Dr. Dassigny's Enquiry.

liberal arts and sciences , and for their better government they formed such laws and general regulations as were thought necessary to maintain the harmony and well being of each particular organiz'd body , aud upon the neglect of attendance

of either Blaster or fellow ( when duly summoned ) a severe censure was incurred , until he could prove unto the whole lodge that pure necessity was the motive of his absence .

REMARKS . It is heartily to be wished that the knowledge of Geometry and Architecture , together with the rest of the sciences were the only entertainment of our modern lodges ; if so what is often unhappily substituted in their places would not prevail

as it does , neither ought a man to attain to any dignity in Blasonry , without first having a competent knowledge in the liberal arts , and I am sorry to say that so few of that stamp are to be met with in the lodges of this great metropoliswhich defect is

, certainly owing ( as heretofore observed ) to the imprudent choice and introduction of their members , for every man formerly ( tho' perhaps of a good and moral reputation ) was not admitted into the Craft , nor allowed to share the benefits of our noble

institution , unless he was endued with such skill in Blasonry as he mi ght thereby be able to improve the art either by plan or workmanship , or had such an affluence of fortune as should enable him to employ , honour , and protect the Craftsmen . I would not be understood bthis to mean

y that no citizen or reputable tradesmen should receive any of our benefits , but on the contrary , am of opinion that they are valuable members of the common wealth and iii consequence would prove real ornaments to lodges ; but how ridiculous is it

to see daily so many persons of low-life introduced amongst us ( some of whom can neither read nor write ) , and when they are admitted into the company of their betters b y the assistance of Masonry , they too often act beyond their capacitiesand ( if the

, expression may be allowed ) soon turn Mason mad , and under the pretence of knowled ge , they fall into scenes of glut tonny or drunkenness , and thereby neglect their necessary occupations , and injure their families , which is not consistent with the known

, laws , constitutions , and principles of all true Brethren . -

The lye-laws and general regulations of the lodges in this city are exceedingly well calculated for the good management of the craft , but what avails the best contrived and most salutary laws if they are not put into form and properly executed ? To pass over indiscretions is in some measure

granting a sanction or approbation of them , wherefore it highly concerns our worthy masters to let no crime remain unremarked , but duly to admonish , the offender , and if he repeats his transgression , to inflict such punishments as thevand the Brethren shall

judge necessary . As my intention in taking notice of these transactions , is rather to reform than offend , I hope the guilty will answer my expectation , in laying aside these evil and too much frequented practices and instead of

affording blame for my advice , will attribute it to the real cause , viz . the overflowings of my respect , love aud sincere friendship for tha Craft . Tis an indisputable maxim that authority and power ever produces awe and reverence , and consequently order and regularity amongst dependants .

REMARKS . Altho' I am well ascertain'd that our principle commanders have always been noble , learned and wise , yet of late years we have cause to mourn at our unhappy state , in sharing so little of their converse at our solemn meetings ; nor can they

blame us for our concern , since experience tells us that when we often had the happiness of their presence , the Craft was enlivened , and nothing but joy and alacricy ran through the whole ; and had it not been for the vigilencecareand constant

, , attendance of a most worthy grand officer ( whose name I need not mention , since it is imprinted in indeliable characters on the breast of every true Brother in this city ) the Grand Lodge would have felt almost an irreparable shock ; but helike a prudent

, governor , gained the hearts of his Brethren by cherishing their languid spirits , and every one rejoyced in him . If our noble Grand Blaster and his deputy would make a general visitation throughout the lodges of this city ( as hath

been a custom according to the constitutions at least once in the year ) the Brethren would be more careful in preserving mat due harmony , and just decorum which ought to shine amongst them , for as they would not be sensible of the hour of their 1