My Brother: - As you are now introduced into the first principles of Masonry, I congratulate you on your admission into this ancient and honorable Order; ancient, as havin existed fron time immemorial; honorable, as tending to make all men so, who are strictly obedient to its teaching and 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 every Masonic degree.

There are three great duties which, as a Mason, you are charged to inculcate - to God, your neighbor, 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 neighbor, in acting upon the square, 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 atachment to these duties will insure public and private esteem.

As a citizen, you are to be a quiet and peaceable subject, true to your government, and just to your country; you are not to countenence disloyalty or rebellion, but patiently submit to legal auhtority, and conform with cheerfulness to the government of the country in which you live.

In your outward demeanor, be particularly careful to avoid censure or reproach. Let no interest, favor or prejudice, bias your integrity, or influence you to be guilty of a dishonorable action.

Your prompt attendance at our meetings, when at labor in the Entered Apprentice Degree, is earnestly solicited; yet it is not meant that Masonry should interfere with your neccessary vocations, for there 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, 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 acquiantance, 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 the laws, customs and usages of the Order; to the end, that the honor, glory, and reputation of the Institution may be firmly established, and the world at large convinced of its good effects.