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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even 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 . ]
UNIFORMITY OF WORKING . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Notwithstanding that I am aware how much we differ in opinion on this subject , I implicitly rely upon your acknowledged fairness in the conduct of our recognised exponent of Fieemasonry to afford me space for rep ly to
the letter of our worthy Bro . H . E . Frances in your impression of this date . I perceive that he , in common with many others , quite misunderstands the nature and import of the movement 1 have consistently advocated for so many past years and does not recognise the fact that much more important ! iisues attach thereto than the mere diversities and
discrepancies which have crept into the language of our ritual . I cannot if I would , and I am sure I would not , put into print that which 1 look forward to speak of in another place . Until then I must submit to whatever comments may be made by those who cannot know to what I allude . Meanwhile , it is but reasonable to ask them to suspend
their judgment . They may then see that what I suggest is not only absolutely necessary , but eminently practicable , and that trie " candle " which may enlighten them will not be wasted . The " score or so of Preceptors in the Metropolis , " amongst whom are many worthy , zealous , and sufficiently informed brethren , for whom I entertain a great respect , will , 1 fell assured , if their desire for the
" pure and unsullied system " is as great as they represent it to be , rather coincide with than oppose my views after a fair and impartial hearing shall have been given . There is nothing paradoxical in any portion of my proposition , and nothing inharmonious need of necessity ensue on its adoption . Nor would any edict of Grand Lodge , requiring a faithful following of its measures , become an
assumption of infallibility or interfere in the slightest degree with the principles or even the name of Freemasonry . Our btother says that in no mode of working does he see perfection . But that is no argument against an endeavour to secure , as nearly as possible , perfection and uniformity . There are many who have seen and welcome a simple and effective working , free from anything which
can bc objected to by religious and educated men , and fully sufficient for the expounding of our " system of morality , " without any attempt to illustrate our teachings by the aid of effects which poison the mind , and give rise to feelings of disgust rather than reverence . And as we are , or should be , " tethered to our landmarks , " and willingly so , let us not scruple to condemn any attempt to
remove them antl substitute therefor other allegories or symbols which an : not in distinct accord therewith . As to the suggestion of " arguing our different readings in the Masonic publications , " setting aside the impracticability , even if there were the possibility of effectively . doing so , our Bro . Frances must see the impolicy of adopting such means as he relers to ; whilst the further request to
be allowed to adopt in our working " what seemeth best " ( I presume he means to each individual ) , if granted , would be to at once introduce anarchy and confusion , and set brother against brother in the work of communicating light and instruction . . A long personal and pleasant acquaintance with Bro . Frances gives me assurance that he would not wish that
any man should do what he himself would not do , namely , " put his hand to the plough and look back , " and as this is not a question of difference between "tweedledum and tweedledec , " but , in the opinion of many , one of vital importance to the best interests of the Order we reverence , both himself and yourself must take it for granted . that I am earnest in continuance , not in the least
seeking "laurels , " but strenuously desiring to uphold and maintain that " pure and unsullied system " which as an initiate , nearly a quarter of a century ago , I pledged myself to support to the best of my ability . Believe me to be , my ileir Sir and Brother , yours vy truly and fraternally , Clapham , Nov . 8 th . JAMKS STEVENS .
A QUERY . To lhe Editor of the " Freemason , " Dear Sir and Brother , — In reading your reports of the various Masonic meetings my attention was particularly drawn to the report of the lodge of instruction held under the warrant of the Palatine Lodge , No . 97 , at which I was elected acting
W . M . at the next meeting , to be held on the fourth Wednesday in this month . There is a question connected with lodges of instruction which has often occupied my mind , and on which I venture to ask you to decide . When an acting W . M . is elected , is he not virtually the
same in that lodge of instruction , for the time being , as the W . M . of a regular lodge , so far as the working of that lodge is concerned , or can individual members propose in open lodge ( after he is elected ) such and such work to be done without his consent or even consulting him in the matter ? An answer through your paper will oblige , Yours faithfully and fraternally , E . SUTHERST , S . W . 94 .
THE PROVINCES AND THE CHARiriES . " To Ihc Editor ofthe Freemason , " Dear Sir and Brother , — In continuation of the tables published last week I now send a return cf the votes per lodge as regards the Boys' School . It will be seen that in many respects it
Original Correspondence.
differs widely from the former return , but , as in that , life votes to the end of last year only are counted , and fractions of - 4 are estimated as - _{ -. BOYS' SCHOOL . Number Number Votes Province . of of per Lodges . Votes . Lodge . 1 West Yorkshire ... 66 2455 37 $
2 Dorset ... ... 1 . 3 435 33 z 3 Warwickshire ... 30 983 33 4 Gloucestershire ... 14 39 ' . 28 5 Surrey ... ... 18 4 <> 4 26 6 Kent ... ... 43 i ° 44 24 a 7 South Wales ( Eastern ) 13 313 24 * 8 Somerset ... ... 21 497 23 $
9 Hants and Isle of Wight 31 705 22 J 10 Oxfordshire ... ... 9 199 22 } 11 Sussex ... ... 20 438 22 12 Lancashire ( East ) ... 89 18 94 ai-i 13 Staffordshire ... ... 21 437 21
14 Norths and Hunts ... 9 172 19 $ - 15 Wilts ... ... 10 189 19 16 Northumbe'land ... 18 314 17 I 17 Berks and Bucks ... 17 290 17 ^ 18 Lincolnshire ... ... 20 339 16 J jij Leicestershire and Rutland 10 162 16 J 20 Bristol ... ... 8 127 16
21 Essex ... ... 17 255 15 22 Durham ... ... 25 45 8 14-4 23 South Wales ( Western ) 9 114 12-J 24 Cumberland & Westmorland 19 235 12 J T . I Worcestershire ... 10 122 12 J
26 Yorkshire ( N . and E . ) ... 26 311 12 27 Derbyshire ... ... 19 210 \\\ 28 Notts ... ... 9 9 8 11 29 Herts ... ... II 115 1 Q 4 30 Middlesex ... ... 29 298 10 $ 31 Cheshire ... ... 37 3 68 10 32 Suffolk ... ... 19 186 10
33 Monmouthshire ... S 7 6 o ., 34 . North Wales and Salop 25 203 8 . 1 35 Norfolk ... ... is 121 8 _ j 3 6 Devonshire ... ... 47 352 7-J 37 Cambridgeshire ... 4 27 fij
3 8 Herefordshire ... 4 23 5 $ 39 Cornwall ... ... 28 152 si 40 Lancashire ( West ) ... 80 406 3 } 41 Bedfordshire ... ... 3 23 4-42 Channel Islands ... It 48 4 _{ 43 Isle of Man ... 300 . 940 16 , 049 ' 7 *
Total Total Average Lodges . Votes . per Lodge . In order , if possible , to get a fair average I append the total number cf votes for Boys and Girls , and the votes per ledge : —
BOYS' AND GIRLS' SCHOOL . Number Total Votes of Votes per Lodges . Boys & Girls . Lodge . 1 West Yorkshire ... 66 3939 59 $ 2 Warwickshire ... 30 1383 46 3 3 Sussex ... ... 20 834 41-if
4 Dorset ... ... 13 527 40 } 5 Gloucestershire ... 14 S 5 S 39 !} 6 Kent ... ... 43 16 99 39 } 7 Surrey ... ... 18 705 39 } 8 South Wales ( Eastern ) 13 490 37 J 9 Oxfordshire ... 9 320 35 $ 10 Somerset ... ... 21 731 34 J
11 Hants and Isle of Wight 31 1063 343 12 Wilts ... ... 10 330 33 13 Staffordshire ... 21 673 32 J 14 Norths and Hunts ... 9 284 31-i 15 Berks and Bucks ... 17 498 293 16 Lincolnshire ... 20 580 29 17 Lancashire ( East ) ... 89 2534 sK-J
18 Durham ... ... 2 s 691 2 7 $ 19 Biistol ... ... 8 201 2 $ i 20 Essex ... ... 17 393 23 I 21 Leicestershire & Rutland 10 229 23 22 South Wales ( Western ) 9 191 21 ] 23 Northumberland ... 18 381 21 J
24 Herts ... ... ir 228 21 25 Monmouthshire ... 8 165 20 J 26 Suffolk ... ... 19 345 i 8 _ V 27 Worcestershire ... 10 1 79 18 28 Middlesex ... ... 29 515 18 29 Cumberland and
Westmorland ... ... 19 330 iii 30 Yorkshire ( N . & E . ) ... 26 446 17 ] - 31 Notts ... ... 9 140 15 J 32 Cheshire ... ... 37 5 68 152 33 Norfolk ... ... is 213 Mi 34 North Wales and Salop 25 313 12 $ 35 Derbyshire ... ... 19 235 12 ^ 3 6 Herefordshire ... 4 45 JI J
37 Devonshire ... ... 47 s n 3 8 Cambridge ... ... 4 38 oh 39 Lancashire ( West ) ... 80 6 49 8 | 40 Cornwall ... ... 28 224 8 41 Beds ... ... s 3 8 73 42 Channel Islands ... 11 72 Gjj 43 Isle of Man ... 3 o o 940 24 , 484 26 J Toial Total Average Lodges . Votes per Boys & Girls . Lodge .
Original Correspondence.
The foregoing figures require no comment from me unless it be to notice the splendid position held by West Yorkshire , " facile princeps " throughout . I should have been g lad to have added a similar return for the Benevoent Institution , but the mode in which the list is made lout precludes it . The insertion of the names of all
subscribers , metropolitan and provincUl , in one alphabetical list , is very inconvenient , especially for country subscribers , and it is to be hoped that the executive will see fit to adopt the plan pursued by the two other Charities . Yours fraternally , A PAST MASTER .
A GRUMBLE . To the Editor ofthe " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Whenever Englishmen incline to grumble , to vent their grievances and propose schemes for reforming the world at large , it is their undoubted prerogative to " write to the Times "; it satisfies them and does no one
much injury . When Freemasons murmur I presume the Freemason , may be regarded as their Times . Will you , Mr . Editor , kindly let me indulge in the luxury of a growl ? I will make my remarks as short as possible , and without preface will begin . When a man enters Freemasonry and takes his Third Degree , he usually reviews his progress , and the question naturally suggests itself cui bono ? In my
case , I got no very satisfactory answer , and my interest in the subject began rapidly to cool , and had it not been for the fact of my being , by great favour of the then W . M ., very quickly appointed to office , I should probably have glided from this sublunary sphere in almost utter ignorance of the real object and significance of the mystic Craft . More extended experience has taught me that Masonry
can be understood only by those who persevere in its study and practice ; it is more than can be communicated by mere words and signs ; it is a something indefinable , which binds man to man in one common bond nf brotherly feeling ; it will not regenerate the world ; it may not in every instance have the effect of moulding unsuitable natures into perfect finish ; but even in the unlikely event
of the morality inculcated , and the convivial socialism practised , rot modifying rugged attributes , it can do them no harm . To a man who has rested content with the acquisitiun of the Third Degree , who has merely as it were " stood shivering on the brink , " and who is without the knowledge possessed by those who have advanced further , Freemasonry can merely be regarded as an intellectual
recreation , the practice of which is innocuous if somewhat vapid ; this Pierian spring may be either tapped deeply or merely tasted , with equal impunity ; if the first taste proved insipid , and the cup is thrown away ( as so frequently happens , and for reasons which I hope to show ) , it is to be regretted , but at least " the last state of that man " is not " worse than the first , " and this much can scarcely
be said of any other system of morality . I make thesi preliminary remarks , because in whatever I may feel called upon to write 1 would that none should misunderstand the purport of my observations , or imagine that any attack upon the Craft is meditated ; such is not my object . Masonry is exceedingly conscivative , there seems to exist a spirit antagonistic to reform of any kind ; anyone who
demurs at whatever is presented is usually regarded as heterodox , and unreasonable fears are entertained that he might pull up the ancient landmarks ( whatever they may be ) , and cause a deluge or something equally awful and mysterious ; let those fears be banished in this instance . 1 began then to enquire as lo the wherefore of my new existence , and could elicit no satisfactory reply . I was
informed that benevolence formed a great part of the Masonic scheme . I asked fora sign , and was referred tothe various Institutions as a proof ; enquiring further , I found no one who could or would enlighten me as to what these Charitable establishments were really doing . I have since that time passed the chair , and have prosecuted enquiries from tbe highest to the lowest in the province ; but beyond the
merest generalisations no one appears to know anything about them ; but for the facts that certain brethren are said to be in receipt of pensions , and occasionally voting papers are presented for signature , the existence of our eleemosynary organisations might well be regarded as chimerical . I am aware that we arc at a distance from the Metropolis , but the printing press obliterates space . I
think some one told me the Masonic newspapers contain notices from time to time of the doings of each Institution ; that may be so , but it generally happens that a Freemason has sjme occupation , and time will not admit of his metaphorically searching in a bottle of hay after a needle . Is it not possible to place , within the reach of cverv Freemason a concise history of the various Masonic Charities ?
This should not be a very difficult matter , and greater publicity would benefit them and evoke salutary criticism . The narration might be accompanied by a copy of the annual balance sheets ; thus fully accounting for the funds dispensed ah initio ; there could also be appended notices of the progress of pupils in the Schools as shown by annual examinations by competent men and strangers ,
the slalus of the Masters , the mode of their election , the salaries or stipends from He id Master to porter ; the position of the Schools as shown by results at the Oxford and Cambridge Local Examinations , Sec . ; the dietaiy , the system of rewards and punishments ,, the Medical Officers' report as to sickness , sanitary arrangements , quality of food , and so forth . All these important matters should annually appear ; and if the history of byegone
years , as embodied in the balance sheets and reports issued , were collected , bound , and sold to Freemasons at just suflident price to pay expenses—say two shillings or two shillings and sixpence—I feel sure these Institutions , and , therefore , Masonry in general , would be great gainers . A volume of this kind placed in the hands of the newlyraised would go far towards awaking that interest in the material concerns of the Craft on the pait of the noviciate
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even 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 . ]
UNIFORMITY OF WORKING . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Notwithstanding that I am aware how much we differ in opinion on this subject , I implicitly rely upon your acknowledged fairness in the conduct of our recognised exponent of Fieemasonry to afford me space for rep ly to
the letter of our worthy Bro . H . E . Frances in your impression of this date . I perceive that he , in common with many others , quite misunderstands the nature and import of the movement 1 have consistently advocated for so many past years and does not recognise the fact that much more important ! iisues attach thereto than the mere diversities and
discrepancies which have crept into the language of our ritual . I cannot if I would , and I am sure I would not , put into print that which 1 look forward to speak of in another place . Until then I must submit to whatever comments may be made by those who cannot know to what I allude . Meanwhile , it is but reasonable to ask them to suspend
their judgment . They may then see that what I suggest is not only absolutely necessary , but eminently practicable , and that trie " candle " which may enlighten them will not be wasted . The " score or so of Preceptors in the Metropolis , " amongst whom are many worthy , zealous , and sufficiently informed brethren , for whom I entertain a great respect , will , 1 fell assured , if their desire for the
" pure and unsullied system " is as great as they represent it to be , rather coincide with than oppose my views after a fair and impartial hearing shall have been given . There is nothing paradoxical in any portion of my proposition , and nothing inharmonious need of necessity ensue on its adoption . Nor would any edict of Grand Lodge , requiring a faithful following of its measures , become an
assumption of infallibility or interfere in the slightest degree with the principles or even the name of Freemasonry . Our btother says that in no mode of working does he see perfection . But that is no argument against an endeavour to secure , as nearly as possible , perfection and uniformity . There are many who have seen and welcome a simple and effective working , free from anything which
can bc objected to by religious and educated men , and fully sufficient for the expounding of our " system of morality , " without any attempt to illustrate our teachings by the aid of effects which poison the mind , and give rise to feelings of disgust rather than reverence . And as we are , or should be , " tethered to our landmarks , " and willingly so , let us not scruple to condemn any attempt to
remove them antl substitute therefor other allegories or symbols which an : not in distinct accord therewith . As to the suggestion of " arguing our different readings in the Masonic publications , " setting aside the impracticability , even if there were the possibility of effectively . doing so , our Bro . Frances must see the impolicy of adopting such means as he relers to ; whilst the further request to
be allowed to adopt in our working " what seemeth best " ( I presume he means to each individual ) , if granted , would be to at once introduce anarchy and confusion , and set brother against brother in the work of communicating light and instruction . . A long personal and pleasant acquaintance with Bro . Frances gives me assurance that he would not wish that
any man should do what he himself would not do , namely , " put his hand to the plough and look back , " and as this is not a question of difference between "tweedledum and tweedledec , " but , in the opinion of many , one of vital importance to the best interests of the Order we reverence , both himself and yourself must take it for granted . that I am earnest in continuance , not in the least
seeking "laurels , " but strenuously desiring to uphold and maintain that " pure and unsullied system " which as an initiate , nearly a quarter of a century ago , I pledged myself to support to the best of my ability . Believe me to be , my ileir Sir and Brother , yours vy truly and fraternally , Clapham , Nov . 8 th . JAMKS STEVENS .
A QUERY . To lhe Editor of the " Freemason , " Dear Sir and Brother , — In reading your reports of the various Masonic meetings my attention was particularly drawn to the report of the lodge of instruction held under the warrant of the Palatine Lodge , No . 97 , at which I was elected acting
W . M . at the next meeting , to be held on the fourth Wednesday in this month . There is a question connected with lodges of instruction which has often occupied my mind , and on which I venture to ask you to decide . When an acting W . M . is elected , is he not virtually the
same in that lodge of instruction , for the time being , as the W . M . of a regular lodge , so far as the working of that lodge is concerned , or can individual members propose in open lodge ( after he is elected ) such and such work to be done without his consent or even consulting him in the matter ? An answer through your paper will oblige , Yours faithfully and fraternally , E . SUTHERST , S . W . 94 .
THE PROVINCES AND THE CHARiriES . " To Ihc Editor ofthe Freemason , " Dear Sir and Brother , — In continuation of the tables published last week I now send a return cf the votes per lodge as regards the Boys' School . It will be seen that in many respects it
Original Correspondence.
differs widely from the former return , but , as in that , life votes to the end of last year only are counted , and fractions of - 4 are estimated as - _{ -. BOYS' SCHOOL . Number Number Votes Province . of of per Lodges . Votes . Lodge . 1 West Yorkshire ... 66 2455 37 $
2 Dorset ... ... 1 . 3 435 33 z 3 Warwickshire ... 30 983 33 4 Gloucestershire ... 14 39 ' . 28 5 Surrey ... ... 18 4 <> 4 26 6 Kent ... ... 43 i ° 44 24 a 7 South Wales ( Eastern ) 13 313 24 * 8 Somerset ... ... 21 497 23 $
9 Hants and Isle of Wight 31 705 22 J 10 Oxfordshire ... ... 9 199 22 } 11 Sussex ... ... 20 438 22 12 Lancashire ( East ) ... 89 18 94 ai-i 13 Staffordshire ... ... 21 437 21
14 Norths and Hunts ... 9 172 19 $ - 15 Wilts ... ... 10 189 19 16 Northumbe'land ... 18 314 17 I 17 Berks and Bucks ... 17 290 17 ^ 18 Lincolnshire ... ... 20 339 16 J jij Leicestershire and Rutland 10 162 16 J 20 Bristol ... ... 8 127 16
21 Essex ... ... 17 255 15 22 Durham ... ... 25 45 8 14-4 23 South Wales ( Western ) 9 114 12-J 24 Cumberland & Westmorland 19 235 12 J T . I Worcestershire ... 10 122 12 J
26 Yorkshire ( N . and E . ) ... 26 311 12 27 Derbyshire ... ... 19 210 \\\ 28 Notts ... ... 9 9 8 11 29 Herts ... ... II 115 1 Q 4 30 Middlesex ... ... 29 298 10 $ 31 Cheshire ... ... 37 3 68 10 32 Suffolk ... ... 19 186 10
33 Monmouthshire ... S 7 6 o ., 34 . North Wales and Salop 25 203 8 . 1 35 Norfolk ... ... is 121 8 _ j 3 6 Devonshire ... ... 47 352 7-J 37 Cambridgeshire ... 4 27 fij
3 8 Herefordshire ... 4 23 5 $ 39 Cornwall ... ... 28 152 si 40 Lancashire ( West ) ... 80 406 3 } 41 Bedfordshire ... ... 3 23 4-42 Channel Islands ... It 48 4 _{ 43 Isle of Man ... 300 . 940 16 , 049 ' 7 *
Total Total Average Lodges . Votes . per Lodge . In order , if possible , to get a fair average I append the total number cf votes for Boys and Girls , and the votes per ledge : —
BOYS' AND GIRLS' SCHOOL . Number Total Votes of Votes per Lodges . Boys & Girls . Lodge . 1 West Yorkshire ... 66 3939 59 $ 2 Warwickshire ... 30 1383 46 3 3 Sussex ... ... 20 834 41-if
4 Dorset ... ... 13 527 40 } 5 Gloucestershire ... 14 S 5 S 39 !} 6 Kent ... ... 43 16 99 39 } 7 Surrey ... ... 18 705 39 } 8 South Wales ( Eastern ) 13 490 37 J 9 Oxfordshire ... 9 320 35 $ 10 Somerset ... ... 21 731 34 J
11 Hants and Isle of Wight 31 1063 343 12 Wilts ... ... 10 330 33 13 Staffordshire ... 21 673 32 J 14 Norths and Hunts ... 9 284 31-i 15 Berks and Bucks ... 17 498 293 16 Lincolnshire ... 20 580 29 17 Lancashire ( East ) ... 89 2534 sK-J
18 Durham ... ... 2 s 691 2 7 $ 19 Biistol ... ... 8 201 2 $ i 20 Essex ... ... 17 393 23 I 21 Leicestershire & Rutland 10 229 23 22 South Wales ( Western ) 9 191 21 ] 23 Northumberland ... 18 381 21 J
24 Herts ... ... ir 228 21 25 Monmouthshire ... 8 165 20 J 26 Suffolk ... ... 19 345 i 8 _ V 27 Worcestershire ... 10 1 79 18 28 Middlesex ... ... 29 515 18 29 Cumberland and
Westmorland ... ... 19 330 iii 30 Yorkshire ( N . & E . ) ... 26 446 17 ] - 31 Notts ... ... 9 140 15 J 32 Cheshire ... ... 37 5 68 152 33 Norfolk ... ... is 213 Mi 34 North Wales and Salop 25 313 12 $ 35 Derbyshire ... ... 19 235 12 ^ 3 6 Herefordshire ... 4 45 JI J
37 Devonshire ... ... 47 s n 3 8 Cambridge ... ... 4 38 oh 39 Lancashire ( West ) ... 80 6 49 8 | 40 Cornwall ... ... 28 224 8 41 Beds ... ... s 3 8 73 42 Channel Islands ... 11 72 Gjj 43 Isle of Man ... 3 o o 940 24 , 484 26 J Toial Total Average Lodges . Votes per Boys & Girls . Lodge .
Original Correspondence.
The foregoing figures require no comment from me unless it be to notice the splendid position held by West Yorkshire , " facile princeps " throughout . I should have been g lad to have added a similar return for the Benevoent Institution , but the mode in which the list is made lout precludes it . The insertion of the names of all
subscribers , metropolitan and provincUl , in one alphabetical list , is very inconvenient , especially for country subscribers , and it is to be hoped that the executive will see fit to adopt the plan pursued by the two other Charities . Yours fraternally , A PAST MASTER .
A GRUMBLE . To the Editor ofthe " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Whenever Englishmen incline to grumble , to vent their grievances and propose schemes for reforming the world at large , it is their undoubted prerogative to " write to the Times "; it satisfies them and does no one
much injury . When Freemasons murmur I presume the Freemason , may be regarded as their Times . Will you , Mr . Editor , kindly let me indulge in the luxury of a growl ? I will make my remarks as short as possible , and without preface will begin . When a man enters Freemasonry and takes his Third Degree , he usually reviews his progress , and the question naturally suggests itself cui bono ? In my
case , I got no very satisfactory answer , and my interest in the subject began rapidly to cool , and had it not been for the fact of my being , by great favour of the then W . M ., very quickly appointed to office , I should probably have glided from this sublunary sphere in almost utter ignorance of the real object and significance of the mystic Craft . More extended experience has taught me that Masonry
can be understood only by those who persevere in its study and practice ; it is more than can be communicated by mere words and signs ; it is a something indefinable , which binds man to man in one common bond nf brotherly feeling ; it will not regenerate the world ; it may not in every instance have the effect of moulding unsuitable natures into perfect finish ; but even in the unlikely event
of the morality inculcated , and the convivial socialism practised , rot modifying rugged attributes , it can do them no harm . To a man who has rested content with the acquisitiun of the Third Degree , who has merely as it were " stood shivering on the brink , " and who is without the knowledge possessed by those who have advanced further , Freemasonry can merely be regarded as an intellectual
recreation , the practice of which is innocuous if somewhat vapid ; this Pierian spring may be either tapped deeply or merely tasted , with equal impunity ; if the first taste proved insipid , and the cup is thrown away ( as so frequently happens , and for reasons which I hope to show ) , it is to be regretted , but at least " the last state of that man " is not " worse than the first , " and this much can scarcely
be said of any other system of morality . I make thesi preliminary remarks , because in whatever I may feel called upon to write 1 would that none should misunderstand the purport of my observations , or imagine that any attack upon the Craft is meditated ; such is not my object . Masonry is exceedingly conscivative , there seems to exist a spirit antagonistic to reform of any kind ; anyone who
demurs at whatever is presented is usually regarded as heterodox , and unreasonable fears are entertained that he might pull up the ancient landmarks ( whatever they may be ) , and cause a deluge or something equally awful and mysterious ; let those fears be banished in this instance . 1 began then to enquire as lo the wherefore of my new existence , and could elicit no satisfactory reply . I was
informed that benevolence formed a great part of the Masonic scheme . I asked fora sign , and was referred tothe various Institutions as a proof ; enquiring further , I found no one who could or would enlighten me as to what these Charitable establishments were really doing . I have since that time passed the chair , and have prosecuted enquiries from tbe highest to the lowest in the province ; but beyond the
merest generalisations no one appears to know anything about them ; but for the facts that certain brethren are said to be in receipt of pensions , and occasionally voting papers are presented for signature , the existence of our eleemosynary organisations might well be regarded as chimerical . I am aware that we arc at a distance from the Metropolis , but the printing press obliterates space . I
think some one told me the Masonic newspapers contain notices from time to time of the doings of each Institution ; that may be so , but it generally happens that a Freemason has sjme occupation , and time will not admit of his metaphorically searching in a bottle of hay after a needle . Is it not possible to place , within the reach of cverv Freemason a concise history of the various Masonic Charities ?
This should not be a very difficult matter , and greater publicity would benefit them and evoke salutary criticism . The narration might be accompanied by a copy of the annual balance sheets ; thus fully accounting for the funds dispensed ah initio ; there could also be appended notices of the progress of pupils in the Schools as shown by annual examinations by competent men and strangers ,
the slalus of the Masters , the mode of their election , the salaries or stipends from He id Master to porter ; the position of the Schools as shown by results at the Oxford and Cambridge Local Examinations , Sec . ; the dietaiy , the system of rewards and punishments ,, the Medical Officers' report as to sickness , sanitary arrangements , quality of food , and so forth . All these important matters should annually appear ; and if the history of byegone
years , as embodied in the balance sheets and reports issued , were collected , bound , and sold to Freemasons at just suflident price to pay expenses—say two shillings or two shillings and sixpence—I feel sure these Institutions , and , therefore , Masonry in general , would be great gainers . A volume of this kind placed in the hands of the newlyraised would go far towards awaking that interest in the material concerns of the Craft on the pait of the noviciate