and seasonable , and not unacceptable , in this present assembly , by way of protest
so to say , against unwise proceedings and unmasontc theories elsewhere , which seem to detract from the august and loyal character of Preemasonry . And now Sir , I wish to call the attention of this numerous antl important gathering , to the need of firm adherence to our great principle of toleration . In English Freemasonry , happily , we have no requirement , ( let us ho e ) , to
insist on its necessity , or to enforce its sacred and abiding duty . We properly admit all within the Masonic Family , who , venerating and acknowledging T . G . A . O . T . U ., as children of one Divine Parent , are willing to associate to gether frr the purpose of Masonic beneficence and humanitarian sympathy . We repudiate , it is true , the Atheist , and we reject the libertine , wishful that
our lodges , symbolical ever of what is good , of what is beneficent , of what is true , and lightened up by wisdom , strength , and beauty , should be rallying points in a world of division and dispersion , for virtuous aspirations and intelligent minds , linked in bonds of fraternal friendship ; and animated , directed , and restrained by all the moral and all the social virtues . And
in order to ensure the attention , anil carry conviction to the minds of all our members , we base all our moral teaching on the Divinely given law of God , and we make His Word the distinguishing ornament of all our lodge rooms , and the mentor and sanction of all our actions through life . By it , as Fretmasons , we profess to govern our tongues and our deeds , to control our tempers , and
our strivings , to direct our footstep ? , and to dominate our hearts . But beyond this we do not go , we neither stop to dogmatize , nor do we wish to denounce . And though there will always be in English Freemasonry , probably , a more limited and a more expansive school of teaching , yet our avowed and authoritative formularies are based on the broad foundation , let us always remember , of a simple
Theistic tearhingon the one hand , and a Universal Fraternity on the other . Hence under our beneficial and kindly lodge , Christians and Hebrews , Hindoos , and Parsees , Mahommedans and Bhuddists , can all assemble in our lodges because , without the surrender of any individual principle of personal creed , they all concur in accepting a common formulary of belief in God the Father ,
the Creator , the Ruler , the Judge of all men , the Supreme Grand Master of the great brotherhood of us children of the dust . It is very remarkable that just now , from various opposing points , we have to contend with a serious infraction of the great principle of toleration ! Yes , in tHs world of ours , there still lingers a spirit of direct intolerance , which as
Freemasons we ought always to disavow . In Germany for instance , in more than one Grand Lodge Hebrews are not admitted , as they have every claim to be , to the privileges of Freemasonry , and I feel for one , bound on the present occasion , to point out , that such proceedings are contrary to every principal of abstract justice and true toleration . I need say nothing to-day of the worth or
kindly spirit of our Hebrew brethren . They arc well known to us all , and here in England , we happily boast a large number of hard-working members of our Order , who are ever animated by its excellent principles , and prove themselves indeed to be worthy men and true Masons 1 Truly , then , we must all deplore that in any lodges of Freemasons , Hebrews are inadmissable , simply
because they are Hebrews , and that any Hebrew should be excluded by any possible law , or on any possible grounds , as a Hebrew , we must feel is a proceeding worthy only of the dark ages and bye-gone seasons of cruel oppression and slander . It is of course always very difficult to interfere with independent Grand Lodges , which have a right to make their own laws , but I think we may say
this , and shall say this in England , that the exclusion of the Hebrews from Masonry is unworthy of any body of Freemasons , is a discredit to our Cosmopolitian Order , and utterly at variance with all the principles of true Freemasonry . Equally worthy of animadversion , as I regard it , is that attempt now being made in France and Belguim to exclude the name of God from the
Constitutions . They have long since banished the Bible from their lodges , and it is not cnnatural , perhaps , that they dislike any longer to assent to any belief in God . It is a sad , if logical corollary on the previous act of intolerance and injustice . For , in my humble opinion , it is an act of the highest intolerance and injustice combined , so to act , and it can only result , humanly speaking , in the
bringing down to the ground that most unhallowed fabric , which like the building of Babel of old , some French and Belgian " libres penseurs " seem to think can do without the name and presence of God to bless their labours , and consecrate their undertaking , forgetting the best of all teaching "Except the Lord bless the house , their labour is lost that build it . " And what , Sir , can I
say of that gross intolerance of an Ultramontane party , which is now cursing the living , refusing to bless the dying , and even disinterring the bones of the dead ? I think our best position is dignified silence , only premising that in my opinion the acts of intolerance which the Church of Rome daily rejoices in and applauds , must only recoil upon itself , and are in truth a parody on all religion , a discredit to civilization , and a dishonour to God I
Consecration Of The Evening Star Lodge, No. 1719.
There are two more points to which I think it well to allude before I sit down . We have amongst us , just now , a prejudicial tendency to admit , too rapidly and unreservedly , new members . There is a teaching popular with some of us , that if a man can pay his fees , and is in reputable circumstances , all the prerequisite conditions for initiation are complied with , and that we ought not
to be too particular I Now , Freemasonry , I think it right to remind you , can never be strong , simply in numbers , especially , if we are admitting those who , for many reasons , ought never to have been received amongst us , at all . Unless we take care we are in great danger of making Freemasonry a great benefit society , against which , sir , as you will remember our old and admirable
G . M ., Lord Zetland , so often protested . For so great now are the material advantages which our -Order possesses that many , I fear , come into it , not for what it is , or may be to them , but for what they themselves may receive from it . As a great , charitable and benevolent Order , Freemasonry , has perhaps , the highest position of any earthly Society in England ; but reduce it to the level of
a large benefit Order , not only do we destroy its " prestige" and do away with its utility , but we as certainly pave the way for its eventual dissolution and fall . Let us , then , be on our guard against any proposal , or any teaching that would lose sight of the essential distinction between Freemasonry and every other benefit Order in existence . And one more point , let us
as Freemasons keep out of the law courts . Of course , Her Majesty ' s courts are open to all of us , Freemason : though we be , when need requires it , but whit I mean i-t . ( to use a vulgar expression ) " lrt us wash our dirty linen at home . " Let us submit all Masonic causes of complaint to our own proper tribunals . If we have differences , let u ; employ Masonic arbitrators , and you , sir , in any difficult
or delicate question would be willing to give combatant brethren the great benefit of your healing counsels an I friendly advice . But let us be ashamed to parade Masonic questions of dispute before an amused public , and let us lay to heart the salutary and impressive rebuke of Bro . Justice Field . Verbum sat sapienti . And now , sir , I have done . I am very glad to have been permitted to say a
few more words in favour of our great Order , to which a long apprenticeship has deeply attached me , and to commend earnestly its claims of utility , good , and value , tJ the attention and affection of my younger brethren especially . You and I , sir , are both , as we say , " getting on " in years , and we have seen many days of work in "AulJ Lang Syne , " and you will agree with me when I assert
that the principles of Freemasonry , rightly understood , and duly carried into practice , tend as well to the public welfare , as to individual happiness , to the honour of God and the peaceful progress of man . The true Freemason always rejoices to think , that he has been permitted to form part of our religious , our cultivated , our generous , our pleasant brotherhood , and like the Masonic poet would say , in the very spirit of the truest Mason teaching ,
" Oh , Power Supreme , unsearchable thy views , Omniscient or to give , or to refuse ; Grant me , as I began , to end my days , In acts of humble charity and praise . In Thy own paths my journey let me run , And as in Heaven , on Earth ' Thy will be done . '" With one sincere aspiration for the new lodge I conclude
my imperfect address . May the members of the Evening Star Lodge , now about to be consecrated , ever shine forth before the Craft as worthy Masons , and good men , zealous for the unchanging principles of Masonic light and toleration , earnest supporters of our great charities , and distinguished on the roll of English lodges , by their loyalty to their Grand Master , their obedience to Grand Lodge , and
that prevailing character for works , hospitably , and true Masonic sentiments , which will raise them high in the good opinion of their brethren in Freemasonry . Above all , may all their labours and efforts tend to the honour of our wide-spread brotherhood , the welfare o the human race , the comfort , unity , and edification of all the present and future members of this lodge , whose consecration we are
privileged to witness to-day , and which claims our " hearty good wishes , " and our sympathetic and cordial support , when , as to day , it opens out its Masonic career , and begins under solemn sanctions its Masonic life , as an offshoot of our great Masonic tree . Hearty applause followed the delivery of this oration . The ceremony of consecration wai then completed , and
Bro . Hervey installed Bro . Alexander James Duff Filer as Master of the lodge . The officers appointed were Bro . Dr . Whitmore , P . M . ; Bro . John Aird , S . W . ; Bro . T . N . Kirkham , J . W . ; James Glaisher , Treasurer ; M . Ohren , Secretary ; W . Sugg , S . D . ; T . A . Greene , J . D . ; Hodgson Jones , I . G . ; and C . T . Speight , Tyler . Several joining members and initiates were proposed for an
emergency meeting to be held on the 23 rd of October , and Bro . Ohren informed the W . M . that all the furniture of the lodge , such as the collars and jewels , all of which were very beautiful , had been presented by the officers of the lodge , and at the next meeting the lodge would propose a vote of thanks to them for their handsome presents .
On the motion of the W . M ., seconded by Bro . Magnus Ohren , a vote of thanks was passed to the Consecrating Officer , and the honorary membership of the lodge was conferred upon Bros . Hervey , Woodford , Fenn , Hyde Pullen , and Buss ; and Bro . Hervey having acknowledged the compliment , the lodge was closed , and the brethren adjourned to the Freemasons' Tavern , where a banquet
of the choicest description was provided by Bro . E . Dawkins , the manager . At the conclusion of the repast grace was sung by the musical brethren , and the W . M . proceeded with the toasts . The toasts of " The Queen and the Craft , " and " The M . W . G . M . " having been disposed of , the W . M . proposed the toast of " The Pro G . M ., the Den , G . M ., and the res '