Freemasonry Considered.

FREEMASONRY CONSIDERED .

ZONDON , SATURDAY , JUNE 1 , 1867 .

It is a well-established and authoritativelyrecognised maxim among the Craft , that its members are required to abstain from recommending any one for a participation in our secrets , unless they have strong ground to believe that he will reflect credit ou our choice . It is also well

understood among us that Ave are not to use undue persuasion or inducements , not to hold out , but rather to discourage hopes of personal benefit to those Avhom we desire to see among us , but that our candidates should freely and voluntarily

offer themselves , unbiassed by the improper solicitation of friends and uninfluenced by mercenary or other unworthy motives . Since , then , we are not alloived to lay before our friends too forcibly the claims of our Institution to their

regard and support ; since also our peculiar operations , our secret mysteries , our especial rites are for the most part veiled within our own breasts , or restricted within the tiled precints of our lodges , it may very fairly be asked what means exist for

enabling the unitiated to judge of our pretensions , to ascertain how far it is desirable that they should seek participation in our mysteries and privileges . The true ansAver to such an inquiry appears to be , that Ereemasonry must be judged by its results , as marked by the extent and success of its benevolent institutions for the relief of the

aged and distressed among us , for the support of the widoAV , for the education and rearing UJD of the orphans . This , however , is not all , for there is another important test of the value of our Masonic art , namely , its influence on the public

and private life of its adherents , in maintaining purity , in encouraging virtue and religion , in repressing anger , bitterness , slander , in promoting justice , truth , honour , mercy , fidelity , loyalty , and all those beauties of character , Avhich , Avith faith

and love to God , conduce to form the perfect man , fitted to be an example of charity and happiness on earth , and to be the heir to eternal glory in a future state beyond the grave . If the preceding be a correct statement , IIOAV

incumbent is it on Freemasons , individually and collectively , to prove their regard for the Order by constant watchfulness over themselves , lest they may give cause of offence by violating the laAvs of God and of man , and thus be the means of preventing some who would do honour to our Craft

from allying themselves to it . Ear better and ! more effective would be the maintenance of a high , religious , moral , and social standard ; in attracting the attention and winning the esteem of others , than any persuasions arising from friendship or

interest , —the reasons for Avhich cannot be tested . It is Avell then occasionally to examine whether , as a body , we are carrying out the views and objects just mentioned , whether we are legitimately promoting the jDiirposes Avhich Ave all have to

accom-£ > lish ; in short , whether we are making progress , —Avell-defined , distinct , and sure ; and Avhether there are any obstacles , the removal of which might tend to make it more rapid , more perceptible to those around us ; and thus tend to an extension of our benefits anions- such as noAV hold

themselves aloof . In pursuance of this view , it is purposed to notice a few leading points . Eirst , Avith regard to our Charities . Here we ha \ 'e much cause for congratulation . A feAV years ago we had but one building for tho reception of

female orphans , and that very limited in extent . The boys were not uncared for , but Avere scattered among private establishments , payment being made from our funds for their support and education . Within the last tAventy years two noble

edifices have been erected near London , —one for each sex . The reports speak favourably of their management and success , as well as of the result in the effect of the training there received on the subsequent welfare and character of the recipients

of our bounty , Avhen removed to take part hi the active operations of life . The funds have , of course , steadily increased , and especially the

amounts collected by SteAvards at the annual festivals . Still , hoAvever , the number of candidates for admission exceed our means , and call for reneAved efforts on their behalf , though additions to the receptions have from time to time been

made . This should be a subject for serious consideration in the lodges , many of Avhich do not make any contributions from their funds , which Avould entitle them to votes . With regard to pecuniary assistance given to the aged and indigent

among us , greater liberality has of late been exercised ; and in many of the provinces distinct local funds have been formed which promise well for the future . In proportion to the concentration , united action , and official supervision Avliich can

be effected in regard to them , the less danger will there be of a confirmation of the truth of an assertion which has been publicly made , that the