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Article OUR THANK OFFERING. ← Page 2 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 2 →
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Our Thank Offering.
Bro . Havers , a member of the Order , upon whose bare " ipse dixit" the Craft need never have hesitated to act , pointed out to the brethren a manner in which they could show their gratitude to Almighty God for our Royal Grand Master ' s safe return , as fully accordant with the principles of the Craft as it was cosmopolitan in its object , inasmuch as in it was involved , in the one case the restoration of the
handiwork of the Grand Master who founded our Order here , and in the other case the completion of the design of that other Grand Master who resuscitated that Order from the obscurity into which it had temporarily sunk . Surely no more woithy object could be presented as the work of the Masons of this present day . But no ! Why should we step out of our way to do this work ? Why spend our
money en objects extraneous to the Order r Why spend anything at all ? Surely we could record our thanks to the Great Architect , and let that recorded gratitude suffice . But it would hardly do for a charitable body like we are to decline to spend our money upon the embodiment of charity , and so we must find some good excuse for withholding our hand . Hence the parrot-cry of "
Denominationalism . " But what is such a cry worth ? How can a thing that is national be denominational ? And sureh , if any one thing in all this realm of ours is national it is Wren ' s great masterpiece—St . Paul ' s . If there beany monuments dear to Masons in this kingdom , surely such pre-eminently must be St . Alban ' s Abbey and Wren ' s Cathedral . "
Denominational " —As well might we call the Duke of Bedford ' s gift of the Bunyan Statue denominational ; as well call feeding the starving Hindoo a fostering of the Hindoo religion ; as well call the relief that we sent to our French neig hbours after their disastrous floods treasonable because they have in times gone by been our implacable foes . Then , what was the miserable peg on which this
specious argument was hung ? " Some of the Craft are Jews . " We should think our Hebrew brethren will be exceedingly obliged to the brother who made this delightful discovery . One word , we should think , would sufficiently dispose of this terrible obstacle to our doing a noble and national act by restoring the House of the Lord . If the King of Tyre had listened to any twaddle
about " Denominationalism " ( if there were any body in his day so misguided as to give utterance to it , which wc very much doubt ) , where would have been Solomon ' s temple ? Or if the Persian Monarch had taken the same course , where the temple of Zerubbabel ? One such thought of the past and all its hallowed associations , and we are quite sure that there is no Hebrew
member of the Craft who would sanction his being thus shown up in the light of an obstructive to the active work of Masonry to-day . Of that vote of last week , then , we feel heartily ashamed : ind we arc quite sure that every right-minded brother will be of the same opinion . There is , however , one way of making amends for the mistake . The committee are to
apply the money to such charitable object as to them shall stem the best . Surely they cannot do better than spend it upon Charity Himself . Let them , then , take the bull by the horns , and disarming a factious opposition . wipe away this reproach to the Masonry of to-day by applying the money , over which they have this discretionary power , to the noble and highminded purpose set before them by our esteemed Bro . Havers .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even as approving of the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . —ED . ]
THE LAST QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION . To Ihe Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I deeply regret that Bro . Havers has thrown so much personal feeling into a matter which sh ould be dealt with only on public grounds . Any brother can see at a glance , from the tone of his letter , that it does not breathe
" peace " or " good mil , " I must demur to either the taste or the tact which he has displayed in publishing a private note of mine without my consent , or even knowledge . I venture to think he shewed a want in the same direction , but in a much more serious case , by making the use he did of our M . W . Grand Master ' s name as a lever to propel his motion to a
successful issue . As to my letter , I am no * , sorry he published it . Even as it stands , without any explanation , I do not think it is inconsistent with any subsequent word or act of mine . I may , however , say that it was written on May 23 rd , immediately on receipt of Bro . Havers ' s no te and copy of
motion , that is , before I had had time to carefully consider the subject of it , or to consult even one of my brethren . It was written in a spirit of kindness and humility as addressed to one who was my senior in years and Masonry , and superior to me in everything save zeal for Masonry and independence of thought and action , in both of which I claim to be his equal .
I stand to every word of my letter , but I quite grant that the fortnig ht that elapsed between my writing it and the meeting of Grand Lodge had strongly increased my objections to Bro . Havers ' s motion . But 1 say now as I wrote then , " I think the plan of giving to St . Paul ' s and St . Alban ' s an admirable one per se "—that is , in itself and by itself—and " from my
standpoint " ( as a clergyman of the Church of England ) " f like the idea very much , " but the plan by itself was one thing , and as paid for out of Grand Lodge funds another . My view as a clergyman merely was a natural one ; my opinion as a Mason , and a member of Grand Lodge , was a conscientious one . In the one case I had only to follow my pleasure , in the other to do my duty—a duty from
Original Correspondence.
which even the rather overbearing threats held over mc before I went into Grand Lodge did not deter me . Bro . Havers says , " I heard this statement with amazement when I knew that he ( Bro . Simpson ) had expressed the very reverse opinion to me . " I read this with more than amazement—with sorrow . This statement is purely imaginary , as I never so
expressed myself . On Bro . Havers ' s lecture to Grand Lodge on selfishness and narrow-mindedness , and on his opinion expressed now as to Grand Ledge ' s " fatal mistake" and "lowering " policy , I make no comment . Grand Lodge is able to judge for itself—and act for itself too .
T he terms in which the motion for a committee is worded leave the widest field for proposal , in fact , leave everything open except St . Paul's and St . Alban ' s . Let us hope that Bro . Havers will accept a place on that committee , and that he has more than " one blessing" to bestow on his brethren , and more than one idea with which to commemorate the safe return of one illustrious Grand Master
whose own memorable watchwords , loyalty" and " chanty , " should be the lines on which our memorial should run . And as Bro . Mclntyre truly said in Grand Lodge " time does not press , " in fact , it is our best friend , it will mellow our opinions , it will bean aid to reflection , it will
check the hasty word , and inconsiderate act , and tend to give us a well-matured plan to which we , 1 trust , shall give a hearty and unanimous approval . I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fiaternally , R . J . SIMPSON . P . S . —I think Bru . Havers must see on reflection that
the instances of church decoration , & c , which he quotes from the Provinces , involving such limitations of area and of numbers , and regulated by local association , are by no means cases in point as precedents for Grand Lodge . Eesidcs , I have yet to learn that these works were paid for purely , cr at all , out of the Provincial Grand Lodge Fund .
While Bro . Havers has quoted my letter conveying mild and gentle hints , and written at the first blush , he has forgotten to mention my two urgent entreaties to him to withdraw the latter part of his motion , on the ground that I had reason to believe a large majority would oppose it , and that it was so desirable to have unanimity . These communications were made on the day of Grand Lodge meeting .
To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In the two last numbers of the " Freemason" I have been looking in vain amongst your " Correspondence " for some expression of opinion respecting the result of the division on Bro . Havers's resolution at the last Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge . I was present
on that occasion , and had to stand during the whole of the procct dings at the end cf the room , in the midst ofif I were not describing a meeting of Freemasons I should justly call a rabble ' . The uncharitable remarks which were bandied about ; the unseemly interruption of the speakers ; the disorderly and thoroughly un-Masonic conduct of those by whom I was surrounded , surprised and
disgusted me . Bro . Simpson said that if Bio . Havers ' s motion were carried it would give a blow to Freemasonry from which it would never recover . The absurdity of this statement must surely by this time have become apparent to Bro . Simpson himself . The fatal blow to Freemasonry will be the success of the principle which actuated the majority who overthrew
Bro . Havers ' s resolution , viz ., that the enrichment of our charitable institutions is the highest aim of the Order , and the true criterion of Masonic excellence . Far be it from me to say one word detrimental to the interests of the Masonic institutions . By all means , let them be supported to the fullest extent . If they want new wings to their buildings , and addition to their funds , let theii
wishes be fulfilled and their needs supplied . But I regret to see the idea gaining ground that " the charities " are to be all-engrossing objects , and the sole outlets of our Masonic sympathies , because the result must inevitably follow that Freemasonry will become nothing more or less than a benefit society . Charity is the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason ' s heart . But that charity which has the
approbation of heaven and of earth , and is like its sister , mercy , doubly blessed , that charity which , we are told on the authoiity of the Sacred Volume , is the greatest of all virtues , is something more than almsgiving , for a man may " give all his goods to feed the poor , " and have no charity . So , too , a Mason by dint of importunity may collect , or ostentatiously subscribe enormous sums of
money to our charities , and at the same time be a quarrelsome , pestilent fellow , and thoroughly un-Masonic in all his conduct towards his fellow men . Depend upon it , it is more difficult to think kindly of a man , or to act generously towards him , when opposed to us in rival claims , in religious belief , or in political opinions , than it is to supply the wants of the needy , to care for the fatherless , or
provide for the widow . Freemasonry bids us do all . But foremost amongst the principles she inscribes on her banner as the glorious motto of the Order is " Brotherly Love . " I therefore deeply deplored the result of this devision the other night , because it exalts a principle which twentyfive years experience convinces me will bring about this apparently astounding paradox that our charities will
be our ruin . With regard to Bio . Havei ' s proposition , I do not say it was the best which could by any possibility have been devised , but it had this remarkable feature that it was both national and Masonic . It was national because St . Paul's
Cathedial is a national monument . Its matchless dome , far exceeding in external beauty St . Peter ' s , at Rome , is the pride and delight of all Englishmen of whatever creed . It was Masonic because St . Paul's Cathedral is the crowning effort of the marvellous genius of the great H . A . of English Freemasonry , Sir Christopher Wren ,
Original Correspondence.
prince of architects . St . Alban ' s Abbey too , according to our traditions , which Masons at any rate ought not to sneer at , is the place where the first G . Lodge of England was held , and therefore the proposition to give rooo guineas to the restoration of each of these public monuments , in order
to celebrate the return home of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , our beloved M . W . G . M ., was peculiarly appropriate to an event which was both national and Masonic . lam , Sir and Brother , yours faithfully and fraternally , A PROVINCIAL GRAND OFKICKH . lune loth , 1876 .
To the Editor or the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In last week ' s " Freemason" Bro . Simpson wrote to " supply one or two little omissions , " at the same time recommending us to " try and appreciate each other ' s motives . " Now , there is nothing that I more desire than to
appreciate Bro . Simpson ' s motives in this matter at their true worth , and I doubt not that he will supply one or two more little omissions which at present stand in the way of my doing so . Firstly , I gathered that Bro . Simpson desired tn rejectBro . Havers ' s moUonbecause it was denominational . What would Bro . Simpson designate his own motion of a Grand Lodge thanksgiving in St . Paul's Cathedral ?
. Secondly , I gathered that Bro . Simpson considered the restoration of St . Alban ' s Abbey and the completion of Wren ' s cathedral—both Masonic works—as " outside purposes " with regard to our Order . What would Bro . Simpson deem his own vague something in India to be ? These questions satisfactorily answered will enable many others to properly appreciate our Bro . Simpson's motives than , dear Sir and brother , Yours faithfully and fraternally , W . T .
ANCIENT AND PRIMITIVE MASONRY . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In reply to " Panache , " allow me to say that this Rite has no lodges within the limits of the English language . It has chapters , senates , and councils meeting in various parts of Great Britain , Canada , United States of America , & c , and requires all members to be
legitimate Master Masons . It is also generally practised in Roumania , & c . It claims to supply a want by giving all known degrees to M . M . ' s , without distinction of religion or politics , and owns a number of brethren of the Hebrew and other Monotheistic faiths . The A . and A . forbid all Rites but their own ; the A . and 1 * . sanction all legitimate Rites . Yours truly and fraternally , GANESH \ .
To the Editor of tht Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In the issue of June 17 th I see a letter signed " John Jones , M . M . X ., his mark . " I have not my Book of Constitutions by me at present , but as far as I can recollect they say in a foot note to the paragraph relating to the declaration before initiation that as every- candidate
must sign the declaration it follows that no man who cannot write can be made a Mason . This being the case John Jones' lodge had better give an account of itself for initiating , passing , and raising one who can only sign by means of a X . Yours fraternally , M . M . ( without the assistance of a X . )
To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Bro . Magnus Ohren accuses me of " asking certain questions for my own information . " We live in a time that all assertions are not taken as facts , without proof . Many a brother would be glad of the same information
as myself , especially of the Grand Lodge for Surrey , had there been such a thing . I find by M . O . 's letter in the last that P . P . G . J . W . has been substituted for Past G . J . W . for Surrey . It is not fair when a brother makes a mistake , which is likely to mislead his readers , and is not willing to acknowledge it , but casting insinuations of selfishness upon the querist . Bro . M . O . finishes with , " I beg to be
excused from going into personal questions , for which I have neither time nor inclination . " As Bro . M . O . of his own free will and accord came to put " Ad Rem " and myself to rights from our confounding position ; but when further explanation was asked , he declines with the above quotation . I beg to draw the
attention of Bro . M . O . to Bro . "Ad Rein ' s" kind letter , above his own in the last " Freemason , " and just note paragraph ' ¦ Thirdly . " Dear Bro . Editor , allow me to convey to Bro . "Ad Rem " my best thanks . , Yours fraternally , R . W . O .
THE BOYS' SCHOOL DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I note an announcement in your columns about the Boys' School distribution of prizes , which has rather surprised many old Masonic buffers like myself . Bro . Binckes is famous for his " tours de force , " and somebody has
called him " Hercules , " though why I know not , except it be that his labours are very many , and though I have no doubt he has a good explanation ready , as he generally has , yet this really beats " Banagher . " The prizes are to be distributed under the " Presidency 0
of the Council of the 33 . " I had always thought that the Chairmanship was a " personal " occupation , but it seems to be " impersonal , " and instead of one chairman we are to have many * . No doubt there will be exemplified the truth of the old saying , " »' the multitude" of chairmen , & c . _ 1 ^
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Our Thank Offering.
Bro . Havers , a member of the Order , upon whose bare " ipse dixit" the Craft need never have hesitated to act , pointed out to the brethren a manner in which they could show their gratitude to Almighty God for our Royal Grand Master ' s safe return , as fully accordant with the principles of the Craft as it was cosmopolitan in its object , inasmuch as in it was involved , in the one case the restoration of the
handiwork of the Grand Master who founded our Order here , and in the other case the completion of the design of that other Grand Master who resuscitated that Order from the obscurity into which it had temporarily sunk . Surely no more woithy object could be presented as the work of the Masons of this present day . But no ! Why should we step out of our way to do this work ? Why spend our
money en objects extraneous to the Order r Why spend anything at all ? Surely we could record our thanks to the Great Architect , and let that recorded gratitude suffice . But it would hardly do for a charitable body like we are to decline to spend our money upon the embodiment of charity , and so we must find some good excuse for withholding our hand . Hence the parrot-cry of "
Denominationalism . " But what is such a cry worth ? How can a thing that is national be denominational ? And sureh , if any one thing in all this realm of ours is national it is Wren ' s great masterpiece—St . Paul ' s . If there beany monuments dear to Masons in this kingdom , surely such pre-eminently must be St . Alban ' s Abbey and Wren ' s Cathedral . "
Denominational " —As well might we call the Duke of Bedford ' s gift of the Bunyan Statue denominational ; as well call feeding the starving Hindoo a fostering of the Hindoo religion ; as well call the relief that we sent to our French neig hbours after their disastrous floods treasonable because they have in times gone by been our implacable foes . Then , what was the miserable peg on which this
specious argument was hung ? " Some of the Craft are Jews . " We should think our Hebrew brethren will be exceedingly obliged to the brother who made this delightful discovery . One word , we should think , would sufficiently dispose of this terrible obstacle to our doing a noble and national act by restoring the House of the Lord . If the King of Tyre had listened to any twaddle
about " Denominationalism " ( if there were any body in his day so misguided as to give utterance to it , which wc very much doubt ) , where would have been Solomon ' s temple ? Or if the Persian Monarch had taken the same course , where the temple of Zerubbabel ? One such thought of the past and all its hallowed associations , and we are quite sure that there is no Hebrew
member of the Craft who would sanction his being thus shown up in the light of an obstructive to the active work of Masonry to-day . Of that vote of last week , then , we feel heartily ashamed : ind we arc quite sure that every right-minded brother will be of the same opinion . There is , however , one way of making amends for the mistake . The committee are to
apply the money to such charitable object as to them shall stem the best . Surely they cannot do better than spend it upon Charity Himself . Let them , then , take the bull by the horns , and disarming a factious opposition . wipe away this reproach to the Masonry of to-day by applying the money , over which they have this discretionary power , to the noble and highminded purpose set before them by our esteemed Bro . Havers .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ We do not hold ourselves responsible for , or even as approving of the opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish , in a spirit of fair play to all , to permit—within certain necessary limits—free discussion . —ED . ]
THE LAST QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION . To Ihe Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I deeply regret that Bro . Havers has thrown so much personal feeling into a matter which sh ould be dealt with only on public grounds . Any brother can see at a glance , from the tone of his letter , that it does not breathe
" peace " or " good mil , " I must demur to either the taste or the tact which he has displayed in publishing a private note of mine without my consent , or even knowledge . I venture to think he shewed a want in the same direction , but in a much more serious case , by making the use he did of our M . W . Grand Master ' s name as a lever to propel his motion to a
successful issue . As to my letter , I am no * , sorry he published it . Even as it stands , without any explanation , I do not think it is inconsistent with any subsequent word or act of mine . I may , however , say that it was written on May 23 rd , immediately on receipt of Bro . Havers ' s no te and copy of
motion , that is , before I had had time to carefully consider the subject of it , or to consult even one of my brethren . It was written in a spirit of kindness and humility as addressed to one who was my senior in years and Masonry , and superior to me in everything save zeal for Masonry and independence of thought and action , in both of which I claim to be his equal .
I stand to every word of my letter , but I quite grant that the fortnig ht that elapsed between my writing it and the meeting of Grand Lodge had strongly increased my objections to Bro . Havers ' s motion . But 1 say now as I wrote then , " I think the plan of giving to St . Paul ' s and St . Alban ' s an admirable one per se "—that is , in itself and by itself—and " from my
standpoint " ( as a clergyman of the Church of England ) " f like the idea very much , " but the plan by itself was one thing , and as paid for out of Grand Lodge funds another . My view as a clergyman merely was a natural one ; my opinion as a Mason , and a member of Grand Lodge , was a conscientious one . In the one case I had only to follow my pleasure , in the other to do my duty—a duty from
Original Correspondence.
which even the rather overbearing threats held over mc before I went into Grand Lodge did not deter me . Bro . Havers says , " I heard this statement with amazement when I knew that he ( Bro . Simpson ) had expressed the very reverse opinion to me . " I read this with more than amazement—with sorrow . This statement is purely imaginary , as I never so
expressed myself . On Bro . Havers ' s lecture to Grand Lodge on selfishness and narrow-mindedness , and on his opinion expressed now as to Grand Ledge ' s " fatal mistake" and "lowering " policy , I make no comment . Grand Lodge is able to judge for itself—and act for itself too .
T he terms in which the motion for a committee is worded leave the widest field for proposal , in fact , leave everything open except St . Paul's and St . Alban ' s . Let us hope that Bro . Havers will accept a place on that committee , and that he has more than " one blessing" to bestow on his brethren , and more than one idea with which to commemorate the safe return of one illustrious Grand Master
whose own memorable watchwords , loyalty" and " chanty , " should be the lines on which our memorial should run . And as Bro . Mclntyre truly said in Grand Lodge " time does not press , " in fact , it is our best friend , it will mellow our opinions , it will bean aid to reflection , it will
check the hasty word , and inconsiderate act , and tend to give us a well-matured plan to which we , 1 trust , shall give a hearty and unanimous approval . I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fiaternally , R . J . SIMPSON . P . S . —I think Bru . Havers must see on reflection that
the instances of church decoration , & c , which he quotes from the Provinces , involving such limitations of area and of numbers , and regulated by local association , are by no means cases in point as precedents for Grand Lodge . Eesidcs , I have yet to learn that these works were paid for purely , cr at all , out of the Provincial Grand Lodge Fund .
While Bro . Havers has quoted my letter conveying mild and gentle hints , and written at the first blush , he has forgotten to mention my two urgent entreaties to him to withdraw the latter part of his motion , on the ground that I had reason to believe a large majority would oppose it , and that it was so desirable to have unanimity . These communications were made on the day of Grand Lodge meeting .
To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In the two last numbers of the " Freemason" I have been looking in vain amongst your " Correspondence " for some expression of opinion respecting the result of the division on Bro . Havers's resolution at the last Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge . I was present
on that occasion , and had to stand during the whole of the procct dings at the end cf the room , in the midst ofif I were not describing a meeting of Freemasons I should justly call a rabble ' . The uncharitable remarks which were bandied about ; the unseemly interruption of the speakers ; the disorderly and thoroughly un-Masonic conduct of those by whom I was surrounded , surprised and
disgusted me . Bro . Simpson said that if Bio . Havers ' s motion were carried it would give a blow to Freemasonry from which it would never recover . The absurdity of this statement must surely by this time have become apparent to Bro . Simpson himself . The fatal blow to Freemasonry will be the success of the principle which actuated the majority who overthrew
Bro . Havers ' s resolution , viz ., that the enrichment of our charitable institutions is the highest aim of the Order , and the true criterion of Masonic excellence . Far be it from me to say one word detrimental to the interests of the Masonic institutions . By all means , let them be supported to the fullest extent . If they want new wings to their buildings , and addition to their funds , let theii
wishes be fulfilled and their needs supplied . But I regret to see the idea gaining ground that " the charities " are to be all-engrossing objects , and the sole outlets of our Masonic sympathies , because the result must inevitably follow that Freemasonry will become nothing more or less than a benefit society . Charity is the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason ' s heart . But that charity which has the
approbation of heaven and of earth , and is like its sister , mercy , doubly blessed , that charity which , we are told on the authoiity of the Sacred Volume , is the greatest of all virtues , is something more than almsgiving , for a man may " give all his goods to feed the poor , " and have no charity . So , too , a Mason by dint of importunity may collect , or ostentatiously subscribe enormous sums of
money to our charities , and at the same time be a quarrelsome , pestilent fellow , and thoroughly un-Masonic in all his conduct towards his fellow men . Depend upon it , it is more difficult to think kindly of a man , or to act generously towards him , when opposed to us in rival claims , in religious belief , or in political opinions , than it is to supply the wants of the needy , to care for the fatherless , or
provide for the widow . Freemasonry bids us do all . But foremost amongst the principles she inscribes on her banner as the glorious motto of the Order is " Brotherly Love . " I therefore deeply deplored the result of this devision the other night , because it exalts a principle which twentyfive years experience convinces me will bring about this apparently astounding paradox that our charities will
be our ruin . With regard to Bio . Havei ' s proposition , I do not say it was the best which could by any possibility have been devised , but it had this remarkable feature that it was both national and Masonic . It was national because St . Paul's
Cathedial is a national monument . Its matchless dome , far exceeding in external beauty St . Peter ' s , at Rome , is the pride and delight of all Englishmen of whatever creed . It was Masonic because St . Paul's Cathedral is the crowning effort of the marvellous genius of the great H . A . of English Freemasonry , Sir Christopher Wren ,
Original Correspondence.
prince of architects . St . Alban ' s Abbey too , according to our traditions , which Masons at any rate ought not to sneer at , is the place where the first G . Lodge of England was held , and therefore the proposition to give rooo guineas to the restoration of each of these public monuments , in order
to celebrate the return home of H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , our beloved M . W . G . M ., was peculiarly appropriate to an event which was both national and Masonic . lam , Sir and Brother , yours faithfully and fraternally , A PROVINCIAL GRAND OFKICKH . lune loth , 1876 .
To the Editor or the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In last week ' s " Freemason" Bro . Simpson wrote to " supply one or two little omissions , " at the same time recommending us to " try and appreciate each other ' s motives . " Now , there is nothing that I more desire than to
appreciate Bro . Simpson ' s motives in this matter at their true worth , and I doubt not that he will supply one or two more little omissions which at present stand in the way of my doing so . Firstly , I gathered that Bro . Simpson desired tn rejectBro . Havers ' s moUonbecause it was denominational . What would Bro . Simpson designate his own motion of a Grand Lodge thanksgiving in St . Paul's Cathedral ?
. Secondly , I gathered that Bro . Simpson considered the restoration of St . Alban ' s Abbey and the completion of Wren ' s cathedral—both Masonic works—as " outside purposes " with regard to our Order . What would Bro . Simpson deem his own vague something in India to be ? These questions satisfactorily answered will enable many others to properly appreciate our Bro . Simpson's motives than , dear Sir and brother , Yours faithfully and fraternally , W . T .
ANCIENT AND PRIMITIVE MASONRY . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In reply to " Panache , " allow me to say that this Rite has no lodges within the limits of the English language . It has chapters , senates , and councils meeting in various parts of Great Britain , Canada , United States of America , & c , and requires all members to be
legitimate Master Masons . It is also generally practised in Roumania , & c . It claims to supply a want by giving all known degrees to M . M . ' s , without distinction of religion or politics , and owns a number of brethren of the Hebrew and other Monotheistic faiths . The A . and A . forbid all Rites but their own ; the A . and 1 * . sanction all legitimate Rites . Yours truly and fraternally , GANESH \ .
To the Editor of tht Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — In the issue of June 17 th I see a letter signed " John Jones , M . M . X ., his mark . " I have not my Book of Constitutions by me at present , but as far as I can recollect they say in a foot note to the paragraph relating to the declaration before initiation that as every- candidate
must sign the declaration it follows that no man who cannot write can be made a Mason . This being the case John Jones' lodge had better give an account of itself for initiating , passing , and raising one who can only sign by means of a X . Yours fraternally , M . M . ( without the assistance of a X . )
To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — Bro . Magnus Ohren accuses me of " asking certain questions for my own information . " We live in a time that all assertions are not taken as facts , without proof . Many a brother would be glad of the same information
as myself , especially of the Grand Lodge for Surrey , had there been such a thing . I find by M . O . 's letter in the last that P . P . G . J . W . has been substituted for Past G . J . W . for Surrey . It is not fair when a brother makes a mistake , which is likely to mislead his readers , and is not willing to acknowledge it , but casting insinuations of selfishness upon the querist . Bro . M . O . finishes with , " I beg to be
excused from going into personal questions , for which I have neither time nor inclination . " As Bro . M . O . of his own free will and accord came to put " Ad Rem " and myself to rights from our confounding position ; but when further explanation was asked , he declines with the above quotation . I beg to draw the
attention of Bro . M . O . to Bro . "Ad Rein ' s" kind letter , above his own in the last " Freemason , " and just note paragraph ' ¦ Thirdly . " Dear Bro . Editor , allow me to convey to Bro . "Ad Rem " my best thanks . , Yours fraternally , R . W . O .
THE BOYS' SCHOOL DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES . To the Editor of the Freemason . Dear Sir and Brother , — I note an announcement in your columns about the Boys' School distribution of prizes , which has rather surprised many old Masonic buffers like myself . Bro . Binckes is famous for his " tours de force , " and somebody has
called him " Hercules , " though why I know not , except it be that his labours are very many , and though I have no doubt he has a good explanation ready , as he generally has , yet this really beats " Banagher . " The prizes are to be distributed under the " Presidency 0
of the Council of the 33 . " I had always thought that the Chairmanship was a " personal " occupation , but it seems to be " impersonal , " and instead of one chairman we are to have many * . No doubt there will be exemplified the truth of the old saying , " »' the multitude" of chairmen , & c . _ 1 ^