part I was then taking upon me was the weakest part of

Masonry, it being that only of an entered apprentice.
TFJ/. Why was your right hand placed on the Holy Bible, square, and compass, and not your left, or both?
S.W. The right hand has ever been considered the seat
26 ENTERED APPRENTICE.
of fidelity, and our ancient brethren worshipped Deity under the names of FIDES, which has sometimes been repre- sented by two right hands joined together, at others, by two human figures holding each other by the right hand ; the right hand, therefore, we use in this great and impor- tant undertaking to signify, in the strongest manner pos- sible, the sincerity of our intentions in the business we are engaged.
W.M. Why did the worshipful master present you with a lambskin or a white apron ?
S.W. The lambskin has, in all ages, been deemed an em- blem of innocence ; he, therefore, who wears the lambskin, as a badge of a Mason, is thereby continually reminded of that purity of life and rectitude of conduct which is so es- sentially necessary to our gaining admission into the Celes- tial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Uni- verse presides.
W.M. Why did the master make a demand of you of something of a metallic nature ?
S.W. As I was in a poor and penniless situation at that time, it was to remind me if ever I saw a friend, but more especially a brother, in the like poor and penniless situa- tion, that I should contribute as liberally to his relief as my abilities would admit and his situation required, with- out injuring myself or family.
W.M. Why was you conducted to the north-east corner of the lodge, and there caused to stand upright like a man, your feet forming a square, receiving at the same time a solemn charge ever to walk and act uprightly before God and man?
S.W. The first stone in every masonic edifice is, or ought to be, placed at the north-east corner, that being the place where an entered apprentice Mason receives his first in- structions to build his future masonic edifice upon.
THIRD SECTION.
W.M. We have been saying a good deal about a lodge. I want to know what constitutes a lodge?
S.W. A certain number of free and accepted Masons, duly assembled in a room, or place, with the Holy Bible, square and compass, and other masonic implements, with a charter from the grand lodge empowering them to work.
ENTERED APPRENTICE. 27
W.M. Where did our ancient brethren meet before lodges were erected ?
S.W. On the highest hills and in the lowest vales.
W.M. Why on the highest hills and in the lowest vales?
S.W. The better to guard against cowans and enemies, either ascending or descending, that the brethren might have timely notice of their approach to prevent being sur- prised.
W.M. What is the form of your lodge?
S.W. An oblong square.
Tt'.J/. How long?
(S.TF. From east to west.
W.M. How wide?
S.W. Between north and south.
W.M. How high?
S.W. From the surface of the earth to the highest heaven.
W.M. How deep?
S.W. From the surface to the centre.
W.M. What supports your lodge?
S.W. Three large columns or pillars.
W.M. What are their names?
S.W. Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty.
W.M. Why so?
S.W. Because it is necessary there should be wisdom to contrive, strength to support, and beauty to adorn all great and important undertakings ; but more especially this of ours.
W.M. Has your lodge any covering?
8.W. It has : a clouded canopy, or starry-decked heaven, where all good Masons hope to arrive.
W.M. How do they hope to arrive there?
S.W. By the assistance of Jacob's ladder.
W.M. How many principal rounds has it got?
S.W. Three.
W.M. What are their names?
S.W. Faith, Hope, and Charity.
W.M. What do they teach?
S.W. Faith in God~ hope in immortality, and charity to all mankind.
W.M. Has your lodge any furniture?
S.W. It has; the Holy Bible, square, and compasses.
W.M. To whom are they dedicated?
28 ENTERED APPRENTICE.
S.W. The Bible to God, the square to the master, and the compasses to the craft.
11". M. How explained?
S.W. The Bible to God, it being the inestimable gift of God to man, for his instruction, to guide him through the rugged paths of life ; the square to the master, it being the proper emblem of his office ; the compasses to the craft, by a due attention to which we are taught to limit our desires, curb our ambition, subdue our irregular appetites, and keep our passions and prejudices in due bounds with all mankind, but more especially with the brethren.
W.M. Has your lodge any ornaments?
S.W. It has; the Mosaic or chequered pavement; the indented tassel, that beautiful tasselated border which sur- rounds it ; with the blazing star in the centre.
W.M. What do they represent?
S.W. The Mosaic or chequered pavement represents this world, which, though chequered over with good and evil, yet brethren may walk together thereon and not stumble ; the indented tassel, with the blazing star in the centre, the manifold blessings and comforts with which we are surrounded in this life, but more especially those which we hope to enjoy hereafter ; the blazing star, that prudence which ought to appear conspicuous in the con- duct of every Mason, but more especially commemorative of the star which appeared in the east, to guide the wise men to Bethlehem, to proclaim the birth and the presence of the Son of God.
W.M. Has your lodge any lights?
S.W. It has three.
W.M. How are they situated?
S.W. East, west, and south.
W.M. Has it none in the north?
S.W. It has not.
W.M. Why so?
S.W. Because this, and every other lodge is, or ought to be, a true representation of king Solomon's temple, which was situated north of the eliptic ; the sun and moon, therefore, darting their rays from the south, no light was to be expected from the north ; we, therefore, masonically, term the north a place of darkness.
W.M. Has your lodge any jewels?
S.W. It has six; three movable and three immovable.
ENTERED APPEENTICE. 29
W.M. What are the three movable jewels?
S.W. The square, level, and plumb.
\V.M. What do they teach?
N.ir. The square, mortality; the level, equality; and the plumb, rectitude of life and conduct.
\Y.M. What are the three immovable jewels?
S.W. The rough ashlar, the perfect ashlar, and the trestle-board.
W.M. What are they?
S.W. The rough ashlar is a stone in its rough and nat- ural state : the perfect ashlar is also a stone, made ready by the working tools of the fellow craft, to be adjusted in the building ; and the trestle-board is for the master work- man to draw his plans and designs upon.
W.M. What do they represent?
S.W. The rough ashlar represents man in his rude and imperfect state by nature ; the perfect ashlar also repre- sents man in the state of perfection, to which we all hope to arrive, by means of a virtuous life and education, our own endeavours, and the blessing of God. In erecting our temporal building, we pursue the plans and designs laid down by the master workman on his trestle-board ; but in erecting our spiritual building, we pursue the plans and designs laid down by the Supreme Geometrician of the Universe, in the book of nature which we, masonically, term our spiritual trestle-board.
W.M. W7hom did you serve?
S.W. My master.
W.M. How long?
S.W. Six days.
W.M. What did you serve him with?
S.W. Freedom, fervency, and zeal.
W.M. What do they represent?
S.W7. Chalk, charcoal, and clay.
W.M. Why so?
S.W. There is nothing freer than chalk; the slightest touch of which leaves a trace behind ; nothing more fer- vent than charcoal ; for, when properly heated, it will cause the most obdurate metals to yield ; nothing more zealous than clay, or earth, to bring forth.
W.M. How is your lodge situated?
S.W. Due east and west.
W.M. Why so?
30 ENTERED APPRENTICE.
S.W. Because the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
W.M. A second reason?
S.W. Because the gospel was first preached in the east, and is spreading to the west.
W.M. A third reason ?
S.W. The liberal arts and sciences began in the east, and are extending to the west.
W.M. A fourth reason?
S.W. Because all churches and chapels are, or ought to be, so situated.
W.M. Why are all churches and chapels so situated?
iS'.ir. Because king Solomon's temple was so situated.
W.M. Why was king Solomon's temple so situated?
S.W. Because Moses, after conducting the children of Israel through the Red Sea, by divine command, erected a tabernacle to God ; and placed it due east and west ; which was to commemorate to the latest posterity, that miraculous east wind that wrought their mighty deliver- ance ; and this was an exact model of Solomon's temple. Since that time, every well regulated and governed lodge, is or ought to be so situated.
W.M. To whom did our ancient brethren dedicate their lodges ?
S.W. To king Solomon.
W.M. Why so?
S.W. Because king Solomon was our most ancient grand master.
W.M. To whom do modern Masons dedicate their lodges ?
S.W. To St. John the Baptist, and St. John the Evan- gelist.
W.M. Why so?
S.W. Because they were the two most eminent Chris- tian patrons of Masonry ; and since their time, in every well regulated and governed lodge, there has been a cer- tain point within a circle, which circle is bounded on the east and west, by two perpendicular parallel lines, repre- senting the anniversary of St. John the Baptist, and St. John the Evangelist; who were perfect parallels, as well in Masonry, as Christianity ; on the vortex of which rests the book of the holy Scriptures, supporting Jacob's ladder ; which is said to reach the watery clouds ; and in passing
ENTERED APPRENTICE. 31
round this circle, we naturally touch on both these perpen- dicular parallel lines, as well as the book of the holy Scrip- tures ; and while a Mason keeps himself thus circum- scribed, he cannot materially err.
The lecture being ended, some brother proposes that the lodge be closed.
W.M. If there is no more business before the lodge, we shall proceed to close.
Nothing further being offered, the worshipful master gives one rap with his gavel, which brings the junior deacon on his feet, and says, Brother junior, the last, as well as the first care of congregated Masons?
J.D. To see the lodge tyled, worshipful.
W.M, Attend to that part of your duty, and inform the tyler that we are about to close this lodge of entered apprentice Masons.
Junior deacon steps to the door and informs the tyler the lodge is about to be closed, and directs him to tyle ac- cordingly ; he then returns to his seat and says, We are tyled, worshipful. " W.M. How tyled?
J.D. With secrecy and brotherly love ; also a brother of this degree without the door, with a draw-n sword in his hand.
W.M. His duty there?
J.D. To keep off all cowans* and eavesdroppers, to see
* This word is not to be found in any Lexicon, that I have ever seen ; nor could I ever find any Mason bright enough to give me its definition or meaning. I shall venture to hazard a conjecture of its etymology ; viz., that it is of French origin, and was written Chpuan ; and the h omitted by being pronounced in English, without aspirating it, agree- able to Cockney pronunciation. The Chouans were loyalists during the French revolution, and the most determined and inveterate enemies of the Charitables— Robespierre, Billaud, Yarennes, Callot d'Herbois, the Duke of Oreleans, and all the rest of their bloodthirsty gang. The Chouans were worse than eavesdroppers to the Masons; who (it is now well settled by history) originated the Revolution in their Masonic lodges, with the infamous Duke of Orleans at their head. The Chouans were a party connected with the several parties of armed royalists of Poitou and Basse Bretagne, distinguished by the titles of Les Charet- tistes, Les Vendeen, Les Chapeurs, Les Chouans, Les Brigands, de la Vendee, Les Corneurs, Les Faction des devots— de la mere de dieu— des Epouseurs de Proly, etc. ; all of whom were of course opposed to the Masons, and the most inveterate of them the Chouans. Hence, probably.
32 ENTERED APPRENTICE,
that none pass or repass but such as are duly qualified, and have permission from the chair.
Worshipful master then gives two raps with his gavel, which brings all the subordinate officers on their feet ; and each, standing in his place, recites his duty, as follows :
W.M. The junior deacon's place in the lodge?
J.D. At the right, in front of the senior warden in the west.
W.M. Your duty there, brother junior?
J.D. To carry messages from the senior warden in the west, to the junior warden in the south ; and elsewhere about the lodge, as he may direct.
W.M. The senior deacon's place in the lodge?
S.D. At the right, in front of the worshipful master in the east.
W.M. Your duty there, brother senior?
S.D. To carry messages from the worshipful master in the east, to the senior warden in the west ; and elsewhere about the lodge, as he may direct ; to assist in the prepara- tion and initiation of candidates, and to welcome and clothe all visiting brethren.
W.M. The secretary's station in the lodge?
Sec. At the left hand of the worshipful master in the east.
W.M. Your duty there, brother secretary?
Sec. To record the doings of the lodge ; collect all money ; pay it over to the treasurer, and keep a true and correct account of the same.
W.M. The treasurer's place in the lodge?
Treas. At the right hand of the worshipful master in the east.
W.M. Your duty there, brother?
Treas. To receive all money from the hand of the secre-
all opposers of Masons were afterwards designated by the term Chouan (pronouncing the ch like k). In like manner, after Morgan was mur- dered, all who were opposed to Masonry were called Morganites, or Mor- gan men. This was the appellation given the Anti-masons in various parts of the Union, I believe. So much for Cowans. If this is the etymo- logy of the term, there are already in this country more Cowans than Masons ; and it may well be considered the first duty of Masons to guard against them. If we have ventured to say this much of the etymology of Cowans, where even Noah Webster and all his predecessors are silent, we hope it will be attributed, not to presumption, but to earnest and sincere desire for— more light !
ENTERED APPRENTICE. 33
tary ; to keep a true and correct account of the same, and pay it out by order of the worshipful master, with consent of the brethren.
W.M. The junior warden's place in the lodge?
J.W. In the south, worshipful.
W.M. Your duty there, brother junior?
J.H'. As the sun is in the south at high twelve, which is the glory and beauty of the day, so stands the junior warden in the south, to call the craft from labour to re- freshment, and from refreshment to labour ; that the wor- shipful master may have profit and pleasure thereby.
ir.J/. The senior warden's place in the lodge?
S. W. In the west, worshipful.
W.M. Your duty there, brother senior?
S.W. As the sun sets in the west, to close the day, so stands the senior warden in the west, to assist the wor- shipful master in opening and closing the lodge ; pay the craft their wages, if any be due ; and see that none go away dissatisfied.
W.M. The master's place in the lodge?
S.W. In the east, worshipful.
W.M. His duty there, brother senior?
S.W. As the sun rises in the east, to open and adorn the day, so rises the worshipful master in the east, to open or close his lodge.
Worshipful master rises and says : After that manner, so do I. It is my will and pleasure that this lodge of en- tered apprentice Masons be now closed, and stand closed until our next regular communication, unless convened by some sudden emergency ; in which case, due and timely notice will be given. Brother senior warden, you will com- municate the same to the junior warden in the south, that the brethren present may have due and timely notice, etc. [The senior warden informs the junior warden, and he the brethren, as above.]
Worshipful master says, Attend to the charge, brethren, which he reads.
" May the blessing of Heaven rest upon us, and all regu- lar Masons; may brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue cement us. So mote it be. Amen."
After the prayer, the following charge ought to be de- livered ; but it is seldom attended to ; in a majority of lodges, it is never attended to.
4
34 ENTERED APPRENTICE.
Master to brethren. " Brethren, we are now about to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and employ- ments, forget not the duties which you have heard so fre- quently inculcated, and so forcibly recommended in this lodge. Remember that around this altar you have pro- mised to befriend and relieve every brother who shall need your assistance. You have promised in the most friendly manner to remind him of his errors, and aid a reforma- tion. These generous principles are to extend further ; every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. Do good to all. Recommend it more "especially to the household of the faithful. Finally, brethren, be ye all of one mind, live in peace, and may the God of love and peace delight to dwell with and bless you."
W.M. Attend to the signs, brethren. [Here the signs are given. See plate 4, fig. 1, 2.]
W.M. How do Masons meet, brother senior?
S.W. On the level, worshipful.
W.M. How do Masons part, brother junior?
J.W. On the square, worshipful.
W.M. So let us meet, and so let us part, in the name of the Lord.
FELLOW CRAFT'S DEGREE. 35
FELLOW CRAFT'S DEGREE.
I shall omit part of the opening and closing ceremonies of this degree, which is the same as in the first, or en- tered apprentice degree, except the difference in signs, etc., which will be hereafter explained; the least number that is allowed to do business in this degree, is five, viz. : worshipful master, senior warden, junior warden, senior deacon, and junior deacon ; yet seven besides the tyler gen- erally assists and take their seats as in the entered appren- tice's degree.
The worshipful puts on his hat* and says : Brethren, I am about opening a lodge of fellow craft Masons in this place for the dispatch of business ; I will thank you for your attention and assistance. If there is any persons present who is not a fellow craft Mason he is requested to retire.
The worshipful master then resumes his seat and says : Brother senior warden, you will receive the pass-word in the west, and send it up to the east. The senior and junior deacons now repair to the senior warden in the west, and whisper in his ear the pass-word of this degree, " Shibboleth." Senior warden says the word is right in the west, you will receive it from the brethren, and carry it up to the east.
Senior deacon turns to the north and junior deacon to the south ; this is a trying moment for the cowans, eaves- droppers and "rusty masons," for each deacon uncere- moniously puts his ear to the mouth of every person in the room, and if in their travels they meet with one who cannot whisper at low breath the word " Shibboleth," he is im- mediately invited into the preparation room, and a com-
* The master in each degree of Freemasonry always wears his hat. From this circumstance, or custom, a secret question arises, " Where does the master hang his hat?" A person who had never sat in a lodge would little think he hung it on " Nature's Peg." This question is often put to strangers who ?isit the lodge.
3G FELLOW CRAFT.
mittee appointed to examine him.* The deacons proceed and receive the word from each person in the lodge and repair to the master, and whisper in his ear " Shibboleth." The master* gives notice that the word has come up right, and that they can with safety open the lodge : which, being done, and the minutes of the last meeting read, the master directs the deacons to prepare the candidate for the second degree of Freemasonry. They perform their duty, and the senior deacon returns to his place in the lodge ; the master calls to order, and the junior deacon makes an alarm of two distinct knocks on the outside of the door.
S.D. Worshipful master, there is an alarm at the door. H'.J/. Attend to the cause of that alarm, and see who comes there. [The senior deacon steps to the door, and gives two raps on the inside, which is in answer to those given by the junior deacon, who gives one; the senior deacon does the same, and partly opens the door and in- quires, " Who comes here? who comes here?"]
J.D. A worthy brother, who has been regularly initi- ated, as an entered apprentice mason, and now wishes for further light in Masonry, by being passed to the degree of fellow craft.
S.D. [to candidate]. Is it of your own free will and ac- cord you make this request?
Can. [prompted]. It is.
S.D. Is he duly and truly prepared?
J.D. He is.
Has he made suitable proficiency in the preceding
" h ^£* committee appointed to examine a stranger, are generally the brightest m the lodge, and are usually three in number, me first step m the examination is to administer the test oath • the tranger, if a Mason, and understands himself, will request the 'com- mittee to take the oath with him. All then place their hands on the Bible each calling himself by name, repeats the following oath • [I j Vu m? own free wil1 and accord, in presence of Almighty God and these witnesses do hereby and hereon, solemnly and sincerely swear that I have been regularly initiated, passed, etc. [as the case may be], in a legally constituted lodge of Freemasons, and have never been expelled, or suspended, and know of no cause why I ehould be • so help me, God and keep me steadfast. [They kiss the book. After the stranger has taken the oath, he is examined upon the signs, gripa, and
FELLOW CRAFT.
37
J.D. He has.
S.D. By what further right and benefit does he expect to gain admission to this lodge of fellow craft Masons?
J.D. By the benefit of a pass.
S.D. Has he a pass?
J.D. He has it not : I have it for him.
S.D. Advance and give it.
The junior deacon whispers in his ear the word " Shib- boleth."
S.D. The pass is right. You will wait a time until the worshipful master is informed of your request, and his answer returned.
The senior deacon then repairs to the master, and gives two raps, which are answered by the master : when the same questions are asked and answers returned as at the door : after which the master says, Since he comes endued with all these necessary qualifications, let him enter this worshipful lodge in the name of the Lord, and take heed on what he enters. The door is opened, and the candidate enters.
Senior deacon says, Brother, when you first entered this lodge, you was received on the point of the compasses press- ing your naked left breast, which was then explained to you. As a fellow craft Mason, we receive you on the angle of the square, pressing your naked right breast, which is to teach you to act upon the square with all mankind, but more especially with a brother Mason. The candidate is then conducted twice regularly round the lodge.
During the time of his travelling, the master reads the following passages of Scripture.
AMOS vii, 7, 8. " Thus he showed me; and behold the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand. And the Lord said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, a plumb line. Then said the Lord, Behold I will set a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel : I will not again pass by them any more."
By the time the reading is ended, the candidate has made his second revolution around the lodge, and halted at the junior warden's place in the south, where he gives two raps, and is answered by two, when the same questions are asked, and answers returned as at the door : from thence he is conducted to the senior warden, where the same ques- tions are asked, and answers returned as before ; he is then
38 FELLOW CRAFT.
conducted to the master in the east, where the same ques- tions are asked, and answers returned.
Worshipful master likewise demands, From whence came you?
S.D. From the west.
W.M. Which way are you travelling?
S.D. To the east.
W.M. Why do you leave the west and travel to the east?
S.D. In search of more light in Masonry.
\\'.M. Since this is the case, you will please conduct the candidate back to the west, from whence he came, and put him in the care of the senior warden, Avho will teach him to approach the east, the place of light, by advancing upon two upright regular steps to the second step in Masonry, his feet forming the right angle of an oblong square, his body erect, and cause him to kneel at the altar in due form, to take the solemn oath or obligation of a fellow craft Mason. The senior warden receives the candidate at his place, and directs him to step off with the left foot as be- fore, and also with the right, fetching up the left and placing it in the hollow thereof ; the candidate kneels on the right knee, the left forming a square ; his left arm, as far as the elbow, in a horizontal position, and the rest of the arm in a vertical position, so as to form a square ; his arm supported by the square, held under his elbow.
W.M. Brother, you are now placed in a proper position to take the solemn oath or obligation of a fellow craft Mason, which I assure you, like your former obligation, will not interfere with your duty to your country, or your Maker. If you are willing to proceed, you will repeat your Christian and surname, and say after me,
"I, A. B., of my own free will and accord, in the pre- sence of Almighty God and this worshipful lodge of fellow craft Masons, erected to God, and dedicated to the holy St. Johns, do hereby and hereon, most solemnly and sin- cerely promise and swear, in addition to my former obli- gation, that I will not give the secrets of this degree to any of an inferior degree, not to any being in the known world, except it be a true and lawful brother fellow craft Mason, or within the body of a just and lawfully consti- tuted lodge of such, and not unto him or them, whom I shall hear so to be, but unto him and them only, whom I
FELLOW CRAFT. 39
shall find so to be, after strict trial, due examination, or lawful information.
I furthermore promise and swear, that I will not wrong this lodge, nor a brother of this degree, to the value of two cents, myself, nor suffer it to be done by others, if in my power to prevent it.
I furthermore promise and swear, that I will support the constitution of the grand lodge of this State, 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 hereafter become a member.
I furthermore promise and swear, that I will obey all regular signs and summons, handed, sent, or thrown to me, by a fellow craft Mason, or from the body of a just and lawfully constituted lodge of such, if within the length of my cable-tow.
I furthermore promise and swear, that I will be aiding and assisting all poor and indigent fellow craft Masons, their widows and orphans, wheresoever dispersed around the globe, they applying to me as such, and I finding them worthy, so far as I can do it, without injuring myself or family. To all of which, I do most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, without any hesitation, mental reserva- tion, or self-evasion of mind in me whatever, binding my- self under no less penalty than to have my left breast torn open, my heart and vitals taken from thence, thrown over •my left shoulder, and carried to the valley of Jehosaphat, there to become a prey to the wild beasts of the field, and vultures of the air, should I wilfully violate, or transgress any part of this, my solemn oath or obligation, of a fellow craft Mason. So help me, God, and keep me steadfast in the due performance of the same.
W.M. Detach your hands, and kiss the book [which is the Holy Bible] twice.
The bandage is now [by senior deacon] dropped over the other eye of the candidate.
W.M. Brother, in your present situation, what do you most desire ?
Can. [prompted]. More light in Masonry.
W.M. Brethren, will you stretch forth your hands, and assist in bringing this new-made brother to more light?
The master after a short pause says:
" And God said, let there be lights-land there was light."
40 FELLOW CRAFT.
At this instant the senior deacon strips off the bandage from the candidate's eyes, and at the same time, the grand shock is given, as before described.
W.M. [to candidate]. Brother, on being brought to light, what do you discover in this degree different from what you saw in the former? [Pauses for an answer. Can- didate signifies he sees nothing.]
W.M. It is this — you now behold one point of the com- pass elevated above the square ;[!!!] whereas in the former degree, both points were under the square ; this signifies to you that you have received more light in Masonry ; [ ! ! !] and as one point is yet hid beneath the square, so are you in darkness, as it regards one material point in Masonry. The master steps off from the candidate three or four steps, and says, " Brother, you now discover me as master of this lodge, approaching you from the east, under the sign and due-guard of a fellow craft Mason. The sign is given by taking hold of the left breast, with the right hand, as though you intended to tear out a piece of it, then draw your hand with the fingers partly clenched, from the left to the right side, with some quickness, and dropping it down by your side. The due-guard is given by raising the left arm until that part of it between the elbow and shoul- der is perfectly horizontal ; and raising the rest of the arm in a vertical position, so that part of the arm below the elbow, and that part above it forms a square. This is the due-guard. The two are always given together by Masons, and are called the sign and due-guard of a fellow craft : they would not be recognised by a Mason, if given separ- ately. [See plate 4, fig. 3.] The master, by the time he gives his steps, sign, and due-guard, arrives at the candi- date, and says, " Brother, I now present you with my right hand, in token of brotherly love and confidence ; and with it the pass-grip and word of a fellow craft Mason. The pass-grip is given by taking each other by the right hand, as though going to shake hands, and each putting his thumb between the fore and second fingers, where they join the hand, and pressing the thumb between the joints. [See plate 4, fig. 7.] The name of it is Shibboleth. Its origin will be hereafter explained. The pass-grip some give with- lettering or syllabling, and others give it the same way they dp the real grip ; the real grip of a fellow craft Mason is given by putting the thumb on the joint of the second fin-
FELLOW CRAFT.
41
ger, where it joins the hand, and crooking your thumb so that each can stick the nail pf his thumb into the joint of the other : the name is Jachin. [See plate 4, fig. 8.]
After the master gives the candidate the pass-grip and their names, he says, Arise, brother Jachin, from a square to a perpendicular, go and salute the junior and senior wardens, and convince them that you have been regularly passed to the degree of fellow craft. [The candidate gives the fellow craft's sign, see plate 4, fig. 3.] After he has thus saluted the wardens, he is conducted to the worship- ful master in the east, who says, Brother, I now have the honour of presenting you with a lambskin apron, as before, which I hope you will continue to wear, with honour to yourself and satisfaction to the brethren. You will please carry it to the senior warden in the west, who will teach you how to wear it, as a fellow craft Mason. The senior ties on his apron, and turns up one corner at the lower end and tucks it under the apron string, and says, At the build- ing of king Solomon's temple, the workmen were distin- guished by the manner in which they wore their aprons : fellow crafts wore theirs thus. The senior deacon then conducts his pupil to the master, who has by this time re- sumed his seat in the east, where he has. or ought to have, the floor-carpet to assist him in his explanations.
W.M. Brother, as you are dressed, it is necessary you should have tools to work with ; I will therefore present you with the tools of a fellow craft Mason. They are the plumb, square, and level.
I further present you with three precious jewels ; their names are faith, hope, and charity ; they teach us to have faith in God, hope in immortality, and charity to all man- kind. The greatest of these three is charity : for faith may be lost in sight, hope ends in fruition ; but charity extends beyond the grave, through the boundless realms of eternity.
The candidate is then conducted to the preparation room, and invested of what he has been divested, and returns to the lodge, for further examination. As he enters the door, the senior deacon observes, "We are now about to return to the middle chamber of King Solomon's temple." When within the door, the senior deacon proceeds, Brother, we have worked in speculative Masonry, but our forefathers wrought both in speculative and operative Masonry. They worked at the building of King Solomon's temple, and
42 FELLOW CRAFT.
many other Masonic edifices : they wrought but six days in the week, and rested on the seventh, because in six days God created the heavens and the earth, and rested on the seventh day ; the seventh, therefore, our ancient brethren consecrated as a day of rest, thereby enjoying more fre- quent opportunities to contemplate the glorious works of creation, and to adore their great Creator. Moving a step or two, the deacon proceeds, Brother, the first things that attract our attention on our return, are two large columns, or pillars, one on the left hand and the other on the right ; the name of the one on the left hand is Boaz, and denotes strength ; and that on the right, Jachin, and denotes estab- lishment ; they collectively allude to a passage in the Scrip- ture, wherein God has declared, "In strength shall this house be established." These columns are eighteen cubits high, twelve in circumference, and four in diameter ; they are adorned with two large chapiters, one on each, and these chapiters are ornamented with net work, lily work, and pomegranates ; which denote unity, peace, and plenty. The net work, from its connection, denotes union, the lily work, from its whiteness, purity and peace, and the pome- granate, from the exuberance of its seed, denotes plenty. They also have two large globes, one celestial, the other terrestrial ; one on each ; these globes contain on their con- vex surfaces, all the maps and charts of the celestial and terrestial bodies ; they are said to be thus extensive, to denote the universality of Masonry, and that a Mason's charity ought to be equally extensive. Their composition is molten, or cast brass ; they were cast on the banks of the river Jordan, in the clay-ground between Succoth and Zaradatha. where king Solomon ordered these and all other holy vessels to be cast ; they were cast hollow ; and were four inches, or a hand's breadth thick : they were cast hol- low, the better to withstand inundations and conflagrations were the archives of Masonry : and contained the consti- tution, rolls, and records. [The senior deacon having ex- plained the columns, he passes between them, advancing a step or two, observing as he advances]. Brother we will pursue our travels : the next thing that we come to, is a long winding staircase, of three, five, and seven steps. The three first allude to the three principal supports in Masonry, viz., Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty: the five steps allude to the five orders in architecture, and the five
FELLOW CRAFT. 43
human senses; the five orders in architecture are the Tus- can, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite ; the five human senses are, hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling, and tasting ; the three first of which have ever been highly es- sential among Masons, hearing, to hear the word ; seeing, to see the sign ; and feeling, to feel the grip ; whereby one Mason may know another in the dark as well as in the light. The seven steps allude to the seven sabbatical years, seven years of famine, seven years in building the Temple, seven golden candlesticks, seven wonders of the world ; seven planets, but more especially the seven liberal arts and sciences, which are grammar, rhetoric, logic, arith- metic, geometry, music, and astronomy ; for this and many other reasons, the number seven has ever been held in high estimation among Masons.* [Advancing a few steps, the senior deacon proceeds.] Brother, the next thing we come to is the outer door of the middle chamber of king Solo- mon's Temple, which is partly open, but closely tyled by the junior warden. [It is the junior warden in the south who represents the tyler at the outer door of the middle chamber of king Solomon's Temple, who on the approach of the senior deacon and candidate, inquires, " Who comes here? who comes here?"] The senior deacon answers, " A fellow craft Mason."
J.D. How do you expect to gain admission?
S.D. By a pass and token of a pass.
J.D. Give them.
The senior deacon or the candidate (prompted by him) gives them ; after the junior warden has received the pass Shibboleth, he inquires, What does it denote?
S.D. Plenty.
•7.TF. How is it represented?
S.D. By a sheaf of wheat suspended near a water-ford.
J.D. Why was this pass instituted ?
S.D. In consequence of a quarrel which long existed be- tween Jeptha, judge of Israel, and the Ephraimites ; the latter had been a stubborn, rebellious people, whom Jeptha had endeavoured to subdue by lenient measures, but to no effect. The Ephraimites being highly incensed for not being called to fight and share in the rich spoils of the
* To the list of sevens, the Masons can add one more, viz., the seven kidnapped and " probably " murdered William Morgan, who have ever since been held in high repute among the Masons.
44 FELLOW CRAFT.
Amonitish war, assembled a mighty army and passed over the river Jordan to give Jeptha battle ; but he, being ap- prised of their approach, called together the men of Israel and gave them battle, and put them to flight ; and, to make his victory more complete, he ordered guards to be placed at the different passes on the banks of the river Jordan, and commanded, if the Ephraimites passed that way, they should pronounce the word Shibboleth; but they, being of a different tribe, pronounced it Sibboleth, which trifling defect proved them spies, and cost them their lives ; and there fell that day, at the different passes on the banks of the river Jordan, forty and two thousand. This word was also used by our ancient brethren to distinguish a friend from a foe, and has since been adopted as a proper pass- word to be given before entering any well-governed lodge of fellow craft Masons. Senior deacon says to the can- didate, " Brother, the next thing we come to is the inner door of the middle chamber of King Solomon's Temple, which we find partly open, but more closely tyled by the senior warden," when the senior warden inquires, " Who comes here? who comes here?" The senior deacon answers, " A fellow craft Mason." Senior warden, " How do you expect to gain admission?" Ans. "By the grip and word." Senior warden, "Give them." Candidate takes him by the fellow craft's grip, and says, " Jachin." Senior warden says, " They are right ; you can pass on." As they approach the master, he inquires, "Who comes here? who comes here?" Senior deacon answers, "A fellow craft Mason." The master then says to the candidate, " Brother, you have been admitted into the middle chamber of King Solomon's Temple, for the sake of the letter G. It denotes Deity, before Whom all should bow. It also denotes Geo- metry, the fifth science, on which this degree is founded."
The candidate having received the degree, the master reads a "charge" to him, and the candidate takes his seat in the lodge. If there is no more business, the lodge is closed, as in the preceding degree.
The lecture of this degree, like those of the entered ap- prentice, are nearly a recapitulation of the ceremony, or " work " ; it commences thus :
W.M. Are you a fellow craft Mason?
Can. I am — try me.
FELLOW CRAFT. 45
]\'.M. By what will you be tried?
Can. By the square.
W.M. Why by the square?
Can. Because it is an emblem of virtue.
W.M. What is a square?
Can. An angle extending to ninety degrees, or the fourth part of a circle.
W.M. Where were you prepared to be made a fellow craft Mason?
Can. In a room adjacent to the body of a just and law- fully constituted lodge of such, dulv assembled in a room or place representing the middle chamber of King Solo- mon's Temple, etc.
MASTER MASON'S DEGREE.
The officers and members being assembled, the lodge is opened as in the preceding degree.* [See plate 1.] All things being ready, the candidate is taken into the pre- paration room, and prepared as follows : the junior and senior deacons strip him naked, he is then furnished with an old pair of drawers, which are tied or buttoned just above his hips, and both legs of them are rolled above his knees ; his shirt is then put over his head, and slipped down around his body, and is partly covered by his drawers ; the sleeves and collar hang dangling behind, over the waist- band of his drawers; a rope, or cable-tow, is put three times round his body, the parts below his knees, and those from the middle of the body up, are entirely naked, except that he has a bandage over his eyes ; he is now prepared in due and ancient form for the third degree of Freemasonry. (See plate of penalties.)
He is then conducted from the preparation room to the door, where he gives three distinct knocks, when the senior deacon rises and says, Worshipful master, there is an alarm at the door.
W.M . Brother, inquire the cause of that alarm.
The senior deacon then steps to the door, and answers the three knocks that had been given, by three more ; one knock is then given without, and answered by one from within ; when the door partly opened, and the senior deacon asks, Who comes there?
J.D. A worthy brother, who has been regularly initi- ated as an entered apprentice Mason, passed to the degree of a fellow craft, and now wishes for further light in Masonry, by being raised to the sublime degree of a master
* The least number that can do business in this degree is the officers : but seven generally assist, as in the preceding degree.
46
MASTER MASON.
47
S.D. Is it of his own free will and accord, he makes this request?
Can. (prompted). It is.
S.D. Is he worthy and well qualified ?
J.D. He is.
S.D. Has he made suitable proficiency in the preceding degrees ?
J.D. He has.
S.D. By what further right does he expect to obtain this favour?
J.D. By the benefit of a pass- word.
S.D. Has he that pass?
J.D. He has it not ; but I have it for him.
S.D. Give it.
Junior deacon whispers in the ear of senior deacon— Tubal Cain.
Senior deacon says, The pass is right. You will wait till the worshipful master be made acquainted with his re- quest, and his answer returned.
Senior deacon then repairs to the master, and gives three knocks, after answering which, the same questions are asked, and answers returned as at the door, when the mas- ter says, Since he comes endowed with all these necessary qualifications, let him enter this worshipful lodge, in the name of the Lord, and take heed on what he enters.
Senior deacon returns to the door and says, " Let him enter this worshipful lodge in the name of the Lord, and take heed on what he enters."
On entering, the senior deacon presses both points of the compass against his naked right and left breasts, and says, Brother, when you first entered this lodge, you was re- ceived on the point of the compass pressing your naked left breast ; when you entered it the second time, you was re- ceived on the angle of the square, pressing your naked right breast ; on entering it now, you are received on the two extreme points of the compass, pressing your naked right and left breasts, which is to teach you that, as the most vital parts of man are contained between the two breasts, so are the most valuable tenets of Masonry con- tained between the two extreme points of the compass ; which are virtue, morality, and brotherly love. The senior deacon then conducts the candidate three times regularly round the lodge, travelling with the sun ; and as he passes
48 MASTER MASON.
the wardens and master, the first time going round, they each give one rap with the gavel : the second time two : and the third three. During the time the candidate is travelling, the master reads the following passages of Scripture, so that the travelling and reading terminate at the same time :
" Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them : while the sun, or the moon, or the stars be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain : in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease, because they are few ; and those that look out of the windows be darkened, and the doors shall be shut in the streets : when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low. Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond-tree shall flourish, and the grasshoppers shall be a burden, and desire shall fail : because man goeth to his long home and the mourners go about the streets : or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken at the fountain, or the wheel at the cistern. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God Who gave it."
The candidate halts at the junior wardens in the south, where the same questions are asked, and answers returned as at the door : he is directed by the junior warden to the senior warden in the west, where the same questions are asked, and answers returned, as before : from thence he is conducted to the worshipful master in the east, who asks the same questions and receives the same answers; and who likewise asks the candidate from whence he came, and whither he is travelling.
A . From the west, and travelling to the east.
Q. Why do you leave the west, and travel to the east?
A. In search of more light.
The master then says to the senior deacon, "You will please conduct the candidate back to the west, from whence he came, and put him in care of the senior warden, who will instruct him how to approach the east, by advancing upon three upright regular steps, to the third step in masonry, his feet forming a square, his body erect, and cause him to
MASTER MASON. 49
kneel at the altar, in due form, to take upon himself the solemn oath and obligation of a master Mason. The senior warden receives the candidate at his place, and facing him round towards the altar, directs him to step off, first with his left foot, and second, with the right, each time forming a square with his feet, as before ; the third step is with the left foot, bringing up the right, placing the heels together in the position of a soldier. The candidate then kneels on both naked knees, and raises both hands and arms, in the manner of giving the grand hailing sign of distress ; [see plate 4, fig. 5] and holds them in this position until directed to place them on the Holy Bible, square, and compass.
The master says, "Brother, you are now placed in a proper position to take upon you the solemn oath and obli- gation of a Master Mason, which I assure you as a man, as a Mason, and as master of this lodge, will not interfere with the duty you owe to your God, or country. If you are will- ing to proceed, repeat your name, and say after me, —
" I, A. B., of my own free will and accord, in the presence of Almighty God, and this worshipful lodge of master Masons, erected to God, and dedicated to the holy St. Johns, do hereby and hereon,* most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, in addition to my former obligations, that I will not give the secrets of a master Mason to any one of an in- ferior degree, nor to any being in the known world, except it be to a true and lawful brother master Mason, or within the body of a just and lawfully constituted lodge of such : and not unto him or them whom I shall hear so to be, but unto him and them only, whom I shall find so to be, after strict trial, due examination, or lawful information re- ceived.
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will not speak the master Mason's word, which I shall hereafter receive, in any other manner, except in that in which I shall receive it, which will be on the five points of fellow- ship, and at low breath.
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will not give the grand hailing sign of distress, of this degree, ex- cept 1 am in real distress, or for the benefit of the craft, when at work ; and should I see that sign given, or hear the
* At these words, the candidate brings both, hands down on the holy Bible, square, and compass.
5
50 MASTER MASON.
words accompanying it, I will fly to the relief of the person so giving it, should there be a greater probability of saving his life, than losing my own.
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will not wrong this lodge, nor a brother of this degree, to the value of one cent, knowingly myself, nor suffer it to be done by others, if in my power to prevent it.
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will not be at the initiating, passing, or raising a candidate at one communication, without a dispensation from the grand lodge, for that purpose.
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will not be at the initiating, passing, or raising a candidate in a clandestine lodge, nor converse upon the secrets of Free- masonry with a clandestine made Mason, or one that has been expelled or suspended, while he is under that sentence.
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will not be at the initiating, passing, or raising of an old man in dotage, a young man in non-age, an atheist, irreligious libertine, madman, hermaphrodite, woman, or a fool.
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will not speak evil of a brother master Mason, neither behind his back nor before his face, but will apprise him of all ap- proaching danger.
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will not violate the chastity of a master Mason's wife, mother, sis- ter, or daughter, nor suffer it to be done by others, if in my power to prevent it, I knowing them to be such.
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will sup- port the constitution of the grand lodge of this state, under which this lodge is held, and conform to all the bye-laws, rules, and regulations, of this or any other lodge, of which I may hereafter become a member.
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will obey all due signs and summons, handed, sent, or thrown to me from a brother master Mason, or from the body of a just and lawfully constituted lodge of master Masons, if within the length of my cable- tow.
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that a master Mason's secrets given to me in charge as such, shall remain as secure and inviolable in my breast as in his, before com- municated, murder and treason only excepted : and they left to my only election.
]£ASimB MASON. 51
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will go on a master Mason's errand, even barefoot, and bareheaded, to save his life or relieve his necessities.
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will remem- ber a brother master Mason when on my knees at my de- votions.
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will be aid- ing and assisting all poor and indigent master Masons, their widows and orphans, wheresoever dispersed round the globe, they making application to me as such, and I find- ing them worthy, as far as in my power, without injury to myself or family.
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that if any part of this obligation be omitted at this time, I will hold myself amenable thereto whenever informed; to all which I do most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, with a fixed and st-eady purpose of mind in me to keep and perform the same, binding myself, under no less penalty, than to have my body severed in two in the centre, and divided to the north and south, my bowels burnt to ashes in the midst, and scattered by the four winds of heaven, that there might not the least remembrance remain among men or Masons of so vile and perjured a wretch as I should be should I ever be guilty of violating any part of this my solemn oath or obligation of a master Mason. So help me, God. and keep me steadfast in the due performance of the same."
The master then asks the candidate, " What do you most desire?"
The candidate answers after his prompter, " More light in Masonry."
TT\J/. Brethren, will you stretch forth your hands and assist in bringing this new-made brother to more light in Masonry. " And God said, let there be light, and there was light." (This is done the same as in preceding de- grees.) The master then says to the candidate, " On being brought to light, you first discover, as before, the three great lights in Masonry, by the assistance of the representa- tives of the three lesser, with this difference ; both points of the compass are elevated above the square, which de- notes to vou that you have received more light in Mas- onry." The master steps back from the candidate, and says, " Brother, you now behold me as master of this lodge
52 MASTER MASON.
approaching you from the east, under the sign, step, and due guard of a master Mason." The due guard is given by putting the right hand to the left side of the bowels, the hand open, the palm down and drawing it across from left to right, and let it fall by the side. [See plate 4, fig. 4.] The master advancing to the candidate, says, " Brother, in token of continuation of brotherly love and esteem, I will present you with my right hand, and with it you will receive the pass, grip, and word of a master Mason, take me as I take you." [See plate 4, fig. 9.]
W.M. As the candidate is not instructed, brother senior deacon, you will answer for him. " What is that?" S.D. The pass-grip of a master Mason. W.M. Has it a name? S.D. It has.
W.M. Will you give it me ?
S.D. I did not so receive it, neither can I so impart it. W.M. How will you dispose of it? S.D. I will letter it or syllable it. W.M. Syllable it, and begin. S.D. No, you begin. W.M. No, begin you. S.D. TU W.M. BAL S.D. CAIN. W.M. TUBAL S.D. TUBALCAIN.
W.M. Right, brother Tubalcain, I greet you, arise from a square to a perpendicular, go and salute the junior and senior wardens, and satisfy them that you are an obligated master Mason. While the wardens are examining the can- didate the master returns to the east. The wardens say
to the master, " We are satisfied that brother is an
obligated master Mason."
^ The worshipful master then says to the candidate, 11 Brother, I now have the honour to present you with a lambskin, or white apron, as before, which I hope you will wear with credit to yourself, and satisfaction and ad- vantage to the brethren. You will please carry it to the senior warden in the west, who will teach you how to wear it as a master Mason."
The senior warden ties on the apron, and lets the flap fall down before, in its natural and common situation.
MASTER MASON. 53
The candidate is conducted to the master, who says, " Brother, I perceive you are clothed ; it is of course neces- sary you should have tools to work with ; I will now present you with the working tools of a master Mason, which are all the implements of Masonry indiscriminately, but more especially the trowel. The trowel is an instrument made use of by operative masons to spread the cement, which unites a building into one common mass ; but we, as free and accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection, that cement which unites us into one sacred band, or society of friends and brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who can best work or best agree." The master reads a charge to the candidate from the Chart, or Monitor, and directs the senior deacon to conduct him to the preparation room and invest him of what he has been divested, and return him to the lodge for further instruction.
As soon as the candidate has gone out, the lodge is called from labour to refreshment in the following manner, viz. :
W.M. Brother senior, it is my order that this lodge be called from labour to refreshment, and to be on again at the sound of the gavel.
S. W. Brother junior, it is the worshipful master's or- der that this lodge be called from labour to refreshment, and be on again at the sound of the gavel.
J.TT". Brethren, it is our worshipful master's orders, etc. — gives three raps and all the brethren leave their seats.
[It is the intention of the Masons to make the candidate believe, on his return to the lodge, that he has received the whole of the degree.]
In the meantime the candidate returns to the lodge, finds some drinking, some laughing and talking, and others pre- paring (as he supposes) to go home. The members of the lodge immediately salute their new brother. One gives him the pass grip, one the due guard and sign, another asks him how he likes the degree, and if it was as long as he ex- pected, etc.
The master takes his seat unobserved by the candidate, and gives one rap with his gavel, when the brethren in- stantly resume their seats, and the candidate finds himself standing alone in the middle of the lodge. This sudden
54 MASTER MASON.
change in the movements of the brethren often embarrasses him ; he hardly knows how to dispose of himself, but is soon relieved by the master, who orders him to step to the east, and taking up some masonic book, as though he was about to explain some emblem, says, "Brother, you now suppose you are a master Mason, and are entitled to all our privileges; do you not?"
Can. [generally says] I do.
W.M. Well, sir, it becomes my duty to inform you that you are not a master Mason, neither do I know that you ever will be. You must now undergo one of the most try- ing scenes that human nature ever witnessed. You must travel a rough and rugged road, beset with dangers on every side, where you will meet with ruffians ; you may meet with death ! Such things have happened to some who have travelled this road before you. In your preceding de- grees, you had a brother to pray for you, but in this you must pray for yourself ; you will therefore suffer yourself to be again hood-winked, and go and kneel at the altar, where you can pray orally or mentally as you please. When you get through praying you can signify it by rising up.
The candidate is hood-winked and conducted to the altar, where he kneels for prayer.*
Masonry informs us that the candidate here at the altar personates Hiram Abiff, in the sanctum sanctorum of Solo- mon's temple, where he usually went at high twelve to offer up his prayers to the Deity, and draw designs upon his trestle-board, and that on a certain day prior to the fin- ishing of the temple, he was assaulted as he left the place by three ruffians, and cruelly murdered. The three ruffi- ans stationed themselves at the east, west, and south gates of the temple.
In this manner three of the Masons station themselves in the lodge. When the candidate rises from the altar, one of the brethren takes him by the arm and leads him several times round the lodge. The master, senior and junior wardens, generally take the part of the three ruffians; and
I have seen candidates here make great contortions in derision and mockery, to turn the solemnity of prayer into ridicule, and the master of the lodge, who was a professing Christian, stand indifferently for five minutes and look on, and frequently shake his sides in silent laugh- ter, to see how admirably the candidate performed his part of the cere- mony.
MASTER MASON. 65
as the candidate comes near the junior warden's station, who represent* Jubela [the ruffian of the south gate of the temple] he exclaims, Who conies here?
The room is dark, or the candidate hood-winked, the con- ductor answers. Our grand master Hiram Abiff.
'• Our grand master Hiram Abiff!" exclaims the ruffian ; " he is the very man I wanted to' see." [Seizing the can- didate by the 'throat at the same time, and jerking him about with violence.] " Give me the master Mason's word or I will take your life."
The conductor replies, I cannot give it now, but if you will wait till the temple is completed, if you are worthy, you shall then receive it, otherwise you cannot.
The ruffian says. Talk not to me of the temple's being completed ; give it to me now — and gives the candidate a blow with the twenty-four inch gauge across the throat: on which he retreats to the west gate, where he is accosted by the second ruffian, Jubelo, with more violence, and on his refusal to comply with his request, he gives him a severe blow with the square across his breast ; on which he attempts to make his escape at the east gate, where he is accosted by the third ruffian, Jubebnn. with still more vio- lence : and refusing to comply with his request, the ruffian gives him a violent blow with the common gavel on the forehead, which brings him to the floor. On which one of the ruffians exclaims. " What shall we do? we have killed our grand master, Hiram Abiff!" another answers, "Let us carry him out at the east gate, and bury him in the rubbish, till low twelve, and then meet and carry him a westerly course, and bury him." The candidate is then taken up in a blanket on which he fell,* and carried to a corner of the lodge and covered up.
The ruffians now skulk around the lodge and squat be- hind benches, or whatever they can crawl under. Now all is silent. Directly some brother raps twelve times on a tin pan (imitating the town clock), which is a signal for the ruffians to meet, who immediately leave their hiding places and grope along, feeling their way, until they meet near the body, and salute each other, ruffian like*: they then uncover the body [candidate] and Jubela observes, "The body has not been discovered."
* Four of the brethren g-enerallv hold a blanket to catch the candi- date. [See plate 5, fig. 3.]
56 MASTER MASON.
Jubelo. No : all is safe.
Jubelum. We must bury our grand master immediately, for I perceive he begins to smell a little already, and we shall be discovered. Take him up and carry him to the brow of Mount Moriah, where I have a grave dug for him.
The candidate is again taken up in the blanket and car- ried round the lodge several times, and deposited on his back near the senior wardens in the west [his feet to the east], and covered up with chairs, benches, etc., etc. One of the ruffians observes, as they are about to leave him, Let us mark the grave with this sprig of cassia. [Sticks down a sprig of evergreen near the candidate's head.]
Jubelum then says, We will now endeavour to get a pas- sage to Ethiopia.
Here all the brethren shuffle about the lodge, the master resumes his seat [King Solomon is supposed to arrive at the temple at this juncture] and calls to order, and asks the senior warden the cause of all that confusion.
S.W. Our grand master, Hiram AbifE, is missing; and there are no plans or designs laid down on the trestle- board for the crafts to pursue their labours.
Worshipful master, alias King Solomon, replies : Our Grand Master missing? our Grand Master has always been very punctual in his attendance. I fear he is indisposed. Assemble the crafts and search in and about the temple, and see if he can be found.
They all shuffle about the floor for a while, when the master calls them to order, and asks the senior warden what success? He answers, We cannot find our Grand Master, my lord.
The master then orders the secretary to call the roll of workmen, and see whether any of them are missing.
The secretary calls the roll, and says, " I have called the roll, my lord, and find that there are three missing, viz., Jubela, Jubelo, and Jubelum.
W.M. This brings to my mind a circumstance that took place this morning. Twelve fellow crafts, clothed in white gloves and aprons, in token of their innocence, came to me and confessed that they twelve, with three others, had con- spired to extort the master Mason's word from their Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, and in case of refusal, to take his life ; they twelve had recanted, but feared the other three
MASTER MASON. 57
had been base enough to carry their atrocious designs into execution.
Worshipful master then ordered twelve fellow crafts to be drawn from the bands of the workmen, clothed in white gloves and aprons, in token of their innocence, and sent three east, three west, three north, and three south, in search of the ruffians, and, if found, to bring them forward.
Here the Masons all shuffle about the floor, and fall in with a reputed traveller, when those who travel a westerly direction accost him thus: " Old man, have you seen any travellers passing this way?"
Old Man. Yes, as I was down near the coast of Joppa this morning I saw three ; from their dress and appearance suppose them, to be men of Tyre and workmen from the Temple ; they sought a passage to Ethiopia, but could not obtain one in consequence of an embargo recently laid on all shipping; they returned into the country.
Worshipful master now calls to order, and inquires, "What tidings, brethren?" one replies, "None from the east," another, " None from the south," and one exclaims in a loud voice, "Tidings from the west, worshipful."
Worshipful Master says, WTiat tidings from the west?
He answers, As we three fellow crafts were steering a westerly course, we fell in with a wayfaring man who in- formed us he saw three men that morning down near the coast of Joppa, from their dress and appearance supposed them to be men of Tyre, workmen from the Temple ; they sought a passage to Ethiopia, but could not procure one in consequence of an embargo which had been recently laid on all the shipping; they returned back into the country.
Worshipful Master observes, I had this embargo laid to prevent the ruffians from making their escape ; and adds. You will go and search again, and search till vou find them if possible, and if they are not found the twelve who con- fessed shall be considered as the murderers and suffer ac- cordingly. The members all start again and shuffle about awhile, until one, under the pretence of being much fatigued with travelling, seats himself on the floor, near the candidate's head, and as he rises, catches hold of the bush that was stuck there ; he immediately stamps his foot three times in a violent manner, and exclaims, Companions, assemble. His other two colleagues join him : he states to them that a very singular circumstance had just taken
58 MASTER MASON.
place ; that on rising from his seat he caught hold of that sprig of cassia and drew it out of the ground, and on ex- amination he found it had lately been broken off, and stuck there; one observes, " This 'looks like a grave," feeling around the candidate's head. While they are ruminating, the three reputed ruffians, Avho are seated in a private cor- ner near the candidate, are heard to exclaim in the follow- ing manner :
First Jubela. 0 that my throat had been cut across, from ear to ear, my tongue torn out, and my body buried in the rough sands of the sea at low water mark, where the tide ebbs and flows twice in twenty-four hours, ere I had been accessory to the death of so good a man as our grand master Hiram Abiff.
Second Jubelo. O that my left breast had been torn open, and my heart and vitals taken from thence, and thrown over my left shoulder, carried into the valley of Jehosaphat, and there become a prey to the wild beasts of the field, and the vultures of the air, ere I had conspired the death of so good a man as our grand master Hiram Abiff.
Third Jubelum. 0 that my body had been severed in two in the midst and divided to the north and south, my bowels burnt to ashes in the centre, and the ashes scat- tered by the four winds of heaven, that there might not the least track or trace of remembrance remain among men or Masons of so vile a wretch as I am. Ah ! Jubela, Jubelo, it was I that struck him harder than you both ; it was I that gave him the fatal blow ; it was I that killed him.
The three fellow crafts who stood by the candidate all this time listening to the ruffians, whose voices they recog- nised, says one to the other, " What shall we do? there are three of them, and there are only three of us." One in re- ply says, " Our cause is good, let us seize them " ; on which they rush forward, seize them, and take them to the mas- ter, who inquires, "What tidings from the east?" One of them replies as follows: "Worshipful, as we three fellow crafts were steering a due east course, I becoming more weary than the rest, sat down on the brow of Mount Moriah to rest and refresh myself, and as I was rising, I accident- ally caught hold of a sprig of cassia, which, easily giving way, excited my curiosity. Upon this, I hailed my com- panions, and while we were contemplating on the novelty
MASTER MAgON. 59
of the scene, we heard the voice of three ruffians crying from a clift of the rock near by ; we discovered them to be Jubela, Jubelo, and Jubelnm. We rushed upon, seized and bound them, and have brought them before you, and wait your further orders."
Worshipful master then rising, says: " Jubela, you are suspected and accused of being accessory to the death of our grand master Hiram Abiff. Are you guilty or not guilty?"
Jubela. Guilty, my lord.
W.M. Vile and impious wretch, hold up your head and hear your sentence. It is my order that you be taken with- out the walls of the Temple, and there have your throat cut across from ear to ear, your tongue torn out by the roots, your body buried in the rough sands of the sea, where the tide ebbs and flows twice in twenty-four hours.
W.M. Jubelo, are you guilty or not guilty?
Jubelo. Guilty, my lord.
W.M. Vile and impious wretch, hold up your head, and hear your sentence. It is my order that you be taken without the gates of the Temple and there have your left breast torn open, your heart and vitals taken from thence, and thrown over your left shoulder, and carried to the valley of Jehosaphat. and there to become a prey to the wild beasts of the field, and vultures of the air.
W.M. Jubelum, are you guilty or not guilty?
Jubelnm. Guilty, my lord.
W.M. Vile and impious wretch, hold up your head and hear your sentence. It is my order that you be taken without the walls of the Temple, and there have your body severed in two and divided to the north and south, your bowels burnt to ashes in the centre, and scattered to the four winds of heaven. Brother senior, you will see that these penalties are executed.
The senior takes the three ruffians, and drags them out into the preparation room with some violence, where they stamp and groan a few minutes, and the senior returns and says. " Worshipful master, the penalties of their sev- eral obligations have been duly executed upon them."
Worshipful master then says, "It is my order that you go in search of the body of our grand master Hiram Abiff : it is my opinion, he is buried near where you arrested the three ruffians, on the brow of Mount Moriah."
60 MASTER MASON.
All the brethren shuffle about the room, until they come near the candidate, when one observes, " Here is some- thing that looks like a grave; let us dig down and see." They then lay hold of the candidate, and begin to unroll the blanket until they come to the body, when they all start back (and at the same time, each extends his hand, the palm directly towards the candidate, as though they would guard their nostrils from the offensive smell, with the head and face turned a little on one side), when one observes, "We will go back to the Temple, and inform king Solomon of our discovery."
The worshipful masters hearing them approach, enquires "What tidings from Motint Moriah?" when one of them replies, "Worshipful, we have found the grave of our grand master Hiram Abiff. It is situated due east, near^ the brow of Mount Moriah : we dug down six feet perpen- dicularly till we came to the body, and involuntarily raised our hands in this position [see plate 4, fig. 5], to guard our nostrils from the effluvia rising from the body ; we searched on and about the body for the master Mason's word, or a key to it, but could not find it ; we discovered a faint resemblance of the letter G marked on the left breast."
The master then says to the senior warden, " You will summon twelve fellow-crafts, and go with me to the grave, in order to raise our grand master."
The senior announces the orders of the grand master Solomon, and all shuffle about the room as before ; as the master approaches the candidate (or grave of Hiram Abiff) the twelve fellow-crafts form a circle, and kneel.
The master, standing, says, " Let us pray." The follow- ing prayer is recited :
"Thou, O God, knowest our downsitting and uprising, and understandest our thoughts afar off ; shield and defend us from the evil intention of our enemies, and support us under the trials and afflictions we are destined to endure, while travelling through this vale of tears. Man that is born of woman, is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth as a flower, and is cut down ; he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. Seeing his days are de- termined, the number of his months are with Thee, Thou hast appointed his bounds, that he cannot pass. Turn from
MASTER MASON. 61
him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish his day. For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. But man dieth and wasteth away; yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and dryeth up, so man lieth down, and riseth not again, till the heavens shall be no more. Yet, O Lord, have compassion on the children of Thy creation ; administer unto them comfort in time of trouble, and save them with an everlasting salvation. Amen. So mote it be."
They then all rise, and the master directs one to search the body of the corpse, to see if the master's word is on or about it ; he examines, and reports that it is not on the body. The master and brethren then all give the grand hailing sign, and say, " 0 Lord, my God, I fear the mas- ter's word is for ever lost." He then orders one of the fellow-crafts to raise the body of our grand master by the entered apprentice's grip. He takes the candidate by the entered apprentice's grip, and pulls so as to raise the body partly up, and lets slip his hold, and says, " Worshipful king Solomon, the body cannot be raised by the entered apprentice's grip : the skin slips from the flesh."
The master at this intelligence, and all the brethren imi- tating as one, give the grand hailing sign of distress of a master Mason ; [see plate 4, fig. 5], and at the same time, exclaim aloud, " O Lord, my God, I fear the master Mason's word is for ever lost." The master then orders one of the fellow-crafts to raise the body, by the fellow- craft's grip. He takes hold of the candidate by the fel- low-craft's grip, pulls the candidate partly up, lets him fall back, and says, "Worshipful master, the body cannot be raised by the fellow-craft's grip ; the flesh cleaves from the bone." All raise their hands, and exclaim, " O Lord, my God, I fear the master's word is for ever lost; was there no help for the widow's son?"
The master then says, "I shall now raise the body of our grand master by the lion's grip, the strong grip of a master Mason ; and as the master's word is now lost, the first word spoken after the body is raised, shall be a sub- stitute for the master's word, until future generations shall find out the right." [Some brother now whispers to the candidate to keep himself stiff, when he is raised.]
62 MASTER MASON.
The master takes him by the master's grip, and bracing his right foot against the candidate, by a strong pull, raises him upon the five points of fellowship.
This is done by putting the inside of your right foot to the inside of the right foot .of the person to whom you are going to give the word, the inside of your knee to his, lay- ing your breast against his, your left hands on the back of each other, and your mouths to each other's right ear ; in which position alone you are permitted to give the mas- ter's word, which is, Mah-hah-bone. [See plate 5, fig. 3.]
The master's grip is given by taking hold of each other's right hand, and sticking the nails of each of your fingers into the joint of the other's wrist [see plate 5, fig. 2], where it unites with the hand. In this position, the candidate is raised, he keeping his whole body stiff, as though dead. The master in raising him, is assisted by some of the breth- ren, who take hold of the candidate, by the arms and shoulders. As soon as he is raised to his feet, they step back, and the master whispers the word Mah-hah-bone, in his ear, and causes the candidate to repeat it, telling him that he must never give it in any other manner than that in which he received it. He is told that Mah-hah-bone signifies marrow in the bone ; they then separate, and the master makes the following explanation, respecting the five points of fellowship.
Brother, foot to foot teaches you, that you should, when- ever asked, go on a brother's errand, even if you should have to go barefoot and barehead. Knee to knee, that you should always remember a master Mason in your devotions to Almighty God. Breast to breast, that you should keep the master Mason's secrets, when given to you in charge, as such, as secure and inviolable in your breast, as they were in his own, before communicated to you. Hand to back, that you will not speak evil of a master Mason be- hind his back, nor before his face. Mouth to ear, that you will give a brother master Mason due and timely notice of all approaching danger. The candidate is instructed in the signs, and receives a charge, which is read from some masonic author, and is told he has taken the third step in Masonry, and is entitled to a seat in any master's lodge.
The master then says to the candidate, "Brother, you have this evening represented one of the greatest men that ever lived. It was our grand master, Hiram Abiff, who
MASTER MASON. 63
was murdered in the temple just before it was completed, as you this evening have represented, in the latter part of this degree." The candidate takes his seat. The lecture of this degree is merely a recapitulation of the ceremonies, or work. The lodge is closed in the same way that the first, or entered apprentice's lodge is.
MARK MASTER'S DEGREE.
The rules of Masonry require that there should be at least eight members present, whenever they open on this degree (for lodge business) viz. : the right worshipful mas- ter, senior warden, junior warden, secretary, treasurer, senior deacon, junior deacon, and master, senior and junior overseers.
The officers and brethren are assembled and seated, as in plate No. 1.
Right worshipful master gives one rap with his gavel, saying, Brethren, I am about to open a lodge of mark mas- ter masons in this place, and for the despatch of business. I will thank you for your attention and assistance. If there is any person present who has not taken this degree, he is requested to retire.
Right worshipful master then says. Brother senior war- den, are you satisfied that all present are mark master Masons ?
Senior warden says, Right worshipful master, I wish the pass-word might be sent round the lodge.
This is done to detect "impostors" among themselves; that is to exclude those of a lower degree, who sometimes stay, in order to ascertain the mode by which they dis- cover the " Intruder " ; which is by sending round the dea- cons for the pass-words, as in the fellow-crafts degree. The word is Joppa.
The right worshipful master then gives one rap with his gavel, and says, Brother junior deacon, the first care of congregated Masons?
J.D. [Rises on nis feet, the same time giving a sign, eiY«i To see the lodge tyled, worshipful. [See plate 7. fig. 3.]
E.W.M. Perform that part of your duty, and inform the tyler that we are about to open a lodge of mark master Masons in this nlace for the despatch of business; and di-rect him to tyle acrordinply.
MARK MASTER. G5
The junior deacon then walks very quickly to the door, and stations the tyler on the outside of it, with a drawn sword in his hand, whispers the order of the right worshipful master in his ear, closes the door, and gives twice, two dis- tinct knocks on the inside, which are answered in like manner by the tyler, on the outside. The junior deacon then gives one rap, which is answered in like manner, re- turns to his station in the lodge, and says, We are tyled, right worshipful.
B.W.M. How tyled?
J.D. With secrecy and brotherly love : also by a brother of this degree, without the door, with a drawn sword in his hand.
B.W.M. His duty there?
J.D. To keep off all cowans and eavesdroppers, to see that none pass or repass, but such as are duly qualified, and have permission from the chair.
B.W.M. Let us be clothed, brethren.
Here all the officers and members of the lodge put on their aprons and jewels, and resume their seats as before.
The right worshipful master then gives two raps with his gavel, which brings all the subordinate officers on their feet ; and each standing in his place, recites his duty in his turn as follows :
B.W.M. The junior overseer's station in the lodge?
J.O. At the south gate.
B.W.M. Your duty there, brother junior?
J.O. To inspect all materials brought up for the build- ing of the temple : and if approved, pass them on to the senior overseer, at the west gate, for further inspection.
B.W.M. The senior overseer's place in the lodge?
S.O. At the west gate.
B.W.M. Your business there, brother senior overseer?
S.O. To inspect all materials brought up for the build- ing of the temple : and, if approved, pass them on to the master overseer, at the east gate, for further inspection.
B.W.M. The master overseer's place in the lodge?
M.O. At the east gate.
B.W.M. Your business there, brother master overseer?
M.O. To preside at the inspection of all materials brought up for the building of the temple : and if dis- approved, to call a council of my brother overseers.
B.W.M. The junior deacon's place in the lodge?
6
66 MARK MASTER.
J.D. At the right, in front of the senior warden.
E.W.M Your duty there, brother junior?
J.D. To carry messages from the senior warden in the west to the junior warden in the south ; and elsewhere about the lodge, as he may direct.
E.W.M. The senior deacon's place in the lodge?
S.D. At the right, in front of the right worshipful master in the east.
E.W.M. Your duty there, brother senior?
S.D. To carry messages from the right worshipful mas- ter in the east, to the senior warden in the west, and elsewhere about the lodge, as he may direct. To assist in the preparation and initiation of candidates, and to wel- come and clothe all visiting brethren.
E.W.M. The secretary's station in the lodge?
Sec. At the left hand of the right worshipful master in the east.
E.W.M. Your duty there, brother secretary?
Sec. To record the doings of the lodge, collect all money, pay it over to the treasurer, and keep a true and correct account of the same.
E.W.M. The treasurer's station in the lodge?
Treas. At the right hand of the right worshipful master in the east.
E.W.M. Your duty there, brother treasurer?
Treas. To receive all money from the hands of the secretary, to keep a true and correct account of the same, and pay it out by order of the right worshipful master, with the consent of the brethren.
E.W.M. The junior w;arden's place in the lodge?
J.W. In the south, right worshipful.
E.W.M. Your duty there, brother junior?
J.W. As the sun is in the south at high twelve, which is the glory and beauty of the day, so stands the junior warden in the south, to call the craft from labour to re' freshment, and from refreshment to labour, that the right worshipful master may have profit and pleasure thereby.
E.W.M. The senior warden's place in the lodge?
S.W. In the west, right worshipful.
E.W.M. Your duty there, brother senior?
S.W. As the sun sets in the west, to close the day, so stands the senior warden in the west, to assist the right worshipful master in opening and closing his lodge, pay
MARK MASTER. 67
the craft their wages, if any be due, and see that none go away dissatisfied, harmony being the strength and support of all institutions, but more especially this of ours.
tt.W.M. The right worshipful master's station in the lodge?
ti.lV. In the east, right worshipful.
E.W.M. His duty there, brother senior?
S.W. As the sun rises in the east, to open and adorn the day, so rises* the right worshipful master in the east, to open and adorn his lodge, and set the craft to work with proper instructions for their labour.
B.W.M. After that manner, so do I. It is my will and pleasure that a lodge of mark master Masons be opened in this place, for the despatch of business. Brother senior, you will please communicate the same to the junior war- den in the south, that the brethren may have due and timely notice thereof.
8.W. [addressing the junior warden]. Brother junior, it is the right worshipful master's order that a lodge of mark master Masons be opened in this place for the despatch of business. You will please inform the brethren thereof.
J.W. Gives three raps with his gavel and says, Breth- ren, it is our right worshipful master's order that a lodge of mark master Masons be opened in this place for the despatch of business. You are ordered to take due notice thereof, and govern yourselves accordingly.
Right worshipful master then says, Attend to the signs. brethren.
The signs are given from the entered apprentice to mark master, inclusive. The signs of the three preceding de- grees are given as before described. The first sign of a mark master is thus. [See plate 7, fig. 1.]
It is given by interlacing the fingers upon the right hip as though you held a heavy weight there ; then with a quick motion bring them to the left side of the neck, with the palms of the hands upon the shoulder. This is called " Heave over," and alludes to the rejection of the key stone [hereafter described]. Then disengage the fingers, drop the right hand to the right hip, at the same time bring down the left hand, edgewise upon the wrist of the right ;
* At these words, the right worshipful master rises.
68 MARK MASTER.
the right hand open horizontally, the left perpendicularly. [See plate 7, fig. 2.]
This alludes to the penalty of the obligation, and also to that of an impostor, which is, to have his right hand struck off.
The third sign of a mark master is as follows :
Extend the arm downwards on the right side, the two last fingers of the hand clenched, the two first and thumb open, parallel with each other, about one inch apart. It alludes to the manner the candidate is directed to carry the key stone.
The fourth sign is this [see plate 7, fig. 3] : raise the right hand to the right ear (holding the thumb and two first fingers open, as in the preceding sign), with a circu- lar motion of the hand, the fingers pass round the ear, as though you were combing back your ear lock, so that the ear passes between the two fingers, and thumb, the hand is then dropped by the side. This sign alludes to a penalty of the obligation, to have the ear smote off.
The fifth sign is made by extending the right arm at full length, the thumb and two first fingers open, about one inch apart, the two last fingers clenched, palm of the hand up. It alludes to the manner that the mark master is taught to "receive wages." [See plate 7, fig. 4.]
Right worshipful master then takes off his hat, and reads the following charge :
" Wherefore, brethren, lay aside all malice and guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings. If so be, ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious : to whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious ; ye also, as living stones, be ye built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up sacrifices acceptable to God."
" Brethren, this is the will of God, that with well-doing, ye put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. As free, and not as using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men, love the brotherhood, fear God."
The right worshipful master then gives two raps with his gavel ; senior warden two, and junior warden two, which are repeated again by right worshipful master, and wardens.
Right worshipful master then says, " I now declare this
MARK MASTER.
lodge of mark master Masons opened in due and ancient form, and hereby forbid all improper conduct whereby this lodge may be disturbed, under no less penalty than the bye- laws, or a majority of the lodge may see fit to inflict.' Then gives one rap with his gavel, which seats all the breth- ren, and says, " Brother junior deacon, inform the tyler the lodge is open."
Junior deacon informs the tyler, and returns to his seat.
The lodge being opened and ready for business, the right worshipful master directs the secretary to read the minutes of the last meeting, which generally brings to view the business of the present. If there are any candidates to be brought forward, that is generally the first business. A master Mason wishing for further light in Masonry, sends a petition to the chapter, and requests to be advanced to the honorary degree of mark master Mason : if there is no serious objection to the petition, it is entered on the min- utes, and a committee of several appointed to inquire into his character, and report to the next regular communica- tion. At that time if the committee report in his favour, and no serious objection is made against him otherwise, a motion is made that the ballot pass : if carried, the senior deacon passes the ballot box, the same as in the preceding degrees.
The senior deacon who prepares and conducts the candi- date in the first part of the ceremonies, passes out of the lodge into the adjoining room, where the candidate is in waiting, pulls off his coat, and rolls up his shirt sleeves to the shoulder, and directs the candidate to do the same ; he then takes in his right hand a small block of white marble about four inches square, and six inches long, weighing about eleven pounds, holding it between the thumb and two first fingers, the other fingers clenched, the arm ex- tended down ; the candidate is furnished with a key stone, of the same material, and weight, which he is directed to carry in like manner ; the door is then opened without ceremony, and the conductor enters, about three paces in advance of the candidate, and walks four times round the lodge, and halts at the junior overseer's station at the south gate, where the conductor gives four raps with his heel on the floor.
J.O. Who comes here?
70 MARK MASTER.
Con. A craftsman from the quarries, bringing up work for inspection.
J.O. Have you a specimen of your work?
Con. I have.
J.O. Present it.
The conductor presents his stone to the junior overseer, who applies his small trying square to its different angles, and they agreeing with the angles of the square, he says, " This is good work — square work — just such work as is wanted for the building" ; returning the block to the con- ductor, "You will pass on to the senior overseer at the west gate, for further inspection." Conductor passes a few steps, and halts until the candidate has been examined. Candidate comes up to junior overseer in imitation of his conductor, and gives four raps.
J.O. Who comes here?
Can. A craftsman from the quarries, bringing up work for inspection.
J.O. Have you a specimen of your work?
Can. I have.
J.O. Present it. [Candidate presents the key stone. Junior overseer applies his square to it, and finding it does not fit, says, " This is a curious wrought stone indeed ; it is neither oblong or square ; square work is only such as we have orders to receive, neither has it the mark of any of the craft upon it. Is that your mark?" pointing to the letters on the key stone.]
Candidate replies, "It is not."
J.O. Owing to its singular form and beauty, I feel un- willing to reject it : you will pass on to the senior overseer at the west gate for further inspection [where the same questions are asked and answers returned as before. Senior overseer directs them to the master overseer at the east gate, who, after examining the stone of the conductor as before, says], " This is a good work — square work — just such work as is wanted for the building, you are entitled to your wages, pass on." Conductor passes and takes his seat.
Candidate comes up, presents his key stone as before.
Master overseer applies his square to it and says, " This is a curious wrought stone," etc. — looks sternly at the can-
MARK MASTER. 71
didate. and orders him to stand aside, stamps on the floor four times with his foot, which bring up the other two over- seers.
M.O. Brother junior overseer, did you suffer this work to pass your inspection?
J.O. T did: I observed to the young: craftsman, at the time, the stone was not such as we had orders to receive: but owing to its singular form and beauty, I felt unwilling to reject it, and suffered it to pass to the senior overseer at the west gate.
S.O. I made the same observations to the young crafts- man, and for the same reason permitted it to pass to the master overseer at the east gate.
M.O. "Why, you see the stone is neither oblong nor square, neither has it the mark of any of the craft upon it. Do you know this mark that is upon it?
J.O. I do not.
S.O. Neither do I.
M.O. What shall we do with it?
J.O. I propose we heave it over among the rubbish.
S.O. I second that motion.
M.O. Agreed : it shall be done.
The master and senior overseers take up the key stone, and swinging it four times back and forth between them, the fourth time the junior overseer catches it over the left shoulder of the master overseer (in imitation of the sign of ''heave over"), and throws it aside. At this moment all the brethren begin to shuffle around the room, leaving their seats.
The right worshipful master gives one rap with his gavel, and says, " What is the cause of this disturbance among the workmen?"
S.W. It is the sixth hour of the sixth day of the week, and the craft are impatient to receive their wages.
B.TF.J/. Brother senior warden, it is my order that you assemble the craft, and march in procession to the office of the senior grand warden, to receive wages. The members form two and two (candidate behind) and march round the lodge, singing the following song to the tune of " God Save the King.'"
72 MARK MASTER.
SONG.
Mark masters all appear, Before the chief overseer,
In concert move ; Let him your work inspect, For the chief architect, If there is no defect,
He will approve.
Those who have passed the square, For your rewards prepare,
Join heart in hand ; Each with his mark in view, March with the just and true, Wages to you are due,
At your command.
As they finish the second verse, each brother walks up in his turn to the senior warden who stands behind a lattice window, and thrusts his hand through the hole in the win- dow, receives his penny, withdraws his hand, and passes on, and so on until the candidate, who comes last, puts his hand through, for his penny. The senior warden seizes his hand, and bracing his foot against the window, draws the candidate's arm through to the shoulder, and exclaims vehemently, "An impostor! an impostor!" a third person exclaims, " Strike off his hand," at the same time runs up with a drawn sword to give the blow. [See plate 8, fig. 7.] The conductor now intercedes for the candidate, and says, 11 Spare him : he is not an impostor : I know him to be a craftsman ; I have wrought with him in the quarries."
S.W. He is an impostor, for he has attempted to receive wages without being able to give the token, and the pen- alty must be inflicted.
Con. If you will release him, I will take him to our right worshipful master^ and state his case to him, and if the penalty must be inflicted, I will see it duly executed.
8.W. On those conditions I will release him, providing he can satisfy me he is a fellow-craft Mason.
The candidate r^ow withdraws his arm, and gives the sign of the fellow-craft Mason. All the members of the lodge are seated, and the conductor takes the candidate to the right worshipful master, and says, " Right worshipful, this young craftsman has been detected as an impostor, at the office of the senior grand warden, in attempting to re- ceive wages without being able to give the token.
MARK MASTER.
73
The right worshipful master, looking sternly at the can- didate, says, " Are you a fellow-craft Mason?
Can. I am.
E.W.M. Give me a sign of a fellow-craft Mason?
Candidate gives a sign.
E.W.M. [to conductor]. He is a fellow-craft Mason. [To candidate.] You have attempted to receive wages without being able to give the token — I am astonished, that so bright a looking young craftsman as you are, should thus attempt to impose upon the craft. Such con- duct requires severe punishment. The penalty you have incurred is, to have your right hand struck off. — Have you ever been taught how to receive wages?
Can. I have not.
E.W.M. Ah, this in a measure serves to mitigate your crime. — If you are instructed how to receive wages, will you do better for the future?
Can. I will.
E.W.M. On account of your youth and inexperience the penalty is remitted. Brother senior deacon, you will take this young craftsman and give him a severe repri- mand, and take him with you to the quarries, and there teach him how to bring up a regular wrought stone.
The senior deacon steps up and takes the candidate by the collar, and says, " Young man, it appears you have come up here this evening to impose upon us ; first , by pre- senting work which was not fit for the building, and then by claiming wages when there was not a farthing your due. Your work was not approved ; you were not entitled to any wages, and had it not been for my timely interference, you would have lost your right hand, if not your life. Let this be a striking lesson to you, never to attempt to im- pose upon the craft hereafter. But go with me to the quarries, and there exhibit some specimens of your skill and industry : and if your work is approved, you shall be taught how to receive wages in a proper manner. Come, I say, go with me." Shakes the candidate severely and hurries him off into the preparation room.
Senior deacon returns to his seat in the lodge, and junior deacon prepares candidate for the degree, by divesting him of his outward apparel, and all money and valuables, his breast bare, and a cable-tow four times round his body, in which condition he is conducted to the door, and gives
74
MARK MASTER.
four distinct knocks, upon the hearing of which the senior deacon says, "Right worshipful, while we are peaceably at work on the fourth degree of Masonry, the door of our lodge appears to be alarmed."
E.W.M. Brother senior, attend to the cause of that alarm.
The senior deacon then steps to the door, and answers the alarm by four knocks : then each gives one : the door is then partly opened, and the senior deacon asks, "Who comes there?"
~J.D. A worthy brother, who has been regularly initi- ated as an entered apprentice Mason, served a proper time as such : passed to the degree of a fellow-craft, raised to the sublime degree of a master Mason ; and now wishes for further light in Masonry, by being advanced to the more honourable degree of mark master Mason.
S.D. Is it of his own free will and accord he makes this request ?
J.D. It is.
S.D. Is he duly and truly prepared?
J.D. He is.
S.D. Has he wrought in the quarries, and exhibited specimens of his skill in the preceding degrees?
J.D. He has.
S.D. By what further right or benefit does he expect to obtain this favour?
J.D. By the benefit of a pass-word.
S.D. Has he a pass-word?
J.D. He has it not : but I have it for him.
S.D. Give it me.
J.D. [Whispers in his ear] Joppa.
S.D. The pass-word is right. You will let him wait until the right worshipful master is made acquainted with his request, and his answer returned.
Senior deacon returns to the right worshipful master, where the same questions are asked, and answers returned, as at the door.
The right worshipful master then says, " Since he comes endowed with the necessary qualifications, let him enter, in the name of the Lord, and take heed on what he enters."
The door is then opened, and the candidate enters, the junior deacon steps behind him, takes hold of his arms, draws them back, and holds them firmly behind.
MARK MASTER. 75
The senior deacon steps up to the candidate, and ex- hibits to him an engraving, chisel and mallet, and says, " Brother, it becomes my duty to place a mark upon you, which you will probably carry to your grave."
"As an entered apprentice Mason, you were received upon the point of the compasses, pressing your naked left breast ; as a fellow-craft Mason, you were received upon the angle of a square, pressing your naked right breast ; as a master Mason, you were received upon both points of the compasses, extending from your naked left to right breast. They were then explained to you. The chisel and mallet [at the same time placing the edge of the clr'sel against his breast] are instruments used by operative Masons to hew, cut, carve, and indent their work : but we, as free and accepted Masons, make use of them for a more noble and glorious purpose. We use them to hew, cut, carve, and indent the mind. And as a mark master Mason, we receive you upon the edge of the indenting chisel, and under the pressure of the mallet." As he pronounces the last words, he braces his feet, raises his mallet, and makes two or three false motions, and gives a violent blow upon the head of the chisel : throws down mallet and chisel, takes hold of the cable- tow, and says to candidate, " Follow me."
They walk four times round the lodge, and each time as he passes the station of the master, senior and junior war- dens, they each give one loud rap with their mallet. The master in the meantime reads the following passages of Scripture :
PSALM cxviii. 22. The stone which the builders refused, is become the head stone of the corner.
MATT. xxi. 42. Did ye never read in the Scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, is become the head of the corner?
MARK xii. 10. And have you not read this Scripture, The stone which the builders rejected, is become the head of the corner?
LUKE xx. 17. What is this, then, that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, is become the head of the corner.
The reading is so timed, as to be completed just as the candidate arrives at the junior warden's post ; who gives an alarm of four knocks, and the same questions are asked, and answers returned as at the door.
76 MARK MASTER.
Junior warden directs him to the senior warden in the west, where the same questions are asked, and like answers returned as before.
Senior warden directs them to the right worshipful mas- ter in the east, who asks the same questions, and where the same answers are returned.
The right worshipful master orders the candidate to be conducted back to the senior warden in the west; by him to be taught to approach the east, by four upright, regu- lar steps, his feet forming a square, and body erect at the altar. The candidate then kneels, and receives the obliga- tion, as follows :
" I, A. B., of my own free will and accord, in presence of Almighty God and this right worshipful lodge of mark master Masons,, do hereby and hereon, in addition to my former obligations, most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, that I will not give the secrets of a mark master Mason to any of an inferior degree, nor to any person in the known world, except it be to a true and lawful brother, or brethren of this degree : 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, due examination, or lawful information given.
Furthermore do I promise and swear, that I will sup- port the constitution of the general grand royal arch chapter of the United States of America ; also of the grand royal arch chapter of this State, under which this lodge is held, and to conform to all the bye-laws, rules and regula- tions of this or any other lodge of mark master Masons, of which I may hereafter become a member.
Furthermore do I promise and swear, that I will obey all regular signs, and summons, given, handed, sent, or thrown to me, from the hand of a brother mark master Mason, or from the body of a just and legally constituted lodge of such; provided it be within the length of my cable- tow.
Furthermore do I promise and swear, that I will not wrong this lodge, or a brother of this degree, to the value of his wages, or one penny, myself, knowingly, nor suffer it to be done by others, if in my power to prevent it.
I furthermore promise and swear, that I will not sell, or exchange my mark, which I shall hereafter choose, after it has been recorded in the book of Marks, for any mark,
MARK MASTER. 77
unless it be for a dead mark, or one of an older date ; nor pledge it a second time, until it has been redeemed from its former pledge.
I furthermore promise and swear that I will receive a brother mark master Mason's mark as a pledge, and grant him his request, if in my power ; if it is not, I will return him his mark, with the price thereof ; which is a half Jew- ish shekel of silver, equal in value to the fourth part of a dollar. To all of which I do most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, with a fixed and steady purpose of mind, in me to keep and perform the same : binding myself under no less penalty, than to have my right ear smote off, that I may for ever be unable to hear the word ; and my right hand chopped off, that I could no longer feel the grip, if I should ever violate any part of this my solemn oath, or obligation, of a mark master Mason. So help me God, and make me steadfast to keep and perform the same."
R.W.3I. Detach your hand, and kiss the book four times.
As soon as the candidate has taken the obligation, some brother makes an alarm on the outside of the door.
J.D. [Rises and says] There is an alarm at the door, right worshipful.
E.W.M. Attend to the alarm, brother, and see who comes there.
Junior deacon inquires the cause of the alarm, and re- turns with a letter for the right worshipful master, who opens it and reads as follows, or something to this effect :
" Right worshipful master of St. Johns' mark lodge, No. 10. Dear brother, I am in the immediate want of the loan of twenty-five dollars, which I wish to borrow of brother Dupeasy. The only security which I can offer for the same is my mark, which I pledge until the money is refunded. You will please present it to him, and send the money by the bearer. — Yours fraternally, SHYLOCK."
Right worshipful master presents a mark to the candi- date, and asks him if he can accommodate brother S. with the money.
Candidate receives the mark, says he has no money about him ; he cannot grant the request.
S.W. Right worshipful master, I can accommodate bro-
78 MARK MASTER.
ther S. with twenty-five dollars, if he will leave his mark with me as a pledge.
JR.W.M. [To candidate.] Brother, you will return the mark. (Candidate hands the mark back to right wor- shipful.)
It.W.M. Do you intend to return the mark, without the
Erice thereof? And thus break your oath before you rise rom the altar* You have just sworn to receive a brother mark master Mason's mark, and grant him his request, if in your power; if not, you would return him his mark with the price thereof, which is a half Jewish shekel of silver, equal in value to the fourth part of a dollar. Where is the quarter of a dollar you swore to return with it?
Candidate, much embarrassed, says, "I have no money about me. It was all taken from me in the preparation room."
S.D. The candidate is a man that always has money, and I believe he has it about him now. He had rather break his oath than part with it.
H.W.'M. Brother, your conductor thinks you have money about you. Search yourself.
Candidate feels in his pockets, and insists he has none.
S.D. I know the candidate has money ; and if he will suffer me to search him, I will convince you of it.
E.W.M. (To candidate.) Are you willing that brother senior deacon should search you ?
Candidate says he has no objections ; for he is confident he has no money about him.
Senior deacon puts his hand into the vest pocket of can- didate, and, at the same time, unobserved by him, drops in " the fourth part of a dollar;" steps back, and says, " I will not search him. If he is disposed to break his oath for twenty-five cents he may do it. I am confident he has the money in his pocket."
It.W.M. Brother, search yourself again, faithfully. The senior deacon seems to be confident you have the money about you.
Candidate says he has none, but is willing to search. Puts his hand into his pocket, and to his great surprise, finds a twenty-five cent piece.
S.D. (In a rage.) There, I told you he had it. Just like
* The candidate is all this time on his knees at the altar.
MARK MASTER. 79
him : he is what 3*011 may call a real skin-flint. He would break his oath any time for twenty-five cents.
R.W.M. Oh, you've squeezed it out at last? You can now return the mark. No doubt some brother standing by you, and seeing your destitute situation, slipped this into your pocket, to keep you from breaking your obliga- tion.
The right worshipful master then takes him by the hand, and says, " Brother, arise; and I will invest you with the pass-grip and word, and real grip and word, of a mark master Mason." (The pass-grip is thus: see plate 7, fig. 5.)
This pass is given by locking the hands together, as you would to help another up an ascent or bank, the thumbs braced against each other. It is said to have been insti- tuted by those who were employed at the building of the Temple, the timber of which was felled and prepared in the forest of Lebanon, and taken by sea in floats to Joppa, from thence to Jerusalem. Masonic tradition informs us that the banks of the river at Joppa were so steep that the workmen had to assist each other up by means of this grip, which has since been used as a pass-grip to this degree. " Its name is Joppa.1'
R.W.M. Will you be off or from?
Can. From.
R.W.M. From what?
Can. From the pass-grip, to the true grip of a mark master Mason.
R.W.M. Pass on. (See plate 7, fig. 6.)
This grip is made by locking the little fingers of the right hands, turning the backs of them together, and placing the ends of the thumbs against each other; its name is " Sci roc," or "mark well," and when properly made forms the initials of those two words, " mark well."
The right worshipful master instructs him never to give the words in any way but in that in which he received it.
The right worshipful master now resumes his seat in the east, and all the brethren shuffle about the room with their feet,
R.W.M. What means this disturbance among the work- men, brother senior?
Senior warden rises in the west, and says, " Right wor- shipful master, the workmen are at a stand for the want
80 MARK MASTER.
of a certain key stone to one of the principal arches, which no one has had orders to make."
R.W.M. A key stone to one of the principal arches? I gave our grand master, Hiram Abiff, strict orders to make that key stone, previous to his assassination. [Gives two raps with his gavel, which brings the three overseers be- fore him.] Brother overseers, has there not been a stone of this description brought up for inspection ? (exhibiting the figure of a key stone.)
M.O. There was a stone of that description brought up for inspection, but it being neither oblong nor square, nor having the mark of any of the craft upon it, and we not knowing the mark that was upon it, supposed it unfit for the building, and it was thrown over among the rubbish.
E.W.M. Let immediate search be made for it; the Temple cannot be finished without it ; it is one of the most valuable stones in the whole building. [The brethren all shuffle about the lodge again, and find the key stone, and bring it up to the east.]
Right worshipful master takes it and reads (to the over- seers), Acts iv. 11, "This is the stone which was set at nought by you builders, which is become the head stone of the corner."
The overseers retire confounded.
The right worshipful master then, addressing the can- didate, reads Rev. of St. John, xi. 17, " To him that over- cometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone and in the stone a new name writ- ten, which no man knoweth, saving him that receiveth it. Come forward, and receive the new name." The candi- date steps up to the right worshipful, who thus addresses him: "Brother, the new name spoken of in scripture I will now invest you with ; none but mark master Masons receive it. It is this circle of letters which is the general mark of this degree, and are the initials of these words, Hiram, Tyrian, Widow's Son, Sent to King Solomon.
" Within this circle of letters every mark master Mason must place his own private mark, which may be any device he chooses to select."
The right worshipful master then reads Rev. iii. 13, "He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear"; and in- structs the candidate in the signs of the penalties of the degree, as before described. He then presents the candi-
MARK MASTER. 81
date with the working tools of a mark master Mason, which are a mallet and chisel, and explains the use of them, as follows : —
" The Chisel morally demonstrates the advantages of discipline and education. The mind, like the diamond in its original state, is rude and unpolished : but as the effect of the chisel on the external coat soon presents to view the latent beauties of the diamond, so education discovers the latent virtues of the mind, and draws them forth to range the large field of matter and space, to display the summit of human knowledge, our duty to God and to man.
" The Mallet morally teaches to correct irregularities, and reduce man to a proper level, so that by quiet deport- ment he may in the school of discipline learn to be content. What the mallet is to the workmen, enlightened reason is to the passions; it curbs ambition, it depresses envy, it moderates anger, and encourages good dispositions ; whence arises among good Masons that comely order,
" Which nothing earthly gives, or can destroy, The soul's calm sunshine, and the heartfelt joy."
The right worshipful continues : " Brother, you have this evening represented one of the fellow-craft Masons who wrought at the building of King Solomon's Temple, whose custom it was on the eve of every sixth day of the week to carry up their work for inspection. This young crafts- man discovered in the quarries, the key stone to one of the principal arches (which was wrought by our grand master Hiram Abiif), and deliberately threw away his own work, and took it up to the Temple, where it was inspected by the overseers, rejected (for the reason before explained), and thrown among the rubbish. He then repaired to the office of the senior grand warden to receive his wages; but not being able to give the token he was detected as an im- postor, which like to have cost him his right hand ; but King Solomon pardoned him, and after a severe repri- mand he was taken back to the quarries. Previous to the completion of the Temple, the progress of the work was in- terrupted for want of the key stone, which circumstance being communicated to King Solomon, he gave orders that search should be made for it among the rubbish, where it was found, and afterwards applied to its intended use.
" How it was disposed of, we cannot now inform you.
1
82 MARK MASTER.
You must advance further in the mysteries of Masonry before you can know.
" On the sixth hour of the sixth day of every week, the craft, being eighty thousand in number, formed in proces- sion, and repaired to the office of the senior grand wardens to receive their wages ; and in order to prevent the craft being imposed upon by unskilful workmen, each craftsman claiming wages, was made to thrust his hand through a lattice window, into the office of the senior grand wardens ; and, at the same time, give this token [see plate 7, fig. 4], holding under the two last fingers of his hand a copy of his mark.
" The senior grand warden cast his eye upon the corres- ponding mark in the book (where all the^marks of the craft, eighty thousand in number, were recorded), and seeing how much money was due to that particular mark, placed it between the thumb and two fore-fingers of the craftsman, who withdrew his hand, and passed on ; and so on, each in his turn, until all were paid off. If any person attempted to receive wages, without being able to give the tokens, the senior grand warden seized him by the hand, drew his arm through the window, held him fast, and exclaimed immediately, ' An impostor.' Upon this signal, an officer, who was stationed there for that purpose, would immedi- ately strike his arm off." [See plate 8, fig. 7.]
The following charge is then given to candidate, by the right worshipful master.
" Brother, I congratulate you on having been thought worthy of being advanced to this honourable degree of Masonry. Permit me to impress it on your mind, that your assiduity should ever be commensurate with your duties, which become more and more extensive, as you ad- vance in Masonry. In the honourable character of mark master Mason, it is more particularly your duty to en- deavour to let your conduct in the lodge and among your brethren, be such as may stand the test of the grand over- seer's square : that you may not, like the unfinished and imperfect work of the negligent and unfaithful of former times, be rejected, and thrown aside as unfit for that spiri- tual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. While such is your conduct, should misfor- tunes assail you, should friends forsake you, should envy traduce your good name, and malice persecute you, yet
MARK MASTER. 83
may you have confidence, that among mark master Masons you will find friends, who will administer relief to your distresses, and comfort your afflictions ; ever bearing in mind, as a consolation, under all the frowns of fortune, and as an encouragement to hope for better prospects, that the stone which the builders rejected (possessing merits to them unknown), became the chief stone of the corner."
All the brethren shuffle about the lodge again, as before.
Right worshipful master, giving one rap with his gavel, says, "Brother senior, what is the cause of this disturb- ance among the workmen?"
S.W. Right worshipful, it is the sixth hour of the sixth day of the week ; the craft are impatient to receive their wages.
R.W.M. It is my order that you form the craft in pro- cession, and that they repair to the office of the senior grand wardens, in order to receive their wages. [They form two and two, and march around the lodge, against the sun, and finish singing the " Mark master's song," commencing where they left off before, as follows] :
Hiram, the widow's son, Sent to king Solomon
The great Key stone ; On it appears the name, Which raises high the fame Of all, to whom the same
Is truly known.
Now to the westward move, Where full of peace and love,
Hiram doth stand ; But if impostors are Mixed with the worthy there, Caution them to beware
Of the right hand.
Now to the praise of those Who triumphed o'er the foes
Of Masons' art ; To the praiseworthy three, Who founded this degree ; May all their virtues be
Deep in our hearts.
The song being finished, the r^ght worshipful takes his seat in the east : and each of the brethren thrusts his hand through the lattice window, and receives, "every man a
84 MARK MASTER.
penny." As soon as they have received their wages, they run round the lodge, each inquiring of every one he meets, "How much have you got?" Each replies, "a penny." Among the rest, the candidate is asked how much he has got. He replies "a penny." At this information, all the brethren pretend to be in a great rage ; and hurl their pennies on the floor with violence. [The candidate some- times throws down his penny, in imitation of the rest; not being what the masons call " bright " /]. The candidate finds himself surrounded by not a " band of brothers," but more properly a band of mutineers, each protesting against the manner of paying the craft. In the midst of all this noise and confusion, the right worshipful master gives a rap, and says, "Brethren, what is the cause of this con- fusion?"
S.D. The craft are dissatisfied in the manner in which you pay them. Here is a young craftsman, who has just passed the square, and has received as much as we who have borne the burden and fatigue of the day : and we don't think it is right and just; and we will not put up with it.
E.W.M. This is the law; and it is perfectly right.
J.D. I don't know of any law that will justify any such proceeding. If there is any such law, I should be glad if you would show it.
E.W.M. If you will be patient, you shall hear the law.
He then reads as follows :
MATT. xx. 1 — 16.* " For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning, to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market- place, and said unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard ; and whatsoever is light, I will give you. And they went their way. And again he went out, about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise ; and about the eleventh hour, he went out and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is
* It will be recollected that Solomon availed himself of the New Testa- ment about a thousand years before the Christian era !
MARK MASTER. 85
right, that shall ye receive. So when even was oome, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the lab- ourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came, that were hired about the eleventh hour they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more ; and they likewise received every man a penny. And vyhen they received it, they murmured against the good man of the house, saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden of the day.
But he answered one of them, and said. Friend, I do thee no wrong : didst thou not agree with me for a penny ? Take that thine is, and go thy way : I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen."
R.W.M. What say you now to the law, brethren?
"We are satisfied" ; [all picking up their pennies, and taking their seats ; which finishes the degree.]
Lodge is closed, as in the preceding degree.
PAST MASTER'S DEGREE.
When a master Mason is elected master of a lodge, he must necessarily receive this degree, before he takes the master's chair; in which case it is conferred by individual past masters, who organise themselves into a lodge for that purpose ; and confer this degree as hereafter described. But it is generally conferred in a chapter of royal arch Masons, who possess the privilege of conferring all the in- termediate degrees, by a right inherent in them.*
This lodge consists of seven officers, viz. : 1. Right wor- shipful master ; 2. Senior warden ; 3. Junior warden ; 4. Secretary; 5. Treasurer; 6. Senior deacon; 7. Junior deacon. All the officers and members, as many as may be present, keep their hats on, when the lodge is open and at work on this degree.
The lodge is opened and closed in the same manner that the lodges of the first three degrees are. The candidate petitions, and is balloted for in the same way, but is re- ceived into the lodge in a very different manner.
The lodge being opened for the dispatch of business, and ready for the reception of the candidate, the junior deacon conducts him into the lodge, and seats him without cere- mony, and repairs to his own station.
A heavy alarm is immediately given at the outer door.
Junior deacon rises in his place, and says, " There is an alarm at the outer door, rignt worshipful."
B.W.M. Attend to the alarm, and see who comes there.
Junior deacon inquires the cause of the alarm, returns and delivers a letter to right worshipful master, who opens and reads as follows :
" Dear husband : — Our dear little Hiram has aocideni/-
* See constitution of the grand royal arch chapter. 86
PAST MASTER. 87
ally turned over the teapot of boiling tea upon him, and scalded him in a shocking manner ; you must come home immediately, for his life is despaired of.
Your affectionate but affected wife,*