CHAPTER Xi

WHAT IS A LODGE OF FREEMASONS?
A LopcE is an assemblage of Brethren met to expatiate on the mysteries of the Craft, or, in the language of the Antient Charge, a Lodge is a place where Freemasons assemble to work and to instruct and improve them- selves in the mysteries of the antient science. In an extended sense it applies to persons as well as to place; hence every regular as- sembly or duly organized meeting of Masons is called a ‘ Lodge.’
Every brother ought to belong to some Lodge, and be subject to its by-laws and the General Regulations of the Craft.
A Lodge may be either general or particu- lar, as will be best understood by attending it, and there a knowledge of the established usages and customs of the Craft 1s alone to be acquired.
From antient times no Master or Fellow could be absent from his Lodge, especially
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Freemasonry and its Etiquette
when warned to appear at it, without in- curring a severe censure, unless it appeared to the Master and Wardens that pure necessity hindered him.
‘In the Lodge while constituted you are not to hold private committees, or separate conversation, without leave from the Master, nor to talk of anything impertinently or unseemly, nor interrupt the Master or Wardens, or any Brother speaking to the Master; nor behave yourself ludicrously or jestingly while the Lodge is engaged in what is serious and solemn; nor use any un- becoming language upon any pretence what- soever; but to pay due reverence to your Master, Wardens, and Fellows, and put them to worship.’
No private piques or quarrels must be brought within the door of the Lodge, far less any quarrels about religion, or nations, or State policy, we being only, as Masons, of the universal religion above mentioned; we are also of all nations, tongues, kindreds, and languages, and are resolved against all politics, as what never yet conduced to the welfare of the Lodge, nor ever will.