Section. 7 - 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, however universal in 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 none with more propriety, than to the reprehensible
motives which too frequently lead men to a participation of social entertainment.
If to pass an idle hour, to oblige a friend, or probably to gratify an irregular
indulgence, be our 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, our noble faculties should be 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 not been so
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, has been the result of such conduct. But the evil stops not
here. Persons of the description, ignorant of the true nature of the institution,
probably without any real defect in the 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,
the most valuable part of Masonry is turned into ridicule; while the dissipation
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 cannot wonder that so 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 the own institution; 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 of lessons.
We have reason to regret, that even persons distinguished for a knowledge
in the art, are too frequently induced to violate the rules to which a pretended
conformity has gained them applause. The hypocrisy is soon unveiled: no sooner
are they liberated from the trammels, as they conceive, of a regular and
virtuous conduct in the government of the Lodge, than, by improperly 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 indiscretion, the best of the institution is brought into contempt,
and the more deserving part of the community justly conceives a prejudice
against the society, of which it is ever afterwards difficult to wipe off
the impression.
But if some do transgress, no wise man will thence argue against the whole
fraternity for the errors of a few individuals. Were the wicked lives of
men admitted as an argument against the religion which they profess, the
wisest, the wisest and most judicious establishment, might be exposed to
censure. It may be averred in favour of Masonry, that whatever imperfections
may be 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; and when these have
not the intended effect, public reprehension becomes necessary; at last,
when every mild endeavour to effect a reformation is of o 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 our laws are properly supported, they will be proof against every attack
of our most inveterate enemies. Men are not aware , that by decrying any
laudable system, 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 forte 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 subject to ridicule. Whoever attempts to censure what he does not comprehend,
degrades himself; and the generous heart will always be led to pity the mistakes
of such ignorant presumptions.