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Article "TAUGHT TO BE CAUTIOUS." Page 1 of 2 Article "TAUGHT TO BE CAUTIOUS." Page 1 of 2 →
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"Taught To Be Cautious."
" TAUGHT TO BE CAUTIOUS . "
IT is tacitly understood amongst Freemasons everywhere that there shall be no persuasion applied to induce men to join the ranks of our " ancient and honourable Institution . " Indeed , the very principle of proselytism is diametrically at variance with the avowals which the
candidate is required to assent to prior to his initiation ; and if recognised in the slightest degree it would undermine the very foundation of that spontaneity and free-will which it is held must actuate all who aspire to a participation in the privileges and mysteries of the Order . If it were
needed we could enlarge to any extent upon this great guiding motive which must prompt all who wish to enrol themselves under the banner of Freemasonry . But the understanding is so thoroughly gi'ounded in the faith of the brethren that we do not deem it expedient , or at all
necessary , to refer to it except that the standpoint shall be admitted and religiously preserved . That he who joins our ranks with the firm intention of studying the sublime precepts inculcated by the art , and of striving to illustrate them in his daily life , never regrets the step thus
undertaken , is an axiom the truth of which is amply borne out in every brother ' s experience . But the causes which lead to this inward satisfaction come under the category of those privileges which are highly prized amongst Masons , and must be guarded with the most scrupulous care . Still , we
contend that the persuasion which is forbidden at the outset , and which cannot be honestly applied to " the popular world in general , " relates with equal , if not greater , force to the advancing grades through which the brethren , once admitted , are laudably ambitious to pass . And we
refer with unfeigned reluctance to the practice , which is far too prevalent , of buttonholing young Masons , and insidiously touting amongst them for candidates for the higher degrees , the Mark and Eoyal Arch included . In relation to this subject , the question naturally arises , are those
connected with the higher degrees sufficiently circumspect in carrying out their original obligation ? If so , is it not a matter for surprise that we should be so continuousl y receiving at our several meetings the notification that certain candidates whose names were set down on the
agenda paper for raising or exaltation cannot make it convenient to be present—who occasionally make feeble excuses , and perhaps more frequently none at all ? When a man takes so binding and serious an obligation as that
which obtains in the initiatory stages of his Masonic career , we have a right to expect that it shall exert its unsullied influence upon all his subsequent acts and movements in connection with the Order . But how often
is it tarnished by the overweening anxiety we see so constantly manifested by brethren to " rush " others into degrees for the acceptance of which they are not yet sufficiently educated , or which , to put it plainly , they are not pecuniarily iustified in undertaking ?
We do not believe that in so doing our brethren are guilty of an intentional violation of their obligation ; it more frequently arises from an excess of zeal , which gets the advantage of their discretion . Thus , when we hear the unwelcome announcement that certain candidates named
in the agenda are unable to fulfil their promised engagements—when their names disappear from the list , and those who have ihe curiosity to preserve a record look in vain for their recurrence—no other conclusion can possibly be arrived at than that , in a moment of elation and want of thought , brethren have consented to accept responsi-
"Taught To Be Cautious."
bilities , the extent and cost of which they had not duly and carefully calculated beforehand . It is by no means an uncommon occurrence that propositions for advancement lapse by reason of the expiration of the time prescribed ; and it only proves that in an unguarded moment brethren
have yielded to undue pressure , such as should never have heen applied , and that , on reconsideration , they have decided to waib till thoy can better afford the time and money which such a progress in the Science involves . The moral effect upon men's minds of such unwise
solicitation , and its failure to be carried to a complete and satisfactory issue , is most painfully apparent . On the ono hand , ifc creates disappointment in the mind of those who havo canvassed for tho honour and glory of proposing the brethren interested , that thoir proti ' ges do
not feel themselves warranted in fully responding to the call ; whilst the candidate , who has unthinkingly assented to his nomination , suffers from the chagrin thafc is always attendant on a consciousness of having failed to ratify an engagement partially and hastily entered npon . The
result is that either side looks askance afc the other when next they meet , and not unfrequently a coolness springs up which , however unaccountable to others , is perfectly understood between the parties individually concerned . These are matters upon which we think tho
Masters and Officers ot Lodges might expend a htfcie profitable attention , with a view to checking tho undesirable propensity so often betrayed to cozen others into a step beyond their capacities . We aro firmly convinced that when a man accepts a position from
which he would gladly recede , if ho could honourably " eat his own words , " and save his pride by pleading just cause for a revoke , he is never at home in the sphere into which he has been enticed ; and this feeling of unsettled discontent must generate a laxity
of spirit and interest which , if it became contagious , would tend to weaken the stability and destroy the esprit de corps which is essential to the healthy conduct of any Lodge . It will be well that afc all convenient times
and seasons the brethren should be impressed with the thought that the obligation should be enforced equally in the respect of gaining proselytes to the higher degrees as in the first . We know there is a £ ? reat deal more touting for
joining members to those degrees than there ought to beespecially for the Mark and the Royal Arch ; and it is this system that all upright aud sensible men will do their utmost to curb . This is best accomplished by the rulers of Lodges expounding to thoso over whom they are placed
in authority the sanctity of that obligation which rests upon us all , and on the principle of " free will and accord " which prompts us to our first step across the threshold , and should guide us in every advance we wish to mnko along the chequered floor . We often hear the expression
that Masonry is so expensive that many hesitate iu realise the desire of their hearts by coming amongst us . And it is perfectly true that Masonry is a hobby which might , if one chooses , be " ridden to death . " But such aspirations are bloated and flatulent , and too often the baubles melt into
thm an- in consequence of the too vigorous and indisereet pressure that is put on . No snch extraneous power is needed at all . If a man has gained such an insight into tbe groundwork of the Order as emboldens him to take
fresh ground , knowing that his aims are legitimate and safe , all is well . But to rush in where sober , sensible men fear to tread , often leads to a recklessness that ends in grief , and leaves a lasting sting of regret in the circle which becomes the scene of such catastrophe . After all , ifc is the
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
"Taught To Be Cautious."
" TAUGHT TO BE CAUTIOUS . "
IT is tacitly understood amongst Freemasons everywhere that there shall be no persuasion applied to induce men to join the ranks of our " ancient and honourable Institution . " Indeed , the very principle of proselytism is diametrically at variance with the avowals which the
candidate is required to assent to prior to his initiation ; and if recognised in the slightest degree it would undermine the very foundation of that spontaneity and free-will which it is held must actuate all who aspire to a participation in the privileges and mysteries of the Order . If it were
needed we could enlarge to any extent upon this great guiding motive which must prompt all who wish to enrol themselves under the banner of Freemasonry . But the understanding is so thoroughly gi'ounded in the faith of the brethren that we do not deem it expedient , or at all
necessary , to refer to it except that the standpoint shall be admitted and religiously preserved . That he who joins our ranks with the firm intention of studying the sublime precepts inculcated by the art , and of striving to illustrate them in his daily life , never regrets the step thus
undertaken , is an axiom the truth of which is amply borne out in every brother ' s experience . But the causes which lead to this inward satisfaction come under the category of those privileges which are highly prized amongst Masons , and must be guarded with the most scrupulous care . Still , we
contend that the persuasion which is forbidden at the outset , and which cannot be honestly applied to " the popular world in general , " relates with equal , if not greater , force to the advancing grades through which the brethren , once admitted , are laudably ambitious to pass . And we
refer with unfeigned reluctance to the practice , which is far too prevalent , of buttonholing young Masons , and insidiously touting amongst them for candidates for the higher degrees , the Mark and Eoyal Arch included . In relation to this subject , the question naturally arises , are those
connected with the higher degrees sufficiently circumspect in carrying out their original obligation ? If so , is it not a matter for surprise that we should be so continuousl y receiving at our several meetings the notification that certain candidates whose names were set down on the
agenda paper for raising or exaltation cannot make it convenient to be present—who occasionally make feeble excuses , and perhaps more frequently none at all ? When a man takes so binding and serious an obligation as that
which obtains in the initiatory stages of his Masonic career , we have a right to expect that it shall exert its unsullied influence upon all his subsequent acts and movements in connection with the Order . But how often
is it tarnished by the overweening anxiety we see so constantly manifested by brethren to " rush " others into degrees for the acceptance of which they are not yet sufficiently educated , or which , to put it plainly , they are not pecuniarily iustified in undertaking ?
We do not believe that in so doing our brethren are guilty of an intentional violation of their obligation ; it more frequently arises from an excess of zeal , which gets the advantage of their discretion . Thus , when we hear the unwelcome announcement that certain candidates named
in the agenda are unable to fulfil their promised engagements—when their names disappear from the list , and those who have ihe curiosity to preserve a record look in vain for their recurrence—no other conclusion can possibly be arrived at than that , in a moment of elation and want of thought , brethren have consented to accept responsi-
"Taught To Be Cautious."
bilities , the extent and cost of which they had not duly and carefully calculated beforehand . It is by no means an uncommon occurrence that propositions for advancement lapse by reason of the expiration of the time prescribed ; and it only proves that in an unguarded moment brethren
have yielded to undue pressure , such as should never have heen applied , and that , on reconsideration , they have decided to waib till thoy can better afford the time and money which such a progress in the Science involves . The moral effect upon men's minds of such unwise
solicitation , and its failure to be carried to a complete and satisfactory issue , is most painfully apparent . On the ono hand , ifc creates disappointment in the mind of those who havo canvassed for tho honour and glory of proposing the brethren interested , that thoir proti ' ges do
not feel themselves warranted in fully responding to the call ; whilst the candidate , who has unthinkingly assented to his nomination , suffers from the chagrin thafc is always attendant on a consciousness of having failed to ratify an engagement partially and hastily entered npon . The
result is that either side looks askance afc the other when next they meet , and not unfrequently a coolness springs up which , however unaccountable to others , is perfectly understood between the parties individually concerned . These are matters upon which we think tho
Masters and Officers ot Lodges might expend a htfcie profitable attention , with a view to checking tho undesirable propensity so often betrayed to cozen others into a step beyond their capacities . We aro firmly convinced that when a man accepts a position from
which he would gladly recede , if ho could honourably " eat his own words , " and save his pride by pleading just cause for a revoke , he is never at home in the sphere into which he has been enticed ; and this feeling of unsettled discontent must generate a laxity
of spirit and interest which , if it became contagious , would tend to weaken the stability and destroy the esprit de corps which is essential to the healthy conduct of any Lodge . It will be well that afc all convenient times
and seasons the brethren should be impressed with the thought that the obligation should be enforced equally in the respect of gaining proselytes to the higher degrees as in the first . We know there is a £ ? reat deal more touting for
joining members to those degrees than there ought to beespecially for the Mark and the Royal Arch ; and it is this system that all upright aud sensible men will do their utmost to curb . This is best accomplished by the rulers of Lodges expounding to thoso over whom they are placed
in authority the sanctity of that obligation which rests upon us all , and on the principle of " free will and accord " which prompts us to our first step across the threshold , and should guide us in every advance we wish to mnko along the chequered floor . We often hear the expression
that Masonry is so expensive that many hesitate iu realise the desire of their hearts by coming amongst us . And it is perfectly true that Masonry is a hobby which might , if one chooses , be " ridden to death . " But such aspirations are bloated and flatulent , and too often the baubles melt into
thm an- in consequence of the too vigorous and indisereet pressure that is put on . No snch extraneous power is needed at all . If a man has gained such an insight into tbe groundwork of the Order as emboldens him to take
fresh ground , knowing that his aims are legitimate and safe , all is well . But to rush in where sober , sensible men fear to tread , often leads to a recklessness that ends in grief , and leaves a lasting sting of regret in the circle which becomes the scene of such catastrophe . After all , ifc is the