Charges Of A Freemason

Masons are but men, and holy as are the principles deduced from our rituals and emblems, and pure as are the designs upon our great moral trestle-board, still men may differ in opinion, in reasoning, and in conclusions.

Charges Of A Freemason.
By Coenelius Moore, Editor of The Masonic Review.
The Freemason’s Chronicle – 4 December 1875

Masons are not infallible more than other men ; and hence differences may arise among them which need to be investigated and adjusted.

The Lodge is the proper tribunal to adjust and settle such difficulties when they arise. If either party is dissatisfied with the decision, he may appeal to the Grand Lodge, but the decision of that body is always final.

Every brother must “stand to that award and determination;” for, as only Masonic matters can be considered by these tribunals, every brother is bound to submit quietly to the final award.

If the difficulty be of such a peculiar character as to require a different reference—if the ” Lord’s work would be hindered” by waiting for the action of the Grand Lodge—in that case a special reference may be made of it by eminent of parties.

By the ” Lord’s work” is meant, in speculative Masonry, the work of the Order: if by taking the difference to the Grand Lodge for adjustment, the work of the Lodge would be arrested, the parties directly interested should consent to an amicable reference, that it may be more speedily decided and settled.

Masons should ” never go to law about what concerneth Masonry,” unless the Lodge should be satisfied that there is an absolute necessity that legal tribunals should adjust the dispute.

The directions in this paragraph are given, not because there is frequent occasion to refer to them, but that should any arise, the mode of settlement may be plain. ” Live in peace,” is an injunction often repeated from the Orient, and all ” know how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.”

The last section provided for the regulation of conduct while the Lodge is in session; the present makes some important suggestions about behaviour after the Lodge is closed, but while the members are yet together. Formerly, there was much more conviviality among the Craft, when not at work, than at the present day.

When the work of the evening was ended, feasting, sentiments, and songs, were ” next in order;” but this practice is now almost entirely abandoned.

Some-times at the session of a Grand Lodge, or on a festival day, the brethren dine together, and enjoy themselves in social converse, but rarely at other times, and even at these festivals, it is now generally considered disreputable to introduce the use of intoxicating liquors.

Our modern festivals are held in public, and the female friends of the members often participate with them on such pleasant occasions. But the ancient practice was to have refreshments in the Lodge ball, and when the work of the evening was over to retire to the festive board.

For such occasions the charge was prepared ; and it was so plain and appropriate that it needs no exposition to be under-stood—no urgency to enforce it: it commends itself to every considerate Mason. No private or persona l disputes must ever be brought into the Lodge room for discussion; much less any disputes about religious or political opinions or policy.

As Masons, our religion is Catholic, that is, universal; and no private dogma or opinion should ever be intruded into such gatherings of friendship. We are of various nations, languages, and kindreds, find our religions and political opinions are also various.

It cannot be expected, therefore, that we should all entertain the same opinions in these matters; but we ” agree to differ,” while we unite in the ” grand design of being happy and communicating happiness.”

It is added that, ” this Charge has been always strictly enjoined and observed; but especially, ever since the Reformation.”

The reason why it has been specially enforced since that period is, that much greater diversity in religious opinions exist than formerly; and, therefore, the greater danger of introducing discord and bad feelings, in here only ” peace and unity ” should over exist.

Masons cannot be too careful to exclude from their meetings every element of contention; and the only strife permitted there should be, ” who could best work and best agree.” This section, we think, needs but little comment. It allows of Certain liberties when the Craft are alone together, that should be restrained in the presence of those not Masons.

They may converse on, Masonry, receive and impart instruction, and keep each other advised of the condition and progress of the Order. But their communications must be courteous and respectful; for though we are enjoined to call each other brother, and meet upon the level, yet Masonry does not remove the distinctions which always exist in social life, on account of station, talents, or moral eminence.

But no station should make us forget that we are brethren; that we are descended from the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same hope;” and that ” soon all distinctions but that of goodness shall cease.”

These should never be forgotten. To keep sacred and inviolable the mysteries of the Order,” is one of the earliest and most positive injunctions laid upon the new made brother.

This is a duty he may not, must not neglect. To reveal the secrets of Masonry to one not entitled to them, is the highest offence against the Order, and one, at the bare thought of which, every good Mason would shudder. But the secrets of Masonry maybe revealed—unlawfully revealed—without intending to do so on the part of him who commits the offence.

And though there may be no criminal intent in the act, yet the consequence would be the same. Hence the necessity of extreme caution, especially on the part of young and inexperienced brethren, when in the presence of those not Masons, or of strangers whom you do not know to be Masons.

The writer, in an extensive intercourse with the Craft for many years, and in different States, has witnessed many indiscretions in this behalf… Brethren in company presume too much—venture too far—-without knowing, from legal information, that all within sight or hearing are Masons. In these matters nothing should be presumed; wait until you can legally say, I know, then speak freely.

Every Mason recognises his obligation to preserve the secrets of Masonry from those unauthorised to receive them; but it is also incumbent upon every Mason to keep secret the transactions of the Lodge. Much evil is sometimes done, when a candidate has been rejected, by some incautious brother revealing the fact either to the candidate himself, or someone not a Mason.

Such conduct is highly un-masonic and dishonourable, and no one should be allowed to repeat it without meeting with a prompt rebuke.

Even our families and our most intimate friends, should be kept in ignorance of those transactions which occur within the tiled recesses of the Lodge room.

A Mason who will reveal these forbidden things to any one, not a Mason, is a bad man as well as a very unwise one. He has under-taken to keep them secret; hence by revealing them he violates his vow, ruins his reputation, and produces discord and confusion.” Lock up your treasure in your own breast.”

Temperance is a cardinal virtue of the Order; temperance in all things, whether it be indulgence in food, drink, or pleasure, or in excessive labour. A man should not drink too much of anything, and more especially of alcoholic or stimulating liquors.

Indeed, the former should not be used at all, except as a medicine; for its use as a beverage is productive of evil only. We may eat intemperately also, as well as drink; but in the latter case, intemperance consists in eating too much, not as in the former, in eating at all.

Nature demands food—it revolts at alcohol. But we should eat no more than nature requires; when we go beyond this point, it becomes intemperance. We may be intemperate in going to the Lodge too often, or staying there too late at night.

Every labouring man needs a certain amount of rest, as well as time for study and reflection, and evenings are almost the only hours which a labouring man can devote to these. Once or twice per month, as a general rule, is as often as a brother should attend the Lodge; the rest of his evenings should be devoted to his family, to rest, and to the cultivation of his intellectual and moral nature.

Late hours at the Lodge should also be avoided ; at a reasonable hour every brother should be at home with his family, for his family has the first and highest claims upon him.

His health, too, should be consulted, and health cannot be preserved unless a reasonable portion of time is devoted to rest. Nature’s laws were enacted by God himself, and are imperative upon all. Be temperate, then, in all things.

In the examination of strangers, either in private, or as visitors at a Lodge, great care and circumspection should be observed as a general rule, unless there be an urgent and special reason for it, no examination should take place except at the meeting of a Lodge.

Young Masons, especially, should be exceedingly careful in their intercourse with strangers professing to be Masons. Until they are well skilled in the art, and have sufficient experience to guard against the wiles and cunning of designing men, they should never attempt to examine into the Masonic qualifications of a stranger, unless an old and experienced brother be present.

Great care should also bo exercised at Lodges, in the selection of committees to examine strange brethren who wish to visit the Lodge. That is a work which should never be entrusted to inexperienced hands. Men in years, and eminent for their knowledge of the art, their prudence, address, and sound judgment should always be detailed for this duty.

A stranger should be “cautiously examined, andin such a manor as prudence shall dictate. The stranger should be treated civilly, courteously, and respectfully. We have frequently heard complaints about the manner in which strangers are sometimes treated on such occasions: they should be received as gentlemen, and regarded as honest and true, until they are proved to be otherwise; then it will be time enough to ” reject them with contempt and derision.”

If, after a proper and thorough examination, you are satisfied the stranger is a “true and genuine brother, you are to respect him accordingly.”

He should be no longer a stranger, but at home and among his brethren. It makes no difference whether he be rich or poor, or what his creed or country; if he be a good and true Mason he should be welcomed with open arms and sympathizing hearts .

If the stranger be in want, he should be relieved if possible; if you cannot do it yourself, you should put him in the way of being relieved. If you have employment for him, give him work, and pay him his wages ; if you cannot employ him, direct him to someone who can, and thus aid him in procuring work.

In these cases, however, it should always be remembered, that none but worthy brethren are entitled to your regard and assistance. An unworthy Mason, like an impostor, should be treated “with contempt and derision.” The old rule is as good now as ever, ” he that will not work should not eat.”

This final section of the Charges is of great importance, especially in its bearing upon the social duties and relations of Masons. Having settled, in clear and unmistakable terms, the great fundamental and immutable principles of the Order; having pointed out those elementary laws and usages which lie at the foundation of Masonry, and which must remain unaltered and unalterable to the end of time.

The Charges next proceed to lay down rules of conduct, and define certain social duties, the observance of which are absolutely necessary to secure good order, peace, and prosperity in the great Masonic family throughout the world.

The importance of these, every discerning Mason will at once discover, for they commend themselves to the judgment with a force which admits of no repulse.”

All these Charges you are to observe!”—Brother, write that sentence upon your memory, and never forget that ” these Charges “are a changeless law, and of enduring obligation. And not only these, but ” those that shall be communicated to you in another way,”—that cannot be written, but which are in harmony with these, and equally binding.

An epitome of the social duties embraced in the Charges follow:—

To cultivate brotherly love, avoid wrangling, slandering, backbiting, and to live in peace and fraternal affection—these must be observed.

You are not only to avoid injuring each other’s good name and character, but you are to protect the character of every ” honest brother,” and do him all the ” good offices” yon can, “as far as is consistent with your honour and safety, and no further.”

These rules, if strictly obeyed in the spirit in which they are given, would unite the Craft in one ” indissoluble bond of sincere affection,” and diffuse a spirit of peace and goodwill throughout the entire family of man.

Further than this: if disputes and differences should unfortunately arise, a wise provision is made for their adjustment. The matter should be brought before your Lodge or his for adjustment, and but few cases need go any further. If, however, it cannot be satisfactorily settled there, then an appeal may be taken to the Grand Lodge ‘or final decision.

Disputes between the members of the Order should never be taken before the legal tribunals for decision, unless they” cannot be otherwise decided.”

But even then, the Master and members of the Lodge should kindly offer their mediation, and try to” put a speedy period to all lawsuits,” that all may be prepared to discharge their Masonic duties with ” alacrity and success.”

Such is the advice which Masonry gives; such the kindly admonitions which her Charges breathe; and if they are heeded, as they should be by every brother, they will have a most favourable influence, not only upon the Craft, but upon society at large.”

Amen, so mote it he.”—This is the crowning wish, the earnest prayer breathed from the heart, that these Charges may be heeded by the Craft, and that ” the benign influence of Masonry ” may be seen and felt for good in all the world, and to the end of time. So be it now, and so may it ever be.
 
This is the spirit of the closing invocation, and every generous and manly heart must echo the sentiment.

This ends the “OLD CHARGES.” We have carefully examined them, and find nothing objectionable, but much that is wholesome intendency, healthful in influence, and of sound, as well as great, practical importance.

They bespeak a clear insight into human nature, and, as far as anything short of inspired wisdom can, meet the necessities of social life, restrain the passions of men, throw light along the dreary path in which we travel on earth, and awaken the best feelings of our nature in behalf of our brother man.

They do not pretend to provide for our eternal welfare, but they are well calculated to prepare us for the reception of those higher and still more important truths which God has revealed, and which are sufficient to direct us into that path which “leads to a glorious immortality.”