Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

T0WX. 191
9. " The Scriptures teach us, in general terms, all the
duties of charity; to feed the hungry, and clothe the naked,
to visit the widow and fatherless, [of every family, and brotherhood,
and people,] and to keep ourselves unspotted
from the world. Masonry dwells upon these subjects in
every degree, and lays her members under the most solemn
obligations to exercise Christian [or Mahomedan, as the
case may be] charity and benevolence, [toward all the fraternity,]
and never to violate the lftws of chastity;" [in
connexion with the near relatives of a Master Mason.]
This supplement is most important to a right knowledge
of the principles of Masonry. The ancient charges, as
published in the sixteenth century, were more precise in
this particular than modern indulgence permits. Not only
the near relatives, but even the domestics of a Master Mason,
were then foreclosed by his obligations against the Mason's
lust. But, observe, the rest of mankind, the unitiated,
have always been, and are, fair game to those who are not
restrained by more than a masonic oath.
When wolves have unlimited range, the careless shepherds
are the principal sufferers ; but if they are barred to
. one side of the mountain, the inhabitants need to watch. -
10. " The Word of God teaches us to love our enemies,
and render good for evil. Masonry will feed a brother, even
at the point of the sword, should his necessities absolutely
require it, and uniformly exhorts to overcome evil with
good.
11. " Inspiration commands us to live peaceably with all
men, and pursue our lawful avocations with diligent application.
The masonic institution enjoins similar commands
in numerous ways/ 1 (p. 52.)
Qur author's parallel runs, like a school-boy's metaphor,
on all fours quite to the end of the course. The jade, however,
flags in the race, and we will come with her immediately
to the goal. " The scriptures, in a word, require a
strict obedience to the whole moral law. This law is summarily
interwoven with every part of the masonic system.