As useful
knowledge is the great object of our desire, we ought to apply
ourselves with
zeal to the
practice and profession of Freemasonry.
The ways of wisdom are beautiful, and lead to pleasure.
Knowledge is attained by
degrees and cannot
everywhere be found. Wisdom
seeks the
secret shade
and the lonely cell, designed for contemplation. There enthroned she sits,
delivering her
sacred oracles.
There
we are to seek
her and to pursue the real bliss.
Though the passage is difficult, the farther we
trace it
the easier it
will become.
If we are united,
our Fraternity must flourish. Let
all
private animosities, therefore, if any should exist,
give place to
peace and
good fellowship. Uniting in the same grand design, let us be happy
ourselves
and
endeavor to contribute to the happiness of others.
Let us promote the useful arts and by that
means mark
our superiority and distinction.
Let us cultivate the moral virtues and improve in all that
is good and
amiable.
Let the genius of
Freemasonry preside over our conduct, and under her sovereign sway, let
us
preserve a
nobleness and justness of understanding, politeness of
manners, and
evenness of temper. Let
our recreations
be innocent and pursued with moderation; and never let us suffer
irregular
indulgences to expose our character
to derision and contempt. Thus shall we act in
conformity to our
precepts and support the name we have always
borne, of being a
respectable,
regular, and uniform Fraternity.