A Real Freemason

A real Freemason is distinguished from the rest of mankind by the uniform unrestrained rectitude of his conduct.  Other men are honest in fear of punishment the law might inflict;  they are religious in expectation being rewarded, or in dread of the devil in the next world.

The Freemason would be just as if there was no law, human or divine, except those written in the heart by the fingers of his creator.  In every climate under every system of religion, he is the same.  He kneels before the throne of God in gratitude for the blessing he has received;  and in humble solicitation for his future protection.  He venerates the good men of all religion;  he disturb not the religion of others.  He restrains his passion because they cannot be indulged without injuring his neighbor or himself.  He gives no offense because he does not choose to be offended.  He is honest upon principles.


The duty of a Mason is to endeavor to make man better of his neighbor;  to quiet, instead of aggravating difficulties; to bring together those who are severed or estranged; to keep friends from becoming foes; and to persuade foes to become friends.  To do this, he needs to control his own passion, and be not rash and hasty, nor swift to take offense, nor easy to be angered.