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Original Correspondence.
away , and that there was a glorious and unclounded sunshine throughout the whole of the Masonic world . Such were the sentiments of our noble brother the Earl of Zetland , and if they were true then what shall we say now , when the Craft has for its ruler the heir apparent to the Throne , and under whose Royal government Masonry has gained a pre-eminence that even the most ardent
supporter of our Order could hardly have anticipated . Look at the vast accession to our numbers and the great increase in the number of lodges that have taken place within the last few years ; the subscriptions to the Charities have been largely in excess of what they ever were before , and the Fund of Benevolence , acting upon the true principle of charity , has " not withheld the liberal hand . " Such
being the proud position wc now occupy , not only in maintaining and dispensing the great objects of our Order , but being at peace with all the world , I want to know why this happy state of affairs should ever be disturbed by senseless agitation , and that while we arc going on so harmoniously . I would most humbly suggest that we might
advantageously act upon a somewhat old and matured maxim to " let well alone . " If there are objections to the existing system of working , and I must say that I , in common with many others , never heard of them even if they do exist , why when they were discovered was not a proper representation made by any one under whose cognisance they had come , either to the Provincial Grand Master or Deputy
Provincial Grand Master ; or , proceeding by a more direct and speedy course , have made complaint to the Board of General Purposes , who have the power at once to summon the Master and officers of the offending lodge to come forward and give an explanation of their conduct in permitting matters to take place in their lodge which are repugnant to us as Masons , and the noble Order to which
it is our privilege to belong . If the violation of our proceedings was so flagrant I should have thought that not an hour would have been lost in giving information to that body who arc empowered and would be ready at once to go into an investigation of the complaint ; but , instead of that , the whole matter is allowed to slumber until many years perhaps have passed over , and then
certain loose statements arc made in Grand Lodge , without the name of the place or lodge being given where these illegal proceedings arc alleged to have occurred . It was well said by Bro . Fenn , one of the must esteemed Grand Officers , a short time ago , that if any attempt was made to interfere or disturb the present ritual , although there might be a little diversity in the mode of working , they
might know where they began the tampering process , but they would never know where they would leave off ; and I think these were words of warning that ought not to be slighted or disregarded . As to the formation of a committee to consider some project for making a uniformity of ritual , I would like to know how such a committee could be composed to represent all the lodges hailing under the
Grand Lodge of England , what they will have to consider , and whether much before " St . Tibb ' s Eve" they will be likely to make their report ? If by any chance that event should be completed , and granting that the Grand Lodge should be able to sanction their resolutions , I am anxious to know how their lucubrations are to be effected . Are we to hate itinerant lecturers going about the country with a
cut-and-dricd ritual written out , and visiting the different lodges to point out to them how wrong they have been acting , and how they have been in the dark for so many vears , and who is to be the future mouthpiece in the lodge that is to instruct the rest of the brethren , and the rising officers in particular , as to the correct mode of working ? How long is the lecturer to stay in each place ; and , above
all , who is to pay the piper ? Even supposing that the Grand Lodge was by an army of itererant lecturers to set about this ugly job , what power is there to enforce its edicts ; and what would be the consequence of any lodge not complying with these new-fangled notions , that had quietly pursued the even tenor of its way in one course for many generations ? Whatever aspect in which this
question is looked at , it is an unpleasant one , and , as it appears to me , surrounded with unsurmountable difficulties . The choice of the committee who are to be appointed to enter upon this endless and hopeless task is thrown
upon the Board of General Purposes , but I do hope that for the sake of the harmony of the Craft throughout the civilised world they will have nothing to do with this bantling that has been laid at their door , but leave it to be carried away by any one who may think it worth the trouble to do so .
I am , dear Sir and Brethren , yours fraternally , X . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Just a few words of congratulation to " One who was in Grand Lodge " on his vaticination or prophetical gift , for in the Freemason ol the 3 rd he says that he is looking forward with interest to my explanatory letter ,
whereas I had nothing to explain but only my right of reply to the criticisms on my first letter , and lastly he differs with me on a point which only appears in my letter of the same date as his , namely , the 3 rd of January , as to the majority on Bro . Stevens' motion , at the last Grand Lodge meeting . Unless he is a particularly favoured individual , and allowed to overhaul the correspondence before it appears in print , or is the corrector of the paper , or is a prophet
bom , I cannot account for the extraordinary coincidence of his knowing either that I was going to write , or what I was going to say in my letter . Vours fraternally , CHARLES JOHN PERCEVAL , V . P . 8 , Thurloe PJacc , S . W . c . th January 1880 . [ We have no doubt " One who was in Grand Lodge " will answer this next week . —ED . ]
Original Correspondence.
To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — As my letters in answer to criticisms on an original letlter of mine on matters of high Masonic importance are not permitted to appear until a fortni ght has elapsed , until the subject matter has been forgotten , or until another brother has been allowed to peruse my answer ,
and he is ready with his reply for the same identical issue in which my answer appears , it is needless for me to continue what I hoped would have been a friendly discussion , but which called forth an amount of acerbity and dogmatic assertion I was totally unprepared for , which , however , I endeavoured to reply to peacefully by using a little playful badinage , but the " emollit mires , " & c , & c ., was
ineffectual . So much for " Bro . A . F . A . Woodford , " ai d " One who was in Grand Lodge , " and who ought to be brothers by nature as well as Masonically , their style of writing is so similar . With regard to Bro . Neilson , whom I have not the honour of knowing , I have only to say that if Bro . Neilson likes to make me a present of a Book of Constitutions it will be carefully
placed in the cabinet set apart for gifts from particular friends ; secondly , that I have as much right to express my opinion as he has , and shall always continue to exercise that right without asking his permission ; and , thirdly , that I am not aware that an informer against those whose hospitalities one has partaken of was a
distinguished characteristic and obligation of either a Mason or any other man . I have now finished , once and for all , feeling extremely grieved that an honest opinion cannot be received and answered in a fair and impartial spirit , without uncalled for insinuations , interspersed with needless personal recriminations and remarks . I remain , yours fraternally ,
CHARLES JOHN PERCEVAL . [ We have taken out several personal remarks on Bro Neilson , whose high Masonic character is well known both in England and Ireland . —ED . ]
Dear Bro . Kenning , — I have read Bro . Stevens' last letter , and as he mentions me again , and even appeals to mc , 1 think it well to say a few words . I do not see that anything he has now put forward requires any answer from inc . I have given a reply on all that I deem advisable , and to Bro . Perceval , and I feel sure that it is belter for many
reasons not to continue this discussion . With rrgard to Bro . Stevens' proposal , meant personally , no doubt , kindly to myself , of forming one of the Committee , I do nut sec my way to accept any such suggestion , even supposing Grand Lodge approved of it , if even Bro . Stevens can make it . Were the Grand Master to request any of Grand Lodge or the Craft tn form a
Special Committtee on the subject , I should endeavour to 00 my duty to him and the Craft , but honestly disapproving of the present proposal , with all deferenre to Bro . Stevens , [ should think I were acting a dishonest part if with my known opinion I agreed to accept any such nomination . The more I think over and study the question , whether with the " lights of the past " or the " experience of the
present , " the more I am convinced of the unwisdom and mischievousness of the proposed enquiry , as well as of its certain " fiasco , " and assured futility . I think Bro . Stevens will agree with me that the place on the Committee he has courteously proposed I should fill had better be occupied by one who believes in the necessity of the movement and the possibility of any good arising from it . I am , yours fraternally , A . F . A . WOODFORD .
" To the Editor 0 / the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Although belonging to the Scottish Constitution , I take a deep interest in matters affecting the wellfare of the Craft , both in England andelscwhere , and I am , therefore a regular reader of your useful paper . I ventured a few weeks since to draw attention in your columns to some
important points which seem to me entitled to the serious attention of reformers in the direction indicated by the title which has been given to the recent rather lengthy discussion . Whilst their is plenty of room for difference of opinion regarding the possibility of exacting a perfect uniformity of ritual and working , and also of the wisdom of such a uniformity in what I may term non-essentials , if possible ,
I do not think any will be found to deny the necessity of taking steps to ensure something like uniformity in the method of imparting the essential and distinctive secrets of the several Degrees , and of testing strangers or visiting brethren therein . This uniformity is needful , both to ensure more care than is given , I admit , in Scotland to the latter matter , and to protect bona fide brethren , initiated under a
different constitution , from an un-Masonic system of testing , and from the risk ( not to say the certainty ) of being shewn the door , because they either cannot or will not impart what they did not receive , and what their is no obligation upon them to have acquired . Of my last letter little notice was taken . One brother expressed his " sympathy " with my complaint ; whilst another contented himself with referring
to the laxity of a Scottish lodge he had visited—thus apparently asserting his belief that " two blacks make a white . " If half the energy shown by your-elf and your numerous correspondents in the controversy now being carried on had been diverted to securing the limited
unilormity I have suggested , some good must have resulted ; whereas it seems to mc , as an outsider , that the only fruit of the discussion has been to foster a spirit of contention for the sake of argument , a free indulgence in personalities , and a liberal sprinkling throughout of the word " un-Masonic . "
I here are one or two ideas which must have struck many who have silently followed the discussion , if it can be so-called , and which open up side questions of more importance than the original one in dispute . First , it has been suggested ( I think by yourself ) that it
Original Correspondence.
would be wise at the next Quarterly Communication to refuse to confirm the resolution arrived at in last Grand Lodge , and thus undo Bro . Stevens' work . Now , I submit that this is altogether irregular in any society . Whilst the minutes of Grand Committee or of the Board of General Purposes are submitted to Grand Lodge to be confirmed , ratified , or adopted , the minutes of a . previous
Quarterly Communication are only submitted for confirmation as correctly recorded . To depart from this principle would lead to endless confusion and contention , and too much waste of valuable time . Grand Lodge having given its decision on a motion submitted after due notice , the only Masonic course is to recognise and to co-operate in carrying out the wishes of
the majority . In the matter in question , wby cannot those learned brethren who oppose the principle of a rigid uniformity accept Bro . Stevens' invitation to act on his Committee , and then give expression to their views ? I apprehend the Committee is not pledged beforehand to any
definite course , and no party can lose anything by ventilating the question , and such co-operation may lead to some middle course being resolved upon , satisfactory to all . Trusting my letter will not be thought too long for insertion , 1 am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , M . M . No . 392 , S . C .
To the Editor of llic " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Bro . James Stevens persevcringly ignores all the important arguments which you , Sir , and others have adduced in proof of the ill-advised character of his action on this subject , and surely , after you have shown that no good can result from any such action , it is scarcely
less than an affront for him to ask you and others who have adopted your own clearly expressed views , to " honour " him by becoming members of that which he regards as " his Committee . " Again I beg to direct Bro . James Stevens' attention to the Book of Constitutions , and to the ordinary conduct of Masonic business , and , if he has time to spare for these
common place matters , he will see by the study of them , that he is not in ihe position to ask any one to " honour " him by accepting any post on " his Committee . " " His " motion is not yet confirmed , and until it is no action can be taken upon it . By shouting down free discussion , and by keeping Grand Lodge from seeing the whole bearings of the case , he achieved what is apparently the proud
distincion to him of carrying a vote at the end of a long meeting . But it will have to pass the scrutiny of Grand Lodge when our governing body has all its faculties about it ; there will be an appeal from Phillip drowsy to Phillip awake , and Grand Lodge will best consult the peace of the Craft by relegating Bro . Stevens , his motion , his speeches , and his paste and scissors " work " to the quiet
dignity of the " innumerable lodges of instruction " of which he is so bright an ornament . The Freemason is doing an immense advantage to the Craft by calling attention to the serious side of this question ( for it has its ludicrous side as well ) and the unnecessary character as well . Bro . Stevens' motion flouts the Provincial Grand Masters by impugning the manner in
which they permit "work" to be done . It imputes to Masters and Past Masters that they have strayed from their plighted words in carrying out ceremonies not in accordance with the principles of the Craft . Then it sets at nought the Board of General Purposes—the elected representatives of the Grand Lodge on all questions . 1 speak in italics , but use none when I say that every good
object would be served by referring the whole subject to the proper authority—the Board of General Purposes—and the moving for a Committee is a slight upon that representative body of the Craft . I am afraid , however , that the reference to the Board of General Purposes ( if , indeed , there is anything to refer ) will be far from the wish of Bro . Stevens , for the simple
reason that in this event he would not be the centre of what would be going on . He must be the Alpha and Omega , or else , in his eyes , the matter is , like Mr . Toots ' letters , " of no consequence . " There are a few practical considerations which have been overlooked . If the Committee should be firmed , who will represent on it the colonies and foreign districts ?
Who will pay the expenses ? Bro . Stevens , it is evident , has nominated himself President , or " Grand Director , " and I warn those who are inclined to support Bro . Stevens that if the Committee fall off , as it will be likely to do from the childishness of its inquiries , Bro . Stevens will not slacken . Bottom , the weaver , wanted to " play the lion , too , " and Bro . Stevens will tell us— " The Committee , 1 am
the Committee I " after the style of the French despot , " La France , e ' est moi . " He will bring down his hammergavel , I mean—with some astonishing knocks at " systems " he is not " inclined to , " and support to those he has " a mind to . " His action will not be in the interests of peace and harmony , but it will serve his turn—a " turn " shown in the fact that , disregarding all the traditions of
the Craft , he has made , and printed what he terms a " book " of correspondence on " Masonic ritual "—he , a P . M . and P . Z . ; and , not content with this , has sent it for review to the general newspapers of the country . Is an > thing more needed to show brethren the disadvantage and danger of trusting themselves to one whose zeal is unguided by prudence ? Bro . Stevens is kind enough to speak about my skill in
giving him a good advertisement . From what I know of the book trade , I can say that a paste and scissors " composition " will need attention being skilfully drawn to it ; but Bro . Stevens needs the application of no such skill , for he , of himself , " doth give us bold advertisement . " It is time , however , for him to leave off the Bombastes Fmioso style and deal with arguments . I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours faithfully and obediently ,. JOHN WHILE , P . M . 228 .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
away , and that there was a glorious and unclounded sunshine throughout the whole of the Masonic world . Such were the sentiments of our noble brother the Earl of Zetland , and if they were true then what shall we say now , when the Craft has for its ruler the heir apparent to the Throne , and under whose Royal government Masonry has gained a pre-eminence that even the most ardent
supporter of our Order could hardly have anticipated . Look at the vast accession to our numbers and the great increase in the number of lodges that have taken place within the last few years ; the subscriptions to the Charities have been largely in excess of what they ever were before , and the Fund of Benevolence , acting upon the true principle of charity , has " not withheld the liberal hand . " Such
being the proud position wc now occupy , not only in maintaining and dispensing the great objects of our Order , but being at peace with all the world , I want to know why this happy state of affairs should ever be disturbed by senseless agitation , and that while we arc going on so harmoniously . I would most humbly suggest that we might
advantageously act upon a somewhat old and matured maxim to " let well alone . " If there are objections to the existing system of working , and I must say that I , in common with many others , never heard of them even if they do exist , why when they were discovered was not a proper representation made by any one under whose cognisance they had come , either to the Provincial Grand Master or Deputy
Provincial Grand Master ; or , proceeding by a more direct and speedy course , have made complaint to the Board of General Purposes , who have the power at once to summon the Master and officers of the offending lodge to come forward and give an explanation of their conduct in permitting matters to take place in their lodge which are repugnant to us as Masons , and the noble Order to which
it is our privilege to belong . If the violation of our proceedings was so flagrant I should have thought that not an hour would have been lost in giving information to that body who arc empowered and would be ready at once to go into an investigation of the complaint ; but , instead of that , the whole matter is allowed to slumber until many years perhaps have passed over , and then
certain loose statements arc made in Grand Lodge , without the name of the place or lodge being given where these illegal proceedings arc alleged to have occurred . It was well said by Bro . Fenn , one of the must esteemed Grand Officers , a short time ago , that if any attempt was made to interfere or disturb the present ritual , although there might be a little diversity in the mode of working , they
might know where they began the tampering process , but they would never know where they would leave off ; and I think these were words of warning that ought not to be slighted or disregarded . As to the formation of a committee to consider some project for making a uniformity of ritual , I would like to know how such a committee could be composed to represent all the lodges hailing under the
Grand Lodge of England , what they will have to consider , and whether much before " St . Tibb ' s Eve" they will be likely to make their report ? If by any chance that event should be completed , and granting that the Grand Lodge should be able to sanction their resolutions , I am anxious to know how their lucubrations are to be effected . Are we to hate itinerant lecturers going about the country with a
cut-and-dricd ritual written out , and visiting the different lodges to point out to them how wrong they have been acting , and how they have been in the dark for so many vears , and who is to be the future mouthpiece in the lodge that is to instruct the rest of the brethren , and the rising officers in particular , as to the correct mode of working ? How long is the lecturer to stay in each place ; and , above
all , who is to pay the piper ? Even supposing that the Grand Lodge was by an army of itererant lecturers to set about this ugly job , what power is there to enforce its edicts ; and what would be the consequence of any lodge not complying with these new-fangled notions , that had quietly pursued the even tenor of its way in one course for many generations ? Whatever aspect in which this
question is looked at , it is an unpleasant one , and , as it appears to me , surrounded with unsurmountable difficulties . The choice of the committee who are to be appointed to enter upon this endless and hopeless task is thrown
upon the Board of General Purposes , but I do hope that for the sake of the harmony of the Craft throughout the civilised world they will have nothing to do with this bantling that has been laid at their door , but leave it to be carried away by any one who may think it worth the trouble to do so .
I am , dear Sir and Brethren , yours fraternally , X . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Just a few words of congratulation to " One who was in Grand Lodge " on his vaticination or prophetical gift , for in the Freemason ol the 3 rd he says that he is looking forward with interest to my explanatory letter ,
whereas I had nothing to explain but only my right of reply to the criticisms on my first letter , and lastly he differs with me on a point which only appears in my letter of the same date as his , namely , the 3 rd of January , as to the majority on Bro . Stevens' motion , at the last Grand Lodge meeting . Unless he is a particularly favoured individual , and allowed to overhaul the correspondence before it appears in print , or is the corrector of the paper , or is a prophet
bom , I cannot account for the extraordinary coincidence of his knowing either that I was going to write , or what I was going to say in my letter . Vours fraternally , CHARLES JOHN PERCEVAL , V . P . 8 , Thurloe PJacc , S . W . c . th January 1880 . [ We have no doubt " One who was in Grand Lodge " will answer this next week . —ED . ]
Original Correspondence.
To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — As my letters in answer to criticisms on an original letlter of mine on matters of high Masonic importance are not permitted to appear until a fortni ght has elapsed , until the subject matter has been forgotten , or until another brother has been allowed to peruse my answer ,
and he is ready with his reply for the same identical issue in which my answer appears , it is needless for me to continue what I hoped would have been a friendly discussion , but which called forth an amount of acerbity and dogmatic assertion I was totally unprepared for , which , however , I endeavoured to reply to peacefully by using a little playful badinage , but the " emollit mires , " & c , & c ., was
ineffectual . So much for " Bro . A . F . A . Woodford , " ai d " One who was in Grand Lodge , " and who ought to be brothers by nature as well as Masonically , their style of writing is so similar . With regard to Bro . Neilson , whom I have not the honour of knowing , I have only to say that if Bro . Neilson likes to make me a present of a Book of Constitutions it will be carefully
placed in the cabinet set apart for gifts from particular friends ; secondly , that I have as much right to express my opinion as he has , and shall always continue to exercise that right without asking his permission ; and , thirdly , that I am not aware that an informer against those whose hospitalities one has partaken of was a
distinguished characteristic and obligation of either a Mason or any other man . I have now finished , once and for all , feeling extremely grieved that an honest opinion cannot be received and answered in a fair and impartial spirit , without uncalled for insinuations , interspersed with needless personal recriminations and remarks . I remain , yours fraternally ,
CHARLES JOHN PERCEVAL . [ We have taken out several personal remarks on Bro Neilson , whose high Masonic character is well known both in England and Ireland . —ED . ]
Dear Bro . Kenning , — I have read Bro . Stevens' last letter , and as he mentions me again , and even appeals to mc , 1 think it well to say a few words . I do not see that anything he has now put forward requires any answer from inc . I have given a reply on all that I deem advisable , and to Bro . Perceval , and I feel sure that it is belter for many
reasons not to continue this discussion . With rrgard to Bro . Stevens' proposal , meant personally , no doubt , kindly to myself , of forming one of the Committee , I do nut sec my way to accept any such suggestion , even supposing Grand Lodge approved of it , if even Bro . Stevens can make it . Were the Grand Master to request any of Grand Lodge or the Craft tn form a
Special Committtee on the subject , I should endeavour to 00 my duty to him and the Craft , but honestly disapproving of the present proposal , with all deferenre to Bro . Stevens , [ should think I were acting a dishonest part if with my known opinion I agreed to accept any such nomination . The more I think over and study the question , whether with the " lights of the past " or the " experience of the
present , " the more I am convinced of the unwisdom and mischievousness of the proposed enquiry , as well as of its certain " fiasco , " and assured futility . I think Bro . Stevens will agree with me that the place on the Committee he has courteously proposed I should fill had better be occupied by one who believes in the necessity of the movement and the possibility of any good arising from it . I am , yours fraternally , A . F . A . WOODFORD .
" To the Editor 0 / the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Although belonging to the Scottish Constitution , I take a deep interest in matters affecting the wellfare of the Craft , both in England andelscwhere , and I am , therefore a regular reader of your useful paper . I ventured a few weeks since to draw attention in your columns to some
important points which seem to me entitled to the serious attention of reformers in the direction indicated by the title which has been given to the recent rather lengthy discussion . Whilst their is plenty of room for difference of opinion regarding the possibility of exacting a perfect uniformity of ritual and working , and also of the wisdom of such a uniformity in what I may term non-essentials , if possible ,
I do not think any will be found to deny the necessity of taking steps to ensure something like uniformity in the method of imparting the essential and distinctive secrets of the several Degrees , and of testing strangers or visiting brethren therein . This uniformity is needful , both to ensure more care than is given , I admit , in Scotland to the latter matter , and to protect bona fide brethren , initiated under a
different constitution , from an un-Masonic system of testing , and from the risk ( not to say the certainty ) of being shewn the door , because they either cannot or will not impart what they did not receive , and what their is no obligation upon them to have acquired . Of my last letter little notice was taken . One brother expressed his " sympathy " with my complaint ; whilst another contented himself with referring
to the laxity of a Scottish lodge he had visited—thus apparently asserting his belief that " two blacks make a white . " If half the energy shown by your-elf and your numerous correspondents in the controversy now being carried on had been diverted to securing the limited
unilormity I have suggested , some good must have resulted ; whereas it seems to mc , as an outsider , that the only fruit of the discussion has been to foster a spirit of contention for the sake of argument , a free indulgence in personalities , and a liberal sprinkling throughout of the word " un-Masonic . "
I here are one or two ideas which must have struck many who have silently followed the discussion , if it can be so-called , and which open up side questions of more importance than the original one in dispute . First , it has been suggested ( I think by yourself ) that it
Original Correspondence.
would be wise at the next Quarterly Communication to refuse to confirm the resolution arrived at in last Grand Lodge , and thus undo Bro . Stevens' work . Now , I submit that this is altogether irregular in any society . Whilst the minutes of Grand Committee or of the Board of General Purposes are submitted to Grand Lodge to be confirmed , ratified , or adopted , the minutes of a . previous
Quarterly Communication are only submitted for confirmation as correctly recorded . To depart from this principle would lead to endless confusion and contention , and too much waste of valuable time . Grand Lodge having given its decision on a motion submitted after due notice , the only Masonic course is to recognise and to co-operate in carrying out the wishes of
the majority . In the matter in question , wby cannot those learned brethren who oppose the principle of a rigid uniformity accept Bro . Stevens' invitation to act on his Committee , and then give expression to their views ? I apprehend the Committee is not pledged beforehand to any
definite course , and no party can lose anything by ventilating the question , and such co-operation may lead to some middle course being resolved upon , satisfactory to all . Trusting my letter will not be thought too long for insertion , 1 am , dear Sir and Brother , yours fraternally , M . M . No . 392 , S . C .
To the Editor of llic " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Bro . James Stevens persevcringly ignores all the important arguments which you , Sir , and others have adduced in proof of the ill-advised character of his action on this subject , and surely , after you have shown that no good can result from any such action , it is scarcely
less than an affront for him to ask you and others who have adopted your own clearly expressed views , to " honour " him by becoming members of that which he regards as " his Committee . " Again I beg to direct Bro . James Stevens' attention to the Book of Constitutions , and to the ordinary conduct of Masonic business , and , if he has time to spare for these
common place matters , he will see by the study of them , that he is not in ihe position to ask any one to " honour " him by accepting any post on " his Committee . " " His " motion is not yet confirmed , and until it is no action can be taken upon it . By shouting down free discussion , and by keeping Grand Lodge from seeing the whole bearings of the case , he achieved what is apparently the proud
distincion to him of carrying a vote at the end of a long meeting . But it will have to pass the scrutiny of Grand Lodge when our governing body has all its faculties about it ; there will be an appeal from Phillip drowsy to Phillip awake , and Grand Lodge will best consult the peace of the Craft by relegating Bro . Stevens , his motion , his speeches , and his paste and scissors " work " to the quiet
dignity of the " innumerable lodges of instruction " of which he is so bright an ornament . The Freemason is doing an immense advantage to the Craft by calling attention to the serious side of this question ( for it has its ludicrous side as well ) and the unnecessary character as well . Bro . Stevens' motion flouts the Provincial Grand Masters by impugning the manner in
which they permit "work" to be done . It imputes to Masters and Past Masters that they have strayed from their plighted words in carrying out ceremonies not in accordance with the principles of the Craft . Then it sets at nought the Board of General Purposes—the elected representatives of the Grand Lodge on all questions . 1 speak in italics , but use none when I say that every good
object would be served by referring the whole subject to the proper authority—the Board of General Purposes—and the moving for a Committee is a slight upon that representative body of the Craft . I am afraid , however , that the reference to the Board of General Purposes ( if , indeed , there is anything to refer ) will be far from the wish of Bro . Stevens , for the simple
reason that in this event he would not be the centre of what would be going on . He must be the Alpha and Omega , or else , in his eyes , the matter is , like Mr . Toots ' letters , " of no consequence . " There are a few practical considerations which have been overlooked . If the Committee should be firmed , who will represent on it the colonies and foreign districts ?
Who will pay the expenses ? Bro . Stevens , it is evident , has nominated himself President , or " Grand Director , " and I warn those who are inclined to support Bro . Stevens that if the Committee fall off , as it will be likely to do from the childishness of its inquiries , Bro . Stevens will not slacken . Bottom , the weaver , wanted to " play the lion , too , " and Bro . Stevens will tell us— " The Committee , 1 am
the Committee I " after the style of the French despot , " La France , e ' est moi . " He will bring down his hammergavel , I mean—with some astonishing knocks at " systems " he is not " inclined to , " and support to those he has " a mind to . " His action will not be in the interests of peace and harmony , but it will serve his turn—a " turn " shown in the fact that , disregarding all the traditions of
the Craft , he has made , and printed what he terms a " book " of correspondence on " Masonic ritual "—he , a P . M . and P . Z . ; and , not content with this , has sent it for review to the general newspapers of the country . Is an > thing more needed to show brethren the disadvantage and danger of trusting themselves to one whose zeal is unguided by prudence ? Bro . Stevens is kind enough to speak about my skill in
giving him a good advertisement . From what I know of the book trade , I can say that a paste and scissors " composition " will need attention being skilfully drawn to it ; but Bro . Stevens needs the application of no such skill , for he , of himself , " doth give us bold advertisement . " It is time , however , for him to leave off the Bombastes Fmioso style and deal with arguments . I am , dear Sir and Brother , yours faithfully and obediently ,. JOHN WHILE , P . M . 228 .