The History of Initiation - The Masonic Trowel

X PREFACE.
"Were the Brethren who preside at our meetings to
be properly instructed previous to their appointment,
and duly apprised of the offices they are chosen to
support, a general reformation would speedily take place.
This conduct would establish the propriety of our government,
and lead men to acknowledge that our honours
were not undeservedly conferred; the ancient conse-
quence of the Order would be restored, and the reputation
of the Society preserved. Till genuine merit shall
distinguish our claim to the honours of Masonry, and
regularity of deportment display the influence and utility
of our rules, the world in general will not be led to re-
concile our proceedings with our professions."*
In coincidence with these sentiments, I am decidedly
of opinion that much general knowledge is necessary to
expand the mind, and familiarise it with masonic discussions
and illustrations, before a Brother can be pronounced
competent to undertake the arduous duty of
governing a Lodge. A Master of the work ought to
have nothing to learn. He should be fully qualified, not
only to instruct the younger Brethren, but to resolve
the doubts of those who are more advanced in masonic
knowledge ; to reconcile apparent contradictions ; to
settle chronologies, and to elucidate obscure facts or
mystic legends, as well as to answer the objections and
to render pointless the ridicule of our uninitiated adver-
saries.
Impressed with these ideas at a very early period of
my masonic career, it occurred to me that some aid was
wanting to convey a species of information on the subject
of our antiquities which was not generally attainable in
the common routine of our Lodge pursuits; and that
desideratum I entertained the ambition of attempting to
supply. How far I have succeeded must be submitted
* Illustr., p. 12, Edit. xiv. and xv.