Freemasonry A Progressive Science.

FREEMASONRY A PROGRESSIVE SCIENCE .

THE more a Freemason devotes himself to the study of the past history and doings of the Craft the more he must become impressed with the feeling that throughout the long years during which it is possible to trace its progress the Order has

virtually remained the same . It will also be apparent to the student that Freemasonry has progressed with the world , and has steadily adapted itself to the altered conditions which have from time to time taken

place m the general affairs of mankind . In theory , Freemasonry has remained unaltered ; in practice , it has changed so far as is necessary in order to make

it consistent with the general advancement oi opinion , and the varied circumstances under which it is practised . But in all these alterations there is

nothing inconsistent or opposed to the general principle recognised throughout the Craft , that it is the same to-day as it was in the earliest period of its history . Neither has any material change taken place in its primary lessons , which are the same

today as they were in ages gone by , although in the intervening space of time Lodges have been extended to all quarters of the globe , and among all classes and conditions of neonle . At the nreaent moment F VP . P -

masonry may be said to exist in every part of the civilised world , and it presents a splendid memorial to the ingenuity and forethought of its founders : as

well as a wonderful exemplification of the grand principles on which it is established , and has hitherto been conducted .

We have on more than one occasion in the past spoken of the wonderful growth of Freemasonry , and of the varied circumstances which have contributed to its success , but we have by no means thoroughly

exhausted the subject . It is really a matter of impossibility to properly appreciate the present condition of Freemasonry—its work is so extended , and its teachings so widely diffused that it would be impossible to form any reliable estimate of all that it

accomplishes , or all that might justly be set down to its influence . And how is it , we may ask , that all this success and wide-spread influence is attributable to the teachings of the mystic science of Freemasonrv ?

How is it that men of all creeds , all nations , and all temperaments can , and do , combine in its practice , and vie with each other in the general desire to extend its usefulness and teach its lessons ? It is

because Freemasonry ' s chief aim is to cause happiness among its members , and communicate that happiness to others . It works with the one object of causing one man to heln another as far as lies in his -DOWP . V . j

j _ _ — j and by ignoring all matters of a controversial character , and by adopting principles of equality it seeks to set all men on a level—the level of a clear conscience , and an upright intention . Long may it continue under such conditions , and long may its

Freemasonry A Progressive Science.

members play that part m lessening the aggregate of human misery and woe which they have so faithfully performed in the past , to the general benefit , we believe , of the world at large .

We have spoken forcibly of the exclusion from Freemasonry of all matters of a controversial character , and we regard this exclusion as one of the strongest

factors m connection with the past success of the Order . Once remove the prohibition , and open the doors of Freemasonry to discussions of a technical

nature , and we lose its principal charm , while we invite discord and disagreements which have hitherto been conspicuously absent from our midst . By such a course , indeed , we should undermine the foundation

oi Freemasonry , and without doubt should place its future existence in the greatest peril . Is it wise then to even suggest such a proceeding , or countenance for one moment the Mason who would seek to introduce

into our Lodges the much to be dreaded discussion of outside worldly topics ? We should certainly answer this question in the negative , were it not that we regard the man who only knows his own side of a

story as sadly wanting in knowledge . On this principle we think no harm can arise from attempting to answer those who assail the Order , as by so doing we

are not only able to correct error , but likewise remove the erroneous impression which would be created by leaving unanswered the attacks of those who disagree with us , or who seek to promulgate views at variance

with the accepted teachings of Freemasony . We have before us a copy of a recently issued work , " The Keligion of Freemasonry , " which may well be included in the scope of our present remarks . Its author is Bro . Henrv Josiah Whvmner , Past Denutv

District Grand Master Punjab , and the object of his work appears to be to create a revival of what he states formerly existed—a close association of

Christianity with Freemasonry . He brings a wide experience to bear upon his discussions , and so far as we have yet read his book makes out a clear case that Freemasonry was originally of a Christian

character , but he views the subject from a very narrow standpoint , and fails to appreciate the progressive character of our science , when he nroAs that it should not hp . allowed to dpvin . tp . — — — — —"

o ~—; ~ ~~ ¦ - from its first principles in this respect . He argues that the English Bible is the one great light possible in Freemasonry , and on that account would exclude the Koran and other sacred volumes of those who

have been brought up in a faith different to that of the original founders of Freemasonry . But by so doing he would also exclude those who are guided by

the Koran and other recognised books of belief , and he would banish the spirit of toleration and universality which now exists in Freemasonry ; open the

door for the discussion of religious topics , and generally change the character of the Craft . For all this we are disposed to discuss the matter with Brother Whymper , and shall take an early op-