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general remarks
CHAPTER IV
FREEMASON'S MONITOR
Thomas Smith Webb
Masonry is an art equally useful and extensive. In every art there is a
mystery, which requires a gradual progression of knowledge to arrive at
any degree of perfection in it. Without much instruction, and more
exercise, no man can be skillful in any art; in like manner, without an
assiduous application to the various subjects treated of in the different
lectures of Masonry, no person can be sufficiently acquainted with its
true value.
It must not, however, be inferred from this remark, that persons who
labor under the disadvantages of a confined education, or whose sphere of
life requires a more intense application to business or study, are to be
discouraged in their endeavors to gain a knowledge of Masonry.
To qualify an individual to enjoy the benefits
of the Society at large, or to partake of its privileges, it is not
absolutely necessary that he should be acquainted with all the intricate
parts of the science. These are only intended for the diligent and
assiduous Mason, who may have leisure and opportunity to indulge such
pursuits.
Though some are more able than others, some more eminent, some more
useful, yet all, in their different spheres, may prove advantageous to the
community. As the nature of every man's profession will not admit of that
leisure which is necessary to qualify him to become an expert Mason, it is
highly proper that the official duties of a Lodge should be executed by
persons whose education and situation in life enable them to become
adepts; as it must be allowed that all who accept offices and exercise
authority should be properly qualified to discharge the task assigned
them, with honor to themselves and credit to their sundry
stations.
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