Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Charity The Distinguishing Characteristic Of Masons.
universe , and an unlimited affection to the beings of his creation , ' of all characters and of every denomination . This last duty 7 is forcibly inculcated by the example of the Deity himself , who liberally dispenses his beneficence to unnumbered worlds . It is not particularly our province to enter into a disquisition of every branch of this amiable virtue ; we shall only briefly state the happy effects of a benevolent disposition toward mankindand
, shew that charity exerted on proper objects is the greatest pleasure man can possibly enjoy . The bounds of the greatest nation , or the most extensive empire , cannot circumscribe the generosity of a liberal mind . Men , in whatever situation they are placed , are still , in a great measure , the same . They are exposed to similar dangers and misfortunes .
They have not wisdom to foresee , or power to prevent , the evils incident to human nature . They hang , as it were , in a perpetual suspense between hope and fear , sickness and health , plenty and want . A mutual chain of dependence subsists throughout the animal creation . The whole human species are therefore proper objects for the exercise of human charit 3 . Beings who partake of one common nature , ought to be actuated by the same motives and interests . Hence , to sooth the unhappy , ' by sympathizing with their misfortunes , and to restore peace and
tranquillity to agitated spirits , constitute the general and great ends of the masonic institution . This humane , this generous disposition fires " the breast with mani y feelings , and enlivens that spirit with compassion , which is the glory of the human frame , and not only rivals , but outshines , every other pleasure the mind is capable of enjoying . All human passionswhen directed b \ r the superior principle of
, reason , tend to promote some useful purpose ; but compassion toward proper objects , is the most beneficial of all the affections , as it extends to greater numbers , and excites more lasting degrees of happiness . Possessed of this amiable , this godlike disposition , Masons are shocked at misery under every form and appearance . When we
behold an object pining under the miseries of a distressed body or mind , the healing accents which flow from our tongue , alleviate ihe pain of the unhappy sufferer , and make even adversity , in it ' s dismal state , look gay . Our pity excited , we assuage , grief , and cheerfully relieve distress . When a brother is in want , every art is prone te ache ; when he is hungrywe feed himwhen he is
, ; naked , we clothe him ; when he is in trouble , we fly with speed to .his relief . Thus we confirm the propriety of the title we bear , and demonstrate to the world at large , that BROTHER among Masons is something more than an empty name
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Charity The Distinguishing Characteristic Of Masons.
universe , and an unlimited affection to the beings of his creation , ' of all characters and of every denomination . This last duty 7 is forcibly inculcated by the example of the Deity himself , who liberally dispenses his beneficence to unnumbered worlds . It is not particularly our province to enter into a disquisition of every branch of this amiable virtue ; we shall only briefly state the happy effects of a benevolent disposition toward mankindand
, shew that charity exerted on proper objects is the greatest pleasure man can possibly enjoy . The bounds of the greatest nation , or the most extensive empire , cannot circumscribe the generosity of a liberal mind . Men , in whatever situation they are placed , are still , in a great measure , the same . They are exposed to similar dangers and misfortunes .
They have not wisdom to foresee , or power to prevent , the evils incident to human nature . They hang , as it were , in a perpetual suspense between hope and fear , sickness and health , plenty and want . A mutual chain of dependence subsists throughout the animal creation . The whole human species are therefore proper objects for the exercise of human charit 3 . Beings who partake of one common nature , ought to be actuated by the same motives and interests . Hence , to sooth the unhappy , ' by sympathizing with their misfortunes , and to restore peace and
tranquillity to agitated spirits , constitute the general and great ends of the masonic institution . This humane , this generous disposition fires " the breast with mani y feelings , and enlivens that spirit with compassion , which is the glory of the human frame , and not only rivals , but outshines , every other pleasure the mind is capable of enjoying . All human passionswhen directed b \ r the superior principle of
, reason , tend to promote some useful purpose ; but compassion toward proper objects , is the most beneficial of all the affections , as it extends to greater numbers , and excites more lasting degrees of happiness . Possessed of this amiable , this godlike disposition , Masons are shocked at misery under every form and appearance . When we
behold an object pining under the miseries of a distressed body or mind , the healing accents which flow from our tongue , alleviate ihe pain of the unhappy sufferer , and make even adversity , in it ' s dismal state , look gay . Our pity excited , we assuage , grief , and cheerfully relieve distress . When a brother is in want , every art is prone te ache ; when he is hungrywe feed himwhen he is
, ; naked , we clothe him ; when he is in trouble , we fly with speed to .his relief . Thus we confirm the propriety of the title we bear , and demonstrate to the world at large , that BROTHER among Masons is something more than an empty name