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Article THE FREEMASONS' REPOSITORY. ← Page 6 of 7 →
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The Freemasons' Repository.
It were , therefore , highly unjust to impute the rise or continuance of this , or other similar institutions to the sole motive of worldly prudence ; since that a sense of moral fitness , under the immediate sanction of divine authority , " and with a direct view to enforce Christ ' s ' new commandment' of mutual affection , has been no inconsiderable incitement to these undertakings , may be made sufficiently to appear , as well by the rules and orders to be observed , as in the maxims by
which their proceedings are regulated . Would you wish then , my brethren , that your good may not be evil spoken of , whilst you are careful to maintain ah adequate provision , a vi gilant superintendency , and a willing execation as far as relates to the particular exigencies of your own select fraternity , yon are by no means to forget that the gospel rule ? are far more extensive ,
and that whosoever of you shall grossly fail in the observance of these , will at the same time bring dishonour upon himself , a heavy reflection on that society of which he is a member , and an evil report on these assembliei in general .
Amongst -the primitive christians , the behaviour of each was estimated by the general tenor of his conduct in life , and not from his occasional deportment at their periodical and stated assemblies ; if any brother , at any time or place , seemed to walk disorderly , he was either exhorted as a brother or excluded the society ; though Christianity forbid that he should be counted an enemy . To which may be added , to render . these examples of . genuine Christianity still more
worthy of imitation , that their liberality , though more especially app lied to the benefit of those who were of the household of faith , was , nevertheless , in no inconsiderable a degree extended to . all around them ; they still knew that the Samaritan was their neighbour , and all mankind their brethren .
Finally , therefore , we are to remember that the christian profession forms a confraternity , the obligations of which must supersede every partial engagement , whether of consanguinity , or voluntary attachment . As many of us as have been baptized into Christ , have put on Christ : in this general and extensive connection we are all included , ; there is * neither jew nor Greek , there is neither male nor female , for we are all one in Christ Jesus ; fellow-citizens with the saints , and of
the house'hold of God ; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets , Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone , in whom all the building , fitl y framed together , groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord . " He that loveth father or mother , ' saith our Saviour ,. ' more than me , is not worthy of me ; but whosoever shall do the will of Godthe same is my brother and sister and mother . ' .
, , The rule , then , my brethren , is plain ; know yourselves , as you know others , by your fruits . If your faith work b y love " , the love of God and of your neighbour , of goodness and of heaven , all is well ; the administration of your good offices may not only supply the wants of those who may thereby be relieved , but be ' abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God . '
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' Repository.
It were , therefore , highly unjust to impute the rise or continuance of this , or other similar institutions to the sole motive of worldly prudence ; since that a sense of moral fitness , under the immediate sanction of divine authority , " and with a direct view to enforce Christ ' s ' new commandment' of mutual affection , has been no inconsiderable incitement to these undertakings , may be made sufficiently to appear , as well by the rules and orders to be observed , as in the maxims by
which their proceedings are regulated . Would you wish then , my brethren , that your good may not be evil spoken of , whilst you are careful to maintain ah adequate provision , a vi gilant superintendency , and a willing execation as far as relates to the particular exigencies of your own select fraternity , yon are by no means to forget that the gospel rule ? are far more extensive ,
and that whosoever of you shall grossly fail in the observance of these , will at the same time bring dishonour upon himself , a heavy reflection on that society of which he is a member , and an evil report on these assembliei in general .
Amongst -the primitive christians , the behaviour of each was estimated by the general tenor of his conduct in life , and not from his occasional deportment at their periodical and stated assemblies ; if any brother , at any time or place , seemed to walk disorderly , he was either exhorted as a brother or excluded the society ; though Christianity forbid that he should be counted an enemy . To which may be added , to render . these examples of . genuine Christianity still more
worthy of imitation , that their liberality , though more especially app lied to the benefit of those who were of the household of faith , was , nevertheless , in no inconsiderable a degree extended to . all around them ; they still knew that the Samaritan was their neighbour , and all mankind their brethren .
Finally , therefore , we are to remember that the christian profession forms a confraternity , the obligations of which must supersede every partial engagement , whether of consanguinity , or voluntary attachment . As many of us as have been baptized into Christ , have put on Christ : in this general and extensive connection we are all included , ; there is * neither jew nor Greek , there is neither male nor female , for we are all one in Christ Jesus ; fellow-citizens with the saints , and of
the house'hold of God ; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets , Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone , in whom all the building , fitl y framed together , groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord . " He that loveth father or mother , ' saith our Saviour ,. ' more than me , is not worthy of me ; but whosoever shall do the will of Godthe same is my brother and sister and mother . ' .
, , The rule , then , my brethren , is plain ; know yourselves , as you know others , by your fruits . If your faith work b y love " , the love of God and of your neighbour , of goodness and of heaven , all is well ; the administration of your good offices may not only supply the wants of those who may thereby be relieved , but be ' abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God . '