Masonic Activity.

Masonic Activity .

r pHE Quarterly Bulletin issued by the IoAva Masonic I Library Authorities often contains some excellent articles and keenly critical comments on modern Masonic methods . In a recent number it deals with a question which possesses as much interest for English Masons as for our American brethren , supporting as it does

the views Ave have often expressed in these columns . The writer says : " There is a clanger in the very accession of activity—a clanger which is yearly pointed out by Masonic writers and speakers . In the larger lodges of the cities the members are to a certain extent under influences which are

fortunately not felt in the villages . The business idea is predominant in the former , and the financial results are ever before the eyes of the officers . HOAV to make the best showing is matter of first importance , and to this end quantity rather than quality of increase is often considered . There are greater and more varied demands upon their

revenues than upon those of the rural lodges . Their social functions are more elaborate and expensive . Unconsciously , perhaps , they copy after or seek to rival other organizations that have gained popularity in the particular locality . So far does this desire to excel , financially and socially , operate

Avith the young and ardent members , that they sometimes go perilously near to solicitation and proselyting . Then , too , in the larger communities the real life and character of those proposed cannot be scrutinized so closely as where in a meagre population each man ' s personality and habits are thoroughly known and accurately estimated . Whether a candidate will fit in and harmonize Avith the brethren is

known positively in advance . But in the cities much must be taken on trust , and upon hasty judgments based on general characteristics or upon hearsay evidence . That the quality of membership is so Avell maintained is fortunate , and speaks

Avell for the conscientious work of investigating committees and proper use of the ballot . " But there is clanger that Masonry Avill become too popular . The average profane , who has ambition to join the fraternity , views it as one rather more dignified than others

that might be named and which appear to him as direct competitors for his membership ; as one possessing superior social advantages , and therefore likely to give greater individual distinction . Apart from these things , Masonry is to many prospective candidates nothing more than the other

fraternal and beneficiary societies . Of the wonderful esotery , the philosophy , history , and traditions of Masonry they have never heard . They are not prepared in heart or mind for the lessons to be taught , and are , therefore , content to receive the Avorking tools of the Craft Avithout instruction or desire to

know their real uses . They wear the insignia with pride , talk glibly and often indiscreetly of the mysteries to which they have not even approached , and immediately cast about to find others who may travel the same road in like ignorance with themselves . From a financial standpoint they are

excellent members ; in other organizations they have learned that the money obligations assumed are of prime and almost sole importance . In matters pertaining to the business of the lodge they are intelligent and shrewd , as becomes their training . They are capable of planning and carrying through

a social affair , perfect in detail and enjoyable in every particular . So far these members are a direct benefit and the pride of energetic and anxious Masters .

" But in a lodge thus dominated the conservative Mason finds something lacking and feels someAvhat out of place . Why this is so he might be at loss to say . The hall is perfectly arranged and luxuriously appointed . There is a blaze of electric light falling upon handsome furniture and

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