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Article CHARGES OF A FREEMASON. ← Page 2 of 2 Article CHARGES OF A FREEMASON. Page 2 of 2
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Charges Of A Freemason.
—cannot he reduced to writing , but a knowledge of their character and use must be communicated by oral instruction . The Charges , therefore , have very wisely committed this matter to the keeping of tho Grand Lodge . That body is composed of the Masters and Wardens of all the subordinate Lodges — the oldest and most experienced of the workmen , as it is to be presumed , and therefore
the best judges of what tho tools should be , and how they should be used . If any discrepancies arise in the work , or any doubts exist as to the proper tools , the Grand Lodge is the proper tribunal to determine tho matter , and the decision of that body should quiet all caviling upon the subject . The secrets of Masonry are the exclusive property of the Craft , and can never bo communicated to one who is a mere labourer and
not an accepted Mason . Hence , no " labourer , that is , one who has not been regularly initiated in a legal Lodge , must " be employed in the proper work of Masonry , " or permitted to be present when and where tho Craft are engaged in their peculiar labours . A sentinel is therefore placed at the door of every well governed Lodge to keep at a distance all such as are not entitled to enter it , that the secrets
of Masonry may not be obtained by the " profane . " " Without an urgent necessity "—This had exclusive reference to operative Masonry in ancient times : when portions of the work had to be done outside the Lodge , and when " unaccepted Masons" were sometimes required to aid in particular portions of the work . It can have no reference to symbolic Masonry , for no necessity can arise to
require the " work " to be performed in the presence of those who have not been initiated . A Mason should never forget the charges to " keep sacred and inviolable the mysteries of the Order , " for by these he is to be distinguished from the rest of the community , and their preservation will convince tho Craft of his integrity . VI . " Of Behavior , viz .: I . In the Lodge while constituted . —You are
not to hold private committees , or separate conversation , without leave from the Master , nor to talk of anything impertinent or unseemly , nor interrupt the Master , or Wardens , or any brother speaking to the Master ; nor behave yourself ludicrously or jestingly , while the Lodge is engaged in what is serious and solemn ; nor use any unbecoming language upon any pretence
whatsoever ; but to pay due reverence to your Master , Wardens , and Fellows , and put them to worship . If any complaint be brought , the brother found guilty shall stand to the award and determination of the Lodge , who are the proper and competent judges of all such controversies ( unless you carry it hy appeal to the Grand Lodge ) , and to whom they ought to be
referred , unless a lord ' s work be hindered the meanwhile , in which case a particular reference may be made ; but you must never go to law about what concerneth Masonry , without an absolute necessity apparent to the Lodge . II , Behaviauv «/ ter tlie Lodge is over , and the Brethren not gone . —You may enjoy yourselves with innocent mirth , treating one another
according to ability , but avoiding all excess , or forcing any brother to eat or drink beyond his inclination , or hindering him from going when his occasion calls him , doing or saying anything offensive or that may forbid an easy and free conversation ; for that would blast our harmony , and defeat our laudable purposes . Therefore , no private piques or quarrels must be brought within the door of ' the Lodge , far less any quarrels about religion or nationsor state policy ;
, we being only , as Masons , of the Catholic religion above mentioned we are also of all nations , tongues , Undreds , and languages , and are resolved against all politics , as what never yet conduced to the welfare of the Lodge , nor ever will . This charge has beeu always strictly enjoined and observed ; but especially ever since the Reformation in Britain , or the dissent and secession of these nations from the communion of Rome . "
III . Behaviour when Brethren meet without strangers , but not in a Lodge formed . —Yon are to salute one another in a courteous manner as you will be instructed , calling each other Brother ; freely givin ^ mutal instruction as shall be thought expedient , without being over " seen or overheard , and without encroaching upon each other or
derogating from that respect which is due to any brother , were he not a Mason ; for though all Masons are as brethren upon ' the same level , yet Masonry takes no honour from a man that he had before ; nay , it rather adds to his honour , especially if he has deserved well of the Brotherhood , who must give honour to whom it is due and avoid ill manners . '
IV . Behaviour in presence of strangers not Masons . —You shall be cautions in your words and carriage , that the most penetrating stranger shall not be able to discover what is not proper to be intfmated ; and sometimes you shall divert a discourse , and manage it prudently for the honour of the worshipful Fraternity . ° V . Behaviour at home and in your neighbourhood You are to act as becomes a moral and wise man ; particularl ynot to let
, your family , friends , and neighbours know the concerns of the Lodn-e & c but wisel y to consult your own honour , and that of the ° ancient brutherhood , for reasons nit to be mentioned here . You musi aLo consult your health , b ) not continuing togithrr too late , or too long from home , after Lodge hours are past ; and by avoiding of gluttony or drunkenness , that your families be not neglected or injured nor you disabled from working . " '
VI . Behaviour toward a strange Brother . —You are cautiously to examine him in such a mctLoc as prudence shall direct you , that yon may not bo in : poi » d upon 1 / an ignorant , Me prde , aler , ' v , ho \ r you are to reject v . ith cmi'mp and derision , ; . ad bewore of - ivinc him any hints or knowledge . &
But if you discover him to be a true and genuine brother , you are to respect him accordingly , and if he is in want , you must relievo him if you can , or else direct him how he may be relieved : you must employ lnm some days , or else recommontl him to be employed : but . you are not charged to do beyond your ability , only to prefer a poor brother that is a good man and true , before any other poor people in the same circumstances . i ^ u 7 , a 11 theSe chal'Ses 3 ' are to observe , and also those that shall be communicated to you iu another way ; cultivating brotherly
Charges Of A Freemason.
love , the foundation and cap-stone , the cement and glory of this autient Fraternity ; avoiding all wrangling and quarrelling , all slander and backbiting , nor permitting oohers to slander any honest brother , but defending his character , and doing him all good offices , as far as is consistent with your honour and safety , and no farther . And if any of them do you injury you must apply to your own or his Lodge ;
and from thence you may appeal to the Grand Lodge at the Quarterly Commum ' cation , and from thence to the annual Grand Lodge , as has been the ancient laudable conduct of our forefathers in every nation ; never taking a legal course but when the case cannot be otherwise decided , and patiently listening to the honest and friendly advice of Master and Fellow , when they would prevent your going to
law with strangers , or would excite you to pat a speedy period to all law suits , that so you may mind the affairs of Masonry with the more alacrity and success ; but with respect to brothers or fellows at law , the Master and brethren should kindly offer their mediation , which ought to be thankfully submitted to by the contending brethren ; and if that submission is impracticable , they must , however , carry on their
present process or lav ) suit without wrath or rancore ( not in the common way ) , saying or doing nothing which may hinder brotherly love , and good offices to be renewed and continued ; that all may see tho benign influence of Masonry , as all true Masons have done from the beginning of the world , and will do to the end of time . AMEN , SO MOTE IT BE .
The Lodge is no place for conviviality , jesting or trifling and ludicrous conduct . We should go to the Lodge as Masons , and attend to no other business while there but Masonry . Order must be observed ; the officers must not be interrupted in the discharge of their duty , nor any brother while speaking on a subject under consideration in the Lodge . A well governed Lodge should be , and is , a perfect
model of order and regularity . Everything is done at the right time , in the right way , and with propriety and dignity . There should bo no jesting , especially while the Lodge is engaged in the solemn labours of the Craft . When the degrees are conferred with proper solemnity , they will make an impression that will favourably affect tho whole future life of the novice ; but mingle our solemn
rites with laughing and jesting , anil the whole affair becomes ludicrous in the estimation of the candidate . Masons should never forget that the Lodge room is dedicated to the holiest principles , — that it is a temple erected to God , whose awful presence is ever there . They should also remember the reverence and respect due
from each brother , however exalted his station in life may be , to tho officers and brethren while engaged in the labours of the Lodge room . Quiet , order , and decorum should reign , and dignity and respect should be seen in the deportment of each individual brother . This would make the Lodge , as a place of resort , instructive and pleasant , where heart , and life , and manners , may all bo improved . —Tlie Ma . sonic Rcvieio .
Macmillan for October , contains chapters 8-10 of Mrs . Oliphant's admirable serial story , "Tho Curate in Charge , " Part II . of Mr . R . L . Stevenson ' s paper on "John Knox and his relations to women , " " Tho American Heroine , " as depicted by different authors , some pretty verses , by M . B . Smcdley , on " Snowdrops , " and what ,
perhaps , win be chiefly interesting at this moment , an account , by Dr . Anderson , of " The Exploring Expeditions to Western Yanna of 1868 and 1875 . " It was in the latter of these that Mr . Margary was so treacherously murdered , with the connivance , it has beeu reported , of tho Chinese authorities . "Snowdrops" we take leave to quote : —
" 0 , snowdrops , do not rise , Because the happy eyes That loved you once , now underneath you lie ; Let not your buds appear , Each seems a frozen tear , That never drops , and yet is never dry .
Such useless tears they seem , As in a heavy dream We pour about our griefs to make them grow ; When all the lights are pale , And all the senses fail , And all the flowers are underneath the snow . "
The Voice of Masonry contains an article , by Dr . Mackey , on the " Fate of Morgan , " the man who so mysteriously disappeared many years since , and whose death was attributed to the Freemasons . Ho fairly meets the arguments adduced at tho time in favour of this theory , pointing out the complete absence of evidence as to any murder having been committed , and , in the next place , that neither at the time referred to nor now , was any other penalty inflicted on a
recreant Mason than that of cxpnlsion from the Order . We have noticed , also , No . 1 of what we doubt not , to jti ' lge from thenvidonce it contains , will prove a most valuable series of papers , by Bro . W . Jnmes Hughan , on " Masonic Bibliography . " We have further from the pen of the same writer an interesting account of " The Trades' Shields of Aberdeen . " Of the other contributions , two deserve to be noticed . These are " Masonic Legends , " by W . S . Hooper , and " What is Dropping from the Roll , " by Geo . 17 mk Gotilcy .
HOT . LOWAT ' S OiNiirEjfT AND 1 ' ir . ts . —HEALTH ' S DsFisifci :. —None save tho t-tron ^ O ' -t . inn with impiinifcy pass through the sudden Dr . msitiom ; from wot to ilry , from cold to um . jgy l .-eithe-, so prevalent ( luring the late autumn and early winter mouths . iufluinua , bronchitis , : ou _ U , euro thu . it , diphtheria , or i . uu-. sy vill a'ti'Ck tneso most watchful of tl-eiivaoclfii ; but they can readily
arrest any ot taese complaints by rubbing Holloway ' s Omtmout twice a day upon the skin , adjacent to the affected part , and by assisting its corrective action with appropriate doses of his I'ills . This well-known safe and easy mode of treatment efficiently protects the invalid both from present and ' future danger , without weakening or even depressing the ? 3 stem in the slightest degree .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Charges Of A Freemason.
—cannot he reduced to writing , but a knowledge of their character and use must be communicated by oral instruction . The Charges , therefore , have very wisely committed this matter to the keeping of tho Grand Lodge . That body is composed of the Masters and Wardens of all the subordinate Lodges — the oldest and most experienced of the workmen , as it is to be presumed , and therefore
the best judges of what tho tools should be , and how they should be used . If any discrepancies arise in the work , or any doubts exist as to the proper tools , the Grand Lodge is the proper tribunal to determine tho matter , and the decision of that body should quiet all caviling upon the subject . The secrets of Masonry are the exclusive property of the Craft , and can never bo communicated to one who is a mere labourer and
not an accepted Mason . Hence , no " labourer , that is , one who has not been regularly initiated in a legal Lodge , must " be employed in the proper work of Masonry , " or permitted to be present when and where tho Craft are engaged in their peculiar labours . A sentinel is therefore placed at the door of every well governed Lodge to keep at a distance all such as are not entitled to enter it , that the secrets
of Masonry may not be obtained by the " profane . " " Without an urgent necessity "—This had exclusive reference to operative Masonry in ancient times : when portions of the work had to be done outside the Lodge , and when " unaccepted Masons" were sometimes required to aid in particular portions of the work . It can have no reference to symbolic Masonry , for no necessity can arise to
require the " work " to be performed in the presence of those who have not been initiated . A Mason should never forget the charges to " keep sacred and inviolable the mysteries of the Order , " for by these he is to be distinguished from the rest of the community , and their preservation will convince tho Craft of his integrity . VI . " Of Behavior , viz .: I . In the Lodge while constituted . —You are
not to hold private committees , or separate conversation , without leave from the Master , nor to talk of anything impertinent or unseemly , nor interrupt the Master , or Wardens , or any brother speaking to the Master ; nor behave yourself ludicrously or jestingly , while the Lodge is engaged in what is serious and solemn ; nor use any unbecoming language upon any pretence
whatsoever ; but to pay due reverence to your Master , Wardens , and Fellows , and put them to worship . If any complaint be brought , the brother found guilty shall stand to the award and determination of the Lodge , who are the proper and competent judges of all such controversies ( unless you carry it hy appeal to the Grand Lodge ) , and to whom they ought to be
referred , unless a lord ' s work be hindered the meanwhile , in which case a particular reference may be made ; but you must never go to law about what concerneth Masonry , without an absolute necessity apparent to the Lodge . II , Behaviauv «/ ter tlie Lodge is over , and the Brethren not gone . —You may enjoy yourselves with innocent mirth , treating one another
according to ability , but avoiding all excess , or forcing any brother to eat or drink beyond his inclination , or hindering him from going when his occasion calls him , doing or saying anything offensive or that may forbid an easy and free conversation ; for that would blast our harmony , and defeat our laudable purposes . Therefore , no private piques or quarrels must be brought within the door of ' the Lodge , far less any quarrels about religion or nationsor state policy ;
, we being only , as Masons , of the Catholic religion above mentioned we are also of all nations , tongues , Undreds , and languages , and are resolved against all politics , as what never yet conduced to the welfare of the Lodge , nor ever will . This charge has beeu always strictly enjoined and observed ; but especially ever since the Reformation in Britain , or the dissent and secession of these nations from the communion of Rome . "
III . Behaviour when Brethren meet without strangers , but not in a Lodge formed . —Yon are to salute one another in a courteous manner as you will be instructed , calling each other Brother ; freely givin ^ mutal instruction as shall be thought expedient , without being over " seen or overheard , and without encroaching upon each other or
derogating from that respect which is due to any brother , were he not a Mason ; for though all Masons are as brethren upon ' the same level , yet Masonry takes no honour from a man that he had before ; nay , it rather adds to his honour , especially if he has deserved well of the Brotherhood , who must give honour to whom it is due and avoid ill manners . '
IV . Behaviour in presence of strangers not Masons . —You shall be cautions in your words and carriage , that the most penetrating stranger shall not be able to discover what is not proper to be intfmated ; and sometimes you shall divert a discourse , and manage it prudently for the honour of the worshipful Fraternity . ° V . Behaviour at home and in your neighbourhood You are to act as becomes a moral and wise man ; particularl ynot to let
, your family , friends , and neighbours know the concerns of the Lodn-e & c but wisel y to consult your own honour , and that of the ° ancient brutherhood , for reasons nit to be mentioned here . You musi aLo consult your health , b ) not continuing togithrr too late , or too long from home , after Lodge hours are past ; and by avoiding of gluttony or drunkenness , that your families be not neglected or injured nor you disabled from working . " '
VI . Behaviour toward a strange Brother . —You are cautiously to examine him in such a mctLoc as prudence shall direct you , that yon may not bo in : poi » d upon 1 / an ignorant , Me prde , aler , ' v , ho \ r you are to reject v . ith cmi'mp and derision , ; . ad bewore of - ivinc him any hints or knowledge . &
But if you discover him to be a true and genuine brother , you are to respect him accordingly , and if he is in want , you must relievo him if you can , or else direct him how he may be relieved : you must employ lnm some days , or else recommontl him to be employed : but . you are not charged to do beyond your ability , only to prefer a poor brother that is a good man and true , before any other poor people in the same circumstances . i ^ u 7 , a 11 theSe chal'Ses 3 ' are to observe , and also those that shall be communicated to you iu another way ; cultivating brotherly
Charges Of A Freemason.
love , the foundation and cap-stone , the cement and glory of this autient Fraternity ; avoiding all wrangling and quarrelling , all slander and backbiting , nor permitting oohers to slander any honest brother , but defending his character , and doing him all good offices , as far as is consistent with your honour and safety , and no farther . And if any of them do you injury you must apply to your own or his Lodge ;
and from thence you may appeal to the Grand Lodge at the Quarterly Commum ' cation , and from thence to the annual Grand Lodge , as has been the ancient laudable conduct of our forefathers in every nation ; never taking a legal course but when the case cannot be otherwise decided , and patiently listening to the honest and friendly advice of Master and Fellow , when they would prevent your going to
law with strangers , or would excite you to pat a speedy period to all law suits , that so you may mind the affairs of Masonry with the more alacrity and success ; but with respect to brothers or fellows at law , the Master and brethren should kindly offer their mediation , which ought to be thankfully submitted to by the contending brethren ; and if that submission is impracticable , they must , however , carry on their
present process or lav ) suit without wrath or rancore ( not in the common way ) , saying or doing nothing which may hinder brotherly love , and good offices to be renewed and continued ; that all may see tho benign influence of Masonry , as all true Masons have done from the beginning of the world , and will do to the end of time . AMEN , SO MOTE IT BE .
The Lodge is no place for conviviality , jesting or trifling and ludicrous conduct . We should go to the Lodge as Masons , and attend to no other business while there but Masonry . Order must be observed ; the officers must not be interrupted in the discharge of their duty , nor any brother while speaking on a subject under consideration in the Lodge . A well governed Lodge should be , and is , a perfect
model of order and regularity . Everything is done at the right time , in the right way , and with propriety and dignity . There should bo no jesting , especially while the Lodge is engaged in the solemn labours of the Craft . When the degrees are conferred with proper solemnity , they will make an impression that will favourably affect tho whole future life of the novice ; but mingle our solemn
rites with laughing and jesting , anil the whole affair becomes ludicrous in the estimation of the candidate . Masons should never forget that the Lodge room is dedicated to the holiest principles , — that it is a temple erected to God , whose awful presence is ever there . They should also remember the reverence and respect due
from each brother , however exalted his station in life may be , to tho officers and brethren while engaged in the labours of the Lodge room . Quiet , order , and decorum should reign , and dignity and respect should be seen in the deportment of each individual brother . This would make the Lodge , as a place of resort , instructive and pleasant , where heart , and life , and manners , may all bo improved . —Tlie Ma . sonic Rcvieio .
Macmillan for October , contains chapters 8-10 of Mrs . Oliphant's admirable serial story , "Tho Curate in Charge , " Part II . of Mr . R . L . Stevenson ' s paper on "John Knox and his relations to women , " " Tho American Heroine , " as depicted by different authors , some pretty verses , by M . B . Smcdley , on " Snowdrops , " and what ,
perhaps , win be chiefly interesting at this moment , an account , by Dr . Anderson , of " The Exploring Expeditions to Western Yanna of 1868 and 1875 . " It was in the latter of these that Mr . Margary was so treacherously murdered , with the connivance , it has beeu reported , of tho Chinese authorities . "Snowdrops" we take leave to quote : —
" 0 , snowdrops , do not rise , Because the happy eyes That loved you once , now underneath you lie ; Let not your buds appear , Each seems a frozen tear , That never drops , and yet is never dry .
Such useless tears they seem , As in a heavy dream We pour about our griefs to make them grow ; When all the lights are pale , And all the senses fail , And all the flowers are underneath the snow . "
The Voice of Masonry contains an article , by Dr . Mackey , on the " Fate of Morgan , " the man who so mysteriously disappeared many years since , and whose death was attributed to the Freemasons . Ho fairly meets the arguments adduced at tho time in favour of this theory , pointing out the complete absence of evidence as to any murder having been committed , and , in the next place , that neither at the time referred to nor now , was any other penalty inflicted on a
recreant Mason than that of cxpnlsion from the Order . We have noticed , also , No . 1 of what we doubt not , to jti ' lge from thenvidonce it contains , will prove a most valuable series of papers , by Bro . W . Jnmes Hughan , on " Masonic Bibliography . " We have further from the pen of the same writer an interesting account of " The Trades' Shields of Aberdeen . " Of the other contributions , two deserve to be noticed . These are " Masonic Legends , " by W . S . Hooper , and " What is Dropping from the Roll , " by Geo . 17 mk Gotilcy .
HOT . LOWAT ' S OiNiirEjfT AND 1 ' ir . ts . —HEALTH ' S DsFisifci :. —None save tho t-tron ^ O ' -t . inn with impiinifcy pass through the sudden Dr . msitiom ; from wot to ilry , from cold to um . jgy l .-eithe-, so prevalent ( luring the late autumn and early winter mouths . iufluinua , bronchitis , : ou _ U , euro thu . it , diphtheria , or i . uu-. sy vill a'ti'Ck tneso most watchful of tl-eiivaoclfii ; but they can readily
arrest any ot taese complaints by rubbing Holloway ' s Omtmout twice a day upon the skin , adjacent to the affected part , and by assisting its corrective action with appropriate doses of his I'ills . This well-known safe and easy mode of treatment efficiently protects the invalid both from present and ' future danger , without weakening or even depressing the ? 3 stem in the slightest degree .