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Article THE LAUSANNE MASONIC CONGRESS. ← Page 2 of 2 Article MASONIC JEWELS. Page 1 of 1 Article MR. HORSLEY'S LETTER. Page 1 of 1 Article MR. HORSLEY'S LETTER. Page 1 of 1 Article A PLEASURABLE INCIDENT. Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Lausanne Masonic Congress.
; n Canada , India , and the United States , as for ourselves . We could not , for instance , weld it ; nto any agreement , either with the Rite Ecossais , the Rite of Misraim , or any other foreign eclectic R ite , as we should , by so doing , lower its status of historical importance , and betray its
position and prestige . But while we say this for ourselves , wc have no doubt that the Rite Ecossais would be able to find a genial welcome and much of interest to themselves at Rome or elsewhere . Rome is full of attractions to the instructed Mason , and we cannot conceive
a pleasanter fortnight than one spent amid its palaces , its churches , its galleries , and its ruins . While , then , we wish all success to any future congress at Rome or elsewhere , we have felt it our duty to point out , as far as Craft Masonry is concerned , its utter impracticability and
unmeaningness as regards us and our Grand Lodge . It is true that there is an important body , both in England and Scotland , terming itself "The Ancient and Accepted Rite , " and if so influential an organisation can see its way , in the interest of the High Grades , to hold such a
gathering , by all means let it hold one . But we fancy that even it would find a difficulty . What is to become , for instance , of the " Priory of the Temple . " As the French say , " sous tous les rapports , " we feel persuaded that such a congress in London would be alike a waste of time and
money , and would certainly not tend in any way to promote the cause of Freemasonry , but rather to excite many angry questions , and to arouse some burning controversies .
Masonic Jewels.
MASONIC JEWELS .
Some little question having been raised lately on this subject , we beg to point out to-day , the following as the law on the subject : — " No Honorary Jewel or emblem shall be worn in the Grand Lodge , or any subordinate lodge , which shall not appertain to or be consistent with those
degrees which are recognized and acknowledged by and are under the control of the Grand Lodge as part of pure and ancient Masonry . " The five-pointed star is in our opinion , clearly legal and admissible under this law . The square and compasses , old Masonic teaching used to
say , belonged to the Grand Master , but his jewel , as decided by the Book of Constitutions , is " The compasses extended to 45 , with the segment of a circle at the points . " The Deputy Grand Master wears the compasses and square united with a
five-pointed star in the centre ; the Past Deputy Grand Master , the compasses and square only Provincial Grand Masters the compasses and square , with a five-pointed star in the centre . Such is the present law on the subject , and all brethren should confirm themselves to it , and
avoid wearing any jewels in lodge which do not come within the clear definition of the Book of Constitutions . All Mark jewels and High Grade emblems are clearly illegal , and all W . M . ' s should forbid any brethren to wear them , if members-of the English Constitution .
Mr. Horsley's Letter.
MR . HORSLEY'S LETTER .
The Rev . Mr . Horsley , Vicar of St . Michael ' s , Shoreditch , has written a very friendly and able letter to us , which appeared in the last " Freemason . " We commend it to the careful perusal of our readers , for it gives us this most important information , that the attack which
has recently been made persistently by one weekly journal , professing to represent what are commonly called Ritualistic views , onlv represented , after all , the feelings of individuals , not of the section or body . Henceforth , therefore , we shall not assume that this school amnn . st us
is hostile to Freemasonry we shall always take care in future to point out , that such views , when expressed , are the views of individuals alone . There is this little excuse , we think , for our falling into the error to which Mr . Horsley fairl y alludes , of mistaking a part for the whole ,
that for some time past the "Church Herald , " from which we have often quoted , always distinctl y declared , though it seems now without any authority , that it represented the Ritualistic , or as it called it , " The Catholic School . " That
Mr. Horsley's Letter.
some individual members of that school agree with its violent and unnecessary denunciations -of our loyal and benevolent Order is unquestionable , and we are very sorry to see any English clergymen , professing to belong still to a very tolerant Church like the Reformed Church of
England , following in the wake of Rome ' s insidious attacks , or violent incriminations . But as we quite agree with Mr . Horsley that it is wrong for us to mistake the utterances of an individual for those of a body , we at once withdraw the statement , that the Ritualistic School
generally denounced Freemasonry , as we for ourselves never could see why they should , and only put it down , as the Romanist kindly does to us , to the score of "invincible ignorance . " We are very much pleased to be able to make such an " amende honourable , " and to receive the
assurances of the Vicar of St . Michael ' s , Shoreditch . In the meantime , the " Church Herald" is defunct , and we will say pathetically , " peace to its manes . " Thus then we see that the atmosphere is cleared a little around us . We have a violent Roman
Catholic attack upon us , a Reformed Presbyterian accusation , a Baptist denunciation , some Anglicans very wordy indeed , and "full of froth , " like the writer in the Roman Catholic " Month , " and a few fanatics of differing bodies ! But Freemasonry really has no fear and little concern
for such assailants or such assaults . It is moving on , despite anathema and allocution , despite sermon and sensational lecture , despite the decrees of synods , and the resolutions of Anti-Masonic meetings , despite Baptist and Bunkum of any kind , and we believe will continue to move on .
That it is a most useful and benevolent Order , its charitable efforts tell to all around that it is and may be a means of much good in this suffering world of ours , we also venture to assert against all gainsayers . Like all human institutions it may have defects here , and weaknesses there , but
look at it as a whole , " take it " as they say often now-a-days " all round , " there are few purely earthly societies which come near it , for its general usefulness and its particular value ! At a time when men ' s minds are irritable , and ceaseless controversies
and divisions abo-i-a " , . when contest wax hot , and sensible and religious men are struggling for "trifles light as air , " as if they were a matter of death and life , Freemasonry is preaching a sermon of absolute toleration . It is boldly declaring , at a time when some are
so excited as to lose often the balance of justice and fair play , that the worst use you can put a man to is to " burn " him , and that we and all must agree to differ , as we are not judges of one another ' s creeds , and to his " own Maker " each
one of us stands or falls . Surely such a society is valuable , and deserves the support of all cultivated intellects and ingenuous minds . We thank Mr . Horsley and his reverend brethren for their friendly and sympathetic opinions of our much maligned Order .
A Pleasurable Incident.
A PLEASURABLE INCIDENT .
We publish in another column two very interesting and pleasant letters . They speak volumes for the mutual regard and fraternal sympathy existing between the brethren of a distinguished province and their noble head . The letters themselves tell their own tale , and need no note or comment from us . We think that they
do equal credit to the heads and hearts of our Staffordshire brethren , and to our distinguished brother the Earl of Shrewsbury . Our best wishes will accompany the youthful and charming bride , who , the daughter of a Freemason , has married a " Lewis , " the eldest son of our kindhearted and popular brother , the Marquis of Londonderry .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
LWe do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even as approving of the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . —En . ] ROMAN CATHOLIC INTOLERANCE , AND LIBERALITY OF THE ORTHODOX GREEK CHURCH .
To Ihe Editor of ' I he Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — By . post I forward you a copy of "La Borsa " newspaper of 13 th inst ., containing an account of
Original Correspondence.
a presentation , or , rather , an address on vellum , which was made to thc Venerable Patriarch of thc Greek Orthodox Church on the occasion of his kindly burying a brother of ours , viz ., a Mr . Figari , an Italian advocate of Cairo , whom thc Roman Catholics refused to bury because he was a Freemason .
The translation is as follows : — " Thc Evangelic charity of the Venerable Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church suggested the idea to several Masonic brethren to present him with the following address , which was signed in Egypt by a large number of Freemasons of every nationality .
do His SANCTITY THE PATRIAUCII SOFRONIOS . " The undersigned Freemasons resident in Egypt , conscious of the good action of your Holiness when the Roman Catholic clergy refused burial to their respected Brother Figari ( advocate or barrister ) , come forward to express the sincere thanks and respect they owe to your Holiness . The burial of our worthy deceased brother ,
through the means of the Orthodox Church , which is governed in Egypt by your Holiness , caused all worthy Freemasons to feel the effects , because it is in accordance with their institution to teach all men of the world who are sons of One Great Father to be tolerant , following the dictates of Jesus Christ . " In you , true follower of Christ , and of His moral
principles , we have found the noble philanthropic sentiments which are inculcated in the Masonic doctrine , sentiments which you profess with courage worthy of a great minister faithful to the duties of his mission ( who studies to imitate our Saviour , Jesus Christ ) , to unite the knot of fraternity of all nations , always avoiding religious or party feelings . " The Freemasons of Egypt fervently hope long life
may be spared your Holiness , and pray to God that you may be protected to the glory of your throne for the benefit of the suffering humanity , which are divided , and cruelly persecuted , by some who call themselves ministers of Christ , but are only obstacles of light and lovers of discord . " Accept therefore , your Holiness , the reverence of the undersigned Freemasons , who will ever have imprinted on
their memory and in their hearts the recollection of your action , which is gratifying to the Great Architect of the Universe . ( Here follow the signatures of about 300 brethren . ) " The committee appointed to present the above address to his Holiness consisted of the following brethren : — " DKMETRIO MOSCONAS , W . M . Pythagoras ; "E . H . BINGHAM , P . M ;
"L . D . MARIA ; " W . H . WELDON , W . M . St . John ' s , 919 ; " J . ALUM J ONES , Barrister ; " HEN-HY J KVON , Secretary St . John ' s , 919 ; "A . ZACCA ; who had the honour to be received by His Holiness on Sunday , September 12 th , 1875 , at ten a . m ., when , in response to thc address , he replied as follows : — "' Gentlemen , —
' * ' I thank you for an honour which I do not merit , because I have only performed my sacred duty—Si praecepta mea servabitis manebitis indilectione mea , si diligitis me mandata mea servate . The Greek Orthodox Church observes and maintains the precepts of Christ , is ever ready to assist , by His ministers , all who call for her protection . ' His Holiness then spoke on the great virtues of the deceased advocate brother , Figari , who was greatly
respected by all who knew him , and concluded with the hope that one day all the Christian churches might . be joined together as one under the Holy Symbol of the . ' Cross ; : " Thc committee then took leave of his Holiness anci retired . " . .: * . ' " . I am , Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , . 'd" , * "" * Sept / 25 . H . J EVOM , Sec , 919 . [ VVe publish the above with great pleasure from our worthy brother , Henry Jevon . We have seen " La IJo ' rsU .. ' ]
HUD 1 BRAS . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I am a good deal amused by Bro . Bernard ' s dogmatical letter in your last impression . It seems a great pity , and to reflect little credit on our Masonic teaching , that hardly any one can write on the commonest subject
without becoming personal . As the writer of the article , and the criminal quoter of the inculpated versicle , I venture to say , pace so learned a critic , that I happen to know my " Hudibras" as well as he knows it , it may be even better . But comparisons are " odorous . " I used the verse as others have used it , better men than either of us , with no question or concern as to its correctness . I did not quote " Hudibras , "
at all , and so did no injustice to Butler ' s pleasant shade , but I used the words as a common sayfng to convey my meaning , which they did and do most appositely . For a long time every one who cares for such things has known that there was an error in the actual quotation itself , but as the popular proverb and popular version had great currency there seems to be but little use or value in being hypercritical . For myself , I can only say that the state of
mind which the popular saying represents is not an uncommon one , and despite Bro . Bernard's learned disquisition , there is nothing absurd in the use of such words . Burke's concluding sentence may be reckoned equally " sublime and beautiful , " but it looks here very like what the American called " greased lightning . " I am , Sir , your obedient servant , THE WIIITEH OF THE AUTICI . E .
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS . To the Editor of Ihe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Permit me through the medium of your columns to call attention to the proposition to be brought before the Quarterly Court on Saturday next , the 9 th inst ., for building and extending the above institution .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Lausanne Masonic Congress.
; n Canada , India , and the United States , as for ourselves . We could not , for instance , weld it ; nto any agreement , either with the Rite Ecossais , the Rite of Misraim , or any other foreign eclectic R ite , as we should , by so doing , lower its status of historical importance , and betray its
position and prestige . But while we say this for ourselves , wc have no doubt that the Rite Ecossais would be able to find a genial welcome and much of interest to themselves at Rome or elsewhere . Rome is full of attractions to the instructed Mason , and we cannot conceive
a pleasanter fortnight than one spent amid its palaces , its churches , its galleries , and its ruins . While , then , we wish all success to any future congress at Rome or elsewhere , we have felt it our duty to point out , as far as Craft Masonry is concerned , its utter impracticability and
unmeaningness as regards us and our Grand Lodge . It is true that there is an important body , both in England and Scotland , terming itself "The Ancient and Accepted Rite , " and if so influential an organisation can see its way , in the interest of the High Grades , to hold such a
gathering , by all means let it hold one . But we fancy that even it would find a difficulty . What is to become , for instance , of the " Priory of the Temple . " As the French say , " sous tous les rapports , " we feel persuaded that such a congress in London would be alike a waste of time and
money , and would certainly not tend in any way to promote the cause of Freemasonry , but rather to excite many angry questions , and to arouse some burning controversies .
Masonic Jewels.
MASONIC JEWELS .
Some little question having been raised lately on this subject , we beg to point out to-day , the following as the law on the subject : — " No Honorary Jewel or emblem shall be worn in the Grand Lodge , or any subordinate lodge , which shall not appertain to or be consistent with those
degrees which are recognized and acknowledged by and are under the control of the Grand Lodge as part of pure and ancient Masonry . " The five-pointed star is in our opinion , clearly legal and admissible under this law . The square and compasses , old Masonic teaching used to
say , belonged to the Grand Master , but his jewel , as decided by the Book of Constitutions , is " The compasses extended to 45 , with the segment of a circle at the points . " The Deputy Grand Master wears the compasses and square united with a
five-pointed star in the centre ; the Past Deputy Grand Master , the compasses and square only Provincial Grand Masters the compasses and square , with a five-pointed star in the centre . Such is the present law on the subject , and all brethren should confirm themselves to it , and
avoid wearing any jewels in lodge which do not come within the clear definition of the Book of Constitutions . All Mark jewels and High Grade emblems are clearly illegal , and all W . M . ' s should forbid any brethren to wear them , if members-of the English Constitution .
Mr. Horsley's Letter.
MR . HORSLEY'S LETTER .
The Rev . Mr . Horsley , Vicar of St . Michael ' s , Shoreditch , has written a very friendly and able letter to us , which appeared in the last " Freemason . " We commend it to the careful perusal of our readers , for it gives us this most important information , that the attack which
has recently been made persistently by one weekly journal , professing to represent what are commonly called Ritualistic views , onlv represented , after all , the feelings of individuals , not of the section or body . Henceforth , therefore , we shall not assume that this school amnn . st us
is hostile to Freemasonry we shall always take care in future to point out , that such views , when expressed , are the views of individuals alone . There is this little excuse , we think , for our falling into the error to which Mr . Horsley fairl y alludes , of mistaking a part for the whole ,
that for some time past the "Church Herald , " from which we have often quoted , always distinctl y declared , though it seems now without any authority , that it represented the Ritualistic , or as it called it , " The Catholic School . " That
Mr. Horsley's Letter.
some individual members of that school agree with its violent and unnecessary denunciations -of our loyal and benevolent Order is unquestionable , and we are very sorry to see any English clergymen , professing to belong still to a very tolerant Church like the Reformed Church of
England , following in the wake of Rome ' s insidious attacks , or violent incriminations . But as we quite agree with Mr . Horsley that it is wrong for us to mistake the utterances of an individual for those of a body , we at once withdraw the statement , that the Ritualistic School
generally denounced Freemasonry , as we for ourselves never could see why they should , and only put it down , as the Romanist kindly does to us , to the score of "invincible ignorance . " We are very much pleased to be able to make such an " amende honourable , " and to receive the
assurances of the Vicar of St . Michael ' s , Shoreditch . In the meantime , the " Church Herald" is defunct , and we will say pathetically , " peace to its manes . " Thus then we see that the atmosphere is cleared a little around us . We have a violent Roman
Catholic attack upon us , a Reformed Presbyterian accusation , a Baptist denunciation , some Anglicans very wordy indeed , and "full of froth , " like the writer in the Roman Catholic " Month , " and a few fanatics of differing bodies ! But Freemasonry really has no fear and little concern
for such assailants or such assaults . It is moving on , despite anathema and allocution , despite sermon and sensational lecture , despite the decrees of synods , and the resolutions of Anti-Masonic meetings , despite Baptist and Bunkum of any kind , and we believe will continue to move on .
That it is a most useful and benevolent Order , its charitable efforts tell to all around that it is and may be a means of much good in this suffering world of ours , we also venture to assert against all gainsayers . Like all human institutions it may have defects here , and weaknesses there , but
look at it as a whole , " take it " as they say often now-a-days " all round , " there are few purely earthly societies which come near it , for its general usefulness and its particular value ! At a time when men ' s minds are irritable , and ceaseless controversies
and divisions abo-i-a " , . when contest wax hot , and sensible and religious men are struggling for "trifles light as air , " as if they were a matter of death and life , Freemasonry is preaching a sermon of absolute toleration . It is boldly declaring , at a time when some are
so excited as to lose often the balance of justice and fair play , that the worst use you can put a man to is to " burn " him , and that we and all must agree to differ , as we are not judges of one another ' s creeds , and to his " own Maker " each
one of us stands or falls . Surely such a society is valuable , and deserves the support of all cultivated intellects and ingenuous minds . We thank Mr . Horsley and his reverend brethren for their friendly and sympathetic opinions of our much maligned Order .
A Pleasurable Incident.
A PLEASURABLE INCIDENT .
We publish in another column two very interesting and pleasant letters . They speak volumes for the mutual regard and fraternal sympathy existing between the brethren of a distinguished province and their noble head . The letters themselves tell their own tale , and need no note or comment from us . We think that they
do equal credit to the heads and hearts of our Staffordshire brethren , and to our distinguished brother the Earl of Shrewsbury . Our best wishes will accompany the youthful and charming bride , who , the daughter of a Freemason , has married a " Lewis , " the eldest son of our kindhearted and popular brother , the Marquis of Londonderry .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
LWe do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even as approving of the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . —En . ] ROMAN CATHOLIC INTOLERANCE , AND LIBERALITY OF THE ORTHODOX GREEK CHURCH .
To Ihe Editor of ' I he Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — By . post I forward you a copy of "La Borsa " newspaper of 13 th inst ., containing an account of
Original Correspondence.
a presentation , or , rather , an address on vellum , which was made to thc Venerable Patriarch of thc Greek Orthodox Church on the occasion of his kindly burying a brother of ours , viz ., a Mr . Figari , an Italian advocate of Cairo , whom thc Roman Catholics refused to bury because he was a Freemason .
The translation is as follows : — " Thc Evangelic charity of the Venerable Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church suggested the idea to several Masonic brethren to present him with the following address , which was signed in Egypt by a large number of Freemasons of every nationality .
do His SANCTITY THE PATRIAUCII SOFRONIOS . " The undersigned Freemasons resident in Egypt , conscious of the good action of your Holiness when the Roman Catholic clergy refused burial to their respected Brother Figari ( advocate or barrister ) , come forward to express the sincere thanks and respect they owe to your Holiness . The burial of our worthy deceased brother ,
through the means of the Orthodox Church , which is governed in Egypt by your Holiness , caused all worthy Freemasons to feel the effects , because it is in accordance with their institution to teach all men of the world who are sons of One Great Father to be tolerant , following the dictates of Jesus Christ . " In you , true follower of Christ , and of His moral
principles , we have found the noble philanthropic sentiments which are inculcated in the Masonic doctrine , sentiments which you profess with courage worthy of a great minister faithful to the duties of his mission ( who studies to imitate our Saviour , Jesus Christ ) , to unite the knot of fraternity of all nations , always avoiding religious or party feelings . " The Freemasons of Egypt fervently hope long life
may be spared your Holiness , and pray to God that you may be protected to the glory of your throne for the benefit of the suffering humanity , which are divided , and cruelly persecuted , by some who call themselves ministers of Christ , but are only obstacles of light and lovers of discord . " Accept therefore , your Holiness , the reverence of the undersigned Freemasons , who will ever have imprinted on
their memory and in their hearts the recollection of your action , which is gratifying to the Great Architect of the Universe . ( Here follow the signatures of about 300 brethren . ) " The committee appointed to present the above address to his Holiness consisted of the following brethren : — " DKMETRIO MOSCONAS , W . M . Pythagoras ; "E . H . BINGHAM , P . M ;
"L . D . MARIA ; " W . H . WELDON , W . M . St . John ' s , 919 ; " J . ALUM J ONES , Barrister ; " HEN-HY J KVON , Secretary St . John ' s , 919 ; "A . ZACCA ; who had the honour to be received by His Holiness on Sunday , September 12 th , 1875 , at ten a . m ., when , in response to thc address , he replied as follows : — "' Gentlemen , —
' * ' I thank you for an honour which I do not merit , because I have only performed my sacred duty—Si praecepta mea servabitis manebitis indilectione mea , si diligitis me mandata mea servate . The Greek Orthodox Church observes and maintains the precepts of Christ , is ever ready to assist , by His ministers , all who call for her protection . ' His Holiness then spoke on the great virtues of the deceased advocate brother , Figari , who was greatly
respected by all who knew him , and concluded with the hope that one day all the Christian churches might . be joined together as one under the Holy Symbol of the . ' Cross ; : " Thc committee then took leave of his Holiness anci retired . " . .: * . ' " . I am , Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , . 'd" , * "" * Sept / 25 . H . J EVOM , Sec , 919 . [ VVe publish the above with great pleasure from our worthy brother , Henry Jevon . We have seen " La IJo ' rsU .. ' ]
HUD 1 BRAS . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I am a good deal amused by Bro . Bernard ' s dogmatical letter in your last impression . It seems a great pity , and to reflect little credit on our Masonic teaching , that hardly any one can write on the commonest subject
without becoming personal . As the writer of the article , and the criminal quoter of the inculpated versicle , I venture to say , pace so learned a critic , that I happen to know my " Hudibras" as well as he knows it , it may be even better . But comparisons are " odorous . " I used the verse as others have used it , better men than either of us , with no question or concern as to its correctness . I did not quote " Hudibras , "
at all , and so did no injustice to Butler ' s pleasant shade , but I used the words as a common sayfng to convey my meaning , which they did and do most appositely . For a long time every one who cares for such things has known that there was an error in the actual quotation itself , but as the popular proverb and popular version had great currency there seems to be but little use or value in being hypercritical . For myself , I can only say that the state of
mind which the popular saying represents is not an uncommon one , and despite Bro . Bernard's learned disquisition , there is nothing absurd in the use of such words . Burke's concluding sentence may be reckoned equally " sublime and beautiful , " but it looks here very like what the American called " greased lightning . " I am , Sir , your obedient servant , THE WIIITEH OF THE AUTICI . E .
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS . To the Editor of Ihe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Permit me through the medium of your columns to call attention to the proposition to be brought before the Quarterly Court on Saturday next , the 9 th inst ., for building and extending the above institution .