(IX) THE CHARGES APPROVED IN 1722
- Concerning God and Religion.
A Mason is obliged by his tenure, to obey the moral law; and if the rightly understand 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 it is now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that religion in which all man agree, leaving their particular opinions to themselves; that is, to be good men and true, or men of honor and honesty, whatever denomination or persuasions they may be distinguish; whereby Masonry becomes the centre of union, and the means of conciliating true friendship among persons that must else have remained at a perpetual distance.