CHAPTER IV.

General Remarks.

MASONRY is an art equally useful and ex-
tensive. In every art there is a mystery, which
requires a gradual progression of knowledge to
arrive at any degree of perfection in it. Without
much instruction, and more exercise, no man can
be skilful in any art : in like manner, without an
assiduous application to the various subjects treated
of in the different lectures of masonry, no person
can be sufficiently acquainted with its true value.

It must not, however, be inferred from this
remark, that persons who labour under the disad-
vantages of a confined education, or whose sphere
of hfe requires a more intense application to busi^
ness or study, are to be discouraged in their eli-
deavours to gain a knowledge cf masonry.

FHEEMASON'S MONITOR. $1

To qualify aa hidividual to enjoy the benefits of
the society at targe, or to partake of its privileges,
it is not absolutely necessary that he should be
acquainted with all the intricate parts of the sci*
ence. These are only intended for the diligent
and assiduous mason, who may have leisure and
opportunity to indulge such pursuits.

Though some are more able than others, some
more eminent, some more useful, yet all, in their
different spheres, may prove advantageous- to the
community. As the nature of every man*s pro*
fession will not admit of that leisure which it
necessary to qualify him to become an expert
itirason, it is highly proper that the official dutiet
of a lodge should be executed by persons whose
education and situation in life enable them to be-
come adepp ; as it must be allowed, that all who
accept offices, and exercise authority, should be
properly qualified to discharge the task assigned
tbem, with honour to themselves^ andi credit to
their sundry stations.