ly scriptures; and while a Mason keeps himself thus circumscribed it is impossible that he should materially err. BROTHERLY LOVE. By the exercise of brotherly love we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family. Notwithstanding the accidental distinctions of high and low, rich and poor, bond and free, we are still inhabitants of the same planet, the children of the same Almighty parent, and are bound to support, to comfort and love each other. RELIEF. To relieve the distressed, is a duty binding on every moral agent; but more especially on the fraternity of free and accepted Masons. "Tis a lenet in their profession, to soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with affliction, to weep for the miseries of others. Thus, the good Mason will pour the oil and the wine into the wound of the sufferer, though the Priest and the Levite may be deaf to his intreaties. TRUTH. Truth is one of the first virtues we are taught in Masonry. While we are influenced by its dictates, hypocrisy and deception are unknown among us, sincerity and plain dealing distinguish us, and the heart and the tongue unite in rejoicing in each other's prosperity. THE CARDINAL VIRTUES. TEMPERANCE. This is that due restraint upon our affections and passions which renders the body tame and governable, and frees the mind from the allurements of vice. It should be the constant study of every Mason, as he is hereby taught to avoid excess, the indulgence of which might lead him to disclose some of those valuable secrets, which he has promised to Conceal, and never reveal FORTITUDE. This virtue is equally distant from rashness and cows ardice; and, like the former, should be deeply impressed upon the mind of every Mason, as a safeguard against any illegal attack that may be made by force or art, to extort from him any of those valuable secrets, with which he has been so solemnly entrusted, and of which he was solemnly and sensibly reminded, on his first admission into the Lodge PRUDENCE. Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and actions agreeable to the dictates of reason. This virtue should be the peculiar characteristic of every Mason, not only for the government of his conduct while in the lodge, but also when abroad in the world; it should be particularly regarded in all mixed companies that we may never drop the least sign, token, word, or point, whereby the secrets of the craft may be unlawfully obtained JUSTICE. This is that standard of right, which measures to every man his due. As justice, in a great measure constitutes the real good man, so should it be the invariable practice of every Mason never to deviate from the minutest principles thereof. BROTHER, CHARGE AT INITIATION As you are now introduced into the first principles of masonry, I congratulate you on being accepted into this ancient and honourable order; ancient, as having subsisted from time immemorial; and honourable, as tending, in every particular, so to render all men who will be conformable to its 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 the several masonic lectures. The greatest and best of men in all ages have been encouragers and promoters of the art, and have never deemed it derogatory from their dignity, to level themselves with the fraternity, extend their privileges, and patronise their assemblies. There are three great duties, which, as a Mason, you are charged to inculcate-to God, your neighbour, 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 neighbour, 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 ensure 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 demeanour be particularly careful to avoid censure or reproach. Let not interest, favour, or prejudice, bias your integrity, or influence you to be guilty of a dishonourable action. Although your frequent appearance at our regular meetings is earnestly solicited, yet it is not meant that masonry should interfere with your necessary vocations; for these 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 be always as ready to give, as you will be ready 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 our rules; that the honour, glory and reputation of the institution may be firmly established, and the world at large convinced of its good effects. SONGS APPROPRIATED TO THE FIRST DEGREE. Selected and revised by companion S. Brown. COME let us prepare, Let's talk, laugh, and sing; Good cheer has a spring For the heart of a social FREEMASON. Mankind are in pain, Our secrets to gain, And still let them wonder and gaze on; Till they walk in the light, That beams on the path of the MASON. They guess and they spell, But never can tell What mystics our carpet emblazon ; The gauge and the gavel, The plumb, square and level, Great kings, dukes and lords, Our mystical jewels to brace on, A brother or fellow FREEMASON. We're true to the FAIR; And, if danger be there, Of a true and a generous MASON. To poverty's shed, We often are led, The pale face of sickness to gaze on; While a tear in the eye- Then, join'd heart and hand, We'll, in brotherhood, stand, Our MASTER above, Will always approve, A genuine brother FREEMASON. THE MYSTIC TEMPLE. Composed for this work by companion S. Brown. This lovely Creation was once all enshrouded In darkness like midnight, and gloom like the grave; When LIGHT, from the East, with effulgence unclouded, Beam'd bright on the mountain, and danc'd on the wave : Now Nature, all motion, awakes from her slumbers, |