Proceedings of the Grand Lodge 1855

Page 40

In these days of prosperity, when peace waves her graceful banner over a nation of freemen, we are not called to the field of slaughter, to test our fidelity, as did the Brother whose memory is thus honored. But the day of noble deeds and manly daring, is not yet closed. There are still broad fields and a noble destiny, inviting every true heart to wage successful warfare with principalities and powers of evil, and win crowns thst shall never decay—laurels that shall bloom in fadeless beauty forever. To these fields, the voice of the Great Father, and the necessities of his sorrowing children, now summon us—till the sighing of the oppressed, the cry of the needy, and the wailings of the lost and ruined, shall cease to disturb the harmonies of earth.

For the work which claims our tireless energies, the discipline of our Order should be well and wisely applied, and its full power developed with unceasing care. It is a happy omen, that the spirit of improvement is apparent in nearly all the States.

GRAND LODGE LIBRARIES.

Many of the Grand Lodges exhibit a commendable zeal in the establishment of libraries, and it is hoped their example will be followed, not only by the other Grand Lodges, but by all their subordinates, so that each shall have a choice selection of works fitted to instruct the young Mason in the principles and duties of his calling. Every Lodge should have works of reference which may instruct the enquiring in the emblems, the jurisprudence, and the moral principles and duties of the craft;—and where means will permit, treatises which may give instruction in the sciences inculcated in our rituals. Your Committee concur fully in the recommendation of P. G. M. Bradford, that this Grand Lodge should procure for its library the several volumes of the Freemason's Magazine, published in Boston, by Bro. Charles W. Moore. It would be of great service as a book of reference, when investigating questions of masonic usage and jurisprudence. Several other masonic periodicals, more recently commenced, seem also worthy of a place in our library. The Acacia, commenced in January last, at Natchez, Mississippi, if we may judge from the numbers issued, will be found useful and interesting. There is also a monthly magazine at New York, one at Cincinnati, and one at Philadelphia, and still others farther West. It might be a good investment to add some two or three of these to our Library. In this connection, we would call attention to the following report extracted from proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Georgia.

" The Committee appointed to procure suitable works for the foundation of a Masonic Library, beg leave to report that they have discharged that duty as far as practicable; a portion of the works ordered- having been received, while others are on the way. Some of them on account of their great rarity, although, perhaps, valuable to none but the Fraternity, have not yet been found for sale.

" The Committee ordered, through Col. W. T. Williams, of Savannah, the following works, received:

• Book of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of England, 1 v;
• Book of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, 1 v ;

Page 41

• Book of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, 1 v; with the Laws of R. A.; the Grand Council of Rites and Rose [x] Degree, and K. T.;
• Clarke's History of Minden Lodge from 1748 to 1848, 1 v ;
• Masonic Constitutions of 1723;
• Masonic Constitutions Nourthruck's edition, 1784;
• Dermott's Ahiman Rezon, 1755 ;
• Lawne's History of Freemasonry ;
• Twelve Lectures delivered before the Lodge of Virtue, Manchester, England, lv;
• Jacob's Ladder, 1 v;
• Rosenberg's Masonic and Synoptical Tableau; Insignia of R. A. Degree, 1 v;
• Royal Arch Regulations, 1 v; Oliver's Historical Landmarks, 2 v;
• Symbol of Glory, 1 v;
• History of Initiations, 1 v;
• Signs and Symbols, 1 v;
• Star in the East, 1 v;
• Mirror for Johannite Masons, 1 v;
• Book of the Lodge, 1 v ;
• Ashe's Masonic Manual, 1 v;
• Hutchinson's Spirit of Masonry, 1 v;
• Preston's Illustrations of Masonry, 1 v;
• Antiquities of Freemasonry, 1 v;
• Hodge's Masonic Fragments, 1 v;
• Golden Remains of Early Masonic Writers, 3 v ;

And have ordered, also, through Charleston—

• An Essay on the Eleusinian Mysteries, 1 v ;
• Leyard's Babylon and Nineveh, 1 v;
• Dudley's Symbolism, 2 v ;
• Faber's Origin of Pagan Idolatry, 3 v;
• Inman on Symbolic Colors, 1 v;
• Clavel's Picturesque Freemasonry, 1 v.

" So soon as all the volumes ordered shall have been received, the Committee design placing them in a suitable case for preservation.

" It will be necessary for the Grand Lodge to provide a system of rules for the management of the Books, to prevent their being scattered and lost.

" Not having been able to procure all the Books which have been ordered, it is recommended that the Committee be continued, in order to discharge the duty in full."

The committee would call the attention of this G. Lodge to a resolution passed some years since, instructing the Grand Secretary to have bound in a cheap, durable form of moderate size, the reports of the several Grand Lodges which shall be deposited in the Library. They would recommend that the reports of this and previous years be thus bound up and deposited, and that the resolution become a permanent arrangement.

CHARITY FUNDS.

The Grand Lodges of Mississippi, Texas, and many other States, have commended the Grand Lodge of Maine for the action proposed to be had in the establishment of charity funds by our Subordinate Lodges. It is hoped that all our Lodges will heed the recommendation of this Grand Lodge adopted in accordance with the proposition of P. G. M. J. C. Humphreys, and be able to

Page 42

report progress in the establishment of Charity Funds. If Maine shall set a laudable example in this work, it will be approved and imitated on an extensive scale.

NON-AFFILIATED MASONS.

The case of those belonging to the Masonic Order who neglect to become affiliated, and who bear no part in sustaining the Institution, has attracted considerable attention for some years. A special committee of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas, having had the subject under consideration, have published the following extracts from the Ancient Constitutions, the opinions of Grand Lodges, and of distinguished Masons :—

" In the Ancient Constitutions, we find it stated, ' That if a Master of a particular Lodge is deposed or demits, the Senior Warden shall forthwith.' etc—Article 1, vide page 250, Mystic Circle.

" No set or number of brethren shall withdraw or separate themselves from the Lodge in which they were made, or were afterwards admitted members, unless the Lodge become too numerous ; nor even then without a dispensation from the Grand Master or Deputy : and when thus separated, they must either immediately join themselves to such other Lodges that they shall like best, or else obtain the Grand Master's warrant to join in forming a new Lodge, to be regularly constituted in good time.'—Art. 6, p. 243, Mystic Circle.

" ' Every brother ought to be a member of some Lodge ; nor is it proper that any number of brethren should withdraw or separate themselves from the Lodge in which they were made or admitted members, without good cause : although the right is an inherent one, and can never be restrained by any power whatsoever ; still such separation is improper, unless the Lodge becomes too numerous for working,' etc.—Ahiman Rezon, (see Mystic Circle, p. 267.)

" ' Every brother ought to belong to some regular Lodge,' etc.—Ib. p. 267.

" The editor of the Masonic Magazine, vol. 6, p. 321, says: ' If a brother desire to leave us, bid him farewell, and let him depart in peace.' ' An unwilling servant is generally an unfaithful one.' ' Brethren who have never been, or who have ceased to be, affiliated, most certainly have not the same claims upon the Lodges, that are conceded to contributing members. It is not equitable that they should have. They contribute nothing to the charity fund, neither do they bear any portion of the labors or responsibilities of the Lodge. They are members of the Masonic family, and as such, are invested with certain general privileges, which, until forfeited, they have an irrevocable right to exercise and enjoy, irrespective of their connection or otherwise, with any private Lodge. These privileges, however, do not extend to an unqualified participation in the local, pecuniary, or social advantages of the Lodge. Such brethren have not a good claim upon the charity fund of the Lodges. * * Non-affiliated brethren are not entitled to Masonic funeral honors. They may claim the right to join in public processions, on the festival days of the Fraternity, but not on local occasions, when the procession is limited to the members of a private Lodge and their invited brethren. —Mystic Circle, pp. 331-2-3'

The proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Texas:—'In the opinion of your Committee, every brother in good standing at the time, and for good reasons, (and we can conceive of many,) has the right to withdraw from the Lodge : and by so doing, he does not absolve himself from any restraints, and is still amenable to the Lodge within whose jurisdiction he resides, and subject to be punished for any unmasonic act or offence. It is optional with every Lodge, whether she will receive as visitors, Masons who are not members of some Lodge—whether she will relieve their wants, or in case of death, bury them with Masonic honors, for none but the worthy can claim these as rights.' —Mystic Circle, p. 415.

Page 43

" Iowa.— ' We do not believe that a Grand Lodge has the power to compel a brother, a Free and Accepted Mason, to unite with any lodge, and when he has so united, it has no power to prevent him from demitting, if he be in good standing. * * If he be a non-affiliated brother, and will not affiliate himself with some Lodge, [the Grand Lodge] may withhold from him the charities of the Grand Lodge.'

" Wisconsin.—Under the Constitution of this Grand Lodge, ' No Mason can be interred with the formalities of the Order, * * * * unless he, at the time of his death, was a member of some regular Lodge.' —Pro. 1850, p. 77, Const, part 5, sec. 5.

" Florida and Wisconsin.—The Grand Lodge of Wisconsin permits any Master Mason, in good standing, and not in arrears for dues, to demit. * *. They (the Com. on For. Cor.) recommend that members be permitted to demit at pleasure, but that they be denied the privilege of visiting Lodges : that Grand charities be withheld from them: that they be excluded from masonic processions and festivals, and other benefits enjoyed by regular affiliated Masons. The Grand Lodge of Florida, at its last communication, passed resolutions on this subject, corresponding with the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin.

" Mackay's Lexicon of Masonry, says : ' A Mason is said to demit from the Order when he withdraws from all connection with it. It relieves the individual from all pecuniary contributions, and debars him from pecuniary relief,' etc.— Pro. G. L. Florida, 1851, p. 42.

" Indiana holds that it is contrary to, and inconsistent with, the ancient usages and precepts of our Order, to withdraw from a subordinate Lodge without some good cause, or reside in the neighborhood of a subordinate Lodge without becoming a member thereof, and relies upon the Ancient Constitutions as a sufficient law upon the subject. And in this, we believe, Ohio concurs.

" South Carolina.—A Mason who declines to contribute to the support of the Order, cannot certainly expect to claim anything from its charities, for himself or family. From this Maryland dissents, for his inability to pay dues, the nature of his business, or other just causes, may induce the withdrawal. —Pro-G.L. of Maryland, 1850, p. 30.

" New York has adopted the following resolution: ' Every Mason ought to belong to some particular Lodge, and comply with its By-Laws, and the general regulations in relation to the payment of dues and contributions to the charity funds. And any worthy Mason who does not contribute to the funds, or belong to some Lodge, is not entitled to visit a Lodge more than twice while he remains non-affiliated with some Lodge, nor to join in procession, or to relief, or Masonic assistance or burial.—Pro. G. L. of New York, 1851, p 87.

" Louisiana has resolved, ' That no Master Mason who shall live in the vicinity of a Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, for the space of one year, and is able to pay the necessary and usual fees and contributions required by the Constitution and By-Laws of said Lodge, and shall fail or neglect to affiliate himself, or apply to affiliate himself, with such Lodge, shall be allowed to visit any Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, to assist at any of the public ceremonies and processions of the Order, be entitled to Masonic burial, or receive relief for himself or family, from the charity fund of the Order.' —Pro. Louisiana G. L., 1852. p. 78.

" We have thus laid before the Grand Lodge all the information within our reach upon the subject of the Resolutions referred to us, and will now proceed to state our own conclusions :.

" We believe it unquestionably true, that it is the duty of every brother to belong to some Lodge, to associate and work with his brethren in all their efforts of charity and benevolence, and contribute, in some measure, his time and means to the forwarding of the great objects of our organization. But if he thinks proper to violate this duty, and separate himself from all local associ-

Page 44

ation with the brethren, he is free to do so. He is responsible to no one for Ms action in this respect—we can lay upon him no other or greater restraint than the cord of brotherly love and kindness. If these are not sufficient to retain him within the walls of our Lodges, he has the right to go forth; but whilst he voluntarily remains apart and separate from us, he must meet the consequences of his own secession—which would be an entire separation between him and the Lodge.

" We therefore think that the first resolution is not correct in principle, as by it the Lodge assumes the right to refuse a demit, if the cause for asking it bo not sufficient in the opinion of her members.

" We fully concur in the second, third and fourth resolutions with this restriction, however, that the privileges and benefits referred to in the fourth resolution be understood to mean those of members of a Lodge. For we are unwilling to say that, by ceasing to be a member of a Lodge, a brother cuts himself off from all right to Masonic intercourse, or to relief, comfort and assistance from the fraternity. His general duty to assist and relieve still remains, and therefore his right to these benefits is not lost.

" The committee submitted the following resolutions, which were subsequently adopted by the Grand Lodge:

" Resolved, That every brother ought to belong to some Lodge, and assist the brethren in their work, and contribute to the funds of the Lodge : but if he chooses to withdraw, he ought to be free to do so; and if he can satisfy his brethren that he is unable to assist in the work of the Lodge, on account of feeble health, distance of residence, or other like good cause, he ought to be excused; and if unable to contribute to the funds of the Lodge, he ought to be relieved from payment of dues.

"Resolved, That demitted and non-affiliated brethren, who continue to reside for the space of six months, in the vicinity of a Lodge, without joining, or applying to join the same, have no right to visit a Lodge, unless by consent of the same, with or without terms; nor to relief from the Lodge; nor to join her local processions ; nor to Masonic burial.

"Resolved, That demitted and non-affiliated brethren, though living in open violation of their duty, and neglect of their rights and privileges, are not of that unworthy class who have forfeited all claim upon the sympathy, assistance and charity of the members of the fraternity."

It is desirable that all who have assumed masonic obligations, should honor their professions, by affiliation with some Lodge, and fraternal relations with all; and that each should be more willing to share in the duties and burdens of the Order, than to draw upon its charities. It is doubtful, however, whether any thing can be effectually done by adopting stringent measures in relation to those who ignore these practical and wholesome truths. Of this, each Grand Lodge can best judge for itself; yet it may be conceded, that personal and fraternal counsels, persuasions and reproofs, are the most hopeful remedies for such delinquency. In speaking upon this subject, in 1852, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky said:—

" We are so constituted, that we cannot love that, of the excellence of which we are ignorant, or which appears to us hazily mystic. Those thus passing on, little taught, less learned, are generally but illiterate smatterers in the workmanship ; thoughtless of the grand design portrayed, when understood, by every part of every ceremony and emblem,, and imbued with the deep and consoling and noble spirit, which, like an ethereal and heavenly thrill of love, pervades the whole system. The result is, they become indifferent, and non-affiliating ; and, ceasing altogether to contribute either to the knowledge, brotherly love, or

Page 45

charity of the Order -- drones of the hive—forget that they are members of it, except when distress, or want of assistance, drives them pleading to its bounteous almonry."

MASONIC JURISPRUDENCE AND DECISIONS.

Your committee have been impressed with the desirableness of some condensed treatise, accessible to the officers of all our Lodges, which might aid in the government of the Craft, and in disposing of numerous questions likely to arise. Wo have been impressed with the general soundness and practical sense of the decisions of M. W. Wm. B. Hubbard, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Without the necessity of endorsing these decisions in detail, it seems to us that benefit would arise from publishing them as the deductions of a very intelligent mind—the decisions of a wise Master, under whose administration Free Masonry in Ohio has been greatly prospered. The Grand Lodge of Illinois, in publishing these decisions, along with their report on Foreign Correspondence, thus speaks of his qualifications :—

" It is not often that any Grand Lodge is blessed with so able, firm and learned a Grand Master as Wm. B. Hubbard. His decisions upon questions of Masonic Jurisprudence, have stamped him as the Mason, nearest to perfection, now living. His Address shows a complete acquaintance with all the business of the Grand and Subordinate Lodges in that State. The following sentence, selected from the closing part of his Address, speaks well for the Grand Lodge and its Grand Master.

" My Brethren.—In closing this my last official communication, it is gratifying to the best feelings of our natures to know that never, in the history of Freemasonry in Ohio, has our beloved Order stood on higher and more meritorious ground. Within the past few years, the increase of talent, and devotion to the pure principles of the Order, have been manifest, and we have full confidence in the belief that it is destined to occupy a still higher and more elevated stand. Although your subordinates are very numerous, yet among so great a number, it is most remarkable, and much to their credit, that not a single ease, save one, of recusancy to your authority has occurred; and that at this time not a single ease of unfraternal collision between two or more Lodges exists. Each of your subordinates has higher, purer and holier aspirations than those that are founded in selfishness, and those which lead to strifes for power and office. The spirit of Masonry presides over your Lodges. Taken as a whole; a vast and benign work is steadily progressing throughout the whole of your Masonic vineyard. The moral standard of Freemasonry has been erected in Ohio. On its banner is inscribed the motto of the Order—Brotherly Love, Belief, and Truth—supported by the virtuous principles of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice. Long, nay, evermore may it firmly stand, surrounded and protected by hosts of good men and true. And may the Order it represents, continue to be a blessing to mankind till time shall be no more.'"

The decisions of Grand Blaster Hubbard cover a wide range of subjects, and are given with a terseness and clearness worthy of being studied as models. Your committee recommend that they be published as a part of this report

Powers of W. Master, &c. -- 1. The decision of the W. Master, on a point of (Masonic) Law. is not a proper subject for discussion by his Lodge, unless by his request and permission.

Page 46

2. Appeals from the decision of the W. Master are not authorized by the usages of Masonry. They are unknown.

3. A Brother under charge and specifications, has not a right to vote in his own case, but has a right to be heard, under the Rules and By-Laws.

4. As a general rule, the rights (Masonic) of a Brother under arrest for malconduct, are held in abeyance, except as provided for in the By-Laws of the Lodge, or in the discretion, and at the sufferance of, the W. Master.

5. "A Brother, while his trial is suspended for the procurement of testimony, may lawfully occupy the South or West in the ceremony of initiation, passing or raising a candidate," in the discretion of the W. Master, whether such work shall be done or not. That is, the station is not vacated by a charge being under progress of investigation ; and if the charge is a serious one, affecting, if true, the union and harmony of the Lodge, the exercise of a prudent discretion would, doubtless, cause the W. M. to have the work postponed, until a final decision was had. This is his prerogative at all times.

6. " The W. Master is not bound to bury an unworthy Brother, a violator of the laws of the State" and Masonry.

7. If a member is regardless of the Gavel, and contumacious to the chair, the Lodge need not be closed to get rid of him. The Master has the power, as it is his duty, to prevent all confusion among the workmen ; and, if necessary to effect the object, may reprimand the contumacious Brother—and, if further necessity require, have him led out of the Lodge. He must preserve order, and the Gavel must be obeyed. By the Constitution and usages of Masonry, the Master, in all these matters, is supreme.

On Appeal. -—In the case presented to me in your letter, the Master was right in refusing to entertain the motion, and he erred in permitting an appeal. He should have pronounced that out of order, and unknown to the usages of Masonry. No appeal from the decision of a Master of a Lodge lies in any case whatever. Right or wrong, as any individual member may suppose, it is final, and reversible only by himself—or by the Grand Lodge, in a proper way.

On Dispensations. -—Officers acting under Dispensation are not installed; neither can such Lodge, until acting, or rather, ready to act, under a regular Charter, be dedicated.

Work. -—In all cases, my Brother, be careful to avoid the impression, that you seek to exemplify any man's work; avoid this, by exemplifying, and seeking to exemplify " the work" of Free and Accepted Masons, as authorized by the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and the Grand Master thereof.

Suspensions, &c, by a Chapter.—I understand the Masonic Law to be, that a Chapter has not the " power to suspend a member from the privileges of the Lodge." If the member is suspended or expelled from his Chapter, the Lodge having jurisdiction over him, on learning of his suspension or expulsion, would do well, and discharge a duty they owe to themselves and the Craft generally, to inquire into the cause of his suspension or expulsion, and institute a trial in his case, if they (the members of the Lodge) deem it proper and expedient to do so. If tried, he should be tried upon the facts of the case, and on such trial, the judgment of the Chapter is not evidence.

On coming out of Lodge, its Doings, &c.—A Brother of a Lodge, to which application is made by a candidate for initiation, has no right, and ought not, to communicate to the applicant, or to any one not a Master Mason, objections that have been made to the character or standing of the applicant, by a member of his Lodge, or a visitor therein. Such a breach of Masonic duty and obligation ought not to be passed over in silence. Any Brother so offending, should be charged, tried, and if found guilty, be reprimanded, suspended, or expelled, according to the circumstances of the case.

Page 47

On Adjournment of Lodges. -—My opinion has been, and is yet, that adjournments were unknown in ancient Masonry, and not used by a subordinate Lodge until in latter times.

Order of Work in Lodge. -—1st. " If there is business to transact in the third degree, on the same evening, what is the order of proceeding ?"

Ans. That which the W. Master, in his discretion, may choose.

2d. " Can any business, other than conferring degrees, be transacted in the Entered Apprentice or Fellow Craft's Lodge ?"

Ans. None other than conferring degrees in the respective Lodges, and giving instruction peculiar to such Lodges respectively.

3d. " When a ballot is had in an Entered Apprentice Lodge," &c.

Ans. No ballot should be had in such Lodge for the initiation of candidates, and if any be taken, the act is void. None but Master Masons have a right to vote, by ballot or otherwise ; and all business, except as excepted, in answer to the second question, should be transacted in a Lodge of Master Masons.

None but Master Masons are entitled to membership, burial, or the general charity fund of the Lodge.

Trial and Ballot of E. Apprentice. -—Question 1st. "Can a subordinate Lodge try an Entered Apprentice upon charges of unmasonic conduct ?"

Ans. A subordinate Lodge of Master Masons has the undoubted right to try any and all Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts within its jurisdiction, for unmasonic conduct.

To your " 2d question." If a majority vote against the person charged with the offence, it gives him no claim to a privilege unknown to Masonry. In such a case as that put by you, or in any other, one ballot against advancement is sufficient, even if " all the other members are satisfied," and desire his advancement.

Boston Masonic Trestle Board.—I have found the book called " New Masonic Trestle Board," and have given it as attentive an examination as my limited time would permit; and I take pleasure in saying to you that I deem the work a very valuable one to the Craft in general. For the different Orders, it is worthy, in my opinion, of being adopted as a Text Book, and I would be pleased to see it in general use. It is due to you to observe, that the work throughout bears the impress of great care and labor in its preparation ; and sound judgment, combined with a thorough knowledge of the different Orders, in excluding what ought not to be inserted, and publishing, in a concise and methodical manner, and under appropriate heads, pretty much, if not altogether, all that was necessary.

On the Right of Ballot.—The Lodge to which you have applied for advancement, has, in the matter of agreeing or disagreeing to your further advancement, sole and exclusive jurisdiction ; and by the Constitution and immemorial usages of our Order, an unanimous ballot for advancement is as necessary as for initiation to the first degree. Consequently, you will observe that neither the Grand Master, nor even the Grand Lodge, has any control in the case. Each. Master Mason, and none other, must vote upon his own responsibility, and is not to be called on for any reasons for his so voting. These are the rights, as well as duties, of Master Masons, and which by no means interfere with yours.

Power of Lodges over E. A. &c, for Trial.—An Entered Apprentice, for unmasonic conduct, is subject to discipline. The Lodge within whose jurisdiction he resides, and where the alleged offence was committed, has jurisdiction in the premises, and may proceed to final action, as in other cases. He, it is true, cannot be a member of a Lodge, neither can a Fellow Craft. None but Master-Masons can be members of a Lodge, though those of an inferior degree are members of the Masonic Family—that is, subject to all the incidents pertaining to their respective degrees. But an Entered Apprentice or F. C. has no right to

Page 48

vote. It follows, that a Lodge of Master Masons only, can entertain the complaint, give the necessary directions for trial, and give the final judgment, and such final judgment being given in the Master's Lodge, and by the vote of Master Masons, members of that Lodge. It is usual for such Lodges to appoint a committee of members from the same, who notify the person charged, &c. If, the matter is proper to be reduced to writing, they do so, and report it to the Lodge, with their recommendations by way of resolutions. If not proper to be written, then verbally. If the person charged wishes to be heard on the testimony taken by and before the committee, and before final decision, the Master may, in his discretion, open an E. A. or F. 0. Lodge, (as the case may be,) and hear his remarks, and then resume labor in a Master's Lodge. If the final judgment or sentence is that the Ent. Apprentice should be reprimanded by the Master, this may be done by the Master alone with the E. A., or in an open Entered Apprentice Lodge, for general information and instruction. If the conclusion of the Lodge is, that he be suspended or expelled, a copy of such resolution should be made out, certified by your Secretary, and delivered to him if conveniently within your power.

W. M. may call Assistance—By ancient usage, it is one of the privileges of the W. Master to call to his counsel and assistance any of the well-informed Brethren ; and consequently it would be proper (in his discretion) to request a Past Master to take a seat with him temporarily for counsel and advice, though such Past Master received his degree in a Chapter, and had not been elected Master of a Lodge.

The W. Master has the undoubted claim upon the Grand Master, at all times, for advice and assistance, without any consultation with others.

On the Rights of a Member under Charge.—According to Masonic law and Masonic usage, charges made and pending against a member of a Lodge, do not debar him from the usual rights of members ; such as balloting in all cases, in common with his Brethren, and voting also in all cases, except upon his own guilt or innocence of the charges against him.

On Belief in a God.—The inquiries you make are of great importance to the Craft generally, inasmuch as there has been a diversity of opinion on the subject; and that diversity, I am free to say, has arisen from—1st, either not understanding the ancient requirements of Masonry; or, 2d, from a desire to innovate. Ancient Masonry required a belief in God, the Supreme Architect of the Universe, a God of Spirit, (not of stone, wood, or any other description of idolatry ;) one that was from everlasting to everlasting, supremely wise, good, and powerful. The Fraternity, from time immemorial, were taught to regard the " Book of the Law," as the rule and guide of their (not faith, but) conduct.

The vice of excessive drinking, is a very serious and growing one, and you and all other Lodges will be entitled to much credit in checking it to the extent of their means.

Admission of Members.—Every member of the Lodge should be agreed to the admission, and without such unanimous consent, no admission should take place. " And no member, guided by the true principles of Masonry, should desire, much less aid in, the initiation of a candidate who was, to his knowledge, not acceptable to one or more members. Any regular member, a Master Mason, has the right to oppose the initiation or advancement of a candidate at any time.

Installed Officers, Duties, &c.—"A Warden of a Lodge fails to attend his Lodge and perform his duties; is it competent for the Lodge to adopt a resolution requesting him either to attend to his duties, or, if he cannot, to resign his office?"

Ans. Such proceedings, in my opinion, would be irregular. The principal officers, elected and installed, cannot and should not resign. The Worshipful Master would be justified, as performing his duty, to advise and instruct his

Page 49

Wardens in the appropriate discharge of their duties. If these stations are vacant, the W. Master should appoint suitable Brethren to act pro tem. If, when present at their stations, the Wardens are unskillful, and thereby unable to discharge their duties, the W. Master should instruct them. And, whether from negligence or incompetency, either should show himself unfit for his station, the Brethren should lay it to heart, and at their next election, be careful to do their duty, by selecting those only who are morally and intellectually (or, in one word, Masonically) qualified to discharge the duties of their office with honor to themselves and the Fraternity.

Necessity and Importance of the Study of the Constitution, &c. —On all occasions, when with the members of the subordinate Lodges, I will thank you to call their attention to the importance of a thorough acquaintance with the Constitution, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations, and Decisions of the Grand Lodge.

I find also in many, I may say, very many cases, Masters and Wardens of Lodges, unacquainted with the proceedings of the Grand Lodge, and of Masonic Jurisprudence generally. Add your advice and influence, my Brother, whenever you meet with the Brethren, in favor of placing in the various offices—intelligence, moral worth and industry. Infuse the spirit of improvement of the mind and the heart, so that our society may become more and more elevated, as a great and good Institution.

On the Requisites for the Officers of a New Lodge, &c.—From the high recommendations I have had of yourself and the other petitioners, I indulge the hope that your Lodge will be distinguished for its masonic knowledge and moral character; and that, from the commencement and onwards, you will be particularly careful not to admit into your Lodge any other than such as, in fact, have all the moral and intellectual qualifications required in our ancient Rules and Regulations. I trust, also, that the officers of your Lodge will become, if they are not that already, and particularly the Master, well acquainted with our Book of Constitutions, the Constitution, By-laws and Regulations, and all of the Decisions of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

On Expulsions, and Adjournments of Lodges.—The better opinion, is, that publications of expelled Masons should only be under the sanctions of the Grand Lodge or Grand Master.

The adjourning of Lodges was unknown to the Order in ancient times ; in fact, it is of recent date, and may be considered an innovation. Very many of our Lodges adopt this practice : it is an error. The Lodge should be closed, unless in a case of emergency, or for other good cause, a recess may be had. The W. Master may order the Craft to cease from labor until such an hour, naming it—he may close, to open again for dispatch of business, at such time as he pleases—not passing over or violating the By-Laws.

On the Necessary Requisites for Initiation.—The citizen you name, who has had the misfortune to lose his right hand at the wrist, is, in my opinion, ineligible as a candidate for the mysteries of our Order; and this opinion is founded not only upon the olden Rules and Regulations of our Order, but also upon the Constitutional Regulations of the Grand Lodge. It is not strange that in these times innovations should bo attempted; but what Masonry was, Masonry is.

On Resignation of W. M., and Powers of Wardens, &c.—It was irregular for the Master to resign, after being installed. Such resignations are unknown to, ancient Masonry. I consider the act void. If the Master is absent, the Senior Warden should preside; next the Junior Warden.

On Rights after Suspension.—-" When a Lodge suspends a Brother for a certain determinate time," he has a right to his scat in the Lodge, after the expiration of that time, without further action on the part of the Lodge. But if conditions are attached to the suspension, then he cannot take his seat, except by the action of his Lodge.

Page 50

When a Brother, from any cause, ceases to be a member, and afterwards applies for membership, an unanimous vote is necessary.

What constitute Cases of Emergency ?—The " cases of emergency" recognized in our Constitution and Rules, are such, and such only, as are real, and not imaginary. By the ancient usages of our Order, cases of emergency were an attribute of all our Lodges. The Lodge, in its discretion, must be the judge of what is, or is not, a case of emergency. The word emergent implies a necessity for the action. It implies that the action should be now had, because of imperative and good reasons, against delay. It should be resorted to but rarely, because it is a measure out of the regular and approved rules—or rather, it is an exception to them. If a worthy person is suddenly called upon to visit distant lands —to embark in war, in defence of his country, &c, and cannot wait—these would be proper cases. But no cases of personal favor should ever be deemed cases of emergency, whether to the Lodge or to the applicant. Of this class is the one presented by you, and in my opinion, should not be countenanced.

At special and called meetings—that is, for specific purposes—nothing else should be done.

All balloting should be in a Master's Lodge, opened in the third degree. None but Master Masons are members ; none under the third degree have any right to vote, to be members, to the charity fund, or to the rite of burial. You have the right to call off, and then resume labor where you left off. No warrants for Mark Master's Lodges are now granted.

The Grand Master does not grant Dispensations to confer the degree of Past Master, except at his option.

A Chapter can lawfully confer the degree of Past Master ; so may a convocation of three or more Past Masters confer it upon a Lodge-elected Master.

No Dispensation is needed from me, to Chartered Lodges, to have a public procession. To a Lodge working under a Dispensation, it is necessary.

None but the Grand Master has the right to " make Masons at sight." This prerogative should rarely ever be exercised, and when exercised, in the sound discretion of the Grand Master, for the good of the Order. To do so, he should convene and open a Lodge of Master Masons, (if conveniently in his power to do so,) and though not obligatory upon him, I would, as such officer, have a clear ballot from all the Master Masons present.

On the Expulsion of Bro.—I approve your proceedings. Your communication should be signed officially. Let this instance be a wholesome lesson of instruction to all your Brethren, not to be too anxious to make new members. Take time, and adopt the most rigid scrutiny as to character; and be sure that each one received into our Order is of tried and established moral worth. I make these remarks, because of the event to which you allude, and also because I have been informed that some of your members have manifested an indiscreet zeal for obtaining accessions to our Order, even striving to outdo Odd Fellows in numbers. I hope I have been misinformed; for such a course is not only unmasonic, but must lead to disastrous consequences.

Rules for the Government of Lodges.—1. Can the Lodge take any action on the case of one who black-balls a candidate from personal motives?

2. Would such a By-Law as the one following, conflict with any of the principles, or regulations of Masonry; and if so, with what principles, and with what regulations ?

[The proposed By-Law.]—" No Brother shall black-ball a candidate for any of the degrees of Masonry, until he has stated his reasons for so doing, in open Lodge."

Answers to foregoing questions:—-1. He is not to be dealt with otherwise than by friendly advice and counsel from the W. M, Indeed, no inquiry ought to be made to ascertain who black-balled. Every one in voting, should feel that his vote would be unknown except to himself.

Page 51

2. The By-Law," as submitted to me, is repugnant to the general regulations of ancient Masonry, and would, in its operation, be destructive of that unity so essential to the well-being of the Craft, Masters should, in their discretion, advise, counsel and instruct their members, as to the principles that should govern one and all in balloting; but he should also instruct all that each one's right is sacred, and to be exercised in absolute secrecy. I have no advice to friends of a candidate out of the Lodge. But as to entertaining a second application, no time is required. It rests in the sound discretion of the W. Master, and his Brethren. I would advise, however, that after a rejection, no second application should be acted upon, unless all who were present at the rejection were then present.

On the Right of Ballot for Candidate.—The right of balloting among Masons, is a sacred right, especially upon the application of strangers for initiation, or of Brethren to become members. None should bo admitted except by unanimous vote. Each Brother, in voting, is presumed to act according to the best dictates of his judgment, and for the peace, welfare, and good of our ancient Order. No one is to be held accountable to the Lodge for the vote he may give. In fact, no inquiry should be made as to who put in a black ballot; and no well informed Mason will wish to intrude upon the sacred rights of others. If a Brother has been suspended or dealt with, for exercising this inestimable privilege, he should appeal to the Grand Lodge; though if I was furnished with a copy of the minutes showing such a violation of Masonic law and usage, I should not hesitate to interfere officially.

On Brethren, Not Members of Lodges, Conferring Degrees.—That it is lawful for a Brother who is not a member of any " Lodge or Chapter, to preside and confer degrees," provided he is a Past Master; and provided further, that in so officiating, it is at the request of the Master of the Lodge, or in his absence, of the Senior or Junior Warden present. He has no right to preside; if at all, it is by the courtesy of the regular presiding officer; and if so requested, it is lawful

On the Right of Trial of F.C. Mason, &c.--" Has a Lodge the right to try a Fellow Craft M. for unmasonic conduct?"

Ans. The right is undoubted, and their duty to do so obligatory. If found guilty, he should be suspended or expelled, in the judgment of the Master's Lodge, from the benefits of Masonry—not from the Lodge as a member, for neither a Fellow Craft nor an Ent Ap. Mason, is or can be a member of the Master's Lodge; nor any others than Masters can be members; Ent. Aps. and Fellow Crafts have no rights as such. But they are amenable to the Lodge within whose jurisdiction they are, for unmasonic conduct.

On the Rejection of a Candidate after Clear Ballot.—In all cases of the kind named in your letter, it is competent for the Lodge to refuse to initiate a candidate, although " he has been duly elected." Indeed, I deem it the duty of the Lodge to not confer a degree, if any one of the regular members objects; though the objection, and perhaps the reason for that objection, did not exist at the time the ballot was had. It is a fundamental rule to have entire union among the members, and never to unseat a regular member, by initiating a stranger that one could not nit or be in unity with. The Lodge may, by resolution, decline conferring the degree, or re-consider and reject it in the case named by you. But when a rejection has been finally expressed by second ballot, I deem it improper to reconsider, and that a motion to that effect should be pronounced out of order by the Master, Past Master.—A convocation of [three] Past Masters can confer the degree on a Master elect.

On New Lodge being Chartered.—A new Lodge, after having its Charter granted, cannot initiate, craft or raise until the officers are regularly installed.

Page 52

Officers of a Lodge working under a Dispensation are not entitled to an installation.

On Officers Elect Declining to be Installed.—If the Master elect of a Lodge, declines to be installed, the last Master will continue so to act, and be installed ; in his absence the Senior Warden, &c., will take his place. By the olden rule, no Brother is permitted to decline, unless he has served before in the same office, and when elected and having no such excuse, should not decline being installed. In calling special meetings of a Lodge, each member of the Lodge ought to have notice; but if some, from too great a distance, do not receive the notice, its meeting and acts will not be deemed illegal.

On Strangers Visiting Lodges.—No visitor (" strange Fellow") should bo admitted on the proper vouching of a member, without such member first seeing the applicant; for there are many persons of the same name, and impostors might send in a name well known, &c.

If the person is not properly vouched for, the committee, after the test, should regularly examine him ; his name, place of residence, and Lodge, should be entered on the minutes of the Secretary. No visitor should be received to a Lodge against the wishes of a member.

On Jurisdiction for Trial.—A member who has moved out of the jurisdiction of his own Lodge into that of another, and is guilty of unmasonic conduct, it is prudent and commendable for such last named Lodge, if convenient, and no injury will result from delay, to notify his Lodge, that it may proceed and try him. But if inconvenient, or a necessity exists for more prompt action, the Lodge into whose jurisdiction the offending member has removed, and in which he then resides, should proceed at once with the charge and trial.

On the Rejection of a Candidate after Clear Ballot.—It is a cardinal principle in our Order, so to conduct all its affairs, as to have unity of feeling among all the members of a subordinate Lodge, and also among the Fraternity generally. In the case of a candidate for Masonry being found worthy, and about to be initiated, if even a single member of the Lodge, but more especially the Master, is unwilling to have him initiated, the proceedings ought to be stayed, and the degree never conferred without the unanimous consent of all the members present.

On Installation of Master.—The old Master of a Lodge, so presiding, has the right to install the newly elected Master. Then it is the prerogative of the newly installed Master, to install his other officers of the Lodge. He may waive the exercise of that prerogative, and request his predecessor, or any other Past Master, to officiate.

A presiding officer should endeavor to § rule and govern" his Lodge with prudence, with justice, with fortitude, and with charity to all.

On the Right of Ballot.—The right of balloting should be held and regarded as a sacred right: but the Master of a Lodge should have a vigilant eye to all the actions of all the members; and if any can be proved to wilfully conspire to injure or destroy the Lodge, or mar its peace and harmony, such should be counselled, and if need be, tried for unmasonic conduct, and punished by suspension or expulsion, as the facts and justice may dictate.

On Resignation of Officers.—The W. Master, nor any installed officer of a Lodge, can resign his station. In the absence of the Master, the Senior Warden succeeds to his station, duty and powers. Resignation of installed officers is unmasonic.

On Trial of W. Master of Lodge.—The W. Master of a Lodge can only be tried by the Grand Lodge, and his official acts only investigated by one of the officers of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Master may, in his discretion and for proper cause, suspend the proceedings of a subordinate Lodge. Misconduct on its part, or on the part of the Master, might justify such a proceeding.

Page 53

The Holy Bible.—The Bible, or anciently called the " Book of the Law" was always one of the great lights of Masonry, and no Lodge can be regularly opened without it is present. By the usages and principles of our Order, he who does not believe in and acknowledge that great light, as the rule and guide of his conduct, ought not to be received into our Order.

On Restoration of Suspended Member.—A member of a Lodge, who has been indefinitely suspended on account of gross unmasonic conduct, should not be admitted a member or restored to membership without an unanimous vote of the Lodge.

On Opening Lodge.—The W. Master has the undoubted right to open a Lodge of Master Masons, without first opening on either of the preceding degrees. The opening of an E. A. or F. C. need only be for the purpose of work or instruction in those degrees.

On the Advancing of Candidates from another Jurisdiction.—An E. A. or F. Craft, so made in a foreign jurisdiction, and coming and taking up his residence in the jurisdiction of another Lodge, is subject to that jurisdiction. If the Lodge is fully satisfied that he is worthy and entitled to advancement, they may so advance him.

On the Previous Question.—The calling for the previous question to terminate debate, is unknown to Masonry. The W. Master has the power, and it is his duty, in the exercise of his own discretion, to terminate the debate when ho pleases. This is done according to ancient and regular Masonic usage, by the Master rising from his chair, when all further discussion or debate must cease.

On the Duties of M. M. and Lodges to Widows, &c.—The obligations of Master Masons and their Lodges are common to all equally, in reference to the widows and orphans of deceased worthy Masons. They are not limited to fixed boundaries. Wherever the poor, destitute or helpless widow or orphan of a deceased worthy Brother is found, there the relief should be provided by the Fraternity. There is no usage or regulation by which, like our State Poor Laws, the destitute are to be traced back to a former settlement or residence. Each Lodge or Master Mason will administer relief to true objects of masonic charity, where and when they may be found to exist.

On Trial of Members in Lodges under Dispensation.—A Lodge acting under Dispensation, has the right, as it is its duty, to try its own members, being within its own jurisdiction, for unmasonic conduct.

On Rights of Lodges U. D.—The persons named in the petition as officers and members, are, by the warrant of Dispensation, the only ones authorized to assemble as a Lodge, and transact the business of a Lodge. They only are responsible to the Grand Lodge. They may make, initiate, pass, and raise. Other Master Masons applying, should not be received, except by a unanimous vote, or ballot. But when so received, I think they also should be permitted, more by courtesy and for the good of the Order, than by strict right, to ballot upon all after applications for initiations.

On Lectures in Lodge Rooms.—The Lectures in a subordinate Lodge enjoined by the Grand Lodge, were intended, and should have relation to Masonry, and her sciences and teachings—her history, her origin, her tenets and principles— as truth, temperance, justice, fortitude, charity, relief, friendship, morality. Her emblems, her obligations, all the sciences taught in the F. C. degree—music, astronomy, &c., at the option of the Lecturer from time to time, to the end that masons should become more and more informed and edified, and that the Lodge room should become more and more attractive.

Powers of Masters and of Lodges.—Question. " Can a Lodge, by a majority vote, rule the Master of a Lodge out of his chair ?" Ans. They cannot.

Page 54

Ques. " When such a motion is made, has not the Master a right to rule it out of order ? Is he bound to give his authority for so doing, and can an appeal be taken ?" 

Ans. Such a motion should not be made ; and if made, should be pronounced out of order; and no appeal lies in any case.

Ques. " If a M. M. makes application for membership to a Lodge, and is rejected, can the Lodge, by a majority vote, invite such rejected Mason to attend the meetings of the Lodge for all time to come, free from the payment of dues ?"

Ans. No stranger should be admitted as a member without the unanimous vote of the regular members present; nor will a Master admit a visitor, if objections are made by regular members.

Ques. " Has a Lodge the right to remit the dues of a member for good reason shown ?"

Ans. A Lodge has such a right.

Ques. " If a subordinate officer of a Lodge shall neglect or refuse to perform an official duty, acknowledged as such, is it competent in the Lodge to remove him, and fill the vacancy by election, or appointment by the W. M. pro tem. ?"

Ans. When a subordinate officer refuses to do his duty, he should be admonished by the Master, and if necessary be dealt with for unmasonic conduct. And if the regular business of the Lodge cannot progress by reason of the neglect or refusal, the W. Master should appoint another pro tem. No new election can take place until the regular time.

On Work in Lodges.—In answer to your question,—" Has any Brother any thing to offer, &c., is the above part of the ceremony or work ?"—1 remark, that it is, strictly speaking, neither. It is a question always in the discretion of the Master; and I would advise it never to be omitted, unless in some extreme cases, or for undoubted good reasons, known and influencing the Master's mind. It is a very courteous, useful and proper inquiry.

On Expelled Members resuming Membership, and on Dues.—After a member has been expelled from his Lodge, he cannot be received again into membership, except by a unanimous vote, and in the usual mode required for membership.

It is an error to suppose that a persistence in not paying dues to a Lodge involves no moral delinquency. Such a knowing delinquency becomes a wilful violation of the By-laws. Reflect upon the kind of obligation each member is under not only to obey but to maintain and support the By-laws of his Lodge. Good members may unintentionally and innocently forget the time and consequently the payment of their dues; but when known to them, especially when notified of them, a persistence in not paying is, as before observed, a wilful violation of the By-laws. Those members who are worthy and yet poor, perhaps penniless, and unable though willing to pay their dues, should, as such worthy members, make their case known, with their desire not to violate the By-laws, when doubtless the Lodge would appropriate relief.

Ques. When the Master of a Lodge is re-elected, is it necessary that ho should be re-installed ? If so, who should install him ? Ans. Yes ; any Past Master can do it.

Ques. When a Brother Master Mason profanes the name of Deity, is it the duty of a Brother hearing him to prefer a charge against him in his Lodge ? Ans. Yes, if on being remonstrated with, he does not agree to reform.

Ques. A Fellow Craft wishes to be advanced; a Master Mason, member of a neighboring Lodge, protests against such advancement. Would it be lawful to advance said Fellow Craft under such circumstances ?

Ans. It would be strictly speaking, lawful; but a just respect to the member making the objection, would induce the Master to delay conferring the degree until after thorough investigation.

Ques. Are the children of a Master Mason deceased, when past their minority, to be considered orphans, entitled to charitable support from the Fraternity?

Page 55

Ana. No; nor within their minority, if able to support themselves, or having provision for support without a call upon the Fraternity.

Ques. If a Lodge meet and open, and having transacted business, close to stand closed until the next regular communication unless especially convened, and afterwards on the same evening a Lodge be opened, is the Lodge last opened a regular or special communication ?

Ans, It is a special communication.

Ques. Does the conferring of degrees in a Lodge, constitute the individual on whom they are conferred a member of said Lodge, or is something more necessary ? And if so, what ?

Ans. He is made thereby a member of the Fraternity, but not a member, ipso facto, of the Lodge entering, crafting and raising him. His signing the By-laws of the Lodge where made, is necessary for membership in the Lodge when so made.

Ques. When ballot has been taken at a regular communication, can the candidate be initiated at a special communication ? Ans. Yes.

Ques. In a Lodge of Master Masons, whilst the Craft are at refreshment, and a Brother has obtained permission from the Junior Warden to retire, has the W. Master the right or power to prevent the Brother from retiring ?

Ans. He has.

Ques. Is the degree of Past Master conferred in a Chapter, the Past Master's degree meant, that a Master of a Lodge shall have, to qualify him to preside?

Ans. Yes. The Lodge of Past Masters, in a Chapter, confers the same degree, and for like purposes and powers, with that conferred by a Convention of Past Masters.

Ques. If a person is tried by the Lodge of which he is a member, and acquitted, can the complainant appeal ? Ans. Yes.

Ques. In case of a Warden removing out of the jurisdiction of the Lodge, and a Warden pro tem, being appointed—can the pro tem. Warden so appointed be thereby a member of the Grand Lodge, or give his proxy ?

Ans. He would be but the proxy of the elected Warden ; and a proxy cannot appoint another proxy.

Ques. If a Brother be suspended for non-payment of dues, does a payment of arrearages reinstate him, or is a unanimous vote of the Lodge necessary ?

Ans. If the suspension by its terms be, " until dues are paid," the payment is compliance with the judgment, and no vote is necessary ; but if suspended indefinitely, although non-payment of dues was the main cause, yet an unanimous vote is necessary to restoration.

Ques. Where Lodges hold concurrent jurisdiction, can one of such Lodges confer a degree on a candidate, who has received one or more degrees, and been rejected in the other ?

Ans. It behooves every Lodge to finish whatever work it may commence ; and another Lodge may not with propriety undertake any unfinished work of another, while the applicant is remaining in the jurisdiction as named.

Ques. Can any such Lodge as above, receive and act upon a petition from an individual who has been rejected by another Lodge of the same jurisdiction ? Ans. Clearly not.

Ques. A member of a Lodge asks for a demit, which is voted him, but of which ho does not avail himself: is he still a member of said Lodge ? Ans. Yes,

Ques. Can a Lodge be opened and degrees conferred in the absence of the Master and Wardens, if a Past Master be present and presiding ?

Page 56

Ans. If Master and Wardens are all absent, there is no proper officer present to open Lodge.

Ques. Can a Master or Warden be demitted from a Lodge during his term of office?

Ans. Cases may arise in which it would be proper—as in case of those desiring to remove to a foreign country.

Ques. Is a Master Mason, not a member, eligible to the office of W. Master or Warden, in a blue Lodge ? Ans. No.

Ques. Is the public renunciation of Masonry a sufficient cause for preferring charges for unmasonic conduct ? Ans. Yes.

Ques. Does the resolution (passed to-day,) condemning the so-called " side degrees," include the " Secret Monitor," "Knights of Constantine," &c., usually conferred by blue Lodges ?

Ans. Yes.

Ques. When a candidate has been balloted for and elected to receive the first degree of Masonry, but before the degree is conferred, objection is made, does not such objection come too late ?

Ans. No.

Ques. Is it in accordance with correct Masonic usage and the regulations of this Grand Lodge, to initiate or craft more than one candidate at one time ?

Ans. It is—but my individual recommendation is, to exercise such right with much caution.

MASONIC SYMBOLS--THEIR MORAL USES.

It is gratifying to find increasing attention to the emblems of Masonry, and still more so to feel assured that their moral force is more and more appreciated. The desire for uniformity so widely evinced, we conceive to be closely connected with the higher aspirations felt for the soul-stirring truths linked with these emblems. Let this uniformity be secured, so that all may feel assured that they have the right use of the signs and symbols, and that there is harmony in the use of these—and their educational force will be greatly increased. We have reason therefore to rejoice in the degree of harmony now felt in the higher moral teachings of Masonry, even without entire uniformity in the work. It is also matter of joy, that Masonic Manuals are more extensively sought for, and studied with increasing interest. In a previous report, the committee introduced to the notice of this Grand Lodge, one prepared in Virginia. It gives us pleasure to notice, at this time, a recent work—Macoy's Masonic Manual—of convenient pocket size, which the young Mason can profitably make his Vade Mecum. It is prepared with unusual taste and skill. The emblems are very beautiful, and the careful study of its pages cannot fail to yield pleasant fruits. The more carefully the young Mason studies these emblems, and engraves upon his heart their moral uses, the more will he love the Institution, and profit by its discipline.

SCIENTIFIC MORAL LECTURES IN MASONIC LODGES.

Our Brethren will be interested in the decision of Grand Master Hubbard, of Ohio, in relation to Lectures. " The lectures in a subordinate Lodge, enjoined

Page 57

by the Grand Lodge, were intended, and should have relation to Masonry, and her science and teachings, her history, her origin, her tenets and principles—as Truth, Temperance, Justice, Fortitude, Charity, Belief, Friendship, Morality. Her emblems, her obligations, all the sciences taught in the Fellow Craft's degree— Music, Astronomy, &c.—at the option of the Lecturer, from time to time; to the end that Masons should become more and more informed and edified, and that the Lodge-room should become more and more attractive." This is sound doctrine, well stated; and no one feature of the condition of our Order in this country, at the present time, is more delightful than the hearty response, which high-toned moral sentiments, uttered by the Masters of the Masonic Art, find in the Grand and Subordinate Lodges of the several States. The following passage from the closing address of Chancellor Walworth, the M. W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York, is hailed with delight in various Grand Lodges, whose reports have been made since it was published:—

" Let me also impress upon every officer and member of this Grand Lodge, and upon every Mason who loves our Institution, the duty of being circumspect in all his words and actions, and of discountenancing immoralities in others, as well as of keeping his own white apron untarnished by a single stain. It was written by the pen of inspiration, under the dictation of the unerring wisdom of the Most High, that virtue exalteth a nation. And it is equally true that vice or immorality unrestrained, is not only a reproach to any community or any institution where it is allowed to exist, but it will sooner or later entirely destroy the peace and happiness of that community, or that institution. Let us, therefore, endeavor so to conduct ourselves, not only in our intercourse with each other as Brethren, but also in all our dealings with others, who do not belong to the Fraternity, as not to bring discredit upon ourselves, or upon the Institutions of Masonry to which we belong.

" Recollect, my Brethren, the parting declaration of that illustrious Brother, who was first in war, first in peace, and who should always be first in the recollection of every true mason ; that religion and morality are the indispensable supports of all those dispositions and habits which lead to prosperity.

" One of the most distinguished of our Grand Masters who ever occupied this Oriental chair, who has long since taken his departure for the Grand Lodge above, has also said that the insufficiency of human laws for their intended objects was palpable from the daily operations of society and the accumulated experience of ages; that the efficacy of the law of public opinion was also limited, and had all the imperfections attached to humanity; but that the sanctions of Divine law supplied all these deficiencies, covered the whole area of human action, reached every case, punished every sin, and recompensed every virtue. Its rewards and its punishments are also graduated with perfect justice ; and its appeals to the hopes and fears of man arc of the most potent character and transcendent influence.

" In view of these important facts, permit me, my Brethren to remind you that this divine law is only found in the Bible, that great light of masonry, which we are all taught to study and revere. And let me recommend to you what the learned and pure-minded Sir Matthew Hale recommended to his children—to read seriously and reverently every day a portion of the sacred Scriptures, and make yourselves acquainted with the history and the doctrines thereof.

" It is in the Bible alone that the Mason is fully instructed in all the great duties which he owes to his Brethren and his fellow-men, as well as in those duties which he owes to himself and to his Maker, the Great Architect of the Universe, and the Grand Master of that Celestial Lodge above, in which every

Page 58

true Mason hopes, at a future day, to hold an unquestioned seat. The Bible in«-structs us in that general civilization which consists in subduing and controlling the passions, in cultivating the social virtues, and in regarding the rights of others as commensurate with our own. Nowhere else do we find that great precept of true charity and benevolence, to do unto others as we would that they should do unto us in like circumstances, urged upon our attention as an absolute and binding duty.

" By a careful and diligent study of the Scriptures, the statesman, the scholar, and the Mason, as well as the Christian, will find himself a much wiser, if not a much better man. I hope and trust, therefore, that this great light of Masonry, which exceeds all other books in the weight of its authority, and in the extent of its usefulness; which has successfully withstood the gross sarcasms of a Paine, and the more refined wit of a Voltaire, as well as the separate and the combined attacks of a host of others, many of whom probably have but seldom examined its inspired pages, will not only be found in every Lodge, where its presence is always indispensable, but that it will also be found and studied at the social fireside of every member of the Fraternity, and that each and every one of us, and every true Mason, may thereby, with the assistance of Divine grace, be made wise unto salvation."

It may be gratifying to know, that the highest approbation has been bestowed by our sister Grand Lodges on those portions of our reports that deal most earnestly with man's spiritual nature and necessities. The Grand Lodge of New Hampshire copy entire (some six pages) that portion of our report for 1853, which discusses " the relations of Free Masonry to the moral and religious element in Man, and its affinity for the Religions of the World" In their introduction to it, they say—" There are various other matters agitated and discussed by different Grand Lodges, and alluded to in the able and elaborate reports of their committees most of which, we believe, have hitherto received the attention of this Grand Lodge, and to which we will not now advert. We cannot, however, close this report, without makiug an extract from an able and lucid report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence of the Grand Lodge of Maine, upon a subject intimately connected with Free Masonry. It was our desire to abbreviate the remarks of the committee on this subject; but the whole being so connected, so fit to be read, and pondered upon, both by the friend and the foe to our Order, we hope to be excused for giving the remarks of the committee entire."

The Committee of Correspondence of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, in reviewing our proceedings for 1853, say:—

" The report of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, * * * * like its predecessors from the same source, is a beautiful production, emanating from the heart of a pure minded, Christian Mason. After alluding briefly to several matters which have been under discussion in various quarters, a few pages are devoted to the consideration of t the relations of Free Masonry to the moral and religious element in Man, and its affinity for the Religions of the World.' Believing that the views are of equal interest and importance elsewhere as in Maine, we have ventured to copy them in extenso."

The Report of the Grand Lodge of New York also pays us a high compliment while publishing a synopsis of the same subject; similar reponses come to us from most of the Grand Lodges that have received our reports, showing thus a lively and growing interest in the moral and religious affinities of Free Masonry.

 

>> Next Page