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  • The Masonic Mirror
  • Oct. 1, 1855
  • Page 3
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The Masonic Mirror, Oct. 1, 1855: Page 3

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    Article UNIFORMITY OF RITUAL. ← Page 3 of 3
Page 3

Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Uniformity Of Ritual.

procal invitations so general , that the brethren go round and round . You meet a certain number of them at almost every Lodge and Chapter , AA'hich cements the fraternal feeling , promotes conviviality , secures a good attendance , uniformity of Avorking , and a general efficiency in the Lodges , which could hardly be expected Avithout something of the kind . The only objection which could possibly be raised to this is , that in one

case out of ten thousand , perhaps , a man A \ 'ho is in Masonry , but not of it , may abuse the privilege , and , for the payment of aninsigmiicant annual subscription , consider himself entitled to go the round of the Lodges , and so actually live , at an expense ' . to his brethren , three or four times the value of the sum he pays annually into the funds of the Order . This is an abuse Avhich is possible , but Ave do trust for the honour of the Craft

, that there is little danger , of such a shameful practice , becoming so prevalent as to constitute any valid objection to that reciprocity , Avhich is SIIOAVU to be attended AA'ith so many advantages . A more general visitation of other Lodges than those you belong to , is therefore one of the modes , by AA'hich , amongst other benefits , Ave would seek to secure that accuracy and uniformity of Avorking to . Avhich Ave allude .

Lodges of Instruction are another means by Avhich to bring about an end so desirable as that Ave have indicated . Lodges of Instruction confer many benefits , but they are not attended Avith that regularity , or supported with that vigour which ought to be manifested , and in many parts of the eovmtry there is no such Lodge i \\ existence . We cannot enlarge herebut Ave Avould suggest to any one AVIIO knoAVS

, the position of Masonry , in London for instance , to consider calmly for a feAV moments , AA'hat Avould be the effect of a vigorously supported Chapter of Instruction , for Royal Arch Masons , upon that portion of the Order ? The Royal Arch , in a very little time , Avould become like one risen from the dead .

One more suggestion , and for the present Ave have done . A good means of promoting and perpetuating uniformity and accuracy , would be the appointment by the Grand Lodge and the Supreme Grand Chapter , of skilled Graft and & . A .. brethren , to -visit the Lodges and Chapters , to report officially upon their condition , to instruct Avhere needful , to correct mistakes , suggest imjrirovements , and to encourage , advise , or remonstrate ,

as the case might he . This has been lately tried in Scotland , with the prospect of the happiest results . We do not wish to take a desponding view of the state of the Craft in this country ; but Ave feel fully convinced , that if this Avere tried in England , it would reveal a state of things AA'ith ¦ regard to the style of Avorking for which the Grand Lodge is by no means prepared—a state of things which would surprise , grieve , and mortify all

those who have the best interests of the Craft at heart ; but , at the same time , Ave are perfectly assured , that such a plan AVOAAM bring about a degree of efficiency , and otherwise effect an amount of "good to the Order , which at the first blush might appear impossible , for the more efficiently it is worked , the more highly honoured and respected will Freemasonry be . We leave these " brief had imperfect hints in the hands of those , whom they concern , in the hope that they will reflect , and act accordingly . na

“The Masonic Mirror: 1855-10-01, Page 3” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 29 May 2025, django:8000/periodicals/mir/issues/mmg_01101855/page/3/.
  • List
  • Grid
Title Category Page
UNIFORMITY OF RITUAL. Article 1
FREEMASONRY IN ENGLAND. Article 4
MASONIC REMINISCENCES. Article 11
THE NEW CONSTITUTIONS OF THE FRENCH MASONS. Article 17
MASONIC INTELLIGENCE. Article 21
LONDON LODGES. Article 24
PROVINCIAL LODGES. Article 25
ROYAL ARCH. Article 42
SCOTLAND. Article 43
CORRESPONDENCE. Article 50
SUMMARY OF SMEWS FOR SEPTEMBER. Article 53
NOTICES. Article 59
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Uniformity Of Ritual.

procal invitations so general , that the brethren go round and round . You meet a certain number of them at almost every Lodge and Chapter , AA'hich cements the fraternal feeling , promotes conviviality , secures a good attendance , uniformity of Avorking , and a general efficiency in the Lodges , which could hardly be expected Avithout something of the kind . The only objection which could possibly be raised to this is , that in one

case out of ten thousand , perhaps , a man A \ 'ho is in Masonry , but not of it , may abuse the privilege , and , for the payment of aninsigmiicant annual subscription , consider himself entitled to go the round of the Lodges , and so actually live , at an expense ' . to his brethren , three or four times the value of the sum he pays annually into the funds of the Order . This is an abuse Avhich is possible , but Ave do trust for the honour of the Craft

, that there is little danger , of such a shameful practice , becoming so prevalent as to constitute any valid objection to that reciprocity , Avhich is SIIOAVU to be attended AA'ith so many advantages . A more general visitation of other Lodges than those you belong to , is therefore one of the modes , by AA'hich , amongst other benefits , Ave would seek to secure that accuracy and uniformity of Avorking to . Avhich Ave allude .

Lodges of Instruction are another means by Avhich to bring about an end so desirable as that Ave have indicated . Lodges of Instruction confer many benefits , but they are not attended Avith that regularity , or supported with that vigour which ought to be manifested , and in many parts of the eovmtry there is no such Lodge i \\ existence . We cannot enlarge herebut Ave Avould suggest to any one AVIIO knoAVS

, the position of Masonry , in London for instance , to consider calmly for a feAV moments , AA'hat Avould be the effect of a vigorously supported Chapter of Instruction , for Royal Arch Masons , upon that portion of the Order ? The Royal Arch , in a very little time , Avould become like one risen from the dead .

One more suggestion , and for the present Ave have done . A good means of promoting and perpetuating uniformity and accuracy , would be the appointment by the Grand Lodge and the Supreme Grand Chapter , of skilled Graft and & . A .. brethren , to -visit the Lodges and Chapters , to report officially upon their condition , to instruct Avhere needful , to correct mistakes , suggest imjrirovements , and to encourage , advise , or remonstrate ,

as the case might he . This has been lately tried in Scotland , with the prospect of the happiest results . We do not wish to take a desponding view of the state of the Craft in this country ; but Ave feel fully convinced , that if this Avere tried in England , it would reveal a state of things AA'ith ¦ regard to the style of Avorking for which the Grand Lodge is by no means prepared—a state of things which would surprise , grieve , and mortify all

those who have the best interests of the Craft at heart ; but , at the same time , Ave are perfectly assured , that such a plan AVOAAM bring about a degree of efficiency , and otherwise effect an amount of "good to the Order , which at the first blush might appear impossible , for the more efficiently it is worked , the more highly honoured and respected will Freemasonry be . We leave these " brief had imperfect hints in the hands of those , whom they concern , in the hope that they will reflect , and act accordingly . na

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