While Masonry thus inculcates loyalty and citizenship, it reserves to the individual the right to hold his own opinion with regard to public affairs, But neither in any Lodge, nor at any time in his capacity as a Freemason, is he permitted to discuss or to advance his views on the logical or political questions.
A Mason thus retains his freedom of thought in political and theological matters, provided that—as a Freemason he does not discuss them, lest unseemly disputes arise, and provided that he pays unswerving homage to the Almighty Father and Supreme Governor of the Universe. Now, as all Masons. pay allegiance to one Almighty Father, it follows that they are brothers to one another, brothers bound by special ties. As such, a Mason must endeavour to be a worthy brother: hence he has a duty not only to God and to brother Freemasons, but also to himself—tor he must be a true brother and a worthy, if silent, representative of the great brotherhood, even to those who are not members of it.
To God, each one of us Masons has a.clear duty—not merely by never mentioning His name but with that awe and reverence which are due from the creature to his Creator, not merely imploring His aid and looking up to Him in every emergency for comfort and support.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.