What obligations are required of a Freemason? And where do you find them?
Are they restricted to those which are embodied in the formal obligations
which we take on one or other or both of our knees with a hand on the VSL?
How many do you think there are?
Formal Obligation of the First Degree
In a reasonably long and quite complex passage what is that we actually
swear to? Actually there are only two things!
-
Never
to reveal the secrets which have been entrusted to us – but with a couple of
exceptions:
-
Except to tried
Brother (who, demonstrably, already knows them)
-
In a regular
Lodge (where it will almost certainly be in ceremonial form and to someone
who is receiving them)
-
Not to write the
secrets in any form such that they may become known – either improperly or
inadvertently.
Formal Obligation of the Second Degree
The passage in the Second Degree is a little less complex, and certainly
not so long, but still covers only four:
-
Never to reveal
the secrets
-
To answer signs
-
To obey summons
-
To maintain the
principles taught in the First Degree (which, of course, covers more than the
formal Obligations).
Formal Obligation of the Third Degree
The recitation of the Obligation of the Third Degree is pretty solid. The
language is complex. Even so it still covers only five things:
-
To never reveal
the secrets
-
To adhere to the
principles of the Square and Compasses
-
To answer signs
-
To obey summons,
but with exceptions:
-
Sickness
-
"Pressing
emergencies"
-
To maintain and
uphold the five points of fellowship as applied to another Brother:
-
Hand
– friendship and support to him
-
Feet
– unite in mutual defence and support with him
-
Posture
of daily supplication – see to his needs,
weaknesses and necessities
-
Breast
– safeguard his secrets
-
Honour
– preserve his honour and repel slanders on his name
Summary
So, in summary, what is we get on our knees in front of, and swear on,
the VSL to do:
-
To keep the
Secrets and not write them or otherwise reveal them.
-
To answer signs
given to us by Brothers
-
To obey summons
sent to us
-
To maintain the
principles we are taught
-
To uphold the
five points of fellowship
These constitute parts of the two types of responsibility we have to the
Craft: collective and individual.
1. Collective Responsibility
This is the responsibility we agree to when we are initiated into the
Craft and are intended to ensure the well-being and survival of the
organisation. There are four parts to it:
-
To maintain and
never reveal the secrets
-
To answer signs
-
To obey summons
-
To maintain the
principles of the Degrees
These parts are precursors to the duties which are expanded and
delineated in the final charges of each of the three degrees.
2. Individual Responsibility
This is the responsibility we carry to give of our best endeavours to
assist our Brethren, Lodges and the Craft in general in as much as we are able
without detriment to ourselves and families. This is exemplified in the
Obligation of the Third Degree when it refers to the five points of fellowship.
Again, this is a precursor to other responsibilities which are mentioned
in the three Degrees.
So what other Obligations do we “sign” up to? And where are they?
They are, of course, embodied in the various charges of the three Degree
ceremonies.
Let us look at the Obligations implied in the three Degree Ceremonies.
Charge in the North East
This charge introduces us to the first Obligation which is not included
in the formal Obligation, namely an Obligation to be Charitable.
Apron Charge
In the charge delivered to the candidate after he has been invested with
his badge (apron) he is told that he has an Obligation to do nothing which could
disgrace that badge, and by implication, the Craft.
Charge after Investiture
In this charge we are told we have an Obligation to ensure that the
Harmony and Peace of the Lodge are not disturbed by personal enmity with another
Brother, and we are taught what we must do if we cannot resolve the differences.
First Degree Working Tools
The next Obligation we encounter is presented in the Working Tools: to
develop and live a discipline of care and diligence (accuracy), a work ethic
(labour) and perseverance in the face of difficulty.
Charter Charge
We are next told that we are Obligated to ensure we understand the rules
and regulations which govern our Lodges.
Charge after Initiation
This Charge carries serious Obligations. We are told:
o
Our duty to God
o
Our duty to a neighbour
o
Our duty to oneself
o
Not to subvert the peace and good order of society
o
To obey the laws of the State
o
To pay allegiance to the Sovereign of one’s birth place
o
Prudence
o
Temperance
o
Fortitude
o
Justice
o
Secrecy
o
Obedience
o
Fidelity
Charge after Investiture in the Second Degree
We are told we have an Obligation to extend our studies in the Liberal
Arts and Sciences. This is reinforced in the Charge in the South East.
Second Degree Working Tools
The Working Tools of each Degree carry tremendous significance, but it is
in this Charge that we are introduced to some very serious Obligations:
-
We are to recognise the importance of equality and justice, even though
some distinctions may be necessary from time-to-time .
-
We must not malign religion
-
We must avoid the sins of
:
o
Avarice
o
Injustice
o
Malice
o
Revenge
o
Envy
o
Contempt
Charge after Passing
This charge embodies many of the principles outlined by Anderson’s
Constitutions and tells us that we have Obligations to:
o
Conform to the principles of the Order
o
Practice every virtue
o
Be of good behaviour
o
Preserve the ancient usages and customs
o
Support and maintain the laws and regulations of the Craft
o
Not aggravate and palliate offences of Brethren:
-
Judge with candour
-
Admonish with friendship
-
Reprehend with mercy
o
Honour and obey all regular Signs and Summonses
o
Encourage industry and reward merit
o
Supply wants and relieve necessities
o
Do not wrong, or allow to be wronged, any Brother
o
Appraise a Brother of impending danger
o
View a Brother’s interests as inseparable from one’s own
Charge After Investiture in the Third Degree
Short and sweet, this charge tells us that we have an Obligation to
afford instruction and assistance to Brothers of inferior rank.
Charge After Raising (Final Charge)
-
As
with the Charge After Passing, this charge carries very serious and
significant Obligations. We are to:
-
Correct
the errors and irregularities of Brethren
-
Guard
Brethren against a breach of fidelity
-
Improve
morals and correct manners in all men
Recommend:
o
To inferiors: obedience and submission
o
To equals: courtesy and affability
o
To superiors: kindness and condescension
-
Inculcate
universal benevolence
-
Offer
a good example of conduct
-
Preserve
sacred and inviolate the ancient Landmarks
-
Do
not allow an infringement of rites or deviation of established usage and
custom
-
Enforce
the tenets of the Order by precept and example
Summary
By my count, in all of this there are 23 distinct Obligations relating
to:
1.
Secrets
2.
Signs
3.
Summons
4.
Principles (including secrecy, behaviour, fidelity and integrity and
fellowship)
5.
Charity and benevolence
6.
Harmony and peace
7.
Care and diligence
8.
Work ethic
9.
Education (including the VSL, Masonic knowledge and the Liberal Arts and
Sciences)
10.
Civil duties
11.
The Virtues
12.
Equality and Justice
13.
Religion
14.
Sin
15.
Behaviour
16.
Usages and Customs
17.
Laws and Regulations
18.
Offences of Brethren
19.
Honour
20.
Danger
21.
Instruction and assistance for inferiors
22.
Improvement of morals
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