THE ARCANE SCHOOLS - Fort Myers Beach Masonic Lodge No. 362

himself thoroughly acquainted with all the information belonging to his
degree, he may be advanced at an earlier period, at the discretion of
the
lodge."
But, perhaps, the most stringent rule upon this subject, is that which
exists in the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Hanover, which is in
the
following words:
"No Brother can be elected an officer of a lodge until he has been
three
years a Master Mason. A Fellow Craft must work at least one year in
that
degree, before he can be admitted to the third degree. An Entered
Apprentice must remain at least two years in that degree."
It seems unnecessary to extend these citations. The existence of the
regulation, which requires a necessary probation in candidates, until
due
proficiency is obtained, is universally admitted. The ancient
constitutions repeatedly assert it, and it has received the subsequent
sanction of innumerable Masonic authorities. But, unfortunately, the
practice is not always in accordance with the rule. And, hence, the
object
of this article is not so much to demonstrate the existence of the law,
as
to urge upon our readers the necessity of a strict adherence to it.
There
is no greater injury which can be inflicted on the Masonic Order (the
admission of immoral persons excepted), than that of hurrying
candidates
through the several degrees. Injustice is done to the institution,
whose
peculiar principles and excellencies are never properly presented--and
irreparable injury to the candidate, who, acquiring no fair
appreciation
of the ceremonies through which he rapidly passes, or of the
instructions
which he scarcely hears, is filled either with an indifference that
never
afterwards can be warmed into zeal, or with a disgust that can never be
changed into esteem. Masonry is betrayed in such an instance by its
friends, and often loses the influence of an intelligent member, who,
if
he had been properly instructed, might have become one of its warmest
and
most steadfast advocates.
This subject is so important, that I will not hesitate to add to the
influence of these opinions the great sanction of Preston's authority.
"Many persons," says that able philosopher of Masonry, "are deluded by
the
vague supposition that our mysteries are merely nominal; that the
practices established among us are frivolous, and that our ceremonies
may