Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
LEADERS . ' 339 Alasonic Ceremony at Kedhill . —Visit of the M . W . G . M ., ' the Prince of . Wales ... 340 Consecration of the Portcullis Lodge , No . 2038 , at Langport 340 English Freemasonry before 1717 341 History of the Royal Masonic Institution
for Hoys { Continiict } - 341 CoRREKl'ONHE . YCE— . Recent Attacks on Freemasonry 343 Hoys' School Festival , 1-88 4 343 Notice to Brethreu , 343 Grand Lodge of South Australia 343 Reviews .- . 343 Notes and Queries
344-Ladies * Masonic Festival 344 RETORTS OF MASONIO MEETINOSCraft Masonry 344 Royal Arch . ' 341 - 1 Mark Masonry 34 6 Consecration of the Apollo Lodge , No . 2042 341 * 1 The Papal and Priestlv Fulminations 347
Royal Masonic Institution for Boys 347 Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution 34 8 West Lancashire Masonic Educational * Institution 34 8 Scottish Freemasonry in tlie Mediterranean 34 S The Collegia Romana 34 S Masonic and General Tidings 34 8 Lodge Meetings for Next Week ... Page 3 Cover .
Ar00100
THE gathering * at St . Anne's Society School was alike most striking and symptomatic of that really true and abiding interest in all works of utilitarian need or educational energy which so strikingly , characterizes our present epoch . It is most gratifying to us all , as Englishmen and Freemasons to note the continual presence of our Royal Family at such
assemblies as these of our fellow countrymen . ' No good or useful cause appeals to them in vain , and the presence of the Prince and Princess of WALES always brings sunshine , happiness , and success . The grace and popularity of her Royal Hi ghness are contrasted felicitously with the geniality and ready tact of his Royal Highness , and we must be all
struck with . the good effect such scenes and ¦ such presence exercize on the thoughtful intelligence , and ever ready 103 'alty of our English people . There is probably no harder worked-person in the Empire than our Royal GRAND MASTF . R , and certainly if it maybe said that Royalty is not a bed of Roses , it may be equally asserted that iust
now it is accompanied with ceaseless labours , happily for the best of all purposes , —the public weal , the public improvement , the developement of all those artistic , educational , or eleemosynary educations , which some
have held , aind perhaps not without truth , to be the best evidence of the activity of public life , and of a living principle of energy and sympathy in a people , We call attention to a short report elsewhere of a most interesting ceremony in aid of a most valuable Institution .
# * # THE irreligious and destructive character of Freemasonry given to it so freely by some Roman Catholic Scribes at the present hour is remarkabl y illustrated , according to our view , by the constant participation of t * he Grand Lodge of England aiid subordinate bodies in the laying of
foundationstones of cathedrals and churches , of schools and hospitals , which almost every successive Freemason records , and which the un-Masonic press so constantly commemorates . Certainly if Freemasons are the dangerous and destructive personalities the Roman Catholic societies so broadly and so boldly paint us in countless allocutions and restless diatribes , they take a
very odd way of manifesting to the world , and the society in which they live their peculiar proclivities , and their inconoclastic tendencies .. People , it is true , . may often . be judged by contraries here before , but , as in old days , so now the body of Freemasons- takes a legitimate and gratifying part in the foundation and erection of " stately and superb
edifices ; " in fact , in all that adorns art , assists religion , tends to the culture , the peace , tbe welfare , the civilizing , and coherent ' progress of Society and the world at large . We doubt very much if men of anarchical views and destructive theories are often found in . such peaceful company , or taking part in such laudable proceedings . We believe that the gentlemen who have had so
much to do with ¦ " dynamiters " lately would be willing to give us a good character . We venture , therefore , in all humility to leave so patent a paradox to the careful consideration of those who , in hostile camps and unfriendly papers , and even in the highest ecclesiastical position as our ceaseless antagonist , the Church of Rome , write so hastily and so incorrectly , and with such an
entire misapprehension and misrepresentation of the real tenets , the true aims , and the actual mission of Freemasonry . Were it hot that some of these repeated incriminations of oiir Order are so monstrous and so grotesque as hardly even to merit notice or call for animadversion , we might at times be tempted to lose our patience with such repeated insinuations , ' assertions ,
and charges , all equally baseless and perverse ; but we can afford to smile at even the latest ebullitions of ignorance , injustice , and mendacity combined . If any ask the valui : or question the meaning of Freemasonry today , we would say—as the monument of an old Grand Master still has it — "Si quceris circumspice . "
# * * FREEMASONRY is already showing signs of lassitude and cessation for a time . Its season of work is nearly over for 1884 , its recreation banquets are in full swing , its holiday time is drawing near at hand . There is
Ar00101
always something of melancholy in the closing scenes of any period of lime and work , and even of any season of Mnsonic activity , fervent , sacred labour , and genial hospitality . The season of 18 S 4 has not been a very eventful one , but it has been a very active one . The lodges have met , new members have been initiated and joined ; the normal cause of English '
Freemasonry has proceeded on its yearly way , with much el ' lect and admitted prestige . We can recall many pleasant meetings , anti have shared in numerous not undistinguished gatherings . Charily has been living and remarkable , hospitality has been seasonable and grateful . At no time were English lodges more numerous , united , or peaceful ; at no
period did the useful and benevolent principles of English Freemasonry shine with purer lustre , or adorn more truly our Masonic profession . So may it always be . But true it is that for many of us all this little Masonic season of 18 S 4 practically is at an end . Our brethren are scattering wide and fast and far . ' Ere long a general exodus from thc "little village " will
proclaim that a holiday time for often hard-worked Freemasons will have begun . Wherever our brethren go may they carry with them good health and good humour , full purses , and contented dispositions ; and when they
meet again in the fogs of October and November may they all be in thenplaces once more to assist laudably to keep up the fame of some famous lodge , and to aid in continuing to diffuse the generous and genuine principles of Anglican Freemasonry .
• - * # # THERE is nothing unfitting or unworthy in the attachment which some of in bear to the lodge in which we first saw the light of Masonry , or' to which we have since been happily affiliated , as years have passed away . We have met and made ' there many warm , true friends ; we have enjoyed many a
mystic seance and many a social gathering ; we have taken part in work ; we have furthered Charity , and we have realized to the full extent the geniality of friendship , and the sincerity of fraternity . It is true that as Time , with ceaseless steps , has passed on , and left us older than of yore , we have missed some cheery faces , and have parted from some pleasant -mates , and
have deplored the passing away of some warm friends . The old mates with whom we took pleasant Masonic counsel years ago 3 re no longer to the fore ; their place on earth knows them no . more . And we , too , in our turn must yield to the inevitable decree ; and make way for others , younger and
stronger . All we can wish for them is that they may find the happiness ' and benefit in Freemasonry that we did through many of the years of our pilgrimage , and may it be to them—as it has been most surely to us—a bond of unchanging friendship , a profession of unfailing sympathy , a realization of Charity , an unbroken link of fraternity , and a gratifying labour of love .
. * # AMID the numerous recent attacks on Freemasonry emanating just now from the Ultramontane press , it sometimes seems as if our worthy and wordy opponents in no way realized that we could , if we thought well , for . Freemasons , say a good deal in the way of fair reprisal and counter
complaint . We are accused of being disloyal and irreligious , unfaithful , lo our PRINCE , hurtful to religion , the fautors of revolution , anarchy , and social confusion all over the world . * We are declared to be pagans and profligate in the same breath ; we are told that we are the enemies of society , order , law , and are actually seeking to uproot all . the sanction and work of Christianity
itself in the world . To these wild and childish charges we do not condescend to reply . We leave them to the judgment of our contemporaries , and the consciences of the Roman Catholics themselves . But curiously enough we think we have heard of others who , not like us , intent on labouring in the cause of goodwill and kindly feeling ,
and- charitable effort , and social progress among men , have startled the world often by the most dangerous doctrines of peace , propounded the most subversive theories . There is hardly a country in Europe where much harm has not been effected by maxims which are degrading and ' a venality which is detestable . " The end justifies the means , for many do
evil that good may come ;¦ " * " It is the intention which qualifies the * act /' seem to float down to us on the current of history , and from the annals of nations , along with specious glosses' on the words of Revelation , and even the Divine moral law , which have startled the peace of nations , have affected the proceedings of legislators , and have even led to the ejectment from every
country of Europe , almost in succession , of those who thus were equally antagonistic to the outcome of authority , and the liberties of people , the dictates of rig ht and truth , and the social safety , peacefulness , progress , and
prosperity of mankind . We leave some good friends of ours who are very busy in calumniating Freemasonry to make the application for themselves . If the cap fits , then by all means let them wear it in dignity and decorum , and profit alike by a friendly reminder and a seasonable warning ..
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
LEADERS . ' 339 Alasonic Ceremony at Kedhill . —Visit of the M . W . G . M ., ' the Prince of . Wales ... 340 Consecration of the Portcullis Lodge , No . 2038 , at Langport 340 English Freemasonry before 1717 341 History of the Royal Masonic Institution
for Hoys { Continiict } - 341 CoRREKl'ONHE . YCE— . Recent Attacks on Freemasonry 343 Hoys' School Festival , 1-88 4 343 Notice to Brethreu , 343 Grand Lodge of South Australia 343 Reviews .- . 343 Notes and Queries
344-Ladies * Masonic Festival 344 RETORTS OF MASONIO MEETINOSCraft Masonry 344 Royal Arch . ' 341 - 1 Mark Masonry 34 6 Consecration of the Apollo Lodge , No . 2042 341 * 1 The Papal and Priestlv Fulminations 347
Royal Masonic Institution for Boys 347 Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution 34 8 West Lancashire Masonic Educational * Institution 34 8 Scottish Freemasonry in tlie Mediterranean 34 S The Collegia Romana 34 S Masonic and General Tidings 34 8 Lodge Meetings for Next Week ... Page 3 Cover .
Ar00100
THE gathering * at St . Anne's Society School was alike most striking and symptomatic of that really true and abiding interest in all works of utilitarian need or educational energy which so strikingly , characterizes our present epoch . It is most gratifying to us all , as Englishmen and Freemasons to note the continual presence of our Royal Family at such
assemblies as these of our fellow countrymen . ' No good or useful cause appeals to them in vain , and the presence of the Prince and Princess of WALES always brings sunshine , happiness , and success . The grace and popularity of her Royal Hi ghness are contrasted felicitously with the geniality and ready tact of his Royal Highness , and we must be all
struck with . the good effect such scenes and ¦ such presence exercize on the thoughtful intelligence , and ever ready 103 'alty of our English people . There is probably no harder worked-person in the Empire than our Royal GRAND MASTF . R , and certainly if it maybe said that Royalty is not a bed of Roses , it may be equally asserted that iust
now it is accompanied with ceaseless labours , happily for the best of all purposes , —the public weal , the public improvement , the developement of all those artistic , educational , or eleemosynary educations , which some
have held , aind perhaps not without truth , to be the best evidence of the activity of public life , and of a living principle of energy and sympathy in a people , We call attention to a short report elsewhere of a most interesting ceremony in aid of a most valuable Institution .
# * # THE irreligious and destructive character of Freemasonry given to it so freely by some Roman Catholic Scribes at the present hour is remarkabl y illustrated , according to our view , by the constant participation of t * he Grand Lodge of England aiid subordinate bodies in the laying of
foundationstones of cathedrals and churches , of schools and hospitals , which almost every successive Freemason records , and which the un-Masonic press so constantly commemorates . Certainly if Freemasons are the dangerous and destructive personalities the Roman Catholic societies so broadly and so boldly paint us in countless allocutions and restless diatribes , they take a
very odd way of manifesting to the world , and the society in which they live their peculiar proclivities , and their inconoclastic tendencies .. People , it is true , . may often . be judged by contraries here before , but , as in old days , so now the body of Freemasons- takes a legitimate and gratifying part in the foundation and erection of " stately and superb
edifices ; " in fact , in all that adorns art , assists religion , tends to the culture , the peace , tbe welfare , the civilizing , and coherent ' progress of Society and the world at large . We doubt very much if men of anarchical views and destructive theories are often found in . such peaceful company , or taking part in such laudable proceedings . We believe that the gentlemen who have had so
much to do with ¦ " dynamiters " lately would be willing to give us a good character . We venture , therefore , in all humility to leave so patent a paradox to the careful consideration of those who , in hostile camps and unfriendly papers , and even in the highest ecclesiastical position as our ceaseless antagonist , the Church of Rome , write so hastily and so incorrectly , and with such an
entire misapprehension and misrepresentation of the real tenets , the true aims , and the actual mission of Freemasonry . Were it hot that some of these repeated incriminations of oiir Order are so monstrous and so grotesque as hardly even to merit notice or call for animadversion , we might at times be tempted to lose our patience with such repeated insinuations , ' assertions ,
and charges , all equally baseless and perverse ; but we can afford to smile at even the latest ebullitions of ignorance , injustice , and mendacity combined . If any ask the valui : or question the meaning of Freemasonry today , we would say—as the monument of an old Grand Master still has it — "Si quceris circumspice . "
# * * FREEMASONRY is already showing signs of lassitude and cessation for a time . Its season of work is nearly over for 1884 , its recreation banquets are in full swing , its holiday time is drawing near at hand . There is
Ar00101
always something of melancholy in the closing scenes of any period of lime and work , and even of any season of Mnsonic activity , fervent , sacred labour , and genial hospitality . The season of 18 S 4 has not been a very eventful one , but it has been a very active one . The lodges have met , new members have been initiated and joined ; the normal cause of English '
Freemasonry has proceeded on its yearly way , with much el ' lect and admitted prestige . We can recall many pleasant meetings , anti have shared in numerous not undistinguished gatherings . Charily has been living and remarkable , hospitality has been seasonable and grateful . At no time were English lodges more numerous , united , or peaceful ; at no
period did the useful and benevolent principles of English Freemasonry shine with purer lustre , or adorn more truly our Masonic profession . So may it always be . But true it is that for many of us all this little Masonic season of 18 S 4 practically is at an end . Our brethren are scattering wide and fast and far . ' Ere long a general exodus from thc "little village " will
proclaim that a holiday time for often hard-worked Freemasons will have begun . Wherever our brethren go may they carry with them good health and good humour , full purses , and contented dispositions ; and when they
meet again in the fogs of October and November may they all be in thenplaces once more to assist laudably to keep up the fame of some famous lodge , and to aid in continuing to diffuse the generous and genuine principles of Anglican Freemasonry .
• - * # # THERE is nothing unfitting or unworthy in the attachment which some of in bear to the lodge in which we first saw the light of Masonry , or' to which we have since been happily affiliated , as years have passed away . We have met and made ' there many warm , true friends ; we have enjoyed many a
mystic seance and many a social gathering ; we have taken part in work ; we have furthered Charity , and we have realized to the full extent the geniality of friendship , and the sincerity of fraternity . It is true that as Time , with ceaseless steps , has passed on , and left us older than of yore , we have missed some cheery faces , and have parted from some pleasant -mates , and
have deplored the passing away of some warm friends . The old mates with whom we took pleasant Masonic counsel years ago 3 re no longer to the fore ; their place on earth knows them no . more . And we , too , in our turn must yield to the inevitable decree ; and make way for others , younger and
stronger . All we can wish for them is that they may find the happiness ' and benefit in Freemasonry that we did through many of the years of our pilgrimage , and may it be to them—as it has been most surely to us—a bond of unchanging friendship , a profession of unfailing sympathy , a realization of Charity , an unbroken link of fraternity , and a gratifying labour of love .
. * # AMID the numerous recent attacks on Freemasonry emanating just now from the Ultramontane press , it sometimes seems as if our worthy and wordy opponents in no way realized that we could , if we thought well , for . Freemasons , say a good deal in the way of fair reprisal and counter
complaint . We are accused of being disloyal and irreligious , unfaithful , lo our PRINCE , hurtful to religion , the fautors of revolution , anarchy , and social confusion all over the world . * We are declared to be pagans and profligate in the same breath ; we are told that we are the enemies of society , order , law , and are actually seeking to uproot all . the sanction and work of Christianity
itself in the world . To these wild and childish charges we do not condescend to reply . We leave them to the judgment of our contemporaries , and the consciences of the Roman Catholics themselves . But curiously enough we think we have heard of others who , not like us , intent on labouring in the cause of goodwill and kindly feeling ,
and- charitable effort , and social progress among men , have startled the world often by the most dangerous doctrines of peace , propounded the most subversive theories . There is hardly a country in Europe where much harm has not been effected by maxims which are degrading and ' a venality which is detestable . " The end justifies the means , for many do
evil that good may come ;¦ " * " It is the intention which qualifies the * act /' seem to float down to us on the current of history , and from the annals of nations , along with specious glosses' on the words of Revelation , and even the Divine moral law , which have startled the peace of nations , have affected the proceedings of legislators , and have even led to the ejectment from every
country of Europe , almost in succession , of those who thus were equally antagonistic to the outcome of authority , and the liberties of people , the dictates of rig ht and truth , and the social safety , peacefulness , progress , and
prosperity of mankind . We leave some good friends of ours who are very busy in calumniating Freemasonry to make the application for themselves . If the cap fits , then by all means let them wear it in dignity and decorum , and profit alike by a friendly reminder and a seasonable warning ..