My Brother: You have been passed to the Second Degree of Freemasonry.
We congratulate you on your preferment.
Masonry is a progressive and moral science, divided into degrees;
and as its principles and mystic ceremonies are regularly developed
and illustrated, it is intended and hoped that they will make
a deep and lasting impression upon your mind.
The impressive ceremonies of this degree are calculated to inculcate
in the mind of the novitiate the importance of the study of the
liberal arts and sciences, especially the noble science of Geometry,
which forms the basis of Freemasonry; and which, being of divine
and moral nature, is enriched with the most useful knowledge;
for, while it proves the wonderful properties of nature, it demonstrates
the more important truth of morality. To the study of Geometry,
therefore, your attention is especially directed.
It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties which, as a Fellowcraft
Mason, you are bound to discharge. Your general good reputation
affords satisfactory assurance that you will not suffer any consideration
to induce you to act in a manner unworthy of the respectable character
which you now bear; but that, on the contrary, you will ever display
the discretion, the virtue, and the dignity which become a worthy
and exemplary Mason.
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 offenses of your brethren; but, in
the decision of every trespass against our rules, you are to judge
with candor, admonish with friendship and reprehend with justice.
Your past regular deportment and upright conduct have merited
the honor which we have conferred. In your character as a Fellowcraft
Mason it is expected that, at all our assemblies, you will observe
the solemnity of our ceremonies; that you will preserve the ancient
usages and customs of the Fraternity sacred and inviolable, and
thus by your own example induce others to hold them in due veneration.
Such is the nature of your engagements as a Fellowcraft Mason,
and to a due observance of them you are bound by the strongest
ties of fidelity and honor.