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Original Correspondence.
sizes , of the ceremony at a given time , from photographs taken from life , containing portraits of all the Grand Officers , Past Masters , Wardens , and Brethren attending . This is now being completed by me , and I may state that I have already been favoured with sittings by between 2 nnd 300 brethren of distinction , and continue to receive many appointments from others desirous of furthering the object . I am , Dear Sir and Bro ., fnitenyilly yours ,
E . M . ILMOII , P . M ., P . G . Slcvard . To tht Editor of Ihe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Many suggestions having appeared in your columns for aiding our Masonic Charities at thc forthcoming installation of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales as the Grand Master of our Order , permit me , as a Provincial
W . M ., who hopes lo have the honour of being present at the august procedure , to suggest to Bro . Binckes a scheme which would , I think , bring " grist to the mill , " and at the s ime time accommodate many , who , like myself , will have to remain in London all night , and yet not be privileged to attend the grand banquet . Could not our brother arrange with some of our brethren who are lessees of London theatres to sjivc a benefit night for the Royal Institution for
Boys ? If so , he then might send to each lodge a number of tickets to be disposed of ; say at 5 s ., 7 s . Od ., and ios . each . I have no doubt a full house would thus be secured , and two most essential objects gained , viz .: amusement and philanthropy . If you think the above hint worthy of consideration , you will greatly oblige by its insertion in your cosmopolitan journal . Yours , most respectfully and fraternally , R . H .
THE MASONIC CHARITIES . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Bro . Hughan ' s letter , pointing out how small a proportion of thc candidates for the two Masonic Schools are children of subscribers , is well worth the gravest consideration . I am afraid that in , but too many instances
candidates arc admitted into Masonry , whose position and prospects are not such as admit the likelihood of their being able to afford subscriptions to the Masonic Charities , and I submit that when our Book of Constitutions was drawn up , the pecuniary limit then fixed , was intended to exclude such candidates . I do not know when the fee to Grand Lodge and the minimum below which no one was
permitted to be initiated were fixed , but I think it dates back to thc "Articles of Union j" anyhow no alteration has been made for many years , and looking to the change iu the value of money , and how all classes have trodden closer on those above them , I am quite convinced that the
time has come to raise the minimum fee , and I should bc much pleased to sec £$ 5 s . take the place of £ 3 3 s . There is a growing feeling in the Craft , and especially in some provinces , that Freemasonry is too cheap , and that something must be done to keep up our prestige . Yours fraternally , P . G . D .
"THE SCOTTISH FREEMASON'S' MAGAZINE " AND THE "DEFENCE OF FREEMASONRY . " Tu the Publisher ' jj ' the Freemason . Dear Brother Kenning , — 1 have read a review of my little work iu your recently established Scottish contemporary , which appears to call for a few remarks from inc . I am , as you know , the last person to deprecate honest
criticism , and when the writer of the review states that "his style ( lhat is , mine ) is not so clear nor his method so logical as could bc wished , " I at once bow to such complimentary expressions , though I am somewhat amused to note , that the reviewer himself must fairly be admired forthe happy confusion of both thought and language , alike in his position and his arguments . Thc
reviewer may be quite right in finding fault with the division of the objections into those of " theory " and those of " prartire , " but he is quite wrong in saying that the first objection under the first head , and the second objection under the second head may he regarded as anticipated in the third objection under the first head . " There is great confusion of apprehension litre , as no subjects can
bc more dissimilar or distinct . Indeed it is a criticism without force or meaning . The reviewer is quite justified in pointing out that there docs arise " a repetition of the treatment of the subject , " but then that is thc inevitable consequence of the objections I had to deal with . I lad I lumped them altogether , I should have been told that I had not paid
due attention to them , and therefore I preferred to take them " seriatim" and in detail , even at the risk of obvious " weakening of the force of the argument , taken as a whole . " This repetition occurs in respect of thc one objection that Freemasonry is an eclectic system ( not an " elective" system as in the S . l' . M . )' , in itself , " disregarding till other religious bodies , " and Mr . Kerr ' s complaint
that " it forms a Masonic bond of union among men , opposed to the true teaching of the Gospel . " These objections had been made , and they had to be met and dealt with , and as one was theoretical and the other practical , I treated them , accordingly . They might , perhaps , be more conveniently conjoined , and disposed of under the same head . Beyond this I note no remarks requiring
much comment , except that for obvious causes , and to prevent any misapprehension of my views by the Scottish brethren , I feel bound to supplement this short answer with a few explanations . I should have thought that the reviewer would see that
tlie belief in God the Father necessarily led to au acceptance of the great truth of immortality . I did not deal with it , as it appeared to me a self-evident proposition , and 1 caiinot understand any one accepting the Divine creation and moral government of the world , together wilh the inspired Revelation , who docs not also accept the future life of
Original Correspondence.
man . On natural grounds we can arrive at it , as I believe , much more in the teachings and declarations of positive truth . I did not consider it therefore needful or advisable to dilate on such a subject , so clearly developed in all our Mnsonic symbolism and rites . The point of the prayers is : i very difficult one . To myself , personally , of course , outside the lodge , I fully accept the common
teaching of Christianity , but inside the lodge , on our own principles , how am I to act ? We profess to receive Hebrews and other non-Christians . How are we to treat them ? Are we to ignore their principles , or to disregard their beliefs ? In fact is thc lodge-room to bc the arena of a Masonic proselytism ? We must boldly face the difficulty of the whole question , and there is no use bliukintr it .
In England our prayers are universal or theistieal for the most part now ; in Scotland and in Ireland they are also sometimes Christian , though not universally . Many good men and true , and most orthodox in their generation , have found no difficulty , as I find none , in the " universal prayer" in the lodge room , on our avowed principles ; and though 1 admit many may object to such
a position , 1 believe it to be the true teaching of universal Freemasonry . But I speak with a good deal of hesitation and deference on the subject , as it is confessedly a very difficult one , and to many a " crucial test , " an irremovcable objection against Freemasonry . I confess that I do not understand thc reviewer's position or views on the subject , but that may arise from my
own great dullness and want of a combination of vigour and delicacy of argumentivc ( sic ) nervousness and wise discrimination , as the reviewer so eloquently writes . What he means by his own words , I don't pretend to understand , much less to explain . 1 am , dear Bro . Kenning , yours fraternally , A . F . A . WOOUFORU , P . G . C .
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS . To the Editor if the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Permit mc through your colums , on behalf of numerous brethren , to return our thanks to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , to Major-General Brownrigg , and to the brethren of Colchester , Aldershot , and the
Brownrigg Lodge of Unity , Chatham , as well as to those of the provinces of Esse . v , Kent and Surrey , for securing hy their votes the election into the Masonic Girls ' School , to-day , of Fanny Craig , the orphan daughter of the late Serjt . Craig , of the 10 th Regiment . While thanking them all very sincerely both for * their votes and for their influence , I may perhaps call lo the attention of ihe Craft generally , that the great interest which the
Prince of Wales feels in our Order takes a practical form , and that the votes which he has in our charitable institutions by virtue of his liberal donations , are given to candidates at our half yearly elections . I remain , dear sir and brother , yours faithfully nnd fraternally , SAMVV . 1 . COI . H , Quarter Master , Royal Engineers . Aldershot , April 10 th .
THE "FATHER OF FREEMASONRY " To Ihe Editor if Ihe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , In the Illustrated London Xews of Saturday last appeared a portrait of the oldest Freemason in England .
I laving at the present moment living amongst us in " vigorous age , " au older Freemason , although not au older man , I venture to trouble you with a very brief sketch of a worthy and esteemed brother , asking you to do me the favour to insert the same iu your next
paper . Bro . Francis David Michael , of Russell-st ., Swansea , is in his 01 st year . He was initiated into Freemasonry in April , 1814 , at Haverfordwest , and is therefore 6 years thc senior of the brother named in the Illustrated London Xews . Removing lo Swansea , Bro . Michael took his second and third
degrees in the Indefatigable Lodge , No . 333 , became the W . M . in 1818 , was one of the founders of the Virtue and Hope R . A . Chapter , filling in it almost every chair , inincluding that of First Principal . He is at the present time an honorary member of almost every lodge in South Wales , is a Past Grand Warden of the Province , und for very many years held the post of Grand Director of Ceremonies . Bro . Michael has in the course of his Masonic
career initiated upwards of 300 persons into Masonry . I lis impressive rendering of the various ceremonies for many years left him without a rival , and and among his brother Masons he is highly esteemed and beloved , his name being a " household word , " invariably spoken with kindness . I am , dear sir and brother , faithfully and fraternilly yours , EDWAIU ) J . Mounts . D . P . G . M . Swansea , April 12 th , 1875 .
NEW MASONIC LODGE DRAMATIC . To thc Keillor ofthe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Your valuable journal of March 27 th contains a report of Lodge St . George , 333 , in which some allusion is made to our petition for Lodge Dramatic . Tie same article having been published in the Xorth British Daily Mail , ( Glasgow ) , I answered it , stating facts , and shewing
our brethren the actual position in which we stand . The copy of my answer 1 send you now , and beg that you will make it as public as possible , for the other tends to injure us where this will disabuse the mind of all the Craft and shew that it is our desire to work sure and constitionally . I am yours fraternally , WILLIAM DOIISON .
Original Correspondence.
Sir , —I observe in your columns of Saturday a report of a meeting of Lodge St . George , 333 . I would beg to call the attention of brother Masons to the fact that in speaking of the petition for proposed new Lodge Dramatic he ( Bro . Alex . Thomson R . VY . M . ) mcntions ' us as being migratory . That some theatrical people arc so I do not deny ; but as it tends to disparage our cause in the eyes Masonic
of our , brethren , I would beg to call the attention of the Craft to the following facts -. — 1 . Wc made it an especial study to select brethren who were householders , and had been citizens for years—knowing that to be qualified as office-bearers it was essential they should be so . 2 . lam myself a householder for 1 ; years , and have
been 15 years engaged in thc theatre Royal . 3 . Brother Barbour has been in theatre 12 years past , and householder for 14 years past . 4 . Brother Jackman has been . in theatre ; , for y years , and householder for seven years . , *¦* . Brother Sievewright has been in theatrej ' for ' years ,
and a householder for a long time . 6 . Brother V . illancc has been in Theatre Royal aud Gaiety for 10 years , and a householder for 7 years . 7 . Brother Smyth has been in theatre for 7 years , and in Glasgow all his life . 8 . Brother T . Hayes has been engaged in theatre for 5 years , and a householder .
9 . Brother M'Gregor here in theatre for a long number of years , and a householder . 10 . Brother Campbell here in ' theatre for years , and always in Glasgow . 11 . Brother Mills in theatre for 7 years , and always iu Glasgow . 12 . Brother Groves at present lure , ami is now a permanent member .
Now , I have given a just account of who form our office-bearers , and I lliink we can be hardly brought under thc category of " here to day and away lo morrow . " It may sound very well lor them to use these terms , but I am sure that a lodge such as we petition for would be a great boon to professionals , and a want that no one can feel so much as we , the petitioners , do . Trusting you will give this a litttle space in your valuable paper . —I am , & c ., Theatre Royal , March 13 . WILLIAM DOIISON .
MASOMIC JURISPRUDENCE . To Ihe Editor < f the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , Bro . X . Y ., a Scotch Mason , arrives in our town in October or November . Never visited the lodge , but is proposed as a joining member at a lodge of emeigeney in December . On St . John ' s Day , the business of the lodge ,
installation and investment of officers , is deferred ( contrary to bye-law No . 11 ) by order of the W . M . ( this be ' ui" * his second year in office ) who directs the ballot for H 10 . X . Y . to bc taken , who is elected . Immediately after the W . M . proceeds with the business , and appoints and installs Bro . X . Y . as Senior Warden of the lodge , before his name could appear on any books as a member of the English Constitution , or the minutes of the lodge bc confirmed .
Is this correct and legali Yours fraternally , A PAST MASTKII . [ In our opinion , the brother alluded to was not eligible until he was registered in the English Grand Lodge , and had received his English Grand Lodge certificate . The confirmation of the minutes has nothing to do with the ballot . On appeal to the Board of General Purposes , the the appointment would , we are inclined to think , be cancelled , as " ultra vires . "—En . ]
Reviews.
Reviews .
ROMAN CATHOLICISM AND FREEMASONRY , Bv WILLIAM J : S IIIOIIAN . A friend has sent me a copy of " The Irish Ecclesiastical Record" for April , published under thc sanction of Cardinal Cullcn , because it contains an article on " Freemasonry . " I hope that our learned Bro . the Rev . A . F . A .
Woodford , . 1 / .. L , who has lately presented the Craft with a most readable and able " Defence of Freemasonry , " will peruse it and favour us wilh a short answer in the pages of the Freemason , if indeed it nurits any attention at nil . My . object now is mainly to ask the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons , if they , the actual members , know aught of the society to which they belong , for if they do
( and if we do ) then the writer of the article 111 question cannot be speaking of the same institution , wilfully misrepresents it , or is " perpetuating a joke . " lt Is not my intention to attempt any answer in the present sketch to the statement found in the " Irish Ecclesiastical Record , " because I should much prefer our Rev . Bro . Woodford lo have that gratification , he having so recently written a
"Defence" ofthe society , 111 every sense , worthy of the cause . We shall simply furnish a few extracts for the amusement and information of your readers . The first sentence is as follows : — " It needs no very acute observation to recognise the fact that Freemasonry is struggling with a fierce and a more determined energy than ever against thc liberty , nay , against the very existence of
the Catholic Church . " One great object of the Freemason is to enlighten the fraternity , and afford information to the Craft , so the above extract will , I think , be information indeed for the majority , if not for all of its readers . The firsl charge in our Book of Constitutions , after
dec l aring that " a Mason is obliged , by his tenure , to obey the moral law , " and fo heed thc claims of conscience , stales that Freemasons " are taught to view the errors of mankind with compassion . " The latter clause was never much more wanted , I think , than at the present time , so wc ask the forbearance and compassion of Masonic students
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
sizes , of the ceremony at a given time , from photographs taken from life , containing portraits of all the Grand Officers , Past Masters , Wardens , and Brethren attending . This is now being completed by me , and I may state that I have already been favoured with sittings by between 2 nnd 300 brethren of distinction , and continue to receive many appointments from others desirous of furthering the object . I am , Dear Sir and Bro ., fnitenyilly yours ,
E . M . ILMOII , P . M ., P . G . Slcvard . To tht Editor of Ihe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Many suggestions having appeared in your columns for aiding our Masonic Charities at thc forthcoming installation of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales as the Grand Master of our Order , permit me , as a Provincial
W . M ., who hopes lo have the honour of being present at the august procedure , to suggest to Bro . Binckes a scheme which would , I think , bring " grist to the mill , " and at the s ime time accommodate many , who , like myself , will have to remain in London all night , and yet not be privileged to attend the grand banquet . Could not our brother arrange with some of our brethren who are lessees of London theatres to sjivc a benefit night for the Royal Institution for
Boys ? If so , he then might send to each lodge a number of tickets to be disposed of ; say at 5 s ., 7 s . Od ., and ios . each . I have no doubt a full house would thus be secured , and two most essential objects gained , viz .: amusement and philanthropy . If you think the above hint worthy of consideration , you will greatly oblige by its insertion in your cosmopolitan journal . Yours , most respectfully and fraternally , R . H .
THE MASONIC CHARITIES . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Bro . Hughan ' s letter , pointing out how small a proportion of thc candidates for the two Masonic Schools are children of subscribers , is well worth the gravest consideration . I am afraid that in , but too many instances
candidates arc admitted into Masonry , whose position and prospects are not such as admit the likelihood of their being able to afford subscriptions to the Masonic Charities , and I submit that when our Book of Constitutions was drawn up , the pecuniary limit then fixed , was intended to exclude such candidates . I do not know when the fee to Grand Lodge and the minimum below which no one was
permitted to be initiated were fixed , but I think it dates back to thc "Articles of Union j" anyhow no alteration has been made for many years , and looking to the change iu the value of money , and how all classes have trodden closer on those above them , I am quite convinced that the
time has come to raise the minimum fee , and I should bc much pleased to sec £$ 5 s . take the place of £ 3 3 s . There is a growing feeling in the Craft , and especially in some provinces , that Freemasonry is too cheap , and that something must be done to keep up our prestige . Yours fraternally , P . G . D .
"THE SCOTTISH FREEMASON'S' MAGAZINE " AND THE "DEFENCE OF FREEMASONRY . " Tu the Publisher ' jj ' the Freemason . Dear Brother Kenning , — 1 have read a review of my little work iu your recently established Scottish contemporary , which appears to call for a few remarks from inc . I am , as you know , the last person to deprecate honest
criticism , and when the writer of the review states that "his style ( lhat is , mine ) is not so clear nor his method so logical as could bc wished , " I at once bow to such complimentary expressions , though I am somewhat amused to note , that the reviewer himself must fairly be admired forthe happy confusion of both thought and language , alike in his position and his arguments . Thc
reviewer may be quite right in finding fault with the division of the objections into those of " theory " and those of " prartire , " but he is quite wrong in saying that the first objection under the first head , and the second objection under the second head may he regarded as anticipated in the third objection under the first head . " There is great confusion of apprehension litre , as no subjects can
bc more dissimilar or distinct . Indeed it is a criticism without force or meaning . The reviewer is quite justified in pointing out that there docs arise " a repetition of the treatment of the subject , " but then that is thc inevitable consequence of the objections I had to deal with . I lad I lumped them altogether , I should have been told that I had not paid
due attention to them , and therefore I preferred to take them " seriatim" and in detail , even at the risk of obvious " weakening of the force of the argument , taken as a whole . " This repetition occurs in respect of thc one objection that Freemasonry is an eclectic system ( not an " elective" system as in the S . l' . M . )' , in itself , " disregarding till other religious bodies , " and Mr . Kerr ' s complaint
that " it forms a Masonic bond of union among men , opposed to the true teaching of the Gospel . " These objections had been made , and they had to be met and dealt with , and as one was theoretical and the other practical , I treated them , accordingly . They might , perhaps , be more conveniently conjoined , and disposed of under the same head . Beyond this I note no remarks requiring
much comment , except that for obvious causes , and to prevent any misapprehension of my views by the Scottish brethren , I feel bound to supplement this short answer with a few explanations . I should have thought that the reviewer would see that
tlie belief in God the Father necessarily led to au acceptance of the great truth of immortality . I did not deal with it , as it appeared to me a self-evident proposition , and 1 caiinot understand any one accepting the Divine creation and moral government of the world , together wilh the inspired Revelation , who docs not also accept the future life of
Original Correspondence.
man . On natural grounds we can arrive at it , as I believe , much more in the teachings and declarations of positive truth . I did not consider it therefore needful or advisable to dilate on such a subject , so clearly developed in all our Mnsonic symbolism and rites . The point of the prayers is : i very difficult one . To myself , personally , of course , outside the lodge , I fully accept the common
teaching of Christianity , but inside the lodge , on our own principles , how am I to act ? We profess to receive Hebrews and other non-Christians . How are we to treat them ? Are we to ignore their principles , or to disregard their beliefs ? In fact is thc lodge-room to bc the arena of a Masonic proselytism ? We must boldly face the difficulty of the whole question , and there is no use bliukintr it .
In England our prayers are universal or theistieal for the most part now ; in Scotland and in Ireland they are also sometimes Christian , though not universally . Many good men and true , and most orthodox in their generation , have found no difficulty , as I find none , in the " universal prayer" in the lodge room , on our avowed principles ; and though 1 admit many may object to such
a position , 1 believe it to be the true teaching of universal Freemasonry . But I speak with a good deal of hesitation and deference on the subject , as it is confessedly a very difficult one , and to many a " crucial test , " an irremovcable objection against Freemasonry . I confess that I do not understand thc reviewer's position or views on the subject , but that may arise from my
own great dullness and want of a combination of vigour and delicacy of argumentivc ( sic ) nervousness and wise discrimination , as the reviewer so eloquently writes . What he means by his own words , I don't pretend to understand , much less to explain . 1 am , dear Bro . Kenning , yours fraternally , A . F . A . WOOUFORU , P . G . C .
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS . To the Editor if the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Permit mc through your colums , on behalf of numerous brethren , to return our thanks to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales , to Major-General Brownrigg , and to the brethren of Colchester , Aldershot , and the
Brownrigg Lodge of Unity , Chatham , as well as to those of the provinces of Esse . v , Kent and Surrey , for securing hy their votes the election into the Masonic Girls ' School , to-day , of Fanny Craig , the orphan daughter of the late Serjt . Craig , of the 10 th Regiment . While thanking them all very sincerely both for * their votes and for their influence , I may perhaps call lo the attention of ihe Craft generally , that the great interest which the
Prince of Wales feels in our Order takes a practical form , and that the votes which he has in our charitable institutions by virtue of his liberal donations , are given to candidates at our half yearly elections . I remain , dear sir and brother , yours faithfully nnd fraternally , SAMVV . 1 . COI . H , Quarter Master , Royal Engineers . Aldershot , April 10 th .
THE "FATHER OF FREEMASONRY " To Ihe Editor if Ihe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , In the Illustrated London Xews of Saturday last appeared a portrait of the oldest Freemason in England .
I laving at the present moment living amongst us in " vigorous age , " au older Freemason , although not au older man , I venture to trouble you with a very brief sketch of a worthy and esteemed brother , asking you to do me the favour to insert the same iu your next
paper . Bro . Francis David Michael , of Russell-st ., Swansea , is in his 01 st year . He was initiated into Freemasonry in April , 1814 , at Haverfordwest , and is therefore 6 years thc senior of the brother named in the Illustrated London Xews . Removing lo Swansea , Bro . Michael took his second and third
degrees in the Indefatigable Lodge , No . 333 , became the W . M . in 1818 , was one of the founders of the Virtue and Hope R . A . Chapter , filling in it almost every chair , inincluding that of First Principal . He is at the present time an honorary member of almost every lodge in South Wales , is a Past Grand Warden of the Province , und for very many years held the post of Grand Director of Ceremonies . Bro . Michael has in the course of his Masonic
career initiated upwards of 300 persons into Masonry . I lis impressive rendering of the various ceremonies for many years left him without a rival , and and among his brother Masons he is highly esteemed and beloved , his name being a " household word , " invariably spoken with kindness . I am , dear sir and brother , faithfully and fraternilly yours , EDWAIU ) J . Mounts . D . P . G . M . Swansea , April 12 th , 1875 .
NEW MASONIC LODGE DRAMATIC . To thc Keillor ofthe Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Your valuable journal of March 27 th contains a report of Lodge St . George , 333 , in which some allusion is made to our petition for Lodge Dramatic . Tie same article having been published in the Xorth British Daily Mail , ( Glasgow ) , I answered it , stating facts , and shewing
our brethren the actual position in which we stand . The copy of my answer 1 send you now , and beg that you will make it as public as possible , for the other tends to injure us where this will disabuse the mind of all the Craft and shew that it is our desire to work sure and constitionally . I am yours fraternally , WILLIAM DOIISON .
Original Correspondence.
Sir , —I observe in your columns of Saturday a report of a meeting of Lodge St . George , 333 . I would beg to call the attention of brother Masons to the fact that in speaking of the petition for proposed new Lodge Dramatic he ( Bro . Alex . Thomson R . VY . M . ) mcntions ' us as being migratory . That some theatrical people arc so I do not deny ; but as it tends to disparage our cause in the eyes Masonic
of our , brethren , I would beg to call the attention of the Craft to the following facts -. — 1 . Wc made it an especial study to select brethren who were householders , and had been citizens for years—knowing that to be qualified as office-bearers it was essential they should be so . 2 . lam myself a householder for 1 ; years , and have
been 15 years engaged in thc theatre Royal . 3 . Brother Barbour has been in theatre 12 years past , and householder for 14 years past . 4 . Brother Jackman has been . in theatre ; , for y years , and householder for seven years . , *¦* . Brother Sievewright has been in theatrej ' for ' years ,
and a householder for a long time . 6 . Brother V . illancc has been in Theatre Royal aud Gaiety for 10 years , and a householder for 7 years . 7 . Brother Smyth has been in theatre for 7 years , and in Glasgow all his life . 8 . Brother T . Hayes has been engaged in theatre for 5 years , and a householder .
9 . Brother M'Gregor here in theatre for a long number of years , and a householder . 10 . Brother Campbell here in ' theatre for years , and always in Glasgow . 11 . Brother Mills in theatre for 7 years , and always iu Glasgow . 12 . Brother Groves at present lure , ami is now a permanent member .
Now , I have given a just account of who form our office-bearers , and I lliink we can be hardly brought under thc category of " here to day and away lo morrow . " It may sound very well lor them to use these terms , but I am sure that a lodge such as we petition for would be a great boon to professionals , and a want that no one can feel so much as we , the petitioners , do . Trusting you will give this a litttle space in your valuable paper . —I am , & c ., Theatre Royal , March 13 . WILLIAM DOIISON .
MASOMIC JURISPRUDENCE . To Ihe Editor < f the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , Bro . X . Y ., a Scotch Mason , arrives in our town in October or November . Never visited the lodge , but is proposed as a joining member at a lodge of emeigeney in December . On St . John ' s Day , the business of the lodge ,
installation and investment of officers , is deferred ( contrary to bye-law No . 11 ) by order of the W . M . ( this be ' ui" * his second year in office ) who directs the ballot for H 10 . X . Y . to bc taken , who is elected . Immediately after the W . M . proceeds with the business , and appoints and installs Bro . X . Y . as Senior Warden of the lodge , before his name could appear on any books as a member of the English Constitution , or the minutes of the lodge bc confirmed .
Is this correct and legali Yours fraternally , A PAST MASTKII . [ In our opinion , the brother alluded to was not eligible until he was registered in the English Grand Lodge , and had received his English Grand Lodge certificate . The confirmation of the minutes has nothing to do with the ballot . On appeal to the Board of General Purposes , the the appointment would , we are inclined to think , be cancelled , as " ultra vires . "—En . ]
Reviews.
Reviews .
ROMAN CATHOLICISM AND FREEMASONRY , Bv WILLIAM J : S IIIOIIAN . A friend has sent me a copy of " The Irish Ecclesiastical Record" for April , published under thc sanction of Cardinal Cullcn , because it contains an article on " Freemasonry . " I hope that our learned Bro . the Rev . A . F . A .
Woodford , . 1 / .. L , who has lately presented the Craft with a most readable and able " Defence of Freemasonry , " will peruse it and favour us wilh a short answer in the pages of the Freemason , if indeed it nurits any attention at nil . My . object now is mainly to ask the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons , if they , the actual members , know aught of the society to which they belong , for if they do
( and if we do ) then the writer of the article 111 question cannot be speaking of the same institution , wilfully misrepresents it , or is " perpetuating a joke . " lt Is not my intention to attempt any answer in the present sketch to the statement found in the " Irish Ecclesiastical Record , " because I should much prefer our Rev . Bro . Woodford lo have that gratification , he having so recently written a
"Defence" ofthe society , 111 every sense , worthy of the cause . We shall simply furnish a few extracts for the amusement and information of your readers . The first sentence is as follows : — " It needs no very acute observation to recognise the fact that Freemasonry is struggling with a fierce and a more determined energy than ever against thc liberty , nay , against the very existence of
the Catholic Church . " One great object of the Freemason is to enlighten the fraternity , and afford information to the Craft , so the above extract will , I think , be information indeed for the majority , if not for all of its readers . The firsl charge in our Book of Constitutions , after
dec l aring that " a Mason is obliged , by his tenure , to obey the moral law , " and fo heed thc claims of conscience , stales that Freemasons " are taught to view the errors of mankind with compassion . " The latter clause was never much more wanted , I think , than at the present time , so wc ask the forbearance and compassion of Masonic students