SECTION VII

Few Societies Exempted from Censure, Irregularities of Masons, No Argument Against the Institution

Among the various societies of men, few, if any, are wholly exempted from censure. Friendship, however valuable in itself, and however universal may be its pretensions, has seldom operated so powerfully in general associations as to promote that sincere attachment to the welfare and prosperity of each other which is necessary to constitute true happiness. This may be ascribed to sundry causes, but to none with more propriety than to the reprehensible motives which too frequently lead men to a participation of social entertainments. If to pass an idle hour, to oblige a friend, or probably to gratify an irregular indulgence, be the only inducement to mix in company, is it surprising that the important duties of society should be neglected, and that in the quick circulation of the cheerful glass the noblest faculties should he sometimes buried in the cup of ebriety?

It is an obvious truth, that the privileges of Masonry have long been prostituted for unworthy considerations, and hence their good effects have been less conspicuous. Many have enrolled their names in our records for the mere purposes of conviviality without inquiring into the nature of the particular engagements to which they are subjected by becoming Masons. Several have been prompted by motives of interest, and many introduced to gratify an idle curiosity, or to please as jolly companions. A general odium, or at least a careless indifference, must be the result of such conduct. But the evil stops not here. Persons of this description, ignorant of the true nature of the institution, probably without any real defect in their own morals, are induced to recommend others of the same cast to join the society for the same purpose.

Hence the true knowledge of the art decreases with the increase of its members, and the most valuable part of the institution is turned into ridicule; while the dissipations of luxury and intemperance bury in oblivion principles which might have dignified the most exalted characters.

When we consider the variety of members of which the society of Masons is composed, and the small number who are really conversant with the tenets of the institution, we need not wonder that few should be distinguished for exemplary lives. From persons who are precipitately introduced into the mysteries of the art, without the requisite qualifications, it cannot be expected that much regard will be paid to the observance of duties which they perceive to be openly violated by their own initiation; and it is an incontrovertible truth, that, such is the unhappy bias in the disposition of some men, though the fairest and best ideas were imprinted on the mind, they are so careless of their own reputation as to disregard the most instructive lessons. We have reason to regret, that even persons who are distinguished for a knowledge in the art, are too frequently induced to violate the rules, a pretended conformity to which may have gained them applause. The hypocrisy, however, is speedily unveiled; no sooner are they liberated from the trammels, as they conceive, of a regular and virtuous deportment, in the temporary government of the lodge, than, by abusing the innocent and cheerful repast, they become slaves to vice and intemperance, and not only disgrace themselves, but reflect dishonour on the Fraternity. By such indiscretions the best of institutions is brought into contempt; and the more deserving part of the community justly conceives a prejudice against the society, of which it is difficult afterwards to do away the impression.

But if some do transgress, no wise man will thence argue against the institution, or condemn the whole Fraternity for the errors of a few misguided individuals. Were the wicked lives of men admitted as an argument against the religion which they profess, the wisest and most judicious establishments might be exposed to censure. It may be averred in favour of Masonry, that whatever imperfections are found among its professors, the institution countenances no deviation from the rules of right reason. Those who violate the laws, or infringe on good order, are kindly admonished by secret monitors; when these means have not the intended effect, public reprehension becomes necessary; and at last, when every mild endeavor to effect a reformation in their conduct is of no avail, they are expelled the lodge, as unfit members of the society.

Vain, therefore, is each idle surmise against the plan of our government; while the laws of the Craft are properly supported, they will be proof against every attack. Men are not aware, that by decrying any laudable institution, they derogate from the dignity of human nature itself, and from that good order and wise disposition of things, which the almighty Author of the world has framed for the government of mankind, and established as the basis of the moral system. Friendship and social delights can never be the object of reproach; nor can that wisdom which hoary Time has sanctified be a subject for ridicule. Whoever attempts to censure what he does not comprehend, degrades himself; and the generous heart will pity the mistakes of such ignorant presumption.

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