Masonic Journalism.

MASONIC JOURNALISM .

IT may justly be assumed that Masonic periodicals serve the best interests of the Graft and therefore merit a generous support . Masonic journalism meets a need which otherwise would not be fully provided for . It does this by setting forth the

vital principles wrought into the system of Freemasonry , by pointing out the substantial basis , social , intellectual and moral , on which it is established , by explaining its laws aud enforcing its teachings , and by calling attention to movements which are of importance as related to its beneficent activities and its

worldwide mission . If it is conceded that Masonic journalism holds a rightful province of influence and service , within the lines thus marked out , then all possible encouragement should be given to competent workers who use the pen for the good of the Craft , to the end

that the best results may be obtained through this agency , buch encouragement is often withheld , and consequently , the magazine or paper devoted to the interests of tbe Fraternity fails to be interesting and helpful , as it might be under more favourable conditions . It dies at last , perhaps , for want of adequate

support . Is it not a little strange that so many Brethren are neglectful of Masonic publications ? Even among the more thoughtful Craftsmen not a few may be found who make " vain excuses " for not subscribing to a Masonic periodical . " I have no time to read a Masonic publication , " is the expression which often comes

from the lips of Brethren who are able to find time to read the daily newspaper , the literary and scientific magazine , and numerous other publications which engage their attention and command their support . Is it not want of interest , rather than want of time , which constitutes the real reason for their neglect of the Masonic periodical ? If Brethren belonging to this large class were more disposed to investigate the system of Freemasonry ,

to search for its hidden light , to trace its movements at home and abroad , there can be no doubt that they would find time for reading Masonic books and periodicals which treat of the important features of the Institution , and tell the story of its varied expression in ways of an extended usefulness . Then would they render a practical support to Masonic journalism by means of which the periodicals of the Fraternity would become more attractive and more useful .

It is a pleasant task to conduct a Masonic periodical and to treat the varied topics which pertain to the historic presentation of Freemasonry , its scientific aud moral character , its symbolism and beneficent work . It is pleasant to gather information respecting the activities of Masonic organisations and teli the

story of such movements on the printed page . It is not so pleasant , however , when this work is done , and an appeal is made for that support which is requisite to maintain the life of the periodical , to find that such desired aid is not forthcoming , and that so considerable a number of excellent brethren decline to

subscribe , having " no time , " as they say , to read a Masonic paper or magazine . It is a little discouraging , also , that so many worthy Brethren have not yet been brought to see the attractiveness of Freemasonry except in its social and charitable ministries . They do not care for the philosophy and literature of the Institution . They are not much interested in what the Graft

may be doing outside the limits ot their own Lodge . It cannot bu expected that Masonic Journalism will gain very much of recognition or practical support from this class , albeit they are by no means inattentive to the actual duties imposed by the Lodge or other organisation in which they have membership . Fortunately for the interests of Masonic journalism there are

others who hold in hight appreciation the books and periodicals of the Craft , as being helpful to them in their desires to become acquainted with Freemasonry in its widest unfoldings . It is fco such a class that Masonic writers and publishers must look for the practical support essential to the maintenance of the periodical literature of the Order . Brethren of this stamp , who think , and

read , and study , to the end that they may better comprehend Freemasonry as a system , and note its expression in varied forms , and in distant localities as well as at home , may confidently be relied upon to endorse Masonic journalism according to its merits , and to support Masonic periodicals which subserve the true and best interests of the Institution . —" Freemasons Eepository . "

Profanes And Masonic Emblems.

PROFANES AND MASONIC EMBLEMS .

FROM the eoinmencement of Masonry in its present form there has been an effort to attach to it other orders , societies , and Fraternal institutions . How the effort has succeeded the history of the institution recites , even revealing the fact lint some of them have become so far merged into the enlarged system that they have received recognition as Masonic . That an order in its effort to survive the effect of unjust and

Profanes And Masonic Emblems.

inequitable laws , before the Great Charter granting certain civil liberties and confirming them , should seek the protection of Masonry , and in the passage of years become recognised as Masonic , because it makes the possession of Craft Masonry a

foundation from which must come its membership ; should in the present day have become such a part of the enlarged system of the York rite that no one now questions its Masonic essence ; is not a source of wonder when we eKamine the events of history surrounding its adoption or engrafting .

The Templars and Craft Masonry were not so remote from each other as not to have each almost the same peculiar doctrines , and the amplified knowledge of the orders as to certain liberal ideas may have been , in a manner , identical . Certain it is that the same geographical field , although at different periods of the world ' s history , served as a knowledge quarry for each , in the

study of the occult teachings of the inhabitants . Whether the degrees intervening were the product of degree makers it is not necessary to discuss , or even to offer any evidence in support of a single assertion herein made . The fact being that the field of conjecture and speculation must be entered to a certain extent for analogy in all such discussions .

Modern secret societies aud orders are all built upon the plan of Masonry , or rather they are looked upon as endeavouring to imitate Masonry . It may not be so much a desire to imitate as the fact that Masonry is the oldest institution of the kind , and that the founders of modern orders having received their first knowledge of a secret society from Masonry , have stamped

thenproductions with its impress . It is even in many instances sought to ape its antiquity , and the very modern production is paraded as a very ancient , and we thus have " Ancient " orders scattered about like leaves in autumn . Not satisfied with the adoption of " Ancient , " one modern society has taken unto itself

certain of the tools and implements of Masonry and woven them into a combination of square and compasses with which coat lapels are decorated , and •the wearers no doubt are satisfied of the antiquity of their society , and indeed it may be admitted that it is " antique . "

A society which adopts the tools , implements and emblems of Craft Masonry , and yet makes no claim to being Masonic , may be excused from the charge of attempting to impose . It is not intentional , perhaps , and the intent being absent there may be no great harm done , at least the law of propriety has been violated through ignorance . It is not so on the other hand ,

however , and a society composed of Masons and profanes can have no excuse for parading Masonic emblems in conjunction with , or forming a part of the insignia of such order . That part of the membership of such an order are Masons , and the other part the female relatives of such Masons , does nofc make ifc Masonic , and therefore a display of one of the emblems , working tools or other insignia for the purpose of showing its near

" affinity ' to Masonry cannot be in good taste . Such an order or society has never been " adopted " by Masonry ; the only thing that , has ever been done is an attempt upon its part to adopt Freemasonry . No such attempt then is a warrant for the adoption of its symbols or emblems , or a manipulation of the Holy Bible , Square and Compass at the opening or closing of its sessions . — " Kansas Freemason . "

The first annual supper of the Earl of Clarendon Lodge of Instruction will take place on Monday , 10 th inst ., at the Masonic Hall , Watford , when Bro . G . E . Lake Deputy Prov . G . M . Herts P . G . D ., & c . will preside , and several other distinguished Brethren have promised to attend , some fifty or sixty members of the

Craft being expected . The Installation' ceremony will be previously rehearsed by the Members of the Lodge , at 7 o ' clock prompt , Bro . J . P . Taylor P . M . P . G . A . D . C . ( E . A . ) Middlesex Preceptor acting as Installing Master . Tickets for the supper ( 3 s each ) may be obtained of Bro . Taylor , 95 High Street , Watford .

The Hugh Owen Lodge of Instruction , which was established the early part of last year , has done remarkably well in the way of support for the great Charities of the Order . At the closing meeting of November last the seventh and eighth ballots of five guineas each were decided in connection with the Lodge

Benevolent Association , the total of £ 42 thus disposed of showing an average of upwards of £ 4 a month for the whole time of the Lodge ' s existence . No doubt many others have done

more than that in the course of their career , but few have exceeded it in their first year , and if the same average can be maintained it will we something to boast of in the no very distant future .

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LODGE Summonses , Lists of members , Menus , & c ., oi every description . Morgan , Printer , Freemason's Chronicle Office , New Barnet ,