The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1871-06-15

Esq, the Treasurer, having justly squared
mis- accounts, Identified, or laid dOtca his oD1ce.
Here now we find the old records recog-
nizfDg the word deDan as meaning laying
down an Office, precisely the Interpretation
given TO il by Webster. This was volun-
tary act of the individual; the Treasurer
resigned, he was not discharged or dismissed
from his Office by the Grand Lodge, as would
be indicated by the use of the word dimlt.
Another proof of the legitimacy OF the
word demit, is that it is to be found IN the
Lexicon of Masonic Terms on p. lO9I as
follows:
@Demit-a Mason is said to DeDan from
the Order when he lcithdrGtcs from all con-
nection with il. ItreIieves the individual
from all pecuDiary contributions, and debars
him from pecuniary aid or relief; but IL
does not cancel his masonic obligations, nor
exempt him from that wholesome control
which the Order exercises over the moral
conduct of its members. In this respect
the maxim is, once Mason, always Ma
son.
Now. while we find the word 'demit"
adopted and used as the proper masonic
term, in the masonic records of past ages,
and mingling with the antiquity OF centu-
ries and classed by the photographer OF the
present age among the masonic terms; we
do not find the word 'dimit" used in any
manner whatever in connection with ma
sonry, in any masonic record, old or new,
until within the last few years--perhaps ten
or fifteen. And il is not embraced in the
Lexicon of masonic terms; and when used
even now. it is perhaps by those who are
more familiar with ecclesiastical forms than
with masonic terms. DIR. Anderson, the
compiler of the Old Charges and Constitu-
ton, was a distinguished and learned ID. d.
and understood the meaning of the two
words as well as any man, and was 10 doubt
familiar with the old and beautiful hymn.
'.Nunc dimittis,' yet he adopted and used
the word ''demit," to express the act OF
Withdrawing or rPsigning membership as
the proper masonic term.
ItnusC be borne in mind that every class
of society, every calling, occupation and
profession has language of technical terms
peculiar to itself. Masonry has its peculiar
language in the terms, cabletow, opening
or closing the lodge, initiating, passing and
raising candidates, demitting, &c. Should
we abolish the use of our terms and make
them conform to others, should we dismiss
the Lodge, or say made a +. e. or M. Nj. In
stead of passed or raised, because the world
and some Masons do not comprehend their
peculiar applicability. Certainly not. Sixty
years ago when / left school, then a lad OF
II wears, L thought was some" on spell
ing, having more than once gone through
Webster; since then / have occasionally
read the dictionary. especially the various
editions Of Webster, and if there is any
thing in his spelling cook or dictionary
that tends to establish the word 'dimit' to
be the proper masonic term TO attach to a
masonic certificate it has entirely escaped
my observation and as | am still in search
of still further light, | will be thankful il
Bro. Power, or any other brother will direct
my attention to it, and II I am convinced,
will readily yield, for he who never changes
his mind, never corrects an error, but IL will
require something more potent than the
article in the Clarion.
GpAv