General Rules of the Freemasons, with a Discourse on the Purpose of Masonry

one part arises from the nature of the heart described above, while the other becomes necessary through the establishment of the Order.

Selflessness original: "Uneigennüzigkeit"; the quality of being unselfish or disinterested in personal gain is founded upon a good and magnanimous heart. A person who loves money will always love it more than his friends. Wealth must be viewed as a means by which one lives, but not as the object for which one exists. In order to put this selflessness to the test, the Lodges long ago established the practice of requesting a small fee from a Brother being initiated, provided that his personal circumstances are not made worse by such a small sum.

In the case of a Brother who is oppressed by hardship original: "Noth", this test is waived, and his character must be recognized through other means. Far be it from this selflessness to open the door to extravagance; a spendthrift is only generous in relation to himself. His own pleasure and the promotion of his vain glory are what open his purse. Generosity original: "Großmuth"; literally "great-mindedness" or magnanimity is of a different kind; she is a housekeeper who saves her provisions until the time of need.