George Oliver (1)

THE HISTORY OS INITIATION :
IN TWELVE LECTURES :
COMPRISING A DETAILED ACCOUNT OR THE RITES AND
CEREMONIES, DOCTRINES AND DISCIPLINE, OF ALL THE
SECRET AND MYSTERIOUS INSTITUTIONS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD

PREFACE.

THE excellent Preston says, with much justice, " Many
are deluded by the vague supposition, that our mysteries
are merely nominal; that the practices established
amongst us are frivolous; and that our ceremonies may
be adopted or waived at pleasure. On this false basis
we find too many of the Brethren hurrying through all
the degrees o the Order, without adverting to the propriety
of one step they pursue, or possessing a single
qualification to entitle them to advancement. Passing
through the usual formalities, they consider themselves
authorised to rank as Masters of the Art, solicit and
accept offices, and even assume the government of the
Lodge, equally unacquainted with the rules of the
Institution that they pretend to support, and the nature
of the trust which they are bound to perform. The
consequence is obvious; anarchy and confusion ensue
and the substance is lost in the shadow.--Hence men,
who are eminent for ability, rank, and fortune, frequently
view the honours of Masonry with indifference; and,
when their patronage is solicited, either accept office
"Masonry has long laboured under these disadvantages,
with reluctance, or reject them with disdain.

and every zealous friend of the Order must earnestly
wish for a correction of the abuse. Of late years, it
must be acknowledged, our assemblies have been in
general better regulated: of which the good effects are
sufficiently displayed, in the judicious selection of our
members, and the proper observance of our genera.
regulations.
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