Thoughts On Masonry.

distinction that scorns to confine itself to rules fettered by bigotry and superstition ; among masons , liberality takes her by the hand , and necessity needs no other claim than its own eloquence to engage her in its cause : on every good man the same effect is visible ; but masons are

select , they have become so for the wisest and most amiable purposes ; to maintain their own honour , is but to adhere to their own principles , they cannot be amended ; but weakened as they are by the introduction of men of every

description , contrary to its pure system , arid itsrights arid privileges regarded with indolence and inattention , it becomes necessary the brethren should be reminded of that duty which is required at their hands , and that circumspection needful and proper , as well in their proposition of canditates , as in the indiscriminate mode of admission too universally adopted .

The ^ subject on which I am engaged will not permit me the use of many arguments , from which conclusions might be drawn to the satisfaction of every reader ; but among masons , I hope what I have to offer will not fail to be properly applied ; under this restraint I shall

endeavour to make myself generally understood , not doubting but my objections will be felt where they are properly applicable . I ought to hope that the objects I have in view to hold up as subjects of disapprobation , and to offer to

the consideration of the brethren for reformation , will not be mistaken as personal attacks , or remarks individually pointed ; the spirit by which I am actuated forbids me so despicable an act , and the opinion I form of a true mason cherishes my hope , that the known liberality of that character will secure me from any imputation I am not entitled to .

Ihe world has been taught to believe , and masons ought to know , that none but men whose recommendations are unexceptionable , whose propositions are regular , and who come from the free and untutored impulse of their own inclinations , are proper to be made masonsand that none

, are fit objects of association in masonic meetings , hut those whose maturity and judgement are likely to render them valuable ornaments : by judgement , I would not be understood to | preclude every man whole abilities are not distinguished

by eminence , as zeal and attention may make ample amends , but the frequent mode and motive of men ' s becoming masons , being totally repugnant to the principles on which masonry fixes its foundation , occasions the present enquiry . Persons who have any connexions

among masons , are very naturally invited to the institution , and to partake of those mysteries , with which , when unfolded , I have never known any one displeased ; but the invitation is very frequentl y accompanied with golden promises of profit

to the candidate , and interest , rather than inclination , leads him to the lodge ; for one of the first questions he asks , when he is invited to become a brother , is , of what service the institution will be to him ; in answer to whichhe is promised every

, assistance in his business , if he is a tradesman , and an order for the commodity he deals in is first applied as an earnest of his success : Is this consistent with the duties of masonry 1 on the contrary , is it not a violation of every principle on which

it is founded , and opposite to the [ very spirit and intention of initiating a brother ] His character in life , his opinion on the duties of morality , ought to be examined and weighed , and then worth should stamp his title to so noble a destination :

solicitation on his part should gain him admittance , for though it may be true that masonry unites the most seeming discordant ideas , yet it cannot conciliate to our minds the profligate or the atheist . It is true that an extent of connexion , and a worthy objectsecure to him favours

, in his concerns in life ; but as TRUTH is not only a most valuable accomplishment , but a virtue immediately pointed at in every duty of the fraternity , why it should be risqued for the adding a member from a mistaken motive , I have not yet learned .

The equality of masons levels all distinctions ; let us therefore , ere we lay the foundation of that equality , examine well the pretensions of the candidate ; let us rather make it an interest to become a mason , than make interest , or form

entreaties , to receive strangers Shall it be said , that we who are fellows to kings , and brothers to princes or beggars , when made masons , receive beggars in princi ple , to enlarge a connexion , to encrease our number 1 numbers are not the basis upon which masonry has es-