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Article UNIFORMITY OF RITUAL. ← Page 3 of 3
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Uniformity Of Ritual.
procal invitations so general , that the brethren go round and round . You meet a certain number of them at almost every Lodge and Chapter , AA'hich cements the fraternal feeling , promotes conviviality , secures a good attendance , uniformity of Avorking , and a general efficiency in the Lodges , which could hardly be expected Avithout something of the kind . The only objection which could possibly be raised to this is , that in one
case out of ten thousand , perhaps , a man A \ 'ho is in Masonry , but not of it , may abuse the privilege , and , for the payment of aninsigmiicant annual subscription , consider himself entitled to go the round of the Lodges , and so actually live , at an expense ' . to his brethren , three or four times the value of the sum he pays annually into the funds of the Order . This is an abuse Avhich is possible , but Ave do trust for the honour of the Craft
, that there is little danger , of such a shameful practice , becoming so prevalent as to constitute any valid objection to that reciprocity , Avhich is SIIOAVU to be attended AA'ith so many advantages . A more general visitation of other Lodges than those you belong to , is therefore one of the modes , by AA'hich , amongst other benefits , Ave would seek to secure that accuracy and uniformity of Avorking to . Avhich Ave allude .
Lodges of Instruction are another means by Avhich to bring about an end so desirable as that Ave have indicated . Lodges of Instruction confer many benefits , but they are not attended Avith that regularity , or supported with that vigour which ought to be manifested , and in many parts of the eovmtry there is no such Lodge i \\ existence . We cannot enlarge herebut Ave Avould suggest to any one AVIIO knoAVS
, the position of Masonry , in London for instance , to consider calmly for a feAV moments , AA'hat Avould be the effect of a vigorously supported Chapter of Instruction , for Royal Arch Masons , upon that portion of the Order ? The Royal Arch , in a very little time , Avould become like one risen from the dead .
One more suggestion , and for the present Ave have done . A good means of promoting and perpetuating uniformity and accuracy , would be the appointment by the Grand Lodge and the Supreme Grand Chapter , of skilled Graft and & . A .. brethren , to -visit the Lodges and Chapters , to report officially upon their condition , to instruct Avhere needful , to correct mistakes , suggest imjrirovements , and to encourage , advise , or remonstrate ,
as the case might he . This has been lately tried in Scotland , with the prospect of the happiest results . We do not wish to take a desponding view of the state of the Craft in this country ; but Ave feel fully convinced , that if this Avere tried in England , it would reveal a state of things AA'ith ¦ regard to the style of Avorking for which the Grand Lodge is by no means prepared—a state of things which would surprise , grieve , and mortify all
those who have the best interests of the Craft at heart ; but , at the same time , Ave are perfectly assured , that such a plan AVOAAM bring about a degree of efficiency , and otherwise effect an amount of "good to the Order , which at the first blush might appear impossible , for the more efficiently it is worked , the more highly honoured and respected will Freemasonry be . We leave these " brief had imperfect hints in the hands of those , whom they concern , in the hope that they will reflect , and act accordingly . na
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Uniformity Of Ritual.
procal invitations so general , that the brethren go round and round . You meet a certain number of them at almost every Lodge and Chapter , AA'hich cements the fraternal feeling , promotes conviviality , secures a good attendance , uniformity of Avorking , and a general efficiency in the Lodges , which could hardly be expected Avithout something of the kind . The only objection which could possibly be raised to this is , that in one
case out of ten thousand , perhaps , a man A \ 'ho is in Masonry , but not of it , may abuse the privilege , and , for the payment of aninsigmiicant annual subscription , consider himself entitled to go the round of the Lodges , and so actually live , at an expense ' . to his brethren , three or four times the value of the sum he pays annually into the funds of the Order . This is an abuse Avhich is possible , but Ave do trust for the honour of the Craft
, that there is little danger , of such a shameful practice , becoming so prevalent as to constitute any valid objection to that reciprocity , Avhich is SIIOAVU to be attended AA'ith so many advantages . A more general visitation of other Lodges than those you belong to , is therefore one of the modes , by AA'hich , amongst other benefits , Ave would seek to secure that accuracy and uniformity of Avorking to . Avhich Ave allude .
Lodges of Instruction are another means by Avhich to bring about an end so desirable as that Ave have indicated . Lodges of Instruction confer many benefits , but they are not attended Avith that regularity , or supported with that vigour which ought to be manifested , and in many parts of the eovmtry there is no such Lodge i \\ existence . We cannot enlarge herebut Ave Avould suggest to any one AVIIO knoAVS
, the position of Masonry , in London for instance , to consider calmly for a feAV moments , AA'hat Avould be the effect of a vigorously supported Chapter of Instruction , for Royal Arch Masons , upon that portion of the Order ? The Royal Arch , in a very little time , Avould become like one risen from the dead .
One more suggestion , and for the present Ave have done . A good means of promoting and perpetuating uniformity and accuracy , would be the appointment by the Grand Lodge and the Supreme Grand Chapter , of skilled Graft and & . A .. brethren , to -visit the Lodges and Chapters , to report officially upon their condition , to instruct Avhere needful , to correct mistakes , suggest imjrirovements , and to encourage , advise , or remonstrate ,
as the case might he . This has been lately tried in Scotland , with the prospect of the happiest results . We do not wish to take a desponding view of the state of the Craft in this country ; but Ave feel fully convinced , that if this Avere tried in England , it would reveal a state of things AA'ith ¦ regard to the style of Avorking for which the Grand Lodge is by no means prepared—a state of things which would surprise , grieve , and mortify all
those who have the best interests of the Craft at heart ; but , at the same time , Ave are perfectly assured , that such a plan AVOAAM bring about a degree of efficiency , and otherwise effect an amount of "good to the Order , which at the first blush might appear impossible , for the more efficiently it is worked , the more highly honoured and respected will Freemasonry be . We leave these " brief had imperfect hints in the hands of those , whom they concern , in the hope that they will reflect , and act accordingly . na