CHAPTER III.

The general nature and design of the Ma~ sonic Institution. — Summary of Duties, — Principles in the abstract.
THE way is now prepared to speak of the nature and design of the Masonic institution. Its real, as well as professed object, is to promote the highest possible good of rational intelligences. To incul- cate the sound doctrines of moral it v and virtue, and deeply impress on the heart those great and fundamental principles, which constitute the beauty and divine excellency of the moral system. These are objects noble and praise-worthy. — Such as ought to command the affections, and secure the universal approbation ol mankind. That such is the professed ob- ject of this institution, has long been knowc to the world. That such also is the fact, it is confidently believed, can be clearly established. In proportion, therefore, tc the importance of the end proposed, musi be the worth of the Institution, the extent of duties, and the weight of obligations.
These things being premised, it will be in order to treat of Masonic principles ir the abstract. To show that thev are fun- damental in the great moral system, and
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consequently involve the ultimate end of all human existence.
An acknowledgment of the existence of God, as the moral governor of the universe, is the first profession made by the candi- date for Masonry. An unequivocal assent, and professed belief therein, is the only condition, by wlik'h any person can law- fully and regularly gain admission. A serious conviction of this truth is indis- pensibly necessary, that rational beings * may feel their responsibility to the Su- preme mofal Governor. Such a princi- ple, therefore, lying at the threshold of our institution, must be a sanctifying cir- cumstance.
Three great and important duties are solemnly inculcated on every Mason at his initiation ; to his God, his neighbour and himself. He is exhorted to love and adore, to reverence and worship his God in sincerity and truth — to contemplate his character as a being transcendent ly excel- lent — to live in the exercise of humble de- pendence, and acknowledge him as the Governor of the universe, and dispenser of every blessing.
His neighbors are the fVorld of mankind. Integrity and justice, benevolence and fi- delity are to characterize his conduct in every relation.
44 SPECULATIVE MASONRY*
To himself, be owes the constant duti of sobriety, temperance, chastity and due control over all the unruly and ti bulent passions of the human heart*
All these duties originate from divi constitution, and are fundamental in t moral system. Their excellence consii in their peculiar fitness to render o whole existence the greatest blessing. 1 these are added numerous subordinate d ties, in a relative point of view. The e ercise of brotherly affection towards e\ ry being capable of happiness, or expos to misery — relief, or benevolent condu towards objects of commiseration — tin and uprightness in all our intercourse wi mankind — temperance, or a due restrai upon all our passions, afTections, pleasun or enjoyments of life — fortitude, or th steady purpose of mind which leads to l exercise of every virtue, and the perfon ance of every duty, notwithstanding M frowns or the flatteries of the world— pr dence, to manage wisely in all matte which relate both to time and eternity- justice, whi of moral rectitude — faith, which consi tutes the mental eye, as respects the invi ible world, and fixes our confidence ( God — hope, that powerful anchor of tl soul amidst the storms and boisteroi
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waves of human adversity — charily, which is the bond of perfect ness, elevating the affections and leading them to centre in God alone.
These are duties of intrinsic excellence, and such as will necessarily promote the peace and harmony of society, the present and future well-being of individuals, and the general good of the intelligent uni- verse. Principles and duties, which lie at the foundation of the Masonic system, and are solemnly enjoined on every brother. Whoever, therefore, shall conscientiously discharge them, in the fear of God, fulfils the whole duty of man.
Such, we pledge ourselves to the world, we Masonic tenets and duties. In these, every Mason ought to be thoroughly in- structed within his own Lodge, where the highest inducements are presented, which way affect the heart and regulate the whole tenour of life.