The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-04-12

Ccrstderahse comment has been made 81
lodge room circles Recently over tie prac-
tee among members OF diTeren. orders
u INDUCING IN too nueh ievfty during the
initiation % q candidate. thus desracting
from the beautiful lessons that are In
tended 70 BE Taught On this subject
there recently appeared In q Masonic jour
nal the following article which ] have TO
hssltancy n saying Will be appreciated by
members q secret societies generally:
Too much levfty occasionally crops out
II the confsrrfng OF the degrees. When s.
candidate passes through the several de-
sre~s In masonry he passes through a sos-
eFnn ceremony. conveying grave thoughts
slightest roam for any hilarfty. The au-
eeble litter that = sometimes heard when
candiaats gives wrong answer or ap-
pears embarrassed fs not 6ignihed and
should not occur. IL cannot be expected
OF the necphyfe 20 know IL ALI or 10 know
anything Of any ceremony or degrees.
Sufficient II ne conducts himself as an
tateiligent man, worthy OF mem Oership IN
the fraternity.
Masonry in its universal teachings and
IN It's great resource OF truthful lessons
may excite a different train OF thought in
different individuals. but all agree that
the legends. the ancient usages and the
ancient customs, even the antique Ian
EuaEs Of the craft, deserve the most Ser1-
Gus contemplation. and no light or frivo-
lous Interpretation can be tolerated, e=-
pcctally IL the ceremony OF the Third de-
gree where al tGe attributes OF a brave
heart, earnest attachments. devotion and
high regard 20 truth and duty are aptly
and seriously Illustrated No word or sign
OF ieytty should be shown In any part or
AZ any stage Of the service sfor IL Is a
service. and a solemn ceremony. The
Master who encourages this or even al
lows Il. Is either dereliet in his duty or he
has no just conception OF the degree. has
no appreciation OF his high and honorable
office or Of the inspiring drama that IS
being enacted before him. or OF the sol
emn and serious truth that is illustrated
BY and through the ceremony.
Too much clap-trap is occasionally
permitted by those who have charge or
conduct the floor work The man on the
should not assume too much. for all may
arifnSe the vulgar and Gnthfnking. but 1t
fep.Is the lnteihgent anu proxokeS aversion
in the high minded Let Il borne in mind
that only by the dignified. impressive and
solemn manner OF performing our several
works and degrees can We attract the
high-rninded. the cultured. and those who
VIII apprt ciate the real good We orer
them In an ancient Institution. Our cere-
monies are solemn and impressive, the
language Is clean, pure and eleVattng. Let
us keep Il so. and not degenerate: there
Is nothing mtrth- provoking in any part.
nor Is there any room for merry making
In any portion OF the solemn ceremonies
The frivolous and light headed brother
may wish 10 enjoy some fun somewhere
but let him wait until after the lodge Is
closed. or go elsewhere TO have his fun
4 Masonic lodge Is not the place for friy-
oltty or merry making. but rather IL is a
place TO learn eievating truths, lessons
for leading good life and 10 become bet
ter men and better citizens
Applause during the ceremony IL also
often INDUCED In by well-meaning but un-
thinking brethren. which Is entirely out Of
place. No matter how eloquently a
brother presents the apron or working
tools. no matter how esoquentiy the his
toric or explanatory lecture Is given IL is
given In connection with q solemn service.
and applause is uucsiled for. un-Masonic
and oIt OF place during the comforting of
a degree. No mention is made I'm Scrip
ture Of any applause when the high
priests offered sacrifice TO Jehovah or du-
ring the service Of the Lord. but the 'peo-
pie bowed themselves and worshtped the
Lord. Nor IS this allowed In the older
churches. IL is only the modern preacher
the sensation monger. who desires and
Is undignifed in church. and is is equally
undignIfied In 9 Masonic lodge during the
solemn ceremony OF the degrees"
In local lodges generally the past week
has been quiet one. the only happening
OF note being the visit of the grand master
OF the Sons OF Herman. an order quite
strong in the state. Preparations for the
reception Of Grand Lodge members OF both
the Workmen and Odd Fellows are being
prosecuted diligently oy the committees
In charge. From appearances both con-
ventions will be large and enthusiastic
gatherings Several Of the lodges viii at
tend Easter services next Sunday.
r E PORTER