William Harvey's Hints to Young Masons

The young Mason who desires to study the working of the various degrees should bear in mind the following points:—

1. Proficiency comes by diligent study.
2. Fluency is the result of constant practice.
3. Clear utterance is desirable at all times. The beautiful phraseology of a charge is frequently marred by indistinctness and a mumbling form of speech.
4. Study the best Masters. Note their emphasis and follow them at all times.
5. Cultivate deliberation in speech. There is no need for hurry. Have confidence in yourself and you will impress the person you are addressing.
6. Begin with a small part and make yourself master of it. Then proceed to a larger part, frequently revising as you progress. Only in this way will ease and proficiency be attained.
7. Tell the Master you would like to be permitted to have a share in the working of a Degree. If the Master knows his business he will at once grant your request and encourage you to continue to be interested.
8. Be ready at all times to assist the Master. The most successful Lodges are those in which every Member is ready and willing to take a share in the work.
9. Be punctual in your attendance. Recognise that the success of the Lodge is in your hands, and that it is your duty to give your Mother your best service.
10. Be ready to take the place of an office-bearer who may be absent. He is a happy R.W.M. who knows that he may call upon any brother to assist at any time.
11. Never forget that your Mother has a reputation to maintain.
12. Be a Mason always—not only when the Lodge is tyled.

From: Harvey, W. (1917). The Complete Manual of Freemasonry. Dundee: T. M. Sparks.