CHAPTER XXXVII.

A brief, comprehensive and practical History of Masonry, Knight Temp-
lars of Malta, St. John, Hospitalers, ete. —The Crusades to possess the
Holy Land, Egypt, etc.--How Jerusalem and Acre were taken and re-
taken.—Why the Holy Land was made a desert.—The practical work-
ings of the Masonry and kindred orders of to-day.--Mostly the testimony
of others as taken from books and the press.

+
W EBSTER’S definition of Mason and Masonic, and Masonry and F'ree-
Masonry is as follows :

‘‘Mason, an artificer in brick and stone; a Free-Mason.”

‘*Masonic, pertaining to Masonry.”

‘*Masonry, stone-work.”’

What do the kid-gloved ‘‘ Masons” of to-day know about handling
stone? But as Masonry was always an honorable productive occupation,
it can easily be seen how its good name and emblems of honest toil would
be stolen to be used as a falsecloak and blind by those who never had and
never intended to cut or handle a rod of stone in their lives; for with such
cloaks and blinds and with secret intrigue they could filch the fruits of
others’ toil. ‘

The Order or Organization of Masons was simply and only a Trade
Union of roving mechanics of stone masons; with an apron, compass,
square, plumb, mallet and trowel as working tools and true emblems of
their trade. These workmen being divided into three classes: Apprentices,
companions or comrades and masters.

‘The word ‘free’ in connection with mason signifies that the person
so called was free of the company, trade union or guild of masons. Those
operative or working masons who were not thus made free of the guild
were not permitted to work with those who were.”

The original and worthy plan and the organization of real masons died
out in about 1700.

History does not teach that those trade unions of masons were any
different from the other working-men’s unions of the day, nor that they
had any doctrines peculiar to themselves.

They had their emblems of their mechanical trade-work and cere-
monies like other trade federations. There were no * mysteries,”

There are, however, many of the spurious masons of the day, who,
anxious for an ancient and illustrious geneology to their craft, claim that
masonry decends from the ancient ‘‘mysteries” of paganism and their
heathen mythology and Gods.

But what would a trade union want of the false “doctrine” (?) of
these old, exploded fables and mysterious juggleries, used as a cloak and
blind to commit ‘he most indecent immorality and crime ?

(551)

552 Tue Practica, WorkinGs oF Masonry, ETC.

Those stone and brick masons who were willing to earn their liveli-
hood by honest, hard labor and production, certainly had no use for de-
ception and pagan ‘‘ mysteries’ as a screen for secret crime !

On the contrary, they labored to build up, to produce and improve
with their own calloused hands; not to corrupt, debauch, tear down,
ravage, purloin and destroy the honest endeavors, institutions and homes

of their neighbors,

In building stone churches with their hands, aprons, compasses,
squares, plumbs, mallets, trowels, levels, etc., they gained the good will
of priests and prelates and others of influence and power in the Govern-
ment, and were thus and therefore granted special privileges, such as ex-

emption and freedom from certain taxes.

And in return, as a matter of

courtesy, this trade union of working stone and brick masons would admit
these benefactors to their union as honorary members. This appears
to have been the entering wedge of the total destruction of the ancient
society of masonry. Other men who did not work, except with their wits
and tongues, then—on account of the privileges they hoped to enjoy with-
out earning them—applied, and, by hook or crook, got themselves admit-
ted as honorary or ‘‘accepted’’ masons, and these barnacles finally be-
came so numerous and ruinous that the original plan, principles, and
organization of active or ‘‘ operative’ or real Free-Masonry had died out

in about 1700.

‘‘There was always some lord or count or duke, who was willing to act
J

as president of the dying order.”

In 1717, about 172 years ago, operative, or honest and productive
masonry, without any revolting pagan ‘‘mysveries,” may besaid to have end-
ed, and ‘‘speculative ” orspurious, despoiling and ‘‘ mysterious ’’ masonry
—which is the masonry of to-day and of blackleg officials—‘‘ may be said to

begin.”

They purloined and perverted the emblems of the honest toil of the
old mechanical labor union of stone and brick masons, that they had

barnacled and murdered, to the uses of their pagan ‘‘ mystery

y ,’

’—jugglery

—blackleg-gang, to flourish in the eyes of the people for a blind with the
Bible, to which these midnight infidels proclaim their reverence with flour-
ish and parade in the streets, when such notorious infidels as Voltaire and
Tom Paine were such prominent brethren in the gang. And they declare
that ‘‘ whether the candidate or brother is devoted to Brahma, Allah, Je-
hovah, or Jesus, is no concern of theirs; or whether he accepts the Bible
of the Christian, the Talmud of the Jew, the Koran of the Mohammedan,
the Zend Avesta of the Persian, the Pidda’s of the Hindoos, or the Edda’s
of the Goth as a true book of inspiration, is a matter left entirely to him-

self.”

The craft of honest, working, productive masonry appears to have
been killed in much the same way as the farmers’ Grange in the United

States; non-producers and enemies to honest labor, even spurious masons,

C.

n their liveli-
o use for de-
!

» and improve
, tear down,
ns and homes

s, compasses,
the good will
in the Govern-
$, such as ex-
3 a matter of
s would admit
This appears
of the ancient
vith their wits
to enjoy with-
nselves admit-
sles finally be-
yrinciples, and
had died out

3 willing to act

nd productive
id to have end-
ous”? masonry
may be said to

bst toil of the
hat they had
ry ’—jugglery
plind with the
nee with flour-
5 Voltaire and
1 they declare
ma, Allah, Je-
pts the Bible

ohammedan,

r the Edda’s
tirely to him-

hears to have
mn the United
rious Masons,

THE PracticAL WoRKINGS OF MAsonry, ETC. 553

odd-fellows, and other like barnacles, having got into the grange, were a
secret wheel within a wheel, which they run backwards, over the pro-
ducers, thus stripping and spoiling the wrecks they were making.

‘Let us not inculcate that crimes lose their names and change their
nature, because they ure successful, or that because masonry has taken too
firm a root to be eradicated its fruit is no longer poisonous. We have to
contemplate a triumphant conqueror, who will neither pardon our in-
effectual hostility, nor believe in our unnatural reconciliation.”

‘*We are indeed abandoned by the courts, which not only fails to pro-
tect us, but weaken the security which we derive from our own suspicions.
Is there a citizen in the United States whose person is at this moment pro-
tected from masonic intrigue and violence ?”

* *
*

** The bane of joy, the spring, the SOURCE,
The gall of every other curse.”
‘To every man upon this earth
Death cometh soon or late;
And how can man die better
Than in facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers
And the temples of his Gods ?”
*

*

‘‘The power of the government should be trusted only to those who
are attached to it above all other governments. A king, a parliament, a
congress, or an army of a different allegiance from that which the govern-
ment professes, would be as absurd as to trust the dearest concerns
of a minor in the hands of a person who had the most immediate interest
to betray them. In vain would you plead in favor of such a trust that the
guardian would be above taking advantage of his situation, nobody in his
senses would think of putting his virtues to so severe a trial.”

*

The Knight Templars of Malta, St. John, Hospitalers, etc., etc., were
a monastic disciplined military society of zealots—for blood and plunder.
They were armed, and generally mounted, and protected by heavy armor
and coats of iron, and engaged to fight the Turks, the Tartars and the
Saracens in the bloody and disastrous crusades, to invade, pillage and
hold the Holy Lands, Egypt and sections of other dominions, and they re-
ceived big pay and plunder for their services, They made murdering and
plundering expeditions against the caravans of pilgrims travelling to wor-
ship at Mecca, and became so obnoxious and revolting to the people of the
country—who called them ‘ the swinish race’”—that they were out-lawed
and a price put on their heads.

‘Unlike the foot soldier of to-day in his simple uniform, who stands
firm and steady in the face of both rifle and cannon, these Knights of old
were covered from head to foot with a sheathing of iron mail and plate.”

Picked

aes

en cone

554 Tue Practica, Workinas or MAsonry, ETO.

And when the rifle and cannon came into use, which would allow them
no great advantage over other men, but compelled an even fight, they went
into other and more secret business, so as to still have an unfair advantage
in gaining or destroying what others had produced—as one of their family
Says |

‘‘My ancestors kept on with their commonplace occupation of
slaughter and robbery as Knights, or intrigue and cruelty as priests. They
had varied fortunes, now carousing in their own halls after a successful
foray, anon chaflfing in irons between the walls of an enemy’s dungeon,
They were a versatile race, and when plate-mail went out of fashion, be-
cause the people had learned the use of fire-arms, my people were the first
to recognize the changed condition. Thereafter they figured in the learned
professions, and sought to secure by persuasion and the advantage of
superior knowledge what they usec to take by force.”’ Others say that
they figured more largely as pirates in the Mediterranian and thus lived
sumptuously on naked islands in the sea,

* *
*

Here is an account of some of their ‘ victories” and cold-blooded
slaughter on land and also their defeat. They were promised by the
Christian”? King of Jerusalem the plunder of the wealthy city of Bel-
beis in Egypt for their pay if they would capture and hold the place ; so
“the Egyptians were taken completely by surprise, the city of Belbeis was
taken and the defenseless inhabitants were barbarously massacred. Their
cruelty and injustice, however, speedily met with condign punishment and
the Knights fled before the Egyptians in sorrow and disappointment to
Jerusalem, their piety dwindled and they went to killing each other in
their constant quarrels,”

* * *

In 1099 the Knights, with about 700,000 other ‘‘ Christians,” had
taken Jerusalem from the Saracens or Caliphs of Egypt, and not only put
all who resisted to the sword, but also massacred about 10,000 inoffensive
citizens, men, women and children. Then laying down their arms they
waded through the sea of human blood to the Holy Sepulchre, ‘‘They
gave the city up to pillage and slaughter, and exhibited a scene of cruelty,
barbarity, carnage and distress, too shocking to be conceived of or de-
scribed ; and when neither age nor sex remained to glut the vengeance of
their swords, they approached the sepulchre, their hands yet warm with
the blood of the aged, the infant and the mother, and paid their de-
votions at the shrine of the prince of peace. Godfrey, King of France,
was chosen king of Jerusalem.”’

* *
*

To rid the country of such invaders, the Holy Land with its thickly
populated districts and innumerable clusters of villages, quantities of
strong castles, and eighty cities, was all reduced toa devastated wilderness
in 1291, and governed by the Turks, to whom Jerusalem was also ‘the
Holy City.”

STO.

uld allow them
fight, they went
nfair advantage
» of their family

occupation of
as priests. They
er a successful
emy’s dungeon.
;of fashion, be-
le were the first
ed in the learned
ie advantage of
Others say that
n and thus lived

nd cold-blooded
promised by the
Ithy city of Bel-
1d the place; so
ity of Belbeis was
assacred. Their
1 punishment and
isappointment to
ng each other in

Shristians,” had
nd not only put
0,000 inoffensive
their arms they
bulehre, ‘They
scene of cruelty,
beived of or de-
he vengeance of
s yet warm with
l paid their de-
King of France,

with its thickly
s, quantities of
‘tated wilderness

was also ‘‘ the

THe PracricaL WorkinGs or Masonry, ETc. 555

In this re-taking of Jerusalem by the turks, ‘‘the air was rent with the
loud Mussulman shouts, the Holy City! the Holy City! When they had
finished their prayers, the loud trumpets of Saladin summoned the Christ-
ians to surrender the House of God to the arms of the faithful; but the
Christian: returned for answer that, please God, the Holy City should not
be surrendered. The next morning at sunrise the terrified ‘nhabitants
were awaked by the clangor of horses and drums, the loud clash of arms
aud the fierce cries of the foe.

The women and children rushed to the churches and threw them-
selves on thei: knees before the altar, weeping and wailing and lifting up
their hands to Heaven, while the men hastened to man the battlements.
Monks and canons, bishops and priests, took arms in defense ot the Holy
Sepulchre, and lined in warlike array the dark gray battlements and towers
of Jerusalem.

But the Mussulman archers soon became so numerons and so expert
that the garrison dare not show themselves upon the wall. Saladin also
employed his troops in the construction of military engines, stationing
10,000 cavalry around the city to intercept fugitives and prevent the intro-
duction of supplies. When his engines were completed he directed all his
efforts against the northern wall of the city, which extended between St.
Steven’s Gate and the Gate of Joppa, from which the successful assaults
had been made by the crusaders eighty-eight years before.

Barefoot processions of women, monks and priests were continually
made to the Holy Sepulchre, to implore the Son of God to save his tomb
and his inheritance from impious violation, The females as a mark of
humility and distress, imitating the Saracens, cut off their hair and cast
it to the winds, while the ladies of Jerusalem made their daughters do
penance by standing up to their necks in tubs of cold water placed upon
Calvary.

To prevent the garrison from attempting to break the force of the
battering rams, Saladin constructed vast engines for throwing stones, and
other machines, which cast enormous stones,and the terrible Greek fire and
combustible materials contained in brass pots, and flaming beams of tim-
ber covered with pitch and naphta, upon the ramparts and over the walls
into the city. He, moreover, employed miners to sap the foundations
of the towers, and on the 16th of September, 1187, the angle of the north-
ern wall, at the northwest where it touches the valley Hinnom, was thrown
down with a tremendous crash.

In the morning a suppliant deputation proceeded to Saladin to im-
plore his mercy, but ere they reached the imperial tent the assault had
commenced, and twelve Moslem banners waved in triumph upon the
breach. The Sultan accordingly refused to hear the messengers, declar-
ing that he would take Jerusalem from the Franks as they had taken it
from the Moslems—sword in hand. However, the liberty and security of
the inhabitants were purchased for about $750 dollars for each man.

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HE PracricaL WorKINGS OF MAsonry, ETC.

‘Saladin restored the sacred area of the temple toits original ondition
under the first Mussulman conqueror, the Christian bells were silent, the
churches were destroyed, the Koran was read, the imaums were again
heard, and Islam once more resumed its sway 1187.”

* *
*

After the loss of Jerusalem the city of Acre was coveted for the
metropolis of the invaders, and they took it at the cost of about 300,000
** Christian ” men, with as many Saracens in 1191, and strongly foztified it,

But it was recovered again after a siege of six weeks. ‘‘ Neither by
night nor by day did the shouts of the assailants and the noise of the
military engines cease. Huge stones and beams of timber and pots of
burning tar and naphta were continually hurled into the city. The
walls were battered from without, and the foundations were sapped by
miners who were incessantly laboring to advance their works, More than
600 catapults, ballistae and other instruments of destruction were directed
against the fortifications, and the battering machines were of such im-
mense size and weight that 100 wagons were required to transport the
separate timbers of one of them. Movable towers were erected by the
Moslem, so as to overtop the walls, Their workmen and advanced parties
were protected by hurdles covered with rawhides, and all the military
contrivances which the art and the skill of the age could produce were
used to facilitate the assault. Day by day the number of the garrison
was thinned by the sword, whilst in the enemy’s camp the places of the
dead were constantly supplied by fresh warriors, animated with the same
wild fanaticism in the cause of their religion as that which distinguished
the invaders.

After thirty-three days of constant fighting the great tower, considered
the key of the fortifications and called by the Moslem the ‘Cursed Tower,’
was thrown down by the military engines, To increase the terror and dis-
traction of the besieged, Sultan Khalil mounted 300 drummers with their
drums upon as many dromedaries, and had them make as much noise as
possibie whenever a general assault was ordered.”

‘* At sunrise the air resounded with a deafening noise of drums and
trumpets, and the breach was carried and recovered several times, Loud
appeals to God and to Mohammed, to Jesus Christ, to the Virgin Mary, to
Heaven and the Saints were to be heard on all sides, and after an obstinate
engagement from sunrise to sunset darkness put an end to the slaughter.
The miners continued incessantly to advance their operations. Another
wide breach was opened in the walls, and on the third day the enemy
made the final assault on the side next the gate of St. Anthony. The
panic-stricken garrison fled to the port, and the Moslem rushed on with
tremendous shouts of ‘‘Allah hu Achbar!”’

Thousands of panic-stricken invaders now fled to the seaside and
sought with frantic violence to gain possession of the ships and boats that
rode at anchor in the port. But a frightful storm of wind and rain and

STC.

iginal sondition
were silent, the
ims were again

oveted for the
f about 300,060
ngly fortified it.
. Neither by
he noise of the
ver and pots of
the city. The
were sapped by
rks. More than
on were directed
ere of such im-
to transport the
. erected by the
advanced parties
all the military
ld produce were
- of the garrison
he places of the
pd with the same
ch distinguished

ower, considered
, ‘Cursed Tower,’
ne terror and dis-
mmers with their
s much noise as

he of drums and
ral times. Loud
b Virgin Mary, to
hfter an obstinate
o the slaughter.
rations, Another
1 day the enemy
. Anthony. The

rushed on with

the seaside and
bs and boats that
hd and rain and

Tue Practica, WorkKINGS OF MASONRY, ETC. 557

lightning hung over the dark and agitated waters of thesea. Theelemeats
themselves warred against the invaders, and the loud-pealing thunder became
mingled with the din and uproar of the assault and the clash of arms.
The boats and vessels were swamped by the singing waves and the bitter
cries of the perishing fugitives ascended alike from the sea and the shore.
Thousands fled to the churches for refuge but found none,

The Grand Master of the Knight Templars with his companions—de-
serting these fugitives which were under their protection—loaded them-
selves with treasure, and escaped in the night through a secret passage
they had provided for themselves, communicating with the harbor,
boarded vessels in waiting, and escaped in safety to the island of Cyprus,
which was after this their headquarters. The Moslem Mamelukes set fire
to the town in four places. The walls, the towers and the ramparts were
demolished, and the last stronghold of the ‘‘ Christians” in Palestine was
speedily reduced to a smoking solitude.

Thus closed the long and furious struggle between the Crescent and
the Cross, A. D. 1291, The few remaining Christians in the Holy Land
were chased from ruin to ruin and exterminated. The churches, the
houses and the fortifications along the sea coast were demolished, and
everything that could afford shelter and security, or invite the approach
of the Crusaders from the West, was carefully destroyed. The houses
were all set on fire, the trees were cut down and burned, the land was every-
where laid waste, and all the maritime country, from Laodicea to Ascalon,
was made a dessert. ‘‘Every trace of the crusader,” says an Arabian
writer, ‘‘ was removed, and thus it shall remain, please God, until the day
of Judgment !”

* *
*

The Knight Templars had been in bad repute for a long time in
Europe on account of their bad conduct, and their pay, which had been
immense, was stopped. So now many of them went into the service of the
King of the Mogul-Pagan-Tartars in Persia to assist in his expeditions of
conquest and plunder. Sometimes they would be hired by the Tartars ‘
fight, murder and ravage for them, and then by others to fight, murde.
and plunder the Tartars. But they were generally defeated and returned
to the islands in the Mediterranean sea, though many were scattered over
Europe, and were considered a nuisance to the communities and govern-
ments in and under which they lived. They were opposed to paying toll
and taxes like other people, and wanted to hold courts and try offenders
of their order. Like the Masons, Indians, Chinamen and Mormons of to-
day they wanted a government of their own within the general govern-
ment, and live in clannish tribal relations, while they filched a livelihood
from others, and were therefore never good citizens of any country. Like
the secret gangs of to-day, they were notorious for shielding their crimin-
als against the government and real citizens of the country.

558 Tue Practica WorkInGs oF Masonry, ETC.

They loved to ape the Pagan despots and preserve the lewd secret evils
and myths and ‘mysteries’ of pagan priests that they embraced while
serving the Mogul and other Kings as venal mercenaries.

‘‘At the outset the Templars were supposed to be of blameles charac-
ter, unmarried and to remain single the whole of their lives. They were
also to give up to the order all their property and to devote themselves
exclusively to the service of God, the sick and the poor, and the defense
of the Holy Land, Their food was originally bread and water, and their
couch only a sack of straw, all of which, together with their garments,
were regularly distributed among them by their Grand Master, to whom
they were sworn to obey.”

It was thus that the order was richly endowed and paid, with revenues
and estates by pious and enthusiastic people for the cause of chanty and
religion, But when this was curtailed and their pay stopped, they threw
off their cloak of meekness and charity (and embraced paganism). Indeed,
they had done so before, and the loss of Jerusalem and the Holy Land
was charged to their cowerdice, jealousies and treachery ; qfler which their
estates were taken by the government and devoted to charity and religion
(the cause for which they were intended) by giving them to the poor.

Later we find them fighting for the King of what now forms a part of
Prussia. They were to get for their pay concessions of important rights
and privileges, and the possession of all the land they might conquer or
rob from the owners during the war. In this way they possessed large
districts along the Baltic Sea, governe.i by a ‘* Landmaster.”

‘* During these events the order had assumed a new form and charac-
ter. Instead of the original name of brothers, the knights now addressed
each other as master; and, indeed, acted as such in the strictest sense of
the term. They became imperious, insolent, haughty, tyrannical, des-
potic, and led a dissipated, evil and luxurious life at the expense of their
Prussian subjects, who figured as the most wretched, oppressed and miser-
able creatures in Europe,” [and this is their disposition to-day]. ‘Nowhere
was bondage carried to such an extent as under the rule of the Knights,
who were intoxicated by war and plunder, and plunged in sensual [‘‘ mys-
tic ’’] enjoyments and vice. Hence the continual insurrections, devasta-
tions of towns and lands, complaints and difficulties ; hence the hated de-
crees of the Pope and Emperor ; the incessant disputes with the clergy
and bishops of rank, which finally resulted in prostration and exhaustion
of their strength and power.”

They were excommunicated by Pope John XXII., and finally in 1809
Napoleon abolished the order, and since then it has existed only in name.

* *
*

The Knights that settled on the islands of the Mediterranean Sea ap-
pear to have engaged successfully in piracy, for example: ‘‘They found
Malta a poor, naked, arid rock, with neither river, rivulet or spring; in
summer it was intolerably hot, with not a tree to relieve the eye.” Yet,

TC.

wd secret evils
mbraced while

ameles charac-
. They were
ote themselves
nd the defense
ater, and their
their garments,
‘aster, to whom

with revenues
of charity and
yed, they threw
nism). Indeed,
the Holy Land
after which their
ity and religion
1e poor.
forms a part of
important rights
ight conquer or
possessed large
m”
prm and charac-
now addressed
strictest sense of
tyrannical, des-
expense of their
bssed and miser-
ay|. ‘‘Nowhere
of the Knights,
sensual [‘‘ mys-
ections, devasta-
ce the hated de-
ith the clergy
and exhaustion

d finally in 1809
only in name,

brranean Sea ap-

“They found
et or spring; in
the eye.” Yet,

Tue PracricaL WorkKINGS oF Masonry, ETc. 559

without producing anything, when they were driven off and exterminated
for their crimes, ‘‘it was an island of palaces.”

‘* Cruelty of Knights.” —In the medieval history of Europe, says J. A.
Farrar, in the so-called times of chivalry, a far worse spirit prevailed with
regard to the treatment of captives. Knight Godfrey of Bouillon, one of
the brightest memories of chivalry, was responsible for the promiscuous
slaughter of three days which the crusaders exacted for the six weeks
siege which it cost them to take Jerusalem (1099), They had 1190 Swabian
prisoners delivered to the executioner at Milan, or shot from military
engines,

Charles of Anjou reserved many prisoners taken at the battle of
Benventune to be killed as criminals on his entrance into Naples. When
they took the castle Pesquiere from the Venetians, they slew all but three
who surrendered to the pleasure of the King; and Louis XII., who is
counted for a humane monarch, though his victims offered 100,000 ducats
for their lives, swore that he would neither eat nor drink till they were
hanged.

When the town of Rouen surrendered to Henry V., of England, the
latter stipulated for three of the citizens to be leftto his disposal, of whom
two purchased their lives and the third was beheaded (1419), When the
same King the year following was besieging the castle of Monterau, he
sent some twenty prisoners to treat with the Governor for a surrender ;
but when the Governor refused even to save their lives, and when, after a
fearful leave-taking with their wives and relatives, they had been escorted
back to the English army, the Knight King of England ordered a gallows
to be erected, and had them all hanged.

When the English took the castle of Rougemont by storm and some
sixty of its defenders alive, with the loss of only one Englishman, Knight
Henry V., in revenge for his death, caused all the prisoners to be drowned
in the Loire.

When Meaux surrendered to the same King, it was stipulated that six
of its bravest defenders should be delivered up to justice, four of whom
were beheaded at Paris, and its commander at once hung to a tree outside
the walls of the city.

Take for another example, Richard Coeur de Lion. He is the ideal
knight-errant of every school-boy and school-girl—the darling of romance.
He was in point of fact an unmitigated ruffian, and, incredible as it may
appear, a cannibal. One day, under the walls of Acre, being convalescent
he had a great desire for some pork, and no pork was to be had. They
accordingly killed for him a young Saracen, plump and tender, cooked
and salted him, and the Knight King ate him and found him very good.

Thereupon he desired to see the head of the pig. The cook, in some
trepidation, brought him in. Knight Richard laughed heartily, and ob-
served that the army had nothing to fear from famine, having such excel-
lent provisions in store.

pa RRR oh eye i EA Ete in he Pp oh KR > OTR Nee pa B-mode ant ar

Sa ty a ea RR OO RII Tike Sg ls te 8

. PRR REE WOE oe

560 Tue Practica, Workinas oF Masonry, ETC.

Shortly after the town was taken, and Saladin’s ambassadors came to
sue for pardon for the prisoners. The High Grand Knight King ordered
thirty of the most noble of them to be beheaded and the heads to be boiled
and cooked. This accomplished, the heads were labelled with the names
of the dead men and served up to the Saracen ambassadors.

In their presence the Very Worthy Grand High Chief Knight Richard
ate a likely looking head with much relish, and bade them tell Saladin
how the ‘‘Christians ” made war.

He then ordered sixty thousand helpless prisoners to be led out into
a plain, where they were all ruthlessly butchered. ‘When he took a
town it was his habit to murdereverybody, women and children included.”

‘‘He made an effort to sell the City of London and all it contained to
the Jews, and missed no opportunity of plundering and oppressing his
English subjects, for whom he had precisely the same sort of regard as the
lion for his prey.”

‘All this is well known to historians; yet the youths of the country
are taught in school and college by these latter day Knight Templars [who
lay the corner stones of our public buildings] to look up to this unalloyed
villain as one of the glories of the English race and name.”

* *
*

There were dark rumors and odious reports concerning the conduct of
the Templars, and finally (1307--8) those in France and England were, by
the influence of the Christian Church (which had been their main support
as a ‘‘charitable society”) arrested, and horrible charges made against
them and ‘proven by the courts ” to be true—many confessing to the same.

‘‘Though professing to be Christians, they were accused of worship-
ing an idol, covered with an old skin, embalmed, having the appearance
of a polished oil cloth. In this idol, it was asserted, ‘there were two car-
buncles for eyes, bright as the brightness of heaven, and it is certain that
all the hope of the Templars was placed in it. It was their sovereign God,
and they trusted in it with all their heart.’”’

‘‘They were accused of burning the bodies of deceased brethren and
making the ashes into a powder, which they administered to their younger
brethren in their food and drink, to make them hold fast to their faith and
idolatry ; of cooking and roasting infants and anointing their idols with the fat;
of celebrating hidden rites and myséeries, to which young and tender vir-
gins were introduced, and of a variety of abominations [pagan ‘ mysteries,’
indeed !] too horrible to be named.

That the Templars had a hollow place or cave in the earth [nowadays
they use the upper story of a building] in which they had an image in the
form of a man, which they had invested with the skin of a human body,
and in which were inserted two bright and glittering carbuncles in lieu of
eyes. At this horrible statue they who craved to enter their damnable re-
ligion were compelled to sacrifice; whom, before all ceremonies, they
obliged to deny Jesus Christ and to foul the cross with their feet.

ETC.

issadors came tc
ht King ordered
heads to be boiled
d with the names
rs.

ff Knight Richard
them tell Saladin

10 be led out into
‘When he took a
hildren included.”
all it contained to
nd oppressing his
rt of regard as the

ths of the country
ght Templars [who
p to this unalloyed
1e.”

iing the conduct of
1 England were, by
their main support
rges made against
nfessing to the same.
reused of worship-
ring the appearance
here were two car-
d it is certain that
eir sovereign God,

eased brethren and
ed to their younger
st totheir faith and
bir idols with the fat;
hng and tender vir-

[pagan *m ysteries,’

e earth [nowadays
ad an image in the
of a human body,

hybuncles in lieu of
their damnable re-

1 ceremonies, they
their feet.

Tuer Practica, Workinas oF Masonry, ETC. 561

After they had profaned the Holy o'sject. in which girls and boys, se-
duced to be of their sect, assisted, they put out the lamps and hghts they
had in the cave, and if it happened that a Templar and a girl had a child,
they ranged themselves in a circle and threw the babe from hand to hand,
until it died by violence. Being dead they roasted it (horrible act!) and
of its fat anointed the grand statue (idol).”

Nearly all confessed their treason and crimes and were pardoned; but
it is stated that ‘‘for the glory of God, the stability of the faith and of the
Holy Church” 113 were executed.

In the trial given them in England by the Church, the Pope said: ‘‘In
truth, a long time ago there came to our ears a rumor that the Templars,
though fighting ostensibly under the guise of religion for the acquisition,
detention and defence of the Holy Land, have hitherto been secretly living
in perfidous apostasy and in detestable, heretical depravity, which we
were unwilling to yield a ready belief to the accusation.” But after in-
vestigating the matter the Pope declared, in a papal bull, himself perfect-
ly convinced of the guilt of the order, and ‘solemnly denounces the
penalty of excommunication against all persons of whatever rank, station
or condition in life, whether clergy or laity, who should knowingly afford
either publicly or privately assistance, counsel or kindness to the Templars,
or should dare to shelter them, or give them countenance or protection;
and also laying under interdict all cities, castles, lands and places, which
should harbor any of the members of the proscribed order.”

[This was a first-class boycot !]

* *
*

“ee Templars were accused, and many of them confessed as follows,
in brief :

1. “That at their reception into the Order, as soon as an opportunity
occurred, they were induced or admonished by those who had received
them within the bosom of the fraternity, to deny Christ, or Jesus, or the
crucifixion, or at one time God, and at another time the Blessed Virgin,
and sometimes all the saints.

5. That the receivers told and instructed those that were received that
Christ was not the true God, or sometimes Jesus, or sometimes the person
crucified.

7. That they said he had not suffered for the redemption of mankind,
nor been crucified except for his own sins.

9. That they made those they received into the Order spit upon the
cross or the image of Christ.

10. That they caused the cross itself to be trampled under foot.

11. That the brethren themselves did trample on the same cross.

14, That they worshipped a cat which was placed in the midst of the
congregation.

16. That they did not believe the sacrament of the Church,

24, That it was believed and so it was told them that the Grand
Master of the Order could absolve them from their sins,

26. That the visitors could do so,

26. That the Preceptors, of whom many were laymen, could do so.

36. That the receptions of the brethren were made clandestinely.

87. That none were present except the brothers of the said Order.

36

eS

i

A OE TR TE TED

cna eieinmeanse renee

562 Tue Practica, Workincs or Masonry, ETc.

38. That for this reason there has for a long time been a vehement
suspicion against them.

46. That the brothers themselves had idols in every province, viz.,
heads, some of which had three faces,and some one, and some a man’s
skull.

47, That they adored that idol, or those idols, especially in their great
chapters or assemblies.

48, That they worshipped them.

49, As their God.

50. As their Saviour,

51. That some of them did so.

52, That the greater part did.

53. They said that those heads could save them.

54, That they could produce riches,

55. That they had given to the Order all its wealth.

56, That they caused the earth to bring forth seed. *

57. That they made the trees to flourish.

58. That they bound or touched the heads of the said idols with cords
wherewith they bound themselves about their shirt or next their skin.

59. That at their reception, the aforesaid little cord, or others of the
same length were delivered to each of the brothers.

60, That they did this in worship of their idols.

61. That it was enjoined them to gird themselves with the said little
cords as before mentioned, and continually to wear them.

62, That the brethren of the Order were generally received in that
manner.

63. That they did these things out of devotion.

64. That they did them everywhere.

65. That the greater part did. That those who refused the things
above mentioned at their reception, or to observe them afterwards, were
killed or cast into prison. [And twenty-one other charges of devilish and in-
decent pagan ** mysteries,’” |

It was provided that the examination by torture should be conducted
without mutilation or disabling of any limb, and without effusion of blood.
[This being more humane than the conduct of the masons of to-day towards
their prisoners. |

It appears that the most of the Templars confessed their sins and
apostatized, and were reconciled to the church and State ; others—with
their indecent pajyan ‘mysteries ’’—united with the spurious masons (of
which is the masonry of to-day) while others were con:icted and executed
or imprisoned by the courts for their crimes, 1307 to 1320, and their ill-
gotten property given to the poor.

* *
*

Sometimes Knight Templars were known as ‘‘ Brazen Serpents !” and
—though a troop of soldiers, or human butchers, or a gang of pirates would
have no use for the square, trowel, level and plumb—their emblems of a
brazen serpent, skull and crossbones, and dagger, and pagan dress, are
truly emblematic of their character and conduct.

* *
*

‘Attempts have been made to incorporate the Knights into [real]
masonry, and their cross has been adopted by some of the high degrees

ETC.

ES

en a vehement

y province, vizZ.,
d some a man’s

lly in their great

1 idols with cords
xt their skin.
or others of the

th the said little

Le
- yeceived in that

efused the things
afterwards, were
of devilish and in-

buld be conducted
effusion of blood.
of to-day towards

sed their sins and

te; others—with
hrious masons (0°
ted and executed
B20, and their ill-

n Serpents |” and
y of pirates would
eir emblems of a
pagan dress, are

hights into [real]
the high degrees

Tue Pracrican Workinas or Masonry, ETC. 56!

[of the spurious order] but history fails to show the slightest trace of any
actua) connection between the orders.”

Templarism superseded all other forms of Knighthood, As the one
sank into decay and became the butt and ridicwe of Cervantes and other
authors, it was melted intothe other,and these united with the speculative,
anti-working, spurious masons, adopting it into their code of pagan doctrines
and indecent, lewd ‘mysteries’ and opening their own institutions to its
numerous associations, they gained thereby an accession of power nearly
equal to their own.

And of such is the masonry, ete., of to-day !

Larousse furnishes another explanation of the strained connection be-
tween the old and the new, and states that in the eighteenth century, cer-
tain members of the masonic lodge took up the idea of perpetuating the
ancient order of Templars, and to this end affiliated themselves with several
distinguished personages who were imbued with deistical ideas.

Gradually the order lost its distinctive character and was melted into
speculative [or spurious] masonry. The old order has passed away with
the old ages that brought it into existence, but the old pagan fables and
obscene, lewd ‘‘ mysteries " are still cherished.

* *
*

Masonry was largely a Jewish craft, and therefore coud not be a Christ-
fan order,

And they (the Jews) scattered it through the countries of Europe and
by the union of Templarism and spurious masonry, found their best and
congenial friends among the Templars with their stock of pagan idolatry
and ‘‘mysterious”’ polutions. And both being sly, heartless and grasp-
ing in the pursuit of gain, without work or production, So that, although
one boasts of having battled for the cross and the glory of Christ, and the
other glories in having crucified Jesus on the cross, yet, this mongrel,
kid-gloved-spurious-midnight.masonry and pagan-idolatrous-Templarism
is such that they, the Tartar, the Chinaman, and the Mormon—in their
sly greed, cruelty and clanishness—dwell and conspire together in unison
and brotherly love against the Government that is not clanish, pagan and
kingly enough for them, and against its full-fledged citizens and pro-
ducers.

Patnotism and religion, equal rights and privileges, level justice and
charity to all, are discarded, spit upon and trampled in the mire of their
black deceit, love of cruelty, grasping greed, and their hatred of the truth !

* *
*

“© Tam in the place where I am demanded of conscience to speak the truth
and therefore the truth I speak, impugn it who so lists.”

‘‘T never could believe that providence had sent a few men into the

world, ready booted and spurred to ride, and millions ready saddled and
bridled to be ridden.”

564 Tue Pracrican Workinas of Masonry, ETC.

‘*They damped every pleasure, every bliss destroyed,
And nipped the budding blossom of my joy.”’

‘* Many and sharp the num’rous ills
Inwoven with our frame !

More pointed still we make ourselves
Regret, remorse, and shame :

And man, whose heaven-erected face
The smiles of love adorn,

Man’s inhumanity to man,
Makes countless thousands mourn !

See yonder poor, o’er-labor’d wight,
So abject, mean and vile,
Who begs a brother of the earth
To give him leave to toil ;
And see his lordly fellow-worm
The poor petition spurn,
Unmindful, though a weeping wife
And helpless off-springs mourn.

If I’m designed yon lordling’s slave—
By nature’s law designed—

Why was an independent wish
F’er planted in my mind ?

If not, why am I subject to
His cruelty or scorn ?

Or why has man the will and power

To make his fellow mourn ?”

* *
*

OatH oF A CANDIDATE IN THE First DEGREE oF F'REE-MASonRY.

From ‘The Mysteries of Free-Masonry,” as written by Captain William
Morgan. By George R. Crafts, formerly Thrice Puissant
Grand Master of Manitou Council, New York.”

‘¢ As soon as the candidate is placed in this position, the Worshipful
Master approaches him, and says, ‘Mr. A. B., you are now placed in a
proper position to take upon you the solemn oath or obligation of an
Entered Apprentice Mason,* which I assure you is neither to affect your
religion nor politics. If you are willing to take it, repeat your name, and
say after me:

‘I, A. B., of my own free will and accord, in presence of Almighty
God, and this worshipful Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, dedicated
to God, and held forth to the holy order of St. John, do hereby and here-

* In many Lodges this is put in the form of a question thus: ‘Are you willing to take an
obligation upon you that does not affect your politics or religicn ?’’ The promise ‘‘ to conform,”
made before entering the Lodge, the ‘‘ assurance that the oath is not to interfere with their
political or religious-principles,’’ and the manner the obligation is administered, only two or
three words being repeated at a time, consequently not fully unde: stood, are among the reasons
which Wadd led many great and good men to take oaths incompatible with the laws of Gcd and
our country.

ETC.

————

royed,

REE-MASONRY.

Captain William
p Puissant
ork.”
In, the Worshipful
now placed in a
obligation of an
rer to affect your
t your name, and

ence of Almighty
Iasons, dedicated
hereby and here-

you willing to take an
bromise ‘‘ to conform,
o interfere with their
inistered, ony two bd
are among the reaso
‘hte laws of Gcd and

Tue Practica, WorkINGs OF Masonry, ETC. 565

on most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, that I will always hail,
ever conceal, and never reveal any part or parts, art or arts, point or points
of the secrets, arts and mysteries of ancient Free Masonry, which I have
received, am «bout to receive, or may hereafter be instructed in, to any
pera or persons in the known world, except it be a true and lawful
yrother Mason, or within the body of a just and lawfully constituted
Lodge of such, and not unto him, nor unto them whom I shall hear so to
be, but unto him and them only whom I shall tind so to be, after strict
trial and due examination or lawful information. Furthermore, do I pro-
mise and swear that I will not write, print, stamp, stain, hew, cut, carve,
indent, paint, or engrave it on anything moveable or immovable, under the
whole canopy of heaven, whereby, or whereon the least letter, figure,
character, mark, stain, shadow, or resemblance of the same may become
legible or intelligible to myself or any other person in the known world,
whereby the secrets of Masonry may be unlawfully obtained through my
unworthiness, ‘To all which I do most solemnly and sincerely promise
and swear, without the least equivocation, mental reservation, or self-
evasion of mind in me whatever ; binding myself under no less penalty, than
to have my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by the roots, and my body
buried in the rough sands of the sea at low water mark, where the tide ebbs ana
flows twice in twenty-four hours; so help me God, and keep me steadfast in
the true performance of the same.”

OATH OF THE SECOND, OR FELLow Crarr Mason’s DuGRrer,

‘¢ Brother, you are now placed in a proper position to take on you the
solemn oath, or obligation, of a Fellow Craft Mason, which I assure you,
as before, is neither to affect your religion nor politics; if you are willing
to take it, repeat your name, and say after me ?’—

‘*T, A. B., of my own free will and accord, in the presence of Almighty
God, and this Worshipful Lodge of Fellow Craft Masons, dedicated to
God, and held forth to the holy order of St. John, do hereby and hereon
most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, in addition to my former
obligation, that I will not give the degree of a Fellow Craft Mason to any
one of an inferior degree, nor to any other being in the known world, ex-
cept it be to a true and lawful brother, or brethren Fellow Craft Masons,
or within the body of a just and lawfully constituted Lodge of such; and
not unto him nor 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 and due examination,
or lawful information. Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will
not wrong this Lodge, nor a brother of this degree, to the value of two
cents, 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 support
the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of the United States, and 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 at any time hereafter become a member, as far as in my power,
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, thas I will obey all regular signs
and summons given, handed, sent, or thrown to me by the hand of a
brother Fellow Craft Mason, or from the body of a just and lawfully con-
stituted Lodge of such; provided it be within the length of my cable-tow,
or a square and angle of my work. Furthermore, do I promise and swear,
that I will be aiding and assisting all poor and penniless brethren Fellow
Crafts, their widows and orphans, wheresoever disposed round the globe,
they applying to me as such, as far as in my power, without injuring my-
self or family. To all which I do most solemnly and sincerely promise and
swear, without the least hesitation, mental reservation, or self-evasion of

566 THe PracticaL Workinas or Masonry, ETC.

mind in me whatever; binding myself under no less penalty than to have
my left breast torn open, and my heart and vitals taken from thence,
and thrown over my left shoulder, and carried into the valley of Je-
hosaphat, there to become a prey to the wild beasts of the fields, and
vultures of the air, if ever I should prove wilfully guilty of violating
any part of this my solemn oath or obligation of a Fellow Craft Mason;
so keep me God, and keep me steadfast in the due performance of the
same.”

The Master then says, ‘‘ Detach your hands, and kiss the book,
which is the Holy Bible, twice.”

‘©OaTH OR OBLIGATION OF A Master Mason,

which I assure you, as before, is neither to affect your religion nor
politics. If you are willing to take it, repeat your name, and say after
me:”’—

“TJ, A. B., of my own free will and accord, in the presence of Almighty
God and the Worshipful Lodge of Master Masons, erected to God, and
dedicated to the holy order of St. John, do hereby and hereon most
solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, in addition to my forier
obligations, that I will not give the degree of a Master Mason to any
one of inferior degree, nor to any other being Furthermore, do I
promise and swear, that I will not give the grand hailing sign of dis-
tress, except I am in real distress, or for the benefit of the craft when
at work; and should I ever see that sign given, or the word accom-
panying it, and the person who gave it appearing to be in distress, I
will fly to his relief at the risk of my life, should there be a greater
probability of saving his life than of 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 1 will not speak evil of a brother Master
Mason, neither behind his back, nor before his face, but will apprise him
of all approaching danger, if in my power. Furthermore, do I promise
and swear that I will not violate the chastity of a Master Mason’s wife,
mother, sister, or daughter, [knowing them to be such, nor suffer: to be
done by others, if in my power to prevent it. Furthermore do I promise
and swear that I will support the constitution of the Grand Lodge of the
State of , 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, at
any time hereafter, become a member. Furthermore, do I promise and
swear, that I will obey all regular signs, summons, or tokens, given,
handed, sent, or thrown to me from the hand of a brother Master Mason,
or from the body of a just and lawfully constituted Lodge of such ; pro-
vided it be within the length of my cable-tow. Furthermore, do I promise
and swear that a Master Mason’s secrets, given to mein charge as such,
shall remain as sccure and inviolable in my breast as in his own, when
communicated to me, murder and treason excepted ; and they left to my
own election, Furthermore, do I promise and swear that I will go on a
Master Mason’s errand, whenever required, even should I go barefoot and
bareheaded, if within the length of my cable-tow.* Furthermore, doI
promise and swear that I will always remember a brother Master Mason,
when on my knees offering up my devotions to Almighty God. Further-

* Literslly « rope several yards in length, but mystically three miles, so that a Master
Mason must go on a brother Master Ma-on’s er:and whenever required the distance of three
miles, should he have to g» barefoot and bareheaded, In the degrees of Knighthood the dis-
tance is forty miles.

ETC.

ty than to have
1 from thence,

valley of Je-
the fields, and
y of violating
w Craft Mason;
ormance of the

kiss the book,

Ny

w religion nor
», and say after

nee of Almighty
2d to God, and
d hereon most
1 to my foriier
Mason to any
rthermore, do I
ng sign of dis-
the craft when
ie word accom-
ein distress, I
re be a greater
Furthermore, do
4 nor a brother
yself, nor suffer
Furthermore,
brother Master
rill apprise him
e, do I promise
r Mason’s wife,
r suffer! to be
re do I promise
a Lodge of the
m to all the by-
which I may, at
I promise and
tokens, given,
Master Mason,

e of such ; pro-
re, do I promise
charge as such,
his own, when
they left to my

t I will go on a
go barefoot and
rthermore, do I
Master Mason,
God. Further-

h, so that a Master
he distance of three
Knighthood the dis-

Tue Practica, Workrnas or Masonry, ETc. 567

more, do I promise and swear that I will be aiding and assisting all poor
indigent Master Masons, their wives and orphans, wheresoever disposed
round the globe, as far as in my power, without injuring myself or family
materially, Furthermore, do I promise and swear that if any part of this
my solemn oath or obligation be omitted at this time, that I will hold my-
self amenable thereto, whenever informed. ‘To all of which I do most
solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, with a fixed and steady pur-
pose of mind in me, to keep and Reaper the same, binding myself under
no less penalty than to have my body severed in two in the midst, and
divided to the North and South, my bowels burnt to ashes in the centre.
and the ashes scattered before the four winds of heaven, that there might
not the Jeast tract or trace of remembrance remain among men or Masons
of so vile and perjured a wretch as I should be were I ever to prove wilful.
ly guilty of violating any part of this my solemn oath or pblgaton of a
Master Mason ; so help me God, and keep me steadfast in the due per-
formance of the same.”

The Master then asks the candidate, ‘‘What do you most desire ?”
The eandidate answers after his prompter, ‘‘ More light.” The bandage
which was tied round his head in the preparation room, is, by one of the
brethren, who stands behind him for tiat purpose, loosened and put over
both eyes, and he is immediately brought to light, in the same manner as
in the preceding degree, except three stamps on the floor, and three clups
of the hands are given in this degree. On being brought to light, the
Master says to the candidate, ‘You first discover, as before, three great
lights in Masonry, by the assistance of three lesser, with this difference,
both points of the compass are elevated above the square, which denotes
to you that you are about to receive all the light that can be conferred on
you in a Mason’s Lodge.’’ The Master steps back from the candidate and
says, ‘‘ Brother, you now discover me as Master of this Lodge, approach-
ing you from the East, under the sign and due-guard of a Master Mason.”
The sign is given by raising both hands and arms to the elbows perpen-
dicularly, one on either side of the head, the elbows forming # square.
The words accompanying this sign in case of distress, are, ‘‘O Lord my
God, is there no help for the widow’s son !”

OatH oF A Mark Mastrr Mason.

“TJ, 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 sin-
cerely promise and swear, that I will not give the degree of a Mark Master
Mason to any one of inferior degree, nor to any other person in the known
world. Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will support the
constitution of the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the United
States of America, also the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of this State, under
which this Lodge is held, and conform to all the by-laws, rules and regu-
lations of this or any other Lodge of Mark Master Masons, of which I may
at any time hereafter become a member. Furthermore, do I promise and
swear, that I will obey all regular signs and summons given, handed, se>t,
or thrown to me from the hand of a brother Mark Mastcr 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 preventit. Furthermore, do I promise and swear
that I will not sell, swap, barter, or exchange my mark, which I shall
hereafter choose, nor send it a second time to pledge until it is lawfully

568 THe Praciica, Workinas oF Masonry, ETC.

redeemed from the first. Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I
will receive a brother’s mark when offered to me requesting a favor, and
grant him his request, if in my power ; and if it is not in my power to
grant his request, I will return him his mark with the value thereof, which
is half a shekel of silver, or quarter of a dollar. To all of which I do most
solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, with a fixed and steady pur-
pose 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 forever be
unable to hear the word, and my right hand chopped off, as the penalty of
an impostor, if [ should ever prove wilfully guilty of violating 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.” ‘ Detach
your hand and kiss the book.”

OatrH OF THE Past Master’s DEGREE.

‘The candidate kneels on both knees, lays both hands on the Holy
Bible, square and compass, and takes the following oath, or obligation :

“«T, A. B., of my own free will and accord, in presence of Almighty
God, and this Worshipful Lodge of Past Master Masons, do hereby and
hereon, most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, in addition to my
former obligations, that I will not give the degree of Past Master Mason,
or any of the secrets pertaining thereto, to any one of an inferior degree,
nor to any person in the known world. Furthermore, do I promise and
swear, that I will obey all regular signs and summons, sent, thrown,
handed or given from the hand of a brother of this degree, or from the
body of a just and lawfully constituted Lodge of Past Masters, provided it
be within the length of my cable-tow. Furthermore, do I promise and
swear, that I will support the constitution of the General Grand Royal
Arch Chapter of the United States of America; also, that of the Grand
Chapter of the State of ——, 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 at any time hereafter become a member, so far as in my
power. Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will not assist, or be
present at the conferring of this degree upon any person, who has not, to
the best of my knowledge and belief, regularly received the degrees of
Entered Apprentice, Fellow Cratt, Master Mason, and Mark Masier, or
been elected Master of a regular Lodge of Master Masons, Furthermore,
do I promise and swear, that I will aid and assist all poor and indigent
Past Master Masons, their widows and orphans, wherever dispersed round
the globe, they applying to me as such and finding them worthy, so far as
in my power, without material injury to myself or family. Furthermore,
do I promise and swear, that the secrets of a brother of this degree, de-
livered to me in charge as such, shall remain as secure and inviolable in
my breast, as they were in his own, before communicated to me; murder
and treason excepted, and those left to my own election. Furthermore,
do I promise and swear, that I will not wrong this Lodge, or 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. All which, I do most
solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, with a fixed and steady pur-
ose of mind, to keep and perform the same ; binding myself under no
fea penalty, than to have my tongue split from tip to root ; that I might
forever thereafter, be unable to pronounce the word, if ever I should
prove wilfully guilty of violating any part of this, my solemn oath, or
obligation, of a Past Master Mason. So help me God, and make me
steadfast to keep and perform the same.”’

RY, ETC.

se and swear, that I
juesting a favor, and
ot in my power to
value thereof, which
il of which I do most
xed and steady pur-
ding myself under no
ut I may forever be
off, as the penalty of
violating any part of
Mason. So help me
ie same.” ‘Detach

IEE.

hands on the Holy
ath, or obligation :

rresence of Almighty
isons, do hereby and
ar, in addition to my
Past Master Mason,
of an inferior degree,
re, do I promise and
mons, sent, thrown,
degree, or from the
t Masters, provided it
e, do I promise and
eneral Grand Royal
o, that of the Grand
is held, and conform
ny other Lodge, of
ver, So far as in my
will not assist, or be
son, who has not, to
ived the degrees of
nd Mark Masier, or
sons, Furthermore,
poor and indigent
ever dispersed round
em worthy, so far as
ily. Furthermore,
r of this degree, de-
tre and inviolable in
ated to me; murder
tion, Furthermore,
dge, or a brother of
elf, nor suffer it to
1 which, I do most
ed and steady pur-
he myself under no
root ; that I might
1, if ever I should
my solemn oath, or
tod, and make me

THE PracticAL WorKINGS OF Masonry, ETC. 569

Rr

OatH OF Most ExcELLENT Master’s DEGREE,

“*T, A. B., of my own free will and accord, in presence of Almighty
God, and this Lodge of Most Excellent 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 degree of the most Excellent
Master to any of an inferior degree, nor to any other person, or persons,
in the known world. Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will
obey all regular signs and summons, given, handed, sent, or thrown to me
from a brother of this degree, or from the body of a just and lawfully
constituted Lodge of such, provided it be within the length of my cable-
tow, ifin my power. Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will
support the constitution of the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the
United States of America; also, the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the
State of , 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,
at any time hereafter, become a member. Furthermore, doI promise and
swear, that I will aid and assist all poor and indigent brethren of this de-
gree, their widows and orphans, wheresoever dispersed round the globe,
as far as in my power, without injuring myself or family. Furthermore,
do I promise and swear, that the secrets of a brother of this degree, given
to me in charge as such, and I knowiag them to be such, shall remain as
secret and inviolable in my breast as in his own, murder and treason ex-
cepted, and the same left to my own free will and choice. Furthermore,
do I promise and swear, that I will not wrong this Lodge of Most Excel-
lent Master Masons, nor a brother of this degree, to the value of anything,
knowingly, myself, nor suffer it to be done by others, if in my power to
prevent it ; but will give due and timely notice of all approaches of dan-
ger, ifin my power. Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will
dispense light and knowledge to all ignorant and uninformed brethren, at
all times, as far as in my power, without material injury to myself or
family, To all which, I do most solemnly swear, with a fixed and steady
purpose of mind in me, to keep and perform the same, binding myse
under no less penalty than to have my breast torn open, and my heart and
vitals taken from thence, and eenoret tc rot on the dunghill, if ever I vio-
late any part of this, my solemn oath, or obligation, of a Most Excellent
Master Mason : so help me God, and keep me steadfast in the due per-
formance of the same.” ‘‘Detach your hands and kiss the book.”

OatH oF THE Royau Arch DEGREE,

.. Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will not speak evil of a
companion Royal Arch Mason, neither behind his back nor before his
face, but will apprise him of approaching danger, if in my power. Fur-
thermore, do I promise and swear, that I will not strikea companion Roy-
al Arch Mason in anger, so as to draw his blood. Furthermore, do I
promise and swear, that I will support the constitution of the. General
Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the United States of America; also, the
constitution of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State under which
this Chapter is held, and conform to all the by-laws, rules and regulations
of this, or any other Chapter of which I may hereafter become a member.
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will obey all regular signs,
summons, or tokens given, handed, sent, or thrown to me from the hand
of a companion Royal Arch Mason, ov from the body of a just and lawfully
constituted Chapter of such, provided it be within the length of my cable-
tow. Furthermore, doI promise and swear, that I will aid and assist a
companion Royal Arch Mason, when engaged in any difficulty ; and ese
pouse his cause, so far as to extricate him from the same, if in my power,

570 Tue PracticAL WorKINGS OF Masonry, ETC.

whether he be right or wrong. Also, that I will promote a companion
Royal Arch Mason’s political prefer: sont in preference to another of equal
qualifications.* Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that a companion
Royal Arch Mason’s secrets, given me in charge as such, and I knowing
them to be such, shall remain as secure and inviolable in my breast as in
his own, murder and treason not excepled.t Furthermore, do I promise
and swear, that I will be aiding and assisting all poor and indigent Royal
Arch Masons, their widows and orphans, wherever dispersed around the
globe, so far as is in my power, without material injury to myself or
family. All which, Ido most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear,
with a firm and steadfast resolution to perform the same, without any
equivocation, mental reservation, or self-evasion of mind in me whatever ;
binding myself under no less penalty than that of having my skull smote
off, and my brains exposed to the scorching rays of the sun, should I ever
knowingly, or wilfully, violate or transgress any part of this my solemn
oath, or obligation, of a Royal Arch Mason. So help me God, and keep
me steadfast in the performance of the same.”

Tue Osuications oF Turick InuustRaTeD KNIGHTS OF THE CROSS,

First Obligation.—You, Mr, , do now, by your honor, and in view
of the power and union of the Thrice Illustrious Order of the Cross, now
first made known to you, and in the dread presence of the Most Holy and
Almighty God, solemnly and sincerely swear and declare, that, to the end
of your life, you will not, either in consideration of gain, interest, or
honor, nor with good or bad design, ever take any, the least, step or
measure, or be instrumental in any such object, to betray or communicate
to any person, or being, or number of the same, in the known world, not
thereto of cross and craft entitled, any secret or secrets, or ceremony or
ceremonies, or any part thereof appertaining to the order and degree
known among Masons as the Thrice Llustrious Order of the Cross. That
you will not, at any time or times whatever, either now or hereafter,
directly or indirectly, by letter, figure, or character, however or by who-
ever made, ever communicate any of the information and secret mysteries
heretofore alluded to. That you wi’: never speak on or upon, or breathe
high or low, any ceremony or secret appertaining thereto, out of Council,
where there shall not be two or more Knights companions of the order
present, besides yourself, and that in a safe and sure place, whereby any
opinion,even of the nature and general principles of the institution, can be
formed by any other person, be he Mason or otherwise, than a true Knight
companion of the cross ; nothing herein going to interfere with the pru-
dent practice of the duties enjoined by the order, or arrangement for their
enforcement.

2. You further swear, that, should you know another to violate any
essential part of this obligation, you will use your most decided endeavors,
by the blessing of God, to bring such person to the strictest and most con-
dign punishment, agreeably to the rules and usages of our ancient fratern-
ity ; and this by pointing him out to the world as an unworthy vagabond ;
by opposing his interest, by deranging his business, by transferring his
character after him wherever he may go, and by exposing him to the con-
tempt of the whole fraternity and the world, but of our illustrious order
more especially, during his whole natural life.

* This clause is sometimes made a distinct point in the obligation in the following form,
viz; Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will vote for a companion Royal Arch
Mason, bofore any other of equal qualifications; and in some Chapters, both are left out of
the obligation,

+ In some Chapters this is administered: ‘‘All the secrets of a companion without ex-
ception ”

ETC.

te a companion
another of equal
at a companion
, and I knowing
my breast as in
e, do I promise
‘indigent Royal
rsed around the
ry to myself or
mise and swear,
ne, without any
in me whatever ;
ymy skull smote
in, should I ever
this my solemn
» God, and keep

OF THE CROSS.

onor, and in view
yf the Cross, now
1e Most Holy and
, that, to the end
vain, interest, or
she least, step or
y or communicate
known world, not
, or ceremony or
yrder and degree
the Cross. That
ow or hereafter,
yever or by who-
H secret mysteries
upon, or breathe
, out of Council,
ions of the order
ce, whereby any
institution, can be
han a true Knight
re with the pru-
ngement for their

er to violate any
lecided endeavors,
est and most con-
hy ancient fratern-
orthy vagabond ;

transferring his
¢ him to the con-
‘illustrious order

in the following form,
ympanion Royal Arch
s, both are left out of

mpanion without ex-

Tue PracticaL WoRKINGS OF MASONRY, ETC. 571

3. Should any Thrice Illustrious Knight or acting officer of any coun-
cil which may have them in hand, ever require your aid in any emergency
in defence of the recovery of his said charge, you swear cheerfully to ex-
ercise all assistance in his favor, which the nature of the time and place
will admit even to the sacrifice of life, liberty, and property. To all, and
every part thereof, we then bind you, and by ancient usage you bind
yourself, under the no less infamous penalty than dying the death of a
traitor, by having a spear, or other sharp instrument, like as our divine
Master, thrust in your left side.

PART OF THIRD OBLIGATION OF KNIGHTS OF THE CROSS,

8. I swear to venerate the mark as the wisdom and decree of Heaven, to unite our
hands and hearts in the work of the holy crusade, and as an encouragement to act with
zeal and efficacy; and I swear to consider its testimonies as the true and only proper test
of an illustrious brother of the cross.

4. I swear to wear the mark of this order, without any the least addition, excent what
I shall be legally entitled to byw duction, for ever, if not without the physical means of do-
ing so, or it being contrary to propriety; and even then, if possible, to wear the holy cross;
aud I swear to puta chief dependence for the said worthy and pious objects therein.

6. Iswear to put confidence unlimited in every illustrious brother of the cross, as a
true and worthy follower of the blessed Jesus, Who has sought this land, not for private
good, but pity, and the glory of the religion of the Most High and Holy God.

6. Iswear never to permit my political principles nor personal interest to come counter
to his, if forbearance and brotherly kindness can operate to prevent it; and never to meet
him if I know it, in war or in peace, under such circumstances that I may not, in justice to
myself, my cross, and my country, wish him unqualified success; and if perchance it
should happen without my knowledge, on being inform:d thereof, that I will use my kest
endeavors to satisfy him, even to the relinquishing my arms and purpose. I will never
shed a brother's blood nor thwart his good fortune, knowing him to be such, nor see it done
by others if in my power to prevent it.

q. Iswear to advance my brother’s best interest, by always supporting his military
fame and political preferment in opposition to another; and by employing his arms or his
aid in his vocation, under all circumstances where I shall not suffer more by so doing, than
he, by my neglecting to do so, but this never to the sacrifice of any vital interest in our holy
religion, or in the welfare of my country.

8, I3wear to look on his enemies as my enemies, his friends as my friends, and stand
forth to mete out tender kindness or vengeance accordingly; but never to intrude on his
social or domestic relations tohis hurt or dishonor by claiming his privileges, or by de-
bauching or defaming his female relations or friends,

9. Iswear never to see calmly nor without earnest desires and decided measures to
prevent the ill-treatment, slander, or defamation, of any brother knight, nor ever to view
danger or the least shadow of injury about to fall on his head,

11. Iswear to keep sacred my brother’s secrets, both when delivered to me as such,
and when the nature of the information is such as to require secrecy for his welfare,

12. I swear to hold myself bound to him, especially in affliction and adversity, to con-
tribute to his necessities my prayers, my influence, anid my purse.

13, Iswear to be under the control of my council, or, if belonging to none, to that
which {s nearest to me, and never to demur to, or complain at, any decree concerning me,
which my brethren, as a council, shall conceive me to deserve, aud enforce on my head, to
my hurtand dishonor.

14. I swear to obey &11 summons sent from any council to me, or from any Mest Illus-
trious Knight, whether I/lustrious Counsellor fr the time being, om by induction and to be
governed by the constitution, usages and customs of the order without variation or change.

‘To all this, and every part thereof, I do now, as before, by the honor and power of the
mark, as by an honorable and awful oath, which confirmeth all things in the dread pre-
sence of the Most Holy and Almighty God, solemnly and in truth, bind and obligate my
soul; and In the earthly penalties, to wit, that, for the violation of the least matter or par
ticle of any of the here taken obligations, I become the silent and mute subject of the dis-
pleasure of the Illustrious Order, and have their power and wrath turned on my head to
my destruction and dishonor, Which, like the nail of Jael, may be the sure end of an unworthy
wret: h, by piercing my temples with a true sense of my ingratitude—and for a breach of
silence in case of such an unhappy event, that I shall die the infamous death of a traitor,
by having a spear, or other sharp weapon, like as my Lord, thrust in my left side- bearing
testimony, even in death, of the power of the mark of the Holy and Illustrious Cross, before
I, B.S, our Thrice Illustrious Counsellor in Heaven, the Grand Council of the good, To this
I swear.

* *
*

THE ROYAL SECRET, OR KADOSH.

Instructions for the »eunton of the brethren, Knights, Princes, and Commanders, of the
Royal Secret or Kadosh, whitch really signifies, Holy brethren of all degrees separated,

krederick III., King of Prussia, Grand Master and Commander in Chief, Soveraign of
Sovereigns, with an army composed of the Knights, Princes of the White and Black Eagle,,
including Prussian, English aud French; likewise joined by the Knights Adep‘s of the Sun

eee ee —

Tue PracticaL Workinas or Masonry, ETC.

Princes of Libanus or the Royal Axe, the Knights of the Rose Croix or St. Andrew, Knights
of the East and West, the Princes of Jerusalem, Knights of the Fast or Sword, the Grand
Elect Perfect and Sublime Masons, the Knights of the Royal Arch, (ninth Arch,) Sublime
Enights Elected, &c,, &c,

The hour foi the departure or march of the army fs the fifth after the setting of the sun
and is to be made known by the firing of flve great guns in the following order (0)\—(0 00 0:
—that {s, with an interval between the first and second, The first rendezvous {8 to bo the
port of Naples—from Naplos to the port of Rhodes—from Rhodes to Cyprus and Ma‘ta,
whence the whole naval force of all nations is tu assemble, The second rendezvous is to be
at Cyprus, &c. ‘Ihe third rendezvous {s to bo at Jerusalem, whore they will be joined by
our faithful guardians, The watchwords for every day of the week are as follows; and they
are not to be changed but by express order from the King of Prussia:

Protectors of Masenry. Prophets.

Sunday, Oyrus, Ezekiel,
Monday, Darius, (auniel,
Tuesday, Xerxes, Habakkuk,
Wedneediy, Alexander, Answer, Zephaniah,
Thursday, Philadelphus, Haggal,
Friday, Herod, Zucharian,
Saturday, Hezekiah, Malachi,

Sign.—Place tho right hand on the heart; extend it forward, the palm downward 3 lot it
fall by the right ride, Sacred words.—Thoso of the Carpet, Which are to be read backward
round the circle from right to left, thus:—One says " Salix,” to which tho other replies
“Nont;”’ both then repeat (by letters) tho word ‘ fengu.’’ Pass-words.—" Vhual Kol,”
which signifies “ separated ;"’ Pharas Kol,” which signifies * reunited ;" “‘Nekam Makah,"”
which signifies ‘‘toavenge;"’ each then letters the word “Shaddai,” which signifies
*Oinnipotent.”

Charge addressed to the Candidate.—My dear brother :—Tho Saracens having taken possession
of the Holy Land, those who were engaged in the Crusades not being able to expel trem,
agreed with Godfrey de Boutllon the conductor and chief of the Crusaders, to veil the mys-
teries of religion undor emblems, by which they would be ablo to maintain the devotion of
the soldier, and protect themselves from the incursion of those who were thelr enemies,
after the example of the Scriptures, thoestr's of which ts figurative, Those zealous brethren
chose Solomon's temple for their model, Tits building has strong allusions to the Christian
church, Since that period they (Mxsons) have been known by the name of Master Architect;
and thoy have employed themselves in improving tho law of that admirable Master, From
hence it appears that tho mysteries of the craft are the mysteries of (pagan) religion, Those
brethron were careful not to entrust this important sec: et to any Whose discretion they had
not proved, For this reason they invented different degrees to try those who entered among
them; and only gave them symbolical secrets, without explanation, to prevent troa hery,
and to make themselves known only toeach other. For this purposo tt was resolved to use
different signs, words, and tokens, in every degree, by which they would be secured against
cowans and Saracens, Tho different degrees wore fixed first to the number of seven by the
examplo of the Grand Architect of the Universe, who bullt all things in aix days and rested
on the soventh. This is distinguished by seven points of reception in the Master's degree,
Enoch employed six days to construct the arches, and on the seventh, having deposited the
secret treasure in tho lowest arch, was translated to the abodes of the blessed, Solomon
employed six years tn constructing histemple; and celebrated its dedication onthe seventh,
with all the solemnity worthy of the divinity himself. This sacred editice we choose to
make the basis of figurative Masonry. In the first degree aro three symbols to be applied,
First, tho first of the creation, which was only chaos, is figured by the candidate's c ming
out of the black chamber, neither naked nor clothed, deprived, &c.; and his suffering the
painful trial at his recoption, &c, The candidate sees nothing before he is brought to light
und his powers of imagination relative to what he has to go through are suspended, which
alludes to the figure of the creation of that vast lumf{nous body confused among the other
parts of creation before it was extracted from darkness and fixed by the Almighty flat,
Secondly, the candidate approaches the footstool of the Master, and there renounces all
cowans; he promises to subdue his passions, by which means ho ts united to virtuo, and
by his regularity of life, domonstrates what he proposes. This is figured to him by the ate ps
that he takes in approaching tho altar; the symbolic meaning of which ts the separation of
the firmament from the earth and water on the second day of creation, (‘The charge pro-
ceeds by giving a figurative intorprotation of the coremontes, &c,, of the first and second
part of the third degree which I pass over as not interesting to my readers, and commence
with an interpretation which will be as novel to the Oraft of the lower grades as to the
cowans, or non-initlated,)

In the Master's degree ts represonted the assassination of Hiram by falao brethren,
This ought to put us in mind of the fate of Adam, occasioned by perverseness in his dis-
obeying his great and awful Creator, The symbolic mystery of the death of Hiram Abiff re-
presents to us that of the Messiah; for the three blows which were given to Hiram Abiff, at
the threo gates of the temple, allude to the three points of condemnation against Christ, at
tho High Priest's Caiphas, Herod and Pilate, It was from the last that he was led to that
most violent and excruciating death, The said three blows with the square, guage, and
gavel, are symbols of the blow on the cheek, the flagellation, and the crown of thorns, = ‘Ihe
brethren assembled around the tomb of Hiram, {8 a representation of the disciples lament-
ing the death of Christ on the cross, Tho Master's word, which 18 sald to be lost, since the
death of Hiram Abit, is the same that Christ pronounced on ihe cross, and which the Jews
did not comprehend, " Ell, Ell, lama sabacthani,”’ my God, my God, why hast thou for-

ETC.

t. Andrew, Knights
‘Rword, the Grand
nth Arch,) Sublime

6 sotting of the sun
g order (0)—(0 000)
lezvous is to bo the
Oyprus and Ma‘ta,
rendezvous is to be
ey will be joined by
1s follows; and they

Kk,
wh,

m downward ; lot it
» bo read backward
th the othor replies
rds." Phual Kol,"’
* «Nekam Makah,”
i,” which signifies

ing taken possession
nla to expel them,
ors, to veil the mys-
tain the devotion of
rere their enemies,
wo zealous brethren
ons to the Christian
of Master Architect;
able Master, From
gan) religion, Those
discretion they had
who entered among
prevent troa hery,
was resolved to use
be secured against
mber of seven by the
aix days and rested
he Master's degree.
aving deposited the
blessed, Solomon
tion onthe seventh,
hitice we choose to
ibols to be applied,
candidate's co ming
id his suffering the
9 is Drought to light
suspended, which
ddamong the other
y tho Almighty flat,
here renounces all
nited to virtue, and
to him by the ate ps
ig tho separation of
. (The charge pro-
© firat and second
ra, and commence
grades as to tho

by falso brethren,
erseness in his dis-
hy of Hiram Abit re-

to Hiram Abiff, at
mn against Christ, at
t he was led to that
square, guage, and
wnotthorns, ‘The
16 disciples lament-
to be lost, since the
nd which the Jews
why hast thou for-

Tre Practica, Workinas OF Masonry, ETC. 573

saken me! have pity on and forgive my enemtes’’—Instead of which words were substituted