Outside Calls On Masonic Liberality.

OUTSIDE CALLS ON MASONIC LIBERALITY .

THE benevolence of English Freemasons has earned for them a reputation outside tho limits of the Craft , and while many of those who are not yet numbered among the brethren of the mystic tie look on the doings of Freemasons

with admiration , there are others who take a more mercenary view of the case , and see in it an organisation which is composed of men wbo not only have the means , but who are liberal in dispensing such means , for the relief of others . This latter class look on Freemasons and

Freemasonry as a rich mine from which to draw supplies for other than Masonic purposes—provided they can once get a footing sufficiently strong upon which to carry on their operations . With a view of putting a stop to a growing

evil we think attention should be drawn to this system of poaching , as if it be allowed to go on unchecked for a few years it will be all but impossible to eradicate its pernicious effects . Freemasons do too much for the aged , the distressed

and tbe orphan to allow any one to accuse them of meanness , in so far as actual giving is concerned ; and if we desire to keep all the good things of Freemasonry for Freemasons alone , it is not because we are selfish , but rather

because we believe that Charity begins at home . Further we are of opinion it is much better to do one thing properly than to attempt several and fail with each . Moreover ,

Freemasonry asks no aid from outsiders , and therefore it is not going too far if we say outsiders should be shut off from its benefits , that is from a strictly benevolent point of

view . We have been induced to devote ourselves to this subject in consequence of the ever-increasing system of applying to Freemasonry for funds for almost every known

object—either directly or indirectly . If a new building is to be erected—whether it be a church , a chapel , a hall , a hospital , or indeed anything to be promoted by voluntary subscriptions—the Freemasons are favoured with a request

to lay the foundation stone with Masonic honours , and we regret to say this is often done with a view of getting an influential party together in order that , when a collection towards the cost of the building is made , it may realise

more than it otherwise would have done . A restoration of some old building is proposed , with a similar object in view ; its connection with the Freemasons of centuries back is traced in a most elaborate and ingenious fashion .

The Freemasons of the present clay are then asked to restore the work of their ancestors (?) and a few of them take the bait—of flattery—so temptingly arranged for them . We have seen the rulers of Masonry made use of

for the purpose of attracting outsiders , who travelled miles for the purpose of witnessing some ordinary ceremonial , made "imposing" by the aid of Freemasonry ; but in reality attracted for the purpose of serving the ends of

some enterprising speculator . We have seen Lodges led away by flattery , ancl induced to support some scheme of local improvement , to the detriment of far more deserving Masonic objects ; and we have seen worthy , but

misguided , brethren urging the claims of some local institution for support at the hands of Masonry . We are of opinion that all these calls are unjustifiable , and even at

the risk of being deemed selfish , we shall use every means m our power to keep the liberality of Freemasons within the limits of the Order . It may be urged that any cause of

Outside Calls On Masonic Liberality.

benevolence comes within the range of Masonic charity , and so ifc may be , so far as individual effort is concerned , but it certainly is not the case when applied generally to our Lodges , the funds of which are subscribed for purposes of

Freemasonry , and to our mind this does not imply sup port of outside Institutions . The Charities intimately associated with the Order have most assuredly a stronger claim on the Lodges than any outside object , but

even these should not be supported to the detriment of the true spirit of Masonic Charity , which may bo briefly described as the relief of distress amongst our own members , rather than attending to the wants of outsiders

We have more to do than we can manage in attempting to relieve the distress prevalent in regard to those who in their days of prosperity helped to assist the distressed among the brethren of their time , ancl until the Masonic Schools and the Masonic Benevolent Institution are in a

much better position than they are at present any attempt to divert the Funds of our Lodges to outside objects should be discouraged . Provincial Grand Lodges receive , perhaps , more

attention from outsiders than private ones do ; or at least they are often appealed to first ; and the reason for this is obvious . If the promoters of a scheme can secure the support of a Provincial Grand Lodge they are almost sure

of some recognition from the subordinate Lodges , as they have the example of the higher authority to refer to ; but if , on the other hand , the Provincial Grand Lodge refuses its co-operation , those who are begging lose heart or feel

their supplications will be disregarded in the private Lodges also . At all events , they seldom trouble subordinate Lodges if a Provincial Grand Lodge declines to support the appeal , and hence it is that additional caution

should be exercised by those at the head of affairs , lest through any mistaken ideas of what is required from Masonry a large part of the benevolence of the Order should be diverted from its legitimate channels .

Freemasonry's Design And Scope

FREEMASONRY'S DESIGN AND SCOPE

SPECULATION has been rife in the outer world as to what the great purpose of Masonry was , and they of that sphere have not been slow or scant in finding , or at least in giving what they have judged to be the purposes of the Order . These designations have sometimes been

very narrow , ancl at others vague and wild . Now they have asserted that it was only an insurance society or mutual-aid association . Then , again , they have looked wise and even alarmed , as they declared it was a vast secret

body bound by awful oaths , and organized to overturn civil ancl social order and perpetuate ceaseless revolution . And so many other curious or evil reasons have been given for its existence . Now it is right , afc such times as thi . s , that

we should give the real object and scope of this ancient and powerful association . Let me say , firsfc , it i-s not a society or organization in the senseof being theprcductof any age or man . It is the growth

out of the long centuries , and from the better instincts and demands of humanity . Away in the dim past it arose and took form and life out of the necessities of men ; grew with

their advancement ; was modified ancl moulded by the development of human wants ancl by the lessons of experience ; was expanded and perfected by wise ancl good men