Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Light And Truth Of Masonry Explained, Being The Substance Of A Charge
first and great lesson of subduing his Passions and Will , and tries td the utmost of his power to free himself from all vices , errors , " and imperfections ; not only those that proceed from the heart , but ' likewise ail other defects of the understanding which are caused by custom , opinion , prejudice , or superstition : lie who asserts the native freedom of his mind , and stands fast in the liberty that makes ' him free whose soul is if
; ( one may so express it ) universal , and well contracted , and who despises no man on account of his Country or Religion ; bat is read y at all times to convince the won . I that Tr < dh Brotherl y Love , and affording relief , are the grand principles on which he acts . ¦ His whole life will be conformable and agreeable to that true lightthe of Godwhich shines
, Law , clear to his heart , and is the model by which he squares his judgement . In his ' outward behaviour he will be very careful not to give private or public offence , and ( as far as appears to him right ) will strictly comply with the laws , the customs , and religious institutions of the country in which he resides . To all mankind he will act upon the square ; and do to others he would have
as them do unto him . He w'il be firm and consistent with himself , and continuall y in expectation and on his guard against all accidents to which this life is exposed and in particular be will by a well-spent life be dail y preparin g for death , that final period of human action , which sooner or later * will take us hence , to give a strict account of our stewardshi p and the improvement of talents
our . . In fine , all good Masons should be pious , prudent , just , and temperate , and resolutely virtuous . From what I have advanced , and from these our ancient charges I hope it is evident to everyone at the present , that it is the duty of every Mason to live soberly , righteously , and godly ; or , according to the words of the Evangelist , He should walk in the Lio-ht and do the Truth . ° '
Continue , my Brethren , to persevere in principles that are disinterested , and I doubt not but you will find this room , which we have now opened and dedicated to MASONRY , constantly resorted to by the wise , the faithful , and the good . Let us consider the intention of our Meetings ; let submission to your Officers , and Brotherly Love to each other , be shewn b y your diligent attendance in the Lod
ge ; and be very careful to enquire into the characters and capacities of those who are desirous to be admitted among you . ^ Study the CONSTITUTIONS and CHARGES , and improve in the FIFTH SCIENCE as far as your abilities and severalavocations will permit . Have universal Benevolence and Charity for all mankind ; and wherever ' meet
you your necessitous Brethren dispersed , relieve them to the utmost of your ability , remembering , notwitiistandinc , not to do things that may really prejudice yourselves or families . ° ' 'Let us by well-doing put to silence the ' ignorance of foolish men . ' As free , but not using our liberty for a cloke of maliciousness , but as the servants of God . Honor all Men , Love the Brotherhood , Fear God , Honour the King . '
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Light And Truth Of Masonry Explained, Being The Substance Of A Charge
first and great lesson of subduing his Passions and Will , and tries td the utmost of his power to free himself from all vices , errors , " and imperfections ; not only those that proceed from the heart , but ' likewise ail other defects of the understanding which are caused by custom , opinion , prejudice , or superstition : lie who asserts the native freedom of his mind , and stands fast in the liberty that makes ' him free whose soul is if
; ( one may so express it ) universal , and well contracted , and who despises no man on account of his Country or Religion ; bat is read y at all times to convince the won . I that Tr < dh Brotherl y Love , and affording relief , are the grand principles on which he acts . ¦ His whole life will be conformable and agreeable to that true lightthe of Godwhich shines
, Law , clear to his heart , and is the model by which he squares his judgement . In his ' outward behaviour he will be very careful not to give private or public offence , and ( as far as appears to him right ) will strictly comply with the laws , the customs , and religious institutions of the country in which he resides . To all mankind he will act upon the square ; and do to others he would have
as them do unto him . He w'il be firm and consistent with himself , and continuall y in expectation and on his guard against all accidents to which this life is exposed and in particular be will by a well-spent life be dail y preparin g for death , that final period of human action , which sooner or later * will take us hence , to give a strict account of our stewardshi p and the improvement of talents
our . . In fine , all good Masons should be pious , prudent , just , and temperate , and resolutely virtuous . From what I have advanced , and from these our ancient charges I hope it is evident to everyone at the present , that it is the duty of every Mason to live soberly , righteously , and godly ; or , according to the words of the Evangelist , He should walk in the Lio-ht and do the Truth . ° '
Continue , my Brethren , to persevere in principles that are disinterested , and I doubt not but you will find this room , which we have now opened and dedicated to MASONRY , constantly resorted to by the wise , the faithful , and the good . Let us consider the intention of our Meetings ; let submission to your Officers , and Brotherly Love to each other , be shewn b y your diligent attendance in the Lod
ge ; and be very careful to enquire into the characters and capacities of those who are desirous to be admitted among you . ^ Study the CONSTITUTIONS and CHARGES , and improve in the FIFTH SCIENCE as far as your abilities and severalavocations will permit . Have universal Benevolence and Charity for all mankind ; and wherever ' meet
you your necessitous Brethren dispersed , relieve them to the utmost of your ability , remembering , notwitiistandinc , not to do things that may really prejudice yourselves or families . ° ' 'Let us by well-doing put to silence the ' ignorance of foolish men . ' As free , but not using our liberty for a cloke of maliciousness , but as the servants of God . Honor all Men , Love the Brotherhood , Fear God , Honour the King . '