CHAPTER I.

ENTERED APPRENTICE S DEGREE.
This degree is the initiatory step to the ground floor of our Mystic Temple. Honor and probity attend the introduction of our ceremonies ; and, at this first stage of our progress, the most strict decorum should be observed.
The lecture of this degree is divided into sections and clauses. The initiate is here taught a lesson of meekness and humility, and of hisKentire dependence upon the supporting hand of Deity. Virtue and charity are here also beautifully portrayed, and the duties of morality enforced by symbolical instructions.
Various useful lessons are here also taught to prepare the novitiate for a regular advancement in the principles of knowl- edge and philosophy, all of which are imprinted on the mind by lively and sensible hieroglyphical figures, which are ex- plained, and have a moral tendency to inculcate the practice of those virtues that adorn and beautify the human mind, and the corner-stone of a superstructure is laid upon which the initiate is to build his future Masonic edifice.
PRAYER AT OPENING AN ENTERED APPRENTICE'S LODGE.
May the favor of Heaven be with us at this our present meeting; and as it is happily begun, so may it be conducted with order and decorum, guided 6y wisdom from on high. And when our labors are finished, may it be closed in brotherly love and har- mony, to the glory and honor of God and our ad' vancement in truth and knowledge. Amen.
Response. — So mote it be.
3 (35)
36 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
Section First.
This part of the lecture of an Entered Apprentice unfolds oui object in visiting the hall of Masonry ; develops the justice of our pretensions to the privileges of the order ; illustrates the manner of our reception within the threshold of a Lodge; re- minds us of our dependence on the supporting hand of Deity ; exhibits the pledge of our fidelity, secrecy, and conformity to immemorial masonic customs ; opens our eyes to the light of knowledge ; presents to our hearts the lovely purity of inno- cence; draws upon our affections by the silken chord of charity ; and speculatively explains the implements of the degree.
A PRAYER USED AT THE INITIATION OF A CANDIDATE.
Vouchsafe thine aid, Almighty Father of the Uni- verse, to this our present convention ; and grant that this candidate for Masonry may dedicate and devote his life to thy service, and become a true and faithful brother among us ! Endew him with a competency of thy divine wisdom, that, by the secrets of our art, he may be better enabled to display the beauties of brotherly love, relief, and truth, to the honor of thy boly name. Amen.
The following Psalm is here introduced during the cere- monies :
Behold I how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity !
It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard : that went down to the skirts of his garments ;
As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that de-
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
scended upon the mountains of Zion ; for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. Psalm cxxxiii.
%. % >K >fc >; ;c i-'
Freemasonry has come down to us from remote antiquity, freighted with moral and social blessings for all who are deemed worthy of its privileges. In the dark days of the Middle Ages, when ignorance and superstition held sway over the minds of the people, Freemasonry retained the germs of a higher civiliza- tion ; and from the Holy Bible, preserved in its Lodges, taught the knowledge of the " true God," the immor- tality of the soul, and a general resurrection. It dif- fused among mankind the social virtues, and taught men to love and be charitable to each other ; hence, the Chinese, the Arab, and the Indian will embrace each other, and know that, besides the common ties of humanity, there is a stronger obligation to induce them to kindly and friendly offices ; but, before we can
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UNIVERSAL MONITOR,
Toward the close of the section is explained that peculiar ensign of Masonry, the lamb -shin or white apron, which is an emblem of innocence, and the badge of a Mason ; more ancient than the golden fleece or Roman eagle; and, when worthily worn, more honorable than the star and garter, or any other order that could be conferred upon the candidate at that or any future period. It has been worn by kings, princes, and potentates of the earth, who have never been ashamed to wear it, and which every one ought to wear with equal pleasure to himself and honor to the Fraternity.
THE LAMB SKIN
Or, the following Symbolism of the Apron * may be appro- priately used :
Brother, I am about to present you with the lamb skin, which is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason, more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honorable than the Star and Garter, or any other order. And, from a time whence
* Brother C. G. Emrick, Past District Lecturer of Ohio.
ENTERED APPRENTICE. 39
the memory of man runneth not to the contrary, this emblem, plain and unadorned, has been the peculiar clothing of all F. and A. M. ; the citizen toiling in humble poverty, and the Prince commanding the re- sources of Empires, have alike worn it in the con- sciousness that it has lightened the labor of the one and added dignity to the power of the other. It may be that you are, or yet will be, so firmly intrenched in the confidence of your fellow-men, or so deserve their gratitude, that they will elevate you to the highest po- sition of honor, trust, and emolument, and cause your name to be inscribed high upon the pillar of worldly fame. But never before have you had, and never again, my Brother, will you have, a higher mark of favor and confidence bestowed upon you than this, which I, as the representative of these Brothers and of the Craft throughout the world, am now about to bestow; this emblem, which K. S. wore when arrayed in all his glory, which invested with additional dignity other Kings, Princes, and Rulers, and which has been eagerly sought and worthily worn by the best men of your own generation, I now, with pleasure, present to you. Its Spotless White is emblematical of that pu- rity of heart and uprightness of personal manhood, which we expect and sincerely hope will hereafter dis- tinguish the conduct of all your personal and social affairs. This emblem is now yours to wear, we hope, with pleasure to yourself and honor to the Fraternity. If you disgrace it, the disgrace will be augmented by the consciousness that you have, in this Lodge, been
40 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
taught the principles of a correct and moral life. It is yours to wear as a Mason, so long as the "vital spark " shall animate your mortal frame, and when at last, whether in manhood or old age, your spirit hav- ing winged its flight to that " house not made with hands " — when amid the tears and sorrow of surviv- ing relatives and friends, and by the hands of sympa- thizing Brother Masons your body shall be lowered to the confines of that narrow house appointed for all liv- ing, it will still be yours — yours to be placed with the evergreen upon the coffin that shall enclose your re- mains, to be buried with them. My Brother, let its pure and spotless surface be to you an ever-present re- minder of a " purity of life and rectitude of conduct," a never-ending argument for nobler deeds, for higher thoughts, for greater achievements ; and when at last your weary feet shall have come to the end of their toilsome journey, and from your lifeless grasp shall drop forever the working-tools of life, may the record of your life and actions be as pure and spotless as the fair emblem which I have placed within your hands to-night ; and when your immortal spirit shall stand before the Great White Throne, may it be your por- tion to hear from Him who sitteth as the Judge Su- preme, the welcome words : " Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Carry it to the S. W., who will instruct you to wear it as an E. A.
ENTERED APPRENTICE. 41
* ' % * * * * *
This section closes with an explanation of the working tools of an Entered Apprentice, which are the twenty -four-inch gauge and the common gavel.
1 t 1 . I ■ 1 i I . i i I i I . I . t , I i I i i
The twenty -four-inch guage is an instrument made use of by operative masons, to measure and lay out their work ; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glo- rious purpose of dividing our time. It, being divided into twenty-four equal parts, is emblematical of the twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to divide into three parts, whereby we find a portion for the service of God and the relief of a distressed wor- thy Brother, a portion for our usual avocations, and a portion for refreshment and sleep.
The common gavel is an instrument made use of by operative masons to break off the superfluous corners of rough stones, the better to fit them for the builder's use ; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our minds and consciences of all the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting us, as living stones, for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
42 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
Section Second,
The second section rationally accounts for the ceremony of initiating a candidate into our ancient institution, and for the origin of our hieroglyphical instruction, and convinces us of the advantages which will ever accompany a faithful observ- ance of our duty.
Every candidate, at his initiation, is presented with a lamb skin or white apron.
The Lamb has, in all ages, been deemed an emblem of innocence. He, therefore, who wears the lamb skin as a badge of Masonry, is thereby continually re- minded of that purity of life and conduct which is essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
43
Section Third.
This section explains what constitutes a Lodge, and teaches us to perform, with propriety, the duties of our respective stations. Here, likewise, we receive instruction relative to the form, sup- ports, covering, furniture, ornaments, lights, and jewels of a Lodge : how it should be situated, and to whom dedicated.
*******
From East to West, and between the North and
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UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
the South, Freemasonry extends ; and in every elime
are Masons to be found.
Our institution is said to be supported by Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty, because it is necessary that there should be wisdom to contrive, strength to support, and beauty to adorn all great and important undertakings.
Its dimensions are unlimited and its covering no less than the canopy of Heaven. To this object the Mason's mind is continually directed, and thither he hopes at last to arrive, by the aid of the theological ladder which Jacob, in his vision, saw ascending from earth to heaven ; the three principal rounds of which are denominated Faith, Hope, and Charity; and which admonish us to have faith in God, hope in immortality, and charity to all mankind. The great- est of these is Charity } for our Faith will be lost in
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
45
sight. Hope ends in fruition, but Charity extends beyond the grave, through the boundless realms of eternity.
Every well governed Lodge is furnished with the Holy Bible, square, and compasses. The Holy Bible is dedicated to God; the square to the Master; and the compasses to the Craft. The Bible is dedicated to God, because it is the inestimable gift of God to man, . . ... ; the square to the Master, because it is the proper masonic emblem of his office, and should continually remind him of the duty that he owes to the Lodge over which he is elected to preside ; and the compasses to the Craft, because, by
46 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
a due attention to their use, they are taught to cir- cumscribe their desires and keep their passions within due bounds.'5
* The following appropriate illustration of the . . . of Ma- sonry, may be given with beautiful effect :
" As more immediate guides for a Freemason, the Lodge ia furnished with unerring rules, whereby he shall form his con- duct. The book of the law is laid before him, that he may not say, through ignorance he erred. Whatever the Great Archi- tect of the world hath dictated to mankind, as the mode in which he would be served, and the path in which to tread is to obtain his approbation ; whatever precepts he hath adminis- tered, and with whatever laws he hath inspired the sages of old, the same are faithfully comprised in the book of the law of Masonry. That book reveals the duties which the Great Master of all exacts from us— open to every eye, comprehensible to every mind. Then, who shall say among us that he know- eth not the acceptable service? "
" The rule, the square, and the compasses, are emblematical of the conduct we should pursue in society— to observe punctu- ality in all our engagements ; faithfully and religiously to dis- charge those important obligations which we owe to God and our neighbor; to be upright in all our dealings; to hold the scale of justice in equal poise ; to square our actions by the unerring rule of God's sacred word; to keep within compass and bounds with all mankind, particularly with a brother ; to govern our expenses by our incomes ; to curb our sensual appe- tites; to keep within bounds those unruly passions which oft- entimes interfere with the enjoyments of society, and degrade both the man and the Freemason ; to recall to our minds that, in the great scale of existence, the whole family of mankind are upon a level with each other, and that the only question of preference among Freemasons should be, Who is most wise, who is most good?— for the time will come, and none of us know how soon, when death, the great leveler of all human greatness, will rob us of our distinctions, and bring us to a level with the dust."
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
47
The ornaments of a Lodge are, the mosaic pave- ment, indented tessel} and the blazing star. The mo- saic pavement is a representation of the ground-floor of King Solomon's temple ; the indented tessel, of that beautifully tessellated border or skirting which surrounded it; and the blazing star in the center is to remind us of the omnipresence of the Almighty, overshadowing us with his Divine love and dispensing his blessings among us.
The mosaic pavement is emblematical of human life, checkered with good and evil ; the beautiful bor- der which surrounds it, of those manifold blessings and comforts that surround us, and which we hope to enjoy, by a faithful reliance on Divine Providence, which is hieroglyphically represented by the blazing star in the center.*
* " As the steps of man are trod in the various and uncertain incidents of life; as our days are checkered with a strange contrariety of events, and our passage through this existence, though sometimes attended with prosperous circumstances, is often beset by a multitude of evils; hence is the Lodge fur- nished with mosaic work, to remind us of the precariousness of our state on earth— to-day, our feet tread in prosperity ; to- morrow, we totter on the uneven paths of weakness, tempta- tion, and adversity. Whilst this emblem is before us, we aie
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UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
The immovable and movable jewels also claim our attention in this section.
******
instructed to boast of nothing; to have compassion, and give aid to those who are in adversity ; to walk uprightly, and with humility, for such is this existence, that there is no station in which pride can be stably founded— all men in birth and in the grave are on a level. Whilst we tread on this mosaic work, let our ideas return to the original, which it copies; and let every Mason act as the dictates of reason prompt him— to live in brotherly love."
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
49
The rough ashler is a stone as taken from the quarry in its rude and natural state.
The perfect ashler is a stone made ready by the hands of the workmen, to be adjusted by the working tools of the Fellowcraft.
The trestle-hoard is for the master workman to draw his designs upon.
By the rough ashler we are reminded of our rude and imperfect state by nature ; by the perfect ashler, of that state of perfection at which we hope to arrive by a virtuous education, our own endeavors, and the blessing of God ; and, by the trestle-board, we are also reminded that, as the operative workman erects his temporal building agreeably to the rules and de- signs laid down by the Master on his trestle-board, so should we, both operative and speculative, endeavor to erect our spiritual building agreeably to the rules and designs laid down by the Supreme Architect of the Universe, in the great book of nature and rev- elation, which is our spiritual, moral, and masonic trestle-board.
50 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
Lodges are situated due East and West.
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TO WHOM DEDICATED.
Lodges, in ancient times, were dedicated to King Solomon, because he was our first Most Excellent Grand Master. Masonic tradition informs us that they were thus dedicated from the building of Solomon's Temple to the Babylonish captivity; and from that time to the Christian era they were dedicated to Ze rubbabel, the builder of the Second Temple ; and from that time to the final destruction of the Temple by Titus, in the reign of Vespasian, they were dedicated to St. John the Baptist; but, owing to the many mas- sacres and disorders which attended that memorable event, Freemasonry began to decline — but very few Lodges could meet with a sufficient number of mem- bers to constitute their legality. Under these deplor- able circumstances a general meeting of the Craft was held in the City of Benjamin, when it was observed that the principal reason for the decline of Masonry
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
51
was the want of a Grand Master to direct its affairs; they therefore deputed seven of their most eminent members to wait upon St. John the Evangelist, who was at that time Bishop of Ephesus, to request him to take the office of Grand Master. He returned for an- swer that, though well-stricken in years — he being upwards of ninety — yet having been initiated into Masonry in the early part of his life, he would take upon himself that office. He did so, and thereby com- pleted by his learning, what St. John the Baptist had accomplished by his zeal, after his decease. Lodges were dedicated to him and St. John the Baptist, both of them being regarded as eminent patrons of Masonry; and, since their time, there is represented, in every well-governed Lodge, a cer- tain 'point within a circle — the point representing an individual brother ; the circle, the boundary line of his conduct — beyond which he is never to suffer his prejudices or passions to be- tray him.
This circle is embordered by two perpendicular parallel lines, representing St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist ; and, upon the top, rests the Holy Scriptures. In going round this circle, we necessarily touch upon these two lines, as well as upon the Holy Scriptures; and, while a Mason keeps himself circumscribed within their precepts, it is impossible that he should materi- ally err.
4
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UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
The tenets of Masonry inculcate Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
OP BROTHERLY LOVE.
By the exercise of brotherly love, we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family — the high and low, the rich and poor — who, as created by one Almighty Parent, and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support, and protect each other. On this principle, Masonry unites men of every coun»- try, sect, and opinion, and conciliates true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.
OP RELIEF.
To relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent on all men, but particularly on Masons, who are linked to- gether by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. To soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries, and to restore peace to their troubled minds, is the grand
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
53
aim we have in view. On this hasis we form our friendship and establish our connections.
OF TRUTH.
Truth is a divine attribute, and the foundation of every virtue. To be good and true is the first lesson we are taught in Masonry. On this theme we con- template, and by its dictates endeavor to regulate our conduct. Hence, while influenced by this principle, hypocrisy and deceit are unknown amongst us ; sincerity and plain dealing distinguish us ; and the heart and tongue join in promoting each other's welfare, and rejoicing at each other's prosperity.
To this illustration succeeds an explanation of the four car- dinal virtues— Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice.
OF TEMPERANCE.
Temperance is that due restraint upon our affections and passions which renders the body tame and governable, and frees the mind from the allurements of vice. This vir- tue should be the constant practice of every Mason, as he is thereby taught to avoid excess, or contract- ing any licentious or vicious habit, the indulgence of which might lead him to disclose some of those valu- able secrets which he has promised to conceal and never reveal, and which would conse-
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UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
quently subject him to the contempt and detestation of all good Masons.
OP FORTITUDE.
Fortitude is that noble and steady purpose of the mind where- by we are enabled to undergo any pain, peril, or danger, when pru- dentially deemed expedient. This virtue is equally distant from rash- ness and cowardice, and, like the former, should be deeply impressed upon the mind of every Mason as a safeguard or security against any illegal attack that may be made, by force or otherwise, to extort from him any of those secrets with which he has been so solemnly intrusted, and which virtue was emblematically represented upon his first admission into the Lodge.
OF PRUDENCE.
Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and ac- tions agreeably to the dictates of reason, and is that habit by which we wisely judge, and prudentially de- termine, on all things relative to our present, as well
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
55
as our future happiness. This virtue should be the particular A characteristic of every Mason, not I*) only while in the Lodge, but also when abroad in the world. It should be particularly attended to in all strange or mixed com- panies, never to let fall the least sign, token, or word, whereby the secrets of Masonry might be un- lawfully obtained.
OF JUSTICE.
Justice is that standard or bound- ary of right which enables us to render to every man his just due without distinction. This virtue is not only consistent with divine and human law, but is the very cement and support of civil society ; and, as justice in a great measure consti- tutes the real good man, so should it be the invariable practice of every Mason never to deviate from the minutest principles thereof.
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The illustration of these virtues is accompanied with some
feneral observations which should distinguish a Mason for 'reedom, Fervency, and Zeal :
Our Mother Earth alone, of all the elements, has never proved unfriendly to man. The bodies of water deluge him with rain, oppress him with hail, and drown him with inun- dations; the air rushes in storms, prepares the tempest, and lights up the volcano ; but the earth, ever kind and indulgent, is found subservient to his wishes. Though constantly har- assed, more to furnish the luxuries than the necessaries of life, she never refuses her accustomed yield— spreading his path with flowers and his table with plenty. Though she produces poison, still she supplies the antidote, and returns with interest every good committed to her care; and when, at last, he is called upon to pass through the " dark valley of the shadow of Death," she once more receives him, and piously covers his remains within her bosom. This admonishes us that from it we came and to it we must shortly return.
Such is the arrangement of the different sections in the first lecture, which, with the forms adopted at the opening and closing of a Lodge, comprehend the whole of the first degree of Masonry. The whole is a regular system of morality, con- ceived in a strain of interesting allegory, which must unfold its beauties to the candid and industrious inquirer.
CHARGE TO AN ENTERED APPRENTICE.
Brother : You are now initiated into the first prin- ciples of Masonry, and we offer you our congratula- tions upon being accepted a Fellow into our ancient and honorable Order — ancient, as having subsisted from time immemorial ; and honorable, because its tendency is to render all men such who act in con- formity to its precepts. No institution was ever raised upon better principles, or established upon a more permanent foundation. The several lectures
ENTERED APPRENTICE. 0
appertaining to this degree will now, of course, occupy some of your attention. At all convenient times, in order that you may improve therein, it will be your duty to converse with well-informed brethren, who will cheerfully communicate to you the required in- struction.
As a Mason, there are three great duties which you are charged to inculcate : they are the duties which you owe to God, your neighbor, and yourself — to God, in never mentioning his sacred name but with that reverential awe which is due from a creature to his Creator, to implore his gracious favor upon all your laudable undertakings, and ever to esteem him the chief good ; to your neighbor, in always acting with him upon the square, and in all your dealings, your communications, and your intercourse, doing unto him as, under similar circumstances, you would desire him to do unto you : to yourself, in cultivating every social virtue, in avoiding all irregularity and intemperance, and shunning every object which has a tendency to impair your faculties or debase the dignity of your profession.
In the State, you are to be a quiet and peaceable subject, true to your country, and just to your gov- ernment. You are not to countenance disloyalty or rebellion, but must patiently submit to the magiste- rial authority of the land in which you live.
In your intercourse with your masonic brethren, you are to cultivate a forgiving and charitable dispo- sition; and, while in attendance at the Lodge, you must always regard it as a place sacred to friendship
58 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
and brotherly love, where none but the most tionate feelings are to be cherished and practiced.
The Great Architect of the Universe is our Su- preme Governor and Master, and, by the unerring rule he has given us, we are bound to regulate our work. Political and religious disputes are never tol- erated within the Lodge. As Masons, we proscribe no man for opinion's sake, and recognize no sectarian creed. We follow the religion of truth and virtue, and this is the common center, around which are con- gregated, in one holy, indivisible bond of brother- hood, men of every tribe, and nation, and kindred, and tongue, under heaven.
Although your frequent attendance at our meetings is a matter of duty, yet it is not intended that you should ever on that account neglect your customary avocations. On the contrary, it is strictly enjoined upon you always faithfully and punctually to perform your daily work.
You are not, upon any occasion, to suffer your zeal for the institution to lead you into quarrels or fruit- less arguments with those whom prejudice or igno- rance may cause to abuse it. Provided you live up to the principles of Masonry, your own actions will con- stitute a " living epistle " that will be its most elo- quent defense.
Our ancient and time-honored Constitutions you are to search and study with particular care, as they contain the fundamental rules and regulations for the government of the Fraternity in all parts of the world. We seriously admonish you ever to keep 8a-
ENTERED APPRENTICE. 59
cred and inviolable the mysteries of our Order, as these are the criteria to distinguish you from the rest of the community and mark your consequence among Masons.
If, within the circle of your acquaintance, you dis- cover a friend desirous to be introduced among us, you must be cautious not to recommend him, until you are convinced he will conform to all our require- ments, to the end that the honor and reputation of the institution may be fully sustained, and the world at large convinced of its beneficial effects.
You have, upon this occasion, taken an eventful step in your journey of life ; you have entered upon the threshold of our mystic temple, and are now bound by the indissoluble ties of fraternity with many thousands of your fellow-beings, all of whom have participated in the same ceremonies, and trav- eled the same road with yourself; but it is only upon the threshold that you stand. There are yet many apartments to be explored, the doors of which are strictly guarded, and are opened te none but those who come "duly and truly prepared," and are "well recommended"
In your outward demeanor, then, be particularly careful to avoid censure and reproach. Let neither interest, nor favor, nor prejudice, bias your integrity, or influence you under any circumstances to be guilty of a dishonorable action.
Finally, Brother, keep it always in mind, that we are all probationers and sojourners here, and that, if we would hereafter participate in the high and glo-
60 UNIVERSAL MONITOR.
rious mysteries of the Celestial Lodge, we must so work agreeably to our moral trestle-board as to meet the approbation of Him who is a Spirit of immaculate purity, and must be worshiped in spirit and truth.
PRAYER AT CLOSING A LODGE.
May the blessing of Heaven rest upon us and all regular Masons ; may brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue cement us. Amen.
Response. — So mote it be.
FELLOWCRAFT'S DEGREE
FELLOWCRAFT. 63