The Perfect Ceremonies of Craft Freemasonry
Booklet No. 3
- Continuation of Examination of Candidates to be Passed to the Third Degree
- Ceremony of Opening the Lodge in the Third Degree
- Ceremony of Raising to the Third Degree
- Charge After the Raising
- Ceremony of Closing the Lodge in the Third Degree
- Test Questions of the M.M. Degree
Continuation of Examination of Candidates to Be Passed to the Third Degree
After the Questions before Raising as contained in Booklet 2 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 raised to the Degree of a M.M.?
Can. — I do.
W.M. — Do you likewise pledge yourself, under the P. of your former 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 &c. This demands a which is .
Can. — .
W.M. — was the first in ; the meaning of the word is .
You must be particularly careful to remember this word, as without it you cannot gain admission into a Lodge in a superior degree. Pass .
(The J.D. takes the Can. by the right hand to the door, and directs him to salute the W.M first as an E.A., then as a F.C. He then retires to be prepared, and in the interval the Lodge is opened in the Third Degree.)
Ceremony of Opening the Lodge in the Third Degree
After requesting all below the degree of a M.M. to retire, the W.M. gives , repeated by the S. and J. Ws.
W.M. — Brethren, assist me to open the Lodge in the Third Degree. (All rise.)
W.M. — Bro. J.W., what is the first care of every Master Mason?
J.W. — To see that the Lodge is properly .
W.M. — (To J.W.) Direct that duty to be done.
J.W. — Bro. I.G., see that the Lodge is properly .
I.G. gives ...... ......, and being answered by the T., he takes the , and, with the of the Second Degree, says: Bro. J.W., the Lodge is properly .
J.W. — Gives the and , and says: Worshipful Master, the Lodge is properly .
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 stand to order as F. Cs.)
W.M. — Bro. J.W., are you a M. Mason?
J.W. — I am, W.M.; try me, and prove me.
W.M. — (To J.W.) By what instruments in Architecture will you be proved?
J.W. — The S. and Cs.
W.M. — (To J.W.) Being yourself acquainted with the proper method, you will prove the Brethren M. Masons by , and demonstrate that proof to me by copying their example.
J.W. — Brethren, it is the W. Master’s command that you prove yourselves M. Masons by . Which they do, and when he sees they are correct, he reports as follows:
J.W. — W.M., the Brethren have proved themselves M. Masons by , and in obedience to your command, I thus copy their example. (Done.)
W.M. — Bro. J.W., I acknowledge the correctness of the . (Gives them.)
W.M. — Bro. J.W., whence come you?
J.W. — The E.
W.M. — Bro. S.W., whither directing your course?
S.W. — The W.
W.M. — (To J.W.) What inducement have you to leave the E. and go to the W.?
J.W. — To seek for that which was lost, which, by your instruction and our own industry, we hope to find.
W.M. — (To S.W.) What is that which was lost?
S.W. — The genuine secrets of a M. Mason.
W.M. — (To J.W.) How came they lost?
S.W. — By the untimely death of our M., H.A.
W.M. — (To S.W.)* Where do you hope to find them?
S.W. — With the C.
W.M. — (To J.W.) What is a C.?
J.W. — A point within a circle, from which every part of the circumference is equidistant.
W.M. — (To S.W.) Why with the C.?
S.W. — That being a point from which a M: Mason cannot err.
W.M. — We will assist you to repair that loss, and may Heaven aid our united endeavours.
P.M. — So mote it be.
W.M. — Brethren, in the name of the Most High, I declare the Lodge duly open, on the C., for the purposes of Freemasonry in the Third Degree.
W.M. gives the , *which are repeated by the Ws., I.G., and T.; then all give the Grand and Royal , and the W.M. says: All Glory to the Most High.
[The Brethren take their seats.]
(P.M. raises b.p. of the c. above the s.)
End of the Ceremony of Opening the Lodge in the Third Degree
Ceremony of Raising to the Third Degree
When the Can. is ready, the I.G. advances towards the J.W., with the and of a M.M., and says: Bro. J.W., there is an alarm. The J.W. rises, gives the and of the Third Degree, 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, passed to the Degree of a F.C., and has made such further progress as he hopes will entitle him to be raised to the sublime Degree of a M.M., for which ceremony he is properly prepared.
I.G. — (To Tyler) How does he hope to obtain the privileges of the Third Degree?
Tyler — (To I.G.) By the help of God, the united aid of the and , and the benefit of 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., and makes the same report to him that he has received from the Tyler.)
W.M. — We acknowledge the powerful 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.
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 of the to both of the Can., and then addresses him as follows:--- "You are now admitted into the body of a M.M.'s Lodge, with the extended of the pressed to your N...Bs; this is intended to remind you that as the most vital part of your lies between these two , so is the most vital part of Freemasonry contained in this degree.” He then raises them above his own head, to show that he has so applied them. The Deacons (the S. on the right side) then lead the Can. to the left of the S.W., and the S.D. directs him to advance as a F.C., first as an E.A.
W.M. — Is it of your own free will and accord that you seek further advancement in F.M.?
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.
Almighty and Eternal God! Architect and Ruler of the Universe, at whose creative fiat all things first were made, we, the frail creatures of Thy providence, humbly implore Thee to pour down on this convocation assembled in Thy Holy Name the continual dew of Thy blessing. More especially we beseech Thee to impart Thy grace to this Thy servant, who offers himself a Candidate to partake with us the mysterious of a M.M. Endue him with such fortitude that in the hour of trial he fail not, but that passing safely under Thy protection, through the valley of the shadow of death, he may finally rise from the tomb of transgression, to shine as the stars for ever and ever.
Omnes — So mote it be.
W.M. — Let the Can. rise.
(The S.D. leads the Can. three times round the Lodge as follows:---The first time he salutes the W.M. as a Freemason. The W.M. gives one . The Can. advances to the J.W. as a Freemason showing the and communicating the and .)
J.W. — 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 freely and at length.
Can. — ........
J.W. — Enter (or Pass) ........
(The J.W. gives .* The Can. then salutes the S.W as a F.M. The S.W. gives .)
The second time he salutes the W.M. and J.W. as a F.C. W.M. and J.W. each give .* He then advances to the S.W. as such, showing the and communicating the and of that degree. 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 or of a F.C.F.
S.W. — What does it demand?
Can. — A .
S.W. — Give me that word, freely and at length.
Can. — ........
S.W. — Pass ........
(S.W. gives .*)
(He is then brought round to the of the S.W.)
W.M. — (Knocks, followed by S. and J. W.s.) The Brethren will take notice that Bro. A.B., who has been regularly initiated into Freemasonry, and passed to the Degree of a Fellow-Craft, is about to pass in view before them, to show that he is the Can. properly prepared to be raised to the sublime Degree of a M.M.
(In going round the third time, he salutes the W.M. and J.W. as a F.C., who each give ;* he then advances to the S.W. as such, showing the and communicating the and he received from the W.M. previous to leaving the Lodge. The S.W. says.)
S.W. — (To Can.) Have you anything further to communicate?
Can. — I have.
(The S.W. rises, and Can. gives .)
S.W. — What is this?
Can. — The leading from the Second to the Third Degree.
S.W. — What does this demand?
Can. — A .
S.W. — Give me that .
Can. — T.C.
S.W. — What was T.C.?
Can. — The first artificer in M.
S.W. — Among F.M.s., what does T.C. symbolise.
Can. — W.P.
S.W. — Pass T.C.
(The S.W. gives .)
(The S.W. rises, and with the , takes the hand of the Can. and presents him to the W.M. as follows.)
S.W. — W.M., I present to you Bro. A.B., a Can. properly prepared to be raised to the Third Degree.
W.M. — Bro. S.W., you will direct the Deacons to instruct the Can. to advance to the E. by the proper .
S.W. — Bro. Deacons, it is the W.M.’s command that you instruct the Can. to advance to the E. by the proper .
S.D. — (To Can.) The method of advancing from W. to E. in this degree is by S. , the first T. taken as though stepping over an O.G., the other F. are marching S. I will go through them first, and you will afterwards copy my example, noting that you must step off with the L.F.
(Done.)
W.M. — (To Can.) Bro. A.B., it is but fair to inform you. that a most serious trial of your fortitude and fidelity, as well as a more solemn O., await you. Are you prepared to meet them as you ought?
Can. — I am.
W.M. — Then you will on both , give me your hands, which I place on the V. of the S.L., repeat your several names when I repeat mine, and say after me.
(The W.M. and Ws. give one , the Brethren rise, with the sign of .)
OBLIGATION.
I, A.B., in the presence of the Most High, and of this worthy and worshipful Lodge of M.M., duly constituted, regularly assembled, and properly dedicated, of my own free will and accord, do hereby and hereon most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, that I will always hele, conceal, and never reveal any or either of the secrets or mysteries of or belonging to the Degree of a M.M. to any one in the world, unless it be to him or them to whom the same may justly and lawfully belong; and not even to him or them, until after due trial, strict examination, or full conviction that he or they are worthy of that confidence, or in the body of a M. Mason's Lodge, duly opened on the . I further solemnly pledge myself to adhere to the principles of the and ..., answer and obey all lawful s and summonses sent to me from a M.M.‘s Lodge if within the length of my , and to plead no excuse except sickness or the pressing emergencies of my own public or private avocations. I further solemnly engage myself to maintain and uphold the five of in act as well as in word, that my given to a M.M. shall be a sure pledge of brotherhood, that my shall travel through dangers and difficulties to unite with his in forming a column of mutual defence and support, that the posture of my daily supplications shall remind me of his wants, and dispose my heart to succour his weakness and relieve his necessities, so far as may fairly be done without detriment to myself or connections; that my breast shall be the sacred repository of his secrets when intrusted to my care as such, murder, treason, felony, and all other offences contrary to the laws of God and the ordinances of the Realm being at all times most especially excepted; and finally, that I will maintain a M.M.’s honour, and carefully preserve it as my own; I will not injure him, myself, or knowingly suffer it to be done by others, if in my power to prevent it; but, on the contrary, will boldly repel the slanderer of his good name and will at all times and in all ways most strictly respect the chastity of those nearest and dearest to him, in the persons of his mother, his wife, his sister, and his child. All these points I solemnly swear to observe, without evasion, equivocation, or mental reservation of any kind, under the penalty, on the violation of any of them, than that of &c. So that no trace or remembrance of so vile a wretch may longer be found among men, particularly M.M. So help me the Most High, and keep me steadfast in this my solemn O. of a M.M.
W.M. — (To Can.) As a pledge of your fidelity, and to render this S.O. complete and binding upon you so long as you shall live, you will seal it with your thrice on the V. of the S.L.
W.M. — (To Can.) Let me once more call your attention to the position of the and ; when you were made an E.A. both were hidden; in the Second Degree one was disclosed, in this the two are exhibited, implying that you are now at liberty to work with both those in order to render the circle of your Masonic duties complete (takes him by ). Rise, newly M.M.
W.M. — , be seated.
The Exhortation
W.M.
Bro. A.B., having entered upon the solemn of a M.M., you are now entitled to demand that last and greatest trial, by which alone you can be admitted to a participation of the of this Degree. But it is first my duty to call your attention to a retrospect of those Degrees in Freemasonry through which you have already passed, that you may the better be enabled to distinguish and appreciate the connection of our whole system, and the relative dependency of its several parts. Your admission among Masons in a state of helpless indigence was an emblematical representation of the entrance of all men on this their mortal existence; it inculcated the useful lessons of natural equality and mutual dependence, it instructed you in the active principles of universal beneficence and charity to seek the solace of your own distress by extending relief and consolation to your fellow-creatures in the hour of their affliction; above all, it taught you to bend with humility and resignation to the will of the Great Architect of the Universe, to dedicate your heart, thus purified from every baneful and malignant passion, fitted only for the reception of truth and wisdom, to His glory and the welfare of your fellow-mortals.
Proceeding onwards, still guiding your progress by the principles of moral truth, you were led, in the Second Degree, to contemplate the intellectual faculty, and to trace it from its development through the paths of Heavenly Science, even to the throne of God Himself. The secrets of nature and the principles of intellectual truth were then unveiled to your view. To your mind, thus modelled by virtue and science, nature, however, presents one great and useful lesson more: she prepares you, by contemplation, for the closing hour of your existence, and when, by means of that contemplation, she has conducted you through the intricate windings of this mortal life, she finally instructs you how to die.
This, my Brother, is the peculiar object of the Third Degree in Freemasonry. It invites you to reflect on this awful subject, and teaches you to feel that to the just and virtuous man death has no terrors equal to the stain of falsehood and dishonour; of this great truth the annals of Freemasonry afford a glorious example in the unshaken fidelity and noble death of our Master, f, who was treacherously and cruelly just before the completion of ’s Temple, in the designing and at the constructing of which he was, as our traditions inform us, the principal Architect. The manner of his was as follows:---
W.M. — Bro. Wardens.
(The Wardens advance. The S.W. stands on the left of the Can., the J.W. on his right, supported by the Deacons.)
W.M. — Fifteen F.Cs., of that superior class appointed to preside over the rest, finding that the work was nearly completed, and that they were not in possession of the of the Third Degree, conspired to obtain them by any means, and even to have recourse of violence; at the moment, however, of carrying their conspiracy into execution, twelve of the fifteen recanted, but three of a more determined and atrocious character than the rest persisted in their impious design, in the prosecution of which they posted themselves respectively at the E., N., and S. entrances of the Temple, whither our M. had retired to pay his adoration to the MOST HIGH, as was his wonted custom at the hour of high twelve. Having finished his devotions, he attempted to return by the S. entrance, where he was opposed by the first of those ruffians, who, for want of a suitable weapon, had armed himself with a heavy , and in a threatening manner demanded the of a M.M., warning him that death would be the consequence of a refusal; but our M., true to his , answered that those were known but to in the world, and without the consent and co-operation of the other , he neither could nor would divulge them, but intimated that he had no doubt patience and industry would in due time entitle the worthy Mason to a participation in them, but that, for his own part, he would rather suffer death than betray the sacred trust reposed in him. This answer not proving satisfactory, the ruffian aimed a violent blow at the of our M., but being startled at the firmness of his demeanour, it missed his , and the blow glanced on his (here the J.W. touches the Can.’s with ), but with such force as to cause him to reel and sink on his (here the Can. sinks on his ). Recovering from the shock, he made for the N. entrance, where he was accosted by the second of those ruffians, to whom he gave a similar answer with undiminished firmness, when the ruffian, who was armed with the , struck him a violent blow on the (here the S.W. touches the Can.’s with ), which brought him to the ground on his (here the Can. sinks on his ). Finding his retreat cut off at both those points, he staggered faint and bleeding to the E. entrance, where the third ruffian was posted, who received a similar answer to his insolent demand (for even at this trying moment our M. remained firm and unshaken), when the villain, who was armed with a heavy , struck him a violent blow on the (here the W.M. touches Can.'s with ), which laid him at his feet. (Which the Can. is made to imitate. The two Ws. stand behind him, and when called upon to raise him, come forward, but retire to make their report to the W.M.) (The W.M. resumes his seat.)
W.M. — The Brethren will take notice that in the recent ceremony, as well as in his present situation, our Brother has been made to represent one of the brightest characters recorded in the annals of Freemasonry, namely, H.A., who lost his life in consequence of his unshaken fidelity to the sacred trust reposed in him; and I hope this will make a lasting impression on his and your minds, should you ever be placed in a similar state of trial.
W.M. — Bro. J.W., you will endeavour to raise the representative of our M. by the E.A's . (Which he does, and reports with .)
J.W. — W.M., it proves a .
W.M. — Bro. S.W., you will try the F.C's. (Which he does, and reports with .)
S.W. — W.M., it proves a likewise.
W.M. — Bro. Ws., although you have both failed in your attempts, yet there remains a third method, by taking a more firm hold of the of the ........ and him on the of , which with your assistance I will now make trial of. (He leaves the chair from the , and they raise the Can. The J.D. assisting the J.W. and the S.D. assisting the S.W.)
W.M. — (To Can.) It is thus that all M.Ms. are from a figurative to a reunion with the former companions of their toil.
W.M. — Bro. Ws., resume your stations. (Which they do.)
W.M. — (To Can.) Let me now beg you to observe that the light of a M.M. is but darkness visible, serving only to express that gloom which rests on the prospect of futurity; it is that mysterious veil which the eye of human reason cannot penetrate, unless assisted by that light which is from above; yet even by this glimmering ray you may perceive that you stand on the very brink of the , into which you have just figuratively descended, and which, when this transitory life shall have passed away, will again receive you into its cold bosom; let the emblems of mortality which lie before you lead you to comtemplate on your inevitable destiny, and guide your reflections to that most interesting of all human studies, the knowledge of yourself. Be careful to perform your allotted task while it is yet day, for the night cometh when no one can work. Continue to listen to the voice of nature, which bears witness that even in this perishable and mortal frame resides a vital and immortal principle, which inspires a holy confidence that the Lord of life will enable us to trample the king of terrors beneath our feet, and lift our eyes to that bright morning star, whose rising brings peace and salvation to the faithful and obedient of the human race.
(Here the W.M. takes of Can. and gently moves round towards the , until they occupy each other’s place.)
W.M. — (Continues.) I cannot better reward the attention you have paid to this Exhortation and Charge, than by entrusting you with the of this Degree. You will therefore advance to me as a F.C., first as an E.A. (which is done, retaining the sign of F.C.); you will now take another short pace with your , bringing the into its hollow, as before (2 or 3 inches is sufficient, otherwise W.M. & Can. are too close); that is the third regular in Freemasonry, and it is in this position and in this position only that the of this Degree are communicated: they consist of s, a T. and W. of the s. The first and second are casual, and the third penal. The first casual is called the of , and is given from the F.C's by dropping, &c., &c., as if with at some d. and . The second casual is called the of , and is given by, &c. Place your hand in this position, &c. The is given by drawing the , &c.; this is in allusion to the of your O., implying that as a man of honour and a M.M. you would rather be, &c. The or is the first of the F.P. of F., which are: * to , to , to , to , and over , and may be thus briefly explained: * to , I greet you as a Bro. to , I will support you in all your laudable undertakings. to , the posture of my daily supplications shall remind me of your wants. to , your lawful secrets, when entrusted to me as such, I will keep as my own. And over , I will support your character in your absence as in your presence. It is in this position, and in this only, and then only in a W. except in open Lodge, and by command of the W.M. that the W. is given; it is ........ or ........
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, the s, , and will be further explained.
(The S.D. conducts the Can. to the door; standing at the left of the S.W., he gives the s in the Three Degrees on retiring from the Lodge, and on his return is taken to the left of the S.W., and directed to salute the W.M. again in the Three Degrees.)
S.W. — (Rising, with the .) W.M., I present to you Bro. A.B. on his being raised to the Third Degree, for some further mark of your favour.
W.M. — Bro. S.W., I delegate you to invest him with the distinguishing of a M.M.
W.M. — (.) To order, Brethren, in the Third Degree.
S.W. — (To Can.) By the W. Master's command, I invest you (puts it on) with the distinguishing of a M.M., to mark the further progress you have made in the science.
W.M. — Be seated, Brethren.
W.M. — (To Can.) I must state that the with which you have now been invested not only points out your rank as a M.M., but is meant to remind you of those great duties you have just solemnly engaged yourself to perform, and whilst it marks your own superiority, it calls on you to afford assistance and instruction to the Brethren in the inferior Degrees.
(The Deacons place the Can. before W.M.)
⁎ ⁎ ⁎
W.M. — We left off at that part of our traditional history which mentions the of our Master ; a loss so important as that of the principal Architect could not fail of being generally and severely felt; the want of those plans and designs which had hitherto been regularly supplied to the different classes of the workmen was the first indication that some heavy calamity had befallen our M. The Menatschin, or Prefects, or more familiarly speaking, the Overseers, deputed some of the most eminent of their number to acquaint King Solomon with the utter confusion into which the absence of had plunged them, and to express their apprehension that to some fatal catastrophe must be attributed his sudden and mysterious disappearance. King Solomon immediately ordered a general muster of the workmen throughout the different departments, when three of the same class of Overseers were not to be found. On the same day the twelve Craftsmen who had originally joined the conspiracy came before the King, and made a voluntary confession of all that they knew down to the time of withdrawing themselves from the number of the conspirators. This naturally increased the fears of King Solomon for the safety of his chief artist; he therefore selected fifteen trusty F.Cs., and ordered them to make diligent search after the person of our M. to ascertain if he were yet alive, or had suffered in the attempt to extort from him the secrets of his exalted Degree. Accordingly, a stated day having been appointed for their return to Jerusalem, they formed themselves into three F.C. and departed from the three entrances of the Temple; many days were spent in fruitless search; indeed, one class returned without having made any discovery of importance; a second, however, were more fortunate, for on the evening of a certain day, after having suffered the greatest privations and personal fatigues, one of the Brethren who had rested himself in a reclining posture, to assist his rising caught hold of a shrub that grew near, which, to his surprise, came easily out of the ground: on a closer examination he found that the earth had been recently disturbed; he therefore hailed his companions, and with their united endeavours reopened the ground, and there found the body of our M. very indecently interred. They covered it again with all respect and reverence, and to distinguish the spot, stuck a sprig of at the head of the . They then hastened to Jerusalem to impart the afflicting intelligence to King Solomon. He, when the first emotions of his grief had subsided, ordered them immediately to return and raise our M. to such a sepulture as became his rank and exalted talents, at the same time informing them that by his untimely death the of a M.M. were lost. He therefore charged them to be particularly careful in observing whatever casual , , or might occur whilst paying this last sad tribute of respect to departed merit. They performed their task with the utmost fidelity, for on re-opening the ground one of the Brethren, looking round (W.M. rises), observed some of his companions in this position (gives the of ), struck with at the dreadful and afflicting sight, while others, viewing the ghastly still visible on his , smote their own in sympathy with his sufferings (gives s. of s. and resumes his seat). Two of the Brethren then descended into the grave, and endeavoured to raise our M. by the E.A's , which proved a ; they then tried the F.C's, which proved a likewise. Having both failed in their attempts, a zealous and expert Brother took a more of the ........ of the ........, and with their assistance raised him on the five of , while others, more animated, exclaimed ........ or ........ , both words having a nearly similar import, the one signifying the of the B., the other the B. is . King Solomon therefore ordered that those casual s, and that and , should designate all M.M’s throughout the world, until time or circumstances should restore the genuine.
It only remains to account for the third class, who had pursued their researches in the direction of Joppa, and were meditating their return to Jerusalem, when accidentally passing the mouth of a cavern they heard sounds of deep lamentation and regret. On entering the cave to ascertain the cause, they found three men answering the description of those missing, who, on being charged with the and finding all chance of escape cut off, made a full confession of their guilt. They were then bound and led to Jerusalem, where King Solomon sentenced them to that death the heinousness of their crime so amply merited.
W.M. — (Continues.) Our M. was ordered to be re-interred as near the Sanctum Sanctorum as the Israelitish law would permit, there, in a , from the centre, three feet E., and three feet W., three feet between N. and S., and five feet or more perpendicular. He was not buried in the Sanctum Sanctorum, because nothing common or unclean was allowed to enter there, not even the High Priest but once a year, nor then until after many washings and purifications against the great day of expiation for sin, for by the Israelitish law all flesh was deemed unclean. The same fifteen trusty F.C’s were ordered to attend the funeral, clothed in as an emblem of their innocence.
You have already been informed that the W.T. with which our M. was slain were the P., L., and H. M. The ornaments of a M.M.’s are the Porch, Dormer, and Square Pavement. The Porch was the entrance to the Sanctum Sanctorum; the Dormer, the window that gave light to the same; and the Square Pavement for the High Priest to walk on. The High Priest’s office was to burn incense to the honour and glory of the Most High, and to pray fervently that the Almighty, of His unbounded wisdom and goodness, would be pleased to bestow peace and tranquillity on the Israelitish nation during the ensuing year. The Coffin, Skull, and Cross-bones, being emblems of mortality, are intended to remind us of his which took place about three thousand years after the date traditionally assigned to the creation of the world.l...s and also to the 5 p.s. of .
W.M. — You have already been entrusted with three s in this Degree: the whole are five, corresponding in number with the five s of . They are the of , the of , the , the of and , and the of and , likewise called the or . For the sake of regularity, I will go through them, and you will copy me. (W.M. rises.) This is the of ; this of . This the . In England and Wales, some of the British Dominions and also some of the States of America, the of and is given by, &c.; this took its rise at the time when our M. was making his way from the N. to the E. entrance of the Temple, when his agony was so great that the perspiration stood in large drops on his forehead, and he made use of this as a temporary relief to his sufferings. This is the of and , likewise called the or ; it took its rise at the time when the Temple was completed, and K.S. and the princes of his household went to view it, when they were so struck with its magnificence that with one simultaneous motion they exclaimed, Oh, wonderful Masons!
On the Continent of Europe, the of and is given differently: by the of the and raising them with their backs to the , exclaiming, “C.t.m.a., y.c.o.t.w.,” on the supposition that all M.Ms. are Bros, to H.A., who was a w’s. son.
In Scotland, Ireland, some of the British Dominions and also some of the States of America, the of and is given still differently, by throwing up the with the extended to the heavens, and dropping them with three distinct motions to the sides, exclaiming, “O.L. m. G.; O.L. m. G.; O.L. m. G., i.t.n.h.f.t. W’s. s?”
I now present to you the working tools of a M.M.: they are the , , and . The is an implement which acts on a centre pin, whence a line is drawn to mark out the ground for the foundation of the intended structure; with the the skilful artist delineates the building in a draft or plan; for the instruction and guidance of the workmen the enable him with accuracy and precision to ascertain and determine the limits and proportions of its several parts. 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 points out that straight and undeviating line of conduct laid down for our pursuit in the V. of the S.L.; the teaches us that our words and actions are observed and recorded by the Almighty Architect, to whom we must give an account of our conduct through life; while the reminds us of His unerring and impartial justice, who, having defined for our instruction the limits of good and evil, will reward or punish as we have obeyed or disregarded His divine commands. Thus, the working tools of a M.M. teach us to bear in mind, and to act according to the laws of our Divine Creator, that when we shall be summoned from this sublunary abode, we may ascend to the Grand Lodge above, where the world's great Architect lives and reigns for ever.
Charge After the Raising
W.M. — Brother A.B., your zeal for the institution of Freemasonry, the progress which you have made in the art, and your conformity to the general regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object of our favour and esteem. In the character of a Master Mason, you are henceforth authorised to correct the errors and irregularities of Brethren and Fellows, and guard them against a breach of fidelity. To improve the morals and correct the manners of men in society must be your constant care. With this view, therefore, you are always to recommend to inferiors obedience and submission; to equals, courtesy and affability; to superiors, kindness and condescension. You are to inculcate universal benevolence, and by the regularity of your own behaviour, afford the best example for the conduct of others. The antient Landmarks of the Order, which are here entrusted to your care, you are to preserve sacred and inviolable, and never suffer an infringement of our rites, or a deviation from established usage and custom. Duty, honour, and gratitude now bind you to be faithful to every trust, to support with becoming dignity your new character, and to enforce, by example and precept, the tenets of the system. Let no motive, therefore, make you swerve from your duty, violate your vows, or betray your trust; but be true and faithful, and imitate the example of that celebrated Artist whom you have this evening represented. By this exemplary conduct, you will convince the world that merit has been your title to our privileges, and that on you our favours have not been undeservedly bestowed.
W.M. — You are now entitled to take your seat in any regular M.M’s throughout the world, and I trust that by zeal and assiduity you will merit the honour which has to-night been conferred on you.
Ceremony of Closing the Lodge in the Third Degree
The W.M. gives , followed by the S. and J. Ws.
W.M. — Brethren, assist me to close the Lodge in the Third Degree. (All rise.)
W.M. — Bro. J.W., what is the constant care of every M. Mason?
J.W. — To prove the Lodge close .
W.M. — (To J.W.) Direct that duty to be done.
J.W. — Bro. I.G., prove the Lodge close .
I.G. gives ........ ........, and being answered by the T., he takes the , and, with the of a MM, says: Bro. J.W., the Lodge is close .
J.W. — Giving the and , says: Worshipful Master, the Lodge is close .
W.M. — Bro. S.W., the next care?
S.W. — To see that the Brethren appear to order as M. Masons.
W.M. — To order, Brethren, in the Third Degree.
(The Brethren stand to order as M.Ms.)
W.M. — Bro. J.W., whence come you?
J.W. — The W., whither we have been in search of the genuine of a M.M.
W.M. — Bro. S.W., have you found them?
S.W. — We have not, W.M., but we bring with us certain substituted , which we are anxious to impart for your approbation.
W.M. — (To S.W.) Let those substituted be regularly communicated to me.
(The Ws. come to the centre of the Lodge, and face each other about a yard apart, the S. faces the S., and the J. the N.; the J. communicates the substituted of a M.M, the S. keeps his position; the J. gives the P.C. of a M.M. to the S., and, with hands elevated, whispers the P.W.; after loosing hands, he takes a , and goes through the full of a MM, and, on the F.P.O.F., he whispers the W.; after saluting the S.W., he resumes his seat.)
The S.W. moves to about the centre of the Lodge, and says: W.M., condescend to receive from me the substituted of a M.M.
W.M. — Bro. S.W., I will receive them with pleasure, and for the information of the Brethren you will speak the aloud.
(The W.M. leaves the Chair, from his left side, and receives them as the S.W. has done; the S.W. then salutes the W.M., and both return to their seats, keeping up the P.S.)
W.M. resumes the Chair, and addresses the Lodge as follows: Brn., the substituted of a M.M. thus regularly communicated to me, I, as M. of this Lodge, and thereby the humble representative of K.S., sanction and confirm with my approbation; and declare, that they shall designate you and all M. Masons throughout the Universe, until time or circumstances shall restore the genuine.
The Brethren, bending the head a little forward, all exclaim: With gratitude to our Master we bend.
Then all the Brethren give the Grand and Royal , and the W.M. says: All gratitude to the Most High.
W.M. — Bro. S.W., the labours of this Degree being ended, you have my command to close the Lodge. (Gives the with his l. h.)
S.W. — Brethren, in the name of the Most High, and by command of the W.M., I close this M. Masons’ Lodge. (Gives the .)
J.W. — And it is closed accordingly. (Gives the , also the I.G. and T.)
(The Brethren take their seats, and the F.Cs. are admitted.)
(P.M. places o. p. of the c. under the s.)
End of the Ceremony of Closing the Lodge in the Third Degree
Test Questions of the M.M. Degree
Question
How got you raised to the s. d. of a M.M.?
A. — By undergoing a previous examination in open L., and being intrusted with a test of merit leading to that Degree.
Q. — Where were you then conducted?
A. — To a convenient room adjoining a M.M.’s L., for the purpose of being .
Q. — How were you ?
A. — By having b. a., b. b., and b. k. made b., and b. h. spd.
Q. — What enabled you to claim admission?
A. — The help of G., the united aid of the S. and Cs., and the benefit of a P.W.
Q. — Which I will thank you to give.
A. — ........
Q. — The import of the word?
A. — ........
Q. — How did you gain admission?
A. — By the K. of a F.C.
Q. — On what were you admitted?
A. — B. Ps. of the Cs. presented to B.Bs.
Q. — On your admission into the L., did you observe anything different from its usual appearance?
A. — I did; all was D. save a G.L. in the E.
Q. — To what does that D. allude?
A. — The D. of D.
Q. — Am I then to understand that D. is the peculiar subject of this degree?
A. — It is, indeed.
Q. — From what circumstance?
A. — The untimely D. of our M., H.A.
Q. — What were the w. t. with which our M.H. was ?
A. — The , , and .
Q. — How came you acquainted with his D?
A. — By having figuratively represented him when I was raised to the s. d. of a M.M.
Q. — Were you raised, and on what?
A. — I was; on the F.P. of F.