Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Charge
A Mason , in regard to himself , is carefully to avoid all manner of intemperance or excess , which mi ght obstruct him in the performance of the necessary duties of his laudable profession , or lead him ^ into any crimes which would reflect dishonour upon the Ancient Fraternity . He is to treat his inferiors as he would have tits superiors deal with himwisely consideringthat the original of mankind is the
, , same ; and though MASONRY divests no man of his honour , yet does the Craft admit , that strictly to pursue the paths of virtue , whereby a clear conscience may be preserved , is the only method to make any man noble . A Mason is so far benevolent , as never to shut his ear . unkindly to the complaints of wretched poverty ; but when a Brother is
oppressed by want , he is in a peculiar manner to listen to his sufferings with attention ; in consequence of which , pity must flow from his breast , and relief , without prejudice , according to his capacity . A Mason is to pay due obedience to the authority of his Master and presiding Officers , and to behave-himself meekly amongsHiis
Brethren , neither neglecting his usual occupation for the sake of company , in running from one Lodge to another ; nor quarrel with the ignorant multitude , for their ridiculous aspersions concerning it : hut at his leisure hours , he is required to study the arts and sciences with a diligent mind , that he may not only , perform his duty to his Creator , but also to his nei ghbour and himself ; for to
walk humbly in the sight of God , to do justice , and love mercy , are the certain characteristics of a real Free and Accepted Mason : which qualifications , I humbly hope , they will possess to the end ef time ; and , I dare venture to say , that every true Brother will join me in , Amen . The benefits arising from a strict observance of the rinciles of
p p the Craft , are so apparent , that I must believe every good man will be fond to profess and practice the same ; because those principles tend to promote the happiness of life , as they are founded on the basis of wisdom and virtue .
In the first place , our privileges and instructions , when rightly made use of , are not only productive of our welfare on this side of the grave , but even our eternal happiness hereafter . For the Craft is founded on so solid a basis , that it will never admit blasphemy , lewdness , swearing , evil plotting , or controversy ; and though they are not all of the same opinion in matters of faith '
, yetthey are ever in one mind in matters of MASONRY ; that ^ is , to labour justly , not to eat any mans' bread for nought , but to the utmost of our capacity , to love and serve each other , as Brethren of the same household ought to do ; wisely jud ging , that it is as great an absurdity in one man to quarrel with another , ° because he will not believe as he does , as it would be in him to be angry , because he was not of the same size and countenance , §? c .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Charge
A Mason , in regard to himself , is carefully to avoid all manner of intemperance or excess , which mi ght obstruct him in the performance of the necessary duties of his laudable profession , or lead him ^ into any crimes which would reflect dishonour upon the Ancient Fraternity . He is to treat his inferiors as he would have tits superiors deal with himwisely consideringthat the original of mankind is the
, , same ; and though MASONRY divests no man of his honour , yet does the Craft admit , that strictly to pursue the paths of virtue , whereby a clear conscience may be preserved , is the only method to make any man noble . A Mason is so far benevolent , as never to shut his ear . unkindly to the complaints of wretched poverty ; but when a Brother is
oppressed by want , he is in a peculiar manner to listen to his sufferings with attention ; in consequence of which , pity must flow from his breast , and relief , without prejudice , according to his capacity . A Mason is to pay due obedience to the authority of his Master and presiding Officers , and to behave-himself meekly amongsHiis
Brethren , neither neglecting his usual occupation for the sake of company , in running from one Lodge to another ; nor quarrel with the ignorant multitude , for their ridiculous aspersions concerning it : hut at his leisure hours , he is required to study the arts and sciences with a diligent mind , that he may not only , perform his duty to his Creator , but also to his nei ghbour and himself ; for to
walk humbly in the sight of God , to do justice , and love mercy , are the certain characteristics of a real Free and Accepted Mason : which qualifications , I humbly hope , they will possess to the end ef time ; and , I dare venture to say , that every true Brother will join me in , Amen . The benefits arising from a strict observance of the rinciles of
p p the Craft , are so apparent , that I must believe every good man will be fond to profess and practice the same ; because those principles tend to promote the happiness of life , as they are founded on the basis of wisdom and virtue .
In the first place , our privileges and instructions , when rightly made use of , are not only productive of our welfare on this side of the grave , but even our eternal happiness hereafter . For the Craft is founded on so solid a basis , that it will never admit blasphemy , lewdness , swearing , evil plotting , or controversy ; and though they are not all of the same opinion in matters of faith '
, yetthey are ever in one mind in matters of MASONRY ; that ^ is , to labour justly , not to eat any mans' bread for nought , but to the utmost of our capacity , to love and serve each other , as Brethren of the same household ought to do ; wisely jud ging , that it is as great an absurdity in one man to quarrel with another , ° because he will not believe as he does , as it would be in him to be angry , because he was not of the same size and countenance , §? c .