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The Discernment Displayed
By Masons In The Choice Of
Objects Of Charity
SECTION Ix
BOOK I - The Excellency of Masonry Displayed
illustrations of masonry
william preston
The most inveterate enemies of Masonry must acknowledge, that no
society is more remarkable for the practice of charity, or any association of
men more famed for disinterested liberality. It cannot be said that Masons
indulge in convivial mirth, while the poor and needy pine for relief. Our
quarterly contributions, exclusive of private subscriptions to relieve distress,
prove that we are ever ready with cheerfulness, in proportion to our
circumstances, to contribute to alleviate the misfortunes of our
fellow-creatures. Considering, however, the variety of object, whose distress
the dictates of Nature as well as the ties of Masonry incline us to relieve, we
find it necessary sometimes to inquire into the cause of misfortunes; lest a
misconceived tenderness of disposition, or an impolitic generosity of heart,
might prevent us from making a proper distinction in the choice of objects.
Though our ears are always open to the distresses of the deserving poor, yet our
charity is not to be dispensed with a profuse liberality on impostors. The
parents of a numerous offspring, who, through age, sickness, infirmity, or any
unforeseen accident in life, are reduced to want, particularly claim our
attention, and seldom fail to experience the happy effects of our friendly
association. To such objects, whose situation is more easy to be conceived than
expressed, we are induced liberally to extend our bounty. Hence we give
convincing proofs of wisdom and discernment; for though our benevolence, like
our laws, be unlimited, yet our hearts glow principally with affection toward
the deserving part of mankind.
From this view of the advantages which result from the practice
and profession of Masonry, every candid and impartial mind must acknowledge its
utility and importance to the state; and surely , if the picture here drawn be
just, it must be no trifling acquisition to any government, to have under its
jurisdiction, a society of men, who are not only true patriots and loyal
subject, but the patrons of science and the friends of mankind.
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