MASONIC VOW
WM Eric Matig-a
With the vows which we have taken upon ourselves, and the instructions given us, should we not be faithful brethren, moral and honorable citizens, kind and sympathizing husbands, and affectionate parents?
The principles of Freemasonry – what are they? – do they not teach men to do unto others as they would that others should do unto them?
If the members of this fraternity, individually, would faithfully consider those principles, with a desire to practice accordingly, would they not exert an influence for good that would be felt
sensibly by the community; and if they were zealous for the greatest good of the institution, would they not do it?
I may not always be correct in my views of Masonry, but if I am correct, how very important that every member should be a good Mason, and exert every faculty of mind and body to promote the best interests of the institution, by exerting an influence in community which could and would be felt for good to all, and the honor of the institution be thereby
preserved untarnished.
A man without good principles is a detriment to any institution, and a curse to himself. He may be zealous, but not according to knowledge; a desire to increase the numbers and dimes, without any regard to moral worth, certainly must be not according to knowledge.