Charge at Initiation into the Third Degree.

BROTHER,

Your zeal for the institution of Free-masonry, the progress which you have made in the art, and your conformity to the general regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object of our favour and esteem.

In the character of a Master-mason, you are henceforth authorised to correct the errors and irregularities of brethren and fellows, and guard them against a breach of fidelity. To improve the morals and correct the manners of men in society, must be your constant care. With this view, therefore, you are always to recommend to inferiors, obedience and submission; to equals, courtesy and affability; to superiors, kindness and condescension. Universal benevolence you are to inculcate; and, by the regularity of your own behaviour, afford the best example for the conduct of others. The ancient land-marks of the Order, which are here intrusted to your care, you are to preserve sacred and inviolable; and never suffer an infringement of our rites, or a deviation from established usage and

custom.

Duty, honour, and gratitude, now bind you to be faithful to every trust; to support with becoming dignity your new character; and to enforce, by example and precept, the tenets of the system. Let no motive, therefore, make you swerve from your duty, violate your vows, or betray your trust; but be true and faithful, and imitate the example of that celebrated artist whom you have once represented. By this exemplary conduct you will convince the world, that merit has been your title to our privileges; and that, on you, our favours have not been undeservedly bestowed.

The Second Section.

The Second Section is an introduction to the proceedings of the Chapter of Master-masons, and illustrates several points which are well known to experienced Craftsmen. It investigates, in the ceremony of opening the Chapter, some important circumstances in the two preceding Degrees.

The Third Section.

The Third Section commences the historical traditions of the Order; which are chiefly collected from sacred record, and other authentic documents.

The Fourth Section.

The Fourth Section farther illustrates the historical traditions of the Order; and presents to view a finished picture of the utmost consequence to the Fraternity.

The Fifth Section.

The Fifth Section continues the explanation of the historical traditions of the Order.

The Sixth Section.

The Sixth Section concludes the historical traditions of the Order.

The Seventh Section.

The Seventh Section illustrates the hieroglyphi

cal emblems* restricted to the Third Degree; and inculcates many useful lessons, which are intended to extend knowledge, and promote virtue.

The Eighth Section.

The Eighth Section treats of the government of the Fraternity, and the disposition of our rulers, supreme and subordinate. It is generally rehearsed at installations.

The Ninth Section.+

The Ninth Section recites the qualifications of our rulers; and illustrates the ceremony of installation in the Grand Lodge, as well as in the private assemblies of Masons.

The Tenth Section.

The Tenth Section comprehends the ceremonies of constitution and consecration, and a variety of particulars explanatory of those ceremonies.

The Eleventh Section.

The Eleventh Section illustrates the ceremonies used at laying the foundation-stones of churches,

* Amongst these hieroglyphics we find, the Pot of Incense as an emblem of a pure heart; the Bee-hive, as a symbol of industry; the Hour-glass to point out the rapidity of time, and the Scythe to convince us of the uncertainty of human life; the Anchor and Ark to invigorate us with hopes of future reward; the Sword of retributive Justice; the All-seeing Eye; the Three Steps of Youth, Manhood, and Old Age, &c. &c. Vide Star in the East by the Editor, p. 134. EDITOR

For many particulars to which this and the two following Sections relate, see the Ceremonies of Constitution, Consecration, Installation, &c. annexed to these Remarks.

chapels, palaces, hospitals, &c.; also the ceremonies observed at the Dedication of the Lodge, and at the Interment of Master-masons.

The Twelfth Section.

The Twelfth Section contains a recapitulation of the essential points of the Lectures in all the Degrees, and corroborates the whole by infallible testimony.

*

Having thus given a general summary of the Lectures restricted to the three Degrees of the Order, and made such remarks on each Degree as might illustrate the subjects treated, little more can be wanted to encourage the zealous Mason to persevere in his researches. He who has traced the Art in a regular progress from the commencement of the First to the conclusion of the Third Degree, according to the plan here laid down, must have amassed an ample store of knowledge, and will reflect with pleasure on the good effects of his past diligence and attention. By applying the improvements he has made to the general advantage of

* On the continent the Brethren extend Masonry to twenty-one degrees, which are as follow: 1. E. A. P. 2. F. C. 3. M. M. 4. Mark Mason. 5. Past Master. 6. Most Excellent Master. 7. Roval Arch. 8. Knights of the Red Cross. 9. Knights Templars, 10. Knights of Malta. 11. Secret Master. 12. Perfect Master. 13. Intimate Secretary. 14. Provost and Judge. 15. Master in Israel. 16. Elected Knights. 17. Elected Grand Master. 18. Illustrious Knights. 19. Grand Master Architect. 20. Knights of the Ninth Arch. 21. Perfection. But some enthusiasts, who identify the Rosicrucians, the Knights of the Swan, and the White Eagle, the revolting Degrees which are practised in the East under the denomination of Turkish Masonry, &c. &c. &c.-augment the number to more than a hundred. All beyond the Royal Arch, however, ought to be carefully separated from genuine Masonry, as they are mostly founded on vague and uncertain traditions, which possess not the shadow of authority to recommend them to our notice.

EDITOR.

society, he will secure to himself the approbation of all good men, and the veneration of Masons.

SECT. VI.

Of the Ancient Ceremonies of the Order.

We shall now proceed to illustrate the Ancient Ceremonies of the Order, particularly those observed at the Constitution and Consecration of the Lodge, and at the Installation of Officers, with the usual charges delivered on those occasions.

shall likewise annex an explanation of the Ceremonies used at laying the Foundation-stones of Public Structures, at the Dedication of Public Halls, and at Funerals; and close this part of the treatise with the Funeral Service.

The Manner of constituting the Lodge, including the Ceremony of Consecration, &c.

Any number of regularly-registered Masons, not under seven, resolved to form the new Lodge, must apply, by petition,* to the Grand Master.

The petition must be recommended by the officers of some regular Lodge, and be transmitted to the Grand Secretary; unless there be a

* The mode of applying by petition to the Grand Master, for a warrant to meet as a regular Lodge, commenced only in the year 1718; previous to which time, Lodges were empowered, by inherent privileges vested in the Fraternity at large, to meet and act occasionally under the direction of some able architect, and the acting magistrate of the county; and the proceedings of those meetings, being approved by the majority of the Brethren convened at another Lodge assembled in the same district, were deemed constitutional. By such an inherent authority, the Lodge of Antiquity in London now acts; having no warrant from the Grand Lodge; but an authority traced from time immemorial, which has been long and universally admitted and acknowledged by the whole Fraternity.