A Charge

A CHARGE

DELIVERED TO SEVERAL NEWLY INITIATED BRETHREN , IN ST . JOHN ' LODGE OT THE ANCIENT AND HONOURABLE SOCIETY OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS , IN NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE , DECEMBER 5 , 1776 . BY BRO . J . ROTHERHAM , M . D .

BRETHREN , whoever considers the dignity of his own nature , or consults his own ease , safety , comfort , or happiness , will soon find them all to be founded in social life ; in friendly intercourse , in communications of knowledge and pleasure , in mutual assistance and support , we are a blessing to each other . Andwith the sincerest joy , I welcome you into a Societyto which

, , the good report and persuasion of your own worth and moral character have introduced you , and wherein I hope you "will give and receive reciprocal pleasure , satisfaction and benefit . Knowledge and virtue , my brethren , are the objects of our pursuit ; these are the foundations which are laid by the Great Architect of the Universe , upon which our wise master-builders have rested secure , and completed a

fabric in truth , strength , and beauty , which defies the assaults of earth and hell , and will stand unshaken till time shall be no more . Do Masons then arrogate to themselves everything that is great , good , and honourable ? By no means ; the gates of knowledge , and the paths of truth and virtue are open to every one wdio desires to enter and walk therein . But this I boldly affirm , that Masonry favours us with great and peculiar

advantages , which , if duly improved and properly attended to , ought to exalt us above the rest of mankind . Though every good man is prepared in his heart to be a Mason , yet none but ourselves can know those ties and obligations , those particular privileges by which we are distinguished , and which afford us the fairest opportunities of accomplishing our present honour and happinessand of securing eternal felicity ; butlike every other display of liht

, , g and truth , will , if abused or neglected , greatly aggravate our vice and folly . Favour me then with your candid attention , whilst I propose a few things to your serious consideration , which I hope may impress your minds with a proper sense of the importance of those objects and pursuits which we recommend and enjoin , of the privileges to which you are now admitted , and of the real benefits of which I hope you will shortly partake .

Our belief m the great God , the Architect and Ruler of Nature , a submission to His will and reliance on His protection , a devout and diligent enquiry into His works and the laws b y which He governs the natural and moral World , a due observance of the moral duties and obligations , with universal charity being our first and leading principles ; so our society admits aud embraces all good men , of whatever sect , country , or religious persuasion . No institution in the world was ever more comprehensive : harmony , peace ,

and brotherly love are the great ornaments of our lodges ; and whatever interrupts them is inimical to our constitution , and in every well regulated lodge should be severely reprehended . You are therefore cautiously to avoid all religious disputes ; as quarrels of this kind have ever been found prejudicial , and often destructive to society . Let every brother freel y enjoy his own opinion , hut not lord it over another , nor introduce any particular intricate wranglings into the lodge . Our religion is not founded in subtle metaphysical disquisitions , or angry disputa-