What are the ancient charges read to a Master at installation?

The summary of ancient charges read by the Secretary to a Master elect during an installation ceremony requires the candidate to assent to fundamental moral, civil, and fraternity duties 1. As set forth by William Preston, the Master elect must first agree to be a good man and true, strictly obeying the moral law, and to live as a peaceable subject who cheerfully conforms to the laws of his country 1. He promises not to engage in plots or conspiracies against the government, to respect civil magistrates, to work diligently, to live creditably, and to act honourably by all men 1.

Regarding his conduct within the fraternity and society, the Master elect agrees to hold in veneration the original rulers and patrons of the Order, to submit to the resolutions of the brethren in general chapter convened, to avoid private piques and quarrels, and to guard against intemperance and excess 1. He must remain cautious in carriage and behaviour, courteous to brethren, faithful to his lodge, respectful of genuine brethren, and firm in discountenancing impostors and dissenters from the original plan of Masonry 1. He likewise agrees to promote the general good of society, cultivate the social virtues, and propagate the knowledge of the Art 1.

Following these charges, six specific regulations are read to the candidate 1. Under these regulations, the Master elect admits that no man or body of men has the power to make innovations in the body of Masonry 1. He promises homage to the Grand Master and his officers, obedience to edicts that are not subversive of the groundwork of Masonry, and regular attendance at communications of the Grand Lodge 1. He further admits that no new lodge can be formed without proper authority, that no countenance may be given to irregular lodges or clandestine initiates, that no person can be made or admitted without previous notice and due inquiry, and that no visitors may be received without examination and proper vouchers 1. Upon signifying his submission to these charges and regulations, he is installed into office 1.

Assenting to the summary of ancient charges at an installation requires the Master elect to make nine specific solemn promises regarding his personal conduct, civil obligations, and fraternity duties 1.

First, he promises to be a good man and true, strictly obeying the moral law 1. Regarding civil duty, he agrees to be a peaceable subject who cheerfully conforms to the laws of his country, refrains from plots or conspiracies against the government, submits to the supreme legislature, respects civil magistrates, works diligently, lives creditably, and acts honourably toward all men 1.

Within his personal and social life, the Master elect promises to avoid private piques and quarrels, guard against intemperance and excess, remain cautious in carriage and behaviour, show courtesy to brethren, promote the general good of society, cultivate social virtues, and propagate the knowledge of the Art 1.

In relation to the governance of the fraternity, he agrees to hold in veneration the original rulers and patrons of Masonry and their regular successors, submitting to the awards and resolutions of the brethren 1. He also promises to respect genuine brethren while discountenancing impostors and dissenters from the original plan of Masonry 1.

After assenting to these charges, the Master elect further promises to support six specific regulations 1. These include admitting that no man or body of men can make innovations in Masonry, paying homage and strict obedience to the Grand Master and Grand Lodge edicts that align with Masonic principles, and regularly attending Grand Lodge communications 1. He also agrees to discountenance irregular or clandestine lodges, ensure that candidates undergo due inquiry before initiation, and permit no visitors into his lodge without proper examination and vouchers 1. He closes by promising to submit to these charges and support the regulations as Masters have done in all ages 1.