Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
particularise their nature and extent , I will premise my observations b y a solemn declaration that I have no motive in coming thus forward , but zeal for , and attachment to the noble institution of Freemasonry . I have the pleasure of knowing long and intimately many a member of the ancient Craft , and can say with truth that I have always found them upright high-minded and estimable , ornaments alike to society , and to the body of which they are members ; brethren who would never
put forward a willing hand to alter the beautiful symmetry of the ancient building , or to replace any of its pure ceremonies and simple impressiveness with the inventions of inexperienced and thoughtless workmen . In truth the wide circle of brethren among whom I have moved , do not require my humble mite of praise . But among the best intentioned there will be found those liable to err , and subject to the influence of bad examplebut who still are ready to retrace their
erro-, neous steps , and be prompt in aiding a sound reform , a reform to preserve the primitive beauty of the structure and preserve it unaltered ; and convince erring and mistaken brethren that any deviation from the ancient avenue that leads to the great temple , is a movement in the wrong direction , and must terminate in the wilderness of error . The strictest observance of our ancient laws and simple and impressive ceremonies is vitally necessary for that full preservation of their enduring
and excellent effects , and to enforce , where necessary , their proper observance , is among the first duties we are all bound to discharge . The substitution of senseless forms or juvenile buffoonery for a beautiful and serious ceremony is surely a lamentable corruption . Public as well as private institutions will sometimes require care to preserve them pure from ail innovations , and this is peculiarly the case iu Freemasonry .
In England "the working of the ceremonies and remodelling ofthe laws" was required , and carried into effect with the most salutary and satisfactory results , and there seems no reason why the same principle should not be acted on in Ireland , when found necessary . If we cannot excel our British brethren in the regularity and uniformity of outworking , let us take care not to fall short of them , what is worthy of imitation among them let us follow , what we have that is pure , let
us preserve . Those deviations from the pure and ancient forms of the Craft that I have alluded to , are twofold , viz . : first , admitting members before any period of probation has elapsed , and on some occasions receiving even perfect strangers , and giving those so admitted , more than one step at a time ; reasons we know are always found for such irregularities by those who are guilty of them , but that does not remove the just ground of complaintand it is suspected that the augmentation of lodge funds has
, but too frequently operated to induce this innovation . In the ordinary business of life wdiere confidence must be reposed , and where integrity is indispensible , the character of the individual is the first object of enquiry . And without an assurance of these qualities , who is it that would intrust his secrets or his property to a stranger . This principle applies very strongly to Freemasonry . The second subject of just complaint is the habit now so prevalent ,
of substituting senseless forms and idle jocularity for those solemn rites and impressive precepts which enlist the serious altention , and fix and attach the mind of the candidate to that admirable institution of which he has just become a voluntary and faithful member .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ireland.
particularise their nature and extent , I will premise my observations b y a solemn declaration that I have no motive in coming thus forward , but zeal for , and attachment to the noble institution of Freemasonry . I have the pleasure of knowing long and intimately many a member of the ancient Craft , and can say with truth that I have always found them upright high-minded and estimable , ornaments alike to society , and to the body of which they are members ; brethren who would never
put forward a willing hand to alter the beautiful symmetry of the ancient building , or to replace any of its pure ceremonies and simple impressiveness with the inventions of inexperienced and thoughtless workmen . In truth the wide circle of brethren among whom I have moved , do not require my humble mite of praise . But among the best intentioned there will be found those liable to err , and subject to the influence of bad examplebut who still are ready to retrace their
erro-, neous steps , and be prompt in aiding a sound reform , a reform to preserve the primitive beauty of the structure and preserve it unaltered ; and convince erring and mistaken brethren that any deviation from the ancient avenue that leads to the great temple , is a movement in the wrong direction , and must terminate in the wilderness of error . The strictest observance of our ancient laws and simple and impressive ceremonies is vitally necessary for that full preservation of their enduring
and excellent effects , and to enforce , where necessary , their proper observance , is among the first duties we are all bound to discharge . The substitution of senseless forms or juvenile buffoonery for a beautiful and serious ceremony is surely a lamentable corruption . Public as well as private institutions will sometimes require care to preserve them pure from ail innovations , and this is peculiarly the case iu Freemasonry .
In England "the working of the ceremonies and remodelling ofthe laws" was required , and carried into effect with the most salutary and satisfactory results , and there seems no reason why the same principle should not be acted on in Ireland , when found necessary . If we cannot excel our British brethren in the regularity and uniformity of outworking , let us take care not to fall short of them , what is worthy of imitation among them let us follow , what we have that is pure , let
us preserve . Those deviations from the pure and ancient forms of the Craft that I have alluded to , are twofold , viz . : first , admitting members before any period of probation has elapsed , and on some occasions receiving even perfect strangers , and giving those so admitted , more than one step at a time ; reasons we know are always found for such irregularities by those who are guilty of them , but that does not remove the just ground of complaintand it is suspected that the augmentation of lodge funds has
, but too frequently operated to induce this innovation . In the ordinary business of life wdiere confidence must be reposed , and where integrity is indispensible , the character of the individual is the first object of enquiry . And without an assurance of these qualities , who is it that would intrust his secrets or his property to a stranger . This principle applies very strongly to Freemasonry . The second subject of just complaint is the habit now so prevalent ,
of substituting senseless forms and idle jocularity for those solemn rites and impressive precepts which enlist the serious altention , and fix and attach the mind of the candidate to that admirable institution of which he has just become a voluntary and faithful member .