Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Arch.
The amendment of Comp . Crohn having beon withdrawn , the original resolution was carried unanimously , and the Chapter was closed in due form .
Colonial.
COLONIAL .
GRAND LODGE OF CANADA . THE following is a portion of an excellent address of the M . AA ' . Pro . Colonel AA ' . Mercer AVilson , Grand Master of Canada , at tho Grand Lodge held at Kingston , on the 13 th July . AA'hat wo have omitted refers to local matters , and is without interest on this side of the Atlantic : —
; In reviewing tbe Masonic incidents of the past year , the first in importance and interest ivhich has transpired since 1 last addressed you , was undoubtedly that auspicious and over to be remembered event , " tho union of the Craft , which took place in the city of Toronto on the evening of the 14 th day of July last ; au event not only of the greatest importance to the Masons of this province , but one which has elicited expressions of mingled satisfaction and delight from our sister Grand Lodgesand which proved to the Masonic world that the Masons of this
, jurisdiction , deeply impressed with the belief that the union was essentia ! to tho prosperity oC the Order , could cast aside and forgot the unhappy differences which had kept them so long apart , and ignoring all personal and local feeling , did unite for the purpose of promoting the great objects for which we as Masons are all associated . I congratulate yon , brethren , upon the happy consummation of this great event , and upon the many gratifying incidents which have alreadresulted from
y this happy union . " At a special meeting of the Grancl Lodgo convened by mc on the 19 th of January last , au official communication from the Grand Lodge of England , containing a recognition of this grand body , ns having Masonic jurisdiction over Canada West , was laid before the brethren then assembled , when a resolution calling the attention of oni-English brethren to tho error which had been committed , in thus attempting to limit our
territorinljurisdiction , was unanimously adopted ; and your Grand Secretary intended to forward a copy of it to England . Knowing the importance which our brethren generally attached to a full recognition from England , and feeling most desirous myself that no matter of minor importance should keep us longer apart , I addressed a letter , to the Right Hon . the Earl of Zetland , tho most AVorshipful Grand Master of Masons in England , iu which I endeavoured to explain certain matters which appeared to me not to havo been clearlunderstood bthe members of
y y the Grand Lodge of England . This letter reached his Lordship the day Jirevious to the March meeting , and was by him laid before the Grand Lodge with the remark , that although it was an unofficial letter addressed to himself , and iu some respects private , that its importance justified him in laying it before them with the other communications which had been received . After some discussion the whole question was by resolution left in the hands of the Grand Master , with full
powers to take such action in the matter as he might considvr most consistent with the honour of their Grand Lodge , and most courteous to the Grand Lodge of Canada . I have great pleasure in announcing to you , that tho correspondence which then took place between the M . AV . Grand Master and myself has been of the most pleasing and fraternal character , and that all the obstacles to the fullest and most fraternal intercourse between tho brethren of our respective jurisdictions are now , and I trust for ever , removed .
" It is also my pleasing duty to inform you that at tho May meeting of the Grand Lodge of Scotland , a resolution recognizing this Grand body was unanimously adopted , and that information of this gratifying fact has been officially announced to me . " In March last , I received a kind and fraternal letter from the M . AA ' . the Grand Master of Masons iu tho State of Now York , announcing our formal recognition by tho Graud Lodge ; these letters , with my replies , will be found in my correspondence . "
Referring to matters of Masonic jurisprudence , the M . AV . Grand JIaster said : — " On the question—To what extent are the privileges of a Mason affected who has been excluded from his Lodge for the non-payment of dues ? By referring to the Book of Constitutions , under the head of ' Private Lodges , ' section 25 , you will find the general law bearing upon this subject , and by a note at the foot of the page , you will also find an explanation of the terms ' excluded' and ' expelled . ' The view which I have taken of this question , is similar to what 1 believe to be
the practice of the Grand Lodge of England , and is also in accordance with the opinions expressed by Dr . Mackey and many other intelligent writers upon this subject , and that is , that exclusion from a Lodge for non-payment of dues , does not affect the standing of the member excluded , in his relations to the Craft in general—were it not so , there would , it appears to me , be but little difference between the penalties of exclusion and expulsion—and yet , how broad is the distinction between them' ! From the disabilities of the formerthe member is at once
, relieved by paying up bis arrears , while from tbe latter ho can only be relieved by the action of Grand Lodge , the one affects simply his engagements with his own Lodge , the other bis relation with the Order everywhere , aud is the highest penalty known iu Masonry ; it is of course scarcely necossary for me to say , that there is a broad distinction to be
Colonial.
drawn between the mere exclusion ot the member ot a Lodgo for non-I payment of dues , and his exclusion for gross , immoral , or infamous conduct—tho conclusion to which I have arrived in my own mind is , that tho mere non-payment of dues should not carry with it such a penalty as would deprive a brother of those privileges which are . generally regarded as inherent in him as a Mason . " I feel it to be my duty on the present occasion , to direct the attention of Masters of Lodges to the necessity which exists for moro
frequently causing to bo read in open Lodge for the information and instruction of the Craft , tho ' ancient charges ; ' these contain a concise but succinct summary of a Mason ' s duties , and have been in the possession of the fraternity for many generations , and are regarded by us as containing the fundamental laws which govern the Order . These laws and principles should upon every opportunity be pressed upon the attention of the brethren , and every violation of them should bo condemned and punishedStrict disciline and honest dealing are essential
. p to the preservation of the high character and standing of the Order , anil should ever distinguish its members ; and yet , in breach of that very confidence which the nature of our own institution creates , how often are we pained to hear of instances where this has been grossly abused ! Prompt and exemplary punishment should follow such conduct , and tho unworthy member should be at oueo dealt with by his Lodge . "In perusing the printed proceedings of our sister Grand Loclges in
tho neighbouring union ( from which I derive much information and pleasure ) I observe that the subject of establishing a General Grand Lodge , as a High Court of Appeal in all matters Masonic , has occupied their attention , and has elicited much discussion aud comment and that a convention of Grand Officers , hailing from the various Masonic jurisdictions in the United States , will take place at Chicago in the month of September next , for tbe purpose of taking into consideration
tho propriety of establishing such a body . " I have not been able to give the subject that attention which its importance demands , but my jiresent opinion is , that although much good might result to the Craft generally from a general meeting of its rulers , the creation of a general grand body would be neither expedient nor proper . Grand Lodges , it appears to me , should ever retain supremo authority in their respective jurisdictions , and should not be subject cither to tho dictation or control of any authority whatever . I am not aware whether this Grand Lodgo has been invited to send representatives to the proposed convention , and I only introduce tho subject to
you as one possessing a general interest , leaving you to take such action in tho matter as you deem expedient . " The committee on work , 1 am jileased to say , has made considerable jirogress . It is necessary for me to inform you that this subject has engaged much of my attention during the last three years . The establishment of a correct standard I regard as the most important duty now devolving on this Grand Lodge ; and when wc consider that this system , when once determined mid approvedis to be the rule and guide
upon , , not only for the present members of our order , but for all future generations of Masons in this jurisdiction , its great importance becomes apparent . In my researches among the records of tbo order for light upon this subject , I have found much that has amply rewarded my labour , and from intelligent brethren in England and elsewhere , I havo also acquired much valuable information . AVe have , as you are aware , adopted what is technically called the English mode of work , as a basis ,
and I have come to the conclusion that to England we must look for the pure and ancient work . —After the union of tbo two Grand Loclges in IS ! 3 , a Lodge of Reconciliation , composed of the most intelligent Masons from both of tho former bodies , was named by the United Grand Lodge . These brethren met and . ' . greed as to tho exact form of work to bo adopted ; and in ! S 14 , this system , after the most careful examination aud the ful lest deliberation , was exemplified and solemnly sanctioned by the Grand Lodge of England ; and 1 would now suggest for your
consideration the propriety of a careful examination ofthe work , before you venture to decide upon a standard for Canada . " In concluding , the M . AA ' . G . M . observed : — "Having thus brought before you tho various matters more particularly connected with my own department , I will now conclude by congratulating you upon the present proud position of the Order . Peaco reigns within our borders , and tho Craft in every quarter of tho habitable globe are quietly but industriously engaged in advancing the tenets and principles of the
fraternity ; and in again resigning into your hands the exalted position which I have so long occupied amongst you , I would , in tho words of a distinguished brother , earnestly and affectionately recommend to you as the most efficient means of ensuring the permanency and extending the influence of the Craft , the more earnest cultivation of that beautiful code of morals which runs like a rich vein through the entire sj-stem of Freemasonry ; well assured that nothing can . tend so effectually to crown the science with tho verdant wreath of public approbation as the virtuous life and guileless demeanour of its assiduous professors .
The Week.
THE WEEK .
Tin-: Count . —The royal family remain at Osborne , in tho enjoyment of good health , and of complete privacy . A'ery fow visitors have been received this week , witli tho exception of members of the Queen ' s family . FOKJEISN NEWS , —In Paris the Monitcur note has not had any effect
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Royal Arch.
The amendment of Comp . Crohn having beon withdrawn , the original resolution was carried unanimously , and the Chapter was closed in due form .
Colonial.
COLONIAL .
GRAND LODGE OF CANADA . THE following is a portion of an excellent address of the M . AA ' . Pro . Colonel AA ' . Mercer AVilson , Grand Master of Canada , at tho Grand Lodge held at Kingston , on the 13 th July . AA'hat wo have omitted refers to local matters , and is without interest on this side of the Atlantic : —
; In reviewing tbe Masonic incidents of the past year , the first in importance and interest ivhich has transpired since 1 last addressed you , was undoubtedly that auspicious and over to be remembered event , " tho union of the Craft , which took place in the city of Toronto on the evening of the 14 th day of July last ; au event not only of the greatest importance to the Masons of this province , but one which has elicited expressions of mingled satisfaction and delight from our sister Grand Lodgesand which proved to the Masonic world that the Masons of this
, jurisdiction , deeply impressed with the belief that the union was essentia ! to tho prosperity oC the Order , could cast aside and forgot the unhappy differences which had kept them so long apart , and ignoring all personal and local feeling , did unite for the purpose of promoting the great objects for which we as Masons are all associated . I congratulate yon , brethren , upon the happy consummation of this great event , and upon the many gratifying incidents which have alreadresulted from
y this happy union . " At a special meeting of the Grancl Lodgo convened by mc on the 19 th of January last , au official communication from the Grand Lodge of England , containing a recognition of this grand body , ns having Masonic jurisdiction over Canada West , was laid before the brethren then assembled , when a resolution calling the attention of oni-English brethren to tho error which had been committed , in thus attempting to limit our
territorinljurisdiction , was unanimously adopted ; and your Grand Secretary intended to forward a copy of it to England . Knowing the importance which our brethren generally attached to a full recognition from England , and feeling most desirous myself that no matter of minor importance should keep us longer apart , I addressed a letter , to the Right Hon . the Earl of Zetland , tho most AVorshipful Grand Master of Masons in England , iu which I endeavoured to explain certain matters which appeared to me not to havo been clearlunderstood bthe members of
y y the Grand Lodge of England . This letter reached his Lordship the day Jirevious to the March meeting , and was by him laid before the Grand Lodge with the remark , that although it was an unofficial letter addressed to himself , and iu some respects private , that its importance justified him in laying it before them with the other communications which had been received . After some discussion the whole question was by resolution left in the hands of the Grand Master , with full
powers to take such action in the matter as he might considvr most consistent with the honour of their Grand Lodge , and most courteous to the Grand Lodge of Canada . I have great pleasure in announcing to you , that tho correspondence which then took place between the M . AV . Grand Master and myself has been of the most pleasing and fraternal character , and that all the obstacles to the fullest and most fraternal intercourse between tho brethren of our respective jurisdictions are now , and I trust for ever , removed .
" It is also my pleasing duty to inform you that at tho May meeting of the Grand Lodge of Scotland , a resolution recognizing this Grand body was unanimously adopted , and that information of this gratifying fact has been officially announced to me . " In March last , I received a kind and fraternal letter from the M . AA ' . the Grand Master of Masons iu tho State of Now York , announcing our formal recognition by tho Graud Lodge ; these letters , with my replies , will be found in my correspondence . "
Referring to matters of Masonic jurisprudence , the M . AV . Grand JIaster said : — " On the question—To what extent are the privileges of a Mason affected who has been excluded from his Lodge for the non-payment of dues ? By referring to the Book of Constitutions , under the head of ' Private Lodges , ' section 25 , you will find the general law bearing upon this subject , and by a note at the foot of the page , you will also find an explanation of the terms ' excluded' and ' expelled . ' The view which I have taken of this question , is similar to what 1 believe to be
the practice of the Grand Lodge of England , and is also in accordance with the opinions expressed by Dr . Mackey and many other intelligent writers upon this subject , and that is , that exclusion from a Lodge for non-payment of dues , does not affect the standing of the member excluded , in his relations to the Craft in general—were it not so , there would , it appears to me , be but little difference between the penalties of exclusion and expulsion—and yet , how broad is the distinction between them' ! From the disabilities of the formerthe member is at once
, relieved by paying up bis arrears , while from tbe latter ho can only be relieved by the action of Grand Lodge , the one affects simply his engagements with his own Lodge , the other bis relation with the Order everywhere , aud is the highest penalty known iu Masonry ; it is of course scarcely necossary for me to say , that there is a broad distinction to be
Colonial.
drawn between the mere exclusion ot the member ot a Lodgo for non-I payment of dues , and his exclusion for gross , immoral , or infamous conduct—tho conclusion to which I have arrived in my own mind is , that tho mere non-payment of dues should not carry with it such a penalty as would deprive a brother of those privileges which are . generally regarded as inherent in him as a Mason . " I feel it to be my duty on the present occasion , to direct the attention of Masters of Lodges to the necessity which exists for moro
frequently causing to bo read in open Lodge for the information and instruction of the Craft , tho ' ancient charges ; ' these contain a concise but succinct summary of a Mason ' s duties , and have been in the possession of the fraternity for many generations , and are regarded by us as containing the fundamental laws which govern the Order . These laws and principles should upon every opportunity be pressed upon the attention of the brethren , and every violation of them should bo condemned and punishedStrict disciline and honest dealing are essential
. p to the preservation of the high character and standing of the Order , anil should ever distinguish its members ; and yet , in breach of that very confidence which the nature of our own institution creates , how often are we pained to hear of instances where this has been grossly abused ! Prompt and exemplary punishment should follow such conduct , and tho unworthy member should be at oueo dealt with by his Lodge . "In perusing the printed proceedings of our sister Grand Loclges in
tho neighbouring union ( from which I derive much information and pleasure ) I observe that the subject of establishing a General Grand Lodge , as a High Court of Appeal in all matters Masonic , has occupied their attention , and has elicited much discussion aud comment and that a convention of Grand Officers , hailing from the various Masonic jurisdictions in the United States , will take place at Chicago in the month of September next , for tbe purpose of taking into consideration
tho propriety of establishing such a body . " I have not been able to give the subject that attention which its importance demands , but my jiresent opinion is , that although much good might result to the Craft generally from a general meeting of its rulers , the creation of a general grand body would be neither expedient nor proper . Grand Lodges , it appears to me , should ever retain supremo authority in their respective jurisdictions , and should not be subject cither to tho dictation or control of any authority whatever . I am not aware whether this Grand Lodgo has been invited to send representatives to the proposed convention , and I only introduce tho subject to
you as one possessing a general interest , leaving you to take such action in tho matter as you deem expedient . " The committee on work , 1 am jileased to say , has made considerable jirogress . It is necessary for me to inform you that this subject has engaged much of my attention during the last three years . The establishment of a correct standard I regard as the most important duty now devolving on this Grand Lodge ; and when wc consider that this system , when once determined mid approvedis to be the rule and guide
upon , , not only for the present members of our order , but for all future generations of Masons in this jurisdiction , its great importance becomes apparent . In my researches among the records of tbo order for light upon this subject , I have found much that has amply rewarded my labour , and from intelligent brethren in England and elsewhere , I havo also acquired much valuable information . AVe have , as you are aware , adopted what is technically called the English mode of work , as a basis ,
and I have come to the conclusion that to England we must look for the pure and ancient work . —After the union of tbo two Grand Loclges in IS ! 3 , a Lodge of Reconciliation , composed of the most intelligent Masons from both of tho former bodies , was named by the United Grand Lodge . These brethren met and . ' . greed as to tho exact form of work to bo adopted ; and in ! S 14 , this system , after the most careful examination aud the ful lest deliberation , was exemplified and solemnly sanctioned by the Grand Lodge of England ; and 1 would now suggest for your
consideration the propriety of a careful examination ofthe work , before you venture to decide upon a standard for Canada . " In concluding , the M . AA ' . G . M . observed : — "Having thus brought before you tho various matters more particularly connected with my own department , I will now conclude by congratulating you upon the present proud position of the Order . Peaco reigns within our borders , and tho Craft in every quarter of tho habitable globe are quietly but industriously engaged in advancing the tenets and principles of the
fraternity ; and in again resigning into your hands the exalted position which I have so long occupied amongst you , I would , in tho words of a distinguished brother , earnestly and affectionately recommend to you as the most efficient means of ensuring the permanency and extending the influence of the Craft , the more earnest cultivation of that beautiful code of morals which runs like a rich vein through the entire sj-stem of Freemasonry ; well assured that nothing can . tend so effectually to crown the science with tho verdant wreath of public approbation as the virtuous life and guileless demeanour of its assiduous professors .
The Week.
THE WEEK .
Tin-: Count . —The royal family remain at Osborne , in tho enjoyment of good health , and of complete privacy . A'ery fow visitors have been received this week , witli tho exception of members of the Queen ' s family . FOKJEISN NEWS , —In Paris the Monitcur note has not had any effect