From William Preston's lectures for the Entered Apprentice Degree (Section III, Clause 7), 1772.

The injunctions that are laid upon every Mason after his initiation are three in number.

    First, that he shall regularly attend the duties of the order.

    Second, that he shall pay homage and respect to the rulers of the Lodge.

    Third, that he shall diligently apply to his work in Masonry.

What these injunctions exemplify is this, three important points of distinguished excellence.

    The first, zeal and attachment, in obedience to signs and summonses.

    The second, humility and submission in propriety of conduct.

    The third, a wish to improve, by industry and application.

These injunctions are mitigated by three kind admonititions.

    1. That we do not neglect useful employments in life.

    2. That we never suffer zeal to exceed the bounds of discretion.

    3. That we must never enter into disputes with those who may be inclined to ridicule our system.

This will produce three pleasing effects.

    1. We shall live creditably in the world.

    2. We shall live comfortably in ourselves.

    3. We shall live peaceably with all men.

To supply the loss that may be sustained by the non-observance of these injunctions and admonitions, a succedaneum is provided, which enforces adherence to three important points.

    1. That we shall study the liberal arts at leisure.

    2. That we shall trace sciences in the works of eminent masters.

    3. That we shall apply to the well-informed for instruction, who will always be as ready to give it, as we can be to receive it.

The result will be three beneficial consequences.

    1. That we shall gain knowledge by our diligence.

    2. That we shall improve that knowledge by our experience.

    3. That we shall extend that knowledge by our excellence.

The Grand Ultimatum is, that having gained true wisdom, we shall be found useful in every station, and aim to acquire real happiness.

Great William Preston Quote from 1772

"If the privileges of masonry are so valuable, as to intitle their possessors to respect and esteem, by promoting virtue and rewarding merit; why are not their good effects more conspicuous, and why are they not publicly exposed for the general advantage of mankind?—If our privileges were common, and indiscriminately bestowed, the design of the institution would not only be subverted, but being familiar, like some other important matters, it would lose its value, and sink into disregard.—It is a weakness in human nature, that men are generally more charmed with novelty, than the real worth or intrinsic value of things. This is not confined to masonry; even the operations of nature, though beautiful, magnificent and useful, are overlooked because common and familiar. The sun rises and sets, the sea flows and reflows, rivers glide along their channels, trees and plants vegetate, men and beasts act, and all these, ever present to our eyes, yet remain unnoticed, and excite not one single emotion, either in admiration of the great cause, or of gratitude for the blessings conferred. Even virtue itself is not exempted from this unhappy bias in the constitution of mankind. Novelty influences all our actions, all our determinations. Every thing that is new or difficult in the acquisition, however trifling or insignificant, readily captivates the imagination and ensures a temporary admiration; while what is familiar, or easily attained, however noble, or eminent for utility, is sure to be disregarded by the giddy and the unthinking.

"It is a truth too obvious to be concealed, that the privileges of masonry have been too common. Hence we may assign a reason why their good effects are not more conspicuous.—Several persons enrol their names in our records merely to oblige their friends; and reflect not on the consequences of such a measure, nor enquire into the nature of their particular engagements. Not a few are prompted by motives of interest; and many are introduced with no better view than to please as good companions. A general odium, or at least a careless indifference, is the result of such conduct.—But here the evil stops not.—These persons, ignorant of our noble principles, probably without any real defect in their own morals, are led to recommend others of the same cast with themselves for the same purpose. Thus, behold the end! The most sacred part of masonry is turned into scoff and ridicule, and the superficial practices of a luxurious age bury in oblivion principles which have dignified princes and the most exalted characters.

"Many have been deluded by the vague supposition that the mysteries of masonry were merely nominal, that the practices established among us were slight and superficial, and that our ceremonies were of such trifling import, as to be adopted or waved at pleasure. Having passed through the useful formalities, they have accepted offices, and assumed the government of Lodges, equally unacquainted with the duties of the trusts reposed in them, and the design of the society they pretended to govern. The consequence is obvious; anarchy and confusion ensue, and the substance is lost in the shadow.—Thus men eminent for ability, for rank and fortune, view with indifference the distinguished honours of masonry, and either accept offices with reluctance, or reject them with disdain.

"Such are the disadvantages under which masonry has long laboured. Every zealous friend to the society must earnestly wish for a reformation of these abuses."

From an oration given by William Preston on 21 May 1772, at the occasion of the first demonstration before the Grand Master (Moderns) of Preston's degree system.