I

written by M.W. Benjamin L. Hadley, P.G.M.
(sometimes referred to as the "Candle Light Charge")

In Mason's Lodge, with darkened eyes
With cable tow about me,
I swore to hale 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,
Forever and forever.
(Giving D-G and S. on step of E.A. Degree)

2.
I swore to answer and obey,
All summons sent me duly,
By brothers' hand or Lodge array,
I swore that I would never stray,
From Ancient laws and rules that bound,
Freemasons in days renowned,
But would observe them truly.
(On yonder Book that Oath I took, etc...
as above and giving D-G and S.on step of F.C. Degree)

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 gush forth unbidden.
(On yonder Book, etc... giving D-G and S. on step of M.M. Degree)

4.
I swore to deal in honesty,
With each true heart around me,
That Honor ... bright should ever be,
Unbroken bonds 'tween him and me,
Nor wrong nor guile, nor cruel fraud,
Should ever break the sacred cord,
By which my vows have bound me.
(On yonder Book, etc... giving D-G of all 3 Degrees - one with each "this")

5.
I swore the Portals close to guard,
Of the Masonic Temple,
To rid the quarries of their dross,
To build each mystic wall across,
With body perfect, upright heart,
And mind mature in moral art
In Precept and example.
(On yonder Book, etc... pointing to Greater and Lesser Lights and letter

6.
I swore the Chastity to guard,
Of Mason's widow, wife, or child,
His mother or sister, undefiled.
To them I pledge a brother's love,
By Him who rules the Lodge above,
To be a true defender.
(On yonder Book, etc... giving Distress sign - one motion with each this )

7.
My Brother (or Brothers):
These are your Vows, Be they your cares.
And may such aid be given,
In answer to your earnest prayer,
That you may ever do and dare,
All that God's gracious Laws enjoin,
So that when evening shades decline,
You may be found in Heaven.
On yonder Book these Oaths we took,
And will we break them? Never:
But stand by this, and this, and this,
Forever and forever.
(Have candidates join with you in giving D-G and S. on the step of all three Degrees - one with each "this)
Have lesser lights arranged around the alter or dim lights and use alter spot as case may be.