Freemasonry Considered In Its Relation To Society.

ship of the Freemasons of England , have naturally occasioned much criticism . His changing one form of religious belief for another is a matter purely personal ; but ivhy that change should necessitate his retirement from Freemasonry is a matter fairly open to comment . That he did so

in obedience to the command of his neAV spiritual adAnsers is eA-ident , and it follows that all AVIIO imitate his example in religious matters must be prepared to make a similar sacrifice . Other religious guides have discountenanced Freemasonry , Avithout going so far as to require retirement from it as a term of communion . These clerical

denunciations have a certaniAveigh t among those Avho regard a Avhite cravat as the symbol of infallibility . It is perfectly intelligible , one religious community denouncing another for some supposed unorthodox belief ; but for clerics of almost every denomination to turn their Aveapons against

Freemasonry is incomprehensible , seeing that it embraces Avithin its fold members of nearly every church . That Freemasonry exercises a certain influence in society is admitted by every one . Its members assert it as an influence for good ; its enemies declare it is an evil influence .

Which is correct will be apparent by hearing both sides . It may be useful to define what Freemasonry is and what are its objects . It is a system of morality taught in symbols and veiled in allegory . It does not pretend to be a religion , nor does it

assume the functions of any religion ; neither does it pretend to be a neAV revelation . It simply professes to inculcate certain truths in a peculiar manner , and to give a practical form to its profession . Its ethics are derived from the Bible , but Avhile basing its teaching on that sacred book , it inculates a spirit of research in the Avide domain of nature : and while modern

philosophy seeks to find in nature latent forces sufficient to account for all the varied forms Avith Avhich Ave are surrounded , Freemasonry commences her enquiries by an acknoAvledgment of the Great First Cause . Freemasonry has been called a secret societybut to a great extent this

appella-, tion is a misnomer , for Avhile not unnecessarily obtruding itself on the notice of the world , it attempts no concealment of its existence or its tenets—in fact this would now be impossible . Some of the

practicable objects contemplated by the Institution , are to unite men of different creeds and of different nations into universal brotherhood , worshipping the same God and Father of us all ; to alleviate misery by extending a helping hand to the distressed ;

to succour the AVMOAV and the orphan ; and to foster a spirit of loyalty to the sovereign of our native hind . Primarily its specidative objects are to conserve , and teach certain truths through the media of symbols and allegoriesbut its functions do

, not end there , for that teaching finds its natural development and expression in the benevolent operations previously referred to .

A glance at some of its results will convince the most sceptical that it possesses some mysterious intrinsic good . And yet Freemasonry has not ahvays had a fair trial . Many of its members have lightly assumed its obligations , and forgotten their import , so that instead of their conduct

being a reflex of Masonic Morality , Freemasonry has been blamed Avith Avhat is merely the reflection of its unworthy members . A society occupying such , a prominent and even pretentious position , will naturally have many detractors . These it can point Avith just pride to the magnificent monuments which it has erected—its

Homes for aged Masons , its Orphanages , its Benevolent Funds , its Charity Funds and to its Widows' Fund . Yet even these do not circumscribe the good which it does , lor in addition to these , it will be found on investigation , that in addition to supporting these objects with Masonic money alone

, the fraternity are at all times foremost to contribute to other worthy objects , whether religious or benevolent . Freemasonry is thus a mighty engine for good . Every aged Mason provided for , every AvidoAV aided , and every orphan clothed ancl fed ,

ancl educated ; every penny spent by the craft in assisting those entitled to relief , are so many benefits conferred on the state , and so much money saved to society . These very acts , as will subsequently appear , have been grossly misrepresented .

VieAved in another aspect , Freemasonry presents some features which entitle it to fair criticism from its opponents . HOAV often do Ave read of a knoAvledge of its secrets being the means of saving lives at sea . In his reply to an address ( accompanied by a presentation ) to Captain Sharp