A Charge

As the Worshipful Master and presiding officers are placed in their several departments by the voice of the brethren , you are required to behave towards them with a becoming respect , to address them by their accustomed titles , and candidly submit to their just orders , admonitions , and reproof ' s ; consider that every affront to them is an offence to the whole society , whom they represent , and over whom they are appointed to preside . As the different regular lodgesand brethrenwherever dispersednot onl

, , , y through this kingdom , but over the whole face of the globe , are united into one grand body , provincial and general officers , whose duty it is to preside over all the lodges in . their several provinces or districts , are appointed b y the fraternity , to preserve all the ancient laws and land-marks of the constitution ; and everything relative to the general interests of Masonry ought , hy them , to be duly weighed and properly regulated . We are . therefore , to pay a clue

regard to the Book of Constitutions , w hich is published by their authority ; to prevent , or endeavour to heal , any jealousies , animosities , or differences , which may unhappily arise between those societies , which are , or ought to be , united in one common interest , and under one common head . Let this band of union be broken , and we become a rope of sand , and lose that strength , weight , and influence which concord and unanimity will secure to us .

Though your first engagement , and principal attachment ought to be to the lodge of which you are members , to the bye-laws of which you are required to conform , and the true interests of which you are bonnd to support , yet you are allowed , when proper and convenient , to visit the neighbouring lodges , so that yon conform to their law and customs ; hut you are not to interfere in their particular business ; nor is it well to enter into any discourse hut what materially concerns the manifest interests of the society at large , or the general welfare of your brethren , to which you must be constantly and particularly attentive .

So far as you can do it , without injury to yourselves or families , you are bound to stud ) ' your brethren ' s interests as your own ; to relieve and assist them in all their difficulties and distresses ; to pay a due regard to their merits , and maintain a tender concern for their failings . But do not suppose that Masonry confines your good offices to the fraternity only , or absolves you from your dut y to the rest of mankind . Far from it ; it inculcates universal benevolence and extends its benign influence to tho whole world . It is a moral

association , but not a partial confederacy . For surely , -whilst I love my brother from moral principle as a man , I may , without injury to any part of society , ho allowed to distinguish him as a Mason . And this leads me to recommend to you a particular care and circumspection , that you betray not our distinguishing marks and characteristics to any stranger ; not to your nearest or dearest relation , nor most intimate and

confidential friend . It will be prudent in you , at least for some time , not to exhibit them even to a brother , except in a lodge , or where you well know your company . Time and patience will fully evince to 3 ^ 011 the importance of this precaution . Pythagoras enjoined a long course of silence to his scholars . And though you are now cheerfully and affectionatelreceived into onr intimacy are

y , your still probationers for greater confidence . You will , therefore , keep a strict guard over your discourse , looks , and gestures , so that the most piercing eye , the quickest ear , or the most penetrating observation may not possibly discover what ought to be concealed ; and if yon meet with prying , inquisitive people , endeavour to turn and divert the discourse ; but beware of manifesting any offence or discomposure .

Whatever passes in the lodge ought to be kept an inviolable secret ; and though some things may appear more trivial than others , you are not to make any of the transactions there the subject of your discourse' amongst your family or friends . Nor will it generally answer any good purpose to he perpetually talking of them to your brethren ,