Third Degree (Canadian) Charge
1. In Mason’s Lodge, with darken eyes
And cable tow about me
I swore to hold all mysteries,
That Masons keep and Masons prize,
All Brothers secrets whispered low,
All words they speak, all things they do
In mystic manner taught me.
On yonder book that oath I took,
And will I break it? NEVER!
But stand by this, and this and this
(E.A. step, D.G. and Sign)
Forever and forever.
2. I swore to answer and obey,
All summons duly sent me.
By Brothers hand or Lodge array
I swore that I would never stray,
From ancient laws and rules that bound,
Freemasons in the days renowned,
But would observe them truly.
On yonder book that oath I took,
And will I break it? NEVER!
But stand by this, and this and this,
(F.C. step, D.G. and Sign)
Forever and forever
3. I swore to lead with generous care,
All those in sorrow hidden.
A Brother on the darkened square,
The mourners with disheveled hair,
The orphan doomed alas to stray,
Upon a rough and rugged way,
While tears gushed forth unbidden.
On yonder book that oath I took,
And will I break it? NEVER!
But stand by this, and this and this,
(M.M. step, D.G. and Sign)
Forever and forever.
4. I swore to deal in honesty,
With all true hearts about me.
That honor bright should ever be,
Unbroken bonds ‘twix him and me.
Not wrong, nor guile, nor cruel fraud,
Should ever break the sacred cord,
By which my vows have bound me.
On yonder book that oath I took,
And will I break it? NEVER!
But stand by this, and this and this,
(D.G. of E.A., F.C. and M.M.)
Forever and forever.
5. I swore to guard the portals close,
Of the Masonic Temple.
To rid the quarries of their dross,
And build the mastic wall across.
With body perfect, upright heart,
And mind mature in moral art,
In precept and example.
On yonder book that oath I took,
And will I break it? NEVER!
But stand by this, and this and this,
(Signs of E.A., F.C. and M.M.)
Forever and forever.
6. I swore the chastity to guard,
Of women true and tender,
Of Masons widow, wife, or child
His mother, sister undefiled.
To them I swore a Brothers love,
By Him who rules the Lodge above,
To be a true defender.
On yonder book that oath I took,
And will I break it? NEVER!
But stand by this, and this and this.
(G.H. sign)
Forever and forever.
7. My Brother these vows are your vows
And be they your care.
And may such aid be giving,
In answer to your earnest prayers.
That you may ever do and dare
All that God’s gracious law allows.
So that when evening shades decline,
You may be found in heaven.
On yonder book these oaths I took. YOU TOOK!
And will we break them? NEVER!
But stand by this, and this and this
(Point to each of the 3 G.L.)
Forever and forever.
