The Three Degrees of Freemasonry
Entered Apprentice Degree
Charge
Charge
WM - As you are now introduced into the first principles of Freemasonry, we congratulate you on being accepted into this Ancient and Honorable Fraternity - ancient, as having subsisted from time immemorial; and honorable, as tending, in every particular, so to render all men who will be comformable to its precepts. No institution was ever raised on a better principal or more solid foundation, nor were ever more excellent rules and useful maxims laid down than are inculcated in the several Masonic lectures. Many of the greatest and best men in all ages have been encouragers and promoters of the Art and never deemed it derogatory to their dignity or profession to level themselves with the Fraternity, extend their privileges and patronize their assemblies.
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, and 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.
In the State, you are to be a quiet and peaceful 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 and reproach. Let not interest, favor, or prejudice bias your integrity or influence you to be guilty of a dishonorable action. Neither are you to suffer your zeal for the institution to lead you into argument with those who, through ignorance, may ridicule it.
Your regular appearance at our meetings is earnestly solicited. 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 ready to receive instruction.
Finally, keep sacred and inviolable the mysteries of the Fraternity, 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 careful not to give him encouragement unless you are convinced he will conform to our rules; in which event you may refer him to those who have authority to recommend him to the Lodge, that the honor, glory and reputation of the Institution may be firmly established and the world at large convinced of its good effect.
WM - [Suggested wording:] My Brother, you have now been initiated and Entered Apprentice and are to be congratulated on your preferment. Before you can advance further, it is necessary that you commit certain portions of this degree to memory, and pass a suitable examination therein. Brother A.B. is available as your instructor and very shortly will arrange to post you in the required lessons.
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