Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
LEADERS IJI Board of Benevolence 152 The Coming Grand Lodge Festival 152 Stephen Morln . —A Study itj An Oration 153 The Charge of the Blue Brigade 15 s
Presentation to a Preceptor 153 CORRESPONDENCEThe Bible and the Dutch Flagon 155 Our April Elections 155 The Easter Volunteer Review 155 Reviews 155
Notes and Queries 15 G Opening of the Coborn Lodge of Instruction , No . 1804 'J 6 REPORTS OF MASONIC M EETINGSCraft Masonry i 56 Instruction i $ 8
Royal Arch 159 Ancient and Accepted Rite 1 Sq Knights Templar 159 The Theatres 59 Masonic and General Tidings 160 Lodge Meetings for Next Week ... Page 3 Cover .
Ar00101
WE remarked in our last issue that many of the provinces were not yet represented as Stewards for the Girls' School . We beg to urge on all provinces and our readers generally the propriety and duty of strengthening the hands of the authorities of the Girls' School , and increasing the numbers of the Stewards . Let all our good friends who feci an interest in our most
admirable Institution send in their names at once to Bro . HEDGES . " Bis dal , qui cito dat , " is a familar adage , and no one can realize , except those " behind the scenes , " the intense help it is to the Secretaries lo receive names as soon as possible , and not at the last moment , amid a thousand pressing calls on their time , thoughts , and energy , to have to accept the tardy
announcement of some good brother , who sends in his name at the eleventh hour , and thinks he is in " capital time , " and wonders why the Secretary , generally so affable and communicative , has little to say to him , and evidently does not mean to say more than he can help . We therefore beg to press on the many readers of the Freem ason that , if they
are thinking of becoming Stewards , and of supporting a popular young nobleman and a very good cause , let them cease to think , and act . Let them write to the office without further delay , and their courteous consideration will be duly appreciated by one of their hard-worked brethren . When we think what the Secretaries of the Institutions did 30 years ago and what they have to do now , we are lost in admiration .
# * # THE provincial movement for the support of our Charities has become a great fact , and must be a still greater " factor " in the future of our striking charitable Institutions . Some of us who were privileged to see its initial steps practically have watched the onward progress of that
truly Masonic effort with pleasure and with pride . No more truly Masonic endeavour ever was made on higher principles or with a better aim . And it has been justly successful ; and as nothing is so successful as success , it becomes a source of gratification and feature of encouragement to us all alike . Let us take , for instance , what West Yorkshire has done in this
direction , and we shall be glad to publish the returns of other provinces in succession . The present West Yorkshire Charity Committee was formed in 1859-60 , being an extension of a small Committee in 1849 , after Bro . J . SYMOXS and Bro . J . HOPWOOD ' S visit to Sheffield , by the joint motion of Bro . R . R . NELSON and Bro . A . F . A . WOODFORD . From
that time , despite some peculiar difficulties it had at first to contend with , until 1871 it sent up to the Charities £ 8700 . In an official publication of the West Yorkshire Charity Committee of 1870 it would seem that up to that date £ 1836 12 s . had been sent to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , of which about £ 600 in round numbers had
been forwarded from 1842 to i 860 , leaving £ 1200 as the result of the work of the Charity Committee for 10 years . During the same decennial period £ 6174 had been sent up to the Girls' School , of which certainly £ 5500 had come from the Charity Committee of i 860 . £ 2415 had been sent to the Boys' School from i 860 to 1870 , of which sum nine-tenths was contributed
during that period . Thus the formation of the Charity Committee had wonderfully increased the support of the province to the Metropolitan Charities . From 1871 to 1883 , since Bro . H . SMITH has been the active Secretary , it has forwarded as follows : Benevolent Institution , £ 8757 9 s . ; Girls' School , £ 7505 16 s . ; Boys' School , £ 8722 12 s . ; in all , £ 24 , 985 17 s .
If we add to this £ 24 , 985 17 s ., the sum of £ 8700 from i 860 to 1870 , we make the remarkable amount of £ 33 , 685 17 s . in 24 years . And though the previous amounts from 1842 to 1849 down to 18 G 0 were not to be altogether forgotten , and might reflect in some sense the status and efforts of the Order generally then , the result since i 860 must be admitted to be most striking , most salutary , andmost commendable .
«* # WE think it right and seasonable for special reasons to call attention to what in our view constitutes a mournful craze for " ineffable degrees , " and for the wonderful terminology and nomenclature of the rites of Memphis and Mizraim . Latterly two works have come under our notice , namely , " Le Sanctuaire de Memphis ou Hermes , " by E . J . MARCONIS DE NEGRE , and
Ar00102
the " Ramcau d'Or . d'EIeusis , " by the same author , T . E . MARCONIS . A cursory or a fuller study of these works must convince the Masonic Student that despite the claim of oriental wisdom or Hermetic antiquity the works arc essentially modem in idea , in verbiage , and in developement , and that
they constitute simply , as far as wc can safely predicate of anything , an arrangement and adaptation of the eighteenth century . Whether the rites of Mizraim and Memphis are one and the same thing , or slightly altered and modified by differing and antagonistic Hierophants , is a matter we leave to be settled bv those who are interested in such controversies . But one
thing is clear , ( and if any doubt us , as editing a Craft newspaper , let them open the Masonic World of Boston , U . S ., an organ of the Rite of Memphis ) , both these Rites are doing much mischief by the ceaseless quarrels they are cultivating , the door they have opened to impostors and charlatans , to those who trade on spurious degrees , and , above all , by the painful
manner in which they play on the weakness and vanity of Masons in hi gh titles , magnificent rank , and tinsel decorations . We do not affect to contend that the Rites of Memphis or Mizraim may not lawfully exist ; but there is so much mystery as to their creation and continuance , so much doubt as to their reality and history , that we really think they are doing more harm
than good , at any rate , especially if the Masonic World of Boston is to be taken as a true exponent of their system and proclivities . We always wish to be fair and tolerant , to " live and let live . " We never quarrel with the views or tastes of others , because our " doxy " is not the " doxy " of others , and we dislike greatly any proceedings which savour of bigotry ,
tend to cxclusiveness , or end in anathemata and excommunication . Having said this we leave the matter where it is . We are ourselves inclined to think that if High Grades are to exist and flourish , as they most undoubtedly do just now , they have a legitimate head and governing authority in the Ancient and Accepted Rite , and we regret to note the very unjustifiable manner in
which that very peaceable and friendly body as amongst us in England is attacked constantly in publications which profess to express the sentiments of dissident organizations , and which are neither marked by consistency of logic , or sentiments of charity , or the commonest teachings of Masonic sympathy and goodwill .
THK Canadian Craftsman complains of our English "justification for the recent invasion of the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Quebec by the Grand Mark Lodge of England , that said Mark lodges are only for English Masons . Suppose the Grand Lodge of New York warranted a lodge in London for American gentlemen who desired to be brought
to light , or the Grand Encampment of the United States issued a charter to certain American Knights Templar in Toronto or Edinburgh for American Royal Arch Masons , would that prove a justification for such a flagrant breach of Masonic etiquette and courtesy ? " We must observe , in the first place , that there is no analogy between the cases ; they are not " on all
fours . " The Montreal lodges held their position by virtue of an open and deliberate " Concordat , " which cannot be repudiated , and as there are lawful English Masons in Canada holding to the English system , the English Grand Mark Lodge is simply , really , and truly following out the English system , which is more approved by these English brethren than the Canadian system
in respect to the Mark , & c . As we have said before , unless " estopped " in a court of Masonic law and honour , by the special terms of the recognition , there is nothing illegal or unreasonable under all the facts of the case in the English Grand Mark Lodge seeking to carry out the English Mark system for English Masons lawfully existing in Canada . We are sorry to read all
the " lalutin and "bunkum about indifference to colonial Masons and antagonism to colonial interests . The able remarks of our GRAND REGISTRAR in respect of the so-called Grand Lodge of Victoria are an answer complete and clear to all such unfounded allegations . If the English lodges
in Victoria or elsewhere approve of the " independent theory , the Grand Lodge of England will not , it is clear , any longer " stop the way . " We rejoice to note our GRAND REGISTRAR ' S crushing exposure of the absurdity and hollowness of the " three lodges' " theory .
* * * WE note that our veteran and amiable friend Bro . ROB MORRIS has delivered his views on the Quebec question . We take from it these three salient passages : " I thank you for the proclamation . Of course the Quebec Masons are right according to 'the American theory , ' which indeed is the
only one that is fraternal and Masonic and will hold water . Our transatlantic companions hold on as tenaciously as snapping turtles to their claims . Those of us who remember the Canadian-English quarrel of 1855-57 see the same theory revived now . But the English will have to give way , for we Americans far outnumber them , and our jurisprudence is far ahead
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Contents.
CONTENTS .
LEADERS IJI Board of Benevolence 152 The Coming Grand Lodge Festival 152 Stephen Morln . —A Study itj An Oration 153 The Charge of the Blue Brigade 15 s
Presentation to a Preceptor 153 CORRESPONDENCEThe Bible and the Dutch Flagon 155 Our April Elections 155 The Easter Volunteer Review 155 Reviews 155
Notes and Queries 15 G Opening of the Coborn Lodge of Instruction , No . 1804 'J 6 REPORTS OF MASONIC M EETINGSCraft Masonry i 56 Instruction i $ 8
Royal Arch 159 Ancient and Accepted Rite 1 Sq Knights Templar 159 The Theatres 59 Masonic and General Tidings 160 Lodge Meetings for Next Week ... Page 3 Cover .
Ar00101
WE remarked in our last issue that many of the provinces were not yet represented as Stewards for the Girls' School . We beg to urge on all provinces and our readers generally the propriety and duty of strengthening the hands of the authorities of the Girls' School , and increasing the numbers of the Stewards . Let all our good friends who feci an interest in our most
admirable Institution send in their names at once to Bro . HEDGES . " Bis dal , qui cito dat , " is a familar adage , and no one can realize , except those " behind the scenes , " the intense help it is to the Secretaries lo receive names as soon as possible , and not at the last moment , amid a thousand pressing calls on their time , thoughts , and energy , to have to accept the tardy
announcement of some good brother , who sends in his name at the eleventh hour , and thinks he is in " capital time , " and wonders why the Secretary , generally so affable and communicative , has little to say to him , and evidently does not mean to say more than he can help . We therefore beg to press on the many readers of the Freem ason that , if they
are thinking of becoming Stewards , and of supporting a popular young nobleman and a very good cause , let them cease to think , and act . Let them write to the office without further delay , and their courteous consideration will be duly appreciated by one of their hard-worked brethren . When we think what the Secretaries of the Institutions did 30 years ago and what they have to do now , we are lost in admiration .
# * # THE provincial movement for the support of our Charities has become a great fact , and must be a still greater " factor " in the future of our striking charitable Institutions . Some of us who were privileged to see its initial steps practically have watched the onward progress of that
truly Masonic effort with pleasure and with pride . No more truly Masonic endeavour ever was made on higher principles or with a better aim . And it has been justly successful ; and as nothing is so successful as success , it becomes a source of gratification and feature of encouragement to us all alike . Let us take , for instance , what West Yorkshire has done in this
direction , and we shall be glad to publish the returns of other provinces in succession . The present West Yorkshire Charity Committee was formed in 1859-60 , being an extension of a small Committee in 1849 , after Bro . J . SYMOXS and Bro . J . HOPWOOD ' S visit to Sheffield , by the joint motion of Bro . R . R . NELSON and Bro . A . F . A . WOODFORD . From
that time , despite some peculiar difficulties it had at first to contend with , until 1871 it sent up to the Charities £ 8700 . In an official publication of the West Yorkshire Charity Committee of 1870 it would seem that up to that date £ 1836 12 s . had been sent to the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution , of which about £ 600 in round numbers had
been forwarded from 1842 to i 860 , leaving £ 1200 as the result of the work of the Charity Committee for 10 years . During the same decennial period £ 6174 had been sent up to the Girls' School , of which certainly £ 5500 had come from the Charity Committee of i 860 . £ 2415 had been sent to the Boys' School from i 860 to 1870 , of which sum nine-tenths was contributed
during that period . Thus the formation of the Charity Committee had wonderfully increased the support of the province to the Metropolitan Charities . From 1871 to 1883 , since Bro . H . SMITH has been the active Secretary , it has forwarded as follows : Benevolent Institution , £ 8757 9 s . ; Girls' School , £ 7505 16 s . ; Boys' School , £ 8722 12 s . ; in all , £ 24 , 985 17 s .
If we add to this £ 24 , 985 17 s ., the sum of £ 8700 from i 860 to 1870 , we make the remarkable amount of £ 33 , 685 17 s . in 24 years . And though the previous amounts from 1842 to 1849 down to 18 G 0 were not to be altogether forgotten , and might reflect in some sense the status and efforts of the Order generally then , the result since i 860 must be admitted to be most striking , most salutary , andmost commendable .
«* # WE think it right and seasonable for special reasons to call attention to what in our view constitutes a mournful craze for " ineffable degrees , " and for the wonderful terminology and nomenclature of the rites of Memphis and Mizraim . Latterly two works have come under our notice , namely , " Le Sanctuaire de Memphis ou Hermes , " by E . J . MARCONIS DE NEGRE , and
Ar00102
the " Ramcau d'Or . d'EIeusis , " by the same author , T . E . MARCONIS . A cursory or a fuller study of these works must convince the Masonic Student that despite the claim of oriental wisdom or Hermetic antiquity the works arc essentially modem in idea , in verbiage , and in developement , and that
they constitute simply , as far as wc can safely predicate of anything , an arrangement and adaptation of the eighteenth century . Whether the rites of Mizraim and Memphis are one and the same thing , or slightly altered and modified by differing and antagonistic Hierophants , is a matter we leave to be settled bv those who are interested in such controversies . But one
thing is clear , ( and if any doubt us , as editing a Craft newspaper , let them open the Masonic World of Boston , U . S ., an organ of the Rite of Memphis ) , both these Rites are doing much mischief by the ceaseless quarrels they are cultivating , the door they have opened to impostors and charlatans , to those who trade on spurious degrees , and , above all , by the painful
manner in which they play on the weakness and vanity of Masons in hi gh titles , magnificent rank , and tinsel decorations . We do not affect to contend that the Rites of Memphis or Mizraim may not lawfully exist ; but there is so much mystery as to their creation and continuance , so much doubt as to their reality and history , that we really think they are doing more harm
than good , at any rate , especially if the Masonic World of Boston is to be taken as a true exponent of their system and proclivities . We always wish to be fair and tolerant , to " live and let live . " We never quarrel with the views or tastes of others , because our " doxy " is not the " doxy " of others , and we dislike greatly any proceedings which savour of bigotry ,
tend to cxclusiveness , or end in anathemata and excommunication . Having said this we leave the matter where it is . We are ourselves inclined to think that if High Grades are to exist and flourish , as they most undoubtedly do just now , they have a legitimate head and governing authority in the Ancient and Accepted Rite , and we regret to note the very unjustifiable manner in
which that very peaceable and friendly body as amongst us in England is attacked constantly in publications which profess to express the sentiments of dissident organizations , and which are neither marked by consistency of logic , or sentiments of charity , or the commonest teachings of Masonic sympathy and goodwill .
THK Canadian Craftsman complains of our English "justification for the recent invasion of the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Quebec by the Grand Mark Lodge of England , that said Mark lodges are only for English Masons . Suppose the Grand Lodge of New York warranted a lodge in London for American gentlemen who desired to be brought
to light , or the Grand Encampment of the United States issued a charter to certain American Knights Templar in Toronto or Edinburgh for American Royal Arch Masons , would that prove a justification for such a flagrant breach of Masonic etiquette and courtesy ? " We must observe , in the first place , that there is no analogy between the cases ; they are not " on all
fours . " The Montreal lodges held their position by virtue of an open and deliberate " Concordat , " which cannot be repudiated , and as there are lawful English Masons in Canada holding to the English system , the English Grand Mark Lodge is simply , really , and truly following out the English system , which is more approved by these English brethren than the Canadian system
in respect to the Mark , & c . As we have said before , unless " estopped " in a court of Masonic law and honour , by the special terms of the recognition , there is nothing illegal or unreasonable under all the facts of the case in the English Grand Mark Lodge seeking to carry out the English Mark system for English Masons lawfully existing in Canada . We are sorry to read all
the " lalutin and "bunkum about indifference to colonial Masons and antagonism to colonial interests . The able remarks of our GRAND REGISTRAR in respect of the so-called Grand Lodge of Victoria are an answer complete and clear to all such unfounded allegations . If the English lodges
in Victoria or elsewhere approve of the " independent theory , the Grand Lodge of England will not , it is clear , any longer " stop the way . " We rejoice to note our GRAND REGISTRAR ' S crushing exposure of the absurdity and hollowness of the " three lodges' " theory .
* * * WE note that our veteran and amiable friend Bro . ROB MORRIS has delivered his views on the Quebec question . We take from it these three salient passages : " I thank you for the proclamation . Of course the Quebec Masons are right according to 'the American theory , ' which indeed is the
only one that is fraternal and Masonic and will hold water . Our transatlantic companions hold on as tenaciously as snapping turtles to their claims . Those of us who remember the Canadian-English quarrel of 1855-57 see the same theory revived now . But the English will have to give way , for we Americans far outnumber them , and our jurisprudence is far ahead