Let the

wrongfully traduced. Suggest, in his behalf, the most candid and favorable circumstances. Is he justly reprehended? world observe how Masons love one another.

These generous principles are to extend further. Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. "Do good unto 66 more especially unto them that are of the

all." Recommend it

household of FAITH." ""

By diligence in the duties of your respective callings, by liberal benevolence and diffusive charity, by constancy and fidelity your friendships, discover the beneficial and happy effects of this ancient and honorable Institution.

in

Let it not be supposed that you have here LABORED in vain, and spent your STRENGTH for nought; for your WORK is with the LORD, and your RECOMPENSE with your God."

Finally, Brethren, be ye all of one mind, — live in peace; and may the God of love and peace delight to dwell with and bless you!

CHAPTER IV.

ON THE QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES OF CANDIDATES FOR FREEMASONRY.

"WHOSOEVER, from love of knowledge, interest, or curiosity," say the Constitutions, "desires to be a FREEMASON, is to know that, as his foundation and great corner-stone, he is to believe firmly in the ETERNAL GOD, and to pay that worship which is due to him as the Great Architect and Governor of the Universe. A Freemason is obliged, by his tenure, to observe the moral law; and, if he rightly understand the royal art, he cannot tread in the irreligious paths of the unhappy LIBERTINE, or stupid ATHEIST; nor, in any case, act against the great inward light of his own conscience.

"He will likewise shun the gross errors of bigotry and superstition; making a due use of his own reason, according to that liberty wherewith a Mason is made free. He is charged to adhere to those grand essentials of religion, in which all men agree; leaving each Brother to his own private judgment, as to particular modes and forms.

Whence it follows, that all Freemasons are to be GOOD MEN AND TRUE -men of honor and honesty-by whatever religious names or persuasions distinguished—always following the golden precept, 'Of doing unto all men as they would that all men should do unto them,' and of worshipping God after that manner and form, which they conscientiously believe to be most acceptable in his sight."

Another of the Constitutions further provides, that no person shall be admitted a member, unless he be "free born; of mature and discreet age;* of good report; of sufficient natural endowments, and the senses of a man; with an estate, office, trade, occupation, or some visible way of acquiring an honest livelihood, and of working in his Craft, as becomes the members of this most ancient and honorable Fraternity, who ought; not only to earn what is sufficient for themselves and families, but likewise something to spare for works of CHARITY, and supporting the true dignity of the royal Craft."

"No Brother shall propose, for admission into this ancient and honorable Society, any person, through friendship or partiality, who does not possess the moral and social virtues, a sound head and a good heart; and who has not an entire exemption from all those ill qualities and vices which would bring dishonor on the Craft."

ANCIENT CHARGES.

THE PRIVATE DUTIES OF MASONS. WHOEVER Would be a Mason should know how to practise all the private virtues. He should avoid all manner of intemperance or excess, which might prevent his performance of the laudable duties of his Craft, or lead him into enormities which would

*Not under twenty-one years.

reflect dishonor upon the ancient Fraternity. He is to be industrious in his profession, and true to the Master he serves. He is to labor justly, and not to eat any man's bread for nought; but to pay truly for his meat and drink. What leisure his labor allows, he is to employ in studying the arts and sciences, with a diligent mind, that he may the better perform all his duties, to his Creator, his country, his neighbor, and himself.

He is to seek and acquire, as far as possible, the virtues of patience, meekness, self-denial, forbearance, and the like, which give him the command over himself, and enable him to govern his own family with affection, dignity, and prudence; at the same time, checking every disposition injurious to the world, and promoting that love and service which Brethren of the same household owe to each other.

Therefore, to afford succor to the distressed, to divide our bread with the industrious poor, and to put the misguided traveller into the way, are duties of the Craft, suitable to its dignity, and expressive of its usefulness. But, though a Mason is never to shut his ear unkindly against the complaints of any of the human race, yet when a Brother is oppressed or suffers, he is in a more peculiar manner called to open his whole soul in love and compassion to him, and to relieve him, without prejudice, according to his capacity.

It is also necessary, that all who would be true Masons should learn to abstain from all malice, slander and evil-speaking; from all provoking, reproachful and ungodly language: keeping always a tongue of good report.

A Mason should know how to obey those who are set over him, however inferior they may be in worldly rank or condition. For, although Masonry divests no man of his honors and titles, yet, in the Lodge, preeminence of virtue, and knowledge in the art, is considered as the true source of all nobility, rule and gov

ernment.

The virtue indispensably requisite in Masons is SECRECY. This is the guard of their confidence, and the security of their trust. So great stress is to be laid upon it, that it is enforced under the strongest obligations; nor, in their esteem, is any man to be accounted wise, who has not intellectual strength and ability sufficient to cover and conceal such honest secrets as are committed to him, as well as his own more serious and private affairs.

A Mason is a peaceable citizen, and is never to be concerned in plots and conspiracies against the peace and welfare of the nation, nor to behave himself undutifully to inferior magistrates. He is cheerfully to conform to every lawful authority; to uphold, on every occasion, the interest of the community, and zealously promote the prosperity of his own country. Masonry has ever flourished in times of peace, and been always injured by war,

bloodshed, and confusion; so that kings and princes, in every age, have been much disposed to encourage the craftsmen, on account of their peaceableness and loyalty, whereby they practically answer the cavils of their adversaries, and promote the honor of the Fraternity. Craftsmen are bound, by peculiar ties, to promote peace, cultivate harmony, and live in concord and Brotherly-Love.

DUTIES IN THE LODGE.

While the Lodge is open for work, Masons must hold no private conversation or committees, without leave from the Master; nor talk of anything foreign or impertinent; nor interrupt the Master or Wardens, or any Brother addressing himself to the Chair; nor behave inattentively, while the Lodge is engaged in what is serious and solemn; but every Brother shall pay due reverence to the Master, the Wardens, and all his fellows.

Every Brother guilty of a fault shall submit to the Lodge, unless he appeal to the Grand Lodge.

No private offences, or disputes about nations, families, religions, or politics, must be brought within the doors of the Lodge.

Masons ought to be moral men. Consequently, they should be good husbands, good parents, good sons, and good neighbors; avoiding all excess injurious to themselves or families, and wise as to all affairs, both of their own household and of the Lodge, for certain reasons known to themselves.

DUTIES TOWARDS A BROTHER.

Free and Accepted Masons have ever been charged to avoid all slander of true and faithful Brethren, and all malice and unjust resentment, or talking disrespectfully of a Brother's person or performance. Nor must they suffer any to spread unjust reproaches or calumnies against a Brother, behind his back, nor to injure him in his fortune, occupation or character; but they shall defend such a Brother, and give him notice of any danger or injury wherewith he may be threatened, to enable him to escape the same, as far as is consistent with honor, prudence, and the safety of religion, morality, and the State; but no further.*

*A Chapter of Prayers and Charges, for occasional use, is given in another part of this work.

CHAPTER V.

ADMISSION OF CANDIDATES.

By the regulations of the Fraternity, a candidate for the mysteries of Masonry, cannot be initiated, in any regular Lodge, without having stood proposed one lunar month, unless a Dispensation be obtained in his favor. All applications for initiation should be made in writing, and in the following form:

"To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren, of

Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

"The petition of the subscriber respectfully represents, that having long entertained a favorable opinion of your ancient Institution, he is desirous, if found worthy, of being admitted a member thereof.

(Signed.)

[Recommended by three or more members of the Lodge.]

This petition, having been read in open Lodge, is placed on file. A committee is then appointed to investigate the character and qualifications of the petitioner. If, at the next regular meeting of the Lodge, the report of the committee be favorable, and the candidate is admitted, he is taken into an adjoining apartment, and required to give his free and full assent to the following interrogations:

1. "Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, before these gentlemen, that, unbiased by friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a candidate for the mysteries of Masonry?

2. "Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, before these gentlemen, that you are prompted to solicit the privileges of Masonry, by a favorable opinion conceived of the Institution, a desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish of being serviceable to your fellow-creatures?

3. "Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, before these

*The Stewards of the Lodge are usually present.