Every Mason has four (p. p. e.) which are illustrated by the four
cardinal virtues: Fortitude, Prudence, Temperance and Justice.
Fortitude is that noble and steady purpose of the mind whereby we are
enabled to undergo any pain or peril, when prudentially deemed
expedient. This virtue is equally distant from rashness and cowardice,
and should be deeply impressed upon the mind of every Mason. It is a
safeguard or security against the success of any attempt, by force or
otherwise, to extort from him any of those valuable secrets with which
he has been solemnly intrusted, and which were emblematically impressed
upon him on his first admission into the lodge, when he was received on
* * * which refers to * * *
Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and actions agreeably to the
dictates of reason, and is that habit by which we wisely judge and
prudentially determine on all things relative to our present as well as
to our future happiness. 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 his constant care, when in any strange or mixed companies never to
let fall the least sign, token or word whereby the secrets of Masonry
might be unlawfully obtained; ever bearing in mind that important
occasion when on his left * * * which alludes to * * *
Temperance 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. This virtue should be the constant practice of
every Mason; as he is thereby taught to avoid excess, or contracting any
licentious or vicious habit, the indulgence of which would subject him
to the contempt and detestation of all good Masons; and might lead him
to disclose some of those valuable secrets which he has promised to
conceal and never reveal. It will remind you of the p. and alludes to
the * * *
Justice is that standard, or boundary of right, which enables us to
render to every man his just due, without distinction. This virtue is
not only consistent with human and Divine laws, but is the very cement
and support of civil society. As justice in a great measure constitutes
the really good man, so should it be the invariable practice of every
Mason never to deviate from the minutest principles thereof; ever
remembering the time when placed in * * * which alludes to the * * *
[Illustration]
Chalk, Charcoal and Clay.
Entered Apprentices should serve their masters with freedom, fervency
and zeal, which are represented by Chalk, Charcoal and Clay.
There is nothing freer than Chalk, the slightest touch of which leaves a
trace; there is nothing more fervent than Charcoal, for to it, when
properly ignited, the most obdurate metals will yield; there is nothing
more zealous than Clay.
Our Mother Earth alone of all the elements has never proved unfriendly
to man. Bodies of Water deluge him with rain, oppress him with hail and
drown him with inundation; the Air rushes in storms and prepares the
tempest; and Fire lights up the volcano; but the Earth, ever kind and
indulgent, is found subservient to his wishes. Though constantly
harassed, more to furnish the luxuries than the necessaries of life, she
never refuses her accustomed yield, spreading his pathway with flowers
and his table with plenty. Though she produces poison, still she
supplies the antidote, and returns with interest every good committed to
her care; and when at last we are called upon to pass through the "dark
valley of the shadow of death" she once more receives us, and piously
covers our remains within her bosom, thus admonishing us that as from it
we came, so to it we must shortly return.
Symbolism of the Degree.
The First, or Entered Apprentice, degree of Masonry is intended,
symbolically, to represent the entrance of man into the world in which
he is afterwards to become a living and thinking actor. Coming from the
ignorance and darkness of the outer world, his first craving is for
light--not that physical light which springs from the great orb of day
as its fountain, but that moral and intellectual light which emanates
from the primal Source of all things--from the Grand Architect of the
Universe--the Creator of the sun and of all that it illuminates. Hence
the great, the primary object of the first degree is to symbolize the
birth of intellectual light in the mind; and the Entered Apprentice is
the type of the unregenerate man, groping in moral and mental darkness,
and seeking for the light which is to guide his steps and point him to
the path which leads to duty and to Him who gives to duty its reward.
Charge at Initiation.
Brother: As you are now introduced to the first principles of
Freemasonry, I congratulate you on being accepted into this ancient and
honorable Fraternity. Ancient, as having existed 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 principle or more solid foundation; nor were ever more excellent
rules and useful maxims laid down than are contained in the several
Masonic lectures. The wisest and best of men in all ages have been
encouragers and promoters of our Art, and have never deemed it
derogatory to their dignity to level themselves with the Fraternity, to
extend its privileges, and to patronize its assemblies.
There are three great duties which as a Mason you are charged to
inculcate: To God, to your neighbor and to yourself. To God, in never
mentioning His name save with that reverential awe which is due from the
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 would that he should do
unto you. And to yourself, in avoiding all irregularities 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 peaceable citizen, 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, yielding obedience to the laws which afford you protection.
In your outward demeanor be particularly careful to avoid censure or
reproach. Let not interest, favor, or prejudice, bias your integrity, or
influence you to be guilty of a dishonorable action.
Although your frequent appearance at our regular meetings is earnestly
solicited, yet it is not meant that Freemasonry 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 always be as ready
to give as you will be to receive instruction.
Finally, my brother, keep sacred and inviolate 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 the Fraternity, be particularly careful not to
recommend him unless you are convinced that he will conform to our
rules, that the honor, glory and reputation of the institution may be
firmly established, and the world at large be convinced of its good
effects.
Charge to a Soldier.
Brother: Our institution breathes a spirit of general philanthropy. Its
benefits, in a social point of view, are extensive. In the most
endearing ties, it unites all mankind. In every nation, wherever
civilization extends--and not unfrequently among wild savages of the
forest--it opens an asylum to a brother in distress, and grants
hospitality to the necessitous and unfortunate. The sublime principles
of universal goodness and love to all mankind, which are essential to
it, cannot be lost in national distinctions, prejudices and animosities.
The rage of contest and the sanguinary conflict have, by its recognized
principles, been abated, and the milder emotions of humanity
substituted. It has often performed the part of the Angel of Goodness,
in ministering to the wants of the sick, the wounded, and the
unfortunate prisoner of war. It has even taught the pride of victory to
give way to the dictates of an honorable connection.
In whatever country you travel, when you meet a true Mason, you will
find a brother and a friend, who will do all in his power to serve you;
and who will relieve you, should you be poor or in distress, to the
utmost of his ability, and with a ready cheerfulness.
Pure patriotism will always animate you to every call of your country.
And this institution demands that you shall be true to your government.
But should you, while engaged in the service of your country, be made
captive, you may find affectionate brethren, where others would only
find enemies. And should you be the captor of one who belongs to this
noble fraternity, remember that he is your brother.