A Charge

tions about forms , opinions , and . ceremonies , but upon a good life and practice . " For modes of faith let graceless zealots fight , His can't be wrong whose life is in the right . " Political disputes , having an equal tendency to inflame the passions and sour the temperare therefore , with equal proprietyexcluded from our

, , lodges . You are enjoined to pay a due obedience to the laws , and respect to the government of your country ; and to live as peaceable subjects , but never to disturb or embroil the lodge with your particular opinions of State affairs . Neither are you to let any private quarrels or animosities accompany you to defile what is peculiarly devoted to the purest brotherl y love . If yon differ from any ' of your brethren , hear them with patience , and reason with coolness

and moderation ; and take care that a hastiness of temper or expression betray you not into an improper behaviour . It would indeed he well if every wrangling , over-bearing , turbulent , or mischievous temper could be utterl y excluded from our lodges . We have all our imperfections , prejudices , and passions ; but Masons profess , and should stud y and labour diligently to reform or suppress them ; to bear with the infirmities of our brethren , which are never helped by wrath or contention , but may be much assisted by mutual affection and ffood offices . >

Yon are likewise exhorted to avoid , especially whilst the lodge is sitting , a certain levity of behaviour , and trifling impertinence ; which , however harmless it may be thought , is seldom consistent with good manners ; but is more highly culpable , when it rudely draws the attention of your brethren from important truths and rational pleasures ; it is inconsistent with your characters as Masons , gentlemen , or good moral men ; it shows a contempt of the company , where true politeness ought to appear in mutual respect .

The laying or offering of wagers is justly prohibited as incompatible with the dignity of our conversation . You are likewise enjoined to refrain from all profane and obscene discourse . The first is an insolent contempt of the Supreme God , who , both in our outward conversation and deportment , and the inmost recesses of our mindsclaims our highest adoration and reverence ; the other is brutal and

, unmanly , a most indecent affront and injury to that sex , which , though not admitted into onr lodges , we are bound , as Masons and men , tenderly to respect , support , and defend . No drunkenness or intemperance is allowed in our lodges , and whenever a brother is seen to be intoxicated , he ought in strictness and hy the rules of our

society to be dismissed from that meeting , and properly admonished , the first opportunity , not to insult his brethren with future intrusions when he is in that odious situation . But a moderate refreshment , such as nature requires and virtue allows , ought to be encouraged in our cheerful and friendl y conventions ; it exhilarates the spirits , and renders the faculties more vigorous and active ; that frequently in the decent convivial hour , even our necessary cares and anxiety may , for the momentbe forgotand the mind

, , recruited with fresh vigour and resolution to encounter them ; whilst our friendl y intercourse and conversation are cheerful , easy , and free ; not clouded by any sullen reserve , checked by austerity , or deadened by unreasonable abstinence ; but enlivened and brightened by such prudent regulations as give pleasure to enjoyment , and comfort , ease and peace to reflection ; rivet us in the purest friendshipand render our society an expressive "type of future bliss . "

, Your punctual and willing attendance upon our stated meetings is expected , so far as it may not interfere with your duty to yourself , family , or friends ; but you are by no means required to neglect your private affairs or proper business on this account . Diligence and fidelity in our respective callings and professions are what Masonry recommends and enforces , hut ought never to interrupt .