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Article COREESPOraEICE ← Page 2 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Coreesporaeice
It might flatter the vanity of such an one , but it would be practising a great wrong upon the labouring ascendants of the Masonic ladder , and create in the minds of those who do hot possess noble blood or an antient escutcheon feelings M ^ A of common honesty to leave moral worto ^
party feeling , or the cravings of a clique . "V \ Tth respect to the right of voting in Lodge , no fear need be entertained of intrusting the power to newly raised M . Ms ., if W . Ms . would be more cautious in conferring the several degree ; but , in most Lodges , candidates , afleriniti ^ ion , unfortunate ^ degree at each subsequent meeting of the Lodge , not only as a matter of course , but as of right ,
before they have given proofs of their proficiency , or their knowledge of Masonic principles . A good W ^ M . w ill correct such improp er notions by his firm yet conciliatory hearing , in supporting the antient landmarks by unerring steps strictly taken without severity ; by repressing , at the onset , the slightest levity of conduct or inroad upon the accustomed usages of the Craft ; and by requiring a perfect submission of every member to the approved Constitutions of the Order , and the by-laws of his Lodge in particular .
It is the W . M . ' s especial duty to require this submission , and never to confer an advanced degree unless the candidate has given proof that he not only comprehends the nature , tendency , and import of , but that he does by his practice maintain and uphold the principles inculcated in the former degree , and has passed in open Lodge , without _ dictation , through the preliminary examination .
Much benefit would also arise if every opportunity be taken of working the sections appertaining to each degree , so that the Brethren may be instructed , improved , and rendered proficient not only to receive further marks of the W . M . ' s favour , but for promotion to office , whenever such opportunity may occur , I am , Sir , yours fraternally , Dudley , Yl-tli Sept . 1858 . P . M ,
TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR , Dear Sir and Brother , —Your correspondent , " S . W ., " has started a question publicly through your Magazine , that I have for years advocated privately ; but , according to my notions , he does not go to the root of the evil . In many Lodges it is the custom unfortunately to promote , year by year , from 1 . ( 1 . to J . D . ; J . D . to S . D ., then , to both Wardens' chairs , and
finally to W . M ., without looking at all to the qualifications ol the Brethren . Now I should like to see something like the following plan adopted—before the nomination of W . M . for the ensuing year , those who were qualified and anxious to fill the chair should be examined by a board of installed Masters , and without each candidate could , to their satisfaction , work the two first
ceremonies , ancl open and close in all three degrees , his name should be struck off the list of candidates . After the W . M . is elected , he should hand into the Lodge the names of the Brethren who he intended to appoint to the various offices , who likewise should undergo an examination by the same board , and their claims set aside , unless they could pass the following or some such examination : — Senior Warden to open and close in the three degrees , and work tlie first ceremony ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Coreesporaeice
It might flatter the vanity of such an one , but it would be practising a great wrong upon the labouring ascendants of the Masonic ladder , and create in the minds of those who do hot possess noble blood or an antient escutcheon feelings M ^ A of common honesty to leave moral worto ^
party feeling , or the cravings of a clique . "V \ Tth respect to the right of voting in Lodge , no fear need be entertained of intrusting the power to newly raised M . Ms ., if W . Ms . would be more cautious in conferring the several degree ; but , in most Lodges , candidates , afleriniti ^ ion , unfortunate ^ degree at each subsequent meeting of the Lodge , not only as a matter of course , but as of right ,
before they have given proofs of their proficiency , or their knowledge of Masonic principles . A good W ^ M . w ill correct such improp er notions by his firm yet conciliatory hearing , in supporting the antient landmarks by unerring steps strictly taken without severity ; by repressing , at the onset , the slightest levity of conduct or inroad upon the accustomed usages of the Craft ; and by requiring a perfect submission of every member to the approved Constitutions of the Order , and the by-laws of his Lodge in particular .
It is the W . M . ' s especial duty to require this submission , and never to confer an advanced degree unless the candidate has given proof that he not only comprehends the nature , tendency , and import of , but that he does by his practice maintain and uphold the principles inculcated in the former degree , and has passed in open Lodge , without _ dictation , through the preliminary examination .
Much benefit would also arise if every opportunity be taken of working the sections appertaining to each degree , so that the Brethren may be instructed , improved , and rendered proficient not only to receive further marks of the W . M . ' s favour , but for promotion to office , whenever such opportunity may occur , I am , Sir , yours fraternally , Dudley , Yl-tli Sept . 1858 . P . M ,
TO THE EDITOR OF THE FREEMASONS MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIRROR , Dear Sir and Brother , —Your correspondent , " S . W ., " has started a question publicly through your Magazine , that I have for years advocated privately ; but , according to my notions , he does not go to the root of the evil . In many Lodges it is the custom unfortunately to promote , year by year , from 1 . ( 1 . to J . D . ; J . D . to S . D ., then , to both Wardens' chairs , and
finally to W . M ., without looking at all to the qualifications ol the Brethren . Now I should like to see something like the following plan adopted—before the nomination of W . M . for the ensuing year , those who were qualified and anxious to fill the chair should be examined by a board of installed Masters , and without each candidate could , to their satisfaction , work the two first
ceremonies , ancl open and close in all three degrees , his name should be struck off the list of candidates . After the W . M . is elected , he should hand into the Lodge the names of the Brethren who he intended to appoint to the various offices , who likewise should undergo an examination by the same board , and their claims set aside , unless they could pass the following or some such examination : — Senior Warden to open and close in the three degrees , and work tlie first ceremony ,