A manual of the three first degrees of freemasonry. With an introductory key-stone to the royal arch

Front matter

Class.

Book

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Part I

t'HERE are three degrees in Craft-Freemasonry : First — Ei ered Apprentice. Second — Fellow Craft. Third — Master Mason.

A Lodge of Masons consists of the following officers : a Master who is styled Worshipful, and may be considered the President of the body. There are also Past Masters who have served as Masters, and are distinguished as such in the Lodge. The next in order to the Master is the Senior Warden, then the Junior Warden, Senior Deacon, and Junior Deacon ; lastly, an Inner Guard, and a Tiler, or Door Keepers, the one inside, the other out. The Tiler is armed with a sword. Their several duties are explained by a description of the opening of an Entered Apprentice's Lodge. There are some slight variances in the proceedings of the different Lodges ; but the following is the most correct.

TO OPEN A LODGE IN THE FIRST Oil ENTERED APPRENTICE^ DEGREE.

When the Brethren are assembled to open a Lodge, the Master calls to order by giving a knock,* which is repeated by the Wardens, and the following dialogue begins : —

* In all ordinary affairs of the Lodge, as to call attention either by the Master, Tiler, or Inner Guard, one single rap is made use of, but in opening, closing, &c., in the First or Entered Apprentice's "Degree, three distinct knocks are given : — in the Second or Fellow Craft's Degree, there is a distinction, and they are not given ai equidistant time ; a pause being made after the first, and the twi subsequently in quicker succession. And in the Third, or Mastei Mason's Degree, the pause is made between the second and third, tht two first being given quickly, thus reversing the plan in the Fellow- Craft's Degree. The Tiler always gives one rap as an alarm, whetj any one applies for admittance, and the Inner Guard comes out to prove the applicant, if unknown. By this means, the mode is concealed from intruders.

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Worshipful Master. Brethren, assist me to open the Lodg-«2

To the Junior Warden, Mr. N : What is the first care in

jhe Lodge ?

Junior W r arden. To see the Lodge properly tiled.

W. M. Direct that duty to be done.

J. W. Brother Inner Guard, ascertain that the Lodge is properly tiled.

The Inner Guard gives a rap on the door, which is answered in the same way by the Tiler, or Outer Guard, and indicates that all is right, that there are no cowans* or lis* teners about the Lodge. The Inner Guard reports to the Junior Warden; and the latter, with three knocks, reports to the Worshipful Master that the Lodge is properly tiled.

The W T . M. then asks, W T hat is the next care, Brother Senior Warden ?

S. W. To see the Brethren appear to order as Masons.

Vv r . M. See that duty done.

The Senior Warden examines any present if thought necessary by the sign of an Entered Apprentice, and, with the same sign reports to the W. M. that none but Masons are present.

W. M. To order Brethren, as Masons in the first degree. Brother Junior Warden, how many principal officers are there in a Lodge ?

J. W. Three; namely, the Worshipful Master and his Two Wardens.

W. M. Brother Senior Warden, how many assistants are there ?

S. W. Three ; besides the Outer Guard or Tiler; namely, the Senior and Junior Deacons, and the Inner Guard .

W. M. Brother Junior Warden, where is the Outer Guard or Tiler placed ?

J. W. Without the door of the Lodge.

W. M. His duty ?

J, W. Being armed with a drawn sword, to keep all cowans and listeners from Masons, and to see that the candidate for admission comes properly prepared.

* The word cowan is a flash word, peculiar to Masons. It signifies erumy ; but formerly it was expressive of Kings, and all those who tosud Ike power to persecute and who did persecute the associated Masons.

W. M. Brother Senior Warden, where is the Inner Guard placed ?

S. W. Within the entrance of the Lodo;e.

W. M. His duty ?

S. W. To admit Masons upon proof, to receive the candidate in due form, and to obey the commands of the Junior Warden.

W M. Brother Junior Warden, where is the Junior Deacon placed ?

J. W. At the right of the Senior Warden.

W. M. His duty ?

J. W. To carry the messages and commands of the Worshipful Master from the Senior to the Junior Warden, that the same may be punctually obeyed.

W. M. Brother Senior Warden, where is the Senior Deacon placed ?

S. W. At the right of the Worshipful Master.

W. M. His duty?

S. W. To carry communications and commands from the Worshipful Master to the Senior Warden, and wait the return of the Junior Deacon.

W. M. Brother Junior Warden, your constant place in the Lode^e ?

J.^W. In the South.

W. M r Why are you placed there ?

J. W. To mark the Sun at its meridian, to call the Brethren from labour to refreshment, and from refreshment to labour, that profit and pleasure may be the result.

W. M. Brother Senior Warden, your constant place in the Lodge?

S. W. In the West.

W. M. Why are you placed there ?

S. W. To mark the setting Sun, to close the Lodge by the command of the Worshipful Master, after seeing that every one has his just dues.

W. M. Worshipful and worthy Past Master, where is the Master's situation in the Lodge ?

P.M. In the East.

W. M. Why is he placed there ?

P. M. As the Sun rises in the East to open and enliven the day, 80 the Worshipful Master is placed in the East to open and enlighten ms Lodge, to employ and instruct the Brethren in Masonry.

W. M. Brethren, our Lodge being thus duly formed, before I proceed to declare it opened, let us invoke a blessing from the Great Architect of the Universe upon all our undertakings. May our labour thus begun in order, be conducted in peace, and closed in harmony.

P. M. So mote it be. (The Past Master then advances

three steps, opens the Bible, (at the Chapter of )

and remains with his hand on it, until the ceremony finishes.

W. M. Brethren, in the name of the Great Architect of the Universe, I declare this Lodge duly opened, for the purposes of Masonry in the first degree.

The W. M., S. W., J. W., I. G., and T., then give three knocks each, in rotation, which announce the Lodge opened ; the Brethren take their seats, &c, and the business of the Lodge proceeds. If any doubtful Brethren appear, they are made to take a new oath that they are real Masons, and that they have not been expelled from any Lodge.

CEREMONY OF MAKING, OR INITIATION, IN THE FIRST OR ENTERED APPRENTICE'S DEGREE.

The Lodge being duly opened, and a candidate applying for initiation, he has to sign a declaration, that he wishes to become a Mason ; and on its being presented to the Lodge, and the candidate approved, which is generally done by ballot, a Brother, called the Steward, is sent out to prepare him in an antechamber. This preparation consists in the candidate being divested of all money and metal, of having the right arm, left breast, and left knee bare, the right heel slip-shod ; in being blindfolded, and a rope, which is technically called a Cable Tow, is put round the neck, with a sword pointed to the breast. In this state, the Steward leads the candidate to the Tiler, or Outer Guard of the Lodge Door. The Tiler examines and sees the candidate properly prepared, and announces his approach by three knocks.

The Inner Guard gives the alarm, and is ordered to ask who is there. The Steward or Tiler answers : —

A poor candidate in a state of darkness, who comes of his own free will an<? accord, and also properly prepared, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry.

I. G. How does he hope to obtain those privileges ?

T. By the help of God, and the tongue of good report.

I. G. Halt, till I make due report. — (Turning to the Master.) Worshipful Master — a poor candidate in a state of darkness, who has been well and worthily recommended, regularly proposed and approved in Open Lodge, now comes of his own free will, and also properly prepared, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry.

W. M. How does he hope to obtain those privileges?

I. G. By the help of God, being free born, and of good report.

W. M. The tongue of good report has already been heard in his favour, do you, Brother Inner Guard, vouch that he is properly prepared ?

I. G. I do.

W. M. Then let him be admitted in due form.

I. G. (to the candidate at the door.) Enter, free born and of good report.

He is received by the J. D. from the Steward.

W. M. (to the candidate.) As no person can be made a Mason, unless he is free born and of mature age, I demand of you, are you free by birth, and of the age of twenty-one years ?

Candidate. I am.

W. M. Thus assured, I will thank you to kneel, whilst the blessing of Heaven is invoked on our proceedings.

(W. M. prays.) Vouchsafe thine aid, Almighty Father and Suprece^ Governor of the universe, to this our present convention, and grant that this candidate for Masonry 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, that, assisted by the secrets of this our masonic art, he may the better be enabled to display the beauties of true godliness to the honour and glory of thy holy name, So mote it be

W. M. To the candidate, Mr. N . In all cases ot

difficulty and danger, in whom do vou put vour trust ?

Mr. N. In God.

W. M. Right glad am I to find your faith so well founded : yelying on such sure support, and since your trust is so firmly placed, you may safely rise and follow your leader with a firm but humble confidence ; for where the name of God is invoked, we trust no danger can ensue. The Brethren from the North,

East, South and West, will take notice, that Mr. N is about

to pass in view before them, to show that he is a candidate properly prepared, and a fit and proper person to be made a mason.

He is then conducted round the Lodge, for the view of the Brethren, and to see that he is properly prepared ; he is instructed in the South and West by the Junior and Senior Wardens, and the J. D. gives three knocks on their shoulders, with the candidate's hand, on which the demand who comes there ? is made ; to which the same answers are given as at the door ; and after their pronouncing, pass, free born and of gooa report, he is presented to the W. M.

S. W. Worshipful Master, I present to you Mr. N , a

candidate properly prepared to be a mason.

W. M. Brother Senior Warden, your presentation shall be attended to ; for which purpose I shall address a few questions to the candidate, which I trust he will answer with candour : —

Mr. N , do you seriously declare, on your honour, that,

unbiassed by the improper solicitations of friends against your own inclinations, and uninfluenced by mercenary or other unworthy motives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a candidate for the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry ?

Mr. N. I do.

W. M. Do you likewise pledge yourself, that you are prompted to solicit those privileges from a favourable opinion preconceived of the institution, a general desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish to render yourself more extensively serviceable to your fellow-creatures ?

Mr. N. I do. "

W. M. Do you further seriously declare on 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 afterwards act and abide by the ancient usages, and established customs of the order,

Mr. N. I will.

W. M, Brother Senior Warden, you will direct the Junior

Deacon to instruct the candidate to advance to the pedestal in ne form.

S. W. Brother Junior Deacon, it is the Worshipful Master's command, that you instruct the candidate to advance tc the chair in due form.

This form is by three irregular steps.

W. M. Mr. N , it is 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. It possesses great and invaluable privileges to worthy men, and, I trust, to the worthy alone. Vows of fidelity are required ; but let me assure you, that in those vows, there is nothing incompatible with your civil, moral, or religious duties. Are you, therefore, willing to take a solemn obligation, founded on the principles I have stated, to keep inviolate the secrets and mysteries of the order ?

Mr. N. I am.

W. M. Then you will kneel with your left knee, keeping your right foot in the form of a square, place your right hand on this book, which is the volume of the sacred law, while, with your left, you will support one point of these compasses to your naked breast, so as not to hurt yourself, and then repeat the following obligation :—

I, Mr. N , in the presence of the great Architect of the

universe, and of this warranted, worthy, and worshipful Lodge of free and accepted Masons, regularly assembled and properly dedicated, of my own free will and accord, do, hereby and hereon, most solemnly and sincerely swear, that I will always hale, conceal, and never reveal, any part or parts, point or * points, of the secrets and mysteries of, or belonging to, free and accepted masons in masonry, which have been, shall now, or r hereafter may be, communicated to me, unless it be to a true ■ and lawful brother or brothers, and not even to him or them, j : till after due trial, strict examination, or sure information from a well-known brother, that he or they are worthy of that confidence, or in the body of a just, perfect, and regular lodge of accepted Freemasons. I further solemnly promise, that I will not write those secrets, print, carve, engrave, or otherwise them delineate, or cause or suffer them to be done so by others, if in my power to prevent it, on anything moveable or immovable und^? the canopy of heaven, whereby or whereon any letter* character, or figure, or the least trace of a letter, character, or figure may become legible or intelligible to myself, or to anyone in the world, so ihat our secrets, arts, and hidden mysteries, may improperly become known through my unworthiness. These several points I solemnly swear to observe, without evasion, equivocation, or mental reservation of any kind, under no less a penalty, on the violation of any of them, than to have my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by the root, and my body buried in the sand of the sea at loio water mark, or a cable's length from the shore, where the tide regularly ebbs and flown twice in twenty-four hours, or the more efficient punishment of being branded as a wilfully perjured individual, void of alX moral worth, and unfit to be received in this warranted lodge, or in any other warranted lodge, or society of masons, who prize honour and virtue above all the external advantages of rank and fortune : So help me God, and keep me steadfast in this my great and solemn obligation of an Entered Apprentice Free Mason.

W. M. What you have repeated may be considered a sacred promise as a pledge of your fidelity, and to render it a solemn? obligation, I will thank you to seal it with your lips on the volume of the sacred law. {Kisses the Bible.)

W. M. Mr. N , having been kept a considerable

time in a state of darkness, what, in your present situation, is the most predominant wish of your heart ?

Mr. N. Light.

W M. Brother Junior Deacon, let that blessing be restored to the candidate.

The Junior Deacon removes the bandage from the eyes of the candidate.

W. M. Having been restored to the blessing of material light, let me point out to your attention, what we consider the three great, though emblematic, lights in Masonry — namely, the Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square, and the Compasses. The sacred volume is to rule and govern our faith : the square to regulate our actions : and the compasses to keep us within due bounds to all mankind, particularly with our brethren in Masonry. Rise, newly obligated brother among masons. (lie rises.) You are now enabled to discover the three lesser .%hts in Masonry. They are situated East, South, and West, and are raeant to represent the Sun, Moon, and Master of the Lodge. The Sun to rule the day, the Moon to govern the night, and the Master to rule and direct his lodge.

By your meek and candid behaviour this evening, you have escaped two great dangers ; but there is a third which will await you to the latest period of your existence. The dangers which you have escaped are those of stabbing and strangling ; hr, at your entrance into the lodge, this sword was presented fo your naked left breast, so that, had you rashly attempted to •ash forward, you would have been accessary to your own death by stabbing. Not so with the Brother who held it ; as he would have only remained firm to do his duty. There was likewise this Cable Tow, with a running noose about your neck, which would have rendered any attempt to retreat equally fatal by strangling. But the danger which will await you to your latest hour, is the penalty of your obligation, that you would rather have your throat cut across, than to improperly divulge the secrets of Masonry.

As you have taken the solemn obligation of Masonry, I am now permitted to inform you, that there several degrees in Freemasonry, and peculiar secrets restricted to each. These, however, are not communicated indiscriminately ; but are conferred on candidates according to merit and abilities. I shall now proceed to intrust you with the sign of this degree, or those marks by which we are known to each other, and distinguished from the rest of the world. I must first premise, for your general information, that all squares, levels, and perpendiculars, (alluding to the positions of the body and its limbs), are proper signs by which to know a mason. You are, therefore, expected to stand perfectly erect, with your feet formed into a square, your body being thus considered an emblem of your mind, and your feet the rectitude of your actions. On your advancement from West to East, you advanced by three irregular steps ; irregular from the situation you were then in, not knowing where you were then going ; but they allude to three more regular steps, namely, right lines and angles, morally teaching us upright lives and well-squared actions. You will now advance towards me by one pace with your left foot, bringing the right heel into its hollow. — That is the first regular step in Freemasonry ; and it is in this position that the secrets of the degree are communicated. They consist in a sign, a grip or token, and a word.

1 on will place your right hand in this position (level, with the thumb extended in a square towards the throat), and the thumb to the left of the windpipe. The sign is given by drawing the hand smartly across the throat, and dropping it to the side. This is in allusion to the penalty of the obligation ; implying, that, as a man of honour and a mason, you would rather have your throat cut across, than improperly divulge the secrets intrusted to you. That is the sign.

The grip or token is given by a distinct pressure of the top of the right-hand thumb, on the first joint from the wrist, 01 the right-hand fore-finger, grasping the finger with the hand.* This demands a word, a word highly prized among masons, as the guard to their privileges : too much caution cannot, therefore, be used in communicating it. It must never be given at length ; but always either by letters or syllables ; to enable you to do which, I must first tell you what the word is. It is Boaz. As in the course of the evening, you will be called on for this word, the Junior Deacon will now dictate the answers you are to give.

Here the J. D. proceeds to instruct the candidate as to the common mode of salutation among masons. Giving him the grip, he asks —

What is this ?

Brother N. The grip or token of an Entered Apprentice Freemason.

J D. What does it demand ?

B. N. A word.

J. D. Will you give me that word ?

B. N. At my initiation I was taught to be cautious ; I will letter or halve it with you, which you please, and begin.

J. D. B.

B.N. O.

J.D. A.

B.D. Z.

J. D. This word is derived from the left-hand pillar of the porch or entrance to King Solomon's Temple, so named after the great grandfather of David, a prince and ruler in Israel. The import of the word is strength.

• This is also a penal sign with Masons. It refers to a supposed customs among the inhabitants of Tyre of losing a finger at that joint for a crime.

VV. M. Brother Junior Deacon, pass the candidate to the Junior Warden.

J. D. Brother Junior Warden, I present to you Brother N , on his initiation.

J. W. I will thank Brother N to advance towards me

as a mason.

He advances with the step and sign.

J. W. Have you anything else to communicate ?

Brother N. gives the grip.

J. W. What is this !

Br. N. The grip or token of an Entered Apprentice Freemason.

J. W. What does it demand ?

B. N. A word.

J. W. Will you give me that word ?

Br. N. At my initiation I was taught to be cautious. I will letter or halve it with you.

J. W. Which you please, and begin.

{The word is then given as before with the Junior Warden^ and the Junior Deacon passes the brother to the Senior Warden f where the same ceremony is repeated : after which he is presented to the Master.)

S. W. Worshipful Master, I present to you Brother

N , on his initiation, for some further mark of your

favour.

W. M. Brother Senior Warden, I delegate to you the authority to invest him with the distinguishing badge of a mason.

S. W. Brother N , by the Worshipful Master's command, I invest you with the distinguishing badge of a mason, which is more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle ; more honourable than the Star and Garter ; or any other order in existence ; being the badge of innocence and the bond of friendship. I strongly exhort yon ever to wear and to consider it as such. And I further inform you, that, if you never disgrace that badge, it will never disgrace you.

W. M. Let me add to the observations of the Senior Warden, that you are never to put on that badge, should there be any brother in the lodge which you are about to visit with whom you are at variance, or against whom you entertain animosity. In such case, it is expected that you will invite aim to withdraw, in order to settle your differences amicably, which, if happily effected, you may then clothe yourselves, enter the lodge, and work with that love and harmony, which ought always to characterize Freemasons. But if, unfortunately, your differences be of such a nature as not to be easily adjusted, it were better that one or both of you should retire, than that the harmony of the Lodge be disturbed by your presence.

W. M. Brother Junior Deacon, you will place our Brother N at the north-east part of the Lodge.

W. M. Brother N , it is customary at the erection of

all stately and superb edifices, to lay the first foundation stone at the north-east corner of the building. You, being newly aamitted into Masonry, are placed at the north-east part of the Lodge, to represent figuratively that stone ; and from the foundation laid this evening, may you raise a superstructure perfect in its parts and honourable to its builder. You now stand, to all external appearance, a just and upright mason. I give it you in strong terms of recommendation ever to continue and act as such. Indeed, I shall immediately 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 need not here dilate upon its excellencies ; doubtless, it has often been felt and practised by you : suffice it to say, that it has the approbation of heaven and of earth, and, like its sister Mercy, blesses him that gives as well as him that receives. In a society so widely extended as that of the Freemasons, whose branches are spread over the four divisions of 1 the globe, it cannot be denied that we have many members of rank and affluence ; neither can it be concealed, that, among the thousands who range under its banners, there are some, who, perhaps, from circumstances of unavoidable calamity and misfortune, are reduced to the lowest ebb of poverty and distress : on their behalf, it is our usual custom to awaken the feelings of every newly-made brother, by such a claim on his charity, as his circumstances in life may fairly warrant. Whatever you feel disposed to give, deposit with the Junior Deacon, and it will be thankfully received, and faithfully applied,

Br. N. I have been deprived of every thing valuable, or I would give freely.

W. M. I congratulate you on the honourable sentiments by which you are actuated, and likewise on the inability which in the present instance precludes you from gratifying them. Believe me, this trial was not made with a view of sporting with your feelings : far from us be any such intention ; but it was done for three especial reasons ; first, as I have already premised, to put your principles to the test ; second, to evince to the brethren, that you had neither money nor other metallic substance about you ; for, if you had, the ceremony of your initiation thus far must have been repeated, which would have brought a blush on the face of your guide, for having so improperly omitted that part of his duty : and thirdly, as a warning to your own heart, that should you, at any future period, meet a brother in distressed circumstances, who solicits your assistance, you may recollect the peculiar moment in which you were received into Masonry, poor and pennyless, and you will then cheerfully embrace the opportunity of practising that virtue which you have professed to admire.

You may now retire, for the purpose of being restored to your necessary comforts, then return into the lodge and return thanks, after which I shall give you further instructions, and deliver a charge upon the excellency of our order and the qualifications of its members.

Brother N then retires to restore his dress, and, on his

return, is placed in the west, or opposite to the Master, where, after making the penal sign of an entered apprentice, he returns thanks in the following words : —

Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Senior and Junior Deacons, nnd Brethren of this Lodge, I return you my most hearty and sincere thanks for the honour you have done me, by making me a Mason, and by admitting me a member of this ancient and honourable Society.

W. M. Brother N , as, in the course of the evening

you will be called upon for certain fees for your initiation, it is but proper, that you should know by what authority we act. These, therefore, are our warrant from the Grand Lodge of England, the book of constitutions and the-bye laws of the Lodge ; both of which I recommend to your most serious contemplation, as by one you will be instructed in the duties you owe to the craft in general, and by the other in those you owe to this lodge in particular.

I now present to you the working tools of an Entered Apprentice Freemason, which are the twenty-four inch gauge, the common gavel, and the chisel.