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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by CorresDondents .
A LAST WORD WITH BR . JACOB NORTON . ( To the Editor of The Freemason . ) DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I should not ask you to give me any space to remark upon Bro . Norton ' s reply to some of my lucubrations , were it not that I might seem guilty of discourtesy if I remained wholly silent upon receiving this last castigation ;
and were it not , also , that 1 wish to set Bro . Norton right in one or two matters of fact . There is so much in his " Reply" that is just and opportune , and so fully in accordance with my own feelings and judgment , and so little from which I am disposed to dissent , that I do not intend to prolong the friendly controversy on the subject he has supposed
to be at issue between us . In almost all he says about the universality of Masonic principles and objects , and of the great desirability of abstaining from everything having a tendency to narrow its sphere by the introduction of sectarian requirements or observances , I most cordially agree , and if I have been so unfortunate as to have written anything that
is or seems to be inconsistent with this avowal , I must plead my want of power to express myself with the precision so desirable in literary composition , and may refer to those who have known my Masonic conduct for a quarter of a century , during the greater part of which time I have been called upon to
represent my brother P . M . ' s , to testify to the fact that I have never uttered a syllable savouring of " sectarianism , " much less of a wish to see it introduced into Masonry . I have always , on the contrary , inculcated the broad principles of our Craft , and maintained of a true Mason , that Obedient to the voice of Him
AVho bids us help each other , At home or in a foreign land He sees in man a brother . And that not merely with a slavish sense of his obligation , but from the living and animating principle of brotherly love . Permit me now to set Bro . Norton right upon two
or three matters of fact , ( i ) He says ( p . 530 ) , " I feel surprised , after the admissions formerly made by Bro . C , that he should now take up the championship of preaching sectarian sermons to Masons . " AVhere or how have I clone this ? AVhat have I said or written that warrants Bro . Norton in putting this imputation upon me ? I have never referred ,
directly or indirectly , as far as I am aware , to the preaching of sectarian sermons to Masons , and how I could have "justified" them , or have " taken up the championship " of them , it is somewhat difficult to conceive . But here is Bro . Norton ' s proof of the allegation he makes : " He ( Bro . C . ) says ,
'Truth is precious to the man who has sought and found it , or who believes he has found it , and to demand of him so to ignore the fact that it shall never be known , or so to treat what to him is truth as if it were of no value , is to demand of him that which is dishonourable alike to truth and to his
own moral obligations and responsibilities . '" Such is Bro . Norton ' s allegation , and such the evidence he adduces in proof of it . I leave it to my brethren to decide how far the grave inference he draws from my words is sustained by their obvious meaning . I might offer the same remark upon Brother Norton ' s insinuation that I advocate " putting one's
thumb into the button-hole of every Israelite's coat , " and asking him impertinent questions , but I abstain . It is so utterly opposed to all I have ever said or written , that to remark upon it is unnecessary . ( 2 ) Bro . Norton draws my attention to an alleged misstatement of mine touching thc three oldest MSS . of the Bible , having previously observed ,
Bro . Carpenter has studi .. ' the Bible , and knows all about it , "— a scarcasm which I do not think anything of mine has called for—but let that pass . As to thc three MSS ., Bro . Norton had said they differ from each other ancl from the English version . I admitted thc fact , but observed , " they do not exhibit such differences as Bro . Norton ' s manner of
putting the fact would induce one who knew nothing of the subject to believe . Most of the differences are simply" so and so , " and those which seriously affect the sense may almost be counted on the fingers , while not a single difference is to be found which throws doubt or difficulty on any point of faith or practice . " This I deliberately repeat , but that is
not what Bro . Norton represents me to have said ; namely , " that thc difference between the three oldest copies ofthe New Testament consists of only transpositions of words , orthography , and spelling . ' ' Thc variation between what I really wrote and what I am thus represented to have written , is much
greater than any variation existing in the MSS . in question . I was fully aware of thc omission of Mark xvi . 9-20 , in thc Vatican and Sinaitic MSS ., although it did not occur to me at the time of writing . I was not enumerating or estimating thc value of thc various readings , but merely noticing
Original Correspondence.
the fact of their existence . As to Bro . Norton's statement that the omitted verses contain a doctrine nowhere else given in the New Testament , I merely say that he must have read that book with eyes and understanding very different from my own . What does he say to John iii . 15-18 , 36 , xi . 25 , 26 ; 1 Jno . v . 10-13 ; J Peter iii . 21 , and many other passages
that might be referred to ? ( 3 ) Bro . Norton deprecates not only my sectarianism but that also of the framers of our ritual , which should , in his judgment , have been " adapted to the intelligence and conscience of the Mahometan , Parsee , Sceptic [ and Hindoo , as he has elsewhere said ] , as well as for the Christian and Jew . " As I formerly said , I leave the
justification of the framers of our ritual to those better qualified for the task . I honour their memories for having laid as broad and comprehensive a foundation for Masonry as was compatible with their time , and with the views of brotherhood that must then have been entertained . As Christians , they conceded everything that might tend to exclude
Jews , making the Old Testament , in which both believe , the foundation ofthe Order . Parsees , Hindoos , and Mahometans , with whom the sword was " the key of heaven and hell , " and whose mission it was to exterminate all " infidels , " were then beyond the pale of society in which candidates for Masonry were likely to be found , and no provision , therefore ,
was made to adapt the ritual to their intelligence and conscience . How far it may be desirable to provide for the case of such candidates for Freemasonry in our time , I pretend not to say . The innovation in the other direction , in Ohio , Texas , Massachusetts , & c , I deprecate as emphatically as Bro . Norton can do ; and I would deprecate the introduction of such a law into a Christian church as much as I do its
introduction into Masonry . I now take leave of Bro . Norton and of this controversy , expressing a hope that our hostility to sectarianism may not degenerate into bitterness , and bearing in mind the truth of what Mrs . Barrett Browning says , " There may be sectarianism in the very cutting off of sectarianism . " I am , yours fraternally , WILLIAM CARPENTER .
[ With this letter from our able friend Bro . Carpenter the correspondence on this subject must cease . —ED . F . ] THE PURPLE V . AVEST LANCASHIRE . ( To the Editor of The Freemason . ) DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , — I have read the
letters which have appeared in THE FREEMASON on and since the 15 th ult . We need " reform" in AVest Lancashire . By no process of reasoning can I arrive at the conclusion that it is "just and equal " for Liverpool , which possesses perhaps about 25 per cent , of the lodges , to reap 75 per cent , of the
honours . Certain ottices should be " continuous , " and doubtless those of D . G . M ., Treasurer , and Secretary ; and these offices are , at present , well and ably filled . I cannot think that the statement prepared by P . M . ever reached the Prov . G . Master , for I feel
convinced that he has the good , and the good only , of the Craft at heart , and his only wish is to do his best for it . Publicity , however , is a great institution . Let some brother , " P . M . "for instance , communicate with each lodge in the province and solicit information as to how many brethren have the purple , when
they received it , and what rank they hold . Tabulate it , and publish it in THE FREEMASON . I have often thought it a mistake that Liverpool , in the extreme S . AV ., should be the "head-quarters " of West Lancashire . Preston is more central . If Provincial honours are worth having they arc worth fetching , and why should those who get the largest
share possess the greatest facilities ? I have no doubt in my own mind that our distinguished brother Dr . Moore , of Lancaster , has paid more for his Masonic honours than any half-dozen Liverpool brethren , and now he is " shelved . " Reform Reform !! Reform !!! Yours fraternally , P . M ., P . Z .
( To the Editor of The Freemason . ) DEAR SIR . AND BROTHER , —I venture , in order to further ventilate the subject upon which " M . M . " addresses you , to ask thc Provincial G . Secretary ( at whose instance and that of the Provincial G . Registrar I understand the Prov . G . Lodge
appointments arc really made ) whether it is not a wellknown fact that one of the Prov . G . Stewards , although a P . M . of recent standing , has never given the third degree at all , and only partially the first and second , and why others , many years his senior , have been passed over ? Is it because he ( M . D . )
has lately become a Knight Templar , and that at the last encampment thc spirit moved the Prov . G . Secretary ( a chemist ) there and then to mention his intention to send in his name for the appointment ? Or is it because he happens to be First Principal of the Chapter of Liverpool , No . 292 , of which , as appears by a report in your
Original Correspondence.
last impression ( page 511 ) , the Prov . G . Treas ., the Prov . G . D . of C , and the Prov . G . Purst . are P . Z . ' s ? I pause for a reply . Again , is not the Prov . G . D . of C , who is now reappointed ( not re-elected , as stated by your correspondent " M . M . " ) , and although comparatively a young Mason , has held office several years , a
very near relative of the Prov . G . Reg ., and is there no P . M . in the province equally eligible for the post ? I do not make these enquiries from any disrespect towards the brethren referred to . They are both most worthy fellows , of the best social standing in every way , and they will see that I am
trying to ascertain the principle upon which these appointments are made ( to the constant exclusion of several large and admirably worked lodges ) , and have sufficient good sense to treat this communication accordingly . Yours truly , October 18 th , 1870 . P . M .
Ar00803
R . AV . BROTHER COLONEL ALEXANDER J . GREENLAW , District Grand Master' British Burmah .
In No . 80 of THE FREEMASON we reviewed Bro . Greenlaw ' s Masonic lectures , and concluded by alluding to the fact that he was about to return to England to seek that rest which his long
services in the East eminently entitled him to enjoy . In N 0 . S 7 we have tochronicle his decease Snatched away from the world after a life spent in devotion to the interests of his country , our
brother may be said to have completed his allotted task . His work is now done , and the name of Greenlaw survives only in the memories of those who will never cease to cherish his
worth . Brother Alexander John Greenlaw , then a lieutenant in the 46 th Madras Native Infantry , was initiated into Freemasonry on the 3 rd November , 1841 ; , in the St . Andrew ' s Lodge ,
No . 500 , Kamptee , and obtained his third degree on the 2 nd June following . He had , therefore , served the Craft for nearly 25 years at the time of his decease—the precise particulars of which melancholy event have not yet reached us .
From the period of his initiation , Bro . Greenlaw was an active member of the Order , and to him Freemasonry almost owes its existence , and certainly much of its present prosperity , in British Burmah . He was the first W . M . of the Victoria
of Burmah Lodge , No . 832 , Rangoon ; / . ofthe first chapter , a zealous Knight Templar , and a member of the 31 , all of which degrees he planted firmly within the borders of that fardistant land . In fact , his services were so highly
appreciated that the unusual honour of creating him a Past Senior Grand AVarden of England was conferred upon Colonel Greenlaw some five years ago by Lord Zetland , and the same
nobleman further recompensed his zeal by appointing the Colonel the first District Grand Master of British Burmah , on the 16 th February , 1868 . The deceased also held similar offices
under the Mark Grand Lodge and the Grand Conclave of the Knights Templar . Another testimony to his worth was given when the " Greenlaw" Lodge , No . 1095 , at Tonghoo , Burmah , was named after him by the special
desire of the brethren ; and great will be the regret throug hout our Indian possessions at the loss of so distinguished a Mason . AVe had hoped to have worked in tlie Masonic sphere with Bro . Greenlaw , had he been spared
to return to England ; but as Providence has otherwise decreed , we have but the sad satisfaction of p lacing on record this poor tribute to his memory , and of saying to others , young in the Craft , " Emulate his noble example ! "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by CorresDondents .
A LAST WORD WITH BR . JACOB NORTON . ( To the Editor of The Freemason . ) DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I should not ask you to give me any space to remark upon Bro . Norton ' s reply to some of my lucubrations , were it not that I might seem guilty of discourtesy if I remained wholly silent upon receiving this last castigation ;
and were it not , also , that 1 wish to set Bro . Norton right in one or two matters of fact . There is so much in his " Reply" that is just and opportune , and so fully in accordance with my own feelings and judgment , and so little from which I am disposed to dissent , that I do not intend to prolong the friendly controversy on the subject he has supposed
to be at issue between us . In almost all he says about the universality of Masonic principles and objects , and of the great desirability of abstaining from everything having a tendency to narrow its sphere by the introduction of sectarian requirements or observances , I most cordially agree , and if I have been so unfortunate as to have written anything that
is or seems to be inconsistent with this avowal , I must plead my want of power to express myself with the precision so desirable in literary composition , and may refer to those who have known my Masonic conduct for a quarter of a century , during the greater part of which time I have been called upon to
represent my brother P . M . ' s , to testify to the fact that I have never uttered a syllable savouring of " sectarianism , " much less of a wish to see it introduced into Masonry . I have always , on the contrary , inculcated the broad principles of our Craft , and maintained of a true Mason , that Obedient to the voice of Him
AVho bids us help each other , At home or in a foreign land He sees in man a brother . And that not merely with a slavish sense of his obligation , but from the living and animating principle of brotherly love . Permit me now to set Bro . Norton right upon two
or three matters of fact , ( i ) He says ( p . 530 ) , " I feel surprised , after the admissions formerly made by Bro . C , that he should now take up the championship of preaching sectarian sermons to Masons . " AVhere or how have I clone this ? AVhat have I said or written that warrants Bro . Norton in putting this imputation upon me ? I have never referred ,
directly or indirectly , as far as I am aware , to the preaching of sectarian sermons to Masons , and how I could have "justified" them , or have " taken up the championship " of them , it is somewhat difficult to conceive . But here is Bro . Norton ' s proof of the allegation he makes : " He ( Bro . C . ) says ,
'Truth is precious to the man who has sought and found it , or who believes he has found it , and to demand of him so to ignore the fact that it shall never be known , or so to treat what to him is truth as if it were of no value , is to demand of him that which is dishonourable alike to truth and to his
own moral obligations and responsibilities . '" Such is Bro . Norton ' s allegation , and such the evidence he adduces in proof of it . I leave it to my brethren to decide how far the grave inference he draws from my words is sustained by their obvious meaning . I might offer the same remark upon Brother Norton ' s insinuation that I advocate " putting one's
thumb into the button-hole of every Israelite's coat , " and asking him impertinent questions , but I abstain . It is so utterly opposed to all I have ever said or written , that to remark upon it is unnecessary . ( 2 ) Bro . Norton draws my attention to an alleged misstatement of mine touching thc three oldest MSS . of the Bible , having previously observed ,
Bro . Carpenter has studi .. ' the Bible , and knows all about it , "— a scarcasm which I do not think anything of mine has called for—but let that pass . As to thc three MSS ., Bro . Norton had said they differ from each other ancl from the English version . I admitted thc fact , but observed , " they do not exhibit such differences as Bro . Norton ' s manner of
putting the fact would induce one who knew nothing of the subject to believe . Most of the differences are simply" so and so , " and those which seriously affect the sense may almost be counted on the fingers , while not a single difference is to be found which throws doubt or difficulty on any point of faith or practice . " This I deliberately repeat , but that is
not what Bro . Norton represents me to have said ; namely , " that thc difference between the three oldest copies ofthe New Testament consists of only transpositions of words , orthography , and spelling . ' ' Thc variation between what I really wrote and what I am thus represented to have written , is much
greater than any variation existing in the MSS . in question . I was fully aware of thc omission of Mark xvi . 9-20 , in thc Vatican and Sinaitic MSS ., although it did not occur to me at the time of writing . I was not enumerating or estimating thc value of thc various readings , but merely noticing
Original Correspondence.
the fact of their existence . As to Bro . Norton's statement that the omitted verses contain a doctrine nowhere else given in the New Testament , I merely say that he must have read that book with eyes and understanding very different from my own . What does he say to John iii . 15-18 , 36 , xi . 25 , 26 ; 1 Jno . v . 10-13 ; J Peter iii . 21 , and many other passages
that might be referred to ? ( 3 ) Bro . Norton deprecates not only my sectarianism but that also of the framers of our ritual , which should , in his judgment , have been " adapted to the intelligence and conscience of the Mahometan , Parsee , Sceptic [ and Hindoo , as he has elsewhere said ] , as well as for the Christian and Jew . " As I formerly said , I leave the
justification of the framers of our ritual to those better qualified for the task . I honour their memories for having laid as broad and comprehensive a foundation for Masonry as was compatible with their time , and with the views of brotherhood that must then have been entertained . As Christians , they conceded everything that might tend to exclude
Jews , making the Old Testament , in which both believe , the foundation ofthe Order . Parsees , Hindoos , and Mahometans , with whom the sword was " the key of heaven and hell , " and whose mission it was to exterminate all " infidels , " were then beyond the pale of society in which candidates for Masonry were likely to be found , and no provision , therefore ,
was made to adapt the ritual to their intelligence and conscience . How far it may be desirable to provide for the case of such candidates for Freemasonry in our time , I pretend not to say . The innovation in the other direction , in Ohio , Texas , Massachusetts , & c , I deprecate as emphatically as Bro . Norton can do ; and I would deprecate the introduction of such a law into a Christian church as much as I do its
introduction into Masonry . I now take leave of Bro . Norton and of this controversy , expressing a hope that our hostility to sectarianism may not degenerate into bitterness , and bearing in mind the truth of what Mrs . Barrett Browning says , " There may be sectarianism in the very cutting off of sectarianism . " I am , yours fraternally , WILLIAM CARPENTER .
[ With this letter from our able friend Bro . Carpenter the correspondence on this subject must cease . —ED . F . ] THE PURPLE V . AVEST LANCASHIRE . ( To the Editor of The Freemason . ) DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , — I have read the
letters which have appeared in THE FREEMASON on and since the 15 th ult . We need " reform" in AVest Lancashire . By no process of reasoning can I arrive at the conclusion that it is "just and equal " for Liverpool , which possesses perhaps about 25 per cent , of the lodges , to reap 75 per cent , of the
honours . Certain ottices should be " continuous , " and doubtless those of D . G . M ., Treasurer , and Secretary ; and these offices are , at present , well and ably filled . I cannot think that the statement prepared by P . M . ever reached the Prov . G . Master , for I feel
convinced that he has the good , and the good only , of the Craft at heart , and his only wish is to do his best for it . Publicity , however , is a great institution . Let some brother , " P . M . "for instance , communicate with each lodge in the province and solicit information as to how many brethren have the purple , when
they received it , and what rank they hold . Tabulate it , and publish it in THE FREEMASON . I have often thought it a mistake that Liverpool , in the extreme S . AV ., should be the "head-quarters " of West Lancashire . Preston is more central . If Provincial honours are worth having they arc worth fetching , and why should those who get the largest
share possess the greatest facilities ? I have no doubt in my own mind that our distinguished brother Dr . Moore , of Lancaster , has paid more for his Masonic honours than any half-dozen Liverpool brethren , and now he is " shelved . " Reform Reform !! Reform !!! Yours fraternally , P . M ., P . Z .
( To the Editor of The Freemason . ) DEAR SIR . AND BROTHER , —I venture , in order to further ventilate the subject upon which " M . M . " addresses you , to ask thc Provincial G . Secretary ( at whose instance and that of the Provincial G . Registrar I understand the Prov . G . Lodge
appointments arc really made ) whether it is not a wellknown fact that one of the Prov . G . Stewards , although a P . M . of recent standing , has never given the third degree at all , and only partially the first and second , and why others , many years his senior , have been passed over ? Is it because he ( M . D . )
has lately become a Knight Templar , and that at the last encampment thc spirit moved the Prov . G . Secretary ( a chemist ) there and then to mention his intention to send in his name for the appointment ? Or is it because he happens to be First Principal of the Chapter of Liverpool , No . 292 , of which , as appears by a report in your
Original Correspondence.
last impression ( page 511 ) , the Prov . G . Treas ., the Prov . G . D . of C , and the Prov . G . Purst . are P . Z . ' s ? I pause for a reply . Again , is not the Prov . G . D . of C , who is now reappointed ( not re-elected , as stated by your correspondent " M . M . " ) , and although comparatively a young Mason , has held office several years , a
very near relative of the Prov . G . Reg ., and is there no P . M . in the province equally eligible for the post ? I do not make these enquiries from any disrespect towards the brethren referred to . They are both most worthy fellows , of the best social standing in every way , and they will see that I am
trying to ascertain the principle upon which these appointments are made ( to the constant exclusion of several large and admirably worked lodges ) , and have sufficient good sense to treat this communication accordingly . Yours truly , October 18 th , 1870 . P . M .
Ar00803
R . AV . BROTHER COLONEL ALEXANDER J . GREENLAW , District Grand Master' British Burmah .
In No . 80 of THE FREEMASON we reviewed Bro . Greenlaw ' s Masonic lectures , and concluded by alluding to the fact that he was about to return to England to seek that rest which his long
services in the East eminently entitled him to enjoy . In N 0 . S 7 we have tochronicle his decease Snatched away from the world after a life spent in devotion to the interests of his country , our
brother may be said to have completed his allotted task . His work is now done , and the name of Greenlaw survives only in the memories of those who will never cease to cherish his
worth . Brother Alexander John Greenlaw , then a lieutenant in the 46 th Madras Native Infantry , was initiated into Freemasonry on the 3 rd November , 1841 ; , in the St . Andrew ' s Lodge ,
No . 500 , Kamptee , and obtained his third degree on the 2 nd June following . He had , therefore , served the Craft for nearly 25 years at the time of his decease—the precise particulars of which melancholy event have not yet reached us .
From the period of his initiation , Bro . Greenlaw was an active member of the Order , and to him Freemasonry almost owes its existence , and certainly much of its present prosperity , in British Burmah . He was the first W . M . of the Victoria
of Burmah Lodge , No . 832 , Rangoon ; / . ofthe first chapter , a zealous Knight Templar , and a member of the 31 , all of which degrees he planted firmly within the borders of that fardistant land . In fact , his services were so highly
appreciated that the unusual honour of creating him a Past Senior Grand AVarden of England was conferred upon Colonel Greenlaw some five years ago by Lord Zetland , and the same
nobleman further recompensed his zeal by appointing the Colonel the first District Grand Master of British Burmah , on the 16 th February , 1868 . The deceased also held similar offices
under the Mark Grand Lodge and the Grand Conclave of the Knights Templar . Another testimony to his worth was given when the " Greenlaw" Lodge , No . 1095 , at Tonghoo , Burmah , was named after him by the special
desire of the brethren ; and great will be the regret throug hout our Indian possessions at the loss of so distinguished a Mason . AVe had hoped to have worked in tlie Masonic sphere with Bro . Greenlaw , had he been spared
to return to England ; but as Providence has otherwise decreed , we have but the sad satisfaction of p lacing on record this poor tribute to his memory , and of saying to others , young in the Craft , " Emulate his noble example ! "