ENTERED APPRENTICE CHARGE
My Brother: - As you are now introduced into the first principles of Masonry,
I congratulate you on your admission into this ancient and honorable Order;
ancient, as having existed from time immemorial; honorable, as tending to make
all men so, who are strictly obedient to its teaching and precepts. No
institution was ever raised on a better principle or more solid foundation; nor
were ever more excellent rules and useful maxims laid down, than are inculcated
in every Masonic degree.
There are three great duties which, as a Mason, you are charged to inculcate
- to God, your neighbor, and yourself. To God, in never mentioning His name but
with that reverential awe, which is due from a creature to his Creator; to
implore His aid in all your laudable undertakings, and to esteem Him as the
chief good. To your neighbor, in acting upon the square, doing unto him as you
wish he should do unto you; and to yourself, in avoiding all irregularity and
intemperance, which may impair your faculties, or debase the dignity of your
profession. A zealous attachment to these duties will insure public and private
esteem.
As a citizen, you are to be a quiet and peaceable subject, true to your
government, and just to your country; you are not to countenance disloyalty or
rebellion, but patiently submit to legal authority, and conform with
cheerfulness to the government of the country in which you live.
In your outward demeanor, be particularly careful to avoid censure or
reproach. Let no interest, favor or prejudice, bias your integrity, or influence
you to be guilty of a dishonorable action.
Your prompt attendance at our meetings, when at labor in the Entered
Apprentice Degree, is earnestly solicited; yet it is not meant that Masonry
should interfere with your necessary vocations, for there are, on no account, to
be neglected; neither are you to suffer your zeal for the institution to lead
you into argument with those who, through ignorance, may ridicule it. At your
leisure hours, that you may improve in Masonic knowledge, you are to converse
with well informed brethren, who will always be as ready to give, as you will be
to receive instruction.
Finally, 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
among Masons. If, in the circle of your acquaintance, you find a person desirous
of being initiated into Masonry, be particularly attentive not to recommend him
unless you are convinced he will conform to the laws, customs and usages of the
Order; to the end, that the honor, glory, and reputation of the Institution may
be firmly established, and the world at large convinced of its good effects.
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