But in delineating this "general map" of the Masonic Law, I have sought, if I may continue the metaphor, so to define boundaries, and to describe countries, as to give the inspector no difficulty in "locating" (to use an Americanism) any subordinate point.

I have treated, it is true, of principles, but I have not altogether lost sight of cases.
There are certain fundamental laws of the Institution, concerning which there never has been any dispute, and which have come down to us with all the sanctions of antiquity, and universal acceptation.

In announcing these, I have not always thought it necessary to defend their justice, or to assign a reason for their enactment.
The weight of unanimous authority has, in these instances, been deemed sufficient to entitle them to respect, and to obedience.
But on all other questions, where authority is divided, or where doubts of the correctness of my decision might arise, I have endeavored, by a course of argument as satisfactory as I could command, to assign a reason for my opinions, and to defend and enforce my views, by a reference to the general principles of jurisprudence, and the peculiar character of the masonic system.

I ask, and should receive no deference to my own unsupported theories--as a man, I am, of course, fallible--and may often have decided erroneously.

But I do claim for my arguments all the weight and influence of which they may be deemed worthy, after an attentive and unprejudiced examination.