[89] CHAPTER IX. Charges to new admitted brethren in the different degrees. SECTION 1.-TO AN ENTERED APPRENTICE. Brother, I congratulate you on your admission as a member, into this our ancient and honourable fraternity; ancient, as having subsisted from. time immemorial; and honourable, as tending, in every respect to render a man so, who will act in conformity with its precepts. No institution was ever raised on better principles, or on a more solid foundation; nor were ever more excellent rules and useful maxims laid down than those, which are inculcated on all persons initiated into our mysteries. Monarchs, in all ages, have been patrons of this art, and many of them have presided as grand masters, deeming it no derogation from their dignities, to put themselves on a level with their brethren, to extend their privileges and to patronize their assemblies. On this side of the Atlantic, which may, in some respects, be called a new world, the immortal Washington, the illustrious Franklin, the brave general Warren, and many more of our most celebrated revolutionary characters, too tedious to be mentioned, were of this institution most distinguished members; and I have the pleasure to add, that many of the most eminent statesmen, who have been since called to guide the destinies of this rising empire, have not only been members of our society; but have delighted in exerting themselves to the utmost, to promote its honour and best in terests. The world's great architect is our supreme master, and the unerring rule, which he has given to every one, I mean the light of conscience, is the rule, by which we ought invariably to work. There are three great duties, which masons ought not only to perform themselves; but, likewise, to inculcate, as far as possible, on their friends and acquaintances, viz. their duty to God, their neighbours, and themselves. 1. To God. In never mentioning his sacred name, unless with that reverential awe, which is due from a creature to his creator, whom we ought to adore, as the source of all happiness, not only in the present; but also, in that future world, which is beyond death and the grave; whom we ought always to have in view, as our chief good, and whose blessing we ought to implore, on all our laudable undertakings. 2. To your neighbours, you are to act upon the square, i. e. you are to follow the golden rule of doing to others, as, in similar cir cumstances you would wish that they should do to you. 3. As it respects yourself, you are to avoid intemperance and excess of every kind, whereby you may be rendered incapable of following your work or prosecuting the duties of your profession, or by which you may be led into behaviour unbecoming of our order. You are likewise to labour diligently in your vocation; for "he, who doth not work, should not eat," and "he, who is slothful in work, is brother to him, who is a great waster." In the state you are to be a quiet and peaceable citizen. You are never to countenance treason or rebellion; but to shew yourself, on every occasion, disposed to act in conformity to the laws, constitution and government of the country, in which you live, and to induce others, as far as may be in your power, to act in the same manner. In your intercourse with the world, you are to be particularly careful, to act in such a manner, as that you may avoid censure or reproach. Let not interest, favour, or partiality, to any individual bias your integrity, or influence you to be guilty of a dishonourable action, of which you might afterwards have cause to repent; but let your whole conduct be such as will ensure you the testimony of a good conscience, towards God and towards man. Be eminent for the practice of benevolence and charity, which may with great propriety be considered as the distinguishing characteristic of this venerable institution. You are carefully to study the principles, and endeavour to excel in all the virtues of the craft A punctual attendance, at every meeting of the lodge is required. Your improvement and your happiness will, thereby, be greatly promoted. Yet masonry must not interfere with your necessary employments; for these are, on no account, to be neglected. At your leisure, it is expected, that you will apply to such brethren as are skilled in the mys-tic art, whom you will find to be fully as ready to give, as you to receive instruction. You are to endeavour to improve in useful knowledge. Here no reflection is intended: upon you. But it may be safely asserted, that the wisest of us have much to learn, and that when a man thinks himself perfect in any art, science, or profession, all hopes of his improvement may, in general, be considered as vain. But of you, my brother, we entertain the most sanguine expectations, and doubt not that by your industry, perseverance, and good conduct, you will become an useful member of this lodge, and an honour to the craft. If, in the circle of your acquaintance, you should find one, who may be desirous of being received into our society, you are by no means to recommend him, unless you be convinced, that he will conform to our rules, so that the honour and reputation of our institu tion may not be tarnished, and that the world, at large, may be satisfied with respect to its benign influence. Finally, You are to keep sacred and inviolable the mysteries of the order, as these are to distinguish you from the rest of the community, and mark your consequence amongst the fraternity. Brother, we bid you a sincere welcome to all the pleasures of this affectionate and happy fraternity. SECTION 2.—A CHARGE TO A FELLOW CRAFT. Brother, As you are now advanced to the second degree of masonry, viz. that of a fellow craft, we congratulate you on your preferment. Your past good behaviour and regular deportment, have merited the additional honours which we have now conferred upon you; and, in this new character, it is not only expected that you will conform to the principles of masonry, but that you will steadily persevere in the practice of every virtue. The study of the liberal arts, that valuable branch of education, which tends so effectually to polish and adorn the mind, is earnestly recommended to your consideration, especially the science of geometry, which is justly deemed the basis of our art. Geometry or masonry, originally synonymous terms, is of a divine and moral nature, and enriched |