A Charge

So far as you have opportunity , cultivate an esteem for , and a knowledge of the liberal arts and sciences ; besides their use and importance in every part of life , they improve the understanding , enlarge and adorn the mind , render your friendship important , and your conversation solid and entertaining . Geometry is particularly recommended to the attention of Masons ; and I beg the indulgence of my candid brethrenwhilst I expatiate a little upon

, this grand foundation of Masonry . By geometry , I mean not merely a study of the properties of lines , snperfices , and solids , but the geometrical method of reasoning and deduction in the investigation of truth . From the plainest and most intelligible definitions , we understand what is meant by a linea surfacea solida perpendiculara parallela triangle

, , , , , , square , circle , cube , sphere , pyramid , or cone . Prom the most obvious and self-evident axioms we deduce those relations , or proportions of sides , angles , surfaces , or solid contents , which constitute what we call a geometric proposition . And from the comparing and combining our ideas , we gradually arrive at the demonstration , or absolute certainty of those truths which are more complicated , or remote from our first view ( but which

to superior beings , or superior geniuses , may be known intuitively ) . From hence we determine with certainty , what kinds , forms , or dimensions of natural bodies are best adapted to use or ornament . And from these speculative truths , we come to the problematic attainment of what we call pleasing , beautiful , or important . In this light geometry is very properly considered as a natural logic ; for , as truth is ever consistent , invariable and uniform , all truths may be , and ought to be , investigated in the same manner .

Moral and religious definitions , axioms and propositions have as regular and certain a dependance 1121011 each other as any pdiysical or mathematical ones . For instance , the moral relations of husband and wife , parent and child , king and subject , physician and patient , tradesman and customer , are equally certain and demonstrable as the mathematical ones between square and triangle , cube and pyramid , or cone and sphere . In performing a good moral action thenif I may be allowed the expression

, , I am truly solving a moral problem ; for I am acting in conformity to moral truth , or that fitness of things which is internal aud invariable . Whereas , if I neglect my duty , or act inconsistently with the relations I bear : if I injure my neighbour in his person or property , withold due relief from distress , or support from virtue , I am acting in contradiction to a known eternal truth ; or in short , I am acting a lie .

I have been the more earnest and particular upon this subject , as it comprehends the very essence of what I understand b y Masonry . In your future lectures and instructions , you wrill find that all our emblems , allegories , and peculiar characteristics have a beautiful and livel y tendency to this jioint . Almost every branch of science is so applied and so mortalised as to become at once useful and instructive .

From the attention with which you have now honoured me , I hope you will seriously determine to pursue such knowledge , and cultivate such dispositions as will secure to you the brotherly respect of this society , the honour of your farther advancement in it , your peace , comfort , and satisfaction in this life , and your eternal felicity in the next . To the most fervent prayer for which , your faithful affectionate brother will ever devoutly say—AMEN , SO MOTE IT BE .