Masonic Seceders.

MASONIC SECEDERS .

THERE is an old saying that once a man becomes a Freemason he must always remain one , and an imperfect understanding of this principle has created more than one erroneous opinion in regard to the general character of Freemasonry . Of course there is a certain amount of truth in the axiom to which we have referred , as it is impossible to

remove all traces of the ceremonies and secrets of the Order from the memory of any one who has been regularly received into its midst ; but , as we have frequently pointed out , Freemasonry is somethingmore than a mere title , and it requires some practical work from all who desire to be considered worthy of its association . Yet it is quite possible for a man to be regarded as a Freemason without possessing any of the qualifications which are so essentially requisite among its followers—in other words a

man may be a Freemason in name , and name only , but in such a case he must be considered as entirely distinct from the brother who acts up to the teachings and principles of the Craft . Such an one , however , cannot in any way be described as a Masonic Seceder , and it is only to show that it is quite possible for a man to even remain a member of the Order and yet not entitle himself to be regarded as a Freemason that we have referred to this view of the subject . Such being the case , then , how much more possible

is it for a man to disassociate himself from the Craft , providing he may wish to do so , and sets himself to accomplish his desire ? There are many who become Seceders from Freemasonry , and the causes which lead to their desertion from the ranks are of the most varied description . Some withdraw themselves from truly conscientious motives , and although we cannot agree that they are always wise in so doing , or at least we cannot accept their view of what is their duty , we fully appreciate the sincerity of their actions . Ties of religion , home or intimate

friendships , may one or all call for a secession from Freemasonry , and no doubt those men who withdraw themselves from its meetings and its work , from either of these causes , fully calculate on the result of the step they take , and are fully convinced that what they do is just ; doubtless in most cases it is so . There are others who disassociate themselves because Freemasonry does not come up to their anticipations . They expected much , and have found , to their way of thinking , little or nothing . Surely the Craft does not lose when such men secede : on

tne contrary , ifc is to be congratulated on their withdrawal . If we could go back to their first association with Freemasonry , and could search their inmost thoughts , we should find they were drawn to its portals I ^ ore by its glittering outside attractions than from ' < jny genuine desire to benefit by its teachings ; if they did not knock at the door of Freemasonry from actually unworthy motives they were at least insincere in their professions , and as a result they have since

Masonic Seceders.

learned to regret the steps they took . There are others again who secede because they are disgusted with Freemasonry , and perhaps it is under this head we might include the larger number of those who withdraw from our midst . They may have been sincere—to an extent—when they sought the light of Freemasonry , and sincere in all they did during the earlier part of their connection with it , while they might be tho last who would be suspected of continuing their membership for the purpose of reaping worldly benefit , but some unexpected event induces a sudden change in their views , and their strong enthusiasm of yesterday is to-day turned to the most bitter hatred of Freemasonry and all associated with

it . It is useless to attempt to argue with such men ; they will not listen to reason , and will not believe there is any possibility of their being wrong and Freemasonry right . If in the course of argument one refers to their past career in Freemasonry , they are ready with the answer that they have only just had occasion to test its real merits . Hitherto they have been slaves to Freemasonry ; they have foolishly believed all the nonsense that has been poured into their ears , and have been made use of by those who are really the most insincere . Theirs has been a rude awakening , and however much we may feel inclined to blame them for their actions , we can but feel regret that they should have so radically changed , for we

believe that many who do change to this extent believe they have ample excuse for doing so , and are , in their own minds , the most ill-used of individuals . Disappointment , in one form or another , is no doubt at the bottom of all real secessions from Freemasonry . When we say real secessions we mean to imply that secession—like enthusiasm for the Orderis of two kinds—real and imaginary . The man who secedes from Freemasonry from religious , family or kindred reasons , and who is sincere in withdrawing himself from all association with the Craft , really only secedes in name . In principle and in thought he

remains a Freemason , and no matter whether he chooses to recognise its teachings under some other name or not , he , as often as otherwise , becomes a more zealous disciple of its best principles . His very withdrawal is an exemplification of one of the great watchwords of the Order—Truth . He cannot practise Freemasonry and be true to other ties , ties

he regards as stronger than those of the Craft . For this reason he withdraws himself from his Lodge , from his membership , and from his enjoyment of Masonic fellowship . But does he at the same time give up all he has learned from the teachings of the Order ? Does he from that time renounce Brotherly Love , Belief and Truth ? Certainly not . On the contrary ,

in all probability he practises those virtues more zealously than he has ever done before , for the simple reason that having found one matter which has made a great impression on his mind , he begins to regard everything else in a different light , and seeks to form an independent opinion in regard to