CHAPTER VI.

Charges and Regulations for the Conduct and

Behaviour of Masons,

A REHEARSAL of the ancient charges proper-
ly succeeds the opening, and precedes the closing,
of-a lodge. This was the constant practice of
our ancient brethren, and ought never to be neg-
lected in our regular assemblies. A recapitula-
tion of our duty cannot be disagreeable to those
■who are acquainted with it ; and to those who
know it not, should any such be, it must be high-
ly proper to recommend it.

Ancient Charges.

On the Management of the Craft in Working.

Masons employ themselves diligently in their
«undry vocations, live creditably, and conform
with cheerfulness to- the government of the coun-
try in which they reside.

[The most expert craftsman is chosen or ap-
pointed master of the work, and is duly honoured
by those over whom he presides.

The master, knowing himself qualified, under-
takes the government of the lodge, and truly dis-
penses his rewajrds, giving to every brother the
approbation which he merit*.

J

FREEMASON'S MONITOR. 27

[A craftsman who is appointed warden of the
work under the master, is true to master and fel-
lows, carefully oversees the work, and his breth-
ren obey him.]

The master, wardens and brethren receive
their rewards justly, are faithful, and carefully
finish the work they begin, whether it be in th«
first or second degree ; but never put that work
to the first, which has been accustomed to the se-
cond degree, nor that to the second or first,
which has been accustomed to the third.

Neither envy nor censure is discovered among
true masons. No brother is supplanted, or put
out of his work, if he be capable to finish it;
as no man who is not perfectly skilled in the ori-
ginal design, can, with equal advantage to th«
- master, finish the work begun by another.

All employed in masonry, meekly receive their
rewards, and use no disobliging name. Brother
or fellow are the terms or appellations they be-
stow on each other. They behave courteously
within and without the lodge, and never desert
the master till the work is finished.

Laws for the Government of the Lodge.

You are to salute one another in a courteous
aaanner, agreeably to the forms established among

Jk

28 FREEMASON'S MONITOR.

masons ;* you are freely to give such mutual in-
structions as shall be thought necessary or expedi-
ent, not being overseen or overheard, without en-
croaching upon each other, or derogating from
that respect which is due to any gentleman were
he not a mason ; for though, as masons, we rank
as brethren on a level, yet masonry deprives no
man of the honour due to his rank or character,
but rather adds to his honour, especially if he has
deserved well of the fraternity, who always ren-
der honour to whom it is due, and avoid ill maiA
ners.

No private committees are to be allowed, o»
separate conversations encouraged ; the master or
wardens are not to be interrupted, or any brother
speakiJig to the master; but due decorum is to be
©bserved, and a proper respect paid to the master
and presiding officers.

These laws are to be strictly enforced, that
harmony may be preserved, and the business of
the lodge be carried on with order and regularity.

Amen* So mote it be.

'^ In a lod^e, masons meet as members of one family ; all
prejudiccf, tlicreforc, on account tf rcligioT^ country^ o^-
frigate opinion, aro rciTiOYe^,

FREEMASON ^S MONIT(>R. 29

Charge on the Behaviour of Masons out of the

Lodge.

When the lodge is closed, you may enjoy your-
selves with innocent mirth ; but you are carefully
to avoid excess. You are not to compel any
brother to act contrary to his inclination, or give
offence by word or deed, but enjoy a free and
easy conversation. You are to use no immoral
•r obscene discourse, but at all times support with
propriety the dignity of your character*

You are to be cautious in your words a^nd car-
riage, that the most penetrating stranger may
not discover, or fmd out, what is not proper to be
intimated ; and, if necessary, you are to wave a
discourse, and manage it prudently, for the ho-
nour of the frateoyj^y*

At home, and in your several neighbourhoods,
you are to behave as wise and moral men. You
are never to communicate to your families, friends
or acquaintafcice, the private transactions of our
different assemblies; but upon every occasion to
consult your ov^n honour, and the reputation of
the fraternity at Ijarge,

You are to stud^ the preservation of health, by
avoiding irregularity, and intemperance, that your
families may not be neglected and injured, or
yourselves disabled from attending to your neces-
sary employments in life.

C 2

so FREEMASON'S MONITOR.

Jf a Stranger apply in tlie character of a masion^
3'ou are cautiously to examine him in such a me-
thod as prudence may direct, and agreeably to the
forms established among masons; that you may
not be imposed upon by an ignorant, false pre-
tender, whom you are to reject with contempt,
and beware of giving him any secret hints of
knowledge. But if you discover him to be a true
and genuine brother, you are to respect^him ; if
he be in want, you are to relieve him, or direct
him how he may be relieved ; you are to employ
him, or recommend hiih to employment : howev-
er, you are never charged to do beyond your abi-
lity, only to prefer a poor brother, who is a good
man and true, before any other person in the
same circumstances. .^■

Finally : These rules you are always to observe
and enforce, and also the duties which have been
communicated in the lectures; cultivating bro-
therly love, the foundation and cape-stone, the
cement and glory, of this ancient fraternity ;
avoiding, upon every occasion, wrangling and
quarrelling, slandering and backbiting; not per.
mitting others to slander honest brethren, but de-
fending* their characters, and doing them good of-
fices, as far as may be consistent with your honour
and safety, but no farther. Hence all may see the
benign inflnence of masonry, as all true masoAF

have done from the beginning of the world, aad
will do to the end of time.

jlmen. So mote it be.