Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Address,
Fortitude , by which , in the midst of pressing evils , we are enabled always to do that which is agreeable to the dictates of right reason . AVe profess the principle of Temperance , as being a moderator or restrainer of our affections and passions ; and Justice we profess , as dictating to us to do right to all , and yield to every man whatsoever belongeth to him . AVe put on white raiment as a type of innocence—that apparel which trul
y implies the innocency of the heart—a badge more honourable than ever was devised by kings . The Roman Eagle , with all the orders of Knighthood , are much inferior ; they may he prostituted by the caprice of Princes , hut Innocence is innate , and cannot be adopted . Our jewels imply that we try our affections b y Justice and our actions by Truth , as the square tries the workmanshi p of the mechanic . To walk uprightl y before Heaven and before men is the duty of a Mason ; to try his actions by the Rule , as the builder raises his column by the Plane and Perpendicular , so should the Mason stand approved by the Jewel which he wears .
Our Institution is graced with Charity , the true objects of which are Merit and Virtue in distress . Let us cherish this amiable virtue—let it be the constant rule of our actions—the just square by which we regulate our dealings with all mankind , and though Pity may plead in more tender and eloquent terms for the distresses of a Brother , yet let us be read y to extend the hand of relief as far as our circumstances will admit , to misfortunes of every kind wherever they meet us .
We are united by Brotherl y Love , which , as an active principle , encloses all mankind in the same bond , however diversified they may be , by birth , climate , or education , proceeding from one common parent ; and hence , how remote soever the connexion may appear , all mankind are brothers , and as such are bound to execute the duties attached to this tender and endearing relation , —a general relationship which is not dissolved b y distanceclimateform " or languagebut all the world are
, , , , brethren , and the hand of mercy ought to be extended equally to the destitute stranger as to an immediate friend or relation . Nay , the stranger , the fatherless , and the widow are superior objects of man ' s benevolence . Masonry inculcates love to the human species as the certain indication of uprightness : it teaches that without this love WR
are nothing . The love of a Mason must he pure both in principle and practice—unwarped by prejudice or passion—unalterable in persecution —unabated amidst calumny , slander , and detraction . Masons are bound by the most solemn obligations to practice this virtue one towards another ; not to rest satisfied with mere external acts of kindness , which may be displayed without feeling any emotions of the pure affection of Brotherly love , but to be the active friends of all mankind . Shall it then be
ever said that those who by choice are distinguished from the rest of the human race , and who , have voluntarily enrolled their names in this most ancient and honourable Order , are so far wanting to themselves , and the principles they profess , as to neglect its rules and precepts ? Shall those who are bound together by the strictest ties of amity , omit the practice of forbearance and Brotherl y love ? Or , shall the passions of those persons ever become ungovernable , who assemble purposely to subdue
them ? AVe are , let it be considered , the successors of those who reared a structure to the honour of Almi ghty God , the Grand Geometrician of the world ; which for AVisdom , Strength , and Beauty hath never yet had
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Address,
Fortitude , by which , in the midst of pressing evils , we are enabled always to do that which is agreeable to the dictates of right reason . AVe profess the principle of Temperance , as being a moderator or restrainer of our affections and passions ; and Justice we profess , as dictating to us to do right to all , and yield to every man whatsoever belongeth to him . AVe put on white raiment as a type of innocence—that apparel which trul
y implies the innocency of the heart—a badge more honourable than ever was devised by kings . The Roman Eagle , with all the orders of Knighthood , are much inferior ; they may he prostituted by the caprice of Princes , hut Innocence is innate , and cannot be adopted . Our jewels imply that we try our affections b y Justice and our actions by Truth , as the square tries the workmanshi p of the mechanic . To walk uprightl y before Heaven and before men is the duty of a Mason ; to try his actions by the Rule , as the builder raises his column by the Plane and Perpendicular , so should the Mason stand approved by the Jewel which he wears .
Our Institution is graced with Charity , the true objects of which are Merit and Virtue in distress . Let us cherish this amiable virtue—let it be the constant rule of our actions—the just square by which we regulate our dealings with all mankind , and though Pity may plead in more tender and eloquent terms for the distresses of a Brother , yet let us be read y to extend the hand of relief as far as our circumstances will admit , to misfortunes of every kind wherever they meet us .
We are united by Brotherl y Love , which , as an active principle , encloses all mankind in the same bond , however diversified they may be , by birth , climate , or education , proceeding from one common parent ; and hence , how remote soever the connexion may appear , all mankind are brothers , and as such are bound to execute the duties attached to this tender and endearing relation , —a general relationship which is not dissolved b y distanceclimateform " or languagebut all the world are
, , , , brethren , and the hand of mercy ought to be extended equally to the destitute stranger as to an immediate friend or relation . Nay , the stranger , the fatherless , and the widow are superior objects of man ' s benevolence . Masonry inculcates love to the human species as the certain indication of uprightness : it teaches that without this love WR
are nothing . The love of a Mason must he pure both in principle and practice—unwarped by prejudice or passion—unalterable in persecution —unabated amidst calumny , slander , and detraction . Masons are bound by the most solemn obligations to practice this virtue one towards another ; not to rest satisfied with mere external acts of kindness , which may be displayed without feeling any emotions of the pure affection of Brotherly love , but to be the active friends of all mankind . Shall it then be
ever said that those who by choice are distinguished from the rest of the human race , and who , have voluntarily enrolled their names in this most ancient and honourable Order , are so far wanting to themselves , and the principles they profess , as to neglect its rules and precepts ? Shall those who are bound together by the strictest ties of amity , omit the practice of forbearance and Brotherl y love ? Or , shall the passions of those persons ever become ungovernable , who assemble purposely to subdue
them ? AVe are , let it be considered , the successors of those who reared a structure to the honour of Almi ghty God , the Grand Geometrician of the world ; which for AVisdom , Strength , and Beauty hath never yet had