Part 4 (2/2)

In the State you are to be a quiet and peaceable citizen, true to your government and just to your country. You are not to countenance disloyalty or rebellion, but patiently submit to legal authority and conform with cheerfulness to the government of the country in which you live, yielding obedience to the laws which afford you protection.

In your outward demeanor be particularly careful to avoid censure or reproach. Let not interest, favor, or prejudice, bias your integrity, or influence you to be guilty of a dishonorable action.

Although your frequent appearance at our regular meetings is earnestly solicited, yet it is not meant that Freemasonry should interfere with your necessary vocations, for these are on no account to be neglected; neither are you to suffer your zeal for the inst.i.tution to lead you into argument with those who, through ignorance, may ridicule it.

At your leisure hours, that you may improve in Masonic knowledge, you are to converse with well-informed brethren, who will always be as ready to give as you will be to receive instruction.

Finally, my brother, keep sacred and inviolate the mysteries of the Order, as these are to distinguish you from the rest of the community and mark your consequence among Masons.

If in the circle of your acquaintance you find a person desirous of being initiated into the Fraternity, be particularly careful not to recommend him unless you are convinced that he will conform to our rules, that the honor, glory and reputation of the inst.i.tution may be firmly established, and the world at large be convinced of its good effects.

Charge to a Soldier.

Brother: Our inst.i.tution breathes a spirit of general philanthropy. Its benefits, in a social point of view, are extensive. In the most endearing ties, it unites all mankind. In every nation, wherever civilization extends--and not unfrequently among wild savages of the forest--it opens an asylum to a brother in distress, and grants hospitality to the necessitous and unfortunate. The sublime principles of universal goodness and love to all mankind, which are essential to it, cannot be lost in national distinctions, prejudices and animosities.

The rage of contest and the sanguinary conflict have, by its recognized principles, been abated, and the milder emotions of humanity subst.i.tuted. It has often performed the part of the Angel of Goodness, in ministering to the wants of the sick, the wounded, and the unfortunate prisoner of war. It has even taught the pride of victory to give way to the dictates of an honorable connection.

In whatever country you travel, when you meet a true Mason, you will find a brother and a friend, who will do all in his power to serve you; and who will relieve you, should you be poor or in distress, to the utmost of his ability, and with a ready cheerfulness.

Pure patriotism will always animate you to every call of your country.

And this inst.i.tution demands that you shall be true to your government.

But should you, while engaged in the service of your country, be made captive, you may find affectionate brethren, where others would only find enemies. And should you be the captor of one who belongs to this n.o.ble fraternity, remember that he is your brother.

FELLOW CRAFT.

First Section--Reception.

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Thus he shewed me: and behold the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumb-line, with a plumb-line in His hand.

And the Lord said unto me: Amos, what seest thou? and I said, A plumb-line. Then said the Lord: Behold, I will set a plumb-line in the midst of my people Israel;

I will not again pa.s.s by them any more. Amos, vii. 7, 8.

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