Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Memoir Of The Right Honourable Richard Hely Hutchinson,
der can be made at the great number of Masons constantly made in that country . Nor , perhaps , need we be much surprised ' that , amidst the violence of politics , or rather that mental fever which has spread with such rapidity of late throughout Europe , and especially iu the sister kingdom , some ofthe masonic fraternity should be led away by popularand to weak minds , pleasing theories . On this occasion
, , and being informed that in some of the Country Lodges endeavours were made to introduce political subjects , the Grand Lodge addressed the following excellent letter to all the Lodges under its jurisdiction , Jan . 3 , 1793 .
' The Grand Lodge of Ireland , as the constituted authority' and guardians ofthe craft , deem it incumbent on them to remind the respective Lodges of this kingdom , that it is utterly inconsistent with the fundamental principles , the ancient charges , and the uniform practices of FREEMASONS , to permit any discussions or publications on religious or political subjects among them ; because these , of all othersare known to arouse the worst passions of menand excite
, , among the kindest brethren the most rancorous and lasting animosities . TRUE MASONRY prefers no sect , and acknow . ledges no party , A . Mason ' s religion is trie faithful worship of GOD ; his politics a strictobedience to the laws ofthe country in which he resides ; and a most cordial and unremitting attachment to his Sovereign . ' Freemasons have sufficient opportunities of expressing their
religious and political opinions in other societies , and in other capacities ^ and should not , under any pretence whatsoever , suffer such topics tot invade the sacred Retirement of a LODGE , which is peculiarly appro- ; priated to improve pTOKiL _ dnt-ies , correct human frailties , and incul-t cate social happiness . The Grand Lodge , therefore , in discharge of their duty , and actuated by the most anxious solicitude for the pro »
sperity , honour , and unanimity of the whole MASONIC BODY of Ireland , earnestly exhort and require aU the LODGES of this kingdom to ; refrain from religious and political discussions , and all publications on , such subjects . '
And when the state of the country grew still more alarming , from the violent spirit of disaffection which the enemies of the government have strove by every means to raise in that kingdom , his Lordship , put himself at the head of a chosen body of loyal and considerate brethren , who had formed themselves into a military band as Masonic Volunteers , devoted to act on all occasions in the defence of their country , against foreign and domestic foes .
His benevolence is equal to his activity , and his abilities are such as to render his virtues still more Illustrious to himself and beneficial to his country , and to the society over which he presides . Lord Donoughmore was lately created a Viscount , and as he is unjnarried , ColorielJohn Hutchinson , his eldest brother , is the heir to . his title . In a future Number we shall give an account of the Grand Lodge of Ireland , with the state of Masonry in that kingdom , and towards Tendering such a memoir perfect , we earnestly request the assistance ifif our masonic readers . "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Memoir Of The Right Honourable Richard Hely Hutchinson,
der can be made at the great number of Masons constantly made in that country . Nor , perhaps , need we be much surprised ' that , amidst the violence of politics , or rather that mental fever which has spread with such rapidity of late throughout Europe , and especially iu the sister kingdom , some ofthe masonic fraternity should be led away by popularand to weak minds , pleasing theories . On this occasion
, , and being informed that in some of the Country Lodges endeavours were made to introduce political subjects , the Grand Lodge addressed the following excellent letter to all the Lodges under its jurisdiction , Jan . 3 , 1793 .
' The Grand Lodge of Ireland , as the constituted authority' and guardians ofthe craft , deem it incumbent on them to remind the respective Lodges of this kingdom , that it is utterly inconsistent with the fundamental principles , the ancient charges , and the uniform practices of FREEMASONS , to permit any discussions or publications on religious or political subjects among them ; because these , of all othersare known to arouse the worst passions of menand excite
, , among the kindest brethren the most rancorous and lasting animosities . TRUE MASONRY prefers no sect , and acknow . ledges no party , A . Mason ' s religion is trie faithful worship of GOD ; his politics a strictobedience to the laws ofthe country in which he resides ; and a most cordial and unremitting attachment to his Sovereign . ' Freemasons have sufficient opportunities of expressing their
religious and political opinions in other societies , and in other capacities ^ and should not , under any pretence whatsoever , suffer such topics tot invade the sacred Retirement of a LODGE , which is peculiarly appro- ; priated to improve pTOKiL _ dnt-ies , correct human frailties , and incul-t cate social happiness . The Grand Lodge , therefore , in discharge of their duty , and actuated by the most anxious solicitude for the pro »
sperity , honour , and unanimity of the whole MASONIC BODY of Ireland , earnestly exhort and require aU the LODGES of this kingdom to ; refrain from religious and political discussions , and all publications on , such subjects . '
And when the state of the country grew still more alarming , from the violent spirit of disaffection which the enemies of the government have strove by every means to raise in that kingdom , his Lordship , put himself at the head of a chosen body of loyal and considerate brethren , who had formed themselves into a military band as Masonic Volunteers , devoted to act on all occasions in the defence of their country , against foreign and domestic foes .
His benevolence is equal to his activity , and his abilities are such as to render his virtues still more Illustrious to himself and beneficial to his country , and to the society over which he presides . Lord Donoughmore was lately created a Viscount , and as he is unjnarried , ColorielJohn Hutchinson , his eldest brother , is the heir to . his title . In a future Number we shall give an account of the Grand Lodge of Ireland , with the state of Masonry in that kingdom , and towards Tendering such a memoir perfect , we earnestly request the assistance ifif our masonic readers . "