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Article Original Correspondence. ← Page 2 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 2 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 2 of 2 Article REVIEWS Page 1 of 1 Article Masonic Notes and Queries. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
Ajain , Bro . Atkins " had he been less anxious to discharge his duties , " & c , " you would not have heard from ' P . M . '" I can only say his anxiety was not shown in the committees of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution to which he was elected ; had he done so you certainly w mid not have been troubled with this communication . — Yours fraternally , P . M .
A MANDATE . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — What is a " Mandate , " a word I have often heard made use of lately in respect of the question of the Table of Precedence raised by Bro . Sandeman , P . Dist . G . M ., in
last Grand Lodge ? Mandate no doubt comes from the Latin " Mandatum , " and means a command , but what is it in respect of Freemasonry ? Never having heard of it before , I really cannot presume even to guess . I gather from Bro . Sandeman ' s remarks that he has not seen it , and I therefore ask
youcan you or any of your readers help me in the matter ? Has anyone seen it ? CURIOUS . [ In the Agenda Paper the word used is " Order . " We fancy this is what our correspondent alludes to . Mandate is an unknown word to us . It has , we are aware , been freely , probably wrongly , used lately . —ED . F . M . ]
ORDER OF PRECEDENCE . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I wish to return to the charge on the above subject if you can find space for a few words from me . The matter is one of very great importance , and I sincerely trust that it will not be allowed to drop .
My object in now addressing you is to offer some criticisms on the Grand Registrar ' s address in Grand Lodge on the Gth inst . in reply to the remarks of Bro . Sandeman as to the power of any authority other than the Grand Lodge itself to modify the order of precedence of members of Grand Lodge .
The arguments of the Grand Registrar may briefly be stated to have been : — i . That the only question before Grand Lodge was whether the proceedings had been faithfully recorded . 3 . That it is " without doubt" within the power of the Grand Master to appoint officers in Grand Lodge with
such rank as he pleases . 3 . That the order of precedence is not a constitutional law ; and , 4 . That the Grand Master is the fountain of honour . I submit that the reasoning of the Grand Registrar is faulty in every one of the above points .
As to the first , a reference to the proceedings of the 1 st March , 1 S 83 , will show that on the motion of Bro . Philbrick a part of the minutes , although admitted to be faithfully recorded , was not confirmed . Other instances may be cited . I therefore infer that had Bro . Sandeman , on the 6 th inst ., proposed a non-confirmation
of minutes , he would have been in order ; and further that the Grand Registrar may blow hot or cold on the same question as to whether a faithfully recorded minute must be confirmed or may be declared not confirmed , as may suit the desires of himself and other executive officers of Grand Lodge .
As to the secsnd , the repeated cries of " No , no , would seem to indicate that the Grand Registrar was not justified in the assertion that it was without doubt within the power of the Grand Master to alter the order of precedence . I , for one , deny the power , and I believe that a very large number of Freemasons are of a similar opinion . It is laid
do . vn in the constitutional law of the Craft that the Grand Master may appoint any brother of eminence or ability to such rank in Grand Lodge as he pleases , and the Grand Lodge has a similar power , but this can hardly be stretched into giving the Grand Master a power to alter , at will , the general order of precedence as laid down in the "
Regulations for the government of the Craft . " The Queen may confer social dignity upon an individual , but it would scarcel y be competent for the Queen to place , say , Barons above Earls , or otherwise to alter the general order of state precedence . As to the third , I contend that the order of precedence is
clearl y a constitutional law , forming a part of the Constitutions as they now stand , and consequently that Grand Lodge only can alter it . This fact was evidently in the minds of the brethren who have drawn up the revised Constitutions , from the more decided position there given to the rule . As to the fourth point , as the Grand Master is elected by
the Grand Lodge , I submit that the Grand Lodge is the real fountain of honour . I desire very seriously to impress upon all who take an active interest in Freemasonry , first , that the point at issue is too important to be suffered to drop ; secondly , that the revision of the Constitutions should be most carefully watched by every member of Grand
Lodge , nay , by every member of the Craft , in order that no new laws may bc introduced which may in any way tend to cripple the powers or privileges of Grand Lodge . The Grand Master in Masonry should rule over us as a constitutional sovereign , amenable , like the rest of us , to the
Jaws of our Order . To give to him anything like despotic power would not only involve a surrender of right , but a possible surrender not into the hands of the ruler , but into those of his confidential advisers . We may not always have a Prince of Wales as our Grand Master , and a
Original Correspondence.
weak ruler at our head might fall into the hands of a few favourites , who would not always use their powers to the best advantage of the Craft at large . —I am , yours fraternally , DISTRICT GRAND MASTER . June igth .
PREROGATIVES OF GRAND LODGE AND OFTHE M . W . GRAND MASTER . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — It would appear from the manner in which at the last Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge the objection of the R . W . P . Dist . G . M . forChinato the recent alteration of thc table of precedence of Grand Lodge
Officers was met by the Grand Registrar , that a most important question relating to prerogatives is about to be fought out between the " purple" and the " blue . " Unless the discussion which will assuredly ensue on motions to be made is conducted in a fair and impartial spirit on both sides ( alas , that there should be " sides " in Masonry ) , itis certain that much heart-burning , and possible that schism , may be the result . The question ot
prescriptive and inoefeasible rights cannot in this instance be debated without reference to the present illustrious occupant of the throne of the representative of The R . S ., but it ought to be generally understood that the very utmost loyalty to the person may be entertained conjointly with a conviction that the privileges and powers of the office should be clearly defined . As matters now stand the genial warmth of a devoted loyalty is exposed to influences
which might materially lower its temperature , and that through no fault in thought or action of the distinguished ruler of the English Craft . In view of the remarks which fell from our highly respected Pro Grand Master in reference to my observations at the last Quarterly Communication , I would say that 1 have always , and do still , disclaim personality in my endeavours to express my sentiments on subjects of public importance , and , however much my
probably too excited delivery in speech may be misconstrued , I entertain a deep , though not servile , veneration for lawfully constituted authority . That such veneration should however be perfect it is necessary that no self-imposed blindness to palpable defects in motives or actions should be permitted to interpose . So much by way of introduction of my subject , I propose to submit , through your pages , if permitted , several
points relating to the prerogatives of the Grand Lodge and of its Grand Master for the consideration of the brethren interested in the question which has arisen . And inasmuch as the Grand Lodge is the primary body from which all Masonic authority emanates , precedence in argument must be given to it . What , then , are the prerogatives of Grand Lodge as set foith by the ancient Constitutions of the Order ?
First—* ' The Grand Lodge alone has the inherent power of enacting laws and regulations for the government of the Craft , and of altering , repealing , an 1 abrogating them , always taking care that the ancient landmarks of the Order be preserved . " ( Cons ., page 24 , section 16 ) . Grand Lodge alone . That is , * ' the general representation of all private lodges on record , together with the Grand Stewards of the year and the Present and Past Grand
Officers , and the Grand Master at their head , " each and every member of which collective body possesses equal rights in general assembl y in deliberating upon and "deciding all matters relative to the Craft . This , then , is the supreme prerogative of Grand Lodge which all alike have not only to uphold , but , without any distinction whatsoever , to observe . Has this prerogative been recognised and maintained as it should have been ? There is a law
extant , created in 1860-70 , under the terms of the eighth section of the then and still existing regulations for the government of Grand Lodge , which has been neither altered , repealed , nor abrogated , but which has been persistently obstructed and yet remains inoperative . It may be here remarked that no reference appears to be made in the draft of the proposed revision of the Constitutions to this " landmark , " which has hitherto been presumed to be
authoritative in respect of Grand Lodge resolutions ; and that , unless care be taken not to lose sight of so important an elision , this necessary provision may be altogether set aside . Second—The Grand Lodge , equally with the Grand Master , can constitute brethren , under certain qualifications , members of its body , with such rank and distinction as may be thought proper .
Third—The election of the Grand Master and Grand Treasurer annually . Fourth—The appointment of the Board of General Purposes ( in part ) and of all committees . In reference to this prerogative , it may not be altogether out of place to ask whether or not the Grand Lodge was consulted in respect of the proposed revision of the Book of Constitutions , a work of such magnitude and great importance that rather
merited the appointment of a special committee than the spontaneous , however praiseworthy , action of the Board of General Purposes , whose special business is defined in the regulations of _ the Order , and does not extend to the initiatoiy introduction of new matters of debate ? All other minor prerogatives of Grand Lodjje which arc referred to in the present Book of Constitutions may bc considered as embodied in the supreme prerogative first
above mentioned . We have now to consider the prerogatives of the M . W . Grand Master , which , in so far as they are expressed by the Constitutions of the Order , appear to be : First—The appointmentof the GrandOfficers for theyear , excepting only the Grand Treasurer . In respect of the exercise of this prerogative , there is not any regulation which either provides for , or prohibits , the appointment of
anyone Grand Officer for a longer period man one year , and there is no record that the practice of continuing the same brethren in oTice for successive years is other than a modern arrangement . As to the advisability of such continued reappointments opinions may differ ; but there are not wanting many members of Grand Lodge who consider that every Grand Office , except those of the Grand
Secretary and his assistant , should be open year by year to brethren eqnally qualified with the present holders thereof for the discharge of duties appertaining to the respective dignities . It is only in the case of the Grand Secretary that provision is made for continued service , by the express regulation that after being " appointed by the Grand Master he shall continue without reappointment during the pleasure of Grand Lodge . " And provision is made for Past Grand
Original Correspondence.
rank being accorded to other Grand Officers on retirement after ( presumably ) one year's service . Whilst , however , the Constitutions of the Order remain as they are , and as they are likely to remain , unless the promoters of thc proposed revision are slirred to further efforts , it may well be considered that the M VV . Grand Master ' s prerogative in this respect is full and indefeasil . le . Second—The appointment of brethren of eminence to
represent him in sister grand lodges , and the constitution of distinguished personages as members of the Grand Lodge of England . Third—The authority to preside over the meetings of any loelge . Fourth—The power to summons any lodge or brother to attend him
, and produce warrant , papers , and certificates ; but the power to expel any member from the Order is expressly reserved to the Grand Lodge . Fifth—The appointment of Provincial and District Grand Masters . Sixth—The power to grant dispensations in certain cases .
Seventh—lhe nomination of the President and ten members of the Board of General Purposes . The foregoing are the only prerogatives expressly reserved to the M . W . G . M . by the Constitutions , and neither directly nor by implication is there any alienation from the Grand Lodge of its "inherent power " to decide and determine all other matters relating to the Craft . No power whatever is delegated whereby the order of precedence in rank declared and
, " pronounced" in 1 S 13 , can be disturbed ; nor can the prerogative of the M . W . G . M . " be justly advanced against the enactment , alteration , repeal , or abrogation by the Grand Lodge of any of its rules and regulations . There has been much of late connected with the proceedings of Grand Lodge which has caused great dissatisfaction ( I speak for others as well as myself ) , and it has become , one might almost say , absolutely necessary that the Craft
generally should ascertain on what principles of abstract justice they are ruled . There are none amongst us , I should hope , so obtuse as to suppose that late occurrences have been the result of the uninfluenced action of our royal chief ; but there are not a few who directly attribute them to most unwise counsel on the part of those who are , by virtue of their offices , his immediate advisers . —I am , dear sir and brother , yours faithfully and fraternally . JAMES STEVENS . P . M . 1216 , P . Z . Clapham , June iSth .
Reviews
REVIEWS
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE STAFFORDSHIRE MASONIC CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION FOR THE YEAR 1 SS 2 . This is a very interesting "resume" of a useful society and of the charitable efforts in the good Province of Staffordshire . We wish , however , that that distinguished province would give up the "drawing" of . and oavment
for , life memberships , & c . We never have liked this same questionable method , according to our view , of recruiting the finances of our great Charitable Institutions . It has always gone against the grain with us to record such results or epitomize such proceedings . It seems to us a sort of lowering of the great principle of charitable donation for charity s sake . It appears to us " infra dig , " and a sort of
amiable way ot proving our own liberality and energy at other people ' s expense . We cannot approve of the system , either in its abstract idea or its concrete outcome . And sure we are of this , that many have traded on this plan , and as a "puff" system , and have reaped Kudos and advantages which the steady subscription of many years has failed to give to more modest , retiring , and truly charitable Masons . The
age is an age of flummery and pretence , of "tall talk , " and public professions of this or that , " much cry and little wool , " and we are always sorry to see Freemasons following a noisy crowd , or swelling the " broad and popular way , " remembering as we do the irreat difficultv
there always is , in discriminating between outside show and inward verity , the sanctimonious theory and the absolute truth . We therefore beg to urge upon our Staffordshire brethren the need of adhering to the good old adage " ne sutor ultra crepidam , " and of devoting their funds and their energies to local claims for educational help and personal assistance .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
19 SJ _ THE MASONIC HYMN . This ancient Masonic song , so called by Mr . Dixon in his volume of the " Percy Society , "is said by him tp be " very ancient . " If any brother has a copy on a "broadside " or in a black letter ballad , he will oblige me by
informing the editor of the Freemason . If the song be really older than 1700 , as itseems to be , itopensoutmany most important questions , as it points to archaic hermeticism and Christian Freemasonry distinctly . It begins , as some will know , " Come all you Freemasons that dwell round the glube . & c . " BOOKWORM .
199 ] ROYAL LANCASHIRE LODGE , COLNE , No . 116 . In reply to Bro . J . Ramsden Riley I find that Bro . James Shackleton , whose death was referred to in the minutes of 17 S 2 , was one of the 31 members who signed the minute , mentioned in my last communication , dated 27 th March , 1760 , two years belore the present warrant was granted . I intend paying another visit to Colne in a few days for the
purpose of searching through their old books and papers more minutely , when I hope to bring to light some further information . Can either Bro Hughan or Bro . Riley give us infoimation as to the brother named in the following minute of this lodge . " May 4 th , 17 S 6 . —Opened the Entered Apprentice Lodge .... was visited by our brother , the noted Doctor Gabriel Sedra , an Italian . " MANCUNIUM .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Original Correspondence.
Ajain , Bro . Atkins " had he been less anxious to discharge his duties , " & c , " you would not have heard from ' P . M . '" I can only say his anxiety was not shown in the committees of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution to which he was elected ; had he done so you certainly w mid not have been troubled with this communication . — Yours fraternally , P . M .
A MANDATE . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — What is a " Mandate , " a word I have often heard made use of lately in respect of the question of the Table of Precedence raised by Bro . Sandeman , P . Dist . G . M ., in
last Grand Lodge ? Mandate no doubt comes from the Latin " Mandatum , " and means a command , but what is it in respect of Freemasonry ? Never having heard of it before , I really cannot presume even to guess . I gather from Bro . Sandeman ' s remarks that he has not seen it , and I therefore ask
youcan you or any of your readers help me in the matter ? Has anyone seen it ? CURIOUS . [ In the Agenda Paper the word used is " Order . " We fancy this is what our correspondent alludes to . Mandate is an unknown word to us . It has , we are aware , been freely , probably wrongly , used lately . —ED . F . M . ]
ORDER OF PRECEDENCE . To the Editor of the "Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — I wish to return to the charge on the above subject if you can find space for a few words from me . The matter is one of very great importance , and I sincerely trust that it will not be allowed to drop .
My object in now addressing you is to offer some criticisms on the Grand Registrar ' s address in Grand Lodge on the Gth inst . in reply to the remarks of Bro . Sandeman as to the power of any authority other than the Grand Lodge itself to modify the order of precedence of members of Grand Lodge .
The arguments of the Grand Registrar may briefly be stated to have been : — i . That the only question before Grand Lodge was whether the proceedings had been faithfully recorded . 3 . That it is " without doubt" within the power of the Grand Master to appoint officers in Grand Lodge with
such rank as he pleases . 3 . That the order of precedence is not a constitutional law ; and , 4 . That the Grand Master is the fountain of honour . I submit that the reasoning of the Grand Registrar is faulty in every one of the above points .
As to the first , a reference to the proceedings of the 1 st March , 1 S 83 , will show that on the motion of Bro . Philbrick a part of the minutes , although admitted to be faithfully recorded , was not confirmed . Other instances may be cited . I therefore infer that had Bro . Sandeman , on the 6 th inst ., proposed a non-confirmation
of minutes , he would have been in order ; and further that the Grand Registrar may blow hot or cold on the same question as to whether a faithfully recorded minute must be confirmed or may be declared not confirmed , as may suit the desires of himself and other executive officers of Grand Lodge .
As to the secsnd , the repeated cries of " No , no , would seem to indicate that the Grand Registrar was not justified in the assertion that it was without doubt within the power of the Grand Master to alter the order of precedence . I , for one , deny the power , and I believe that a very large number of Freemasons are of a similar opinion . It is laid
do . vn in the constitutional law of the Craft that the Grand Master may appoint any brother of eminence or ability to such rank in Grand Lodge as he pleases , and the Grand Lodge has a similar power , but this can hardly be stretched into giving the Grand Master a power to alter , at will , the general order of precedence as laid down in the "
Regulations for the government of the Craft . " The Queen may confer social dignity upon an individual , but it would scarcel y be competent for the Queen to place , say , Barons above Earls , or otherwise to alter the general order of state precedence . As to the third , I contend that the order of precedence is
clearl y a constitutional law , forming a part of the Constitutions as they now stand , and consequently that Grand Lodge only can alter it . This fact was evidently in the minds of the brethren who have drawn up the revised Constitutions , from the more decided position there given to the rule . As to the fourth point , as the Grand Master is elected by
the Grand Lodge , I submit that the Grand Lodge is the real fountain of honour . I desire very seriously to impress upon all who take an active interest in Freemasonry , first , that the point at issue is too important to be suffered to drop ; secondly , that the revision of the Constitutions should be most carefully watched by every member of Grand
Lodge , nay , by every member of the Craft , in order that no new laws may bc introduced which may in any way tend to cripple the powers or privileges of Grand Lodge . The Grand Master in Masonry should rule over us as a constitutional sovereign , amenable , like the rest of us , to the
Jaws of our Order . To give to him anything like despotic power would not only involve a surrender of right , but a possible surrender not into the hands of the ruler , but into those of his confidential advisers . We may not always have a Prince of Wales as our Grand Master , and a
Original Correspondence.
weak ruler at our head might fall into the hands of a few favourites , who would not always use their powers to the best advantage of the Craft at large . —I am , yours fraternally , DISTRICT GRAND MASTER . June igth .
PREROGATIVES OF GRAND LODGE AND OFTHE M . W . GRAND MASTER . To the Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — It would appear from the manner in which at the last Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge the objection of the R . W . P . Dist . G . M . forChinato the recent alteration of thc table of precedence of Grand Lodge
Officers was met by the Grand Registrar , that a most important question relating to prerogatives is about to be fought out between the " purple" and the " blue . " Unless the discussion which will assuredly ensue on motions to be made is conducted in a fair and impartial spirit on both sides ( alas , that there should be " sides " in Masonry ) , itis certain that much heart-burning , and possible that schism , may be the result . The question ot
prescriptive and inoefeasible rights cannot in this instance be debated without reference to the present illustrious occupant of the throne of the representative of The R . S ., but it ought to be generally understood that the very utmost loyalty to the person may be entertained conjointly with a conviction that the privileges and powers of the office should be clearly defined . As matters now stand the genial warmth of a devoted loyalty is exposed to influences
which might materially lower its temperature , and that through no fault in thought or action of the distinguished ruler of the English Craft . In view of the remarks which fell from our highly respected Pro Grand Master in reference to my observations at the last Quarterly Communication , I would say that 1 have always , and do still , disclaim personality in my endeavours to express my sentiments on subjects of public importance , and , however much my
probably too excited delivery in speech may be misconstrued , I entertain a deep , though not servile , veneration for lawfully constituted authority . That such veneration should however be perfect it is necessary that no self-imposed blindness to palpable defects in motives or actions should be permitted to interpose . So much by way of introduction of my subject , I propose to submit , through your pages , if permitted , several
points relating to the prerogatives of the Grand Lodge and of its Grand Master for the consideration of the brethren interested in the question which has arisen . And inasmuch as the Grand Lodge is the primary body from which all Masonic authority emanates , precedence in argument must be given to it . What , then , are the prerogatives of Grand Lodge as set foith by the ancient Constitutions of the Order ?
First—* ' The Grand Lodge alone has the inherent power of enacting laws and regulations for the government of the Craft , and of altering , repealing , an 1 abrogating them , always taking care that the ancient landmarks of the Order be preserved . " ( Cons ., page 24 , section 16 ) . Grand Lodge alone . That is , * ' the general representation of all private lodges on record , together with the Grand Stewards of the year and the Present and Past Grand
Officers , and the Grand Master at their head , " each and every member of which collective body possesses equal rights in general assembl y in deliberating upon and "deciding all matters relative to the Craft . This , then , is the supreme prerogative of Grand Lodge which all alike have not only to uphold , but , without any distinction whatsoever , to observe . Has this prerogative been recognised and maintained as it should have been ? There is a law
extant , created in 1860-70 , under the terms of the eighth section of the then and still existing regulations for the government of Grand Lodge , which has been neither altered , repealed , nor abrogated , but which has been persistently obstructed and yet remains inoperative . It may be here remarked that no reference appears to be made in the draft of the proposed revision of the Constitutions to this " landmark , " which has hitherto been presumed to be
authoritative in respect of Grand Lodge resolutions ; and that , unless care be taken not to lose sight of so important an elision , this necessary provision may be altogether set aside . Second—The Grand Lodge , equally with the Grand Master , can constitute brethren , under certain qualifications , members of its body , with such rank and distinction as may be thought proper .
Third—The election of the Grand Master and Grand Treasurer annually . Fourth—The appointment of the Board of General Purposes ( in part ) and of all committees . In reference to this prerogative , it may not be altogether out of place to ask whether or not the Grand Lodge was consulted in respect of the proposed revision of the Book of Constitutions , a work of such magnitude and great importance that rather
merited the appointment of a special committee than the spontaneous , however praiseworthy , action of the Board of General Purposes , whose special business is defined in the regulations of _ the Order , and does not extend to the initiatoiy introduction of new matters of debate ? All other minor prerogatives of Grand Lodjje which arc referred to in the present Book of Constitutions may bc considered as embodied in the supreme prerogative first
above mentioned . We have now to consider the prerogatives of the M . W . Grand Master , which , in so far as they are expressed by the Constitutions of the Order , appear to be : First—The appointmentof the GrandOfficers for theyear , excepting only the Grand Treasurer . In respect of the exercise of this prerogative , there is not any regulation which either provides for , or prohibits , the appointment of
anyone Grand Officer for a longer period man one year , and there is no record that the practice of continuing the same brethren in oTice for successive years is other than a modern arrangement . As to the advisability of such continued reappointments opinions may differ ; but there are not wanting many members of Grand Lodge who consider that every Grand Office , except those of the Grand
Secretary and his assistant , should be open year by year to brethren eqnally qualified with the present holders thereof for the discharge of duties appertaining to the respective dignities . It is only in the case of the Grand Secretary that provision is made for continued service , by the express regulation that after being " appointed by the Grand Master he shall continue without reappointment during the pleasure of Grand Lodge . " And provision is made for Past Grand
Original Correspondence.
rank being accorded to other Grand Officers on retirement after ( presumably ) one year's service . Whilst , however , the Constitutions of the Order remain as they are , and as they are likely to remain , unless the promoters of thc proposed revision are slirred to further efforts , it may well be considered that the M VV . Grand Master ' s prerogative in this respect is full and indefeasil . le . Second—The appointment of brethren of eminence to
represent him in sister grand lodges , and the constitution of distinguished personages as members of the Grand Lodge of England . Third—The authority to preside over the meetings of any loelge . Fourth—The power to summons any lodge or brother to attend him
, and produce warrant , papers , and certificates ; but the power to expel any member from the Order is expressly reserved to the Grand Lodge . Fifth—The appointment of Provincial and District Grand Masters . Sixth—The power to grant dispensations in certain cases .
Seventh—lhe nomination of the President and ten members of the Board of General Purposes . The foregoing are the only prerogatives expressly reserved to the M . W . G . M . by the Constitutions , and neither directly nor by implication is there any alienation from the Grand Lodge of its "inherent power " to decide and determine all other matters relating to the Craft . No power whatever is delegated whereby the order of precedence in rank declared and
, " pronounced" in 1 S 13 , can be disturbed ; nor can the prerogative of the M . W . G . M . " be justly advanced against the enactment , alteration , repeal , or abrogation by the Grand Lodge of any of its rules and regulations . There has been much of late connected with the proceedings of Grand Lodge which has caused great dissatisfaction ( I speak for others as well as myself ) , and it has become , one might almost say , absolutely necessary that the Craft
generally should ascertain on what principles of abstract justice they are ruled . There are none amongst us , I should hope , so obtuse as to suppose that late occurrences have been the result of the uninfluenced action of our royal chief ; but there are not a few who directly attribute them to most unwise counsel on the part of those who are , by virtue of their offices , his immediate advisers . —I am , dear sir and brother , yours faithfully and fraternally . JAMES STEVENS . P . M . 1216 , P . Z . Clapham , June iSth .
Reviews
REVIEWS
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE STAFFORDSHIRE MASONIC CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION FOR THE YEAR 1 SS 2 . This is a very interesting "resume" of a useful society and of the charitable efforts in the good Province of Staffordshire . We wish , however , that that distinguished province would give up the "drawing" of . and oavment
for , life memberships , & c . We never have liked this same questionable method , according to our view , of recruiting the finances of our great Charitable Institutions . It has always gone against the grain with us to record such results or epitomize such proceedings . It seems to us a sort of lowering of the great principle of charitable donation for charity s sake . It appears to us " infra dig , " and a sort of
amiable way ot proving our own liberality and energy at other people ' s expense . We cannot approve of the system , either in its abstract idea or its concrete outcome . And sure we are of this , that many have traded on this plan , and as a "puff" system , and have reaped Kudos and advantages which the steady subscription of many years has failed to give to more modest , retiring , and truly charitable Masons . The
age is an age of flummery and pretence , of "tall talk , " and public professions of this or that , " much cry and little wool , " and we are always sorry to see Freemasons following a noisy crowd , or swelling the " broad and popular way , " remembering as we do the irreat difficultv
there always is , in discriminating between outside show and inward verity , the sanctimonious theory and the absolute truth . We therefore beg to urge upon our Staffordshire brethren the need of adhering to the good old adage " ne sutor ultra crepidam , " and of devoting their funds and their energies to local claims for educational help and personal assistance .
Masonic Notes And Queries.
Masonic Notes and Queries .
19 SJ _ THE MASONIC HYMN . This ancient Masonic song , so called by Mr . Dixon in his volume of the " Percy Society , "is said by him tp be " very ancient . " If any brother has a copy on a "broadside " or in a black letter ballad , he will oblige me by
informing the editor of the Freemason . If the song be really older than 1700 , as itseems to be , itopensoutmany most important questions , as it points to archaic hermeticism and Christian Freemasonry distinctly . It begins , as some will know , " Come all you Freemasons that dwell round the glube . & c . " BOOKWORM .
199 ] ROYAL LANCASHIRE LODGE , COLNE , No . 116 . In reply to Bro . J . Ramsden Riley I find that Bro . James Shackleton , whose death was referred to in the minutes of 17 S 2 , was one of the 31 members who signed the minute , mentioned in my last communication , dated 27 th March , 1760 , two years belore the present warrant was granted . I intend paying another visit to Colne in a few days for the
purpose of searching through their old books and papers more minutely , when I hope to bring to light some further information . Can either Bro Hughan or Bro . Riley give us infoimation as to the brother named in the following minute of this lodge . " May 4 th , 17 S 6 . —Opened the Entered Apprentice Lodge .... was visited by our brother , the noted Doctor Gabriel Sedra , an Italian . " MANCUNIUM .