Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Charge
may be duly disciplined , well provided , and properly conducted , without generals and other officers , as that a society can be supported without governors , and their subalterns ; or , which is the same , without some form of government to answer the end of the institution . And as such an arrangement must be revered , it . becomes a necessary requisite that a temper should be discovered in the several membersadapted to the 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 ; but , losing sight of it , will only have in view the service their office demands . Their reproofs will be dictated by friendship , softened by candour , and enforced tvith tnildness and affection ; in the whole of their deportment they will preserve a di .-gree 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 Freemasons , it-will effectually 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 duty ; for pride and ambition , like a worm at the root of a tree , will prey on the vitals of our peace , harmony , 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 g lorious edifice would never have rose 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 were numbered and classed under different denominations , as princes , rulers , provosts , comforters of the people , stone-scjuarers , sculptors , & c . such was their unanimity , . that theyr seemed actuated by one spirit , influenced by one principle . Merit alone then entitled to preferment ; an indisputable instance
of which we have in the Deputy Grand-Master of that great undertaking , who , without either wealth or power , or any other distinction , than that of being the widow ' s son , was appointed by the Grand-Master , and approved by the people , for this single reason , because he was a skilful artificer . Let these considerationsmy worthbrethrenanimate us in the
, y , pursuits of so noble a science , that we may all be qualified to fill , iu -rotation , the most distinguished p laces 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 who have not learned to obeypermit mein the warmest mannerto recommend
, , , to you ail a constant attendance in this place , a due obedience to the Jaws of our institution , and a respectful submission to the directions of your officers , that you may prove to mankind the propriety of your election , and secure the establishment of this society to latest posterity .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Charge
may be duly disciplined , well provided , and properly conducted , without generals and other officers , as that a society can be supported without governors , and their subalterns ; or , which is the same , without some form of government to answer the end of the institution . And as such an arrangement must be revered , it . becomes a necessary requisite that a temper should be discovered in the several membersadapted to the 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 ; but , losing sight of it , will only have in view the service their office demands . Their reproofs will be dictated by friendship , softened by candour , and enforced tvith tnildness and affection ; in the whole of their deportment they will preserve a di .-gree 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 Freemasons , it-will effectually 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 duty ; for pride and ambition , like a worm at the root of a tree , will prey on the vitals of our peace , harmony , 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 g lorious edifice would never have rose 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 were numbered and classed under different denominations , as princes , rulers , provosts , comforters of the people , stone-scjuarers , sculptors , & c . such was their unanimity , . that theyr seemed actuated by one spirit , influenced by one principle . Merit alone then entitled to preferment ; an indisputable instance
of which we have in the Deputy Grand-Master of that great undertaking , who , without either wealth or power , or any other distinction , than that of being the widow ' s son , was appointed by the Grand-Master , and approved by the people , for this single reason , because he was a skilful artificer . Let these considerationsmy worthbrethrenanimate us in the
, y , pursuits of so noble a science , that we may all be qualified to fill , iu -rotation , the most distinguished p laces 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 who have not learned to obeypermit mein the warmest mannerto recommend
, , , to you ail a constant attendance in this place , a due obedience to the Jaws of our institution , and a respectful submission to the directions of your officers , that you may prove to mankind the propriety of your election , and secure the establishment of this society to latest posterity .