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Article DEUTSCKER - GEMUTLICH FREIMAUEREI. ← Page 2 of 2 Article FREEMASONRY IN JERSEY. Page 1 of 1 Article FREEMASONRY IN JERSEY. Page 1 of 1 Article IN THE SHADE. Page 1 of 1 Article IN THE SHADE. Page 1 of 1
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Deutscker - Gemutlich Freimauerei.
and a third had permission to speak . All of of their remarks had a tendency to show the beauties ancl soul grandeurs of the Order ancl unity of the brotherhood , its usefulness , its fraternity , its charity , and its Divine foundation . The initiate was warmly greeted ; he was told prior to the finishing of the labours , that the reason why hats were worn , which might appear
at first sight out of place in so s-icrcd a spot , was because it was the sign of equality and freedom . Lodge was closed in usual form , but before which a hymn was sung , led by the choir ; and in which every brother heartily joined . Banquet was announced , and in a very short time the great company was seated . To myself personally every
attention was paid by three brethren , my seat being reserved formetowhicli I was led , and Iwasvisita . ' during the night on two or three occasions by the W . M ., to know howl fared . 1 must here remark , that previous to soup being served attention was called , ancl the toasts began ; these were much after cur own fashic . n , to each personage from Kaiser Wilhelm and Vater , whose name was received
rapturously , and each hacl his clue meed of praise . It seemed rather strange and out of place to me , I must admit , to commence the toasts before banquet , after labour , like the student at college , I wanted to get at the pudding , at any rate it was not in acconiance with my education , Masonic or other A-ise . The usual routine of toasts were duly honoured , but some were exceptionally
more so than others . That of the W . M . acting , Emil Rillershau !* , who replied in an extempore poetical speech . The sound of his name drew forth much app lause ; it was an ovation . No doubt this special occasion added much to the greeting , because many brethren hid come several hundred miles to be present , the D . G . M . from Berlin , and there were present many Grancl Officers ,
There were brethren from Nassau Westphalia , Thurinj-en , and other distant states ancl kingdoms , to do honour to this meeting and its attraction , the making of the brother , the initiate , Herr Tracger . lie- was highly honoured and held in esteem , lu reply to his health , he made a speech full of common sense , and replete with wit ; he kept the company in continual laughter ; he was both a powerful and an attractive speaker . Several brethren spoke . My
health was proposed , and with it English Freemasonry . I replied , and my remarks were graciously listened to , and well received . There was some splendid singing and speech-making " ad libitum . " In conclusion I was pro forma introduced to Bro . Emil ltittersha « s , ancl received hia .. ' . '" ' •^ s inr having translated a poem of his , '' Dem Papste . " To all the brethren my hearty thanks , and more especially to those who paid me such profound and constant attention .
Freemasonry In Jersey.
FREEMASONRY IN JERSEY .
A spontaneous , hearty , and sympathetic welcome was given to Bro . Dr . H . Hopkins ( Hath ) , by his admiring friends anil brethren , on Wednesday , August lfith , at the Masonic Temple , Bro . Dr . J . Le Cronier , the esteemed D . P . G . M . in the chair , having on his right Bros . Dr . H . Hopkins , P . P . G . S . W . ( Warwickshire ); A . Schmitt ,
P . P . G . S . W . ; J . O . LeSueur , P . M . 491 , P . G . Secretary ; W . H . Chapman , W . M . 95 8 , Assistant D . C . ; Ed . Martel , P . M . 9-8 , P . P . G . D . C ; 011 his left , Bros . F . Le Feuvre , W . M . 877 , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . Oatley , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . Dmell . P . P . S . G . W . ; G . J . Renouf , P . P . S . G . W . ; Ph . Binet , P . P . G . S . W . ; Jos . i . 'Flaherty , P . M . 9 , 8 , P . G . S . D . ; Wm . Metherell , I'M . loo-, P . G . S . B . ; F . G . Baker , P . M .,
P . G . D . C . ; P . Bois , W . M . 1003 ; C . Kingsnorth , P . M . 245 , P . P . | . G . W . ; C . D . Bishop , S . W . 100 . * ; T . I . deBourcier , J . W . 95 8 ; Taylor , S . D . 95 8 , and others . Bro . J . Th . rlu Jardin , P . M . 590 , P . P . S . G . W ., occupied the vicechair . The cloth having been removed , and after " The Queen and the Craft , " the Chairman proposed in highly
complimentary terms " The Health of the Guest of the Evening , ' pointing out his valuable services rendered to the Province during a period of several years of his residence in Jersey , Iiis activity and usefulness in disseminating the fruits of his intellectual labour , his being the first Master of the St . Aubin ' s Lodge , No . 958 , and discharging the duties thereof with ability and credit to himself , devoting His
heart and soul to Freemasoniy . What to another , said the Chairman , would have been an arduous task , was to him a labour of love ; with him the points of fellowship have not been a dead letter , but an active principle inspiring every action of his life and guiding him in his conduct towards his brethren . Such a brother is well worthy of any honour and admiration which we can bestow upon
him . The health was enthusiastically drunk , three times three and one more . Bro . Dr . II . Hopkins , on rising to acknowledge the compliment , felt at first much moved , but soon gathering his usual composure , addressed feelingly his brethren , briefly stating his past and al-vays fresh connection with the Province of Jersey , by his joining the La Cesaree Lodge , No . 590 , and founding afterwards
St . Aubins' Lodge , No . 958 , so much so that he could not hut co-operate with his brethren to promote thc best interests , both moral and material , of the Province . In the course of his address Bro . Dr . Hopkins favoured the brethren with some remarks as to his Masonic experience in other Provinces since he left Jersey , and entered on some comparisons arising therefrom . In conclusion , said he , may I reckon on your
permitting me to say , that this evening ' s fraternal reception , while stamping this occasion as one of the white days of my life , will ever be prized and regarded wilh ardent gratitude as one of the brightest souvenirs in my Masonic career , never to be effaced from my memory . I tender you once more my sincere thanks , and I entreat you to believe ' that to retain the favourable position 1 have the happiness to hold in your goodwill will be ever the end of my endeavours , and the highest-object of my ambition ;
Freemasonry In Jersey.
and , finally , I pray the Omnipotent Ruler of thc Universe to bless you and smile upon your families , your wives , and your children , concluding by a most effective and instructive recitation of " Thc Masonic Vows . " On resuming his scat , the distinguished guest was loudly cheered , ancl for several minutes the room was the scene of pleasurable excitement .
Bro . Dr . Hopkins , in a few well chosen sentences , proposed ' •The Health of the Chairman , " reminding the brethren of the valuable services he has , and is still , rendering lo the Province of Jersey , as its tie facto ruler , and pointing him out as an example of truthfulness , fidelity , and charity . The health was received with the greatest warmth by the bre litren .
In the course ofthe evening several songs were admirabl y sung hy amateurs belonging to the fraternity , but particularly Bro . Campbell charmingly rn'ei tained the company by his inimitable performance on his instrument , the concertina , and his highly melodious songs , and when 10 o ' clock arrived thc brethren separated .
The day was one of unmixed enjoyment , and nothing could have been more grateful to the fe : lings of the guest than to find himself surrounded by so large and distinguished a body of brethren , aU of whom were anxious to testify by their presence how highly they appreciated his conduct and character in every relation of life .
In The Shade.
IN THE SHADE .
From the VOICE OF MASOMIY for August . I wonder , Bro . Brown , if the hewers on the hill sides of Lebanon , or those who wrought in thc quarries of Z . redatha , endured such weather as this ! With the thermometer at nintey-five , what could those old Craftsmen do in BY URO . CDUKKI . ICS MOORE .
the great enterprise in which they were engaged ? I he hewing and squaring and marking required a good deal of p hysical effort : ancl if the heat were as intense as it is just now where your correspondent writes , though it be in the shade , the Temple would not have been completed in two or three tinie-s seven years . 1 received your request to-day for an article on the iolh inst ., and this is the 9 th
in the afternoon , with thc mercury standing at ninety-five . But 1 am in the shade , yet even there the heat is enough to disqualify any one frcm mental or physical effort . Tire demand is sudden and unexpected ; the " conditions" are unfavourable ; ancl the lime tno limited hy half . Belter , far butler , repose it \ the shaele t'f some gigantic cedar on the side of Lebanon , than make an effort t" please or instruct
your readers under such conditions as these . And yet the workman must not rest or ' . he watchman slumber , when thc " good of I ' . ' asomy " requires his sen ices . Never , Bro . Brown , in all my varied experience of forty years of active membership in the Order , has there been more urgent need of tir less effort against the enemies of an institution , whose sole object is in benefit humanity ,
improve society , and make men better and wiser and more philanthropic . Editors of Masonic journals must be 0 : 1 tlie qui vive , Masters of lodges should feel the heavy responsibilities pressing upon them , and every Craftsman in the ranks should stand at his post , or labour incessantly " for the public good . " We need not look abroad for thc enemy ; they are not filing up Lebanon with secret step and on
evil intent , to entrap ihe faithful ami prevent the work ; they arc not approaching by hidden paths the busy scenes of Zeredatha to drive the workmen from their toil , but they are domestic foes , not foreign foes , who are most to be dreaded at the present juncture . Freemasonry , nor indeed any other good cause , is never so much in danger from avowed enemies as from its own
professed friends . We can take care of the former ; the latter are far the more insidious and dangerous . May I venture the assertion that popularity is more to bc dreaded than avowed opposition ? Yet it is so with all associations and ever has been . The Order never stood higher in public favour than today . Why ? In England it is increasing in a ratio never
witnessed before ; but is it solely because of its moral and social influence , its practical exemplification of its ancient teachings ; or the eclat which results Irom the favour ancl patronage of the Royal Family ? The Prince of Walesheir apparent to the throne—is the Grand Master , and his brother , a younger scion of the family , occupies a prominent pr sition in the Craft . The reflections of light and
influence from this source crowd the corridors of thc Temple with earnest petitioners , each anxious to become a "brother" to "his Royal Hig hness , " and thus bask , to some extent at least , in light reflected from the throne . 1 low is it in our favoured country ? Each one who makes application to become a Freemason declares that he does So from no mercenary motives , but in order that he may be
useful to his fellow men ; yet how many of these declarations are sincere ? They seem to be so , and possi ' ijy are intended tn be so at the time when made ; but if you could analyse the promptings 0 : the movement , is it not possible that other motives and other objects too often suggest the action ? I would not like to question th * sincerity of these professions , but the after-glow , instead of throwing a halo
around these preliminary actions , too often covers them with doubt and insincerity . The future frequently reveals the fact that underneath these glowing and apparently sincere professions there was ( possibly unconsidered ) a desire to add to the number of personal friends with a view to an increase of business or personal popularity , a position in society , or a vote at Ihe elections !
You may smile at the suggestion , but I am persuaded that the real motive which induces an application for initiation is often hidden and unexpressed . There is a compliance wilh the form prescribed—an adoption ofthe verbal formula written or printed , but the secret purpose is behind all this—covered and concealed from the knowledge of others . This is not always the case—1 would gladly be .
In The Shade.
heve not in a majority of cases ; and yet the app licant ' s record in the future too often betrays the hidden motives which promped his signature to that formal declaration I will give an amusing instance , by way of illustration " and as an evidence of the truth of my averment . ' Nearly forty years ago I was Master of a lod ge when a young man made application for initiation . I had no
personal knowledge of him , but he came " well recom - mended , " and seemed to be a young man of good character and good common sense . His application was accepted and he was elected to receive the First Degree . At the proper time he was initiated , but he did not appear to be pleased with thc ceremonies attending his reception I could not understand it , and subsequently enquired of his
personal friend , wl o had brought in his application . He tol ! mc that the young man had acquired some peculiar notions about the personal identity and appear , since of his Satanic Majesty . He had read the goblin stories published hy the anti-Masons , then fresh in the minds of young men , and was infatuated with the idea that Masonry must have some kind o ! connection with the
supernatural . He therefore expected , and hoped , at his initiation , to get a sight of " auld clooty ; " and because he did rot , he never applied for another degree 1 Such was the difference between the secret motive which moved him to make application and that expressed by his li ps in the ante-room of the lodge . Others are moved by other motives , uot expressed , irrstead of the correct ones ; and
m tlie after years of their Masonic connection , give evidence that their first profession was false . And yet , after all , may it not he , in part at least , thc fault of those who bring in the applications ? Should they not , in advance explain lo the friends who desire admission the nature oi our Institution , and what will be expected of all those who becme members of it , and , in addition , advise them
if they have any other motives than such as are expressed in the declaration they will bc required to make , that thty had better remain " outside the Tyler's door ? " We mi ght not receive so many applications , and we should have fewer members of the Order , but we should have far better ones , and the Institution would be much stronger in every element of social and moral strength , and of far
greater usefulness and influence in community . Indeed , it would he well if Masters of lodges were required to see that such explanations were carefully made in advance to all who proposed to become applicants for admission to our mysteries . Charity is said to be the foundation and cope-stone of our mystic edifice , aud every initiate is taught that , in
addition to a slrict morality , the exercise of a broad and liberal charity will be expected of him . Indeed , Freemasonry is supposed to he a great charitable * institution , " doing good to all , but especially to those of the household of faith . " But I utter it , not so much in the nature of a complaint , as in the statement of it as a fact—that a large percentage of our initiates in after life arc , in this regard , " no better
than other men . " Where are the great institutions of benevolence we have founded for the widow and thc orphan , for the aged and the infirm ? " and echo answers , where . " " Of all the Grand Lodges in the United States , 1 know of but one which has in this regard redeemed its implied promise to community . Kentucky has laid the foundations , broad and deep , of an institution which is an honour
to the Freemasons within its jurisdiction ; and though but partially completed , already provides for the care and education of more than a hundred orphans of deceased indigent Freemasons . In this great and good work she has excelled all her sisters on the continent , and w on a distinction which may be her pride and boast in all thc future . Her members remember the pledge and promise they gave
when about to be initiated . Ohio attempted to achieve thc same " noble and glorious undertaking " before Kentucky . The membership at large were in favour of it , and were willing to give | liberally for the establishment and support of a home for widows and orphans of deceased Freemasons , but the scheme was ultimately killed in Grand Lodge by men who , having
ample means themselves , did not seem to care for the woes and wants of the helpless and destitute . They had forgotten that " sincere wish to be serviceable to their fellow men , " the widow and the orphan were ignored in the scramble for place and power . And now , how is it with Illinois ? You have the largest Grand Lodge in America , with one exception , and that one has iucurred a fearful debt in the effort to erect a mag *
nificent structure for a Grand Lodge Hall . The intention , as expressed , was to provide a source of revenue for the orphan . I hope it will be accomplished , as it oug ht to be , with the large resources of that fraternal body ; but I tea ' another generation will have passed away before the worK is accomplished . There are noble men , genuine Masons , and vast resources among the Craft in New York , an " the work should have been accomplished in one generation at farthest .
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS . Scinscn AND AHT EXAMINATION . Dn AW IM-,-. —Model Drawing—W . Barrett , A . E . Grimes . | . Hazeland ; Freehand—A . Pearson ; Geometry * - . "; Booser , E . Pavvley , A . Watkins , G . Howard , P . Heairsi « - Perspective—A . C . R . Hecley . . FULL CRRTH-ICATE . —ft or four subjects ) C . R . r * lee J " Piuzns . —E . Pawley , G . Howard , C . R . Heeley .
—^ . f Constitutions of the Ancient Fraternity ° Free and Accepted Masons , containing the Charges f 0 s * lations , E . A . SOIIR- , & c A copy should be in the p ^ session of every brother . It may be obtained for 2 s . * office of the Free HI a son , or will be sent post free t part of the United Kingdom on receipt of tvveri y- ^ penny stamps . Address , Publisher , J 9 8 , Fleet-London . AUVT .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Deutscker - Gemutlich Freimauerei.
and a third had permission to speak . All of of their remarks had a tendency to show the beauties ancl soul grandeurs of the Order ancl unity of the brotherhood , its usefulness , its fraternity , its charity , and its Divine foundation . The initiate was warmly greeted ; he was told prior to the finishing of the labours , that the reason why hats were worn , which might appear
at first sight out of place in so s-icrcd a spot , was because it was the sign of equality and freedom . Lodge was closed in usual form , but before which a hymn was sung , led by the choir ; and in which every brother heartily joined . Banquet was announced , and in a very short time the great company was seated . To myself personally every
attention was paid by three brethren , my seat being reserved formetowhicli I was led , and Iwasvisita . ' during the night on two or three occasions by the W . M ., to know howl fared . 1 must here remark , that previous to soup being served attention was called , ancl the toasts began ; these were much after cur own fashic . n , to each personage from Kaiser Wilhelm and Vater , whose name was received
rapturously , and each hacl his clue meed of praise . It seemed rather strange and out of place to me , I must admit , to commence the toasts before banquet , after labour , like the student at college , I wanted to get at the pudding , at any rate it was not in acconiance with my education , Masonic or other A-ise . The usual routine of toasts were duly honoured , but some were exceptionally
more so than others . That of the W . M . acting , Emil Rillershau !* , who replied in an extempore poetical speech . The sound of his name drew forth much app lause ; it was an ovation . No doubt this special occasion added much to the greeting , because many brethren hid come several hundred miles to be present , the D . G . M . from Berlin , and there were present many Grancl Officers ,
There were brethren from Nassau Westphalia , Thurinj-en , and other distant states ancl kingdoms , to do honour to this meeting and its attraction , the making of the brother , the initiate , Herr Tracger . lie- was highly honoured and held in esteem , lu reply to his health , he made a speech full of common sense , and replete with wit ; he kept the company in continual laughter ; he was both a powerful and an attractive speaker . Several brethren spoke . My
health was proposed , and with it English Freemasonry . I replied , and my remarks were graciously listened to , and well received . There was some splendid singing and speech-making " ad libitum . " In conclusion I was pro forma introduced to Bro . Emil ltittersha « s , ancl received hia .. ' . '" ' •^ s inr having translated a poem of his , '' Dem Papste . " To all the brethren my hearty thanks , and more especially to those who paid me such profound and constant attention .
Freemasonry In Jersey.
FREEMASONRY IN JERSEY .
A spontaneous , hearty , and sympathetic welcome was given to Bro . Dr . H . Hopkins ( Hath ) , by his admiring friends anil brethren , on Wednesday , August lfith , at the Masonic Temple , Bro . Dr . J . Le Cronier , the esteemed D . P . G . M . in the chair , having on his right Bros . Dr . H . Hopkins , P . P . G . S . W . ( Warwickshire ); A . Schmitt ,
P . P . G . S . W . ; J . O . LeSueur , P . M . 491 , P . G . Secretary ; W . H . Chapman , W . M . 95 8 , Assistant D . C . ; Ed . Martel , P . M . 9-8 , P . P . G . D . C ; 011 his left , Bros . F . Le Feuvre , W . M . 877 , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . Oatley , P . P . S . G . W . ; J . Dmell . P . P . S . G . W . ; G . J . Renouf , P . P . S . G . W . ; Ph . Binet , P . P . G . S . W . ; Jos . i . 'Flaherty , P . M . 9 , 8 , P . G . S . D . ; Wm . Metherell , I'M . loo-, P . G . S . B . ; F . G . Baker , P . M .,
P . G . D . C . ; P . Bois , W . M . 1003 ; C . Kingsnorth , P . M . 245 , P . P . | . G . W . ; C . D . Bishop , S . W . 100 . * ; T . I . deBourcier , J . W . 95 8 ; Taylor , S . D . 95 8 , and others . Bro . J . Th . rlu Jardin , P . M . 590 , P . P . S . G . W ., occupied the vicechair . The cloth having been removed , and after " The Queen and the Craft , " the Chairman proposed in highly
complimentary terms " The Health of the Guest of the Evening , ' pointing out his valuable services rendered to the Province during a period of several years of his residence in Jersey , Iiis activity and usefulness in disseminating the fruits of his intellectual labour , his being the first Master of the St . Aubin ' s Lodge , No . 958 , and discharging the duties thereof with ability and credit to himself , devoting His
heart and soul to Freemasoniy . What to another , said the Chairman , would have been an arduous task , was to him a labour of love ; with him the points of fellowship have not been a dead letter , but an active principle inspiring every action of his life and guiding him in his conduct towards his brethren . Such a brother is well worthy of any honour and admiration which we can bestow upon
him . The health was enthusiastically drunk , three times three and one more . Bro . Dr . II . Hopkins , on rising to acknowledge the compliment , felt at first much moved , but soon gathering his usual composure , addressed feelingly his brethren , briefly stating his past and al-vays fresh connection with the Province of Jersey , by his joining the La Cesaree Lodge , No . 590 , and founding afterwards
St . Aubins' Lodge , No . 958 , so much so that he could not hut co-operate with his brethren to promote thc best interests , both moral and material , of the Province . In the course of his address Bro . Dr . Hopkins favoured the brethren with some remarks as to his Masonic experience in other Provinces since he left Jersey , and entered on some comparisons arising therefrom . In conclusion , said he , may I reckon on your
permitting me to say , that this evening ' s fraternal reception , while stamping this occasion as one of the white days of my life , will ever be prized and regarded wilh ardent gratitude as one of the brightest souvenirs in my Masonic career , never to be effaced from my memory . I tender you once more my sincere thanks , and I entreat you to believe ' that to retain the favourable position 1 have the happiness to hold in your goodwill will be ever the end of my endeavours , and the highest-object of my ambition ;
Freemasonry In Jersey.
and , finally , I pray the Omnipotent Ruler of thc Universe to bless you and smile upon your families , your wives , and your children , concluding by a most effective and instructive recitation of " Thc Masonic Vows . " On resuming his scat , the distinguished guest was loudly cheered , ancl for several minutes the room was the scene of pleasurable excitement .
Bro . Dr . Hopkins , in a few well chosen sentences , proposed ' •The Health of the Chairman , " reminding the brethren of the valuable services he has , and is still , rendering lo the Province of Jersey , as its tie facto ruler , and pointing him out as an example of truthfulness , fidelity , and charity . The health was received with the greatest warmth by the bre litren .
In the course ofthe evening several songs were admirabl y sung hy amateurs belonging to the fraternity , but particularly Bro . Campbell charmingly rn'ei tained the company by his inimitable performance on his instrument , the concertina , and his highly melodious songs , and when 10 o ' clock arrived thc brethren separated .
The day was one of unmixed enjoyment , and nothing could have been more grateful to the fe : lings of the guest than to find himself surrounded by so large and distinguished a body of brethren , aU of whom were anxious to testify by their presence how highly they appreciated his conduct and character in every relation of life .
In The Shade.
IN THE SHADE .
From the VOICE OF MASOMIY for August . I wonder , Bro . Brown , if the hewers on the hill sides of Lebanon , or those who wrought in thc quarries of Z . redatha , endured such weather as this ! With the thermometer at nintey-five , what could those old Craftsmen do in BY URO . CDUKKI . ICS MOORE .
the great enterprise in which they were engaged ? I he hewing and squaring and marking required a good deal of p hysical effort : ancl if the heat were as intense as it is just now where your correspondent writes , though it be in the shade , the Temple would not have been completed in two or three tinie-s seven years . 1 received your request to-day for an article on the iolh inst ., and this is the 9 th
in the afternoon , with thc mercury standing at ninety-five . But 1 am in the shade , yet even there the heat is enough to disqualify any one frcm mental or physical effort . Tire demand is sudden and unexpected ; the " conditions" are unfavourable ; ancl the lime tno limited hy half . Belter , far butler , repose it \ the shaele t'f some gigantic cedar on the side of Lebanon , than make an effort t" please or instruct
your readers under such conditions as these . And yet the workman must not rest or ' . he watchman slumber , when thc " good of I ' . ' asomy " requires his sen ices . Never , Bro . Brown , in all my varied experience of forty years of active membership in the Order , has there been more urgent need of tir less effort against the enemies of an institution , whose sole object is in benefit humanity ,
improve society , and make men better and wiser and more philanthropic . Editors of Masonic journals must be 0 : 1 tlie qui vive , Masters of lodges should feel the heavy responsibilities pressing upon them , and every Craftsman in the ranks should stand at his post , or labour incessantly " for the public good . " We need not look abroad for thc enemy ; they are not filing up Lebanon with secret step and on
evil intent , to entrap ihe faithful ami prevent the work ; they arc not approaching by hidden paths the busy scenes of Zeredatha to drive the workmen from their toil , but they are domestic foes , not foreign foes , who are most to be dreaded at the present juncture . Freemasonry , nor indeed any other good cause , is never so much in danger from avowed enemies as from its own
professed friends . We can take care of the former ; the latter are far the more insidious and dangerous . May I venture the assertion that popularity is more to bc dreaded than avowed opposition ? Yet it is so with all associations and ever has been . The Order never stood higher in public favour than today . Why ? In England it is increasing in a ratio never
witnessed before ; but is it solely because of its moral and social influence , its practical exemplification of its ancient teachings ; or the eclat which results Irom the favour ancl patronage of the Royal Family ? The Prince of Walesheir apparent to the throne—is the Grand Master , and his brother , a younger scion of the family , occupies a prominent pr sition in the Craft . The reflections of light and
influence from this source crowd the corridors of thc Temple with earnest petitioners , each anxious to become a "brother" to "his Royal Hig hness , " and thus bask , to some extent at least , in light reflected from the throne . 1 low is it in our favoured country ? Each one who makes application to become a Freemason declares that he does So from no mercenary motives , but in order that he may be
useful to his fellow men ; yet how many of these declarations are sincere ? They seem to be so , and possi ' ijy are intended tn be so at the time when made ; but if you could analyse the promptings 0 : the movement , is it not possible that other motives and other objects too often suggest the action ? I would not like to question th * sincerity of these professions , but the after-glow , instead of throwing a halo
around these preliminary actions , too often covers them with doubt and insincerity . The future frequently reveals the fact that underneath these glowing and apparently sincere professions there was ( possibly unconsidered ) a desire to add to the number of personal friends with a view to an increase of business or personal popularity , a position in society , or a vote at Ihe elections !
You may smile at the suggestion , but I am persuaded that the real motive which induces an application for initiation is often hidden and unexpressed . There is a compliance wilh the form prescribed—an adoption ofthe verbal formula written or printed , but the secret purpose is behind all this—covered and concealed from the knowledge of others . This is not always the case—1 would gladly be .
In The Shade.
heve not in a majority of cases ; and yet the app licant ' s record in the future too often betrays the hidden motives which promped his signature to that formal declaration I will give an amusing instance , by way of illustration " and as an evidence of the truth of my averment . ' Nearly forty years ago I was Master of a lod ge when a young man made application for initiation . I had no
personal knowledge of him , but he came " well recom - mended , " and seemed to be a young man of good character and good common sense . His application was accepted and he was elected to receive the First Degree . At the proper time he was initiated , but he did not appear to be pleased with thc ceremonies attending his reception I could not understand it , and subsequently enquired of his
personal friend , wl o had brought in his application . He tol ! mc that the young man had acquired some peculiar notions about the personal identity and appear , since of his Satanic Majesty . He had read the goblin stories published hy the anti-Masons , then fresh in the minds of young men , and was infatuated with the idea that Masonry must have some kind o ! connection with the
supernatural . He therefore expected , and hoped , at his initiation , to get a sight of " auld clooty ; " and because he did rot , he never applied for another degree 1 Such was the difference between the secret motive which moved him to make application and that expressed by his li ps in the ante-room of the lodge . Others are moved by other motives , uot expressed , irrstead of the correct ones ; and
m tlie after years of their Masonic connection , give evidence that their first profession was false . And yet , after all , may it not he , in part at least , thc fault of those who bring in the applications ? Should they not , in advance explain lo the friends who desire admission the nature oi our Institution , and what will be expected of all those who becme members of it , and , in addition , advise them
if they have any other motives than such as are expressed in the declaration they will bc required to make , that thty had better remain " outside the Tyler's door ? " We mi ght not receive so many applications , and we should have fewer members of the Order , but we should have far better ones , and the Institution would be much stronger in every element of social and moral strength , and of far
greater usefulness and influence in community . Indeed , it would he well if Masters of lodges were required to see that such explanations were carefully made in advance to all who proposed to become applicants for admission to our mysteries . Charity is said to be the foundation and cope-stone of our mystic edifice , aud every initiate is taught that , in
addition to a slrict morality , the exercise of a broad and liberal charity will be expected of him . Indeed , Freemasonry is supposed to he a great charitable * institution , " doing good to all , but especially to those of the household of faith . " But I utter it , not so much in the nature of a complaint , as in the statement of it as a fact—that a large percentage of our initiates in after life arc , in this regard , " no better
than other men . " Where are the great institutions of benevolence we have founded for the widow and thc orphan , for the aged and the infirm ? " and echo answers , where . " " Of all the Grand Lodges in the United States , 1 know of but one which has in this regard redeemed its implied promise to community . Kentucky has laid the foundations , broad and deep , of an institution which is an honour
to the Freemasons within its jurisdiction ; and though but partially completed , already provides for the care and education of more than a hundred orphans of deceased indigent Freemasons . In this great and good work she has excelled all her sisters on the continent , and w on a distinction which may be her pride and boast in all thc future . Her members remember the pledge and promise they gave
when about to be initiated . Ohio attempted to achieve thc same " noble and glorious undertaking " before Kentucky . The membership at large were in favour of it , and were willing to give | liberally for the establishment and support of a home for widows and orphans of deceased Freemasons , but the scheme was ultimately killed in Grand Lodge by men who , having
ample means themselves , did not seem to care for the woes and wants of the helpless and destitute . They had forgotten that " sincere wish to be serviceable to their fellow men , " the widow and the orphan were ignored in the scramble for place and power . And now , how is it with Illinois ? You have the largest Grand Lodge in America , with one exception , and that one has iucurred a fearful debt in the effort to erect a mag *
nificent structure for a Grand Lodge Hall . The intention , as expressed , was to provide a source of revenue for the orphan . I hope it will be accomplished , as it oug ht to be , with the large resources of that fraternal body ; but I tea ' another generation will have passed away before the worK is accomplished . There are noble men , genuine Masons , and vast resources among the Craft in New York , an " the work should have been accomplished in one generation at farthest .
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS . Scinscn AND AHT EXAMINATION . Dn AW IM-,-. —Model Drawing—W . Barrett , A . E . Grimes . | . Hazeland ; Freehand—A . Pearson ; Geometry * - . "; Booser , E . Pavvley , A . Watkins , G . Howard , P . Heairsi « - Perspective—A . C . R . Hecley . . FULL CRRTH-ICATE . —ft or four subjects ) C . R . r * lee J " Piuzns . —E . Pawley , G . Howard , C . R . Heeley .
—^ . f Constitutions of the Ancient Fraternity ° Free and Accepted Masons , containing the Charges f 0 s * lations , E . A . SOIIR- , & c A copy should be in the p ^ session of every brother . It may be obtained for 2 s . * office of the Free HI a son , or will be sent post free t part of the United Kingdom on receipt of tvveri y- ^ penny stamps . Address , Publisher , J 9 8 , Fleet-London . AUVT .