Some Masonic Observations.

believed that changes would make plainer the eternal truths therein written . Earnest and persistent kiboiit was directed to accomplish these amendments . Nov . - what ? Thoro are dissensions , divisions , and contentions which have resulted from thcso anicndme .-. ts

never before existing . Will ifc nofc be likely thafc amendments to tho established law of Masonry , as contained in present existing law will create contentions thafc are more confusing than thc existing law ?

Wo fraternally ask leave to present to our brethren for their reflection and unbiassed consideration , if Freemasonry gains any enduring advantage from tho increasing habit ot some over zealous novitiates to beliovo they have an amendment to unko to tho established law of Graud Lodges .

If there is au axiom in our Fraternity universally accepted , as we believe , ifc is that " Freemasonjy is a law unto itself . " For all thafc is required , or can be required , to secure Masonic legislation , or Masonic authority to administer it , there is within thc usage ? , customs , and

landmarks , all such power , aud always has been . We therefore most fraternally suggest for the serious consideration of our brethren , if it is wise to ask from any profane authority power , permission or privilege to administer any Masonic purpose .

" Charters" by profane legislation to carry out Masonic objects or aims may create a doubtful double relation between tho Craffc and tho State , aud tho Craffc and its own authority . A chartered Grand Lodgo wo cannot believe is judicious . Iu no sense is it necessary . To hold

land or property by trustees for tho special or defined "« se"isa title which the laws of almost every profane society or government must recognise if it is for a use nofc contrary to the laws of snch State . Wo fear this double relation may yet result in evil . It may bo of danger . So

long as freemasonry in no way mediates against the recognised and established rights of tho State , the law is as impotent to interfere as it is to enter the house of any

citizen , which , under tho great charter , tho common law creates , is his castle , and no king or other power or potentate , can enter it without just cause . So with our Fraternity . So within the boundaries of Freemasonry .

Ifc may be , dear brethren , we tire you with our earnest appeals to stand stedfastly to tho established in Freemasonry . Deeply impressed with the fear that by inadvertence , or over zeal , or lack of information , or want of

thoughtful study of principles , ov failure to absorb thc spirit which keeps our symbology alive , some serions danger may yot overtake our Fraternity , wo therefore cry again and again , " Watchman , whafc of the night ? "

If our foundation is weakened , what will ho tho fate of the superstructure ? By all tho lessons of tho past , by all the toil and labour , sacrifices and cravings , courage and devotion of the Craftsmen in the pangs of tho birth of our Fraternity , by tho unalterable adherence through thc

generations to thc indestructible truths that ennoble it , have patience with us . Judge us not too harshly . Abovo all , do not even suspect us of that dotage which comes from an enfeebled mind and the emotions of a morbid

heart . No , dear brethren , rather wo beg you believe thafc our consciousness of possible danger excites all our besfc efforts to warn , defend and protect ; our ancient and honourable brotherhood from perils within its own dominions .

MASONIC KNOWLEDGE ESSENTIAL . The " want of Masonic knowledge and information among a large majority of the membership" is a serious condition . Of course it follows that the brethren do not have a proper appreciation of Avhat Masonry is , and of

whafc its objects and aims are . That want of " correct and efficient work " produces " a lack of interest iu tho members , and they only attend the Lodges on special and festive occasions , " goes without saying . Ifc is the necessary result of so unfortunate a cause .

When the cause of the present state of things in the Fraternity is known , it remains only for earnest , constant , intelligent labour to produce the remedy . It can be done . We trust every effort will ba made to devise and promptly apply the best remedial agencies to secure it . Let no

Lodge Officer undertake to do the work on the floor until be has been duly instructed . It ought not to be permitted . If the brother is unwilling to make the sacrifice to gain this instruction , he ought not to take the Worshipful Master ' s chair by election .

Some Masonic Observations.

Surely , it would bo wiso to teach two or threo intelligent , thinking brethren the symbology , the traditions , tho intent nnd moaning of the work and its ritual , and the landmarks , that thoy might go to districts , convene the nearest Lodges : iud teach—deliberately and carefully teach—the Lodgo

Officers and such brethren as may bo willing to learn , and thus qualify themselves for Lodge stations , and all that is involved in their " duties " and " business " therein . Tho

Secretaries of Lodges ought to bo fully taught , and especially the Masonic Jaw governing tho action of Lodgo Committees on applications , proceedings of Committees , ballot , objections and fche like .

There is nothing of lasting benefit in muscular Masonry . The mind and the heart must co-operato in all efforts to make Freemasonry fully comprehended hy Freemasons . The traditions , thc symbology , the law , and the landmarks ,

must be thoroughly studied by severe students and then authoritatively taught to the Officers of every Lodgo . Then the true " Light " will illumine thc Masonic understanding , and Freemasonry will become whafc it must ho , if ifc is to bo . — Voice of Masonry . ( To bo continued ) .

"A High Mason."

"A HIGH MASON . "

IT is amusing to hear tho profano talkers- refer to somo man as " a high Mason . " This intelligent profane , to make himself an oracle among tho ignorant liko himself , remarks sometimes , " Oh , yes , 1 know that person , ho is a high Mason . " This designation so applied , is of course a sort of vulgarism that is accepted as the most authoritative

title of one who , it may be , is a Prince of the lloyal Cohorts , or a similar incomprehensible , scarlet-robed and golden-crowned magnate in an association of great dignity among men . Certainly , if travelling so many degrees of longitude or latitude is going up , then it might well be said

he who reaches thc elevation is a high something . Bufc Jet it bo remarked thafc whatever the point reached may be called , however high ifc is , or recognised among those who up there meet and condnct their special business in secret , it is not Masonry .

Freemasonry , thc ancient , honourable Fraternity which for ages has existed aud still lives in tho integrity of its hoary history , is its own only peer . The symbolic esoteric mysteries which Freemasonry has made its own special , peculiar , and exclusive possession , are concluded in E . A ., RC , M . M ., and Chapter degrees .

Beyond the Chapter , there is no authoritative , recognised Freemasonry that has any right or claim to , be called Masonic . Therefore this profane who talks about a "high Mason " only proves fchat he is nofc a reliable authority . There are no such persons as Idgli Masons .

Oat of this confusion of terms it happens that tho uninstructed Mason is led to think that Freemasonry is to bo found in various organisations of great merit , and worthy of the esteem and respect in which membership is regarded of value to thoso who obtain ifc . Many seek admission

into those associations in the belief that thus thoy are enabled to know something about Masonry that cannot bo learned in the original and only Masonic Lodge , thc Blue Lodges and Chapters . This is a mistake . All of Masonry can be known between the Initiation and the

Chapter . If he who wishes to master tho teachings of Freemasonry will devote time and study to the symbolic degrees ho will at least learn that beyond the limitations

of Capitular Masonry there is no Masonry of ancient origin to bo taught . There aro two classes of Masons—ono class that earnestl y desires io know , the other that anxiously seeks to sec .

Masonry has nothing to show as a spectacle or sight . All its ceremonies are serious and solemn , and arc addressed to the intelligence and conscience of Masons . The school of the mind , the school of the soul , and tho school of tho hand , havo their lessons to give to him who

comes to learn , know , aud be impressed by their teachings . These lessons are exclusively for tbe earnest seeker who , desiring to learn , has tbe capacity to comprehend tho wonderful truths embodied in the symbology of ancient

Freemasonry . If ho is only a seeker after sensations , something that attracts for a time , and leaves behind its exhibition no imparted , expressed , aud eternal truths , ho makes a mistake to ask admission into a Lodgo of our ancient Craft .