II. OF THE CIVII, MAGISTRATE, SUPREME AND

SUBORDINATE. A Mason is a Peaceable Subject to the Civil Powers, wherever he resides or works, and is never to be con- cern'd in Plots and Conspiracies against the Peace and Welfare of the Nation, nor to behave himself unduti- fully to inferior Magistrates ; for as Masonry hath been always injured by War, Bloodshed, and Confusion, so ancient Kings and Princes have been much dispos'd to encourage the Craftsmen, because of their Peaceable- ness and Loyalty, whereby they practically answer'd the Cavils of their Adversaries, and promoted the Honor of the Fraternity, who ever flourish'd in Times of Peace. So that if a Brother should be a Rebel
ANCIENT CHARGES. 17
against the State, he is not to be countenanc'd in his Rebellion, however he may be pitied as an unhappy Man ; and if Convicted of no other Crime, though the loyal Brotherhood must and ought to disown his Re- bellion, and give no Umbrage or Ground of Political Jealousy to the Government for the time being, they can not expel him from the Lodge, and his Relation to it remains indefeasible.