Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Charge, Delivered In St. George's Lodge At Taunton, In The County Of Somerset, On The Feast Of St. John The Baptist,
carry those lavA's into execution , to preserve a degree of uniformity , at least to restiain any irregularity that might render such associations inconsistent . For Ave may as reasonably suppose an army may be duly disciplined , well provided , and properly conducted , Avithout generals or other officers , as that a society can be supported Avithout governors , and their subalterns , or ( Avhich is the same ) Avithout some form of government to ansAver the end of the institution . Andas such an
, arrangement must be revered , 'it becomes a necessary pre-requisite that a temper should be discovered in the several members adapted to th'e respective stations they are to fill . This thought will suggest to you , that those who are qualified to preside as officers in a Lodge will not be elated with that honour , butlosing sight of itwill haA'e only in VICAV the service their office
, , demands . Their reproofs will be dictated by friendship , softened by candour , and enforced with mildness and affection- ; in the whole of their deportment they will presen'e a degree of dignity tempered with affability and ease . This conduct , while it endears them to others , will not fail to . raise their own reputation , and as envy should not be so much as once named among Freemasonsit will effectuall
, y prevent the growth of it , should it unfortunately ever appear . Such is the nature of our constitution , that as some must of necessity rule and teach , so others must of course learn to obey ; humility therefore in both becomes an essential dut }' , for pride and ambition , like a Avorm at the root of the tree , AVIJI prey on the vitals of our peaceharmony , and brotherly love .
, Had not this excellent temper prevailed , when the foundation of Solomon ' s temple was first laid , it is easy to see , that glorious edifice would never have risen to a height of splendour , which astonished the world .
Had all employed in this-work been masters , or superintendants , who must have prepared the timber in the forest , or hewn the stone in the quarry ? Yet , though they Avere numbered and classed under different denominations , as princes , rulers , provosts , comforters of the people , stone-squarers , sculptors , & c . such AA'as their unanimity , that they seemed actuated by one spirit , influenced by " one principle . Merit alone then entitled to preferment ; an indisputable instance
of which we haA'e in the Deputy Grand Master of that great undertaking , AVIIO , AA'ithout either wealth or power , Avithout any other distinction than that of being the " Avidow ' s son , " Avas appointed by the Grand Master and approved by the people for this single reason , hecause he was . a skilful artificer . Let these considerationsmy AA'orthy brethrenanimate us in the
, , pursuits of so noble a science , that Ave may all be qualified to fill , in rotation , the most distinguished places in the Lodge , and keep the honours of the Craft ( which are the just rewards of our labour ) in a regular circulation . And as none are less qualified to govern , than those AVIIO have not learnt to obey , permit me in the warmest manner to recommend ta
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Charge, Delivered In St. George's Lodge At Taunton, In The County Of Somerset, On The Feast Of St. John The Baptist,
carry those lavA's into execution , to preserve a degree of uniformity , at least to restiain any irregularity that might render such associations inconsistent . For Ave may as reasonably suppose an army may be duly disciplined , well provided , and properly conducted , Avithout generals or other officers , as that a society can be supported Avithout governors , and their subalterns , or ( Avhich is the same ) Avithout some form of government to ansAver the end of the institution . Andas such an
, arrangement must be revered , 'it becomes a necessary pre-requisite that a temper should be discovered in the several members adapted to th'e respective stations they are to fill . This thought will suggest to you , that those who are qualified to preside as officers in a Lodge will not be elated with that honour , butlosing sight of itwill haA'e only in VICAV the service their office
, , demands . Their reproofs will be dictated by friendship , softened by candour , and enforced with mildness and affection- ; in the whole of their deportment they will presen'e a degree of dignity tempered with affability and ease . This conduct , while it endears them to others , will not fail to . raise their own reputation , and as envy should not be so much as once named among Freemasonsit will effectuall
, y prevent the growth of it , should it unfortunately ever appear . Such is the nature of our constitution , that as some must of necessity rule and teach , so others must of course learn to obey ; humility therefore in both becomes an essential dut }' , for pride and ambition , like a Avorm at the root of the tree , AVIJI prey on the vitals of our peaceharmony , and brotherly love .
, Had not this excellent temper prevailed , when the foundation of Solomon ' s temple was first laid , it is easy to see , that glorious edifice would never have risen to a height of splendour , which astonished the world .
Had all employed in this-work been masters , or superintendants , who must have prepared the timber in the forest , or hewn the stone in the quarry ? Yet , though they Avere numbered and classed under different denominations , as princes , rulers , provosts , comforters of the people , stone-squarers , sculptors , & c . such AA'as their unanimity , that they seemed actuated by one spirit , influenced by " one principle . Merit alone then entitled to preferment ; an indisputable instance
of which we haA'e in the Deputy Grand Master of that great undertaking , AVIIO , AA'ithout either wealth or power , Avithout any other distinction than that of being the " Avidow ' s son , " Avas appointed by the Grand Master and approved by the people for this single reason , hecause he was . a skilful artificer . Let these considerationsmy AA'orthy brethrenanimate us in the
, , pursuits of so noble a science , that Ave may all be qualified to fill , in rotation , the most distinguished places in the Lodge , and keep the honours of the Craft ( which are the just rewards of our labour ) in a regular circulation . And as none are less qualified to govern , than those AVIIO have not learnt to obey , permit me in the warmest manner to recommend ta