Sec. VI.

A charge at initiation into the second degree.

Brother, being now advanced to the second degree of free masonry, we congratulate you on your preferment. The internal, and not the external qualifications of a man, are principally regarded by free masonry. As you increase in knowledge, you will consequently improve in social inter

course.

It is unnecessary to recapitulate the several duties which, as a free mason, you are bound to discharge; or to enlarge on the necessity of a strict adherence to them, as your own experience must have convinced you of their value. It may be sufficient to observe, that your past behaviour and regular deportment has merited the additional honour which we have now conferred; and, in this new character, it is expected that you will not only conform to the principles of free masonry, but still persevere in the practice of 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 noble science of geomtry, which is established as the basis of our art. Free masonry, and geometry,

were originally synonymous terms, and this science being of a divine and moral nature, is enriched with the most useful knowledge; for, while it proves the wonderful properties of nature, it also demonstrates the more important truths of morality. As the solemnity of our ceremonies require a serious deportment, you are to be particularly attentive to your behaviour in our regular assemblies; to preserve the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity, sacred and inviolable; and induce others, by your example, to hold them in due veneration.

Our laws and regulations you are to support and maintain; and be ever ready to aid in their execution. You are not to palliate, or aggravate, the offences of your brethren; but in the decision on every trespass against our rules, you are to judge with candour, to admonish with friendship, and to reprehend with justice.

In our private assemblies, you may now offer your sentiments, and opinions, on such subjects as correspond with, and are agreeable to, the tenets of free masonry. By the exertion of the privilege, which you have now received, of delivering your sentiments, you may improve your rational and intellectual powers; qualify yourself to become an useful member of society; and vie with skilful

brethren, in an endeavour to excel in every thing

that is good and great.

Every regular sign or summons, given or received, you are duly to honour, and punctually to obey, as they consist with our professed principles. You are cheerfully to relieve the necessities of your brethren, to the utmost of your power and ability, without prejudice to yourself, or your private concerns. And, on no account, are you to injure a brother, or to see him injured; but you are to apprize him of all approaching dangers, and consider his interest as inseparable from your own.

Such is the nature of your present engagements; and to these duties you are now bound by the most sacred ties.

Sec. VII.

A Charge at initiation into the third degree.

Brother, your zeal for our institution, the progress you have made in our mysteries, and your steady conformity to our useful regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object for this peculiar mark of our favour.

Duty, honour, and gratitude, now bind you to be faithful to your trust; to support the dignity of your character on all occasions; and strenuously to enforce, by precept and example, a steady obedience

to the tenets of free masonry. Exemplary conduct, on your part, will convince the world, that merit is the just title to our privileges, and that on you, our favours are not undeservedly bestowed.

In this respectable character, you are authorized to restrain the irregularities of less informed brethren; to correct their errors; to fortify their minds with resolution against the snares of the insidious, and to guard them against every allurement to vicious practices. To preserve unsullied the reputation of the fraternity, ought to be your constant care; and, therefore, it becomes your province to caution the inexperienced against a breach of fidelity. To your inferiors you are to recommend obedience and submission; to your equals, courtesy and affability; to your superiors, kindness and condescension. Universal benevolence you are zealously to inculcate; and, by the regularity of your own conduct, endeavour to remove every aspersion against this venerable institution. Our ancient landmarks you are carefully to preserve, and not to suffer them, on any pretence, to be infringed, or to countenance a deviation from our established usages and customs. You are now entitled to the privilege of introducing any motion which you may suppose will be for the advantage, or honour, of the fraternity.

Your virtue, honour, and reputation, are concerned in supporting with dignity, the respectable character you now bear. Let no motive, therefore, make you swerve from your duty, violate your vows to God, or betray your trust; but be true and faithful, and imitate the example of that celebrated artist whom you have, this evening, represented. Thus you will render yourself deserving of the honour which we have conferred, and worthy of the confidence that we have reposed.

CHAPTER V.

Sec. I.

The manner of constituting a lodge, including the ceremony of consecration and installation.

On the day and hour appointed for the constitution of the new lodge, the brethren thereof will assemble in the lodge room.

The grand master and his officers (or the brother authorized by the grand master, for the purpose, with such other brethren, as he shall call to his as