Rituals of freemasonry: comprising the degrees of Entered apprentice, Fellow craft, and Master mason, in the lodge

Front matter

Class.

Book.

S-fs

Contents

Ahtman Bezon — signification of the term 5

Explanation of the Feontispiece 7

nteoductoey 13

Section II. The Preparation 72 Kight Hand. 73

Badge of a Mason 74

Section HI. The Lodge 74

Lodge Meetings — where held 75

Form, Dimensions and Boundaries of the Lodge 76

Covering of the Lodge 78

Furniture of the Lodge 80

Ornaments of a Lodge 81

Lights of the Lodge 82

Movable and Immovable Jewels 83

Situation of the Lodge 85

Dedication of Lodges 86

Great Tenets of a Freemason 92

Cardinal Virtues 94

XII

CONTENTS.

Charge at the Initiation of a Soldier 101

Fellow-Craft — Illustrations 103

Symbolism of the Degree 115

Symbolical Jewels 119

Working Tools of a Fellow-Craft 120

Operative and Speculative Masonry 123

Pillars of the Porch 127

Symbols of Peace, Unity and Plenty 129

Use of the Globes 129

Winding Stairs 130

Order in Architecture 131

Five Senses of Human Nature 142

Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences 148

Emblem of Plenty explained 154

Lecture on the Legend of the Winding Stairs 159

Master Mason — Illustrations 171

Symbolism of the Degree 187

Working Tools of Master Mason 194

Twelve Messengers — Acacia Tree — Letter G 197

Funeral Dirge 198'

Rites of Sepulture — Hebrew Customs 200

Erection of Solomon's Temple 204

Emblems of Master Mason's Degree 209

Officers' Clothing and Jewels 220

Ancient Cekemonies — Petition for a New Lodge 223

Consecration of a New Lodge 225

Dedication and Constitution of a New Lodge 237

Installation of the Officers of a Lodge '. 240

Installation of the Officers of a Grand Lodge 261

Laying Foundation Stones of Public Structures 281

Grand Visitations 309

Masonic Burial Services 311

Regulations foe Processions 344

Ritual for a Lodge of Sorrow 345

Service for Consecrating Masonic Cemeteries 375

Masonic Calendar . . 388

Appendix — Masonic Documents and Forms of Trials

AND

FREEMASON'S GUIDE.

INTRODUCTORY.

REEMASONRY is a moral institution, established by "virtuous men, with the praiseworthy design of recalling to our remembrance the most sublime Truths, in the midst of innocent and social pleasures, — founded on Liberality, Brotherly Love, and Charity. " It is a beautiful system of Morality, vailed in allegory and illustrated by symbols." Truth is its center — the point whence its radii diverge, direct its disciples to a correct knowledge of the Great Architect of the Universe, and the moral laws which he has ordained for their government.*

A proper administration of the various ceremonies connected with the Ritual of Freemasonry is of the highest importance, as these form the distinctive peculiarity of the institution. In their nature, they are simple; in their end, moral and instructive. They naturally excite a high degree of curiosity in a newly-initiated Brother, and create an earnest desire to inves-

* To use the words of an elegant writer, "Freemasonry is an institution, not, as the ignorant and uninstrueted vainly suppose, founded on unmeaning mys« tery, for the encouragement of bacchanalian festivity and support of mere good, fellowship ; but an institution founded on eternal reason and truth, whose deep basis is the civilization of mankind, and whose everlasting glory is supported by those two mighty pillars— Science and Morality."

tigate their meaning, and to become acquainted with their object and design. It requires, however, close application and untiring diligence to ascertain the precise nature of every ceremony which our ancient brethren saw reason to adopt in the formation of an exclusive system, which was to pass through the world unconnected with the religion and politics of all times, and of every people among whom it should flourish and increase. In order to preserve our ceremonies from the hand of innovation, it is essentially necessary that every officer should be thoroughly acquainted with them, and that a firm determination should exist among the Craft to admit no change. A few words here or there may not in themselves appear of much consequence; yet, by frequent allowance, we become habituated to them, and thus open the door to evils of more serious magnitude. There is, there can be, no safety but in a rigid adherence to the ancient ceremonies of the Order. These ceremonies and regulations are fixed by rules similar to those governing affairs in social life. Every Freemason is required to bring his portion of good ideas, and contribute to the perfecting of the ceremonies and symbols, and to the edification of Truth, the universal and eternal temple, which will one day inclose all humanity within its precincts.

ORIGIN OF MASONRY, AND ITS ADVANTAGES.

From the commencement of the world, we may trace the foundation of Masonry. Ever since symmetry began, and harmony displayed her charms, our Order has had a being During many ages, and in many different countries, it has flourished. No art, no science, preceded it. In the dark periods of antiquity, when literature was in a low state, and the rude manners of our forefathers withheld from them that

INTRODUCTORY. 15

knowledge we now so amply share, Masonry diffused its influence. This science unvailed, arts arose, civilization took place, and the progress of knowledge and philosophy gradually dispelled the gloom of ignorance and barbarism. Government being settled, authority was given to laws, and the assemblies of the Fraternity acquired the patronage of the great and the good, while the tenets of the profession diffused unbounded philanthropy.

Abstracted from the pure pleasures which arise from friendship so wisely constituted as that w r hich subsists among Masons, and which it is scarcely possible that any circumstance or occurrence can erase, Masonry is a science confined to no particular country, but extends over the whole terrestrial globe. Wherever the arts flourish, there it flourishes too. Add to this, that by secret and inviolable signs, carefully preserved among the fraternity, it becomes an universal language. Hence, many advantages are gained: the distant Chinese, the wild Arab, and the American savage, will embrace a brother Briton, and know that, besides the common ties of humanity, there is still a stronger obligation to induce him to kind and friendly offices. The spirit of the fulminating priest will be tamed, and a moral brother, though of a different persuasion, engage his esteem : for mutual toleration in religious opinions is one of the most distinguishing and valuable characteristics of the Craft. As all religions teach morality, if a brother be found to act the part of a truly honest man, his private speculative opinions are left to God and himself. Thus, through the influence of Masonry, which is reconcilable to the best policy, all those disputes which embitter life and sour the tempers of men, are avoid ed ; while the common good, the general object, is zealously pursued.

From this view of our system, its utility must be sufficiently obvious. The universal principles of the Art unite, in one indissoluble bond of affection, men of the most opposite tenets, of the most distant countries, and of the most contradictory opinions; so that in every nation a Mason may find a friend, and in every climate a home.*

Such is the nature of our institution, that, in the Lodge, which is confined to no particular spot, union is cemented by sincere attachment, and pleasure reciprocally communicated in the cheerful observance of every obliging office. Yirtue, the grand object in view, luminous as the meridian sun, shines refulgent on the mind, enlivens the heart, and heightens cool approbation into warm sympathy and cordial attention. — Preston.

GOVERNMENT OF THE FRATERNITY.

The mode of government observed by the Fraternity will give the best idea of the nature and design of the Masonic Institution.

Three classes are established among Masons, under different appellations. The privileges of each class are distinct; and particular means are adopted to preserve those privileges to the just and meritorious. Honor and probity are recommendations to the First Class; in which the practice of virtue is enforced, and the duties of morality are inculcated; while the mind is prepared for a regular progress in the principles of knowledge and philosophy. Diligence, assiduity, and application, are qualifications for the Second Class; in which is given an accurate elucidation of science, both in theory and practice. Here human reason is cultivated by a due

* On this principle, unfortunate captives in war, and sojourners, accidentally cast on a distant shore, are particular objects of attention, and seldom fail to experience indulgence from Masons; and it is very remarkable that there is not an instance on record of a breach of fidelity, or of ingratitude, tvhei e that ind ulgence has been liberally extended.

INTRODUCTORY. 17

exertion of the intellectual powers and faculties; nice and difficult theories are explained; new discoveries are produced, and those already known beautifully embellished. The Third Class is restricted to a selected few, whom truth and fidelity have distinguished, whom years and experience have improved, and whom merit and abilities have entitled to preferment. With them the ancient landmarks of the Order are preserved; and from them we learn the necessary instructive lessons which diguify the Art, and qualify the professors to illustrate its excellence and utility.

Such is the established plan of the Masonic System. By this judicious arrangement, true Friendship is cultivated among different ranks of men, Hospitality promoted, Industry rewarded, and Ingenuity encouraged. — Preston.

THE LODGE AND ITS GOVERNMENT.

1. The room in which a certain number of Freemasons assemble, for business connected with the institution, is called a Lodge. The assembly, or organized body of Freemasons, is also called a Lodge, just as the word Church is expressive both of the congregation and the place in which they meet to worship. A Lodge of Freemasons, to be legally constituted, must be in possession of an unreclaimed charter, granted by the Grand Lodge in whose jurisdiction it is situated; the Book of the Law; Square and Compasses; the Book of Constitutions; a code of By-Laws; its Officers, and a sufficient number of members (not less than seven) to perform the ceremonies pertaining to the Order.

2. The constitutional officers of a Lodge are the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, and Tiler. To which may be

2* added, two Stewards, (sometimes called Masters of Ceremonies,) a Marshal, a Chaplain, and an Organist.

3. A Lodge ought to assemble at least once a month for work and instruction.

4. A Lodge has the right to do all the work of Ancient Craft Masonry; to be represented at all the communications of the Grand Lodge; to elect and install its officers; to increase its numbers by the admission of new members, and no member can be forced upon a Lodge without its consent; to make by-laws for its government; to exclude a member, on cause shown, temporarily or permanently; to levy tax on its members; to appeal to the Grand Lodge or Grand Master from the decision of its Master; to exercise penal authority over its own members, and over all unaffiliated Masons living within the limits of its jurisdiction, and to change its time and place of meeting within the town or city designated in its warrant.

5. A Lodge under dispensation is a temporary and inchoate organization of Freemasons, acting under authority from the Grand or Deputy Grand Master; is not entitled to representation in the Grand Lodge ; cannot elect or install officers ; is without power to frame by-laws, or adopt a seal.

QUALIFICATIONS OF CANDIDATES.

The qualifications which are essential in those who appiy for initiation into the mysteries of Freemasonry, are of two kinds, Internal and External,*

t * It is true that the ritual of the first degree says, that " it is the internal and not the external qualifications which recommend a man to be made a Mason;" but the context of the sentence shows that the external qualifications there referred to are " worldly wealth and honors." The ritual, therefore, has of course no allusion to tho sort of external qualifications which are here to be discussed,

INTRODUCTORY. 19

The Internal qualifications of a candidate are those which lie within his own bosom, and are not known to the world. They refer to his peculiar dispositions toward the institution: his motives and design in seeking an entrance into it. Hence they are known to himself alone ; and a knowledge of them can only be acquired from his own solemn declarations.

The External qualifications are those which refer to his outward fitness for initiation, and are based on his moral and religious character, the frame of his body, the constitution of his mind, and his social position. A knowledge of these is to be acquired from a careful examination by a committee appointed for that purpose.

The person who desires to be made a Mason must be a man, believing in the existence of a Supreme Being and of a future existence; at least twenty-one years of age; of good moral character, temperate, industrious, and capable of earning an honest livelihood; he must come of his own free-will and accord, uninfluenced by mercenary or other improper motives; be of sound mind and body; capable of reading and writing; not deformed or dismembered, but hale and sound in his physical conformation, having his right limbs, as a man ought to have.

ADMISSION OF CANDIDATES.

By the regulations of the Fraternity, a candidate for the mysteries of Masonry cannot be initiated in any regular Lodge, without having stood proposed one regular meeting, unless a dispensation be obtained in his favor. All applications for initiation should be made in writing, at a regular meeting of the Lodge, giving name, residence, age, occupa* tion, and references, in the following form;

To the JVorshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of . . . , . Lodge, No , Free and Accepted Masons.

The undersigned, unbiassed by the improper solicitation of friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary or other unworthy motives — prompted by a favorable opinion of your ancient and honorable institution, and a desire for knowledge — freely and voluntarily offers himself a candidate for initiation into the mysteries of Freemasonry, and respectfully prays that he may be admitted and become a member of your Lodge, promising a cheerful conformity to the ancient usages and established customs of the Order.

Was born in , is . . . years of age ; occupation

, and resides A. B.

Kecommended by

The petition, having been read in open Lodge, is placed on file. A committee is then appointed to investigate the character and qualifications of the petitioner. If, at the next regular meeting of the Lodge, the report of the committee be favorable, the necessary preparations are made for his admission.

OPENING AND CLOSING THE LODGE.

In all regular assemblies of men who are convened for wise and useful purposes, the commencement and conclusion of business are accompanied with some form. In every country in the world the practice prevails, and is deemed essential. From the most remote periods of antiquity, it may be traced, and the refined improvements of modern times have not totally abolished it.

Ceremonies, when simply considered, it is true, are little more than visionary delusions; but their effects are sometimes important. When they impress awe and reverence on the mind, and engage the attention by external attraction to solemn rites, they are interesting objects. These purposes are effected by judicious ceremonies, when regularly conducted and properly arranged. On this ground, they have received the sanction of the wisest men in all ages, and consequently could not escape the notice of Masons. To begin well, is the most likely means to end well ; and it has been properly remarked, that when order and method are neglected at the beginning, they will be seldom found to take place at the end.

The ceremonies of opening and closing a Lodge with solemnity and decorum is, therefore, universally admitted among Masons, and which differ in each of the degrees; but differ so slightly as not to affect their general character. They must, therefore, be considered in reference to the several purposes which they are designed to accomplish.

To conduct these ceremonies with propriety, ought to be the peculiar study of every Mason, especially of those who have the honor to rule in our assemblies. To persons who are dignified, every eye is naturally directed for propriety of conduct and behavior; and from them other brethren, who c re less informed, will naturally expect to derive an example worthy of imitation. From a share in these ceremonies no Mason can be exempted. This is the first request of the Master, and the prelude to all business. No sooner has it been signified that the Lodge is about to be opened, than every officer repairs to his station, and the intent of the meeting becomes the sole object of attention.

A Lodge must always be opened on the Third Degree, and in due form, for the transaction of any business, except that of initiating or passing a candidate into the mysteries of the first and second degrees. The first business after opening, if it be a regular communication, is the reading of the minutes of the preceding communication, for the information of the brethren. The minutes of the proceedings of the evening should, also, always be read before the Lodge is closed, that the brethren may know that they have been properly recorded, and then duly approved.

The Lodge should always be opened and closed with prayer. PEAYEE,

TO BE USED AT OPENING.

Most holy and glorious Lord God, the Great Architect of the Universe, the Giver of all good gifts and graces! Thou hast promised that, "where two or three are gathered together in thy name, thou wilt be in their midst, and bless them." In thy name we have assembled, and in thy name we desire to proceed in all our doings. Grant that the sublime principles of Freemasonry may so subdue every discordant

OPENING THE LODGE. 23

passion within us — so harmonize and enrich our hearts with thine own love and goodness — that the Lodge at this time may humbly reflect that order and beauty which reign for ever before thy throne. — Amen.

Response by the brethren. — So mote it be. ANOTHEE PEAYEE,

WHICH MAY BE USED AT OPENING.

Great Architect of the Universe ! in thy name we have assembled, and in thy name we desire to proceed in all our doings. Grant that the sublime principles of Freemasonry may so subdue every discordant passion within us — so harmonize and enrich our hearts with thine own love and goodness — that the Lodge at this time may reflect that order and beauty which reigns for ever before thy throne. — AmeL.

Response. — So mote it be.

In addition to the Prayer, the following Charg-e may be given:

The ways of virtue are beautiful. Knowledge is attained by degrees. Wisdom dwells with contemplation; there we must seek her. Let us then, brethren, apply ourselves with becoming zeal to the practice of the excellent principles inculcated by our Order. Let us ever remember that the great objects of our association are, the lestraint of improper desires and passions, the cultivation of an active benevolence, and the promotion of a correct knowledge of the duties we owe to God, our neighbor, and ourselves. Let us be united, and practice with assiduity the sacred tenets of our Order. Let all private animosities, if any unhappily exist, give place to affection and brotherly love. It is useless parade to talk of the subjection of irregular passions within the walls of the Lodge, if we permit them to triumph in our intercourse with each other. Uniting in the grand design, let us be happy ourselves, and endeavor to promote the happiness of others. Let us cultivate the great moral virtues which are laid down on our Masonic Trestle-board, and improve in every thing that is good, amiable, and useful. Let the benign Genius of the Mystic Art preside over our councils, and under her sway let us act with a dignity becoming the high moral character of our venerable institution.

Or the following Ode may be sung:

CLOSING THE LODGE.

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Around our altar's sacred shrine May Love's pure incense rise,

Bearing upon its mystic flame Our music to the skies!

TO BE USED AT CLOSING.

Supreme Architect of the Universe, accept our humble thanks for the many mercies and blessings which thy bounty has conferred on us, and especially for this friendly and social intercourse.

26 GENERAL AHIMAN REZ0N.

Pardon, we beseech thee, whatever thou hast seen amiss in us since we have been together; and continue to us thy presence, protection, and blessing. Make us sensible of the renewed obli gations we are under to love thee, and as we are about to separate, and return to our respective places of abode, wilt thou be pleased so to influence our hearts and minds, that we may each one of us practice, out of the Lodge, those great moral duties which are inculcated in it, and with reverence study and obey the laws which thou hast given us in thy Holy Word. — Amen.

Response. — So mote it be.

CHAEGE,

TO BE USED AT CLOSING.

Brethren: You are now to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and employments, forget not the duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and forcibly recommended in this Lodge. Be diligent, prudent, temperate, discreat. Remember that around this altar you have promised to befriend and relieve every

CLOSING THE LODGE 27

brother who shall need your assistance. Remember that you have promised to remind him, in the most tender manner, of his failings, and aid his reformation; to vindicate his character, when wrongfully traduced; suggest, in his behalf, the most candid and favorable circumstances. Is he justly reprehended ? Let the world observe how Masons love one another.

These generous principles are to extend further. Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. Do good unto all. Recommend it more especially to the household of the faithful.

By diligence in the duties of your respective callings; by liberal benevolence and diffusive charity; by constancy and fidelity in your friendships, discover the beneficial and happy effects of this ancient and honorable institution. Let it not be supposed that you have here labored in vain, and spent your strength for naught; for your work is with the Loed and your recompense with your God.

Finally, brethren, be ye all of one mind; live in peace, and may the God of love and peace delight to dwell with and bless you !

GENERAL AHIMAN REZON.

The following Ode may be sung at closing: Am — Sicilian Hymn.

Now our so - cial la- bors clos - ing, Homage rj iE£s±£ES* of the heart we pay ; Each in con - fi m fe^ F g^ i:g^^^^g^EJ^E^g dence re - posing, Kindest thoughts that ne'er decay.

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Let us each, in Time's commotion, Heav'nly light and truth implore:

Thus we'll pass life's stormy ocean, Landing on a happier shore.

CLOSING BENEDICTION.

May the blessing of Heaven rest upon us and all regular Masons ! May brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue cement us ! — Amen. Res. — So mote it be. * .

FIRST DEGREE

ENTEEED APPEENTICE.

"There are many prominent emblems in this degree, teaching, first, the propriety of maintaining regularity of life, and attending to the due improvement of time, by conforming to the prescribed rules, for which eight hours are allotted to repose, eight to labor, and eight to the service of God. Secondly, the cleansing of our hearts and minds from every vice, is inculcated, thereby fitting our bodies as living stones for that spiritual edifice built by the Grand Architect of the Universe. There are many other emblems in this First Step, representing human life as being chequered with good and evil; pointing to the comforts and blessings that surround us, and impressing upon our minds the necessity of a reliance on Divine Providence. Our imperfect condition by nature is likewise adverted to, and the state of perfection to which we hope to arrive by virtuous education, aided by the blessing of God upon our own endeavors, and a due observance of the Holy Scriptures, as pointing out the whole duty of man. Indeed, everything in this degree is adapted to impress upon the mind of the candidate the necessity of maintaining purity of life and conduct, in order to ensure a happy immortality."- Stonr uresmii j&g&Enies.

SECTION I.

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SECTION III. Brotherly Love

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DEGREE OF ENTERED APPRENTICE.

The first, or Entered Apprentice degree of Masonry, is iutended, symbolically, to represent the entrance of man into the world, in which he is afterwards to become a living and thinking actor. Coming from the ignorance and darkness of the outer world, his first craving is for light — not that physical light which springs from the great orb of day as its fountaiu, but that moral and intellectual light which emanates from the primal Source of all things — from the Grand Architect of the Universe — the Creator of the sun and of all that it illuminates. Hence the great, the primary object of the first degree, is to symbolize that birth of intellectual light into the mind; and the Entered Apprentice is the type of unregenerate man, groping in moral and mental darkness, and seeking for the light which is to guide his steps and point him to the path which leads to duty and to Him who gives to duty its reward.

FIRST LECTURE.

The first step taken by a candidate, on entering a Lodge of Freemasons, teaches him the pernicious tendency of infidelity, and shows him that the foundation on which Masonry rests is the belief and acknowledgment of a Supreme Being; that in Him alone a sure confidence can be safely placed, to protect his steps in all the dangers and difficulties 'he mav be called to encounter in his progress through life ; it assures him that, if his faith be well founded in that Being, he may confidently pursue his course without fear and without danger.

Every candidate, previous to his reception, is required to give his free and full assent to the following interrogatories, in a room adjacent to the Lodge:

1. Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that, unbiased by the improper solicitation of friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a candate for the mysteries of Freemasonry?

2. Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you are prompted to solicit the privileges of Freemasonry by a favorable opinion conceived of the institution, a desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish of being serviceable to your fellow-creatures ?

3. Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you will cheerfully conform to all the ancient usages and established customs of the Fraternity?

Section I

Masonry was originally an operative society, and in that $► form those who worked as Entered Apprentices were styled the Jlrst class; but in Speculative or Freemasonry, the degree of which we are now treating is regarded as the first of the Order, Its reception places the novitiate in possession of the Masonic alphabet, and discloses to him the fundamental principles of this time-honored institution. This section is mb-divided under three heads, viz:

1st. The Ceremony; 2d. Its Moral; and 3d. Its Necessity and Consistency.

A full and perfect knowledge of this section is indispensably necessary to every Mason who would be serviceable to the institution, and would avail himself of its privileges and its enjoyments.

The Enteastce. — The preparations to which the candidate must submit, before entering the Lodge, serve allegorically to teach him, as well as to remind the brethren who are present, that it is the man alone, divested of all the outward recommendations of rank, state, or of riches, which Masonry accepts, and that it is his spiritual, or moral worth alone, which can open for him the door of the temple.

As Masons, we are taught never to commence any great or important undertaking, without first invoking the blessing

of Deity.

I The trust of a Mason is in God, as a basis which can never fail, and a rock which can never be shaken. Nor is it a mere empty profession; for it is borne out and illustrated by our practice. "We open and close our Lodges with prayer; the same formula is used at the initiation of candidates; and no business of any importance is conducted without invoking the Divine assistance on our labors; and the blessing of God cannot be expected to follow any man's profession, unless it be verified by a good and virtuous life.

THE KITE OF INDUCTION.

"We are convinced by long and extensive observation that Masons need a truer and deeper insight into the nature of our esoteric work. We do not think our beautiful and truth-glowing ritual and our sublime symbolism are quite understood by the mass of the Brotherhood. It is true all are affected, in a certain degree, by them; it

GENERAL 1HIMAN EEZON.

could not be otherwise : but many fail to discover the grand truths which are inculcated therein. Symbols are of no practical importance, if we have lost the sense they were intended to convey; and rites are puerile, if they do not immediately lead the mind to the consideration of tangible ideas and immortal verities. Our ceremonies are moral and philosophical lessons; and, earnestly studied and rightly understood, will be seen to be pregnant with mighty meanings.