r r "**&* VC\^fl»3'r ■ V w' JT K 35 /« \ V, I, / e Grantf Lodg't I. Owen Scott. Grand Secretary of the GYand Lodg'e tfiat the Lodge shown on the reverse sid&'of this certificate is regularly chartered by the Grand Lodge of Illinois, A. F*. fgl. 1A, T*I., and its members, when in good standing' in said Lodg'e. are entitled to all the privileges and courtesies of visi¬ tation given Lodg'es whose governing' bodies are. refcfog'nized by this Grand Lodge as regular Giand Lodges of A. F~. d. A. 1*4. GRAND SECRETARY. THE GRAND LODGE OF I OF DUES IN ADVANCE. 1 I. Ancient free B Accenleil Wilsons of ljlinni: I „.^'^\S>-;iS?^ ^iNI >^F < RK WSif C H A bu¥^CO&)(^^(5^ >2__192_^_ THIS IS TOCERTI^|f THAT BRO. 'traovz CHARLESTON LODGE No. 35), A. F.& A. M., Charleston '; w yH / ' «• . THE Standard Monitor OR FREEMASON’S CONDUCTOR COMPILED BY EDWARD COOK $Ia2t ffirantj (Eiamtiur, Illinois REVISED AND PRINTED FROM NEW PLATES REDDING igi6 Copyright By Edward Cook a.d. 1908 W. HALL PRINTING COMPANY, CHICAGO 3U.!2o9 77.7 ttrL.HIsr. C 77 IS / ?/6 PREFATORY NOTE 'JHHE compiler heartily appreciates the kindly reception that the brethren have accorded to The Standard Monitor, and earnestly hopes that the new edition, which has been endorsed by the Grand Master and the Board of Grand Examiners, will con¬ tinue to be helpful in supporting and pro¬ moting the uniform use of the authorized work of the jurisdiction. A decision by the Grand Master, approved by the Grand Lodge, 1905. ‘‘Cook’s Standard Monitor and the Book of Ceremonials are the only books con- • > taining ritual and ceremonials authorized in t- Illinois.” r THE STANDARD MONITOR OPENING PRAYER gUPREME Ruler of the Universe, we would reverently invoke thy blessing at this time. Wilt thou be pleased to grant that this meet¬ ing thus begun in order may be conducted in peace and closed in harmony. Amen. OR: Almighty and all-wise Father, the Creator and Governor of Heaven and Earth, we would humbly ask thy blessing upon this assemblage of thy children. Grant that the true spirit of brotherly love and charity may so pervade our hearts at all times that our work while in Lodge, and our lives while abroad in the world, mav be for the best good of ourselves and our fellow-creatures, and for the furtherance of thy honor wd glory. Amen. 6 THE STANDARD MONITOR OR: Most holy and glorious Lord God, the great Architect of the Universe, the giver of all good gifts and graces: thou hast prom¬ ised that “ where two or three are gathered together in thy name, thou wilt be in their midst, and bless them.” In thy name we have assembled, and in thy name we de¬ sire to proceed in all our doings. Grant that the sublime principles of Freemasonry may so subdue every discordant passion within us, so harmonize and enrich our hearts with thine own love and goodness, that the Lodge at this time may humbly re¬ flect that order and beauty which reign for¬ ever before thy throne. Amen. AT CLOSING And now may the blessing of Heaven rest upon us and all regular masons; may broth¬ erly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue cement us. Amen. FIRST DEGREE FIRST SECTION INTERROGATORIES BY THE SECRETARY Mr.-As you have petitioned for initia¬ tion into our mysteries, it becomes my duty to propound to you several interrogatories to which I must require of you unequivocal answers: In the first place, 1. Do you believe in the existence of God ? 2. Have you resided in this State one year or more, next preceding this date ? 3. Have you ever before petitioned a Lodge of An¬ cient Free and Accepted Masons for initiation? 4. Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, in the presence of these gentlemen,* that unbiased by friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a candidate for the mysteries of Masonry? 5. Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you are prompted to solicit the privileges of Masonry by a favorable opinion conceived of the Institution, a desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish of being ser¬ viceable to your fellow-creatures? 6. Do you sincerely declare, upon your honor, that you will cheerfully conform to all the ancient established usages and customs of the Fraternity? As you have been elected by a unanimous ballot to become a member of our Fraternity, it becomes my duty to inform you that the * The Stewards of the Lodge should always be present. 8 THE STANDARD MONITOR institution of which you are about to become a member is of no light and trifling character, but of high importance and due solemnity. Masonry consists of a course of ancient hieroglyphic moral instruction, taught agree¬ ably to ancient usages by types, emblems, and allegorical figures. Even the ceremonies of gaining admission within these walls are emblematical of events which all mankind must sooner or later experience. They are emblematical, at least in some small degree, of your great and last change, of your exit from this world to the world to come. You are undoubtedly .aware that whatever man may acquire on earth, whether wealth, honor, titles, or even his own merits, can never serve him as a passport to the Grand Lodge above, but, previous to his gaining " imission there, he must find himself poor ana penniless, blind and naked, dependent on the will and pleasure of the Supreme Grand Master. He must be divested of the rags of his own righteousness and clothed with a garment from on high, Are you willing to submit to these rules ? I will then leave you in the hands of true and trusty friends, who will give you the necessary instruction and prepare you in a proper manner for your initiation, as all candidates have been who have gone this way before. THE STANDARD MONITOR 9 PRAYER AT INITIATION Vouchsafe thine aid, Almighty Father of the Universe, to this our present conven¬ tion, and grant that this candidate for masonry may dedicate and devote his life to thy service and become a true and faith¬ ful brother among us. Endue him with a competency of thy Divine Wisdom, that, by the influence of the pure principles of our Institution, he may be the better enabled to display the beauties of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, to the honor of thy holy name. Amen. Response . So mote it be. SCRIPTURE READING Psalm cxxxiii “ Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! “ It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments : 10 THE STANDARD MONITOR “ 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 for evermore/’ “ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep: and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” ***** The three * * * are the Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses. The Bible is given as the rule and guide of our faith, the Square to square our ac¬ tions, and the Compasses to circumscribe and keep us within due bounds. THE STANDARD MONITOR II THE LAMBSKIN, OR WHITE LEATHER APRON, It is an emblem of innocence, and the badge of a mason,- more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honorable than the Star and Garter, or any other Order that can be conferred upon you at this time or at any future period, by King, Prince, Po¬ tentate, or any other person, except he be a mason; and which I hope you will wear with equal pleasure to yourself and honor to the Fraternity. * * * * THE TWENTY-FOUR INCH GAUGE Is an instrument made use of by opera¬ tive masons to measure and lay out their work. But we, as Free and Accepted Ma¬ sons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divid¬ ing our time. It being divided into twenty- four equal parts, is emblematical of the 12 TKA STANDARD MONITOR twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to divide into three equal parts, whereby we find eight hours for the service of God and a distressed worthy brother, eight for our usual vocations, and eight for refreshment and sleep. THE COMMON GAVEL Is an instrument made use of by opera¬ tive masons to break off the rough and superfluous parts of 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 glo¬ rious purpose of divesting our hearts and consciences of the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting our minds, as living stones, for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. THE STANDARD MONITOR *3 SECOND SECTION THE LAMBSKIN The Lamb has in all ages been deemed an emblem of innocence. • He, therefore, who wears the Lambskin, or White Leather Apron, as the Badge of a Mason, is thereby continually reminded of that purity of life and conduct which is so essen¬ tially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides. THIRD SECTION * * * What constitutes a Lodge, its form, supports, covering, furniture, orna¬ ments, lights, jewels, how situated, and to whom dedicated. 14 THE STANDARD MONITOR A Lodge consists of a certain number of Free and Accepted Masons, duly assembled, with the Holy Bible, Square, and Com¬ passes, and a Charter or Warrant empower¬ ing them to work. ***** THE FORM OF A LODGE ^ ^ Iji THE SUPPORTS Masonry may be said to be metaphor¬ ically supported by three Great Pillars, called Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty. Because it is necessary that there should be Wisdom to contrive, Strength to support, and Beauty to adorn all great and impor¬ tant undertakings. * * * * THE COVERING Of a Lodge is the Clouded Canopy, or Starry-decked Heaven, where all good ma- ons hope at last to arrive, by the aid of a THE STANDARD MONITOR 1 5 ladder, called Jacob’s Ladder, having three principal rounds, denominated Faith, Hope, and Charity; teaching Faith in God, Hope in immortality, and Charity to all mankind. But the greatest of these is Charity; for Faith may be lost in sight—Hope ends in fruition — but Charity extends beyond the grave, to the boundless realms of eternity. THE FURNITURE Of a Lodge is the Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses. The Bible we dedicate to the service of God, the Square to the Master, and the Compasses to the Craft. The Bible we dedicate to the service of God, because it is His inestimable gift to man; * * * the Square to the Master, because it is the proper Masonic emblem of his office, and by it he is constantly re¬ minded of the duty he owes to the Lodge over which he has been called to preside; and the Compasses to the Craft, who, by due attention to their use, are taught to circumscribe their desires and keep their l6 THE STANDARD MONITOR passions within due bounds with all man¬ kind, but more especially with our Brethren in Freemasonry. THE ORNAMENTS Of a Lodge are the Mosaic Pavement, the Indented Tessel, and the Blazing Star. The Mosaic Pavement is a representa¬ tion of the ground floor of King Solomon’s Temple; the Indented Tessel, of that beautiful tessellated border, or skirting, which surrounded it — with the Blazing Star in the center. The Mosaic Pave¬ ment is emblematical of human life, checkered with good and evil ; the In¬ dented Tessel which surrounds it, of those manifold blessings and comforts which surround us in this life, and which . we hope to enjoy by a faithful reliance on Divine Providence, which is hieroglyphic- ally represented by the Blazing Star in the center. A Lodge has Three Lights. * * * THE STANDARD MONITOR \^ A Lodge has Six Jewels, — three im¬ movable and three movable. The im¬ movable Jewels are the Square, Level, and Plumb ; the Square teaches morality, the Level equality, and the Plumb rectitude of life. ****** The movable Jewels are, the Rough Ashlar, Perfect Ashlar, and Trestle- Board. The Rough Ashlar is a stone taken from the quarry in its rude and natural state. The Perfect Ashlar 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 to draw designs upon. By the Rough Ashlar we are reminded of our rude and imperfect state by nature; by the Perfect Ashlar, 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 l8 THE STANDARD MONITOR 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 books of nature and revelation, which are our spiritual, moral, and Masonic Trestle-Board. SITUATION Lodges are situated * * * DEDICA TION Lodges in ancient times were dedicated to King Solomon, * * * in modern times, to St. John the Baptist, and St. John the Evangelist — two eminent Christian patrons of Freemasonry; and since their time there has been represented, in every regular and well-furnished Lodge, a certain THE STANDARD MONITOR 19 Point within a Circle, embordered by two perpendicular parallel lines, representing St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evan¬ gelist. On the top of the circle rests the Book of Holy Scriptures; the point repre¬ sents an individual brother, the circle the boundary line of his duty. In going round this circle we necessarily touch on the two parallel lines, as well as on the Book of Holy Scriptures; and while a Mason keeps himself circumscribed within their precepts, it is impossible that he should materially err TENETS The Tenets of a Mason’s profession are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. BROTHERLY LOVE By the'exercise of Brotherly Love we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family — the high and low, rich and poor; who, as created by one Almighty Parent, and inhabitants of the same planet, 20 THE STANDARD MONITOR are to aid, support, and protect each other. On this principle Masonry unites men of every country, sect, and opinion, and con¬ ciliates true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at a per¬ petual distance. RELIEF To relieve the distressed is a duty incum¬ bent on all men, but particularly on Masons, who profess to be linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. To soothe the unhappy, to sympathize 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 friend¬ ships and establish our connections. TRUTH Truth is a divine attribute, and the founda¬ tion 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. THE STANDARD MONITOR 21 Hence, while influenced by this principle, hypocrisy and deceit are unknown among us, sincerity and plain dealing distinguish us, and the heart and tongue join in promoting each other’s welfare and rejoicing in each other’s prosperity. ****** THE FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice. 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 practice of every Mason, as he is thereby taught to avoid excess, or the contracting of any licentious or vicious habit, the indulgence in which might lead him to disclose some of those valuable secrets which 22 THE STANDARD MONITOR he has promised to conceal and never reveal, and which would consequently subject him to the contempt and detestation of all good Masons, ********* 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, should be deeply impressed upon the mind of every Mason, as a safe¬ guard or security against any illegal attack that may be made, by force or otherwise, to extort from him any of those valuable secrets with which he has been so solemnly intrusted, ****** PRUDENCE Teaches us to regulate our lives and actions agreeably to the dictates of reason, and is that habit by which we wisely judge, THE STANDARD MONITOR 2 3 and prudentially determine, on all things relative to our present as well as to our future happiness. This virtue should be the peculiar characteristic of every Mason, not only for the government of his conduct while in the Lodge, but also when abroad in the world. It should be particularly attended to, in all strange and mixed com¬ panies, never to let fall the least sign, token, or word, whereby the secrets of Masonry may be unlawfully obtained, * * * * JUSTICE Is that standard, or boundary of right, which enables us to render unto every man his just due, without distinction. This virtue is not only consistent with Divine and human laws, but is the very cement and support of civil society; and, as Justice in a great measure constitutes the real good man, so should it be the invariable practice of every Mason never to deviate from the minutest principle thereof * * * 24 THE STANDARD MONITOR FREEDOM, FERVENCY, AND ZEAL ****** CHALK, CHARCOAL, AND CLAY ****** CHARGE —FIRST DEGREE My Brother : Having passed through the ceremonies of your initiation, I con¬ gratulate you on your admission into our ancient and honorable Fraternity. Ancient, as having existed from time immemorial; honorable, as tending to make all men so, who are strictly obedient to its pre¬ cepts. It is an Institution having for its foundation the practice of the moral and social virtues. And to so high an eminence has its credit been advanced, that, in every age and country, men pre¬ eminent for their moral and intellectual attainments have encouraged and promoted its interests. Nor has it been thought de¬ rogatory to their dignity that monarchs have, for a season, exchanged the scepter THE STANDARD MONITOR 25 for the trowel to patronize our mysteries and join in our assemblies. As a Mason, you are to regard the vol¬ ume of the Sacred Law as the great light in your profession; to consider it as the un¬ erring standard of truth and justice, and to regulate your actions by the Divine pre¬ cepts it contains. In it you will learn the important duties you owe to God, your neighbor, and yourself. To God, by never mentioning his name but with that awe and reverence which are due from the creature to his Creator; by imploring his aid on all your lawful undertakings, and by looking up to Him, in every emergency, for comfort and support. To your neigh¬ bor, by acting with him upon the Square; by rendering him every kind office which justice or mercy may require; by relieving his distresses, and soothing his afflictions; and by doing to him, as, in similar cases, you would that he should do unto you. And to yourself, by such a prudent and well-regulated course of discipline as may test conduce to the preservation of your 26 THE STANDARD MONITOR faculties in their fullest energy; thereby en¬ abling you to exert the talents wherewith God has blessed you, as well to his glory as to the welfare of your fellow-creatures. As a Citizen , you are enjoined to be ex¬ emplary in the discharge of your civil duties, by never proposing, or countenanc¬ ing, any act which may have a tendency to subvert the peace and good order of so¬ ciety ; by paying due obedience to the laws under whose protection you live, and by never losing sight of the allegiance due to your country. As an Individual , you are charged to practise the domestic and public virtues. Let Te?nperance chasten, Fortitude support, Prudence direct you, and Justice be the guide of all your actions. Be especially careful to maintain, in their fullest splendor, those true Masonic ornaments — Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Finally: Be faithful to the trust committed . to your care, and manifest your fidelity by a strict observance of the principles of the Fraternity; and by refraining to recom- THE STANDARD MONITOR 27 mend any one to a participation in our privileges, unless you have strong reasons to believe that, by a similar fidelity, he will ultimately reflect honor on our ancient Institution. SECOND DEGREE FIRST SECTION SCRIPTURE READING i Cor., chap, xiii “ Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth THE STANDARD MONITOR 29 me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but re- joiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, en- dureth all things. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” OR THE FOLLOWING: Amos vii. 7, 8 “ Thus he showed me: and behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumb- ine, with a plumbline in his hand. And he Lord said unto me, Amos, what seest hou ? and I said, A plumbline. Then .aid the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumb- ine in the midst of my people Israel: I jvill not again pass by them any more.” 30 THE STANDARD MONITOR THE PLUMB , SQUARE, AND LEVEL The Plumb is an instrument made use of by operative masons to try perpendiculars ; the Square, to square their work; and the Level, to prove horizontals; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of them for more noble and glorious purposes. The Plumb admon¬ ishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations before God and man, squaring our actions by the Square of virtue, ever re¬ membering that we are traveling upon the levei of time, to “ that undiscovered coun¬ try, from whose bourn no traveler returns.” SECOND SECTION * # * Masonry is considered under two de¬ nominations, THE STANDARD MONITOR 3* 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 from which will result a due proportion and just correspondence in all its parts It furnishes us with dwellings, and conven¬ ient shelters from the vicissitudes and in¬ clemencies of the seasons; and while it displays the 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, ieep a tongue of gPod report, maintain secrecy, and practise charity. It is so far nterwoven with religion as to lay us under obligations to pay that rational homage to he Deity which at once constitutes our 32 THE STANDARD MONITOR duty and our happiness. It leads the con¬ templative to view with reverence and ad¬ miration the glorious works of creation, and inspires him with the most exalted ideas of the perfection of his Divine Creator. * * * * * IN SIX DAYS God created the heaven and the earth, and rested upon the seventh day; the sev¬ enth, therefore, our ancient Brethren con¬ secrated as a day of rest from their labors, thereby enjoying frequent opportunities to contemplate the glorious works of the creation, and to adore their great Creator * * * * * PILLARS # # * *• # THE NUMBER THREE * * * * * THE NUMBER FIVE THE STANDARD MONITOR 33 ORDER IN ARCHITECTURE By Order in Architecture is meant a system of all the members, o^oportions, and ornaments of columns and pilasters; or, it is a regular arrangement of the projecting parts of a building, which, united with those of a column, form a beautiful, perfect, and complete whole. OF ITS ANTIQUITY From the first formation of society, order in architecture may be traced. When the rigor of 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 Orders are classed thus: the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite. 34 THE STANDARD MONITOR THE INVENTION OF ORDER IN ARCHITECTURE The ancient and original orders of archi¬ tecture, revered by Masons, are but 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 than the Doric; and the Composite, which was more orna¬ mental, 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. THE STANDARD MONITOR 35 THE FIVE HUMAN SENSES Which are hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling, and tasting. The first three, Hearing , Seeing, and Feeling, are most revered by Masons, be¬ cause ****** THE NUMBER SEVEN * * * THE SEVEN LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES Which are grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. Masonry, however, is more particularly founded on Geometry, or the fifth science. Geometry is that science which 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 line to a superficies, from a super¬ ficies to a solid. A point is a position without dimensions. A line is a figure of one capacity, namely, length. 36 THE STANDARD MONITOR A superficies is a figure of two dimensions, length and breadth. A solid is a figure of three dimensions, length, breadth, and thickness. THE ADVANTAGES OF GEOMETRY By this science the architect is enabled to construct his plans and execute his de¬ signs ; the general, to arrange his soldiers ; the engineer, to mark out grounds for en¬ campments ; 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 observa¬ tions, and to fix the duration of times and seasons, years and cycles. In fine, Geom¬ etry is the foundation of architecture, the root of the mathematics. THE STANDARD MONITOR 37 * * * Outer Door * * * * * * Inner Door * * * * * * * * * * * (j * * * GEOMETRY Is the basis on which the superstructure of Masonry is erected. ITS MORAL ADVANTAGES By Geometry we may curiously trace Nature through her various windings to her most concealed recesses. By it we dis¬ cover the power, wisdom, and goodness of the Grand Artificer of the Universe, and view with delight the proportions which connect this vast machine. By it we dis¬ cover how the planets move in their re¬ spective orbits and demonstrate their various revolutions. By it we account for 38 THE STANDARD MONITOR the return of seasons, and the variety of scenes which each season displays to the discerning eye. Numberless worlds are around us, all framed by the same Divine Artist, which roll through the vast expanse, and are conducted by the same unerring law of Nature. A survey of Nature, and the observation of her beautiful proportions, first deter¬ mined 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 im¬ proved by time and experience, have pro¬ duced works which have been 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 valu¬ able monuments of antiquity, on which the utmost exertions of human genius had been employed. Even the Temple of Sol¬ omon, so spacious and magnificent, and constructed by so many celebrated artists, THE STANDARD MONITOR 39 escaped not the unsparing ravages of bar¬ barous force. Freemasonry, notwithstand¬ ing, has still survived. The attentive ear receives the sound from the instructive tongue , and the mysteries of Freemasonry are safely lodged in the repository of faith¬ ful breasts. Tools and implements of arch¬ itecture— symbols most expressive — have been selected by the Fraternity to imprint on the memory wise and serious truths; and thus, through a succession of ages, are transmitted unimpaired the most ex¬ cellent tenets of our Institution. O O O ******* CHARGE — SECOND DEGREE My Brother : Being advanced to the second degree of Freemasonry, I congratu¬ late you on your preferment. Masonry is a progressive moral science, divided into different degrees; and as its principles and mystic ceremonies are regu¬ larly developed and illustrated, it is in¬ tended and hoped that they will make a deep and lasting impression on the mind. 40 THE STANDARD MONITOR It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties which, as a Fellow-Craft, you are bound to discharge. Your general good reputation affords satisfactory assurance that you will not suffer any consideration to induce you to act in any manner un¬ worthy of the respectable character you now sustain ; but, on the contrary, that you will ever display the discretion, the virtue, and the dignity which become a worthy and exemplary Mason. Our laws and regulations you are strenu¬ ously to support, and be always ready to as¬ sist 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 impressive ceremonies of this de¬ gree are calculated to inculcate upon the mind of the novitiate the importance of the study of the liberal arts and sciences, espe¬ cially of the noble science of Geometry, which forms the basis of Freemasonry, and THE STANDARD MONITOR 41 which, being of a divine and moral nature, is enriched with the most useful knowl¬ edge ; for while it proves the wonderful properties of nature, it demonstrates the more important truths of morality. To the study of Geometry, therefore, your attention is specially directed. Your past regular deportment and up¬ right conduct have merited the honor we have conferred. In your present character it is expected that at all our assemblies you will observe the solemnities of our cere¬ monies, that you will preserve the ancient usages and customs of the P'raternity sa¬ cred and inviolate, and thus, by your ex¬ ample, induce others to hold them in due veneration. Such is the nature of your engagements as a Fellow-Craft, and to a due observance of them you are bound by the strongest ties of fidelity and honor. * * # * • * * THIRD DEGREE FIRST SECTION SCRIPTURE READING Eccls. xii. 1-7 “ 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 STANDARD MONITOR 43 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 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.” WORKING TOOLS The working tools of a Master Mason are all the implements of Masonry, in¬ discriminately, but more especially the Trowel. THE TROWEL Is an instrument made use of by opera¬ tive masons to spread the cement which 44 THE STANDARD MONITOR unites the building into one common mass ; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of Brotherly Love and Affection — that cement 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 best can work and best agree. SECOND SECTION Abraham, Adoniram, Ammishaddai, Benjamin, Bezaleel, Belshazzar, * * ■* * Jethro, Josephus, Jedidiah, * * * * Zebulun, Zephaniah, Zedekiah. THE STANDARD MONITOR 45 MASONIC DIRGE Solemn strikes the funeral chime, Notes of our departing time, As we journey here below, Through a pilgrimage of woe. Mortals now indulge a tear ! For mortality is here ; See how wide her trophies wave O’er the slumbers of the grave ! Lord of all! below — above, Fill our hearts with truth and love, As dissolves our earthly tie, Take us to Thy Lodge on high. 4 6 THE STANDARD MONITOR PRAYER Thou, O God! knowest our downsitting and our uprising and understandest our thoughts afar off. Shield and defend us from the evil intentions of our enemies and support us under the trials and afflic¬ tions we are destined to endure while trav¬ eling through this vale of tears. Man that is born of 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 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 as the flood decayeth and drieth up, so man lieth down and riseth not up until the heavens shall be no more. THE STANDARD MONITOR 47 Yet, O Lord, have compassion upon the children of thy creation, administer them comfort in time of trouble, and save them with an everlasting salvation. Amen. THIRD SECTION THE SUPPORTS Masonry may be said to be supported by three great Pillars, called Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty. BY WHICH ARE REPRESENTED ***** The Temple at Jerusalem was supported by fourteen hundred and fifty-three Col¬ umns, and two thousand'nine hundred and >ix Pilasters, all hewn from the finest Parian marble. WORKMEN EMPLOYED There were employed in its erection me hundred and fifty-three thousand three 4 8 THE STANDARD MONITOR hundred and three workmen, namely, three Grand Masters, three thousand three hun¬ dred Masters or Overseers of the Work, eighty thousand Fellow-Crafts or Hewers in the Mountains, and seventy thousand Entered Apprentices or-Bearers of Burdens. THE THREE STEPS Usually delineated upon the Master’s Car¬ pet, are emblematical of the three principal stages of human life, namely, Youth, Manhood, and Age. They also allude to the three degrees in Freemasonry, En¬ tered Apprentice, Fellow-Craft, and Master Mason. In Youth, as Entered Apprentices, we ought industriously to occupy our minds in the attainment of useful knowledge ; in Manhood, as Fellow-Crafts, we should apply that knowledge to the discharge of our respective duties to God, our neighbor,. and ourselves, so that in Age, as Master Masons, we may enjoy the happy reflection consequent on a well-spent life, and die in the hope of a glorious immortality. THE STANDARD MONITOR 49 NINE CLASSES OF EMBLEMS OR SYMBOLS OF MASONRY Eight of which are — the Pot of Incense, the Bee-Hive, the Book of Constitutions guarded by the Tyler’s Sword, the Sword pointing to a Naked Heart, the Anchor and Ark, the forty-seventh Problem of Euclid, the Hour-Glass and Scythe. THE POT OF INCENSE Is an emblem of a pure heart, which is always an acceptable sacrifice to 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 recommends the practice of that virture to all created be¬ ings, from the highest seraph in heaven to the lowest reptile of the dust. It teaches us 50 THE STANDARD MONITOR that, as we came 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, especially when it is in our power to relieve them without inconven¬ ience to ourselves. 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 sus¬ tenance for himself, of guarding against the attacks of the wild beasts of the fold, or sheltering himself from the inclemencies of the weather. It might have pleased the great Creator of heaven and ^arth to have made man in¬ dependent ; but, as dependence is one of the strongest bonds of society, mankind ’Nere made dependent on each other for protection and security, as they thereby enjoy better opportunities for fulfilling the duties of reciprocal love and friendship. Thus was man formed for social and active THE STANDARD MONITOR 51 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 watch¬ ful and guarded in our thoughts, words, and actions, particularly when before the uninitiated; ever bearing in remembrance those truly Masonic virtues, silence and circu m sped ion. 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 hid¬ den from the eyes of man, yet that 5 2 THE STANDARD MONITOR ALL-SEEING EYE , | Whom the Sun, Moon, and Stars obey, and under whose watchful care even Comets perform their stupendous revo¬ lutions, pervades the inmost recesses of the human heart, and will reward us ac¬ cording to our merits. THE ANCHOR AND ARK Are emblems of a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life. They are emblematical of that divine ark which safely wafts 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. THE FORTY-SEVENTH PROBLEM OF EUCLID Was an invention of our ancient Friend and Brother, the great Pythagoras, who, in his travels through Asia, Africa, and Europe, was initiated into several orders of THE STANDARD MONITOR 53 Priesthood, and is said to have been raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. This wise philosopher enriched his mind abundantly in a general knowledge of things, more especially in Geometry, or Masonry. On this subject he drew out many problems and theorems ; and among the most distinguished he erected this, when, in the joy of his heart, he exclaimed, Eureka! signifying, in the Grecian lan¬ guage, I have found it; and upon the dis¬ covery of which he is said to have sacrificed a hecatomb. It teaches Masons to be gen¬ eral lovers of the arts and sciences. THE HOUR-GLASS Is an emblem of human life. Behold, how swiftly the sands run, and how rapidly our lives are drawing fo a close! We can¬ not, without astonishment, behold the little particles which are contained in this ma¬ chine, how they pass away almost im¬ perceptibly, and yet, to our surprise, in the short space of an hour, they are all 54 THE STANDARD MONITOR exhausted. 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 is still aspir¬ ing, 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, perchance, we escape the numerous evils incident to childhood and youth, and, with health and vigor, arrive at the years of man¬ hood, yet withal we must soon be cut down by the all-devouring scythe of time, and be gathered to the land where our fathers have gone before us. THE STANDARD MONITOR 55 THE SETTING MAUL, THE SPADE, AND THE COFFIN ******** CHARGE—THIRD DEGREE My Brother: Your zeal for our Insti¬ tution, the progress you have made in our mysteries, and your steady conformity to our useful regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object for this peculiar mark of our favor. Duty and honor now alike bind you to be faithful to every trust; to support the dig¬ nity of your character on all occasions; and strenuously to enforce, by precept and example, a steady obedience to the tenets of Freemasonry. Exemplary conduct on your part will convince the world that merit is the just title to our privileges, and that on you our favors have not been unde¬ servedly bestowed. As a Master Mason, you are authorized to correct the irregularities of your less informed Brethren, to fortify their minds 56 THE STANDARD MONITOR with resolution against the snares of the insidious, and to guard them against every allurement to vicious practices. To pre¬ serve unsullied the reputation of the Fra¬ ternity ought to be your constant care; and therefore it becomes your province to cau¬ tion the inexperienced against a breach of fidelity. To your inferiors in rank or office you are to recommend obedience and sub¬ mission ; to your equals, courtesy and affa¬ bility ; to your superiors, kindness and con¬ descension. Universal benevolence you are zealously to inculcate, and, by the regu¬ larity of your own conduct, endeavor to remove every aspersion against this ven¬ erable Institution. Our ancient landmarks you are carefully to preserve, and not suffer them, on any pretence, to be infringed, or countenance a deviation from our estab¬ lished customs. Your honor and reputation are concerned in supporting with dignity the respectable character you now bear. Let no motive, therefore, make you swerve from your duty, violate your vows, or betray your trust ; but THE STANDARD MONITOR 57 be true and faithful, and imitate the exam¬ ple of that celebrated artist whom you have this evening represented. Thus you will render yourself deserving of the honor which we have conferred and worthy of the confidence we have reposed in you. ******* o o o And now, my brethren, let us see to it, and so regulate our lives by the Plumbline of Justice, ever squaring our actions by the rule of Virtue, that when the Grand Warden of Heaven shall call for us, we may be found ready. Let us cultivate assiduously the noble tenets of our profession, Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth; from the Square learn morality, from the Level equality, and from the Plumb rectitude of life. Let us imitate in all his varied perfection him who, ***** Let us emulate his amiable and virtuous charac¬ ter, his unfeigned piety to God, and his 58 THE STANDARD MONITOR inflexible fidelity to his trust, and as the * ****** * so may virtue , by its ever blooming loveli¬ ness, designate us as Free and Accepted Masons. With the trowel spread liberally the cement of brotherly love; circum¬ scribed by the compasses, let us ponder well our words and actions, and let all the ener¬ gies of our minds and the affections of our souls be employed in the attainment of our Supreme Grand Master’s approbation. Then, when our dissolution draws nigh, and the cold winds of death come sigh¬ ing around us, and his chill dews already glisten upon our foreheads, with joy shall we obey the summons of the Grand Warden of Heaven and go from our labors on earth to eternal refreshment in the Paradise of God, where, by the benefit of the pass of a pure and blameless life and an unshaken confidence in the merits of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, shall we gain ready admission into that Celestial Lodge where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides; there, placed at His THE STANDARD MONITOR 59 right hand, He will be pleased to pronounce us just and upright masons. Then, my brethren, will we be fitly prepared for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens, where no discordant voice shall arise, and all the soul shall experience shall be perfect bliss, and all it shall express shall be perfect praise, and love divine ennoble every heart, and hosannas exalted employ every tongue. PETITION FOR DEGREES To.Lodge No.Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.Illinois. The subscriber respectfully represents that entertain¬ ing a favorable opinion of the Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, and being un¬ biased by friends and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, he hereby freely and voluntarily petitions to receive the degrees in the above-named Lodge, and to become a member thereof. I was born on the. .. .day of.A.D. at.State of. My occupation is that of a. (State specifically character of business.) I am employed by.whose business is that of.at. My residence is No.Street.Illinois. My place of business is. I have resided in the State of Illinois.years and for the six months last past at.Illinois. I have.previously petitioned any Lodge for the degrees in Masonry. * I petitioned:.Lodge No. at.State of. on or about the. . . .day of.and was. If the prayer of the petition is granted, I promise a cheerful obedience to the laws and regulations of the Lodge and a full compliance with the usages and cus¬ toms of the Fraternity. Dated at.this.day of.19.... (Sign full name). Recommended bv Members of.Lodge No. * Erase one of the above statements and make the petition conform to the facts. The law absolutely requires three members of the Lodge to recommend. Two are not sufficient. From the East of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, A . F. and A . M. Office of the Grand Master, Cairo, March 27, 1876. Edward Cook, Esq., Grand Examiner, Chicago, III. R. W. and Dear Brother : The Mon¬ itor, compiled by you, proof sheets of which have been submitted for my examination, meets my hearty approval. It presents in a very concise and portable form just what every Mason, and particularly every Master of a Lodge, should know, and as it conforms to the authorized work of this jurisdiction, I have no hesitation in recommending it to the craft of Illinois as The Standard , Monitor. Fraternally yours, George E. Lounsbury, Grand Master. From Members of the “ Board of Grand Exam¬ iners Grand Lodge of Illinois. The Standard Monitor, by R. W. Brother Edward Cook, Grand Examiner and Grand Lecturer, will, in the opinion of *he undersigned, entirely and fully meet the object which led to its compilation, in furnishing to the Fraternity, in a compact and convenient form, the means of ac¬ quiring and imparting a correct knowledge of the Ritual as sanctioned by the Grand Lodge of Illinois. We therefore cordially and fraternally recommend the work to the favor of the brethren of the Masonic Institution every¬ where. Signed: A. T. Darrah, Tolono. Ira J. Bloomfield, Bloomington. ) Grand Examiners and Grand Lectur¬ ers of the Grand Lodge of Illinois. April 7, 1876. Chicago, October i, 1876. Right Worshipful Edward Cook, 1 Grand Examiner and Grand Lee- b turerof Craft Masonry, State of Ill. J Dear Sir and Brother: I have exam¬ ined The Standard Monitor, compiled and published by you. and regard it a very desirable and important auxiliary in the establishment of uniformity of “ work,” as it supplies a want long felt in our jurisdic¬ tion, viz.: a text-book that conforms to the Standard work and Ritual, as authorized by tne Grand Lodge of Illinois. I cheerfully commend the useful and con¬ venient little volume to the craft throughout the State. Truly and fraternally yours, DeWitt C. Cregier, P. G. M. I heartily concur in the above. Wm. B. Grimes, Grand Examiner Pittsfield. III.. May 8, 1882. THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF A. F. & A. M. OF ILLINOIS Carlinville, III., March 17, 1908. To Edward Cook, Chicago, Ill. The Standard Monitor compiled by you has been potent in teaching the author¬ ized work of this Jurisdiction. The revised edition, made with the approval of myself and the Board of Grand Examiners, will continue to be of inestimable service in maintaining and promoting complete uni¬ formity. I therefore heartily commend it to the Craft of this Grand Jurisdiction. It is the only book which properly may be used in connection with the ceremonies of the three degrees of Masonry. Fraternally yours, Alexander II. Bell, Grand Master , We cordially unite with the Grand Master in the above recommendation : A. B, Ashley, Deputy Grand Master Delmar D. Darrah, Senior Grand Warden H. T. Burn AT, Junior Grand Warden