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Article THE ROYAL ARCH. ← Page 2 of 2 Article RED CROSS OF HOME & CONSTANTINE. Page 1 of 1 Article RED CROSS OF HOME & CONSTANTINE. Page 1 of 1 Article PAPERS ON MASONRY. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Royal Arch.
established but a very few years , has already earned itself a well-merited reputation , and holds a high position amongst the lodges of the province of West Lancashire . We have now to record the formation and consecration of a Royal Arch Chapter , to be called the Rowley Chapter , in connection with the
lodge . This ceremony of consecration took place On Monday , the loth March , at the Masonic Rooms , Athenteum , Lancaster , and was conducted , by appointment of the M . E . Superintendent , by Companion A . C . Mott , of Liverpool , P . M ., P . Z . 241 , Prov . G . S . B ., who occupied the chair of Z ;
assisted by Companion E . Busher , of Kendal , P . M ., P . Z ' ., 129 , as H ., and Companion Kearne , of Liverpool , P . M ., P . Z ., 241 , as J . There were also present , Companion R . Wilson , J ., 241 , Companions J . AY . Baker , 241 ; J . C . Baker , 241 ; AVelch , 241 ; Whimpray ; John Bell , 129 ; and the
Companions of the New Chapter , viz : —Companion , J . Daniel Moore , P . M ., 1051 ; William II Bag-nail , P . M ., 281 ; Thomas Mason , W . M ., 1051 ; Hall , S . AV ., 1051 ; Mercer , J . W ., 1051 ; and Barker , Treas ., 1051 . The Chapter having been opened , Companion Mott , as Z ., called upon Companion Dr . Moore , the acting
S . E ., to state the wishes of the Companions aud the proceedings they had taken with respect to the Chapter , and also to read the Petition and Warrant . The Companions , at the instance of the M . E . Z ., then signified their approval of the officers named in the Warrant to preside over the Chapter , and
Companion Kearne , in an admirable manner , delivered the oration . The ceremony of consecration was thou proceeded with , the principals designate carrying the corn , wine , and oil . Companion AVelch presided at the organ . Immediately after the ceremony of consecration , Companion Mott proceeded
to install the principals , as follows : —Companions Dr . Moore as M . E . Z ., Bagnall as H ., and Mason as J . ; and the following officers were also appointed ; Companions Hall , Scribe , E . ; AVhittle , Scribe , N . ; Dr . Mercer , P . S . ; Barker , Treas . The M . E . Z . then proposed a vote of thanks to Excellent Companion
Mott for his services as eonsecrator , and to Companions Busher , Kearne , AVilson , and others who had assisted in the ceremony The M . E . Z . then proposed as honorary members of the Chapter , Companions Mott , P . Z ., 241 ; Busher , P . Z ., 129 ; AA ' . B . Smith , P . Z ., 74 , and Bowes , P . Z . 129 ; and as
joining members , Companions John Bell , of Lancaster , 129 , and John L . Whimpray , late of 350 , Lancaster . He also proposed as candidates for exaltation , Bros . J . M . Moore , 1051 ; Fred . Dean , P . M ., 281 ; AY . Storey , P . M ., 281 ; J . Fenton , P . M ., 281 ; E . Storey , W . M ., 281 ; and , by
dispensation from the M . E . Pro . G . Supt ., Bro . It . Taylor , 281 ; as serving Companions . There being no other business before the Chapter , it was closed in due form . The furniture of the new Chapter was of an excellent description , and was chiefly supplied by Companion G . Kenning , of London . AVe augur
great success to the Rowley Chapter , from the names with which it is connected , several of whom are well known to the Craft , and venture to predict that the officers will , by the amount of work that will devolve upon them , find that the appointments they have received will be no sinecure .
Red Cross Of Home & Constantine.
RED CROSS OF HOME & CONSTANTINE .
METROPOLITAN . Plantagcnct Preceptor ;/ of Instruction At an assembly of this prcceptory ' held on the 18 th inst . at the Lyceum Tavern , Strand , it was resolved by the members present to form a "Masonic Charities '
Association" in connection with the Order , upon the plan of the "South Eastern Association , " which has effected so much good for the Masonic Institutions . Bro . Little was elected Treasurer , and Bro . AValters Secretary of the new association .
PROVINCIAL . GuKitNSEr . — The Doyle Conclave . —The regular assembly of the Doyle Conclave No . 7 , took place on Friday , the 19 th inst . Present , Illustrious Sir Knt . Gallienne , Inspector-General of the Guernsey Division , M . P . S . m the chair : lllus . Sir Knt . Millin < . ton .
, I . S ., its Eusebius ; lllus . Sir Knt . Hutchinson , K . G . C ., P . S ., Treasurer ; lllus . Sir Knt . Clarke , I . S ., Recorder ; Sir Knts . Guilbert , J . G . ; Stickland , II . P . ; Willeocks , as Herald ; Howe , Orgauist ; Lucas , Carey , and Muntz . The Conclave was opened in usual form , after which a consultation
arose respecting the regalia . Patterns of aprons , sashes , swords , and jewels had been received from Sir Knt . Kenning , which were exhibited , but the feeling of the Conclave appeared to bo that a tunic was the more becoming regalia for a Military Order , and they therefore desired to avail themselves of the option ollered in tlm ( rvm . v . 'il st- > t , ii ,. u t „ ., ! , !¦ , ; .. „ . „ .
niission fro m the G . Sovereign to wear the tunic , llie Recorder was consequently requested to put liniiself in communication with the Grand Recorder on the sub ject . After a few minor items of business were got through , the Conclave was closed in form , aim the lvnt . Companions repaired to the banquetnull , where they spent a most agreeable evening .
Red Cross Of Home & Constantine.
JERSEY . —Concord Conclave , No . 8 . —An assembly of this Conclave was held recently at the Masonic Temple , Stopford-road , St . Helier ' s , when the followin" - brethren were installed as Knights of the Order —Bros . Philip G . Gaudin ( 877 ) , John R . S . Giles , AV . M . ( 1003 ) , H . Barrett ( 244 ) , E Conolly ( 478 ) , and Wm . Marshall ( 244 ) . The ceremony was ably rendered by the M . P . S ., Sir Kt . Benhani , the V . E . Michael Tracy , and the other officers .
Papers On Masonry.
PAPERS ON MASONRY .
BY A LEWIS .
I . —MASONRY AND REFRESHMENT . It is strange to see with what greediness this ayrie chamelion , being all lungs and wind , will swallow a recciteof newes , as if it were physicall ! Yea , with what frontle « e insinuation ho will screw himself into the acquaintance of some knowing intelligencer , who , trying the cask by his hollow sound , do familiarly fide him . — Whiinzies .
Tho only way in which a rough ashlar can be properly understood is by regarding the object as capable of improvement . The only object for which a labourer can be supposed to work is reward . Perfection in his work renders him authorised to receive it . Hence , that rough ashlar , properly subordinated
in the human heart , g ives the workman a title to reward , which is the guerdon of his labours , and consists in the ease which refreshment brings . That all men ought to be happy is no reason that any should bo exempt from labour . Hence , again , we find it necessary to state the conditions on which the ease
resulting from refreshment depends . And tins can only exist in perfect activity , such as T . G . A . O . T . U alone has the property and privilege to exercise . AVere no wages to be paid , no man would be perfectly warranted in having refreshment ; therefore the refreshment authorized by Masonic laws becomes the
wages , justly due , of the Masonic labourer . When , according to Masonic tradition , the Temple was built , the bearers of burthen received subsistence at least ; and it is not to be supposed that the F . C . 's and M . M . 's , now so charitable , would be less generous from the liberal resources assigned them by K . S . to
wards their humbler and not freeborn associates . The very fact of there being a series of degrees ultimating in charity towards the human nice , implies a liberality towards early Cowans . Tho Hebrew State having so great an object could not justly be ungenerous . If , then , in these papers bv an earnest critic of Masonry
there be , as there must be , many errors , it is anticipated that the dog will be allowed an unmolested bark , caution being given that , so far as his opinion will allow , his aim will be , not " to bay the moon , " but to afford from the generous resources at his disposal some semi-shadows refracted from the Great Light .
There is a large field of Masonic literature open to the general student of associative enterprise ; anil from these the present writer will cull a few morsels for the banquet , in a manner at once digestible by Brother and Stranger . The very fact that refreshment notoriously forms a
portion of Masonic labour has been construed , for a century and a half ) to the disadvantage of those associating themselves with the Masonic body . It would seem as if there existed a famine in the land eaten up by one body of men only ; the fact of their paying being an item out of the balance-sheet . Nobody
thinks of blaming aldermen , vestrymen , and philanthropists who meet to guzzle and make charitable collections under the a-gis of a popular man . That being non-masonic is popular , and men rush to buy tickets for independent dinners—or take them gratis , when they can get them—or in guilds assume them as right of livery . The first description of banquet is
upheld as an English mode of begging , the last as a proper way of encouraging dyspepsia ; and in the last the guilds of non-masons forget that their indentures recite for their apprentices " arts and mysteries , " as the Masons did m a time of Operative Masonry . If the guild of Barbers dine they do not give a thought
to soapsuds , while they regard the Masonic rule of refreshment as bubbling everybody . The Masonic body institutes some temperate refreshment , as the Church commemorates a certain supper , and in the ancient Christian " love-feasts " it is nowhere thought to be insisted that there should necessarily be any
degree of intemperance . This having been charged by the uninformed , becomes desirable of disproof , and though there may have been excess , the Masonic rules of all ages reprove anything of the kind . In what is the Mason more justified in expending
the wages ho receives than in re-edifying the corporeal frame , by the instrumentality of which he is enabled to perfect his incorporeal essence for admission into the Grand Lodge not made with hands and where the sound of no working tool is heard ? The German
writer , ISovabs , says , " 1 on touch Heaven when you lay handson a human bod y ; " mid the apostle Paul says ( Romans xiv . 7 ) , " lie tliat eateth , eatoth to the Lord , for he giveth God thanks ; and he that eateth not , to the Lord he eateth not . " And while he says ( Romans xiv . 20 ) , "For meat destrov not tho work of God , "
he adds , "All things , indeed , are pure , but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence , " thus enjoining temperance at meat . Again he says ( 1 Cor . iii . 16 ) " Know ye not that ye tire the temple of God , and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you ? " Man thus being the temple of God , and the Masons especially
being labourers towards its re-edification , the mortal frame requires of us the same sustenance that spiritually is received by the manna coming from above , of which each received his due measure , whether he gathered little or much . In the ancient published Constitutions , patent to all
the world , the Free and Accepted Mason was not only enjoined temperance , but punctuality in the payment for what he consumed , such ensuring an adequate provision in the future , by inspiring confidence and husbanding the resources at command . Hence we find all lodges of Masons conclude the celebration of
their work with refection , in a joyful manner according to the circumstances of the individuals forming the lodge , the law of hospitality being extended to the visitor who brings the proper tcssara . The banquet at a lodge , therefore , nitty be regarded as doubly symbolical , and the ehamre in our national manners has
enabled Masons to apply it more fully and purify its essential meaning . It appears hard to the writer , therefore , why on the part of the general public this charge of profuscness of living should be constantly reiterated . "Ah ! but , " some will exclaim , "it is well known that Masons are
profuse m their banquets ! as it they—Cowanshad been present , which is impossible . It also naturally follows that Freemasons must be charged with similar intemperance iu their own homes and elsewhere when not uiasonically engaged , and that the whole Craft must consequently be a hypocritical
affair—in which men known as the greatest benefactors to their race , noble in intellect , patriotic in effort , devout in bearing , and generally charitable to their fellow-men , universally coincide for the mere purpose of guzzling and swilling together some few times a year I a manifest absurdity , carrying its own refutation .
The writer has selected this point as the first to be brought forward because it is an universal imputation , even in the mouths of good and sincere non-masons , and one which , if persisted in , must always remain an objection in the minds of thoughtless opponents . One of the cardinal principles of Masonry consists
in its non-proselytizing character . No man can be directly asked to join the Masonic guild ; a protective rule in itself of some importance , both as a shield and an incentive . As a shield , because it admits to its least of charity only those who feel sincere inclination to join , thus being a double test of steadfastness ; as
an incentive , because equality and humility tire the Cnudine Forks under which the aspirant pulses to obtain a real victory over self , and by which an actual spirit of charity is generated . Freemasons properly say that there are a vast number of men who are true Masons though
uninitiated , and this they echo in their songs . Some of these songs are the spontaneous tribute of minds ordinary , perhaps , in themselves , but instinct with the appreciation of good for the sake of good . While general literature remains a portion of their general inheritance they invoke their own muse in the interest
of the gentlest of the Graces , and if many songs sung in Masonic lodges evince no great degree of talent , they evoke a spirit of kindly emulation not lightly to be passed over . In all organizations some join from interested motives , but these cases are not numerous . In . Masonry
an allotted time is given for due inquiry info the lives and motives of candidates , and a man who can pass the ordeal has much to congratulate himself upon . Admission into a Masonic lodge is , in most eases , a certificate of character ; and a fearless bearing in initiation confers a nobility on the initiate nowhere
else , in so large a degree , to be obtained . To be a Mason , properly speaking , the individual niii .-t bear a stainless character , and to be an earnest one is alike a privilege and an advantage . This the public does not weigh in its verdict . May it do so ! At Masonic banquets , creed , political opinion , and
personal ambition must be laid aside , and the stability of any State may be judged by the number of admitted Masons . I do not wish to say that views of diverse kinds may not be held , but they are . out of p lace on ibis platform of broad humanity aud catholic kindness . The Masonic policy , as that of every Christian
should be , is universal Love and Aid . I speak thus freely because the magnanimity and openness with which illustrious Masons have spoken in their philosopical and historical works litis rendered it possible for a large class of students to master ti general idea of the objects of Masonry . Of that
class of students the present writer is one , aud his wish in the short course of papers he oilers to the readers of TUB FUKHMASOX IS to acquit himself of some of the obligations he owes to those many writers who have treated of Fiveiiiasonrv reasonabl y
and without animosity to detractors . Masons and non-Masons , whether Lewises ( as is tho writer ) or Cowans ( as he still is ) , let us seek for the Light iu Him in whom is no darkness at all ! CltlTTONl'MUS .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Royal Arch.
established but a very few years , has already earned itself a well-merited reputation , and holds a high position amongst the lodges of the province of West Lancashire . We have now to record the formation and consecration of a Royal Arch Chapter , to be called the Rowley Chapter , in connection with the
lodge . This ceremony of consecration took place On Monday , the loth March , at the Masonic Rooms , Athenteum , Lancaster , and was conducted , by appointment of the M . E . Superintendent , by Companion A . C . Mott , of Liverpool , P . M ., P . Z . 241 , Prov . G . S . B ., who occupied the chair of Z ;
assisted by Companion E . Busher , of Kendal , P . M ., P . Z ' ., 129 , as H ., and Companion Kearne , of Liverpool , P . M ., P . Z ., 241 , as J . There were also present , Companion R . Wilson , J ., 241 , Companions J . AY . Baker , 241 ; J . C . Baker , 241 ; AVelch , 241 ; Whimpray ; John Bell , 129 ; and the
Companions of the New Chapter , viz : —Companion , J . Daniel Moore , P . M ., 1051 ; William II Bag-nail , P . M ., 281 ; Thomas Mason , W . M ., 1051 ; Hall , S . AV ., 1051 ; Mercer , J . W ., 1051 ; and Barker , Treas ., 1051 . The Chapter having been opened , Companion Mott , as Z ., called upon Companion Dr . Moore , the acting
S . E ., to state the wishes of the Companions aud the proceedings they had taken with respect to the Chapter , and also to read the Petition and Warrant . The Companions , at the instance of the M . E . Z ., then signified their approval of the officers named in the Warrant to preside over the Chapter , and
Companion Kearne , in an admirable manner , delivered the oration . The ceremony of consecration was thou proceeded with , the principals designate carrying the corn , wine , and oil . Companion AVelch presided at the organ . Immediately after the ceremony of consecration , Companion Mott proceeded
to install the principals , as follows : —Companions Dr . Moore as M . E . Z ., Bagnall as H ., and Mason as J . ; and the following officers were also appointed ; Companions Hall , Scribe , E . ; AVhittle , Scribe , N . ; Dr . Mercer , P . S . ; Barker , Treas . The M . E . Z . then proposed a vote of thanks to Excellent Companion
Mott for his services as eonsecrator , and to Companions Busher , Kearne , AVilson , and others who had assisted in the ceremony The M . E . Z . then proposed as honorary members of the Chapter , Companions Mott , P . Z ., 241 ; Busher , P . Z ., 129 ; AA ' . B . Smith , P . Z ., 74 , and Bowes , P . Z . 129 ; and as
joining members , Companions John Bell , of Lancaster , 129 , and John L . Whimpray , late of 350 , Lancaster . He also proposed as candidates for exaltation , Bros . J . M . Moore , 1051 ; Fred . Dean , P . M ., 281 ; AY . Storey , P . M ., 281 ; J . Fenton , P . M ., 281 ; E . Storey , W . M ., 281 ; and , by
dispensation from the M . E . Pro . G . Supt ., Bro . It . Taylor , 281 ; as serving Companions . There being no other business before the Chapter , it was closed in due form . The furniture of the new Chapter was of an excellent description , and was chiefly supplied by Companion G . Kenning , of London . AVe augur
great success to the Rowley Chapter , from the names with which it is connected , several of whom are well known to the Craft , and venture to predict that the officers will , by the amount of work that will devolve upon them , find that the appointments they have received will be no sinecure .
Red Cross Of Home & Constantine.
RED CROSS OF HOME & CONSTANTINE .
METROPOLITAN . Plantagcnct Preceptor ;/ of Instruction At an assembly of this prcceptory ' held on the 18 th inst . at the Lyceum Tavern , Strand , it was resolved by the members present to form a "Masonic Charities '
Association" in connection with the Order , upon the plan of the "South Eastern Association , " which has effected so much good for the Masonic Institutions . Bro . Little was elected Treasurer , and Bro . AValters Secretary of the new association .
PROVINCIAL . GuKitNSEr . — The Doyle Conclave . —The regular assembly of the Doyle Conclave No . 7 , took place on Friday , the 19 th inst . Present , Illustrious Sir Knt . Gallienne , Inspector-General of the Guernsey Division , M . P . S . m the chair : lllus . Sir Knt . Millin < . ton .
, I . S ., its Eusebius ; lllus . Sir Knt . Hutchinson , K . G . C ., P . S ., Treasurer ; lllus . Sir Knt . Clarke , I . S ., Recorder ; Sir Knts . Guilbert , J . G . ; Stickland , II . P . ; Willeocks , as Herald ; Howe , Orgauist ; Lucas , Carey , and Muntz . The Conclave was opened in usual form , after which a consultation
arose respecting the regalia . Patterns of aprons , sashes , swords , and jewels had been received from Sir Knt . Kenning , which were exhibited , but the feeling of the Conclave appeared to bo that a tunic was the more becoming regalia for a Military Order , and they therefore desired to avail themselves of the option ollered in tlm ( rvm . v . 'il st- > t , ii ,. u t „ ., ! , !¦ , ; .. „ . „ .
niission fro m the G . Sovereign to wear the tunic , llie Recorder was consequently requested to put liniiself in communication with the Grand Recorder on the sub ject . After a few minor items of business were got through , the Conclave was closed in form , aim the lvnt . Companions repaired to the banquetnull , where they spent a most agreeable evening .
Red Cross Of Home & Constantine.
JERSEY . —Concord Conclave , No . 8 . —An assembly of this Conclave was held recently at the Masonic Temple , Stopford-road , St . Helier ' s , when the followin" - brethren were installed as Knights of the Order —Bros . Philip G . Gaudin ( 877 ) , John R . S . Giles , AV . M . ( 1003 ) , H . Barrett ( 244 ) , E Conolly ( 478 ) , and Wm . Marshall ( 244 ) . The ceremony was ably rendered by the M . P . S ., Sir Kt . Benhani , the V . E . Michael Tracy , and the other officers .
Papers On Masonry.
PAPERS ON MASONRY .
BY A LEWIS .
I . —MASONRY AND REFRESHMENT . It is strange to see with what greediness this ayrie chamelion , being all lungs and wind , will swallow a recciteof newes , as if it were physicall ! Yea , with what frontle « e insinuation ho will screw himself into the acquaintance of some knowing intelligencer , who , trying the cask by his hollow sound , do familiarly fide him . — Whiinzies .
Tho only way in which a rough ashlar can be properly understood is by regarding the object as capable of improvement . The only object for which a labourer can be supposed to work is reward . Perfection in his work renders him authorised to receive it . Hence , that rough ashlar , properly subordinated
in the human heart , g ives the workman a title to reward , which is the guerdon of his labours , and consists in the ease which refreshment brings . That all men ought to be happy is no reason that any should bo exempt from labour . Hence , again , we find it necessary to state the conditions on which the ease
resulting from refreshment depends . And tins can only exist in perfect activity , such as T . G . A . O . T . U alone has the property and privilege to exercise . AVere no wages to be paid , no man would be perfectly warranted in having refreshment ; therefore the refreshment authorized by Masonic laws becomes the
wages , justly due , of the Masonic labourer . When , according to Masonic tradition , the Temple was built , the bearers of burthen received subsistence at least ; and it is not to be supposed that the F . C . 's and M . M . 's , now so charitable , would be less generous from the liberal resources assigned them by K . S . to
wards their humbler and not freeborn associates . The very fact of there being a series of degrees ultimating in charity towards the human nice , implies a liberality towards early Cowans . Tho Hebrew State having so great an object could not justly be ungenerous . If , then , in these papers bv an earnest critic of Masonry
there be , as there must be , many errors , it is anticipated that the dog will be allowed an unmolested bark , caution being given that , so far as his opinion will allow , his aim will be , not " to bay the moon , " but to afford from the generous resources at his disposal some semi-shadows refracted from the Great Light .
There is a large field of Masonic literature open to the general student of associative enterprise ; anil from these the present writer will cull a few morsels for the banquet , in a manner at once digestible by Brother and Stranger . The very fact that refreshment notoriously forms a
portion of Masonic labour has been construed , for a century and a half ) to the disadvantage of those associating themselves with the Masonic body . It would seem as if there existed a famine in the land eaten up by one body of men only ; the fact of their paying being an item out of the balance-sheet . Nobody
thinks of blaming aldermen , vestrymen , and philanthropists who meet to guzzle and make charitable collections under the a-gis of a popular man . That being non-masonic is popular , and men rush to buy tickets for independent dinners—or take them gratis , when they can get them—or in guilds assume them as right of livery . The first description of banquet is
upheld as an English mode of begging , the last as a proper way of encouraging dyspepsia ; and in the last the guilds of non-masons forget that their indentures recite for their apprentices " arts and mysteries , " as the Masons did m a time of Operative Masonry . If the guild of Barbers dine they do not give a thought
to soapsuds , while they regard the Masonic rule of refreshment as bubbling everybody . The Masonic body institutes some temperate refreshment , as the Church commemorates a certain supper , and in the ancient Christian " love-feasts " it is nowhere thought to be insisted that there should necessarily be any
degree of intemperance . This having been charged by the uninformed , becomes desirable of disproof , and though there may have been excess , the Masonic rules of all ages reprove anything of the kind . In what is the Mason more justified in expending
the wages ho receives than in re-edifying the corporeal frame , by the instrumentality of which he is enabled to perfect his incorporeal essence for admission into the Grand Lodge not made with hands and where the sound of no working tool is heard ? The German
writer , ISovabs , says , " 1 on touch Heaven when you lay handson a human bod y ; " mid the apostle Paul says ( Romans xiv . 7 ) , " lie tliat eateth , eatoth to the Lord , for he giveth God thanks ; and he that eateth not , to the Lord he eateth not . " And while he says ( Romans xiv . 20 ) , "For meat destrov not tho work of God , "
he adds , "All things , indeed , are pure , but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence , " thus enjoining temperance at meat . Again he says ( 1 Cor . iii . 16 ) " Know ye not that ye tire the temple of God , and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you ? " Man thus being the temple of God , and the Masons especially
being labourers towards its re-edification , the mortal frame requires of us the same sustenance that spiritually is received by the manna coming from above , of which each received his due measure , whether he gathered little or much . In the ancient published Constitutions , patent to all
the world , the Free and Accepted Mason was not only enjoined temperance , but punctuality in the payment for what he consumed , such ensuring an adequate provision in the future , by inspiring confidence and husbanding the resources at command . Hence we find all lodges of Masons conclude the celebration of
their work with refection , in a joyful manner according to the circumstances of the individuals forming the lodge , the law of hospitality being extended to the visitor who brings the proper tcssara . The banquet at a lodge , therefore , nitty be regarded as doubly symbolical , and the ehamre in our national manners has
enabled Masons to apply it more fully and purify its essential meaning . It appears hard to the writer , therefore , why on the part of the general public this charge of profuscness of living should be constantly reiterated . "Ah ! but , " some will exclaim , "it is well known that Masons are
profuse m their banquets ! as it they—Cowanshad been present , which is impossible . It also naturally follows that Freemasons must be charged with similar intemperance iu their own homes and elsewhere when not uiasonically engaged , and that the whole Craft must consequently be a hypocritical
affair—in which men known as the greatest benefactors to their race , noble in intellect , patriotic in effort , devout in bearing , and generally charitable to their fellow-men , universally coincide for the mere purpose of guzzling and swilling together some few times a year I a manifest absurdity , carrying its own refutation .
The writer has selected this point as the first to be brought forward because it is an universal imputation , even in the mouths of good and sincere non-masons , and one which , if persisted in , must always remain an objection in the minds of thoughtless opponents . One of the cardinal principles of Masonry consists
in its non-proselytizing character . No man can be directly asked to join the Masonic guild ; a protective rule in itself of some importance , both as a shield and an incentive . As a shield , because it admits to its least of charity only those who feel sincere inclination to join , thus being a double test of steadfastness ; as
an incentive , because equality and humility tire the Cnudine Forks under which the aspirant pulses to obtain a real victory over self , and by which an actual spirit of charity is generated . Freemasons properly say that there are a vast number of men who are true Masons though
uninitiated , and this they echo in their songs . Some of these songs are the spontaneous tribute of minds ordinary , perhaps , in themselves , but instinct with the appreciation of good for the sake of good . While general literature remains a portion of their general inheritance they invoke their own muse in the interest
of the gentlest of the Graces , and if many songs sung in Masonic lodges evince no great degree of talent , they evoke a spirit of kindly emulation not lightly to be passed over . In all organizations some join from interested motives , but these cases are not numerous . In . Masonry
an allotted time is given for due inquiry info the lives and motives of candidates , and a man who can pass the ordeal has much to congratulate himself upon . Admission into a Masonic lodge is , in most eases , a certificate of character ; and a fearless bearing in initiation confers a nobility on the initiate nowhere
else , in so large a degree , to be obtained . To be a Mason , properly speaking , the individual niii .-t bear a stainless character , and to be an earnest one is alike a privilege and an advantage . This the public does not weigh in its verdict . May it do so ! At Masonic banquets , creed , political opinion , and
personal ambition must be laid aside , and the stability of any State may be judged by the number of admitted Masons . I do not wish to say that views of diverse kinds may not be held , but they are . out of p lace on ibis platform of broad humanity aud catholic kindness . The Masonic policy , as that of every Christian
should be , is universal Love and Aid . I speak thus freely because the magnanimity and openness with which illustrious Masons have spoken in their philosopical and historical works litis rendered it possible for a large class of students to master ti general idea of the objects of Masonry . Of that
class of students the present writer is one , aud his wish in the short course of papers he oilers to the readers of TUB FUKHMASOX IS to acquit himself of some of the obligations he owes to those many writers who have treated of Fiveiiiasonrv reasonabl y
and without animosity to detractors . Masons and non-Masons , whether Lewises ( as is tho writer ) or Cowans ( as he still is ) , let us seek for the Light iu Him in whom is no darkness at all ! CltlTTONl'MUS .