Address

W. M. – Let me add to the observations of my Bro. the S. W., that you are never to put on that badge should you be about to visit a Lodge in which there is a Bro. with whom you are at variance or against whom you entertain animosity; in such cases it is expected that you will invite him to withdraw, in order amicably to settle your differences, which being happily effected, and work with that love and harmony which should at all times characterise freemasons. But, if unfortunately, you differences be of such a nature as not to be so easily adjusted, it were better that one or both of you retire, that that the harmony of the Lodge should be disturbed by your presence.

W. M. – Bro. J. D., you will place out new-made Bro. at the N. E. part of the Lodge.

(The J. D. does so and instructs Cand. to stand perfectly erect with his f. in the form of a s.)

W. M. (to Cand.) – It is customary at the erection of all stately and superb edifices to lay the first of foundation stone at the N. E. corner of the building; you, being newly admitted into Masonry, are placed at he N. E. part of the Lodge , figuratively to represent that stone; and from the foundation laid this evening may you raise a superstructure perfect in its parts and honourable to the builder. You now stand to all external appearance a just and upright mason, and I give it you in strong terms of recommendation ever to continue and act as such; indeed, I shall immediately proceed to put your principles in some measure to the test, by calling upon you to exercise that virtue which may justly be denominated the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason’s heart – I mean Charity. I need not here dilate on its excellences; no doubt it has often been felt and practised by you; suffice it to say, it has the approbation of Heaven and earth, and, like its sister, Mercy, blesses him who gives as well as him who receives. In a society so widely extended as Freemasonry, the branches if which are spread over four quarters of the globe, it cannot be denied that we have many members of rank and opulence, neither can it concealed that among the thousands who range under its banners there are some who, perhaps from circumstances of unavoidable calamity and misfortune, are reduced to the lowest ebb of poverty and distress. On their behalf it is our usual custom to awaken the feelings of every new-made Bro., by such a claim on his charity as his circumstances in life may fairy warrant; whatever, therefore, you feel disposed to give, you will deposit with the J. D.; it will be thankfully received and faithfully applied.

(J. D. stands in front of Cand. holding up plate).

J. D (to Cand.). – Have you anything to give the C. of C.?

CAND. – …

J. D. (lowers plate and says to Cand.). – Were you dpvd of everything v…l…e previously to entering the L.?

CAND. – …

J. D. (to Cand.). – If you had not been so dpvd would you give freely?

CAND. – …

J. D. (faces the W. M. takes Sp., and with E. A. Sn. SaysJ W. M., our new-made Bro. affirms that he was dpvd of everything v…l…e previously to enering the Lodge, or he would give freely. (J. D. dis. Sn., and takes position on r. of Cand.)

W. M. (to Cand.). – I congratulate you on the honourable sentiments by which you are actuated, likewise on the inability which in the present instance precludes you from gratifying them; believe me, this trial was not made with a view to sport with feelings; far be from us any such intention; it was done for three especial reasons – first, as I have already premised, to put your principles to the test; secondly, to evince to the Brethren that you had neither … nor … substance about you, for if you had, the ceremony of your initiation, thus far, must have been repeated which would have brought a blush of shame to the face of your guide for having neglected so important a part of his duty: and thirdly. As a warning to your own heart that should you at any future period meet a Brother in distressed circumstances who might solicit your assistance, you will remember the peculiar moment you were received into Masonry, poor and p…s, and cheerfully embrace the opportunity of practising that virtue you have professed to admire.

(The J. D. places the Cand. in front of the W. M.)

W. M. – I now present to you the working tools of an E. A. Freemason: they are the 24-in. G…e, the common G…l, and C…l. (W. M. gives them to the Cand. who returns them to the W. M. via the S. D.) The 24-in. G…e is to measure our work, he common G…l to knock off all superfluous knobs and excrescences, and the C…l to further smooth and prepare the stone, and render it fit for the hands of the more expert workman. But as we are not all operative masons, but rather free and accepted, or speculative, we apply these tools to our morals. In this sense the 24-in. G…e represents the 24 hours of the day; part to be spent in prayer to Almighty God, part in labour and refreshments, and part in serving a friend or Brother in time of need without detriment to ourselves or connections. The common G…l represents the force of conscience, which should keep down all vain and unbecoming thoughts which might obtrude during any of the afore-mentioned periods, so that our words and actions may ascend unpolluted to the Throne of Grace. The C…l points out to us the advantages of education, by which means alone we are rendered fit members of regularly organised society . (Brn. clp. hds.)

W. M. – As in the course of the evening you will be called on for certain fees for your initiation, it is proper you should know by what authority we act. This is our Charter or Warrant from the Grand Lodge of England, which is for your inspection on this or any future evening; this is the book of Constitutions, and these are our By-Laws (gives a cop of each to the Cand.), both of which I recommend to your serious perusal, as by one you will be instructed I the duties you owe to the Craft in general, and by the other, in those you owe to this Lodge in particular. This is a card of questions and answers, which your Proposer or Seconder or any well known Brother will assist you to learn before you are able to take your next step in F. M. R. Y. You will now be taken to my Bro. the J. W. who will deliver to you a charge founded on the excellences of the Institution and the qualifications of its members.

(J. D. places Cand. under G.)

J. W. (to Cand.). – Bro. A. B., as you have passed through the ceremony of your initiation, let me congratulate you on being admitted a member of our ancient no doubt it is, a having subsisted from time immemorial; and honourable it must be acknowledged to be, as by a natural tendency it conduces to make those so who are obedient to its precepts. Indeed, no institution can boast a more solid foundation than that on which Freemasonry rests, the practice of every moral and social virtue; and to so high an eminence has its credit been advanced, that in every age monarchs themselves have been promoters of the art, have not thought it derogatory to their dignity to exchange the Sceptre for the Trowel, have patronised our mysteries, and joined in our assemblies.

As a Freemason, let me recommend to your most serious contemplation the V. of the S. L., charging you to consider it as the unerring standard of the truth and justice, and to regulate your actions by the Divine precepts it contains. Therein, you will be taught the important duties you owe to God, to your neighbour, and to yourself. (Gives one K. at this point, and the Brn. Rise with S. of.) To God by never mentioning His name but with that awe and reverence which are due from the creature to his Creator, by imploring His aid in all our lawful undertakings, and by look up to Him in every emergency for comfort and support. (All discharges S. R. and sit). To your neighbour, by acting with him on the square, by rendering him every kind office which justice or mercy may require , by relieving his necessities and soothing his afflictions, and by doing to him as in similar cases you would wish he would do to you. And to yourself, by such a prudent and well-regulated course of discipline as may best conduce to the preservation of your corporeal and mental faculties in their fullest energy, thereby enabling you to exert those talents wherewith God has blessed you, as well to His Glory as the welfare of your fellow-creatures.

As a citizen of the world, I am to enjoin you to be exemplary in the discharge of your civil duties; by never proposing, or at all countenancing, any act that may have a tendency to subvert he 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, let me 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 truly Masonic ornaments which have already been amply illustrated: Benevolence and Charity.

Still, as a Freemason, there are other excellences 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 O. you have entered into, never improperly to disclose any of those Masonic secrets which have now been, or may at any future period be, entrusted to your keeping, and cautiously to avoid all occasions which may inadvertently lead you so to do. Your Fidelity must be exemplified by a strict observance of the constitutions of the Fraternity, by adhering to the ancient Landmarks of the Order, by never attempting to extort, or otherwise unduly obtain, the secrets of a superior degree, and by refraining from recommending anyone to a participation of our secrets, unless you have strong grounds to believe that by a similar fidelity he will ultimately reflect honour on your choice. Your Obedience must be proved by a strict observance of our laws and regulations, by prompt attention to all signs and summonses, by modest and correct demeanour in the Lodge, by abstaining from every topic of political or religious discussion, by a ready acquiescence in all votes and resolutions duly passed by a majority of the Brethren, and by 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 be respectable in life, useful to mankind, and an ornament to the society of which you have this day become a member; to study, more especially, such of the liberal arts and sciences as may lie within the compass of your attainment, and without neglecting the ordinary duties of your station, to endeavour to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge.

From the very commendable attention you appear to have given to this charge, I am led to hope you will duly appreciate he value of Freemasonry, and indelibly imprint on your heart the sacred dictates of Truth, of Honour, and of Virtue.

(Brethren all clap hands once.

J. D. then takes Cand. to N. W. part of the L. facing South J. D. then moves across Lodge faces Cand. and says:). – It is your duty on entering or leaving the Lodge to salute the W. M. in the Degree in which the Lodge is working. This being the 1^st Degree you will sauté as an E. A. F. M. For your instruction I will go through it and you Will afterwards copy me. (Demonstrates. J. D. then moves back to right side of Cand., places his facing W. M. and instructs:-) – Bro. … advance and salute the W. M. as an E. A. F. M. (J.D. gives assistance as required. Cand. leaves Loge and Ds. resume seats with courte bow to each other).