The more honorable I have made our Institution, the more discreditable it will be to us if we act unworthy of our high vocation and solemn vows. Let us then always guide our actions by the square of integrity, regulate our passions by the compass of virtue, and exercise a constant faith in God, hope in immortality, and charity towards all mankind. Then shall we receive praise from the East, reward from the West, and refreshment from the South; and when the Tyler, Death, who is every moment within the cable-tow of all, shall summon us to that Lodge where the Grand Master of all worlds presides, may the Trestle-Board of our work be approved, by the merits of the pass-word granted to us by faith in the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and we be received into the everlasting Lodge, not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens! So mote it be! PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS ON THE BUSINESS AND DUTIES OF LODGES. THERE is so much practical good sense in the following suggestions from the report of our excellent Br., Rev. JACOB FRIEZE, formerly of Rhode Island, but at present Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, that we claim the thanks of our readers for their intelligent author. The report was submitted at the Grand Lodge of N. C. in December last : "It may be deemed invidious in me to discriminate among the Lodges, and yet the duty I owe to the Grand Lodge, to the Subordinate Lodges, and to the Craft, will compel me to do so in a measure; while, at the same time, my only object in doing so, is, with the most kindly fraternal feelings towards the entire fraternity, to award the meed of praise where it is due, and to point out for correction, some of the abuses into which the Brethren have, inadvertently no doubt, fallen during a long state of inaction and comparative adversity. It would indeed be strange, if, during the long period of adversity and consequent declension through which the craft has had to struggle, no abuses had crept in among us; and so far am I from iudulging, or even entertaining a censorious spirit on account of such aberrations, that I think the Brethren generally are entitled to great praise, for having even maintained their associate existence. The clouds of adversity have however been in a great measure dispersed-North and South, East and West. The building of the Masonic Temple has been recommenced with vigor-new workmen are daily crowding into our ranks-the tools and implements of the craft are wielded with renewed energy, and the Fraternity are rapidly regaining their former flourishing and prosperous condition. The present period then would appear to be most opportune, to correct all abuses and errors that may have occurred, to remove the last vestige of accumulated rubbish from in and around the temple, and to prepare ourselves to prevent its accumulation in future. Pardon me; it is not my intention to dictate, but to suggest; and if any hint of mine on the subject may prove in the least beneficial, it will give me great pleasure. Most of my notices were promptly responded to by the Lodges; and, in most cases, the Brethren appeared eager to obtain Masonic information, as to the lectures and work of the M. W. Grand Lodge. It is not to be disguised, because it should be known, that the evil may be removed, that, in most instances which have come within my knowledge, but little of the Lectures were known; and in two or three instances, I have found Master and Wardens who have never heard a lecture. These defects have originated from the want of opportunities to obtain information, and of course are not matters for censure or reproof. In Concord Lodge, and Morning Star Lodge, permit me to observe, the Brethren, and the officers in particular, were found well informed in the science of Masonry and well qualified for the proper discharge of their various duties. Of Orr Lodge, probably the same is true, as the Grand Lecturer for the district is one of its members, and is known as an accomplished Mason, devoted to the cause, and laboring with indefatigable perseverance to promote its prosperity; though strange to say, notwithstanding his valuable efforts, the Lodge has been, for some time, in a rather languishing condition. I lectured in all the Lodges of which meetings were called, and in some instances, spent several days for the purpose. In all, the Brethren met me in open Lodge, except in Enfield and Orr. In general, the Brethren manifest a firm attachment to the Order, and life and activity in the cause; and it is believed that nothing is wanting to ensure complete success, but that their zeal should be qualified with the requisite degree of Masonic knowledge; their action circumscribed by Masonic rules, and their energies put forth under Masonic auspices. In order that all this should be effected, permit me respectfully, to state a few facts, and to throw out a few suggestions. 1. It is my impression that, in too many instances, sufficient precaution is not exercised as to the acceptation of candidates. Thus, too many persons find their way into the Order, who are destined to become a mere pest to the Fraternity, to fix a blemish on the fair fame of Masonry, and to disturb the peace and harmony of the Lodge. In my humble opinion, some definite rule of inquiry should be fixed by the Grand Lodge, requiring a more strict scrutiny than is now generally practiced; and that it should be rigidly enforced. 2. It is believed there is, in many Lodges, too much haste in passing candidates through the various degrees. Any reason, however trifling, is deemed a sufficient apology for conferring two, and even the three degrees at one meeting. Thus it happens that the work is hurried over in a bungling manner, little or no attempt is made at illustration, a feeble impression is left on the mind; no progress is made in the science; the candidate becomes a Master, entitled to wield the Trowel before he has learned the use of even the Compasses. It is unnecessary for me to dwell on this subject, as every Mason knows that, before a candidate should be permitted to take the second step in Masonry, he should be able to advance from the first, worthy and well qualified. In my humble opinion, rules to ensure such a result, and such rules as are required by our ancient Constitutions, should be rigidly enforced. 3. Some Lodges have been in the habit of drawing on their funds, till the whole have been expended, to pay the expenses of public celebrations, including even the dinners of their members, and of invited guests. It is believed that this is an abuse which should never have existed. The funds of a Lodge constitute a deposite for the cause of charity. The entire Masonic funds of the Fraternity throughout the world, constitute one universal joint stock, on which every Mason in distress, and his widow and orphans after him, has a claim not to be questioned. Each Lodge is therefore merely a trustee for this fund, and Masonically bound to hold it sacred for its legitimate purpose. What apology then has a Lodge to offer, when applied to for relief, which it cannot afford, because its charity fund has been expended in feasting, or for some other purpose equally remote from Masonic charity? It is believed that such abuse should be corrected wherever it may exist, and that every Lodge should be held strictly accountable to the Grand Lodge for the proper disposition of its funds. 4. An unmasonic practice which has been found to exist to too great an extent, is, to accept petitions, and to initiate candidates, without the payment of fees. The result has been ruinous. By this means, Lodge funds have been invested in individual promises, thousands of which have never been redeemed. By this means the cause of charity has suffered; in many instances the Grand Lodge has been deprived of its dues; and, in some instances within my knowledge, even valuable Lodge property has been advertised and sold for debts, less than one-fourth its value, or redeemed by some Brother or Brethren, to prevent the mortification and sacrifice which would have attended the sale. In addition to the above, there does not appear to me to be felt that sense of responsibility to the Grand Lodge, and to each other, which shonld be felt by every Mason, as duties imposed on us by our sacred obligations as such. Hence that manifest inattention in too many Lodges, to the mandates of the Grand Lodge, as respects representation, the payment of dues, and making returns. Hence also, though harmony appears generally to prevail in the Lodges, as such, yet Masonic principles seem to be too readily forgotten by many out of doors, where, in the capacities of men and citizens, they engage in bickering and strife, and enact scenes of hostility altogether unbecoming the Masonic character, and to the great scandal of our institution. I repeat it; such abuses as I have detailed do exist, and to a great extent. I repeat too, however, that they have probably crept in in consequence of the absence of due vigilance during a season of unavoidable declension, and from the want of admonition and instruction. They nevertheless require removal. I have done all I could to that effect, in obedience to your instructions, and am persuaded it requires but a well directed effort of the Grand Lodge to effect a complete reform. MASONIC COLLEGE, MISSOURI. THE fifth session of this institution will commence on Monday, May 4th, and will close on the last day of September. The fees are required to be paid in advance, and are as follows: Board, Washing, &c. per session of five months, Tuition in the Preparatory Department, 25 00 15 00 10 00 The course of studies is liberal, comprising all the branches taught in the oldest and most reputable Colleges in the United States. Young gentlemen, whose circumstances will not permit them to go through the full course, are admitted to any part thereof, at the option of their parents or guardians, and are charged with the regular college fees. The students furnish their own rooms, and provide their own wood and candles; the former at one dollar a cord, the latter at the lowest market price. Those who enter at an advanced period of the session are charged $1 25 a week for board. The sons of indigent Masons sent by the Lodges, are admitted to all the privileges of the College, without charge for tuition. This College, though established and controlled by the Grand Lodge, is not confined to the Masonic fraternity, but is open to all who choose to avail themselves of its privileges. The greater part of the students thus far are not the sons of Masons. Although the catholic spirit of Freemasonry prohibits the introduction of Sectarianism in any form, yet the instruction of the pupils is conducted on strictly christian principles. The exercises of each day are commenced and closed with a lesson from the scriptures and prayer, at which all the students are required to attend. The pure doctrines of christian morality are constantly inculcated, and every exertion is made by the Faculty to give the students a thorough critical and practical knowledge of the Bible. For this end they are divided into classes, and recite a lesson from the scriptures every Sunday morning. Arrangements have been made, by which divine service will be regularly performed every Sabbath, by one of the chaplains, who are appointed from the different religious denominations. At these services, the students are all required to be present. We speak on the authority of many pious divines, who have officiated as chaplains for two years past, when we assert, that in no similar institution in this country is there more respect paid to the ministers and ordinances of christianity than in this College. The discipline, though paternal in its character is sufficiently rigid. Each student is furnished with a copy of the by-laws, and required to read it; and before he is admitted, he is requested to sign a written pledge that he will conform to those laws; and every known violation of this pledge, is punished according to the nature and aggravation of the offence. The best evidence of the efficient character of the discipline as now administered, is found in the general absence of College vices and irregularities, and in the earnest activity of a large proportion of the students in their literary pursuits. The Refectory is a neat and well ordered establishment, where students and all others connected with the College, who desire boarding, are furnished with proper and well prepared diet three times a day. To render this department what it should be, has been the constant care of the Curators. This College has now been in operation two years, and has given instruction to more than one hundred and twenty young men. Its success, so far, has equalled our most sanguine expectations, and we unhesitatingly recommend it to the fraternity in general, and to the friends of sound learning every where, as an institution worthy of their unlimited confidence and liberal patronage. After what has been said, it is unnecessary to add, that the members of the Faculty, without exception, enjoy the fullest confidence of the Board; and that for sound and varied learning, purity of moral character, devotion to duty, and every other fitness for their several stations, the President and Professors of Masonic College may be favorably compared with those of any institution in the Western country. PARKER DUDLEY, S. T. GLOVER, Curators. Obituary. BR. MOORE :-On yesterday evening, we deposited in his last resting place, the mortal remains of our venerable Brother JOHN SOMMERVILLE. He died on Sunday morning at 7 o'clock, aged 77. Br. SOMMERVILLE was the first Grand Secretary of the G. Lodge of Tennessee, and although for the last eight or ten years of his life, he has not been a member of any Lodge, he was one of the most zealous Masons in our section of country, and it might be said of him with truth, that he was the noblest work of God, an honest man. He was interred with Masonic honors, the ceremonies conducted by Br. Tannehill, P. G. Master. With sentiments of high Fraternal regard, Nashville, April 28, 1826. JOHN S. DASHIELL. |