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Article PUBLIC INSTALLATIONS. Page 1 of 1 Article THE MASONIC FESTIVAL OF APRIL, 1809. Page 1 of 1 Article WASTING TIME. Page 1 of 1 Article WHY SEEK TO BECOME A MASON ? Page 1 of 1
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Public Installations.
PUBLIC INSTALLATIONS .
We print elsewhere a small paragraph from the Masonic Review , not very complimentary to us indeed ; in that we are dubbed " obtuse , " because we do not understand what " public installations " mean . Neither do we even yet , despite the lucid and courteous explanation of our vivacious contemporary . Indeed , on the "face of the thing "there is a " self-evident absurdity . " Either the ceremonial is Masonic or not , and has been authorized , or it has not among those permitted to be done in public .
We do not deny that a Grand Lodge can allow the ceremonial to be done in public , as the laying of foundation stones is done ; but as the installation ceremony is purely a matter of lodge work and lodge life , we regret the change , and dislike the innovation . For that it is confessedly . No precedent , except made " ad hoc " within a few years , can be alleged by any one in favour of such a departure from our normal ritual arrangements .
Indeed , the more we look at it the more we dislike it and disapprove of it . It is a portion of that vulgar movement in favour of publicity , that Masonic " outcome , " " coram populo , " which we entirely deprecate and detest . It is that restlessness in respect of the " good old paths " whi h is undermining our Order , and will , if it be not checked , reduce us to he level of " gregarious Buffaloes" or " animated Pards . "
It is all wrong , unsound and unmasonic , and can only be acceded to , where and when the brethren are either- in happy ignorance of , or contemptuously ignore alike Masonic lore and Masonic law . We need hardly point out to " experts " that the public ceremonial as given , for instance , in the Constitutions and ceremonial of the Grand Lodge
of Indiana , which may be taken , we presume , as a fair sample of what may be done in public as allowed by Grand Lodge—see Note page 74 of its recent publication , reviewed elsewhere—utterly vitiates the ^ whole of our customary and legalised " ritual , " and is certainly in opposition to all custom and precedent .
We trust that some stop ma } ' be put to proceedings which are utterly irregular in themselves , and may be productive of unmitigated evil to our Order .
It is an opening out of our venerable ceremonial which is not desirable , and a pandering to a childish spirit of curiosity which , in our humble opinion , is not defensible . We still , despite the Masonic sarcasm of our worthy confrere of the Masonic Revieiu , do not profess to understand what a public installation can mean ; and we beg especially to demur to his statement elsewhere , that
either by direction or by inference thc action of the " Board of Installed Masters" is "sustained . " If it takes place at all , it is as a surreptitious proceeding , and entirely out of harmony or sequence with the well known ceremonial of our Order . Now all this is very wrong , and very un-Masonic , and we think we are only doing our duty to our Cosmopolitan Craft in thus openly protesting against rash innovations , and unwarrantable publicity . Nothing can be worse in every sense for FVeemasons and for Freemasonry .
The Masonic Festival Of April, 1809.
THE MASONIC FESTIVAL OF APRIL , 1809 .
ROB MORRIS . I find in the " European Magazine" of April 14 , 1809 , p . 324 , an account of " the Anniversary Dinner of the Freemasons' Charity tor F " emale Orphans , which occurred at Freemasons' Hall . Lord Moira was in the chair , and Lords Mountmorris , Pomfret , and about 400 other contributors to
the establishment were present . The Chevalier Ruspini , designated as "the Founder of the Establishment , " led the two youngest children around the hall , and their appearance , seconded by an eloquent and impressive speech from Lord Moira , induced a collection of between three and four hundred pounds .
Among the exercises of the occasion , a poetical address , " written by a young lady at the desire of a friend of the Institution in behalf of their pious and benevolent charity , " was read . It seems to me worthy of reproduction :
If 'tis delight the drooping- plant to rear , Or the soft bud with timely shelter cheer , 'Tis heaven the balm of bounty to dispense , And guard the flowers of orphan innocence . But ever in the firm and spotless breast Compassion dwells , a mild yet sovereign truest :
As steadfast rocks ambrosial balm enclose , And the clear stream the purest pearl bestows . In Paul ' s proud dome , the boast of Art divine , Blest Charity erects her favored shrine . So in the soul , with truth and honor stored , The noblest temple of Creation ' s Lord , An infant mourner's suppliant voice prevails , And flrnhan innnrpnrn ifc enwinnr linilc .
Protect them still ! let those who nobly claim J The ample gifts of wisdom , wealth , and fame , Like heaven's own mansion spread their portals wide , And still to Hope and Peace the mourner guide . Nor let illustrious beauty ' s hand disdain To strew with flowers compassion's sacred fane ;
Beauty , thy charms her magic power create On thee her first , her warmest , welcomes wait , Such as with Moira ' s honored laurels blend , Such as the grave of Cumberland attend . And vnii lulinwlpmnlp hnasfs the immortal
. j — L— name Of him who breathed philanthropy's pure flame , Shakesperian brothers , who to every clime Extend the rays of amity sublime ; Full as the bliss your ready aid bestows , For you the cup of gratitude o ' erflows , Behold this work , redeemed from hopeless
gioom , Thrice twenty beauteous flowers around you bloom . Crown then the blessings by your cares begun , Proceed , and emulate the bounteous sun ; Your bright example through the land diffuse , Draw forth and treasure pity ' s fostering dews ; And when , like his , your glorious task is o ' er , Still smile in Heaven , though seen on earth no more .
The allusions in the last paragraph are to the Shakespear Lodge , No . 131 , held at that period in Freemasons' Tavern . This noble band of Masons had contributed in collective donations and individual subscriptions , nearl y £ 5000 to the funds of this Charity . In the Cosmopolitan Masonic Calendar for 1881 , it is enrolled as " 99 Shakespeare , Albion Tavern ,
Alders-? ate-street , 4 th Thursday , 1757 . " I here is another "Shakespeare . odge , but it is No . 426 , and has its origin as late as 1835 . I take it that No . 99 represents the old No . 131 , but when was the change made ? Is there a good portrait published of the Chevalier Ruspini ? I saw his portrait among the worthies in the Hall of the Boys' School , London . Has it been engraved ? La Grange , Kentuckey , U . S . A .
Wasting Time.
WASTING TIME .
Our American brethren appear to be fully alive to the necessity of economising time in the business of Grand Lodge , and the New York Dispatch offers the following suggestions thereon : — In view of the heavy debt resting upon the property of the Craft as represented by our Hall at Twenty-third-street , and the fact that when that debt is lifted , and the revenues of the building made
available for the Asylum , we shall at once come into the enjoyment of _ one of the noblest charity foundations in the world , as well as a reduction of taxation to a mere nominal sum , it would seem that there ought to be not only a general but a unanimous resolve to put aside all personal ambitions and considerations for the sake of the general welfare . The first and most practical step in this direction is to reduce the cost of
holding the Annual Communications of the Grand Lodge to the lowest sum consonant with a proper transaction of its business , and to this end several things may properly contribute . First , in enforcing the rule that all matters to be brought before the Grand Lodge must be certified to the Grand Secretary at least ten days before the meeting of the Grand Lodge , as per notice already issued . The rule forbids the consideration of any subject not
thus forwarded , except by special vote of the Grand Lodge , and it is hoped that the good sense of the brethren will prevent them from assenting to the consideration of new matter except under very exceptional circumstances and pressing necessity . Prompt attention to this suggestion b y brethren having matters to place before the . Committees required to meet in advance ,
and the knowledge that negligence will put off their consideration for a year , together with an industrious " attention to duty by the Committees named , will place the whole business of the annual meeting in shape for immediate consideration at the opening of Grand Lodge , and as fast as each subject can be heard and decided by the representatives .
Last year some latitude was given because the regulation just named was new and in some sort experimental , but its wisdom was apparent as it must be still more apparent now , and we therefore indulge the hope that we shall all unite in giving effect to this plan for the disposal of Grand Lodge business in the shortest and most effective way .
There is another way in which a decided and most grateful economy can be practised by the Grand Lod ge , and that is by ri gid enforcement of the third of the rules of the order , which is , " No brother is to speak more than once to the same question , unless by permission . " If this rule has ever been enforced , that fact is not within our recollection . On the other hand , every regular attendant on Grand Lodge knows that it is no uncommon thing for
various brethren to be heard half a dozen times on the most trivial questions , exhausting the patience of the listeners , and adding no light to what they may have said in the first instance . If a brother does not sufficiently understand a subject to express his views without half a dozen trials he should keep still until he has taken opportunity to stud y it up ; if he does know what he is going to talk about then he should be able in one speech of reasonable length to dispense all the light at his command , and give some one else a chance , or
permit the aggregated wisdom of Grand Lodge to pass upon the question and have done with it . At all events , taking the cost of the annual session to be about one thousand dollars for each hour actuall y devoted to business , it may be fairly assumed lhat at least five thousand dollars are wasted each year in listening to the jejune eloquence of parties who seem to imagine that when Solomon died his wisdom came to them . Let us get out of this boy ' s play and dispose of the affairs of Grand Lodge with the dignity and dispatch of men who know and mean business .
Why Seek To Become A Mason ?
WHY SEEK TO BECOME A MASON ?
1 he motives which impel men to seek a connection with the Masonic Instiution are of various character . Some persons , no doubt , are influenced by considerations of an unworth y nature , whilst others are prompted by reasons of the noblest stamp . It is to be feared that there are applicants who knock at Masonic doors thinking altogether too much of what they shall receive of actual , material benefit b y their connection with the Fraternity , and not
enough of the moral instruction and helps which they may lay hold of through Masonic teachings and associations . Perhaps they are not conscious of being led to the course they are pursuing by any mercenary motive , yet the object in view is some selfish gain , or acquisition on the lower side of their natures , rather than the obtaining of knowledge , enlarging of thesympathies and the affections , and the doing of good to others . In joining the Masons one should be controlled by considerations very similar to those that ought to
govern when a man proposes to connect himself with a reli gious organizationhe should seek the Masonic communication because it is a well-established Institution of philosophy and morals , and because through its fellowship and ministries he may do good to others , whilst at the same time his heart and character shall be moulded b y its great and blessed principles . Having so lofty and unselfish an object in view the candidate for Masonry is not likel y to be disappointed by what he finds the character of the Institution and its methods of procedure to be .
If in anything there is need of care it is in explaining to all who seek to become Masons that our association is in no sense a beneficial Order .
It has no established system by which it proposes to give and do for its members at stated times and as a matter of prescribed obligation . Other societies do this work , and it is of a praiseworthy character ; but Masonry was not moulded upon such a plan nor does it pledge itself to render definite benefits to its members . No one should become a Mason thinking that he makes a good investment of his money by taking such a step , or that he
will receive some selfish advantage by his association with the Ancient Brotherhood . A man is justified in seeking to become a Mason only when he has a high appreciation of the character and work of the organization , and is drawn toward it because he believes it will be helpful to him on the social and moral side of his being , and so enable him to be of more service to his fellows in the discharge of the duties of related life . —Freemasons ' Repository .
Bro . Alderman Sir Francis Wyatt 1 ruscott , the late Lord Mayor , Mr . James Hughes , and Mr . James Whitehead will represent the Mansion House Committee at the ceremony of unveiling Mr . Brock ' s statue of Sir Rowland Hill at Kidderminster , on Wednesday , the 22 nd inst . But for the occurrence of the Bishops ' dinner on that day , the Lord Mayor would have been present . — Citizen *
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Public Installations.
PUBLIC INSTALLATIONS .
We print elsewhere a small paragraph from the Masonic Review , not very complimentary to us indeed ; in that we are dubbed " obtuse , " because we do not understand what " public installations " mean . Neither do we even yet , despite the lucid and courteous explanation of our vivacious contemporary . Indeed , on the "face of the thing "there is a " self-evident absurdity . " Either the ceremonial is Masonic or not , and has been authorized , or it has not among those permitted to be done in public .
We do not deny that a Grand Lodge can allow the ceremonial to be done in public , as the laying of foundation stones is done ; but as the installation ceremony is purely a matter of lodge work and lodge life , we regret the change , and dislike the innovation . For that it is confessedly . No precedent , except made " ad hoc " within a few years , can be alleged by any one in favour of such a departure from our normal ritual arrangements .
Indeed , the more we look at it the more we dislike it and disapprove of it . It is a portion of that vulgar movement in favour of publicity , that Masonic " outcome , " " coram populo , " which we entirely deprecate and detest . It is that restlessness in respect of the " good old paths " whi h is undermining our Order , and will , if it be not checked , reduce us to he level of " gregarious Buffaloes" or " animated Pards . "
It is all wrong , unsound and unmasonic , and can only be acceded to , where and when the brethren are either- in happy ignorance of , or contemptuously ignore alike Masonic lore and Masonic law . We need hardly point out to " experts " that the public ceremonial as given , for instance , in the Constitutions and ceremonial of the Grand Lodge
of Indiana , which may be taken , we presume , as a fair sample of what may be done in public as allowed by Grand Lodge—see Note page 74 of its recent publication , reviewed elsewhere—utterly vitiates the ^ whole of our customary and legalised " ritual , " and is certainly in opposition to all custom and precedent .
We trust that some stop ma } ' be put to proceedings which are utterly irregular in themselves , and may be productive of unmitigated evil to our Order .
It is an opening out of our venerable ceremonial which is not desirable , and a pandering to a childish spirit of curiosity which , in our humble opinion , is not defensible . We still , despite the Masonic sarcasm of our worthy confrere of the Masonic Revieiu , do not profess to understand what a public installation can mean ; and we beg especially to demur to his statement elsewhere , that
either by direction or by inference thc action of the " Board of Installed Masters" is "sustained . " If it takes place at all , it is as a surreptitious proceeding , and entirely out of harmony or sequence with the well known ceremonial of our Order . Now all this is very wrong , and very un-Masonic , and we think we are only doing our duty to our Cosmopolitan Craft in thus openly protesting against rash innovations , and unwarrantable publicity . Nothing can be worse in every sense for FVeemasons and for Freemasonry .
The Masonic Festival Of April, 1809.
THE MASONIC FESTIVAL OF APRIL , 1809 .
ROB MORRIS . I find in the " European Magazine" of April 14 , 1809 , p . 324 , an account of " the Anniversary Dinner of the Freemasons' Charity tor F " emale Orphans , which occurred at Freemasons' Hall . Lord Moira was in the chair , and Lords Mountmorris , Pomfret , and about 400 other contributors to
the establishment were present . The Chevalier Ruspini , designated as "the Founder of the Establishment , " led the two youngest children around the hall , and their appearance , seconded by an eloquent and impressive speech from Lord Moira , induced a collection of between three and four hundred pounds .
Among the exercises of the occasion , a poetical address , " written by a young lady at the desire of a friend of the Institution in behalf of their pious and benevolent charity , " was read . It seems to me worthy of reproduction :
If 'tis delight the drooping- plant to rear , Or the soft bud with timely shelter cheer , 'Tis heaven the balm of bounty to dispense , And guard the flowers of orphan innocence . But ever in the firm and spotless breast Compassion dwells , a mild yet sovereign truest :
As steadfast rocks ambrosial balm enclose , And the clear stream the purest pearl bestows . In Paul ' s proud dome , the boast of Art divine , Blest Charity erects her favored shrine . So in the soul , with truth and honor stored , The noblest temple of Creation ' s Lord , An infant mourner's suppliant voice prevails , And flrnhan innnrpnrn ifc enwinnr linilc .
Protect them still ! let those who nobly claim J The ample gifts of wisdom , wealth , and fame , Like heaven's own mansion spread their portals wide , And still to Hope and Peace the mourner guide . Nor let illustrious beauty ' s hand disdain To strew with flowers compassion's sacred fane ;
Beauty , thy charms her magic power create On thee her first , her warmest , welcomes wait , Such as with Moira ' s honored laurels blend , Such as the grave of Cumberland attend . And vnii lulinwlpmnlp hnasfs the immortal
. j — L— name Of him who breathed philanthropy's pure flame , Shakesperian brothers , who to every clime Extend the rays of amity sublime ; Full as the bliss your ready aid bestows , For you the cup of gratitude o ' erflows , Behold this work , redeemed from hopeless
gioom , Thrice twenty beauteous flowers around you bloom . Crown then the blessings by your cares begun , Proceed , and emulate the bounteous sun ; Your bright example through the land diffuse , Draw forth and treasure pity ' s fostering dews ; And when , like his , your glorious task is o ' er , Still smile in Heaven , though seen on earth no more .
The allusions in the last paragraph are to the Shakespear Lodge , No . 131 , held at that period in Freemasons' Tavern . This noble band of Masons had contributed in collective donations and individual subscriptions , nearl y £ 5000 to the funds of this Charity . In the Cosmopolitan Masonic Calendar for 1881 , it is enrolled as " 99 Shakespeare , Albion Tavern ,
Alders-? ate-street , 4 th Thursday , 1757 . " I here is another "Shakespeare . odge , but it is No . 426 , and has its origin as late as 1835 . I take it that No . 99 represents the old No . 131 , but when was the change made ? Is there a good portrait published of the Chevalier Ruspini ? I saw his portrait among the worthies in the Hall of the Boys' School , London . Has it been engraved ? La Grange , Kentuckey , U . S . A .
Wasting Time.
WASTING TIME .
Our American brethren appear to be fully alive to the necessity of economising time in the business of Grand Lodge , and the New York Dispatch offers the following suggestions thereon : — In view of the heavy debt resting upon the property of the Craft as represented by our Hall at Twenty-third-street , and the fact that when that debt is lifted , and the revenues of the building made
available for the Asylum , we shall at once come into the enjoyment of _ one of the noblest charity foundations in the world , as well as a reduction of taxation to a mere nominal sum , it would seem that there ought to be not only a general but a unanimous resolve to put aside all personal ambitions and considerations for the sake of the general welfare . The first and most practical step in this direction is to reduce the cost of
holding the Annual Communications of the Grand Lodge to the lowest sum consonant with a proper transaction of its business , and to this end several things may properly contribute . First , in enforcing the rule that all matters to be brought before the Grand Lodge must be certified to the Grand Secretary at least ten days before the meeting of the Grand Lodge , as per notice already issued . The rule forbids the consideration of any subject not
thus forwarded , except by special vote of the Grand Lodge , and it is hoped that the good sense of the brethren will prevent them from assenting to the consideration of new matter except under very exceptional circumstances and pressing necessity . Prompt attention to this suggestion b y brethren having matters to place before the . Committees required to meet in advance ,
and the knowledge that negligence will put off their consideration for a year , together with an industrious " attention to duty by the Committees named , will place the whole business of the annual meeting in shape for immediate consideration at the opening of Grand Lodge , and as fast as each subject can be heard and decided by the representatives .
Last year some latitude was given because the regulation just named was new and in some sort experimental , but its wisdom was apparent as it must be still more apparent now , and we therefore indulge the hope that we shall all unite in giving effect to this plan for the disposal of Grand Lodge business in the shortest and most effective way .
There is another way in which a decided and most grateful economy can be practised by the Grand Lod ge , and that is by ri gid enforcement of the third of the rules of the order , which is , " No brother is to speak more than once to the same question , unless by permission . " If this rule has ever been enforced , that fact is not within our recollection . On the other hand , every regular attendant on Grand Lodge knows that it is no uncommon thing for
various brethren to be heard half a dozen times on the most trivial questions , exhausting the patience of the listeners , and adding no light to what they may have said in the first instance . If a brother does not sufficiently understand a subject to express his views without half a dozen trials he should keep still until he has taken opportunity to stud y it up ; if he does know what he is going to talk about then he should be able in one speech of reasonable length to dispense all the light at his command , and give some one else a chance , or
permit the aggregated wisdom of Grand Lodge to pass upon the question and have done with it . At all events , taking the cost of the annual session to be about one thousand dollars for each hour actuall y devoted to business , it may be fairly assumed lhat at least five thousand dollars are wasted each year in listening to the jejune eloquence of parties who seem to imagine that when Solomon died his wisdom came to them . Let us get out of this boy ' s play and dispose of the affairs of Grand Lodge with the dignity and dispatch of men who know and mean business .
Why Seek To Become A Mason ?
WHY SEEK TO BECOME A MASON ?
1 he motives which impel men to seek a connection with the Masonic Instiution are of various character . Some persons , no doubt , are influenced by considerations of an unworth y nature , whilst others are prompted by reasons of the noblest stamp . It is to be feared that there are applicants who knock at Masonic doors thinking altogether too much of what they shall receive of actual , material benefit b y their connection with the Fraternity , and not
enough of the moral instruction and helps which they may lay hold of through Masonic teachings and associations . Perhaps they are not conscious of being led to the course they are pursuing by any mercenary motive , yet the object in view is some selfish gain , or acquisition on the lower side of their natures , rather than the obtaining of knowledge , enlarging of thesympathies and the affections , and the doing of good to others . In joining the Masons one should be controlled by considerations very similar to those that ought to
govern when a man proposes to connect himself with a reli gious organizationhe should seek the Masonic communication because it is a well-established Institution of philosophy and morals , and because through its fellowship and ministries he may do good to others , whilst at the same time his heart and character shall be moulded b y its great and blessed principles . Having so lofty and unselfish an object in view the candidate for Masonry is not likel y to be disappointed by what he finds the character of the Institution and its methods of procedure to be .
If in anything there is need of care it is in explaining to all who seek to become Masons that our association is in no sense a beneficial Order .
It has no established system by which it proposes to give and do for its members at stated times and as a matter of prescribed obligation . Other societies do this work , and it is of a praiseworthy character ; but Masonry was not moulded upon such a plan nor does it pledge itself to render definite benefits to its members . No one should become a Mason thinking that he makes a good investment of his money by taking such a step , or that he
will receive some selfish advantage by his association with the Ancient Brotherhood . A man is justified in seeking to become a Mason only when he has a high appreciation of the character and work of the organization , and is drawn toward it because he believes it will be helpful to him on the social and moral side of his being , and so enable him to be of more service to his fellows in the discharge of the duties of related life . —Freemasons ' Repository .
Bro . Alderman Sir Francis Wyatt 1 ruscott , the late Lord Mayor , Mr . James Hughes , and Mr . James Whitehead will represent the Mansion House Committee at the ceremony of unveiling Mr . Brock ' s statue of Sir Rowland Hill at Kidderminster , on Wednesday , the 22 nd inst . But for the occurrence of the Bishops ' dinner on that day , the Lord Mayor would have been present . — Citizen *