book contains, than that proposed by Daicho; yet, there would

seem to be no less formidable objections to this view of its sigmfi- catiou. The verb nsa MNE, above referred to by Daicho, in Kal, (i. e., its active form) means to appoint, but its radical meaning is to number; it was one of the prophetic words written by the spec- tral hand on the wall of Belshazzar's banqueting-room. It is itself a derivative, and will not rid us of the final n M, and if it be any part of the root of the word, we must read ahinanah. It is just to notice, that the radical of this verb, signifying something divided )a MN, from the obsolete root ■jsa MNN, when in composition, conveys the idea of a law, rule or precept, in conformity with which Bometlung is done; as, for example, mni isn MPhI IHOB. bj command of Jehovah (II. Chron. xxxvi. 12), but then the gram- matical construction would require some other signification of rezon, and it should be construed as an adjective, in conformity with the example above quoted, and it might read ahi, being the genitive singular rinse AEI,) the "Supreme Law of a Srother."
PREFACE.
"In tbe preseDt state of Freemasonry, dispersed as It is over the whole bot af the habitable globe, and disttngulBhed by an anxious Inquiry, whether iti reputed origin be well founded, and whether its philosophy and the evidencef on which its claims to public notice are entitled to the Implicit credence of man ' kind, it iB the duty of every Brother, so far as bis infiaence may extend, to furnish the means of satisfying this ardent curiosity." — Olit£b.
Among tlie many beautiful and appropriate definitions gfiven to Freemasonry none is more comprehensive than the one to be found in the English lectures: "Freema- sonry is a science of morality, vailed in allegory and illustrated by symbols."
Freemasonry, then, most prominently presents itsell to our view as a science of symbolism. In the teachings of the ancient priesthood this science was first devel- oped. Among them it was organized into a beautiful and impressive system, in which the most profound les- sons of Divine Truth were taught hx images of poetical form. It was thus that the ancient philosophers com- municated all their instructions to their disciples Having these views of the purposes of the institution, the undersigned has labored in the vineyard of Masonic symbolism for the advancement to a higher knowledge and an easier elucidation of its beautiful mysteries by the aid of symbols and moral illustrations,
X PREFACE.
Tlie great object sought to be attained in the presetjl volume is to give a more ample scope and a freer use of terms, whereby the Masonic student may become familiar with the great truths taught in the science of Freemasonry. The frequent applications of emenda- tions and explanatory remarks to the ritualistic text may be easUy understood by those who have been admitted into its temples, while the profane vrill have a better appreciation of its claims to something more than a name.
The usual forms and explanations incident to a com- plete monitor have been carefully revised, and are, it is believed, correct.
A new feature, in compliance vnth a very generally expressed want of the Fraternity, has been added in the Ritual for a Lodge of Sorrow, prepared by a weU- known and distinguished Masonic writer, which, it is thought, will be welcomed as a most appropriate form for celebrating the memory of the fraternal dead.
To those brethren who have, with uniform kindness, favored me with their valuable aid I acknowledge with •ihanks my indebtedness.
DANIEL SICKELS.
CONTEXTS.
AersuN Rezon — siRnifieation of the term g
Explanation or the Feontisplece 7
Inteoductobt 13
Origin of Masonry, and its advantages 14
Government of the Fraternity 16
The Lodge and its Government 17
Qualification. of Candidates 18
Admission of Candidates 19
Petition for Initiation 20
Opening and Closing the Lodge 21
Entered Appbentice — Illustrations 29
Symbolism of the Degi'ee ', 51
Rite of Induction 63
Prayer at Initiation 55
Symbolic Pilgrimage 56
Obligation of Secrecy 61
Rite of Ilhimination 61
Investiture of the Candidate 67
Charity the chief social virtue 07
Northeast Corner - 69
Working Tools of an Entered Ajiprentice 69