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Preston's Charge at initiation into the second degree 
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The following text is the Charge at initiation into the second degree, as written by William Preston in his treatise "Illustrations of Masonry", first published in 1772. Many subsequent editions were published and expanded. The following text is the exact replica of the original english text of 1792, including spelling and punctuation.
William Preston has had a tremendous influence on the spreading of masonic rituals of his time, and has influenced many of the masonic scholars who followed him, like Thomas S. Webb. Thus, the following text has a definite historic meaning for those who study free-masonry. Obviously, it is a fragment of a ritual as practiced in 1792, and the wise reader will avoid drawing any undue conclusions concerning the rituals as practiced nowadays. The masonic brother, on the other hand, will realize the evolution that the masonic ritual has undergone since the end of the XVIIIth century. It would be convenient to quote Preston himself, in his introduction dated January 1st, 1788:
"To conclude. Having thus ventured to appear in vindication of the ceremonies, and in support of the privileges, of Masonry, I shall be happy to be considered a feeble instrument in promoting its prosperity. If I continue to meet with the approbation of my brethren, and succeed in my expectation of giving the world a favourable idea of the institution, I shall attain the full completion of my wishes; and if my hopes are frustrated, I shall still indulge the not unpleasant reflection, of having exerted my best endeavours in a good cause."
This charge was given after the initiation of a candidate into the second degree, and constitues a true apology of the moral virtues of a freemason. According to Preston, "the paragraphs enclosed in brackets [ ] may be occasionally omitted, if time will not admit of delivering the whole Charge."
[Charge at initiation into the first degree]
[Charge at initiation into the third degree]
BROTHER,
Being advanced to the second degree of masonry, we congratulate you on your preferment. [The internal, and not the external, qualifications of a man, are what masonry regards. As you increase in knowledge, you will improve in social intercourse.
It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties which, as a mason, you are bound to discharge; or enlarge on the necessity of a strict adherence to them, as your own experience must have established their value. It may be sufficient to observe, that] Your past behaviour and regular deportment have merited the honour which we have now conferred; and in your new character, it is expected that you will conform to the principles of the Order, by steadily persevering in the practice of every commendable virtue.
The study of liberal arts [that valuable branch of education, which tends so effectually to polish and adorn the mind] is earnestly recommended to your consideration; especially the science of geometry, which is established as the basis of our Art. [Geometry, or Masonry, originally synonymous terms, being of a divine and moral nature, is enriched with the most useful knowledge; while it proves the wonderful properties of nature, it demonstrates the more important truths of morality.]
The solemnity of our ceremonies requires from you a serious deportment; you are therefore to be particularly attentive to your behaviour in our regular assemblies; to preserve our ancient usages and customs sacred and inviolable; and induce others, by your example, to hold them in veneration.
Our laws and regulations you are strenuously to support; and be always ready to assist in seeing them duly executed. You are not to palliate, or aggravate, the offences of your brethren; but, in the decision of every trespass against our rules, you are to judge with candour, admonish with friendship, and reprehend with justice.
In our private assemblies, as a craftsman, you may offer your sentiments and opinion on such subjects as are regularly introduced in the Lecture; and by this privilege, you may improve your intellectual powers; qualify yourself to become an useful member of society; and, like a skilful brother, strive to excel in every thing that is good and great.
[All regular signs and summonses, given and received, you are duly to honour, and punctually to obey; inasmuch as they consist with your professed principles. You are to supply the wants, and relieve the necessities, of your brethren, to the utmost of your power and ability: and on no account are you to wrong them, or to see them wronged; but apprise them of approaching danger, and view their interest as inseparable from your own.
Such is the nature of your engagements as a craftsman; and to these duties you are bound by the most sacred ties.]