A number of jurisdictions have closing charges by the MasterFlorida's Closing Charge, which is optional, and is followed by the Master gives the Benediction.
W.M. Brethren, you are now to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world. Brethren, you are now about to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world. Amid its concerns and employments, forget not the duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and forcibly recommended within this lodge. Be therefore diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet. And remember also that around this altar you have solemnly and sincerely promised to befriend and relieve, with utmost cordiality, so far as shall be within your power, every brother who shall need your assistance; that you have promised to remind him in the most tender manner of his failings and aid in his reformation; to vindicate his character when wrongfully traduced; and to suggest on his behalf the most candid, favorable and palliating circumstances, even when his conduct has been justly reprehensible. If you faithfully observe these duties, the world will observe how Freemasons love one another, in obedience to the will of God. Remember always, Brethren, that these solemn rites of which you have been partakers, and your parts in them, are as binding on your conscience outside the lodge as within it. They are links in that chain made in life for eternity. And these generous principles are to extend even further. Every human being has a claim upon your good offices. So that we enjoin it upon you, Do good unto all, while we recommend it more especially to those who are of the household of the faithful. "May the blessings of Heaven..." is part of the closing prayer by the Chaplain. Charge at Opening The ways of Virtue are beautiful. Knowledge is attained by degrees. Wisdom dwells with contemplation. There we must seek her. Let us then, Brethren, apply ourselves with becoming zeal to the practice of the excellent principles inculcated by our Order. Let us ever remember that the great objects of our association are the restraint of imprope desires and passions, the cultivation of an active benevolence, and the promotion of a correct knowledge of the duties we owe to God, our neighbor, and ourselves. Let us be united, and practice with assiduity the Sacred Tenets of our Order. Let all private animosities, if any unhappily exist, give place to affection and Brotherly Love. It is a useless parade to talk of the subjection of irregular passions within the walls of the Lodge, if we permit them to triumph in our intercourse with each other. Uniting in the grand design, let us be happy ourselves, and endeavor to promote the happiness of others. Let us cultivate the great moral virtues laid down on our Masonic Trestleboard, and improve on everything that is good, amiable and useful. May the benign Genius of the Mystic Art preside over our councils, and under her sway let us act with a dignity becoming the high moral character of our venerable Institution.
Charge at Closing
Brethren: You are now to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and employments, forget not the duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and forcibly recommended in this Lodge. Be diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet. Remember that around this altar you have promised to befriend and relieve every worthy Brother who shall need your assistance. Remember that you have promised to remind him, in the most tender manner, of his failings, and aid his reformation. These generous principles are to extend further. Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. Do good unto all. Recommend it more especially to the household of the faithful. Finally, Brethren, be ye all of one mind; live in peace; and may the God of love and peace delight to dwell with and bless you.A "regular" Masonic body, dedicated to preserving the history and rituals of defunct and inactive Masonic orders. |