Preface

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FREEMASON’S MANUAL
CONTAINING THE
FiRstT, SECOND AND J HIRD PEGREES OF Ff REEMASONRY ‘ EMBELLISHED WITH SYMBOLICAL ILLUSTRATIONS, TOGETHER WITH INSTALLATION, CONSECRATION, AND DEDICATION CEREMONIES, ETC. ) ALSO, Pules and Reguiations FOR MASONIC TRIALS. | ForMs FOR MINUTES, By-Laws, &c. | | rae | | —COMPILED BY— | THOMAS SARGANT, 32.°
} ADAPTED FOR THE DOMINION OF CANADA
Masonic PUBLISHING Co. TORONTO.
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SS TT A A a A oN
Entered according to the Act of the Parliament of Canada, in the year one thousand eight hundred and eighty, by THomas SARGANT, in the Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Statistics at Ottawa.
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PREFACE.
The want of a Manual adapted for the use of the Craft in the Dominion of Canada is my great- est reason for compiling this edition.
A desire to supply this want, and, at the same time, preserve sacred and intact our ancient landmarks, has prompted me to present to the Fraternity this present issue, and ask for it a careful perusal, and impartial consideration.
It will be found to contain the full arrange- menis of Ceremonies for Consecration, Dedica- tion, Institution, and Installation of Officers of Lodges; the Rules and Regulations for Masonic Trials; Forms for keeping Minutes, and By- Laws ; also, for making proper returns to Grand Lodge.
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In the pleasant labor of compiling this work I have availed myself of the assistance of many of our leading Canadian Masons.
Hoping that the advantages anticipated may | be fully realized by my brethren, I respectfully submit the result of my efforts for their ap- proval.
. THOMAS SARGANT.
Toronto, 18So.
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| CONTENTS
sian
INTRODUCTION-—
The Lodge and its Government .
Qualification of Candidates
The Charges of a Freemason, ete.
Admission of Candidates
Form of Application . ;
Opening and Closing the Lodge. ‘
THE LODGE.
ENTERED APPRENTICE—
Working Tools ‘
Charge
Tracing Board ; FELLOW-CRAFT— ; .
Working Tools
Tracing Board
Charge .
MASTER MASON— ’ ‘ Working Tools. , : P Charge . ,
ANCIENT CEREMONIES— : ‘ ‘
| Consecration of a Lodge
| Dedication "
Constitution iia 25 ;
installation
Laying Foundation Stones, ete.
| Funeral Services . : . poe
Rules and Regulations for Masonic Trials
Form for Minutes . , , ; ‘
Form for By-Laws, etc. . °
Form for making Returns to Grani Lodge
82 110 114 124 137 139 147 150 152 152 185 189 205 229 237 254
—
Freemasonry is a moral institution, established by vir- tuous men with the praiseworthy design of recalling to our remembrance the most sublime TRUTHS, in the | midst of the most innocent and social pleasures, —foun- | ded on LIBERALITY, LOVE and CHARITY. ‘It isa beautiful system of MORALITY, vailed in allegory, and illustrated by symbols.” TRuTH is its centre—the point | whence its radii diverge, point out to its disciples a cor-
rect knowledge of the Great Architect of the Universe,
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THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL,
and the moral laws which he has ordained for their gov- ernment,
A proper administration ot .ne various ceremon.es connected with its RITUAL, is of the first importance, and, worthy of our serious consideration,
The rites and ceremonies of Freemasonry form the distinctive peculiarity of the institution. In their nature, they are simple—in their end, instructive. They naturally excite a high degree of curiosity in a newly initiated bro- ther, and create an earnest desire to investigate their meaning, and to become acquainted with their object and design. It requires, however, close application and un- tiring diligence to ascertain the precise nature of every ceremony which our ancient brethren saw reason to adopt in the formation of an exclusive system, which was to pass through the world unconnected with the religion and politics of all times, and of every people among
_ whom it should flourish and increase. In order to pre- serve our ceremonies from the hand of innovation, it is essentially necessary that every officer should be tho- roughly acquainted with them, and that a firm determi- nation should exist among the craft to admit xo change. A few words here or there may not in themselves appear of much consequence, yet by frequent allowance, we be- come habituated to them, and thus open the door to evils of more serious magnitude. There is, there can be, no safety but in a’ rigid adherence to the ancient cere- monies of the Order. The ceremonies and regulations
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are fixed by the rules of the order similar to those gov- erning affairs in social life,
Every FREEMASON is required to bring his portion of : good ideas, and contribute to the perfecting of the cere- i monies and symbols ; and to the edification of TRUTH, the universal and eternal temple which will one day in-
close all humanity within its precincts,
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TI'S FREEMASON’S MANUAL,
TILE LODGE AND ITS. GOVERNMENT.
1. The room in whicn a certain number of Freemasons assemble, for business connected with the institution, is called a LopGr. The assembly or organized body of Freemasons is also called a Lodge, just as the word Church is expressive both of the congregation and the place in which they meet to worship. A Lodge of Free- masons, to be legally constituted, must be in possession of a charter, granted by the Grand Lodge in whose juris- diction it is situated; the Book of the Law ; Square and Compasses ; the Book of Constitutions ; a code of By- Laws ; its Officers and a sufficient number of members, (in all not less than seven), to perform the ceremonies pertaining to the Order,
2. The constitutional officers of a Lodge are the Wor- shipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Senior and Junior Deacons, Inner Guard and Tyler, to which, for the better regulation of the private concerns of the Lodge, are to be added a Treasurer anc’ Secretary ; a Chaplain, Director of Ceremonies, Organist and Stewards may also be added,
3, A Lodge ought to assemble at least once a month for work and instruction,
4. A Lodge has the right to do all the work of Ancient Craft Masonry ; to be represented at all the Communica- tions of the Grand Lodge (if they are not twelve months in arrears for Grand Lodge dues* - to elect and install its
ne ame a a ae er nt
THE LODGE AND ITS GOVERNMENT. 9
officers ; to increase its members by the adinission of new members, and no member can be forced upon a Lodge without its consent, and by a favourable ballot ; to make By-laws for its government; to exclude a member, on
cause shown, temporarily or permanently; to levy tax on its members ; to appeal to the District Deputy Grand Master from the decision of its Master, and if not satis- fied with his decision, then to the Grand Lodge ; to ex. ercise penal authority over its own members, and over all unaffiliated Masons living within the limits of its juris-
diction.
5. A Lodge under dispensation 1s a temporary and in- choate organization of Freemasuns, acting under autho- rity from the Grand Master; is not entitled to represen- tation in the Grand Lodge until warrant has been r2- commended to be issued by Grand Lodge ; can not elect or install officers 5 is without power to frame By-luws or adopt a Seal
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10 ) THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL,
QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES.
The qualifications which are essential in those who apply for initiation into the mysteries of Freemasonry, are two kinds, /zternal and External,
The Internal qualifications of a candidate are those which lie within his own bosom, and are not known to the world. They refer to his peculiar dispositions toward the institution-—his motives and design in seeking an entrance into it. Hence they are known to himself alone; and a knowledge of them can only be acquired from his own solemn declaration.
his vutward fitness for initiation, and are based on his moral and religious character, the frame of his body, the constitution of his mind, and his social position, A | knowledge of these is to be acquired from a careful ex- aminatica by a committee appointed for that purpose.
The person who desires to be a Mason must be a man, } believing in the existence of a Supreme Being, and of a future existence ; at least twenty-one years of age; of good moral character, temperate, industrious, and capa- ble cf earning an honest livelihood ; he must come of his own free will and accord, uninfluenced by mercenary or other improper motives ; be of sound mind and body ; capable of reading and writing ; not de‘ormed or dismem- bered, but hale and sound in his physical conformation, having his right limbs as a man ought to have.
The External qualifications are those wnich reter tu
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THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON, ETC, II
THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON, &c.
I.—CONCERNING GOD AND RELIGION.
A MASON is obliged, by his tenure, to obey the moral law; and, if he rightly understand the art, he will never be a stupid atheist nor an irreligious libertine. He, of all men, should best understand that Gop seeth not as man seeth ; for man looketh at the outward appearance, but Gop looketh to the heart. A mason is, therefore, particularly bound never to act against the dictates of his conscience, Let a man’s religion, or mode of wor- ship, be what it may, he is not excluded from the order, provided he believe in the glorious Architect of heaven and earth, and practice the sacred duties of morality. Masons unite with the virtuous of every persuasion in the firm and pleasing bond of fraternal love ; they are taught to view the errors of mankind with compassion, and to strive, by the purity of their own conduct, to demonstrate the superior excellence of the faith they may profess. Thus masonry is the centre of union between good men and true, and the happy means of conciliating friendship amongst those who must ctherwise have re- mained at a perpetual distance.
II.—oF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE, SUPREME AND SUBORDINATE,
A MASON .9 a peaceable subject to the civil powers wherever he resides or works, and is never to be con-
—_———— a nn ee re ee
12 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL.
cerned in plots and conspiracies against the peace and welfare of the nation, nor to behave himself undutifully to inferior magistrates. He is cheerfully to conform to every lawful authority ; to uphold, on every occasion, the interest of the community, and zealously promote the prosperity of his own country. Masonry has ever flourished in times of peace and been always injured by war, bloodshed and confusion ; so that kings and princes, in every age, have been much disposed to encourage the craftsmen on account of their peaceableness and loyalty, whereby they practically answer the cavils of their adversaries and promote the honor of the fraternity. Craftsmen are bound by peculiar ties to promote peace, cultivate harmony, and live in concord and brotherly
love, Ill —OF LODGES.
A LODGE 1s a place wnere Freemasons assemble to work and to instruct and improve themselves in the mysteries of their ancient science. In an extended sense it applies to persons as well as to place ; hence every rcvular assembly, or duly organized meeting of masons is calleda lodge. Every brother ought to belong to some lodge and be subject to its by-laws and the general regu- lations of the craft. A lodge may be either general or particular, as will be best understood by attending it, and there a knowledge of the established usages and customs of the craft is alone to be acquired. From ancient times no master or fellow could be absent from
THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON, ETC, 13
his lodge, especially when warned to appear at it, with- out incurring a severe censure, unless it appeared to the master and wardens that pure necessity hindered him.
The persons made masons or admitted members of a lodge must be good and true men, free born, and of mature and discreet age and sound judgment, no bond- men, no women, no immoral] or scandalous men, but of good report.
IV.—OF MASTERS, WARDENS, FELLOWS AND APPRENTICES,
ALL preferment among masons is grounded upon real worth and personal merit only, that so the lords may be well served, the brethren not put to shame, nor the royal craft despised ; therefore no master or warden is chosen by seniority, but for his merit. It is impossible to de- scribe these things in writing, and therefore every brother must attend in his place, and learn them in a way peculiar to this fraternity. Candidates may, nevertheless, know that no master should take an apprentice unless he has sufficient employment for him; and, unless he be a perfect youth, having no maim or defect in his body that may render him incapable of learning the art, of serving his master’s lord, and of being made a brother, and then a fellow-craft in due time, after he has served such a term of years as the custom of the country directs; and that he should be descended of honest parents, that so, when otherwise qualified, he may arrive to the honor of
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14 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL,
being the warden and then the master of the lodge, the grand warden, and at length the grand master of all the lodges, according to his merit.
No brother can be a warden until he has passed the pait of a fellow-craft, nor a master until he has acted as a warden, nor grand-warden until he has been master of a lodge, nor grand-master unless he has been a fellow- craft before his election, who is also to be nobly born, or a gentleman of the best fashion, or some eminent scholar, or some curious architect, or other artist de- scended of honest parents, and who is of singularly great merit in the opinion of the lodges.
These rulers and governors, supreme and subordinate, of the ancient lodge, are to be obeyed in their respective stations by all the brethren, according to their old charges and regulations, with all humility, reverence, love and alacrity.
N.B.—in ancient times no brother, however skilled in the craft, was called a master-mason until he had been elected into the chair of a lodge.
V.—OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CRAFT IN WORKING,
ALL masons shall work honestly on working days that they may live creditable on holy days ; and the time ap- pointed by the law of the land, or confirmed by custom, shall be observed.
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THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON, ETC. 15
who is te be called master by those who work under him. The craftsmen are to avoid all ill language, and to
e : call each other by no disobliging name, but brother or iS fellow ; and to behave themselves courteously within and of a without the lodge.
: 4 The master, knowing himself to be able of cunning, at | : shall undertake the lord’s work as reasonably as possible, re : and truly dispend his goods as if they were his own; nor at a to give more wages to any brother or apprentice than he
really may deserve.
& ’ Both the master and the masons receiving their wages, ails 4 justly, shall be faithful to the lord, and honestly finish on 4 their work, whether task or journey; nor put the work ae 4 to task that hath been accustomed to journey.
: None shall discover envy at the prosperity of a brother, in q nor supplant him, or put him out of his work, if he on : be capable to finish the same; for no man can finish
| anuther’s work so much to the lord’s profit, unless he be
tho. .ughly acquainted with the designs and draughts of of him that began it
When a fellow-craftsman 1s chosen warden of the work at ; under the master, he shall be true both to master and p- | fellows, shall carefully oversee the work in the master’s
absence, to the lord’s profit ; and his brethren shall obey him,
. ‘Lhe most expert of the fellow-craftsmen shall be chosen A . or appointed the master, or overseer of the lord’s work ; |
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THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL.
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All masons employed shall meekly recetve their wages without murmuring OF mutiny, and not desert the master till the work be finished.
A younger prother shall be instructed in working to prevent spoiling the materials for want of judgment, and for increasing and continuing of brotherly love.
All the tools used in working shall be approved by the grand lodge.
No laborer shall be employed in the proper work of masonry; nor shall freemasons work with those that are not free, without an urgent necessity 5 nor shall they teach laborers and unaccepted masons, as they should teach a brother oF fellow.
VI.—ON BEHAVIOUR, VIZ. : 1—In the Lodge while Constituted.
You are not to hold private committees, OF separate conversation, without leave from the master, nor to talk of anything impertinently or unseemly, nor interrupt the aster or wardens, or any brother speaking to the master : nor behave yourself ludicrously oF jestingly while the lodge is engaged in what is serious and solemn 3 nor use any unbecoming language upon any pretence whatsoever 5 but to pay due reverence to your master, wardens and fellows, and put them to worship.
If any complaint be brought, the brother found guilty shall stand to the award and determination of the odge,
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THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON, ETC. 17
who are the proper and competent judges of all such controversies, (unless you carry them by appeal to the grand lodge,) and to whom they ought to be referred, unless a lord’s work be hindered the meanwhile, in which case a particular reference may be made; but you must never go to law about what concerneth masonry, without an absolute necessity apparent to the lodge.
- 2.—Behaviour after the Lodge is over, and the Brethren not Gone.
inclination, or hindering him from going when his occa- sions call him, or doing or saying anything offensive, or that may forbid an easy and free conversation ; for that would blast our harmony, and defeat our laudable pur- poses. Therefore no private piques or quarrels must be brought within the door of the lodge, far less any quarrels
eparate 4
to talk q about religion, or nations, or state policy, we being only, bupt the 3 as masons, of the universal religion above-mentioned ; master : | a we are also of all nations, tongues, kindreds, and lets hile the : guages, and are resolved against all politics, as what never
nor use . yet conduced to the welfare of the lodge, nor ever will. preaeyer | 3 3.—Behaviour when Brethren meet without Strangers, dens and : put not in a Lodge Formed.
You ‘are to salute one another in a courteous manner, as you will be instructed, calling each other brother, freely giving mutual instruction as shall be thought expe-
nd guilty
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You may enjoy yourselves with innocent mirth, treat-
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| ing one another according to ability, but avoiding all excess, or forcing any brother to eat or drink beyond his
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EEM ASON’S MANUAL.
dient, without being overseen OF overheard, and without encroaching upon each other, oF derogating from that respect which is due to any prother, were he not a mason : for though all masons are as brethren upon the yet masonry takes no honor from a man rather it adds to his honor, f the brotherhood, and avoid ill
same level, that he had before 5 nay, especially if he has deserved well 0 who must give honor to whom it is due,
manners.
4.—Behaviour in Presence of Strangers, not Masons.
You should be cautious in your words and carriage,
that the most penetrating stranger shall not be able to discover or find out what is not proper to be intimated ; and sometimes you shall divert a discourse, and manage it prudently for the honor of the worshipful fraternity.
5.—Behaviour at Home and in your Neighborhood.
re to act as becomes a moral and wise man ;
t your family, f the lodge, &c- 5 bu sult your own honor, and that of your ancie hood, for reasons not to be mentioned here. also consult your health by not continuing to late or too long from home after and by avoiding of gluttony oF drunk families be not neglected or injured,
from working.
You a particularly not to le know the concerns 0
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friends, and neighbors t wisely to con- nt brother-
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i THE CHARGES OF A FREEMASON, ETC, 19
6.—Behaviour towards a Strange Brother.
it ut You are cautiously to examine him in such a method a as prudence shall direct you, that you may not be im- he posed upon by an ignorant, false pretender, whom you an are to reject with contempt and derision, and beware of or, giving him any hints of knowledge. ef But if you discover him to be a true and genuine brother, you are to respect him accordingly ; and if he is in want you must relieve him if you can, or else direct es. him how he may be relieved. You must employ him some days or else recommend him to beemployed. But lage, you are not charged to do beyond your ability; only to le to prefer a poor brother that is a good man and true, before ated ; any other people in the same circumstances, rag Finally,—All these charges you are to observe, and also those that shall be communicated to you in another way; cultivating brotherly love the foundation and cape- ood. stone, the cement and glory of this ancient fraternity ; 1 at _ avoiding all wrangling and quarrelling, all slander and bors backbiting, nor permitting others to slander any honest g ak brother, but defending his character and doing him all if ee h good offices, as far as is consistent with your honor and aes safety, and no farther, And if any of them do you injury, her too you must apply to your own or his lodge; and from e past 3 thence you may appeal to the grand lodge, at the annual fat yout communication, as has been the ancient laudable conduct disabled of our forefathers in every nation ; never taking a legal -
course but when the case cannot be otherwise decided,
THE FREFMESON’S MANUAL.
and patiently listening to the honest and friendly advice
of master and fellows, when they would prevent you
going to Jaw with strangers, or would excite you to put
a speedy period to all law-suits, that So you may find the & h the more alacrity and success 5 but as
affair of masonry wit hers or fellows at law, the master and which ought
with respect to brot
brethren should kindly offer their mediation,
to be thankfully submitted to by the contending brethren;
and if that submission is impracticable, they must, how- |
ry on their process, OT law-suit, without wrath
and rancour (not in the common way), saying OF doing nothing which may hinder brotherly love and good offices
to be renewed and continued, that all may see the benign influence of masonry, 45 all true masons have done from | the beginning of the world and will do to the end of :
time, Amen. So mote i be.
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ADMISSION OF CANDIDATES, 2I
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ADMISSION OF CANDIDATES.
By the regulations of the Fraternity, a candidate for the mysteries of Masonry cannot be initiated in any regular lodge, without having been properly proposed at one regular meeting of the lodge, and a committee has been appointed by the W. M., or the petition referred to the E. C., to make the necessary enquiries into the character of the candidate. His name, age, addition or p’»fession, and place of abode shall have been sent to all the members in the summons for the next regular meet- ing, when, after the committee have reported to the lodge in his favor, he must be balloted for, and if approved, he may be admitted to the first degree of masonry. Should the report be unfavorable he shall be considered a rejected candidate.
FORM OF APPLICATION.
To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethern of Lodge No. A.FAM,
I,——of the——of. in the county of aged——years, being free by birth, and of mature age, do declare that unbiassed by the
improper solicitation of friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary or other unworthy motives, I freely and voluntarily offer myself a candidate
i 22 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL.
for the mysteries of : masonry; ‘that I am prompted by a favorable opinion conceived of the institution, and a desire for knowledge ; that I will cheerfully conform to all the ancient usages, and established customs of the order, and that I have not been rejected by. this or any other lodge within twelve months from date of my present application...
day of——A.D.,
Witness my hana this 18—
Recommended by
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OPENING AND CLOSING THE LODGE.
In all regular assemblies of men who are convened for wise and useful purposes, the commencement and conclusion of business are accompanied with some form, In every country in the world the practice prevails, and is deemed essential.
Ceremonies, when simply considered, it is true, are little more than visionary delusions; but their effects are si
+ en
OPENING AND CLOSING THE LODGE, 23
sometimes important. When they impre awe and |
6 r ‘| reverence on the mind, and engage the attention by ex- of : {| ternal attraction to solemn rites, they are interesting at F objects.
nt These purposes ate effected by judicious ceremonies I, | when regularly conducted and properly arranged. On or this ground, they have received the sanction of the ite ‘ wisest men in all ages, and consequently could not escape
the notice of Masons.
To begin well is the most likely means to end well, and it has been properly remarked, that when order and method are neglected at the beginning, they will be seldom found to take place at the end,
The ceremonies of Opening and Closing a Lodge with solemnity and decorum, is therefore, universally admitted among Masons ; and which differ in each of the degrees, —but differ so slightly as not to affect their generai character. They must, therefore, be considered in re- ference to the several purposes which they are designed to accomplish,
ned To conduct these ceremonies with propriety ought to and be the peculiar study of every Mason, especially of those rm, | who have the honor to rule in our assemblies, To per- and sons who are dignified,—every eye is naturally directed : for propriety and behaviour, and from them, other
brethren, who are less informed will naturally expect to
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THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL,
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in these ceremonies no Mason can be exempted. This is the first request of the Master and the prelude to all
business. No sooner has it been signified that the lodge
is about to be opened than every officer repairs to his station and the intent of the meeting becomes the sole
i | object of attention. }
'} OPENING.
* * * * * * * * * * sd © * * * *
. j "The ceremony of opening is then proceeded with. | | This relates to the position and duties of the several i officers necessary to properly open the Lodge for the dis- patch of business,
|} | INVOCATION. | Brethren, the Lodge being thus duly formed, | before I declare it opened, let us invoke a bless- ing from the Great Architect of the Universe upon all our undertakings. May our labors thus commenced in Order, be conducted in
Peace, and closed in Harmony.
Response by the brethren: “so mote it be.”
} ee 2
OPENING—CLOSING. 25
The following Ode may be sung. Air—DUNDEE.
1, Within our temple met again, | With hearts and purpose strong ; We'll raise our notes of grateful praise, With union in our song.
2. Around our altar’s sacred shine, May love’s.pure incense rise, Bearing upon its mystic flame, Our music to the skies.
* * + * * * * * * * + * * *
The general business is then proceeaed wiih, after which degrees are conferred in the con-
stitutional manner, and at the proper period of time
CLOSING.
Previous to closing the brethren are informed that if any desire to offer anything for the benefit of Freemasonry, an opportunity is now afforded to them,
| . We
26 THE FREEMASON S MANUAL.
|
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* © &© © £ © & & % &© & & > + Closing ode may be sung. Air—SICILIAN Hymn, 1. Now our social labors closing, Homage of the heart we pay;)
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Each in confidence kepORny, | Kindest thoughts that ne’er decay. | i
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2. Let us eacn 1n time’s commotion, | Heavenly light and truth implore ; Thus will pass life’s stormy ocean, Landing on a happier shore.
BENEDICTION AT CLOSING. °
Brethren, before this Lodge is closed, let us, with all reverence and humility, express our gratitude | to the G.A.O.T.U. for the favors already re- , | ceived, and may He continue to preserve our
| |
order by cementing and adorning it with every moral and social virtue.
Response by the brethren “So mote it be.”
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THE LODGE—ANCIENT CEREMONIES
Che Lodge.
r. ENTERED APPRENTICE, 2. FELLOW-CRAFT, 3. MASTER MASON.
Ancient Ceremonies,
CONSTITUTION. CONSECRATION. DEDICATION. INSTALLATION, LAYING FouNnDATION STONES. FUNERAL SERVICES,
Rules and Regulations for MASONIC TRIALS.
Form for keeping Minutes of Lodges. Form for By-Laws and Regulations. Form for GRAND LopcE Returns,
28 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL. ; ENTERED APPRENTICE DEGREE, ;
Masonry isan Art. Inevery art there is a mystery which requires a progress of study, and application, to arrive at any degree of perfection. Without much in- struction and more exercise, no man can be skilful in any art ; in like manner, without an assiduous application to the various subjects treated of in Masonry, no person can be sufficiently acquainted with its true value. From this remark it must not be inferred that persons who labour under the disadvantage of a confined education, or whose sphere of life requires assiduous attention to business are to be discouraged in their endeavours to gain knowledge of Masonry. To qualify an individual to enjoy the bene- fits of the society at large, or to partake of its privileges, is not absolutely necessary that he should be acquainted with all its intricate parts, These are only intended for persons who may have leisure and opportunity to indulge such pursuits. Some may be more able than others ; ‘some more eminent ; some more useful ; but all in their different spheres may prove advantageous to the com: munity, and our necessities, as well as our consciences bind us to cherish one another. It must be admitted that those who accept offices and exercise authority in the Lodge, ought to be men of prudence and address, enjoying all the advantages of a well cultivated mind and retentive memory. Ail men are not blessed with the same powers and talents; all men therefore, are not 4 equally to govern. He who wishes to teach must submit to learn, and no one is qualified to support the higher
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ENTERED APPRENTICE DEGREE. 29
| st ns ee ee
offices of the Lodge who has not previously discharged
the duties of those which are subordinate. Experience y | is the best preceptor; all men rise by gradation, and merit and industry are the first steps to preferment;
Masonry was originally an operative society, and in
that form those who worked as Entered Apprentices were
¥ styled first-class, but in speculative, or Free Masonry, the
a degree of which we are now treating, has for centuries
sy been regarded as the first of the order.
Be Its reception places the novitiate in possession of the ze Masonic alphabet, and discloses to him the fundamental Be principles of this time-honored institution, |
| | | es S, ; or a | a ge | 4 S$ | i eir ; m i ces ‘ ted | 3 |
SYMBOLISM OF THE L-&GREE,
The first or Entered Apprentice degree of Masonry, is
intended, symbolically, to represent the entrance of man
in q into the world, in which he is afterward to become a liv-
ss, q ing and thinking actor. Coming from the ignorance and End a darkness of the outer world, his first craving is for light—
not thar physical light which springs from the great orb of day, as its founcation, but that moral and intellectual light which emanates from the primal source of all things, from the Great Architect of the Universe—the Creator of
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30 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL,
the sun, and all it illuminates, Hence the great, the pri- mary object of the first degree, is to symbolize that birth of intellectual light into the mind ; and the Entered Ap- prentice is the type of unregenerate man, groping in moral and mental darkness, and seeking for that light which 1s to guide his steps and point him to the path which leads to duty and to Him who gives to duty its reward.
The first approach of a candidate to a Lodge of Free- masons, teaches him the pernicious tendency of Infidelity, and shows him that the foundation on whieh Masonry rests, is the belief and acknowledgement of a Supreme Being ; that in him alone a sure confidence can be placed, to protect his steps in all dangers and difficulties he may be called to encounter in his progress through life. That that Supreme Being will punish vice and reward virtue, and that that Supreme Being has revealed his divine will to man, which assures him that if his faith is well founded on that Supreme Being, he may confidently pursue his course without fear and without danger
ay — @) STD KES wn- Oo Sy
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a
“il q SECTION I.
ded q Every candidate, immediately after his recep-
his a ; P ’ , ; 4 tion, is required to give his free and full assent 4 to the following interrogations : 3 i. Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, | | that unbiassed by the improper solicitations of | . | friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary or other |
3 ASS a se eon necsaaahs Fix Veer eRe
32 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL.
unworthy motives you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a candidate for the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry P
that you are prompted to solicit these privileges from a favorable opinion preconceived of the institution, a general desire for knowledge, and a sincere wish to render yourself more exten- sively serviceable to your fellow creatures.
your honor, that avoiding fear on the one hand, and rashness on the other, you will steadily per- severe through the ceremony of your initiation, and, if once admitted, you will cheerfully con- form to the ancient usages and established cus- toms of the Order.
eee PRAYER USED AT INITIATION.
Vouchsafe thine aid Almighty Father and Supreme Governor of the Universe, to this our present convention, and grant that this candi- date for masonry may so dedieate, and devote
2. Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, | | | |
| 3. Do you further seriously declare, upon |
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SPs rors an
INITIATICN—SECTION I. 33 |
evote | us On Zion’s sacred hills !
ily his life to thy service, as to become a true and nd faithful brother among us. Endow him with a competency cf they divine Wisdom, that as- fet sisted by the secrets of our Masonic art, he may ne the better be enabled to display the beauties of | the true godliness to the honor and glory of thy ad holy name. ten- Lesponse—So mote it be. : ' pon ar ae Py | and, # + * * * * % * * * * + ¢ * * * ' per- | tion, Music may be introduced, or the following | con- | ode be sung : cus- ; 4 Ait—Auld Lang Syne. 3 1. Behold ! how pleasant and how good. : For brethren such as we, _ Of the accepted brotherhood To dwell in unity ! | - and | ’Tis like the oil on Aaron’s head, is Our / Which to his feet distills, | andi- : Like Hermon’s dew so richly shed |
LS ST cet ame
A a ce oes ame
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2. For there the Lord of light and love,
A blessing sent with power ;
Oh may we ail this blessing prove, F’en life for evermore ?
On friendship’s altar, rising here. Our hands now plighted be,
To live in love, with hearts sincere In peace and unity.
It is the duty of the Master of the Lodge, as one of the precautionary measures of initiation, to explain to the | candidate the nature and design of the institution ; and | while he informs him that it is founded on the ~ .rest Ԥ principles of virtue ; that it possesses great and invalua- % ble privileges ; and that, in order to secure those privi- leges to worthy men, and worthy men alone, voluntary pledges of fidelity are required ; he will at the same time assure him that nothing will be expected of him incom- patible with his civil, moral or religious duties,
ST CUES ast ene
the
the and rest lua- rivi- itary time com-
| In the beginning, God created the heaven
INITIATION—SECTION J], 35
eee eetereneee—eg |
and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of | the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light ; and there was light.
*
The three * * * are the Volume of the Sacred Law, Square and Compasses.
The Volume of the Sacred Law is to rule, and govern our Faith, the Square to regulate our actions, and the Compasses to keep us in due bounds with all mankind, but more particularly with our brethren in Masonry.
36 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL,
and Master of the Lodge. The Sun to rule the day, the Moon to rule the night, and the Mas- ter of the Lodge, to rule and ‘govern his Lodge.
* * * * * * # * * * * * * * *
That ancient and spotless ensign of Masonry, the lamb- skin apron, is presented in behalf of the Lodge, and the
a 3 ee a ae ey oe Fraternity in general.
It is more ancient than the Golden Fleece, or Roman Eagle; more honorable than the Star and Garter, or any other order in existence, being the | badge of innocence, and the badge of a Mason. 4 The candidate is strongly recommended ever to | wear and consider it as such, and is assured a : that if he never disgraces it. it will never dis- :
grace him.
| The lambskin, or white leather apron was used } by operative Masons, to protect their garments from spot or stain. But we as Free and Ac- cepted Masons make use of it for a more noble x purpose. From its whiteness and the innocence i of the animal from which it is procured, we are : constantly admonished to observe that blame-
———- ca ee ee ee ene em GS Fett eee a
INITIATION—SECTION I, 37
less purity of life and conduct which will alone enable us hereafter to stand before T. G. A. T. U. unstained by vice, and unspotted by sin.
%*¥ © & & & HF & FER & He He HR
The newly-initiated brother is then conducted to his proper station, * * * * * * where he receives his first lesson in moral architecture, teaching him ever to walk uprightly befure Gop and man.
In the course of this section is exhibited a beautiful and impressive illustration of one of the grand principles of the institution, and concludes with a moral applica- tion,
fHE FREEMASON’S MANUAL, |
THE WORKING TOOLS OF AN E. A. MASON.
The Zwenty-four Inch Gause, Common Gavel and the Chzsed.
The Zzwenty-four Inch Gauge is the first im- plement put into the hands of the workman, to enable him to measure, and ascertain the size and extent of the work in which he is about to engage ; thus to compute the time and labor it may cost.
The Common Gavel is an important instru- ment of labor, and highly esteemed as an im- plement of art. Though recognized by various artists under different appellations, it is yet ad- mitted by them all, that no work of manual skill can be completed without it.
The Chise/ is asmall instrument, though solid in its form, and of such exquisite sharpness as fully to compensate for the diminutiveness of its size. It is calculated to make an impression on the hardest substance, and the mightiest structures have been indebted for their fine polish to its aid. But as we are not operative
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but rather Free and Accepted or Speculative Masons, we apply these tools to our morals. in this sense.
From the Tzzenty-four Inch Guage we derive a lesson of daily admonition and instruction ; for as it is divided into twenty-four parts, it re- calls to our mind the division of the day into twenty-four parts, and directs us to apportionate them to their proper objects, namely, prayer, labor refreshment, and sleep.
From the Common Gavel we learn that skill without exertion is of little avail,-—that labor is the lot of man ; for the heart may conceive, and the head devise in vain, if the hand be not prompt to execute the design,
From the Chisel we learn that perseverance is necessary to establish perfection ; that the rude material receives its fine polish, but from repeated efforts alone that nothing short of in- defatigable exertion can induce the habit of vir. tue, enlighten the mind, and render the soul
| INITIAT{ON—SECTION TI, 39 |
| | | |
2 ee
40 THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL.
Renae ere ee ne eee neem ene mn —
knowledge grounded on accuracy, aided by labor, and prompted by perseverance, will finally ; overcome all difficulties, raise ignorance from despair. and establish happiness to the paths of science.
From the whole we deduce this moral ; that |
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INITIATION—SECTION ITI. 4!