are now to be installed Master of this degree, in full
confidence of your care, skill, and capacity, to govern the same. But
previous to your investiture, it is necessary you should take upon
yourself the solemn oath or obligation appertaining to this degree; if
you are willing to take it upon you, you will please to kneel before
the altar, when you shall receive the same." [Here Lodges differ very
materially, but this is the most prevalent mode of proceeding.] The
candidate then kneels on both knees, lays both hands on the Holy
Bible, Square and Compass, and takes the following oath or obligation:

"I, A. B., of my own free will and accord, in presence of Almighty
God, and this Right Worshipful Lodge of Past Master Masons, do
hereby and hereon, most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear,
in addition to my former obligations, that I will not give the
degree of Past Master Mason, or any of the secrets pertaining
thereto, to anyone of an inferior degree, nor to any person in the
known world, except it be to a true and lawful brother or brethren
Past Master Masons, or within the body of a just and lawfully
constituted Lodge of such, and not unto him or unto them whom I
shall hear so to be, but unto him and them only whom I shall find
so to be, after strict trial and examination, or lawful
information. Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will obey
all regular signs and summons sent, thrown, handed, or given from
the hand of a brother of this degree, or from the body of a just
and lawfully constituted Lodge of Past Masters, provided it be
within the length of my cable-tow. Furthermore, do I promise and
swear, that I will support the constitution of the General Grand
Royal Arch Chapter of the United States of America, also that of
the Grand Chapter of the State of ----, under which this Lodge is
held, and conform to all the by-laws, rules and regulations of
this or any other Lodge, of which I may at any time hereafter
become a member, so far as in my power. Furthermore, do I promise
and swear, that I will not assist, or be present at the conferring
of this degree upon any person who has not, to the best of my
knowledge and belief, regularly received the degrees of Entered
Apprentice, Fellow Craft, Master Mason, and Mark Master, or been
elected Master of a regular Lodge of Master Masons. Furthermore,
do I promise and swear, that I will aid and assist all poor a