In the Farmerss Almanac of 1823 the following was printed under the heading, Definition of a Freemason.
The 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 which the law might inflict, they are religious in expectation of being rewarded, or in dread of the devil in the next world.
A Freemason would be just if there were no laws, human or divine except those written in his heart by the finger of his Creator.
In every climate, under every system of religion he is the same. He kneels before the universal Throne of God in gratitude for the blessings he has received and humble solicitation for his future protection. He venerates the good men of all religions. He disturbs not the religion of others.
He restrains his passions, because they cannot be indulged without injuring his neighbor or himself.
He gives no offense, because he does not choose to be offended.
He contracts no debts which he is certain he cannot discharge, because he is honest upon principle.
The 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 which the law might inflict, they are religious in expectation of being rewarded, or in dread of the devil in the next world.
A Freemason would be just if there were no laws, human or divine except those written in his heart by the finger of his Creator.
In every climate, under every system of religion he is the same. He kneels before the universal Throne of God in gratitude for the blessings he has received and humble solicitation for his future protection. He venerates the good men of all religions. He disturbs not the religion of others.
He restrains his passions, because they cannot be indulged without injuring his neighbor or himself.
He gives no offense, because he does not choose to be offended.
He contracts no debts which he is certain he cannot discharge, because he is honest upon principle.
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