Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00300
the world . Our family secrets belong to ourselves and do not directly or indirectly concern any one else . The outward defences thrown around our Institution are absolutely necessary to presorve tho secrets of Masonry from unhallowed hands and the approach of tho impostor and the unworthy ; and overy Mason should bo proficient and have a
thorough knowledge of these defences ; bnt we mnst bear in mind that they are but the casket that contains the precious jewel , the hull that conceals tho kernel , the shell to presorve tho egg . The destruction of the ono is the inevitable ruin of the other as illustrated by Scotland ' s bonny bard , Bvo . Robert Burns •.
"Aye free aff ban your story tell When vri a bosom crony Bnt still keep something to yoursel Ye scarcely tell to ony . " OUR DUTIES AS FREEMASONS . —Onr duties and obligations as Freemasons are not confined within the narrow limits of a Lodge Room ;
thoy continue through life , extend to all situations and embrace all circumstances . We are bound to exemplify , practically , in our daily intercourse with eaoh other and with the world those great moral principles and cardinal virtues so constantly inculcated and symbolic , ally illustrated in the Lodge . To relieve the distressed , comfort the afflicted , provide for the widow and orphans of our deceased brothers ,
and educate the children of indigent Masons , are duties expressly enjoined upon us . We are taught to praotise no falsehood , hypocrisy or deceit , but to let truth , honesty and sincerity and plain dealing distinguish ns ; to restrain our affections , passions and appetites by temperance and sobriety ; to maintain a steady and noble purpose of mind and energy , firmness and fortitude ; to regulate our lives and
actions by prudence and discretion ; to render strict justice to every man without distinction , and praotise Charity . These are some of the more prominent virtues inculcated and enjoined upon us to whioh we have yielded a willing assent , and by which we profess to be governed ; and while we make them the constant , habitual and governing principles through life , we show to the world that there is
something in Freemasonry more than a useless , formal , unmeaning round of ceremonies . We have , my brethren , voluntarily assumed responsibilities of which we cannot now divest ourselves , and we have united with a sooiety whose characteristic badge is an emblem of innocence , and whose system of morals covers the whole range of our dnties to God , our neighbour and ourselves . Each brother , when he
takes upon himself the solemn pledge of a Mason , binds himself in the State to be " a quiet and peaceful subject , true to his Government and just to his country . " "Masonry , " says a distinguished writer , " is a singular , amiable institution , which in its Lodge rooms annihilates all parties , conciliates all private opinions , and obliterates all sectarian doctrines , " While Masons practise out of the Lodge room the excellent precepts inculcated and enforced in it , they famish a
better commentary upon the principles of their Institution and do moro towards abating prejudice , repelling calumny and silencing the bitter lisping of its enemies , than can be effected by the most profound reasoning and elaborate argument . Let us , then , my brethren , endeavour to live as near as possible up to our Masonio obligations , and never by our lips cast reproach upon our ancient and honourable Fraternity .
NEW MEMBERS . —We cannot be too often reminded of our solemn duties in all important matter of admitting new members into our time-honoured Institution . The qualifications of a candidate for the honours of Masonry shonld be of a positive nature . It is insufficient that nothing of a vicious character is known respecting a candidate ; the question should be— " Is he a man of good moral character ? Is he
a man of truth , honour and integrity ; will he add strength and respectability to the Institution ? " Let the honours of Masonry be conferred only on those thns carefully selected and Freemasonry will be as enduring as the everlasting hills . How impressive and emphatic the language of the good old charge , " A Mason is bound by his tenure to obey the moral law ; and if he rightly understands the art he will
never be a stupid atheist nor an irreligious libertine !" There is one other point in this connection on which I feel called upon to speak a word of caution . I fear that among some , perhaps , of the more inexperienced brethren the dangerous un-Masonic course may sometimes be pursued of inviting men to petition for the degrees of Masonry . Thi 3 is un-Masonic j in direct violation of the
fundamental principles of Masonry , and must meet the disapproval and condemnation of every good Mason , Great care shonld be taken not to be too forward in recommending the institution to those who are not members , but when called upon we may , on suitable occasions , express our opinions of its principles , and when requested to propose
the name of a friend for initiation we should cheerfully do this office , but beyond this we should be careful never to go in the way of offering the least inducement to the uninitiated to seek admission , for we are met at every step in Masonry by this positive injunction that the candidate must come of his own free will and accord .
THE SECRET BALLOT . —I have been pained to learn that in some cases rejected applicants have been apprised of the result of the ballot and the names of those who were supposed to have voted unfavourably . The ballot is sacred . No brother shonld seek to know how another votes , and if he should happeu to know , he has no right to communicate that knowledge to any one . It is wrong and un-Masonic for one to make known even his own ballot , as each member voting
affirmatively , by exhibiting or announcing his own vote , throws the censure or responsibility for rejection on the brother or brethren who may not so declare or expose their ballot . Every Worshipful Master of a subordinate Lodge shonld prohibit any discussion a 3 to how members have voted or may vote ; and no inquiry into the ballot should ever be allowed under any circumstances whatever . After the ballot has been taken , examined and the result announced by the Master , it is final and conclusive .
A MASON ' S WORD . —It is the duty of every Mason to so conduct himself that his word shall be above suspicion ; he should always be governed by that divine attribute , the law of truth . Bo behind a
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Mason ' s back what you are to his face ; gnard a brother Mason ' s good name ; above all , avoid tho low , contemptible , unmanly and mi-Masonic vico of slander . " What 13 to becomo of all our teachings if wo permit the vile and pestilent breath of slander to profane the lips with which we have pionounced all onr solemn Masonic obligations ?" " Of all tbo villains that live under God's bright snn , the slanderer is
the basest—and next to him tho being who listens and encourages . Nono aro safe from his attacks ; thero is no mark so high that his arrows will not reach , no reputation so bright his slimy breath will not tarnish . " While I am bound to vindicate a brofchor's character behind his back as well as before his face , I have a right to demand that every Mason
shall furnish a character worthy of being vindicated , and not a character that if I attempt to vindicate it I shall feel that I am dobasing my honour as a man . Live np to the teachings of Masonry , then our brothers will vindicate our character both to oar face aud behind our backs with pleasure to themselves and honour to the Masonio Fraternity .
STAND BY ANT > MAINTAIN THE ANCIENT REGULATIONS AND LAND - MARKS OF FREEMASONRY . —The Ancient Landwarks of Masonry constat of the Ancient Charges , the Old Regulations , the Constitutions , Regulations and Decisions of tho Grand Lodge , the General Usages and Customs of the Fraternity and the By-laws of the Lodge . A Landmark cannot be repealed or ohanged ; it is a law or custom , that has
existed from time immemorial . Tho present time is remarkable for the great number of societies and associations which have been formed for a variety of purposes and objects , and as many of the members of our Fraternity are connected with these different modern associations , great care should be taken that no change in our peculiar modes of action in our bnsiness
transactions are suffered to creep into our ancient customs and regulations . "As regards the principles and tenets of Freemasonry , no improvement can possibly be made ; therefore no placo for change is found ; and for this reason Masonry is an institution founded in the immutable laws of truth and justice . I would therefore recall to your minds tho injunction of our Supreme Grand Master , — "Remove not tho
laudmarks which thy fathers have set up and established . " It is believed by many intelligent Masons that the higher or fancy degrees called Masonry , as organized and worked separately and apart from the Blue Lodge , are seriously injuring Ancient Craft Masonry . There is no safety in innovation anywhere in our system ; make but one change and you will soon make another more dangerous and fatal
than the first . Touch not a single block , remove not one ancient Landmark , bnt transmit to posterity unimpaired our sacred tenets . " In Freemasonry there is neither a new day nor a new duty ; tho days of Masonry are as to-day , yesterday and for ever . They chango not , nor are they new . The duty which is laid down in the very foundations of the Ancient Craft Masonry of our fathers is our duty
to-day . " The prosperity of Masonry depends iu a great measure on the strict and cheerful obedience to the ancient landmarks . Moro time should be given for the instruction of candidates in the mysteries unfolded to them before other and more important information is imparted . They should have time to mark and inwardly digest what they have
already received before they are allowed to receive more . It is an old adage that , whatever a man knows but little about he will care but little for ; and the less instruction the young Mason receives the fainter will be his conception of the beauty and importance of tho great principles which lie afc the foundation of the Masonio Institution . If every candidate was strictly required , in accordance with the letter
and spirit of the ancient regulations , to be thoroughly instructed in one step in Masonry before he is allowed to take another , we would not see so many rough ashlars lying along our pathway to the middle chamber , nor so often hear of Masons who have taken all the degrees and who write 32 ° or 33 ° after their names , who are unable to work their way into a Master ' s Lodge . E . A . STEVENSON .
Grand Chapter.
GRAND CHAPTER .
THE Quarterley Convocation of Supremo Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was held on Wednesday evening , at Freemasons ' Hall . Comp . S . Rawson presided as M . E . Z ., Capt . Philips as H ., and Capt . Piatt as J ., there were also present Col . Shadwell H . ClerkeS . E ., Comps . E . E , Wendt as N ., J . A . Rucker as P . S ., the Rev . C . W . Arnold as 1 st A . S ., C . A . Murton as 2 nd A . S ,, Col . Creaton Treasurer , James Lewis Thomas as Sword Bearer , S . Mailing as
D . C ., H . G . Buss Assistant S . E ., Fenn , H . G . P . Dnmas , Joshua Nunn , W . F . Nettleship , A . J . Duff-Filer , Peter de L . Long , J . M . Case , E . J . Barron , Hyde Pnllen , H . Mnggeridge , and W , Ough . Grand Chapter was very nnmerously attended . Comp . Rawson announced that the Prince of Wales had appointed the following Comps . to be his Officers for the ensuing year : —the Earl of Carnarvon Pro Grand Z ., the
Earl of Lathom H ., Lord de Tabley J ., Lieut .-Col . Shadwell H . Clerke S . E ., Sir F . W . Truscott ( Lord Mayor ) S . N ., the Rev . R . P . Bent P . S ., Comp . F . R . Gonld 1 st Asst . S ., Comp . Frank Richardson 2 nd Asst . S ., Lieut .-Col . John Creaton Treasurer , Comp . JR . J . Mclntyre , Q . C ., M . P ., Registrar , Lieut .-Col . H . S . Somerville Burney Sword Bearer , Comp . J . Henderson Scott Standard Bearer ,
Comp . Magnus Ohren D . C ., Comp . H . G . Buss Asst . S . E ., and Comp Henry Sadler Janitor . On the motion of Col . Creaton , dnly seconded , charters for new Chapters were granted to the Yarrowee Lodge , No . 713 , Ballrrat , Victoria , the Hova Ecclesia Lodge , No . 1466 , Brighton , the Eaton Lodge , No . 533 , Congleton , Cheshire , the Bedford Lodge , No . 157 , London , and the Abercorn Lodge , No . 1549 .
Stanmore . The Prince of Wales appointed Col . Creaton President , and Comps . R . Grey and A . J . Duff-Filer members of the Committee of General Purposes , and Comps . H . C . Levander , E . Letchworth , C . F . Hogard , James Lewis Thomas , George Lambert and F . Adlard were elected members of the same Committee by Grand Chapter , which was thereupon duly closed .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00300
the world . Our family secrets belong to ourselves and do not directly or indirectly concern any one else . The outward defences thrown around our Institution are absolutely necessary to presorve tho secrets of Masonry from unhallowed hands and the approach of tho impostor and the unworthy ; and overy Mason should bo proficient and have a
thorough knowledge of these defences ; bnt we mnst bear in mind that they are but the casket that contains the precious jewel , the hull that conceals tho kernel , the shell to presorve tho egg . The destruction of the ono is the inevitable ruin of the other as illustrated by Scotland ' s bonny bard , Bvo . Robert Burns •.
"Aye free aff ban your story tell When vri a bosom crony Bnt still keep something to yoursel Ye scarcely tell to ony . " OUR DUTIES AS FREEMASONS . —Onr duties and obligations as Freemasons are not confined within the narrow limits of a Lodge Room ;
thoy continue through life , extend to all situations and embrace all circumstances . We are bound to exemplify , practically , in our daily intercourse with eaoh other and with the world those great moral principles and cardinal virtues so constantly inculcated and symbolic , ally illustrated in the Lodge . To relieve the distressed , comfort the afflicted , provide for the widow and orphans of our deceased brothers ,
and educate the children of indigent Masons , are duties expressly enjoined upon us . We are taught to praotise no falsehood , hypocrisy or deceit , but to let truth , honesty and sincerity and plain dealing distinguish ns ; to restrain our affections , passions and appetites by temperance and sobriety ; to maintain a steady and noble purpose of mind and energy , firmness and fortitude ; to regulate our lives and
actions by prudence and discretion ; to render strict justice to every man without distinction , and praotise Charity . These are some of the more prominent virtues inculcated and enjoined upon us to whioh we have yielded a willing assent , and by which we profess to be governed ; and while we make them the constant , habitual and governing principles through life , we show to the world that there is
something in Freemasonry more than a useless , formal , unmeaning round of ceremonies . We have , my brethren , voluntarily assumed responsibilities of which we cannot now divest ourselves , and we have united with a sooiety whose characteristic badge is an emblem of innocence , and whose system of morals covers the whole range of our dnties to God , our neighbour and ourselves . Each brother , when he
takes upon himself the solemn pledge of a Mason , binds himself in the State to be " a quiet and peaceful subject , true to his Government and just to his country . " "Masonry , " says a distinguished writer , " is a singular , amiable institution , which in its Lodge rooms annihilates all parties , conciliates all private opinions , and obliterates all sectarian doctrines , " While Masons practise out of the Lodge room the excellent precepts inculcated and enforced in it , they famish a
better commentary upon the principles of their Institution and do moro towards abating prejudice , repelling calumny and silencing the bitter lisping of its enemies , than can be effected by the most profound reasoning and elaborate argument . Let us , then , my brethren , endeavour to live as near as possible up to our Masonio obligations , and never by our lips cast reproach upon our ancient and honourable Fraternity .
NEW MEMBERS . —We cannot be too often reminded of our solemn duties in all important matter of admitting new members into our time-honoured Institution . The qualifications of a candidate for the honours of Masonry shonld be of a positive nature . It is insufficient that nothing of a vicious character is known respecting a candidate ; the question should be— " Is he a man of good moral character ? Is he
a man of truth , honour and integrity ; will he add strength and respectability to the Institution ? " Let the honours of Masonry be conferred only on those thns carefully selected and Freemasonry will be as enduring as the everlasting hills . How impressive and emphatic the language of the good old charge , " A Mason is bound by his tenure to obey the moral law ; and if he rightly understands the art he will
never be a stupid atheist nor an irreligious libertine !" There is one other point in this connection on which I feel called upon to speak a word of caution . I fear that among some , perhaps , of the more inexperienced brethren the dangerous un-Masonic course may sometimes be pursued of inviting men to petition for the degrees of Masonry . Thi 3 is un-Masonic j in direct violation of the
fundamental principles of Masonry , and must meet the disapproval and condemnation of every good Mason , Great care shonld be taken not to be too forward in recommending the institution to those who are not members , but when called upon we may , on suitable occasions , express our opinions of its principles , and when requested to propose
the name of a friend for initiation we should cheerfully do this office , but beyond this we should be careful never to go in the way of offering the least inducement to the uninitiated to seek admission , for we are met at every step in Masonry by this positive injunction that the candidate must come of his own free will and accord .
THE SECRET BALLOT . —I have been pained to learn that in some cases rejected applicants have been apprised of the result of the ballot and the names of those who were supposed to have voted unfavourably . The ballot is sacred . No brother shonld seek to know how another votes , and if he should happeu to know , he has no right to communicate that knowledge to any one . It is wrong and un-Masonic for one to make known even his own ballot , as each member voting
affirmatively , by exhibiting or announcing his own vote , throws the censure or responsibility for rejection on the brother or brethren who may not so declare or expose their ballot . Every Worshipful Master of a subordinate Lodge shonld prohibit any discussion a 3 to how members have voted or may vote ; and no inquiry into the ballot should ever be allowed under any circumstances whatever . After the ballot has been taken , examined and the result announced by the Master , it is final and conclusive .
A MASON ' S WORD . —It is the duty of every Mason to so conduct himself that his word shall be above suspicion ; he should always be governed by that divine attribute , the law of truth . Bo behind a
Ar00301
Mason ' s back what you are to his face ; gnard a brother Mason ' s good name ; above all , avoid tho low , contemptible , unmanly and mi-Masonic vico of slander . " What 13 to becomo of all our teachings if wo permit the vile and pestilent breath of slander to profane the lips with which we have pionounced all onr solemn Masonic obligations ?" " Of all tbo villains that live under God's bright snn , the slanderer is
the basest—and next to him tho being who listens and encourages . Nono aro safe from his attacks ; thero is no mark so high that his arrows will not reach , no reputation so bright his slimy breath will not tarnish . " While I am bound to vindicate a brofchor's character behind his back as well as before his face , I have a right to demand that every Mason
shall furnish a character worthy of being vindicated , and not a character that if I attempt to vindicate it I shall feel that I am dobasing my honour as a man . Live np to the teachings of Masonry , then our brothers will vindicate our character both to oar face aud behind our backs with pleasure to themselves and honour to the Masonio Fraternity .
STAND BY ANT > MAINTAIN THE ANCIENT REGULATIONS AND LAND - MARKS OF FREEMASONRY . —The Ancient Landwarks of Masonry constat of the Ancient Charges , the Old Regulations , the Constitutions , Regulations and Decisions of tho Grand Lodge , the General Usages and Customs of the Fraternity and the By-laws of the Lodge . A Landmark cannot be repealed or ohanged ; it is a law or custom , that has
existed from time immemorial . Tho present time is remarkable for the great number of societies and associations which have been formed for a variety of purposes and objects , and as many of the members of our Fraternity are connected with these different modern associations , great care should be taken that no change in our peculiar modes of action in our bnsiness
transactions are suffered to creep into our ancient customs and regulations . "As regards the principles and tenets of Freemasonry , no improvement can possibly be made ; therefore no placo for change is found ; and for this reason Masonry is an institution founded in the immutable laws of truth and justice . I would therefore recall to your minds tho injunction of our Supreme Grand Master , — "Remove not tho
laudmarks which thy fathers have set up and established . " It is believed by many intelligent Masons that the higher or fancy degrees called Masonry , as organized and worked separately and apart from the Blue Lodge , are seriously injuring Ancient Craft Masonry . There is no safety in innovation anywhere in our system ; make but one change and you will soon make another more dangerous and fatal
than the first . Touch not a single block , remove not one ancient Landmark , bnt transmit to posterity unimpaired our sacred tenets . " In Freemasonry there is neither a new day nor a new duty ; tho days of Masonry are as to-day , yesterday and for ever . They chango not , nor are they new . The duty which is laid down in the very foundations of the Ancient Craft Masonry of our fathers is our duty
to-day . " The prosperity of Masonry depends iu a great measure on the strict and cheerful obedience to the ancient landmarks . Moro time should be given for the instruction of candidates in the mysteries unfolded to them before other and more important information is imparted . They should have time to mark and inwardly digest what they have
already received before they are allowed to receive more . It is an old adage that , whatever a man knows but little about he will care but little for ; and the less instruction the young Mason receives the fainter will be his conception of the beauty and importance of tho great principles which lie afc the foundation of the Masonio Institution . If every candidate was strictly required , in accordance with the letter
and spirit of the ancient regulations , to be thoroughly instructed in one step in Masonry before he is allowed to take another , we would not see so many rough ashlars lying along our pathway to the middle chamber , nor so often hear of Masons who have taken all the degrees and who write 32 ° or 33 ° after their names , who are unable to work their way into a Master ' s Lodge . E . A . STEVENSON .
Grand Chapter.
GRAND CHAPTER .
THE Quarterley Convocation of Supremo Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was held on Wednesday evening , at Freemasons ' Hall . Comp . S . Rawson presided as M . E . Z ., Capt . Philips as H ., and Capt . Piatt as J ., there were also present Col . Shadwell H . ClerkeS . E ., Comps . E . E , Wendt as N ., J . A . Rucker as P . S ., the Rev . C . W . Arnold as 1 st A . S ., C . A . Murton as 2 nd A . S ,, Col . Creaton Treasurer , James Lewis Thomas as Sword Bearer , S . Mailing as
D . C ., H . G . Buss Assistant S . E ., Fenn , H . G . P . Dnmas , Joshua Nunn , W . F . Nettleship , A . J . Duff-Filer , Peter de L . Long , J . M . Case , E . J . Barron , Hyde Pnllen , H . Mnggeridge , and W , Ough . Grand Chapter was very nnmerously attended . Comp . Rawson announced that the Prince of Wales had appointed the following Comps . to be his Officers for the ensuing year : —the Earl of Carnarvon Pro Grand Z ., the
Earl of Lathom H ., Lord de Tabley J ., Lieut .-Col . Shadwell H . Clerke S . E ., Sir F . W . Truscott ( Lord Mayor ) S . N ., the Rev . R . P . Bent P . S ., Comp . F . R . Gonld 1 st Asst . S ., Comp . Frank Richardson 2 nd Asst . S ., Lieut .-Col . John Creaton Treasurer , Comp . JR . J . Mclntyre , Q . C ., M . P ., Registrar , Lieut .-Col . H . S . Somerville Burney Sword Bearer , Comp . J . Henderson Scott Standard Bearer ,
Comp . Magnus Ohren D . C ., Comp . H . G . Buss Asst . S . E ., and Comp Henry Sadler Janitor . On the motion of Col . Creaton , dnly seconded , charters for new Chapters were granted to the Yarrowee Lodge , No . 713 , Ballrrat , Victoria , the Hova Ecclesia Lodge , No . 1466 , Brighton , the Eaton Lodge , No . 533 , Congleton , Cheshire , the Bedford Lodge , No . 157 , London , and the Abercorn Lodge , No . 1549 .
Stanmore . The Prince of Wales appointed Col . Creaton President , and Comps . R . Grey and A . J . Duff-Filer members of the Committee of General Purposes , and Comps . H . C . Levander , E . Letchworth , C . F . Hogard , James Lewis Thomas , George Lambert and F . Adlard were elected members of the same Committee by Grand Chapter , which was thereupon duly closed .