Charge on the Behavior of Masons -Out
of the lodge
Taken
from "Drew's Masonic Handbook, 1867 edition
When the lodge is closed, you may
enjoy yourselves 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 offense by word or deed, but enjoy
a free
and easy conversation. You
are to use no
immoral or obscene discourse, but at all times support with propriety
the
dignity of your character.
You are to be
cautious in your words and carriage, that the
most penetrating stranger may not discover or find out what is not
proper to be
imitated; and, if necessary, you are to waive a discourse, and manage
it
prudently, for the honor of the fraternity.
At home, and
in your several neighborhoods, you are to
behave as wise and moral men. You
are
never to communicate to your families, friends, or acquaintance, the
private
transactions of our different assemblies; but upon every occasion to
consult
your own honor and the reputation of the fraternity at large.
You are to
study the preservation of health, by avoiding
irregularity and intemperance, that your families may not be neglected
or
injured, or yourselves disabled from attending to your necessary
employments in
life.
If a
stranger apply in the character of a Mason, you are
cautiously to examine him in such a method as prudence may direct, and
agreeably to the forms established among Masons, that you may not be
imposed
upon by an ignorant false pretender, 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 to be relieved.
You are to employ him, or recommend him to employment. However, you are never
charged to do beyond
your ability; 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
brotherly love, the foundation and cape-store, the cement and glory, of
this
ancient fraternity; avoiding, upon every occasion, wrangling and
quarrelling,
slandering and backbiting – not permitting others to slander
honest brethren,
but defending their characters, and doing them good offices, as far as
may be
consistent with your honor and safety, but no further.
Hence all may see the benign influences of
Masonry, as all true Masons have done from the beginning and will do
until the
end.
