The freemason's universal monitor

Front matter

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Contents

PAGE.

Adieu, Masonic, 220

Ancient Ceremonies, 119

Dedication to the Fraternity, 5

Dedication of Lodge, 129-148, 153, 213

Dimit, Form of, . 200

Documents, Masonic, Forms of, 197

Part Third, Master's Degree, 121 Past Degree Ceremonies, . . 119

Present Degree Ceremonies, 119

Preliminary Ceremonies, 121

.Procession, Order of, 124, 162

Procession, Funeral, ■ 164

Proclamation, 130 y 194

Public Grand Honors, 163, 204

Proxy, Form of, . 196

Petition for Initiation, 109

Kecord, Form of Keeping, 292

Kepresentative Proxy, 201

THE FREEMASON'S UNIVERSAL MONITOR.

' PART FIRST.

Chapter I. General Remarks

Masonry is an art equally useful and extensi re. In every part there is a mystery which requires a gradual progression of knowledge to arrive at any degree of perfection in it. Without much instruction, and more exercise, no man can be skillful in any art ; in like manner without an assiduous application to the various subjects treated of in the different lectures of Masonry, no person can be sufficiently acquainted with its true value.

It must not, however, be inferred from this remark, that persons who labor under the disadvantages of a limited education, or whose condition in life requires a more intense application to business or study, are to be discouraged in their endeavors to gain a knowledge of Masonry.

To qualify an individual to enjoy the benefit of the society at large, or to partake of its privileges, it is not absolutely necessary that he should be acquainted with all the intricate parts of the science. These are only intended for the diligent and assiduous Mason, who may have leisure and opportunity to indulge in such pursuits.

Though some are more able than others, some more eminent, some more useful, yet all, in their different spheres, may prove advantageous to the com munity. As the nature of every man's profession will not admit of that leisure which is necessary to qualify him to become an expert Mason, it is highly proper that the official duties of a Lodge should be executed by persons whose education and situation in life enables them to become adepts ; as it must be allowed that all who accept offices and exercise authority should be properly qualified to discharge the task assigned them, with honor to themselves and credit to their respective stations.

Chapter II. The Ceremony Of 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 aome form. In every country 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 of but little value ; but their effects are sometimes important. When they impress awe and reverence on the mind, and engage the attention to solemn rites by external attraction, 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 Ma sons. To begin well, is the most likely means to end well ; and it is judiciously remarked, that when order and method are neglected at the beginning, they will be seldom found to take place at the end.

The importance of performing the ceremonies of opening and closing a Lodge with solemnity and decorum is, therefore universally admitted among Masons ; and though the mode in some Lodges may vary, and in every degree must vary, still a uniformity in the general practice prevails in every Lodge ; and the variation (if any) is solely occasioned by a want of method, which a little application might easily remove.

To conduct this ceremony with propriety, ought to be the particular study of every Mason ; especially of those who have the honor to rule in our assemblies. To persons who are thus dignified, every eye is naturally directed for propriety of conduct and behavior ; and from them, other brethren who are less informed, will naturally expect an example worthy of imitation.

From a share in this ceremony no Mason can be exempted. It is a general concern, in which all must assist. This is the first request of the Master, and the prelude to all business. No sooner has it been signified, than every officer repairs to his station, and the brethren rank according to their degrees. The business of the meeting becomes the sole object of attention, and

PRELIMINARIES. 13

the mind is insensibly drawn from those indiscriminate subjects of conversation, which are apt to intrude on our less serious moments.

This effect accomplished, our care is directed to the external avenues of the Lodge ; and the proper officers, whose province it is to discharge that duty, execute their trust with fidelity, and by certain mystic forms, of no recent date, intimate that we may safely proceed. To detect imposters among ourselves, an adherence to order in the character of Masons ensues, and the Lodge is opened in solemn form.

At opening the Lodge, two purposes are wisely effected : the Master is reminded of the dignity of his character, and the brethren of the homage and veneration due from them in their respective stations. These are not the only advantages resulting from a due observance of this ceremony ; a reverential awe for the Deity is inculcated, and the eye fixed on that object, from whose radiant beams only light can be derived. Here we are taught to adore the God of Heaven, and to supplicate his blessing on our well-meant endeavors. The Master assumes his government in due form, and under him his Wardens, who accept their trust after the customary salutations. The brethren, then with one accord, unite in duty and respect, and the ceremony concludes.

At closing the Lodge a similar form is used. Here the less important duties of Masonry are not passed over unobserved. The necessary degree of subordination in the government of a Lodge is peculiarly marked, while the proper tribute of gratitude is offered up to the beneficent Author of life, and his blessing invoked upon the whole Fraternity. Each brother faithfully locks up the treasure he has acquired, in his own secret repository, and, pleased with his reward, retires to enjoy and disseminate among the private circle of his brethren, the fruits of his labor and industry in the Lodge.

These are faint outlines of a ceremony which universally prevails among Masons in every country, and distinguishes all their meetings. It is arranged as a general section in every degree, and takes the lead in all our illustrations.

Order is the first law upon which Philosophical Masonry is based. It is the fundamental principle of obedience, and constitutes the harmony of our science. It was by the arrangement of a perfect system of order through which the bands cf workmen, as operatives, were enabled, with regularity, to per form and execute their labors. Hence, the observance of this same system constitutes the strength of our union.

Chapter III. Friendship Considered, With The Advantages Resulting From It

No subject can more properly engage the attention, than the humane and benevolent dispositions which indulgent Nature has bestowed upon the rational species. These are replete with the nappiest effects, and afford to the mind the most agreeable reflections. The breast which is inspired with tender feelings is naturally prompted to a reciprocal intercourse of kind and generous actions. As human nature rises in the scale of things, so do the social affections likewise arise. When friendship is firm and lasting, we enjoy the highest degree of happiness; but when it declines, we experience an equal degree of pain. Where friendship is unknown, jealousy and suspicion prevail ; but where virtue is the cement, true pleasure must be enjoyed. In every breast there exists a propensity to friendly acts, and, when those are exerted to effect, they sweeten every temporal enjoyment ; and, if they do not always totally remove the disquietudes, they at least tend to allay the calamities of life.

Friendship is traced through the circle of private connections to the grand system of universal benevolence, which no limits can circumscribe, and its influence extends to every branch of the human race. Actuated by these sentiments, each individual centers his happiness in the happiness of his neighbor, and a fixed and permanent union is established among men.

Nevertheless, though friendship, considered as the source of universal benevolence, is unlimited, it exerts its influence more or less powerfully as the objects it favors are nearer or more remote. Hence, the love of friends and of country takes the lead in our affections, and gives rise to that true patriotism which fires the soul with the most generous flame, creates the best and most disinterested virtue, and inspires that public spirit and heroic ardor which enables us to support a good cause, and risk our lives in its defense.

To encourage virtue and reward merit, in whatever form it may appear, is truly commendable. Laudable actions will always meet the approbation of the good and virtuous, and these are the true principles inculcated by the science of philosophical Masonry, illustrating its utility to promote the happiness of man.

THE CHARGES. OF A FREEMASON,

EXTRACTED FROM

THE ANCIENT RECORDS OF LODGES BEYOND SEA, AND

OF THOSE IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND

IRELAND, FOR THE USE OF THE

LODGES IN LONDON :

TO BE READ

AT THE MAKING OF NEW BRETHREN, OR WHEN THE MASTER SHALL ORDER IT.

THE GENERAL HEADS, viz :

I. Of God and Religion.

II. Of the Civil Magistrate, Supreme and Subordinate.

III. Of Lodges.

IV. Of Masters, Wardens, Fellows, and Ap-

prentices.

V. Of the Management of the Craft in Working.

VI. Of Behaviour, viz :

1. In the Lodge while constituted.

2. After the Lodge is over, and the Brethren not

gone.

3. When Brethren meet without Strangers, but not

in a Lodge.

4. In presence of Strangers, not Masons.

5. At Home and in the Neighborhood.

6. Towards a strange Brother.

I. CONCERNING GOD AND RELIGION.

A Mason is oblig'd by his Tenure to obey the moral law; and, if he rightly understands the Art, he will never be a stupid Atheist, nor an irreligious Libertine. But, though in ancient Times Masons were charged in every Country to be of the Religion of that Country or Nation, whatever it was, yet 'tis now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that Religion in which all Men agree, leaving their particular Opinions to themselves ; that is, to be good Men and true, or Men of Honor and Honesty, by whatever Denominations or Persuasions they may be distinguish'd ; whereby Masonry becomes the Center of Union, and the Means of conciliating true Friendship among Persons that must have remain'd at a perpetual Distance.

II. OF THE CIVII, MAGISTRATE, SUPREME AND SUBORDINATE.

A Mason is a Peaceable Subject to the Civil Powers, wherever he resides or works, and is never to be concern'd in Plots and Conspiracies against the Peace and Welfare of the Nation, nor to behave himself undutifully to inferior Magistrates ; for as Masonry hath been always injured by War, Bloodshed, and Confusion, so ancient Kings and Princes have been much dispos'd to encourage the Craftsmen, because of their Peaceableness and Loyalty, whereby they practically answer'd the Cavils of their Adversaries, and promoted the Honor of the Fraternity, who ever flourish'd in Times of Peace. So that if a Brother should be a Rebel against the State, he is not to be countenanc'd in his Rebellion, however he may be pitied as an unhappy Man ; and if Convicted of no other Crime, though the loyal Brotherhood must and ought to disown his Rebellion, and give no Umbrage or Ground of Political Jealousy to the Government for the time being, they can not expel him from the Lodge, and his Relation to it remains indefeasible.

III. OF LODGES.

A Lodge is a Place where Masons assemble and work ; Hence that Assembly, or duly organiz'd Society of Masons, is call'd a Lodge, and every Brother ought to belong to one, and to be subject to its By-Laws and the General Regulations. It is either particular or general, and will be best understood by attending it, and by the Regulations of the General or Grand Lodge hereunto annex'd. In ancient Times, no Master or Fellow could be absent from it, especially when warn'd to appear at it, without incurring a severe Censure, until it appear'd to the Master and Wardens that pure Necessity hinder'd him.

The Persons admitted Members of a Lodge must be good and true Men, free-born, and of mature and discreet Age ; no Bondmen, no Women, no immoral or scandalous Men, but of good Report.

IV. OF MASTERS, WARDENS, FELLOWS, AND

APPRENTICES.

All preferment among Masons is grounded upon real Worth and personal Merit only ; that so the Lords may be well served, the Brethren not put to Shame, nor the Koyal Craft despis'd : Therefore no Master or Warden is chosen by Seniority, but for his Merit. It is impossible to describe these things in writing, and every Brother must attend in his Place, and learn them in a way peculiar to this Fraternity : Only Candidates may know that no Master should take an Apprentice unless he has sufficient employment for him, and unless he be a perfect youth, having no Maim or Defect in his body, that may render him incapable of learning the Art, of serving his Master's Lord, and of being made a Brother, and then a Fellow-Craft in due time, even after he has served such a Term of Years as the Custom of the Country directs ; and that he should be descended of honest Parents ; that so, when otherwise qualify 'd, he may arrive to the Honor of being the Warden, and then the Master of the Lodge, the Grand Warden, and at length the Grand Master of all the Lodges, according to his Merit.*

No Brother can be a Warden until he has pass'd the part of a Fellow-Craft, nor a Master until he has acted as a Warden, nor Grand Warden until he has been a Master of a Lodge, nor Grand Master unless he has been a Fellow-Craft before his election, who is also to be nobly born, or a Gentleman of the best Fashion, or some eminent Scholar, or some curious Architect, or other Artist, descended of honest Parents, and who is of singular great Merit in the Opinion of the Lodges. And for the better and easier and

*The physical perfection herein required, applies only to candidates for the First Degree.— Proceedings, 1864, p. 88.

more honorable discharge of his Office, the Grand- Master has a Power to choose his own Deputy Grand- Master, who must be then, or must have been formerly, the Master of a particular Lodge, and has the Privilege of acting whatever the Grand-Master, his Principal, should act, unless the said Principal be present, or interpose his Authority by a Letter.

These Rulers and Governors, Supreme and Subordinate, of the ancient Lodge, are to be obey'd in their respective Stations by all the Brethren, according to the old Charges and Regulations, with all Humility, Reverence, Love, and Alacrity.

V. OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CRAFT IN WORKING.

All Masons shall work honestly on working Days, that they may live creditably on Holy Days ; and the time appointed by the Law of the Land, or confirmed by Custom, shall be observed.

The most expert of the Fellow-Craftsmen shall be chosen or appointed the Master or Overseer of the Lord's Work ; who is to be call'd Master by those that work under him. The Craftsmen are to avoid all ill Language, and to call each other by no disobliging Name, but Brother or Fellow ; and to behave themselves courteously within and without the Lodge.

The Master, knowing himself to be able of Cunning, shall undertake the Lord's Work as reasonably as possible, and truly dispend his Goods as if they were his own ; nor to give more Wages to any Brother or Apprentice than he really may deserve.

Both the Master and the Masons, receiving their Wages justly, shall be faithful to the Lord, and honestly finish their Work, whether Task or Journey; nor put the Work to Task that hath been accustom'd to Journey.

None shall discover Envy at the Prosperity of a Brother, nor supplant him, or put him out of his Work, if he be capable to finish the same ; for no Man can finish another's Work so much to the Lord's Profit, unless he be thoroughly acquainted with the Designs and Draughts of him that began it.

When a Fellow-Craftsman is chosen Warden of the Work under the Master, he shall be true both to Master and Fellows, shall carefully oversee the Work in the Master's Absence to the Lord's Profit, and his Brethren shall obey him.

All Masons employ'd shall meekly receive their Wages without Murmuring or Mutiny, and not desert the Master till the Work is finish'd.

A younger Brother shall be instructed in working, to prevent spoiling the Materials for want of Judgment, and for increasing and continuing of Brotherly Love.

All the Tools used in working shall be approved by the Grrand Lodge.

No Laborer shall be employed in the proper work of Masonry ; nor shall Free Masons work with those that are not free, without an urgent Necessity ; nor shall they teach Laborers and unaccepted Masons, as they should teach a Brother or Fellow.

VI. BEHAVIOUR, viz. : i. In the Lodge whjxe constituted.

You are not to hold private Committees, or Separate Conversation, without Leave from the Master, nor to talk of anything impertinent or unseemly, nor interrupt the Master or Wardens, or any Brother speaking to the Master ; nor behave yourself ludicrously or jestingly while the Lodge is engaged in what is serious and solemn ; nor use any unbecoming Language upon any Pretence whatsoever ; but to pay due Reverence to your Master, Wardens, and Fellows, and put them to worship.

If any Complaint be brought, the Brother found guilty shall stand to the Award and Determination of the Lodge, who are the proper and competent Judges of all such Controversies (unless you carry it by Appeal to the Grand Lodge), and to whom they ought to be referr'd, unless a Lord's Work be hinder'd the meanwhile, in which case a particular Reference may be made ; but you must never go to Law about what concerneth Masonry, without an absolute Necessity apparent to the Lodge.

2. Behaviour after the Lodge is over, and the Brethren not gone.

You may enjoy yourselves with innocent Mirth, treating one another according to Ability, but avoiding all Excess, or forcing any Brother to eat or drink beyond his Inclination, or hindering him from going when his Occasions call him, or doing or saying anything offensive, or that may forbid an easy and free Conversation ; for that would blast our Harmony and defeat our laudable Purposes. Therefore no private Piques or Quarrels must be brought within the Door of the Lodge, far less any Quarrels about Religion, or Nation, or State Policy, we being only, as Masons, of the Catholic Religion above mentioned ; we are also of all Nations, Tongues, Kindreds, and Languages, and are resolv'd against all Politics, as what never yet conduc'd to the Welfare of the Lodge, nor ever will. This charge has been always strictly enjoin'd and observed, but especially ever since the Reformation in Britain, or the Dissent and Secession of these Nations from the Communion of Rome.

3. Behaviour when Brethren meet without Strangers, BUT NOT IN A LODGE FORMED.

You are to salute one another in a courteous manner, as you will be instructed, calling each other Brother, freely giving mutual Instruction as shall be thought expedient, without being overseen or overheard, and without encroaching upon each other or derogating from that Respect which is due to any Brother, were he not a Mason : For, though all Masons are as brethren upon the same Level, yet Masonry takes no Honor from a Man that he had before ; nay, rather, it adds to his Honour, especially if he has deserv'd well of the Brotherhood, who must give Honour to whom it is due, and avoid ill manners.

4. Behaviour in presence oe Strangers, not Masons.

You shall be cautions in your Words and Carriage, that the most penetrating Stranger shall not be able to discover or find out what is not proper to be intimated ; and sometimes you shall divert a discourse, and manage it prudently for the Honor of the worshipful Fraternity.

5 Behaviour at Home, and in your Neighbourhood.

You are to act as becomes a moral and wise Man ; particularly, not to let your Family, Friends, and Neighbors know the Concerns of the Lodge, etc., but wisely to consult your own Honor, and that of the ancient Brotherhood, for Reasons not to be mention'd here. You must also consult your health, by not continuing together too late, or too long from home, after Lodge Hours are past; and by voiding of Gluttony or Drunkenness, that your Families be not neglected or injured, nor you disabled from working.

6. Behaviour towards a Strange Brother.

You are cautiously to examine him, in such a method as prudence shall direct you, that you may not be impos'd upon by an ignorant, false Pretender, whom you are to reject with Contempt and Derision, and beware of giving him any Hints of Knowledge.

But if you discover him to be a true and Genuine Brother, you are to respect him accordingly; and if he is in want, you must relieve him if you can, or else direct him how he may be reliev'd. You must employ him some Days, or else recommend him to be employed. But you are not charged to do beyond your Ability, only to prefer a poor Brother, that is a good Man and true, before any other poor People in the same Circumstances.

Finally, all these Charges you are to observe, and also those that shall be communicated to you in another way; cultivating Brotherly Love, the foundation and Cape-stone, the Cement and Glory, of this ancient Fraternity, avoiding all Wrangling and Quarreling, all Slander and Backbiting, nor permitting others to slander any honest Brother, but defending his Character, and doing him all good offices, so far as is consistent with your Honor and Safety, and no further. And if any of them do you Injury, you must apply to your own or his Lodge; and from thence you may appeal to the Grand Lodge at the Quarterly Communication, and from thence to the annual Grand Lodge; as has been the ancient laudable Conduct of our Forefathers in every Nation ; never taking a legal Course but when the Case can not be otherwise decided, and patiently listening to the honest and friendly Advice of Master and Fellows, when they would prevent your going to Law with Strangers, or would excite you to put a speedy Period to all Law Suits, that so you may mind the Affairs of Masonry with the more alacrity and Success; but with respect to Brothers or Fellows at Law, the Master and Brethren should kindly offer their Mediation, which ought to be thankfully submitted :o by the contending Brethren ; and if that submission is impracticable, they must however carry on their Process, or Law Suit, without Wrath and Rancor (not in the common way), saying or doing nothing which may hinder Brotherly Love, and good Offices to be renew'd and continu'd; that all may see the benign Influence of Masonry, as all true Masons have done from the Beginning of the World, and will do to the End of Time.

Amen so mote it be.

LAWS

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE LODGE.

You are to salute one another in a courteous manner, agreeably to the forms established among Masons ; * you are freely to give such mutual instructions as shall be thought necessary or expedient, not being overseen or overheard, without encroaching upon each other, or derogating from that respect which is due to any gentleman, were he not a Mason ; for though, as Masons, we rank as brethren on a level, yet Masonry deprives no man of the honor due to his rank or character, but rather adds to his honor, especially if he has deserved well of the Fraternity, who always render honor to whom it is due, and avoid illmanners.

No private committees are to be allowed, or separate conversations encouraged ; the master or wardens are not to be interrupted, or any brother speaking to the master ; but due decorum is to be observed, and the proper respect paid to the master and presiding officers.

These laws are to be strictly enforced, that harmony may be preserved, and the business of the Lodge be carried on with order and regularity. Amen. So mote it be.

*In a Lodge, Masons meet as members of one family; all prejudices, therefore, on account of religion, country, or private opinion, are removed.

BEHAVIOR OF MASON. 27

CHARGE ON THE BEHAVIOR OF MASONS OUT OF THE LODGE.

When the Lodge is closed you may enjoy yourselves with innocent mirth, but you are carefully to avoid excess. You are not to compel any brother to act contrary to his own inclination, or give offense by word or deed, but enjoy a free and easy conversation. You are to use no immoral or obscene discourse, but at all times support with propriety the dignity of your character.

You are to be cautious in your words and carriage, that the most penetrating stranger may not discover or find out what is not proper to be intimated ; and, if necessary, you are to waive a discourse, and manage it prudently, for the honor of the Fraternity.

At home, and in your several neighborhoods, you are to behave as wise and moral men. You are never to communicate to your families, friends, or acquaintance the private transactions of our different assemblies, but upon every occasion to consult your own honor and the reputation of the Fraternity at large.

You are to study the preservation of health, by avoiding irregularity and intemperance, that your families may not be neglected and injured, or yourselves disabled from attending to your necessary employments in life.

If a stranger apply in the character of a Mason you are cautiously to examine him in such a method as prudence may direct, and agreeably to the forms established among Masons, that you may not be imposed upon by an ignorant, false pretender, whom you are to reject with contempt ; and beware of giving him any secret hints of knowledge. But if you discover him to be a true and genuine brother, you are to respect him; if he be in want, you are to relieve him, or direct him how he may be relieved ; you are to employ him, or recommend him to employment; however, you are never charged to do beyond your ability — only to prefer a poor brother, who is a good man and true, before any other person in the same circumstances.

Finally : These rules you are always to observe and enforce, and also the duties which have been communicated in the lectures; cultivating brotherly love, the foundationand cape-stone, the cement and glory, of this ancient Fraternity; avoiding, upon every occasion, wrangling and quarreling, slandering and backbiting ; not permitting others to slander honest brethren, but defending their characters, and doing them good offices as far as may be consistent with your honor and safety, but no further. Hence all may see the benign influence of Masonry, as all true Masons have done from the beginning of the world, and will do to the end of time. Amen. So mote it be.

PREREQUISITES. 29

Chapter IV. Prerequisites For A Candidate

By a late regulation, adopted by most of the Grand Lodges in America, no candidate for the mysteries of Masonry can be initiated without having been proposed at a previous meeting of the Lodge, in order that no one may be introduced without due inquiry relative to his character and qualifications.

All applications for initiation should be made by petition in writing, signed by the applicant, giving an account of his age, quality, occupation, and place of residence, and that he is desirous of being admitted a member of the Fraternity ; which petition should be recommended by a member of the Lodge, and after having been recorded, should be kept on file by the Secretary.

FORM OF PETITION

TO BE PRESENTED BY A CANDIDATE FOR INITIATION^

To the W. Master, Wardens, and Brethren of Lodge,

No. , of Free and Accepted Masons:

The subscriber, residing in , of lawful age,

and by occupation a , begs leave to state that,

unbiased by friends and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, he freely and voluntarily offers himself as a candidate for the mysteries of Masonry, and that he is prompted to solicit this privilege by a favorable opinion conceived of the institution, a desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish of being serviceable to his fellow-creatures. Should this petition be granted, he will cheerfully conform to all the ancient established usages and customs of the Fraternity.

(Signed) A B .

Recommended by C D .

After this petition is read, the candidate must be proposed in form by a member of the Lodge, and the proposition seconded by another member. A committee is then appointed to make inquiry relative to his character and qualifications.

DECLARATIONS

TO BE ASSENTED TO BY A CANDIDATE, IN AN ADJOINING APARTMENT, PREVIOUS TO INITIATION.

Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you have not made application to any other Lodge for initiation, and been rejected?