Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Charge
man power effect . As these are accidents and calamities not confined to any quarter ofthe globe , to any nation or class of men , our fathers , by a noble and generous exertion of spirit , determined to ori g inate a society which should contemplate the species , divested of all reli gious or political distinction , which should be free to the worthy and accepted of all nations and languages ; which might comprehend
a Jewish Solomon and a Tyrian Hiram , a Romish prelate and a Protestant reformer , a Frederick and a Washington at the head of their armies , and a humble quaker who holds in detestation the sword and the bayonet ; all these though differing in some respects may agree in others , and be united in love . Love is therefore our principle , and happiness our aim . By every rational and prudent method
to guard against the calamities which we canilot foresee ; by mutual vigilance and mutual aid to lessen the quantity of wretchedness to which men are incident in this vain and transitory world ; and to increase the quantity of good of which they arc capable , is the intention of our various Lodges , and the purpose for which our community was formed . A purpose which is no sooner mentioned than
approved ; and wherever understood must command esteem . That Masons are sometimes found departing from their principle , and that our associations do not always produce the avowed purpose of their formation , is readily acknowledged and sincerely lamented ; hut where is the society that does ? Htmninum est errare . Humanity
is not perfect ; neither is any of her institutions or works . But , my friends and brethren , if others have failed let us excel ; and if you cannot by the best exertions of your powers arrive at perfection , at least aim to attain it . Where the object is high , the arrow intended to strike will , if it fails , probably ascend much farther than if supposed within the easy reach of every youth . Love is ¦ certainly the noblest passion of our nature . Many are the
principles of action within us , but the greatest of these is love . It has the full approbation of reason , and powerfully prompts to wish and to endeavour the welfare of mankind . The enemies of it are , Ambition , which aims to be highest—Pride , ^ which owns no obligation—Envy , which can bear no superior—Jealousy , that apprehends affronts and injuries which were never intended—Angerwhich
re-, fuses to deliberate—Avarice , which withholds the portion that misery claims—Selfishness , which knows no wants but its own—and Sensual Pleasure , which intoxicates the senses , and drowns the understanding . Against these , which are predominant features in our corrupted natures , let me charge you to be always on your guard . On the contrary , be persuaded with assiduity of mind to cultivate that meekness
and lowliness of disposition , that sympathy and tenderness , that ardent arid generous good-will , which makes every -Brother ' s situation its own ; and do unto all as yc would they should do unto you . That you may have not only the inclination , but the ability to afford effectual relief- go to the ant and learn of her to be industrious — pass to yon colony of bees , and learn of them to be provident— .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Charge
man power effect . As these are accidents and calamities not confined to any quarter ofthe globe , to any nation or class of men , our fathers , by a noble and generous exertion of spirit , determined to ori g inate a society which should contemplate the species , divested of all reli gious or political distinction , which should be free to the worthy and accepted of all nations and languages ; which might comprehend
a Jewish Solomon and a Tyrian Hiram , a Romish prelate and a Protestant reformer , a Frederick and a Washington at the head of their armies , and a humble quaker who holds in detestation the sword and the bayonet ; all these though differing in some respects may agree in others , and be united in love . Love is therefore our principle , and happiness our aim . By every rational and prudent method
to guard against the calamities which we canilot foresee ; by mutual vigilance and mutual aid to lessen the quantity of wretchedness to which men are incident in this vain and transitory world ; and to increase the quantity of good of which they arc capable , is the intention of our various Lodges , and the purpose for which our community was formed . A purpose which is no sooner mentioned than
approved ; and wherever understood must command esteem . That Masons are sometimes found departing from their principle , and that our associations do not always produce the avowed purpose of their formation , is readily acknowledged and sincerely lamented ; hut where is the society that does ? Htmninum est errare . Humanity
is not perfect ; neither is any of her institutions or works . But , my friends and brethren , if others have failed let us excel ; and if you cannot by the best exertions of your powers arrive at perfection , at least aim to attain it . Where the object is high , the arrow intended to strike will , if it fails , probably ascend much farther than if supposed within the easy reach of every youth . Love is ¦ certainly the noblest passion of our nature . Many are the
principles of action within us , but the greatest of these is love . It has the full approbation of reason , and powerfully prompts to wish and to endeavour the welfare of mankind . The enemies of it are , Ambition , which aims to be highest—Pride , ^ which owns no obligation—Envy , which can bear no superior—Jealousy , that apprehends affronts and injuries which were never intended—Angerwhich
re-, fuses to deliberate—Avarice , which withholds the portion that misery claims—Selfishness , which knows no wants but its own—and Sensual Pleasure , which intoxicates the senses , and drowns the understanding . Against these , which are predominant features in our corrupted natures , let me charge you to be always on your guard . On the contrary , be persuaded with assiduity of mind to cultivate that meekness
and lowliness of disposition , that sympathy and tenderness , that ardent arid generous good-will , which makes every -Brother ' s situation its own ; and do unto all as yc would they should do unto you . That you may have not only the inclination , but the ability to afford effectual relief- go to the ant and learn of her to be industrious — pass to yon colony of bees , and learn of them to be provident— .