CEREMONY OF INITIATION
Tyler – prepares Can and when ready to proceed with Ceremony gives three distinct knocks.  By giving the EA knocks with longer intervals the Tyler indicates that the Can is ready.
IG – rises in front of his chair, Sp and EA Sn – Bro. JW, there is a report – holds Sn.
JW – seated, gives three distinct knocks, rises, Sp and EA Sn – WM, there is a report – holds Sn.
WM – Bro. JW, inquire who wants admission.
JW – cuts Sn and sits – Bro. IG, see who wants admission.
IG – cuts Sn and goes to door of Lodge, opens it, does not leave Lodge, but remains on threshold with hand on door handle, and assures himself that Can is properly prepared, (The colloquy between IG and Tyler should be spoken loud enough for it to be heard in all parts of the Lodge.)
IG – to Tyler – Whom have you there?
Tyler – Mr.(names Can), a poor candidate in a state of darkness who has been well and worthily recommended, regularly proposed and approved in open Lodge, and now comes, of his own free will and accord, properly prepared, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry.
IG – How does he hope to obtain those privileges?
Tyler – prompting Can aloud – By the help of God, being free and of good report (Can repeats).
IG – Halt, while I report to the WM – closes door, returns to position in front of his chair, Sp and EA Sn, which he holds.
IG – WM, Mr.(names Can), a poor Can in a state of darkness who has been well and worthily recommended, regularly proposed and approved in open Lodge and now comes, of his own free will and accord, properly prepared, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry.
WM – How does he hope to obtain those privileges?
IG – By the help of God, being free and of good report.
WM – The tongue of good report has already been heard in his favour.  Do you, Bro. IG, vouch that he is properly prepared?
IG – I do, WM.
WM – Then let him be admitted in due form.
IG – cuts Sn.
WM – Brother Deacons.
SD – squares the Lodge to JD position. SD and JD proceed to door. SD places kneeling stool in position.
IG – takes p and goes to door followed by JD and SD, JD on left.
IG – opens door, retaining hold on it as before, presents p to Can’s n l b.
IG – Do you feel anything? – and after affirmative answer from Can raises the p above his head to show that he has so presented it.
JD – with l h takes Can firmly by r h (SD on Can’s left) and leads him to the kneeling stool. All three stand facing E.
IG – after Can is admitted, closes door, places p on SW’s pedestal and resumes his seat.
WM – Mr.(names Can), as no person can be made a Mason unless he is free and of mature age, I demand of you, are you a free man and of the full age of twenty-one years?
JD – prompting Can aloud – I am (Can repeats).
WM – Thus assured, I will thank you to kneel while the blessing of Heaven is invoked on our proceedings.
JD – assists Can to kneel, instructing him if necessary in a whisper, and then releases his r h.
WM – one knock, SW – one knock, JW – one knock.
JD and SD – hold wands in l h, cross them over head of Can and give Sn of R.
ALL – stand with Sn of R (Can does not give Sn of R).
Chaplain – Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father and Supreme Governor of the Universe, to our present convention, and grant that this Candidate for Freemasonry may so dedicate and devote his life to Thy service as to become true and faithful Brother among us.  Endue him with a competency of Thy divine wisdom, that, assisted by the secrets of our Masonic art, he may the better be enabled to unfold the beauties of true godliness, to the honour and glory of Thy Holy Name.
ALL – So mote it be – drop Sn of R.
SD and JD uncross wands and hold them again in r hs.
WM – In all cases of difficulty and danger, in whom do you put your trust?
JD – prompting Can aloud – In God (Can repeats).
WM – Right glad am I to find your faith so well founded:  relying on such sure support you may safely rise and follow your leader with a firm but humble confidence, for where the name of God is invoked, we trust no danger can ensue.
WM – sits.
JD – assists Can to rise, taking his r h firmly as before.
ALL -  (except SD, JD and Can) – sit
SD – draws kneeling stool aside to his left out of way of JD and Can.
WM – one knock, SW – one knock, JW – one knock.
WM – Brethren from the N, E, S and W will take notice that Mr……. Is about to pass in view before them to show that he is the Candidate, properly prepared, and a fit and proper person to be made a Mason.
JD – keeping hold of Can’s r h firmly as before instructs him in a whisper to step off with the l f, and begins the perambulation by leading him up the N to NE corner of Lodge, which is squared, then past WM to SE corner, which is squared, and finally to E of JW’s pedestal where they stand parallel to the pedestal, and a convenient distance from it. (JD instructs Can at each corner, after squaring, to step off with l f.  These instructions are whispered).
SD – meanwhile replaces kneeling stool in normal position and when JD and Can have passed NE corner, takes p from SW’s pedestal to WM’s pedestal and resumes seat.
JD – holding Can’s r h firmly, strikes JW on r shoulder thrice with Can’s r h.
JW – Whom have you there?
JD – Mr……. A poor Candidate in a state of darkness who has been well and worthily recommended, regularly proposed and approved in open Lodge, and now comes of his own free will and accord, properly prepared, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry.
JW – How does he hope to obtain those privileges?
JD – By the help of God, being free and of good report.
JW – rises and faces Can.
JD – places r h of Can in that of JW.
JW – Enter, free and of good report – replaces r h of Can in l h of JD and sits.
JD – holding Can’s r h firmly leads him to S W corner of the Lodge, which is squared, and then to S of SW’s pedestal where they stand parallel to the pedestal, and a convenient distance from it.
JD – holding Can’s r h firmly, strikes SW on r shoulder thrice with Can’s r h.
SW – Whom have you there?
JD - Mr……. A poor Candidate in a state of darkness who has been well and worthily recommended, regularly proposed and approved in open Lodge, and now comes of his own free will and accord, properly prepared, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry.
SW – How does he hope to obtain those privileges?
JD – By the help of God, being free and of good report.
SW – rises and faces Can.
JD – places r h of Can in that of SW.
SW – Enter, free and of good report – replaces Can’s r h in l h of JD and remains standing.
JD – holding Can’s r h firmly leads him to N of SW’s pedestal, makes an anti-clockwise wheel, places Can’s r h in l h of SW and turns Can to face E:  he stands on l of Can also facing E.
SW – holding up Can’s r h, Sp and EA Sn – WM, I present to you Mr…….a Can properly prepared to be made a Mason – maintains Sn and continues to hold up Can’s r h.
WM – Bro. SW, your presentation shall be attended to, for which purpose I shall address a few questions to the Can which I trust he will answer with candour.
SW – cuts Sn, replaces Can’s r h in l h of JD and sits.
JD – takes Can’s r h from SW and positions himself on r of Can, still holding Can’s r h, both facing E.
WM – to Can – Do you seriously declare on your honour that, unbiased by the improper solicitation of friends against your own inclination, and uninfluenced by mercenary or other unworthy motive, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a Can for the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry?
JD – prompting Can aloud – I do (Can repeats).
WM – Do you likewise pledge yourself that you are prompted to solicit those privileges by a favourable opinion preconceived of the Institution, a general desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish to render yourself more extensively serviceable to your fellow creatures?
JD – prompting Can aloud – I do (Can repeats).
WM – Do you further seriously declare on your honour that, avoiding fear on the one hand and rashness on the other, you will steadily persevere through the ceremony of your Initiation, and if once admitted, you will afterwards act and abide by the ancient usages and established customs of the Order?
JD – prompting Can aloud – I do (Can repeats).
WM – Bro. SW, you will direct the JD to instruct the Can to advance to the pedestal in due form.
SW – Bro. JD, it is the WM’s command that you instruct the Can to advance to the pedestal in due form.
JD – instructs Can to step off with l f and leads him diagonally to position facing WM and about four feet from the pedestal, and still holding Can’s hand, instructs him in a whisper  to place his feet together, then to turn out his r f so as to form a square (ie, the l f pointing E and the r f pointing S).
JD – aloud to Can and ensuring Can suits action to word – Take a sh p with your l f, bringing the heels together in the form of a square.  Take another, a little longer, h to h as before.  Another, still longer, hs together as before. (Can should arrive so that he can kneel without further advancing, and with his l f directed to the E and his r f in the form of a square directed S).
SD – takes up position on l of Can simultaneously with arrival of latter and JD so that all three stand facing WM, JD on r and SD on l of Can.
WM – It is my duty to inform you that Masonry is free, and requires a perfect freedom of inclination in every Can for its mysteries.  It is founded on the purest principles of piety and virtue.  It possesses great and invaluable privileges, and in order to secure those privileges to worthy men, and we trust to worthy men alone, vows of fidelity are required; but let me assure you that in those vows there is nothing incompatible with your civil, moral, or religious duties.  Are you therefore willing to take a S O, founded on the principles I have stated, to keep inviolate the secrets and mysteries of the Order?
Candidate – I am. (If Can does not answer voluntarily, JD should whisper to him ‘Answer’.  The Can is supposed to give this answer of his own free will and he is at liberty to refuse.  If he does so, the ceremony cannot continue and he is led out of the Lodge).
WM – Then you will kneel on your l k, your r f formed in a square (Can does so); give me r h which I place on the VSL – does so – while your l will be employed in supporting these Cs, one pt presented to your n l b.
JD – assists by raising Can’s r h on reference to r h.
SD – assists by raising Can’s l h on reference to l h.
WM – places one leg of Cs in Can’s l h and directs the pt to his n l b.  The Cs are held by the Can with upper pt on b.
WM – one knock, SW – one knock, JW – one knock.
ALL – stand with Sp and EA Sn.
SD and JD – hold wands in l h, cross them over head of Can, Sp and EA Sn.
WM – to Can – Repeat your name at length and say after me:- I, …….- Can gives name in full – in the presence of the Great Architect of the Universe, and of this worthy, worshipful, and warranted Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, regularly assembled and properly dedicated, of my own free will and accord do hereby – with l h touches Can’s r h – and hereon – with l h touches VSL – sincerely and solemnly promise and swear, that I will always h (pronounced hail), conceal, and never reveal any part or parts, point or points of the secrets or mysteries of or belonging to Free and Accepted Masons in Masonry which may heretofore have been known by me, or shall now or at any future period be communicated to me, unless it be to a true and lawful Brother or Brothers, and not even to him or them, until after due trial, strict examination, or sure information from a well known Brother that he or they are worthy of that confidence; or in the body of a just, perfect and regular Lodge of Ancient Freemasons.
   I further solemnly promise that I will not write those secrets, indite, carve, mark, engrave, or otherwise them delineate, or cause or suffer it to be done by others, if in my power to prevent it, on anything movable or immovable, under the canopy of Heaven, whereby or wherein any letter, character, or figure, or the least trace of any letter, character, or figure, may become legible, or intelligible to myself or anyone in the world, so that our secret arts and hidden mysteries may improperly become known through my unworthiness.  These several points I solemnly swear to observe, without evasion, equivocation, or mental reservation of any kind, in the certain knowledge that on the violation of any of them I shall be branded as a wilfully perjured individual, void of all moral worth, and totally unfit to be received into this worshipful Lodge, or any other warranted Lodge, or society of men who prize honour and virtue above the external advantages of rank and fortune.
   So help me God, and keep me steadfast in this my G and S O of an EA FM.
WM – with l h, removes Cs from Can’s l h.
SD – lowers Can’s l h to side. Can’s r h remains on VSL
WM – What you have repeated may be considered but a serious promise; as a pledge of your fidelity, and to render it a S O, you will seal it with your lips on the VSL (JD guides Can’s head to do so if required).
ALL – cut Sn
SD and JD – lower wands to r h.
WM – Having been kept for a considerable time in a state of darkness, what is the predominant wish of your heart?
JD – prompts Can aloud – Light (Can repeats).
WM – Bro. JD, let that blessing be restored to the Can.
JD – should catch WM’s eye to indicate that he is ready.
WM – raises gavel, moves it l then r then down.
ALL – give one hand clap as gavel strikes pedestal. 
JD – removes h w as gavel strikes pedestal.
WM –and pausing till Can is used to light ready to continue – Having been restored to the blessing of material light, let me point out to your attention what we consider the three great, though emblematical, lights in Freemasonry:  they are the VSL, the Sq and Cs.  The Sacred Writings are to govern our faith, the Sq to regulate our actions, and the Cs to keep us in due bounds with all mankind, particularly our Brethren in Freemasonry.
WM – takes Can’s r h from VSL with his r h – Rise, newly obligated Brother among Masons – SD and JD assist Can to rise if required.
WM – restores Can’s r h to JD.
WM – sits
SD – returns to seat.
ALL – (except JD and Can) sit.
JD – takes Can’s r h turns l and conducts him to N side of WM’s pedestal so that both are in a position parallel to the pedestal and about two feet from it, facing S towards WM and releases h.
WM – to Can – You are now enabled to discover the three lesser lights; they are situated E, S, and W, and are meant to represent the Sn, Mn and M of the Lodge; the Sn to rule the day, the Mn to govern the night, and the M to rule and direct his Lodge.
Bro………, by your meek and candid behaviour this evening you have, symbolically, escaped two great dangers, but there was a third which, traditionally, would have awaited you until the latest period of your existence.  The dangers you have escaped are those of sg and s, for on your entrance into the Lodge this p – picks up p from pedestal, unsheathes it, and shows it to Can, suiting actions to words -was presented to your n l b, to imply that had you rashly attempted to rush forward, you would have been accessory to your own …..  by ….. , whilst the Brother who held it would have remained firm and done his duty – sheathes p and replaces it on pedestal.
JD – removes c t from n of Can and hands it to WM.
WM – shows c t to Can – There was likewise this c t, with a running noose about your n, which would have rendered any attempt at retreat equally fatal – hands c t to IPM.
But the danger which, traditionally, would have awaited you until your latest hour was the physical penalty at one time associated with the Obligation of a Mason, that of having your throat cut across had you improperly disclosed the secrets of Masonry.  The full penalty was that of having the throat cut across, the tongue torn out by the root and buried in the sand of the sea at low water mark, or a cable’s length from the shore, where the tide regularly ebbs and flows twice in 24 hours.  The inclusion of such a penalty is unnecessary, for the Obligation you have taken this evening is binding on you for so long as you shall live.
   Having taken the Great and Solemn Obligation of a Mason, I am now permitted to inform you that there are several degrees in Freemasonry, and peculiar secrets restricted to each; these, however, are not communicated indiscriminately, but are conferred on Candidates according to merit and abilities.  I shall therefore proceed to entrust you with the secrets of this Degree, or those marks by which we are known to each other and distinguished from the rest of the world; but must first premise for your general information that all Sqs, Ls, and Pdrs are true and proper Sns to know a Mason by.  You are therefore expected to stand perfectly erect (Can does so), your feet formed in a Sq (Can does so), your body being thus considered an emblem of your mind, and your feet of the rectitude of your actions.
   You will now take a short pace towards me with your l f, bringing the r h into its h (Can does so).  That is the f r s in Freemasonry, and it is in this position that the secrets of the Degree are communicated.  They consist of a Sn, Tn and Wd – rises, faces Can and takes Sp.  Place your hand in this position with the thumb extended in the form of a square slightly to the left of the windpipe – illustrates and ensures that Can copies – The Sn is given by drawing the hand smartly across the throat and dropping it to the side – illustrates and ensures Can copies.
WM – This is an allusion to the symbolic penalty of the Degree, which implied that, as a man of honour, a Mason would rather have had his throat cut across – gives Sn and ensures that Can copies – than improperly disclose the secrets entrusted to him.
WM – The G or Tn is given – takes Can’s r h and adjusts g by placing Can’s t in position before placing his own – by a distinct pressure of the thumb on the first joint of the hand.  This, when regularly given and received, serves to distinguish a Brother by night as well as by day.  This G or Tn demands a word, a word highly prized amongst Masons as a guard to their privileges. Too much caution, therefore, cannot be observed in communicating it; it should never be given at length, but always by letters or syllables, to enable you to do which, I must first tell you what the word is:  it is…….
JD – repeats word aloud and ensures that Can repeats it aloud after him.
WM – spells the word.
JD – spells word aloud and ensures that Can spells word aloud after him.
WM – retains G – As in the course of the ceremony you will be called on for this word, the JD will now dictate the answers you are to give.  What is this?
JD – prompting Can aloud – The G or Tn of an EA FM (Can repeats).
WM – What does it demand?
JD – prompting Can aloud – A word (Can repeats).
WM – Give me that word.
JD – prompting Can aloud (if necessary by phrases) and quickly to prevent him giving word at length – At my initiation I was taught to be cautious; I will letter or halve it with you (Can repeats).
WM – Which you please, and begin.
(At this stage the word is halved.)
JD – gives first half (Can repeats).
WM – gives second half.
JD – gives complete word (Can repeats).
WM – This word is derived from the l h p at the p…way or e…e of K S T, so named after ….., the G G of D, a P and R in I.  The import of the word is In …….; pass ….. – places Can’s r h in l h of JD and sits.
JD – turns right, controlling Can by holding his r h, regains floor of Lodge, turns l, instructs Can in a whisper to step off with l f, passes in front of WM’s ped to SE corner which they square.  JD leads Can to E side of JW’s pedestal and a convenient distance from it. Releases h.
JD – rests butt of his wand on floor, with top resting against r shoulder, Sp and EA Sn – Bro. JW, I present to you Bro ……., on his initiation – cuts Sn and takes wand in r h again.
JW – I will thank Bro ….., to advance to me as a Mason.
JD – instructs Can in a whisper to take Sp and give EA Sn and then to cut Sn, and ensures Can does so.
JW – Have you anything to communicate?
JD – prompting Can aloud – I have (Can repeats).
JW – rises, faces Can, takes Sp and offers hand.
JD – places r h of Can in that of JW, and with l h adjusts g from above.
JW – gives g, after JD has adjusted Can’s r t, retaining g throughout the whole of colloquy – What is this?
JD – prompting Can aloud – The G or Tn of an EA FM (Can repeats).
JW – What does it demand?
JD – prompting Can aloud – A word (Can repeats).
JW – Give me that word.
JD – prompting Can aloud (quickly, and, if necessary, by phrases) – At my initiation I was taught to be cautious; I will letter or halve it with you (Can repeats in similar phrases).
JW – Which you please and begin.
(At the JW’s ped the word is first lettered then halved.)
JD – gives first letter aloud (Can repeats).
JW – gives second letter.
JD – gives third letter aloud (Can repeats).
JW – gives fourth letter.
JD – gives first half (Can repeats).
JW – gives second half.
JD – gives whole word (Can repeats).
JW – Pass, ….. – replaces Can’s r h in l h of JD and sits.
JD – leads Can via S W corner of the Lodge, squaring as before, to S of SW’s pedestal. Both Can and JD face N parallel to SW’s pedestal and a convenient distance from it. Releases h.
JD – rests butt of wand on floor with the top resting against r shoulder, Sp and EA Sn – Bro. SW, I present to you Bro ……, on his initiation – cuts Sn and takes wand in his r h again.
SW – I will thank Bro……, to advance to me as a Mason.
JD – instructs Can in a whisper to take Sp only and ensures he does not give Sn at this stage.
SW – What is that?
JD – prompting Can aloud – The f r Sp in Freemasonry (Can repeats).
SW – Do you bring anything else?
JD – prompting Can aloud – I do (Can repeats).
JD – instructs Can to give EA Sn and cut it.
SW – What is that?
JD – prompting Can aloud – The Sn of an EA FM (Can repeats).
SW – To what does it allude?
JD – prompting Can aloud and by suitable phrases (Can repeats) – The symbolic penalty of the degree, which implied that, as a man of honour a Mason would rather have had his t c a – as Can says ‘his t c a’ prompts him to give Sn and cut it – than improperly disclose the secrets entrusted to him.
SW – Have you anything to communicate?
JD – prompting Can aloud – I have (Can repeats).
SW – rises, faces Can, takes Sp and offers hand.
JD – places Can’s r h in that of SW and with l h adjusts g from above.
SW – gives g after JD has adjusted Can’s r t and retains g throughout the whole of the colloquy – What is this?
JD – prompting Can aloud – The G or Tn of an EA FM (Can repeats).
SW – What does it demand?
JD – prompting Can aloud – A word (Can repeats).
SW – Give me that word.
JD – prompting Can aloud (quickly and if necessary by phrases). – At my initiation I was taught to be cautious; I will letter or halve it with you (Can repeats).
SW – Which you please, and begin.
(Here the word is halved.)
JD – gives first half aloud (Can repeats).
SW – gives second half.
JD – gives whole word (Can repeats).
SW – Whence is this word derived?
JD – prompting Can aloud by phrases – From the l h p at the p…way or e….e of K S T, so named after ….., the G G of D, a P and R in I (Can repeats in phrases).
SW – The import of the word?
JD – prompting Can aloud – In …… (Can repeats).
SW – Pass, ….. – replaces Can’s r h in l h of JD and remains standing.
JD – takes Can by r h to N side of SW’s pedestal, by passing in front of it. He then makes an anti-clockwise wheel, places Can’s r h in l h of SW and lining up on l of Can ensures they are both facing E.
SW – raises Can’s r h, Sp and EA Sn which he holds – WM, I present to you Bro…….,on his initiation for some mark of your favour.
WM – holds up EA apron – Bro. SW, I delegate you to invest him with the distinguishing badge of a Mason. – passes apron to DC, who takes it down S side of Lodge, squares S W corner to N of SW’s pedestal.
SW – cuts Sn, returns Can’s r h to l h of JD.
JD – turns Can to face S and both move a pace back from SW’s pedestal.
SW – steps down from N side of pedestal and takes EA apron from DC, who returns to his seat.
SW – puts apron on Can, assisted by JD if necessary.
SW – picks up lower r h corner of badge with his l h, to Can – Bro……, by the WM’s command, I invest you with the distinguishing badge of a Mason.  It is more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honourable than the Garter or any other Order in existence, being the badge of innocence and the bound of friendship.  I strongly exhort you ever to wear and consider it as such; and further inform you that if you never disgrace that badge – strikes badge at ‘that badge’ with r h (ALL Brethren strike theirs simultaneously) – it will never disgrace you – with his l h restores r h of Can to l h of JD, returns to pedestal by S side and sits.
JD – takes Can’s r h from SW and positions himself on r of Can, turns them to E and releases h.
Chaplain – Let me add to the observations of the SW, that you are never to put on that badge should you be about to visit a Lodge in which there is a Brother with whom you are at variance, or against whom you entertain animosity.  In such cases it is expected that you will invite him to withdraw in order amicably to settle your differences, which being happily effected, you may then clothe yourselves, enter the Lodge and work that love and harmony which should at all times characterise Freemasons.  But if, unfortunately, your differences be of such a nature as not to be so easily adjusted, it were better that one or both of you retire than that the harmony of the Lodge should be disturbed by your presence.
WM – Bro. JD, you will place our new-made Brother at the N E part of the Lodge.
JD – takes Can’s r h and leads him up N to N E part of Lodge.  Both face S, as near as convenient to the corner of the Lodge.  JD releases h.
JD – to Can – L f across the Lodge, r f down the Lodge; pay attention to the WM – ensures Can forms square with his ft.
WM – It is customary, at the erection of all stately and superb edifices, to lay the first or foundation stone at the N E corner of the building.  You, being newly admitted into Masonry, are placed at the N E part of the Lodge figuratively to represent that stone, and from the foundation laid this evening may you raise a superstructure perfect in its parts and honourable to the builder.  You now stand, to all external appearance, a just and upright Mason and I give it you in strong terms of recommendation ever to continue and act as such.  Indeed, I shall immediately proceed to put your principles in some measure to the test, by calling upon you to exercise that virtue which may justly be denominated the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason’s heart – I mean Charity.  I need not here dilate on its excellences; no doubt it has often been felt and practised by you.  Suffice it to say, it has the approbation of Heaven and earth, and like its sister, Mercy, blesses him who gives as well as him who receives.
In a society so widely extended as Freemasonry, the branches of which are spread over the four quarters of the globe, it cannot be denied that we have many members of rank and opulence; neither can it be concealed that among the thousands who range under its banners, there are some who, perhaps from circumstances of unavoidable calamity and misfortune, are reduced to the lowest ebb of poverty and distress.  On their behalf it is our usual custom to awaken the feelings of every new-made Brother by such a claim on his charity as his circumstances in life may fairly warrant.  Whatever, therefore, you feel disposed to give, you will deposit with the JD; it will be thankfully received and faithfull applied.
SD - stands and moves to left side of Can.
JD – moves to a position in front of WM and facing Can, holds out l h (or alms dish if he has been handed one) and makes appeal – Have you anything to give in the cause of charity?
Candidate - ………
JD – lowers hand or alms dish and, if Can does not answer quickly, proceeds with second question – Were you deprived of everything v..l..e previously to entering the Lodge?
Candidate – gives affirmative.
JD – If you had not been so deprived would you give freely?
Candidate – gives affirmative.
JD – turns r and faces WM, rests butt of wand on floor, with top resting against r shoulder, Sp and EA Sn – WM, our new-made Brother affirms that he was deprived of everything v..l..e previously to entering the Lodge or he would give freely – cuts Sn and resumes position on r of Can.
SD – returns to seat
WM – I congratulate you on the honourable sentiments by which you are actuated; likewise on the inability which in the present instance precludes you from gratifying them.  Believe me, this trial was not made with a view to sport with your feelings; far be from us any such intention.  It was done for three especial reasons; first, as I have already premised, to put your principles to the test; secondly, to evince to the Brethren that you had neither m….y nor m….c substance about you, for if you had, the ceremony of your initiation this far, must have been repeated; and thirdly, as a warning to your own heart, that should you at any future period meet a Brother in distressed circumstances who might solicit your assistance, you will remember the peculiar moment you were received into Masonry, poor and penniless, and cheerfully embrace the opportunity of practising that virtue you have professed to admire.
JD – takes Can’s r h and places him in front of w ts, still facing S across the Lodge, and releases h.
WM – I now present to you the w ts of an EA FM:  they are the 24-in G, the common G, and the C. – indicates w ts as he names them – The 24-in G is to measure our work, the common G to knock off all superfluous knobs and excrescences, and the C to further smooth and prepare the stone and render it fit for the hands of the more expert workman.  But, as we are not all operative Masons, but rather free and accepted or speculative, we apply these tools to our morals.  In this sense, the 24-in G represents the twenty-four hours of the day, part to be spent in prayer to Almighty God, part in labour and refreshment, and part in serving a friend or Brother in time of need, without detriment to ourselves or connections.  The common G represents the force of conscience, which should keep down all vain and unbecoming thoughts which may obtrude during any of the aforementioned periods, so that our words and actions may ascend unpolluted to the Throne of Grace. The C points out the advantages of education, by which means alone we are rendered fit members of regularly organised Society.
JD – takes Can by r h, turns E and moves to N side of WM’s pedestal then releases h.
WM – As in the course of the evening you will be called on for certain fees for your initiation, it is proper you should know by what authority we act.  This is our Charter or Warrant from the Grand Lodge of England – Warrant of Lodge is pointed out to Can – which is for your inspection on this or any future evening.  This is the Book of Constitutions - hands Can a copy – and these are our By-laws – hands Can a copy – both of which I recommend to your serious perusal, as by one you will be instructed in the duties you owe to the Craft in general, and by the other in those you owe to this Lodge in particular.
You are now at liberty to retire in order to restore yourself to your personal comforts, and on your return to the Lodge, I shall call your attention to a Charge, founded on the excellences of the Institution and the qualifications of its members.
JD – takes Can by r h and guiding him moves onto floor of Lodge facing S.  JD conducts Can past WM’s pedestal to S E corner and squares Lodge, proceeding W to S W corner and squares Lodge, proceeds to N W of SW’s pedestal.  Here he wheels Can clockwise to face E, halts and releases h.
JD – to Can aloud – Salute the WM as a Mason – instructs Can in whisper to take Sp and give EA Sn and cut it, and ensures Can does so.
JD – takes Can by r h, makes an anti-clockwise wheel and conducts him to the door.
IG – goes to door in front of JD and opens it, closing it again after Can has gone out.
JD and IG – resume seats. 
Outside Lodge Can resumes his ordinary dress with EA badge (no white gloves).  When Can is ready, Tyler gives EA knocks on door of Lodge.
IG – rises in front of his chair, Sp and EA Sn – Bro. JW, there is a report – holds Sn.
JW – seated- one knock.
IG – cuts Sn, goes to door, opens it, and looks out without speaking.
Tyler – The Can on his return.
IG – makes no reply, closes door, returns to position in front of his chair, Sp and EA Sn which he holds – WM, the Can on his return.
WM – Admit him.
IG – cuts Sn, awaits arrival of JD and goes to door.
JD – follows IG to door.
IG – opens door and admits Can.
JD – receives Can and conducts him by r h to N of SW’s pedestal both facing E. releases h.
IG – when JD has received Can, closes door and returns to seat.
JD – to Can – Salute the WM as a Mason – instructs Can if necessary and ensures he takes Sp and gives EA Sn and cuts it.  Both remain standing without hand clasp at N of SW’s pedestal while Charge is delivered.
CHARGE AFTER INITIATION
   Bro………., as you have passed through the ceremony of your initiation, let me congratulate you on being admitted a member of our ancient and honourable institution.  Ancient no doubt it is, as having subsisted from time immemorial, and honourable it must be acknowledged to be, as by a natural tendency it conduces to make those so who are obedient to its precepts.  Indeed, no institution can boast a more solid foundation than that on which Freemasonry rests – the practice of every moral and social virtue.  And to so high an eminence has its credit been advanced that in every age monarchs themselves have been promoters of the art, have not thought it derogatory to their dignity to exchange the sceptre for the trowel, have patronised our mysteries and joined in our assemblies.
As a Freemason, let me recommend to your most serious contemplation the VSL, charging you to consider it as the unerring  standard of truth and justice and to regulate your actions by the divine precepts it contains.  Therein you will be taught the important duties you owe to God, to your neighbour and to yourself.  To God, by never mentioning His name but with that awe and reverence which are due from the creature to his Creator, by imploring His aid in all your lawful undertakings, and by looking up to him in every emergency for comfort and support.  To your neighbour, by acting with him on the square, by rendering him every kind office which justice or mercy may require, by relieving his necessities and soothing his afflictions, and by doing to him as in similar cases you would wish he would do to you.  And to yourself, by such a prudent and well-regulated course of discipline as may best conduce to the preservation of your corporeal and mental faculties in their fullest energy, thereby enabling you to exert those talents wherewith God has blessed you, as well to His glory as the welfare of your fellow creatures.
As a citizen of the world, I am to enjoin you to be exemplary in the discharge of your civil duties, never by proposing or at all countenancing any act that may have a tendency to subvert the peace and good order of society, by paying due obedience to the laws of any State which may for a time become the place of your residence or afford you its protection, and above all, by never losing sight of the allegiance due to the Sovereign of your native land, ever remembering that nature has implanted in your breast a sacred and indissoluble attachment towards that country whence you derived your birth and infant nurture.
As an individual, let me recommend the practice of every domestic as well as public virtue: let Prudence direct you, Temperance chasten you, Fortitude support you, and Justice be the guide of all your actions.  Be especially careful to maintain those truly Masonic ornaments, which have already been amply illustrated – Benevolence and Charity.
Still, as a Freemason, there are other excellences of character to which your attention may be peculiarly and forcibly directed: amongst the foremost of these are Secrecy, Fidelity and Obedience.  Secrecy consists in an inviolable adherence to the Obligation you have entered into – never improperly to disclose any of those Masonic secrets which have now been, or may at any future period be, entrusted to your keeping, and cautiously to avoid all occasions which may inadvertently lead you to do so.  Your Fidelity must be exemplified by a strict observance of the Constitutions of the fraternity, by adhering to the ancient landmarks of the Order, by never attempting to extort or otherwise unduly obtain the secrets of a superior degree, and by refraining from recommending anyone to a participation of our secrets unless you have strong grounds to believe that by a similar fidelity he will ultimately reflect honour on your choice.  Your obedience must be proved by a strict observance of our laws and regulations, by prompt attention to all signs and summonses, by modest and correct demeanour in the Lodge, by abstaining from every topic of political or religious discussion, by a ready acquiescence in all votes and resolutions duly passed by a majority of the Brethren, and by perfect submission to the Master and his Wardens whilst acting in the discharge of their respective offices.
And as a last general recommendation, let me exhort you to dedicate yourself to such pursuits as may at once enable you to be respectable in life, useful to mankind, and an ornament to the society of which you have this day become a member; to study more especially such of the liberal Arts and Sciences as may lie within the compass of your attainment, and without neglecting the ordinary duties of your station, endeavour to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge.
From the very commendable attention you appear to have given to this charge, I am led to hope you will duly appreciate the value of Freemasonry, and indelibly imprint on your heart the sacred dictates of Truth, of Honour, and of Virtue.
JD – leads Can to a seat in N E of the Lodge.