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Article CHAPTER III. ← Page 3 of 5 →
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Chapter Iii.
there is a constant and unwearied endeavour to serve and oblige eacli other . Sucli a society is doubtless a sight well pleasing in the eyes of that . God who formed the members of it . It is an emblem of the whole frame of nature , the glorious fabric of the universe , built by the divine Architect , whose Wisdom ordained its symmetry and proportions ; by whose Strength each part is made to be perfect in itself , and to contribute at the same time to the Beauty , magnificence , and duration of the whole .
Obedience and subordination are virtues which will conduce , in an eminent degree , to the production of this desirable state of order and happiness . And it is an established principle in Masonry , that " such is the nature of our constitution , that as some must of necessity rule and teach , so others must of course learn to submit and obey . Humility , in both , is an essential duty . " The most ancient charges provide " that every Master Mason and Fellow that hath trespassed against the Craft shall stand to the correction of other Masters and Fellows to make him
accord ; the laws against Master and Fellow being equally stringent . The above virtues , therefore , in both are absolutely requisite to produce the regularity and order which constitute the distinguishing excellence of a lodge of Masons . Society cannot exist without subordination . States and empires fall into ruin and decay , if deprived of the master-hand which presides at the helm to pilot the vessel in safety . The members depend on the correct conduct of the head , as the head depends on the obedience of the members . If law be violated or duty lected beither
neg y party , nothing can be expected to ensue but anarchy and confusion ; and this in Masonry would destroy the character of a lodge . Without these ingredients the cup of bliss would be imperfect ; as may be evidenced by the degraded state of those who have set these virtues at defiance . They linger through a miserable life , in continual dread lest the laws they have renounced should rebound with fatal violence , and crush them into ruin . Peace is a stranger to their heartsand they increase the evil tenfold b
, y endeavouring to drown their apprehensions in the turbid ocean of intoxication . But a habit of obedience produces a meek and quiet spirit , extracts all bitterness from the dream of life , and by a well regulated system of mutual forbearance and subordination , produces that peace of mind which passeth all understanding . In the details of the masonic Order this virtue is carried out to its utmost perfection ; and by habituating the fraternity to an experience of
its salutary effects , they are disposed to extend its practice to all the affairs of life ; thus affording an example to others of the comfort and happiness which it superinduces . Masons are taught to " rule and govern their passions , and to keep a tongue of good report ; " and while they obey this salutary injunction , they impart a silent lesson to the community amongst which they live , of the serenity of mind which is sure to spring from a strict observance of discipline and social order .
The beautiful arrangement which distinguishes all the proceedings of a lodge of . Masons , will be illustrated by the opinion of an experienced Grand Master ( II . R . H . the late Duke of Sussex ) , who thus instructed the brethren , ex cathedra : — " It must afford un-initiated individuals matter for deep reflection and consideration , when they see persons of a variety of opinions , of different feelings and religions , entertaining , in fact , all the differences upon politics and reli gion which are the most capable of exciting the passions , and arraying man against man , assembling together in one great cause , and , burying all minor feelings , join
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Chapter Iii.
there is a constant and unwearied endeavour to serve and oblige eacli other . Sucli a society is doubtless a sight well pleasing in the eyes of that . God who formed the members of it . It is an emblem of the whole frame of nature , the glorious fabric of the universe , built by the divine Architect , whose Wisdom ordained its symmetry and proportions ; by whose Strength each part is made to be perfect in itself , and to contribute at the same time to the Beauty , magnificence , and duration of the whole .
Obedience and subordination are virtues which will conduce , in an eminent degree , to the production of this desirable state of order and happiness . And it is an established principle in Masonry , that " such is the nature of our constitution , that as some must of necessity rule and teach , so others must of course learn to submit and obey . Humility , in both , is an essential duty . " The most ancient charges provide " that every Master Mason and Fellow that hath trespassed against the Craft shall stand to the correction of other Masters and Fellows to make him
accord ; the laws against Master and Fellow being equally stringent . The above virtues , therefore , in both are absolutely requisite to produce the regularity and order which constitute the distinguishing excellence of a lodge of Masons . Society cannot exist without subordination . States and empires fall into ruin and decay , if deprived of the master-hand which presides at the helm to pilot the vessel in safety . The members depend on the correct conduct of the head , as the head depends on the obedience of the members . If law be violated or duty lected beither
neg y party , nothing can be expected to ensue but anarchy and confusion ; and this in Masonry would destroy the character of a lodge . Without these ingredients the cup of bliss would be imperfect ; as may be evidenced by the degraded state of those who have set these virtues at defiance . They linger through a miserable life , in continual dread lest the laws they have renounced should rebound with fatal violence , and crush them into ruin . Peace is a stranger to their heartsand they increase the evil tenfold b
, y endeavouring to drown their apprehensions in the turbid ocean of intoxication . But a habit of obedience produces a meek and quiet spirit , extracts all bitterness from the dream of life , and by a well regulated system of mutual forbearance and subordination , produces that peace of mind which passeth all understanding . In the details of the masonic Order this virtue is carried out to its utmost perfection ; and by habituating the fraternity to an experience of
its salutary effects , they are disposed to extend its practice to all the affairs of life ; thus affording an example to others of the comfort and happiness which it superinduces . Masons are taught to " rule and govern their passions , and to keep a tongue of good report ; " and while they obey this salutary injunction , they impart a silent lesson to the community amongst which they live , of the serenity of mind which is sure to spring from a strict observance of discipline and social order .
The beautiful arrangement which distinguishes all the proceedings of a lodge of . Masons , will be illustrated by the opinion of an experienced Grand Master ( II . R . H . the late Duke of Sussex ) , who thus instructed the brethren , ex cathedra : — " It must afford un-initiated individuals matter for deep reflection and consideration , when they see persons of a variety of opinions , of different feelings and religions , entertaining , in fact , all the differences upon politics and reli gion which are the most capable of exciting the passions , and arraying man against man , assembling together in one great cause , and , burying all minor feelings , join