Dr. Dassigny's Enquiry.

kind is the same , and tho' Masonry divests no man of his honour , yet does the Craft admit , that strictly to persue the paths of virtue , Avbereby a clear conscience may be preserv'd , is the only method to make any man noble .

A Mason is to be so far benevolent as never to shut his ear unkindly to the complaints of Avretched poverty , but Avben a brother is oppressed by Avant , he is iu a peculiar manner to listen to his sufferings with attention , in consequence of Avhich

pity must HOAV from his breast : and relief Avithout prejudice according to his capacity . A Mason is to 2 > ay due obedience to the authority of his master aucl presiding officers , ancl to behaA'e himself meekly amongst his fellows , neither neglecting bis

usual occupation for the sake of masonry , nor to quarrel with the ignorant multitude for their ridiculous aspersions concerning it , but at his leisure hours be is required to study the arts and sciences Avith a diligent mind , that he may not only perform his

duty to the great Creator , but also to his neighbour and to himself ; for to walk humbly in the si ght of GOD to clo justice and to love mercy are the certain characteristicks of a real Mason , which qualifications I humbly hope they will possess to the end of time , and I dare venture to say that every true brother will join Avith me in Amen .

The benefits arising from a strict observance of the principles of the Craft , are so apparent , that I must believe every christian would be fond to profess and practice the same , because those principles tend to promote the happiness of life as they are

founded on the basis of Avisclom ancl virtue . NOAV as it is every man ' s wish and design to accomplish the business of an happy life , how comes it that Ave see so many fall short of it ? the reason I believe will

appear conspicuous , Avhen Ave reflect that the gidd y crowd Avhich are most numerous open a beaten tract Avhich their erring and mistaken followers after their mad example pursue , leaving the light of reason behind them ; and as the Avise Seneca justly observes it fares " with us in human lifeas

, " in a routed army , one stumbles first and " then another falls upon him , ancl so they " follow one upon the nock of another , till " the whole field comes to be but one heap " of miscarriages . Wherefore how careful " ought Ave then to be ( if happiness is our

" aim ) to leave this croud , for true felicity " is not to be found there , but in a sound " mind Avhich judges aright and perseveres " in such judgment , ever observing a due " decorum in our actions and squaring our " lives according to the dictates of right

" reason . " And surely it may engage the admiration of some that a Craft ( Avhose antiquity is from time immemorial , and whose qualifications are not only proveable by tbe touch-stone of true merit ) should meet with contempt or fall into decay ; but

Avben daily circumstances are the evident marks of my assertions , I must with some regret lay open , the irregular deeds of mistaken men , and should be Avell pleased that they , seeing their follies , may no longer continue in them , but rather persue the the antient laud marks of our virtuous

Brethren . In the first place as our priviledges and instructions , when rightly are made use of , are not only productive of our welfare on this side of tbe grave , but even onr eternal harjpiness hereafter , they ought to be communicated to those alone Avho might

improve ancl enhance their value ; Avhereas on the contrary in several Lodges , too many have been fond of a trifling treat , and have sold their birthrights at a mean price eA * en for a mess of potage ; and instead of taking a clue and especial care to

enquire into the reputation or character of . a candidate , tbey have imprudently hurried him into the Craft , aucl that perhaps too at an age before he arrived to mature discretion , or Avbile under bondage and servitude contrary to the known constitutions .

REMAREJS . That this custom hath been too prevalent , I believe no one who bath been conversant Avith our Lodges will deny ; and as it must give pain to every faithful Mason to see the sacred rules of the order profained or broke thro ' I shall beg leave

, to acquaint tbe Brethren , that all persons admitted members of a lodge should bear tbe character of being free in birth and from bonds , for in juvenile years it is not to be expected that any one can be capable to promote the Avelfare of the

Craft , Avhich is or ought to be the real intention of introducing any member therein , Avho likewise ought to be Avithout maim or defect , either in body or mind ; the former being sufficient to prevent them from serving their Lords and Masters as