Lodge Star in the East Ritual
1946–1999
Lodge Star in the East No. 640 was the first Japanese lodge to resume labour after the Pacific War. Its traditional Scottish ritual was influenced by the large number of affiliates from American lodges. In 1999 a decision was made to adopt, with some modifications, the ritual of Lodge St. John No. 618 in Hong Kong.
First Degree Second Degree Third Degree
FIRST DEGREE
OPENING
All the Brethren should remember the particular sound of the gavel. ♦ = Attention and silence. ♦♦ = All Office-bearers upstanding at opening and closing the Lodge. ♦♦♦ = ALL to be upstanding.
W.M. — Gentlemen, as I am about to open Lodge Star in the East, are you satisfied in the W. and S. that all present are F.M.s?
S.W. — All in the W.
J.W. — All the S.
W.M. — Office-bearers, be clothed and assume your proper places.
W.M. — to J.W. by name Br. ....., what is the f. and con. care of every F.M. before performing any R. or Cer.?
J.W. — To see the L. properly t....
W.M. — Direct that duty to be done.
J.W. — to I G. by name Br. ......., see that the L. is properly t....
T. — ♦
I.G. — to J.W. by name Br. ......., the L. is properly t....
J.W. — to W.M. by name Br. ......., the L. is t. and s.
W.M. — to J.W. by name Br. ......., wherein do F.M.s m...t?
J.W. — In the body of a L., j., p., and r.
W.M. — as before Br. ......., do you know this to be so?
J.W. — I do.
W.M. — Your reasons therefor?
J.W. — Because I see before me a V...e of the S...d L...w, the S... and C..., a Charter or Working Certificate from the G.L., of S., and a sufficient number of F.Ms present to constitute and hold the same.
W.M. — to J.W. by name Br. ......., how l...g is a F.M.L.?
J.W. — From E. to W.
W.M. — How b...d?
J.W. — From N. to S.
W.M. — How l...w?
J.W. — As l...w as the centre of gravity; or where a plumb-line can reach.
W.M. — How h...h?
J.W. — As h...h as the c...py of h...n.
W.M. — Are there any means of a...g to the t...p thereof?
J.W. — Yes; by means of a l...r, the t...e principal s...s of which are F., H., and C.
W.M. — As F.M.s what are we t...t thereby?
J.W. — We are t...t F. in the G.A.O.T.U., H. in a glorious i...y, and C. to all mankind, but more especially to Br. F.M.s
W.M. — to J.W. by name T...k you, Br. .......
W.M. — to S.W. by name Br. ......., why is a F.M.L. of the v...t e...t just described?
S.W. — To show the universality of the s...e, and that a F.M.’s C. should know no b...ds but those of p...e.
W.M. — How is it s...d?
S.W. — Due E. and W.
W.M. — Why so?
S.W. — Because all places of D...e W...p, as well as F.M.L.s, are, or ought to be, so s...d.
W.M. — For which we, as F.M.s, assign t...e r...s, I will thank you for the f...t, Br.....?
S.W. — The s...n, the g...y of the L...d, r...s in the E. and s...ts in the W.
W.M. — The s...d reason, Br. .......
S.W. — L...g originated in the E., and from thence spread its benign influence to the W.
W.M. — The t...d and p...l reason, Br.......?
S.W. — Because the first building erected for the solemnization of D...e W...p to the G.A.O.T.U. viz,the T...t or T...le in the wilderness, was commanded to be so situated, for M...s did everything according to a plan shown him by the L...d on M...t S...i. This T...t or T...le afterwards proved to be the model or ground-plan (with respect to situation) of that most magnificent T...e built at J... by the wise and mighty prince, K... S..., whose regal splendour and unparalleled lustre far transcend our ideas. This is the t...d and p...l reason we F.M.s give why they are, or ought to be, so s...d.
W.M. — Thank you, Br. .......
W.M. — to J.W. by name Br. ....... what supports a F.M.L.?
J.W. — T...e g...t p...rs.
W.M. — What are they called?
J.W. — W ..., S..., and B...
W.M. — to S.W. by name Br. ....... to whom does W... apply, and why?
S.W. — To the R.W.M. in the E., because W... is necessary in designing, planning, and giving counsel in the execution of the w...k.
W.M. — to J.W. by name Br. ....... to whom does S... apply, and why?
J.W. — To the W.S.W. in the W., because it is his duty to see the R.W.M.’s plans carried into effect; to pay a just recompense to the C...n, according to m...t, and to see that all are s...d, which is the s...th of our w...k.
W.M. — to S.W. by name Br. ....... to whom does B... apply, and why?
S.W. — To the W.J.W. in the S., because it is his duty to see the C......n seasonably r...d when f...d with l...r, that none may w...ry in well-doing, so that p...e, h...y, and l...e may ever continue, which is the B... of our w...k.
W.M. &— to J.W. by name Br. ....... Why do W., S., and B., support a F.M.L.?
J.W. — In allusion to the m..., in..., and m... of the Su...e G.A.O.T.U, Whose W...m is infinite, S...th omnipotent, and B...ty shines forth in all His works.
The W.M. gives ♦♦ ALL Office-bearers except the W.M. rise.
W.M. — to J.W. by name Br. ......., how many A...t O.B. are there in the L.?
J.W. — Th...e, besides the T...; namely, the S. and J.D....s and the I... G....
W.M. — Br. I.G., the situation of the T...?
Official name follows.
I.G. — Outside the door of the L.
W.M. — His duty there?
I.G. — Being a...d with a d...n s...d, his duty is to keep off all c...s and i...s to F.M. and to see that C... come properly prepared.
W.M. — Br. I.G., your situation in the L.?
I.G. — Within the d...r of the L.
W.M. — Your duty there?
I.G. — To admit F.M.s on proof, receive C... in due form, and obey the commands of the W.J.W.
W.M. — to I.G. The situation of the J.D.?
I.G. — On the right hand of the W.S.W.
W.M. — to J.D. Br. J.D., what is your duty there?
J.D. — To carry all messages and commands of the R.W.M. from the W.S., to the W.J.W., or elsewhere about the L. as directed, and to see the same punctually obeyed.
W.M. — to J.D. Even so; the situation of S.D.?
J.D. — On the right of, or near to, the R.W.M.
W.M. — to S.D. Br. S.D., what is your duty?
S.D. — To bear all communications and commands from the R.W.M. to the W.S.W., and await the return of the J.D.
W.M. — to S.W. what is our next care?
S.W. — To see that the B...n are duly c...d, in their proper places, and that they stand to order as directed.
W.M. — ♦♦♦ To order, B...n, as F.M.s in the F... D...ee.
W.M. rises here, as well as all the B...n, and stand to order with the P.S. until the L. is declared open.
W.M. — to S.W. How many principal O...s are there in a L.?
S.W. — Th...e; namely, the R.W.M., the W.S. and J.Ws.
W.M. — to S.D. Br. S.D., the situation of the W.J.W.?
S.D. — In the S.... R.W.M.
W.M. — to J.W. W.J.W., why are you so placed, and what is your duty?
J.W. — To mark the S...n at h...h m...n; to call the B...n from l...r to r...t, and from r...t back to l...r again; to superintend them during the time thereof; to see that they keep within h...l, and come on when called, so that the R.W.M. may have h...r and they profit and pleasure thereby.
W.M. — Thank you, Br. J.W. The situation of the W.S.W.?
J.W. — In the W., R.W.M.
W.M. — W.S.W., why are you so placed, and what is your duty there?
S.W. — As the glorious S... s...ts in the W. to close the day, so is the S.W. placed in the W. to close the L. by command of the R.W.M.; to pack up the j..., t..., and i... of the C...; pay the C...n their w... if any be due; see that all are satisfied, and thereafter dismiss the B...n with a b...g.
W.M. — Even so.
W.M. — to I.P.M.The R.W.M.’s place in the L.? This question is addressed to the W.S.W. when a P.M is not present.
I.P.M. — In the E.
W.M. — Why so placed, and what is his duty there?
I.P.M. — As the S...n, the g...y of the L...d, rises in the E... to open and enliven the day, so the R.W.M. is placed in the E, to open and enlighten his L., and to employ and instruct the B...n in F.M.
W.M. — Even so, W. and W.P.M (or W.S.W.) And now, our L... being securely t..., the O... B... and B...n duly clothed, and in their proper places, and being otherwise j., p. and r., let us i...ke a b...g from the G.A.O.T.U. upon our present undertaking. May our l...s, thus begun in o...r, be conducted in p...e, and c...d in h...y.
Brn. — So mote it be.
W.M. — B...n, before proceeding to declare the L. open, I hereby forbid and debar all p...l or r...s c...y or d...n, and everything that may tend to d...b the h...y which ought at all times to characterise F.M.s, but more especially when in L. assembled.
W.M. — In the name of the G.A.O.T.U., I declare L. Star in the East No. 640, on the Roll of the G.L. of S. duly opened. This I do by virtue of # and ♦♦♦
S.W. — ♦♦♦
I.G. — ♦♦♦
T. — ♦♦♦
W.M. — The L. is so opened accordingly in the F.D., for the despatch of such business as may come before it.♦
A P.M., or, if none be present, the S.D., opens the B., and places the S. and C. in position, while the J.D. displays the proper T.B.
The circular or notice calling the Meeting is then read, thereafter the Minutes of the last Regular, as well as of any Emergency Meeting, or Meetings or Minutes of Committees, Communications, and Business as per summons.
CLOSING
W.M. — ♦♦ W.J.W., what is the l...t, as well as the f...t and constant care of every F.M. before performing any R. or C.?
J.W. — To prove the L. closely t.
W.M. — Direct that duty to be done.
J.W. — Br. I.G. prove the L. closely t.
T. — ♦
I.G. — W.J.W., the L. is closely t.
J.W. — R.W.M., the L. is closely t... and all secure.
W.M. — W.S.W., our next care?
S.W. — To see that the B...n stand to order as F.M.s in the F.D.
W.M. — ♦♦♦ To order, B ...n, as E.A.F.M.s
W.M. — W.S.W., your constant place in the L.?
S.W. — In the W.
W.M. — Your duty there?
S.W. — As the glorious s...n s...ts in the W. to close the day, so is the S.W. placed in the W. to close the L. by command of the R.W.M, to pack up the j..., t..., and i... of the C..., pay the C...n their w... if any be due, see that all are satisfied, and thereafter dismiss the B...n with a b...g.
W.M. — Are the B...n all satisfied?
S.W. — B...n, are you all satisfied?
The B...n shift from the P.S. to the F...l s...n then go back to the P.S.
S.W. — R.W.M., the B...n are all satisfied.
W.M. — Then, the l...rs of this evening being finished, you have my command to close this L. in the name of the G.A.O.T.U., and thereafter dismiss the B...n with a b...g.
S.W. — B...n, in the name of the G.A.O.T.U., and by command of the R.W.M., I hereby declare L. "Star in the East" No. 640 on the Roll of the G.L. of S. closed, and may the G.A.O.T.U. be with us from our meeting to our parting, and from our parting to our meeting again. This I do by virtue of # and ♦♦♦
J.W. — And it is so closed accordingly until our next regular meeting (L. of E. excepted), of which due notice will be given to a sufficient number of B...n ♦♦♦
T. — ♦♦♦
W.M. — And it is closed accordingly.
The Past Master, or if none be present, the R.W.M., closes the B..., puts the S. and C. out of position, and says:
The business of this meeting being finished, and the L. closed, nothing further remains for us to do but to lock up the s...ts of F.M. in the safe and sacred repository of our h...ts, uniting in the act F.... F..., F...; and may G... prosper and protect the C.
Brn. — So mote it be.
W.M. — W.S.W., how should F.M.s meet?
S.W. — On the L., R.W.M.
W.M. — W.J.W., how should F.M.s act?
J.W. — On the P., R.W.M.
W.M. — And part upon the S., and so let us meet, act and part; and may the blessing of the G.A.O.T.U. rest upon us and upon all true and faithful B...n throughout the world: may brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue cement us.
Brn. — So mote it be.
W.M. — Unclothe; unt-.
CALLING OFF TO REFRESHMENT
W.M. — ♦♦ W.J.W., what is the hour?
J.W. — High xii
W.M. — What is then done?
J.W. — Call the B...n from l...r to re...t; charging them to keep within h...l, and come on when called.
W.M. — Then you have my command to call the B...n from l...r to re...t, charging them to keep within h...l, and to come on when called by the sound of the g...l.
J.W. — ♦♦♦ B...n, by command of the R.W.M., I hereby call you from l...r to re...t, charging you to keep within h...l, and come on when called by the sound of the g...l. This I do by virtue of ♦
CALLING ON TO LABOUR
W.M. — W.J.W., the constant care of every F.M. before performing any R. or C.?
J.W. — To see the L. securely t....
W.M. — Attend to that part of your duty.This is done.
J.W. — R.W.M, the L. is securely t....
W.M. — What is the hour?
J.W. — Past high xii.
W.M. — What is then done?
J.W. — Call the B...n from re...t back to l...r, thanking them for having kept within h...l, and coming on when called.
W.M. — Even so. You have then my commands to call on and thank the B...n accordingly.
J.W. — ♦♦♦ B..., by command of the R.W.M., I hereby call you from re...t back to l...r, thanking you for having kept within h...l, and coming on when called. This I do by virtue of ♦
The P.M. or the R.W.M opens the V. of the S.L., the W.S.W. raises his column and that of the W.J.W. is laid down.
ENTERED APPRENTICE DEGREE
P...p...n. The Cand. is ppd in the ad. rm. by having both e...s bfld., a C. T. th...e T. rd. his n., rt. ar., L.B. LX. brd, rt. hi. S.S. div. of all M. & Ms. and being brought to the D., the T. gives at the door ♦
I.G. —to J.W. There is an alarm.
J.W. —to W.M. There is an alarm.
W.M. — Ascertain the cause.
J.W. —does so.
The I.G. gives ♦ at the door, and T replies by ♦ I.G. opens the door a little.
I.G. — Who comes there? Do. Do.
Con. — It is I. Do. Do.... Br. D.C. with a poor C. in a state of d...k...s, who comes of his own free will and accord, h...ly soliciting to be admitted into, and receive part of, the p...s and s... of F.M., for which purpose he comes properly prepared.
I.G. — By what further right does he hope to obtain those p...s?
D.C. — By being f...e, of m...e age, sound in body and mind, able and willing to work for his daily bread if need be, properly recommended, vouched for, and approved of in open L.
I.G. — Do you, Br. D.C., vouch that he is properly prepared?
D.C. — I do.
I.G. — H...t, while I make due report to the R.W.M., and receive his instructions.
Shuts the door, advances to the E..., gives ♦♦♦ with his r. ft. and repeats
At the door of the L stands a poor C. in a state of d...k...s, who comes of his own free will and accord, humbly soliciting to be admitted into and receive part of the p...s and s...s of F.M., for which purpose he comes properly prepared.
W.M. — By what further right does he hope to obtain those p...s?
I.G. — By being f...e, of m...e age, sound in body and mind, able and willing to work for his daily bread if need be, properly recommended, vouched for, and approved of in open L.
W.M. — The t...gue of good report has already been heard in his favour. Do you, Br. I.G, vouch that he is properly prepared?
I.G. — I do.
W.M. — Then you will go to the door of this j., p., and r. L. and ask the C... in whom he puts his trust. In all probability he will answer, in G.... Tell him to enter in that G...t B...g’s name, and fear no evil. Place him in the N.W. part of the L. Apply this P. The Master hands the P. to I.G. to his n...k...d left b...t until he f...ls it, and tell him that as it is a p...k to his fl...h, so may it be to his conscience in all time coming if ever he ill...g...lly rev...ls any of the s...s which may this evening, or at any future period, be imparted to him. Pass. The I.G. acts as required. The C. having been placed in position, the I.G. makes the proper signal, by raising the P. above his head.
W.M. — Mr........, as no person can be admitted into F.M. unless he is f...e and of m...e age, I demand of you, are you so?
C. — I am.
W.M. — I will now put some questions to you, requiring distinct answers. Do you seriously declare upon your honour, before these gentlemen, that unbiassed by friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary or other unworthy motives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a C... for the mysteries of F.M.?
C. — I do.
W.M. — Do you, also, seriously declare, upon your honour, that you are prompted to solicit these privileges by a favourable opinion conceived of the institution, a desire for knowledge, and a sincere wish of being serviceable to your fellow...creatures?
C. — I do.
W.M. — Do you further seriously declare, upon your honour, that, avoiding fear on the one hand, or rashness on the other, you will steadily persevere through the ceremony of your initiation, and that ever afterwards you will cheerfully conform to all the ancient landmarks, and established usages and customs of the fraternity, should you be admitted a member?
C. — I do.
W.M. — Then you will k..., while the blessing of H. is invoked upon our proceedings. ♦♦♦
PRAYER
"Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father and G.A.O.T.U., upon this our present convention, and grant that he or they who now kneels before Thee as a C. for F.M., may so dedicate and devote his life to Thy service as to become a true and faithful Br. among us. Endow him, we beseech Thee, with a competency of Thy divine wisdom, that, assisted by this, our M. art, he may the better be enabled to display the beauties of true holiness, to the honour and glory of Thy holy name."
Brn. — So mote it be.
W.M. — Mr. ......., in all cases of difficulty and danger, in whom do you put your trust?
C. — In G.
W.M. — Right glad am I to find your faith so well founded; relying upon such sure defence, you may safely arise, follow your C. and fear no evil, for where the name of G... is invoked, we trust no danger will ensue.
W.M. — The Brn. in the N., E., S. and W. will take notice that Mr. ....... is about to pass th...e times round the floor of this j, p, and r. L., to show that he is a C properly prepared to be received into F.M.
In passing the E., the R.W.M., gives ♦ Coming to the J.W., D.C. raises the C...’s r...t h...d, and gives ♦♦♦ on the J.W.’s shoulder, when the same colloquy as at the door takes place; after which the J.W. says (taking the C. by the r...t h...d) "Enter, free and of good report," and then gives ♦ Passing the W., the S.W. gives ♦ On again passing the E. and S., ♦♦ are given. Coming to the W., they are stopped by the S.W. in exactly the same manner as in the S., and the same colloquy takes place, after which the S.W. says, "Pass, free and of good report," and gives ♦♦. On again passing, the E., S., and W., each give ♦♦♦ when the W.M. stops him as the W...s and the same colloquy takes place, after which the M continues:
Br. D.C., seeing that the C. is as you represent, which of necessity he must be, otherwise he could not have passed the W...s, whose duty it is to guard the sacred portals of the S... and W..., and being myself satisfied, you have my command to re-conduct him to the S.W. in the W. who will instruct him how to advance to the E... in due and ancient form. Pass.
The C. is then presented to the S.W. by the D.C., as directed by the M.
D.C. —to S.W. W.S.W., it is the command of the R.W.M. that you instruct the C. how to approach the E. by the proper steps.
S.W. — The R.W.M.’s instructions shall be attended to. Place the C. with his face to the E. Mr. ......., the mode of advance in this degree is by means of s...n marching s...ps, stepping off with the left foot.
The C. does so, and being brought by the first 4 s...ps within th...e feet of the A., he is told to take one step with his l...t f...t of about fifteen inches, drawing his r...t into the hollow of the l...t; again, about twelve inches, as before; and a third about, nine inches, as before.
The C. standing erect, the S.W. addresses the W.M:
S.W. — R.W.M., the C. is in position.
W.M. — Thank you, Br. S.W.
W.M. — Mr........, it is now my duty, before proceeding further, to inform you that F.M. possesses many privileges, and to secure those privileges to worthy men, and we trust to worthy men alone, vows of fidelity are required. Let me assure you that in those vows there is nothing incompatible with your duties towards G..., your country, your neighbour, or yourself. Are you, thererfore, willing to take a solemn obligation, founded upon the principles I have stated, to preserve inviolate the s...s of our Order that may hereafter be entrusted to you?
C. — I am.
W.M. — You will now k...l on your l. k., placing your r. f. in the form of a L. Give me your l. h., which I place under the V... of the S.L. Give me your r. h., which I place above the V... of the S.L., S. and C. It is in this form that the Ob. of an RA, is administered.
♦♦♦
You will now repeat after me, using your name in full where I use mine
OBLIGATION
I, A.B., in the presence of the G.A.O.T.U., and in the body of this warranted and worshipful L. of A., F., and A. M..., regularly assembled, properly constituted, and duly dedicated, of my own free will and accord, do hereby and hereon, solemnly swear that I will always hele, conceal, and never reveal any of the secrets or mysteries of or belonging to F.M. which may already be known by, shall now, or may at any future time be communicated to me, except it be to a true and lawful Br. or B...n, 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 L,, j., p,, and r. I further solemnly promise that I will not write those secrets, indite, carve, mark, engrave, or otherwise delineate them, or cause or suffer the same to be done by others, if in my power to prevent it, upon anything movable or immovable under the canopy of heaven, whereby or whereon any letter, character, or figure or the least trace thereof, may become legible or intelligible to myself, or to any one in the world, so that the s...s of F.M. might unlawfully be made known through my unworthiness. I likewise solemnly pledge myself to support and maintain the L... and C... of the G.L. of S., when under its M...c jurisdiction, and promise strict obedience to the Office-bearers and Bye...laws of L. Star in the East No. 640 on the R. of the G.L. of S., which I will always acknowledge as my M.L. To all these points I solemnly swear fidelity, without evasion, equivocation, or any mental reservation whatsoever, under the penalty of, &c. So help me, the G.A.O.T.U., and keep me steadfast in this my solemn obligation of an E.A.F.M.
W.M. — Mr. ......., what you have just repeated is a solemn promise, and I now call upon you to render it binding on your conscience by sealing the obligation with your l...s o...e on the V. of the S.L. Having been kept until now in a state of d...s, what is the predominant wish of your h...t?
C. — prompted .......
W.M. — B...n, you will stretch forth your hands and assist me in bringing our newly ob. Bro. to .......
"In the beginning G... created the h...n and the e.... And the e... was without form, and void; and d...s was upon the face of the deep. And the spirit of G... moved upon the face of the waters. And G... said," Let there be l...;" and there was ... And I, in humble imitation thereof, Masonically say, Let there be l....
W.M. — Having been restored to the blessing of material l..., let me direct your attention to what we esteem the t... g..., though emblematical L... in F.M., namely, the V... of the S... L..., the S..., and the C.... The S... L...s are to rule and govern our faith; the S. to regulate our actions; and the C. to keep us within due bounds with all mankind, particularly our B...n in F...my.
W.M. — taking the Candidate by the r... h..., says Rise, newly obligated Br. among F.M.s
W.M. — You are now enabled to discover the t... l... l...; they are situated E., S., and W., and are meant to represent the S..., the M..., and the M. of the L., the S... to rule the day, the M... to govern the night, and the M. to rule and direct the L.
SECRETS
W.M. — Having taken the great and solemn obligation of an E.A.F.M., I am now permitted to inform you that there are several degrees in F.M., and peculiar s...s restricted to each. These, however, are not communicated indiscriminately, but are conferred upon Cs. according to merit and ability. I shall therefore now proceed to intrust you with the s...s of this degree, or those marks by which F.M.s are known to each other, and distinguished from the rest of the world; but must premise for your general observation that all s..., l..., and p... are true and proper signs to know a F.M. by; you are therefore expected to stand perfectly erect, with your f... in the form of a s..., your body being thus considered an emblem of your mind, and your f... of the rectitude of your actions.
W.M. — You will now take a short s... with your l... f..., bringing the r... h... into its h.... That is called the first regular s... in F.M., and it is in this position the s...s of this degree are communicated; they consist of a s..., a g... or t..., and a w.... The s... is given by placing the h..., &c., the g... or t...is given thus.... This demands a w..., a w... which is highly prized amongst F.M.s as a guard to their privileges. Too much caution, therefore cannot be observed in communicating it. You must never give it in f..., but by l... or s...; and for your future guidance the D.C. will instruct you how to proceed.
W.M. — Gives the g... and asks What is this?
C. — Prompted by the D.C. The g... or t... of an E... A... F.M.
W.M. — What does it demand?
C. — A w....
W.M. — Give me that w....
C. — At my init... I was t... to be c..., but with you as a B... I will l... or s... it.
W.M. — L... and b....
C. — N..., you b....
W.M. — N..., the w... is yours, you must b....
This is done.
W.M. — This w... is derived from the l... h... p... at the p... or e... of K... S...’s T..., so named after ...... the g... g- of D..., a... p... and ruler in I..., and the import of the w... is, &c.
W.M. — Takes C. by the r.h. and says Pass. The D.C. then takes C. to the J.W. and says:
Bro. J.W., I present to you Br. ....... on his init....
J.W. — You will advance to me as a E.A.F.M. C. takes the st.
J.W. — Do you bring anything with you?
C. — I do makes s..
J.W. — What is that?
C. — The s. of an E.A.F.M.
J.W. — Have you anything to communicate?
C. — I have gives the gr..
J.W. — What is this?
C. — The G. or T. of an E.A.F.M.
J.W. — What does it demand?
C. — A w....
J.W. — Give me that w....
C. — At my init... I was taught to be cautious, but with you as a Br. I will l... or s... it.
J.W. — S... and begin.
C. — No, you begin.
J.W. — The w... is yours; you must begin.
C. — ...
J.W. — Pass ....
The same ceremony is repeated with the S.W.
S.W. — R.W.M., I present to you Br. ....... on his init..., for some further mark of your favour.
W.M. — Br. S.W., I delegate to you the duty of investing our newly-made Br. with the D... B... of an E.A.F.M.
S.W. — Br. ....... by command of the R.W.M., I invest you with the D... B... of an E.A.F.M. It is more ancient than the G... F... or R... E..., more honourable than the G... or any other O... in existence, being the badge of innocence and the bond of friendship, and I strongly exhort you ever to wear and consider it as such. You will observe that this apron is made of lamb skin, and as the lamb has been in all ages the acknowledged emblem of I... and P... it will remind you of that purity of life and action which should at all times distinguish a F.M. I trust that you may live many years to wear that badge with pleasure to yourself, usefulness to the C..., and an honour to the L. in which you have been init...; and let me further exhort you never to disgrace it, for you may be assured that it will never disgrace you.
W.M. — I must add to the observations of the W.S.W. that you are never to enter a L. wherein a Br. may be with whom you are at variance; but it will be your duty to ask that Br. out and endeavour to settle the difficulty amicably, so that both may clothe and work together in harmony. But if unhappily, this cannot be effected, it were better that one or both should retire than that the peace and harmony of the L, be disturbed.
W.M. — Br. D.C. you will please place the C. in the N.E. corner of the L.
This is done.
N.E. LECTURE
W.M. — It is customary at the erection of all stately and superb edifices to lay the foundation stone at the N.E. corner of the building. You, being newly admitted into F...my, are placed there, figuratively to represent that stone, and from the foundation laid this evening, may you raise a superstructure perfect in all its parts and honourable to the builder. You now stand to all external appearance a just and upright man and F.M:, and I give it to you in terms of strong recommendation ever to continue and act as such; indeed, I shall immediately proceed to put your principles in some measure to the test, by calling on you to exercise that virtue which may justly be denominated the distinguishing characteristic of a F.M.’s heart...I mean C. I trust I need not here dilate on its excellence. Doubtless, it has often been felt and practised by you. Suffice it to say that it has the approbation of heaven and earth, and like its sister M..., it blesseth him who gives as well as him who receives. In a society so widely extended as that of F...my, the branches of which are spread over the four quarters of the globe, it cannot be denied that we have many Brn. of rank and affluence amongst us; neither can it be concealed that among the thousands who range under its banner there are many who, perhaps from circumstances of unforeseen misfortune and calamity, are reduced to the lowest state of poverty and distress. In their behalf it has been our usual custom to awaken the feelings of every Init... by making such a claim on his charity as his circumstances in life may fairly warrant; anything, therefore, that you feel disposed to give, you may deposit with the D.C., and I assure you that it will be thankfully received and faithfully applied.
The D.C. appeals to the C., who is prompted to state he has been deprived of his ..., &c. The D.C. then asks if he would give were it in his power, to which the C. is prompted to reply in the affirmative. The D.C. reports the same to the R.W.M.
W.M. — to C. I congratulate you on the honourable sentiments by which you are actuated, likewise on the inability which precludes you from gratifying them. Believe me, this trial was not made with a view to sport with your feelings, but it was done for three special reasons: f...t, to put your principles to the test; s...ly, to evince to the Brn. that you had neither m... nor m... substance about you, for if you had, the ceremony thus far of your initiation must have been repeated; and t...ly, as a warning to your own heart, that should you at any future time meet a poor distressed Br. who may claim your assistance you will think of the particular moment you were admitted into F.M., p... and p..., and cheerfully embrace the opportunity of practising towards him that virtue you now profess to admire.
The D.C. places the C. in front of the R.W.M.
WORKING TOOLS
W.M. — I now present to you the working tools of an E... A... F.M., which are the 24...inch Gauge, the Mallet, and the Chisel. The 24...inch Gauge is used by operative masons to measure and lay out their work, so as to compute the time and labour it may cost. The Mallet is an important instrument of labour, and no work of manual skill can be completed without it. With the Chisel the expert craftsman gives form and regularity to the shapeless mass of stone. It is capable of making impressions on the hardest substance, and the mightiest structures are indebted to its aid. But as we are not O..., but F... and A... or S.... F.M.s we apply these tools in a moral sense. Thus, from the 24-inch Gauge we learn a lesson of daily admonition and instruction, for as it is divided into 24 equal parts, it reminds us of the 24 hours of the day whereof part should be devoted to the service of G... and of any worthy, distressed Br., part to our regular avocations, and part to recreation and sleep. The Mallet teaches us that skill without exertion is of little avail; that labour is the lot of man, for the heart may conceive, and the head devise in vain, if the hand be not prompt to execute the design, From the Chisel we learn that perseverance is necessary to establish perfection, that the rude material receives its final polish but from repeated efforts alone, and that nothing short of indefatigable exertion can induce the habit of virtue, enlighten the mind, and purify the soul. And from the whole we deduce this moral, that knowledge, grounded on accuracy and aided by perseverance, will finally overcome all difficulties, raise ignorance from its native darkness, and establish true happiness in the paths of life.
W.M. — As in the course of this evening you have been called on for certain fees for your init... it is but proper that you should know by what authority we act. This is our C... or W... of C... Shows it from the G... L... of S.... This is our B... of C..., and these are our B... L... Shows a copy of each. both of which I recommend to your careful perusal. By the one you will be taught the duties you owe to the C... in general, and by the other those you owe to this L. in particular. You are now at liberty to retire, and on your return to the L. your attention will be directed to a Charge founded on the excellence of our Institution and the qualification of its members.
CHARGE
W.M. — to C. Having passed through the ceremony of your init..., allow me to congratulate you on being admitted a Member of our A... and H... I...; ancient no doubt it is, as having subsisted from time immemorial; and honourable it must be acknowledged to be, as by a natural tendency it conduces to make all those so who are obedient to its precepts; indeed, no Institution can boast a more solid foundation than that on which F.M. rests ... viz., the practice of every moral virtue; and to so high an eminence has its credit been advanced that in every age Monarchs themselves have been promoters of the Art, they have not thought it derogatory to their dignity to exchange the S... for the T..., have patronised our mysteries, and even joined in our assemblies. As a F.M., I would first recommend to your most serious contemplation the V... of the S... L..., charging you to consider it as the unerring standard of T... and J..., and to regulate your actions by the Divine precepts it contains. Therein you will be taught the important duties you owe to G, to your neighbour, and to yourself; to G..., by never mentioning His name but with that awe and reverence which are due from the creature to his C..., by imploring His aid in all your lawful undertakings, and by looking up to Him in every emergency for comfort and support; to your neighbour, by always acting with him on the square, by rendering him every kind office which J... or M... may require, by relieving his necessities, soothing his afflictions, and by doing unto him as, in similar cases, you would wish he should do unto you; and to yourself, by such a prudent and well...regulated course of discipline as may best conduce to the preservation of your bodily and mental faculties in their fullest energy, thereby enabling you to exercise those talents wherewith G... has blessed you, as well to His Glory as the welfare of your fellow creatures. As a citizen of the world, I am next to enjoin you to be exemplary in the discharge of your civil duties, by never proposing or countenancing any act which may have a tendency to subvert the peace and good order of society, by paying due obedience to the laws of any State which may for a time become the place of your residence, or afford you its protection; and above all, by never losing sight of the allegiance due to (the Sovereign of) your native land, ever remembering that nature has implanted in your breast a sacred and indissoluble attachment towards that country whence you derived your birth and infant nurture. As an individual, I would further recommend the practice of every domestic as well as public virtue; let P... direct you, T... chasten you, F... support you, and J... be the guide of all your actions. Be especially careful to maintain in their fullest splendour those truly M...c o...s which have been so amply illustrated, namely, B... and C.... Still, however, as a F.M. there are other excellences of character to which your attention may be particularly and forcibly directed. Amongst the foremost of these are S..., F..., and O.... S... consists in an inviolable adherence to the obligation you have entered upon, never improperly to disclose any of those M... s...s which have now, or may at any future time, be entrusted to your keeping, and cautiously to avoid all occasions which may inadvertently lead you so to do. Your F... must be exemplified by a close conformity to the Constitutions of the Fraternity, by adhering to the ancient L...m...s of the O..., by never attempting to extort or otherwise unduly obtain the s...s of a superior degree, and by refraining from recommending anyone to a participation in our s...s, unless you have strong grounds to believe that by a similar fidelity he will ultimately reflect honour on our choice. So must your O... be proved by a strict observance of our Laws and Regulations; by a prompt attention to all signs and summonses; by modest and correct demeanour, and by abstaining from every topic of religious or political discussion while in L; by a ready acquiescence in all votes and resolutions duly passed by a majority of the Brn.; and by a perfect submission to the will of the R.W.M. and his W...s while acting in the discharge of the duties of their respective offices. And, as a last general recommendation for your conduct, let me exhort you to dedicate yourself to such pursuits as may enable you to continue respectable in life, useful to mankind, and an ornament to the L... of which this day you have become a Member. From the very commendable attention you appear to have given to this C..., I am led to hope that you will duly appreciate the value of F.M., and imprint indelibly on your heart the sacred dictates of T..., H..., and V....
TRACING BOARD
The usages and customs of F... M...s have ever borne a near affinity to those of the ancient Egyptians. Their philosophers, unwilling to expose their mysteries to vulgar eyes, concealed their peculiar tenets and principles of polity and philosophy under certain hieroglyphical figures, and expressed their notions of government by signs and symbols, which they communicated to their priests or magi only, who were bound by oath never to reveal them. Pythagoras seems to have established his system on a similar plan, and many orders of a more recent date have also copied their example. F.M., however, is not only the most ancient, but the most perfect order that has ever existed, as every character, figure, and emblem, depicted in our L...s, has a moral tendency, and serves to inculcate the practice of virtue in all its genuine professors. Let me first direct your attention to the form of the L..., which is an oblong square, [A parallelopipedon] in length from E... to W..., in breadth between N... and S..., in depth from the surface of the earth to its centre, and even as high as the heavens. A F.M.’s L... is of this vast extent to show the universality of the science, also that a F.M.’s charity should know no bounds save those of prudence. Our L...s stand on holy ground, because the first L... was consecrated on account of three grand offerings thereon made, which met with Divine approbation. Firstly, the ready compliance of Abraham with the will of G..., in not refusing to offer up his only son Isaac as a burnt...sacrifice, when it pleased the L... to substitute a more acceptable offering in his stead. Secondly, the many pious prayers and ejaculations offered up by K... D..., which G... was graciously pleased to accept, and thereupon stayed a pestilence which raged sorely among his people, owing to his having had them numbered. Thirdly, the many thanksgivings, burnt sacrifices, and costly offerings made by K... S... at the building, completion, and dedication of the T... at J... to G...’s service. These three did then, have since, and I trust ever will, render the groundwork of F.M. holy. Our L...s are situated due E... and W..., because all places of divine worship, as well as F.M.’s well...formed and regularly constituted L...s are, or ought to be so situated, for which we, as F.M...s assign three reasons. Firstly, the sun, the glory of the L..., rises in the E...and sets in the W.... Secondly, learning originated in the E..., and thence spread its benign influence towards the W.... There is likewise a third, and principal reason, which is as follows:... We read early in Holy Writ that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to the L... than his brother Cain; that Noah was a just and upright man, and a teacher of righteousness; that Enoch walked with G... and met his reward; and that Jacob wrestled with an angel, prevailed, and thereby obtained a blessing for himself and his posterity. But we never hear or read of any place being set apart for the solemnization of divine worship until the happy deliverance of the children of Israel from their Egyptian bondage, which it pleased the Almighty to effect with a high hand and stretched...out arm, under the conduct of His faithful servant Moses, according to a promise made to his forefather Abraham, that He would make of his seed a great and mighty nation, even as the stars of heaven for number or the sand of the seashore for multitude. And as they were to possess the gates of their enemies, and inherit the promised land, it pleased the Almighty to reveal unto them those three celebrated institutions ... the M..., the C..., and the J... L.... And for the better solemnization of divine worship, as well as for a receptacle for the Books and Tables of the Law, Moses caused a tent or tabernacle to be erected in the wilderness, which, by G...’s especial command, was situated due E... and W..., for Moses did everything according to the commands given him by the Almighty on M... S.... This tent or tabernacle afterward proved a model or ground...plan (with respect to situation) of that most magnificent T... built at J... by the wise and mighty prince, K... S..., the regal splendour and unparalleled luster of which far transcend our ideas. This is the third, last and grand reason which we F.M.s assign for all places of divine worship, as well as regularly constituted L...s, being so situated. Our L...s are supported by three great Pillars...namely, W..., S..., and B.... W..., to direct us in all our undertakings; S..., to support us in all dangers and difficulties; and B..., to adorn the inward man. They represent... S.K.I., H.K.T., and H. A.,: S.K.I., for his wisdom in building and dedicating the T... at J... to G...’s service; H.K.T., for his strength in supporting him with men and materials; and H.A., for his curious and masterly workmanship in beautifying and adorning the structure. But as we have no noble orders in architecture known by the names of W..., S..., and B..., we refer them to the three most celebrated in ancient times...namely, the Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian. The covering of a F.M.’s. L. is a celestial canopy of divers colours, even the heavens. We hope to arrive at the summit by the assistance of a ladder called in Scripture Jacob’s Ladder. This ladder has as many staves or rounds as comprise all the moral virtues, but there are three principal ones...namely, F..., H..., and C.... F... in the G.A.O.T.U.; H... in salvation; and C... towards all men. This ladder rests on the V. of the S. L., because by the doctrines contained in that Holy Book we are taught to believe in the wise dispensation of Divine Providence, which belief strengthens our faith and enables us to ascend the first step. This F... naturally creates in us a H... of becoming partakers of the blessed promises therein contained. But the third and last, being C..., comprehends the whole, and the F.M. who is in possession of this virtue in its most exalted sense may justly be deemed to have arrived at the summit of F.M., which is, figuratively speaking, an ethereal mansion, veiled from mortal eyes by the starry firmament, emblematically depicted in our L...s by seven stars, which refer to as many regularly...made F.M.s, without which number no L. is perfect, neither can any candidate be legally initiated therein. The interior of a L. is composed of O., F., and Js. The O...s are the mosaic pavement, the blazing star, and the indented or tesselated border. The mosaic pavement is the beautiful flooring of the L.; the blazing star is the glory in the centre; and the indented or tesselated border is the skirt work round the same. The F... of the L. consists of the V. of the S. L., the Cs., and the S. The S. Ws, are to rule and govern our faith, and on them we our candidates for F.M.; and so are the Cs. and the S., when united, to regulate our lives and actions. The S. Ws. are derived from G... to man in general. The Cs. belong to the G.M. in particular; and the S. to the whole C.... The V. of the S. L. is derived from G... Himself, because the Almighty has been pleased to reveal to man more of His Divine will in that Holy Book than he has by any other means. The Cs. belong to the G.M., as they, being the chief instruments made use of in the formation of all architectural plans and designs, are appropriated to him in particular as an emblem of his dignity, he being the head and ruler of the C.... And the C... being o...d within the S., are consequently bound to act thereon. The M... J...s are the S., the L., and the P. They are called M... J...s because they are worn by the M... and his W...s, and are transferred to their successors on the day of installation. The Im... J...s are the T... B... and the R... and P... A.... The T... B... is for the M... to lay lines and draw designs on. The R... A... is for the E. A. to work, mark, and indent on; and the P... A... is for the more expert C...n to try and adjust his jewels on. These are called Im... J...s because they lie open in the L. for the B. to moralize on. In all well...formed and regularly...constituted L...s there is a point within a C. round which a F.M... cannot err. The C. is bounded N... and S... by two grand parallels, the one representing Moses and the other K... S.... On the upper part of the C. rests the V. of the S. L., which supports Jacob’s Ladder; and, were we as conversant with that Holy Book and as adherent to the doctrines therein contained as those two grand parallels were, it would bring us to Him who will not deceive us nor suffer deception from us. In traversing this C. we must of necessity touch both those parallel lines, as well as the V. of the S.L.; and while a F.M. keeps himself thus circumscribed, he cannot possibly err. The implement by which the P... A... is suspended is termed a L.... L... denotes s..., and is here represented by certain pieces of metal dovetailed into a stone, which forms a cramp, and enables the operative M... to suspend stones at the height required preparatory to fixing them. L... likewise denotes the son of a F.M., whose duty it is to bear the burden and heat of the day from which his parents, by reason of their age, ought to be exempt; and to assist them in time of need, so as to render the close of their days happy and comfortable. He has privilege for so doing, namely, to be made a F.M. before any other person, however dignified by rank or station. Pendant to the four corners of the L. are four tassels, which represent the four cardinal virtues, namely, T..., F..., P..., and J.... The distinguishing characteristics of every F... and A... M... are V..., H..., and M..., all of which, tradition informs us, were practised in an eminent degree by our ancient Brn.; and, should they be banished from all other institutions, may they ever be found in the breast of a F.M.
FIRST DEGREE PROFICIENCY
Q. — Where were you first prepared to be made a F.M.?
A. — In my ....
Q. — Where next?
A. — In the adjacent or ....
Q. — Describe the manner.
A. — I was made nei. na nor clo, br. fot. nor shd, blfd., a ca. t. 3 t. r. my ne, rt. ar., L. B., L. K. brd., rt. hi. S.S., div. of all M. and Ms., led and con.
Q. — Whr. wr. u. md a F.M.?
A. — In a L. j., p., and r.
Q. — Who made you?
A. — The R.W.M., ass. by his Ws. and Brn.
Q. — When were you made a F.M.?
A. — At or near hi. mer.
Q. — How do you account for this apparent paradox, seeing that F.M.’s Ls. in this country are generally held in the evening?
A. — The S. being a fixed body, and the E. revolving round it on its own axis, and F.M. being universally spread over it, it naturally follows that the S. is always at its mer... with respect to F.M.
Q. — What is F.M.
A. — A system of mor..., veiled in alleg..., and illustrated by sym....
Q. — Name the grand principles on which the Order is f...d.
A. — B. L., R., and T.
Q. — Who are proper persons to be admitted?
A. — J. and U. M., F., F. A., and of G. R.
Q. — How do you know yourself to be a F.M.?
A. — By the reg. of my Ini., rpted. tr. and app., the perf. Pts. of my En. and a wlngns at all times to undergo xinatn. wh. pro. called on.
Q. — How do you make known to others you are a F.M?
A. — By s...s, t...s, and w...s.
SECOND DEGREE
OPENING
The Brn. being assembled as in First Degree none under F.C. being present.
W.M. — ♦♦ W.J.W., what is the constant care of every F.M. before performing any further rite or ceremony?
J.W. — To pr. th. L. clo. td.
W.M. — Direct that duty to be done.
J.W. — Br. I.G., you will pr. the L. is so.
I.G. — All is t. and secure.
J.W. — R.W.M., all is secure.
W.M. — W.S.W., what is the next care?
S.W. — To see that the Brn. appear to order as E.A.F.M.s
W.M. — To order, Br. in the F.D.
W.M. — Br. S.W., are you satisfied?
S.W. — R.W.M., I am satisfied.
W.M. — W.S.W....., shall we be of. or fr.?
S.W. — Fro.
W.M. — Fr. wht. and to wht.?
S.W. — Fr. a L. of E.A. to that of F.C.
W.M. — W.J.W., are you a F.C.F.M.?
J.W. — I am, R.W.M. Try me; prove me.
W.M. — By what inst. in arch. will you be proved?
J.W. — By the L.
W.M. — What is a L.?
J.W. — An ang. of 90 deg. or ¼ of a O.
W.M. — What does it teach?
J.W. — M....
W.M. — Being yourself acquainted with the proper mode, you will prove the Brn. to be C...n by s...s, and demonstrate that proof to me by following their example.
J.W. — Brn., it is the R.W.M’s command that you prove yourselves C...n by s...s done.
J.W. — R.W.M., the Brn. have proved themselves C...n, and in obed. to your com. I thus copy their example.
W.M. — And I ackn. the correctness thereof repeating them.
W.M. — Brn., our L. being thus duly formed, bef. I declare it op. Let us supplicate the Gd. G. of the U. that the rays of H. may shed their benign influence to enlighten us in the paths of v... and s....
So mote it be.
I.P.M. opens B., and raises P. of the C. above the S.
W.M. — In the name of the Gd. G. of the U., I declare this L. O. on the L for the instr. and imp. of F.C.F.M.s ♦ ♦♦
S.W. — ♦ ♦♦
J.W. ♦ ♦♦
I.G. ♦ ♦♦
T. — ♦ ♦♦
W.M. — B. seated, Brn.
Ppn...The Cand. is ppd. in the ad. rm. by having his lft. e. bfld., C. T. tw. rd. his n., RB., L.a., and R.K, Bd. L. H. s s., and being brought to the D., ♦♦♦ are given. I.G. reports, opens and asks: W. c. hr.? W. c. hr.?
D.C. — I. i. I.... I. i. I., with Br. ...... who, having been regularly init... into F.M. has made such progress as he hopes will recommend him to be passed to the D. of a F.C.FM., for which ceremony he comes properly prepared.
I.G. — How does he hope to obtain that g. priv.?
D.C. — By the help of G., the assistance of the S., and the benefit of the P.G. and W.
I.G. — Has he got them?
D.C. — No; but I have, and will pledge them in his behalf.
I.G. — Step aside and give them. Right! they are correct. Wait till I rept. to the R.W.M. Does so in form as in 1st Deg.
W.M. — The P.G. and P.W. r, Cor. U. wi. now go 2 the dr. of this just and war. L. of F.C.F.M., tell the C.... 2 ntr. in the na v. the Gd. G. o. t. U., and (giving him a L) place him at the N.W., app. this ins. 2 his nkd. R.B.... tell him 2 look on it in a sym. man... as teaching him 2 ac. upon the sqr to all men, but mo. espec, to F.M.s
The I.G. receives the C. as instructed.
W.M. — Br. ......., is it of your own free will that you seek further advancement in F.M.?
C. — It is.
W.M. — You will then k...l while the blessing of H. is invoked upon what we intend to do.
W.M. — ♦♦♦
PRAYER
"Oh, H... L..., thou Gd. G. of the U., mercifully hear the supplication of this our assembled convocation; and grant that the work begun in Thy name upon him who now k... before Thee, may ever continue to Thy glory, and that we may one and all be guided into the way of Everlasting Life."
So mote it be.
W.M. — Let the Br. rise and fear no evil. The Brn. will take note that Br. ....... is about to be led twice ro. the floor of the L., to show that he is pro. ppd.
W.M. — Be seated, Brn.
D.C. leads the C. twice round the L., the P. S. of an E. A. being given when passing the different chairs, the W.M. and the Ws. marking time as in the 1st D).
The C. is only stpd. by the S.W. and R.W.M, where the same colloquy takes place as at the dr.
W.M. — Br. ......., you have now been led tw. ro. the fl. of this j. and w. L. U. w. stpd. by the S.W. whose duty it is to gd. the sac. Por. of the W. From him you were passed to me, and as I see you are pro. ppd. and your con. has poss. of the pro. passes, I now command Br. D. of C. to reconduct you to the W.S.W., to be by him instructed how to approach the E. by the proper steps in this D.
He is presented to the S.W. similarly to the 1st Degree, after which the S.W. says:
The R.W.M.’s instructions shall be attended to. The mode of advancing in this D... is by 5 ..., as if ascending a .... You will therefore copy my example. You will now step off with your R.F., drawing the h. of the L. into its h.... Now another of the same. This is the 2nd stp. in F.M. R.W.M., the C. is in P.
W.M. — As the s...s of every d. are kept distinct from each other, I am now about to administer to you an Ob., similar in many respects to the one formerly taken by you, and, as I said before, in no way incompatible with your duty to G..., your country, your neighbour, or yourself. Have you any objection to take it?
C. — I have not.
W.M. — You will now k...l on your R.K., placing your L.L. in the form of a sq., place your R.H. above the B., S. and C., extend your L. A. also as a sq., &c. (♦♦♦
And repeat after me, using your, &c., (as in 1st D.).
OBLIGATION
I., A.B., in the presence of the Gd. G. of the U., and in the body of this warranted and worshipful L. of F.C.F.M.s regularly assembled and properly constituted, of my own free will and accord, do hereby and hereon solemnly 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 S... D... of F...y, usually denominated the F... C..., to him who is only an E.A., any more than I would any or either of them to the uninitiated of the outer world who are not F.M.s I further pledge myself to act as a true and faithful C...n, acknowledge s...s, obey summonses, and maintain the principles inculcated in the F... D.... To all these points I solemnly swear fidelity, without evasion, or any mental reservation whatsoever, under the penalty of having, &c. So help me the Gd. G.O.T.U., and keep me steadfast in this my S.O. of a F.C.F.M.
W.M. — Br. ......., as a pledge of inviolable fidelity you will seal this obligation on the V. of the S.L. K... the B... t....
W.M. — What in your present position? &c., as before. You will observe we have still the 3 l. and the 3 g. L., both bearing the same import as before; but your pro. is n. m. by the S. and C., the C. having 1 pt. disclosed, while as an E.A. both were covered. This implies that you are now in the midway of F.M., superior to the former degree, but inferior to that to which I hope you may yet attain. The mode by which your C. gained admittance, both for himself and you, was by means of a P.G. and W. The P.G. is this..., and the P.W. is..., signifying P., and is usually depicted by an E. of C. n. a. F. of W. or a running stream. These will require to be borne in mind, as without them you will be unable to gain admission to a F.C.L.... Rise n. ob. F.C.F.M.
SECRETS
W.M. — Having taken the solemn obligation of a F.C.F.M., I shall now proceed to intrust you with the s...s of this d. You will first, however, advance to me as an E.A.; now take another s... with your r... f..., bringing the h... of the l... into the hollow of the r. That is the second regulars... in Fy, and it is in that position the s...s of this D... are communicated. They consist of s...s, a g... or t..., and a w.... The s...s are of a threefold nature, and are called h..., fi..., and p...; the first being that by which Moses called the attention of the Israelites, on his return from M...t H...b with the restored Laws, the second in allusion to the manner he pressed them against his heart; and the third, you will readily perceive, alludes to the penalty to your O.B. The g... or t... is given thus .... This g... also demands a w..., with which you are to observe the same strict caution as with the wof the F.D. The D.C. will now instruct you how to proceed.
W.M. — Gives G. and asks What is this?
C. — Prompted by D.C. The g. or t. of a F.C.F.M.
W.M. — What does it demand?
C. — A w....
W.M. — Give me that w....
C. — In this degree, as in the former, I was taught to be c..., but with you as a B... I will l. or s. it.
W.M. — L. and b.
C. — No. you b.
W.M. — No, the w... is yours, you must b. This is done.
W.M. — This w... is derived from the r.h.p. at the p. or e. of K... S...’s T..., so named after..., a h. p. who assisted at its dedication. The import of the w... is.... Conjoined with the w... of the former degree, the import is..., for G. said: "In ... will I ... this My ... to stand firm forever." The ceremony in this degree is similar in many respects to that of the former. Your preparation being also similar, yet of an opposite kind, still reminding you of your duty as an E.A. All this difference you will require to bear in mind, as it will form a portion of your next examination.
The D.C. then takes the C. to the J.W. and prompts him.
D.C. — W.J.W., I present to you Br. ....... on his being passed to the 2nd D.
J.W. — I will thank Br. ....... to advance to me as a F.C.F.M., first as an E.A.F.M.
C. takes the S.
J.W. — Do you bring anything with you?
C. makes the S.
J.W. — What is that?
C. — The S. of a F.C.F.M.
J.W. — Do you bring anything else with you?
C. — Yes. Gives the P.G.
J.W. — What is this?
C. — The P.G. leading from the 1st to the 2nd D.
J.W. — Have you anything to communicate?
C. — I have. Gives the P.W.
J.W. — What is that?
C. — The P.W. leading from the 1st to the 2nd D.
J.W. — What does it denote?
C. — J.W.... How is it represented in our Lodges?
C. —...............
J.W. — Pass ...
The D.C. then takes the C. to the S.W., still prompting him.
D.C. — W.S.W., I present to you Br. ....... on his being passed to the 2nd D.
S.W. — I will thank Br. ...... to advance to me as F.C.F.M. first as E.A. C. takes the S.
S.W. — Do you bring anything with you?
C. — I do. C. makes H.S.
S.W. — What is that?
C. — The H. S., or S. of P.
S.W. — When did it take its rise?
C. — At the time, &c.
S.W. — Do you bring anything else?
C. — I do. C. makes the S. of F.
S.W. — What is that?
C. — The sign of F..., emblematically to shield the repository of my s...s from the attacks of the insidious.
S.W. — Do you bring anything else?
C. — I do. Gives the P.S.
S.W. — What is that?
C. — The P.S.
S.W. — To what does it allude?
C. — The P. of my O., wherein ...
S.W. — Have you anything to communicate?
C. — I have. The S.W. rises, and the C. gives the G.
S.W. — What is this?
C. — The G. or T. of a F.C.F.M.
S.W. — What does it demand?
C. — A w....
S.W. — Give me that w....
C. — I did not so receive it, neither can I so impart it.
S.W. — How will you dispose of it?
C. — I will l. it with you.
S.W. — Give me a l.
The W. is given, each giving a l. alternately.
S.W. — R.W.M., I present to you Br. ...... on his being passed to the 2nd D., for some further mark of your favour.
W.M. — W.S.W., I delegate to you the duty of investing our Br. with the distinguishing B. of a F.C.F.M.
S.W. — Br. ......., by com. of the R.W.M., I invest you with the distinguishing badge of a F.C.F.M., which points out to you that, as a F.C.F.M., you are expected to make the liberal arts and sciences your future study, that you may be the better enabled to discharge your duties as a F.M., and estimate the wonderful works of the A... C....
W.M. — Br. D.C., you will place our Br. in the S.E. part of the L.
SE Lecture
W.M. — Br. F.M. being a progressive science, when you were made an E.A. you were placed in the N.E. part of the L. to show that you were newly admitted. You are now placed in the S.E. part to mark the progress you have made in the science. As in the former D... you were made acquainted with the principles of moral truth and virtue, on which our system is based, you will now be permitted to extend your researches into the more hidden mysteries of the C....
WORKING TOOLS
The working tools of a F.C.F.M. are the S..., the L..., and the P... r.... The S... is to try and adjust all rectangular corners and to assist in bringing rude matter into due form. The L... is to lay levels and prove horizontals. And the P... r... is to try and adjust uprights while fixing them on their proper bases. But as we do not meet here as O..., but rather as F... and A..., or S... M..., we apply these tools to our M.... The S... teaches us to regulate our actions by M... line and rule, and so to correct and harmonize our conduct in this life as to render us acceptable to that D... B... from Whom all goodness emanates, and to Whom we must give an undisguised account of our lives and actions. The L... 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 necessary 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 a time will most assuredly come (and the best and wisest of us know not how soon), when all distinctions, save those of P- and V..., shall cease, and D..., the grand leveller of all human greatness, shall reduce us all to the same state. The infallible P... r..., which, like Jacob’s Ladder, forms a line of union between H... and E..., is an emblem of Moral Rectitude and Truth, and teaches us that to walk with Humility and Uprightness before G..., neither turning to the right hand nor to the left from the strict path of V... is a duty incumbent on every F.M. Not to be an enthusiast, persecutor, slanderer, or reviler of religion; not bending towards avarice, injustice, malice, or envy and contempt of our fellow creatures; but giving up every selfish propensity which may tend to injure others, and in every pursuit to have E... in view. Hence the S... teaches us M...; the L... E...; and the P... r... J... and U... of life and actions. Thus by square conduct, level steps, and upright actions, we hope to ascend to those I... M... where the J... will assuredly meet their reward and whence all goodness emanates.
CHARGE
It may be considered as unnecessary for me to recapitulate the duties which, as a F.M. you ought to discharge, or the necessity of a strict adherence to them. You must, ere this, be convinced of their value, and in your new character it is expected 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, so far as may be within your power, is earnestly recommended to your most serious consideration. As the solemnities of our Order require a serious deportment, you are to be particularly attentive to your behaviour at our regular assemblies. You are to preserve our ancient usages and customs sacred and inviolable, and induce others, by your example, also to hold them in due veneration. You are not to palliate or aggravate the offences of your brethren, but, in the decision of every trespass against our rules, you are to judge with candour, admonish with friendship, and reprove with mercy. As a Cn. in our private assemblies, you may offer your opinions and sentiments on such subjects as are regularly introduced into the lectures, under the superintendence of an experienced M., who will thereby guard our landmarks from encroachment. By this privilege you may improve your intellectual powers, qualify yourself to become a good and useful member of our Society, and, like a skilful B., strive to excel in what is good and great. F.M. may be considered under two denominations, operative and speculative. By the former we allude to a proper application of the useful rules of architecture, whence a structure derives figure, strength, and beauty, and whence result a due proportion and correspondence in all its parts. By the latter we learn to rule and direct the passions, act upon the square, maintain secrecy, and practice charity and every other virtue that can adorn a man. Three classes are established in craft or symbolic F.M., which embraces the M... and I... M...’s degrees. The G... L... of S... recognises none other as St. J...’s M.... The privileges of each class are distinct; and peculiar means are adopted to preserve those privileges to the just and meritorious. All regular signs and summonses, given and received, you are duly to honour and punctually to obey, inasmuch as they consist with our professed principles. You are to encourage industry, and reward merit; supply the wants, and relieve the necessities of Brn. and F... 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 view their interest as inseparable from your own. Such is the nature of your engagements as a C...n; and those duties you are bound by the most sacred ties to observe.
TRACING BOARD
At the building of K... S... T..., a vast number of artificers were employed, consisting of E... A... and F... C.... The E... A... received their wages in corn, wine, and oil. The F... C... were paid in specie, and went to receive their wages in the M.C. of K.S.T. They arrived there by way of a P... at the entrance of which stood t... g... p.... That was called ..., which denotes in .... That ... was called ..., which denotes to ... the t..., conjoined signify ..., for G... said of K... S..., "He shall build Me an House, and I will establish his throne for ever." Every F.M...’s L... has, or ought to have, two columns, one on each side of the M... ’s chair. These are intended to represent the pillars at the entrance of the T.... They were in height seventeen cubits and a half, in circumference twelve, and in diameter four. They were formed hollow, that they might serve as receptacles for the A... of F... M y. Their outer rim or shell was four inches, or one hand, in thickness, and made of molten or cast brass. They were cast in the P... of J..., in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredathah, where K... S... ordered these and all his holy vessels to be cast. The superintendent of the casting of them was H...., the son of a widow of Nephthali. They were adorned with two Chapiters, each five cubits high, and encircled with network, lilywork, and two rows of pomegranates ... one hundred in each row. Network, from the connection of its Meshes, denotes Unity; Lilywork, from its whiteness. Peace; and Pomegranates, from the exuberance of their seed, denote Plenty. They were further adorned with two Spherical Balls, on which were delineated maps of the Celestial and Terrestrial Globes, which denote the universality of FM...y, and were considered finished when the network or canopy was thrown over them. They were placed at the entrance of the T..., as a memorial to the Children of Israel of the happy deliverance of their forefathers from their Egyptian bondage, and in commemoration of the pillar of fire and cloud, which had two wonderful effects, namely, of being a light to the Israelites, and a cloud of darkness to their enemies. K... S... ordered them to be placed at the entrance of the T... as the most proper and conspicuous part of the building, that the Children of Israel might have that happy event continually before their eyes in going to and returning from divine worship. After passing these two great pillars, they arrived at the foot of a winding staircase, when their ascent was opposed by the ancient J.W., who demanded of our Brn. the p... w... of a F... C.... This is ..., and is depicted in a F... CL... by, etc. 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 honour of the Ammonitish war, but their true aim was to partake of rich spoils with which, in consequence of that war, Jephtha and his army were then laden. The Ephraimites had always been 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 to render his victory decisive and to secure himself from 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 to regain their own country, giving strict orders to his guard that if a fugitive came that way, owning himself an Ephraimite, he should immediately be slain; but if he prevaricated, or said nay, a test w... was to be put to him, to pronounce the w... .... They, from a defect in aspiration, peculiar to their dialect, could not pronounce it properly, but called it ............ 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 w... to distinguish friend from foe, K.S. afterwards caused it to be adopted as p... w... in a F.C.L., to prevent any unqualified person ascending the winding staircase which led to the middle chamber of the T.... Our ancient Brn. then communicated the ..., etc., to the J.W., who, on receiving these convincing proofs, said, "Pass,...." They then passed up the winding staircase, consisting of three flights of steps, the first numbering three, the second five, and the third seven. Three rule a L; Five hold a L...; and Seven or more make it perfect. The three that rule a L... are the R.W.M. and his two W...s. The five that hold a L... are R.W.M., two W...s. and two F... C.... The seven that make it perfect are two E... A...or other F.M.s added to the former number. Three rule a L..., because there were but three G... M...s who bore sway at the building of the first T... at J..., viz., S.K. of I., H.K. of T., and H.A. Five hold a L..., in allusion to the five noble Orders of Architecture, viz., the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite. Seven or more make a perfect L..., because K... S... was seven years and upward in building, completing, and dedicating the T... at J... to G...s service; they have likewise a further allusion to the seven liberal arts and sciences...viz., G., R., L., A., G., M., and A. When our ancient Brn. had gained the summit of the staircase, they arrived at the door of the m... c... which they found properly t... by the ancient S... W... who demanded of them the ..., etc., of a F... C.... After they had given convincing proofs that they were F... C..., he said, "Pass." They then passed into the m... c... to receive their wages, which they did without scruple or diffidence. Without scruple, knowing that they were entitled to receive them; and without diffidence, from the strict reliance they placed in the integrity of their employers in those days. When they were in the m... c... their attention was particularly arrested by certain Hebrew characters, which are now depicted in a F... C... L... by the letter G. Gives k... , which refers to T. Gd. G.O. T.U., to whom we must all submit and whom we ought most cheerfully and gratefully to adore.
LECTURE
F.M. is divided into different classes for the more regular advancement in the knowledge of its mysteries. It includes every branch of polite learning under that veil; and though many of its illustrations may appear unimportant to the man of limited understanding, the man of more enlarged faculties will consider them in the highest degree useful and interesting. It is well suited alike to please the accomplished scholar and the ingenious artist; and in the investigations of its latent doctrines the philosopher and the mathematician may experience equal satisfaction and delight. The first degree is intended to enforce the duties of morality, and imprint on the memory the noblest principles that can advance the human mind. The second degree extends the plan, and comprehends a more diffusive system of knowledge; it is devoted to the study and illustration of human science, and to trace the greatness and majesty of the C... by minutely analyzing His works; and he whose varied talents shall enable him to overcome the impediments opposed to his advancement shall be eminently entitled to the distinction of a master of science and a perfect moralist. Geometry, then, or science ... for these two words were originally synonymous ... is the basis on which the superstructure of F.M. is erected. By geometry we curiously trace nature through her various windings to her concealed recesses. By it we discover the power, the wisdom, and the goodness of the Artificer of the Universe, and view with delight the proportions which connect the vast machine. By it we discover how the planets move in their different orbits, and demonstrate their various revolutions. By it we account for the return of the seasons, and the variety of the scenes which each season displays to the discerning eye. Numberless worlds are around, all framed by the same Divine Artist, which roll through the divine expanse, and are all conducted by the same unerring law. By Geometry we are taught everything relating to the animate and inanimate creation; and thus, in its more comprehensive signification, it includes all the liberal arts and sciences.... Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric, Arithmetic, Music, and Astronomy are thus the subjects of study of the true geometrician. Such are the researches and such are the delights we are encouraged to pursue; and thus are we taught to look "from nature, up to nature’s G...." In short, Geometry is the foundation of Architecture, the root of Mathematics, and the basis on which the superstructure of F.M. is erected. A survey of nature, and the variety of her beautiful proportions, first determined man to imitate the Divine plan, and to study symmetry and order. This gave rise to societies, and birth to every useful art. During many ages our Order has existed, and in most civilized countries has been found to flourish. In the dark ages of antiquity, when literature was in a low state, and the rude manners of our forefathers withheld from them that knowledge we so amply enjoy, F.M. diffused its influence. Cheered by its benign light, the Arts arose, civilization increased, and the gloom of ignorance and barbarism was dispelled with the progress of knowledge and philosophy. Governments were settled, authority was given to laws, and the assemblies of the fraternity acquired the patronage of the great and the good, while the tenets of the profession diffused universal philanthrophy. The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance, and the devastations of war, have laid waste and destroyed many valuable monuments of antiquity, on which the utmost exertions of human genius have been employed. Even the T... of S..., so spacious and magnificent, and constructed by so many celebrated artists, escaped not the unsparing ravages of barbarian forces. F.M., notwithstanding, has still survived. The attentive ear receives the sound from the instructive tongue, and the sacred mysteries are safely lodged in the repository of faithful breasts. Thus the excellent tenets of the Institution are transmitted unimpaired, under circumstances precarious, and even adverse, through a succession of ages.
CLOSING
W.M. — ♦...W.J.W., what is the last as well as the first and constant care of every F.C.F.M. before performing any rite or ceremony?
J.W. — To prove the L... cl. t....
W.M. — W.J.W., direct that duty to be done.
J.W. — Br. I.G., prove the L... cl. t....
I.G. gives ♦
T.... gives ♦
I.G. — Taking st. and giving F.C. s... Br. J.W., the L. is cl. t....
J.W. — Giving F.C. s... R.W.M., the L... is cl. t... and all secure.
W.M. — W.S.W., our next care?
S.W. — To see the Brn. stand to order as C...n.
W.M. —Giving ♦♦♦ To order, Brn., in the 2nd D.
All stand to order.
W.M. — W.J.W., in this situation, what have you discovered?
J.W. — The s... S....
W.M. — W.S.W., where is it situated?
S.W. — In the centre of the building.
W.M. — W.J.W, to whom does it allude?
J.W. — To G..., the G... G... of the U....
W.M. — Then let us remember that wherever we are, or whatever we do, He is always with us and His all...seeing eye beholds us; and while we continue to act according to the principles of the C..., let us not fail to discharge our duty to Him with fervency and zeal.
Brn. — So mote it be.
W.M. — W.S.W., the labours of this D... being ended, you have my command to close the L....
S.W. — Brn., in the name of the Gd. G.O.T.U., and by command of the R.W.M., I close this F.C.L., and this I do by virtue of ♦ ♦♦
J.W. — Happy have we met, happy may we part, and happy meet again. ♦ ♦♦
I.G. — ♦ ♦♦
T. — ♦ ♦♦
W.M. — And closed it is accordingly, being reduced to a. L. of E.A. and this shall be your sign ♦♦♦
K...s repeated).
I.P.M. places b.p. of the c. beneath the S. The Brn. take their seats, and the E.As. are admitted.
SHORT METHOD OF REDUCING
W.M. — W.J.W., will you be off or from?
J.W. — Off, R.W.M.
W.M. — Off what?
J.W. — Off the D. of F.C. to that of E.A.
W.M. — Brn., by virtue of the power vested in me as M., I hereby declare this L... reduced from the D. of F.C. to that of E.A., and this I do by virtue of ♦ ♦♦
S.W. — ♦ ♦♦
J.W. — ♦ ♦♦
I.G. — ♦ ♦♦
T. — ♦ ♦♦
W.M. — And this shall be your S... ♦♦♦
SECOND DEGREE PROFICIENCY
Q. — How were you prepared to be made a F.C. F.M.?
A. — In a manner somewhat similar to the former D..., but with this difference: one ... only was B.F., the C.T. was only ... round my N., my R.B., L.A., and R.K. bared, and my L.H.S.S.
Q. — How were you received?
A. — On the S.
Q. — What is a S.?
A. — An angle of 90 d. or the 4th part of a circle.
Q. — What does it teach?
A. — M....
Q. — As it is the hope of reward that sweetens labour, where did our ancient brethren go to receive their wages?
A. — Into the M.C. of K.S.T.
Q. — How did they receive them?
A. — Without scruple, knowing they had justly earned them; and without diffidence, from the implicit confidence they had in their employers in those days.
Q. — What are the names of the two great pillars at the porch-way or entrance to K.S.T.?
A. — The one on the left is called..., that on the right ....
Q. — Can you describe those P...s?
A. — I can. That on the L. was..., and signified ..., derived from ...; that on the R. was ..., and signified ..., derived from ...; conjointly they mean .... For the L... said, in strength will I establish this mine house, to stand firm for ever.
THIRD DEGREE
The L... being already open in the 2nd D., the R.W.M. requests all below the rank of a M.M. to retire; he then gives ♦♦ S.W. and J.W. rise.
W.M. — W.J.W., what is the constant care of every F.M. before performing any further rite or ceremony?
J.W. — To prove the L... c... t....
W.M. — to J.W. Direct that duty to be done.
J.W. — Bro. I.G., you will prove the L... is so.
I.G. —♦
T. —♦
I.G. — gives F.C. s... W.J.W., the L. is t... and all secure.
J.W. — gives s... R.W.M., all is secure.
W.M. — W.S.W., what is our next care?
S.W. — To see the Brn. stand to order as F.C.F.M.s.
W.M. — ♦♦♦ To order, Brn., as F.C.F.M.s.
W.M. — W.S.W., are you satisfied that all present are M.M.s?
S.W. — R.W.M., I am satisfied.
W.M. — W.S.W., shall it be off or from?
S.W. — From, R.W.M.
W.M. — From what, to what?
S.W. — From a L. of F.C.F.M.s to a L. of M.M.s.
W.M. — W.J.W. are you a M.M.?
J.W. — I am, R.W.M., try me and prove me.
W.M. — How will you be proved?
J.W. — By the S. and C.
W.M. — Being satisfied that you are acquainted with the proper mode yourself, you will call upon the Brn. to prove themselves M.M.s by S...s, and thereafter demonstrate that proof to me by following their example.
J.W. — Brn., it is the R.W.M.’s command that you prove yourselves M.M.s by S...s. The Brethren do so.
J.W. — R.W.M., the Brn. have proved themselves M.M.s, and, in obed. to your comms., I thus copy their example.
W.M. — And I ackn. the correctness thereof.
Reptg. them.
W.M. — W.J.W., whence come you?
J.W. — From the E.
W.M. — W.S.W., whither directing your course?
S.W. — Towards the W.
W.M. — W.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 endeavours, we hope to find.
W.M. — W.S.W., what is that which was lost?
S.W. — The g... s...s of a M.M.
W.M. — W.J.W., how came they to be lost?
J.W. — Through the untimely death of our master, H.A.
W.M. — W.S.W., where do you hope to find them?
S.W. — On the C.
W.M. — W.J.W., what is a C.?
J.W. — A point within a c ... from which every part of the c... is equidistant.
W.M. — W.S.W., why on the C.?
S.W. — That being a p. from which a M.M. cannot err.
W.M. — Then, Brn, we will assist you to repair that loss, and may H... aid our united efforts.
W.M. — Brn., So mote it be.
W.M. — In the name of the M.H., I declare this L. duly open on the C. for the purposes of F.M. in the Third D. ♦♦ ♦
S.W. — ♦♦ ♦
J.W. — ♦♦ ♦
I.G. — ♦♦ ♦
T. — ♦♦ ♦
P.M. opens V. of S.L., and displays both p. of C. above S.
All then give the G. or R.S. and exclaim: "All Glory to the M... H... !"
RECEPTION OF THE CANDIDATE
When the Candidate has been properly prepared the T. gives ♦♦♦
I.G. — W.J.W., there is an alarm.
J.W. — R.W.M., there is an alarm.
W.M. — Br. J.W., enquire who seeks admission.
J.W. — Br. I.G., see who seeks admission.
I.G. — opening door Whom have you there?
D.C. — It is I, with Br. ......., who has been regularly init. into F.M., passed to the D. of a F.C.F.M., and has made such progress as he hopes will entitle him to be raised to the sublime D. of M.M., for which ceremony he comes properly prepared.
I.G. — How does he hope to obtain that privilege?
D.C. — By the help of G..., the benefit of the S. and C. and the assistance of the P.G. and W.
I.G. — Has he the P.G. and W.?
D.C. — No, but I have, and will pledge them for him.
I.G. — to D.C. Step aside and give me them. D.C. does so.
I.G. — The P.G. and W. are correct. Wait while I report to the R.W.M.
I.G. closes the door, advances to the E., gives ♦♦ ♦ with the r. f. and addresses the R.W.M.
I.G. — R.W.M., Br. ......., who has been, &c.
Same report as at door.
W.M. — We acknowledge the powerful aid by which he seeks admission; do you Br. I.G., vouch that he is in possession of the P.G. and W.?
I.G. — He is not, but the Cond. is, and pledges the same for him.
W.M. — Step aside and give them to me. I.G. whispers to the W.M The P.G. and W. are correct. You will now go to the door of this duly constituted L. of M.M.s, ask the C. if it is of his own F.W. that he seeks further ad.; tell him to enter in the N. of the M.H.: place him as before; apply ... ...; tell him to look on it in a symbolic manner, as teaching him to keep his passions and propensities at all times within due bounds, and that as the most vital parts of man are situated between the B. so are the most valuable tenets of F.M. contained between the P. of the C.
I.G. — Placing C. in the N.W. Br. ......., in the N. of the M.H. enter this L. of M.M.s on the Ps. of the C. pressing your N.R. and L.B. Look upon it in a symbolic manner as teaching you to keep your passions and propensities within due bounds; and that as the most vital parts of man are situated between the B. so are the most valuable tenets of F.M. contained between the P. of the C.
D.C. places C. in the W.
W.M. —to C. Br. ......., is it of your own free will and accord that you now seek further ad. in F.M.
C. — It is.
W.M. — Then you will k... while the bl. of H. is invoked.
PRAYER
W.M. —♦♦♦
W.M. — A... and E... G... M... H..., the G...t A... and R... of the U..., at whose creative fiat all things first were made, we, the frail creatures of Thy Providence, humbly implore Thee to pour down upon this present convocation assembled in Thy Holy Name, the continual dew of Thy blessing, and more especially we beseech Thee to impart Thy grace to this Thy servant, who now offers himself as a C. for the S... D... of F.M. Endue him, we beseech Thee, with such fortitude that in the hour of trial he fail not, but pass him safely under Thy Divine protection through the v... of the S... of D..., that he may finally arise from the tomb of transgression to shine as the stars of the firmament for ever and ever.
Brn. — So mote it be.
W.M. — Let the C. arise, follow his conductor, and fear no evil. The Brn. will take notice that Br. ....... is about to pass once in review, to show that he is a C. properly prepared to be raised to the S.D.
W.M. — Be seated Brn.
This is done, Candidate giving S. and S. of F.C. when passing the different chairs. C. is then stopped by the W.M., where the same q. as at D. takes place.
W.M. — Br. D.C., seeing that the C. is properly prepared, you have my command to reconduct him to the W.S.W., to be taught how to approach the altar in this D.
This is done.
S.W. — to C. Br. ......., the proper mode of advancing to the E. in this D. is by - to W.M. W.M. the C. is in position.
W.M. — As the s...s of each D. are kept distinct I have to administer to you another Ob. similar in many respects to those you have already taken; but, as in the previous D. there is nothing in the Ob. incompatible with your duty to G..., your country, your neighbour, or yourself. Have you any objection to take it?
C. — I have none.
W.M. — Then you will now K. on B. K., give me B. your hs. which I place ............... Gives ♦♦♦
Repeat after me, using, &c.
OBLIGATION
I, A.B., in the presence of the M... H..., and this worthy and worshipful L. of M Ms., regularly assembled and properly constituted, of my own free will and accord, do hereby and hereon, solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will always h...e, c...l, and never r...l, any or either of the s...s or m...s of, or belonging to, the T... D... to any one in the world, except it be to him or them to whom the same may justly and lawfully belong: and not unto him or them until after due trial, strict examination, or a full conviction that he or they are worthy of that confidence, or in the body of a M.M.’s L. duly opened on the C. I further solemnly engage myself to adhere to the principles of the S. and C., answer and obey all lawful s. and s. sent to me from a M.M.’s L. if within the length of my c.t., and to plead no excuse thereto but that of sickness, or the pressing emergency of my own public or private avocations. I further solemnly pledge myself to maintain and uphold the f.p. of F. in act as well as in word; that my h... given to a M.M. shall be a sure pledge of b...d; that my f... shall traverse 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 distress, as far as I can do so without injury to myself or family; that my b... shall be the sacred repository of his s...s when entrusted to my care... m..., t...n, f...y, and all other offences contrary to the laws of Gand 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; that I will not injure him myself, nor 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 most strictly respect the chastity of those nearest and dearest to him, in the persons of his m..., his w..., his s..., and his c. These several points I solemnly swear to observe, without evasion, equivocation, or any mental reservation whatsoever, under the penalty of having, &c.
W.M. — As a pledge of fidelity. I will thank you to s... it three times on the V. of the S.L.
W.M. — What do you now ...
Br. — ....... ...
W.M. — Brn., let the C. have that B. restored to him done. Let me once more direct your attention to the position of the S... and C.... When you were made an E.A. b. p. were hid; in the S... D... one was disclosed; in this both are exhibited, implying that you are flow at liberty to work with both these points to render the circle of your M... duties complete. I will now proceed to relieve you from your present position by the P.G. and W., through which your C. gained you admission to this L. of M.M.s It is given .... Rise, newly ob. M.M.
W.M. — Be seated, Brn.
W.M. — Having taken the great and solemn obligation of a MM., you have now a right to demand of me that last and greatest trial by which alone you can be admitted to a participation in the s...s of the T... D...; but it is first my duty to call your attention to a retrospect of those D...s through which you have already passed, by which you will be the better enabled to distinguish and appreciate the connection of our whole system, and the relative dependency of its several parts. Your admission among F.M.s 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 b... and c..., to seek the solace of your own distress by extending relief and consolation to your fellow creatures in the hour of their affliction; but, above all, it taught you to bend with humility and resignation to the will of the G. A. of the U., to dedicate your heart thus purified from every baneful and malignant passion, fitted only for the reception of truth and wisdom, as well to His Glory as to the welfare of your fellow creatures. Proceeding onwards, and still guiding your steps by the principles of moral truth, you were led in the S... D... to contemplate the intellectual faculties, and trace them from their development through the paths of heavenly science, ever to the throne of G... himself. 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 moral state, she finally instructs you how to d...; such, my Br., are the peculiar objects of the s... d... of a M... M.... They invite you to reflect on this awful subject, and teach you to feel that, to the just and virtuous man, d... has no terror equal to the stain of falsehood and dishonour. Of this grand truth, the annals of F.M afford a glorious example in the unshaken fidelity and consequent death of our master, H... A..., who was slain just before the completion of K... S... T..., at the construction of which he was the principal a....... During the course of the ceremony, you will learn more particularly the manner of his d....
They retire, making the F.C.S.
Prepare room, ... L... l..., ..., etc. When everything is ready, and the C. B. enters.
The g...g s... k... s...12.
D.C. — It was the custom of our G.M., at the hour of m...n, to retire to the T... to pay a...n to the M.H. On one occasion after having completed his d...s, he attempted to leave the T... by the S.G., where he was met by a r...n named J...la.
J.W. — Ah! M.H., long have I waited for this opportunity; give me the S... of a M.M.
D.C. — Those S... are known to but t...e in the w...d, and without the consent and cooperation of the other t..., I can not give them. I will suffer d...th rather than do so.
J.W. — Again, I d...d the s...s of a M.M.
D.C. — Have p...e, and when the T... is completed and you are found w...y, they may then be given to you. I alone can not.
J.W. — T...k not to me of p...e and completion of the T..., but give me those s...s now or I will take your I....
D.C. — I will not do so.
J.W. — Then d....
D.C. — Our G.M., finding his e...t thus opposed at the S.G., made his way to the W.G., where he was met by a s...d r...n named J...o.
S.W. — Ah! M.H., I have got you at last, have I? Give me the s...s of a M.M.
D.C. — Those s...s are known to but t...ee in the w...d, and without the consent and cooperation of the other t... I can not give them. I will suffer d... rather than do so.
S.W. — Again I d...d the s...s of a M.M.
D.C. — Have p...e, and when the T... is completed and you are found w...y they may then be given to you.
S.W. — Talk not to me of p...e and the completion of the T..., but give me those s...s now, or I will take your l....
D.C. — I will not do so.
S.W. — Then d....
D.C. — Our G.M. finding it impossible to leave the T... at either the S. or W.G. now f ...t and b...g, made his way to the E.G. where he was r...y a...d by a t...d r...n named J...m.
W.M. — Ha! Ha! M.H., I have got you at last. The o...s you have e...d, but from me you can not e...e. Give me the s...s of a MM.
D.C. — Those s...s are known to but t...ee in the w...d, and without the consent and cooperation of the other t... I can not give them, and will suffer d...th rather than do so.
W.M. — Again I demand the s...s of a M.M.
D.C. — Have p...e, and when the T... is completed and you are found w...y they may then be given to you.
W.M. — Don’t talk to me of p...e and the completion of the T.... For the t...d time I demand of you the s...s of a M.M. or I will kill you.
D.C. — My life you may have, but those secrets never.
W.M. — Then d....
R. — What shall we do? We have slain our G.M.
R. — Let us carry the body out at the E.G. and bury it in the r...h and then c...l ourselves till l...w t...e.
R. — A...g, A...g, A...g.
Gong St. xii.
R. — L...w t...e.
R. — We do not appear to have been d...d nor has the body been d...d; let us carry it a course w... and bury it at the foot of Mt. M...h where a g...e has been prepared for it. We must then e...r to r...h J...a by the coast and then escape by sea to Ethiopia.
R. — A...d, A...d, A...d.
A Pause.
W.M. — W.S.W., why is the work stpd., and the C...n idle?
S.W. — Our M., H.A., has not resumed labour, and for want of the necessary plans and drawings the men are idle.
W.M. — Do you know of any reason for this?
S.W. — R.W.M., I have learned that there has been a conspiracy among f...n of the o...s of the F... C..., who finding that the T... was nearly completed without their being made acquainted with the s...s of the M...s D..., had determined to obtain them by any means, even if they should have recourse to violence. On the eve of carrying their vile conspiracy into effect t...e of the f...n recanted; but t...ee of a more determined and atrocious character than the rest, whose names were ..., ..., and ..., and who still persisted in their impious design, placed themselves respectively at the S., W., and E., entrances of the T... where our M..., H.A., had retired to pay his adoration to the M... H..., as was customary with him at the hour of meridian. Having finished his devotions, our G.M. was returning by the S. G..., but found his exit was opposed by the fi...t of the t...ee r...ns, who having armed himself with a p...b r...e for want of another weapon, demanded, in a threatening manner, the s...s of a M.M.; but H. A., true to his O.B. told him that those s...s were known to but t...ee in the world, and could only be made known by consent of all; and that by diligence and patience the worthy m... would in due time certainly participate in them, but rather than he would betray the sacred trust, he would suffer d.... On which the r...n ... 4 head; but glancing ... R.T 2 l. K. Our M... then made for the W.G., where he was accosted by the s...d r...n in a similar manner; but answered, as before, with undiminished firmness. The assassin, armed with a l...l, aimed ... f.h.; but glancing ... L.T ... 2 r. K. Our M., finding his escape cut off in both these quarters, staggered F. and B. to the E.G., where the t...d r...n was posted, who, on receiving a similar reply to his insolent demand (for our G.M. still remained unshaken at this trying moment), struck him a violent blow with a s...g m...l full in the f.h.; when our G.M. sank lifeless at his feet.
W.M. — This is sad news indeed. Br. S.W., you will select fi...n trustworthy F.Cs., and form them into L...s of f...e each to make search for our G. M..., H. A., if he be yet alive; and let one of them proceed towards J...a, as in all probability the r...ns will attempt to escape by the seaboard.
March.
First Report
W.M. — ♦ What news?
S.W. — We are sorry to report we have been unable to gain any information.
W.M. — Step aside and await the return of the s...d L.
Second Report.
RW.M. — ♦ What news?
S.W. — After suffering many privations and personal fatigues, one of the B...n, in raising himself from a reclining posture, caught hold of a sp...g. which, to his surprise, came easily out of the ground. On a closer examination, he perceived that the earth had been recently disturbed. He therefore hailed his Brn., and with their assistance reopened the ground and found the b... of our G... M... H., very indecently interred. They covered it again, with all respect and reverence, and to distinguish the spot stuck a sp...g of a...a at the head of the g..., and have now come to report the afflicting intelligence.
W.M. — Step aside and await the return of the t...d L....
Third Report.
W.M. — ♦ Br. S.W., what further news?
S.W. — As directed, the Brn. forming the third L... pursued their search towards J...a, and while meditating their return to J...m, accidentally passing the m... of a c...n, they heard s... of l... to the following effect;
"Oh, that my," &c.
Another..." Oh, that my," &c.
The third..." Oh, that," &c.
Upon hearing this, they rushed into the c...n, and found t...ee persons answering to the descriptions of those missing and who, on being c... with the m... and seeing all chances of escape cut off, made a full confession of their guilt. They bound and brought them here, that they may answer for their crimes.
W.M. — Let them suffer the penalties they have severally invoked ..........
W.M. — The Brn. will take notice, that in the recent ceremony, as well as in the present situation, our Br. has been made to represent one of the brightest characters recorded in the annals of F.M, namely, our M..., 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 the minds of each one present and enable us to emulate so worthy an example should any one attempt to extort the s...s from either of us unlawfully.
W.M. — Br. S.W., let us form a procession, and proceed to the spot indicated by the Brn. of the S...d L., and there raise the body of our G. M. H. to such a s...e as his merit and worth demand; and I have strictly to request every Br. to pay due heed to any c... s..., t..., or w... that may take place at this s... cer., as, by the untimely d... of H.A., the g... s...s of a M.M. are lost until time and circumstances restore the same. Arise and pass.
The Brn. then m. in s... around the g... while the organ plays the Dead March in Saul. or, if there be no organ, a solemn dirge may be sung while marching. All the Brn. make the g... h... s... of d... t...ee times by t...ee, the R.W.M. repeating:
A...! a...! a...! A new made g..., a s...g of a..., the r... of b... and the s... and c.... A...! a...! a...! our Br. is s.... A...! a...! a...! was there no h... for the W.’s S.?
W.M. — Br. J.W., you will t... and r... the... by the E.A.G.
J.W. — R.W.M., it proves a ....
W.M. — Br. S.W., try the F.C.G.
S.W. — R.W.M., it also proves a ....
W.M. — Br. W...s, having both failed in your attempts, there yet remains a peculiar method, which is to take our Br. by the lion’s g... or the strong g... of a M.M., and r... him on the f... p... of f, which, with your assistance, I will endeavour to do.
W.M. — to C. It is thus, my Br., that all M.M.s are r... from a f... d... to a reunion with the companions of their former toils.
W.M. — Let me now beg of you to observe that the light of a M.M. is but d... v..., serving only to discover that g... which rests on the prospect of f.... It is that mysterious v... 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 b... of the g..., into which you have just figuratively d..., and when this transitory life shall have passed away, will again receive you into its cold bosom. Let the e...s of m...ty which lie before you lead you to contemplate your ienvitable destiny and guide your reflections into that most interesting of all human studies, the knowledge of yourself. Be careful to perform your allotted task while it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work; continue to listen to the voice of nature, which bears witness that even in this perishable frame resides a vital and an immortal principle, which inspires a holy confidence that the L... of Life will enable us to trample the king of terrors beneath our feet, and lift our eyes to that bright M...g S...r, whose rising brings peace and contentment to the faithful and obedient of the human race.
W.M. — to C.) You may now retire to r... yourself to your p... c..., and on your return to the L. you will receive further instruction.
The C. here retires, and the L. is then called off and the room restored to the usual appearance of a M.M.L.
On resuming L...r, the C. is conducted to the E.
W.M. — I will now proceed to entrust you with the s...s of this D. You will therefore advance to me, first as an E.A. C. take the s. and give the s. Then as a F.C. C. does so. You will now take another s... p..., towards me with your l. f., bringing the h...s together, your f...t forming a s.... That is the 3rd r... s... in F.M, and it is in that position that the s...s of this D. are communicated. They consists of s...s, a g... or t..., and a w.... Of the s...s, the first or h...g s...n, is given thus ... and refers to the p...n of y... h...s during the O.B., at which time, as you remember, both h...s were placed above the V.S.L. the S. and C. It may also be considered as a c...l s...n of h...r. This sign took its rise at the time when our Brn. viewed the indecently interred remains of our G.M., H.A., when they placed their hands in this position as though shielding their eyes from a horrid sight. The p...l s...n is given thus ..., and refers to the p...y of your O.B. wherein you swore as a man of honour and a F.M. that rather than improperly disclose the s...s of a M.M. you would. The s...n of g... and d... is given thus; it has reference to the actions and exclamation of the Brn., when the r...s of our M., H.A., were about to be removed for proper interment. The g... or t... is the first of the 5 p. of f., and are given thus. The 5 p. of f. are: H. to H., F. to F., K. to K., B. to B., and H. over B., and may be thus briefly explained; H. to H., I g. u as a B.; F. to F., I will support u in all y...r l. und.; K. to K., the p...e of my d s. shall rem, me of your wants; B. to B., yr l. s., wh. entr. to me as such I will preserve as my own; and H. over B., I will support your ch. in your absence as well as in your pres. It is in this p...n, and in this only, and then only in a w...r (exc. in open L.) that the W. is given; it is ..., signifying ....
W.M. — to D.C. Br. ......., you will now conduct our Br. to the W.S.W., with my command that he invest him with the D.B. of a M.M.
S.W. — to C. Br. ......., by command of the R.W.M., I now invest you with the distinguishing badge of a M.M., to show that you have arrived at that S.D. and which 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 observe; and while it marks your own superiority, it also calls on you to afford assistance and instruction to your b...n in the i... Ds.
WORKING TOOLS
W.M. — I now present you with the w... t... of a M.M. They are the s..., p..., and, c.... The s... is an implement which acts on a c... p..., from whence a line is drawn, chalked and struck, to mark out the ground for the foundation of the intended structure. With the p..., the artist delineates the building in a draft or plan, for the guidance and instruction of the workman; while the c... enables him to determine with accuracy the limit and proportion of each several part. But as s...e, or F... and A... Ms., the s... points out to us the straight line of conduct laid down for our pursuit in the volume of the S... L. The p... teaches us that our words and actions are observed and recorded by the A... A..., to whom we must give an account of all our actions through life; and the c... reminds us of His unerring and impartial justice, who, having defined for our instruction the limits of good and evil, will reward or punish us according as we have obeyed or disregarded His divine commands. Thus, the W.T. of a M.M. teach us ever to bear in mind, and act according to the laws of our D... C...; so that, when summoned from this sublunary abode, we may hereafter ascend to that G... L... above, where the world’s G... A... lives and reigns for ever.
CHARGE
Br.... Your zeal for the institution of F.M, the progress 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 M.M., you are henceforth authorised to correct the errors and irregularities of Brn. and F. and guard them against a breach of f.... 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. Universal benevolence you are to inculcate, and, by the regularity of your own behaviour, afford the best example for the conduct of others. The a... l...s of the O..., which are here entrusted to your care, you are to preserve s... and in..., and never suffer any infringement of our rights or a deviation from established usage and custom. D..., h..., and g... 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.
TRACING BOARD
Our G.M. was ordered to be re...interred, as near the S... S... as the Israelitish laws would permit; in a g... from the c... t...ee feet E., t...ee feet W., t...ee feet between N. and S., and six or more perpendicular. He was not b... in the S... S... because nothing common or unclean was suffered to enter there, except the H... P..., and he only once a year, when, after many washings and purifications, he entered on the great day of atonement, to make expiation for the sins of the people; for, by the Israelitish law, all flesh was deemed unclean. The f...n trusty F. Cs who had assisted in finding the, etc., and in bringing the, etc., were ordered to attend, clothed in white aprons as emblems of their innocence. The O...ts of a M... M...’s L... are the P...h, the D...r, and the S...e P...t. The P...h was the entrance to the S... S...; the D...r, the Window that gave light to the same; and the S... P...t for the H... P... to walk on. The H... P...’s office was to burn incense to the honour and glory of the M... H..., and to pray fervently that the A... through His unbounded wisdom and goodness, would be pleased to bestow peace and tranquility upon the Israelitish nation through the ensuing year. The W... T... with which our G.M. was slain (as you have already been informed), were the p..., the l..., and the h... m.... The S. and C.B. are emblems of mortality, and allude to the untimely d... of our M., H.A., which happened t...ee t.........d y...s after the creation of the world.
EXTENDED SECRETS
In the course of this ceremony you have been informed of t... s...; the whole are f..., corresponding in number with the f... p... of f.......... They are the s... of h..., the s... of s..., the p... s..., the s... of g... and d..., and the s ... of joy and exultation, likewise called the G ... or R... S .... For your information, I will go through them, and you will copy me. This is the s... of h...; this of s...; and this is the p... s.... The s... of g... and d... is given by, etc., in this manner. This took its rise at the time that our M. was passing from W. by the N. to the E.G. of the T... when his d... was so g... that the p... stood in l... d... on his l..., and he made use of this s... as a temporary relief to his sufferings. The G...d R...l S...n is given by, etc. This took its rise at the time when the T... at J... was finished, when as K... S... and the P...s of his H...d attended to view it; they simultaneously made use of this s..., and exclaimed, as with one voice, "Oh worthy M...s." There is likewise another, s... of g... and d... which may be used in cases of danger or difficulty happening to a M.M. in a foreign country. It is given by j..., the h... and h... tw... t... b... t... t... f..., exclaiming aloud, in the language of the country in which you may happen to be, "C... t... m... a..., y... s... o... t... w...," all F... M...s being considered representatives of H. A., who was a w’s son. The s... of g... and d... is given still in a different manner by throwing up t... h... w... t... p... ex... t... t... h..., and d... t... wt... d... m... t... t... s, exclaiming, "O L... m... G...; O L... m... G...; O L... m... G...; i... t... n... h... f... t... w...’s s...?" You are now entitled to take your seat in any legally warranted L. of M.M.; and I trust, with assiduity and attention to the precepts contained in the T... D..., you will prove a credit to your M... L... and to the C... in general.
CLOSING
W.M. — ♦♦♦ Brn., assist me to close the L.
All rise.
W.M. — W.J.W., what is the constant care of a M.M. before performing any R. or C.?
J.W. — To prove the L. cl... t....
W.M. — Direct that duty to be done.
J.W. — Br. I.G., prove the L. cl. t....
Done.
I.G. — W.J.W., the L. is cl. t....
J.W. — R.W.M., the L. is cl. t... and all is secure.
W.M. — W.S.W., what is our next care?
S.W. — To see that the Brn. stand to order as M.M.
W.M. — To order, Brn., as M.M. ♦♦♦
All stand to order.
W.M. — W.J.W., whence come you?
J.W. — From the W., whither we have been in search of the G. S...s of a M.M.
W.M. — W.S.W., have you been successful in your search?
S.W. — We have not, R.W.M., but we bring with us certain s...d s...s, which with your permission we are willing to impart.
W.M. — to W.S.W. Let those s...d s...s be regularly communicated to me.
The W...s go to the E. of the L. and the W.J.W. imparts the S...s to the W.S.W.; the W.J.W. retires to his place.
S.W. — R.W.M., deign to receive from me the s...d s...s of a M.M.
W.M. — I will receive them with pleasure; and for the information of the Brn. you will speak the words aloud.
The R.W.M. leaves his place by the right, and receives the s...d s...s from the W.S.W. Both then return in the usual manner to their places.
W.M. — Brn., the s...d s...s of a M.M. which have thus been communicated to me, I, as the M. of this L., and thereby the humble representative of K.S., approve, sanction, and confirm, and declare that they shall designate you, and all M.M.s throughout the U... until time or circumstances shall restore the genuine ones.
Brn. — with the G. or R.S. All Glory to the M.H.
W.M. — W.S.W., the labours of this D. being ended, you have my command to close the L.
S.W. — Brn., in the n...e of the M.H., and by command of R.W.M, I declare this L. of M.M.s duly closed; and this I do by ♦♦ ♦
J.W. — ♦♦ ♦
I.G. — ♦♦ ♦
T. — ♦♦ ♦
W.M. — And closed it is accordingly, being reduced to a L. of ..., and this shall be your sign ♦♦
P.M. places o.p. of the C. under the S. and the F.C. are admitted.