Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
LEADERS 8 r The Roval Masonic Benevolent Institution ( Concluded ) 82 CORRESPONDENCEThe Election of Grand Treasurer Sj Provincial Honours 85 The Mascnic Charities 85
The Grand Lodge of Scotland 85 The District Grand Lodge of Queensland 86 The Old York Workings 86 The Order of Rosicrucians 86 A Rosicrucian Book 86 Notes and Queries 86 Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution 86 An Address by Comp . Tew , ist A . G . S ., at Doncaster ... " 86
Australia 87 Scotland 87 Obituary 87 The Funeral of Bro . Capt . Weill ) 87 REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS" Craft Masonry S 3
instruction 01 Royal Arch 91 Mark Masonry 91 Ancient and Accepted Rite . gj Red Cross of Constantino 9 * Royal Ark Mariners 95 The Theatres gj Masonic and General Tidings 93 Lodge Meetings for Next Week 04
Ar00101
THE question of a Masonic Press is a very important and a very difficult one in every respect . We apprehend indeed that few Freemasons will deny that in the great publicity which now accompanies and attends all matters , and awaits all systems of human thought , procedure , and organization , a fitting report from time to time of the proceedings of a world-wide
Order like ours is both needful and valuable , deserves encouragement , and claims support . Such information is needful for the use of our brethren , and valuable for the instruction of the public . Many ridiculous and insensate attacks have been fulminated from time to time against Freemasonry , and , therefore , while it is alwaj-s important in this world of ours to dissipate
error and disseminate truth , so it is most advisable that all who are extern to Freemasonry should , on the one hand , form a correct judgment on the real facts of the case , and that on the other hand the good brethren of our great Fraternity should be cheered and edified by Masonic truth and Masonic light . It is only thus that the former can realize the true meaning
and benefit of Freemasonry for age and mankind ; it is only thus that the latter can be assured that Freemasonry itself will eventually triumph over its detractors and its opponents . There arc however great and serious hindrances attendant on all Masonic publications which should never be lost sight of , should always be kept in view . There are many subjects , for
instance , which it is utterly unfitting and altogether impossible to dilate on in even a professedly Masonic paper , and outside the lodge . Hence a sort of limited scope , a narrow formalism seem to be the characteristic of all true Masonic journals , as , independently of the forbidden ground of "politics and religion , " the esoteric realities of Masonic teaching , and the forms ,
symbols , and ceremonial of the Craft require the most tender and judicious handling in a paper read by non-Masons . It is one thing to give to the world , always curious and not a little exacting , statistical accounts and afterdinner speeches , the records of our works of charity and our labours of love , a " resume" of important declarations meant as much for the outer
world , after all , as the Craft in particular , and brief and careful reports of our gatherings , our addresses , and our resolutions , as a corporate body . It is quite another thing lo go into precise disquisitions of ritual and ceremonial , and to discuss subjects peculiar to the lodge room . But even making allowance for the apparently large field of information and discussion which
may be carefully entered upon , we find as we proceed how much we are hemmed in on every side by considerations and drawbacks which result from the very peculiarity of our Constitutions , our life , our laws , our " norma vivendi etagendi . " Over publication is the "Scylla , " trite information the " Charybdis , " of Masonic literature . We say too much , or we put forth too little ,
and in either case we get upon quicksands where we thought all was deep safe wafer , or find ourselves surrounded by breakers , hard and fast on a " lee shore , " where we thought our navigation was perfectly safe , easy , and straightforward , without fear and without peril . To strike the even mean between these two extremes , to obey Masonic law and yet not exceed
Masonic liberty , is the great desideratum , as well as the grave trial of true Masonic Journalism , worthy of the name . In our humble opinion much that is published too frequently had better not be printed at all , while a good deal that may be safely handled is normally left out and avoided . The laws of our Craft require that all Masonic publications purporting to be Masonic
reports shall have the permission of the GRAND MASTER , whether they be the proceedings of Grand Lodge , provincial , and of private lodges . But just now non-Masonic papers , finding that Freemasonry is before the world , high in prestige , active in life , well esteemed and approved of by the great inquisitive public , set apart a column for Masonic news , which is either
industriously compiled from existing Masonic periodicals , or is the unlicensed and individual publication of some one brother who may or may not be versed in Masonic lore . We have often been greatly amused by extracts which " kind " friends have sent to us of hasty , of striking , of amiable paragraphs , of remarkable opinions , of stately deliverances , which appear in such a form .
We always feel that if they amuse the writer and his readers , they do not harm us , and therefore we treat them complacently , and regard them indiffently . By these writers all remarks are permissible , to them all discussion is free ; they are controlled by no law of Masonic responsibility , and are beyond the penalties of our l egal code . But the Masonic Press , which is governed by considerations of Masonic privilege , duty , loyalty , often finds
Ar00102
it very difficult to " steer clear" both of contending sections , personal grievances , and individual likes , dislikes , amiabilities , personalities . Masonic journalism has not always a " bed of roses " to lie on , so it equally merits the confidence of its readers and the good opinion of the Craft .
* OUR worthy brethren at York are preparing ' another agreeable " conversa « zione " for the 20 th inst . True it is this time the meeting is not a pure Craft gathering ; but it is that of the Rosicrucian College there . The Freemason is , we hope , marching —( lawfully probably , be it understood )—with the time ' s .
and does not , and will not , refuse to allude toother bodies , distinguished by their love of research , their courtesy to others , and their desire to attract and expand archaeological knowledge , to advance friendly intercommunion and scientific light . We all just now have this end in common , and it
would be churlish and tin-Masonic in the extreme in every respect to ignore the merits of other bodies , or ignore the truth of the old adage , " that there is room enough for us all in the world . " So we wish the "fratres " of the Rosicrucian College at York all gratification and success in their energetic proceedings and cultured programme .
# » A GOOD deal of discussion is going on in our pages anent the Election to the Grand Trcasurership , and we invite our correspondents to display alike moderation and restraint in what they say and in what they suggest . It is all very well by an effective antithesis or a pointed passage to meet and master
an opponent , but wc are writing as iTecmasons and brethren , and we hid better sacrifice one or two telling points , some smart passages , and some effective scarcasm , rather than wound the feelings of a brother . Masonic Charity , forbearance , toleration , are noble virtues , but they arc wc fear too often more " honoured in the breach than the observance . " When
Freemasons rush into print they often become , as we have taken occasion frequently to remark , the most intolerant and inconsiderate of beings , and wc often deplore the waste of time , temper , type , and sp ice employed by those who teem to be of opinion that all is fair in controversy , and who even insinuate , when they do not openly assert , much that they must have
known , when they penned it , would deeply grate on a brother ' s sensibilities and sympathies . In a vexed question like that of the election of Grand Treasurer , where first principles come into action and personal susceptibilities are aroused , it must needs bo that considerable difference of opinion
exists , and very divergent views may be fairly entertained in favour of this or that candidate . The discussion is open and free to all in our pnijes , but we invito all controversialists alike on both sides equally , to give as much of " honey and as little of gall " as they possibly can .
# # THE statistics of the Girls' School returns in respect to lodges sendingstewards arc now before us , and very striking they also arc . In 18 S 3 there were 192 contributing lodges and 4 chapters , 25 unattached Stewards , and while several of the lodges sent up more than one Steward several of the
Provinces were represented by individual Stewards . Of the remitting lodges , from 1 to 100 , there were 30 ; from 100 to 200 , 18 ; from 200 to 300 , 8 ; from 300 to 400 , n ; from 400 to 500 , 6 ; from 500 to 6 oo , 6 i Irom 600 to 700 , 5 ; from 700 to 800 , 6 ; from 800 to goo , 9 ; from 900 10 tooo , 6 ; from 1000 to 1100 , 2 ; from 1100 to 1200 , 3 ; from 1200 to 1300 , 10 j
from 1300 to 1400 , 13 ; from 1400 to 1500 , 11 ; from 1500 to 1600 , 9 ; from 1600 to 1700 , 11 ; from 1700 to 1800 , 10 ; from 1800 to 1900 , 11 ; and from igoo to 2000 , 6 . These figures must also strike all our readers , as well as the peculiarity of the middle zone of do nothingness from 1000 to 1200 . We say nothing moreto-day , though we shall again recur to the subject before long .
»*» WE congratulate our good brethren of Scotland on the happy move , announced by Bro . MCCONNOCHIE in our correspondence columns , on the part of the Grand Lodge to extend their charitable efforts . We have been fully aware of their financial difficulties , and of the cruel treatment Scottish
Freemasons suffered from the defalcations of a trusted servant , and of the admirable rally made under the skilful and honest management of Bro . D . MURRAY LYOK , the now energetic Grand Secretary . Our sympathies go with our Scottish brethren , and we feel sure they will give us credit wiih being
animated by the most fraternal consideration : ! towards them in writing as we have done . We rejoice to think that our plain speaking , Masonically intentioned as it was , has been received , as we felt sure ic would be , by our worthy and warm hearted brethren in Scotland ,
* * # THE Gazette of Montreal of January 31 st gives the " address" of the outgoing Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Quebec . We cannot say that the paragraph in which the Montreal Lodges and the Grand Lodge of
England are alluded to is either happy in substance or Mascnic in iorm . If the Grand Lodge of Quebec follows out the " cue" so unhesitatingly given , we may expect to hear of some fresh demonstration and proclamation as against the Montreal Lodges and the Grand Lodge of England . We hope the members of the Quebec Grand Lodge will show more Masonic
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
LEADERS 8 r The Roval Masonic Benevolent Institution ( Concluded ) 82 CORRESPONDENCEThe Election of Grand Treasurer Sj Provincial Honours 85 The Mascnic Charities 85
The Grand Lodge of Scotland 85 The District Grand Lodge of Queensland 86 The Old York Workings 86 The Order of Rosicrucians 86 A Rosicrucian Book 86 Notes and Queries 86 Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution 86 An Address by Comp . Tew , ist A . G . S ., at Doncaster ... " 86
Australia 87 Scotland 87 Obituary 87 The Funeral of Bro . Capt . Weill ) 87 REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS" Craft Masonry S 3
instruction 01 Royal Arch 91 Mark Masonry 91 Ancient and Accepted Rite . gj Red Cross of Constantino 9 * Royal Ark Mariners 95 The Theatres gj Masonic and General Tidings 93 Lodge Meetings for Next Week 04
Ar00101
THE question of a Masonic Press is a very important and a very difficult one in every respect . We apprehend indeed that few Freemasons will deny that in the great publicity which now accompanies and attends all matters , and awaits all systems of human thought , procedure , and organization , a fitting report from time to time of the proceedings of a world-wide
Order like ours is both needful and valuable , deserves encouragement , and claims support . Such information is needful for the use of our brethren , and valuable for the instruction of the public . Many ridiculous and insensate attacks have been fulminated from time to time against Freemasonry , and , therefore , while it is alwaj-s important in this world of ours to dissipate
error and disseminate truth , so it is most advisable that all who are extern to Freemasonry should , on the one hand , form a correct judgment on the real facts of the case , and that on the other hand the good brethren of our great Fraternity should be cheered and edified by Masonic truth and Masonic light . It is only thus that the former can realize the true meaning
and benefit of Freemasonry for age and mankind ; it is only thus that the latter can be assured that Freemasonry itself will eventually triumph over its detractors and its opponents . There arc however great and serious hindrances attendant on all Masonic publications which should never be lost sight of , should always be kept in view . There are many subjects , for
instance , which it is utterly unfitting and altogether impossible to dilate on in even a professedly Masonic paper , and outside the lodge . Hence a sort of limited scope , a narrow formalism seem to be the characteristic of all true Masonic journals , as , independently of the forbidden ground of "politics and religion , " the esoteric realities of Masonic teaching , and the forms ,
symbols , and ceremonial of the Craft require the most tender and judicious handling in a paper read by non-Masons . It is one thing to give to the world , always curious and not a little exacting , statistical accounts and afterdinner speeches , the records of our works of charity and our labours of love , a " resume" of important declarations meant as much for the outer
world , after all , as the Craft in particular , and brief and careful reports of our gatherings , our addresses , and our resolutions , as a corporate body . It is quite another thing lo go into precise disquisitions of ritual and ceremonial , and to discuss subjects peculiar to the lodge room . But even making allowance for the apparently large field of information and discussion which
may be carefully entered upon , we find as we proceed how much we are hemmed in on every side by considerations and drawbacks which result from the very peculiarity of our Constitutions , our life , our laws , our " norma vivendi etagendi . " Over publication is the "Scylla , " trite information the " Charybdis , " of Masonic literature . We say too much , or we put forth too little ,
and in either case we get upon quicksands where we thought all was deep safe wafer , or find ourselves surrounded by breakers , hard and fast on a " lee shore , " where we thought our navigation was perfectly safe , easy , and straightforward , without fear and without peril . To strike the even mean between these two extremes , to obey Masonic law and yet not exceed
Masonic liberty , is the great desideratum , as well as the grave trial of true Masonic Journalism , worthy of the name . In our humble opinion much that is published too frequently had better not be printed at all , while a good deal that may be safely handled is normally left out and avoided . The laws of our Craft require that all Masonic publications purporting to be Masonic
reports shall have the permission of the GRAND MASTER , whether they be the proceedings of Grand Lodge , provincial , and of private lodges . But just now non-Masonic papers , finding that Freemasonry is before the world , high in prestige , active in life , well esteemed and approved of by the great inquisitive public , set apart a column for Masonic news , which is either
industriously compiled from existing Masonic periodicals , or is the unlicensed and individual publication of some one brother who may or may not be versed in Masonic lore . We have often been greatly amused by extracts which " kind " friends have sent to us of hasty , of striking , of amiable paragraphs , of remarkable opinions , of stately deliverances , which appear in such a form .
We always feel that if they amuse the writer and his readers , they do not harm us , and therefore we treat them complacently , and regard them indiffently . By these writers all remarks are permissible , to them all discussion is free ; they are controlled by no law of Masonic responsibility , and are beyond the penalties of our l egal code . But the Masonic Press , which is governed by considerations of Masonic privilege , duty , loyalty , often finds
Ar00102
it very difficult to " steer clear" both of contending sections , personal grievances , and individual likes , dislikes , amiabilities , personalities . Masonic journalism has not always a " bed of roses " to lie on , so it equally merits the confidence of its readers and the good opinion of the Craft .
* OUR worthy brethren at York are preparing ' another agreeable " conversa « zione " for the 20 th inst . True it is this time the meeting is not a pure Craft gathering ; but it is that of the Rosicrucian College there . The Freemason is , we hope , marching —( lawfully probably , be it understood )—with the time ' s .
and does not , and will not , refuse to allude toother bodies , distinguished by their love of research , their courtesy to others , and their desire to attract and expand archaeological knowledge , to advance friendly intercommunion and scientific light . We all just now have this end in common , and it
would be churlish and tin-Masonic in the extreme in every respect to ignore the merits of other bodies , or ignore the truth of the old adage , " that there is room enough for us all in the world . " So we wish the "fratres " of the Rosicrucian College at York all gratification and success in their energetic proceedings and cultured programme .
# » A GOOD deal of discussion is going on in our pages anent the Election to the Grand Trcasurership , and we invite our correspondents to display alike moderation and restraint in what they say and in what they suggest . It is all very well by an effective antithesis or a pointed passage to meet and master
an opponent , but wc are writing as iTecmasons and brethren , and we hid better sacrifice one or two telling points , some smart passages , and some effective scarcasm , rather than wound the feelings of a brother . Masonic Charity , forbearance , toleration , are noble virtues , but they arc wc fear too often more " honoured in the breach than the observance . " When
Freemasons rush into print they often become , as we have taken occasion frequently to remark , the most intolerant and inconsiderate of beings , and wc often deplore the waste of time , temper , type , and sp ice employed by those who teem to be of opinion that all is fair in controversy , and who even insinuate , when they do not openly assert , much that they must have
known , when they penned it , would deeply grate on a brother ' s sensibilities and sympathies . In a vexed question like that of the election of Grand Treasurer , where first principles come into action and personal susceptibilities are aroused , it must needs bo that considerable difference of opinion
exists , and very divergent views may be fairly entertained in favour of this or that candidate . The discussion is open and free to all in our pnijes , but we invito all controversialists alike on both sides equally , to give as much of " honey and as little of gall " as they possibly can .
# # THE statistics of the Girls' School returns in respect to lodges sendingstewards arc now before us , and very striking they also arc . In 18 S 3 there were 192 contributing lodges and 4 chapters , 25 unattached Stewards , and while several of the lodges sent up more than one Steward several of the
Provinces were represented by individual Stewards . Of the remitting lodges , from 1 to 100 , there were 30 ; from 100 to 200 , 18 ; from 200 to 300 , 8 ; from 300 to 400 , n ; from 400 to 500 , 6 ; from 500 to 6 oo , 6 i Irom 600 to 700 , 5 ; from 700 to 800 , 6 ; from 800 to goo , 9 ; from 900 10 tooo , 6 ; from 1000 to 1100 , 2 ; from 1100 to 1200 , 3 ; from 1200 to 1300 , 10 j
from 1300 to 1400 , 13 ; from 1400 to 1500 , 11 ; from 1500 to 1600 , 9 ; from 1600 to 1700 , 11 ; from 1700 to 1800 , 10 ; from 1800 to 1900 , 11 ; and from igoo to 2000 , 6 . These figures must also strike all our readers , as well as the peculiarity of the middle zone of do nothingness from 1000 to 1200 . We say nothing moreto-day , though we shall again recur to the subject before long .
»*» WE congratulate our good brethren of Scotland on the happy move , announced by Bro . MCCONNOCHIE in our correspondence columns , on the part of the Grand Lodge to extend their charitable efforts . We have been fully aware of their financial difficulties , and of the cruel treatment Scottish
Freemasons suffered from the defalcations of a trusted servant , and of the admirable rally made under the skilful and honest management of Bro . D . MURRAY LYOK , the now energetic Grand Secretary . Our sympathies go with our Scottish brethren , and we feel sure they will give us credit wiih being
animated by the most fraternal consideration : ! towards them in writing as we have done . We rejoice to think that our plain speaking , Masonically intentioned as it was , has been received , as we felt sure ic would be , by our worthy and warm hearted brethren in Scotland ,
* * # THE Gazette of Montreal of January 31 st gives the " address" of the outgoing Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Quebec . We cannot say that the paragraph in which the Montreal Lodges and the Grand Lodge of
England are alluded to is either happy in substance or Mascnic in iorm . If the Grand Lodge of Quebec follows out the " cue" so unhesitatingly given , we may expect to hear of some fresh demonstration and proclamation as against the Montreal Lodges and the Grand Lodge of England . We hope the members of the Quebec Grand Lodge will show more Masonic