me we contemplate, and by its dictates endeavor to
regulate our conduct; hence, while influenced by this principle,
hypocrisy and deceit are unknown among us, sincerity and plain dealing
distinguish us, and the heart and tongue join in promoting each
other's welfare, and rejoicing in each other's prosperity. Union is
that kind of friendship which ought to appear conspicuous in every
Mason's conduct. It is so closely allied to the divine attribute,
truth, that he who enjoys the one is seldom destitute of the other.
Should interest, honor, prejudice, or human depravity ever induce you
to violate any part of the sacred trust we now repose in you, let
these two important words, at the earliest insinuation, teach you to
put on the check-line of truth, which will infallibly direct you to
pursue that straight and narrow path which ends in the full enjoyment
of the Grand Lodge above, where we shall all meet as Masons and
members of the same family, in peace, harmony, and love; where all
discord on account of politics, religion, or private opinion, shall be
unknown, and banished from within our walls.

"Brother, it has been a custom from time immemorial to demand, or ask
from a newly-made brother, something of a metallic kind, not so much
on account of its intrinsic value, but that it may be deposited in the
archives of the Lodge, as a memorial that you was herein made a Mason;
a small trifle will be sufficient--anything of a metallic kind will
do; if you have no money, anything of a metallic nature will be
sufficient; even a button will do." [The candidate says he has nothing
about him; it is known he has nothing.] "Search yourself," the Master
replies. He is assisted in searching--nothing is found. "Perhaps you
can borrow a trifle," says the Master. [He tries to borrow, none will
lend him; he proposes to go into the other room where his clothes are;
he is not permitted: if a stranger, he is very much embarrassed.]
Master to candidate, "Brother, let this ever be a striking lesson to
you, and teach you, if you should ever see a friend, but more
especially a brother, in a like penniless situation, to contribute as
liberally to his relief as his situation may require, and your
abilities will admit, without material injury to yourself or family."
Master to Senior Deacon, "You will conduct the candidate back from
whence he came, and invest him of what he has been divested, and let
him return for further instruction. A zealous attach