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Few Societies Exempted
From Censure. Irregularities
Of Masons No Argument Against The Institution
SECTION viI
BOOK I - The Excellency of Masonry Displayed
illustrations of masonry
william preston
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.
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