Dr. Dassigny's Enquiry.

they ought , and the latter from falling into immoral or scandalous actions , which the Craft , instead of countenancing , ever shoAved the utmost abhorrence and detestation thereto . And from the imprudence of introducing such members , various divisions and

disputes have arose in Lodges , where the Brethren ( instead of preserving the harmonious and friendly concord that ought to subsist amongst them ) bave unluckily fell into factious parties ; so that unanimity , which Avill ever be the lasting cement of the Brotherhood hath been dissolved .

REMARKS . As an house divided against itself cannot stand , so likewise is it absolutely essential that every community should preserve peace and harmony as tbe surest foundation of its welfare ; and I cannot

help expressing my concern to hear of so many idle and trifling disputes as lately have happened amongst some of the fraternity , occasioned , as I must imagine , by the unfortunate and inconsiderate election of their members ; the examples

of whom ought hi ghly to engage us in a strict examination of the temper , disposition , ancl conduct of each candidate ; for one contentious man may subvert and spoil tbe peace and quiet of our harmless hours , and as the old Proverb alledges .

Uniea - prava peats in feet omnia pecus . One scabby sheep may infect au whole flock . But bow ridiculous do partisans concerning religion appear amongst us 1 Whereas tbe Craft , tho' founded upon that solid basis will admit of no such controversies

, and provided Ave are not all of the same opinion in matters of faith , }* et ought we ever to be of one mind in matters of Masonry ; that is to labour justly , not to eat any men ' s bread for nought , but to the utmost of our capacity to love and serve

each other , as Brethren of the same household ought to clo : nor can I help judging it as great an absurdity in one man to quarrel with another , because he will not believe as he does , as it would be in him to be angry beca so he was not exactly of the

same siziaud countenance , tfce . but the true Brotherhood are resolved never to suffer any strife to enter into the door of the Lodge upon that or any other point whatsomever .

Some years ago I had tbe honour to introduce to the Grand Lodge a remonstrance , setting forth the necessity of a strict scrutiny into the candidates behaviour ancl character , which I humbly proposed should be by their having one

months notice and upon receiving such intelligence , they ( as having power ) should appoint tAve of their members nicely to examine into the requisites , and tho' that most revered and august assembly did not agree to it at that particular juncture , I

cannot held believing it would greatly tend to the honour and welfare of the Craft , and prevent some complaints of which Ave at present bave cause to make mention of ; but , however , shall always be fond to leave all matters of

consideration to their mature and superior judgment . The honours due to the Craft forbids me to pass over a certain set of unprofitable labourers , who under a pretence of knowledge in the art , strive to lead astray , after their irregular method , many persons of credit and reputation .

REMARKS . It is too Avell known that in this city lately hath appeared a number of mean and low spirited wretches , who , ( if ei'er just ) have turned rebels to our Avell formed government and artfully brought into their

iniquitous net several unguarded men , who from me shall meet Avitb pity instead of blame ( because they knew not the truth ) wherefore I shall beg leave to acquaint tbem , that the laws of our constitution are so agreeable to the disposition of every good

mau , and so easily performed that I dare say no one can haA'e an excuse for not obeying ; but as these labourers work not to serve our worthy masters , they receive instead of the advantages accruing from our vineyard , the just reward of their

actions and in each honest breast are stigmatized AA'ith a name I here shall not mention . These despicable traders or hucksters in pretended Masonry , every prudent Brother ought carefully to avoid holding any

converse with them , but as the learned apostle , St . Paid , in his Epistle to the Thessalonians , very justly advises , Withdraio yourselves from every Brother that walketh disorderly , and not after the tradition he renewed of us ; for yourselves know hovi you