William Harvey

First Degree Second Degree Third Degree
THE FIRST DEGREE

THE OPENING OF THE LODGE
The Right Worshipful Master, having satisfied himself that the
Office-bearers are properly clothed and in their respective
positions, rises in the E, gives o... k... with the m....
R.W.M. — Brethren, assist me to open this Lodge.
All the Members stand to attention.
R.W.M. — W.J.W., what is the first duty in a Lodge of E.A.M.s?
W.J.W. — To see that the Lodge is properly tyled.
R.W.M. — You will direct that duty to be done.
W.J.W. — Bro. I.G., You will see that the Lodge is properly
tyled.
The I.G. thereupon gives one k..., which is responded to by the
T., who gives one k....
I.G. — W.J.W., the Lodge is properly tyled.
W.J.W. — R.W.M., the Lodge is properly tyled.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., what is the next duty?
W.S.W. — To see that none but M...s are present, that they are
properly clothed, and stand to order as E.A.M....s when called
upon, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — Are you satisfied that all present are M...s, and that
they are properly clothed?
W.S.W. — I am, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — Then to order, Br., as E.A.M.s.
The Brethren give the s... of an E.A., which is returned by the
R.W.M.
R.W.M. — I acknowledge the correctness of the s....
R.W.M. — W.S.W., how many Officers constitute a Lodge of
E.A.M....s?
W.S.W. — Seven or more — namely, the S. and J.W....s, the S.
and J.D..., the I.G. and the O.G. or T.
R.W.M. — W.J.W., what is the situation of the O.G. or T.?
W.J.W. — Outside the door of the Lodge, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — What is his duty?
W.J.W. — Being armed with a drawn sword he is to keep off all
cowans and eavesdroppers, and see that the Candidates come
properly prepared, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — Br. I.G., where is your constant place?
I.G. — Within the entrance of the Lodge, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — What is your duty?
I.G. — To admit Brethren on proof, receive Candidates in due
form, and obey the commands of the W.J.W., R.W.M.
R.W.M. — Br. J.D., where is your constant place?
J.D. — At the right of, or near, the W.S.W. in the W..., R.W.M.
J.D. — To carry all messages and communications of the R.W.M,
from the W.S.W. to the W.J.W., and see the same punctually
obeyed, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — Br. S.D., where is your constant place.
S.D. — At the right of, or near, the R.W.M. in the E…, R.W.M.
S.D. — To bear all messages and commands from the R.W.M. to
the W.S.W., and to wait the return of the J.D., R.W.M.
R.W.M. — W.J.W., where is your constant place in the Lodge?
W.J.W. — In the S..., R.W.M.
R.W.M. — Why are you so placed?
W.J.W. — To mark the sun in its meridian, to call the Brethren
from labour to refreshment, and from refreshment to labour
again, so that profit and pleasure may be the result, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., your constant place in the Lodge?
W.S.W. — In the W..., R.W.M.
W.S.W. — To mark the setting sun, to close the Lodge at the
R.W.M.’s command, after having seen that every Brother has
had his just and lawful due, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — W.P.M., where is the Master’s place in the Lodge?
W.P.M. — In the E., R.W.M.
R.W.M. — Why is he so placed?
W.P.M. — As the sun rises in the East to open and enliven the
day, so is the R.W.M. placed in the East to open the Lodge, to
employ and instruct the Brethren in Freemasonry.
R.W.M. — Brethren, so stand I, and the Lodge being thus duly
constituted, before I declare it open, let us invoke a blessing
from the G.... A.... of the U.... on all our undertakings.
Chaplain — May our labours thus begun in order, be conducted
in peace, and closed in harmony.
Brethren — So mote it be.
R.W.M. — Brethren, in the name of the G.... A.... of the U....,
and in virtue of my position as Master, I declare this Lodge duly
opened for the purposes of Freemasonry in the First Degree, and
this I do by —
The R.W.M. gives three k... with the m... which are followed by
three k... by the W.S.W., and three k... by the W.J.W., after
which the I.G. gives three k... which are responded to by the T.
R.W.M. — And this, Brethren, shall be your s....
He gives the s... which is responded to by the Brethren.
R.W.M. — Be seated, Brethren.
The Brethren seat themselves, the W.J.W. lowers his column, the
V.S.L. is opened at the proper place, and the c... and s... are
placed in position.
It is usual at this point for the R.W.M. to invite any visiting
R.W.M. or P.M. to take a seat in the E.
In some Lodges it is customary to sing an opening psalm or
hymn but, as each lodge which follows this practice has its own
special favourite selection, no purpose would be served by
introducing here any particular effusion.
CEREMONY OF INITIATION
In the preparing room adjoining the Lodge the Candidate is
divested of all m... and m... s... He is h... w... His r... a..., l...
b..., and l... k... are b..., his r... h... is s...p- s...d, and a c... t...
is placed about his n.... He is then led to the d... of the Lodge,
when his conductor, the J.D., who has supervised his
preparations, gives three k...
I.G. — W.J.W., there is a report at the preparing-room door.
W.J.W. — R.W.M., there is a report at the preparing-room door.
R.W.M. — Brother S.D., you will attend to the report.
The S.D. gives the s... and retires and interrogates the
Conductor.
S.D. — Who comes here?
Conductor — Mr A.B., a poor Candidate in a state of total d...s,
who has been well and worthily recommended, regularly
proposed and approved of in open Lodge, now comes of his own
free will and accord, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the
mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry.
S.D. — How does he hope to obtain these privileges?
Conductor — By the help of God, being free born and of good
report.
S.D. — Do you vouch he comes properly prepared?
Conductor — I do.
S.D. — Let him wait till I make a report to the R.W.M.
The S.D. then re-enters the Lodge, advances to the centre and
gives three k... with his rod.
R.W.M.——Who comes, who comes, who comes here?
S.D. — Mr A.B., a poor Candidate, in a state of total d...s, who
has been well and worthily recommended, regularly proposed
and approved of in open Lodge, now comes of his own free will
and accord, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the mysteries
and privileges of ancient Freemasonry.
R.W.M. — How does he hope to obtain these privileges?
S.D. — By the help of God, being free born and of good report.
R.W.M. — The tongue of good report has already been heard in
his favour; do you, Bro. S.D., vouch that he comes properly
prepared?
S.D. — I do.
R.W.M. — Then let him be admitted in due form. Take heed
upon what he enters. Brethren, be upstanding to receive the
Candidate.
The Brethren stand at the s... of f.... The Candidate is brought
within the Lodge, and the S.B., approaches him.
S.D. — Mr A.B., in the name of the G... A... of the U..., and by
command of the R.W.M., enter this L... of E.A.M.s on the p... of
a s... i... pressed to your n... l... b..., and as this is a prick to
your f..., so may the recollection of it prove a torture to your
conscience should you ever attempt to reveal the secrets of F...
unlawfully.
The Candidate is conducted to the centre of the Lodge.
R.W.M. — Mr A.B., as no person can be made a Mason unless he
is a free man and of mature age, I demand to know if you are
free, and of the full age of twenty-one years.
Candidate — I am.
R.W.M. — Thus assured, you will kneel while the blessing of
Heaven is invoked in aid of our proceedings. Brethren, let us
pray.
The candidate kneels on a cushion which has been placed for his
convenience, while the J.D. allows his hand to rest lightly upon
the candidate’s head.
Chaplain — Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father and Supreme
Ruler of the Universe, to this our present assembly, and grant
that this Candidate for Freemasonry may so dedicate and devote
his life to Thy service, as to become a true and faithful Brother
among us. Endow him with a competency of thy Divine Wisdom,
so that, assisted by the secrets of our Masonic art, he may be
the better enabled to display the beauties of true holiness to the
honour and glory of Thy most Holy Name.
R.W.M. — In all cases of doubt, difficulty and danger, in whom
do you put your trust?
Candidate — In God.
R.W.M. — Your trust being in God, your faith is well founded.
Relying on such sure support you may safely arise and follow
your leader, with a firm but humble confidence, for where the
name of God is invoked, we trust no danger can ensue. Arise
and follow your guide.
The J.D. conducts the Candidate to the W.J.W.’s pedestal and
W.J.W. — Who comes, who comes, who comes here?
J.D. — Mr A.B., a poor Candidate, in a state of total d...s, who
W.J.W. — How does he hope to obtain these privileges?
J.D. — By the help of God, being free born and of good report.
W.J.W. — The tongue of good report has already been heard in
his favour. Do you, Brother Deacon, vouch that he comes duly
and truly prepared?
J.D. — Duly and truly prepared.
W.J.W. — In whom does he put his trust?
J.D. — In God.
W.J.W. — Seeing he puts his trust in God, you may safely pass
to the W.
The J.D. conducts the Candidate to the W.S.W.’s pedestal and
W.S.W. — Who comes, who comes, who comes here?
J.D. — Mr A.B., a poor Candidate, in a state of total d...s, who
W.S.W. — How does he hope to obtain these privileges?
J.D. — By the help of God, being free born and of good report.
W.S.W. — The tongue of good report has already been heard in
his favour. Do you, Brother Deacon, vouch that he comes duly
and truly prepared?
J.D. — Duly and truly prepared.
W.J.W. — In whom does he put his trust?
J.D. — In God.
Thereafter the W.S.W. gives one k... and addresses the R.W.M.
W.S.W. — R.W.M., I have here Mr A.B., duly and truly prepared
to take the oath and obligation of an E.A.M.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., you will instruct the J.D. to conduct Mr A.B.
to the E. in due and ancient form.
W.S.W. — Brother J.D., it is the R.W.M.’s command that you
conduct Mr A.B. once round the inside of this worshipful and
warranted Lodge to show to the Brethren that he is duly and
truly prepared, and thereafter teach him to advance to the E. as
you, yourself, were taught.
Preceded by the S.B., who salutes the R.W.M. and Wardens as
he passes them, the J.D. conducts the Candidate once round the
Lodge and then brings him up towards the a.... Thereafter he
addresses him thus:
Mr A.B., the proper way to advance to the E. in this degree is by
taking one r... s.... You will s... off with the l... f... and bring the
h... of the r... into the h... of the l....
The Candidate does so.
J.D. — R.W.M., I now present to you Mr A.B., a Candidate
properly prepared to take the oath and obligation of an E.A.M.
R.W.M. — Brother D., your presentation shall be attended to,
but I will first address a few questions to the Candidate, which I
trust he will answer with candour.
R.W.M. — Mr A.B., Do you serious declare on your honour that
unbiassed by the improper solicitations of friends against your
own inclination, and uninfluenced by any mercenary or other
unworthy motive, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself as a
Candidate for the mysteries and privileges of ancient
Freemasonry?
Candidate — I do.
R.W.M. — Do you likewise declare that you are prompted to
solicit these privileges from a favourable opinion preconceived of
the Institution, a general desire for knowledge, and a sincere
wish to render yourself more extensively serviceable to your
fellow men?
Candidate — I do.
R.W.M. — You have stated that you place your trust in God. Do
you believe in the binding sanctity of an oath taken in that holy
Being’s name?
Candidate — I do.
R.W.M. — Do you further seriously declare upon your honour
that, avoiding fear on the one hand, and rashness on the other,
you will steadily persevere through the ceremony of your
initiation, and, if once admitted, will ever afterwards act and
abide by the ancient usages and established customs of the
Order?
Candidate — I do.
R.W.M. — Then you will s... the s... from off your l... f... and
hand it to me,
R.W.M. — Mr A.B., an explanation of this act will be given to you
at a later point in our ceremonial. It is now my duty to inform
you that Masonry is free, and requires a perfect freedom of
inclination in every candidate for its mysteries. It is founded on
the purest principles of piety and virtue, and possesses many
great and valuable privileges; but, in order to secure these
privileges to worthy men, and we trust, to worthy men only,
vows of fidelity are required; but let me assure you these vows
are not incompatible with your moral, your civil, or your religious
duties. Are you, then, willing to take a solemn obligation,
founded on the principles I have stated, to keep inviolate the
secrets and mysteries of our venerable Order?
Candidate—I am.
R.W.M. — Then you will k... on your l... k..., place your r... f...
in the form of a s..., place your l... h... under, and your r... h...
upon this B..., which is the V.S.L.
The Candidate does so. The l...s are extinguished with the
exception of the t... l... l...s, which are now lit.
R.W.M. — Now, Mr A, B., I presume you are kneeling at the a...
of Freemasonry for the first time?
Candidate — I am.
R.W.M. — Then, you will begin this Obligation by using the
personal pronoun “I,” repeating your name at length and saying
after me —
I, A.B., in the presence of the G. A. of the U., and in the body of
this warranted and Worshipful Lodge of Ancient, Free, and
Accepted Masons regularly assembled, properly constituted, and
dedicated to the memory of the Holy Saints John, do, of my own
free will and accord, hereby, hereat, and hereon solemnly and
sincerely promise, vow and swear that I will always hele,
conceal, and never improperly reveal any of the secrets or
mysteries of or belonging to Ancient Freemasonry which may be
known by me, shall now, or may at any future time be
communicated to me, except it be to a true and lawful Brother or
Brothers, and not even 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 Lodge, just, perfect, and
regular. I further solemnly promise that I will not write these
secrets, print, cut, carve, engrave, enamel, 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 may become legible or intelligible
to myself or to anyone in the World, so that the secrets of
Freemasonry might be unlawfully obtained, and that through my
unworthiness. I further solemnly promise that I will not be at the
making of, the following persons as Freemasons:— a young man
of nonage, an old man of dotage, a madman, a fool, an atheist,
a person under the influence of liquor, and a woman under no
pretence whatever. I likewise solemnly pledge myself to support
and maintain the Laws and Constitution of the Grand Lodge of
Scotland, and promise strict obedience to the Office-bearers and
Bye-Laws of this Lodge ----- No. ---, which I shall always
acknowledge as my Mother Lodge. To all these points I solemnly
swear fidelity, without evasion, equivocation, or any mental
reservation whatsoever, under the penalty of having, etc. So
help me A.G., and keep me steadfast in this the solemn
obligation of an E.A.M.
R.W.M. — As a pledge of inviolable fidelity you will seal this
obligation on the V. of the S.L. Kiss the V. once.
R.W.M. — Brother A.B., in your present situation, what do you
most desire?
Candidate — L....
R.W.M. — Br. J.D., let that blessing be restored to the
Candidate.
The J.D. restores the l....
R.W.M. — You now see the p... position in which you are placed,
when kneeling at the a... of Freemasonry for the first time. By
your meek and candid behaviour you have escaped two great
dangers, those of d... by s... and s.... When you entered the
Lodge this s... was pointed to your n... l... b.... Had you rashly
advanced you might have met your d... by s..., the fault for
which would have been your own and not that of the Brother
who held the s..., as he should only have remained firm to his
post of duty. The s... in its emblematical sense reminds the
Freemason that though his thoughts, words, and actions may be
hid from the eyes of mortal men, yet nothing is hidden from the
All-seeing Eye of T... G... A... O... T... U..., and that Divine
justice will sooner or later overtake us all and reward or punish
us according as we have obeyed or disregarded the Divine
commands. You have likewise a c... t... about your n.... Had you
been refractory and endeavoured to retreat you might have met
your death by s..., the fault again being your own and not that of
him who held the c.... The c... t... with the r... n... is
emblematical of the uncertainty of life and should teach us to
prepare for the great call which comes at an hour we cannot
forecast.
The c... t... and s... are removed.
R.W.M. — These dangers are now removed but there is a third
danger which I cannot remove, and which will attend you to the
latest hour of your life. It is the p... of your o..., but from what
we have heard of you we believe that p... will never require to
be inflicted. 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 Freemasonry, namely, the V... of the
S... L..., the S..., and the C.... The V... S... L... is to rule and
govern our faith; the S... to regulate our actions; and the C... to
keep us in due bounds with all mankind, particularly our
Brethren in Freemasonry. You are now enabled to discover the
t... l... l..., which are depicted by three lighted candles, situated
in the E., S., and W., and are meant to represent the Sun, the
Moon, and the Master of the Lodge — the Sun to rule the day,
the Moon to govern the night, and the R.W.M. to rule and govern
the Lodge. You may be asked “Did you see any other light?” If
so, you will reply, saying “Yes, I saw a Brother advance from the
E. saying ‘Rise, newly obligated Brother among Masons’."
The R.W.M., suiting action to the words, takes the Candidate by
the r... h... and raises him. The brethren who have been
standing at the s... of f... now resume their seats. The t... l...
l...s are extinguished, and the main l...s are now restored.
R.W.M. — The s... of the s... alludes to an ancient custom in
Israel. When the ancient Israelite was about to seal a compact or
bargain he s... the s... from off his l... f... and handed it to his
neighbour in token of his f.... Similarly, we asked you to hand it
over to us as a symbol of your f... with regard to things Masonic.
Should you be asked at any time, as a catch question, “What did
you pay for Freemasonry?” you will remember to answer, “An
o... s..., an o... s... of my m....”
The R.W.M. hands over the s... which the Candidate puts on.
R.W.M. — Having taken the great and solemn obligation of an
E.A. Mason I am now at liberty to inform you that there are
several degrees in Freemasonry, with peculiar s... restricted to
each. These are not communicated indiscriminately, but are
conferred upon Candidates according to merit and abilities. I
shall now proceed to instruct you with the s... of this degree, or
those marks by which Masons are known to each other
throughout the length and breadth of the land, and distinguished
from the rest of the world by night as well as by day, but must
premise for your general observation that all s... l... and p... are
true and proper signs by which to know a Mason. 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. You will
now take a short p... with your l... f... bringing the r... h... into
the hollow of the l.... That is called the first regular s... in
Freemasonry, and it is in that position the 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..., etc.
The R.W.M. having instructed the candidate as to the s..., adds
— That is the s... with which you salute the Master on your
entering or retiring from a Lodge working in this degree. Your
approach the c..., salute the R.W.M. in this manner (illustrating
the method), and then take your seat among the brethren or
retire as the case may be.
R.W.M. — The g... or t... is given thus .... It demands a w..., a
w... which is highly prized amongst Masons as a guard to their
privileges. Too much caution, therefore, cannot be observed in
communicating it. You must never give it in full, but by l... or
h.... As in the course of the ceremony you may be called on for
this w..., the J.D. will instruct you how to proceed.
R.W.M. (gives the g... and asks) — What is this?
J.D. — The g... or t... of an E.A.F.
R.W.M. — What does it demand?
J.D. — A w....
R.W.M. Will you give me the w...?
J.D. — No; at my initiation I was taught to be cautious as to how
I used the w....
R.W.M. — How will you dispose of it?
J.D. — Knowing you to be a Brother, I will l... or h... it with you.
R.W.M. — Will you give me a l...?
J.D. — No, you being my interrogator, you will please begin.
The w... is given, each giving a l... alternately. (B…)
R.W.M. — This w... is derived from the l... h... p... at the p... or
e... to K... S...’s T..., so named after ----- , the g... g... of D..., a
P... and ruler in I..., and the import of the word is etc. If you are
asked “What is the use of a Mason’s l... h...?" you will remember
that it is to c... his w.... Brother J.D., you may now take the
Candidate to the Wardens for instruction.
The J.D. takes the Candidate to the W.J.W, and says, W.J.W., I
present to you Br. A.B. on his initiation.
W.J.W. — You will advance to me as an E.A, Mason. (Can. takes
the s...)
W.J.W. — Do you bring anything with you?
Can. — A s....
W.J.W. — Will you give me the first part of the s...?
Can. — I will (and he gives it).
W.J.W. — What part of the s... is that?
Can. — The h... s...
W.J.W. — To what does it allude?
Can. — To the position in which my h...s were when k... at the
a..., etc.
W.J.W. — Will you complete the s...?
Can. — I will. (and he completes it)
W.J.W. — What part of the s... is that?
Can. — The p... part.
W.J.W. — And what is the p...?
Can. — That I would have my t... cut, etc.
W.J.W. — Have you anything else to communicate?
Can. — I have. (Gives the g...)
W.J.W. — What is this?
Can. — The g... or t... of an E.A.M.
W.J.W. — What does it demand?
Can. — A w....
W.J.W. — Give me the w....
Can. — At my initiation I was taught to be cautious.
W.J.W. — How will you dispose of it?
Can. — I will l... or h... it with you.
W.J.W. — Give me a l....
Can. — You being my interrogator, you begin.
The w... is disposed of after which the W.J.W, says:
W.J.W. — Brother J.D., you may safely pass to the W.
The J.D. takes the Candidate to the W.S.W, where the same
ceremony is gone through.
W.S.W. — (gives one k...) R.W.M., I present to you Brother
A.B., on his initiation, for some further mark of your favour.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., I delegate to you the duty of investing our
Brother with the distinguishing badge of a Mason.
W.S.W. — Brother A.B., in the name of the G... A... of the U...,
and by command of the R.W.M., I invest you with the
distinguishing badge of a Mason. It is more ancient than the
Golden Fleece or the Roman Eagle, more honourable than the
Order of the Garter, or any other Order in existence, it 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’s skin, and as the Lamb has
been in all ages the acknowledged emblem of Innocence and
Purity, it should remind you of that purity of life and action which
should at all times distinguish a Freemason. I trust that you may
live for many years to wear that badge with pleasure to yourself,
usefulness to the Craft, and honour to the Lodge in which you
have been initiated; and let me further exhort you never to
disgrace it, for you may be assured that it will never disgrace
you.
R.W.M. — I must add to the observations of the W.S.W. that
you are never to put on that badge should you be about to enter
a Lodge in which there is a Brother with whom you are at
variance, or towards whom you entertain any animosity. In such
cases it is expected that you will invite the Brother to withdraw,
so that you may settle your differences amicably, which, if
happily effected, you may then clothe yourselves, enter the
Lodge, and work together with that love and harmony which
should at all times characterise Freemasons. If, however, your
differences are of such a nature as not to be so easily adjusted,
it were better that one or both of you should retire, than that the
harmony of the Lodge should be disturbed by your presence.
R.W.M. — Bro. J.D., you will now conduct the Candidate to the
N.E. part of the Lodge.
The Candidate is conducted there.
R.W.M. — It is customary at the erection of all stately and
superb edifices to lay the foundation stone in the N.E. corner of
the building. You, being newly admitted into Freemasonry, are
placed there, figuratively to represent that stone; and on 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
Mason, and I give it to you in terms of strong recommendation
ever to continue to act as such. Indeed, I shall immediately
proceed to put your principles in some measure to the test by
calling upon you to exercise that virtue, which may justly be
denominated the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason’s
heart — I mean Charity. 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 Mercy, is twice blessed, blessing him who
gives as well as him who receives. In a society so widely
extended as that of Freemasonry, whose branches are spread
over the four quarters of the globe, it cannot be denied that we
have many Brethren of rank and riches among us, neither can it
be concealed that among the thousands who range under its
banners 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 is our usual
custom to awaken the kindly feelings of every Initiate, by
making such a claim on his charity as his circumstances in life
may fairly warrant. Anything, therefore, that you may feel
disposed to give, if you will deposit it with the J.D., it will be
thankfully received and, I can assure you, faithfully applied.
The J.D. appeals to the Can., who states that he has been
deprived of his m... etc. The J.D. then asks if he would give were
it in his power, to which the Can. replies in the affirmative. The
J.D, reports the same to the R.W.M.
R.W.M. (to Can.) — I congratulate you on the honourable
sentiments by which you are actuated, likewise on the inability
which precludes you at this moment from gratifying them.
Believe me, this trial was not made with the view of sporting
with your feelings: far be it from us any such intention. But it
was done for three special reasons — first, to put your principles
to the test; secondly, to evince to the Brethren that you had
neither m... nor m... substance about you, for, if you had had,
the ceremony thus far of your initiation must have been
repeated; and thirdly, as a warning to your own heart, that
should you at any time meet a poor Brother who may deservedly
claim your assistance, you will recall the particular moment
when you were admitted into Masonry, p... and p..., and
cheerfully embrace the opportunity of practising towards him
that virtue which you have just professed to admire.
The J.D, now conducts the Candidate to the front of the a....
R.W.M. — I now present to you the working tools of an A...
which are the 24-inch Gauge, the Mallet, and the Chisel. The 24-
inch Gauge is used by the operative mason to measure and lay
out his 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 impression on the hardest
substance, and the mightiest structures are indebted to its aid.
But as we are not Operative, but Free and Accepted or
Speculative Masons, we apply these tools in a moral sense.
Thus, from the 24-inch Gauge we learn a daily lesson of
admonition and instruction, for as it is divided into 24 equal
parts, it reminds us of the 24 hours of the day, and directs us to
apply them to their proper objects — namely prayer, labour,
refreshment 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 fine polish but from repeated efforts alone,
and that nothing short of untiring exertion can induce the habit
of virtue, enlighten the mind, and purify the soul. From the
whole we deduce this moral: that knowledge grounded on
accuracy, aided by labour, and prompted by perseverance, will
finally overcome all difficulties, raise ignorance from its native
darkness, and establish happiness in the paths of life.
R.W.M. — As in the course of the ceremony you have been
called on for certain fees for your initiation, it is right and proper
that you should know by what authority we act. This, which I
show to you, is our Charter from Grand Lodge, empowering us to
make Masons and collect fees. This is a copy of the Laws and
Constitutions of Grand Lodge, and this is a print of our Bye-laws,
both of which I recommend to your careful perusal; as by the
large one which lies in the Lqdge, and may be consulted at any
convenient moment, you will be taught the duties you owe to the
Craft in general, and by the small one those you owe to this
Lodge in particular.
At this point it is customary in some Lodges for the R.W.M. to
inform the initiate that he may now retire and restore himself to
his p... c... and thereafter return to the Lodge when his attention
will be directed to a charge founded upon the excellence of the
Institution and the qualications of its members. In other Lodges
the ceremony is completed without interruption. Occasionally the
charge is omitted for lack of time, but this should never be done
if it can be avoided. The charge is the crown of the Degree.
CHARGE AFTER INITIATION
R.W.M. — Having passed through the ceremony of your
Initiation, allow me to congratulate you on being admitted a
member of our Ancient and Honourable Society. Ancient it no
doubt it is, having subsisted from time immemorial; and
honourable it must be acknowledged to be, as by a natural
tendency it conduces to make so all those who are obedient to
its precepts. Indeed, no Institution can boast a more solid
foundation than that on which Freemasonry rests — the practice
of every moral and social 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 Sceptre for the
Trowel, they have patronised our mysteries, and have even
joined our assemblies.
As a Freemason I would first recommend to your serious
contemplation the V... of the S... L..., charging you to consider it
the unerring standard of Truth and justice, and to regulate your
actions by the Divine precepts it contains. Therein you will be
taught the important duties you owe to God, to your neighbour,
and to yourself — To God, by never mentioning His name but
with that awe and reverence which are due from the creature to
his Creator, by imploring His divine 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
justice or Mercy may require, by relieving his necessities,
soothing his afflictions, and by doing unto him as, in similar
cases, you would wish that he 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 with which God has blessed you, as well to His
glory as to the welfare of your fellow creatures.
As a Citizen of the World, I would next enjoin you to be
exemplary in the discharge of your civil duties, by never
proposing, or at all 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 your place of 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 the
Almighty 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 further recommend the practice of every
domestic, as well as public virtue. Let Prudence direct you,
Temperance chasten you, Fortitude support you, and Justice be
the guide of all your actions. Be especially careful to maintain in
their fullest splendour those truly Masonic ceremonies which
have been so amply illustrated — namely, Benevolence and
Charity.
Still, however, as a Freemason, there are other excellencies of
character to which your attention may be particularly and
forcibly directed. Amongst the foremost of these are Secrecy,
Fidelity, and Obedience. Secrecy consists in an inviolate
adherence to the obligation you have entered into, never
improperly to disclose any of those Masonic secrets which have
now, or may at any future time, be entrusted to your keeping,
and cautiously to avoid all occasions which might inadvertently
lead you to do so. Your Fidelity must be exemplified by a close
conformity to the Constitutions of the fraternity, by adhering to
the ancient Landmarks of the Order, by never attempting to
extort or otherwise unduly obtain the secrets of a superior
degree, and by refraining from recommending anyone to a
participation of our secrets, unless you have strong grounds to
believe that by a similar fidelity he will ultimately reflect honour
on our choice.
So must your Obedience be proved by a strict observance of our
Laws and Regulations; by a prompt attention to all signs and
summonses; by a modest and correct demeanour while in the
Lodge; by abstaining from every topic of religious or political
discussion; by a ready acquiescence in all votes and resolutions
duly passed by a majority of the Brethren, and by perfect
submission to the will of the R.W.M. and his W...s While acting in
the discharge 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
society of which this day you have become a member.
From the very commendable attention you appear to have given
to this change, I am led to hope that you will duly appreciate the
value of Freemasonry, and that there will be indelibly printed on
your heart the sacred dictates of Truth, of Honour, and of Virtue.
R.W.M.— Now, Brother A.B., that concludes the ceremony of
Initiation. We are empowered to confer the Second Degree upon
you at any time after fourteen clear days. But before you can be
passed to that higher Degree it is necessary that you should be
examined in the work of an E.A. For the purpose of your
instruction you are entitled to select any two Brethren as your
instructors. As a rule, a Candidate leaves himself in the hands of
his Proposer and Seconder, and if you follow this course, I have
no doubt these Brethren will see that your are properly
instructed.
CLOSING OF LODGE
R.W.M. gives one k..., and says Brethren, assist me to close the
Lodge,
The Brethren rise and stand at the s... of f....
R.W.M. — W.J.W., what is the constant care of assembled M...s?
W.J.W. — To prove the L. close tyled.
R.W.M. — Direct that duty to be done.
W.J.W. — Br. I.G., prove the L. close tyled.
I.G. gives three k..., which are responded to by the T.
W.J.W. — R.W.M., the L. is close tyled.
W.S.W. — To see that the Br. stand to order as E.A.M.s.
R.W.M. — To order, Br., as E.A.M.s. The Brethren give the s...
of an E.A.M.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., your constant place in the Lodge?
W.S.W. — In the W., R.W.M.
W.S.W. — To mark the setting sun, to close the L. by your
command, after having seen that every Br. has had his just and
lawful due.
R.W.M. — Have all the wages been paid?
W.S.W. — So far as due and demanded.
R.W.M.— The labours of the day being ended, and the wages
paid so far as due and demanded, I now command you to close
this Ancient Masonic Lodge. W.S.W. — Br., in the name of the
G... A... of the U..., and by command of the R.W.M., I declare
this L. duly closed, and this I do by — (gives three k...)
W.J.W. — And it is closed accordingly. (gives three k...)
The I.G. gives three k..., which are responded to by the T., after
which the R.W.M. gives three k....
R.W.M. — W.S.W., how should M...s meet?
W.S.W. — On the L., R.W.M.
W.J.W. — How should M...s act?
W.J.W. — On the P., R.W.M.
R.W.M. — And part, Brethren, on the S.; so let us meet, act,
and part.
Chaplain — And may the blessing of the G... A... of the U... rest
upon us, and all true and faithful Brethren throughout the world;
may brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue
cement us.
Brethren — So mote it be,
R.W.M. — Br., nothing now remains but, in accordance with
ancient custom, to lay aside our w... t...s, close the V.S.L., and
lock up the secrets of our Order in the safe repository of our
hearts, uniting in the act of fidelity, fidelity, fidelity. May God
bless the King and the Craft. Unclothe and untyle.
FROM LABOUR TO REFRESHMENT
The R.W.M. rises in the E., gives one k... and addresses the
W.J.W.
R.W.M. — W.J.W., What is the time?
W.J.W. — The sun is in the meridian.
R.W.M. — Then I command you to call the Brethren from labour
to refreshment.
W.J.W. — Brethren, it is the R.W.M.’s command that you cease
from labour and go to refreshment, taking care to keep within
hail, so as to come on again in due time, that profit as well as
pleasure may be the result.
The W.J.W. gives one k..., which is repeated by the W.S.W., the
I.G. the T., and the R.W.M. The W.J.W. then raises his column,
the W.S.W. lowers his, and the V.S.L. is closed.
FROM REFRESHMENT TO LABOUR.
The W.J.W. takes charge of the Lodge.
The R.W.M. gives one k... and the Brethren, stand to attention.
R.W.M. — W.J.W., what is the time?
W.J.W. — The sun has passed the zenith.
R.W.M. — Then I command you to call the Brethren from
refreshment to labour.
W.J.W. — Brethren, it is the R.W.M.’s command that you cease
from refreshment and return to labour.
The W.J.W, gives one k..., which is repeated by the W.S.W., the
I.G., the T., and the R.W.M. Thereafter the W.J.W, lowers his
column, the W.S.W. raises his, and the V.S.L. is re-opened.
THE SECOND DEGREE
The Right Worshipful Master, having satisfied himself that the
Office-Bearers are properly clothed and in their respective
positions, rises in the E., gives o... k... with the m....
R.W.M. — Brethren, assist me to open this Lodge in the Second
Degree.
All the Members stand at the s... of f....
R.W.M. — W.J.W., what is the first duty in a Lodge of F.C.M.s?
W.J.W. — To see that the Lodge is properly tyled, R.W.M.
W.J.W. — Br. I.G., you will see that the Lodge is properly tyled.
The I.G. thereupon gives the k...s of the First Degree, which are
responded to by the T.
I.G. — W.J.W., the Lodge is properly tyled.
W.J.W. — R.W.M., the Lodge is properly tyled.
W.S.W. — To see that all present are F.C.M.s, that they are
properly clothed, and stand to order as E.A.M.s, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — Are you satisfied that all present are F.C.M.s?
R.W.M. — Then to order, Brethren, as E.A.M....s, and kindly
remain so until further proved.
The Brethren give the sign of an E.A.M., which is returned by the
R.W.M.
R.W.M. — W.J.W., are you a F.C.M.?
W.J.W. — I am, R.W.M.; try me and prove me.
R.W.M. — By what instrument in architecture will you be
proved?
W.J.W. — By the S., R.W.M.
R.W.M. — What is a S...?
W.J.W. — An angle of 90 degrees, or the fourth part of a circle,
R.W.M.
R.W.M. — Being yourself acquainted with the proper mode, you
will prove the Br. to be F.C.M.s by s..., and thereafter
demonstrate the proof to me by copying their example.
W.J.W. — Br., it is the R.W.M.’s command that you prove
yourselves F.C.M.s by s....
The Brethren give the s... and stand to order as F.C.M.s.
W.J.W. — R.W.M., the Br. have proved themselves to be F.C.M.s
by s..., and in obedience to your command I thus copy their
example.
The W.J.W, gives the s..., which is returned by the R.W.M.
R.W.M. — I acknowledge the correctness of the s.... Br., the L.
being thus constituted in the Second Degree, before I declare it
open let us invoke the blessing of the G.G. of the U.
Chaplain — May the rays of Heaven shed their benign influence
over us, to enlighten us in the paths of virtue and science.
R.W.M. — In the name of the G. G. of the U., and in virtue of
my position as Master, I declare this L. duly opened on the S. for
the instruction and improvement of F.C.M.s, and this I do by —
The R.W.M. gives the requisite k...s which are repeated by the
W.S.W., the W.J.W. the I.G., and the T.
He gives the which is responded to by the Brethren.
The Brethren seat themselves, the W.J.W. lowers his column, the
V.S.L. is opened at the proper place, and the c... and s... are
placed in position.
CEREMONY OF PASSING
In the preparing room adjoining the Lodge the Candidate has his
1... a..., r... b..., and r... k... made b..., and the l... h... s...p-
s...d. He is partially h... w.... He is then led to the d... of the
Lodge, where his conductor, the J.D., who has supervised his
preparations, gives the k... of the Degree.
I.G. — Who comes here.
. — Mr A.B., who has been regularly initiated into Freemasonry,
and has made such progress as he hopes will entitle him to be
passed to the Second Degree.
S.D. — How does he hope to obtain that privilege?
J.D. — By the help of God, the assistance of the S..., and the
benefit of a p... w... and g....
S.D. — Has he the p... w... and g...?
J.D.— He has not, but I will give them for him.
S.D. — Wait till I make a report to the R.W.M.
The S.D. returns to the Lodge, goes to the centre, and with his
rod gives the k...s of the Degree.
R.W.M. — Who comes, who comes, who comes here?
S.D. — At the door of the Lodge stands Br. A.B., who has been
regularly initiated into Freemasonry, and has made such
progress as he hopes will entitle him to be passed to the Second
Degree.
R.W.M. — How does he hope to obtain that privilege?
S.D. — By the help of God, the assistance of the S..., and the
benefit of a p... w... and g....
R.W.M. — We acknowledge the powerful aid by which he seeks
it. Is he in possession of the p... w... and g...?
S.D. — He is not, but his Conductor has given them for him.
R.W.M. — Advance and give me that assurance for him.
The Conductor gives the p... w... and g....
The S.D. advances and gives the p... w... and g....
R.W.M. — The p... w... and g... are correct. Do you vouch that
he comes properly prepared?
S.D. — I do, R.W.M.
upon what he enters. Brethren, be upstanding to receive Br. A.B.
The Brethren stand at the s... of f...; Br. A.B. is brought within
the Lodge, and the S.D., approaching him, says:
S.D.— Br. A.B., in the name of the G.G. of the U., and by
command of the R.W.M., enter this L. of F.C.M.s on the angle of
the S..., pressing your n... r... b..., which is to teach you to act
upon the S... with all mankind, more particularly with Bro.
Masons.
Br. A.B. is brought to the centre.
R.W.M. — Br. A.B. you will k... while the blessing of Heaven is
invoked in aid of our proceedings. Brethren, let us pray.
The Candidate kneels on a cushion which has been placed for his
convenience.
Chaplain — Almighty God, Thou G. G. of the U., we supplicate
the continuance of Thine aid, on behalf of ourselves and of him
who kneels before Thee. May the work begun in Thy name be
continued to Thy glory, and evermore established in us, by
obedience to Thy Divine precepts.
R.W.M. — Br. A.B., arise and follow your guide.
The J.D. conducts Br. A.B, to the W.J.W.’s pedestal and gives the
k...s of the Degree.
S.D - Br. A.B., who has been regularly initiated into
Freemasonry, and has made such progress as he hopes will
entitle him to be passed to the Second Degree.
W.J.W. — You may safely pass to the W.
The J.D. conducts Bro. A.B. to the W.S.W.’s pedestal, where the
same ceremony is gone through, after which the W.S.W. gives
one k....
W.S.W. — R.W.M., I have here Bro. A.B. as a Can. properly
prepared to be passed to the Second Degree.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., you will direct the J.D. to instruct the Can. to
advance to the E. in due and ancient form in this Degree.
W.S.W. — Br. Deacon, it is the R.W.M.’s command that you
conduct Br. A.B. twice round the inside of this warranted and
worshipful Lodge to show to the Brethren that he is properly
prepared to be passed to the Second Degree, and thereafter
teach him to advance to the a... as you, yourself, were taught.
Preceded bv the S.B., who salutes the R.W.M. and Wardens as
he passes them, the J.D. conducts Br. A.B. twice round the
Lodge, and then brings him up towards the a.... Thereafter he
addresses him thus:— Bro. A.B., the proper way to advance to
the E. in this Degree is by two r... s.... You will first advance as
an E.A. (Br. A.B. and the J.D. do this). Now, you will take
another short p... with your r... f... and bring the h... of the l...
into the h... of the r....
Br. A.B. and the J.D. do so, whereupon the J.D. says:
J.D. — R.W.M., I now present to you Br. A.B., duly and truly
prepared to take the o... and o... of a F.C.M....
R.W.M. — Br. A.B., as the secrets of each Degree must be kept
separate and distinct, another obligation is required of you. Are
you willing to take it?
Br. A.B. — I am.
R.W.M. — Then you will k... upon your r... k... with your l... f...
in the form of a s..., place your r... h... on the V.S.L., while your
l... a... will be supported by this rod; then, as in the former
Degree, you will repeat your name at length, and say after
me:—
I, A.B., in the presence of the G.G, of the U., and in the body of
this warranted and worshipful Lodge of Fellow-Craft Masons,
regularly assembled and properly constituted, of my own free
will and accord, do hereby, hereat, and hereon solemnly and
sincerely promise, vow and swear, that I will always hele,
conceal, and never reveal any or either of the secrets or
mysteries of, or belonging to, the Second Degree of
Freemasonry, usually denominated the F... C..., to him who is
only an E.A., no more than I would any or either of them to the
uninitiated of the outer world. I further pledge myself to act as a
true and faithful Craftsman, acknowledge signs, obey
summonses, and maintain the principles inculcated in the First
Degree. To all these points I solemnly swear fidelity, without
evasion, equivocation, or any mental reservation whatsoever,
under the penalty of having, etc. So help me A. G., and keep me
steadfast, in this the solemn obligation of a F.C.M....
R.W.M. — As a pledge of inviolable fidelity, you will seal this
obligation on the V.S.L. K... the B... twice.
Bro. A.B. does so.
R.W.M. — Br. A.B., your progress in Freemasonry is now
marked by the position of the S. and C. When you were made an
E.A., both p... were hid; in this Degree one is disclosed, implying
that you are now midway in F. — superior to an E.A. but inferior
to that which, I trust, will be hereafter communicated to you. I
now give you my hand, saying, rise, newly obligated F.C.M....
The R.W.M. raises Br. A.B. with the p... g....
R.W.M. — Having taken the solemn obligation of a F.C.M., I
shall now proceed to entrust you with the s... of this Degree. You
will first, however, advance to me as an E.A.; now take another
p... with your r... f..., bringing the h... of the l... into the hollow
of the r.... That is the second regular s... in Freemasonry, and it
is in that position the s... of this Degree are communicated. They
consist of a p... and p... w..., a s..., a g... or t..., and a w.... The
p... g... is given thus —— . The p... w... is —— , and signies ——
. It is usually depicted in the F.C.L. by an ear of corn near a
stream of water. This word took its origin from an incident in Old
Testament history.
Jepthah, judge of Israel, had long been troubled by the
Ephraimites, a stubborn and rebellious people whom he had tried
by lenient measures to subdue. The Ephraimites being highly
incensed at not being called to fight and share in the rich spoils
of the Ammonitish wars, assembled a mighty army and crossed
the Jordan to give Jepthah battle. But Jepthah being apprised of
their approach called together the men of Israel, gave them
battle, and put them to flight; and to make his victory more
complete. he ordered guards to be stationed at the different
passes on the banks of the Jordan, and commanded, if the
Ephraimites passed that way, they should pronounce the word —
— ; but they being of a different tribe, pronounced it —— , which
trifling defect proved them spies, and cost them their lives; and
there fell that day, at the different passes on the banks of the
Jordan, forty and two thousand. As the word was used then to
distinguish friend from foe, it was later adopted by Masons as a
proper pass-word to be given in the F.C. Degree, so as to secure
that no unqualied person would ascend the winding staircase
which led to the Middle Chamber of K... S...’s T.... The s... in this
degree is threefold — the first part is given thus —— , and is
called the s... of fidelity, emblematical of guarding the repository
of your secrets from the enemies of Masonry; the second part is
given —— , and is called the hailing s..., or s... of perseverance.
This s... was made use of by M... while J... was fighting the A...
in the valley of R... as we read that it was in this position that his
arm was supported “with the rod of God in his hand,” and that
“when M... held up his hand I... prevailed, and when he let down
his hand A... prevailed;” the third part is called the penal s...,
and as you will observe, refers to the penalty of your obligation,
that you would rather have, etc. That is the sign with which you
salute the Master on entering or retiring from a Lodge working in
this Degree. 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 w... of the First Degree. The J.D. will now
instruct you how to proceed.
R.W.M. — Bro. J.D., what is this?
J.D. — The p... g... of a F.C.M....
J.D. — It demands a p... w....
R.W.M. — Give me the p... w....
The J.D. gives the p... w... in full, whereupon the R.W.M.
remarks that the p... w... can be given by l... or h... if a Mason
desires, but that he is at liberty to give it in full.
The instruction then continues thus:
R.W.M. — Bro. J.D., what is this?
J.D. — The g... or t... of a F.C.M....
J.D. — It demands a w....
R.W.M. — Will you give me the w...?
J.D. — I did not so receive it, neither can I so impart it.
R.W.M. — How will you dispose of it?
J.D. — I will l... or h... it with you.
R.W.M. — Will you give me a l...?
J.D. — No, you being my interrogator, you will please begin.
The w... is given, each giving a l... alternately. (Ja…n)
R.W.M. — This w... is derived from the r... h... p... at the p... or
e... to K... S...’s T..., so named after Ja…n, the assistant H... P...
who officiated at its dedication. The import of the w... is To
Establish, and when conjoined with the w... of the First Degree,
signifies stability, for God said, “In strength will I establish this
mine house, to stand firm for ever.”
R.W.M. — Bro. J.D., you will take Bro. A.B. to the Wardens for
instruction.
The J.D. conducts Br. A.B. to the W.J.W.’s pedestal, and says,
W.J.W., I present to you Bro. A.B. on his being passed to the
Second Degree.
W.J.W. — Bro. A.B., you will advance to me as F.C.M....(Bro.
A.B. takes the s...)
W.J.W. — Do you bring anything with you?
Bro. A.B. — A s....
W.J.W. — Will you give me the first p... of the s....
Bro. A.B. — I will (and he gives it).
W.J.W. — What p... of the s... is that?
Bro. A.B. — The s... of f....
W.J.W. — Emblematical of —— ?
Bro. A.B. — Of s... my s...s in the s... r... of the h....
W.J.W. — Will you give me the next part of the s...?
Bro. A.B. — I will (and he gives it).
Bro. A.B. — The s... of p...
W.J.W. — Will you complete the s...?
Bro. A.B. — I will (and he completes it).
Bro. A.B. — The p... p....
W.J.W. — What is the p...?
Bro. A.B. — That my l... b... be c... o..., etc.
W.J.W. — Have you anything else to communicate?
Br. A.B. — I have (gives the p... g...)
W.J.W. — What is this?
Bro. A.B. — The p... g... of a F.C.M....
W.J.W. — What does it demand?
Bro. A.B. — A p... w....
W.J.W. — Give me the p... w....
Bro. A.B. gives the p... w..., after which the W.J.W. says — Bro.
J.D., you may safely pass to the W.
The J.D. conducts Bro. A.B. to the W.S.W.’s pedestal, and says,
W.S.W., I present to you Bro. A.B. on his being passed to the
Second Degree.
W.S.W. — Bro. A.B., you will advance to me as a F.C.M.... (Can.
takes the s...)
W.S.W. — Do you bring anything with you?
Bro. A.B. — I do (gives the s...).
W.S.W. — What is that?
Bro. A.B. — The s... of a F.C.M....
W.S.W. — Have you anything to communicate?
Bro. A.B. — I have (gives the g...).
W.S.W. — What is this?
Bro. A.B. — The g... or t... of a F.C.M....
W.S.W. — What does it demand?
Bro. A.B. — A w....
W.S.W. — Will you give me the w...?
Bro. A.B. — I did not so receive it, neither can I so impart it.
W.S.W. — How will you dispose of it?
Bro. A.B. — I will l... or h... it with you.
W.S.W. — Will you give me a l...?
Bro. A.B. — You being my interrogator, you begin.
The w... is disposed of, after which the W.S.W. gives one k...
and says — R.W.M., I present to you Bro. A.B., on his being
passed to the Second Degree for some further mark of your
favour.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., I delegate to you the duty of investing our
Brother with the distinguishing badge of a F.C.M....
W.S.W. — Bro. A.B., by command of the R.W.M., I invest you
with the distinguishing badge of a F.C.M., to mark the progress
you have made in the science.
R.W.M. — Bro. A.B., the badge with which you have just been
invested points out to you that as a F.C.M... you are expected to
make the liberal arts and sciences your future study, so that you
may be the better enabled to discharge your duties as a Mason,
and estimate the wonderful works of the Almighty Creator. Br.
Deacon, you will place our Brother in the S.E. part of the Lodge.
J.D. — Br. A.B., we are now about to proceed to the i... c... of
K... S...’s T..., there to receive the w... and working tools of a
F.C.M.... To get there we must, emblematically, ascend a w...
s... consisting of t... f... and s... s.... Each of these flights has its
own meaning in Masonry. Three rule a Lodge; Five hold a Lodge;
and Seven or more make it perfect. The three that rule a Lodge
are the R.W.M. and his W.’s; the five that hold a Lodge are the
Master, W.’s and two F.C.’s. The seven that make it perfect are
these five with two E.A.’s or other Masons added. Three rule a
Lodge because there were but three Grand Masters at the
building of the T..., and these were S... K... of I..., H... K... of
T..., and H.A.B., the widow’s son sent by H... of T... to S... Five
hold a Lodge in allusion to the five noble Orders of Architecture,
which are T., I., C., D., and C. Seven or more make a perfect
Lodge because S... was seven years and upwards engaged in
building the temple. They also allude to the seven liberal arts
and sciences, which are commended to every Mason, namely,
G., R., L., A., G., M., and A.
The J.D. then instructs Br. A.B. as to the manner of reaching the
S.E. corner, and conducts him to that part of the Lodge.
R.W.M. — Brother A.B., Freemasonry 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 degree you were made
acquainted with the principles of moral truth and virtue on which
our system is based, so now you will be permitted to extend
your researches into the more hidden mysteries of the Craft. In
the name of the G.G. of the U., I present to you the working
tools of a F.C.M., which are the Square, the Level, and the
Plumb-rule. The Square is used by operative masons to try and
adjust all rectangular corners of buildings, and to assist in
bringing rude matter into due form; the Level is to lay levels and
prove horizontals; and the Plumb-rule is to try, and adjust, all
uprights, while fixing them on their proper bases. But as we are
not Operative, but Free and Accepted or Speculative Masons, we
apply these tools to our morals. In this sense the Square teaches
us to regulate our actions by the Masonic rule and line, and to
harmonise our conduct with the principles of morality and virtue,
The level demonstrates that we are descended from the same
stock, partakers of the same nature, and sharers of the same
hope; and that although distinctions among men are necessary
to preserve subordination and to reward merit and ability, no
eminence of station should make us forget that we are all
Brethren, for the time will come when all distinctions, save those
of goodness and virtue, shall cease, and Death, the grand
leveller of all human greatness, will reduce us to the same state.
The Plumb-rule admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several
stations, to hold the scales of justice with an equal poise, to
observe the just medium between avarice and profusion, and to
make our passions and prejudices coincide with the exact line of
duty. In this sense the Square teaches morality,the Level
equality, and the Plumb-rule justness and uprightness of life and
actions. Thus, by square conduct, level steps, and upright
actions, we hope to ascend to those Immortal Mansions, whence
all goodness emanates.
CHARGE AFTER PASSING.
R.W.M. — Being passed to the Second Degree, we congratulate
you on your preferment. The internal, not the external
qualifications of a man are what Freemasonry regards. As you
increase in knowledge you will improve in social intercourse. It is
unnecessary for me to recapitulate the duties which as a Mason
you are now bound to discharge, or to enlarge on the necessity
of a strict adherence to them, as your own experience must have
established their value. In your new character it is expected that
you will not only conform to the principles of the Order, but
steadily persevere in the practice of every commendable virtue.
The study of the liberal arts — that valuable branch of education
which tends so effectually to polish and adorn the mind — is
earnestly recommended to your consideration, more especially
the science of Geometry. Geometry or Masonry — originally
synonymous terms — being of a Divine and moral nature, is
enriched with the most useful knowledge, and while it proves the
wonderful properties of nature, it demonstrates the more
important truths of morality.
As the solemnity of our ceremonies requires a serious
deportment, you are to be particularly attentive to your
behaviour in our regular assemblies. You are to reserve our
ancient usages and established customs sacred and inviolable,
and induce others by your example to hold them in due
veneration. Our laws and regulations you are strenuously to
support and maintain, and be ever ready to assist in seeing them
duly executed. You are not to palliate nor 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 reprehend with justice.
Such is the nature of your engagements as a F.C.M., and to
these duties you are now bound by the most solemn ties.
CLOSING OF LODGE.
R.W.M, gives one k..., and says, Brethren, assist me to close the
Lodge.
The Brethren stand at the s... of f....
R.W.M. — W.J.W., what is the constant care in a L. of F.C.M.s?
W.J.W. — To prove the L. closed tyled.
W.J.W. — Bro. I.G. prove the L. close tyled.
The I.G. gives the k...s of the Degree, which are responded to by
the T.
I.G. — W.J.W., the L. is close tyled.
W.S.W — To see that the Br. stand to order as F.C.M.s.
R.W.M. — To order Br. as F.C.M.s.
The Br. give the s... of a F.C.M....
R.W.M. — W.J.W., in this situation what have you discovered?
W.J.W. — The Sacred Symbol.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., where is it situated?
W.S.W. — In the centre of the building.
R.W.M. — W.J.W., to Whom does it allude?
W.J.W. — To G..., the G... G,.. of the U....
R.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 Craft, let us not fail to discharge our duty to
Him with fervency and zeal.
R.W.M. — W.S W., what is your place in the Lodge?
R.W.M. — And your duty there?
W.S.W. — To mark the setting sun and to close the Lodge by
your command, after seeing that every Brother has had his just
and lawful due.
W.S.W. — So far as due and demanded, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., the labours of this Degree being ended, and
the wages paid so far as due and demanded, I now command
you to close the L.
W.S.W. — Br., in the name of the G... G... of the U..., and by
command of the R.W.M., I declare this L. of F.C.M... duly closed,
and this I do by — .(Gives the k...s of the Degree)
W.J.W. — And it is closed accordingly. (Gives the k...s of the
Degree)
The I.G. gives the k...s, which are responded to by the T., after
which the R.W.M. gives the k...s.
R.W.M. — W.J.W., how should M...s act?
and part.
Chaplain — And may the blessing of the G... G... of the U... rest
upon us, and upon all true and faithful Brethren throughout the
world; may brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social
good cement us.
R.W.M. — Br., nothing now remains but, in accordance with our
hearts uniting in the act of fidelity, fidelity, fidelity. May God
SHORT METHOD OF RAISING THE LODGE TO SECOND
DEGREE.
The R.W.M. rises in the E., gives one k..., at which the Brethren
stand at the s... of f....
R.W.M. — W.J.W., will you be off or from?
W.J.W. — From, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — From what?
W.J.W. — From the Degree of E.A. to that of F.C.
R.W.M. — Brethren, by virtue of my office, I hereby declare the
Lodge raised from the Degree of E.A. to that of F.C., and this I
do by ——.
The R.W.M. gives the k...s of the Second Degree, which are
repeated by Wardens, I.G., and Tyler.
R.W.M. — And this shall be your s....
He gives the s... which is responded to by the Brethren.
The Brethren seat themselves, the V.S.L. is opened at the proper
place, and the c... and s... are placed in position.
SHORT METHOD OF REDUCING.
The R.W.M. rises in the E., gives one k... and the Brethren stand
at the s... of f....
R.W.M. — W.J.W., will you be off or from?
W.J.W. — Off, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — Off what?
W.J.W. — Off the Degree of F.C. to that of E.A.
Lodge reduced from the Degree of F.C. to that of E.A., and this I
do by —.
The R.W.M. gives the k...s of the First Degree, which are
repeated by Wardens, I.G., and T.
He gives the s... of an E.A., which is responded to by the
Brethren.
place, and c... and s... are placed in position.
THE THIRD DEGREE
The R.W.M. rises in the E., and gives one k....
R.W.M. — Brethren, assist me to open this Lodge in the Third
Degree.
The Brethren stand at the s... of f...
R.W.M. — W.J.W., what is the first duty in a Lodge of M.M.s?
W.J.W. — To see the Lodge properly tyled, R.W.M.
W.J.W. — Br. I.G., see the Lodge properly tyled.
The I.G. gives the k...s of the Second Degree, which are
answered by the T.
I.G. — W.J.W., the Lodge is tyled.
W.J.W. — R.W.M., the Lodge is tyled.
R.W.M. — W.S.W, what is the next duty?
W.S.W. — To see that all present are M.M.s, that they are
properly clothed and stand to order as F.C.M.s.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., are you satisfied that all present are
M.M....s?
R.W.M. — Then, to order, Brethren, as F.C.M.s, and kindly
remain so until further proved.
The brethren stand to order as F.C.M.s giving the appropriate
s..., which is returned by the R.W.M.
R.W.M. — W.J.W., are you a Master Mason?
W.J.W. — I am, R.W.M.; try me and prove me.
R.W.M. — By what instruments in architecture will you be
proved?
W.J.W. — The S... and C..., R.W.M.
R.W.M. — Being yourself acquainted with the proper mode, you
will prove the Brethren to be M.M.s by s..., and thereafter
demonstrate the proof to me by copying their example.
W.J.W. — Brethren, it is the R.W.M.’s command that you prove
yourselves M.M.s by s...
The Brethren give the s... and stand to order as M.M.s.
W.J.W. — R.W.M., the Brethren have proved themselves M.M.s
by s..., and in obedience to your command I thus copy their
example.
The W.J.W. gives the s..., which is returned by the R.W.M.
R.W.M. — I acknowledge the correctness of the s.... W.J.W.,
whence come you?
W.J.W. — The E., R.W.M.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., whither are you directing your course?
W.S.W. — The W., R.W.M.
R.W.M. — W.J.W., why do you leave the E. and go to the W.?
W.J.W. — In search of that which is lost, which, by your
instructions and our own endeavours, we hope to find.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., what is that which is lost?
W.S.W. — The genuine s... of a M.M.
R.W.M. — W.J.W., how came they to be lost?
W.J.W. — By the untimely d... of our Master H.A.B.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., where do you hope to find them?
W.S.W. — On the Centre.
R.W.M. — W.J.W., what is a Centre?
W.J.W. — A point within a circle from which all parts of the
circumference are equidistant.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., why do you expect to find them on the
Centre?
W.S.W. — Because that is a point from which no M.M. can err.
R.W.M. — Then we will assist you in your search.
Chaplain — May Heaven aid our united endeavours.
R.W.M. — Brethren, in the name of the M.H., and in virtue of
my position as Master, I declare this Lodge duly opened on the
Centre, for the instruction and improvement of M.M.s, and this I
do by —
The R.W.M. gives the requisite number of k...s, which are
repeated by the W.S.W., the W.J.W., the I.G., and the T.
He gives the s..., which is responded to by the Brethren, after
which all exclaim a... g... t... t... M... H..., etc.
THE CEREMONY OF RAISING.
In the preparing room adjoining the Lodge the J.D. attends to
Br. A.B., and sees that he has his a...s b... and k...s b..., and
h...s s...p-s...d. The J.D., as Conductor, then leads him to the
d... of the Lodge, and gives the k...s of the Degree.
R.W.M. — S.D., you will attend to the report.
The S.D. gives the s... and retires, and interrogates the
Conductor.
S.D. — Who comes, who comes, who comes here?
Con. — Br. A.B., who has been regularly initiated into
Freemasonry, passed to the Second Degree, and has made such
progress as he hopes will entitle him to be raised to the high and
sublime Degree of M.M.
S.D. — How does he hope to obtain that privilege?
Con. — By the help of God, the assistance of the S... and C...,
and the benefit of a p... w... and g....
S.D. — Has he the p... w... and g...?
Con. — He has not, but I will give them for him.
The Conductor gives the p... w... and g....
S.D. — Wait till I make a report to the R.W.M.
The S.D. returns to the Lodge, goes to the centre, and with his
rod gives the k...s of the Degree.
R.W.M. — Who comes, who comes, who comes here?
S.D. — R.W.M., at the door of the L. stands Br. A.B., who has
been regularly initiated into Freemasonry, passed to the Second
Degree, and has made such progress as he hopes will entitle him
to be raised to the high and sublime Degree of M.M.
R.W.M. — How does he hope, etc.?
S.D. — By the help of God, the assistance of the S... and C...,
and the benefit of a p... w... and g.....
R.W.M. — We acknowledge the powerful aid by which he seeks
it. Is he in possession of the p... w... and g...?
S.D. — He is not, but his conductor has given them for him.
R.W.M. — Advance and give me that assurance.
The S.D. advances and gives the p... w... and g....
R.W.M. — The p... w... and g... are correct. Do you vouch that
he comes properly prepared?
S.D. — I do, R.W.M.
upon what he enters. Brethren, be upstanding to receive Bro.
A.B.
The Brethren stand at the s... of f...; Bro. A.B. is brought within
the Lodge, and the S.D. approaches him.
S.D.— Bro. A.B., in the name of the M... H..., and by command
of the R.W.M., enter this L. of M.M.s on the p... of the C...,
pressing your n... r... and l... b..., which is to teach you that, as
the most vital parts of man are contained within the b..., so are
the most valuable tenets of Freemasonry comprehended
between the points of the C..., which are Virtue, Morality, and
Brotherly Love.
Br. A.B. is brought to the centre.
R.W.M. — Br. A.B., you will k... while the blessing of Heaven is
invoked in aid of our proceedings. Brethren, let us pray.
The candidate kneels on a cushion which has been placed for his
convenience.
Chaplain — Almighty and Eternal God, Architect and Ruler of
the Universe, at Whose creative fiat all things first were made,
we, the frail creatures of Thy providence, humbly implore Thee
to pour down on this convocation assembled in Thy holy Name,
the continual dew of Thy blessing. More especially we beseech
Thee to impart Thy grace to this Thy servant who seeks to
partake with us the mysterious s... of a M.M. Endow him with
such fortitude that in the hour of trial he fail not, but, passing
safely under Thy protection through the valley of the shadow of
death, he may finally arise from the tomb of transgression to
shine as the stars for ever and ever.
R.W.M. — Br. A.B., rise and follow your guide.
The J.D. conducts Br. A.B. to the W.J.W.’s pedestal and gives the
k...s of the Degree.
SD. — Br. A.B., who has been regularly initiated into
W.J.W. — How does he hope to obtain that privilege?
SD. — By the help of God, the assistance of the S... and C...,
W.J.W — Has he the p... w... and g...?
SD. — He has not, but I will give them for him.
The SD gives the p... w... and g....
W.J.W. — You may safely pass to the W.
The J.D. conducts Bro. A.B. to the W.S.W.’s pedestal where the
same ceremony is gone through
W.S.W. — Who comes, who comes, who comes here?
SD. — Br. A.B., who has been regularly initiated into
W.S.W. — How does he hope to obtain that privilege?
SD. — By the help of God, the assistance of the S... and C...,
W.S.W — Has he the p... w... and g...?
SD. — He has not, but I will give them for him.
The SD gives the p... w... and g....
W.S.W. - after which the W.S.W. gives one k....
W.S.W. — R.W.M., I have here Br. A.B. as a Can. properly
prepared to be raised to the high and sublime Degree of a M.M.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., you will direct the D... to instruct the Can. to
advance to the E. in due and ancient form in this degree.
W.S.W. — Br. Deacon, it is the R.W.M.’s command that you
conduct Br. A.B. three times round the inside of this warranted
and worshipful Lodge to show to the Brethren that he is properlv
prepared to be raised to the high and sublime degree of a M.M.,
and thereafter teach him to advance to the a... as you yourself
were taught.
Preceded by the S.B., who salutes the R.W.M. and Wardens as
he passes them, the J.D. conducts Br. A.B. three times round the
Lodge, and then brings him up towards the a....
J.D. — Br. A.B., the proper way to advance to the E. in this
Degree is by three r... s.... You will first advance as an E.A. (Br.
A.B. and the J.D. do this); now as a F.C.M. (Br. A.B. and the J.D,
do this) Now you will take another s... p... with your l... f... and
bring both h...s together. (Br. A.B. and the J.D. do so)
J.D. — R.W.M., I now present to you Br. A.B., duly and truly
prepared to take the o... and o... of a M.M.
R.W.M. — Br. A.B., it is only fair to inform you that a most
serious and solemn obligation, as well as a greater trial of your
fortitude and fidelity, now await you. Are you prepared to meet
them as you ought?
Br. A.B. — I am.
R.W.M. — Then you will k... on both k... place b... h... on the
V.S.L., then, as in the former degrees, repeat your name at
length, and say after me:—
I, A.B., in the presence of the M... H..., and in the body of this
worthy and worshipful Lodge of M.M.s, regularly assembled and
properly constituted, of my own free will and accord, do hereby,
hereat, and hereon, sincerely promise and solemnly swear that I
will always hele, conceal, and never reveal, any or either of the
secrets or mysteries of, or belonging to, the Third Degree, to any
one of an inferior Degree, or to anyone in the world, except it be
to him or them to whom the same may justly and lawfully
belong, and not even to him or them until after due trial, strict
examination, or a full conviction that he or they are worthy of
that confidence, or in the body of a M.M.s Lodge duly opened on
the Centre. I further solemnly engage myself to adhere to the
principles of the Square and Compasses, to answer and obey all
lawful signs and summonses sent to me from a M.M.’s Lodge, if
within the length of my cable-tow, 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 five points of Fellowship in act
as well as in word:— that my h... given to a M.M., shall be a sure
pledge of brotherhood; that my f... shall travel through dangers
and difficulties to unite with his in forming a column of mutual
defence and support; that the posture of my daily supplications
shall remind me of a Brother’s 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 when entrusted to my care — murder,
treason, felony, and all other offences contrary to the laws of
God and the ordinances of the realm being at all times specially
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 that 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 wife, his sister,
his mother, and his child. I further solemnly promise that I will
not use the hailing s... of this Degree except it be for the
preservation of my own life or the lives of those depending upon
me; but should I see that s... given or hear the words which
accompany it spoken, I will hasten to the assistance of those so
giving the s..., or using the w...s, should I see a greater chance
of saving life than of losing my own. These several points I
solemnly swear to observe without evasion, equivocation, or any
mental reservation whatsoever, under the penalty of having, etc.
R.W.M. — As a pledge of your fidelity, and to render this solemn
obligation binding for so long as you shall live, I call on you to
salute the V.S.L. thrice.
Br. A.B. does so.
R.W.M. — Br. A.B., let me once more direct your attention to
the position of the S ...and C.... When you were made an E.A.
both points were hid; in the Second Degree one was disclosed,
indicating that you were midway in Freemasonry; in this, both
are exhibited, implying that you are now at liberty to work with
both these points to render the circle of your Masonic duties
complete. I now give you my hand, saying, rise, newly obligated
M. among M...s.
The R.W.M. raises Br. A.B. with the p... g....
R.W.M. — Br. A.B., having taken the great and solemn
obligation of a M.M., you have now a right to demand of me that
last and greatest trial, bv which alone you can be admitted to a
participation in the secrets of the Third Degree; but it is first my
duty to call your attention to a retrospect of those Degrees
through which you have 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 Masons in a state of helpless indigence
was an emblematical representation of the entrance of all men
on this their mortal existence. It inculcated the useful lessons of
natural equality, and mutual dependence — it instructed you in
the active principles of universal beneficence and charity, and
taught you 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..., and to dedicate
your heart, thus purified from every baneful and malignant
passion, and 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 into the Second Degree
there to contemplate the intellectual faculties, and trace them
from their development through the paths of heavenly science,
even to the throne of God 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 mortal
state, she finally instructs you how to die. Such, Br. A.B., is the
peculiar lesson of the Third Degree in Masonry, the chief object
of which is to teach the heart to seek for happiness in the
consciousness of a life well spent, so that, when the shadows
gather around, an unseen arm may sustain the sinking head,
and Death create not a captive but a conqueror; it invites you to
reflect on this awful subject, and teaches you to feel that to the
just and virtuous man Death has no terrors equal to the stain of
falsehood and dishonour. Of this great truth the annals of
Freemasonry afford us a glorious example in the unshaken
fidelity and noble death of our Master H... A... B..., who was
slain just at the completion of K... S...’s T..., at the construction
of which he was the principal architect. Hitherto, so far as
Freemasonry is concerned, you have heard little of this eminent
personage, He was, as we gather from Holy Writ, the son of a
widow of Tyre, and when King Solomon applied to the King of
Tyre to assist him in raising a Temple to the Most High, that
friendly monarch despatched H.A.B. to Jerusalem, H.A.B. was
possessed of great skill and much of the magnificence of the
Temple was due to his wonderful ability. He laboured untiringly
in the service of Solomon but was not permitted to see the
completion of the Work for, according to Masonic tradition, the
manner of his death was as follows:— Fifteen F.C...s of that
superior class of workmen who were appointed to preside over
the rest, seeing that the Temple was nearly finished, and that
they were not in possession of the secrets of the Third Degree,
conspired together to obtain them by any means, even to have
recourse to violence. On the eve of carrying their scheme into
execution, twelve of them recanted, but the others, being of a
more determined and atrocious character than the rest,
persisted in their impious design, in the prosecution of which
they placed themselves respectively at the E., W., and S.
entrances to the Temple, whither our Master had retired to offer
up his prayers to the M... H..., as was his wonted custom at the
hour of High Twelve. His devotions being ended, he attempted to
return by the S. door, where he was accosted by the first of
these ruffians, who, for want of other weapon, had armed
himself with a heavy plumb-rule, and in a threatening manner
demanded of him the secrets of a M.M., warning him that death
would be the consequence of a refusal. Our Master H..., true to
his obligation, answered that these secrets were known only to
three in the world, and that without the consent of the two
others he neither could nor would divulge them, but intimated
that he had no doubt diligence and patience would in due time
entitle the worthy F.C. to a participation in them, but, as for
himself, he would rather suffer death than betray the sacred
trust reposed in him. This answer not proving satisfactory, the
ruffian aimed a blow at the head of our Master H..., but, being
startled at the firmness of his demeanour, he missed his
forehead, but the weapon glanced with such force on his r... t...
as to cause him to sink on the l... k..., the position in which you
were placed when taking the O... of an E.A. Recovering from this
shock, he made for the W. door where he was opposed by the
second rufiian, to whom he answered as in the former instance,
but with undiminished firmness, when the villain who was armed
with a level, struck him a violent blow on the l... t..., which
caused him to sink upon his r... k..., the position in which you
were placed when taking the O... of a F.C. Our Master now
finding all chance of escape cut off at both these quarters,
staggered faint and bleeding to the E. door, where the third
ruffian was posted, who received a similar reply to his insolent
demand (for even at that trying moment our Master remained
firm and unshaken), when the ruffian, who was armed with a
heavy setting-maul, struck him a violent blow on the f... h...,
which laid him l... at his f....
Br A.B., we have now come to that part of the ceremony where
it is necessary for you to retire and be prepared, so that you
may return to the Lodge and personify one of the brightest
characters in the annals of Freemasonry. You will now retire
without giving any s..., and by taking three p...s backwards.
Br. A.B. is conducted to the preparing-room where he is h... w....
All l...s in the Lodge are extinguished with the exception of the
Star in the E.. The emblems of mortality are properly set out.
Bro. A.B. is then brought within the Lodge, when t... s... are s...
on a g.... Thereafter the attack upon H.A.B. is enacted. When
this has been done the R.W.M. says:
R.W.M. — W.S.W., why do the Brethren look so sad?
W.S.W. — The M. has gone amissing, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — That recalls to my mind the fact that a conspiracy
concerning the M... was reported to me. W.J.W., you will retire
by the S. g... and see whether, etc.
W.J.W. — Accompany me, Brethren, on the s... of an E.A.
Solemn music is played, and the Brethren perambulate on the
s... of an E.A., after which the W.J.W. reports.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., you will retire by the W., etc.
W.S.W. — Accompany me, Brethren, on the s... of a F.C.
The Brethren perambulate on the s... of a F.C., after which the
W.S.W, reports.
R.W.M. — W.S.M., you will retire by the E., etc.
W.S.M. — Accompany me, Brethren, on the s... of a M.M.
The Brethren perambulate on the s... of a M.M., after which the
W.S.M. reports.
R.W.M. — W.S.M., you will conduct us to the spot.
W.S.M. — Return with me, Brethren, on the s... of a M.M.
The Brethren again perambulate on the s... of a M.M.
R.W.M. — If this be the g... of the m... m..., it will be d... due E.
and W., and will be s... l... and p.... W.J.W., you will apply the
j... of your office.
The W.J.W. does so and reports — It is p..., R.W.M.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., you will apply the j... of your office.
The W.S.W. does so, and reports — It is s... R.W.M.
R.W.M. — W.S.M., what is the j... of your office?
W.S.M. — The S..., R.W.M.
R.W.M. — To whom does it belong?
W.S.M. — To the c... in general and the m... in particular,
R.W.M.
R.W.M. — Then you will apply the j... of your office. The W.S.M.
does so.
W.S.M. — It is S..., R.W.M,
R.W.M. — It is s... l... and p...; and from observations I have
already taken it is d... due E. and W. Remove the t... and see
what remains.
The Brethren do so and then exclaim, alas, etc.
R.W.M. — W.J.W., you will endeavour to r... the r... of our
Master H.A.B. by the E.A. g.... (The W.J.W. does so)
W.J.W. — It proves a slip, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., you will endeavour, etc., by the F.C.
g.... (The W.S.W. does so)
W.S.W. — It proves a slip, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — Then, W.S.W., what is our duty?
W.S.W. — To pray, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — Then, Br. Chaplain, you will lead us in prayer.
Chaplain — Thou, O God, who knowest our down-sittings and
uprisings, and understandest our thoughts from afar off, shield
and defend us from the evil intentions of our enemies, and
support us under the trials we are destined to endure while
passing through this vale of tears. Man that is born of a woman
is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower
and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow and continueth not.
Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are
with Thee, Thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;
turn from him, O Lord, that he may rest till he shall accomplish
his days. For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will
sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease;
but man dieth and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost
and where is he? As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood
decayeth and drieth up, so man lieth down, and riseth not till the
heavens be no more. Yea, O God, have compassion on the
children of Thy creation, and comfort them in their hour of
trouble. It is true that we stand round the g... of all that is
mortal of one who was dearly beloved by us all, and we mourn;
yet not as they who have no hope, for we look forward to a
bright resurrection, to a glorious immortality, and a happy
reunion on the shores of eternity, where the wicked cease from
troubling, and the weary are at rest. Now rest in sweet repose,
our beloved Brother! D... the grim T... of Eternity hath indeed
ushered thee within the vale but, on another morn, when the
G... S... shall descend, and the heavens shall be opened, and the
g... o... w... be spoken, thou shalt arise to shine as the stars for
ever and ever. We shall go unto thee, but thou shalt return unto
us no more. Green be the grass that waves o’er thy t..., light be
the ashes that cover thy r..., and may the glorious S... of R...
shine brightly on the morn of thy awakening.
R.W.M. — W.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..., of which, with your assistance, I will make a trial.
Br. A.B. is then r... on the f... p... of f....
R.W.M. — It is thus, Br. A.B., that all M.M.s are r... from a f...
d... to a reunion with the companions of their former toils.
The R.W.M., points to the S... in the E.
R.W.M.— Let me now beg of you to observe that the light of a
M.M. is but darkness visible, serving only to discover that gloom
which rests on the very prospect of futurity. It is that mysterious
veil of darkness which the eye of human reason cannot
penetrate, unless assisted by the light which is from above; yet
even by this glimmering ray you may perceive that you stand on
the very brink of the g..., which, when this transitory life shall
have passed away, will again receive you into its cold bosom.
At this point the attention of Br. A.B. is directed to the c..., s...,
and c...s-b...s, etc., which have hitherto been hidden from his
gaze.
R.W.M.— Let the emblems of mortality which lie before you lead
you to contemplate gour inevitable 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 immortal
principle, which inspires a holy confidence that the Lord of Life
will enable us to trample the king of terrors beneath our feet,
and lift our eyes to that bright Morning Star whose rising brings
peace and salvation to the faithful and obedient of the human
race.
The l...s are now restored, and the Brethren who have been
assisting in the ceremonial resume their seats, while Br. A.B. is
conducted to the centre.
R.W.M. — Br. A.B., I cannot better reward your attention than
by immediately entrusting you with the s... of this Degree. You
will, therefore, advance to me as an E.A.; now as a F.C. You will
now take another short p.. with your l... f... as before, and bring
b... h...s together. That is the third regular s... in Freemasonry,
and it is in this position the s... of this Degree are
communicated. They consist of s..., t..., and w.... Of the s... the
first and second are casual. The first casual s... is formed from
the F.C., and is called the s... of h..., and is given thus — . The
second casual s... is the s... of s..., and is given thus — . The
third is the s... of g... or d..., and is given thus — . The fourth, or
p... s..., because it alludes to the penalty of your obligation, is
given thus — , and implies that, as a man of honour and a M.M.,
you would rather be, etc., tha11 improperly divulge the s... of
this Degree. This is the s... with which you salute the Master on
entering or retiring from a Lodge working in this Degree. The
fifth is the g... or r... s..., and is given thus — . It took its rise at
the time the Temple was finished. When S... and the Princes of
his household went to view it, they were so struck with its
magnificence, that with one simultaneous impulse they raised
their h... thus, and exclaimed — . Of these s...s the first and
second will be explained to you in the course of a lecture which
is to follow. The third is believed to have taken its origin from
the act of our M. — H.A.B, who, when passing from the to the
gate, raised his hand, and sought to wipe the b... and p... from
his forehead. There is still another s.... It is the hailing s... of the
Degree, to which reference was made in your O... It is given
thus — The g... or t... is the first of the five p... of f.... The five
p... of f... are : — h... to h..., I greet you as a Brother; f... to f...
that my f... shall travel through difficulties and dangers to unite
with yours in forming a column of mutual defence and support;
k... to k..., that the posture of my daily supplication shall remind
me of my brother’s wants and incline my heart to succour his
distress; b... to b..., that my b... shall be the sacred repository
of all his lawful s... when entrusted tome as such; and h... over
b..., that I shall maintain a Master Mason’s honour as my own in
his absence as I would if he were present. It is in this position
and this position alone and even then only in a whisper that the
w... is given. It is M... or M..., both words signifying the M... is
s..., or the M... is slain.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., I delegate to you the duty of investing Br.
A.B. with the distinguishing badge of a M.M.
W.S.W. — By the R.W.M.’s command I invest you with the
distinguishing badge of a M.M., to mark the further progress you
have made in the science.
R.W.M. — I would add to what has been stated by the W.S.W.
that the badge with which you have been invested not only
points out your rank as a M.M., but is likewise meant to remind
you of those great duties you have just solemnly engaged to
perform, and, while it marks your own superiority it calls on, you
to afford assistance and instruction to the Brethren in the inferior
Degrees,
R.W.M. — I now present to you the working tools of a Master
Mason, which are the Skirrit, the Pencil and the Compasses. The
Skirrit is an instrument which acts on a centre pin, whence a line
is drawn, chalked, and struck, to mark out the ground for the
foundation of the intended structure. With the Pencil the skilful
artist delineates the building on a draft or plan for the instruction
and guidance of the workmen. The Compasses enable him with
accuracy and precision to ascertain and determine the limits and
proportions of its several parts. But as we are not Operative, but
Free and Accepted Masons, we apply these tools to our morals.
In this sense the Skirrit points out to us that straight and
undeviating line of conduct laid down for our pursuit in the V.S.L.
The Pencil teaches us that our words and actions are observed
and recorded by the Almighty Architect, to whom we must give
an account of our conduct through life. By the Compasses we are
reminded of His unerring and impartial justice, which, having
defined for our instruction the limits of good and evil, will finally
reward or punish us according as we have obeyed or disregarded
His Divine commands. Thus, the working tools of a M.M. teach us
to have in mind and to act according to the laws of the Divine
Creator, so that, when we shall be summoned from this
sublunary abode, we may ascend to the Grand Lodge, where the
World’s Great Architect lives and reigns for ever.
At this point it is customary in some Lodges to allow the Brother
to retire to be r... to his p... c... after which, on his return, the
second part of the traditional history of the Degree is recited. In
other Lodges no interruption is permitted.
R.W.M. — We left off at that part of our traditional history,
which mentioned the death of our Master H.A.B. A loss so
important as that of the principal Architect could not fail of being
speedily and severely felt. The want of those plans and designs
which had hitherto been so regularly supplied throughout every
department of the work, was the first indication that some heavy
calamity had befallen him. The Overseers deputed some of the
most distinguished of their Brethren to acquaint K... S... of the
utter confusion into which the absence of had plunged them, and
at the same time to express their apprehension that to some
fatal catastrophe must be attributed his sudden and mysterious
disappearance, King S... immediately ordered a general muster
of the workmen throughout the various departments, when three
of the same class were not to be found, and on the same day the
twelve who had originally joined in the conspiracy, went before
the King and made a voluntary confession of all they knew up to
the time of their having withdrawn themselves from the number
of the conspirators. His fears being awakened for the safety of
his chief artist, he selected fifteen trusty F.C...s, and ordered
them to go and make diligent search after the person of their
Master H., to see if he were yet alive, or had suffered death in
the attempt to extort from him the s... of his exalted degree.
Accordingly, a stated day having been appointed for their return
to Jerusalem, thev formed themselves into three F.C. Lodges,
and departed from the three entrances of the Temple.
Many days were spent in fruitless search; indeed, one Lodge
returned to Jerusalem without having effected any discovery of
importance. The second was more fortunate; for on the evening
of a certain day, after having suffered the greatest privations
and fatigue, one of the Brethren, who had rested himself in a
reclining posture, in order to assist his rising, caught hold of a
shrub that grew near, which to his surprise came easily out of
the ground. On a closer examination he found that the earth had
been recently disturbed. He therefore hailed his Brethren, and,
with their united efforts, succeeded in reopening it, and there
found the body of the Master very indecently interred. They
covered it again with all respect and reverence, and in order to
distinguish the spot, stuck a sprig of Acacia at the head of the
grave. They then hastened to Jerusalem to impart the afflicting
intelligence to K... S..., who, when the first emotions of grief had
subsided, ordered them to return and raise the body of their
Master H. to such a sepulchre as became his rank and exalted
talents, at the same time informing them that by his untimely
death the genuine s... of a M.M. were lost. He charged them,
therefore, to be particularly careful in observing whatever casual
s..., t..., or w... might occur among them while paying their last
sad office of respect to departed merit. They performed their
task with the utmost fidelity, for on the moment of re-opening
the ground, one of the Brethren, looking round, saw some of his
companions in this situation —— , expressive of their h... at the
afilicting sight, and others viewing the ghastly wound still visible
on his f..., smote their own thus — , in sympathy with his
sufferings. Two of the Brethren then descended into the g..., one
of whom endeavoured to r... the body by the E.A. g..., which
proved a slip; the other tried the F.C. g..., which proved a slip
also. Having both failed in their attempts, a more zealous and
expert Brother descended, and with their assistance, r... him on
the five p... of f..., while others, still more animated, exclaimed,
— , which signifies —— . K... S... ordered that these casual s...,
t..., and w... should designate all M.M.s throughout the Universe,
until time or circumstances should restore the genuine ones.
It only remains for me to state that the third Lodge of Craftsmen
had pursued their researches in the direction of Joppa, and were
meditating their return to Jerusalem, when, passing the mouth
of a cavern, they heard sounds of deep lamentation and regret,
and on entering to satisfy themselves of the cause, they found
three men answering the description of those for whom they
were in search. On being charged as the perpetrators of the
m..., and finding all chance of escape cut off, they confessed
their guilt, and were bound and led to Jerusalem, where K... S...
sentenced them to that death which the heinousness of their
crime so justly merited.
CHARGE AFTER RAISING
R.W.M. — Br. A.B., your zeal for the institution of Freemasonry,
the progress which you have made in the art, and your
conformity to the general regulations, have pointed you out as a
proper object of our favour and esteem.
In the character of a M.M., you are henceforth authorised to
correct the errors and irregularities of Brethren and Fellows, and
guard them against a breach of fidelity. To improve the morals
and correct the manners of men in society must be your
constant care. With this object in view, you are to recommend to
inferiors, obedience and submission; to equals, courtesy and
affability; to superiors, kindness and condescension. Universal
benevolence you are always to inculcate; and by the regularity
of your own behaviour afford the best example for the conduct of
others. The ancient landmarks of our Order, which are here
entrusted to your care, you are to preserve sacred and
inviolable, and never suffer any infringement of our rites, or a
deviation from established usage and custom.
Duty, honour, and gratitude now bind you to be faithful to every
trust, to support with becoming dignity your new character, and
to enforce by example and precept, the tenets of our 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 such 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.
It is usual when a Brother has been raised to the High and
Sublime Degree of M.M., for the R.W.M, to welcome him formally
to the Lodge as a Member who is now entitled to all the
privileges. On the call of the R.W.M. the Brethren stand and give
a Masonic welcome with o..., t..., t....
The Brother briefly replies.
CLOSING OF LODGE
R.W.M. — (Gives one k...) Brethren, assist me to close the
Lodge.
The Brethren stand at the s... of f....
R.W.M. — W.J.W., what is the constant care in a L. of M.M.s?
W.J.W. — To prove the L. closed tyled, R.W.M.
W.J.W. — Br. I.G., prove the L. close tyled.
The I.G. gives the k...s of the Degree, which are responded to by
the T.
I.G. — W.J.W., the L. is close tyled.
R.W.M. — W.S.W,, what is the next duty?
W.S.W. — To see that the Br. stand to order as M.M.s.
R.W.M. — To order, Br.. as M.M.s.
The Brethren give the s... of a M.M.
R.W.M. — W.J.W., whence come you?
W.J.W. — The W., R.W.M., whither we have been in search of
the genuine s... of a M.M.
R.W.M. — W.S.W., have you been successful in your search?
W.S.W. — We have not, R.W.M., but we bring with us certain
substituted s..., which, with your permission, we are willing to
impart.
R.W.M. — Let these substituted s... be regularly communicated
to me.
The W...s go to the centre of the L. and face each other; the J.
gives the s..., g..., and w... on the f... p...s of f... in due form to
the S.; the J. retires to his place; the S. then goes to about a
yard in front of the R.W.M,
W.S.W. — R.W.M., deign to receive the substituted s... of a
M.M.
R.W.M. — I will receive them with pleasure.
The R.W.M, leaves his chair and receives them as the S.W. had
done; the S.W, salutes the M., and both return to their seats
keeping up the p... s... until they arrive there.
R.W.M. — Br., these substituted s... of a M.M. which have thus
been regularly communicated to me, I, as the R.W.M, of this L.,
and thereby the humble representative of K... S..., hereby
sanction, confirm, and declare that they shall designate you, and
all M.M.s throughout the world, until time or circumstances shall
restore the genuine ones.
The Brethren give the g... or r... s... and exclaim, All glory to the
M... H...
R.W.M. — W.S.W., what is your place in the Lodge?
R.W.M. — And your duty there? W.S.W. — To mark the setting
sun, and to close the Lodge by your command after seeing that
every Brother has had his just and lawful due, R.W.M.
W.S.W. — So far as due and demanded, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — The labours of the day being ended, and the wages
paid so far as due and demanded, I now command you to close
this Lodge.
W.S.W. — Br., in the name of the M... H... and by command of
the R.W.M., I declare this L. of M.M.s duly closed, and this I do
by — (gives the k...s of the Degree).
W.J.W. — And it is closed accordingly. (Gives the k...s of the
Degree.)
The I.G, gives the k...s which are responded to by the T., after
which the R.W.M. gives the k...s.
R.W.M. — W.J.W., how should they act?
and part.
Chaplain — And may the blessing of the rest upon us, and upon
all true and faithful Brethren throughout the world; may
brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social good cement
us.
R.W.M. — Br., nothing now remains but, in accordance with our
hearts, uniting in the act of fidelity, fidelity, fidelity. May God
SHORT METHOD OF RAISING THE LODGE TO THIRD
DEGREE.
The R.W.M, rises in the E., gives one k..., at which the Brethren
R.W.M. — W.S.W., will you be off or from?
W.S.W. — From, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — From what?
W.S.W. — From the Degree of F.C. to that of M.M.
Lodge raised from the Degree of F.C. to that of M.M, and this I
do by — .
The R.W.M. gives the k...s of the Third Degree, which are
R.W.M. — And this shall be your s...
He gives the s..., which is responded to by the Brethren.
R.W.M. — Be seated, Brethren. The Brethren seat themselves,
the V.S.L. is opened at the proper place, and the c... and s... are
placed in position.
SHORT METHOD OF REDUCING THE LODGE
The R.W.M. rises in the E., gives one k..., and the Brethren
R.W.M. — W.S.W., will you be off or from?
W.S.W. — Off, R.W.M.
R.W.M. — Off what?
W.S.W. — Off the Degree of M.M. to that of F.C.
R.W.M. — Brethren, by virtue of in office, I hereby declare the
Lodge reduced from the Degree of M.M. to that of F.C., and this I
do by — .
The R.W.M. gives the k... of the Second Degree which are
R.W.M — And this, Brethren, shall be your s....
He gives the s... of a F.C. which is responded to by the Brethren.

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First Degree Second Degree Third Degree

THE FIRST DEGREE

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