Where Are You Goiing?

to express a sincere hope that your reply will not be one of self-condemnation , but that on the contrary you may be able to congratulate yourself and your readers on being on the high road to success , not merely pecuniarily ( though this is by no means an unimportant consideration ) , nor in reference only to the assistance rendered to you by contributors—but chiefly as to the influence which your efforts are producing on the practical working and extension of our Order 911 the elevation of its statusand on the course

, , which is necessary with a view to maintain its character , and to render it more worthy of appreciation by the great , the wise , and the good . In a former communication I have stated one or two points 011 which I believe this to be the case , and I trust that the number of such will increase . There can be no doubt that your difficulties are considerable : first , in obtaining access for your periodical among Masonic Lodges , in many of which it is never seenfor one brother remarks" As 11 bodthe lish

; , y Eng Masons do not appear to be a reading class . " Can this be seriously true ? If so , it is high time to endeavour to effect a change , since without a cultivation of the intellectual powers , and an examination of the numerous published works on the subject , the beauties of Freemasonry cannot be rightly understood and estimated , and great part of its influence must be lost . It is a stain which cannot be too soon washed out , and therefore I am

anxious not to lose this opportunity of promulgating it to the members of the institution . Again , as regards the sort of articles published under your auspices , one brother observes , "The articles the editor oftentimes inserts are very dull . " Another ( citfc the number of the Freemasons' Maqazinc for February 2 nd , p . 205 ) complains of the details of toasts , complimentary speeches , personal allusions of a nonniasonic character , publication of names of candidates for initiation , names of songs , & c . In this I confess 1 cannot but and in the

agree , reports I have forwarded of the meetings of Lodges , for insertion among the provincial intelligence , I have endeavoured not to fall into what I deem a mistake . You , brother Editor , sometimes very justly complain of a desire 011 the part of individuals that you should insert accounts of disputes between different brethren , though occasionally yielding to it , probably in opposition to your own judgment ; yet , it must be acknowledgedthat when they involve matters of Masonic princiles

, p and practice , such a course may not only be extenuated , but considered desirable for the guidance of others . Lastly , I have heard it remarked that the Magazine should contain nothing but what has distinct and exclusive reference to the Order , thus reflecting on your purely literary and scientific articles . Such an objector forgets the aim and intention of the second degree .

I ray excuse these hints . They may perhaps prove useful to you , or if , 111 true editorial independence , you disregard them entirely , pleading the privilege of your order not to permit dictation ( which indeed I should be sorry to oiler ) , they may nevertheless be beneficial in making your readers aware of the difficulties you have to surmount in suiting so a great number of tastes , and in inducing them to be indulgent , so long as you faithfully discharge your duty in making your Magazine an important , trustworthy , and medium of communicatifor

impartial on Masonic purposes , and a means of expounding the principles , advancing the interests , and exposing the abuses of the Order , always however avoiding personalities , which cannot but give just cause of offence in some quarter or other , and can never promote harmony , or indeed be productive of any advantage . A variety is clearly necessary ; your contributors must bear this in mind , as far as possible , so as to strengthen your hands , for it is manifest that by yourself it is impossible for you to furnish it ; that the chief burden must lie with