The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1870-04-28
The RIGHTS AND BENEFITS OF FREEMA-

lHE NIGHTS AND OENErllo Or nccMA
soNRY.-This is phrase sufficiently familiar
to us. Are we, as general thing, sufficiently
aware of its meaning and force; Is its import
our doors? The right to expect aid in case of
need, and the duty to afford it, are urged per-
haps as strongly as is necessary; but is not the
neophyte left in great measure to find out for
himself what further "rights and benefits" he
has acquired by joining the Fraternity?
What proportion OF our number, If asked
this question, would be able to answer prompt
ly? Let us consider it for few moments.
We regard the institution as supplying So
cial want of human nature which no other as
sociation supplies; and we think this social
benefits not so much regarded as it should be
at the present time.
The Injecting on the level" we consider a
great benefit. The factious distinctions which
arise from inequality of talent, knowledge,
wealth, position, ETC., etc., have tendency to
induce an unjust estimate of our own impor-
tance-too high or too low, as the case may be
and it is healthy for us at times to meet our
fellow-men where these distinctions are of no
account, and whether rich or poor, learned or
unlearned, high or humbleinposition-"a mans
a man for a that"
This train of thought has been suggested by
the tenor of sundry Masonic addresses, in
which the charities of the institution are
strongly dwelt upon, and which have the ap-
pearance of inviting people to come and join
the Institution, because they may derive benefit
from it pecuniarily. We say has the appear
ance for no Mason could intend to give such
an impression. 1t is contrary to all the teach
ings Of the institution. We are always glad to
receive end welcome the worthy-we may not
solicit them to come. Let any brother recol-
lect what was enjoined on him as to this point
among his earliest instructions. VAST, If you
know worthy man, one who would be valu-
able member of our order, you will use all
honorable means to induce him to apply? Far
from it. But, eff in the circle of your ac-
quaintance you find person desirous of being
initiated into Masonry, be particularly careful
not to recommend him, unless" &c.
We would suggest for the consideration of
those who may be called upon to deliver Ma
sonic addresses in public, whether it would not
be better to dwell on the duties to be underta-
ken in becoming a Mason rather than on the
advantages to be derived from ito hold out
to men as a motive for joining us the good they
can do rather than the good they can get; We
by no means under-value the privilege of hay-
ing Brotherhood to call upon for aidif needed,
and which recognizes the claim not only of the
brother, but of those who are or were depend
ent uoon him. But we would have man
come TO us because he is desirous to aid in sup
porting and strengthening such Brotherhood,
and not solely with the view of making it a
,rainful speculation. If to aid in doing good
be not incentive enough to bring him to our
outer door, let him stay away; we are better
without him. Those who come with a right
understanding and feeling are the stones which
give strength to the edifce. Liberal and true
men are what we need.
"There is that scattereth, yet increaseth; and
there is that withholdeth more than is meet
yet it tendeth to poverty. ."-Portland (Me.)
Masonic Token.