THE ARCANE SCHOOLS - Fort Myers Beach Masonic Lodge No. 362

assistance is not to be beyond the ability of the giver. One of the
most
important landmarks, contained in our unwritten law, more definitely
announces this provision, by the words, that the aid and assistance
shall
be without injury to oneself or his family. Masonry does not require
that
we shall sacrifice our own welfare to that of a Brother; but that with
prudent liberality, and a just regard to our own worldly means, we
shall
give of the means with which Providence may have blessed us for the
relief
of our distressed Brethren.
It is hardly necessary to say, that the claim for relief of a worthy
distressed Mason extends also to his immediate family.
Section VI.
_Of the Right of Masonic Burial._
After a very careful examination, I can find nothing in the old charges
or
General Regulations, nor in any other part of the fundamental law, in
relation to masonic burial of deceased Brethren. It is probable that,
at
an early period, when the great body of the craft consisted of Entered
Apprentices, the usage permitted the burial of members, of the first or
second degree, with the honors of Masonry. As far back as 1754,
processions for the purpose of burying Masons seemed to have been
conducted by some of the lodges with either too much frequency, or some
other irregularity; for, in November of that year, the Grand Lodge
adopted
a regulation, forbidding them, under a heavy penalty, unless by
permission
of the Grand Master, or his Deputy.[84] As there were, comparatively
speaking, few Master Masons at that period, it seems a natural
inference
that most of the funeral processions were for the burial of
Apprentices,
or, at least, of Fellow Crafts.
But the usage since then, has been greatly changed; and by universal
consent, the law, as first committed to writing, by Preston, who was
the
author of our present funeral service, is now adopted.
The Regulation, as laid down by Preston, is so explicit, that I prefer
giving it in his own words.[85]
"No Mason can be interred with the formalities of the Order, unless it
be
at his own special request, communicated to the Master of the Lodge of