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Article THE CHARGE. ← Page 6 of 7 →
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The Charge.
with all the Fidelity becoming Masons , to the engagements we have entered into as members of the general fraternity , and especially as joined together in a select Societ } r , solemnly erected forthe most valuable purposes , and upon the most laudable principles 1 Hither let us repair , at all appointed times , for the improvement of our mindsand the enjoyment of those social comforts which the
, Author of Nature has rendered necessary for the constitution of our happiness : remembering , however , as well here as in the ordinary walks of life , always to circumscribe both our desjres and enjoyments within the bounds of that moderation which produces real pleasure to the mind , and preserves health to the body . At the present moment we have much to look forward to , and ,
I trust , that your sentiments coincide with mine , in anticipating much solid satisfaction in this place . But let it be considered that on ourselves depends the realization of this prospect . Unless our conduct is regulated in that consistent manner which Masonry requires from all her sons ; by our walking upon' the square of Virtueliving upriht according to the plum-line of Integrity , and
, g levelling ourselves to our respective situations in life , by a subjugation of that false pride and its concurrent evil passions , which , when indulged , carry a man to the most dangerous heights : unless our lives , I repeat it , correspond with the principles of our Institution , we shall do it the greatest injury , and render this Lodge , instead of illustrious and permanent , disrespectable and of trifling duration .
Let us then seriously reflect , that by this day ' s work we have many eyes upon us , and that though we have not , strictly speaking , new duties to fulfill , we have new engagements of a more powerful nature than any we have hitherto had , to render the Masonic character brilliant even in the most prejudiced person ' s estimation . To know ourselvesis the highest point of human wisdom , and it is that moral geometry in which we should be always actively
exercised . If we often j : ry ourselves by the rules of this science we shall at least render virtue habitual , and shall have but little or no occasion for those laws which all Societies are under the necessity of enacting forthe preservation of order and obedience . Such laws for the government of this Lodge remain to be composed , and I must beg that you will be very careful and deliberate iu this
important part of your duty , because I expect that they will be so framed as to preclude the slightest attempt to break the peace of our Society from among ourselves , and that they will be obeyed with the most implicit-submission . If such laws are at all necessary , the carrying them into full effect must be equally so ; and if any brother falling under the influence of one article shall think himself
aggrieved , let him consider that a relaxation in one instance would be much worse than a total repeal , as it would , by gradually rendering the whole code contemptible , induce all the evils destructive of the Society . I shall not press you farther upon what must , undoubtedly , be obvious to each of your minds ; and to which , besides , your attention will be hereafter frequently brought ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Charge.
with all the Fidelity becoming Masons , to the engagements we have entered into as members of the general fraternity , and especially as joined together in a select Societ } r , solemnly erected forthe most valuable purposes , and upon the most laudable principles 1 Hither let us repair , at all appointed times , for the improvement of our mindsand the enjoyment of those social comforts which the
, Author of Nature has rendered necessary for the constitution of our happiness : remembering , however , as well here as in the ordinary walks of life , always to circumscribe both our desjres and enjoyments within the bounds of that moderation which produces real pleasure to the mind , and preserves health to the body . At the present moment we have much to look forward to , and ,
I trust , that your sentiments coincide with mine , in anticipating much solid satisfaction in this place . But let it be considered that on ourselves depends the realization of this prospect . Unless our conduct is regulated in that consistent manner which Masonry requires from all her sons ; by our walking upon' the square of Virtueliving upriht according to the plum-line of Integrity , and
, g levelling ourselves to our respective situations in life , by a subjugation of that false pride and its concurrent evil passions , which , when indulged , carry a man to the most dangerous heights : unless our lives , I repeat it , correspond with the principles of our Institution , we shall do it the greatest injury , and render this Lodge , instead of illustrious and permanent , disrespectable and of trifling duration .
Let us then seriously reflect , that by this day ' s work we have many eyes upon us , and that though we have not , strictly speaking , new duties to fulfill , we have new engagements of a more powerful nature than any we have hitherto had , to render the Masonic character brilliant even in the most prejudiced person ' s estimation . To know ourselvesis the highest point of human wisdom , and it is that moral geometry in which we should be always actively
exercised . If we often j : ry ourselves by the rules of this science we shall at least render virtue habitual , and shall have but little or no occasion for those laws which all Societies are under the necessity of enacting forthe preservation of order and obedience . Such laws for the government of this Lodge remain to be composed , and I must beg that you will be very careful and deliberate iu this
important part of your duty , because I expect that they will be so framed as to preclude the slightest attempt to break the peace of our Society from among ourselves , and that they will be obeyed with the most implicit-submission . If such laws are at all necessary , the carrying them into full effect must be equally so ; and if any brother falling under the influence of one article shall think himself
aggrieved , let him consider that a relaxation in one instance would be much worse than a total repeal , as it would , by gradually rendering the whole code contemptible , induce all the evils destructive of the Society . I shall not press you farther upon what must , undoubtedly , be obvious to each of your minds ; and to which , besides , your attention will be hereafter frequently brought ,