Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Tasmania.
possible to an obliteration of tho differences which have taken place between the brethren . To us ivho have from the first taken so deep an interest in the question , the course which the Most Worshipful Grand Master has adopted in settling it , cannot prove otherwise than highly gratifying ; and we trust that our gratification -will be shared by the Brethren , alike in the mother country and the colony .
Masonic Missions.
MASONIC MISSIONS .
ONE of the highest duties of Masons , as professors of a system of divine truth , is to provide for its maintenance and propagation , not by seeking out converts to swell their numbers , or imposing their views on the consciences of others , but by ensuring the existence ancl extension of Lodges , the establishment of proper rooms ancl furniture , and generally by the constitution of such a vigorous organizationthat
, each individual member shall be supported , that the Aveak shall be strengthened and guarded from going astray , and the strong shall be encouraged in zeal and energy . One great basis of Masonry is liberty of conscience . We are not allowed to inquire into the religious belief of others , to question their modes of professionto ascertain to what sect they belongnor even
, , , if they adhere to what seems to us some fanatic ancl absurd doctrine , can Ave canvass it . AVe are not alloived to engage in such controversies , ancl AVhoover seeks to impose his form of faith on his brother has as plainly violated his Masonic duties as if he entered on a party or political discussion in open Lodge . Thus not only are the Eoman
Catholic , the Lutheran , the Jew , the Parsee , the Mahometan , tho Church of England man , the Presbyterian , the Independent , the Unitarian , the Quaker , the Irvingite , and the Mormonite to be found in the ranks and offices of Masonry , but Masonry sedulously avoids offending any brother in that which is a point of conscience Avith him . If in the form of an oath , it is conceded to him in his own Avay ; if in
meat or in drink , he is free to choose his oivn or to abstain , although the general mass may follow , in ivhat is merely formal , the general form and practice of the country in which they are . Liberty of conscience does not , hoAvever , mean indifference . If a brother be allowed to folloAV the dictates of his own conscience , he is not emancipated from the ecpial obligation of promoting the cause of
Masonic truth . This he is called upon to do in his manners and morals , that no stranger may think discreditably of the general body ou the ground of the unworfchiness of its single members . In order , too , that he may perform the duty of charity towards his brethren , ifc is incumbent on him that he should contribute to tho common funds , and for this purpose he must maintain the common fabric of the
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Tasmania.
possible to an obliteration of tho differences which have taken place between the brethren . To us ivho have from the first taken so deep an interest in the question , the course which the Most Worshipful Grand Master has adopted in settling it , cannot prove otherwise than highly gratifying ; and we trust that our gratification -will be shared by the Brethren , alike in the mother country and the colony .
Masonic Missions.
MASONIC MISSIONS .
ONE of the highest duties of Masons , as professors of a system of divine truth , is to provide for its maintenance and propagation , not by seeking out converts to swell their numbers , or imposing their views on the consciences of others , but by ensuring the existence ancl extension of Lodges , the establishment of proper rooms ancl furniture , and generally by the constitution of such a vigorous organizationthat
, each individual member shall be supported , that the Aveak shall be strengthened and guarded from going astray , and the strong shall be encouraged in zeal and energy . One great basis of Masonry is liberty of conscience . We are not allowed to inquire into the religious belief of others , to question their modes of professionto ascertain to what sect they belongnor even
, , , if they adhere to what seems to us some fanatic ancl absurd doctrine , can Ave canvass it . AVe are not alloived to engage in such controversies , ancl AVhoover seeks to impose his form of faith on his brother has as plainly violated his Masonic duties as if he entered on a party or political discussion in open Lodge . Thus not only are the Eoman
Catholic , the Lutheran , the Jew , the Parsee , the Mahometan , tho Church of England man , the Presbyterian , the Independent , the Unitarian , the Quaker , the Irvingite , and the Mormonite to be found in the ranks and offices of Masonry , but Masonry sedulously avoids offending any brother in that which is a point of conscience Avith him . If in the form of an oath , it is conceded to him in his own Avay ; if in
meat or in drink , he is free to choose his oivn or to abstain , although the general mass may follow , in ivhat is merely formal , the general form and practice of the country in which they are . Liberty of conscience does not , hoAvever , mean indifference . If a brother be allowed to folloAV the dictates of his own conscience , he is not emancipated from the ecpial obligation of promoting the cause of
Masonic truth . This he is called upon to do in his manners and morals , that no stranger may think discreditably of the general body ou the ground of the unworfchiness of its single members . In order , too , that he may perform the duty of charity towards his brethren , ifc is incumbent on him that he should contribute to tho common funds , and for this purpose he must maintain the common fabric of the