CHAPTER III..

The Importance of the Secrets of Masonry

demonstrated.

IF the secrets of masonry are replete with
juch advantages to mankind, it may be a^jked,
why are they not divulged for the general good
of society ? To which it may he answered ; wer«
the privileges of masonry to be indiscriminately
bestow^^d, the design of the institution would b«

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mibverted ; and^ being familiar^ like maoy other
important matters, would soon lose their yalue^
and sink into disregard.

It is a weakness in human nature, that men are
generally more charmed with novelty, than the
real worth or intrinsic value of things. Novelty
influences all our actions and determinations.
What is new, or difficult in the acquisition, how-
erer trifling or insignificant, readily captivates the
imagination, and ensures a temporary admiration ;.
while what is familiar, or easily obtained, how^-
ever noble and eminent for its utility^ is sure to
fcc disregarded by the giddy and unthinking.

Did the particular secrets or peculiar forms pre-
talent among masons constitute the essence of
the art, it might be alledged that our amusements
were trifling, and our ceremonies superficial. But
this is not the case. Having their use, they are
preserved ; and from the recollection of the lessons
they inculcate, the well informed mason derives
iftstruction. Drawing them to a near inspection,
he views them through a proper medium ; adverts
to the clrcamstances which gave them rise ;
dwells upon the tenets they convey ; and, finding
them replete with useful information^ adopts them
as keys to the privileges of bis art, and prizes
tliefti as sacred. Thus convinced of their proprifc-
^-4y, he estimate! tiie value frora thek* utility.

FREEMASON'S MOTTITOR. J9

Many persons are deluded by theif vague stip-
pOJiition that our myRteries arc merely nominal;
that the practices established among us are frivo-
lous ; and tljat our ceremonies might be adopted,
or waved, at pleasure. On this false foundation,
we have found them hurrying through all th«
degrees, without adverting to the propriety of
one step they pursue, or possessing a single quali-
fication requisite for advancement. Passing
through the usual formalities, they have accepted
offices, and assumed the government of lodged,
equally unacquainted with the rules of the institu-
tion they pretended to support, or the nature of
the trust reposed m them. The consequence ie
<^vious ; wherever such practices have been
allowed, anarchy and confusion have ensued, and
the substance has beett lost in the shadow.

Were the brethren who preside over lodge*
properly instructed previous to their appointment,,
mnd regularly apprised of the importance of their
respective oflices, a general reformation would
apeedily take place. This would evince the pro-
priety of our mode of government, and lead meu
to acknowledge, that o*ir honoiirs were deservedly
conferred, Tl>e ancient consequence of the order
Wduld be restored, aad the reputation ^f the •ocl'-
•ty pre^er'Tefk

I

2a FKEEMA50N-S MONITOR.

Such conduct alone can support our character.
Unless prudent actions shall distinguish our tltlr
to the honours of masonry, and regular depoit-
xnent display the influence and utility of o;.r
rules, the world in general will not easily be led
to reconcile our proceedings with the tenets of
6ur profession^