closing charge
by
Bro. Brian James Fegely
"Brethren, we are now about to quit the sacred retreat of friendship and
virtue, to mix again with the world. Amidst its cares and employment's, forget
the duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and forcibly recommended to
you around this altar; be therefore, diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet.
And remember also, that around this altar you have solemnly and repeatedly
promised, to befriend and relieve, with unhesitating cordiality, every brother
who shall come to you for assistance; that you will remind him, in the most
tender manner, of his failings, and aid his reformation, to vindicate his
character when wrongfully traduced, and to suggest in his behalf the most
candid, favorable, and palliating circumstances, even when his conduct is justly
reprehensible. If you faithfully observe these duties, the world will observe
how Freemasons love one another, in obedience to the Will of God.
These solemn rites, of which you have been partakers, and your parts in them,
are as binding upon your consciences out of the lodge as within it; they are
links in that Chain made in Life, for Eternity. And these generous principles
are to extend further; every human being has a claim upon your kind offices;
wherefore we enjoin it upon you: do good unto all, while we recommend it more
especially to those who are of the household of the faithful".
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