Masonry is a very old institution, and its present constitution dates back over 200 years. Royalty, frequently in the past has been, and still is, well represented in Masonry—as are ren of all sorts and stations in life. It is non-sectarian, not merely clergymen of the Church of England are to be found in its ranks, but also ministers of the Free churches. It is non-political, hence all political parties are well represented—and all alike are Masons on. the essential condition that they believe in the Supreme Being—God, to whom we all must submit and whom we all ought humbly adore. As a constant reminder, the Bible, referred to. by Freemasons as the Volume of the Sacred Law, is always open in the Lodges. Now, obedience to God necessarily involves adherence to the belief in and practice of, brotherhood.
Every Freemason is strictly for-hidden to countenance any act which may have a tendency to subvert the peace and good order of society: he must pay due obedience to the laws of any state in which he resides, and he must never be remiss in ithe allegiance due to the Sovereign of his native land.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.