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Preston's Charge at initiation into the third degree

The following text is the Charge at initiation into the third 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 third 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 second degree]

BROTHER,

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

You are now bound by duty, honour, and gratitude, to be faithful to your trust; to support the dignity of your character on every occasion; and to enforce, by precept and example, obedience to the tenets of the Order. Exemplary conduct is expected from you, to convince the world, that merit is the title to our privileges, and that on you our favours are not undeservedly bestowed.

In the character of a Master-mason, you are authorised to correct the errors and irregularities of your uninformed brethren, and to guard them against a breach of fidelity, and every allurement to vicious practices. To preserve the reputation of the fraternity unsullied, must be your constant care; and for this purpose, it is your province, to recommend to your inferiors, obedience and submission; to your equals, courtesy and affability; to your superiors, kindness and condescension. Universal benevolence you are always to inculcate; and, by the regularity of your own behaviour, afford the best example for the conduct of others less informed. The ancient landmarks of the Order, instrusted to your care, you are carefully to preserve; and while you caution the inexperienced against a breach of fidelity, never suffer them to be infringed, or countenance a deviation from the established usages and customs of the fraternity.

Your virtue, honour, and reputation, are concerned, in supporting, with dignity, the respectable character you now bear. 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 this evening represented. Thus you will render yourself deserving of the honour which we have conferred, and merit the confidence that we have reposed.