Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Charge Delivered At The Initiation Of Every Brother Into Freemasonry.
peace and good order of society , by paying due obedience to the laws of any state which may for a time become the place of your residence , or afford you its protection , and above all , by never losing sight of the allegiance due to the sovereign of your native land , ever remembering that nature has implanted in your breast a sacred and
indissoluble attachment towards that country whence you derived your birth and infant nurture ; as an individual , I ivould further recommend the practice of every domestic , as well as public virtue ; let Prudence direct you , Temperance chasten you , Fortitude support you , and Justice be the guide of all your actions : be especially careful to maintain in their fullest splendour , those trul y Masonic ornaments which have alread y been so amply illustrated , viz . Benevolence and Charity . Still , however , as a Freemason , there are other excellencies of
character to which your attention may be peculiarly and forcibly directed , amongst the foremost of these are secrecy , fidelity , and obedience . Secrecy consists in an inviolable adherence to the obligation you have entered into , —never improperly to disclose any of those Masonic secrets whicli have now , or may at any future time be entrusted to your keeping , and cautiousl y to avoid all occasions which may inadvertently lead
you so to do . Your fidelity must be exemplified by a close conformity to the Constitutions of the fraternity , by adhering to the ancient landmarks of the Order , by never attempting to extort , or otherwise undul y obtain the secrets of a superior degree , and by refraining to recommend any one to a participation of our secrets , unless you have strong grounds to believe , that by a similar fidelity , he will ultimately reflect honour on
our choice . So must your obedience be proved by a strict observance Of our laws and regulations , by a prompt attention to all signs and summonses , by modest ancl correct demeanor while in the Lodge , by abstaining from every topic of religious or political discussion , by
a ready acquiescence m all votes and resolutions duly passed by a majority of the Brethren ; and b y a perfect submission to the Master and his Wardens , whilst acting in the discharge of their respective offices . And , as a last general recommendation , let me exhort you to dedicate yourself to such pursuits as may at once enable you to become respectable in your rank of life , useful to mankind , and an
ornament to the society of which you have this day become a member ; that you will more especially study such of the liberal arts and sciences as may lie within the compass of your attainment , and that without neglecting the ordinary duties of your station , you will feel yourself called on to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowled ge . From the very commendable attention you appear to have given to this charge , I am led to hope that you will dul y appreciate the value of Freemasonry , and imprint indelibl y on your heart the sacred dictates of Truth , of Honour , and of Virtue .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Charge Delivered At The Initiation Of Every Brother Into Freemasonry.
peace and good order of society , by paying due obedience to the laws of any state which may for a time become the place of your residence , or afford you its protection , and above all , by never losing sight of the allegiance due to the sovereign of your native land , ever remembering that nature has implanted in your breast a sacred and
indissoluble attachment towards that country whence you derived your birth and infant nurture ; as an individual , I ivould further recommend the practice of every domestic , as well as public virtue ; let Prudence direct you , Temperance chasten you , Fortitude support you , and Justice be the guide of all your actions : be especially careful to maintain in their fullest splendour , those trul y Masonic ornaments which have alread y been so amply illustrated , viz . Benevolence and Charity . Still , however , as a Freemason , there are other excellencies of
character to which your attention may be peculiarly and forcibly directed , amongst the foremost of these are secrecy , fidelity , and obedience . Secrecy consists in an inviolable adherence to the obligation you have entered into , —never improperly to disclose any of those Masonic secrets whicli have now , or may at any future time be entrusted to your keeping , and cautiousl y to avoid all occasions which may inadvertently lead
you so to do . Your fidelity must be exemplified by a close conformity to the Constitutions of the fraternity , by adhering to the ancient landmarks of the Order , by never attempting to extort , or otherwise undul y obtain the secrets of a superior degree , and by refraining to recommend any one to a participation of our secrets , unless you have strong grounds to believe , that by a similar fidelity , he will ultimately reflect honour on
our choice . So must your obedience be proved by a strict observance Of our laws and regulations , by a prompt attention to all signs and summonses , by modest ancl correct demeanor while in the Lodge , by abstaining from every topic of religious or political discussion , by
a ready acquiescence m all votes and resolutions duly passed by a majority of the Brethren ; and b y a perfect submission to the Master and his Wardens , whilst acting in the discharge of their respective offices . And , as a last general recommendation , let me exhort you to dedicate yourself to such pursuits as may at once enable you to become respectable in your rank of life , useful to mankind , and an
ornament to the society of which you have this day become a member ; that you will more especially study such of the liberal arts and sciences as may lie within the compass of your attainment , and that without neglecting the ordinary duties of your station , you will feel yourself called on to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowled ge . From the very commendable attention you appear to have given to this charge , I am led to hope that you will dul y appreciate the value of Freemasonry , and imprint indelibl y on your heart the sacred dictates of Truth , of Honour , and of Virtue .