Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Charge
the officers of a Lodge are not only bound to advance and promote the welfare of their own particular Lodge , but also whatsoever may tend to the good of the Fraternity in general . Therefore no man ought to be nominated or put in such election , but such as by his known zeal and merit is deemed worthy of performanceviz . he must be well acquainted with all the ' private and
, public rules and orders of the Craft ; he ought to be strictl y honest , humane of nature , patient in injuries , modest . in conversation , o-rave iu counsel and advice , and , above all , constant , in amity , and faithful in secrecy . Such candidates well deserve to be chosen ' the Rulers and Governors of their respective Lodges , to whom the Members are to be courteous and obedient
, and , b } ' their wise and ancient dictates , may learn to despise the over-covetous , impatient , contentious , presumptuous , arrogant , and conceited prattlers , the bane of human society . Here I cannot forbear saying , that I have known men whose intentions were very honest , and , without any evil design , commit ° reat errors , and sometimes have been the destruction of good Lodges ; and this occasioned by their Brethren hurrying them indiscreetly into offices , -wherein their slender knowledge of Masonry , rendered
them incapable of executing the business committe d to their charge , to the great detriment of the Craft , and their own dishonour . ° Amongst the qualities and principles of the Craft , I have given a hint concerning the behaviour of a Mason in the Lodge , to which 1 beg he . may add the following , viz . he is to pay due respect , and be obedient ( in all reasonable matters ) , to the Master and pre-Officers he must not
siding ; curse , swear , nor offer to lay wagers ; lionise any lewd or unbecoming language in derogation of GOD ' name , and corruption of good manners , nor behaVe himself ludicrously , nor jestingly , while the Lod ge is engaged in what is serious and solemn ; neither is he to introduce , support , nor mention any - dispute or controversy about reli gion or politics ; nor force any Brother to eatdrink
^ , , or stay against his inclination ; nor do or say any thing that may be " offensive , or hinder a free and innocent conversation ; lest he should break the good harmony , and defeat the laudable designs and purposes , of the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity . Having attempted to point out what manner of man a Mason ht to beit would be needless to
oug , say any thing with regard to his conduct while out of the Lodge ; as a good Mason is always a worthy Member of Society , and respected b } - the rest of mankind : Let us then recollect , that although the paths of Virtue may at first appear rough and thorny , yet in the end lies our reward : ' " The storms of wintry time will soon be past , " And one unbounded spring encircle all ! "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
A Charge
the officers of a Lodge are not only bound to advance and promote the welfare of their own particular Lodge , but also whatsoever may tend to the good of the Fraternity in general . Therefore no man ought to be nominated or put in such election , but such as by his known zeal and merit is deemed worthy of performanceviz . he must be well acquainted with all the ' private and
, public rules and orders of the Craft ; he ought to be strictl y honest , humane of nature , patient in injuries , modest . in conversation , o-rave iu counsel and advice , and , above all , constant , in amity , and faithful in secrecy . Such candidates well deserve to be chosen ' the Rulers and Governors of their respective Lodges , to whom the Members are to be courteous and obedient
, and , b } ' their wise and ancient dictates , may learn to despise the over-covetous , impatient , contentious , presumptuous , arrogant , and conceited prattlers , the bane of human society . Here I cannot forbear saying , that I have known men whose intentions were very honest , and , without any evil design , commit ° reat errors , and sometimes have been the destruction of good Lodges ; and this occasioned by their Brethren hurrying them indiscreetly into offices , -wherein their slender knowledge of Masonry , rendered
them incapable of executing the business committe d to their charge , to the great detriment of the Craft , and their own dishonour . ° Amongst the qualities and principles of the Craft , I have given a hint concerning the behaviour of a Mason in the Lodge , to which 1 beg he . may add the following , viz . he is to pay due respect , and be obedient ( in all reasonable matters ) , to the Master and pre-Officers he must not
siding ; curse , swear , nor offer to lay wagers ; lionise any lewd or unbecoming language in derogation of GOD ' name , and corruption of good manners , nor behaVe himself ludicrously , nor jestingly , while the Lod ge is engaged in what is serious and solemn ; neither is he to introduce , support , nor mention any - dispute or controversy about reli gion or politics ; nor force any Brother to eatdrink
^ , , or stay against his inclination ; nor do or say any thing that may be " offensive , or hinder a free and innocent conversation ; lest he should break the good harmony , and defeat the laudable designs and purposes , of the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity . Having attempted to point out what manner of man a Mason ht to beit would be needless to
oug , say any thing with regard to his conduct while out of the Lodge ; as a good Mason is always a worthy Member of Society , and respected b } - the rest of mankind : Let us then recollect , that although the paths of Virtue may at first appear rough and thorny , yet in the end lies our reward : ' " The storms of wintry time will soon be past , " And one unbounded spring encircle all ! "