Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS OF MASSACHUSE1 fS. 53
cause; to receive and collect funds for the relief of poor
and distressed brethren, their widows or children; and, in
general, to transact all matters relating to Masonry, which
may to them appear to be for the good of the craft, according
to the ancient usages and customs of Masons. 11 I give
this, because it embraces in the words of authority, the
whole business of our lodges.
Page 83, Subject, Installation of officers. w Grand Master
asks* the Dep. Grand Master, Have you examined the
master nominated in the warrant, and do you find him well
skilled in the science of Masonry V The science of Masonry
! that is the thing not to be forgotten.
The following chapter is transcribed entire, for the honourable
testimony it bears to the masonic character of a
Mftster Mason; and the conviction carried through the
whole chapter, that a master msy speak as one that knows,
and teach as one that understands, what Free Masonry is.
Page 121. " The Government of the Fraternity explained.
The mode of government observed by the Fraternity, will
best explain the importance of Masonry, and give a true idea
of its nature and design.
" Three classes are generally admitted, under different
appellations.
" The privileges of each class are distinct and particular;
means are adopted to preserve those privileges to the just
and meritorious. Honour and probity are recommendations
to the first class, in which the practice of virtue is enforced,
and the duties of morality are inculcated, while the
mind is prepared for social converse, and a regular progress
in the principles of knowledge and philosophy.
" Diligence, assiduity, and application, are qualifications
for the second class; in which an accurate elucidation of
science, both in theory and practice, is given ; human reason
is cultivated by a due exertion of our rational powers and
faculties, nice and difficult theories are explained, new discoveries
produced* and those already known beautifidly embellished.