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THE CHARGE AFTER INITIATION
In this one remarkable passage of words, the "Charge
after Initiation" embodies the precepts of Freemasonry
and familiarises the newly admitted "Entered Apprentice"
with a summary of what is expected of him as a Mason.
This is the "template" by which he will try
to develop himself as an individual. Not surprisingly,
it is regarded by Freemasons as one of the most moving
and compelling passages in all Masonic ceremonies.
Normally, the Junior Warden, an officer of the Lodge,
recites it to the new member at the end of his initiation.
This can be found in the Masonic book of Emulation Ritual
- ISBN 0 85318 209 4
Tell me more about Officers
The Charge after Initiation
"Brother (name), as you have passed through the
ceremony of your initiation, let me congratulate you
on being admitted a member of our ancient and honourable
institution. Ancient no doubt it is, as having subsisted
from time immemorial, and honourable no doubt 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 it 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. Tell
me more about "mysteries"
"As a Freemason, let me recommend to your most
serious contemplation the Volume of the Sacred Law (i.e.
the teachings of the Apprentice's own faith - e.g. the
Bible, the Torah, the Koran etc) charging you to consider
it the unerring standard of 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.
"To God, by never mentioning His name but with
that awe and reverence that which are due from the creature
to his Creator, by imploring His aid in all your lawful
undertakings, and by looking up to Him in every emergency
for comfort and support.
"To your neighbour by acting with him on the square,
by rendering him every kind office which justice and
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 the 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 your 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 of an inviolable adherence to
the Obligation 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. Tell
me more about "Secrets" and "Secrecy"
in Freemasonry
"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
and religious discussion, by a ready acquiescence in
all votes and resolutions duly passed by a majority
of 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 today 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 the value of Freemasonry, and indelibly
imprint on your heart the sacred dictates of Truth,
of Honour and of Virtue." - End.
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