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THE
CRAFTSMAN,
AND
FREEMASON'S GUIDE;
CONTAINING A DELINEATION OF THE
RITUALS OF FREEMASONRY,
WITH THE EMBLEMS AND EXPLANATIONS SO ARRANGED AS GREATLY TO
FACILITATE IN ACQUIRING A KNOWLEDGE OF THE RITES AND
CEREMONIES OF THE SEVERAL DEGREES, FROM
ENTERED APPRENTICE TO THAT OF SELECT MASTER,
AND THE
ORDER OF PRIESTHOOD.
COMPILED AND ARRANGED FROM WEBB, AND OTHER STANDARD AUTHORS:
BY CORNELIUS MOORE,
Past Master of Lafayette Lodge, No."7, and Editor of the
Masonic Review, Cincinnati.
FOURTH EDITION.
CINCINNATI:
JACOB ERNST, 183 MAIN STREET,
PHILADELPHIA: E. IT. BUTLER & CO., 23 MINOR'ST.
1851.




Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1846,
BY  JACOB  ERNST,
In the Clerk's Office for the District Court of Ohio.




CIRCLEVILLE, March 12th, 1846.
Having examined the manuscript pages of a work
prepared by Bro. CORNELIUS MOORE, entitled, "THEa
CRAFTSMAN, AND FREEMASON'S GUIDE," I have no
hesitation in commending it to the favorable consideration of the fraternity in Ohio, and elsewhere, as a
useful, convenient, and compendious Text-Book, for the
use of Lodges and private brethren. It is a judicious
compilation from standard masonic authors; and in point
of the arrangement of its matter, is preferable in my
estimation, to any work of the kind which has fallen
under my observation. Especially in the hands of those
upon whom devolve the active duties of the Lodge and
Chapter, it will be found a ready and acceptable Manual
of masonry. By the exclusion from its pages of much
that is interesting chiefly to those of far-reaching curiosity-while all is retained that is necessary for the
exemplification of our principles, or to aid in the practice
of our rites-the work is brought within a convenient
compass, and is afforded at so low a price as to place
it within the reach of every brother.
W. B. THRALL,
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
We entirely concur in the above.
SAMUEL REED,
Grand Lecturer.
ROBERT PUNSHON,
G. Chaplain of the G. G. R. A. Chapter of the U. S.




To the Officers and ilembers of the Grand Lodge of the.Mfost Ancient and Honora6le Fraternity of Free and
Accepted Mfasons of the State of Ohio:
BRETHREN —The high regard I entertain for you,
individually and collectively, as Men and as Masons,
and the valuable assistance rendered me in the preparation of the following Work by the M. W. Grand
Master, and Grand Lecturer, have induced me, as a
testimonial of my respect and gratitude, to dedicate to
you this volume. Hoping that it may be found worthy
of your approbation, and prove a benefit to our Ancient
Fraternity every where,
I am, respectfully,
And Fraternally,
Yours,
C. MOORE.




PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.
WE have no apology to make in presenting the
following compilation to the Masonic Fraternity.  All
agree that some work of the kind is needed at the
present time.  The great and constantly increasing
accessions to our Order in the West, and the renewed
attentions to our peculiar rites and ceremonies, have
created a demand for a practical book.  Webb's
Monitor, which by many was considered the best of its
kind, has long been out of print, and its truly excellent
author sleeps in peace with his Fathers.
One thing to be especially guarded against at the
present time, is a variance in the practice of our rites,
and the work of our Lodges and Chapters. Next to
guarding the principles which impart vitality to our
institution, and preserving unchanged the ancient landmarks of our Order, it is important to attain and preserve unifformity in thee mode of discharging the duties
of the Lodge-room.  It was deemed by many that a
book in which our emblems should be placed in juxtaposition with their explanations, and so arranged in the
work itself as to serve as a guide to the memory, would
aid in obtaining and perpetuating those desirable results.
Still no one appeared to undertake tile task; and the
Compiler of this book, distrusting his own qualifications,
would have long hesitated, had not an esteemed friend,
Brother SAMUEL REED, the excellent and indefatigable




Viii               PREFACE.
Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter
of Ohio, expressed his willingness to aid in the undertaking. With this encouragement the Compiler commenced his labor, and devoted several months of close
application to it, resorting for aid to the work of every
approved masonic author, from Preston down, to which
he could gain access.
After going through and arranging the whole to the
close of the Royal Arch degree, he submitted the result
of his labors to the examination of Bro. REED, who
made such alterations and corrections, as he deemed
proper, in order that it might conform strictly to the
mode of work in the several degrees as taught by him,
and approved by the Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter,
and Grand Council of Ohio.
The manuscript was subsequently placed in the hands
of WILLIAM B. THRALL, Esq., the Grand Master of the
Grand Lodge of Ohio -" a workman that needeth not
to be ashamed,"-and also submitted to our venerable
Companion, Rev. ROBERT PUNSHON, of this city, both
of whom were pleased to give it the sanction of their
approbation. It is proper here to say, that the part
which treats of the Order of Priesthood, was arranged
exclusively by Brother REED, as the Compiler has not
had the honor of that Order.
The Compiler does not suppose that the work is
perfect; but he believes it will render efficient aid in
acquiring a correct knowledge of our rites, and in discharging the duties of our Lodge and Chapter rooms.




PREFACE.                  iX
He knows that it is an easy matter for the critical and
conceited to find fault-far easier than to produce a
work of this kind without faults. Such as it is, however,
he submits to his Masonic Brethren.  COMPILER.
NOTE TO THE STEREOTYPE EDITION.
THE demand for this work having been such as to
require several large editions in a few years, the publisher has been induced to stereotype it; and. in order
that it may be as perfect as possible, the undersigned
has called to his aid Brother SAMUEL REED, Past Grand
Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, at whose instance
some useful improvements have been made. The whole
work has been re-examined, and a few errors that have
heretofore escaped the Compiler's notice, have been
corrected. The arrangement remains precisely the same
as in former editions.  Some additional illustrations
have been added, and others have been re-engraved
and much improved. It is hoped that in its present
matured condition it will fully meet the wants of those
for whom it was originally compiled and arranged.
As it has already received the approval of several
Grand Lodges, and many distinguished Masons in
different States, the undersigned trusts it may continue
to deserve the patronage of the workmen in every
apartment of our mystic building.
C. MOORE.
CINCINNATI, OHIO, October, 1850.




INDEX.
PART FIRST.
CHAPTER I.
General Remarks................................. Page 17
CHIAPTER II.
Ceremonies of opening and closing a Lodge..............18
Charge at opening a Lodge............................21
A Prayer at closing a Lodge...........................22
Charge at closing a Lodge...                              22
CHAPTER III.
Instructions to a person wishing to become a Mason.....23
Form of Application..................................23
CHAPTER IV.
ENTERED  ARPRENTICE'S DEGREE.............25
A Prayer at the initiation of a Candidate..... 26
Working Tools.......................28
Of Brotherly Love................................35
Of Relief.......................................35
Of Truth...........................................36
Of Temperance..................... 36
Of Fortitude........................................37
Of Prudence........................38
Of Justice................................. 38
Charge at the initiation into the First Degree..........39
CHAPTER V.
FELLOW  CRAFT'S DEGREE.......................42
Working Tools of a Fellow Craft..43
Operative masonry.................................44




INDEX.                                         11
Speculative  masonry........................... 45
Of the Globes............................                                          46
Of Order ill Architecture........................... 47
The  Tuscan..................................  48
The Doric....................................  49
The Ionic..........................................49
The Corinthian................................... 50
The  Composite..............51
Of the Five Senses of Human Nature..............51
Hearing..............52
Seeing...........................................52
Feeling...........................................53
Smelling..............5................53
Tasting..........................................54
Of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences..........55
Grammar.................................            55
Rhetoric.........................................55
Logic.....................................56
Arithmetic.....................................56
Geometry........................................56
Music............................................57
Astronomy.58
Of the Moral Advantages of Geometry................59
Charge.........................................60
CIHAPTER VI.
MASTER MASON'S DEGREE........................62
General Relmaiks................................. 62
Working Tools of a iMaster Mlason....................63
Funeral Dirge..................................64
Prayer.............................................66
The  Three  Steps....................................69
The Pot of Incense.................................70
The Bee-Hive.........,........................70
Book of Constitutions guarded by the Tyler's Sword... 71
The Sword  Pointing  to a Naked  Heart................72




1 2                                 INDEX.
All-Seeing Eye....................................72
The Anchor and Ark................................ 72
The Forty-seventh Problem  of Euclid.................73
The Hour Glass.....................................73
The Scythe........................................ 74
Charge......................................                75
PART SECOND.
CHAPTER I.
MARK  MASTER'S  DEGREE.......................... 77
Charge to be read at opening.........................77
The Working Tools of a Mark Master................. 80
Charge.............................................81
Mark Master's Song................................83
CHAPTER II.
PAST  MASTER'S  DEGREE.........................86
General Remarks...................8................86
Form of a Petition for a Charter or Warrant...........86
Ceremony of Constitution and  Consecration...........88
Order of Procession.............................89
Services................................92...........
Ceremony of Consecration...........................94
Ceremony of Installation.......................... 96
Investiture of the Master.......................... 99
To the Senior Warden..............................100
To the Junior Warden.......................... 101
To the Treasurer...........................1.....102
To the Secretary................................... 103
To the Senior and Junior Deacons...................103
To the Stewards..................................   104
To the Tyler...................................104
To the Master.................................   105
To the Wardens..................................106




INDEX.                         13
Installation Ode.................................108
Procession at Laying Foundation Stones............. 109
Ceremonies of Laying Foundation Stones.............111
Ceremonies at the Dedication of Free Mason's Halls...113
Funeral Service....................................117
Ceremonies at the Grave............................ 120
CHAPTER III.
MOST EXCELLENT MASTER'S DEGREE..........126
Psalm read at opening.............................126
Most Excellent Master's Song.......................128
Charge.....................................           135
Psalm read at closing..............................135
CHAPTER IV.
ROYAL ARCH DEGREE.....................136
Passage of Scripture read at opening.................137
Prayer at the Exaltation of a Royal Arch Mason......138
Remarks relative to Kinlg Solomon's Temlle..........149
Charge to a newly-exalted Companion..............151
Closing Prayer.................................... 152
PART THIRD.
ROYAL MASTER'S DEGREE...................... 153
SELECT MASTER'S DEGREE....................155
Psalm read at opening........................156
Charge to a Select Master..........................158
PART FOURTH.
ORDER OF PRIESTHOOD.........................160
Ceremonies at the Installation of a Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons...............................164
Prayer.............................................165




14                                 INDEX.
Order. of Procession................................167
Investiture of the High Priest...................... 173
Charge to the  King...............................  177
Charge to  the Scribe............................   179
Charge to the Captain of the Host...................180
Charge to the Principal Sojourner...................181
Charge to the Royal Arch  Captain................. 182
Charge to the Master of the Third Veil............. 183
Charge to the Master of the Second Veil.......... 184
Charge to the Master of the First Veil.............. 184
Charge to the Three Masters of the Veils as Overseers. 185
Charge to the Treasurer...........................186
Charge to the  Secretary...........................186
Charge to the Chaplain............................187
Charge to the Stewards........................188
Charge to the  Tyler..........................                           189
Address to the High  Priest........................ 190
Address to the Officers generally....................191
Address to the Chapter at large.....................192
Masonic Funeral Service adopted by the Grand Lodge
of Ohio....................................... 194
General Directions.................................194
Order of Procession................................196
Services at the Lodge.....................197
Services at the Grave...............................200
Funeral Hymn.................................... 205
ANCIENT   CONSTITUTIONS......................                               212
Of those who would be Free and Accepted Masons....212
Of God and Religion...............................212
Of Government and the Civil Magistrate............213
Of Private  Duties..................................215
Of Pre-requisites................................ 217
Instructions for the Candidate.......................217
Of Proposing Candidates.........................218
The  Candidate...............................                           219




INDEX.                         15
Of a Lodge and its Government.....................220
Of a Lodge..................................... 220
Of Officers and Members in general..................221
Of the Master-his Election, Office and Duty.........222
Of the Wardens of a Lodge........................ 224
Of the Secretary of a Lodge.........................226
Of the Treasurer of a Lodge........................226
Of the Deacons of a Lodge....................227
Of the Stewards of a Lodge.........................227
Of the Tyler of a Lodge............................228
Of the number to be Initiated.......................228
Of privileges in Lodges............................229
Of attendance on a Lodge.........................230
Of working....................................... 230
Of behaviour i in the Lodge.........................231
Of behaviour after the Lodge is closed...............232
Of behaviour of Masons in their Private Character....232
When a number of brethren happen to meet, without
any stranger among them, and not in a Lodge....232
When in the presence of strangers...................233
When at home, and in your neighborhood............233
Of behaviour towards a foreign brother..............  233
Of behaviour towards a brother, present or absent.... 234
Concerning differences and law-suits.................234
Of Grand Lodges in general.........................236
Of the Election of Grand Master......................239
Of the Election or Appointment of D. G. Master.....240
Of the Grand Wardens.............................240
Of the Grand Secretary..........................241
Of the Grand Treasurer............................242
Of the Grand Tyler and Pursuivant...............243
General Rules for conducting business in the absence
of the Grand Officers...................2.......243
Of Grand Visitations, &c..........................245
General Regulations of Ancient York Masons........246




16                           INDEX.
Regulations for the Government of the Grand Lodge,
during the time of public business...............      259
ANCIENT  CONSTITUTIONS.......................261
The Charges of a Free Mason.......................262
Concerning God and Religion....................... 263
Of the Civil Magistrate, Supreme and Subordinate....263
Of Lodges............................. 264
Of Masters, Wardens, Fellows, and Apprentices....... 265
Of the Management of of the Craft in Working........  266
Of Behaviour......................... 268
In the Lodge while constituted....................268
Behaviour after the Lodge is over, and the brethren
not gone....................................269
Behaviour when brethren meet without strangers,
but not in a Lodge formed....................269
Behaviour in presence of strangers not Masons......270
Behaviour at home and in your neighborhood.......270
Behaviour towards a strange brother.........271
Postscript..............................273
General Regulations................................274
Postscript.........................................292
Approbation.......................................295
Form for a Dispensation............................298
Charge to a Grand Master at his Installation.........300
The Farewell...............................302




THE CRAFTSMAN.
PART FIRST.
CHAPTER I.
GENERAL REMARKS.
MASONRY is an art equally useful and extensive.
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 skilful 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.
2




1  PRELIMINARIES.
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 community.
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 enable 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 will some




PRELIMINARIES.              19
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 Masons. 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 ceremony 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 an 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 natu



20                PREL[MTNARIES.
rally directed for propriety of conduct and behaviour;
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 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.




PRELIMINARIES.               21
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 tn 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.
CHARGE USED AT OPENING A LODGE.
Behold! how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!




22               PRELIMINARIES.
It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that
ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that
went down to tbl skirts of his garments;
As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord
commanded the blessing, even life forever more.
A PRAYER USED AT CLOSING A LODGE.
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.
[NOTE.-If a clergyman be present, he may be requested
6y the Master to lead in the devotion at opening and
closing.]
CHARGE AT CLOSING A LODGE.
BRETHREN:-You are now about to quit this sacred
retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the
world. Amidst its concerns and temptations, forget
not the duties you have heard so frequently inculcated
and so forcibly recommended in this Lodge. Be diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet. Remember that
you have promised to befriend and relieve every brother
who shall need your assistance: you have promised to
remind him, in the most friendly manner, of his errors;
and if possible, aid him in a reformation. These generous principles are to extend further.  Every human
being has a claim upon your kind offices. Do good
unto all. Remember it more "especially to the household of the faithful."
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.




PRELIMINARIES.               23
CHAPTER II1.
INSTRUCTIONS TO A PERSON WISHINGC) BECOME A
MASON.
No person can become a Mason, consistently with
the ancient and salutary usages of our order, unless
he be free born, and, at least twenty-one years of age;
of a good moral character; temperate, industrious,
charitable, and possessed of public spirit a;nd the social
virtues.  He must be of sufficient natural endowments
to be respectable, and must have, entire, all the faculties and senses of a man. He must also have an estate,
office, trade, occupation, or some visible means of acquiring an honest livelihood, as becomes the members
of this ancient and honorable fraternity. In short, he
must have a sound head and a good heart, and be
exempt from all those ill qualities and vices which
bring dishonor to the craft.
A person possessing the foregoing qualifications
must be proposed, at his own voluntary request, by a
friend' or acquaintance belonging to the Lodge of which
he wishes to become a member, at least one meeting
previous to the time of initiation.
All applications for admission should be made in
writing, in the following form:
"To the Worshipful M~aster, Wardens and Brethren. of
-     Lodge, NLo. -, of Free and Accepted.Masok:
The petition of the subscriber respectfully sheweth,
that, entertaining a favorable opinion of your ancient




24               PRELIMINARIES.
institution, he is desirous of being admitted a member
thereof, if found worthy.
His place oesidence is, his age -   years,
his occupation
Recommended byl           (Signed)
f                    A. B."
Before admission, the candidate must assent to the
following interrogatories:
"Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that
unbiassed by friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary
motives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a
candidate for the mysteries of Masonry?
"Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that
you are prompted to solicit the privileges of Masonry
by a favorable opinion' of the institution, a desire for
knowledge, and a sincere wish of being serviceable to
your fellow creatures?
"Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that
you will conform to all the ancient established usages
of thi order?"
If there remain no objection, the candidate is introduced in due form. But he has a right, previous to
presenting himself, to desire his friend to show him the
warrant or dispensation by which the Lodge is held;
which, if genuine, he will find to be an instrument
written or printed upon paper or parchment, signed by
some Grand Master or his Deputy, the Grand Wardens
and Secretary, and sealed with the Grand Lodge Seal.
He may also request the perusal of the Bylaws,
and has a right to examine a complete list of the members, to learn whether the Lodge contains any member




ENTERED APPRENTICE.            25
with whom he cannot consistently and cordially associate.
Should the candidate find the charteOo be genuine,
the by-laws salutary, and such as he can cheerfully
observe; and should he be pleased with all the brethren of the Lodge, his wish to proceed is reported to the
Master, who makes it known to the Lodge.
CHAPTER IV.
ENTERED APPRENTICE'S DEGREE.
THE first lecture of Masonry is divided into three
sections, and each section into several clauses. Virtue
is painted in the most beautiful colors, and the duties
of morality are enforced. In it we are taught various
useful lessons, to prepare the mind for a regular advancement in the principles of knowledge and philosophy. These are imprinted on the mind by lively and
sensible hieroglyphical figures, which are here explained,
and which have a moral tendency, and inculcate the
practice of virtue.
Section First.
This part of the lecture of an Entered Apprentice
unfolds our otject in visiting the hall of Masonry; develops the justice of our pretensions to the privileges
of the order; illustrates the manner of our reception




26            ENTER ED APPRENTICE.
within the threshhold of a Lodge; reminds us of our
dependence on the supporting hand of Deity; exhibits
the pledge ofehr fidelity, secrecy, and conformity to
immemorial masonic customs; opens our eyes to the
light of knowledge; presents to our hearts the lovely
purity of innocence; draws upon our affections by the
silken cord of charity; and speculatively explains the
implements of the degree.
A prayer used at the initiation of a candidate.
Vouchsafe thine aid, Almighty Father of the Universe, to this our present convention; and grant that
this candidate for Masonry may dedicate and devote
his life to thy service, and become a true and faithful
brother among us!  Endow him with a competency
of thy divine wisdom, that, by the secrets of our art,
he may be better enabled to display the beauties of
brotherly love, relief, and truth, to the honor of thy holy
name. Amen.
Or this,
O thou supreme Author of our being and lover of
our souls; —thou who art every where present, and
knowest the thoughts and intentions of our hearts;
bless us, we pray thee, in our endeavors to do good,
and spread peace and concord and unity among our
fellow men. May this our friend, who is now to become our brother, devote his life to thy service and his
talents to thy glory. May he be endowed with wisdom
to direct him in all his ways, strength to support him
in all his difficulties, and the beauty of morality and
virtue to adorn his life. May he set Thee constantly
before his eyes, and seek thy approbation as his greatest treasure.  May he become enlightened in the




ENTERED APPRENTICE.            27
knowledge of divine things, and be induced to love
Thee from thy manifest love to him. And may he
and we regulate our actions by the lig# of thy revealed truth, and so construct our spiritual edifice, that
when done laboring as apprentices in this lower temple, we may be raised to the sublime employments of
the upper sanctuary-in that temple not made with
hands, eternal in the heavens, whose builder and
maker is God. Amen.
Behold! how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! &c.
Toward the close of the section is explained that
peculiar ensign of masonry, the
lamb-skin or white apron, which
is an emblem of innocence and
the badge of a Mason; more ancient than the golden fleece, or
Roman eagle; and when worthily
worn, more honorable than the star and garter, or




28            ENTERED APPRENT[CE.
any other order that could be conferred upon the
candidate at that or any future period. It has been
worn by kigs, princes, and potentates of the earth,
who have never been ashamed to wear it, and- which
every one ought to wear with equal pleasure to himself and honor to the fraternity.
This section closes with an explanation of the working tools of an Entered Apprentice, which are the
twenty-four inch gauge and the common gavel.
The twenty-four inch
gauge is an instrument
made use of by operative masons, to measure and lay
out their work; but we, as free and accepted Masons,
are taught to make use of it for the more noble and
glorious purpose of dividing our time. It being divided
into twenty-four equal parts is emblematical of the
twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to
divide into three parts, whereby we find a portion for
the service of God and the relief of a distressed worthy
brother; a portion for our usual avocations, and a portion for refreshment and sleep.
=      6[i~~~     The common gavel is an instrument made use of by operative
masons, to break off the superfluous corners of rough
stones, the better to fit them for the builder's use; but
we, as free and accepted Masons, are taught to make
use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of
divesting our minds and consciences of all the vices
and superfluities of life; thereby fitting us, as living




ENTERED APPRENTICE.              29
stones, for that spiritual building, that house not made
with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Section Second.
The second section rationally accounts for the ceremony of initiating a candidate into our ancient institution.
*     *    *      *.      *      * 
Every candidate, at his initiation, is presented with
a lamb-skin or white apron.
The Lamb has, in all ages,
e:a...been deemed an emblem of
innocence; he, therefore, who
wears the  lamb-skin as a
badge of Masonry, is thereby
continually reminded of that
purity of life and conduct, which is essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge
above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe
presides.  *     *     *     *     *     *
Section Third.
This section explains what constitutes a Lodge, and
teaches us to perform with propriety, the duties of our
respective stations. Here likewise, we receive instruction relative to the form, supports, covering, furniture,
ornaments, lights and jewels of a Lodge; how it srlould
be situated, and to whcm dedicated.
N     XXIII




30             ENTERED APPRENTICE.
From East t? West, and between the North and the
South; Freemasotiry extends; and in every clime are
Masons to be found..... (Our institution is said to be
supported by Wisdom, Strength,
~ ijnl!! l l and Beauty, because it is necessary that their should be wisdom
to contrive, strength to support,
1iill l ill   I~l  and beauty to adorn all great and
important undertakings.
W     s    B
Its (coerirb. is no less than a clouded canopy —or




ENTERED APPRENTICE.             31
starry-decked heaven, where all good Masons hope at
last to arrive, by the aid of the theological ladder, which
Jacob, in his visicii, saw ascending from  earth to
heaven; the thrce pri'incal rounds of which are denominated Fait., Hlipe, and Charity; and which admonish us to have faith in God, hope in immortality,
and charity to all mankind.  The greatest of these is
Charity; for our Faith will be lost in sight, Hope ends
in fruition, but Charity extends beyond the grave,
through the boundless realms of eternity.
Every well governed Lodge is
M  furnished with  the hMoly Bible,
square, and conm2asses.  The Holy
Bible is dedicated to God; the
square to the Master; and the
compasses to the Craft.  The Bible is dedicated to God,
because it is the inestimable gift of God to man, * *
* * *; the square to the Master, because it is the




32            ENTERED APPRENTICE.
proper masonic emblem of his office, and should continually remind him of the duty that he owes to the
Lodge over which he is elected to preside; and the
compasses to the Craft, because by a due attention to
their use, they are taught to circumscribe their desires,
and keep their passions within due bounds.
The ornaments of a Lodge are, the mosaic pavement,
indented tessel, and the blazing star. The mnosaic pavement is a representation of the ground-floor of king
Solomon's temple; the indented tessel, of that beautifully tessellated border or skirting which surrounded
it; and the blazing star in  the  center, is commemorative of that star which appeared to guide the
wise men of the east to the place of our Saviour's
nativity.
The mosaic pavement is emblematical of human life,
checkered with good and evil; the beautiful border
whiclh surrounds it, of those manifold blessings and
comforts that surround us-and which we hope to
enjoy, by a faithful reliance on Divine Providence,
which is hieroglyphically represented by the blazing
star in the center.
*         *         *          *       *




ENTERED APPRENTICE.             33
The iammoveable and moveable jewels also claim our
attention in this section.
r,~~ statj~    The rough ashier is a stone as taken
from the quarry in its rude and natural state.
The perfect ashier is a stone made
ready by the hands of the workmen to
be adjusted by the working tools of the Fellow-craft.
The trestle board is
for the master workman to draw his designs upon.
el




34            ENTERED APPRENTICE.
By the rough ashler we are reminded of our rude
and imperfect state by nature; by the perfect ashier,
of that state of perfection at which we hope to arrive
by a virtuous education, our own endeavors, and the
blessing of God; and by the trestle board we are also
reminded that, as the operative workman erects his
temporal building agreeably to the rules and designs
laid down by the Master on his trestle board, so should
we, both operative and speculative, endeavor to erect
our spiritual building agreeably to the rules and designs
laid down by the Supreme Architect of the Universe,
in the great book of revelation, which is our spiritual,
moral, and masonic trestle board.
Lodges were anciently dedicated to king Solomon
as it is said he was the first Most Excellent Grand.
Master; but Masons professing Christianity dedicate
theirs to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, who were two eminent Christian patrons of
masonry; and since their time, there is, or ought to
be represented, in every regular and
well-governed Lodge, a certain point
within a circle; the point representing
an individual brother; the circle, the
B.   1E boundary line of his conduct, beyond
which he is never to suffer his preju



ENTERED APPRENTICE.              35
dices or passions to betray him. This circle is embordered by two perpendicular parallel lines, representing
St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist; and
upon the top rests the Holy Scriptures.  In going round
this circle, we necessarily touch upon these two lines,
as well as upon the Holy Scriptures; and while a
Mason keeps himself circumscribed within their precepts, it is impossible that he should materially err.
*      *       *       **      M        *
OF BROTHERLY LOVE.
By the exercise of brotherly love, we are taught to
regard the whole human species as one family, the
high and low, the rich and poor, who, as created by
one Almighty Parent, and inhabitants of the same
planet, are -to aid, support, and protect each other.
On this principle, Masonry unites men of every country, sect and opinion, and conciliates true friendship
among those who might otherwise have remained at
a perpetual distance.
OF RELIEF.
To relieve the distressed, is a duty incumbent on all
men; but particularly on Masons, who are linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection.
To soothe the unhappy, to sympathise with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries, and to restore
peace to their troubled minds, is the grand aim we
have in view. On this basis we form our friendships
and establish our connexions.




36            ENTERED APPRENTICE.
OF TRUTH.
Truth is a divine attribute, and the foundation of
every virtue. To be good and true, is the first lesson
we are taught in masonry. On this theme we contemplate, and by its dictates endeavor to regulate our
conduct; hence, while influenced by this principle,
hypocrisy and deceit are unknown amongst us, sincerity and plain dealing distinguish us, and the heart
and tongue join in promoting each other's welfare, and
rejoicing at each other's prosperity.
To this illustration succeeds an explanation of the
four cardinal virtues-temperance, fortitude, prudence,
and justice.
OF TEMPERANCE.
Temperance is that due restraint upon our affections and
passions, which renders the
body tame and governable,
and frees the mind from the
allurements of vice.   This
virtue should be the constant
|, ~]~ m, k  practice of every Mason, as
he is thereby taught to avoid
excess, or contracting any licentious or vicious habit, the
-           indulgence of which nmignt




ENTERED APPRENTICE.            37
lead him to disclose some of those valuable secrets
which he has promised to conceal and never reveal,
and which would consequently subject him to the contempt and detestation of all good Masons.    *    *
OF FORTITUDE.
Fortitude is that noble and
steady purpose of the mind,
whereby we are enabled to undergo any pain, peril, or danger, when prudentially deemed
expedient. This virtue is equally
distant from rashness and cowardice; and like the former,
11>    I'~should be deeply impressed upon
i A \  the mind of every Mason, as
NA-_ 01AA, a safe-guard or security against
any illegal attack that may be
made, by force or otherwise, to extort from him any
of those secrets with which he has been so solemnly
entrusted; and which virtue was emblematically represented upon his first admission into the Lodge.   *
~t*    *    *    m*-    *    *    *    *k




38             ENTERED APPRENTICE.
OF PRUDENCE.
Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and actions agreeably to the dictates of reason,
and is that habit by which we
wisely judge, and prudentially
determine, on all things relative to our present, as well as
our future  happiness.  This
virtue should be the particular
characteristic of every Mason,
not only while in the Lodge, but
also when abroad in the world;
it should be particularly attended to in all strange or
mixed companies, never to let fall the least sign, token,
or word, whereby the secrets of masonry might be
unlawfully obtained.            *    *    *
OF JUSTICE.
Justice is that standard or boundary of right, which enables us to
render to every man his just due
without distinction.  This virtue
is not only consistent with divine
and human law, but is the very
cement and support f civil society; and, as justice in a great measureg constitutes the  real good
man, so should it be the invariable practice of every Mason never
to deviate from the minutest principles thereof. * *




ENTERED APPRENTICE.            39
The illustration of these virtues is accompanied with
some general observations peculiar to Masons.
Such is the arrangement of the different sections in
the first lecture, which, with the forms adopted at the
opening and closing of a Lodge, comprehend the whole
of the first degree of masonry. The whole is a regular
system of morality; conceived in a strain of interesting
allegory, which must unfold its beauties to the candid
and industrious enquirer.
Charge at Initiation into the First Degree.
Brother-As you are now introduced into the first
principles of masonry, I congratulate you on being
accepted into this ancient and honorable order; ancient,
as having existed from time immemorial; and honorable, as tending in every particular so to render all
men who will conform to its precepts. No human institution was ever raised on a better principle, or more
solid foundation; nor were ever more excellent rules
and useful maxims laid down than are inculcated in the
several masonic lectures.  The greatest and best of
men in all ages have been encouragers and promoters
of the art, and have never deemed it derogatory to their
dignity to level themselves with the fraternity, extend
their privileges, and patronize their assemblies.
There are three great duties, which, as a Mason, you
are srictly to observe and inculcate —to God, your
neighbor, and yourself. To God in never mentioning
his name but with that reverential awe which is due




40            ENTERED APPRENTICE.
from a creature to his Creator; to implore his aid in
all your laudable undertakings, and to esteem Him as
your chief good. To your neighbor, in acting upon
the square, and doing unto him as you would he
should do unto you: and to yourself, in avoiding all
irregularity and intemperance, which may impair
your faculties, or debase the dignity of your profession.
A zealous attachment to these duties will insure public
and private esteem.
In the State you are to be a quiet and peaceable
citizen, true to your government, and just to your
country; you are not to countenance disloyalty or rebellion, but patiently submit to legal authority and
conform with cheerfulness to the government of the
country in which you live.
In your outward demeanor be particularly careful
to avoid censure or reproach. Let not interest, favor
or prejudice, bias your integrity, or influence you to be
guilty of a dishonorable action. And although your
frequent appearance at our regular meetings is earnestly
solicited, yet it is not meant that masonry should interfere with your necessary avocations, for these are on
no account to be neglected: neither are you to suffer
your zeal for the institution to lead you into arguments
with those who, through ignorance, may ridicule it.
But, at your leisure hours, that you may improve in
masonic knowledge, you are to converse with wellinformed brethren, who will be always as ready to give,
as you will be ready to receive instruction.




ENTERED APPRENTICE.            41
Finally-keep sacred and inviolable the mysteries of
the crder, as these are to distinguish you from the rest
of the community and mark your consequence among
Masons. If, in the circle of your acquaintance, you
find a person desirous of being initiated into masonry,
be particularly careful not to recommend him, unless
you are convinced he will conform to our rules; that
the honor, glory, and reputation of the institution may
be firmly established, and the world at large convinced
of its good effects.
If the candidate be a Clergyman, add the following:
You, brother, are a preacher of that religion, of
which the distinguishing characteristics are universal
benevolence and unbounded charity. You cannot,
therefore, but be fond of the order, and zealous for the
interests of Freemasonry, which, in the strongest manner, inculcates the same charity and benevolence, and
which, like that religion, encourages every moral and
social virtue; which introduces peace and good will
among mankind, and is the center of union to those
who otherwise might have remained at a perpetual distance. So that whoever is warmed with the spirit of
christianity, must esteem, must love Freemasonry.
Such is the nature of our institution, that, in all our
Lodges, union is cemented by sincere attachment, hypocrisy and deceit are unknown, and pleasure is reciprocally communicated, by the cheerful observance of
every obliging office. Virtue, the grand object in view,




J42!            FELLOW CRAFT.
luminous as the meridian sun, shines refulgent on the
mind, enlivens the heart, and converts cool apprQb9tion
into warm sympathy and cordial affection.
Though every man, who carefully listens to the
dictates of reason, may arrive at a clear persuasion
of the beauty and necessity of virtue, both public and
private, yet it is a full recommendation of a society to
have these pursuits continually in view, as the sole
objects of their association: and these are the laudable
bonds which unite us in one indissoluble fraternity.
CHAPTER V.
FELLOW  CRAFT'S DEGREE.
Section First.
THE first section of the second degree accurately
elucidates the mode of instruction into that particular
class; and instructs the diligent craftsman how to proceed in the proper arrangement of the ceremonies used
on the occasion.  The knowledge of this section is
absolutely necessary for all craftsmen; and as it recapitulates the ceremony of initiation, and contains
many other important particulars, no officer or member
of a Lodge should be unacquainted with it.




F,,LOW  CRAFT.               43
The following passage of Scripture is here introduced:
"Thus he showed me; and, behold the Lord stood
upon a wall made by a plumb-line, with a plumb-line,
in his hand. And the Lord said unto me, Amos, what
seest thou? And I said, a plumb-line. Then said
the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumb-line in the midst
of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them
any more."                      Amos, vii. 7, 8.
The working tools of a fellow craft are here explained
-they are the plumb, square, and level.




44               FELLOW  CRAFT.
The plumb is an instrument made use of by operative
masons, to raise perpendiculars; the square, to square
their work; and the level, to lay horizontals. But we,
as free and accepted Masons, are taught to make use
of them for more noble and glorious purposes; the plumb
admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations
before God and man; squaring our actions by the
square of virtue, and remembering that we are travelling upon the level of time, to "that undiscovered country, from whose bourne no traveller returns."
Section Second.
The second section of this degree refers to the origin of the institution, and views masonry under two
denominations-operative and speculative.
By operative masonry, we allude to a proper application of the useful rules of architecture, whence a
structure will derive figure, strength and beauty; and
whence will result a due proportion and a just correspondence in all its parts.  It furnishes us with dwel —
lings and convenient shelters from the vicissitiudes,aid
inclemencies of the seasons; and while it displays thl




FELLOW  CRAFT.                 45
effects of human wisdom, as well in the choice, as in
the arrangement, of the sundry materials of which an
edifice is composed, it demonstrates that a fund of
science and industry is implanted in man for the best,
most salutary, and beneficent purposes.
By speculative masonry, we learn to subdue the
passions, act upon the square, keep a tongue of good
report, maintain secrecy and practice charity. It is so
far interwoven with religion, as to lay us under obligations to pay that rational homage to the Deity, which
at once constitutes our duty and our happiness,  It
leads the contemplative to view with reverence and
admiration the glorious works of creation, and inspires
him with the most exalted ideas of the perfections of
his divine Creator.
In six days God created the heavens and the earth,
and rested on the seventh day; the seventh, therefore,
our ancient brethren consecrated as a day of rest from
their labors; thereby enjoying frequent opportunities
to contemplate the glorious works of creation, and to
adore their great Creator.
Peace, Unity, and Plenty are here introduced and
explained.
The doctrine of the spheres is included in the science
of astronomy, andcparticularly considered in this section.




46                FELLOW  CRAFT.
The globes are two artificial spherical bodies, on the
convex surface of which are represented the countries,
seas, and various parts of the earth; the face of the
heavens, the planetary revolutions, and other particulars.
The sphere with the parts of the earth delineated
on its surface, is called the terres t'   Iote; and that
with the constellations and other       ly bodies, the
celestial globe.




FELLOW  CRAFT.                47
Their principal use, besides serving as maps to distinguish the outward parts of the earth and the situation of the fixed stars, is to illustrate and explain the
phenomena arising from the annual revolution, and the
diurnal rotations of the earth round its own axis. They
are the noblest instruments for improving the mind,
and giving it the most distinct idea of any problem or
proposition, as well as enabling it to solve the same.
Contemplating these bodies, we are inspired with a due
reverence for the Deity and his works, and are induced
to encourage the studies of astronomy, geography,
navigation, and the arts dependent on them, by which
society has been so much benefitted.
lUUil
1}l|{{itllllalilg m1T 1  10   ffi
The orderi  decture come under consideration
in this section; a brief description of them may therefore not be improper.




48              FELLOW CRAFT.
By order in architecture, is meant a system of all the
members, proportions and ornaments of columns, and
pilasters; or, it is the regular arrangement of the projecting parts of a building, which, united with those of
a column, form a beautiful, perfect, and complete whole.
From the first formation of society, order in architecture may be traced. When the rigor of the seasons
obliged men to contrive shelter from the inclemency of
the weather, we learn that they first planted trees on
end, and then laid others across to support a covering.
The bands which connected those trees at top and
bottom, are said to have given rise to the idea of the
base and capital of pillars; and from this simple hint
originally proceeded the more improved art of architecture.
The five orders are thus classed-the Tuscan, Doric,
Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite.
THE TUSCAN
Is the most simple and solid of the five
orders. It was invented in Tuscany, whence
it derived its name.  Its column is seven
diameters high; and its capital, base, and
entablature have but few mouldings. The
simplicity of the construction of this column
renders it eligible, where ornament would be,superfluous.




FELLOW  CRAFT.                49
THE DORIC,
Which is the most plain and natural, is the
most ancient, and was invented by the Greeks.
Its column is eight diameters high, and has
seldom any ornaments on base or capital,
except mouldings; though the frieze is distinguished by tryglyphs and metopes, and
tryglyphs compose the ornaments of the frieze.
The solid composition of this order gives it a
preference in structures where strength and a
noble simplicity are chiefly required.
The Doric is the best proportioned of all the orders.
The several parts of which it is composed are founded
on the natural position of solid bodies. In its first invention it was more simple than in its present state. In
after-times, when it began to be adorned, it gained the
name of Doric; for when it was constructed- in its
primitive and simple form, the name of Tuscan was
conferred on it. Hence the Tuscan precedes the Doric
in rank, on account of its resemblance to that pillar in
its original state.
THE IONIC
Bears a kind of mean proportion between
the more solid and delicate orders.  Its column is nine diameters high; its capital is
adorned with volutes, and its cornice has
dentals.  There is both delicacy and ingenuity displayed in this pillar; the invention
of which is attributed to the Ionians, as the
4famous temple of Diana at Ephesus was of




50                FELLOWV CRAFT.
this order.  It is said to have been formed after the
model of an agreeable young woman, of an elegant
shape, dressed in her hair, as a contrast to the Doric
order, which was formed after that of a strong robust
man.
TIIE CORINTHIAN,' ~ ~  The richest of the five orders, is deemed
a master-piece of art.  Its column is ten diameters high, and its capital is adorned with
two rows of leaves, and eight volutes, which
sustain the abacus.  The frieze is ornamet.ed
with various devices, the cornice with dentals
and modillions.  This order is used in stately
and useful structures.
It was invented at Corinth, by Callimachus, who is
said to have taken the hint of the capital of this pillar
from the following' remarkable circumstance: Accidentally passing by the tomb of a young lady, he perceived
a basket of toys covered with a tile, placed over an
acanthus root, having been left there by her nurse.
As the branches grew up, they encompassed the basket, till,:arriving at the tile, they met with an obstruction, and bent downwards.  Callimachus struck with
the object, set about imitating the figure; the vase of
the capital he made to represent the basket; the abacus
the tile; and the volutes the bending leaves.




FELLOW CRAFT.                51
THE COMPOSITE
Is compounded of the other orders, and was
contrived by the Romans. Its capital has the
two rows of leaves of the Corinthian, and the
volutes of the Ionic.  Its column has the
quarter-rounds, as the Tuscan and Doric
orders, is ten diameters high, and its cornice
has dentals, or simple modillions. This pillar
is found in buildings where strength, elegance
and beauty are displayed.
The ancient arid original orders of architecture, revered by Masons, are no more than three-the DORIC,
IONIC, and CORINTHIAN, which were invented by the
Greeks.  To these the Romans have added two-the
Tuscan, which they made plainer tha~i the Doric; and
the Composite, which was more ornamental, if not more
beautiful, than the Corinthian. The first three orders
alone, however, show invention and particular character,
and essentially differ from each other; the two others
have nothing but what is borrowed, and differ only
accidentally. The Tuscan is the Doric in its earliest
state; and the Composite is the Corinthian enriched
with the Ionic. To the Greeks, therefore, and not to
the Romans, we are indebted for what is great, judicious, and distinct in architecture.
OF THE FIVE SENSES OF HUMAN NATURE.
An analysis of the human faculties is next given in




52               FELLOW  CRAFT.
this section, in which the five external senses particularly claim attention; these are-hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling and tasting.
HEARING
Is that sense by which we distinguish sounds, and are
capable of enjoying all the agreeable charms of music.
By it we are enabled to enjoy the pleasures of society,
and reciprocally to communicate to each other our
thoughts and intentions, our purposes and desires;
while thus our reason is capable of exerting its utmost
power and energy.
The wise and beneficent Author of Nature intended,
by the formation of this sense, that we should be social
creatures, and receive the greatest and most important
part of our knowledge by the information of others.
For these purposes we are endowed with hearing, that,
by a proper exertion of our natural powers, our happiness may be complete.
SEELING
Is that sense by which we distinguish objects, and in
an instant of time, without change of place or situation,
view armies in battle array, figures of the most stately
structures, and all the agreeable variety displayed in
the landscape of nature. By this we find our way in
the pathless ocean, traverse the globe of earth, determine its figure and dimensions, and delineate any region
or quarter of it. By it we measure the planetary orbs,




FELLOW  CRAFT.                63
and make new discoveries in the sphere of the fixed
stars. Nay, more-by it we perceive the tempers and
dispositions, the passions and affections, of our fellow
creatures, when they wish most to conceal them; so
that, though the tongue may be taught to lie and dissemble, the countenance would display the hypocrisy
to the discerning eye. In fine, the rays of light which
administer to this sense, are the most astonishing parts
of animated creation, and render the eye a peculiar
object of admiration.
Of all the faculties, sight is the noblest. The structure of the eye and its appurtenances, evince the admirable contrivance of nature for performing all its
various exterrial and internal motions; while the variety
displayed in the eyes of different animals, suited to
their several ways of life, clearly demonstrates this
organ to be the master-piece of nature's work.
FEELING
Is that sense by which we distinguish the different
qualities of bodies-such as heat and cold, hardness
and softness, roughness and smoothness, figure, solidity, motion, and extension.
These three senses —tearing, seeing, and feelingare deemed peculiarly essential among Masons.
SMELLING
Is that sense by which we distinguish odors, the various kinds of which convey different impressions to




54               FELLOW  CRAFT.
the mind. Animal and vegetable bodies, and indeed
most other bodies, while exposed to the air, continually
send forth effiuvia of vast subtlety, as well in a state
of life and growth, as in a state of fermentation and
putrefactioh.  These effluvia, being drawn into the
nostrils along with the air, are the means by which all
bodies are smelled. Hence it is evident that there is
a manifest appearance of design in the great Creator's
having planted the organ of smell in the inside of that
canal, through which the air continually passes in
respiration.
TASTING
Enables us to make a proper distinction. in the choice
of our food. The organ of this sense guards the entrance of the alimentary canal, as that of smelling
guards the entrance of the canal for respiration. From
the situation of both these organs, it is plain that they
were intended by nature to distinguish wholesome food
from that which is nauseous. Every thing that enters
into the stomach must undergo the scrutiny of tasting;
and by it we are capable of discerning the changes
which the same body undergoes in the different compositions of art, cookery, chemistry, pharmacy, &c.
Smelling and tasting are inseparably connected, and
it is by the unnatural kind of life men commonly lead
in society, that these senses are rendered less fit to
perform their natural offices.
On the mind all our knowledge must depend; what,




FELLOWV CRAFT.                55
therefore, can be a more proper subject for the investigation of Masons?  By anatomical dissection and
observation, we become acquainted with the body; but
it is by the anatomy of the mind alone we discover its
powers and -principles.
To sum up the whole of this transcendent measure
of God's bounty to man, we shall add, that memory,
imagyination, taste, reasoning, moralperception, and all
the active powers of the soul, present a vast and
boundless field for philosophical disquisition, which far
exceeds human inquiry, and are peculiar mysteries,
known only to nature and nature's God, to whom we
are all indebted for creation, preservation, and every
blessing we enjoy.
OF TIlE SEVEN LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES.
The seven liberal arts and sciences are illustrated
in this section, which are-Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic,.Arithmetic, Geometry, JMusic, and Astronomy.
GRAMMAR.
Grammar teaches the proper arrangement of words,
according to the idiom or dialect of any particular people;
and that excellency of pronunciation, which enables us
to speak or write a language with accuracy, agreeably
to reason and correct usage.
RHETORIC.
Rhetoric teaches us to speak copiously and fluently
on any subject, not merely with propriety alone, but




56               FELLO~W  CRAFT.
with all the advantage of force and elegance; wisely
contriving to captivate the hearer by strength of argument and beauty of expression, whether it be to entreat
and exhort, to admonish or approve.
LOGIC.
Logic teaches us to guide our reason discretionally
in the general knowledge of things, and directs our inquiries after truth. It consists of a regular train of
argument, whence we infer, deduce, and conclude,
according to certain premises laid down, admitted, or
granted; and in it are employed the faculties of conceiving, judging, reasoning, and disposing; all of which
are naturally led on from one gradation to another,
till the point in question is finally determined.
ARITHMETIC.
Arithmetic teaches the powers and properties of
numbers, which is variously effected-by letters, tables,
figures and instruments. By this art, reasons and
demonstrations are given for finding out any certain
numbers, whose relation or affinity to another is already
known or discovered.
GEOMETRY.
Geometry treats of the powers and properties of
magnitudes in general, where length, breadth and
thickness are considered, from a point to a line, from a
linbi to a superfices, and from a superfices to a solid.




FELTLOW CRAFT.                57
A point is a dimensionless figure; or an indivisible
part of space.
A line is a point continued, and a figure of one capacity, namely, length.
A superfices is a figure of two dimensions, namely,
length and breadth.
A solid is a figure of three dimensions, namely,
length, breadth and thickness.
By this science the architect is enabled to conduct
his plans, and execute his designs-the general to arrange his soldiers-the engineer to mark out ground
for encampments-the geographer to give us the dimensions of the world, and all things therein contained;
to delineate the extent of seas, and specify the divisions
of empires, kingdoms and provinces-by it, also, the
astronomer is enabled to make his observations, and to
fix the duration of seasons, years and cycles. In fine,
geometry is the foundation of architecture and the root
of the mathematics.
MUSIC.
Music teaches the art of forming concords, so as to
compose delightful harmony, by a mathematical and
proportional arrangement of acute, grave and mixed
sounds. This art, by a series of experiments, is reduced to a demonstration, with respect to tones and the
intervals of sounds; inquires into the nature of concords
and discords,, and enables us to find out the proportion
between them by numbers.




58              FELLOW CRAFT.
ASTRONOMY.
Astronomy is that divine art by which we are taught
to read the wisdom, strength, and beauty of the Almighty Creator, in those sacred pages, the celestial
hemisphere. Assisted by astronomy, we can observe
the motions, measure the distances, comprehend the
magnitudes, and calculate the periods and eclipses of
the heavenly bodies. By it we learn the use of the
globes, the system of the world, and the preliminary
law of nature. -While we are employed in the study
of this science, we must perceive unparalleled instances
of wisdom and goodness, and, through the whole creation, trace the glorious Author by his works.
Here an emblem of plenty is introduced and explained.
CORN.       WINE.       OIL.
*k      *k *tB                       ~




FELLOW CRAFT.                59
OF THE MORAL ADVANTAGES OF GEOMETRY.
Geometry, the first and noblest of sciences, is the
basis upon which the superstructure of masonry is
erected. By geometry we may curiously trace nature,
through her various windings, to her most concealed
recesses. By it we discover the power, the wisdom,
and the goodness of the Grand Artificer of the Universe,
and view with delight the proportions which connect
this vast machine. By it we discover how the planets
move in their different orbits, and demonstrate their
various revolutions. By it we account for the return
of the seasons, and the variety of scenes which each
season displays. to the discerning eye. Numerous
worlds are around us, all formed by the same Divine
Artist, and which roll through the vast expanse, and
are all conducted by the same unerring law of nature.
A survey of nature, and the observation of her




60               FELLOW CRAFT.
beautiful proportions, first determined man to imitate
the divine plan, and study symmetry and order. This
gave rise to societies, and birth to every useful art.
The architect began to design, and the plans which he
laid down, being improved by experience and time,
have produced works which are the admiration of
every age.
The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance,
and the devastations of war, have laid waste and destroyed many valuable monuments of antiquity, on
which the utmost exertions of human genius have been
employed. Even the Temple of Solomon, so spacious
and magnificent, and constructed by so many celebrated
artists, escaped not the unsparing ravages of barbarous
force., Freemasonry, notwithstanding, has still survived. The attentive ear receives the sound from the
instructive tongue, and the mysteries of masonry are
safely lodged in the repository of faithful breasts.
Tools and implements of architecture are selected by
the fraternity, to imprint on the memory wise and serious truths; and thus, through a succession of ages,
are transmitted unimpaired the excellent tenets of our
institution.    *    *    *    *    *
CHARGE.
BROTHER-Being passed to the second degree of
masonry, we congratulate you on your preferment.
The internal, and not the external qualifications of a
man, are what masonry regards. As you increase in
knowledge you will improve in social intercourse.




FELLOW  CRAFT.                61
It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties which,
as a Mason, you are bound to discharge, or to enlarge
on the necessity of a strict adherence to them, as your
own experience must have established their value.
Our laws and regulations you are strenuously to
support, and be always ready to assist in seeing them
duly executed. You are not to palliate, or aggravate,
the offences of your brethren; but in the decision of
every trespass against our rules, you are to judge with
candor, admonish with friendship, and reprehend with
justice.
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-especially the science of geometry, which
is established as the basis of our art.  Geometry, or
masonry, originally synonymous terms, being of a
divine and moral nature, is enriched with the most
useful knowledge; while it proves the wonderful properties of nature, it demonstrates the more important
truths of morality.
Your past behaviour and regular deportment have
merited the honor which we have now conferred; and
in your new character it is expected that you will conform to the principles of the Order, by steadily persevering in the practice of every commendable virtue.
Such is the nature of your engagements as a fellowcraft; and to these duties you are bound by the most
sacred ties.




62               MASTER MASON.
CHAPTER VI.
MASTER MASON'S DEGREE.
GENERAL REMARKS.
FROM this class the rulers of regular bodies of Masons, in. the first three degrees, are selected; as it is.only from  those who are capable of giving'instruction,
that we can expect to receive it.
The ceremonies attending this stage of our profession
are solemn; during which a sacred awe is diffused over
the mind.
The following passage of Scripture is introduced
during the cereimonies:
"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy
youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years
draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in
them; while the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the
stars be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the
rain: In the day when the keepers of the house shall
tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and
the grinders cease because they are few, and those that
look out of the windows be darkened, and the doors
shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the
grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the
bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought
low; also when they shall be afraid of that which is
high, -and fears shall be in the way, and the almond
tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail; because man goeth to his
long home, and the mourners go about the streets: Or
ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be
broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the




MASTER MASON.                  63
wheel broken at the cistern.  Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return
unto God who gave it."        Ecclesiastes, xii. 1-7.
The wor'king tools of a Master Mason are all the implernments of masonry appertaining to the first three
deugrees indiscriminately, but more especially the trowel.
The TROWEL is an instrument
made use of by operative masons
to spread the cement which unites
a building into one common mass; but we, as free and
accepted Masons, are taughllt to make use of it for the
more noble and glorious purpose of spreading the
cement of brotherly love and affection; that cement




64                MASTER MASON.
which unites us into one sacred band, or society of
friends and brothers, among whom no contention should
ever exist, but that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who can best work and best agree.
Section Second.
This section recites the historical traditions of the
order, and presents to view a finished picture of the
utmost consequence to the fraternity. It exemplifies
an instance of virtue, fortitude, and integrity, seldom
equalled, and never excelled, in the history of man.
FUNERAL DIRGE.
PLEYEL.
Solemn strikes the       funeral-   chime,
Notes  of   our   de - part-ing       time;




MASTER MASON.                      65
As   we         journey       here  be - low,
Through a       pil- grim  -   age    of    wo!
Mortals, now indulge a tear,
For mortality is near!
See how wide her trophies wave
O'er the slumbers of the grave!
Here another guest we bring,
Seraphs of celestial wing,
To our funeral altar come,
Waft this Friend and Brother home.
Lord of all! below-aboveFill our hearts with Truth and Love;
When dissolves our earthly tie,
Take us to thy Lodge on high.




MASTER MASO'N.
PRAYER.
Thou, 0 God! knowest our down-sitting and our
up-rising, and understandest our thoughts afar off.
Shield and defend us from the evil intentions of our
enemies, and support us under the trials and afflictions
we are destined.to endure, while travelling through this
vale of tears.: Man that is born of a woman, is of few
days and full of trouble. He cometh forth as 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 that
he may rest, till he shall accomplish his day. 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 up till the
heavens shall be no more. Yet, 0 Lord! have compassion on the children of thy creation, administer them
comfort in time of trouble, and save them with an
everlasting salvation.  Amen.
Responsc-So mote it be.




MASTER MASON.            67
1Ii  I




68              MASTER MASON.
Section Third.
In this branch of the lecture, many particulars relative to King Solomon's Temple are considered.
The construction of this grand edifice was attended
with two remarkable circumstances. From Josephus
we learn, that although seven years were occupied in
building it, yet during the whole term it rained not in
the day time, that the workmen might not be obstructed
in their labor; and from sacred history it appears that
there was neither the sound of the hammer, nor axe,
nor any tool of iron, heard in the house while it was
building.
This famous fabric was supported by fourte3n h-indred and fifty-three columns, and two thousand nine
hundred and six pilasters-all hewn from the finest
Parian marble. There were employed in its building
three Grand Masters; three thousand and three hundred Masters, or overseers of the work; eighty thousand
Fellow Crafts, or hewers on the mountains and in the
quarries; and seventy thousand Entered Apprentices,
or bearers of burdens. All these were classed and
arranged in such a manner, by the wisdom of Solomon,
that neither envy, discord, nor confusion were suffered
to interrupt that universal peace and tranquility, which
pervaded the world at that important period.




MASTER MASON.                  69
7 6.
5 
3
This section also illustrates certain hieroglyphical
emblems, and inculcates many useful lessons, to extend knowledge and promote virtue.
THE THREE STEPS
Usually delineated upon the Masllllllllllllllllli    ter's carpet, are emblematical of.l ltllllllllll ll  the three principal stages of human life, viz.-youth, manhood, and age.  In youth,
as entered apprentices, we ought industriously to occupy
our minds in the attainment of useful knowledge; in




70               MASTER MASON.
manhood, as fellow crafts, we should apply our knowledge to the discharge of our respective duties to God,
our neighbors, and ourselves; so that in age, as master
masons, we may enjoy the happy reflections consequent
on a well-spent life, and die in the hope of a glorious
immortality.
THE POT OF INCENSE
Is an emblem of a pure heart, which
is always an acceptable sacrifice to the
Deity; and as this glows with fervent
heat, so should our hearts continually
glow with gratitude to the great and
beneficent Author of our existence,
for the manifold blessings and comforts we enjoy.
THE BEE HIVE
Is an emblem  of industry, and
a1 ^I~S c  recommends the practice of that
virtue to all created beings, from
the highest seraph in heaven, to
the lowest reptile of the dust. It
teaches us, that as we come into
the world rational and intelligent beings, so we should
ever be industrious ones; never sitting down contented
while our fellow creatures around us are in want, when
it is in our power to relieve them without inconvenience
to ourselves.




MASTER MASON.                71
When we take a survey of nature, we view man in
his infancy, more helpless and indigent than the brute
creation; he lies languishing for days, months, and
years totally incapable of providing sustenance for
himself, of guarding against the attack of the wild
beasts of the forest, or sheltering himself from the inclemencies of the weather.
It might have pleased the great Creator of heaven
and earth to have made man independent of all other
beings; but, as dependence is one of the strongest
bonds of society, mankind were made dependent on
each other for protection and security, as they thereby
enjoy better opportunities of fulfilling the duties of reciprocal love and friendship. Thus was man formed
for social and active life, the noblest part of the work
of God; and he that will so demean himself as not to
be endeavoring to add to the common stock of knowledge and understanding, may be deemed a drone in
the hive of nature, a useless member of society, and
unworthy of our protection as Masons.
THE BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS, GUARDED BY THE TYLER S
SWORD,
Reminds us that we should be
ever watchful and guarded in our
thoughts, words and actions, particularly when before the enemies
of masonry; ever bearing in remembrance those truly masonic virtues, silence and
circumspection.




72               MASTER MASON.
THE SWORD POINTING TO A NAKED HEART,
Demonstrates that justice will
sooner or later overtake us; and
although our thoughts, words and
actions may be hidden from the eyes of man, yet that
ALL-SEEING BYE!
Whom the Sun, 3foon,
and Stars obey, and un-.:~/~./~,...der whose watchful care
stupendous revolutions,
refl $beholds the inmost recesses of the human
-;   <P heart, and will reward us
according to our works.
THE ANCHOR AND ARK
Are emblems of a wellgrounded  hope, and  a
well-spent life. They are
emblematical of that divine ark which safely bears
us over this tempestuous sea of troubles, and that anchor which shall safely moor us in a peaceful harbor,
where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary
shall find rest.




MASTER MASON.                73
THE FORTY-SEVENTIi PROBLEM OF EUCLID.*
This was an invention of our ancient
friend and brother, the great Pythagoras,
who, in his travels through Asia, Africa,
and Europe, was raised to the sublime
degree of Master Mason, and initiated into several orders of priesthood. This wise philosopher enriched his
mind abundantly in a general knowledge of things,
and more especially in geometry or masonry. On this
subject he drew out many problems and theorems, and
amongst the most distinguished, he erected this, which
in the joy of his heart he called Eureka, in the Grecian
language, signifying I save found it; and upon the
discovery of which, he is said to have sacrificed a hecatomb. It teaches Masons to be general lovers of the
arts and sciences.
TIHE HOUR-GLASS
Is an emblem of human life.  Behold! how
swiftly the sands run, and how rapidly our
lives are drawing to a close. We cannot
without astonishment behold the little particles which are contained in this machine, how they pass
away almost imperceptibly, and yet, to our surprise,
in the short space of an hour they are all exhausted.
*TIIEOREM —In any right-angled triangle, the square which
is described upon the side subtending the right angle, is
equal to the squares described upon the sides which contain
the right angle.




74              MASTER MASON.
Thus wastes man! To-day he puts forth the tender
leaves of hope; to-morrow, blossoms, and bears his
blushing honors thick upon him; the next day comes
a frost, which nips the shoot, and when he thinks his
greatness still aspiring, he falls, like autumn leaves, to
enrich our mother earth.
THE SCYTHE
Is an emblem of time, which cuts the
brittle thread of life, and launches us
into eternity. Behold! what havoc the
scythe of time makes among the human
race; if by chance we should escape
the numerous evils incident to childhood and youth,
and with health and vigor arrive at the years of manhood, yet withal we must soon be cut down by the
all-devouring scythe of time, and be gathered into the
land where our fathers have gone before us.
new~.?~",~LN




MASTER MASON.                 75
Then let us imitate the Christian. in his virtuous and
amiable conduct. In his unfeigned piety to God. In
his inflexible fidelity to his trust: that we may welcome
the grim tyrant Death, and receive him as a kind messenger sent to translate us from this imperfect. to that
all perfect, glorious, and celestial Lodge above, where
the Supreme Architect of the universe presides.
CHARGE.
BROTHER-Your zeal for the institution of masonry,
the progress you have made in the mystery, and your
conformity to our regulations, have pointed you out as
a proper object for our favor and esteem.
You are now bound by duty, honor and gratitude,
to be faithful to your trust; to support the dignity of
your character on every occasion; and to enforce, by
precept and example, obedience to the tenets of the
order.
In the character of a Master Mason, you are authorized to correct the errors and irregularities of your
uninformed brethren, and to guard them  against a
breach of fidelity. To preserve the reputation of the
fraternity unsullied, must be your constant care; and
for this purpose it is your province to recommend to
your inferiors, obedience and submission; to your
equals, courtesy and affability; to your superiors, kindness and condescension. Universal benevolence you




76               MASTER MASON.
are always to cultivate; and by the regularity of your
own behaviour, afford the best example for the conduct
of others less informed. The ancient landmarks of the
order, entrusted to your care, you are carefully to preserve; and never suffer them to be infringed, or countenance a deviation from the established usages and
customs of the fraternity.
Your virtue, honor, and reputation are concerned in
supporting with dignity the character you now bear.
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 this evening represent. Thus
you will render yourself deserving of the honor which
we have conferred, and merit the confidence we have
reposed.




PART SECOND.
CHAPTER I.
MARK  MASTER'S DEGREE.
TuIs degree of masonry was not less useful in its
original institution, nor are its effects less beneficial to
mankind, than those which precede it.
By the influence of this degree, each operative mason
at the erection of King Solomon's temple, was known
and distinguished by the Senior Grand Warden. If
defects were found, the overseers were enabled, without
difficulty, to ascertain who was the faulty workman: so
that deficiencies might be remedied, without injuring
the credit or diminishing the reward of the industrious
and faithful of the craft.
CIIARGE TO BE READ AT OPENING.
"Wherefore, bretheln, lay aside all malice, and guile,
and hypocricies, and envies, and all evil speakings. If
so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious; to whom




78                MARK MASTER.
coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of
men, but chosen of God, and precious; ye, also, as
living stones, be ye built up a spiritual house, an holy
priesthood, to offer up sacrifices acceptable to God.
Wherefore, also, it is contained in the Scriptures,
Behold, I lay in Zion, for a foundation, a tried stone,
a precious corner stone, a sure foundation; he that believeth, shall not make haste to pass it over. Unto
you, therefore, which believe, it is an honor; and even
to them which be disobedient, the stone which the
builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the
corner.
Brethren, this is the will of God, that with well-doing
ye put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. As free,
and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness,
but as the servants of God. Honor all men, love the
brotherhood; fear God."
Section First.
The first section contains the manner of opening a
Mark Master's Lodge. It teaches the stations and
duties of the respective officers, and recapitulates the
mystic ceremonies of introducing a candidate.
In this section is exemplified the regularity and good
order that was observed by the craftsmen on Mount
Libanus. and in the plains and quarries of Zeredatha,
and it ends with a beautiful display of the manner in
which one of the principal events originated, which
characterizes this degree.




MARK MASTER.                79
Section Second.
In the second section the Mark Master is particularly
instructed in the origin and history of this degree, and
the indispensable obligations he is under to stretch forth
his assisting hand to the relief of an indigent and worthy brother, to a certain and specified extent.
In the course of the lecture, the following texts of
Scripture are introduced and explained:
"Then he brought me back the way of the gate of
the outward sanctuary which looketh toward the east;
and it was shut. Then said the Lord unto me: This




80                 MARK MASTER.
gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man
shall enter in by it;because the Lord the God of Israel,
hath entered in by it; therefore it shall be shut. It is
for the prince; the prince he shall sit in it to eat bread
before the Lord; he shall enter by the way of the porch
of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.
And the Lord said unto me, Son of man, mark well,
and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears
all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of
the house of the Lord, and all the laws thereof; and
mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the Sanctuary."   Ezekiel, xliv. 1-3-5.
The stone which the builders refused is become the
head stone of the corner.      Psalms, cxviii. 22.
Did ye never read in the Scriptures, the stone which
the builders rejected, the same is become the head of
the corner?                       Matt. xxi. 42.
And have ye not read in the Scripture; the stone
which the builders rejected, is become the head of the
corner?                           Mark, vii. 10.
This is the stone which was set at naught of you
builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Acts, iv. 11.
To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the
hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in
the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth
saving him that recoiveth it.       Rev. ii. 17."
The working tools of a Mark Master are the chisel
and mallet.




MARK MASTER.               81
The chisel morally demonstrates the advantages of discipline and education. The
mind, like the diamond in its original state, is
rude. and unpolished; but as the effect of the
chisel on the external coat soon presents to
view the latent beauties of the diamond, so education
discovers the latent virtues of the'mind, and draws
them forth to range the large field of matter and space,
to display the summit of human knowledge, our duty
to God and to man.
The mallet morally teaches to correct irregularities, and to reduce man to a proper
level; so that by quiet deportment he may,
in the school of discipline, learn to be content. What
the mallet is to the workman, enlightened reason is to
the passions; it curbs ambition, it represses envy, it
moderates anger, and it encourages good dispositions;
whence arises, among good Masons, that comely order,' Which nothing earthly gives, or can destroy —
The soul's calm sunshine and the heartfelt joy."
CHARGE.
BROTHER-I congratulate you on being thought
worthy of being promoted to this honorable degree of
masonry. Permit me to impress it on your mind, that
your assiduity should ever be commensurate with your
duties, which become more and more extensive as you
advance in masonry.
The situation to which you are now promoted will
6




82              MMARK MASTER.
draw upon you not only the scrutinizing eyes of the
world at large, but those also of your brethren, on
whom this degree of masonry has not been conferred:
all will be justified in expecting your conduct and behaviour to be such as may with safety be imitated.
In the honorable character of Mark Master Mason,
it is more particularly your duty to endeavor to let
your conduct in the world, as well as in the Lodge and
among your brethren, be such as may stand the test
of the Grand Overseer's square; that you may not, like
the unfinished and imperfect work of the negligent and
unfaithful of former times, be rejected and thrown aside,
as unfit for that spiritual building, that house not made
with hands, eternal in the heavens.
While such is your conduct, should misfortunes assail you, should friends forsake you, should envy traduce your good name, and malice persecute you; yet
you may have confidence that, among Mark Master
Masons, you will find friends who will administer relief
to your distresses, and comfort your afflictions; ever
bearing in mind, as a consolation under all the frowns
of fortune, and as an encouragement to hope for better
prospects, that the stone which the builders rejected, possessing merits to them unknown, became the chief stone
of the. corner.




MARK  MASTER.                        83
MARK MASTER'S SONG.
_                       L — - --    --— i —-F
Mark Mas-ters       all  appear,  Before  the
Mark Mas-ters      all  appear,  Before  the
L:-_ —_ —~-__ — -             -  -- 1-E
I
Clief O'er-seer, In concert nmovxe;  Let hilm  your
>1 7314 I-__
Chief O'er-seer,  In concert move;  Let him  your
->-v- ---— r —_.-r-                           IT[
work in-spect, For the Chief Ar-chli-tuct; If there he
77 — _-                              --. —  r -
work in-spct, For the Chief Ar-chi-tcct; If there be
work in-spect, For the Chief Ar-chi-tect; If there be
_1                       _    __ Ii _tz^-'-1.




84                   MARK MASTER.
no  de-feet,     He    will ap  -  prove.
You who have pass'd the square,
For your rewards prepare,
Join heart and hand;
Each with his mark in view,
March with the just and true;
Wages to you are due
At your command.
Hiram, the widow's son,
Sent unto Solomon
Our great key-stone;
On it appears the name
Which raises high the fame
Of all to whom the same
Is truly known.
Now to the westward move,
Where, full of strength and love,
Hiraml doth stand;
But if impostors are
Mix'd with the worthy there,
Caution them to beware
Of the right hand.
Now to the praise of those'Who triumph'd o'er the foes
Of mason's art;
To the praiseworthy three,
Who founded this degree;
May all their virtues be
Deep in our hearts.




MARK MASTER.               85
Previous to closing the Lodge, the following parable is
recited:
"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that
is a householder, which went out early in the morning
to hire laborers into his vineyard. And when he had
agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent
them into his vineyard. And he went out about the
third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market
place, and said unto them, go ye also into the vineyard,
and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they
went their way.. Again he went out about the sixth
and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the
eleventh hour he went out and found others standing!idle, and saith unto them, why stand ye here all the
day idle? They say unto him, because no man hath
hired us. He saith unto them, go ye also into the
vineyard, and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
So, when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith
unto his steward, call the laborers, and give them their
hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when
they came that were hired about the eleventh hour,
they received every man a penny: but when the first
came, they supposed that they should have received.more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
And when they had received it, they murmured against
the good man of the house, saying, these last have
wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal
unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the
day. But he answered one of them, and said, friend,
I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a
penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will
give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful
for me to do what I will with mine own?  Is thine eye
evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first,
and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen."
Matt. xx. 1-16.




86                PAST MASTER.
CHAPTER II
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER'S DEGREE.
GENERAL REMARKS.
THIS degree should be carefully studied and well
understood, by every Master of a Lodge. It treats of
the government of our society, the disposition of our
rulers, and illustrates their requisite qualifications. It
includes the ceremony of opening and closing Lodges
in the several preceding degrees; and also the forms
of installation and consecration. It comprehends the
ceremonies at laying the foundation stones of public
buildings, and also at dedications and at funerals, by a
variety of particulars explanatory of those ceremonies.
Section First.
This section contains the form of a petition for letters
of dispensation, or a warrant of constitution for a Lodge,
empowering them to work. The ceremonies of constitution and consecration are considered, with the form
of a Grand Procession.
FORM OF A PETITION FOR A CHARTER OR WARRANT TO
ESTABLISH A NEW LODGE.
To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State
Of
Your petitioners respectfully represent, that they
are ancient, free, and accepted Master Masons. Having




PAST MASTER.                87
the prosperity of the Fraternity at heart, they are willing to exert their best endeavors to promote and diffuse
the genuine principles of masonry. For the convenience
of their respective dwellings, and for other good reasons, they are desirous of forming a new Lodge in the
town of ----, to be named           Lodge.
In consequence of this desire, and for the good of the
craft, they pray for a warrant or dispensation, to empower them to assemble as a legal Lodge, to discharge
the duties of masonry in the several degrees of Entered
Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, in a
regular and constitutional manner, according to the
ancient form of the fraternity, and the laws and regulations of the Grand Lodge. That they have nominated
and do recommend A. B. to be the first Master; C. D.
to be the first Senior Warden, and E. F. to be the first
Junior Warden of said Lodge; that, if the prayer of
the petition should be granted, they promise a strict
conformity to all the constitutional laws, rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge.
This petition must be signed by at least eight regular
Master Masons, one of whom must be of the degree of
Past Master; and recommended by the Lodge nearest
the place where the new Lodge is to be held. It must
be delivered to the Grand Secretary, whose duty it is
to lay it before the Grand Lodge. In the recess of the
Grand Lodge, application should be made in the same
form to the Grand Master, or the Deputy Grand Master.
After a charter is granted by the Grand Lodge, the
Grand Master appoints a day and hour for constituting
and consecrating the new Lodge, and for installing the
Master, Wardens, and other officers. The Grand




88               PAST MASTER.
Master has power to appoint some worthy Past Master,
with full power to consecrate, constitute, andinstallthe
petitioners.
CEREMONY OF CONSTITUTION AND CONSECRATION.
On the day and hour appointed, the Grand Master
and his officers meet in a convenient room, near the
Lodge to be constituted, and open in the third degree.
After the officers of the new Lodge are examined by
the Deputy Grand Master, they send a messenger to
the Grand Master, with the following message, viz:
MOST WORSHIPFUL:-The officers and brethren of
Lodge, who are now assembled in their
lodge room at, have instructed me to inform you, that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge was
pleased to grant them a charter, authorizing them to
form and open a Lodge of free and accepted Masons in
the town of. They are now desirous that
their Lodge should be consecrated, and their officers
installed in due and ancientform; for which purpose
they are now met, and await the pleasure of the Most
Worshipful Grand Master.
When notice is given, the Grand Lodge walk in
procession to the hall of the new Lodge. When the
Grand Master enters, the grand honors are given by
the new Lodge; the officers of which resign their seats
to the grand officers, and take their several stations on
the left.




PAST MASTER.                 89
The necessary cautions are given, and all excepting
Present or Past Masters of Lodges, are requested to
retire, until the Master of the new Lodge is inducted
into the Oriental Chair of Solomon. He is then bound
to the faithful performance of his trust, and invested
with the characteristics of the chair.
Upon due notice, the Grand Marshal re-conducts
the brethren into the hall; and all take their places,
except the members of the new Lodge, who form a procession on one side of the hall. As they advance, the
Grand Master addresses them:
" Brethren, behold your Master."
They make the proper salutations as they pass.
A grand procession is then formed, in the following
crder, viz:
Tyler with a drawn sword;
Two Stewards with white rods;
Entered Apprentices;
Fellow Crafts;
Master Masons;
CX~, —,      Stewards;
Junior Deacons;
Senior Deacons;
Secretaries;
Treasurers;
Past Wardens;
Tunior Wardens;
Senior Wardens;
Past Masters;




90                PAST MASTER.
Mark Masters;
Royal Arch Masons,
Select Masters;
Knights Templars;
Masters of Lodges;
THE NEW LODGE.
Tyler with a drawn sword;
Stewards with white rods;
Entered Apprentices;
Fellow Crafts;
Master Masons;
Junior and Senior Deacons;
Secretary and Treasurer;
Two brethren carrying the flooring,* or Lodge;
Junior and Senior Wardens;
The Holy Writings, carried by the oldest or some
suitable member not in office;
The W. Master;
Music.
THE GRAND LODGE.
Grand Tyler with drawn sword;
Grand Stewards with white rods;
A brother carrying a golden vessel of corn;
Two brethren carrying the silver vessels, one of
wine, the other of oil;
Grand Secretaries;
Grand Treasurer;
A burning Taper, borne by a Past Master;
* Carpet.                          t Wheat.




PAST MASTER.                91
A Past Master, bearing the Holy Writings, Square
and Compasses, supported by two Stewards with
white rods;
Two burning Tapers, borne by two Past Masters;
The Tuscan and Composite Orders;
The Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian Orders;
Past Grand Wardens;
X Past Deputy Grand Masters;
Past Grand Masters;
The Globes;
Clergy and Orator;
R. W. Junior and Senior Grand Wardens;
R. W. Deputy Grand Master;
The Master of the oldest Lodge, carrying the Book of
Constitutions;
The M. W. Grand Master;
The Grand Deacons, on a line seven feet apart, on the
right and left of the Grand Master,
with black rods;
Grand Sword Bearer with a drawn sword;
Two Stewards with white rods.
The Marshals conduct the procession to the church,
or house, where the services are to be performed.
When the front of the procession arrives at the door,
they halt, open to the right and left, and face inward;
while the Grand Master and others, in succession, pass
through and enter the house. A platform is erected
in front of the pulpit, and provided with seats for the
accommodation of the Grand Officers,




92                PAST MASTER.
The Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, and Book
of Constitutions are placed upon a table in front of the
Grand Master. The flooring is then spread in the
center, upon the platform, covered with white satin or
linen, and encompassed by the three tapers, and the
vessels of corn, wine and oil.
SERVICES.
1. A piece of Music.
2. Prayer.
3. An Oration.
4. A piece of Music.
5. The Grand Marshal forms the officers and members of the new Lodge in front of the Grand Master.
The Deputy Grand Master addresses the Grand Master
as follows:
MOST WORSIPFUL: —A number of brethren duly instructed in the mysteries of masonry, having assembled
together at stated periods, by virtue of a dispensation
granted them for that purpose, do now desire to be
constituted into a regular Lodge, agreeably to the ancient.
usages and customs of the fraternity.
The dispensation and records are presented to the
Grand Master, who examines the records, and, if found
correct, proclaims:The records appear to be correct and are approved.
Upon due deliberation, the Grand Lodge have granted
the brethren of this new Lodge a charter, establishing
and confirming them in the rights aud privileges of a




PAST MASTER.                 93
regularly constituted Lodge, which the Grand Secretary
will now read.
After the charter is read, the Grand Master then
says:We shall now proceed, according to ancient usage,
to constitute these brethren into a regular Lodge.
Whereupon the several officers of the new Lodge
deliver up their jewels and badges to the Master, who
presents them, with his own, to the Deputy Grand
Master, and he to the Grand Master.
The Deputy Grand Master presents the Master elect
to the Grand Master, saying,
MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND MASTER:-I present my
worthy Brother A. B. to be installed Master of this
(new) Lodge. I find him to be of good morals and
great skill, true and trusty; and as he is a lover of our
whole fraternity, wheresoever dispersed over the face
of the earth, I doubt not that he will discharge his duty
with fidelity.
The Grand Master asks them if they remain satisfied
with their choice. [They bow in token of assent.]
The Master elect then presents severally, his wardens and other officers, naming them and their respective offices. The Grand Master asks the brethren if
they remain satisfied with each and all of them. [They
bow as before.]
The officers and members of the new Lodge form
in front of the Grand Master; and the business of consecration commences with solemn music.




94                PAST MASTER.
6. CEREMONY OF CONSECRATION.
The Grand Master, attended by the Grand Officers
and the Grand Chaplain, form themselves in order
round the Lodge-all devoutly kneeling.
7. A piece of solemn music is performed while the
Lodge is uncovered.
After which, the first clause of the Consecration
Prayer is rehearsed by the Grand Chaplain, which is
as follows:
" Great Architect of the Universe! Maker and Ruler
of all worlds! deign, from thy celestial temple, from
realms of light and glory, to bless us in all the purposes
of our present assembly. We humbly invoke thee to
give us at this, and at all times, wisdom in all our doings, strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the
beauty of harmony in all our communications. Permit
us, 0 thou Author of light and life, great source of
love and happiness, to erect this Lodge, and now solemnly to consecrate it to the honor of thy glory.
"Glory be to God on high."
[Response by the brethren.]
"As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall
be; world without end. Amen. So mote it be."
The Deputy Grand Master takes the golden Vessel
of Corn, and the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens
take the Silver Vessels of Wine and Oil, and sprinkle
the elements of consecration upon the Lodge.
[The Grand Chaplain then continues:]
"Grant, 0 Lord our God, that those who are now
about to be invested with the government of this Lodge,




PAST MASTER.                 95
may be endued with wisdom to instruct their brethren
in all their duties.  May brotherly love, relief, and truth,
always prevail among the members of this Lodge; and
may this bond of union continue to strengthen the
Lodges throughout the world.
"Bless all our brethren, wherever dispersed; and
grant speedy relief to all who are either oppressed or
distressed.
"We affectionately commend to thee, all the members of thy whole family.  itMay they increase in grace,
in the knowledge of thee, and in the love of each other.
"Finally: rmay we finish all our work here below
with thy approbation; and then have our transition from
this earthly abode to thy heavenly temple above, there
to enjoy light, glory acnd bliss, ineffable and eternal!
"Glory be to God on high."
[~ResVponse l the b ze btreren.]
"As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall
be; world without end. Amen."
8. A piece of solemn music is performed while the
Carpet is covered.
9. The Grand Chaplain then dedicates the Lodge in
the following terms:
"To the memory of the HOLY STS. JOHN, we
dedicate this Lodge.  May every brother revere their
character, and imitate their virtues.
"Glory be to God on high."
[Response.]
"As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall
be; world without end. Amen.  So mote it be."




96               PAST MASTER.
10. A piece of music is performed, while the brethren of the new Lodge advance in procession to salute
the Grand Lodge, with their hands crossed upon their
breasts as they pass. They then take their places as
they were.
11. The Grand Master then rises and constitutes the
new Lodge in the form following:
" In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge,
I now constitute and form you, my beloved brethren,
into a regular Lodge of free and accepted Masons.
From henceforth I empower you to meet as a regular
Lodge, constituted in conformity to the rites of our
order, and the charges of our ancient and honorable
fraternity;-and may the Supreme Architect of the
Universe prosper, direct and counsel you in all your
doings. Amen."
[Response.]    "So mote it be."
Section Second.
CEREMONY OF INSTALLATION.
The Grand Master, or presiding officer, addresses
the Master elect in the words following, viz:
BROTHER — Previous to your investiture, it is necessary that you should signify your assent to those ancient
charges and regulations, which point out the duty of
a Master of a Lodge.




PAST MASTER.                 97
I. You agree to be a good man and true, and strictly
to obey the moral law.
II You agree to be a peaceable citizen, and cheerfully to conform to the laws of the country in which
you reside.
III. You promise not to be concerned in plots and
conspiracies against government; but patiently submit
to the decisions of the supreme legislature.
IV. You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil
magistrates, to work diligently, live creditably, and act
honorably by all men.
V. You agree to hold in veneration the original rulers
and patrons of the order of masonry, and their regularsuccessors, supreme and subordinate, according to their
stations; and to submit to the awards and resolutions
of your brethren, when convened in every case consistent with the Constitutions of the order.
VI. You agree to avoid private piques and quarrels,
and to guard against intemperance and excess.
VII. You agree to be cautious in carriage, and behaviour, courteous to your brethren, and faithful to
your Lodge.
VIII. You promise to respect genuine brethren, and
to discountenance imposters, and all dissenters from
the original plan of masonry.
IX. You agree to promote the general good of society, to cultivate the social virtues, and to propagate
the knowledge of the art.
X. You promise to pay homage to the Grand Master
7




98               PAST MASTER.
for the time being, and to his officers when duly installed;
and strictly to conform to every edict of the Grand
Lodge, or general assembly of Masons, that is not subversive of the principles and ground-work of masonry.
XI. You admit, that it is not in the power of any
man, or body of men, to make innovations in the body
of masonry.
XII. You promise a regular attendance on the committees and communications of the Grand Lodge, on
receiving proper notice, and to pay attention to all the
duties of masonry, on convenient occasions.
XIII. You admit that no new Lodge shall be formed
without permission of the Grand Lodge; and that no
countenance be given to an irregular Lodge, or to any
person clandestinely initiated therein, being contrary to
the ancient charges of the order.
XIV. You admit that no person can be regularly
made a Mason in, or admitted a member of, any regular Lodge, without previous notice, and due inquiry
into his character.
XV. You agree that no visiters shall be received into
your Lodge, without due examination, and producing
proper vouchers of their having been initiated in a
regular Lodge.
These are the regulations of free and accepted Masons.
Do you submit to these charges, and promise to
support these regulations, as Masters have done in all
ages before you?
The Master is to answer, I do.




PAST MASTER.                 99
The presiding officer then addresses him:
BROTHER A. B.:-In consequence of your cheerful
conformity to the charges and regulations of the order,
you are now to be installed Master of this* Lodge, in
full confidence of your care, skill, and capacity to
govern the same.
[The new Master is then regularly invested with the
insignia of his office, and the furniture and implements
of the Lodge.]
The various implements of the profession are emblematical of our conduct in life, and upon this occasion
are carefully enumerated.
The Holy f'ritings, that great light in masonry, will
guide you to all truth: it will direct your paths to the
temple of hIappiness, and point out to you the whole
duty of man.
The Scuare teaches us to regulate our actions by
the rule and line, and harmonize our conduct by the
principles of morality and virtue.
The Compasses teach us to limit our desires in every
station; that, rising to eminence by merit, we may live
respected and die regretted.
The.Rule directs that we should punctually observe
* If the Lodge is installed for the first time, it is called
"This new Lodge."




100               PAST MASTER.
our duty; press forward in the path of virtue, and
neither inclining to the right nor to the left, in all our
actions have eternity in view.
The Line teaches the criterion of moral rectitude, to
avoid dissimulation in conversation and action, and to
direct our steps to the path which leads to a glorious
immortality.
The Boo/k of Constitutions you are to search at all
times. Cause it to be read in your Lodge, that none'
may pretend ignorance of the excellent precepts it
enjoins.
You will also receive in charge the By-laws of your
Lodge, which you are to see carefully and punctually
executed.
The subordinate officers are then severally invested
by the presiding officer, who delivers each of them a
short charge as follows, viz:
The Senior IWTrden.
BROTIER C. D.: You are elected Senior Warden of
this Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of
your office.
The level demonstrates that we are descended from




PAST MASTER.               101
the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share
the same hope; and though distinctions among men
are necessary to preserve subordination, yet no eminence of station should make us forget that we are
brethren; for he who is placed on the lowest spoke of
fortune's wheel, may be entited to our regard; because
a time will come, and the wisest knows not how soon,
when all distinctions but that of goodness shall cease,
and death, the grand leveller of human greatness, reduce us to the same state.
Your regular attendance on our stated meetings, is
essentially necessary. In the absence of the Master,
you are to govern the Lodg'e; in*-his presence you are
to assist him in the government of it. I firmly rely on
your knowledge of masonry and attachment to the
Lodge for the faithful discharge of the duties of this
important trust.-Look well to the West!'The Junior Warden.
BROTHER E. F.: -You are elected Junior Warden
of this Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of
your office. To you, with such assistance as may be
necessary, is entrusted the examination of visiters and
the preparation of candidates.




102                PAST MASTER.
The plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our
several stations; to hold the scales of justice in equal.
poise; and to make our passions and prejudices coincide
with the line of duty.
To you is committed the superintendence of the craft,
during the hours of refreshment;-it is therefore indispensably necessary, that you should not only be
temperate and discreet, in the indulgence of your own
inclinations, but carefully observe that none of the craft
be suffered to convert the purposes of refreshment into
intemperance and excess.
Your regular and punctual attendance is particularly
requested; and I have no doubt that you will faithfully
execute the duty which you owe to your present appointment.-Look well to the South!
Th.e Treasurer.
BROTHER G. H.:  You are elected Treasurer of this
Lodge. It is your duty to receive all moneys from
the hands of the Secretary, make due entries of the
same, and pay them out by order of the Worshipful
Master and the consent of the Lodge.
I trust your regard for the fraternity will prompt
you to the faithful discharge of the duties of your office.




PAST MASTER.               103
The Secretary.
BROTHER J. K.: —You are elected Secretary of this
Lodge. It is your duty to observe all the proceedings
of the Lodge; make a fair record of all things proper
to be written; to receive all moneys paid to the Lodge,
and pay them over to the Treasurer, and take his receipt for the same.
Your good inclination to masonry and this Lodge, I
hope, will induce you to discharge the duties of your
office with fidelity; and by so doing, you will merit the
esteem and applause of your brethren.
Senior and Junior ~Deacons.
BROTHERS L. M. AND N. O.:-You are elected Deacons of this Lodge. It is your province to attend on
the Master and Wardens, and to act as their proxies in
the active duties of the Lodge; such as in the reception
of candidates into the different degrees of masonry, and
in the immediate practice of our rites. The Square
and Compasses, as badges of your office, I entrust to
your care, not doubting your vigilance and attention.;




104               PAST MASTI'ra.
The Stewards.
BROTHERS P. Q. AND R. S.:-You are elected Stewards of this Lodge. The duties of your office are, to
assist in the collection of dues and subscriptions; to
keep an account of the Lodge expenses; and generally
to assist the deacons and other officers in performing
their duties.
Your regular and early attendance will afford the
best proof of your zeal and attachment to the Lodge.
The Tyler.
BROTHER:-YOU are elected Tyler of this Lodge,
and I invest you with the implement of your office.
As the sword is placed in the hands of the Tyler, to
enable him effectually to guard against the approach of
cowans and eves-droppers, and suffer none to pass or
repass but such as are duly qualified; so it should
morally serve as a constant admonition to us, to set a
guard at the entrance of our thoughts; to place a watch
at the door of our lips; and to post a sentinel over our
actions: thereby excluding every unqualified and unworthy thought, word and deed; and preserving consciences void of offence towards God and towards man.
Your early and punctual attendance will afford the
best proof of your zeal for the institution.




PAST MASTER.              105
CHAR GE up2on the Installation of the Jfaster of a Lodge.
WORSHIPFUL MAsTER-Being elected Master of this
Lodge, you cannot be insensible of the obligations which
devolve on you, as its head; nor of your responsibility
for the faithful discharge of the important duties annexed to your station.
The honor, reputation, and usefulness of your Lodge,
will materially depend on the skill and assiduity with
which you manage its concerns; while the happiness
of its members will be generally promoted, in proportion to the zeal and ability with which you propagate
the genuine principles of our institution.
For a pattern of imitation, consider the great luminary
of nature, which, rising in the East, regularly diffuses
light and lustre to all within its circle. In like manner,
it is your province to spread and communicate light
and instruction to' the brethren of your Lodge. Forcibly impress upon them the dignity and high importance of masonry, and seriously admonish them never
to disgrace it.-Charge them to practice out of the
Lodge, those duties which are taught in it; and by
amiable, discreet, and virtuous conduct, to convince
mankind of the goodness of the institution; so that,
when any one is said to be a member of it, the world
may know that he is one to whom the burthened heart
may pour out its sorrows; to whom distress may prefer
its suit; whose hand is guided by justice, and whose
heart is expanded by benevolence. In short, by a
diligent observance of the By-laws of your Lodge, the




106              PAST MASTER.
Constitutions of masonry, and, above all, the Holy
Scriptures, which are given as a rule and guide to your
faith and practice, you will be enabled to acquit yourself
with honor and reputation, and lay up a crown of rejoicing, which shall continue when time shall be no more.
CHAR GE to Senior and Junior WVardens.
BROTHER SENIOR AND JUNIOR WVARDENS-You are
too well acquainted with the principles of masonry to
warrant any distrust that you will be found wanting in
the discharge of your respective duties. —Suffice it to
mention, that what you have seen praiseworthy in
others, you should carefully imitate; and what in them
may have appeared defective, you should in yourselves
amend. You should be examples for good order and
regularity; for it is only by a due regard to the laws
in your own conduct, that you can expect obedience to
them from others. You are assiduously to assist the
Master in the discharge of his trust; diffusing light and
imparting knowledge to all whom he shall place under
your care. In the absence of the Master you will succeed to higher duties; your acquirements must therefore
be such, as that the Craft may never suffer for want of
proper instruction. From the spirit which you have
hitherto evinced, I entertain no doubt that your future
conduct will be such as to merit the applause of your
brethren, and the testimony of a good conscience.
BRETHREN OF        LoDGE-Such is the nature of
our Constitution, that as some must of necessity rule




PAST MASTER.               107
and teach, so others must of course learn to submit
and obey. Humility in both is an essential duty. The
officers who are appointed to govern your Lodge, axe
sufficiently conversant with the rules of propriety, and
the laws of the institution, to avoid exceeding the powers
with which they are entrusted; and you are of too generous dispositions to envy their preferment. I therefore
trust that you will have but one aim, to please each
other, and unite in the grand design of being happy,
and communicating happiness.
Finally, my brethren, as this association has been
formed and perfected with so much unanimity and
concord, in which we greatly rejoice, so may it long
continue. May you long enjoy every satisfaction and
delight which disinterested friendship can afford. May
kindness and brotherly affection distinguish your conduct, as men, and as Masons. Within your peaceful
walls, may your children's children celebrate with joy
and gratitude, the transactions of this auspicious
solemnity. And may t/ke tenets of our profession be
transmitted through your Lodge, pure and unimpaired,
from generation to generation.
12. The Grand Marshal then proclaims the new
Lodge in the following manner, viz:
In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge
of the State of, I proclaim this new Lodge by
the name of      -   Lodge, No. -, to be legally
constituted, consecrated, and the officers thereof duly
installed,




108              PAST MASTER.
13. A piece of music is then performed.
14. Benediction.
The Grand Officers being seated, all but Master
Masons are caused to retire.
A procession is then formed, and passes three times
round the hall; and upon passing the Master, pays him
due homage by the usual honors, in the different
degrees.
While the procession is passing round, the following
song is sung:
HAIL MASONRY divine!
Glory of ages shine;
Long may'st thou reign;
Where'er thy lodges stand,
May they have great command,
And always grace the land,
Thou Art divine;
Great fabrics still arise,
And grace the azure skies;
Great are thy schemes;
Thy noble orders are
Matchless, beyond compare;
No art with thee can share,
Thou Art divine.
Hiram, the Architect,
Did all the Craft direct
How they should build:




PAST MASTER.               109
Sol'mon, great Israel's king,     q
Did mighty blessings bring,     iE
And left us room to sing,  
Hail, royal Art!             J 
The Grand Master then directs the Grand Marshal
to form the procession; when the Grand Lodge walk to
their own hall, and both Lodges are closed in due form.
Section Third.
This section contains the ceremony observed on laying the foundation stones of public structures.
This ceremony is conducted by the M. AW. Grand
Master and his officers, assisted by such officers and
members of subordinate Lodges, as can conveniently
attend. The chief magistrate, and other civil officers
of the place where the building is to be erected, also
generally attend on the occasion.
At the time appointed, the Grand Lodge is convened
in some suitable place. A band of martial music is
provided, and the brethren appear in the insignia of
the Order.
The Lodge is then opened by the Grand Master, and
the rules for regulating the procession are read by the
Grand Secretary. The Lodge is then adjourned; after
which the procession sets out in dueform, in the following order:
Procession at laying Foundation Stones.
Two Tylers with drawn Swords;
Tyler of the oldest Lodge with a drawn Sword;




110               PAST MASTER.
Two Stewards of the oldest Lodge;
Entered Apprentices;
Fellow Crafts;
Master Masons;:~       Past Secretaries;
Past Treasurers;
Past Junior Wardens;
Past Senior Wardens;
Mark Masters;
Past Masters;
Royal Arch Masons;
Select Masters;
Knights Templars;
Masters;
Music;
Grand Tyler with a drawn Sword;
Grand Stewards with white Rods;
A Past Master with a Golden Vessel containing Corn;
Principal Architect with Square, Level and Plumb;
Two Past Masters with Silver Vessels, one containing
Wine, and the other Oil;
Grand Secretary and Treasurer;
The Five Orders;
One large light borne by a Past Master;
The Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, borne by a
Master of a Lodge, supported by two Stewards
on the right and left;
Two large Lights, borne by two Past Masters;
Grand Chaplain;




PAST MASTER.               111
Clergy and Orator;
Grand Wardens;
Deputy Grand Master;
The Master of the oldest Lodge, carrying the Book of
Constitutions on a velvet cushion;
Grand Deacons with black Rods, on a line Seven
feet apart;
Grand Master;
Two Stewards with white rods;
Grand Sword Bearer with a drawn Sword.
A Triumphal Arch is usually erected at the place
where the ceremony is to be performed. The procession passes through the arch; and the brethren repairing to their stands, the Grand Master and his officers
take their places on a temporary platform, covered with
carpet. The Grand Master commands silence. An
Ode on Masonry is sung; after which, the necessary
preparations are made for laying the stone, on which
is engraved the year of masonry, the name and title of
the Grand Master, &c., &c.
The stone is raised up by means of an engine erected
for that purpose, and the Grand Chaplain or Orator
repeats a short prayer.
The Grand Treasurer, then, by the Grand Master's
command, places under the stone various sorts of coin
and medals of the present age. Solemn music is introduced, and the stone is let down into its place.
The principal architect then presents the working
tools to the Grand Master, who applies theplumb, square




112               PAST MASTER.
and level to the stone, in their proper position, and
pronounces it to be WELL FORMED, TRUE, and TRUSTY.
The golden and silver vessels are next brought to
the table and delivered; the former to the Deputy Grand
Master, and the latter to the Grand Wardens, who
successively present them to the Grand Master; and he,
according to ancient ceremony, pours the corn, the wine
and the oil, which they contain, on the stone; saying" May the all-bounteous Author of Nature bless the
inhabitants of this place with all the necessaries, conveniences and comforts of this life; assist in the erection
and completion of this building; protect the workmen
against every accident, and long preserve this structure
from decay; and grant to us all, a supply of the coRN of
nourishment, the WINE of refreshment, and the OIL ofjoy!
"Amen.  So mote it be."
He then strikes the stone thrice with the mallet; and
the public grand honors are given.  The Grand Master
then delivers over to the Architect the various implements of architecture, entrusting him with the superintendence and direction of the work; after which, he
re-ascends the platform, and an oration suitable to the
occasion is delivered.
A voluntary collection is made for the needy workmen; and the sum collected is placed upon the stone
by the Grand Treasurer.
A suitable song in honor of masonry concludes the
ceremony; after which, the procession returns to the
place whence it set out, and the Lodge is closed in due
form.




PAST MASTER.              113
Section Fourth.
The fourth section contains the ceremony observed
at tile Dedication of Freemasons' Halls.
On the day appointed, the Grand Master and his
officers, accompanied by the members of the Grand
Lodge, meet in a convenient room near the place where
the ceremony is to be performed, and open in due and
ampleform, in the third degree of masonry.
The Master of the Lodge, to which the Hall to be
dedicated belongs, being present, addresses the Grand
Master as follows:
MoST WonsIIIPJUTL-The brethren of       Lodge,
being animated with a desire of promoting the honor
and interest of the craft, have, at great pains and expense, erected a masonic Hall for their convenience and
accommodation. They are now desirous that the same
should be examined by the M. W. GRAND LODGE, and
if it meet their approbation, that it should be solemnly
dedicated to masonic purposes, agreeably to ancientform.
The Grand Master then directs the Grand Marshal
to form the procession, when they move forward to
the Hall to be dedicated. On entering, the music will
continue while the procession marches three times round
the Hall.
The carpet, or flooring, is then placed in the center;
and the Grand Master having taken the chair, under a
canopy of state, the Grand Officers, and the Masters and
Wardens of the Lodge, repair to the places previously,n




~Ado         IPAST MAST''ER.
prepared for their reception. The three Lights, and
the Golden and Silver Pitchers, with the corn, wine
i:iM:ly ae placed round the Lodge, at the head of
which stands the Altar, with the Holy Bible open, and
thi  Sqa8fite and Compasses laid thereon, with the
h1it:'tr;'& B1ook of Constitutions, and By-laws.'[A-i]:hAthem is sung, and an Exordium on masonry
gi hb'hitftfer which, the Architect addresses the Grand
Master, as follows:
iMo$ir'WoRS'IP'FUL-Haaving been entrusted with the
superintendence anid manag ement of the workmen employed in the erection of this edifice; and having,
ateo~-diagoTo the best of my ability, accomplished the.WA t'issorned me, I now return my thanks for the
h6:oti6-f thtis appointncnlt, and beo leave to surrender
th i~ripl6mnents which were committed to my care
whnti-fi!' ifundtation of this fabric was laid; humbly' int":A' the exertions which have been made on
tli~ i8~siohi will be crowned with your approbation,
ad4t it  of f'Mthe Most Worshipful Grand Lodge.'GO'  Whl1 tjhee Grand Master makes the following
)l"   i )'i..-, U;; f,'_',~ ) 7
5:~W.ADg_ ~s-RjilRITEcT-EThe skill and fidelity displayed
in the execution of the trust reposed in you at the
eqic,nepVt of this undertaking, have secured the
pp:.mbtio,-i: fthe Grand Lodge; and they sincerely
Bg,,yH,.:4.fi.iSedifice may continue a lasting monument
ft}W41-.t..,. ~irvit, and liberality of its founders.




PAST MASTER.               115
An Ode in honor of masonry is sung, accompanied
with instrumental music.
The Deputy Grand Master then rises and says:
MOST WORSuIPFUL-The Hall in which we are now
assembled, and the plan upon which it has been constructed, having met with your approbation, it is the
desire of the fraternity that it should now be dedicated
according to ancient form and usage.
Whereupon a procession is formed in the following
order, viz:
Grand Sword Bearer;
A Past Master with a Light;
A Past Master with a Bible, Square, and Compasses,
on a velvet cushion;
Two Past Masters each with a Light;
Grand Secretary and Treasurer with Emblems;
Junior Grand Warden with Pitcher of Corn;
Senior Grand Warden with Pitcher of Wine;
Deputy Grand Master with Pitcher of Oil;
Grand Master;
Two Stewards with Rods.
All the other brethren keep their places and assist in
performing an Ode, which continues during the procession, excepting only at the intervals of dedication.
The Carpet being uncovered, the first time passing
round it the Grand Junior Warden presents the pitcher
of Corn to the Grand Master, who pours it out upon
the Lodge, at the same time pronouncing



116              PAST MASTER.
"In the name of the Great JEHOVAH, to whom be
all honor and glory, I do solemnly dedicate this Hall
to MASONRY."
The grand honors are given.
The second time passing round the Lodge, the Senior
Grand Warden presents the pitcher of Wine to the
Grand Master, who sprinkles it upon the Carpet, at the
same time saying"In the name of the HOLY SAINTS JOHN, I do solemnly dedicate this Hall to VIRTUE."
The grand honors are twice given.
The third time passing round the Lodge, the Deputy
Grand Master presents the Grand Master with the
pitcher of Oil, who pours it upon the Carpet, saying"In the name of the whole Fraternity, I do solemnly dedicate this Hall to UNIVERSAL BENEVOLENCE."
The grand honors are thrice given.
A solemn Invocation is made to the Throne of Grace
by the Grand Chaplain, and an Anthem sung; after
which the Carpet is covered, and the Grand Master
retires to his Chair.
An Oration is then delivered, and the ceremonies
conclude with music. The Grand Lodge is then closed
in due or ample form.
Section Fifth.
This section contains the ceremony observed at




PAST MASTER.                117
Funerals, according to the ancient custom; together
with the service used on such occasions.
No Mason can be interred with the formalities of the
order, unless it be by his own special request, foreigners
and sojourners excepted; nor unless he has been raised
to the sublime degree of Master Mason; as no Fellow
Craft or Entered Apprentice is entitled to funeral obsequies, nor to attend the masonic procession on such
occasions.
All the brethren who walk in procession, should
observe, as much as possible, an uniformity in their
dress. Decent mourning around the left arm, with
white gloves and aprons, are most suitable.
THE FUNERAL SERVICE.
The brethren being assembled at the Lodge-room,
(or some other convenient place,) the presiding officer
opens the Lodge in the third degree, with the usual
forms; and having stated the purpose of the meeting,
the service begins:
ifaster. "What man is he thlat liveth, and shall not
see death?  Shall he deliver his soul from the hand
of the grave?"
Response.  "Man walketh in a vain shadow; he
heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall gather
them."
Master.  "When he dieth he shall carry nothing
away; his glory shall not descend after him."




118               PAST MASTER.
Response.  "Naked he came into the world, and
naked he must return."
Mfaster. "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken
away; blessed be the name of the Lord."
The Master then taking the roll in his hand, says"Let us live and die like the righteous, and our last
end shall be like his!"
The Brethren answer —" God is our God forever and
ever; he will be our guide even unto death!"
The Master then records the name and age of the
deceased upon the roll, and says"Almighty Father! in thy hands we leave, with
humble submission, the soul of our deceased brother."
The brethren answer three times"The will of God is accomplished! So be it."
The Master then deposits the roll in the arclhives,
and repeats the following Prayer:
"Most glorious God! author of all good, and giver
of all mercy, pour down thy blessings upon us, and
strengthen our solemn engagements with the ties of
sincere affection!  May the present instance of mortality remind us of our approaching fate, and draw our
attention toward thee, the only refuge in time of need;
that when the awful moment shall arrive, when we are
about to quit this transitory scene, the enlivening prospect of thy mercy may dispel the gloom of death; and
after our departure hence in peace, and in thy favor,
-may we be received into thy everlasting kingdom, to
enjoy, in union with the souls of our departed friends,
the just reward of a pious and virtuous life. Amen."




PAST MASTER.
A procession is then formed, which moves. t8:{the
house of the deceased, and thence to the place'(dflii
terment.
Order of Procession at a Funeral.
Tyler with a drawn sword;
Stewards with white rods;
Musicians, (if they are Masons, otherwise they precede
the Tyler;)
Master Masons;
X   Senior and Junior Deacons;
~m    Secretary and Treasurer;
Senior and Junior Wardens;
Mark Masters;
Past Masters;
Royal Arch Masons;
Select Masters;
Knights Templars;
The Holy Writings on a cushion, covered with blaqe
cloth, carried bylthe oldest (or some suitable) member of the Lodge;
The Master;.:r
Clergy;
The Body, with the         insignia placed thereon.
Pall Bearers.              Pall Bearers.




120               PAST MASTER.
When the procession arrives at the church-yard, the
members of the Lodge form a circle round the grave;
and the clergyman and officers of the Lodge take their
station at the head of the grave, and the mourners at
the foot. The service is resumed, and the following
Exhortation is given by the Master:
I"BRETHuRE-Here we view a striking instance of
the uncertainty of life, and the vanity of all human
pursuits. The last offices paid to the dead, are only
useful as lectures to the living; —from them we are to
derive instruction, and to consider every solemnity of
this kind as a summons to prepare for our approaching
dissolution.
"Notwithstanding the various mementos of mortality
with which we daily meet; notwithstanding Death has
established his empire over all the works of nature;
yet, through some unaccountable infatuation, we forget
that we are born to die; we go on from one design to
another, add hope to hope, and lay our plans for the
employment of many years, till we are suddenly alarmed
with the approach of Death when we least expect him,
and at an hour which we probably conclude to be the
meridian of our existence.
"What are all the externals of majesty, the pride of
wealth, or charms of beauty, when Nature has paid
her just debt? Fix your eyes on the last scene, and
view life stript of her ornaments and exposed in her
natural meanness; you will then be convinced of the
futility of those empty delusions. In the grave all




PAST MASTER.                121
fallacies are detected, all ranks are leveled, and all
distinctions are done away.
"When we view this narrow house, about to be
occupied by the body of our deceased brother, we feel
a momentary contraction of the heart, a mournful presage that here, too, the evening of our days must soon
be closed, and the tear of affection that trembles to-day
upon another's tomb must soon be transferred to ours.
These become strong incentives to a well regulated life;
and when the whispers of conscience plead in vain with
our unsubdued passions, the grave, that universal
monitor, informs us this must be our final destination.
"While we drop the sympathetic tear over the grave
of our deceased friend, let charity incline us to throw
a veil over his foibles, whatever they may have been,
and not withhold from his memory the -praise that his
virtues may have claimed. Suffer the apologies of
human nature to plead in his behalf. Perfection on
earth has never been attained; the wisest, as well as
the best of men, have erred.
"Let the present example excite our most serious
thoughts, and strengthen our resolutions of amendment.
As life is uncertain, and all earthly pursuits are vain,
let us no longer postpone the all-important concern of
preparing for eternity; but embrace the happy moment,
while time and opportunity offer, to provide against the
great change, when all the pleasures of this world shall
pease to delight, and the reflections of a virtuous and
holy life yield the only comfort and consolation. Thus




122               PAST MASTER.
our expectations will not be frustrated, nor we hurried
unprepared into the presence of an all-wise and powerful Judge, to whom the secrets of all hearts are known.
"Let us, while in this state of existence, support with
propriety the character of our profession, advert to the
nature of our solemn ties, and pursue with assiduity
the sacred tenets of our order. Then, with becoming
reverence, let us seek the favor of the ETERNAL GOD,
so that when the awful moment of death arrives, be it
soon or late, we may be enabled to prosecute our
journey without dread or apprehension, to that far distant country, whence no traveller returns."
The following invocations are then made by the
Master:
Master. "May we be true and faithful, and may
we live and die in love!"
Response. "So mote it be."
Master.  "May we profess what is good, and always
act agreeably to our profession!"
Response.  "So mote it be."
Master.  "May the Lord bless us and prosper us,
and may all our good intentions be crowned with success!"
Response.  "So mote it be.".Master.  "Glory be to God in the highest; on earth
peace! good will towards men!"
Response. "So mote it be, now, from henceforth,
and for evermore. Amen.




PAST MASTER.              123
The apron is taken off from the coffin and handed to
the Master —the coffin is deposited in the grave-and
the Master says:
This Lamb skin, or white Apron, is an emblem of
Innocence and the badge of a Mason, more ancient than
the golden fleece or Roman eagle; and when worthily
worn, more honorable than the star and garter. [The
Master then deposits it in the grave.]  This emblem I
now deposit in the grave of our deceased Brother. By
this we are reminded of the universal dominion of
Death. The arm of friendship cannot oppose the King
of Terrors, nor the charms of innocence elude his grasp.
This grave, that coffin, this circle of mourning friends,
remind us that we too are mortal: soon shall our
bodies moulder to dust. Then how important for us
that we should know that our REDEEMER liveth, and
that he shall stand at the latter day upon the Earth.
[The lMaster, holding the evergreen in his hand, continues.]
This evergreen is an emblem of our faith in the immortality of the soul. By this we are reminded that we
have an immortal part within us which shall survive
the grave, and which shall never, never, never die.
Though like our Brother, whose remains now lie before
us, we shall soon be clothed in the habiliments of DEATH
and be deposited in the silent tomb, yet through the
mediation of a divine and ascended Saviour, we may
confidently hope that our souls will bloom in Eternal
Spring.




124               PAST MASTER.
The brethren then move in procession round the
place of interment, and severally drop the sprig of
evergreen into the grave; after which, the public grand
honors are given.
The Master then continues the ceremony at the
grave, in the following words:
"FRIENDS AND FELLOW CITIZENS:-From time immemorial it has been the custom among the Fraternity
of Free and Accepted Masons, at the request of a
brother, to accompany his corpse to the place of interment, and there to deposit his remains with the usual
formalities.
"In conformity to this usage, and at the special
request of our deceased brother, whose memory we
revere, and whose loss we now deplore, we have assembled in the character of Masons, to resign his body
to the earth whence it came, and to offer up to his
memory, before the world, the last tribute of our affection; thereby demonstrating the sincerity of our past
esteem, and our steady attachment to the principles of
the Order.
"The Great Creator having been pleased, out of
his mercy, to remove our brother from the cares and
~troubles of a transitory existence, to a state of eternal
duration, and thereby to weaken the chain by which
we are united man to man; may we who survive him,
anticipate our approaching fate, and be more strongly
cemented in the ties of union and friendship; that, during




PAST MASTER.               125
the short space allotted to our present existence, we
may wisely and usefully employ our time; and, in the
reciprocal intercourse of kind and friendly acts, mutually
promote the welfare and happiness of each other.
"Unto the grave we resign the body of our deceased
friend, there to remain until the general resurrection,
in favorable expectation that his immortal soul may
partake of joys which have been prepared for the
righteous from the beginning of the world. And may
Almighty God, of his infinite goodness, at the grand
tribunal of unbiassed justice, extend his mercy towards
him, and all of us, and crown our hope with everlasting
bliss in the expanded realms of a boundless eternity!
This we beg, for the honor of his name; to whom be
glory, now and forever. Amen."
The procession then returns in form to the place
whence it set out, where the necessary duties are
complied with, and the Lodge is closed in the third
degree.
NOTE. If the Grand Master attends, and presides at
any ceremony, it is said to be performed in AMPLE FORM;
if a subordinate officer in the Grand Lodge, in DUE FORM;
if vested in the Master of a subordinate Lodge, in FORM.




126         MOST EXCELLENT MASTER.
CHAPTER III.
MOST EXCELLENT MASTER'S DEGREE.
NONE but the meritorious and praiseworthy; none
but those who, through diligence and industry, have
progressed far towards perfection and passed the chair,
can be admitted to this degree of masonry.
When the temple of Jerusalem was finished, and the
cap-stone celebrated with great joy, King Solomon
admitted to this degree only those who had proved
themselves worthy, by their virtue, skill, and inflexible
fidelity to the Craft. The duties incumbent on a Most
Excellent Master are such, that he should have a perfect knowledge of all the preceding degrees.
The following Psalm is read at opening:
1"The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof;
the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath
founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the
floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?
or who shall stand in his holy place?  He that hath
clean hands and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up
his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall
receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness
from the God of his salvation. This is the generation
of them that seek him, that seek thy face, 0 Jacob:
Selah. Lift up your heads, 0 ye gates: and be ye lift




MOST EXCELLENT MASTER.          127
up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall
come in. Who is this King of Glory?  The Lord
strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift
up your heads, 0 ye gates; even lift them up, ye
everlasting doors, and tilhe King of Glory shall come
in. Who is this King of Glory'?  The Lord of Hosts,
he is the King of Glory. Selah."-Psal7  xxiv.
The following Psalm is read during the ceremony
of receiving a candidate in this degree:
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into
the house of the Lord.  Our feet shall stand within
thy gates, 0 Jerusalem. Jerusalem is builded as a
city that is compact together: whither the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to
give thanks unto the name of the Lord. For there are
set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of
David.
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and
prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and
companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within
thee.  Because of the house of the Lord our God, I
will seek thy good."-Psalm cxxii.




128             MOST EXCELLENT MASTER.
The following song is sung with solemn ceremony:
MOST EXCELLENT MASTER'S SONG.
8ndante MJoderato.
ALL hail to  the   morn-ing, That bids us reALL hail to the morn-ing, That bids us rejoice  The tem-ple's  com - pie-ted, Ex - alt high each voice;
-6;_
joice; The tem-ple's  corn-ple-ted, Ex - alt high each voice;




MOST EXCELLENT MASTER,                         129
Cres.
The  cap-stone is finish'd, Our la  - bor  is o'er;
The  capstone is   finish'd, Our   lab - or  is o'er;
The sound of the  ga-vel shall  hail us no more.
The sound of the  ga-vel shall  hail us no more.
_. IL —                 - -  _   -F-               -
Fw-or.     
To the Pow-er Al-omigh-ty, who ev-er has  guin ded
To the Pow-er Al-migl-ty, who ev-er has   gui - ded
9 L         




130             MIOST  EXCELLENT MAS'TER.....
The tribes of old Is - rael, ex - alt - ing  their fame;
The tribes of old Is - rael, ex - alt - ing their fame;:                                       I )
To HIim, who hath govern'd our hearts un - di-vided,
To HIim, who hath govern'd our h arts unt - di-vided,:_._....  — ~..... F —-  -s-I 7-, —-'~. —.
I _j.~  F,,rttss.
I   Iet's send forth our voi-ces to praise his great Name.
IG -
Let's send forth our voi-ces to praise his great Name.
1j  J-x7j ~'[,__1_ -...



MOST EXCELLENT MASTER.          131
Companions assemble
On this joyful day;
The occasion is glorious,
The key-stone to lay:
Fulfill'd is the promise,
By the ANCIENT OF DAYS,
To bring forth the cap-stone
With shouting and praise.
[ Ceremonies.]
There is no more occasion for level or plumb-line,
For trowel or gavel, for compass or square:
Our works are completed, the ark safely seated,
And we shall be greeted as workmen most rare.
Now those who are worthy,
Our toils who have shar'd,
And prov'd themselves faithful,
Shall meet their reward;
Their virtue and knowledge,
Industry and skill,
Have our approbation,
Have gain'd our good will.
We accept and receive them, Most Excellent Masters,
Invested with honors, and power to preside;
Among worthy crafts-men, wherever assembled,
The knowledge of Masons to spread far and wide.
ALMIGHTY JEHOVAH!
Descend now and fill
This Lodge with thy glory,
Our hearts with good will!




132         MOST EXCELLENT MASTER.
Preside at our meetings,
Assist us to find
True pleasure in teaching
Good will to mankind.
Thy'wisdom inspired the great institution,
Thy strength shall support it till nature expire;
And when the creation shall fall into ruin,
Its beauty shall rise through the midst of the fire!
The following passages of Scripture are also introduced, accompanied with solemn ceremonies:
Then said Solomon, The Lord hath said that he
would dwell in the thick darkness. But I have built
a house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy
dwelling for ever.
And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole
congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of
Israel stood. And he said, Blessed be the Lord God
of Israel, who hath with his hands fulfilled that which




MOST EXCELLENT MASTER.         133
he spake with his mouth to my father David, saying,
Since the day that I brought forth my people out of
the land of Egypt, I chose no city among all the tribes
of Israel to build a house in, that my name might be
there; neither chose I any man to be a ruler over my
people Israel: but I have chosen Jerusalem, that my
name might be there; and have chosen David to be
over my people Israel.
Now it was in the heart of David my father to build
a house for the name of the Lord God of Israel. But
the Lord said to David my father, Forasmuch as it
was in thy heart to build a house for my name, thou
didst well in that it was in thy heart; notwithstanding,
thou shalt not build the house; but thy son which shall
come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house
for my name. The Lord therefore hath performed his
word that lie hath spoken; for I am risen up in the
room of David my father, and am set on the throne of
Israel, as the Lord promised, and have built the house
for the name of the Lord God of Israel. And in it
have I put the ark, wherein is the covenant of the Lord,
that he made with the children of Israel.
And he stood before the altar of the Lord, in the
presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread
forth his hands: (for Solomon had made a brazen
scaffold of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and
three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the
court; and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon
his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and
spread forth his hands towards heaven,)and said,
O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee in
the heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant,
and shewest mercy unto thy servants that walk before
thee with all their hearts: thou which hast kept with
thy servant David my father that which thou hast




134        MOST EXCELLENT MASTER.
promised him; and spakest with thy mouth, and hast
fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day. Now
therefore, 0 Lord God of Israel, keep with thy servant
David my father that which thou hast promised him,
saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to
sit upon the throne of Israel; yet so that thy children
take heed to their way, to walk in my law, as thou
hast walked before me. Now then, 0 Lord God of
Israel, let thy word be verified, which thou hast spoken
unto -thy servant David. But, will God in very deed
dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and
the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much
less this house which I have built! Have respect
therefore to the prayer of thy servant and to his supplication, 0 Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry
and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee:
that thine eyes may be open upon this house day and
night, upon She place whereof thou hast said that thou
wouldst put thy name there; to hearken unto the
prayer which thy servant prayeth towards this place.
Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make
tLoward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place,
even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive.
Now when Solomon had made an end of praying,
the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the
burnt-offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the
Lord filled the house. And the priests could not enter
into the house of the Lord, because the glory of the
Lord had filled the Lord's house.
And when all the children of Israel saw how the
fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the
house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the
ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and
praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his
mercy endureth for ever. —2 Chronicles vi. vii.




MIOST EXCELLENT MASTER.         135
CHAR GE to a Brother who is received and acknowledged
as a Mfost -Excellent 2/faster.
BROTHER:-Your admittance to this degree of masonry, is a proof of the good opinion the brethren of
this Lodge entertain of your masonic abilities. Let
this consideration induce you to be careful of forfeiting,
by misconduct and inattention to our rules, that esteem
which has raised you to the rank you now possess.
It is one of your great duties as a Most Excellent
Master, to dispense light and truth to the uninformed
Mason; and I need not remind you of the impossibility
of complying with this obligation, without possessing
an accurate acquaintance with the lectures of each
degree.
If you are not already completely conversant in all
the degrees heretofore conferred on you, remember
that an indulgence, prompted by a belief that you will
apply yourself with double diligence to make yourself
so. has induced the brethren to accept you.
Let it therefore be your unremitting study, to acquire
such a degree of knowledge and information, as shall
enable you to discharge with propriety, the various
duties incumbent on you, and to preserve unsullied the
title now conferred upon you, of a MOST EXCELLENT MASTER.
The following Psalm is read at closing:
" The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He
maketh me to lie down in green pasture: he leadeth
me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he




136               ROYAL ARCH.
leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's
sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with
me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou
preparest a table before me in the'presence of mine
enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup
runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow
me all the days of my life: aud I will dwell in the
house of the Lord for ever."-Psalm xxiii.
CHAPTER IV.
ROYAL ARCH DEGREE.
THIS degree is more august, sublime and important,
than all which precede it. It impresses on our minds
a belief of the being and existence of the Supreme
Grand High Priest of our Salvation, who is without
beginning of days or end of years; and forcibly reminds
us of the reverence due his Holy Name.
In this degree is brought to light many essentials
which are of importance to the craft, that were concealed
in darkness for the space of four hundred and seventy
years; and without a knowledge of which, the masonic
character cannot be complete.




ROYAL ARCH.               137
Section First.
This section explains the mode of government in this
degree; it designates the appellation, number and situation of the several officers, and points out the purpose
and duty of their respective stations.  The various
colors of their banners are designated; and the morals
to which they allude are introduced and explained.
The following exhortation is read at opening:
"Now we command you, brethren, that ye withdraw
yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly,
and not after the tradition which ye received of us.
For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for
we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but
wrought with labor and travail'night and day, that we
might not be chargeable to any of you: not because
we have not power, but to make ourselves an example
unto you to follow us. For even when we were with
you, this we commanded you, that if any would not
work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there
are some which walk among you disorderly, working
not at all, but are busy bodies. Now them that are
such we command and exhort, that with quietness they
work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be
not weary in well-doing. And if any man obey not
our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no
company with him, that he may be ashamed. Ye
count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a
brother. Now the Lord of Peace himself give you
peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.




138                ROYAL ARCfI.
Section Secocd.
This section contains much valuable historical information, and exhibits to our view, in striking colors, that
prosperity and happiness are ever the ultimate consequences of virtue and justice; while disgrace and ruin
invariably follow the practice of vice and immorality.
The following charges and passages of Scripture are
introduced during the ceremony of exaltation:
" I will bring the blind by a way they know not; I
will lead them in paths that they have not known; I
will make darkness light before them, and crooked
things straight.  These things will I do unto them,
and not forsake theem."'  CiCh xlii. 16.
Prayer used at tlie exaltation of a Roytal xlArch Jf[ason.
"'0 thou eternal and omnipotent JEIHOVAH, the
glorious and everlasting I AM; permit us, thy frail,
dependent and needy creatures, in the name of our Afost
Excellent and Supreme High Priest, to approach thy
divine majesty.  And do thou, who sittest between the
Cherubim, incline thine ear to the voice of our praises,
and of our supplication; and vouchsafe to commune
with us from off the mnercy seat. We humbly adore
and worship thy unspeakable perfections, and thy unbounded goodness and benevolence.  We bless thee,
that when man had sinned and fallen from his innocence
and happiness, thou didst still leave unto him  the
powers of reasoning, and the capacity of improvement
and of pleasure.  We adore thee, that amidst the pains
and calamities of our present state, so many means of
refreshment and satisfaction are afforded us, while
travelling the rugged path of life.  And 0, thou who




ROYAL ARCH.                139
didst aforetime appear unto thy servant Moses in a
flame of fire, out of the midst of a bush, enkindle, we
beseech thee, in each of our hearts, a flame of devotion
to thee, of love to each other, and of benevolence and
charity to all mankind. May the veils of ignorance
and blindness be removed from the eyes of our understandings, that we may behold and adore thy mighty
and wondrous works. May the rod and staff of thy
grace and power continually support us, and defend us
from the rage of all our enemies, and especially from
the subtilty and malice of that old serpent, who with
cruel vigilance seeketh our ruin. May the leprosy of
sin be eradicated from our bosoms; and may Holiness
to the Lord be engraven upon all our thoughts, words,
and actions. May the incense of piety ascend continually unto thee, from off the altar of our hearts, and
burn day and night as a sweet-smelling savor unto thee.
May we daily search the records of truth, that we may
be more and more instructed in our duty; and may we
share the blessedness of those who hear the sacred word,
and keep it. And finally, 0 merciful Father, when we
shall have passed through the outward veils of these
earthly courts; when the earthly house of this tabernacle
shall be dissolved, may we be admitted into the Holy
of Holies above, into the presence of the Grand Council
of heaven, where the Supreme High Priest for ever
presides, for ever reigns. Amen. So mote it be."




140               ROYAL ARCH.
"Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his fatherin-law, the priest of Mlidian; and he led the flock to
the back side of the desert, and came to the mountain
of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the Lord
appeared unto him in a flame of fire, out of the midst
of a bush; and he looked, and behold the bush burned
with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses
said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight,
why the bush is not burnt.
"And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to
see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush,
and said Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
And he said, Draw not nigh hither; put off thy shoes
from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest
is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of
thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac,




ROYAL ARCH.                 141
and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for
he was afraid to look upon God."-Exodus iii. 1-6.
"Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he
began to reign, and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem.
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the
Lord his God, and humbled not himself before Jeremiah
the prophet, speaking from the mouth of the Lord.
And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar:
and stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from
turning unto the Lord God of Israel. Moreover, all of
the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed
very much after all the abominations of the heathen;
and polluted the house of the Lord which he had hallowed in Jerusalem. And the Lord God of their fathers
sent to them by his messengers, because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place: But
they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his
words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of
the Lord arose against his people, till there was no
remedy.  Therefore he brought upon them the king
of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the
sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no
compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or
him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his
hand. And all the vessels of the house of God, great
and small, and the treasures of the king and of his
princes; all these he brought to Babylon.
"And the)y burned the house of God, and brake
down the wall of Jerusalem, and burned all the palaces
thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels
thereof. And them that had escaped from the sword
carried he away to Babylon: where they were servants
to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of
Persia."-2 Chron. xxxvi. 11-20.             *
"Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that




142               ROYAL ARCH.
the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might
be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king
of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all
his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus
saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven
hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he
hath charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem,
which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all
his people?  His God be with him, and let him go up
to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house
of the Lord God of Israel, which is in Jerusalem." —
Ezra i. 1-3.
"And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come
unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them,
The. God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and
they shall say unto me, What is his name? What
shall I say unto them?
"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM:
and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children
of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." —Exodus iii.
13, 14.
13,14.    *        *        *       *       *
"Lord I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give
ear unto my voice. Let my prayer be set forth before
thee as incense, and the lifting up of my hands as the
evening sacrifice. Set a watch, 0 Lord, before my
mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my
heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with
men that work iniquity. Let the righteous smite me,
it shall be a kindness; let him reprove me, it shall be
an excellent oil. MAine eyes are unto thee, 0 God the
Lord; in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.
Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me,
and the gins of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked
fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape." —
Psalm cxli.




ROYAL ARCH.           143




144              ROYAL ARCH.
"I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my
voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication. I
poured out my complaint before him: I shewed before
him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed
within me, then thou knewest my path: in the way
wherein I walked, have they privily laid a snare for me.
I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was
no man that would know me: refuge failed me: no man
cared for my soul. I cried unto thee, 0 Lord: I said,
Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the
living. Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very
low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are
stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I
may praise thy name."-Psaln cxlii.  *  * *  *
"Hear my prayer, 0 Lord, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with thy servant:
for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. For
the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten
my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell
in darkness. Therefore is'lmy spirit overwhelmed within
me; my heart within me is desolate. Hear me speedily,
O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me,
lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause
me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning: for in
thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I
should walk: for I lift my soul unto thee. Teach me
to do thy will; for thou art my God: bring my soul out
of trouble, and of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, for I
am thy- servant."-Psalm cxliii. *  *  *  *  *
"And Moses answered and said, But behold, they
will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for
they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee.
And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine
hand? And he said, A rod. And he said, Cast it on




ROYAL ARBH.               145
the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. And
the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and
take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and
caught it, and it became a rod in his lband. That they
may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the
God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of
Jacob, hath appeared unto the. *  *  *  *  *  *
"And the Lord said furthermore unto him, Put now
thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into
his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand
was leprous as snow. And he said, Put thine hand
into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his
bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and,
behold, it was turned again as his other flesh. And
it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee,
neither hearken unto the voice of the first sign, that
they will believe the voice of the latter sign. *  *  *
And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe
also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice,
that thou shalt take the water of the river, and pour it
upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest
out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land:"
Exodus iv. 1-9.
"In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day
of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet
10




146               ROYAL ARCH.
Haggai, saying, Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of
Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of
Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the
people, saying, Who is left among you that saw this
house in her first glory? and how do you see it now?
Is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?
Yet now be strong, 0 Zerubbabel, and be st,ronong, 0
Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong
all ye people of the land, and work; for I am with you,
according to the word which I covenanted with you
when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth
among you: fear ye not. For thus saith the Lord of
Hosts, Yet once, it, is a little while, and I will shake
the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry
land; and I will shake all nations, and the desire of all
nations shall come, and I will fill this house with glory.
The silver is mnine, and the gold is mine.  The glory
of this latter house shall be oreater than of the former,
and in this place will I give peace.
"In thlat day will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my
servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the Lord, and will
make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee.".ffggaci ii. 1-9, 23.
"This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel,
saying, Not by mlight nor power, but by my spirit.
Who art thou, O great mountain?  Before Zerubbabel
thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth
the head stone thereof with shouting, cryin,, Grace,
grace unto it. Moreover, the word of the Lord came
unto me saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have laid




ROYAL ARCH.                147
the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish
it; and thou shalt know that the Lord of Hosts hath
sent me unto you. For who hath despised the day of
small things? For they shall rejoice, and shall see
the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel, with those
seven." —Zechariah iv. 6-10.
" In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David
that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof, and I
will raise up his ruin, and I will build it as in the days
of old."-Arnos ix. 11.
"And it came t.o p:,ss, when Moses had made an
tnd of writino the words of lthis ]-aw in a book, until
they were finished, that Moses commanded the Levites
which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, saying,
Take th:is book of the law, and put it in the side of the
ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may
be there for a witness against thee."-.Deuteronomy
xxxi. 24-26.
"And thou shalt put the mercy seat above, upon
the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony
that I shall give thee." —Exodus xxv. 21.
"'And Moses said, this is the thing which the Lord
commandeth, Fill an omer of the manna, to be kept for
your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought
you forth from the land of Egypt. And Moses said




148              ROYAL ARCH.
unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna
therein, and lay it up before the Lord, to be kept for
your generations. As the Lord commanded Moses, so
Aaron laid it up before the testimony to be kept.".Exodus xvi. 32-34.
"And the Lord said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod
again before the testimony, to be kept for a token.".ium6ers xvii. 10.
"For there was a tabernacle made; the first wherein
was the candlestick, and the table, and the shew bread;
which is called the Sanctuary. And after the veils, the
tabernacle, which is called the Holiest of all; which had
the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant, overlaid
round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot
that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and
the tables of the covenant; and over it, the cherubims
of glory, shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly." —Hebrews ix. 2-5..L.F OO000
"And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I
am the Lord: and I appeared unto Abraham, unto
Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty;
but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to
them." —Exodus vi. 2, 3.   *      *       *
" In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
with God, and the Word was God. The same was in
the beginning with God. All things were made by
-him; and without him was not any thing made that
was made. In him was life, and the life was the light
of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the
darkness comprehended it not."-John i. 1-5.




ROYAL ARCH.               149
The following remarks relative to King Solomon's
Temple, cannot be uninteresting to a Royal Arch
Mason:This famous fabric was situated on Mount Moriah,
near the place where Abraham was about to offer up
his son Isaac, and where David met and appeased the
destroying angel, who was visible over the threshing
floor of Ornan the Jebusite. It was begun in the fourth
year of the reign of Solomon; the third after the death
of David; four hundred and eighty years after the
passage of the Red Sea, and on the second day of the
month Zif, being the second month of the sacred year,
which answers to the 21st of April, in the year of the
world two thousand nine hundred and ninety-two; and
was carried on with such prodigious speed, that it was
finished, in all its parts, in little more than seven years.
By the masonic art, and the wise regulations of Solomon, this famous edifice was erected without the sound
of the axe, hammer, or any tool of iron; for the stones
were all hewed, squared and numbered, in the quarries
of Zeradatha, where they were raised; the timbers
were felled and prepared in the forest of Lebanon, and




150:ROYAL ARCH.
conveyed by sea in floats to Joppa, and from thence by
land to Jerusalem; where the fabric was erected by the
assistance of wooden instruments prepared for that purpose. And when the building was finished, its several
parts fitted with such exact nicety, that it had more
the appearance of being the handywork of the Supreme
Architect of the Universe, than of human hands.
In the year of the world 3029, King Solomon died,
and was succeeded by his son Rehoboam. Soon after
this, instigated and lead on by Jeroboam, the son of
Nebat, ten of the tribes revolted against Rehoboam and
set up a separate kingdom, with Jeroboam at their
head. In this manner were the tribes of Israel divided
and under two distinct governments for two hundred
and fifty-four years. The ten revolted tribes became
weak and degenerated; their country was laid waste,
and their government overthrown and extirpated by
Salmanezer, King of Assyria. After a series of changes
and events, Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, having
besieged Jerusalem and raised towers all round the
city, so that, after defending it for the space of a year
and a half, it was, in the eleventh year of the reign of
Zedekiah, King of Judah, surrendered and delivered
at midnight to the officers of Nebuchadnezzar, who
sacked and destroyed the temple, and took away all
the holy vessels, together with those two famous brazen
pillars; and the remnant of the people that escaped the
sword, carried he away captives to Babylon, where
they remained servants to him and his successors until




ROYAL ARCH.               151
the reign of Cyrus, King of Persia.  Cyrus, in the
first year of his reign, being directed by that divine
power which invisibly led him to the throne of Persia,
issued his famous edict for the liberation of the Hebrew
captives, with permission that they should return to
their native country and rebuild the city and house of
the Lord. Accordingly, the principal people of the
tribes of Judah and Benjamin, with the priests and
Levites, immediately departed for Jerusalem and commenced the great and glorious work.
CHARGE TO A NEWLY EXALTED COMPANION.
WORTHY COMPANIOxN-By the consent and assistance
of the members of this Chapter, you are now exalted
to the sublime and honorable degree of Royal Arch
Mason.  The rites and mysteries developed in this
degree have been handed down through a chosen few,
unchanged by time, and uncontrolled by prejudice;
and we expect and trust, they will be regarded by you
with the same veneration, and transmitted with the
same scrupulous purity, to your successors.
No one can reflect on the ceremonies of gaining admission into this place, without being forcibly struck
with the important lessons which they teach. Here
we are necessarily led to contemplate, with gratitude
and admiration, the sacred Source whence. all earthly
comforts flow. Here we find additional inducements
to continue stedfast and immoveable in the discharge
of our respective duties; and here we are bound by
the most solemn ties, to promote each other's welfare




152              ROYAL ARCH.
and correct each other's failing by advice, admonition
and reproof. As it is our earnest desire, and a duty
we owe to our companions of this Order, that the ad.
mission of every candidate into this Chapter should be
attended by the approbation of the most scrutinizing
eye, we hope always to possess the satisfaction of finding none among us but such as will promote, to the
utmost of their power, the great end of our institution.
By paying due attention to this determination, we expect you will never recommend any candidate to this
Chapter, whose abilities and knowledge of the preceding degrees, you cannot freely vouch for, and whom
you do not firmly and confidently believe, will fully
conform to the principles of our Order, and fulfil the
obligations of a Royal Arch Mason. While such are
our members, we may expect to be united in one object,
without lukewarmness, inattention or neglect; but zeal,
fidelity and affection, will be the distinguishing characteristics of our society; and that satisfaction, harmony
and peace, may be enjoyed at our meetings, which no
other society can afford.
CLOSING PRAYER.
By the wisdomr of the Supreme High Priest, may we
be directed; by his strength, may we be enabled; and
by the beauty of virtue, may we be incited, to perform
the obligations here enjoined on us; to keep inviolably
the mysteries here unfolded to us; and invariably to
practice all those duties out of the Chapter, which are
inculcated in it. Amen.
Response. So mote it be.




PART THIRD.
CHAPTER I.
ROYAL MASTER'S DEGREE.
THIs degree cannot legally be conferred on any but
Royal Arch Masons, who have taken all the preceding
degrees; and it is preparatory to that of the Select
Master. Although it is short, yet it contains some
valuable information, and is intimately connected with
the degree of Select Master. It also enables us with
ease and facility to examine the privileges of others to
this degree; while, at the same time, it proves ourselves.
The following passages of Scripture, &c., are considered to be appropriate to this degree:"And Solomon made all the vessels that pertained
unto the house of the Lord: the altar of gold, and the
table of gold, whereupon the shew bread was; and the
candlesticks of pure gold; five on the right side, and
five on the left, before the oracle; with the flowers and
the lamps, and the tongs of gold; and the bowls and
the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the
censers, of pure gold; aud the hinges of gold, both for
the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and
for the doors of the house, to wit, of the Temple. So




154             ROYAL MASTER.
Hiram made an end of doing all the work, that he made
for King Solomon, for the house of the Lord."
1 Kings vii. 48-50, 40.
"And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is
with me, to give every man according as his work shall
be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the
end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do
his commandments, that they may have right to the
tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the
city."-Rev. xxii. 12-14.
"And he set the cherubims within the inner house:
and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims,
so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and
the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall,
and their wings touched one another in the midst of
the house."-1 Kings vi. 27.
The Ark, called the glory of Israel, which was seated
in the middle of the holy place, under the wings of the
cherubim, was a small chest, or coffer, three feet nine
inches long, two feet three inches wide, and three feet
three inches high. It was made of wood, excepting
only the mercy seat, but overlaid with gold, both inside
and out. It had a ledge of gold surrounding it at the
top, into which the cover, called mercy seat, was let in.
The mercy seat was of solid gold, the thickness of a
hand's breadth: at the two ends of it were two cherubims, looking inwards towards each other, with their
wings expanded; which embracing the whole circumference of the mercy seat, they met on each side, in
the middle; all of which, the Rabbins say, was made
of the same mass, without any soldering of parts.




SELECT MASTER.             155
Here the Shekinah, or Divine Presence, rested and
was visible in the appearance of a cloud over it. From
hence the Bathkoll issued, and gave answer when God
was consulted. And hence it is that God is said, in
the Scripture, to dwell between the cherubim; that is,
between the cherubim on the mercy seat, because there
was the seat or throne of the visible appearance of his
glory among them.
CHAPTER II.
SELECT MASTER'S DEGREE.
Tihis degree is the summit and perfection of ancient
masonry; and without which the history of the Royal




156             SELECT MASTER.
Arch Degree cannot be complete. It rationally accounts for the concealment and preservation of the
essentials of the Craft which were brought to light at
the erection of the second Temple, and which lay
concealed from the masonic eye for four hundred and
seventy years.
Many particulars relative to those few who, for their
superior skill, were selected to complete an important
part of King Solomon's Temple, are explained.
And here too is exemplified an instance of justice
and mercy, by our ancient patron, towards one of the
Craft, who was lead to disobey his commands, by an
over zealous attachment for the institution. It ends
with a description of a particular circumstance, which
characterizes the degree.
The following Psalm is read at opening:
"His foundation is in the holy mountains. The
Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O
city of God. Selah. I will make mention of Rahab
and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia,
and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there:
And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was
born in her; and the Highest himself shall establish
her. The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the
people, that this man was born there. Selah. As
well the singers as the players on instruments shall be
there: all my springs are in thee."-Psalm lxxxvii.
The following passages of Scripture serve as illustrations here:"So King Solomon was king over all Israel. Aza



SELECT MASTER.             157
riah the son of Nathan was over the officers: and Zabud
the son of Nathan was principal officer, and the king's
friend; and Ahishar was over the household: and
Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tribute."
1 Kings iv. 1, 5 and 6.
"And the King commanded, and they brought great
stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the
foundation of the house. And Solomon's builders and
Hiram's builders did hew them, and the stone-squarers:
so they prepared timber and stones to build the house."
1 Kings v. 17, 18.
"And King Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of
Tyre. He was a widow's son, of the tribe of Naphtali,
and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker of brass;
and he was filled with wisdom and understanding, and
cunning to work all works in brass."-l Kings vii.
13, 14.
"The ancients of Gebal, and the wise men thereof,
were in thee thy calkers: all the ships of the sea, with
their mariners, were in thee, to occupy thy merchandize."-Ezekiel xxvii. 9.
"And it came to pass, when Moses had made an
end of writing the words of this law in a book, until
they were finished, that Moses commanded the Levites,
which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, saying,
Take this book of the Law, and put it in the side of the
ark of the covenant of the Lord, your God, that it may
be there for a witness against thee."-Deut. xxxi. 24-26.
"And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put
an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the
Lord, to be kept for your generations. As the Lord
commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the
testimony to be kept."-Exodus xvi. 33, 34.
"And the Lord said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod
again before the testimony, to be kept for a token."
NVumbers xvii. 10.




158             SELECT MASTER.
"And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle-of
the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the
voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat
that was upon the ark of the testimony, from between
the two cherubims: and he spake unto them."
l'Vumbers vii. 89.
"And look that thou make them after their pattern,
which was shewed thee in the mount."
Exodus xxv. 40.
CHARGE TO A SELECT MASTER.
CoMPANIoN-Having attained to this degree, you
have passed the circle of perfection in ancient Masonry.
In the capacity of Select Master, you must be sensible
that your obligations are increased in proportion to
your privileges. Let it be your constant care to prove




SELECT MASTER.               159
yourself worthy of the confidence reposed in you, in
admitting you to this select degree. Let uprightness
and integrity attend your steps; let justice and mercy
mark your conduct; let fervency and zeal stimulate you
in the discharge of the various duties incumbent on
you; but suffer not an idle or impertinent curiosity to
lead you astray or betray you into danger. Be deaf to
every insinuation which would have a tendency to
weaken your resolution, or tempt you to an act of disobedience.  Be voluntarily dumb and blind, when the
exercise of those faculties would endanger the peace
of your mind or the probity of your conduct; and let
silence and secrecy, those cardinal virtues of a Select
Master, be scrupulously observed on all necessary
occasions.  By a steady adherence to the important
instructions contained in this degree, you will merit
the approbation of the select number with whom you
are associated, and will enjoy the high satisfaction of
having acted well your part in the important enterprise
in which you are engaged: and after having wrough
your regular hours, may you be admitted to participate
in all the privileges of a Select Jilfster.




PART FOURTH.
CHAPTER I.
ORDER -OF HIGH  PRIESTHOOD.
THIS order appertains to the office of High Priest
of a Royal Arch Chapter; and no one can be legally
entitled to receive it, until he has been duly elected to
preside as High Priest in a regular Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons. This order cannot be conferred unless
at least three duly qualified High Priests are present.
Whenever the ceremony is performed in due and ample
form, the assistance of at least nine High Priests, who
have received it, is requisite.
Though the High Priest of every regular Royal
Arch Chapter, having himself been duly qualified, can
confer the order, under the preceding limitation as to
number, yet it is desirable, when circumstances will
permit, that it should be conferred by the Grand High
Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter, or such Present or Past High Priest as he may designate for that
purpose. A convention, notified to meet at the time




ORDER OF PRIESTHOOD              161
of any convocation of the Grand Chapter, will afford
the best opportunity of conferring this important and
exalted degree of masonry with appropriate solemnity.
Whenever it is conferred, the following directions are
to be observed:
A candidate desirous of receiving the order of High
Priesthood, makes a i-written request to his predecessor
in office, or, when it can be done, to the Grand High
Priest, respectfully requesting that a convention of High
Priests smay be called for the purpose of conferring on
him the order.  When the convention meets and is duly
organized, a certificate of the due election of the candidate to the office of High Priest, must be produced.
This cerLificate is signed by his predecessor in office,
attested by the Secretary of the Chapter.  On examination of this certificate, the qualifications of the candidate are ascertained.  The solemn ceremonies of
conferring the order upon him, then ensue.  When
ended, the presiding officer directs the Secretary of the
convention to make a record of the proceedings and
return it to the Secretary of the Grand Chapter, to be
by him laid before the Grand High Priest for the information of all whom it may concern. The convention
of High Priests is then dissolved in due form.
It is the duty of every Companion, as soon after his
election to the office of High Priest as is consistent
with his personal convenience, to apply for admission
to the order of Hilgh Priesthood, that lie may be fully
qualified properly to govern his Chapter.
11




162          ORDER OF PRIESTHOOD.
The following passages of Scripture are made use
of during the ceremonies appertaining to this order:
"And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who
dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. And
there came one that had escaped, and told Abram,
the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the
Amorite, brother of Eschol, and brother of Aner: and
these were confederate with Abram.
" And when Abram heard that his brother was taken
captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own
house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them
unto Dan. And he divided himself against them, he
and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of
Damascus. And he brought back all the goods, and
also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and
the women also, and the people. And the king of
Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the
slaughter of Chederlaomer, and of the kings that were
with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's
dale.
"And Melchisedek, king, of Salem, brought forth
bread and wine: and he was the priest of the Most
High God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be
Abram of the Most High God, who hath delivered
thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes
of all. And the king of Sodom said to Abram, Give
me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. And
Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lifted up mine
hand to the Lord, the Most High God, the possessor
of heaven and earth, that I will not take from a thread
even to a shoe-latchet, and that I will not take any
thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made
Abram rich: save only that which the youlng men have




ORDER OF PRIESTHOOD.          163
eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me,
Aner, Eschol, and Mamre; let them take their portion."
Genesis xiv. 12-24.
"For this Melchisedek, king of Salem, priest of the
Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the
slaughter of the kings, and blessed him: to whom also
Abraham gave a tenth part of all: first being by interpretationi King of Righteousness, and after that also
King of Salem, which is, King of Peace; without father,
without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life; but made like unto
the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Now
consider how great this man was, unto whom even the
patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. And
verily, they that are the sons of Levi, who receive the
office of priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes
of the people, according to the law, that is, of their
brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham.
"For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after
the order of Melchisedek.
"And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made
priest: (for those priests [under the Levitical law]
were made without an oath; but this with an oath by
him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not
repent, Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of
Melchisedek.)"-Heb. vii. 1-6, 17, 20-1.
"And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, speak
unto Aaron, and unto his sons, saying, On this wise
ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; the Lord make
his face to shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give
thee peace."




164          INSTALLING A CHIAPTER.
CHAPTER If.
CEREMONY AND CHARGE UPON THE INSTALLATION
OF THE OFFICERS OF A ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER.
1. The Grand Officers will meet at a convenient
place, and open.
2. The subordinate Chapter will meet in the outer
courts of their Hall, and form an avenue for the
reception of the Grand Officers.
3. When formed, they will despatch a committee to
the place where the Grand Officers are assembled to
inform the Grand Marshal that the Chapter is prepared
to receive them;-the Grand Marshal will announce the
committee, and introduce them to the Grand Officers.
4. The Grand Officers will move in procession, conducted by the committee, to the Hall of the Chapter,
in the following order:
Grand Tyler,
Two Grand Stewards:
Representatives of Subordinate Chapters, according to
seniority, by threes triangular;
Three Great Lights;
Orator, Chaplain, and other clergy;
Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, and Grand
Royal Arch Captain;
Grand P. Sojourner, Grand Captain of the Host, and
Deputy Grand High Priest;




INSTALLING A CHAPTER.           165
Grand Scribe, Grand King, and Grand High Priest;
(Grand Marshal, on the left of the procession.)
N. B. The Grand Captain of the Host, Grand
Principal Sojourner, and Grand Royal Arch Captain,
are appointed pro tempore.
When the Grand High Priest enters, the Grand
Honors are given.
5. The Grand Secretary will then call over the names
of the officers elect; and -the Grand High Priest will
ask whether they accept their respective offices. If
they answer in the affirmative, he then asks the members whether they remain satisfied with their choice.
If they answer in the affirmative, he directs their officers
to approach the sacred volume, and become qualified
for Installation, agreeably to the 4th section of the 4th
article of the General Grand Royal Arch Constitution.
6. The Grand Marshal will then form the whole in
procession, and they will march through the veils into
the inner apartment, where they will surround the
altar, which is previously prepared in ample form for
the occasion.
7. All present will kneel, and the following prayer
will be recited,:
PRAYER.
Almighty and Supreme High Priest of heaven and
earth! Who is there in heaven but thee! and who
upon earth can stand in competition with thee! Thy




166          INSTALLING A CHAPTER.
OMNISCIENT MIND brings all things in review,
past, present, and to come; thine OMNIPOTENT
ARM directs the movements of the vast creation; thine
OMNIPRESENT EYE pervades the secret recesses
of every heart; thy boundless beneficence supplies us
with every comfort and enjoyment; and thine unspeakable perfections and glory surpass the understanding
of~the children of men! Our Father, who art in heaven,
we invoke thy benediction upon the purposes of our
present assembly. Let this Chapter be established to
thine honor: let its officers be endowed with wisdom
to discern, and fidelity to pursue, its true interests; let
its members be ever mindful of the duty they owe to
their God, the obedience they owe to their superiors,
the love they owe to their equals, and the good will they
owe to all mankind. Let this Chapter be consecrated
to thy glory, and its members ever exemplify their love
to God by their beneficence to man.
" Glory be to God on high."  Amen.
Response,  " So mote it be."
They are then qualified in due form.
All the Companions, except High Priests and Past
High Priests, are then desired to withdraw, while the
new High Priest is solemnly bound to the performance
of his duties; and after the performance of other
necessary ceremonies, not proper to be written, they
are permitted to return.




INSTALLING A CHAPTER.           167
8. The whole then repair to their appropriate
stations, when the Grand Marshal will form a general
procession in the following order:
Three Royal Arch Stewards, with rods;
Tyler of a Blue Lodge;
Entered Apprentices;
Fellow Crafts;
Master Masons;
Stewards of Lodges, having Jewels;
Deacons, having Jewels;.,..,  Secretaries, having Jewels;
Treasurers, having Jewels;
Wardens, having Jewels;
Mark Master Masons;
Most Excellent Masters;
Royal Arch Masons, by three;
Royal Masters, by three,
Select Masters, by three;
Orders of Knighthood;
Tyler of the new Chapter;
Members of the new Chapter, by three;
Three Masters of Veils;
Secretary, Treasurer, Royal Arch Captain, and
Principal Sojourner carrying the Ark;
A Companion, carrying the Pot of Incense;
Two Companions carrying Lights;
Scribe, High Priest, and King;
Grand Chapter, as before prescribed.
On arriving at the church or house where the services




168          INSTALLING A CHAPTER.
are to be performed, they halt, open to the right and
left, and face inward, while the Grand Officers and
others in succession pass through and enter the house.
9. The officers and members of the new Chapter,
and also of the Grand Chapter, being seated, the
Grand Marshal proclaims silence, and the ceremonies
commence.
10. An Anthem or Ode is to be performed.
11. An Oration or Address is to be delivered.
12. An Ode or piece of Music.
*[13. The Deputy Grand High Priest then rises
and informs the Grand High Priest, that "a number
of Companions, duly instructed in the sublime mysteries,
being desirous of promoting the honor, and propagating
the principles of the Art, have applied to the Grand
Chapter for a warrant to constitute a new Chapter of
Royal Arch Masons, which having been obtained, they
are now assembled for the purpose of being constituted,
and having their officers installed in due and ancient
form."]
[14. The Grand Marshal will then form the officers
and members of the new Chapter in front of the Grand
Officers; after which, the Grand High Priest directs
the Grand Secretary to read the Warrant.]
- NOTE. Those paragraphs which are inclosed within
brackets, apply exclusively to cases when new Chapters are
constituted, and their officers installed for the first time.
The rest apply equally to such cases, as well as to annual
Installations.




INSTALLING A CHAPTER.         169
[15. The Grand High Priest then rises and says,
"By virtue of the high powers in me vested, I do form
you, my respected Companions, into a regular Chapter
of Royal Arch Masons.  From henceforth you are
authorized and empowered to open and hold a Lodge
of Mark Masters, Past Masters, and Most Excellent
Masters, and a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons; and
to do and perform all such things as thereunto may
appertain: conforming, in all your doings, to the General Grand Royal Arch Constitution, and the general
regulations of the State Grand Chapter. And may
the God of your fathers be with you, guide and direct
you in all your doings."]
16. The furniture, clothing, jewels, implements,
utensils, &c., belonging to the Chapter, (having been
previously placed in the center, in front of the Grand
Officers, covered,) are now uncovered and the new
Chapter is dedicated in due and ancient form.
17. The dedication then follows, the Grand Chaplain
saying,
"To our Most Excellent Patron ZERUBBABEL,
we solemnly dedicate this Chapter. May the blessing
of our Heavenly High Priest descend and rest upon
its members, and may their felicity be immortal.
"Glory be to God on high."
[Response by the Companions.]
"As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall
be; world without end. Amen. So mote it be."




170          INSTALLING A CHAPTER.
18. The Grand Marshal then says, "I am directed
to proclaim, and I do hereby proclaim this Chapter,
by the name of         Chapter, duly consecrated,
constituted and dedicated. This," &c. &c. date.
19. An Ode.
20. The Deputy Grand High Priest will then present
the first officer of the new Chapter to the Grand High
Priest, saying,
MOST EXCELLENT GRAND HIGH PRIEST: —I present
you my worthy Companion  -, nominated
in the warrant, to be installed High Priest of this [new]
Chapter. I find him to be skilful in the royal art, and
attentive to the moral precepts of our forefathers, and
have therefore no doubt but he will discharge the duties
of his office with fidelity.
The Grand High Priest then addresses him as
follows:
MosT EXCLLLENT —I feel much satisfaction in performing my duty on the present occasion, by installing
you into the office of High Priest of this [new] Chapter.
It is an office highly honorable to all those who diligently perform the important duties annexed to it.
Your reputed masonic knowledge, however, precludes
the necessity of a particular enumeration of those duties. I shall therefore only observe, that by a frequent
recurrence to the Constitution and General Regulations,
and constant practice of the several sublime lectures
and charges, you will be best able to fulfil them; and




INSTALLING A; CHAPTER.         17:1:
I am confident that the Companions who are chosen to
preside with you, will give strength to your endeavors,
and support to your exertions.
I shall now propose certain questions to you, relative
to the duties of your office, and to which I must request
your unequivocal answer.
1. Do you solemnly promise that you will use your
endeavors to correct the vices, purify the morals, and
promote the happiness of those of your Companions
who have attained this sublime degree?
2. That you will never suffer your Chapter to be
opened, unless there be present nine regular Royal
Arch Masons?
3. That you will never suffer either more or less
than three brethren to be exalted in your Chapter at
one and the same time?
4. That you will not exalt any one to this degree
who has not shown a charitable and humane disposition;
or who has not made a considerable proficiency in the
foregoing degrees?
5. That you will promote the general good of our
Order, and, on all proper occasions, be ready to give
and receive instructions, and particularly from the
General and State Grand Officers?
6. That, to the utmost of your power, you will preserve the solemnities of our ceremonies, and behave,
in open Chapter, with the most profound respect and
reverence, as an example to your Companions?
7. That you will not acknowledge or have intercourse




172         INSTALLING A CHAPTER.
with any Chapter that does not work under a constitutional warrant or dispensation?
8. That you will not admit any visiter into your
Chapter, who has not been exalted in a Chapter legally
constituted, without his being first formally healed?
9. That you will observe and support such by-laws
as may be made by your Chapter, in conformity to
the General Grand Royal Arch Constitution, and the
General Regulations of the Grand Chapter?
10. That you will pay respect and due obedience to
the instructions of the General and State Grand Officers, particularly relating to the several Lectures and
Charges, and will resign the chair to them, severally,
when they may visit your Chapter?
11. That you will support and observe the General
Grand Royal Arch Constitution, and the General
Regulations of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter, under
whose authority you act?
Do you submit to all these things, and do you promise
to observe and practice them faithfully?
These questions being answered in the affirmative,
the Companions all kneel in due form, and the Grand
High Priest or Grand Chaplain repeats the following,
or some other suitable prayer:
"Most holy and glorious Lord God, the Great High
Priest of Heaven and Earth:
"We approach thee with reverence and implore thy
blessing on the Companion appointed to preside over




INSTALLING A CHAPTER.          173
this new assembly, and now prostrate before thee; fill
his heart with thy fear, that his tongue and actions
may promote thy glory. Make him steadfast in thy
service; grant him firmness of mind; animate his heart,
and strengthen his endeavors; may he teach thy judgments and thy laws; and may the incense he shall put
before thee, upon thine altar, prove an acceptable
sacrifice unto thee. Bless him, O Lord, and bless the
work of his hands. Accept us in mercy; hear thou
from  Heaven thy dwelling-place, and forgive our
transgressions.
"Glory be to God the Father; as it was in the
beginning," &c.
Response. "So mote it be."
21. The Grand High Priest will then cause the
High Priest elect to be invested with his clothing,
badges, &c.; after which he will address him as
follows, viz:
MosT EXCELLENT —In consequence of your cheerful
acquiescence with the charges which you have heard
recited, you are qualified for installation as the High
Priest of this Royal Arch Chapter; and it is incumbent
upon me, on this occasion, to point out some of the
particulars appertaining to your office, duty and dignity.
All legally constituted bodies of Royal Arch Masons,
are called Chapters; as regular bodies of Masons of the
preceding degrees are called Lodges. Every Chapter




174           INSTALLING A CHAPTER.
ought to assemble for work at least once in three
months; and must consist of a High Priest, King,
Scribe, Captain of the Host, Principal Sojourner, Royal
Arch Captain, three Grand Masters of the Veils, Treasurer, Secretary, and as many members as may be
found convenient for working to advantage.
The officers of the Chapter officiate in the Lodges,
holden for conferring the preparatory degrees, according
to rank, as follows, viz:
The High Priest, as Master;
The King, as Senior Warden;
The Scribe, as Junior Warden;
The Captain of the Host, as Marshal or Master of
Ceremonies;
The Principal Sojourner, as Senior Deacon;
The Royal Arch Captain, as Junior Deacon;
The Master of the first Veil, as Junior Overseer;
The Master of the second Veil, as Senior Overseer;
The Master of the third Veil, as Master Overseer;
The Treasurer, Secretary, Chaplain, Stewards, and
Tyler, as officers of corresponding rank.
The High Priest of every Chapter has it in special
charge, to see that the by-laws of his Chapter, as well
as the General Grand Royal Arch Constitution, and
all the regulations of the Grand Chapter, are duly
observed: —that all the officers of his Chapter perform
the duties of their respective offices faithfully, and are




INSTALLING A CHAPTER.          115
examples of diligence and industry to their Companions;
that true and accurate records of all the proceedings
of the Chapter are kept by the Secretary;-that the
Treasurer keep and render exact and just accounts of
all the moneys and other property belonging to the
Chapter; that the regular returns be made annually
to the Grand Chapter; and that the annual dues to the
Grand Chapter be regularly and punctually paid. He
has the right and authority of calling his Chapter together at pleasure, upon any emergency or occurrence,
which in his judgment may require their meeting. It
is his privilege and duty, together with the King and
Scribe, to attend the meetings of the Grand Chapter,
either in person or by proxy; and the well-being of
the institution requires that this duty on no occasion
be omitted.
The office of High Priest is a station highly honorable to those who diligently perform the important
duties annexed to it. By a frequent recurrence to the
Constitution and General Regulations, and a constant
practice of the several sublime Lectures and Charges,
you will be best enabled to fulfil those duties; and I.am confident that the Companions who are chosen to
preside with you, will give strength to your endeavors,
and support to your exertions.
Let the Mitre, with which you are invested, remind
you of the dignity of the office you sustain, and its
inscription impress upon your mind a sense of your
dependence upon God; that perfection is not given




176         INSTALLING A CHAPTER.
unto man upon earth, and that perfect holiness belongeth
alone unto the Lord.
The Breast-plate, with which you are decorated, in
imitation of that upon which were engraven the names
of the twelve tribes, and worn by the High Priests of
Israel, is to teach you that you are always to bear in
mind your responsibility to the laws and ordinances of
the institution, and that the honor and interests of your
Chapter and its members should be always near your
heart.
The various colors of the Robes you wear, are emblematical of every grace and virtue which can adorn
and beautify the human mind; each of which will be
briefly illustrated in the course of the charges to be
delivered to your subordinate officers.
You will now take charge of your officers, standing
upon their right, and present them severally in succession to the Deputy Grand High Priest, by whom they
will be presented to me for installation.
22. The High Priest of the Chapter will then present
his second officer to the Deputy Grand High Priest,
who will present him to the Grand High Priest in the
words of the Constitution. The Grand High Priest
will then ask him whether he has attended to the
ancient charges and regulations before recited to his
superior officer: if he answers in the affirmative, he is
asked whether he fully and freely assents to the same:
if he answers in the affirmative, the Grand High Priest




INSTALLING A CHAPTER.          177
directs his Deputy to invest him with the clothing, &c.,
and then addresses him as follows, viz:
CHARGE TO TEIE SECOND OFFICER, OR KING.
EXCELLENT COMPANION —The important station to
which you are elected in this Chapter, requires from
you exemplary conduct; its duties demand your most
assiduous attention; you are to second and support
your chief in all the requirements of his office; and
should casualties at any time prevent his attendance,
you are to succeed him in the performance of his duties.
Your badge (the Level sur)mounted by a crown,)
should remind you, that although you are the representative of a king, and exalted by office above your
Companions, yet that you remain upon a level with
them, as respects your duty to God, to your neighbor
and to yourself; that you are equally bound with them
to be obedient to the laws and ordinances of the Institution, to be charitable, humane and just, and to seek
every occasion of doing good.
Your office teaches a striking lesson of humility.
The institutions of political society teach us to consider
the king as the chief of created beings, and that the
first duty of his subjects is to obey his mandates; but
the institutions of our sublime degrees, by placing the
King in a situation subordinate to the High Priest,
teaches us that our duty to God is paramount to all
other duties, and should ever claim the priority of our
obedience to man; and that however strongly we may
12




178          INSTALLING A CHAPTER.
be bound to obey the laws of civil society, yet that
those laws, to be just, should never intermeddle with
matters of conscience, nor dictate articles of faith.
The Scarlet Robe, an emblem of imperial dignity,
should remind you of the paternal concern you should
ever feel for the welfare of your Chapter, and the
fervency and zeal with which you should endeavor to
promote its prosperity.
In presenting to you the Crown, which is an emblem
of royalty, I would remind you, that to reign sovereign
in the hearts and affections of men, must be fOr more
grateful to a generous and benevolent mind, than to
rule over their lives and fortunes; anti that to enable
you to enjoy this pre-eminence with honor and satisfaction, you must subject your own passions and
prejudices to the dominion of reason and charity.
You are entitled to the second seat in the council of
your Companions. Let the bright example of your
illustrious predecessor in the Grand Council at Jerusalem, stimulate you to the faithful discharge of your
duties; and when the King, of kings shall summon
you into his immediate presence, foiom his hand may
you receive a crovwn of glory, which shall never fade
away.
23. The king will then retire to the line of officers,
and the Scribe will be presented in the manner before
mentioned.  After his investiture, the Grand High
Priest will address him as follows, viz:




INSTALLING A CHEAPTER.           179
CHARGE TO TIIE THIRD OFFICER, OR SCRIBE.
EXCELLENT COMPANION —The office of Scribe, to
which you are elected, is very important and respectable.
In the absence of your superior officers, you are bound
to succeed them, and to perform  their duties  The
purposes of the institution ought never to suffer for
wvant of intelligence in its proper officers; you will
therefore perceive the necessity there is of your possessing such qualifications as will enable you to accomplish those duties which are incumbent upon you,
in your appropriate station, as well as those which may
occasionally devolve on you, by the absence of your
superiors.
The Puile Robe, with which you are invested, is an
embleml of zunzion,, and is calculated to remind you that
the harmony anci unanimity of the Chapter should be
your constant aim; and to this end you are studiously
to avoid all occasions of giving oifence, or countenancing any thing that may create divisions or dissentions.
You are, by all means in your power, to endeavor to
establish a permanent union and good understanding
among all orders and degrees of masonry; and, as the
glorious sun, at its mericia n heiglt,   dispels the mist
and clouds which obscure the horizon, so rmiy your
exertions tend to dissipate the gloom of jealousy and
discord, whenever they may appear.
Your badge (a Plennb-role su't rmzouided by t/le Turban,)
is an emblem of rectitude and vigilance; and while you




180          INSTALLING A CHAPTER.
stand as a watchman upon the tower, to guard your
Companions against the approach of those enemies of
human felicity, intemperance and excess, let this faithful
monitor ever remind you to walk uprightly in your
station; admonishing and animating your Companions
to fidelity and industry while at labor, and to temperance and moderation while at refreshment.  And
when the Great Watchman of Israel, whose eye never
slumbers nor sleeps, shall relieve you from your post
on earth, may he permit you in heaven to participate
in that food and refreshment which is
"Such as the saints in glory love
And such as angels eat."
24. The Scribe will then retire to the line of officers,
and the next officer be presented as before.
CHARGE TO THE FOURTH OFFICER, OR CAPTAIN OF THE
HIOST.
COMPANION-The office with which you are entrusted
is of high importance, and demands your most' zealous
consideration.  The preservation of the most essential
traits of our ancient customs, usages and landmarks,
are within your province; and it is indispensably necessary, that the part assigned to you, in the immediate
practice of our rites and ceremonies should be perfectly
understood and correctly administered.
Your office corresponds with that of Marshal, or
Master of Ceremonies. You are to superintend all




INSTALLING A CHAPTER.           181
processions of your Chapter, when moving as a distinct
body, either in public or private; and as the world
can only judge of our private discipline by our public
deportment, you will be careful that the utmost order
and decorum be observed on all such occasions. You
will ever be attentive to the commands of your chief,
and always near at hand to see them duly executed.
I invest you with the badge of your office, and presume
that you will give to your duties all that study and
attention which their importance demands.
25. He will then retire to the line of officers, and the
next officer will be presented.
CHARGE TO THE FIFTH OFFICER, OR PRINCIPAL SOJOURNER.
COMPANION-The office confided to you, though
subordinate in degree, is equal in importance to any in
the Chapter, that of your chief alone excepted. Your
office corresponds with that of senior deacon in the preparatory degrees. Among the duties required of you,
the preparation and introduction of candidates are not
the least. As in our intercourse with the world experience teaches that first impressions are often the
most durable and the most difficult to eradicate, so it is
of great importance in all cases, that those impressions
should be correct and just: hence it is essential that
the officer, who brings the blind by a way that they
knew not, and leads them in paths that they have not




182          INSTALLING A CHAPTER.
known, should always be well qualified to make darkness ligllt before themm, and crooked things straight.
Your ro6e of office is an emblem of humility, and
teaches that in the prosecution of a laudable undertaking we should never decline taking any part that may
be assigned us, although it may be the most difficult
or dangerous.
The rose-colored tessellated.Border, adorning your
robe, is an emblem of ardor and perseverance, and
signifies that when we have engaged in a virtuous
course, notwithstanding all the impediments, hardships
and trials we may be destined to encounter, we should
endure them all with fortitude, and ardently persevere
unto the end; resting assured of receiving, at the termination of our labors, a noble and glorious reward.
Your past exertions will be considered as a pledge of
your future assiduity in the faithful discharge of your
duties.
26. He will then retire to the line of officers, and
the next officer is presented.
CHARGE TO THE SIXTH OFFICER, OR ROYAL ARCH CAPTAIN.
COMPANION —The wcll-known duties of your station
require but little elucidation.  Your office in the preparatory degrees corresponds with that of junior deacon.
It is your province, conjointly with the Captain of the
Host, to attend the examination of all visiters, and to
take care that none are permitted to enter the Chapter




INSTALLING A CA-IPTIER.          183
but such as have travelled the ruggedppath of trial, and
evinced their title to our favor and friendship. You
will be attentive to obey the commands of the Captain
of the Host, during the introduction of strangers among
the workmen: and should they be permitted to pass
your post, they may by him be introduced into the
presence of the Grand Council.
The Wh/ite Banner entrusted to your care, is emblematical of that purity of heart and rectitude of conduct which ought to actuate all those who pass the
white veil of the sanctuary.  I give it to you strictly
in charge, never to suffer any one to pass your post
without the signet of truth.
I present you the badge of your office, in expectation
of your performing your duties with intelligence, assiduity, and propriety
27. He then retires, and the Three Grand Masters
of the Veils are presented together.
CHARGE TO THE MASTER OF THE THIRD VEIL.
COMPANION-I present you with the Scarlet Banner,
which is the ensign of your office, and with a sword
to protect and defend the same. The rich and beautiful
color of your banner is emblematical of fervency and
zeal; it is the appropriate color of the Royal Arch
degree: it admonishes us, that we should be fervent in
the exercise of our devotions to God; and zealous in
our endeavors to promote the happiness of man.




184          IINSTALLING A CHAPTER.
CHARGE TO THE MASTER OF THIE SECOND VEIL.
COMPANION-I invest you with the Putiple Banner,
which is the ensign of your office, and arm you with
a sword to enable you to maintain its honor.
The color of your banner is produced by a due
mixture of blue and scarlet; the former of which is the
characteristic color of the symbolic or first three degrees
of masonry, and the latter, that of the royal arch degree,
It is an emblem of union, and is the characteristic color
of the intermediate degrees.  It admonishes us to cultivate and improve that spirit of union and harmony
between the brethren of the symbolic degrees which
should ever distinguish the members of a society
founded upon the principles of everlasting truth and
universal philanthropy.
CHARGE TO TIHE MASTER OF THE FIRST VEIL.
COMPANION-I invest you with the Blue Banner,
which is the ensign of your office, and a sword for its
defence and protection.  The color of your banner is
one of the most durable and beautiful in nature. It
is the appropriate color adopted and worn by our ancient brethren of the three symbolic degrees, and is the
peculiar characteristic of an institution which has stood
the test of ages, and which is as much distinguished
by the durability of its materials or principles, as by
the beauty of its superstructure. It is an emblem of
universal friendship and benevolence; and instructs




INSTALLING A CHAPTER.            185
us, that in the mind of a Mason those virtues should
be as expansive as the blue arch of heaven itself.
CHARGE TO THE THREE MASTERS OF THE VEILS, AS
OVERSEERS.
COMPANIONs —Those who are placed as overseers
of any work, should be well qualified to judge of its
beauties and deformities, its excellencies and defects;
they should be capable of estimating the former, and
amending the latter. This consideration should induce
you to cultivate and improve all those qualifications
with which you are already endowed, as well as to
persevere in your endeavors to acquire those in which
you are deficient. Let the various colors and banners
committed to your charge, admonish you to the exercise of the several virtues of which they are emblematic: and you are to enjoin the practice of those virtues
upon all who shall present themselves, or the work of
their hands, for your inspection.  Let no work receive
your approbation but such as is calculated to adorn
and strengthen the masonic edifice.  Be industrious
and faithful in practising and disseminating a knowledge of the true and perfect work  which alone can
stand the test of the Grand Overseer's Square, in the
great day of trial and retribution.  Then, although
every rod should become a serpent, and every serpent
an enemy to this institution, yet shall their utmost
exertions to destroy its reputation, or sap its foundation,
become as impotent as the leprous hund, or as water




186          INSTALLING A CHAPTER.
spilled upon the ground, which cannot be gathered up
again.
28. They then retire, and the Treasurer is presented.
CIIARGE TO TILE TREASURER.
COMPANION-YOU  are elected  Treasurer of this
Chapter, and I have the pleasure of investing you with
the badge of your office. The qualities which should
recommend a Treasurer, are accuracy and fidelity;
accuracy, in keeping a fair and minute account of all
receipts and disbursements; fidelity, in carefully preserving all the property and funds of the Chapter that
may be placed in his hands, and rendering a just account of the same, whenever he is called upon for that
purpose, I presume that your respect for the institution, your attachment to the interests of your Chapter,
and your regard for a good name, which is better than
precious ointment, will prompt you to the faithful
discharge of the duties of your office.
29. He then retires, and the Secretary is presented.
CHARGE TO THE SECRETARY.
COMPANION-I with pleasure invest you with your
badge as Secretary of this Chapter.  The qualities
which should recommend a Secretary, are promptitude
in issuing the notifications and orders of his superior
officers; punctuality in attending the convocations of
the Chapter; correctness in recording their proceedings;




INSTALLING A CHAPTER.           187
judgment in discriminating between what is proper and
what is improper to be committed to writing; regularity
in making his annual returns to the Grand Chapter;
integrity in accounting for all moneys that may pass
through his hands; and fidelity in paying the same
over into the hands of the Treasurer. The possession
of these good qualities, I presume, has designated you
as a suitable candidate for this important office; and I
cannot entertain a doubt that you will discharge its
duties beneficially to the Chapter, and honorably to
yourself. And when you shall have completed the
record of your transactions here below, and finished
the term of your probation, may you be admitted into
the celestial Grand Chapter of saints and angels, and
find your name recorded in the book of life eternal.
30. He then retires, and the Chaplain is presented.
CHARGE TO THE CHAPLAIN.
E. AND REV'D. COMPANION —You are appointed
Chaplain of this Chapter; and I now invest you with
this circular Jewel, the badge of your office. It is
emblematical of eternity, and reminds us that here is
not our abiding place. Your inclination will undoubtedly conspire with your duty, when you perform in the
Chapter those solemln services which created beings
should constanlyv render to their infinite Creator; and
which, when offered by one whose holy profession it
is, "to point to heaven and lead the way," may, by




188           INSTALLING A CHAPTER.
refining our morals, strengthening our virtues, and
purifying our minds, prepare us for admission into
the society of those above, whose happiness will be as
endless as it is perfect.
31. He then retires, and the Stewards are presented.
CHARGE TO THE STEWARDS.
COMPANIONS-YOU are elected Stewards of this
Chapter, I with pleasure invest you with the badges
of your office. It is your province to see that every
necessary preparation is made for the convenience and
accommodation of the Chapter, previous to the time
appointed for meeting. You are to see that the clothing,
implements and furniture of each degree respectively
are properly disposed, and in suitable array for use,
whenever they may be required, and that they are
secured and proper care taken of them, when the
business of the Chapter is over. You are to see that
necessary refreshments are provided, and that all your
companions, and particularly visiters, are suitably accommodated and supplied. You are to be frugal and
prudent in your disbursements, and to be careful that
no extravagance or waste is committed in your department; and when you have faithfully fulfilled your
stewardship here below, may you receive from heaven
the happy greeting of "Well done, good and faithful
servant."
32. They then retire, and the Tyler is presented.




INSTALLING A CIIAPTEPR.         189
CHARGE TO THE TYLER.
COMPANION-YOU are appointed Tyler of this Chapter, and I invest you with the badge, and this implement of your office. As the sword is placed in the
hands of the Tyler, to enable him effectually to guard
against the approach of cowans and eves-droppers, and
suffer none to pass or repass but such as are duly
gualfied, so it should morally serve as a constant
admonition to us to set a guard at the entrance of our
thoughts; to place a watch at the door of our lips; and
to post a sentinel at the avenue of our actions; thereby
excluding every unqualified and unworthy thought,
word and deed; and preserving consciences void of
offence towards God and towards man.
As the first application from visiters for admission
into the Chapter is generally made to the Tyler at the
door, your station will often present you to the observation of strangers; it is therefore essentially necessary
that he who sustains the office with which you are entrusted should be a man of good morals, steady habits,
strict discipline, temperate, affable, and discreet.  I
trust that a regard for the honor and reputation of the
institution will ever induce you to perform with fidelity
the trust reposed in you; and when the door of this
earthly tabernacle shall be closed, may you find an
abundant entrance through the gates into the temple
and city of our God.
33. He will then retire, and then follows an




190           INSTALLING A CHAPTER.
ADDRESS TO THE I1IGIH PRIEST.
M. E. COMPANIoxN-Having been honored with the
free suffrage of the members of this Chapter, you are
elected to the most important office which it is within
their power to bestow.  This expression of their esteem
and respect should draw from you corresponding sensations; and your demeanor should be such as to repay
the honor they have so conspicuously conferred upon
you, by an honorable and faithful discharge of the
duties of your office. The station you are called to
fill is important, not only as it respects the correct
practice of our rites and ceremonies, and the internal
economy of the Chapter over which you preside, but
the public reputation of the institution will be generally
found to rise or fall according to the skill, fidelity and
descretion with which its concerns are managed, and
in proportion as the character and conduct of its
principal officers are estimable or censurable.
You have accepted a trust to which is attached a
weight of responsibility that will require all your efforts
to discharge honorably to yourself, and satisfactorily
to the Chapter. You are to see that your officers are
capable and faithful in the exercise of their offices.
Sould they lack ability, you are expected to supply
their defects; you are to watch carefully the progress
of their performances, and to see that the long, established customs of the institution suffer no derangement
in their hands. You are to have a careful eye over
the general conduct of the Chapter; see that due order




INSTALLING A CHAPTER.           I I
and subordination is observed on all occasions; that the
members are properly instructed; that due solemnity be
observed in the practice of our rites; that no improper
levity be permitted at any time, but more especially at
the introduction of strangers among the workmen.
In fine, you are to be an example to your officers
and members, which they need not hesitate to follow;
thus securing to yourself the favor of Heaven, and the
applause of your brethren and companions.
ADDRESS TO THE OFFICERS GENERALLY.
CoMPANIONS IN OFFICE —Precept and example should
ever advance with equal pace. Those moral duties
which you are required to teach unto others, you should
never neglect to practice yourselves.
Do you desire that the demeanor of your equals and
inferiors towards you, should be marked with deference
and respect?  Be sure that you omit no opportunity
of furnishing them with examples in your own conduct
towards your superiors.  Do you desire to obtain instruction from those who are more wise or better informed than yourself?  Be sure that you are always
ready to impart of your knowledge to those within your
spl:here, who stand in need of, and are entitled to receive
it. Do you desire distinction among your companions?
Be sure that your claims to preferment are founded
upon superior attainments; let no ambitious passion be
suffered to induce you to envy or supplant a companion
who may be considered as better qualified for promotion




192          INSTALLING A CHAPTER.
than yourselves; but rather let a laudable emulation
induce you to strive to excel each other in improvement
and discipline; ever remembering, that he who faithfully performs his duty, even in a subordinate or private
station, is as justly entitled to esteem and respect, as
he who is invested with supreme authority.
ADDRESS TO TIIE CHAPTER AT LARGE.
COMPANIONs-The exercise and management of the
sublime degrees of masonry in your Chapter hitherto,
are so highly appreciated, and the good reputation of
the Chapter so well established, that I must presume
these considerations alone, were there no others of
greater magnitude, would be sufficient to induce you
to preserve and perpetuate this valuable and honorable
character. But when to these is added the pleasure
which every philanthropic heart must feel in doing good,
in promoting good order, in diffusing' light and knowledge, in cultivating masonic and Christian charity,
which are the great objects of this sublime institution,
I cannot doubt that your future conduct, and that of
your successors, will be calculated still to increase the
lustre of your justly esteemed reputation.
May your Chapter become beautiful as the Temple,
peaceful as the Ark, and sacred as its most holy place.
May your oblations of piety and praise be grateful as
the incense; your love warm as itsfiame, and your charity
diffusive as its fragrance.  May your hearts be pure as
the altar, and your conduct acceptalle as the offering.




INSTALLING A CHAPTER.          193
Mlay the exercise of your charity be as constant as the
returning wants of -the distressed widow and helpless
oiphan. May the approbation of Heaven be your encouragement, and the testimony of a good conscience
be your support. May you be endowed with every
good and perfect gift, while travelling the rugged path
of life, and finally be admitted within the veil of heaven,
to the full enjoyment of life eternal.
Amen. So mote it be.
34. The officers and members of the Chapter will
then pass in review in front of the Grand Officers, with
their hands crossed on their breasts, bowing as they
pass.
35. The Grand Marshal will then proclaim the Chapter,
by the name of  --, to be regularly constituted,
and its officers duly installed.
36. The ceremonies conclude with an Ode, or appropriate piece of music.
37. The procession is then formed, when they return
to the place whence they set out.
38. When the Grand Officers retire, the Chapter
will form an avenue for them to pass through, and
salute them with the grand honors. The two bodies
then separately close their respective Chapters.
13




MASONIC FUNERAL SERVICE,
AS ADOPTED BY THE
GRAND LODGE OF OHIO.
[We have concluded to add the following Funeral Service,
adopted by the Grand Lodge of Ohio: and Brethren may
elect which to use, this, or that included in the degree of
Past Master.]
GENERAL DIRECTIONS.
I. No brother can be interred with the formalities
of the Order unless he has received the Thzird Degree
in masonry.
II. The Master of a Lodge being notified of the
death of a brother, and of his request to be buried with
masonic ceremonies, shall convene his Lodge and make
all suitable arrangements to that effect.
III. If two or more Lodges attend, the ceremonies
will be conducted by the Lodge of which the deceased
was a member.  In the case of a Stranyger or Sojourner,
the Master of the Senior Lodge present will preside.
IV. All the brethren who walk in procession should
observe as much as possible an uniformity of dress.
A proper badge of mourning around the left arm, with




FUNERAL SERVICE.              195
white gloves and aprons, are most suitable. It is'recommended to avoid all ostentatious display of masonic
costume.
V. Musicians, if belonging to the Fraternity, will
walk in procession immediately after the Tyler; if they
are not Masons, they will precede him. Solemn and
appropriate pieces of music only should be performed;
all others are especially interdicted.
VI. The cushion on which the Holy Bible is placed,
should be covered with black; a piece of black crape
should be tied around all the furniture carried in procession, around each Steward's rod, and on the musical
instruments. The procession will immediately precede
the corpse, and the brethren walk two and two, except
such officers as from their station are to walk otherwise.
VII. It would be proper for each Lodge, when convenient, to have a pall of black cloth, velvet, or other
suitable material, to be used on funeral occasions.  On
the coffin will be placed or tied a white apron.
VIII. If the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master,
or Grand Wardens attend any funeral procession, they
will take precedence, and preside over and conduct the
ceremonies, unless they desire otherwise.  Their place
in the procession will be after the Master of the Lodge.
Two Deacons, on the right and left, will attend a Grand
Warden. When the Grand Master, or Deputy Grand
Master, is present, the Book of Constitutions is borne
before him, a Grand Sword Bearer follows him, and
the Deacons, with black rods, are placed on his right




196             FUNERAL SERVICE.
and left, on a line, seven feet apart. If a Past Grand
Officer appears in procession, he will be recognized
with the customary respect.
ORDER OF PROCESSION.
The following Order of Procession will be proper to be
observed, when a single Lodge conducts the ceremonies:
Tyler, with a drawn sword.
Stewards, with white rods.
Musicians, if they are Masons; otherwise in advance
of the Tyler.
Master Masons.
Mark Masters.
Royal Arch Masons.
Select Masters.
Knights Templars.
Past Masters of the Lodge.
Senior and Junior Deacons.
Secretary and Treasurer.
Senior and Junior Wardens.
The Holy Writings on a Cushion, carried by the oldest
or some suitable member of the Lodge.
The Master.
Clergy.
Pall Bearers.        Pall Bearers.




FUNERAL SERVICE.              197
THE FUNERAL SERVICE.
The brethren being assembled at the Lodge-room,
or some other convenient place, the presiding officer
will open the Lodge on the third degree.  After having stated the object of the meeting, the service will
commence-all the brethren standing:
2Master. Man that is born of a woman hath but a
short time to live, and is full of misery.  He cometh
up, and is cut down like a flower; he fleeth as it were
a shadow, and never continueth in one stay. In the
midst of life we are in death.  Of whom, then, may
we seek for succor, but of THEE, 0 LORD, who for our
sins art justly displeased?
My brethren, where is the man that liveth, that shall
not see death?
Response by the brelltren.  Man walketh in a vain
shadow.: he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who
shall gather them.
Master.  Where is now our departed brother?
Response. He dwelleth in night; he sojourneth in
darkness.
Master.  Can we offer any precious thing to redeem
our brother?
Response. We have not the ransom.  The place
that once knew him shall know him no more for ever.
Afaster. Shall his name be lost upon earth?
Response. We wjll treasure it in our memories, we
will record it in our hearts.




198             FUNERAL SERVICE.
Master. How then will it be known?
Response. It shall live in the exercise of his virtues.
AMaster. When our brother died, did he carry
nothing away with him?
Response. He fulfilled his destiny: Naked came he
into this world, and naked he has departed out of it.
JMaster.  Hear then the conclusion of the whole
matter: It is the LoRD only thCat can give, and it is tlhe
LORD that hat hat taken away.
-Response.  Blessedforever be the name of the LORD.
iMaster. Let us endeavor to live the life of the
righteous, that our last end may be like his.
Response.  God is our God for ever and ever. He
will be our guide and our support, even through the
dark valley of the shadow of death.
Mfaster.  I heard a voice from Heaven, saying unto
me: "Write, from  henceforth, blessed are the dead
who die in the Lord; even so, saith the Spirit, for they
rest from their labors."
The Master here takes the roll, on which is inscribed
the name and age of the deceased, and says:
ALMIGHTY FATHER! in thy hands we leave, with
humble submission, the soul of our departed brother,
The brethren will answer three times, giving the
grand honors each time:
The will of GoD is accomplished. So be it.
The Master here deposits the roll, and repeats the
following, or some other suitable prayer:




FUNERAL SERVICE.             199
Most glorious and merciful Lord God, Author of all
good, and Giver of every perfect gift; pour down, we
implore Thee, thy blessing upon us: and under the
deep solemnities of this occasion, bind us yet closer
together in the ties of brotherly love and affection.
May the present instance of mortality sensibly remind
us of our approaching fate, and may it have an influence
to wean our affections from the things of this transitory
world, and to fix them more devotedly upon Thee, the
only sure refuge in time of need. And at last, Great
Parent of the Universe, when our journey shall be near
its end; when the silver cord shall be loosed, and the
golden bowl be broken; oh! in that moment of mortal
extremity, may the "lamp of thy love" dispel the gloom
of the dark valley; and may we be enabled to "work
an entrance " into the Celestial Lodge above, and in thy
glorious presence, amidst its ineffable mysteries, enjoy
a union with the souls of our departed friends, perfect
as is the happiness of Heaven, and durable as the
eternity of God. Amen. So mote it be.
[The above ceremonies may be performed either at
the Lodge, the house of the deceased, or in the church
edifice, if the corpse be taken there, and religious services be performed. If at the house of the deceased,
the Master will take his station at the head of the coffin,
which will be uncovered, the Wardens at the foot, and
the brethren around it, and commence as above prescribed. At the conclusion the coffin will be closed.
If in the church, immediately after the benediction, the
Master, Wardens, and brethren will place themselves




200            FUNERAL SERVICE.
as above directed, when the ceremonies will be commenced.]
A procession will then again be formed, and march
to the place of interment in the order prescribed. The
members of the Lodge will form a circle round the
grave. The clergy and officers will take their station
at the head, and the mourners at the foot, when the
service will be resumed by the Master, as follows:
"The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried
me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in
the midst of the valley which was full of bones.
"And caused me to pass by them round about: and
behold, there were very many in the open valley; and
lo, they were very dry.
"And he said unto me, Son of Man, can these bones
live?  And I answered, 0 Lord God, thou knowest.
"Again he said unto me, prophesy upon these bones,
and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of
the Lord,
" Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones: Behold,
I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:
"And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up
flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath
in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am
the Lord.
"So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I
prophesied there was a noise, and behold, a shaking,
and the bones came together bone to his bone.
"And when I beheld, lo! the sinews and the flesh




FUNERAL SERVICE.             201
came upon them, and the skin covered them above:
but there was no breath in them.
"Then said He unto me, prophesy unto the wind;
prophesy, Son of Man, and say to the wind, Thus saith
the Lord God, Come from the four winds, 0 breath,
and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
"So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the
breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon
their feet."
My Brethren: We are again called upon by a most
solemn admonition to regard the uncertainty of human
life, the immutable certainty of death, and the vanity
of all earthly pursuits.  Decripitude and decay are
written in every living thing. The cradle and the
coffin stand in juxtaposition to each other; and it is a
melancholy truth, that so soon as we begin to live, that
m6ment also we beogin to die. Weakness and imperfection are the incidents of our fallen condition; the
damp, dark grave is our destiny and our doom. What
an eloquent commentary is here exhibited upon the
instability of every human pursuit; and how touchingly
does it echo the sad sentiment of the great preacher,
who wrote for our perpetual warning, the immortal
text, Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.
The last offices that we pay to the dead are useless
things except as they constitute lessons to the living.
The cold, marble form enclosed in the "narrow house"
before you, is alike insensible to our sorrows and our
ceremonies. It matters not now to him, whether two




202             FUNERAL SERVICE.
or three gather around the grave to perform his funeral
ritual; or that hundreds have assembled, with the
banners and insignia of our Order, to deposite him in
his final resting place. It is of little moment how, or
in what manner, his obsequies are performed; whether
the wild winds chant his requiem, or it be accompanied
with rare and costly music, and the minstrelsy of many
voices. He has gone to accomplish the fearful destiny
of all our race, and his body, in the profound slumber
of the grave, to be desolved into its original elements.
What, then, are all the externals of human dignity,
the power of wealth, the dreams of ambition, the pride
of intellect, or the charms of beauty, when nature has
paid her just debt?  Fix your eyes on the last sad
scene, and view humanity stript of its dazzling, meretricious ornaments; and you must needs be persuaded
of the utter emptiness of these delusions.  The monarch
of an hundred provinces, at whose bidding nations pay
obeisance, and the poor beggar that shivers at his gate,
are equals in the house of death.  The one is obliged
to part with his sceptre and his crown-the other has
no further use for his wallet and his rags-and both
are indebted to their Mother Earth for a common sepulchre.  In the grave all fallacies are detected, all
ranks are leveled, and all distinctions are done away.
While we drop the sympathetic tear over the grave
of our departed brother, let us cast around his foibles,
whatever they may have been, the broad mantle of a
MAason's charity, nor withhold from his memory the




FUNERAL SERVICE.             203
commendation that his virtues claim at our hands. It
is of record, in the volume of Eternal Truth, that perfection on earth can never be attained.  The best of
created men did most grievously err, and the wisest of
our race went sadly estray. Suffer, then, the apologies
of human nature to plead in behalf of him who cannot
any longer extenuate for himself.
The following invocations are then made:
Masler. May we be true and faithful to each other,
and may we live and die in love.
Response.  So mote it be.
Master.  May we profess what is good, and always
act agreeably to our profession.
Response. So mote it be.
BMaster. May the Lord bless us and keep us; may
the Lord be gracious unto us, and may all our good
intentions be crowned with success.
Response. So mote it be.
/laster.  Glory be to God in the highest: on earth
peace, and good will towards men.
Response.  So mote it be; now, henceforth, and for
ever. Amen.
The service is then resumed by the Master, as follows:
I am the ressurrection and the life, saith the Lord;
he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall
he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall
never die.




204             FUNERAL SERVICE.
Here the apron is taken from the coffin and handed
to the Master, and the corpse is made ready to be laid,
in the earth, when the service is resumed:
Forasmuch as it has pleased Almighty God, in his
wise Providence, to take out of the world the soul of
our deceased brother, we therefore commit his body to
the ground.  [Here deposit the co;in.]  Earth to earjih,
ashes to ashes, dust to dust; looking for a general
resurrection in the last day, when the earth and the sea
shall give up their dead.
The Secretary will then advance and deposit the roll
in the grave with the usual form.
Master.  Friend and brother! we bid thee a last, a
long FAREWELL!  Thou art at rest from thy labors; may
it be in peace!
Response. Amen. So mote it be.
If circumstances will permit, it will be proper at this
stage of the proceedings, to sing the following, or some
other appropriate Hymn; or it may be repeated by the
Master, or omitted entirely, as shall be considered best:




FUNERAL  SERVICE.                      205
FUNERAL HYMN.
1 Thou art  gone    to   the  grave,   but  we
2 Thou art  gone    to   thle  grave,  we  no
1  3 Thou art  gone    to   the grave,  ald  its
4 Thou art  gone    to   the grave,  but'twere'   --                            ---..._
will not de - plore thee, Tho' sorrows and darkness enlon- ger be - hold thee, Nor tread the rough path of the
mansionsfor    - sa-ken     erhapsthytried    piit i
wrnsions de-pfor sa-ken, Per-haps thy tried spi - t ihy
wrong to de-plore thee, Whens God was thy ransom, thy




206                  FUNERAL SERVICE.
i' —  -   -  -'  I
compass the tomb.   The  Saviour has passed thro' its
world by thy  side;  But the wide arms of mer-cy are
doubt lingered  long; But the sunshine of heaven beamed
guardian and guide;  He gave thee, and took thee, and
por - tals  be - fore thee, And the lamp of  his
spread to   en - fold  thee, And  sin - ners may
h_I
bright on   thy  wak - ing, And the song that thou
soon will  re - store  thee, Where death hath no




FUNERAL  SERVICE.                       201
_ — -- r
love  is   thy  guidethrough the  gloom,   And the
hope  since the   Sa - viour hath  died,     And the
Z7                          _~_ ___ -..-..... -
_7
heardstwas the   ser- a - phim's  song,        And
-4    ~__ —-----...- — _F-t__ —
sting, since the  Sa - viour hath died,      Where
lamp of  his  love  is thy  guide thro' thle  gloom.
sin - ners may  hope since the   Sa - viour hath died.
song that thou heardst was the  scr - a-phim's song.
dethht*   osin-                      io e__  __.-i
death hathl no   sting, since the   Sa - viour hath died.




208            FUNERAL SERVICE.
The service is then resumed by the Master, who,
presenting the apron, says,
This Lambskin, or white Apron, is an emblem of
Innocence, and the badge of a Mason. It is more
ancient than the Golden Fleece or the Roman Eagle;
more honorable than the Star and Garter.
The Master then deposits it in the grave.
This emblem I now deposit in the grave of our
deceased brother. By this we are reminded of the
universal domination of Death. The arm of friendship
cannot interpose to prevent his coming; the wealth of
the world cannot purchase our release; nor will the
innocence of youth, or the charms of beauty propitiate
his purpose. The mattock, the coffin, and the melancholy grave, admonish us of our mortality, and that,
sooner or later, these frail, weak bodies must moulder
in their parent dust.
The Master, holding the evergreen in his hand, continues:
This Evergreen is an emblem of our faith in the
immortality of the soul. By this we are reminded of
our high and glorious destiny beyond the "world of
shadows," and that there dwells within our tabernacle
of clay, an imperishable, immortal spirit, over which
the grave has no dominion, and death no power.
The brethren will now move in procession round




FUNERAL SERVIUCE.               209
the place of interment, and severally drop the sprig of
everg2reen in the grave; after which the pu6blic grand
honors are giveln.  The  iaster then continues the
ceremony in  the ifllowing''words:
Firom  time illmmemloriail, it has been the custom
amolng the fraternity of Free and. Accepted Masons,
at the req cest of a brother, to accrompany his corpse to
the place of inerlment, there to deposit it with the usual
formalities.
In conformity to this ancient usage, and at the request
of our deceased brother, we have assemnubled at this
time, in the character of  Masons, to of.er up, before
the world, t'he last tribute of our affection; and thereby
to demonstrate, in the strongest possiFble manner, the
sincerity of our past esteem  for him, and our steady
attachment to the principles of the Order.
To those of his immediate relatives and friends, who
are most hlealt-striclken at the loss we have all sustained,
we have nothinmg of this world's consolation to offer.
We can only sincerely, deeply, and most affectionately,
sympathize withil them  in their afflictive bereavement.
But, in the beautiful spirit of the Christian's theology,
we dare to say, thlat I-  who "tempers the wind to the
shorn lamb," looks down with infinite compassion upon
the widow and fatherless in the hour of their desolation; and that the same benevolent Saviour, who wept
while here on earth, will fold the arms of His love and
14




210             FUNERAL SERVICE.
protection around those who put their trust and confidence in HIM.
Then let us each, in our respective spheres, so improve this solemn warning of our God, that at last,
when the "sheeted dead" are stirring, when the " great
white throne" is set, and the volume of the record of
our lives is opened, we may receive from the Omniscient
Eternal Judge, the thrilling invitation, "Come, ye
blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom  prepared
for you from the foundation of the world."
The service is concluded with the following, or some
other suitable Piravcr:
Almighllty and most  erciful God, in whom we live,
and move, and have our bein g, and before whom all
men must appear to render an account for the deeds
done in tihe body; we do most earnestly beseech Thee,
as we now surround the grave of our fallen brother, to
impress deeply upon our minds the solemnities of this
day.  M —ly we ever remember that "in the midst of
life awe arle in death," and so live and act our several
parts as +wXe will desire to have done, when the hour of
our departurme is at hand.
And oh! Gracious Father, vouchsafe us, we pray
Thee, thy Divine assistance, to redeem our misspent
time; and ill tile discharge of the duties thou hast
assigned us, in the erection of our moral edifice, may
we have wisdomt from on high to direct us; strength
commensurate with our task to support us; and the
beauty of holiness to adorn and render all our performances acceptable in Thy sight.  And at last, when our
wor-(k ol eartfh is done, when the mallet of death shall
call us from oCr' labors, may we obtain a blessed and




FUNERAL SERVICE.             211
everlasting rest in that Spiritual House, not made with
hands, eternal in the Heavens.
Amen. So mote it be.
The procession will then return to the place whence
it set out, where the necessary duties are complied with,
and the Lodge is closed in the third degree.




CONSTITUTIONS.
The following "Ancient Constitutions are obligatory, as
fundamental regulations, in all parts of the world," and it is
therefore highly important that they should be accessible to
every Mason. To accomplish this more fully, it has been
thought advisable to include them in the present volume.
CHAPTER I.
OF THOSE WHO WOULD BE FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.
BEFORE we enter upon the duties of the operative
lfason, in the various offices to which he may be called
in the Lodge, it is proper to give some account of what
is absolutely requisite in all who aspire to partake of the
sublime honors of those who are duly initiated into the
mysteries and instructed in the art of ancient masonry.
Section First.
OF GOD AND RELIGION.
Whoever, from love of knowledge, interest, or curiosity, desires to be a Mason, is to know that, as his




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.          213
foundation and great corner stone, he is firmly to believe
in the eternal God, and to pay that worship which is
due to Him as the great Architect and Governor of the
Universe.
A Mason must observe the moral law. And if he
rightly understand the royal art, he will never be an
atheist, or an irreligious libertine; and will never act
against the great inward light of his own conscience.
He will likewise shun the errors of bigotry and
superstition; making a due use of his own reason,
according to that liberty wherewith a Mason is made
free: for though in ancient times, Masons were charged
to comply with the religious opinions and usages of the
country or nation where they sojourned or worked, yet
it is now thought imost expedient that the brethren in
general should only be charged to adhere to the essentials of religion, in which all men agree; leaving each
brother to his own judgment as to particular forms.
Whence being good men and true, of unsullied honor
and unfailing honesty, the Order becomes tile center
of union, and the means of conciliating true friendship.
Section Second.
OF GOVERNMENT, AND THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE.
Whoever would be a true Mason is farther to know,
that, by the privileges of his Order, his obligations as
a subject and citizen will not be relaxed, but enforced.
He is to be a lover of peace, and obedient to the civil
powers which yield him protection, and are set over




214           ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
him, where he resides or works.  Nor can a real
Craftsman ever be concerned in conspiracies against the
State, or be disrespectful to the magistrate; because
the welfare of his country is his most happy object.
Now if any brother, forgetting for a time the rules
of his craft, and listening to evil councils, should unhappily fall into a contrary conduct, he is not to be
countenanced in his crimes or rebellion against the State;
but he forfeits all tile benefits of the Lodge, and his
fellows will refuse to associate or converse with him in
private, while he continues in his guilt; that no offence
may be given to lawful government. Such a person,
however, is still considered as a Mason, his title hitherto
being indefeasible; and hopes are to be entertained,
and endeavors used, that the rules of the craft may,again recover him to his duty.
From the constant desire of true Masons, to adorn the
countries where they reside with all useful arts, crafts,
and improvements, they have been, from the earliest
ages, encouraged and protected by the wisest rulers of
States and Commonwealths; who have likewise thought
it an honor to have their names enrolled among the
fraternity, and have become the patrons of the Craft.
And thus masonry, having alway flourished most in the
peaceable times of every country, and having suffered
in a particular manner through tile calamitous effects
of war, the craftsmen are the more strongly engaged
and inclined to act agreeably to the prime principles of
their art, in followingpeace and love, as far as possible,
with all men.




ANCIENT CONS'rlITUTIONS.            215
And as political affairs have occasioned discord
amongst the nearest relations and most intimate friends,
Masons are enjoined never to speak of, or discuss tllen
in the Lodgre.
S&ection T/'lrl.
OF PRIVA'TE DUTIES.
TWhoever would. be a AMason should know  how to
practice all the private virtues.  Iie should avoid all
manner of ilenqi?)eraCe or excess, which might prevent
his performance of the laudable duties of his craft, or
leadf him into enormities, whllich would reflect dishonor
upon the ancient fraternity.  I-le is to be industrious
in Lis profession, and true to the Lord and Master he
serv.es.  IHe is to lat}borljsdl,,, and not to eat any man's
b)read for nolught; but to pay truly for his meat and
drink.  What leisure his labor allows, he is to employ
in studyingT tlhe arts and sciences with a diligent mind,
that he may the better perform  all his duties to his
Creator, his country, his neighlbor, and himself.
Ie is to seek and acquire, as far as possible, the
virtues of lcptience, mneekness, self-deni(l, forbearance, and
the like; which give him  the command over himself,
and enable him to govern his own family with affection,
dignity, and prudence; at the same time checking every
disposition injurious to the world, and promoting that
love and service which brethren of the same household
owe to each other.
Therefore, to afford succor to the distressed, to divide




216           ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
our bread with the industrious poor, and to put the
misguided traveller into the way, are duties of the craft,
suitable to the dignity, and expressive of its usefulness.
But tlough a Mason is never to sahut his ear unkindly
against the complaints of any of the human race, yet,
when a brother is oppressed or suffers, he is in a more
peculiar manner called to open his whole soul in love
and compassion to him, and to relieve him  without
prejudice, according to his capacity.
It is also necessary, that all who would be true Masons
should learn to abstain from all malice, slander, and evil
speaking; friom all provoking, reproachful and ungodly
language; keeping always a tongue of good report.
A Mason should know how to obey those who are
set over him, however inferior they may be in worldly
rankl or condition.  For allthough masonry divests no
man of his honors and titles, yet in the Lodge, preeminence of virtue, and knowledge in the royal art, are
considered as the true source of all nobility, rule and
government.
The virtue indispensably requisite in Masons, is
secrecy.  This is the guard of their confidence, and the
security of their trust.  So great stress is to be laid
upon it, that it is enforced under the strongest penalties
and obligations; nor is their esteem in any man to be
accounted wise, who has not intellectual strength and
ability sufficient to cover and conceal such honest
secrets as are committed to him, as well as his own
more serious and private affairs.




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.           217
Section Feourth.
OF PREREQUISITES.
No person is capable of becoming a member, unless,
together with the virtues aforementioned, or at least a
disposition to seek and acquire them, he is also free
born; of mature and discreet age; of good report; of
sufficient natural endowments, and the senses of a mce;
with an estate, office, trade, occupation, or some visible
way of acquiring an honest livelihood, and of working
in his craft, as becomes the members of this most ancient and honorable fraternity, who ought not only to
earn what is sufficient for themselves and families, but
likewise something to spare for works of charity, and
supporting the true dignity of the Royal Craft.  Every
person desiring admission must also be upright in body,
not deformed or dismembered, at the time of making;
but of hale and entire lirabs, as a,man ought to be.
No brother shall propose for admission into this ancient and honorable society, any person through friendship or partiality, who does not possess the moral and
social virtues, a sound head and a good heart; and who
has not an entire exemption from all those ill qualities
and vices, which would bring dishonor on the Craft.
Section Fjfth.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CANDIDATE.
A strict though private and impartial inquiry will be
made into the character and ability of the candidate,




218          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
before he can be admitted into any Lodge: and by the
rules of masonry, no friend, who can wish to propose
him, may show him any favor. But if he have a friend
who is a Mason, and is every way satisfied, his duty is
described as follows:
Section Sixth.
OF PROPOSING CANDIDATES.
Every person desirous of being made a Freeemason
in any Lodge shall be proposed by a member, who
shall give an account of the candidate's name, age,
quality, title, trade, place of residence, description of
his person, and other necessary requisites, as mentioned
in the foregoing sections. And it is generally required,
that such proposal be also seconded by some one or
more members who are acquainted with the candidate.
Such proposals shall also be made in Lodge hours, at
least one Lodge night before initiation, in order that
the brethren may have sufficient time and opportunity
to make a strict inquiry into the morals, character, and
circumstances of the candidate, for which purpose a
special committee is sometimes appointed.
The brother who proposes a candidate shall, at the
same time deposit such a sum of money for him as the
rules or by-laws of the Lodge may require, which is
forfeited to the Lodge if the candidate should not attend
according to his proposal, but is to be returned to him
if he should not be approved or elected. In case he
be elected, he is to pay, in addition to his deposit, such




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.          219
further sum as the laws of the Lodge may require, and
clothe the Lodge, or make some other present, as his
circumstances will admit and the brethren agree to accept, for the benefit of the craft and distressed members.
Section Seventh.
TIIE CANDIDATE.
He has a right, before his admission, to desire his
friend to show him the Warrant, or Dispensation, by
which the Lodge is held; which, if genuine, he will
find to be an instrument written or printed upon parchment, and signed by some Grand Master, his Deputy,
the Grand Wardens and Grand Secretary, sealed with
the Grand Lodge seal, constituting particular persons
therein named, as Master and Wardens, with full power
to congregate and hold a Lodge at such a place, and
therein "make and admit Freemasons, according to the
most ancient and honorable customs of the Royal Craft,
in all ages and nations throughout the known world,
with full power and authority to nominate and choose
their successors," &c.
He may also request the perusal of the by-laws,
which being short, he may read in the presence of his
friend, and be shown a list of the members of the Lodge;
by all which he -will be better able to judge whether he
could associate with them, and render a ready conformity to their rules. Being thus FREE to judge for himself, he will not be liable to the dangers of deception.
But, on the contrary, will be admitted into a society




220          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
where he may converse with men of honor and honesty
-be exercised in all the offices of brotherly love, and
be made acquainted with some things of which it is not
lawful to speak or make known OUT OF THE LODGE.
Previously to his introduction, every candidate ought
to subscribe the following declaration:
I, A. B., do seriously declare, upon my honor, that
unbiassed by friends, and uninfluenced by unworthy
motives, I freely and voluntarily offer myself a candidate for the mysteries of Freemasonry; that I am solely
prompted by a favorable opinion conceived of the institution, a desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish to
be serviceable to my fellow creatures; and that I will
cheerfully conform to the ancient established usages
and customs of the society.
"As witness my hand, this     day of
in the year A. D.
F. D.),,,:,~______                  A. B."
D. F. Witnesses 
CHAPTER II.
OF A LODGE AND ITS GOVERNMENT.
Section First.
OF A LODGE.
A Lodge is a place where Masons assemble and
work: hence that assembly, or duly organized society
of Masons, is called a Lodge, and every brother ought




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.          221
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 annexed.  In ancient times, no Master or
Fellow could be absent fronm it, especially when warned
to appear at it, without incurring a severe censure,
until it appeared to the Master and Wardens that pure
necessity hindered him.
Section Second.
OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS IN GENERAL.
A Lodge ought to assemble for work at least once
in every calendar month; and must consist of one
Master; two Wardens, senior and junior; one Secretary, one Treasurer, two Deacons, one or more Stewards, a Tyler, and as many members as the Master
and the majority of the Lodge shall think proper;
although more than forty or fifty, when they can
attend regularly, as the wholesome rules of the craft
require, are generally found inconvenient for working
to advantage; and, therefore, when a Lodge comes to
be thus numerous, some of the ablest Master workmen,
and others under their direction, will obtain leave to
separate and apply to the Grand Lodge for a Warrant
to work by themselves, in order to the advancement
of the craft, as the la-ws hereafter to be delivered will
more particularly show.
Every member of a working Lodge should be a
Master Mason.




222          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
Section Third.
OF THE MASTER-HIS ELECTION, OFFICE AND DUTY'.
All preferment among Masons depends on real worth
and personal merit only, that the society may be well
served, and the Royal Craft maintained.
No brother should be a Master till he has first served
a Lodge acceptably in the office of Warden, unless in
extraordinary cases, or when a new Lodge is to be
formed, and no Past or former Warden is to be found
among the members. But, three Master Masons, although they have served in no such offices, if they be
well learned, may be constituted Master and Wardens
of such new Lodge, or of any old Lodge in the like
emergency; and it shall be their duty first to qualify
themselves thoroughly for their work.
The Master of every Lodge shall be annually chosen
by ballot, on some stated Lodge night. Each member
hath one vote. And when the ballot is closed, the
former Master shall carefully examine the votes, and
audibly declare him who lath the majority to be duly
elected.  In like manner shall the Lodge proceed in
the choice of all other officers; great care being taken
that none be put in nomination for favor or affection,
birth, or fortune, exclusively of the consideration of
real merit and ability to fill the office for the honor
and advancement of masonry. No Mason chosen into
any office can refuse to serve, unless he has served in
the same office before.  The Master of every regular
Lodge, thus duly elected and installed, has it in special




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.           223
charge, as appurtenant to his office, duty and dignity,
to see that all the by-laws of his Lodge, as well as the
General Regulations from the Grand Lodge, be duly
observed; that his Wardens discharge their office
faithfully, and be examples of diligence and sobriety
to the craft; that true and exact minutes and entries
of all proceedings be made and kept by the Secretary;
that the Treasurer keep and render exact and just accounts at the stated times, according to the by-laws and
orders of the Lodge; and, in general, that all the goods
and moneys belonging to the body be truly managed
and dispensed, according to the vote and directions of
the majority.
The Master shall also take care that no Apprentice
or Fellow Craft be taken into his house or Lodge, unless he has sufficient employment for him, and finds
him to be duly qualified, according to the rules before
laid down, for learning and understanding the sublime
mysteries of the Art.  Thus shall apprentices be admitted, upon farther improvement, as Fellow  Crafts;
and, in due time, be raised to the sublime degree of
Master Masons, animated with the prospect of passing
in future through all the higlher honors of masonry,
viz: those of Wardens and Masters of their Lodges,
and perhaps at length of Grand Wardens and Grand
Masters of all the Lodges, according to their merit.
The Master of a particular Lodge has the right and
authorityr   c:of rllitg his Lodge, or congregating the
members into a. C.hapter, at pleasure, upon the appli



224          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
cation of any of the brethren, and upon any emergency
and occurrence which, in his judgment, may require
their meeting; and he is to fill the chair when present.
It is likewise his duty, together with his Wardens, to
attend the Grand Lodge at the quarterly Communications; and such occasional or special Grand Communications as the good of the craft may require, when
duly summoned by the Grand Secretary, and within
such reasonable distance of the place of holding the
Grand Lodge as the laws of the same may have ascertained. When in the Grand Lodge, and at general
as well as special Communications, the Master and
Wardens, or either of them, have full power and authority to represent their Lodge, and to transact all
matters as well and truly as if the whole were there
present.
The Master has the right of appointing some brother,
who is most commonly the Secretary of the Lodge, to
keep the book of by-laws, and other laws given to the
Lodge by proper authority; and in this book shall also
be kept the names of all the members of the Lodge,
and a list of all the Lodges within the same Grand
Communication, with the usual times and places of their
meeting.
Section Fourth.
TIIE WARDENS oF A LODGE.
1. None but Master Masons can be W ardens of a
Lodge.
2. The Senior Warden suceeeds to all the duties of




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.          225
the Master, and fills the chair when he is absent. If
the Master goes abroad on business, resigns, or is
deposed, the Senior Warden shall fill his place until
the next stated time of election. And although it was
formerly held, that in such cases the Master's authority
ought to revert to the last Past Master who is present,
yet it is now the settled rule, that the authority devolves upon the Senior Warden, and in his absence upon
the Junior Warden, even although a former Master be
present. But the Wardens will generally honor a Past
Master that may be present, and will call on him to
take the chair, upon the presumption of his experience
and skill in conducting the business of the Lodge.
Nevertheless, such Past Master still holds his authority under the Senior Warden, and cannot act until
he congregates the Lodge. If none of the officers be
present, nor any former Master to take the chair, the
members according to seniority and merit, shall fill the
places of the absent officers.
The business of the Wardens in the Lodge is generally to assist the Master in conducting the business
and managing the craft, in due order and form, when
the Master is present. Particular Lodges do likewise,
by their by-laws, assign particular duties to their
Wardens for their own better government; which such
Lodges have a right to do, provided they transgress
not the old landmarks, nor in any degree violate the
true genius and spirit of masonry.
15




226          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
Section Fifth.
OF TiIS SECRETARY OF A LODGE.
The Secretary shall keep a proper register or record
of all transactions and proceedings of the Lodge, that
are to be committed to writing; which shall be faithfully entered in the Lodge books, from the minutas
taken in open Lodge, after being duly read, amended
if necessary, and approved of before the close of every
meeting; in order that the said transactions or authentic
copies may be laid before the Grand Lodge once in
every quarter if required.
In particular, the Secretary shall keep exact lists of
all the members of the Lodge, with the admission of
new members; and shall prepare and send to the
Secretary of the Grand Lodge, the list of members,
together with all expulsions and rejections for the time
being, to the intent that the Grand Secretary, and
consequently the members of the Grand Lodge, may
be at all times enabled to know the names and number
of members in each Lodge under their jurisdiction, with
the hand writingd of the different officers; and pay all
due respect to the brethren recommended by them.
Section Sixth.
OF THE TREASURER OF A LODGE.
The Treasurer is to receive and keep exact accounts
of all moneys -raised, or paid accordincg to rule, for tho




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         227
advancement of the Lodge and benefit of the brethren,
and to pay all orders duly drawn upon him by the
authority of the Lodge. He is to keep regular entries
both of his receipts and expenses; and to have his
books and vouchers always ready for examination at
such stated times as the by-laws require, or when
specially called upon by order of the Master and
brethren.
The Treasurer is likewise to have the charge and
custody of the chest, jewels, and furniture of the Lodge;
unless when the Master and majority may judge it
more convenient to appoint some other responsible
brother for that particular duty; or when the officers
of the Lodge may take the charge immediately upon
themselves.  But the Warrant or Charter is in the
custody of the Master.
Section Seventh.
OF THE DEACONS OF A LODGE.
The Deacons are to assist the Master and Wardens
in the execution of their duty, to examine and welcome
visiting brethren, to prepare candidates, and to perform
such other services as are assigned to them.
Section Eiqhth.
STEWARDS.
The Stewards are to provide refreshments, and make
a regular report of the expense to the Treasurer; and




228          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
to see that the regalia of the Lodge are in good order
and always ready for use.
Section N7inth.
OF THE TYLER OF A LODGE.
In order that due decorum be observed, while the
Lodge is engaged in what is serious and solemn, and
for the preservation of secrecy and good harmony, a
brother well skilled in the Master's part, shall be
appointed and pjid for tyling the Lodge door, during
the time of communication. Generally a brother is to
be preferred, to whom the fees of the office may be
necessary and serviceable, on account of his particular
circumstances.
His duty is fixed by custom, and known to every
brother. He is to be true and trusty, and to obey the
special directions of the Lodge.
Section Tenth.
OF THE NUTMBER TO BE INITIATED.
No Lodge shall make more than Jfive new brethren
at one time, nor shall any person be made, or admitted
a member of a Lodge, withiout being proposed at least
one Lodge night before, unless in cases of emergency,
or by dispensation from the Grand Master or his Deputy, in his absence, that due notice may be given to
all the members for the necessary inquiries into the
candidate's character; and that there may be unanimity
in the election and admission of members.




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         229
Section Eleventh.
OF PRIVILEGES IN LODGES.
The majority of every particular Lodge, when duly
congregated, have the privilege of instructing their
Master and Wardens for their conduct in the Grand
Lodge and Quarterly Communications; and all particular Lodges in the same Communication, shall, as
much as possible, observe the same rules and usages;
and appoint some of their members to visit each other
in the different Lodges, as often as it may be convenient.
When it so happens that a Lodge cannot attend the
Communications of the Grand Lodge, they may appoint
a brother, who is a Master Mason, and of real merit,
and give him instructions to represent them, and vote
in their behalf. He bearing their certificate under the
seal of the Lodge, and signed by the Master and Wardens, may, if approved by the officers of the Grand
Lodge, take his seat among them, and vote and act in
the name of the Lodge he represents. But no individual
can appear for more than one Lodge at the same time.
Lodges shall have place according to the date of
their constitution.
If any Lodge shall cease to meet regularly for twelve
months successively, its charter shall be void.




230         ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
CHAPTER III.
OF THE BEHAVIOUR OF MASONS, AS MEMBERS OF A LODGE.
1. OF ATTENDANCE.
Every brother ought to belong to some regular Lodge,
and should always appear therein properly clothed,
truly subjecting himself to all its by-laws and the general regulations. Hle must attend all meetings, when
duly summoned, unless he can offer to the Master and
Wardens such plea of necessity for his absence as the
said laws and regulations may admit.
By the ancient rules and usages of masonry, which
are generally adopted among the by-laws of every
Lodge, no plea was judged sufficient to excuse any
absentee, unless he could satisfy the Lodge that he was
detained by some extraordinary and unforeseen necessity.
None have a right to vote in the Lodge but such as
are members.
No brother shall be a member of more than one
Lodge at the same time.
2. OF WORKING.
All Masons should work faithfully and honestly. All
the working hours appointed by law, or confirmed by
custom, are to be strictly observed. The usual hours
of working are —"from seven o'clock in the evening
until ten, between the 25th of March and the 25th of




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.          231
September; and from six until nine, between the 25th
of September and the 25th of March."
The Master and Masons shall faithfully finish their
work.
None shall envy a brother's prosperity, or put him
out of his work, if capable of finishing it.
All Masons shall receive their wages without Inurmruring.  They must avoid all unbecoming modes of
expression; and shall call each other brother in the
Lodge.
3. OF BEHAVIOUR IN TIHE LODGE.
While the Lodge is open for work, Masons must hold
no private conversation or committees, without leave
from the Master; nor talk of any thing foreign or impertinent, nor interrupt the Master or Wardens, or any
brother addressing himself to the chair; nor behave
inattentively while the Lodge is engaged in what is
serious and solemn; but every brother shall pay due
reverence to the Master and Wardens, and all his
fellows.
Every brother guilty of a fault, shall submit to the
Lodge, unless he appeal to the Grand Lodge.
No private offences, or disputes about nations, families, religion, or politics, must be brought within the
doors of the Lodge.
4. OF BEIAVIOUR AFTER TlIE LODGE IS CLOSED.
When the Lodge is closed, and the labor finished,
the brethren, before they depart home to their rest, may




232          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
enjoy themselves with innocent mirth, enlivened and
exalted with their own peculiar songs and sublime pieces
of music; but avoiding all excess, considering each other,
in the hours both of labor and festivity, as always free.
And therefore no brother is to be hindered from going
home when he pleases; for although, after Lodge hours,
Masons are as other men, yet if they should fall into
excess, the blame, though unjustly, may be cast upon
the fraternity, by the ignorant or the envious.
CHAPTER IV.
OF THE BEHAVIOUR OF MASONS, IN TIIEIR PRIVATE
CHARACTER.
I. WHEN A NUMBER OF BRETHREN HAPPEN TO MEET,
WITHOUT ANY STRANGER AMONG THEM, AND NOT IN
A LODGE.
In such case, you are to salute each other in a courteous manner, as you are or may be instructed in the
Lodge, and freely communicate hints of knowledge,
but without disclosing secrets, unless to those who have
given proof of their taciturnity and honor. Masonry
divests no man of the honors due to him before, or that
may become due after he was made a Mason. On the
contrary, it increases respect, teaching us to add to all
his other honors, those which as Masons we cheerfully
pay to an eminent brother, distinguishing him above




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         233
all of his rank and station, and serving him readily
according to our ability.
2. WHEN IN THE PRESENCE OF STRANGERS, WHO ARE
NOT MASONS.
Before those who are not Masons, you must be
cautious in your words and carriage; so that the most
penetrating stranger shall not be able to discover what
is not proper to be intimated. The impertinent and
ensnaring questions, or ignorant and idle discourse of
those who seek to pry into the secrets and mysteries of
the craft, must be prudently answered and managed,
or the discourse wisely diverted to another subject, as
your discretion and duty shall direct.
3. WHEN AT HOME, AND IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Masons ought to be moral men.  Consequently they
should be good husbands, good parents, good sons,
and good neighbors; avoiding all excess injurious to
themselves or families, and wise as to all affairs, both
of their own household and of the Lodge, for certain
reasons known to themselves.
4. OF BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS A FOREIGN BROTHER, OR
STRANGER.
You are cautiously to examine a stranger or foreign
brother, as prudence and the rules of the craft direct,
that you may not be imposed upon by a pretender; and
if you discover any one to be such, you are to reject




234          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
him, but with proper caution. But such as are found
to be true and faithful, you are to respect as brothers,
relieving them, if in want, to your utmost power, or
directing them how to find relief; and employing them,
if you can, or else recommending them to employment.
5. OF BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS A BROTHER, WHETHER
PRESENT OR ABSENT.
Free and Accepted Masons have ever been charged
to avoid all slander of true and faithful brethren, with
all malice and unjust resentment, or talking disrespectfully of a brother's person or performance, Nor must
they suffer any to spread unjust reproaches or calumnies against a brother behind his back, nor to injure
him in his fortune, occupation or character; but they
shall defend such a brother, and give him notice of any
danger or injury wherewith he may be threatened, to
enable him to escape the same, as far as is consistent
with honor, prudence, and the safety of religion, morality, and the State, but no farther.
6. CONCERNING DIFFERENCES AND LAWSUITS, IF ANY
SUCH SHOULD UNHAPPILY ARISE AMONG BRETHREN.
If a brother do you an injury, or if you have any
difference with him about any worldly or temporal
business, or interest, apply first to your own or his
Lodge, to have the matter in dispute adjusted by the
brethren. And if either brother be not satisfied with
the determination of the Lodge, an appeal may be made




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.          235
to the Grand Lodge; and you are never to enter into
a lawsuit until the matter cannot bq decided as above.
And if it be a matter that wholly concerns masonry,
lawsuits are to be entirely avoided, and the good advice
of prudent brethren is to be followed, as they are the
best referees of such differences.
But where references are either impracticable or
unsuccessful, and courts of law or equity must at last
decide, you must still follow the general rules of masonry, avoiding all wrath, malice, rancor, and personal
ill will, in carrying on the suit with a brother; neither
saying or doing any thing to prevent the continuance
or renewal of that brotherly love and friendship, which
are the glory and cement of this ancient fraternity.
Thus shall we show to all the world the benign influence of masonry, as wise, true and faithful brethren
have done from the beginning of time; and as all who
shall follow us, and would be thought worthy of that
name, will continue to do.
_eThese charges, and such others as shall be given
to you, in a way that cannot be written, you are strictly
and conscientiously to observe; and, that they may be
the better observed, they should be read or made known
to new brethren at their making; and at other times,
as the Master shall direct. Amen.




236          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
CHAPTER V.
Section First.
OF GRAND LODGES IN GENERAL.
A Grand Lodge consists of the Masters and Wardens
of all the regular Lodges within its jurisdiction, with
the Grand Master at their head, the Deputy Grand
Master on his left, and the Grand Wardens in their
proper places; attended also by the Grand Secretary,
Grand Treasurer, Grand Marshal, Grand Sword Bearer,
Grand Tyler, Grand Pursuivant, and other necessary
officers, as will be explained in the proper place; all
of whom must be Master Masons.
No new Lodge is acknowledged, nor can their officers
be admitted into the Grand Lodge, until such new
Lodge is first regularly constituted, and registered by
the authority of the Grand Lodge.
All Past Grand Masters, Past Deputy Grand Masters, and Past Grand Wardens, are considered as
members of, and admitted to vote in all Grand Lodges.
By courtesy, as well as custom, Past Masters, Past
Grand Secretaries, and Past Grand Treasurers, have
the privilege of sitting in all the Grand Lodges, and
voting in such matters, as by the rules of the Grand
Lodge, they might or could have voted in, while in
office.
No Master, Warden, or other member of the Grand
Lodge, should ever attend the same, without the jewels
which he ought to wear in his own particular Lodge,




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         237
except for some good and sufficient reason to be allowed
of by the Grand Lodge. And when the officer of any
particular Lodge, from such urgent business, or necessity, as may regularly plead his excuse, cannot
personally attend the Grand Lodge, he may nominate
and send a brother of his Lodge, with his jewel and
clothing, to supply his room, and to support the honor
of his Lodge in the Grand Lodge.
A brother of eminence, and of the rank of Master,
having business, or whose attendance is necessary in
any point of evidence or intelligence, may be admitted
into the Grand Lodgle upon motion, or leave asked and
given; but such brother, thus admitted, shall have no
vote, nor be allowed to speak to any question without
leave, or unless desired to give his opinion.
The Grand Lodge shall meet four times a year statedly, for Quarterly Communications, and should also
have occasional meetings and adjournments, monthly
or otherwise, as business may require; and such meeting shall be held in the hall of the Grand Lodge, unless
for some particular reason the Grand Master should
think fit to appoint some other place of special meeting.
All matters in the Grand Lodge shall be determined
by a majority of votes, each member having one vote,
unless the Grand Lodge leave any particular thing to
the determination of the Grand Master.
The business of the Grand Lodge, whether at Quarterly Communications or other meetings, is seriously
to communicate and consider, transact and settle, all




238          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
matters that concern the prosperity of the craft and the
fraternity in general, or private Lodges and brethren in
particular. Thus all differences that cannot be accommodated privately, nor by a particular Lodge, are to be
seriously eonsidered and decided. And if any brother
thinks himself aggrieved by such decision, he may, by
lodging an appeal in writing with the Grand Secretary,
have the matter reheard and finally determined upon
at the next ensuing Quarterly Communication, provided
it be not the annual Grand Lodge, or the feast days of
St. John; on which, by the new and wise regulations,
it is agreed and ordered that no petitions or appeals
should be heard, or any business transacted, that tends
to interrupt the harmony of the assembly; but all shall
be referred to the next meeting of the Grand Lodge.
And, in general, whatever business cannot be transacted
or finished at any one meeting of the Grand Lodge,
may either be adjourned to the next, or referred to a
proper committee, to be by them heard, considered and
reported upon to the said next meeting.
The officers of all private Lodges, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, shall, at every Quarterly
Communication, (except the distant Lodges, which
shall annually on or before the festival of Saint John
the Evangelist,) deliver an exact list of such members
as have been made, or even admitted by them, since
the last preceding Communication; and books shall
be kept in the Grand Lodge, by some able brother to
be appointed Grand Secretary, in which the said lists




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         239
and returns shall be duly recorded; together with all
the Lodges in Communication, the usual times and
places of their assembly, and the names of all their
members. In the said books are also to be registered
all the proceedings, and other affairs of the Grand
Lodge, which are proper to be written.
The Grand Lodge shall likewise consider of the most
prudent and effectual means of collecting and managing
what money may accrue to the general charity fund.
Section Second.
O0F TIUE ELECTION OF THE GRAND MASTER.
The Grand Lodge must meet in some convenient
place in order to elect new or re-appoint the old officers;
and such election or re-appointment shall be made in
such season that the Grand Lodge may be completely
organized, and duly prepared for the celebration of the
annual feast in June, and other important business of
the season.
The election shall be made either by holding up of
hands, or by ballot, as may be agreed by the majority,
on motion made and seconded for that purpose; provided always that the brother recommended by the
Grand Master in office, as his successor, be the first
voted for, either by holding up of hands, or by ballot,
and if he is not chosen, the other candidates in the
order they were proposed, until one has the majority
of voices or ballots.  When the election is thus made,




240          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
he is to be proclaimed, installed and saluted, if present;
but if not present, a day is to be appointed for this
ceremony. The ceremony of installing the new Grand
Master is to be conducted by the last Grand Master;
but he may, nevertheless, order any brother well skilled
in the ceremony to assist him, or act as his deputy on
the occasion.
In case the new Grand Master, when nominated or
chosen, cannot attend at the time appointed for his instalment, he may be installed by proxy, on signifying
his acceptance of the office; but such proxy must be
either the last or a former Grand Master, or else a very
reputable Past Master.
Section Third.
OF THE ELECTION OR APPOINTMENT OF THE DEPUTY
GRAND MASTER.
The last Grand Master thus continued, or a new
Grand Master thus appointed and installed, hath an
inherent right to nominate and appoint the Deputy
Grand Master; because, as the Grand Master cannot
be supposed to be able to give his attendance on every
emergency, it hath been always judged necessary, not
only to allow him a Deputy, but that such Deputy
should be a person in whom he can perfectly confide,
and with whtom he can have full harmony.
Section Fourt/h.
OF TH'E GRAND WARDENS.
The Grand Lodge has the right of electing the Grand




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.           241
Wardens; and any member has a right to propose one
or both the candidates, either the old Wardens or new
ones; and the two persons who have the majority of
votes or ballots, are declared duly elected.
SertIo0n F'jth.
0o1' TIE GRAND sECRETARYx'.
The office of Grand Secretary hathl become one of
great importance to the (GIranTid Lodg'e.  All the transactions of tlhe Lod'ge are to be drawn into form, and
duly recorded by him.  All petitions, applications and
appeals are to pass thiroullh hli; hands.  INo warrant,
certificate, or ins trclment of writino, fromn the Grand
Lodge, is authentic without his attestation and signature, and his affixing the ugrand seal as the laTws require.
The general correspondence with Lodges and brethren
over the whole worll is to be managed by him, agreeably to the voice of the Grand Lodge, and directions
of the Grand Master or his Deputy, whom  he must,
therefore, be always ready to attend, with the books of
the Lodge, in order to give all necessary information
concerning the general state of matters, and what is
proper to be done upon any emergency.
For these reasons, at every annual election or appointment of Grand Officers, the nomination or appointment of the Grand Secretary has been considered
as the right of the Grand Master, being properly his
amanuensis, and an officer as necessary to him as his
Deputy.  But in America, Grand Masters, not being
16




242          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
tenacious of prerogative, have relinquished this privilege, and the Grand Secretary is chosen by nomination
and vote of the Grand Lodge.
The Grand Secretary, by virtue of his office, is a
member of the Grand Lodge, and may sit down and
vote accordingly.
The Grand Secretary may have an assistant, with
the consent of the Grand Lodge; but he will not be
considered as a member, nor admitted to vote.
Section Sixth.
OF TIE ELECTION AND OFFICE OF GRAND TREASURER.
The Grand Treasurer is elected by the body of the
Grand Lodge, in the same manner as the Grand Wardens; he being considered as an officer peculiarly responsible to all the members in due form assembled, as
having the charge of their common stock and property.
To him is committed the care of all money raised for
the general charity, and other uses of the Grand Lodge,
an account of which he is regularly to enter in a book,
with the respective uses for which the several sums
are intended. He is likewise to pay out, or expend the
same on such orders, signed as the rules of the Grand
Lodge in this respect shall allow to be valid.
The Grand Treasurer, by virtue of his office, is a
member of the Grand Lodge. He shall always he
present in the Lodge, and ready to attend the Grand
Master, and other Grand Officers, with his books for




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.        243
inspection when required; and likewise any committee
that may be appointed for adjusting and examining his
accounts.
Section Seventh.
OF THE GRAND TYLER AND GRAND PURSUIVANT.
These officers of the Grand Lodge must be Master
Masons, but none of them are members of the Grand
Lodge. The Tyler's duty is to attend at the door, to
see that none but members enter into the Lodge.
The business of the Pursuivant is to stand at the
inward door of the Grand Lodge, and to report the
names and titles of all that want admittance, as given
to him by the Tyler. He is also to go upon messages
and perform other services known in the Lodge.
ZThe Grand Deacons, whose duty is well known
in the Grand Lodge, as particular assistants to the
Grand Master and Senior Warden, in conducting the
business of the Lodge, are always members of the
same; and may be either nominated occasionally on
every Lodge night, or appointed annually.
Section Eighth.
GENERAL RULES FOR CONDUCTING THE BUSINESS OF
THE GRAND LODGE, IN CASES OF THE ABSENCE OF
ANY OF THE GRAND OFFICERS.
If the Grand Master is absent at any meeting of the
Grand Lodge, stated or occasional, the Deputy is to
supply his place.




244          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
If the Deputy is likewise absent, the Senior Grand
Warden takes the Chair, and in his absence the Junior
Grand Warden. All Grand Officers, Present and Past,
take place of every Master of a Lodge, and the present
Grand Officers take place of all Past Grand Officers.
Nevertheless, any of them may resign their privilege,
to do honor to any eminent brother or Past Master,
whom the Lodge may be willing to place in the chair
on any particular occasion.
If the Grand Officers are not present at any Grand
Lodge duly summoned, the Master of the Senior Private Lodge who may be present, is to take the chair,
although there may be Masters of Lodges present who
are older Masons.
But to prevent disputes, the Grand Master, when he
finds he must be necessarily absent from any Grand
Lodge, usually gives a special commission, under his
hand and seal of office, countersigned by the Grand
Secretary, to the Senior Grand Warden, or in his absence to the Junior, or in case of the absence of both,
to any other Grand Officer, or particular Master of a
Lodge, Past or Present, to supply his place, if the
Deputy Grand Master be necessarily absent.
But if there be no special commission, the general
rule of precedence is that the Junior Grand Warden
supplies the place of the Senior in his absence; and if
both are absent, the oldest former Grand Wardens take
place immediately, and act as Grand Wardens pro
tempo}re, unless they resign their privilege.




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.          245
When neither the Grand Wardens of the present,
nor of any former year, are in company, the Grand
Master, or he that legally presides in his stead, calls
forth whom he pleases, to act as Deputy Grand Master
and Grand Wardens, although the preference is generally given to the Master or Past Master of the oldest
Lodge present.  The presiding grand officer has the
further privilege of appointing a Secretary or any other
grand officer, if neither the stated officers, nor the
deputies of such of them as have a right to nominate a
deputy, be present.
In case of the death of a Grand Master, the same
order of succession and precedency takes place, as above
set forth, until a new Grand Master is duly chosen, and
installed.
Old Grand Officers may be again chosen officers of
private Lodges, and this does not deprive them of any
of the privileges to which, as old Grand Officers, they
are entitled in the Grand Lodge; only, an old Grand
Officer, being' the officer of a private Lodge, must depute a past officer of his particular Lodge to act for him
in the Grand Lodge, when he ascends to his former
rank in the same.
Section.~intlh.
OF GRAND VISITATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, ANNUAL
FEASTS, &C.
The Grand Master, with his Deputy, the Grand
Wardens, and Grand Secretary, shall, if possible, annually go at least once round, and visit all the Lodges




246          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
under his jurisdiction; or, when this laudable duty
becomes impracticable, from the extent of his jurisdiction
and large number of Lodges, he shall, as often as necessary, and if possible, annually, appoint visiters of
different districts, composed of his Grand Officers, and
such other assistants as he may think proper, who shall
make faithful report of their proceedings to the Grand
Lodge, according to the instructions given them.
When both the Grand Master and Deputy Grand
Master are absent, the Senior or Junior Grand Warden
may preside as Deputy in visiting Lodges, or in constituting any new Lodge.
The brethren of all the regular Lodges, in the same
general jurisdiction and Grand Communication, shall
meet in some convenient place on St. John's day, to
celebrate their festival; either in their own or any other
regular Lodge, as they shall judge most convenient.
And any brethren who are found true and faithful
members of the Ancient Craft, may be admitted. But
only those who are members of the Grand Lodge must
be present during the installation of Grand Officers.
CHAPTER VI.
Section First.
GENERAL REGULATIONS OF ANCIENT YORK MASONS.
I. The Grand Master, or Deputy, has full authority
and right, not only to be present, but also to preside in




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.          247
every Lodge, with the Master of the Lodge on his left
hand: and to order his Grand Wardens to attend him,
who are not to act as Wardens of particular Lodges,
but in his presence and at his command; for the Grand
Master while in a particular Lodge, may command the
Wardens of that Lodge, or any other Master Masons,
to act as his Wardens, pro tenroive.
II. The Master of a particular Lodge has the right
and authority of congregating the members of his Lodge
into a Chapter, upon any emergency or occurrence, as
well as to appoint the time and place of their usual
forming; and in case of death or sickness, or necessary
absence of the Master, the Senior Warden shall act as
Masterpro tem2pore, if no brother is present who has been
Master of that Lodge before; for the absent Master's
authority reverts to the last Master present; though he
connot act till the Senior Warden congregates the Lodge.
III. The Master of eachl particular Lodge, or one of
the Wardens, or some other brother, by appointment of
the Master, shall keep a book, containing their by-laws,
the names of their members, and a list of all the Lodges
in town, with the usual times and places of their forming,
and also the transactions of their own Lodge, that are
proper to be written.
IV. No Lodge shall make more than five new
brothers at one and the same time, without an urgent
necessity; nor any man under the age of twenty-five
years, who must be also his own master, unless by a
dispensation from the Grand Master.




248          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
V. No man can be accepted a member of a particular
Lodge without previous notice one month before given
to the Lodge, in order to make due enquiry into the
reputation and capacity of the candidate, unless by a
dispensation.
VI. But no man can be entered a brother in any
particular Lodge, or admitted a member thereof, without the unanimous consent of all the members of that
Lodge then present, when the candidate is proposed;
and when their consent is formally asked by the Master,
they are to give their consent in their own prudent way,
either virtually or in form, but with unanimity; nor is
this inherent privilege subject to a dispensation, because
the members of a particular Lodge are the best judges
of it; and because, if a turbulent member should be
imposed on them, it mighit spoil their harmony, or
hinder the freedom of their communication, or even
break or disperse the Lodge, which ought to be avoided
by all that are true and faithful.
VII. Every new brother, at his entry, is decently to
clothe the Lodge, that is, all the brethren present, and
to deposit something for the relief of the indigent and
decayed brethren, as the candidate shall see fit to bestow
over and above the small allowance that may be stated
in the by-laws of that particular Lodge, which charity
shall be kept by the cashier; also, the candidate shall
solemnly promise to submit to the Constitution, and
other good usages that shall be intimated to him in
time and place convenient.




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         249
VIII. No set or number of brethren shall withdraw
or separate themselves from the Lodge in which they
were made, or were afterwards admitted members,
unless the Lodge become too numerous; nor even
then, without a dispensation from the Grand Master
or Deputy; and when thus separated, they must either
immediately join themselves to such other Lodges that
they shall like best, who are willing to receive them,
or else obtain the Grand Master's Warrant to join in
formino a new Lodge, to be regularly constituted in
good time.
If any set or number of Masons shall take upon
themselves to form a Lodge without the Grand Master's
Warrant, the regular Lodges are not to countenance
them, nor own them as fair brethren duly formed, nor
approve of their acts and deeds; but must treat them
as rebels, until they humble themselves as the Grand
Master shall, in his prudence direct, and until he approve of them by his warrant signified to other Lodges,
as the custom is when a new Lodge is to be registered
in the Grand Lodge book.
IX. But if any brother so far misbehave himself as
to render his Lodge uneasy, he shall be thrice duly
admonished by the Master and Wardens in that Lodge
formed; and if he will not refrain his imprudence, nor
obediently submit to the advice of his brethren, he shall
be dealt with according to the by-laws of that particular
Lodge; or else in such a manner as the Grand Lodge




250          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
shall in their great prudence think fit, for which a new
regulation may be afterward made.
X. The majority of every particular Lodge, when
congregated, not else, shall have the privilege of giving
instructions to their Master and Wardens before the
meeting of the Grand Lodge, because the said officers
are their representatives, and supposed to speak the
sentiments of their brethren at the said Grand Lodge.
XI. All particular Lodges are to observe the like
usages as much as possible; in order to which, and
also for cultivating a good understanding among l'Fitemasons, some members of every Lodge should be
deputed to visit other Lodges as often as shall be
thought convenient.
XII. The Grand Lodge consists of, and is formed
by, the Masters and Wardens of all the particular
Lodges upon record, with the Grand Master at their
head, the Deputy on his left hand, and the Grand
Wardens in their places.
These must have their Quarterly Communications,
or monthly meetings and adjournments, as often as
occasion requires, in some convenient place, as the
Grand Master shall appoint, where none shall be present
but its own proper members, without leave asked and
given; and while such a stranger, though a brother,
stays, he is not allowed to vote, or even to speak on
any question, without leave of the Grand Lodge, or
unless he is desired to give his opinion.
All matters in the Grand Lodge are determined by




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         251
a majority of votes, each member having one vote, and
the Grand Master two votes, unless the Grand Lodge
leave any particular thing to the determination of the
Grand Master for the sake of expedition.
XIII. At the Grand Lodge meetings, all matters
that concern the Fraternity in general, or particular
Lodges, or single brothers, are sedately and maturely
to be discoursed of.
1. Apprentices must be admitted Fellow Crafts and
Masters only here, unless by a dispensation from the
Grand Master.
2. Here also all differences that cannot be made up
or accommodated privately, nor by a particular Lodge,
are to be seriously considered and decided; and if any
brother thinks himself aggrieved by the decision, he
may appeal to the Grand Lodge next ensuing, and
leave his appeal in writing with the Grand Master, the
Deputy, or Grand Wardens.
3. Hither also all the officers of particular Lodges
shall bring a list of such members as have been made,
or even admitted by them since the last Grand Lodge.
4. There shall be books kept by the Grand Master
or Deputy, or rather by some other brother appointed
Secretary of the Grand Lodge, wherein shall be recorded
all the Lodges, with the usual times and places of their
forming, and the names of all the members of each
Lodge; also, all the affairs of the Grand Lodge that
are proper to be written.
5. The Grand Lodge shall consider of the most




252          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
prudent and effectual means of collecting and disposing
of what money shall be lodged with them on charity,
towards the relief only of any true brother fallen into
poverty and decay, but none else.
6. But each particular Lodge may dispose of their
own charity for poor brothers, according to their own
by-laws, until it be agreed by all the Lodges in a new
regIulation, to carry in the charity collected by them to
the Grand Lodge at the Quarterly or Annual Communication, in order to make a common stock for the more
handsome relief of poor brethren.
7. They shall appoint a Treasurer, a brother of
worldly substance, who shall be a member of the Grand
Lodge by virtue of his office, and shall be always present, and have power to move to the Grand Lodge any
thing that concerns his office.
3. To him shall be committed all money raised for
the general charity, or for any other use of the Grand
Lodge, which lie shall write down in a book, with the
respective ends and uses for which the several sums
are intended, and shall expend or disburse the same
by such a certain order, signed as the Grand Lodge
shall hereafter agree to in a new regulation.
But by virtue of his office, as Treasurer, without any
other qualification, he shall not vote in choosing a new
Grand Master and Grand Wardens, though in every
other transaction.
9. In like manner the Secretary shall be a member
of the Grand Lodge, by virtue of his office, and shall
vote in every thing, except in choosing Grand Officers.




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         253
10. The Treasurer and Secretary may each have a
Clerk or Assistant, if they think fit, who must be a
brother and a Master Mason, but must never be a
member of the Grand Lodge, nor speak without being
allowed or commanded.
11. The Grand Master or Deputy have authority
always to command the Treasurer and Secretary to
attend him, with their Clerks and books, in order to
see how matters go on, and to know what is expedient
to be done upon an emergency.
12. Another brother and Master Mason should be
appointed the Tyler, to look after the door; but he
must be no member of the Grand Lodge.
13. But these offices may be further explained by
a new regulation, when the necessity or expediency
of them  may more appear than at present to the
Fraternity.
XIV. Ift at any Grand Lodge, stated or occasional,
monthly or annual, the Grand Master and Deputy
should both be absent, then the present Master of a
Lodge that has been longest a Freemason, shall take
the chair and preside as Grand Master, pro tempore,
and shall be vested with all the honor and power for
the time being, provided there is no brother present
that has been Grand Master or Deputy formerly; for
the last former Grand Master or Deputy in company
takes place of right in the absence of a Grand Master
or Deputy.
XV. In the Grand Lodge none can act as Wardens




254          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
but the present Grand Wardens, if in company; and,
if absent, the Grand Master shall order private Wardens
to act as Grand Wardens, pro temrpore, whose places
are to be supplied by two Fellow Crafts or Master
Masons of the same Lodge, called forth to act, or sent
thither by the Master thereof; or if by him omitted,
the Grand Master, or he that presides, shall call them
forth to act, so that the Grand Lodge may be always
complete.
XVI. 1. The Grand Wardens or any others, are
first to advise with the Deputy about the affairs of the
Lodges of private single brothers, and are not to apply
to the Grand Master without the knowledge of the
Deputy, unless he refuselis concurrence.
2. In which case, or in case of any difference of
sentiment between the Deputy and Grand Wardens,
or other brothers, both parties are to go to the Grand
Master by consent; who, by virtue of his great authority and power, can easily decide the controversy and
make up the difference.
3. The Grand Master should not receive any private
intimation of business concerning Masons and masonry,
but from his Deputy first, except in such cases as his
Worship can easily judge of; and if the application to
the Grand Master be irregular, his Worship can order
the Grand Wardens, or any so applying, to wait upon
the Deputy, who is speedily to prepare the business
and lay it orderly before his Worship.
XVII. No Grand Master, Grand Warden, Treasurer




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         255
or Secretary, or whoever acts for them, or in their
stead,pro tempore, can, at the same time, act as the
Master or Warden of a particular Lodge; but as soon
as any of them has discharged his public office, he
returns to that post or station in his particular Lodge
from which he was called to officiate.
XVIII. 1. If the Deputy be sick, or necessarily
absent, the Grand Master can choose any brother he
pleases, to act as his Deputy, pro tempore.
2. But he that is chosen Deputy at the installation,
and also the Grand Wardens, cannot be discharged,
unless the cause fairly appear to the Grand Lodge.
3. For the Grand Master, if he is uneasy, may call
a Grand Lodge on purpose to lay the case before them
for their advice and concurrence.
And if the members of the Grand Lodge cannot
reconcile the Grand Master with his Deputy or Wardens, they are to allow the Grand Master to discharge
his Deputy or Wardens, and to choose another Deputy
immediately; and the same Grand Lodge, in that case,
shall forthwith choose other Grand Wardens, so that
harmony and peace may be preserved.
XIX. If the Grand Master should abuse his great
power, and render himself unworthy of the obedience
and submission of the Lodge, he shall be treated in a
way and manner to be agreed upon in a new regulation,
because hitherto the ancient Fraternity have had no
occasion for it.
XX. The Grand Master with his Deputy, Grand




256          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
Wardens, and Secretary, shall, at least once, go round
and visit all the Lodges about town during his mastership.
XXI. If the Grand Master dies during his mastership,
or by sickness, or by being beyond sea, or any other
way be rendered incapable of discharging his office, the
Deputy, or in his absence the Senior Grand Warden,
or in his absence the Junior Grand Warden, or in his
absence any three Masters of Lodges shall assemble
the Grand Lodge immediately, in order to advise together upon the emergency, and to send two of their
number to invite the last Grand Master to resume his
office, which now of course reverts to him; and if he
refuses to act, then the next last, and so backward;
but if no former Grand Master be found, the present
Deputy shall act as principal till a new Grand Master
is chosen; or if there be no Deputy, then the oldest
Mason, the present Master of a Lodge.
XXII. The brethren of all the regular Lodges in and
near the city of London, shall meet in some convenient
place on every St. John's day; and when business is
over, they may repair to their festival dinners, as they
shall think most convenient; and when St. John's day
happen to be on a Sunday, then the public meeting
shall be on the next Monday.
The Grand Lodge must meet in some convenient
place on St. John the Evangelist's day, in every year,
in order to proclaim the new or recognize the old Grand
Master, Deputy, and Grand Wardens.




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.          251
XXIII. If the present Grand Master shall consent to
continue a second year, then one of the Grand Lodge
deputed for that purpose, shall represent to all the
brethren, his Worship's good government, &c., and
turning to him, shall, in the name of the Grand Lodge,
humbly request him to do the Fraternity the great
honor, if nobly born, if not, the great kindness, of continuing to be their Grand Master for the year ensuing;
and his Worship declaring his consent thereto, in
manner lie thinks proper, the Grand Secretary shall
thrice proclaim him aloud-GRAND MASTER OF MASONS.
All the members of the Grand Lodge shall salute
him in due form, according to the ancient and laudable
customs of FreemaLsons.
XXIV. The present Grand Master shall nominate
his successor for the year ensuing; who, if unanimously
approved of by the Grand Lodge, and there present,
he shall be proclaimed, saluted and congratulated, the
new Grand Master as before hinted; and immediately
be installed by the last Grand Master, according to an
ancient usage.
But if that nomination is not unanimously approved,
the new Grand Mlaster shall be chosen immediately by
ballot, viz.: every Master and Warden writing his man's
name, and the last Grand Master writing his man's
name too, and the man whose name the last Grand
Master shall first take out casually, or by chance, shall
be Grand Master of Masons for the year ensuing: and
if present, he shall be proclaimed, saluted and congrat17




258          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
ulated, as before hinted, and forthwith installed by the
last Grand Master, according to usage.
XXV. 1. The last Grand Master thus continued, or
the new Grand Master thus installed, shall next, as his
inherent right, nominate and appoint his Deputy Grand
Master, either the last, or a new one, who shall also
be proclaimed, saluted and congratulated, in due form.
2. The new Grand Master shall also nominate his
new Grand Wardens; and, if unanimously approved
by the Grand Lodge, they shall also be forthwith proclaimed, saluted and congratulated, in due forrm.
XXVI. That if any brother whom the present Grand
Master shall nominate for his successsor, or whom the
Grand Lodge shall choose by ballot, as above, be out of
town, and has returned his answer that he will accept
of the office of Grand Master, he shall be proclaimed,
as before in regulation XXIII., and may be installed
by proxy, which proxy must be the present or former
Grand Master, who shall act in his name, and receive
the usual honors, homage and congratulations.
XXVII. Every Grand Lodge has an inherent power
and authority to make new regulations, or to alter those
for the real benefit of the ancient fraternity, provided
always, that the old landmarks be carefully preserved,
and that such new regulations and alterations be proposed and agreed to by the Grand Lodge, and that
they be submitted to the perusal of all the brethren, in
writing, whose approbation and consent, or the majority
thereof, is absolutely necessary to make the same




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.          259
binding and obligatory; which must, therefore, after the
new Grand Master is installed, be solemnly desired and
obtained from the Grand Lodge, as it was for these old
regulations, by a great number of brethren.
Section Second.
REGULATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE GRAND
LODGE, DURING TIE TIME OF PUBLIC BUSINESS.
XXVIII. 1. That no brother be admitted into the
Grand Lodge, but the immediate members thereof, viz:
the four present and all former Grand Officers, the
Treasurer, and Secretary, the Masters, Wardens, and
Past Masters of all regular Lodges, except a brother
who is a petitioner, or a witness in some case, or one
called in by motion.
2, That at the third stroke of the Grand Master's
gavel, there shall be a general silence; and that he
who breaks silence, without leave from the chair, shall
be publicly reprimanded.
3. That under the same penalty every brother shall
keep his seat, and keep strict silence whenever the
Grand Master or his Deputy shall think fit to rise from
the chair, and call to order.
4. That in the Grand Lodge every member shall
keep in his seat, (according to the number of his
Lodge,) and not move about from place to place during
the communication, except the Grand Wardens, as
having more immediately the care of the Grand Lodge.
5. That no brother is to speak but once to the same




260          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
affair, unless to explain himself, or when called upon
by the chair to speak.
6. Every one that speaks shall rise, and keep standing, addressing himself in a proper manner to the chair;
nor shall any presume to interrupt him, under the
aforesaid penalty; unless the Grand Master find him
wandering from the point in hand, and shall think fit
to reduce him to order; for then the said speaker shall
sit down: but after he has been set right, he may again
proceed, if he pleases.
7. If in the Grand Lodge any member is twice called
to order at any one assembly, for transgressing these
rules, and is guilty of a third offence of the same nature,
the chair shall peremptorily order him to quit the Lodge
room for that night.
8. That whoever shall be so rude as to hiss at any
brother, or at what another says or has said, he shall
be forthwith solemnly excluded the communication,
and declared incapable of ever being a member of any
Grand Lodge for the future, till another time he publicly
owns his fault, and his grace be granted.
In order to preserve harmony, it was thought necessary to use counters and a ballotting box when occasion
requires.
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep
my commandments, and remove not the ANCIENT LANDMARKS which thy fathers have set. —SoLoMON,




THE
CONSTITUTIONS OF THE  FREE  MASONS;
CONTAINING TIIE HISTORY, CHARGES, REGULATIONS, &C.,
OF THAT MOST ANCIENT AND RIGIHT
WTORSHIIPFUL FRATERNITY.
THE CHARGES OF A FPEE MASON,
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.
TIIE 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 Apprentices.
V. Of the Management of the Craft in Worling.
VI. Of Behaviour, viz:
1. In the Lodge while constituted.




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
THE following Constitutions are re-published from the first
copy ever printed. At the Grand Lodge of England held on
the 24th of June, 1721, the Duke of Montagu was elected
Grand Master, who requested Dr. Desaguliers and James
Anderson, D. D., "men of genius and education, to revise,
arrange, and digest the Gothic Constitutions, old clharges,
and general regulations." This task they faitlrfully executed;
and at the ensuing Grand Lodge held at the Queen's Arms,
St. Paul's church yard, on the 27th of December 1721, being
the festival of St. John the Evangelist, they presented the
same for approbation.  A committee of fourteen learned
Brothers was then appointed to examine the manuscript, and
to make their report; and on this occasion several very
entertaining lectures were delivered, and much useful information given by a few old Brethren.
At a Grand Lodge held at the Fountain Tavern in the
Strand in ample form on the 25th of March 1722, the committee reported that they had perused the manuscript containing the History, Charges, Regulations, &c., of masonry,
and after some amendments had approved thereof.  The
Grand Lodge ordered the whole to be prepared for the press,
and printed with all possible expedition. This order was
strictly obeyed, and in little more than two years the Book
of Constitutions appeared in print, under the following title:' The Book of Constitutions of the Free Masons: Containing
the History, Charges, Regulations, &c., of that most Ancient
and Right Worshipful Fraternity. For the use of the Lodges.'
London, 1723.
From that edition the following is re-published, for the
purpose of placing it within the reach of every Mason, and
preserving it for the craft in all coming time.
C. MOORE.
CINCT-TNATI, Sept. 1 850.




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         263
2. After the Lodge is over, and the Brethren not
gone.
3. When Brethren meet without strangers, but not
in a Lodgte.
4. In presence of strangers not Masons.
5. At home, and in the neighberhood.
6. Towards a strange Brothler.
I. CONCERNING GOD AND RELIGION.
A Mason is obliged, 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 thalt country or nation,
whatever it was, yet'tis now thought more expedient
only to oblige them to that religion in which all men
agree, leavin;g 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 distinguished; whereby masonry becomes the
center of union, and the means of conciliating true
friendship among persons that must have remained at
a perpetual distance.
II. OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE, SUPREME AND SUBORDINATE.
A Masonis to be a peaceable subject to the civil powers,
wherever he resides or works, and is never to be concerned in plots and conspiracies against the peace and




264          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
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 disposed to
encourage the craftsmen; because of their peaceableness
and loyalty, whereby they practically answered the
cavils of their adversaries, and pro-moted the honor of
the fraternity, who ever flourished in times of peace.
So that if a brother should be a rebel against the State,
he is not to be countenanced 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 cannot 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 organized society
of Masons, is called a Lodge, and every brother ought
-to belong to one, and to be subject to its by-laws and
general regulations.  It is either particular or general,
and will be best understood by attending it, and by
tile regulations of the General or Grand Lodge hereunto
annexed.  In ancient times, no Master or Fellow could
be absent from it, especially when warned to appear at
it, without incurring, a severe censure, until it appeared




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         265
to the Master and Wardens, that pure necessity hindered
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.
VI. OF MASTERS, WARDENS, FELLOWS, ANiD 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
Royal Craft despised: 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 Mlaster 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 qualified, 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.




2:66         ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
No brother can be a Warden until he has passed the
part of a Fellow Craft; nor a Master until he has acted
as a Warden, nor Grand Warden until he has been
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 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 obeyed 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




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         267
appointed the Master, or Overseer of the lord's
work; who is to be called 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 accustomed to journey.
None shall disvover 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 drafts 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 employed, shall meekly receive their
wages, without murmuring or mutiny, and not desert
the Master till the work is finished.




268          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
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 Grand 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. OF BEHAVIOUR, VIZ:
1. IN THE LODGE WHILE CONSTITUTED.
You are not to hold private committees, or separate
conversation, without leave from the Master, nor to talk
of any thing 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 referred,
unless a lord's work be hindered the mean while, in




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         269
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 any thing 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 nations, 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 resolved against all
politics, as what never yet conduced to the welfare of
the Lodge, nor ever will. This charge has been always
strictly enjoined 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,




270          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
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
honor, especially if he has deserved well of the brotherhood, who must give honor to whom it is due, and
avoid ill manners.
4. BEHAVIOUR IN PRESENCE OF STRANGERS NOT MASONS.
You shall be cautious 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 NEIGHBORHOOD.
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, &c., but wisely
to consult your own honor, and that of the ancient
brotherhood, for reasons not to be mentioned 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 avoiding of gluttony or drunkenness, thalt your families be not neglected or injured,
nor you disabled from working.




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         27 l1
6. BEIIAVIOUR TOWARDS A STRANGE BROTHER.
You are cautiously to examine him, in such a method
as prudence shall direct you, that you may not be imposed 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 relieved: 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 tlat are to be communicated to you in another way; cultivating brotherly love, the foundation
and cap-stone, the cement and glory of this ancient
fraternity, avoiding all wrangling and quarrelling, all
slander and backbiting, nor permitting others to slander
any honest brother, but defending his character, and
doing him all good offices, as far as is consistent with
your honor and safety, and no farther. 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




272         ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
ancient laudable conduct of our forefathers in every
nation; never taking a legal course but when the case
cannot 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 affair 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 to 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 renewed and continued;
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.




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         273
P O ST SCRIPT.
A worthy brother, learned in the law, has communicated to the Author (while this sheet was printing)
the opinion of the great Judge Coke upon the act against
Masons, 3 Hen. VI. Chap. 1. which is printed in this
Book, page, 35, and which quotation the Author has
compared with the original, Yiz:
COKE S INSTITUTES, 3D PART, FOL. 99.
The cause wherefore this offence was made felony, is
for that the good course and effect of the statutes of
laborers were thereby violated and broken.  Now,
(says my Lord Coke) all the statutes concerning laborers, before this act, and whereunto this act doth
refer, are repealed by the statute of 5. Eliz. Cap. 4.
whereby the cause and end of the making of this act,
is taken away; and consequently this act is become of
no force or effect: for cessante ratione Legis, cessat i'psa
Lex: And the indictment of felony upon this statute
must contain, that those Chapters and Congregations
were to the violating and breaking of the good course
and effect of the statutes of laborers; which now cannot
be so alleged, because the statutes be repealed. Therefore, this would be put out of the charge of justices of
peace, written by Master Lambert, p. 227.
This quotation confirms the tradition of old Masons,
that this most learned Judge really belonged to the
ancient Lodge, and was a faithful brother.
18




274          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
GENERAL REGULATIONS,
Compiled first by Mr. George Payne, Anno, 1720,
when he was Grand Master, and approved by the
Grand Lodge on St. John Baptist's Day, Anno, 1721,
at Stationer's Hall, London; when the most noble
prince, JOHN, DUKE OF MONTAGU, was unanimously
chosen our Grand Master for the year ensuing; who
chose JOHN BEAL, M. D. his Deputy Grand Master;
Mr. JosIAH VILLINEAU, and Mr. TIIOMAs MoRRIS, Jr.
were chosen by the Lodge Grand Wardens. And
now, by the command of our said Right Worshipful
Grand Master MONTAGU, the Author of this Book
has compared them with, and reduced them to the
ancient records and immemorial usages of the Fraternity, and digested them into this new method,
with several proper explications, for the use of the
Lodges in and about London and Westminster.
I. The Grand Master. or his Deputy, bath authority
and right, not only to be present in any true Lodge,
but also to preside wherever he is, with the Master of
the Lodge on his left hand, and to order his Grand
Wardens to attend him, who are not to act in particular
Lodges as Wardens, but in his presence, and at his
command; because there the Grand Master may command the Wardens of that Lodge, or any other brethren, he pleaseth, to attend and act as his Wardens pro
tempore.




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.          275
II. The Master of a particular Lodge has the right
and authority of congregating the members of his Lodge
into a Chapter at pleasure, upon any emergency or
occurrence, as well as to appoint the time and place of
their usual forming: And in case of sickness, death,
or necessary absence of the Master, the Senior Warden
shall act as Master pro tempore, if no brother is present
who has been rMaster of that Lodge before; for in that
case, the absent Master's authority reverts to the last
Master then present, though he cannot act until the
said Senior Warden has once congregated the Lodge,
or in his absence the Junior Warden.
III. The Master of each particular Lodge, or one
of the Wardens, or some other brother by his order,
shall keep a book containing' their by-laws, the names
of their mnembers, with a list of all the Lodges in town,
and the usual times and places of their forming, and
all their transactions that are proper to be written.
IV. TNo Lodoge shall make more than five new
brethren at one time, nor any man under the age of
twenty-five, who must be also his own master; unless
by a dispensation from the Grand Master or his Deputy.
V. No man can be made or admitted a member of
a particular Lodge, without previous notice, one month
before given to the said Lodg'e, in order to make due
enquiry into the reputation and capacity of the candidate; unless by the dispensation aforesaid.
VI. But no man can be entelred a Brother in any
particular Lodge, or admitted to be a member thereof,




276          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
without the unanimous consent of all the members of
that Lodge then present, when the candidate is proposed, and their consent is formally asked by the
Master; and they are to signify their consent or dissent
in their own prudent way, either virtually or in form,
but with unanimity; nor is this inherent privilege
subject to a dispensation; because the members of a
particular Lodge are the best judges of it; and if a
fractious member should be imposed on them, it might
spoil their harmony, or hinder their freedom: or even
break and disperse the Lodge, which ought to be
avoided by all good and true brethren.
VII. Every new brother at his making is decently to
clothe the Lodge, that is, all the brethren present, and
to deposit something for the relief of the indigent and
decayed brethren, as the candidate shall think fit to
bestow, over and above the small allowance stated by
the by-laws of that particular Lodge: which charity
shall be lodged with the Master or Wardens, or the
cashier, if the members think fit to choose one.
And the candidate shall also solemnly promise to
submit to the Constitutions, the Charges, and Regulations, and to such other good usages as shall be intimated to them in time and place convenient.
VIII. No set or number of brethren shall withdraw
or sepaiate themselves from the Lodge in which they
were made brethren, or were afterwards admitted
members, unless the Lodge becomes too numerous,
nor even then, without a dispensation from the Grand




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         277
Master or his Deputy: And when they are thus separated, they must either immediately join themselves
to such other Lodge as they shall like best, with the
unanimous consent of that other Lodge to which they
go (as above regulated) or else they must obtain the
Grand Master's warrant to join in forming a new Lodge.
If any set or number of Masons shall take upon
themselves to form a Lodg'e without the Grand Master's
warrant, the regular Lodges are not to countenance
them, nor own them as fair brethren and duly formed,
nor approve of their acts and deeds; but must treat
them as rebels, until they humble themselves, as the
Grand Master shall, in his prudence direct, and until
he approve of them by his warrant, which must be
signified to the other Lodges, as the custom is when a
new Lodge is to be registered in the list of Lodges.
IX. But if any brother so far misbehave himself as
to render his Lodge uneasy, he shall be twice duly
admonished by the Master or Wardens in a formed
Lodge; and if he will not refrain his imprudence, and
obediently submit to the advice of the brethren, and
reform what gives them offence, he shall be dealt with
according to the by-laws of that particular Lodge, or
else in such a manner as the Quarterly Communication
shall in their great prudence think fit; for which a new
regulation may be afterwards made.
X. The majority of every particular Lodge, when
congregated, shall have the privilege of giving instructions to their Master and Wardens, before the assem



278          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
bling of the Grand Chapter, or Lodge, at the three
Quarterly Communications hereafter mentioned, and
of the Annual Grand Lodge too; because their Master
and Wardens are their representatives, and are supposed
to speak their mind.
XI. All particular Lodges are to observe the same
usages as much as possible; in order to which, and for
cultivating a good understanding among Free Masons,
some members out of every Lodge shall be deputed to
visit the other Lodges as often as shall be thought
convenient.
XII. The Grand Lodge consists of, and is formed
by the Masters and Wardens of all the regular particular Lodges upon record, with the Grand Master at
their head, and his Deputy on his left hand, and the
Grand Wardens in their proper places; and must have
a Quarterly Communication about Michaelmas, Christmas, and Lady-Day, in some convenient place, as the
Grand Master shall appoint, where no brother shall be
present, who is not at that time a member thereof,
without a dispensation; and while he stays, he shall
not be allowed to vote, nor even give his opinion,
without leave of the Grand Lodge, asked and given, or
unless it be duly asked by the said Lodge.
All matters are to be determined in the Grand Lodge
by a majority of votes, each member having one vote,
and the Grand Master having two votes, unless the said
Lodge leave any particular thing to the determination
of the Grand Master, for the sake of expedition.




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.          279
XIII. At the said Quarterly Communication, all
matters that concern the Fraternity in general, or particular Lodges, or single brethren, are quietly, sedately,
and maturely to be discoursed of and transacted: Apprentices must be admitted Masters and Fellow Craft
only here, unless by a dispensation.  Here also all
differences, that cannot be made up and accommodated
privately, nor by a particular Lodge, are to be seriously
considered and decided. And if any brother thinks
himself aggrieved by the decision of this board, he may
appeal to the Annual Grand Lodge next ensuing, and
leave his appeal in writing, with the Grand Master, or
his Deputy, or the Grand Wardens.
Here also, the Master or the Wardens of each particular Lodge, shall bring and produce a list of such
members as have been made, or even admitted in their
particular Lodges, since the last communication of the
Grand Lodge: And there shall be a book kept by the
(rrand Master, or his Deputy, or rather by some brother
whom the Grand Lodge shall appoint for Secretary,
wherein shall be recorded all the Lodges, with their
usual times and places of forming, and names of all
the members of each Lodge; and all the affairs of the
Grand Lodge that are proper to be written.
They shall also consider of the most prudent and
effectual methods of collecting and disposing of what
money shall be given to, or lodged with them in charity,
towards the relief only of any true brother, fallen into
poverty or decay, but of none else: But every particular




280,ANCIENT  OINSTITU'l'l'TI'OS.
Lodge shall dispose of tCheir own charity for poor
brethren, according to their own by-laws, until it be
agreed by all the Lodges (in a new regulation) to
carry in the charity collected by them to the Grand
Lodge at the Quarterly or Annual Communication, in
order to make a comumon stock of it, for the more
handsome relief of poor brethren.
They shall also appoint a Treasurer, a brother of
good worldly substance, who shall be a member of the
Grand Lodge by virtue of his office, and shall be always
present, and have power to move to the Grand Lodge
any thing, especially what concerns his office.  To him
shall be committed all money raised for charity, or for
any other use of the Grand Lodge, which he shall write
down in a book, with the respective ends and uses for
which the several sums are intended; and shall expend
or disburse the same by such a certain order signed,
as the Grand Lodge shall afterwards agree to in a new
regulation: But he shall not vote in choosing a Grand
Master or Wardens, though in every other transaction.
As in like manner the Secretary shall be a member of
the Grand Lodge by virtue of his office, and vote in
every thing except in choosing a Grand Master or
Wardens.
The Treasurer cand Secretary shall have each a clerk,
who must be a brother and Fellow Craft, but never
must be a member of the Grand Lodge, nor speak
without being, allowed or desired.
The Grand Miaster, or his Deputy, shall always




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         281
command the Treasurer and Secretary, with their
clerks and books, in order to see how matters go on,
and to know what is expedient to be done upon any
emergent occasion.
Another brother (who must be a Fellow Craft) should
be appointed to look after the door of the Grand Lodge;
but shall be no member of it.
But these offices may be farther explained by a new
regulation, when the necessity and expediency of them
may more appear than at present to the Fraternity.
XIV. If at any Grand Lodge, stated or occasional,
quarterly or annual, the Grand Master and his Deputy
should be both absent, then the present Master of
a Lodge, that has been the longest a Free Mason,
shall take the chair, and preside as Grand Master pro
tempore; and shall be vested with all his power and
honor for the time; provided there is no brother present
that has been Grand Master formerly, or Deputy Grand
Master; for the last Grand Master present, or else the
last Deputy present, should always of right, take place
in the absence of the present Grand Master and his
Deputy.
XV. In the Grand Lodge none can act as Wardens
but the Grand Wardens themselves, if present; and if
absent, the Grand Master, or the person who presides
in his place, shall order private Wardens to act as Grand
Wardens pro temzpore, whose places are to be supplied
by two Fellow Craft of the same Lodge, called forth
to act, or sent thither by the particular Master theredf;




282          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
or if by him omitted, then they shall be called by the
Grand Master, that so the Grand Lodge may be always
complete.
XVI. The Grand Wardens or any others, are first
to advise with the Deputy about the affairs of the Lodge
or of the brethren, and not to apply to the Grand Master without the knowledge of the Deputy, unless he
refuse his concurrence in any certain necessary affair;
in which case, or in case of any difference between the
Deputy and the Grand Wardens, or other brethren,
both parties are to go by concert to the Grand Master,
who can easily decide the controversy, and make up
the difference by virtue of his great authority.
The Grand Master should receive no intimation of
business concerning masonry, but from his Deputy first,
except in such certain cases as his Worship can well
judge of; for if the application to the Grand Master be
irregular, he can easily order the Grand Wardens, or
any other brethren thus applying, to wait upon his
Deputy, who is to prepare the business speedily, and
to lay it orderly before his Worship.
XVII. No Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master,
Grand Wardens, Treasurer, Secretary, or whoever acts
for them, or in their stead, pro tempore, can at the same
time be the Master or Warden of a particular Lodge;
but as soon as any of them has honorably discharged his
Grand Office, he returns to that post or station in his
particular Lodge, from which he was called to officiate
above.




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         283
XVIII. If the Deputy Grand Master be sick, or
necessarily absent, the Grand Master may choose any
Fellow Craft he pleases, to be his Deputy pro lempore.
But he that is chosen Deputy at the Grand Lodge, and
the Grand Wardens too, cannot be discharged without
the cause fairly appear to the majority of the Grand
Lodge; and the Grand Master if he is uneasy, may call
a Grand Lodge on purpose to lay the cause before them,
and to have their advice and concurrence: In which
case, the majority of the Grand Lodge, if they cannot
reconcile the Master and his Deputy or his Wardens, are
to concur in allowing the Master to discharge his said
Deputy or his said Wardens, and to choose another
Deputy immediately; and the said Grand Lodge shall
choose other Wardens in that case, that harmony and
peace may be preserved.
XIX. If the Grand Master should abuse his power,
and render himself unworthy of the obedience and
subjection of the Lodge, he shall be treated in a way
and manner to be agreed upon in a new regulation;
because hitherto the ancient Fraternity have had no
occasion for it, their former Grand Masters having all
behaved themselves worthy of that honorable office.
XX. The Grand Master with his Deputy and Wardens, shall (at least once) go round and visit all the
Lodges about town during his Mastership.
XXI.. If the Grand Master die during his Mastership,
or by sickness, or by being beyond sea, or any other
way should be rendered uncapable of discharging his




284          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
office, the Deputy, or in his absence the Senior Grand
Warden, or in his absence the Junior, or in his absence
any three present Masters of Lodges, shall join to
congregate the Grand Lodge immediately, to advise
together upon that emergency, and to send two of their
number to invite the last Grand Master to resume his
office, which now in course reverts to him; or if he
refuse, then the next last, and so backward: But if no
former Grand Master can be found, then the Deputy
shall act as principal, until another is chosen; or if
there be no deputy, then the oldest Master.
XXII. The brethren of all the Lodges in and about
London and Westminster, shall meet at an Annual
Communication and Feast, in some convenient place,
on St. John Baptist's day, or else on St. John Evangelist's day, as the Grand Lodge shall think fit by a new
regulation, having of late years met on St. John Baptist's day: Provided, the majority of the Masters and
Wardens, with the Grand Master, his Deputy and
Wardens, agree at their Quarterly Communication,
three months before, that there shall be a feast, and a
General Communication of all the brethren: For, if
either the Grand Master, or the majority of the particular
Masters, are against it, it must be dropt for that time.
But whether there shall be a feast for all the brethren,
or not, yet the Grand Lodge must meet in some convenient place annually on St. John's day; or if it be
Sunday, then on the next day, in order to choose every
year a new Grand Master, Deputy, and Wardens.




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         285
XXIII. If it be thought expedient, and the Grand
Master, with the majority of the Masters and Wardens,
agree to hold a Grand Feast, according to the ancient
laudable custom of Masons, then the Grand Wardens
shall have the care of preparing the tickets, sealed
with the Grand Master's seal, of disposing of the tickets,
of receiving the money for the tickets, of buying the
materials of the feast, of finding out a proper and
convenient place to feast in, and of every other thing
that concerns the entertainment.
But that the work may not be too burthensome to
the two Grand Wardens, and that all matters may be
expeditiously and safely managed, the Grand Master,
or his Deputy shall have power to nominate and appoint a certain number of Stewards, as his Worship
shall think fit, to act in concert with the two Grand
Wardens; all things relating to the feast being decided
amongst them by a majority of voices; except the
Grand Master or his Deputy interpose by a particular
direction or appointment.
XXIV. The Wardens and Stewards shall, in due
time, wait upon the Grand Master, or his Deputy, for
directions and orders about the premises; but if his
Worship and his Deputy are sick, or necessarily absent,
they shall call together the Masters and Wardens of
Lodges to meet on purpose for their advice and orders;
or else they may take the matter wholly upon themselves, and do the best they can.
The Grand Wardens and the Stewards are to account




286          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
for all the money they receive, or expend, to the Grand
Lodge, after dinner, or when the Grand Lodge shall
think fit to receive their accounts.
If the Grand Master pleases, he may in due time
summon all the Masters and Wardens of Lodges to
consult with them about ordering the Grand Feast,
and about any emergency or accidental thing relating
thereunto, that may require advice; or else to take it
upon himself altogether.
XXV. The Masters of Lodges shall each appoint one
experienced and discreet Fellow Craft of his Lodge, to
compose a committee, consisting of one from every
Lodge, who shall meet to receive, in a convenient
appartment, every person that brings a ticket, and shall
have power to discourse him, if they think fit, in order
to admit him, or debar him, as they shall see cause.
Provided, they send no man away before they have
acquainted all the brethren within the doors with the
reason thereof, to avoid mistakes; that so no true
brother may be debarred, nor a false brother, or mere
pretender admitted. This committee must meet very
early on St. John's day at the place, even before any
persons come with tickets.
XXVI. The Grand Master shall appoint two or more
trusty brethren to be porters, or door-keepers, who are
also to be early at the place, for some good reasons;
and who are to be at the command of the committee.
XXVII. The Grand Wardens, or the Stewards, shall
appoint beforehand such a number of brethren to serve




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.          287
at table as they think fit and proper for that work; and
they may advise with the Masters and Wardens of
Lodges about the most proper persons, if they please,
or may take in such by their recommendation; for none
are to serve that day, but free and accepted Masons,
that the Communication may be free and harmonious.
XXVIII. All the members of the Grand Lodge must
be at the place long before dinner, with the Grand
Master, or his Deputy, at their head, who shall retire,
and form themselves.  And this is done in order,
1. To receive any appeals duly lodged, as above
regulated, that the appellant may be heard, and the
affair may be amicably decided before dinner, if possible; but if it cannot, it must be delayed till after the
new  Grand Master is elected; and if it cannot be
decided after dinner, it may be delayed, referred to a
particular committee, that shall quietly adjust it, and
make report to the next Quarterly Communication, that
brotherly love may be preserved.
2. To prevent any difference or disgust which may
be feared to arise that day; that no interruption may
be given to the harmony and pleasure of the Grand
Feast.
3. To consult about whatever concerns the decency
and decorum of the Grand Asssembly, and to prevent
all indecency and ill manners, the assembly being
promiscuous.
4. To receive and consider of any good motion, or
any momentous and important affair, that shall be




288          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
brought from the particular Lodges, by their Representatives, the several Masters and Wardens.
XXIX. After these things are discussed, the Grand
Master and his Deputy, the Grand Wardens, or the
Stewards, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Clerks,
and every other person, shall withdraw, and leave the
Masters and Wardens of the particular Lodges alone,
in order to consult amicably about electing a new Grand
Master, or continuing the present, if they have not done
it the day before: and if they are unanimous for continuing the present Grand Master, his Worship shall
be called in, and humbly desired to do the fiaternity
the honor of ruling them  for the year ensuing: and
after dinner it will be known whether he accepts of it
or not: for it should not be discovered but by the
election itself.
XXX. Then the Masters and Wardens, and all the
brethren, may converse promiscuously, or as they please
to sort together, until the dinner is coming in, when
every brother takes his seat at table.
XXXI. Some time after dinner the Grand Lodge is
formed, not in retirement, but in the presence of all the
brethren, who yet are not members of it, and must not
speak until they are desired and allowed.
XXXII. If the Grand Master of last year has consented with the Master and Wardens in private, before
dinner, to continue for the year ensuing, then one of
the Grand Lodge, deputed for that purpose, shall
represent to all the brethren his Worship's good gov



ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.         289
ernment, &c. And turning to him, shall, in the name
of the Grand Lodge, humbly request him to do the
fraternity the great honor (if nobly born, if not) the
great kindness, of continuing to be their Grand Master
for the year ensuing. And his Worship declaring his
consent by a bow or speech, as he pleases, the said
deputed member of the Grand Lodge shall proclaim
him Grand Master, and all the members of the Lodge
shall salute him in due form. And all the brethren
shall for a few minutes have leave to declare their
satisfaction, pleasure and congratulation.
XXXIII. But if either the Master and Wardens have
not in private, this day before dinner, nor the day before,
desired the last Grand Master to continue in the Mastership another year; or if he, when desired, has not
consented: then, the last Grand Master shall nominate
his successor for the year ensuing, who, if unanimously
approved by the Grand Lodge, and if there present,
shall be proclaimed, saluted, and congratulated the new
Grand Master as above hinted, and immediately installed
by the last Grand Master, according to usage.
XXXIV. But, if that nomination is not unanimously
approved, the new Grand Master shall be chosen immediately by ballot, every Master and Warden writing
his man's name, and the last Grand Master writing
his man's name too; and the man, whose name the
last Grand Master shall first take out, casually or by
chance, shall be Grand Master for the year ensuing;
and if present, he shall be proclaimed, saluted, and
19




290          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
congratulated, as above hinted, and forthwith installed
by the last Grand Master, according to usage.
XXXV. The last Grand Master thus continued, or
the new Grand Master thus installed, shall next nominate and appoint his Deputy Grand Master, either the
last or a new one, who shall be also declared, saluted
and congratulated as above hinted.
The Grand Master shall also nominate the new Grand
Wardens, and if unanimously approved by the Grand
Lodge, shall be declared, saluted, and congratulated,
as above hinted; but if not, they shall be chosen by
ballot, in the same way as the Grand Master: As the
Wardens of private Lodges are also to be chosen by
ballot in each Lodge, if the members thereof do not
agree to their Master's nomination.
XXXVI. But if the brother whom the present Grand
Master shall nominate for his successor, or whom the
majority of the Grand Lodge shall happen to choose
by ballot, is, by sickness or other necessary occasion,
absent from the Grand Feast, he cannot be proclaimed
the new Grand Master, unless the old Grand Master,
or some of the Masters and Wardens of the Grand
Lodge can vouch, upon the honor of a brother, that
the said person, so nominated or chosen, will readily
accept of the said office; in which case the old Grand
Master shall act as proxy, and shall nominate the Deputy and Wardens in his name, and in his name also
receive the usual honors, homage and congratulations.
XXXVII. Then the Grand Master shall allow any




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.          291
brother, Fellow Craft, or Apprentice, to speak, directing
his discourse to his Worship; or to make any motion
for the good of the fraternity, which shall be either
immediately considered and finished, or else referred
to the consideration of the Grand Lodge at their next
communication, stated or occasional. When that is over,
XXXVIII. The Grand Master or his Deputy, or
some brother appointed by him, shall harangue all the
brethren, and give them good advice: And lastly, after
some other transactions, that cannot be written in any
language, the brethren may go away or stay longer, as
they please.
XXXIX. Every annual Grand Lodge has an inherent
power and authority to make new regulations or to alter
these, for the real benefit of this ancient fraternity:
Provided alwcys, that the old land-marks be carefully
preserved, and that such alterations and new regulations
be proposed and agreed to at the third Quarterly Communication preceding the annual Grand Feast; and that
they be offered also to the perusal of all the brethren
before dinner, in writing, even of the youngest apprentice; the approbation and consent of the majority of all
the brethren present being absolutely necessary to make
the same binding and obligatory; which must after
dinner, and after the new Grand Master is installed,
be solemnly desired; as it was desired and obtained for
these regulations, when proposed by the Grand Lodge,
to about one hundred and fifty brethren, on St. John
Baptist's day, seventeen hundred and twenty-one.




292          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
POSTSCRIPT.
Here follows the manner of constituting a new Lodge,
as practiced by his grace, the Duke of Wharton. the
present Right Worshipful Grand Master, according
to the ancient usages of Masons.
A new Lodge, for avoiding many irregularities,
should be solemnly constituted by the Grand Master,
with his Deputy and Wardens; or in the Grand Master's absence, the Deputy shall act for his Worship,
and shall choose some Master of a Lodge to assist him;
or in case the Deputy is absent, the Grand Master shall
call forth some Master of a Lodge to act as Deputy pro
tempore.
The candidates, or the new Master and Wardens,
being yet among the Fellow Craft, the Grand Master
shall ask his Deputy if he has examined them, and
finds the candidate Master well skilled in the noble
science and the royal art, and duly instructed in our
mysteries, &c.
And the Deputy answering in the affirmative, he
shall (by the Grand Master's order) take the candidate
from among his fellows, and present him to the Grand
Master; saying, Right Worshipful Grand Master, the
brethren here desire to be formed into a new Lodge;
and I present this my worthy brother to be their
Master, whom I know to be of good morals and great




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.          293
skill, true and trusty, and a lover of the whole fraternity, wheresoever dispersed over the face of the earth.
Then the Grand Master, placing the candidate on
his left hand, having asked and obtained the unanimous
consent of all the brethren, shall say: I constitute and
form these good brethren into a new Lodge, and
appoint you the Master of it, not doubting of your
capacity and care to preserve the cement of the Lodge,
&c., with some other expressions that are proper and
usual on that occasion; but not proper to be written.
Upon this the Deputy shall rehearse the charges of
a Master, and the Grand Master shall ask the candidate, saying, Do you submit to these charges as
Masters have done in all ages? And the candidate
signifying his cordial submission thereunto, the Grand
Master shall, by certain significant ceremonies and
ancient usages, instal him, and present him with the
Constitutions, the Lodge Book, and the instruments of
his office, not altogether, but one after another; and
after each of them, the Grand Master, or his Deputy,
shall rehearse the short and pithy charge that is suitable to the thing presented.
After this, the members of this new Lodge, bowing
all together to the Grand Master, shall return his
Worship thanks, and immediately do their homage to
their new Master, and signify their promise of subjection
and obedience to him by the usual congratulation.
The Deputy and the Grand Wardens, and any other
brethren present, that are not members of this new




294          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
Lodge, shall next congratulate the new Master; and he
shall return his becoming acknowledgments to the
Grand Master first, and to the rest in their order.
Then the Grand Master desires the new Master to
enter immediately upon the exercise of his office, in
choosing his Wardens; and the new Master calling
forth two Fellow Craft, presents them to the Grand
Master for his approbation, and to the new Lodge for
their consent. And that being granted,
The Senior or Junior Grand Wardens, or some
brother for him, shall rehearse the charges of Wardens;
and the candidates being solemnly asked by the new
Master, shall signify their submission thereunto.
Upon which the new Master, presenting them with
the instruments of their office, shall, in due form, instal
them in their proper places: and the brethren of that
new Lodge shall signify their obedience to the new
Wardens by the usual congratulation.
And this Lodge being thus completely constituted,
shall be registered in the Grand Master's Book, and
by his order notified to the other Lodges.




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.        295
APPROBATION.
WHEREAS, by the confusions occasioned in the Saxon,
Danish and Norman wars, the records of Masons have
been much vitiated, the Free Masons of England twice
thought it necessary to correct their Constitutions,
Charges, and Regulations; first in the reign of King
Athelstan, the Saxon, and long after in the reign of
King Edward IV. the Norman: And, whereas, the old
Constitutions in England have been much interpolated,
mangled and miserably corrupted, not only with false
spelling, but even with'many false facts and gross
errors in history and chronology, through length of
time, and the ignorance of transcribers, in the dark
illiterate ages, before the revival of geometry and ancient architecture, to the great offence of all the learned
and judicious brethren, whereby also the ignorant have
been deceived.
And our late Worthy Grand Master, his grace, the
Duke of Montagu, having ordered the author to peruse,
correct and digest, into a new and better method, the
history, charges and regulations, of the ancient fraternity; he has accordingly examined several copies from
Italy and Scotland, and sundry parts of England and
from thence, (though in many things erroneous) and
from several other ancient records of Masons, he has




296          ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
drawn forth the above written new Constitutions, with
the Charges and General Regulations. And the author
having submitted the whole to the perusal and corrections of the late and present Deputy Grand Masters, and
of other learned brethren; and also of the Masters and
Wardens of particular Lodges at their Quarterly Communication: he did regularly deliver them to the late
Grand Master himself, the said Duke of Montagu, for
his examination, correction, and approbation; and his
grace, by the advice of several brethren, ordered the
same to be handsomely printed for the use of the
Lodges, though they were not quite ready for the press
during his Mastership.
Therefore, we, the present Grand Master of the
Right Worshipful and most ancient Fraternity of Free
and Accepted Masons, the Deputy Grand Master, the
Grand Wardens, the Masters and Wardens of particular
Lodges (with the consent of the brethren and fellows
in and about the cities of London and Westminster)
having also perused this performance, do join our
laudable predecessors in our solemn approbation thereof,
as what we believe will fully answer the end proposed;
all the valuable things of the old records being retained,
the errors in history and chronology corrected, the false
facts and the improper words omitted, and the whole
digested in a new and better method,
And we ordain, that these be received in every
particular Lodge under our cognizance, as the only
Constitutions of Free and Accepted Masons amongst




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.        297
us, to be read at the making of new brethren, or when
the Master shall think fit; and which the new brethren
should peruse before they are made.
PHILIP, DUKE OF WHARTON,
Grand Afaster.
J. T. DESAGULIERS, LL. D. AND F. R. S.
Deputy Grand JMaster.
JOSHUA TIMSON,      ardens.
WILLIAM HAWKINS,




298         ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.
FORM FOR A DISPENSATION.
To ALL THE FRATERNITY:
The M. W. GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED
MASONS of the State of -    sends Greeting:
WHEREAS, a petition has been presented to the undersigned, --, Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of the State of, by Brothers A. B., C.
D., E. F., &c., all Free and Accepted Ancient MASTER
MASONS, praying to be congregated into a regular
Lodge by the name of       Lodge, in the  -  of, county of      and State of: And
whereas said petitioners have been duly recommended
to me and vouched for as MASTER MASONS in good
standing by       Lodge, No. -, under our jurisdiction; and said application being in all respects in
conformity with the requirements of the Constitution
and By-laws of the Grand Lodge:Now, THEREFORE BE IT KNOWN, That I,    -,
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons of the State of
reposing full confidence in the recommendation aforesaid, and in the integrity and attachment of the aforesaid
Petitioners to the sublime principles of MASONRY as
originally taught and by us recognized: And believing
that the interests of masonry will be promoted by
granting the prayer of said petitioners, have granted,
and do by the authority in me vested, hereby grant
this my LETTER OF DISPENSATION, constituting the said
Petitioners, and such others as they may masonically
associate with them for that purpose, a regular and
constitutional LODGE OF ANCIENT YORK MASONS, by the
name and style of      Lodge. And I do hereby
appoint Brother ----      to be the first Master;




ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS.        299
Brother.  -       to be first Senior Warden; and
Brother            to be the first Junior Warden;
hereby granting unto them full power and authority to
assemble together on all proper and lawful occasions,
as a LEGAL LODGE in the        of, county
and State aforesaid; and when so assembled, to confer
the several degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft,
and Master Mason, upon all such good men and true
as may make application, according to the ancient
custom, and not otherwise: and do all such other acts
as a legal Lodge under Dispensation may of right do.
And I hereby enjoin upon said Lodge, in all its acts,
a strict conformity to the requirements of the Constitution, By-laws, Rules and Regulations of the Grand
Lodge; requiring of them to be present by their Representatives or proxy, at the next ensuing Annual
Communication of the Grand Lodge, and have there
this Letter of Dispensation, together with a copy of the
By-laws of their Lodge, and record of their proceedings,
for the inspection of the Grand Lodge: —at which time
the powers and privileges hereby granted shall cease.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and
SEAL.          affixed my private seal, at -
1    ~ J          this -     day of       A. L.
58-, A. D. 18-.
--  --, Grand Master.




300       CHARGE TO A GRAND MASTER
CHARGE TO A GRAND MASTER AT HIS INSTALLATION.
LET me congratulate you, Right Worshipful Sir, on
the honor of being raised, from the level of equality,
to the high station of presiding over all the Lodges of
the State of ----, and the masonic jurisdiction
thereof.  We look up with confidence to a brother
whose person is endeared to us by that love of the
fraternity which is sanctified by the experience of many
revolving years. May the Father of light, of life and
of love, invest you with his choicest gifts-may heavenly
wisdom illumine your mind-may heavenly power give
strength to your exertions-may heavenly goodness fill
and enlarge your breast-may your feet rest upon
the rock of justice-from your hands may streams of
beneficence continually flow: And round your head
may there bend a circle made splendid by the rays of
honor: And late, very late in life, may you be transmitted from the fading honor of an earthly Lodge, to
the mansions prepared for the faithful in another and
a better world.
Let me congratulate you, Right Worshipful Grand
Officers and other brethren, on the election of our
Grand Master; as it is his, agreeably to the rules of
our institution, to command, so it is ours with readiness
to obey. Look to the Sun and behold the planetary
worlds revolving round him in continual order with the
happiest effect, and learn to imitate their regularity,




CHARGE TO A GRAND MASTER.           301
in hope of obtaining from the chair of Solomon the light
of wisdom and the warmth of love. Or look higher
still and behold the angels, those sister spirits Cherubim
and Seraphim, who are exhibited to us in the oracles
of revelation, as flaming spirits, burning with the heat
in their heavenly Grand Master's service, and with
love to his person and to each other; they are styled
ministering spirits, from the part they take in exercising
their kind offices to men, in relieving their wants, securing them from danger, and making their lives more
comfortable.
Myriads of spiritual beings walk the earth
Unseen, or when we sleep, or when we wake.
Of them let us learn to rise in our affection to the great
Father of all, aud thence descending, expand the heart
fromr brother to brother, and to all mankind; of them
let us learn never to be weary in the ways of well-doing,
but to "mourn with them that mourn and to rejoice
with them that do rejoice," until, having finished our
work on earth, we shall be admitted to the temple
above, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.




302                  FAREWELL.
THE FAREWELL,
TO THE BRETHREN OF ST. JAMES' LODGE, TARBOLTON.
TUNE —" Good night, and joy be wi' you a'!"
I.
ADIEU! a heart-warm fond adieu!
Dear brothers of the mystic tie!
Ye favor'd, ye.nlighten'd few,
Companions of my social joy!
Tho' I to foreign lands must hie,
Pursuing Fortune's slipp'ry ba',
With melting heart, and brimfu' eye,
I'll mind you still, tho' far awa'.
II.
Oft have I met your social band,
And spent the cheerful, festive night;
Oft, honor'd with supreme command,
Presided o'er the sons of light:
And by that hieroglyphic bright,
Which none but craftsmen ever saw!
Strong mem'ry on my heart shall write
Those happy scenes when far awa'.
III.
May freedom, harmony, and love,
Unite us in the grand design,
Beneath th' omniscient eye above,
The glorious Architect divine?
That you may keep th' unerring line,
Still rising by the plummet's law,
Till order bright completely shine,
Shall be my pray'r when far awa',
IV.
And you, farewell! whose merits claim,
Justly, that highest badge to wear!
Heav'n bless your honor'd, noble name,
To masonry and Scotia dear!
A last request permit me here,
When yearly ye assemble a',
One round, I ask it with a tear,
To him, the Bard that'sfar awa'.




TESTIMONIALS.
From  the Grand Lodge of Indiana.
The Committee to whom was referred the examination of'THE
CRAFTSMAN AND FREEMASON'S GUIDE, containing a delineation of the
Rituals of Freemasonry, from the Degree of Entered Apprentice to that of
Select Master and the Order of Priesthood,' beg leave to report-that they
have given the same a careful examination, and find it, in their opinion, to
be one of the best Masonic Manuals yet published. It possesses not only the
recommendation of being as brief in its delineations as it is possible, in
order to convey the necessary amount of masonic instruction, but it isentirely
divested of those crude and imperfect historical digests of the Institution,
will which most editors of masonic Text-books, have incunmbered the literature of the Craft. This may be, by some, considered as a great omission,
but in our opinion it is one demanded by the increasing light of masonic
intelligence. Tile work merely professes to be a Freemason's Guide, and,
in our opinion, to the practical Mason, it contains all the elements of a true
directory. WVe not only take pleasure, therefore, in commending the present
compilation, by Brother Cornelius Moore, to this Giand Lodge, and the
brethren in Indiana, but to the fraternity at large, as, in the estimation of
your committee, it is the most valuable compilation for practical purposes
that has yet been presented to our consideration.
C. SCMIDLAPP,
D. P. HOLLOVVAY,
LEWIS BURK."
Front the Grand Lodge of Kentucky.
Resolved, That this Grand Lodge recommend to the Fraternity of Freemasons, the " CRAFTSMAN," by Bro. C. Moore, as a work of much merit,
and a very excellent pocket companion, and of great utility in conferring
degrees by the Lodges.
From  the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
The Select Committee appointed to examine and report upon the merits
of " THE CRAFTSMAN," a work compiled and arranged by Bro. CORNELIUS
MOORE, and published by Bro. JACOB ERNST, at Cincinnati, having examined
the same, report:That they find it to be judiciously arranged and in proper order-the lan.
guage correct and expressive, the symbols rightly disposed, and the price so
reasonable as to bring it within the reach of every Mason. The committee
offer for adoption the following resolution:
Resolved, That the Grand Lodge of Ohio approve of the Craftsman, and
recommend it to be used by the Lodges subordinate to this Grand Lodge.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM FIELDING,
M. Z. KREIDER,
W. B. SMITH.




WASHINGTON, Hempstead Co., Ark.,I
June 7th, 1850
I have to some extent carefully examined " THE CRAFTSMAN AND FREEMASON'S GUIDE," published by Bro. Jacob Ernst, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and
observe with much pleasure and gratification its practical application. Its
arrangement is excellent, and well calculated to facilitate greatly the explanation of the important lessons of the Order, easily directing the mind
into a plain channel of masonic information. WVith these impressions I
should rejoice to see its extended circulation, until it should be in the possession of every member of the craft in my own beloved Arkansas.
BENJ. P. JETT, P. G. M. of Ark.
ARKADELPHIA LODGE, NO. 19.
WHEREAS, Brother Samuel Reed has introduced to our notice a work
entitled " THE CRAFTSMAN AND FREEMASON'S GUIDE," published by Brother
Jacob Ernst, which has received a cursory examination, and meets the
wishes and desires of the fraternity at this place;
Therefore be it Resolved, That we, believing it to be the very best working
book which has come under our observation, most cordially recommend it
to the favorable consideration of the craft.
Be it further Resolved, That the Compiler, Brother Moore, and Brother
Jacob Ernst, the publisher, deserve the gratitude of the fraternity for presenting a work possessed of such advantages.
H. FLANAGIN,  )
W. M. BRICE,   5 Committee.
JAS. H. OBAUGH,)
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., June 17th 1850.
On a careful examination of the " CRAFTSMAN," I give to it a most hearty
approval, as the best working book I have seen. It is better arranged than
Cross' Chart; and contains in addition to the matter of that Chart, that most
valuable of all masonic writings, the ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. It is much
superior in arrangement to the TRESTLE BOARD, and adheres more closely
in its text to the approved standard works.     E. H. ENGLISH.
THE TEMPLAR'S TEXT BOOK, —Or Ritual of a Council of Knights of the Red Cross, and of an Encampment of Knights Templars, and Knights of Malta. Abridged from standard
authors, by CORNELIUS MOORE, of Reed Encampment, No. 6, Ohio.
Morocco, marble edge,                                       50
Morocco tuck, gilt edge, -75
DIPLOMAS, —Beautifully engraved Master Masons' and Royal Arch Diplomas, 16 by
20 inches in size, on Paper and Parchment, for framing: also printed on
bank note paper, and neatly put tup in map form.
MIASTER MASONS' AND ROYAL ARCH DIPLOMAS —On Parchment,                                              1 00
On Paper, Map form,                                         50
COUNCIL DIPLOMAS —On Parchment,.1 00
On Paper, Map Form,.50
ENCAMPMENT DIPLOMAS —OC) Parchment, -                                           1 50
On Paper, or Map from,                                      75