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Article MASONIC INSTRUCTION. ← Page 2 of 2 Article THE BALLOT AND OBJECTIONS. Page 1 of 1 Article HOW TO HAVE A GOOD LODGE. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Instruction.
Masonic instruction , as some suppose , is not a new thing , nor of recent date , but has been given by the R . W . Grand Master in person , as will be seen from the following from Grand Lodge proceedings : "Quarterly Grand Communication , March 6 , nS ' , 7 .
" Bro . John M . Read , R . W . Grand Master , in ( he chair . The R . W . G . M . was pleased to announce that on Monday , the 20 th of the present month , he would open a Lodge of Instruction , and the Grand Secretary was desired to notify the members of the Grand Lod ge accordingly .
" Lodge of Instruction , Philadelphia , Monday , March JO , i . 1 jy . " Pursuant to notice given by order of the R . W . G . M ., the members of the Grand Lodge met , when the R . W . G . M . opened a Lodge of Instruction and delivered a Lecture upon the Opening and Closing , and also on the Entered Apprentice degree . The Lodge of Instruction adjourned to meet this night two weeks .
"Lodge of Instruction , Philadelphia , April . 1 , lSjf . " Pursuant to adjournment from the 20 th of March , the members of the Grand Lodge met , when the R . W . G . M . delivered a Lecture on the F ' ellow Craft degree . The Lodge of Instruction adjourned to meet this ni ght two weeks . ••¦
Lodges of Instruction , at which the R . W . G . M . presided , were held April 17 , May I , 15 , and 29 , 1837 . " Quarterly Communication , Philadelphia , Monday , March 5 , /• S ' jo * . ' The R . W . G . M . gave an interesting and instructive Lecture 011 the Opening and Closing a Lodge . "
Lodge of Instruction . —The R . W . G . M . held a Lodge of Instruction and delivered a Lecture on the Opening and Closing , and also on the E . A . degree , Monday , March ig , 183 S ; on the F . C . degree , April 16 , 1 S 3 S ; on the M . M . degree , May 7 , 1838 , when Bro . William B . Schnider , a F . C . and member of Lodge No . 71 , was raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M .,
and on the 23 rd of May , 1 S 38 , the R . W . G . M . announced that as this was ( he last night of the Lodge of Instruction it was his intention by virtue of the power and authority in him vested , to Enter , Pass and Raise to the sublime degree of a M . M ., Signor Fiorelli , which was accordingly so done . —Keystone .
The Ballot And Objections.
THE BALLOT AND OBJECTIONS .
Among the many laws and regulations which have been passed and established , from time to time , for the government of Masonic bodies and the guidance of the Craft of Free and Accepted Masons , there are none mote important and far-reaching in effect than those which control the making of Masons , and thereby the admiss ion of new members . The central controlling idea is established that there must be perfect unanimity
among the members of a lodge , or other Masonic body , before an outsider can be admitted . That each one may exercise his own will in this matter entirely independent of considerations of fear or favour , and without a knowledge of how he voted being known to anyone except himself , the privacy of a secret ballot has been established , and as a further protection , it is made a Masonic offence for any member to disclose the nature of his ballot , whether white or black .
But the secret ballot when favourable to the petitioner was not made final in its effect . It has been further provided that any member , whether present or not when the ballot was taken , may interpose an objection at any time before the candidate has been admitted , and thus close the door against him . This objection may be made in open lodge , or privately to thc presiding officer if the objector does not desire himself to be known to anyone else .
AH this precaution in the admission of new members was evidently intended to sustain the dignity , peace , and harmony of the Body itself , and to promote good fellowship and fraternal love among the brethren . It would seem that it ought to accomplish that purpose . It would if all members were Masons , in accordance with the tenets of their profession ; properly understood their duties and obligations as such , and were disposed to act in
accordance with them . Unfortunately , however , all Masons do not stand on that plane . With all this precaution in making Masons , weare sorry to say that in nearly every lodge in the world may be found one or more members who arc not Masons . The law designed to protect Masonry against thc admission of unworthy members , in their hands is made a convenient means ( , f keeping out many worthy applicants , and thus instead of promotinir the
peace and harmony of the lodge is of ( cn destructive to bo ( h wilh all ils resultant bad effects . As ( he result of our long experience in Masonry wc •ire ready to affirm that no regulation for the government of the Craft has wen so grossly abused , and has been as much instrumental in destroying 'he usefulness and prosperity of Masonic bodies as lhat which enables an unworth y member to do his evil work under the protection of secrecy , which ,
Ji it could be exposed , would expel him from all the rights and privileges of 'Masonry . We arc not , however , finding fault with this law , for we belief it the best that can be enacted . We have called attention to it to take the opportunity •or trying to impress upon the minds of the brethren the importance of •icting under it for the sole purpose for which it was intended , and not pre-Ve ** t it to an unlawful and un-Masonic use . Never let it actuate you to
revenge some real or imaginary wrong that you have suffered . Never let it ¦ eiusc you to cast a blackball , or file an objection on personal grounds , when 3 ° u know the petitioner is otherwise worthy of admission . Never use it to jj ' d * i clique in the lodge acting in opposition to another of ( hc same I rac ( er . Remember that in such matters thc true Masonic principle is to 0 unto others as you would be done by , and always act in this spirit . If > ° u know others are actinc to the contrary , do not trv lo tret even with them
" , | aIiation , but rather strive to influence them to act as Masons should , "d thus reclaim them from their evil ways , for their own good and for the 0 st interests of the lodge . Put in practice the sublime lessons taught you ball ^ P ° ' ° ^ fellowship , and no harm will come from the secret •iii 1 ° r t'ler ' £ ' ' ° f objection . Thus may you prove yourself a true Mason , j ( Promote the best interests of Masonry in its original design of wisdom , ' - "Sth , and beauty . —Mnsonic Advocate ,
How To Have A Good Lodge.
HOW TO HAVE A GOOD LODGE .
It is in the power of the members of aivy Masonic lodge to make it a GOOD lodge , and equally in their power to make it the reverse . To make or to mar their lodge is the prerogative of its constituent members . But what is a good lodge *" It is one which it is pleasant to belong to and pleasant to visit ; onc which is distinguished for its correct and impressive rendering of the work ; onc
which is noted for the hi gh character and fraternal good feeling of its members ; one which scans closely the qualities of every applicant for initiation and membership , and approves or rejects him according as he is morally and materially lit or unfit , and does not accept him simply because he comes with money in his hands ; one which is at unity with itself , and not a divided household ; one which is noted for its Charity , wisely ' and
liberally dispensed ; and one that combines refreshment with " labour on all convenient occasions . Such a lodge is a good lodge , a credit to the Grand Lodge of which it is a constituent , and a beneficent power in the Craft and in the community . Now , how shall such a lodge be created or fostered ? This work is not , and can not be , the work of any one brother , but must be the result of the harmonious co-operation and action of many , if not of
all . If there be even one decided " crank " in a lodge , hc will mar the work of all the rest . But while one can destroy , no one can create . The honour of making a good lodge cannot be claimed by any one brother , although some , from their official positions of influence and power , naturally may contribute more than others to the happy result which the brethren of all lodges should aspire to accomplish—viz ., the credit of having the best lodge in their city or vicinity .
The first brother in influence and power is unquestionably the W . M . of a lodge . He is an officer whom the Craft has entrusted with regal prerogatives . He has no equal in the lodge . Every proceeding is under his control . He may convene his lodge at pleasure , and close it at pleasure . Yet , though he be possessed of such authority , he rarely , if ever , uses it for aught but the promotion of the welfare of the Masonic body . The possession
of great power is almost invariably accompanied by a sense of responsibility for its right exercise . Very , very few Masters of lodges err in wilfully exercising their prerogatives for improper purposes . More than any other brother , therefore , the Master has the ability to promote the highest prosperity of a lodge . This he may do by the regularity and punctuality of his attendance at all meetings , the correctness and force with which he works the degrees , the example he sets of fraternal fellowship with the
members , thereby promoting their mutual acquaintance , and the social virtues taught by the Craft ; the promptness with which he visits , sympathises with and relieves the sick , and the solemnity and fraternal feeling with which he buries the Masonic dead ; the grace with which hc presides over his brethren while they surround the social board at refreshment , and the interest he displays in all of the affairs of the lodge . The Master who is facile in the performance of all these duties contributes thereby the lion ' s share towards making a good lodge .
The subordinate officers are the next most potent factors for good in the lodge . If they be always in their places , doing their own proper work , it will be well done , and thc machinery of the lodge will be in good working order . With a good Master , Wardens , and other officers , promptly in their places and knowing their work , one of the most valuable elements in a lodge will be always present--skilfully performed work . Without this no lodge van prosper ; ' . tsith it no lodire can fail . can prosper ; ' . oillt it no lodge can fail .
Next , the Past Masters should adequately and well support the officers of a lodge , if it is to be permanentl y a good lodge . The experience of the Past Masters cannot be dispensed with , if thc lodge is to prosper . They are the anchors of the lodge when storms arise , while the officers are the sails of the lodge when favouring breezes blow . Under any and all circumstances it is important that they be present , to lend , whenever needed , the aid of their counsel and advice .
Last of all , it is the duty of every member to contribute his proper share to the promotion of the general welfare , and if any large number of the members fail to do ( his , ( he difficulty will be measurably increased for thc remainder to make a good lodge . There must be hearty co-operation from // the members to insure ( he ready accomplishment of this work .
Every lodge ought to be , and might be , a good lodge , Now that ( he Craft has fully entered upon another season of labour , let each brother sec to i ( that he does his best to secure its prosperity . No one will enjoy this result more than himself . The monitions equally of duly and of pleasure unite lo incite one to action in ( his mailer ; and remember ( his—he acts twice who acts tjuickly . —Keystone .
HENRY VII ., KING OF ENGLAND . —Anderson , in his 173 8 Constitution , seems to assert that having been elected , as he says , by the Knights of St . John , or rather by the " Grand Master and Fellows of the Order of St . John at Rhodes , now at Malta , assembled at their Grand Lodge , " as their Protector , A . n . 1500 , the Royal Grand Master chose for his Wardens of England or Deputies , John Islip , Abbot of Westminster , and Sir Reginald Bray . According to Anderson , the King
summoned them toa Lodge of Masters in the Palace , with whom he walked in ample form to the east end of Westminster Abbey , and levelled the footstone of his famous chapel , June 24 , 1502 . But of this statement there is much doubt . According to Widmore ( " History of the Church of St . Peter , Westminster" ) , tbe first stone was laid January 24 , 1502 . 3 , by John lslip , abbot , and some of the King ' s Ministers . There is a MS . account of Islip ' s funeral extant ,
and no trace in it appears of the presence of the Operative Freemasons , unless indeed the two conductors , John Gardyn and William Alene , and the four pall-bearears , Messrs . Hawkes , Jude , Andro , and Docarawe , and the banner-bearers , John Sheder , William Middleton , and Thomas Kemp , can be identified by the fabric-rolls as being among the Masons employed . Still the fact that [ slip did not patronise the Masonic Guild is not by this
disproved ; but we may assert its inherent probability , though not its positive and historical certainly . There were several Acts passed in the reign of Henry VIL , about artificers , especially the xxii . chap , nth year of Henry VIL ( A . D . 1496 ) , fixing the wages of all artificers . This , however , as towages , was repealed in the following year . 12 th Henry VIL , cap . iii ., 1497 . By cap . nth Henry VIL , " No artificer , etc ., shall play at any unlawful game but on Christmas , a provision incorporated in the guild regulations from Downland ' s Constitution downwards . "
The prohibition took place in 1496 . After a diligent search we cannot find , as often quoted , the nth Henry VIL c . 3 , 4 , as against " unlawful assemblages , " and the giving and receiving of " lyveries signs and tokens unlawfully , " etc ., " contrary to tbe statutes of labourers and artificers . " But we find in 3 rd Henry VIL , and Parliament , in the preamble of cap . I , a declaration against " unlawful maintenances , giving of liveries , signs , and tokens , " but nothing is said of the statute of artificers , so that this Act seems to refer simply to the retainers of the nobles . There i . s also another Act against " giving or taking of any livery , " the 19 th Henry VIL , cap . xiv ,, A . D . 1504 . —Kciiiiing ' s Cyclopcedia of Freemasonry .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Instruction.
Masonic instruction , as some suppose , is not a new thing , nor of recent date , but has been given by the R . W . Grand Master in person , as will be seen from the following from Grand Lodge proceedings : "Quarterly Grand Communication , March 6 , nS ' , 7 .
" Bro . John M . Read , R . W . Grand Master , in ( he chair . The R . W . G . M . was pleased to announce that on Monday , the 20 th of the present month , he would open a Lodge of Instruction , and the Grand Secretary was desired to notify the members of the Grand Lod ge accordingly .
" Lodge of Instruction , Philadelphia , Monday , March JO , i . 1 jy . " Pursuant to notice given by order of the R . W . G . M ., the members of the Grand Lodge met , when the R . W . G . M . opened a Lodge of Instruction and delivered a Lecture upon the Opening and Closing , and also on the Entered Apprentice degree . The Lodge of Instruction adjourned to meet this night two weeks .
"Lodge of Instruction , Philadelphia , April . 1 , lSjf . " Pursuant to adjournment from the 20 th of March , the members of the Grand Lodge met , when the R . W . G . M . delivered a Lecture on the F ' ellow Craft degree . The Lodge of Instruction adjourned to meet this ni ght two weeks . ••¦
Lodges of Instruction , at which the R . W . G . M . presided , were held April 17 , May I , 15 , and 29 , 1837 . " Quarterly Communication , Philadelphia , Monday , March 5 , /• S ' jo * . ' The R . W . G . M . gave an interesting and instructive Lecture 011 the Opening and Closing a Lodge . "
Lodge of Instruction . —The R . W . G . M . held a Lodge of Instruction and delivered a Lecture on the Opening and Closing , and also on the E . A . degree , Monday , March ig , 183 S ; on the F . C . degree , April 16 , 1 S 3 S ; on the M . M . degree , May 7 , 1838 , when Bro . William B . Schnider , a F . C . and member of Lodge No . 71 , was raised to the Sublime Degree of a M . M .,
and on the 23 rd of May , 1 S 38 , the R . W . G . M . announced that as this was ( he last night of the Lodge of Instruction it was his intention by virtue of the power and authority in him vested , to Enter , Pass and Raise to the sublime degree of a M . M ., Signor Fiorelli , which was accordingly so done . —Keystone .
The Ballot And Objections.
THE BALLOT AND OBJECTIONS .
Among the many laws and regulations which have been passed and established , from time to time , for the government of Masonic bodies and the guidance of the Craft of Free and Accepted Masons , there are none mote important and far-reaching in effect than those which control the making of Masons , and thereby the admiss ion of new members . The central controlling idea is established that there must be perfect unanimity
among the members of a lodge , or other Masonic body , before an outsider can be admitted . That each one may exercise his own will in this matter entirely independent of considerations of fear or favour , and without a knowledge of how he voted being known to anyone except himself , the privacy of a secret ballot has been established , and as a further protection , it is made a Masonic offence for any member to disclose the nature of his ballot , whether white or black .
But the secret ballot when favourable to the petitioner was not made final in its effect . It has been further provided that any member , whether present or not when the ballot was taken , may interpose an objection at any time before the candidate has been admitted , and thus close the door against him . This objection may be made in open lodge , or privately to thc presiding officer if the objector does not desire himself to be known to anyone else .
AH this precaution in the admission of new members was evidently intended to sustain the dignity , peace , and harmony of the Body itself , and to promote good fellowship and fraternal love among the brethren . It would seem that it ought to accomplish that purpose . It would if all members were Masons , in accordance with the tenets of their profession ; properly understood their duties and obligations as such , and were disposed to act in
accordance with them . Unfortunately , however , all Masons do not stand on that plane . With all this precaution in making Masons , weare sorry to say that in nearly every lodge in the world may be found one or more members who arc not Masons . The law designed to protect Masonry against thc admission of unworthy members , in their hands is made a convenient means ( , f keeping out many worthy applicants , and thus instead of promotinir the
peace and harmony of the lodge is of ( cn destructive to bo ( h wilh all ils resultant bad effects . As ( he result of our long experience in Masonry wc •ire ready to affirm that no regulation for the government of the Craft has wen so grossly abused , and has been as much instrumental in destroying 'he usefulness and prosperity of Masonic bodies as lhat which enables an unworth y member to do his evil work under the protection of secrecy , which ,
Ji it could be exposed , would expel him from all the rights and privileges of 'Masonry . We arc not , however , finding fault with this law , for we belief it the best that can be enacted . We have called attention to it to take the opportunity •or trying to impress upon the minds of the brethren the importance of •icting under it for the sole purpose for which it was intended , and not pre-Ve ** t it to an unlawful and un-Masonic use . Never let it actuate you to
revenge some real or imaginary wrong that you have suffered . Never let it ¦ eiusc you to cast a blackball , or file an objection on personal grounds , when 3 ° u know the petitioner is otherwise worthy of admission . Never use it to jj ' d * i clique in the lodge acting in opposition to another of ( hc same I rac ( er . Remember that in such matters thc true Masonic principle is to 0 unto others as you would be done by , and always act in this spirit . If > ° u know others are actinc to the contrary , do not trv lo tret even with them
" , | aIiation , but rather strive to influence them to act as Masons should , "d thus reclaim them from their evil ways , for their own good and for the 0 st interests of the lodge . Put in practice the sublime lessons taught you ball ^ P ° ' ° ^ fellowship , and no harm will come from the secret •iii 1 ° r t'ler ' £ ' ' ° f objection . Thus may you prove yourself a true Mason , j ( Promote the best interests of Masonry in its original design of wisdom , ' - "Sth , and beauty . —Mnsonic Advocate ,
How To Have A Good Lodge.
HOW TO HAVE A GOOD LODGE .
It is in the power of the members of aivy Masonic lodge to make it a GOOD lodge , and equally in their power to make it the reverse . To make or to mar their lodge is the prerogative of its constituent members . But what is a good lodge *" It is one which it is pleasant to belong to and pleasant to visit ; onc which is distinguished for its correct and impressive rendering of the work ; onc
which is noted for the hi gh character and fraternal good feeling of its members ; one which scans closely the qualities of every applicant for initiation and membership , and approves or rejects him according as he is morally and materially lit or unfit , and does not accept him simply because he comes with money in his hands ; one which is at unity with itself , and not a divided household ; one which is noted for its Charity , wisely ' and
liberally dispensed ; and one that combines refreshment with " labour on all convenient occasions . Such a lodge is a good lodge , a credit to the Grand Lodge of which it is a constituent , and a beneficent power in the Craft and in the community . Now , how shall such a lodge be created or fostered ? This work is not , and can not be , the work of any one brother , but must be the result of the harmonious co-operation and action of many , if not of
all . If there be even one decided " crank " in a lodge , hc will mar the work of all the rest . But while one can destroy , no one can create . The honour of making a good lodge cannot be claimed by any one brother , although some , from their official positions of influence and power , naturally may contribute more than others to the happy result which the brethren of all lodges should aspire to accomplish—viz ., the credit of having the best lodge in their city or vicinity .
The first brother in influence and power is unquestionably the W . M . of a lodge . He is an officer whom the Craft has entrusted with regal prerogatives . He has no equal in the lodge . Every proceeding is under his control . He may convene his lodge at pleasure , and close it at pleasure . Yet , though he be possessed of such authority , he rarely , if ever , uses it for aught but the promotion of the welfare of the Masonic body . The possession
of great power is almost invariably accompanied by a sense of responsibility for its right exercise . Very , very few Masters of lodges err in wilfully exercising their prerogatives for improper purposes . More than any other brother , therefore , the Master has the ability to promote the highest prosperity of a lodge . This he may do by the regularity and punctuality of his attendance at all meetings , the correctness and force with which he works the degrees , the example he sets of fraternal fellowship with the
members , thereby promoting their mutual acquaintance , and the social virtues taught by the Craft ; the promptness with which he visits , sympathises with and relieves the sick , and the solemnity and fraternal feeling with which he buries the Masonic dead ; the grace with which hc presides over his brethren while they surround the social board at refreshment , and the interest he displays in all of the affairs of the lodge . The Master who is facile in the performance of all these duties contributes thereby the lion ' s share towards making a good lodge .
The subordinate officers are the next most potent factors for good in the lodge . If they be always in their places , doing their own proper work , it will be well done , and thc machinery of the lodge will be in good working order . With a good Master , Wardens , and other officers , promptly in their places and knowing their work , one of the most valuable elements in a lodge will be always present--skilfully performed work . Without this no lodge van prosper ; ' . tsith it no lodire can fail . can prosper ; ' . oillt it no lodge can fail .
Next , the Past Masters should adequately and well support the officers of a lodge , if it is to be permanentl y a good lodge . The experience of the Past Masters cannot be dispensed with , if thc lodge is to prosper . They are the anchors of the lodge when storms arise , while the officers are the sails of the lodge when favouring breezes blow . Under any and all circumstances it is important that they be present , to lend , whenever needed , the aid of their counsel and advice .
Last of all , it is the duty of every member to contribute his proper share to the promotion of the general welfare , and if any large number of the members fail to do ( his , ( he difficulty will be measurably increased for thc remainder to make a good lodge . There must be hearty co-operation from // the members to insure ( he ready accomplishment of this work .
Every lodge ought to be , and might be , a good lodge , Now that ( he Craft has fully entered upon another season of labour , let each brother sec to i ( that he does his best to secure its prosperity . No one will enjoy this result more than himself . The monitions equally of duly and of pleasure unite lo incite one to action in ( his mailer ; and remember ( his—he acts twice who acts tjuickly . —Keystone .
HENRY VII ., KING OF ENGLAND . —Anderson , in his 173 8 Constitution , seems to assert that having been elected , as he says , by the Knights of St . John , or rather by the " Grand Master and Fellows of the Order of St . John at Rhodes , now at Malta , assembled at their Grand Lodge , " as their Protector , A . n . 1500 , the Royal Grand Master chose for his Wardens of England or Deputies , John Islip , Abbot of Westminster , and Sir Reginald Bray . According to Anderson , the King
summoned them toa Lodge of Masters in the Palace , with whom he walked in ample form to the east end of Westminster Abbey , and levelled the footstone of his famous chapel , June 24 , 1502 . But of this statement there is much doubt . According to Widmore ( " History of the Church of St . Peter , Westminster" ) , tbe first stone was laid January 24 , 1502 . 3 , by John lslip , abbot , and some of the King ' s Ministers . There is a MS . account of Islip ' s funeral extant ,
and no trace in it appears of the presence of the Operative Freemasons , unless indeed the two conductors , John Gardyn and William Alene , and the four pall-bearears , Messrs . Hawkes , Jude , Andro , and Docarawe , and the banner-bearers , John Sheder , William Middleton , and Thomas Kemp , can be identified by the fabric-rolls as being among the Masons employed . Still the fact that [ slip did not patronise the Masonic Guild is not by this
disproved ; but we may assert its inherent probability , though not its positive and historical certainly . There were several Acts passed in the reign of Henry VIL , about artificers , especially the xxii . chap , nth year of Henry VIL ( A . D . 1496 ) , fixing the wages of all artificers . This , however , as towages , was repealed in the following year . 12 th Henry VIL , cap . iii ., 1497 . By cap . nth Henry VIL , " No artificer , etc ., shall play at any unlawful game but on Christmas , a provision incorporated in the guild regulations from Downland ' s Constitution downwards . "
The prohibition took place in 1496 . After a diligent search we cannot find , as often quoted , the nth Henry VIL c . 3 , 4 , as against " unlawful assemblages , " and the giving and receiving of " lyveries signs and tokens unlawfully , " etc ., " contrary to tbe statutes of labourers and artificers . " But we find in 3 rd Henry VIL , and Parliament , in the preamble of cap . I , a declaration against " unlawful maintenances , giving of liveries , signs , and tokens , " but nothing is said of the statute of artificers , so that this Act seems to refer simply to the retainers of the nobles . There i . s also another Act against " giving or taking of any livery , " the 19 th Henry VIL , cap . xiv ,, A . D . 1504 . —Kciiiiing ' s Cyclopcedia of Freemasonry .