Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' 'Magazine: Or, General And Complete Library.
Ana here we ought not to pass by an ordinary , but a very great fault , that frequently happens in almost every dispute ; I mean that of interrupting others , while they are speaking . This is a failing , which ' the members of the best-regulated Confraternities among us have endeavoured to guard against , in the by-laws of their respective Societies , and is what the R . W . person in the chair should principally regardand see well put in executionYet it is
, . as an ill practice , that prevails much in the world , and especially where less care is taken , it cannot be improper to offer a word or two against it here . There cannotbe a greater rudeness than to interrupt another in the current of his discourse : for if it be not impertinence and foll y to answer a manbefore we know what be has to yet it is
, say ; a plain declaration , that we are weary of his discourse ; that we dis ^ regard what he says , as judging it not fit to entertain the Society with ; and is in fact , little less than a downri ght desiring that Ourselves may have audience , who have something to produce , better worth the attention of the company . As this ° is no ordinary degree of disrespect , it cannot but give always very great offence .
The fourth thing , Brethren , that is against Civility , and therefore apt to overset the harmony of'Conversation , is CAP ' TJOUSNESS . And it is so , not only because it . often produces misbecoming and provoking expressions and behaviour in a part of the company , but because it is a tacit accusation and a reproach for something illtaken , from those we are displefced with . Such an intimation or must
even suspicion , always be uneasy to society ; and as one angry person is sufficient to discompose a whole company , for the generality , all mutual happiness and satisfaction ceases therein , on any such jarring . This failing therefore should be guarded against with the same care , as either the boisterous rusticity and insinuated contempt , or the ill-natured disposition to censure , already considered and disallowed of . For as peace , ease , and satisfaction are
what constitute the pleasure , the happiness , and are the very soul of Conversation ; if these be interrupted , the design of Society is undermined ; and in that circumstance , how should Brotherly Love continue ? Certain it is , that unless good order , decency , and temper be preserved by the individuals of Society , confusion will be introduced , and a dissolution will naturall y , very quickly , follow . What therefore remains is to remind the Brethren , that
Masons have ever been lovers of order . It is the business of their particular profession to reduce all rude matters to truth . Their aphorisms recommend it . The number of their li ghts , and the declared end of their coming together , intimate the frame and disposition of mind , wherewith they are to meet , and the manner of their behaviour when assembled . Shall it then ever be said , that those , who by choice are distinguished from the gross of mankind , and who voluntarily have enrolled their names in this most ancient and honorable Society , are
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Freemasons' 'Magazine: Or, General And Complete Library.
Ana here we ought not to pass by an ordinary , but a very great fault , that frequently happens in almost every dispute ; I mean that of interrupting others , while they are speaking . This is a failing , which ' the members of the best-regulated Confraternities among us have endeavoured to guard against , in the by-laws of their respective Societies , and is what the R . W . person in the chair should principally regardand see well put in executionYet it is
, . as an ill practice , that prevails much in the world , and especially where less care is taken , it cannot be improper to offer a word or two against it here . There cannotbe a greater rudeness than to interrupt another in the current of his discourse : for if it be not impertinence and foll y to answer a manbefore we know what be has to yet it is
, say ; a plain declaration , that we are weary of his discourse ; that we dis ^ regard what he says , as judging it not fit to entertain the Society with ; and is in fact , little less than a downri ght desiring that Ourselves may have audience , who have something to produce , better worth the attention of the company . As this ° is no ordinary degree of disrespect , it cannot but give always very great offence .
The fourth thing , Brethren , that is against Civility , and therefore apt to overset the harmony of'Conversation , is CAP ' TJOUSNESS . And it is so , not only because it . often produces misbecoming and provoking expressions and behaviour in a part of the company , but because it is a tacit accusation and a reproach for something illtaken , from those we are displefced with . Such an intimation or must
even suspicion , always be uneasy to society ; and as one angry person is sufficient to discompose a whole company , for the generality , all mutual happiness and satisfaction ceases therein , on any such jarring . This failing therefore should be guarded against with the same care , as either the boisterous rusticity and insinuated contempt , or the ill-natured disposition to censure , already considered and disallowed of . For as peace , ease , and satisfaction are
what constitute the pleasure , the happiness , and are the very soul of Conversation ; if these be interrupted , the design of Society is undermined ; and in that circumstance , how should Brotherly Love continue ? Certain it is , that unless good order , decency , and temper be preserved by the individuals of Society , confusion will be introduced , and a dissolution will naturall y , very quickly , follow . What therefore remains is to remind the Brethren , that
Masons have ever been lovers of order . It is the business of their particular profession to reduce all rude matters to truth . Their aphorisms recommend it . The number of their li ghts , and the declared end of their coming together , intimate the frame and disposition of mind , wherewith they are to meet , and the manner of their behaviour when assembled . Shall it then ever be said , that those , who by choice are distinguished from the gross of mankind , and who voluntarily have enrolled their names in this most ancient and honorable Society , are