Inst. Off.: The Holy Writings, that Great Light in Masonry, which guides us to all truth, directs our path to the temple of happiness, and points out the whole duty of man. The Square teaches us to regulate our actions and harmonize our conduct with the principles of morality and virtue. The Compasses teach us to limit our desires in every station, that, rising to eminence by merit, we may live respected and die regretted. The Rule directs us to punctually observe our duty, press forward in the path of virtue, and, inclining neither to the right nor to the left, in all our actions to have eternity in view. The Line, the emblem of moral rectitude, teaches us to avoid dissimulation in conversation and action, and to walk in the path which leads to a blessed immortality. The Constitution and Laws you are to search at all times and cause to be read in your Lodge, that none may pretend ignorance of the excellent precepts they enjoin. You now receive in charge the Charter, by the authority of which this Lodge is held. You are carefully to preserve the same and duly transmit it to your successor in office. You will also receive in charge the By-Laws of your Lodge, which you are to see carefully and punctually executed. The new Master is conducted to the East and placed on the right of the Installing Officer until the other officers are installed. The other officers are then severally presented by the Marshal to the Installing Officer, who delivers to each his appropriate charge. Senior Warden. Inst. Off.: Brother ---- ----, you have been elected Senior Warden of this Lodge. Do you solemnly promise that you will serve the Lodge as Senior Warden for the ensuing year, and will perform all the duties appertaining to that office to the best of your ability? (He assents.) You will now be invested with the insignia of your office. The Level teaches that we are descended from the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same hope; "that we are all children of one common father, heirs of the same infirmities, and exposed to the same vicissitudes." It also reminds us that, although distinctions among men are necessary to preserve subordination, no eminence of station should make us forget that we are brethren, and that in the Lodge and in all our Masonic associations, we are on a level. This implement teaches us that a time will come, and the wisest knows not how soon, when all distinctions but that of goodness, shall cease, and death, the grand leveler of all human greatness, reduce us to the same state. Your regular attendance on the stated and other meetings of the Lodge is essentially necessary. In the absence of the Master you are to govern the Lodge, and in his presence assist him in the government of it. Hence you will perceive the necessity of preparing yourself for the important duties which may devolve upon you. Look well to the West, and guard with scrupulous care the pillar committed to your charge.