Charge to Master, Officers and Brethren

 

Written by Most Worshipful Paul Revere in 1795

When he was Grand Master of Massachusetts:

 

Worshipful Master:  - - - This Worshipful lodge having chosen you for its master and representative, it is now incumbent upon you diligently, and upon every proper occasion, to inquire onto the knowledge of your fellows, and find them daily employment, that the art which they profess may not be forgotten or neglected. You should avoid partiality – giving praise where it is due – and employing those in the most honorable part of the work who have made the greatest advancement, for the encouragement of the art. You should preserve union, and judge in all cases amicably and mildly, preferring peace. That the society may prosper, you should preserve the dignity of your office, requiring submission from the perverse and refactory, always acting upon and being guided by the principals upon which your authority is founded. You should to the extent of your power pay a constant attendance on your lodge, that you may see how your work flourishes and how your instructions are obeyed. You should take care that neither your words nor actions shall render your authority to be less regarded, but that your prudent and careful behavior may set an example and give a sanction to your power. And as brotherly love is the cement of our society, so cherish and encourage it, that the brethren may be more willing to obey the dictates of masons than you have occasion to command.

 

To The Officers:  - - -  And you, the officers of this worshipful lodge, should carefully assist the master in the discharge and execution of his office; diffusing light and imparting knowledge to all fellows under your care; keeping the brethren in just order and decorum, that nothing may disturb the peaceful serenity or obstruct the glorious effects of harmony and concord. And that these may be the better preserved, you should carefully inquire into the character of all candidates to this honorable society, and recommend none to the master who in your opinion is unworthy of the privileges and advantages of masonry, - keeping the cynic far from the ancient fraternity, where harmony is obstructed by the superstitions and morose. You should discharge the lodge quietly, encouraging the brethren assembled to work cheerfully, that none, when dismissed, may go away dissatisfied.

 

To The Brethren:  - - -  And you, brethren of this worshipful lodge, learn to follow the advice and instruction of your officers, submitting cheerfully to their amicable decisions, laying aside all resentments and prejudices toward each other. Let your chief care be to the advancement of the society of which you have the honor to be members. Let there be a modest and friendly emulation among you in doing good to each other. Let complacency and benevolence flourish among you. Let your actions be squared by the rules of masonry. Let friendship be cherished, and all advantages of that title by which we distinguish each other, that we may be brothers, not only in name, but in the full import, extent and latitude of so glorious an appellation.

 

Finally, my brethren, as this association has been carried on with so much unanimity and concord, in which we greatly rejoice, so may it continue to the latest ages. May your love be reciprocal and harmonious. While these principles are uniformly supported this lodge will be an honor to masonry, an example to the world, and therefore a blessing to mankind.

 

From this happy prospect I rest assured of your steady perseverance, and conclude with wishing you all, my brethren, joy of your master, wardens and other officers and of your constitutional union as brethren.