The Perfect Ceremonies of Craft Freemasonry
Booklet No. 2
- Continuation of Examination of Candidates to be Passed to the Second Degree
- Ceremony of Opening the Lodge in the Second Degree
- Ceremony of Passing to the Second Degree
- Ceremony of Closing the Lodge in the Second Degree
- Explanation of the Second Tracing Board
- Charge After the Passing
- Questions which must be Answered by the Candidates before Raising
Continuation of Examination of Candidates to Be Passed to the Second Degree
After the Questions before Passing as contained in Booklet 1 have been put and answered, the W.M. continues as follows:—
W.M. — These are the usual Questions. If any Brother desires me to put others, I will do so. (J.D. conducts Can. to front of W.M.)
W.M. — (To Can.) Do you pledge your honour as a man, and your fidelity as a Freemason, that you will steadily persevere through the Ceremony of being passed to the Degree of a F.C.?
Can. — I do.
W.M. — Do you likewise pledge yourself, under the P. of your O., to conceal what I shall now impart to you with the same strict caution as the other secrets in Freemasonry?
Can. — I do.
W.M. — Then I will entrust you with a test of merit, which is a and leading to the Degree to which you seek to be admitted. The is given by a distinct of the ........ between the first and second, &c. This demands a , which is .
Can. — S.
W.M. — (Resumes to Can.) S. as usually depicted in our Lodges, by an ear of corn near to a stream of water, denotes P.
You must be particularly careful to remember this word, as without it you cannot gain admission into a Lodge in a superior degree. Pass S.
(The J.D. takes the Can. by the right hand to the door, and directs him to salute the W.M. as an E.A. He then retires to be prepared, and in the interval the Lodge is opened in the Second Degree.)
Ceremony of Opening the Lodge in the Second Degree
After requesting all below the rank of a F.C. to retire (see Note 1.), the W.M. gives one K., which is followed b the S. and J. Ws.
W.M. — Brethren, assist me to open the Lodge in the Second Degree.
W.M. — Bro. J.W., what is the first care of every F.C. Freemason?
J.W. — To see that the Lodge is properly Tyled.
W.M. — (To J. W.) Direct that duty to be done.
J.W. — Bro. I.G., see that the Lodge is properly Tyled.
The I.G. gives three Ks., and, being answered by the Tyler, opens the door and sees that the Tyler is at his post; he then shuts the door, takes the and gives the of the First Degree, and says:— Bro. J.W., the Lodge is properly Tyled.
J.W. — (Gives the K. and .) Wor. Master, the Lodge is properly Tyled.
W.M. — Bro. S.W., the next care?
S.W. — To see that the Brethren appear to order as Freemasons.
W.M. — To order Brethren in the First Degree.
The Brethren take the and stand to order with the of an E.A. (See Note 2.)
W.M. — Bro. J.W., are you a F.C. Freemason?
J.W. — I am, W.M.; try me and prove me.
W.M. — (To J.W.) By what instrument in architecture will you be proved?
J.W. — The .
W.M. — (To J.W.) What is a ?
J.W. — An angle of ninety degrees, or the fourth part of a circle.
W.M. — (To J.W.) What does it teach?
J.W. — Morality.
W.M. — (To J.W.) Being yourself acquainted with the proper method, you will prove the Brethren Craftsmen, and demonstrate that proof to me by copying their example.
J.W. — Brethren, it is the W.M.’s command that you prove yourselves Craftsmen.
When the Brethren have taken the and given the , and the J.W. has seen them to be correct, he makes the following report:—
J.W. — Wor. Master, the Brethren have proved themselves Craftsmen, and in obedience to your command I thus copy their example.
W.M. — And I acknowledge the correctness of the same (gives and ).
W.M. or Chaplain. — Before we open the Lodge in the Second Degree, let us supplicate the G.G.O.T.U., that the rays of Heaven may shed their benign influence to enlighten us in the paths of virtue and science.
Omnes — So mote it be.
W.M. — Brethren, in the Name of the G.G.O.T.U., I declare the Lodge duly opened on the for the instruction and improvement of Craftsmen.
The W.M. gives the proper Ks, and is followed by the Ws., I.G. and Tyler.
The I.P.M. raises one of the above the , and reads, or if there be a Chaplain, he reads Judges XII. v. 5-6. The T.B. is now exhibited.
W.M. — Be seated, Brethren.
Ceremony of Passing to the Second Degree
The Lodge is open in the First Degree, and the W.M. addresses the Brethren and examines the Candidate (see Questions before Passing, &c.); he retires to be propared, and the Lodge is then opened in the Second Degree, When the Candidate is ready, the Tyler gives the s of the First Degree, the I.G. advances towards the J.W. with the and of the Second Degree, and says:— Bro. J.W., there is an alarm. The J. W. rises, gives the and , and reports the same to the W.M.
W.M. — Bro. J.W., inquire who wants admission.
J.W. — (Resuming his seat.) Bro. I.G., see who wants admission.
(The I.G. opens the door, and asks the Tyler whom he has there.)
Tyler — (To I.G.) Bro. A.B., who has been regularly initiated into Freemasonry, and has made such progress as he hopes will recommend him to be passed to the Degree of a F.C., for which ceremony he is properly prepared.
I.G. — (To Tyler) How does he hope to obtain the privileges of the Second Degree?
Tyler — (To I.G.) By the help of God, the assistance of the , and the benefit of a and a .
(The I.G. demands of the Can. the and , which he gives him. The I.G. closes the door, advances one pace towards the W.M., with sign, and makes the same report to him that he has received from the Tyler.)
W.M. — We acknowledge the propriety of the aid by which he seeks admission; do you, Bro. I.G., vouch that he is in possession of the and ?
I.G. — I do, W.M. (Having received it from the Can.)
W.M. — Then let him be admitted in due form, Bro. Deacons.
(The Can. is met at the door by the I.G., who applies the external angle of the to the Can.’s and says:—
You are now admitted into the body of a F.C. Lodge on the , and as in this degree you are received and on the , so are you expected to act on the S. with all men, especially with your in F.M.
He then raises the above his own head, that the W.M. may see he has so applied it. The S.D. then with his left hand takes the right hand of the Can., and conducts him to the of the S.W. and directs him to salute the W.M. as a Freemason with the and .
W.M. — Bro. A.B., is it of your own free will and accord that you seek further advancement in F.My?
Can. — It is!
W.M. — Then I will thank you to kneel, while the blessing of Heaven is invoked on what we are about to do.
Prayer
(W.M. or Chaplain.)
We supplicate the continuance of Thine aid, O Merciful Lord, on behalf of ourselves and him who before Thee; may the work begun in Thy Name be continued to Thy Glory, and evermore established in us, by obedience to Thy Precepts.
Omnes — So mote it be.
W.M. — Let the Can. rise.
(The S.D. takes him by the right hand, and leads him once round the Lodge, as follows:— He directs him to salute the W.M. as a Freemason.)
The W.M. gives one to indicate the Can. has passed and to advance to the J.W. as such, showing the and communicating the and . The J.W. says:—
J.W. — (To Can.) Have you anything to communicate?
Can. — I have.
(The J. W. rises, and Can. gives .)
J.W. — What is this?
Can. — The or of an E.A.F.
J.W. — What does it demand?
Can. — A .
J.W. — Give me that word freely and at length.
Can. — ........
J.W. — Pass, ........
(J.W. gives one .)
(The Can. then salutes the S.W. as a Freemason, and is taken to his left side.)
(S.W. gives one .)
W.M. — (Knocks, followed by S. and J. Ws.) The Brethren will take notice that Bro. A.B., who has been regularly initiated into Freemasonry, is about to pass in view before them, to show that he is the Can. properly prepared to be passed to the Degree of a F.C.
(The Can. is again led round; he salutes the W.M. and J.W. as a Freemason.)
(W.M. gives two s.)
(J.W. gives two s.)
He advances to the S.W. as such, showing the and communicating the gnd he received from the W.M. previous to leaving the Lodge. The S.W. says:—
S.W. — Have you anything to communicate?
Can. — I have.
(The S.W. rises, and Can. gives .)
S.W. — What is this?
Can. — The leading from the First to the Second Degree.
S.W. — What does this demand?
Can. — A .
S.W. — Give me that .
Can. — .
S.W. — What does denote?
Can. — An ear of corn, or a stream of water.
S.W. — How is it depicted in a F.C. Lodge?
Can. — By an ear of corn near a stream of water.
S.W. — What is the import of that symbol?
Can. — .
S.W. — Pass (gives two ).
The S.D. takes him to the left side of the S.W., who takes him by the and presents him to the W.M., as follows:—
S.W. — (Rises, and gives the of .) W.M., I present to you Bro. A.B., a Can. properly prepared to be passed to the Second Degree.
W.M. — Bro. S.W., you will direct the S.D. to instruct the Can. to advance to the E. in due form.
S.W. — (Resuming his seat.) Bro. S.D., it is the W.M.’s command that you instruct the Can. to advance to the E. in due form.
(The S.D. instructs the Can. The method of advancing from W. to E. in this degree is by s, as if ascending a ; placing pointing to the J.W. and to the S.W., and stepping off with the .)w...g ." class="info-d">*
W.M. — (To Can,) Bro. A.B., as in every case the different Degrees of Freemasonry are to be kept separate and distinct, another will now be required of you, in many respects similar to the former; are you willing to take it?
Can. — I am.
W.M. — Then you will on your , your formed in a ; place your on the V. of the S.L., while your will be supported in the angle of the ; repeat your several names where I repeat mine and say after me.
(The W.M. gives one , followed by the Ws., the Brethren rise and place the on .)
Obligation
I., A.B., in the presence of the Grand Geometrician of the Universe, and of this Worthy and Worshipful Lodge of Fellow-Craft Freemasons, regularly held, assembled, and properly dedicated, of my own free will and accord, do hereby and hereon most solemnly promise and swear that I will always hele, conceal, and never improperly reveal any or either of the or mysteries of or belonging to the Second Degree in Freemasonry, denominated the F. Craft’s, to him who is but an E.A., any more than I would either of them to the uninitiated of the outer world who are not Freemasons; I further solemnly promise to act as a true and faithful Craftsman, answer s, obey summonses, and maintain the principles inculcated in the former Degree; these several points I solemnly swear to observe, without evasion, equivocation, or mental reservation of any kind, under the no less penalty, on the violation of any of them, than that of, &c. So help me, Almighty God, and keep me steadfast in this my solemn O. of a F.C. Freemason.
(The S.D. removes the .)
W.M. — As a pledge of your inviolable fidelity you will seal this obligation on the V.S.L. (Twice.)
K... the B... twice.
W.M. — Your progress in Freemasonry is marked by the position of the and . When you were made an E.A. both were hidden; in this degree one is disclosed, implying that you are now midway in Freemasonry, superior to an E.A., but inferior to him who is of that rank to which I trust you will hereafter attain. (Takes him by the .) Rise, newly Fellow-Craft Freemason.
W.M. — Be seated, Brethren.
(The Can. to be placed in the N.E. facing S.)
W.M. — Having taken the solemn of a F.C. Freemason, I shall now proceed to entrust you with the of this Degree.* You will first, however, advance to me as an E.A. (which he does); you will now take another short towards me with your , bringing the into its as before; that is the second regular in Freemasonry, and it is in this position the of the Degree are communicated. They consist, as in the former instance, of a , and , with this difference, that in this Degree the is of a threefold nature. The first part of this threefold is called the of , and is given by, &c., emblematically to shield the repository of your from the attacks of the insidious.
The second part is called the , or of (or ) and is given by, &c. It is said to have taken its rise at the time that J... a fought the battles of the Lord, when it was in this position he prayed fervently to the Almighty to continue the light of day, that he might complete the overthrow of his enemies.J...a fought the battles of the Lord, in the going down to Beth-horon, and it was in this position he used those remarkable words: “Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon, and thou Moon, in the valley of Ajalon,” and the Sun stood still and the Moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies— (Joshua 1. 11-13." class="info-d">*
The third part is called the , and is given by, &c.; this alludes to the of your O., implying that, as a man of honour and a F.C.F.M., you would rather, &c., than improperly disclose the entrusted to you. The or is given by a distinct pressure, &c.; this demands a , a to be given and received with the same strict caution as that in the former Degree; it is never to be given at length, but always by, &c.; except in open Lodge by direction of the W.M. or his Ws. To enable you to do this, I must tell you that the is (the is spelt). As in the course of the ceremony you will be called on for this , the S.D. will now dictate the answers you are to give.
W.M. — What is this?
S.D. — (Instructing Can.) The or of a F.C.F. (Can. repeats.)
W.M. — What does it demand?
S.D. — A (Can. repeats.)
W.M. — Give me that .
S.D. — I was taught to be cautious in this Degree as well as in the former. I will or it with you. (Can. repeats.)
W.M. — (or ) it, and begin. (Done.)
W.M. — (Continues.) This is derived from the - at the or entrance of ’s , so named after , the Assistant High Priest, who officiated at its dedication; the import of the is to , and when conjoined with that of the former Degree, , for according to Masonic tradition God said, “In I will establish this Mine house to stand firm for ever.” Pass . (The Can. is taken to the J. W. and presented.)
S.D. — (With .) Bro. J.W., I present to you Bro. A.B., on his being passed to the Second Degree.
J.W. — I will thank Bro. A.B. to advance to me as a F.C.
(Can. takes and gives .)
J.W. — Have you anything to communicate?
Can. — I have. (The J. W. rises, and Cap,, gives .)
J.W. — What is this?
Can. — (Instructed by S.D.) The or of a F.C.F.
J.W. — What does it demand?
Can. — A .
J.W. — Give me that .
Can. — I was taught to be cautious in this Degree as well as in the former. I will or it with you.
J.W. — (or ) it, and begin. (Done.)
J.W. — Pass, .
(The Can. is then conducted to the S. W. and presented similarly.)
S.W. — I will thank Bro. A.B. to advance to me as a F.C., first as an E.A.F.
(Can. takes .)
S.W. — What is that?
Can. — (Instructed by S.D.) The in F.M.
S.W. — Do you bring anything with you?
Can. — I do. (Gives of .)
S.W. — What is that?
Can. — The of , emblematically to shield the repository of my from attacks of the insidious.
S.W. — Anything else?
Can. — (Gives , or of P.)
S.W. — What is that?
Can. — The , or of P.
S.W. — When did it take its rise?
Can. — At the time that J. fought the of the L., when, &c.
S.W. — Anything else?
Can. — (Gives .)
S.W. — What is that?
Can. — The .
S.W. — To what does it allude?
Can. — The of my O., implying that, as a man of honour and a F.C.F.M., I would rather have, &c.
S.W. — Have you anything to communicate?
Can. — I have.
(The S.W. rises, and Can. gives .)
S.W. — What is this?
Can. — The or of a F.C.F.M.
S.W. — What does it demand?
Can. — A .
S.W. — Give me that .
Can. — I was taught to be cautious in this Degree as well as in the former. I will or it with you.
S.W. — (or ) it, and begin. (Done.)
S.W. — Whence is this derived?
Can. — From the - at the or entrance of K.S.T., so named after , the Assistant H.P., who officiated at its dedication.
S.W. — The import of the ?
Can. — To .
S.W. — And what when conjoined with that in the former Degree?
Can. — , for according to Masonic tradition God said, "In I will establish this Mine house to stand firm for ever."
S.W. — Pass, .
(The Can. is taken to of S.W., who, taking him by the , with the , presents him to the W.M.)
S.W. — W.M., I present to you Bro. A.B., on his being passed to the Second Degree, for some further mark of your favour.
W.M. — Bro. S.W., I delegate you to invest him with the distinguishing of a FC. Freemason.
(, the Brethren stand to order as F.C.)
S.W. — (To Can.) Bro. A.B., by the W. Master’s command, I invest you with the distinguishing of a F.C. Freemason, to mark the progress you have made in the science.b...e; the S.D. should fasten it on." class="info-d">*
W.M. — (To Can.) Let me add to what has been stated by the S.W., that the with which you have just been invested points out to you that, as a Craftsman, you are expected to make the liberal Arts and Sciences your future study, that you may the better be enabled to discharge your duty as a Freemason, and estimate the wonderful works of the Almighty.
W.M. — Bro. S.D., you will place our Bro. at the S.E. part of the Lodge.
W.M. — (To Can.) Freemasonry being a progressive science, when you were made an E.A. you were placed at the N.E. part of the Lodge to show that you were newly admitted; you are now placed at the S.E. part to mark the progress you have made in the science; you now stand, to all external appearance, a just and upright F.C. Freemason, and I give it you in strong terms of recommendation ever to continue and act as such, and as I trust the import of the former charge neither is, nor ever will be, effaced from your memory, I shall content myself with observing that as in the former Degree you made yourself acquainted with the principles of moral truth and virtue, you are now permitted to extend your researches into the hidden mysteries of Nature and Science.
(The Can. is now placed by the S.D. in front of the .)
W.M. — (To Can.) I now present to you the working tools of a. F.C. Freemason, which are the , , and : the is to try, and to adjust rectangular corners of buildings, and assist in bringing rude matter into due form; the to lay s and prove horizontals; and the to try, and to adjust uprights, while fixing them on their proper bases. But as we are not all operative masons, but rather free and accepted, or speculative, we apply these tools in a moral sense, thus:—
The teaches us to regulate our actions by the Masonic line and rule, and so to correct and harmonize our conduct in this life, as to render us acceptable to the Divine Being from whom all goodness emanates, and to Whom we must give an undisguised account of our lives and actions.
The demonstrates that we are all sprung from the same stock, are partakers of the same nature, and sharers of the same hope; and that although distinctions among men are highly pecessary to preserve due subordination, and to reward merit and ability, yet that no eminence of station should cause us to forget that we are Brn., and that he who is placed on the lowest spoke of fortune’s wheel is equally entitled to our regard with him who has attained its highest, as a time will most assuredly come — and the best and wisest of us know not how soon — when all distinctions save those of piety and virtue shall cease, and death, the great leveller of all human greatness, shall reduce us all to the same state.
The infallible , which, like Jacob’s ladder, forms a line of union between heaven and earth, and is the criterion of moral rectitude and truth, teaches us that to walk with humility and uprightness before God, neither turning to the right hand nor to the left, from the strict path of virtue, is a duty incumbent on every Freemason. Not to be an enthusiast, persecutor, slanderer, or reviler of religion; not bending towards avarice, injustice, malice, of envy and contempt of our fellow-creatures, but giving up every selfish propensity which may tend to injure others, and steering the barque of this life over the rough seas of passion without quitting the helm of rectitude, is the highest degree of perfection to which human nature is capable of attaining.
As the builder raises his column by the level and the perpendicular, so ought every Freemason to carry himself in this life as to observe a due medium between avarice and profusion, to hold the scales of justice with an equal poise, to make every passion and prejudice coincide with the strict line of his duty, and in every pursuit to have eternity in view. Hence, the teaches us morality, the equality, and the justness and uprightness of life and actions. Thus, by conduct, steps, and upright actions, we hope to ascend to those immortal mansions whence all goodness emanates.
W.M. — You are now at liberty to retire, in order to restore yourself to your personal comforts, and on your return to the Lodge I shall call your attention to an explanation of the T.B., and the Charge.
(The Can. salutes the W.M. as a F.C., first as an E.A., from the left of the S.W. The S.D. then conducts him to the door.)
Ceremony of Closing the Lodge in the Second Degree
The W.M. gives one K., followed by the S. and J. Ws.
W.M. — Brethren, assist me to close the Lodge in the Second Degree.
W.M. — Bro. J.W., what is the constant care of every F.C. Freemason?
J.W. — To prove the Lodge close Tyled.
W.M. — (To J.W.) Direct that duty to be done.
J.W. — Bro. I.G., prove the Lodge close Tyled.
The I.G. gives the Ks. of a F.C., which are answered by the Tyler; he takes the and gives the of the Second Degree, and says:— Bro. J.W., the Lodge is properly Tyled.
J.W. — (Gives the K. and .) Wor. Master, the Lodge is close Tyled.
W.M. — Bro. S.W., the next care?
S.W. — To see that the Brethren appear to order as Craftsmen.
W.M. — -To order Brethren in the Second Degree.
The Brethren take the and stand to order with the of a F.C. Freemason.
W.M. — Bro. J.W., in this position what have you discovered?
J.W. — A sacred Symbol.
W.M. — Bro. S.W., where is it situated.
S.W. — In the of the .
W.M. — To whom does it allude?
J.W. — To God, the Grand Geometrician of the Universe.
W.M. or Chaplain — Then, Brethren, let us remember that wwerever we are, or whatever we do, He is with us, His all-seeing Eye observes us, and while we continue to act in conformity with the Principles of the Craft, let us not fail to discharge our duty to Him with fervency and zeal.
Omnes — So mote it be.
W.M. — Bro. S.W., the labours of this Degree being ended, you have my command to close the Lodge. (Gives the Ks. with .)
S.W. — Brethren, in the Name of the G.G.O.T.U., and by command of the W.M., I close this F.C. Lodge. (Gives the Ks.)
J.W. — Happy have we met, happy may we part, and happy meet again. (Gives the Ks., also the I.G. and Tyler.)
The I.P.M. places both of the under the . The T.B. is removed.
W.M. — Be seated, Brethren.
E.As. may now be admitted.
End of the Ceremony of Closing the Lodge in the Second Degree
Explanation of the Second Tracing Board
When the Temple at Jerusalem was completed by King Solomon, its costliness and splendour became objects of admiration to the surrounding nations, and its fame spread to the remotest parts of the then-known world. There was nothing, however, in connection with this magnificent structure more remarkable, or which more particularly struck the attention, than the two great pillars which were placed at the porchway or entrance. That on the was called ........ which denotes in , that on the , which denotes to , and when conjoined , for according to our traditions God said, In I will establish this mine house to stand firm for ever. The height of those pillars was 17 cubits and a half each, the circumference 12, the diameter 4; they were formed hollow, the better to serve as archives to Masonry, for therein were deposited the constitutional rolls. Being formed hollow, the outer rim or shell was four inches or a hand’s breadth in thickness. They were made of molten brass; and were cast on the banks of the Jordan, in the clayey ground between Succoth and Zeredatha, where King Solomon ordered those and all his holy vessels to be cast. The superintendent of the casting was f. Those pillars were adorned with two chapiters, each 5 cubits high; the chapiters were enriched with network, lily-work, and pomegranates: network, from the connection of its meshes, denotes unity; lily-work, from its whiteness, peace; and pomegranates, from the exuberance of their seed, denote plenty. There were two rows of pomegranates on each chapiter, one hundred in a row. Those pillars were further adorned with two spherical balls, on which were delineated maps of the celestial and terrestrial globes, pointing out "Masonry universal." They were considered finished when the network or canopy was thrown over them; and were set up at the entrance of the Temple, as a memorial to the children of Israel of that miraculous pillar of fire and cloud, which had two wonderful effects: the fire gave light to the Israelites during their escape from their Egyptian bondage; the cloud proved darkness to Pharaoh and his followers when they attempted to overtake them. King Solomon ordered them to be placed at the entrance of the Temple, as the most proper and conspicuous situation for the children of Israel to have the happy deliverance of their forefathers continually before their eyes, in going to and returning from Divine worship.
At the building of K.S. Temple, an immense number of Masons were employed. They consisted of E. As. and F. Cs.: the E. As. received a weekly allowance of Corn, Wine, and Oil; the F. Cs. were paid their wages in specie, which they went to receive in the middle chamber of the Temple; they got there by the or entrance at the south side. After our ancient Brn. had entered the porch, they arrived at the foot of a winding staircase, leading to the middle chamber of the Temple, where their ascent was opposed by the J.W., who demanded of them the and leading from the First to the Second Degree.
The you are already in possession of, and the , I daresay you recollect, is ....... is here depicted by an ear of corn near a of ; the import of this symbol is . The word dates its origin from the time that an army of Ephraimites crossed the river Jordan in a hostile manner against Jephtha, the renowned Gileaditish general; the reason they assigned for this unfriendly visit was, that they had not been called out to partake of the honours of the Ammonitish war, but their true aim was to partake of the rich spoils, with which, in consequence of that war, Jephtha and his army were then laden. The Ephraimites were always considered a clamorous and turbulent people, but then broke out into open violence, and, after many severe taunts to the Gileadites in general, threatened to destroy their victorious commander and his house with fire. Jephtha, on his part, tried all lenient means to appease them, but, finding these ineffectual, had recourse to rigorous ones; he therefore drew out his army, gave the Ephraimites battle, defeated and put them to flight, and in order to render his victory decisive, and secure himself from a like molestation in future, he sent detachments of his army to secure the passages of the river Jordan, over which he knew the insurgents must of necessity attempt to go in order of regain their own country, giving strict orders to his guards, that if a fugitive came that way, owning himself an Ephraimite, he should be immediately slain; but if he prevaricated, or said nay, a test was to be put to him, to pronounce the S; they, through a defect in aspiration, peculiar to their dialect, could not pronounce it properly, but called it S, which small variation discovered their country and cost them their lives, and Scripture informs us that there fell on that day, on the field of battle and on the banks of the Jordan, forty and two thousand Ephraimites. And as was then a test to distinguish friend from foe, afterwards caused it to be adopted as a in a F.C.L., to prevent any unqualified person from ascending the winding staircase, leading to the middle chamber of the Temple.
After our ancient Brn. had given those convincing proofs to the J.W., he said, Pass, , they then passed up the winding staircase, consisting of 3, 5, 7, or more s; 3 rule a Lodge, 5 hold a Lodge, 7 or more make it perfect: the 3 that rule a Lodge are the W.M. and his two Ws.; the 5 that hold a Lodge are the W.M., 2 Wardens, and 2 F.C.; the 7 that make it perfect are 2 E.A. added to the former five. 3 rule a Lodge, because there were but 3 Grand Masters who bore sway at the building of the first Temple at Jerusalem — viz., Solomon, King of Israel, H., King of , and f. 5 hold a Lodge, in allusion to the 5 noble Orders of Architecture — viz., the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite; 7 or more make a perfect Lodge, because King Solomon was 7 years and upwards in building, completing, and dedicating the Temple at Jerusalem to God’s service; they have likewise an allusion to the 7 liberal arts and sciences — viz., G., R., L., A., G., M., and A. After our ancient Brn. had gained the summit of the winding staircase, they arrived at the door of the middle chamber, which they found open, but properly tyled against all under the Degree of a F.C. by the S.W., who demanded of them the , , and of a F.C. After they had given those convincing proofs to the S.W., he said, Pass, , they then passed into the middle chamber of the Temple, where they went to receive their wages, which they did without scruple or diffidence: without scruple, well knowing they were justly entitled to them; and without diffidence, from the great reliance they placed on the integrity of their employers in those days. When our ancient Brethren were in the middle chamber of the Temple, their attention was peculiarly drawn to certain Hebrew characters, which are here depicted by a letter, G (K. all stand), denoting God, the Grand Geometrician of the Universe, to whom we must all submit, and whom we ought humbly to adore.
End of Explanation of the Second Tracing Board
Charge After the Passing
W.M.
Having passed to the Second Degree, we congratulate you on your advancement. It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties which as a Mason you are now bound to discharge, or enlarge on the necessity of a strict adherence to them, as your own experience must have established their value. Your past behaviour and regular deportment have merited the honour which we have conferred; and in your new character it is expected that you will not only conform to the principles of the Order, but steadily persevere in the practice of every virtue. The Study of the liberal Arts, which tend so effectually to polish and adorn the mind, is earnestly recommended to your consideration, especially the Science of Geometry, which is established as the basis of our Art. As the solemnity of our Ceremonies requires a serious deportment, you are to be particularly attentive to your behaviour in our assemblies; you are to preserve our ancient usages and customs sacred and inviolable, and induce others by your example to hold them in veneration. The laws and regulations of the Order you are strenuously to support and maintain. You are not to palliate or aggravate the offences of your Brethren; but in the decision of every trespass against our rules, judge with candour, admonish with friendship, and reprehend with mercy. As a Craftsman, in our private assemblies you may offer your opinions on such subjects as are introduced in the lecture, under the superintendence of an experienced Master, who will guard the Landmarks against encroachment. By this privilege you may improve your intellectual powers, qualify yourself to become a useful member of society, and, like a skilful Brother, strive to excel in what is good and great. You are duly to honour and obey all regular Signs and Summonses given and received. You are to encourage industry, and reward merit, supply the wants and relieve the necessities of Brethren and Fellows to the utmost of your power and ability, and on no account to wrong them, or see them wronged, but timely to apprise them of approaching danger, and to view their interests as inseparable from your own. Such is the nature of your engagements as a Fellow-Craft, and these duties you are bound by the most sacred ties to observe.
End of the Charge After the Passing.
Questions
Which Must Be Answered by the Candidates Before Raising
The Lodge being open in the Second Degree, the W.M. thus proceeds:— Brethren, Bro. A. B. is this evening a Candidate to be raised to the Third Degree, but it is first requisite that he give proofs of proficiency in the Second; I shall therefore proceed to put the necessary questions.
(The S.D. places the Can. at the left of the S. W., facing the W.M.)
W.M. — (To Can.) How were you prepared to the Second Degree?
Can. — In a manner somewhat similar to the former; save that in this Degree I was not h. w.; my l. a., b., and r. k. were made b., and my l. h. was s. s.
W.M. — On what were you admitted?
Can. — The S.
W.M. — What is a S.?
Can. — An angle of 90 degrees, or the fourth part of a circle.
W.M. — What are the peculiar objects of research in this Degree?
Can. — The hidden mysteries of nature and science.
W.M. — As it is the hope of reward that sweetens labour, where did our ancient brethren go to receive their wages?
Can. — Into the middle chamber of King Solomon’s Temple.
W.M. — How did they receive them?
Can. — Without scruple or diffidence.
W.M. — Why in this peculiar manner?
Can. — Without scruple, well knowing they were justly entitled to them; and without diffidence, from the great reliance they placed on the integrity of their employers in those days.
W.M. — What were the names of the two G. Ps. which were placed at the P. or E. of K. S. T.?
Can. — That on the ....... was called ......., and that on the ........, ........
W.M. — What are their separate and conjoint significations?
Can. — The former denotes in ........, the latter to ........, and when conjoined, ........ for God said, In ........ I will this mine house to stand firm for ever.
Here follows the Ceremony of Raising to the Third Degree.