GENERAL LAWS:
– AS SAID BY THE PROPHET
Instructions of Tuesday night
You see what happened to-day don’t you!
Every Temple—The head of every Temple are to function by words, deeds, and actions, imitating the Prophet. Especially when teaching Moors, any group of Moors. These are the General Laws— the Supreme laws will be handed you to-morrow night. The Supreme Council will be chosen to-morrow, consisting of seven men, tried and true, accepted by you according to their words, works and deeds.
The head of all temples are to give an account once a month of all finances into the Grand Body and the Grand Sheik—Grand Sheikess—Governor, and Grand Governor of any said Temple are to work hand in hand and intercede that the Prophet is the Law. They are to know they are a part of the law and must obey.
The Heads of all Temples are to by force refrain from all wrath words, profanity in the mildest form from his members. They must live the life of Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom, and Justice, and refrain from all alcoholic liquors or any other harmful things that will terminate to destroy Peace, or any other of the Divine Principles. They are not to contribute to anything that will cause the public to disagree with he or she. And for one to lead a group of Moors, you must keep your house clean – – clean with good deeds, kind words-your wives, brothers must hear good words, kind words, and must know of your good deeds.
If there are children you must see to their support. Follow this Divine Principle, for if you don’t restrict to this Divine Principle then you are not a true Moor, and the heads are not to charge for membership, or to overcharge for cards, buttons, or for anything issued by the Prophet. Those who contribute to either of the preceding are not Moors, but robbers. Membership, sisters and brothers, is free; not only here but all over the world. The button is 25 cents, card 25 cents; and one month’s dues is paid. Every member pays 50 cents a month for dues. This money goes towards the support of the Temple. This, if not paid, does not entitle you to the protection that is provided for you, and especially if you are not working or in the position to work. If you neglect to fulfill this small duty assigned you, how can you rightfully expect money or other help when you are sick or otherwise disable? And to be a real Moorish leader you must study the Koran and the Divine constitution that is handed down unto you by I, the Prophet. The head of any Temple can maintain an emergency fund, which cannot exceed the amount of from twenty-five cents to fifty cents a week per member. All public collections and dues also go to the support of the Temple and its domestic work. The head of every Temple must, by law, obey the word of the Prophet, and if any head leader or head of any Temple fails to obey these laws -embezzlement is his charge and is subject to enforcement of the law by the Grand Body: and the penalty may be a fine or removal from office, or being placed under a very heavy restriction of the law.
Think This Over, You Moors
All Sheiks, Grand Sheiks must prepare for the Prophet before he comes to visit them. Must see to it that all is clean and in perfection as far as comfort is possible or otherwise don’t arrange to have his presence. All members should pay from 25 cents to 50 cents weekly towards the Emergency Fund. This fund will increase so that it will soon amount to the grand sum of $1,000. That is, if you are loyal Moors. The Emergency Fund goes into the bank. The treasurer will tend to the responsibility of seeing that the money is in the bank, yes, and under the name of the Moorish Science Temple of America Finance. When needed, act according to the law pertaining to the procedure of performing an Emergency Act.
No head of any said Temple is to borrow from any member more than five to ten dollars unless by notification of Grand Body or the Prophet, the necessity for the loan. When any said Temple desires to purchase property, Trustees and the Board must be notified, and it must be purchased under the name of the Moorish Science Temple of America— No individual name should be applied. I, Noble Drew Ali, is responsible for all purchases of land, buildings etc., Let me, the Prophet, then know what is on me.
Some of you have slipped — slipped drastically, so you had better lace up your shoes before I get there. Everything, every business transaction or anything pertaining to finance is done in the name of the Moorish Science Temple of America, or Noble Drew Ali. Do you understand what I say? We Moors must maintain a Grand Treasurer, just as in the days of our Forefathers. Then you are a nation – Until then, you are nothing. Furthermore, the Emergency Fund is issued by no books, but by an emergency card punched according to contribution, then marked on the book. That is the law, and the law must live. The government is behind me, and I must get behind you. For I must, my mission is to save you Moors.
Just as you saw that man put down $20 last night, so there are men waiting to put down thousands of dollars for the progress of this Divine Movement. Then I in turn use it among the Temples, seeing that you are comfortable. I can show many illustrations. I have demonstrated that you can use my money if your heart is right, pure, and just. So this is a New Year’s Celebration, turn over a new leaf, you Moors, this is the beginning of New Business.
The heads of all Temples, Grand Sheiks, Grand Sheikess must confirm themselves to the Divine principles: Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom, and Justice. They must live the life among the members and be loved by them as even the Prophet is loved. They must not practice the principle of segregation among any group in his or her Temple. Would that be a good Moor? Let it be he or she that is head of any Temple of the Moorish Science Temple of America that if there come any grievance, notify the Prophet instantly and do not attempt to quiet among yourselves. All Heads of all Temples are to constrict and conform to these Laws.
BY THE PROPHET