The First of the Old Charges

A Mason is obliged by his tenure to obey the moral law; and if he rightly understands the
art, he will never be a stupid atheist, nor an irreligious libertine. But though in ancient
times Masons were charged in every country to be of the religion of that country or
nation, whatever it was, yet ’tis now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that
religion in which all men agree, leaving their particular opinions to themselves; that is, to
be good men and true, or men of honour and honesty, by whatever denominations or
persuasions they may be distinguished; whereby Masonry becomes the center of union
and the means of conciliating true friendship among persons that must have remained at a
perpetual distance.

“Concerning God and Religion” – The Old Charges, 1723.

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