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Article CORRESPONDENCE. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Correspondence.
CORRESPONDENCE .
[ The Editor does not hold himself responsible for any opinions entertained by Correspondents . ]
TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS ' * MONTHLY MAGAZINE . Bear Sir and Brother , —The last number of the Freemasons' Monthly Magazine gave very great satisfaction to many who have a long time had much cause to complain ; but will you allow me to draw your attention to the fact , that the evils you so justly reprobate are unfortunately not confined to the Grand Lodge , but private Lodges are seriously injured by similar pestiferous influences . You will no doubt agree with me , that it is much more pleasant to praise than to 4 > lame ; still to cry peace , peace , when there is no peace , is not the part of a true lover of our noble Craft .
One of the most direful evils under which a Lodge can labour is the existence of a clique . A few members constitute themselves managers of the Lodge , and to " manage the Lodge , " means to have everything their own way , without consulting any but their own party , or caring if the Brethren generally like their measures or not ; and by degrees this clique obtains so much power and influence , that no one dares venture to oppose them . And if a Brother , with more spirit than the rest , is bold enough to express an opinion differing from what they have determined on out of Lodge , or ask a question , or make a suggestion , he is either threatened that he shall not be put into office unless he is quiet , or told he is interfering ,
and browbeaten ; and without he becomes a parasite and sycophant , and thus gets in favour with the clique , he may as well " love some bright particular star , and hope to wed it , " as hope to be put into office , however well qualified he may he , or whatever Masonic claims he may have ; indeed , to be a good worker is considered a positive disqualification , for such an one is not likely to be led by the nose easily enough . To such I would say , persevere in your noble efforts to emancipate your Lodge from the thraldom of tyranny , stand up fearlessly and firmly for liberty and independence , and if your exertions are not appreciated by your brethren , you will have the satisfaction of feeling you have done your duty . —I am , dear Sir and Brother , Fraternally yours , December , 12 , 1855 . M . M .
TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS * MONTHLY MAGAZINE . Dear Sir and Brother , —I much regret to say , that Bro . Blake , whoso part against the Board of G . B . yon were so kind as to take , died the night before last . It is the general opinion that , if this anxiety did not actually kill him , it greatly helped it . Yon will receive shortly , I believe , an obituary notice ; 1 hope you will add some remarks in a leading article . Believe me , yours sincerely , Oxford , Dec . 21 , 1855 . —•
[ One of the most worthy , straightforward , and exemplary Masons , or men , who have either shed an honour on the Graft , by upright character , or delivered the plain unvarnished tale" of warmdiearted sincerity , by practical development of the social virtues , has passed away ! The return for his long devo-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Correspondence.
CORRESPONDENCE .
[ The Editor does not hold himself responsible for any opinions entertained by Correspondents . ]
TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS ' * MONTHLY MAGAZINE . Bear Sir and Brother , —The last number of the Freemasons' Monthly Magazine gave very great satisfaction to many who have a long time had much cause to complain ; but will you allow me to draw your attention to the fact , that the evils you so justly reprobate are unfortunately not confined to the Grand Lodge , but private Lodges are seriously injured by similar pestiferous influences . You will no doubt agree with me , that it is much more pleasant to praise than to 4 > lame ; still to cry peace , peace , when there is no peace , is not the part of a true lover of our noble Craft .
One of the most direful evils under which a Lodge can labour is the existence of a clique . A few members constitute themselves managers of the Lodge , and to " manage the Lodge , " means to have everything their own way , without consulting any but their own party , or caring if the Brethren generally like their measures or not ; and by degrees this clique obtains so much power and influence , that no one dares venture to oppose them . And if a Brother , with more spirit than the rest , is bold enough to express an opinion differing from what they have determined on out of Lodge , or ask a question , or make a suggestion , he is either threatened that he shall not be put into office unless he is quiet , or told he is interfering ,
and browbeaten ; and without he becomes a parasite and sycophant , and thus gets in favour with the clique , he may as well " love some bright particular star , and hope to wed it , " as hope to be put into office , however well qualified he may he , or whatever Masonic claims he may have ; indeed , to be a good worker is considered a positive disqualification , for such an one is not likely to be led by the nose easily enough . To such I would say , persevere in your noble efforts to emancipate your Lodge from the thraldom of tyranny , stand up fearlessly and firmly for liberty and independence , and if your exertions are not appreciated by your brethren , you will have the satisfaction of feeling you have done your duty . —I am , dear Sir and Brother , Fraternally yours , December , 12 , 1855 . M . M .
TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS * MONTHLY MAGAZINE . Dear Sir and Brother , —I much regret to say , that Bro . Blake , whoso part against the Board of G . B . yon were so kind as to take , died the night before last . It is the general opinion that , if this anxiety did not actually kill him , it greatly helped it . Yon will receive shortly , I believe , an obituary notice ; 1 hope you will add some remarks in a leading article . Believe me , yours sincerely , Oxford , Dec . 21 , 1855 . —•
[ One of the most worthy , straightforward , and exemplary Masons , or men , who have either shed an honour on the Graft , by upright character , or delivered the plain unvarnished tale" of warmdiearted sincerity , by practical development of the social virtues , has passed away ! The return for his long devo-