Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Performance Of Masonic Work. By Bro. William Rounseville.
to every statement in regard to what he is about to undergo , they manage to make him believe that the work upon which , he is enterprising is a silly burlesque that a buffoon might love and delight in , but which is beneath the dignity of an
honorable man ; and if he is a man of sense , he enters with his prejudices aroused to a degree that utterly precludes a fair and candid estimate of the i-eal value of the Institution . All this effect is frequently produced before the candidate appears for
initiation , and this will account for many of those who , having made application and been received , never present themselves for the degrees . But the evil does not end outside of the lodge . The candidate presents himself for initiation , and is seated in the ante-chamber . The members
naturally gather around him , congratulate him on his reception , ivhich they ought to do , and frequently acid to the impressions already received of trifling nature of the Institution , by ill-timed jests and allusions to the ceremonies , ivhich are Avithout
foundation and wrong . Too often the officer sent to induct the candidate into the lodge , adds his voice to the general acclaim and joins in the ridiculous scheme to render the impression of the worthlessuess permanent . Even in the
performance of the duties of his office , and in the explanations which he ought to make , and which the candidate has a right to expect , there is sometimes a veiu of levity which is calculated to efface all good impressions , and still further confirm the
neophyte in the idea that he has formed of the trifling character of the ceremony through which be is about to pass . We do not suppose that these influences always exist about a candidate ; but it will not be disputed
that they exist too often . And admitting this , there is an inference to be drawn that is probably of more importance to the Fraternity than most members imagine . Admitting that the world ¦ without gets its ideas of Masonry from the
representations of such men , and the infallible consequences is that vain , trifling , unsound men will be attracted to it , and become members . If the representations of the lodge work are true , then the Institutions is valueless for men of sense and
honour , and fit only for those whose inclinations lead them to be pleased ivith buffoonery , and to be satisfied with a ridiculous mummery ivhen a solemn and impressive ceremony ought to be expected . This is the legitimate effect of the course out o f-
Performance Of Masonic Work. By Bro. William Rounseville.
tlie lodge , and in the ante-room , to which we have referred . Perhaps it would be saying too much to assert that this baneful effect is already spreading over the fairest fields of Masonry , and yet we do not believe it ivould be one whit beyond the truth .
Are not our lodges , to some extent , ruled and governed by those who have obtained entrance under these circumstances ? Now , every good Mason knows that such representations of the ceremonies of Masonry , as
we have referred to , are false in fact and in spirit . There is nothing of a trifling nature in the ceremonies . There is nothing which would be repugnant to the feelings of an honourable , high-minded gentleman . There is nothing trivial or ridiculous
about them , and it is a crime against the Institution and against truth , to say otherwise . Then why not , to the world and to the candidate , give the true colouring ? Represent it as it is , as a
solemn and practical system of moral instruction , designed to influence the lives and conduct of its initiates for good ? It is the duty of every Mason to do so Avhenever he speaks of the Order . He knows that ivhen he does otherwise , he gives a
false impression and one that is calculated to damage the Institution . It is argued that this is frequently done thoughtlessly . Is this a justification of the fault ? In our view it is scarcely a palliation . No Mason
has the right to be so thoughtless as this excuse ivould imply . Especially he should not be so thoughtless as to slander a society and a system ivhich he professes to love and revere . Our brethren should think and act accordingly .
In the ante-room a solemnity and an earnestness befitting the occasion , should be maintained . Not a funereal sadness nor a gloomy ascetism , but a carriage which , Avhile it is cheerful and pleasant , is sincere and mindful of the business in ivhich
they are about to engage . This should be the rule of both officers and brethren . This done , the candidate Avill approach the door of the lodge in a frame of mind that will appreciate the truths enunciated , the symbols presented , the
moral precepts enjoined , and will leave the lodge , the ceremonies finished , with the conviction of the value , the beauty and the soundness of Masonry and the Masonic ritual . In a future paper we propose to follow the candidate into the lodge , and examine in a fraternal spirit the nature and method of the wor
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Performance Of Masonic Work. By Bro. William Rounseville.
to every statement in regard to what he is about to undergo , they manage to make him believe that the work upon which , he is enterprising is a silly burlesque that a buffoon might love and delight in , but which is beneath the dignity of an
honorable man ; and if he is a man of sense , he enters with his prejudices aroused to a degree that utterly precludes a fair and candid estimate of the i-eal value of the Institution . All this effect is frequently produced before the candidate appears for
initiation , and this will account for many of those who , having made application and been received , never present themselves for the degrees . But the evil does not end outside of the lodge . The candidate presents himself for initiation , and is seated in the ante-chamber . The members
naturally gather around him , congratulate him on his reception , ivhich they ought to do , and frequently acid to the impressions already received of trifling nature of the Institution , by ill-timed jests and allusions to the ceremonies , ivhich are Avithout
foundation and wrong . Too often the officer sent to induct the candidate into the lodge , adds his voice to the general acclaim and joins in the ridiculous scheme to render the impression of the worthlessuess permanent . Even in the
performance of the duties of his office , and in the explanations which he ought to make , and which the candidate has a right to expect , there is sometimes a veiu of levity which is calculated to efface all good impressions , and still further confirm the
neophyte in the idea that he has formed of the trifling character of the ceremony through which be is about to pass . We do not suppose that these influences always exist about a candidate ; but it will not be disputed
that they exist too often . And admitting this , there is an inference to be drawn that is probably of more importance to the Fraternity than most members imagine . Admitting that the world ¦ without gets its ideas of Masonry from the
representations of such men , and the infallible consequences is that vain , trifling , unsound men will be attracted to it , and become members . If the representations of the lodge work are true , then the Institutions is valueless for men of sense and
honour , and fit only for those whose inclinations lead them to be pleased ivith buffoonery , and to be satisfied with a ridiculous mummery ivhen a solemn and impressive ceremony ought to be expected . This is the legitimate effect of the course out o f-
Performance Of Masonic Work. By Bro. William Rounseville.
tlie lodge , and in the ante-room , to which we have referred . Perhaps it would be saying too much to assert that this baneful effect is already spreading over the fairest fields of Masonry , and yet we do not believe it ivould be one whit beyond the truth .
Are not our lodges , to some extent , ruled and governed by those who have obtained entrance under these circumstances ? Now , every good Mason knows that such representations of the ceremonies of Masonry , as
we have referred to , are false in fact and in spirit . There is nothing of a trifling nature in the ceremonies . There is nothing which would be repugnant to the feelings of an honourable , high-minded gentleman . There is nothing trivial or ridiculous
about them , and it is a crime against the Institution and against truth , to say otherwise . Then why not , to the world and to the candidate , give the true colouring ? Represent it as it is , as a
solemn and practical system of moral instruction , designed to influence the lives and conduct of its initiates for good ? It is the duty of every Mason to do so Avhenever he speaks of the Order . He knows that ivhen he does otherwise , he gives a
false impression and one that is calculated to damage the Institution . It is argued that this is frequently done thoughtlessly . Is this a justification of the fault ? In our view it is scarcely a palliation . No Mason
has the right to be so thoughtless as this excuse ivould imply . Especially he should not be so thoughtless as to slander a society and a system ivhich he professes to love and revere . Our brethren should think and act accordingly .
In the ante-room a solemnity and an earnestness befitting the occasion , should be maintained . Not a funereal sadness nor a gloomy ascetism , but a carriage which , Avhile it is cheerful and pleasant , is sincere and mindful of the business in ivhich
they are about to engage . This should be the rule of both officers and brethren . This done , the candidate Avill approach the door of the lodge in a frame of mind that will appreciate the truths enunciated , the symbols presented , the
moral precepts enjoined , and will leave the lodge , the ceremonies finished , with the conviction of the value , the beauty and the soundness of Masonry and the Masonic ritual . In a future paper we propose to follow the candidate into the lodge , and examine in a fraternal spirit the nature and method of the wor