Having explained the principles of the Order, and endeavoured to demonstrate
the excellence and utility of the institution, I shall conclude my observations
with a few friendly admonitions to my brethren.
As useful knowledge is the great object of our desire, let us steadily adhere
to the principles it inculcates, check our progress, or damp our zeal; but
let us recollect, that the ways of wisdom are beautiful, and lead to pleasure.
Knowledge is attained by degrees, and cannot every where be found. Wisdom
seeks the secret shade, the lonely cell designed for contemplation. There
enthroned she sits, delivering her sacred oracles. There let us seek her,
and pursue the real bliss. Though the passage be difficult, the farther we
trace it, the easier it will become.
Union and harmony constitute the essence of Freemasonry: while we enlist
under that banner, the society must flourish, and privet animosities give
place to peace and good fellowship. Uniting in one design, let it be our
aim to be happy ourselves, and contribute to the happiness of others. Let
us make our superiority and distinction among men, by the sincerity of our
profession as Masons; let us cultivate the moral virtues, and improve in
all that is good and amiable; let the Genius of Masonry preside over our
conduct, and under her sway let us perform our part with becoming dignity.
Let us preserve an elevation of understanding, with a politeness of manner,
and an evenness of temper. Let our recreations be innocent, and pursued with
moderation; and never let irregular indulgences lead to the subversion of
our system, by impairing our faculties, and exposing our character to derision.
But, in conformity to our precepts, as patterns worthy of imitation, let
the respectability of our lives be supported by the regularity of our conduct,
and the uniformity of our deportment. Thus, as citizens of the world, as
friends to every clime, we shall be living examples of virtue and benevolence,
equally zealous to merit as to obtain universal approbation.