diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'old/30118.txt')
| -rw-r--r-- | old/30118.txt | 5565 |
1 files changed, 5565 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/old/30118.txt b/old/30118.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5a62c2b --- /dev/null +++ b/old/30118.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5565 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Masonic Monitor of the Degrees of Entered +Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason, by George Thornburgh + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Masonic Monitor of the Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason + together with the Ceremony of Installation, Laying Corner + Stones, Dedications, Masonic Burial, Etc. + +Author: George Thornburgh + +Release Date: September 28, 2009 [EBook #30118] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MASONIC MONITOR *** + + + + +Produced by Alicia Williams, Jen Haines and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + +[Illustration: GEORGE THORNBURGH] + + + + + MASONIC MONITOR + + OF THE DEGREES OF + + Entered Apprentice, Fellow + Craft and Master Mason + + TOGETHER WITH THE + + Ceremony of Installation, Laying + Corner Stones, Dedications, + Masonic Burial, Etc. + + BY + + GEORGE THORNBURGH + + P. G. M., and Custodian of the Secret Work + + COPYRIGHT 1903, BY + GEORGE THORNBURGH + LITTLE ROCK, ARK. + + + + +CONTENTS. + + + Order of Business. + + Masonic Dates. + + Opening Prayer and Charge. + + Closing Prayer and Charge. + + Closing Ceremonies. + + Entered Apprentice. + + Fellow Craft. + + Master Mason. + + Grand Honors and Reception of Visitors. + + Election and Installation. + + Instituting Lodge. + + Constituting Lodge. + + Laying Corner Stone. + + Dedication of Hall. + + Funerals. + + Lodge of Sorrow. + + + + +ORDER OF BUSINESS. + + +At stated communications: + +First. Reading the minutes. + +Second. Considering unfinished business. + +Third. Receiving and referring petitions. + +Fourth. Receiving report of committees. + +Fifth. Balloting for candidates. + +Sixth. Receiving and considering resolutions. + +Seventh. Conferring degrees. + +At called meetings no business should be taken up except that for which +the meeting was called. + +The 24th of June and 27th of December are regular meetings, but it is +not best to take up routine business. Let it be a celebration, and not a +business session. + + + + +TO FIND AND WRITE MASONIC DATES. + + +=Lodge.=--(Anno Lucis--the year of light). Add 4,000 to the common year; +thus, for 1903, write: A. L. 5903. + +=Chapter=.--(Anno Inventionis--the year of discovery). Add 530 to the +common year. + +=Council.=--(Anno Depositionis--the year of deposit). Add 1,000 to the +common year. + +=Commandery.=--(Anno Ordinis--the year of the order). Subtract 1,118 +from the common year. + + + + +Certificate and Recommendation + + +This is to Certify that we have examined the manuscript of the Monitor, +prepared by Bro. George Thornburgh, and we approve the same. + + GEORGE THORNBURGH, } + W. M. KENT, } Custodians. + GEORGE W. DEVAUGHAN, } + + J. M. OATHOUT, Grand Lecturer. + + JOHN T. HICKS, Grand Master. + + ------------ + + Little Rock, Ark., August 19, 1903. + +_Office of the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge F. and A. M. of +Arkansas_: + +This Monitor, prepared by Past Grand Master George Thornburgh, +having been approved by the Custodians of the Work, the Grand +Lecturer and myself, I do recommend the use of the same to all +the lodges in Arkansas. + + JOHN T. HICKS, + GRAND MASTER. + + + + +PREFACE AND DEDICATION. + + +The demand of the craft throughout the State for a practical working +Monitor of the three degrees, arranged in conformity with the work in +this jurisdiction, culminated in the adoption, by the Grand Lodge of +1902, of the following resolution: + +"Resolved, That Brother George Thornburgh be requested to prepare a +Monitor which shall be adopted as the Monitor of this Grand Lodge. When +the proposed Monitor is approved by the Custodians of the Work, the +Grand Lecturer, and the Grand Master, the Grand Master shall be +authorized to recommend it to the lodges." + +This Monitor has been prepared in obedience to that resolution. The book +is the child of my heart and mind. A love for the cause inspired its +preparation. It goes to the craft with my earnest prayers that it may +cause a more general and closer study of the beautiful ceremonies of the +first three degrees, which are the foundation of all true Freemasonry. I +dedicate the book to the Masons of Arkansas, who have so often and so +kindly honored me above my merit. + + GEO. THORNBURGH. + +Little Rock, Ark, Sept. 1, 1903. + + + + +PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION + + +On the 20th of October, 1903, the first edition of one thousand Monitors +was placed on sale. I supposed I would probably dispose of them in the +course of a year, but to my surprise, by December 20 they were all sold. +I placed the second edition of one thousand on sale February 24, 1904, +and by June 15 they were gone. Evidently the Monitor fills a long felt +want. + +It was prepared especially to conform to the work in this jurisdiction. +It may be studied with profit by every Mason, whether he be an officer +or not. The youngest Entered Apprentice will find it helpful and useful +in assisting him to fix upon his mind those beautiful first lessons. The +officers from Master of Ceremonies to Worshipful Master will find it +convenient and indispensable in the performance correctly of the +beautiful ceremonies of the institution. + +I am gratified beyond expression at the cordial reception the Monitor +has received from the craft. + +It is commended in the highest terms by the best workers in the State. +Here are only a few of the hundreds of endorsements sent me. + +Grand Master Hicks: "It is the best Monitor to be found for Arkansas +Masons." + +Grand Lecturer Oathout had the manuscript sent to his home that he might +very carefully examine it, and he wrote: "I have carefully examined the +manuscript of your Monitor twice over and cheerfully give my +endorsement, believing it to be the best Monitor I have ever seen. I +believe your work will be appreciated by the Craft in Arkansas when they +examine the Monitor." + +Brother G. W. DeVaughan, Custodian of the Secret Work: "I am very much +pleased with it." + +Brother W. M. Kent, the other custodian of the Secret Work: "Good; I +want another copy." + +Our Senior Past Grand Master G. A. Dannelly, who was so long the Grand +Lecturer, says: "I have read it carefully. In my judgment it is the best +Monitor I ever saw. I heartily congratulate you on being the author of +such a book. I recommend it to all the lodges. It would be well if every +member would supply himself with a copy." + +Past Grand Master R. H. Taylor: "I have carefully reviewed it from +opening to conclusion. It is a work of great merit, concise and clear, +free and easy of style. It is not alone valuable and useful as a guide +to Arkansas Masons, but to Masons everywhere. In fact if adopted by +other Grand Jurisdictions, would simplify and beautify Masonic work. +Every Mason in the State should own and study the Arkansas Monitor." + +Past Grand Master Sorrells, who made the motion in Grand Lodge to have +the Monitor prepared, says: "I have examined it closely, and feel sure +that it will meet the approbation of the Craft throughout this +Jurisdiction." + +Past Grand Master Bridewell: "I have examined it and find it complete. +To a newly made Mason it is indispensable, and if every one of them +would get a copy immediately after their raising we would have brighter +and better Masons. It would do a world of good if many of the older +Masons would make it their 'vade mecum.' You have eliminated an immense +quantity of useless matter contained in most Monitors, and that which +you placed in lieu is clear and easily understood. The chapters on +'Laying Corner Stones,' 'Dedicating Lodges,' 'Funerals,' etc., will be +appreciated by all who have those services to perform." + +Past Grand Master Baker: "Have examined it carefully and am well +pleased. I think it conforms to the ancient usages of Masonry, and I +feel sure that by the use of it we will have many more Masons in +Arkansas who know something of lodge work. Every lodge ought to have at +least three copies." + +Past Grand Master Harry Myers: "I have carefully examined your Monitor +and consider it the best for our lodges possible to get. It is concise, +yet comprehensive. It takes up the work and follows it in order. No +lodge should be without it. I wish every Mason in the State would +possess himself of this valuable addition to Masonic literature at +once." + +May it do more and more good as its circulation increases and its +influence widens. + + GEORGE THORNBURGH, + July 1, 1904. Little Rock, Arkansas + + + + +MASONIC MONITOR + + +OF THE DEGREES OF + +Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason, together with the +Ceremony of Installation, Laying Corner Stones, Dedications, Masonic +Burials, Etc., Etc. + + + + +OPENING THE LODGE. + + +At regular meetings the lodge must be opened up in regular order and +full form from the E. A. to M. M. degree. + +At special meetings it need only be opened in the degree in which work +is to be done. + + +Congregate. + +The J. D. will see that the Tyler is at his station and close the door. + + +Purge. + + * * * + +One brother can not vouch for another unless he has sat in open lodge +with him, or examined him by appointment of the W. M. + + +Tyle. + + +Opening Prayer. + +Most holy and glorious Lord God, the great Architect of the universe, +the giver of all good gifts and graces! In Thy name we have assembled +and in Thy name we desire to proceed in all our doings. Grant that the +sublime principles of Freemasonry may so subdue every discordant passion +within us, so harmonize and enrich our hearts with Thine own love and +goodness, that the Lodge at this time may humbly reflect that order and +beauty which reign forever before Thy throne! Amen! + +Response: So mote it be! + +Or, + +Almighty and merciful God, hear us with indulgence, have pity for our +weakness, and aid us with Thy strength. Help us to perform all our +duties--to ourselves, to other men, and to Thee. Let the great flood of +Masonic light flow over the world. Pardon us when we offend. When we go +astray, lead us back to the true path; and help our feeble efforts to +remove all obstacles to the final triumph of the great law of love; and, +having faithfully performed our duty here below, wilt Thou receive us +into Thy Celestial Lodge above, that house not made with hands, eternal +in the heavens. Amen! + +Response: So mote it be! + + +Closing Prayer. + +Extemporaneous, or the following: + +Supreme Architect of the Universe, accept our hearty thanks for the many +mercies and blessings which Thy bounty has conferred upon us, and +especially for this social intercourse with our brethren. Pardon, we +beseech Thee, whatever Thou has seen amiss in us, and continue to us Thy +protection and blessing. Make us sensible of our obligations to serve +Thee, and may all our actions tend to Thy glory and our advancement in +knowledge and virtue. Grant that the world--the little circle in which +we move--may be better and happier for our having lived in it, and may +we practice that Charity which is the bond of peace and the perfection +of every virtue. Amen! + +Response: So mote it be! + +This charge may be used at closing: + +Brethren: We are now about to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and +virtue to mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and employments, +forget not the duties which you have heard so frequently inculcated and +so forcibly, recommended in this lodge. Be diligent, prudent, temperate, +discreet. Remember that around this altar you have promised to befriend +and relieve every brother who shall need your assistance. You have +promised, in the most friendly manner, to remind him of his errors and +to aid his reformation. These generous principles are to extend further: +Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. Do good unto all. +Recommend it more especially to the "household of the faithful." +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. Amen! + +Response: So mote it be! + + +Benediction. + + +May the blessing of heaven rest upon us and all regular Masons! May +brotherly love prevail and every moral and social virtue cement us. +Amen! + +Response: So mote it be! + + W. M.--"Brother S. W., how should Masons meet?" + + S. W.--"Upon the level of equality." + + W. M.--"Brother J. W., how act?" + + J. W.--"Upon the plumb of rectitude." + + W. M.--"And part upon the square of morality. So may we ever + meet, act and part, until we meet in the celestial lodge above." + + + + +ENTERED APPRENTICE. + + +S. D.: Mr. ----, we have learned from the declaration, over your +signature, contained in your petition, somewhat of your motives in +applying for admission into our ancient and honorable Fraternity; but, +in order that you may not be misled as to the character or the purpose +of the ceremonies in which you are about to engage, the Lodge addresses +to you these preliminary words: + +Freemasonry is far removed from all that is trivial, selfish and +ungodly. Its structure is built upon the everlasting foundation of that +God-given law--the Brotherhood of Man, in the family whose Father is +God. Our ancient and honorable Fraternity welcomes to its doors and +admits to its privileges worthy men of all creeds and of every race, but +insists that all men shall stand upon an exact equality, and receive its +instructions in a spirit of due humility, emphasizing in demeanor, in +conduct, in ceremony and in language the helpless, groping nature of man +at his birth and his needs of reliance upon Divine guidance through all +the transactions of life. You will here be taught to divest your mind +and conscience of all the vices and superfluities of life, and the Lodge +into which you are now to be admitted expects you to divest yourself of +all those worldly distinctions and equipments which are not in keeping +with the humble, reverent and childlike attitude it is now your duty to +assume, as all have done who have gone this way before you. + +(Every candidate, previous to his reception, is required to give his +free and full assent to the following interrogatories propounded by the +S. D., in a room adjacent to the Lodge). + +Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that, unbiased by the +improper solicitation of friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, +you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a candidate for the mysteries +of Freemasonry? + +Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you are prompted to +solicit the privileges of Freemasonry by a favorable opinion conceived +of the institution, a desire for knowledge, and a sincere wish of being +serviceable to your fellow-creatures? + +Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you will cheerfully +conform to all the ancient usages and established customs of the +Fraternity? + +(Let there be no levity--but dignity and decorum.) + + +FIRST SECTION. + + The preparation to which the candidate must submit before + entering the Lodge serves allegorically to teach him, as well as + to remind the brethren who are present, that it is the man + alone, divested of all the outward recommendations of rank, + state, or riches, that Masonry accepts, and that it is his + spiritual and moral worth alone which can open for him the door + of the Masonic Temple. + + +Reception. + +[Illustration] + + * * * + + Let no man enter upon any great or important undertaking without + first invoking the aid of Deity. + + * * * + + +Prayer. + +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. Endue him with a competency of Thy divine +wisdom, that by the influence of the pure principles of our Fraternity +he may be better enabled to display the beauties of holiness, to the +honor of Thy holy name. Amen! + +Response: So mote it be! + +[Illustration: TRUST in GOD.] + +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. + +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.--133d Psalm. + +[Illustration] + + 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. + +[Illustration] + + The three Great Lights in Masonry are the Holy Bible, the Square + and the Compasses, and are thus explained: + + The Holy Bible is given us as the rule and guide for our faith + and practice, the Square to square our actions, and the + Compasses to circumscribe our desires and keep our passions in + due bounds with all mankind, especially the brethren. + + The three Lesser Lights are the Sun, Moon and Master of the + Lodge, and are thus explained: + + As the Sun rules the day and the Moon governs the night, so + should the Worshipful Master, with equal regularity, endeavor to + rule and govern the Lodge. + + The Representatives of the three Lesser Lights are three burning + tapers, placed in a triangular form about the altar. + + * * * + +[Illustration] + +=The Lamb-Skin or White Leathern Apron= is an emblem of innocence +and the badge of a Mason; more ancient than the Golden Fleece; more +honorable than the Star and Garter, or any other order that can be +conferred upon you at this or any future period by King, Prince or +Potentate, or any other person except he be a Mason and in the body +of a lodge. I trust you will wear it with equal pleasure to yourself +and honor to the fraternity. + + * * * + +The following may be used: + +It may be that, in the coming years, upon your head may rest the laurel +wreaths of victory; pendant from your breast may hang jewels fit to +grace the diadem of an Eastern potentate; nay, more than these, with +light added to the coming light, your ambitious feet may tread round +after round of the ladder that leads to fame in our mystic circle, and +even the purple of the Fraternity may rest upon your honored shoulders; +but never again from mortal hands, never again until your enfranchised +spirit shall have passed upward and inward through the pearly gates, +shall any honor so distinguished, so emblematical of purity and all +perfections, be conferred upon you as this which I now bestow. It is +yours; yours to wear throughout an honorable life, and at your death to +be deposited upon the coffin which shall inclose your lifeless remains, +and with them laid beneath the clods of the valley. + +Let its pure and spotless surface be to you an ever-present reminder of +a "purity of life and rectitude of conduct," a never-ending argument for +nobler deeds, for higher thoughts, for greater achievements. And when at +last your weary feet shall have come to the end of life's toilsome +journey, and from your nerveless grasp shall drop forever the working +tools of life, may the record of your life and actions be as pure and +spotless as this fair emblem which I place in your hands; and when your +trembling soul shall stand naked and alone before the Great White +Throne, there to receive judgment for the deeds done while here in the +body, may it be your portion to hear from Him who sitteth as the Judge +Supreme the welcome words: "Well done, good and faithful servant! Thou +hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many +things! Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." + + * * * + + +Working Tools. + +The Working Tools of Entered Apprentice are the Twenty-four-Inch Gauge +and the Common Gavel. + +The Twenty-four-inch Gauge is an instrument used by operative masons to +measure and lay out their work; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are +taught to use 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 equal parts, whereby are found 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 used by operative masons to break off +the corners of rough stones, the better to fit them for the builder's +use; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to use it for the +more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our hearts and consciences +of all 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. + +[Illustration] + + * * * + + +Reinvested. + + +Northeast Corner. + +* * * an upright man and Mason, and I give it you strictly in charge +ever to walk and act as such before God and man. + + +SECOND SECTION. + +This section accounts, rationally for the ceremonies of initiation. +Containing almost entirely esoteric work, it cannot be written. The +Master should not only familiarize himself with it, but he should also +diligently learn and explain to the candidate each truth symbolized by +each step of the ceremonies through which he has just passed. + + * * * + + +Offensive or Defensive. + +At the building of King Solomon's Temple there was not heard the sound +of axe, hammer or any tool of iron. The question naturally arises, How +could so stupendous an edifice be erected without the aid of those +implements? The stones were hewn, squared and numbered in the quarries +where they were raised; the timbers were felled and prepared in the +forests of Lebanon, conveyed in floats by sea to Joppa, and thence by +land to Jerusalem, where they were set up by the aid of wooden +implements prepared for that purpose; so that every part of the +building, when completed, fitted with such exact nicety that it +resembled the handiwork of the Supreme Architect of the Universe more +than that of human hands. + + * * * + +Masonry regards no man for his worldly wealth or honors; it is therefore +the internal and not the external qualifications of the man that +recommend him to become a Mason. + + * * * + + +In the fourth chapter of the book of Ruth we read: "Now this was the +manner in former times concerning redeeming and changing; for to confirm +all things, a man plucked off his shoe and gave it to his neighbor; and +this was a testimony in Israel." * * * + + +Cable----. + + * * * + + +Hood----. + + * * * + + +K--no--ks. + + * * * + +"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it +shall be opened unto you." + + * * * + +Before entering upon any great or important undertaking, we ought always +to invoke the aid of Deity. + + * * * + + +Trust in God. + + * * * + + +The Left Side. + + * * * + +The Right Hand, by our ancient brethren, was deemed the seat of +fidelity. The ancients worshiped a deity named Fides, sometimes +represented by two right hands joined, at others by two human figures +holding each other by the right hand. + + * * * + + +The Lamb has in all ages been deemed an emblem of innocence. The +lambskin is therefore to remind you of that purity of life and conduct +which is so essentially necessary to your gaining admission to the +Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe +presides. + + +Northeast Corner. + +It is customary at the erection of all Masonic edifices to lay the first +or foundation stone in the northeast corner of the building. The first +instructions which the candidate receives symbolizes the cornerstone, +and on it he constructs the moral and Masonic temple of his life. + + +THIRD SECTION. + +This section explains the manner of constituting and the proper +authority for holding a Lodge. Here, also, we learn where lodges were +anciently held, their Form, Support, Covering, Furniture, Ornaments, +Lights and Jewels, how situated, and to whom dedicated, as well in +former times as at present. + + +A Lodge. + +[Illustration] + +A Lodge is an assemblage of Masons, duly congregated, having Holy Bible, +Square and Compasses, and a dispensation or charter, authorizing them to +work. + + +Ancient Lodges--Where Held. + +Our ancient brethren held their Lodges on high hills or in low vales, +the better to observe the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, +ascending or descending. + +Lodge meetings at the present day are usually held in upper +chambers--probably for the security which such places afford. This +custom may have had its origin in a practice observed by the ancient +Jews of building their temples, schools and synagogues on high hills, a +practice which seems to have met the approbation of the Almighty, who +said unto the Prophet Ezekiel, "Upon the top of the mountain, the whole +limit thereof round about shall be most holy." + +[Illustration] + + +Form and Dimension. + +Its form is * * * Its dimension, from east to west, embracing every +clime between north and south. Its universal chain of friendship +encircles every portion of the human family and beams wherever +civilization extends. + +A Lodge is said to be thus extensive to denote the universality of +Freemasonry, and teaches that a Mason's charity should be equally +extensive. + +[Illustration: W. S. B.] + + +The Supports of a Lodge. + +A Lodge is supported by three great pillars, denominated Wisdom, +Strength and Beauty; because there should be wisdom to contrive, +strength to support, and beauty to adorn all great and important +undertakings. They are represented by the three principal officers of +the Lodge: The pillar Wisdom, by the W. M. in the East, who is presumed +to have wisdom to open and govern the Lodge; the pillar Strength, by the +Senior Warden in the West, whose duty it is to assist the W. M. in the +discharge of his arduous labors; and the pillar Beauty, by the Junior +Warden in the South, whose duty it is to call the craft from labor to +refreshment, superintend them during the hours thereof, carefully to +observe that the means of refreshment are not perverted to intemperance +or excess, and see that they return to their labor in due season. + +Its covering is no less than the clouded canopy or starry-decked heaven, +where all good Masons hope at last to arrive, by the aid of that +theological ladder which Jacob, in his vision, saw extending from earth +to heaven; the three principal rounds of which are denominated Faith, +Hope and Charity; which admonish us to have faith in God, hope of +immortality and charity to all mankind. The greatest of these is +Charity; for Faith may be lost in sight, Hope ends in fruition, but +Charity extends beyond the grave through the boundless realms of +eternity. + + +Furniture. + +The furniture of a lodge consists of the Holy Bible, Square and +Compasses. + +The Holy Bible is dedicated to God; because it is the inestimable gift +of God to man. The Square to the Master, because it is the proper +Masonic emblem of his office; 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. + +[Illustration] + + +Ornaments. + +The Ornaments of a Lodge are the Mosaic Pavement, the Indented Tessel +and the Blazing Star. + +The Mosaic Pavement is a representation of the ground floor of King +Solomon's Temple; the Indented Tessel, of that beautiful tessellated +border or skirting which surrounded it. The Mosaic Pavement is +emblematical of human life, checkered with good and evil; the Indented +Tessel, or tessellated border, of the manifold blessings and comforts +which constantly surround us, and which we hope to enjoy by a firm +reliance on Divine Providence, which is hieroglyphically represented by +the Blazing Star in the centre. + + +Lights. + +A Lodge has three symbolic lights; one in the East, one in the West and +one in the South, represented by the W. M., S. W. and J. W. There is no +light in the north, because King Solomon's Temple, of which every lodge +is a representation, was so far north of the elliptic that the sun could +dart no rays into the northern part thereof. The north, therefore, we +Masonically call a place of darkness. + + +Jewels. + +A Lodge has six jewels; three of these are immovable and three movable. + +The Immovable Jewels are the Square, Level and Plumb. The Square +inculcates morality; the Level, equality, and the Plumb, rectitude of +conduct. They are called immovable jewels, because they are always to be +found in the East, West and South parts of the Lodge, being worn by the +officers in their respective stations. + +The Movable Jewels are the Rough Ashlar, the Perfect Ashlar and the +Trestle-Board. + +The Rough Ashlar is a stone, as taken from the quarry, in its rude and +natural state. By it we are reminded of our rude and imperfect state by +nature. + +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; and reminds us of +that state of perfection at which we hope to arrive by a virtuous +education, our own endeavors and the blessing of God. + +The Trestle-Board is for the master workman to draw his designs upon. By +it we are 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 +books of nature and revelation, which are our spiritual, moral and +Masonic trestle-boards. + + +How Situated. + +A Lodge is situated due east and west, because King Solomon's Temple was +so situated; and also because, when Moses crossed the Red Sea, being +pursued by Pharaoh and his hosts, he erected a Tabernacle by Divine +command, and placed it due east and west to receive the first rays of +the rising sun, and to commemorate that mighty east wind by which the +miraculous deliverance of Israel was effected. + +[Illustration] + + +Dedication of Lodges. + +Our ancient brethren dedicated their lodges to King Solomon because he +was our first most excellent Grand Master, but Masons of the present +day, professing Christianity, dedicate theirs to St. John the Baptist +and St. John the Evangelist, who were two eminent patrons of Masonry; +and since their time there is represented in every regular and well +govern lodge a certain point within a circle embordered by two +perpendicular parallel lines, representing St. John the Baptist and St. +John the Evangelist; and upon the top rests the Holy Scriptures. The +point represents the individual brother; the circle, the boundary-line +of his duty beyond which he is never to suffer his passions, interests +or prejudices to betray him. In going around this circle we necessarily +touch on the two parallel lines, as well as the Holy Scriptures, and +while a Mason keeps himself circumscribed within these due bounds, it is +impossible that he should materially err. + + +Tenets. + +The three great tenets of a Mason's profession inculcate the practice of +those commendable virtues, 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, the rich +and poor--who, created by one Almighty Parent and inhabitants of the +same planet, are to aid 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. + +Relief.--To relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent 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 great aim we have in +view. On this basis we form our friendships and establish our +connections. + +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 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. + + +P. P. E. + +Every Mason has four (p. p. e.) which are illustrated by the four +cardinal virtues: Fortitude, Prudence, Temperance and Justice. + +Fortitude is that noble and steady purpose of the mind whereby we are +enabled to undergo any pain or peril, when prudentially deemed +expedient. This virtue is equally distant from rashness and cowardice, +and should be deeply impressed upon the mind of every Mason. It is a +safeguard or security against the success of any attempt, by force or +otherwise, to extort from him any of those valuable secrets with which +he has been solemnly intrusted, and which were emblematically impressed +upon him on his first admission into the lodge, when he was received on +* * * which refers to * * * + +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 +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 his constant care, when in any strange or mixed companies never to +let fall the least sign, token or word whereby the secrets of Masonry +might be unlawfully obtained; ever bearing in mind that important +occasion when on his left * * * which alludes to * * * + +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 contracting any +licentious or vicious habit, the indulgence of which would subject him +to the contempt and detestation of all good Masons; and might lead him +to disclose some of those valuable secrets which he has promised to +conceal and never reveal. It will remind you of the p. and alludes to +the * * * + +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 human and Divine laws, but is the very cement +and support of civil society. As justice in a great measure constitutes +the really good man, so should it be the invariable practice of every +Mason never to deviate from the minutest principles thereof; ever +remembering the time when placed in * * * which alludes to the * * * + +[Illustration] + + +Chalk, Charcoal and Clay. + +Entered Apprentices should serve their masters with freedom, fervency +and zeal, which are represented by Chalk, Charcoal and Clay. + +There is nothing freer than Chalk, the slightest touch of which leaves a +trace; there is nothing more fervent than Charcoal, for to it, when +properly ignited, the most obdurate metals will yield; there is nothing +more zealous than Clay. + +Our Mother Earth alone of all the elements has never proved unfriendly +to man. Bodies of Water deluge him with rain, oppress him with hail and +drown him with inundation; the Air rushes in storms and prepares the +tempest; and Fire lights up the volcano; but the Earth, ever kind and +indulgent, is found subservient to his wishes. Though constantly +harassed, more to furnish the luxuries than the necessaries of life, she +never refuses her accustomed yield, spreading his pathway with flowers +and his table with plenty. Though she produces poison, still she +supplies the antidote, and returns with interest every good committed to +her care; and when at last we are called upon to pass through the "dark +valley of the shadow of death" she once more receives us, and piously +covers our remains within her bosom, thus admonishing us that as from it +we came, so to it we must shortly return. + + +Symbolism of the Degree. + +The First, or Entered Apprentice, degree of Masonry is intended, +symbolically, to represent the entrance of man into the world in which +he is afterwards to become a living and thinking actor. Coming from the +ignorance and darkness of the outer world, his first craving is for +light--not that physical light which springs from the great orb of day +as its fountain, but that moral and intellectual light which emanates +from the primal Source of all things--from the Grand Architect of the +Universe--the Creator of the sun and of all that it illuminates. Hence +the great, the primary object of the first degree is to symbolize the +birth of intellectual light in the mind; and the Entered Apprentice is +the type of the unregenerate man, groping in moral and mental darkness, +and seeking for the light which is to guide his steps and point him to +the path which leads to duty and to Him who gives to duty its reward. + + +Charge at Initiation. + +Brother: As you are now introduced to the first principles of +Freemasonry, I congratulate you on being accepted into this ancient and +honorable Fraternity. Ancient, as having existed from time immemorial; +and honorable, as tending in every particular so to render all men who +will be comformable to its precepts. No 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 contained in the several +Masonic lectures. The wisest and best of men in all ages have been +encouragers and promoters of our Art, and have never deemed it +derogatory to their dignity to level themselves with the Fraternity, to +extend its privileges, and to patronize its assemblies. + +There are three great duties which as a Mason you are charged to +inculcate: To God, to your neighbor and to yourself. To God, in never +mentioning His name save with that reverential awe which is due from the +creature to his Creator, to implore His aid in all your laudable +undertakings, and to esteem Him as the chief good. To your neighbor, in +acting upon the square and doing unto him as you would that he should do +unto you. And to yourself, in avoiding all irregularities 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, yielding obedience to the laws which afford you protection. + +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. + +Although your frequent appearance at our regular meetings is earnestly +solicited, yet it is not meant that Freemasonry should interfere with +your necessary vocations, for these are on no account to be neglected; +neither are you to suffer your zeal for the institution to lead you into +argument with those who, through ignorance, may ridicule it. + +At your leisure hours, that you may improve in Masonic knowledge, you +are to converse with well-informed brethren, who will always be as ready +to give as you will be to receive instruction. + +Finally, my brother, keep sacred and inviolate the mysteries of the +Order, 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 the Fraternity, be particularly careful not to +recommend him unless you are convinced that he will conform to our +rules, that the honor, glory and reputation of the institution may be +firmly established, and the world at large be convinced of its good +effects. + + +Charge to a Soldier. + +Brother: Our institution breathes a spirit of general philanthropy. Its +benefits, in a social point of view, are extensive. In the most +endearing ties, it unites all mankind. In every nation, wherever +civilization extends--and not unfrequently among wild savages of the +forest--it opens an asylum to a brother in distress, and grants +hospitality to the necessitous and unfortunate. The sublime principles +of universal goodness and love to all mankind, which are essential to +it, cannot be lost in national distinctions, prejudices and animosities. +The rage of contest and the sanguinary conflict have, by its recognized +principles, been abated, and the milder emotions of humanity +substituted. It has often performed the part of the Angel of Goodness, +in ministering to the wants of the sick, the wounded, and the +unfortunate prisoner of war. It has even taught the pride of victory to +give way to the dictates of an honorable connection. + +In whatever country you travel, when you meet a true Mason, you will +find a brother and a friend, who will do all in his power to serve you; +and who will relieve you, should you be poor or in distress, to the +utmost of his ability, and with a ready cheerfulness. + +Pure patriotism will always animate you to every call of your country. +And this institution demands that you shall be true to your government. +But should you, while engaged in the service of your country, be made +captive, you may find affectionate brethren, where others would only +find enemies. And should you be the captor of one who belongs to this +noble fraternity, remember that he is your brother. + + + + +FELLOW CRAFT. + + +First Section--Reception. + + * * * + +[Illustration] + +Thus he shewed 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. + +[Illustration] + +[Illustration] + +[Illustration] + + +The Working Tools. + +The Working Tools of Fellow Craft are the Plumb, the Square and the +Level, and are thus explained: + +The Plumb is an instrument used 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 use 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, ever remembering that we are traveling +upon the Level of Time to that "undiscovered country from whose bourne +no traveler returns." + + +SECOND SECTION. + +You now represent a young F. C. on his way to the M. C. of K. S. T., to +have his name enrolled among the workmen, and to be taught the wages of +a F. C. Masonry is divided into two classes, operative and speculative. +We have wrought in speculative Masonry, but our ancient brethren wrought +both in operative and speculative. They wrought at the building of K. S. +T., and many other Masonic edifices. They wrought but six days in a +week, and rested upon the seventh. The seventh, therefore, our ancient +brethren consecrated as a day of rest, the better to enable them to +contemplate the glorious works of creation and to adore their great +Creator. + +On our way to the M. C. the first things that attract our attention are +the representatives of two brazen pillars, one upon the left, the other +upon the right of the porch. The one upon the left, denominated * * * +denoted strength; the one upon the right, denominated * * * denoted +establishment, having reference to a passage of Scripture wherein God +said to David, "And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established +forever before thee." + +Those pillars were eighteen cubits high, twelve in circumference and +four in diameter. They were prepared of molten brass, the better to +withstand conflagration or inundation. They were cast in the clay +grounds of the river Jordan, between Succoth and Zaradatha, where K. S. +ordered all the holy vessels to be cast. They were hollow, four inches, +or a hand's breadth, in thickness, and served as the archives of Masonry +in which the Rolls, Records and Proceedings were kept. They were adorned +with two chapiters, five cubits each. Those chapiters were ornamented +with net-work, lily-work and pomegranate, denoting union, peace and +plenty. The net-work, from its intimate connection, denotes union. The +lily, from its whiteness, denotes peace. The pomegranate, from the +exuberance of its seeds, denotes plenty. Mounted upon the chapiters were +two globes, representing the terrestrial and celestial bodies, on the +convex surface of which were delineated the countries, seas and other +portions of the earth, the planetary revolutions and other important +particulars. They represented the universality of Freemasonry--that from +east to west and between north and south Freemasonry extends, and in +every clime are Masons to be found, and teach that a Mason's charity +should be co-extensive. + +Masonic tradition informs us that those pillars were placed at the porch +of K. S.'s T. as a memento to the children of Israel of their happy +deliverance from the land of bondage, and represented the pillar of +cloud that over-shadowed them by day and the pillar of fire that +illumined them by night. + +The next thing that attracts our attention is a flight of winding +stairs, composed of three, five and seven steps. The three steps allude +to the three principal officers of the lodge, three principal supports +in Masonry, and the three principal stages in human life. The three +principal officers are the W. M., S. W. and J. W. The three principal +supports are Wisdom, Strength and Beauty, because it is necessary to +have wisdom to contrive, strength to support and beauty to adorn all +well governed institutions. The three principal stages of human life are +Youth, Manhood and Age--Youth as an E. A., Manhood as a F. C., and Age +as a M. M. + +The five steps allude to the five orders of architecture, and the five +human senses. The five orders of architecture are the Tuscan, Doric, +Ionic, Corinthian and Composite, three of which, from their antiquity, +have ever been held in high repute among Masons--the Doric, Ionic and +Corinthian. The five human senses are hearing, seeing, feeling, tasting +and smelling, the first three of which have ever been held in high +repute among Masons, because by hearing we hear the * * *; by seeing we +see the * * *, and by feeling we feel the * * *, whereby one Mason may +know another in the dark as well as in the light. + +The seven steps allude to many sevens--the seven sabbatical years, seven +years of plenty, seven years of famine, seven years during which K. S.'s +T. was in course of erection, seven golden candlesticks, but more +particularly the seven liberal arts and sciences, which are Grammar, +Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Astronomy and Music. + +(Note:--A fine effect can be had, if an organ is played, by using the +following. The organist should begin to play softly when the speaker +begins on "Music:") + +Music is that elevated science which affects the passions by sound. +There are few who have not felt its charms, and acknowledged its +expressions to be intelligible to the heart. It is a language of +delightful sensations, far more eloquent than words; it breathes to the +ear the clearest intimations; it touches and gently agitates the +agreeable and sublime passions; it wraps us in melancholy, elevates us +in joy and melts us in tenderness. Again the pathetic dies away and +martial strains are heard, reminding us of the battlefield and its +attendant glory. + +(As the word "glory" is pronounced the organist at once strikes the +chords of some war-music like "Dixie," "Marseilles Hymn," etc. After a +few bars are played with full organ, the organist lets the music die +away to a soft and gentle tremolo, and the Deacon resumes): + +The glorious notes of the battle-hymn float over the red field of +carnage. Brave men hear the inspiring music; the ranks close up; the +bayonets are fixed; and, with a cheer which strikes terror to the heart +of the foe, they rush forward in one glorious charge, across the plain +slippery with the blood of patriots, up the opposing hillside, even to +the mouth of cannon belching forth fire and death.--But stop! Look +yonder! The dying soldier raises his head. His breast is already crimson +with his heart's-blood. His eye even now is dimming and glazing. The old +home comes back to him in memory. He puts his hand to his ear as if +listening. What does he hear? + +(Here the organist plays softly the strains of "Home, Sweet Home," or +some well-known lullaby; during which the Deacon continues): + +Ah, it is the old, old melody of youth and home! Again we are around the +old hearthstone. Again do we kneel at mother's knee to lisp the evening +prayer. Again she takes us in her arms, and sings to her tired child the +soft, low lullaby of childhood's happy days.--Oh, Music, Music! Art +Divine! Thou dost move and stir the heart as nothing else can do! Yet +never canst thy sweet potency be better used than when it inspires +praise and gratitude to the great Lord and Master of us all! + +(At the word "all," the organist promptly strikes the chords of "Old +Hundred," and, to its accompaniment, the Master calling up the Lodge, +all unite in singing the long-metre doxology.) + +This brings us to the outer door of the M. C., which we find partly +open, but strictly tiled by the J. W. We will see if we can gain +admission. + +J. W.: "Who comes here?" + +"A young F. C., on his way to the M. C. to have his name enrolled among +the workmen and to be taught the wages of a F. C." + +"How do you expect to pass the outer door?" + +"By the * * * and * * * of a F. C." + +"Give them." + + * * * + +"What does this * * * denote?" + +"Plenty." + +"How is it represented?" + +"By a sheaf of corn suspended near a waterfall." + +"How did it originate?" + +"It originated in consequence of a quarrel that long existed between +Jephtha, judge of Israel, and the Ephraimites. The Ephraimites were a +wicked, stubborn and rebellious people, whom Jephtha strove to subdue by +lenient means, but all to no avail. They became highly incensed because +they were not called to share in the rich spoils of the Ammonitish war, +raised an exceeding great army, crossed over the river Jordan, came down +upon Jephtha and gave him battle. Jephtha, being apprised of their +approach, called out the mighty men of Gilead and put the Ephraimites to +flight. And to make his victory secure, he placed guards at all the +passes on the river Jordan, giving them this password: Shibboleth. The +Ephraimites, being of a different tribe and dialect, could not pronounce +the word Shibboleth, but called it Sibboleth, which trifling defect +proved them enemies, and there fell at that time forty and two +thousand." + +"The * * * and * * * with the explanation are correct. You have my +permission to pass the outer door." + +This brings us to the inner door of the M. C., which we find partly open +but more strictly tiled by the S. W. We will see if we can gain +admission. + +"Who comes here?" + +"A young F. C., on his way to the M. C., to have his name enrolled among +the workmen, and to be taught the wages of a F. C." + +"How do you expect to pass the inner door?" + +"By the true * * * and * * * of a F. C." + +"Give them." + + * * * + +"They are correct. You have my permission to pass the inner door!" + +This brings us into the M. C. W. M., this young F. C. has come up to the +M. C. to have his name enrolled among the workmen and be taught the +wages of a F. C. + +W. M.: "I congratulate you upon your arrival into the M. C. You have +been admitted for the sake of the letter G. you see suspended over the +Master's station, which entitles you to the enrolling of your name among +the workmen and to be taught the wages of a F. C. Brother Secretary, you +will enroll the brother's name. The wages of a F. C. are C., W. and O. +The C. of nourishment, W. of refreshment and O. of joy. I will also +instruct you in the three P. J. They are a L. E., an I. T., and a F. B. +A. L. E., that you will ever be attentive to lessons from the I. T., and +a F. B. should serve as a faithful repository for all the secrets of the +Fraternity that may be entrusted to your care." + +The letter G. has a very significant meaning. It is the initial of +Geometry, the first and noblest of sciences, and the basis on which the +superstructure of Freemasonry is erected. By Geometry we may curiously +trace Nature through her various windings to her most concealed +recesses; by it we discover the power, wisdom and goodness of the Grand +Artificer of the Universe, and view with delight the proportions which +compose this vast machine; by it we discover how the planets move in +their respective 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. Numberless worlds are +around us, all framed by the same Divine Artist, 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 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 time and experience, 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, still +survives. The attentive ear receives the sound from the instructive +tongue, and the mysteries of Freemasonry are safely lodged in the +repository of faithful breasts. + +Tools and implements of architecture and symbolic emblems most +expressive have been selected by the Fraternity to imprint on the mind +wise and serious truths, and thus through a succession of ages have been +transmitted unimpaired the most excellent tenets of our institution. + +But the letter G. has a far greater significance still. It is the +initial of Deity--a name that, at the mere mention of which, all, from +the W. M. in the east to the youngest E. A. in the northeast corner, +should with meekness reverently bow. + + * * * + + +Lecture. + + * * * + + +Symbolism of the Degree. + +If the object of the first degree is to symbolize the struggles of a +candidate groping in darkness for intellectual light, that of the second +degree represents the same candidate laboring amid all the difficulties +that encumber the young beginner in the attainment of learning and +science. The Entered Apprentice is to emerge from darkness to light; the +Fellow Craft is to come out of ignorance into knowledge. This degree, +therefore, by fitting emblems, is intended to typify these struggles of +the ardent mind for the attainment of truth--moral and intellectual +truth--and above all that Divine truth, the comprehension of which +surpasseth human understanding, and to which, standing in the Middle +Chamber, after his laborious ascent of the winding stairs, he can only +approximate by the reception of an imperfect, yet glorious reward in the +revelation of that "hieroglyphic light which none but craftsmen ever +saw." + + +Charge at Passing. + +Brother: Being passed to the second degree of Freemasonry, 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. + +It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties which as a Fellow Craft 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 offenses 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 behavior and regular deportment have merited the honor which +we have conferred, and in your new character it is expected that you +will conform to the principles of the Institution by steadily +persevering in the practice of every commendable virtue. + +Such is the nature of your engagements as a Fellow Craft, and to these +duties you are bound by the most sacred ties. + + + + +MASTER MASON. + + +FIRST SECTION. + +[Illustration] + + +Reception. + +The Compasses are peculiarly dedicated to this degree, and as a Master +Mason you are taught that between their extreme points are contained the +most important tenets of Freemasonry--Friendship, Morality and Brotherly +Love. + + +Perambulation. + +The following passage of Scripture is introduced: + +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 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. (Eccl. xii, 1-7.) + +[Illustration: Ecclesiastes XII.] + +[Illustration] + + +Presentation of Working Tools. + +The Working Tools of a Master Mason are all the implements of Masonry, +especially the Trowel. + +The Trowel is an instrument used by operative masons to spread the +cement which unites the building into one common mass; but we, as Free +and Accepted Masons, are taught to use 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, +save that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work +and best agree. + +My brother, you have been + + * * * + + +SECOND SECTION. + +The lodge represents the Craft at refreshment at the building of K. S.'s +Temple. + + +Address. + +Character and habits of the builder. + + +Altar. + +South, West, East. + +Hill west of * * * + +[Illustration] + + * * * + +K. S.--"What is the cause of confusion?" + +H. K. T.--"* * *" + + +First and Second Search. + +[Illustration] + +During Second Search. 12 F. C. (Ordered Confine). + + * * * + +Choose from the bands * * * Those traveling in a * * * + +[Illustration: Sea Coast of Joppa] + + +Third Search. + + * * * + +Fourth Search. * * * Acacia and voices. Capture--Sentence.--W. W. F. T. + + * * * + +F. C. Released. + + * * * + + +Procession. + + +Funeral Dirge. + + 1. Hark! from the tombs a doleful sound! + Mine ears attend the cry: + "Ye living men come view the ground + Where you must shortly lie. + + 2. "Princes! this clay must be your bed, + In spite of all your towers; + The tall, the wise, the reverend head, + Must lie as low as ours." + + 3. Great God! is this our certain doom! + And are we still secure, + Still walking downward to the tomb, + And yet prepared no more? + + 4. Grant us the power of quick'ning grace, + To fit our souls to fly. + Then, when we drop this dying flesh, + We'll rise above the sky. + + +Pleyel's Hymn. + + Solemn strikes the fun'ral 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! + + Here another guest we bring! + Seraphs of celestial wing, + To our fun'ral altar come, + Waft our friend and brother home. + + Lord of all! below--above-- + Fill our hearts with truth and love; + When dissolves our earthly tie + Take us to Thy Lodge on high. + +The following Prayer is used at the raising of a brother to the degree +of Master Mason: + +Thou, O 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 traveling through this vale +of tears. Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of +trouble. He cometh forth like 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 is 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 till the heavens be no more. Yet, O +Lord, have compassion on the children of Thy creation; administer them +comfort in time of trouble, and save them with an everlasting salvation. +Amen! + +Response: So mote it be! + + * * * + +[Illustration] + + That we should be ever ready to go on foot, and even barefoot, + on a worthy M. M.'s errand, should his necessities require it, + and we be no better provided. + + That we should ever remember our brethren in our devotions to + Deity. + + That the secrets of a worthy M. M., when communicated to us as + such, should be as secure and inviolate in our breasts as they + were in his before communication. + + That we should be ever ready to stretch forth a hand to support + a falling brother, and aid him on all lawful occasions. + + That we should be ever ready to whisper wise counsel in the ear + of a brother, and warn him of approaching danger. + + * * * + + It has been the practice of all ages to erect monuments to the + memory of exalted worth. + +[Illustration] + + +THIRD SECTION. + +This section illustrates certain hieroglyphical emblems, and inculcates +many useful and impressive moral lessons. It also details many +particulars relative to the building of the Temple at Jerusalem. + + +King Solomon's Temple. + +This magnificent structure was founded in the fourth year of the reign +of Solomon, on the second day of the month Zif, being the second month +of the sacred year. It was located on Mt. Moriah, near the place where +Abraham was about to offer up his son Isaac, and where David met and +appeased the destroying angel. Josephus informs us that, though more +than seven years were occupied in building it, yet, during the whole +term it did not rain in the day time, that the workmen might not be +obstructed in their labor. From sacred history we also learn that there +was not the sound of ax, hammer or any tool of iron heard in the house +while it was building. It is said to have been supported by 1,453 +columns and 2,906 pilasters, all hewn from the finest Parian marble. It +was symbolically supported, also, by three pillars. + +[Illustration] + +The three pillars here represented were explained in a preceding degree, +and there represented Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. Here they represent +our three ancient Grand Masters: S. K. of I., H. K. of T., and H. A.; +the pillar Wisdom, S. K. of I., by whose wisdom the Temple was erected, +that superb model of excellence which has so honored and exalted his +name; the pillar Strength, H. K. of T., who strengthened K. S. in his +great and important undertaking; and the pillar Beauty, H. A., the W. S. +of the tribe of Naphtali, by whose cunning workmanship the Temple was so +beautified and adorned. + +There were employed in its building 3 Grand Masters, 3,300 Masters or +overseers of the work, 80,000 Fellow Crafts, and 70,000 Entered +Apprentices or bearers of burdens. All these were classed and arranged +in such manner, by the wisdom of Solomon, that neither envy, discord nor +confusion was suffered to interrupt or disturb the peace and good +fellowship which prevailed among the workmen, except in one notable +instance. + + * * * + +In front of the magnificent porch were placed the two celebrated +pillars--one on the left hand, and one on the right hand. They are +supposed to have been placed there as a memorial to the children of +Israel of the happy deliverance of their forefathers from Egyptian +bondage, and in commemoration of those two miraculous pillars of fire +and of cloud. The pillar of fire gave light to the children of Israel +and facilitated their march. The cloud proved darkness to Pharaoh and +his host and retarded their pursuit. King Solomon, therefore, ordered +these pillars placed at the entrance of the Temple, as the most +conspicuous place, that the children of Israel might have that happy +event continually before their eyes in going to and returning from +divine worship. + + +The Three Steps. + +The Three Steps usually delineated upon the Master's Carpet are +emblematical of the three principal stages of human life: Youth, Manhood +and Age. 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 our 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 Pot of Incense. + +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 Beehive. + +The Beehive is an emblem of industry, and 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 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 +inconvenience 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 sustenance for +himself, of guarding against the attack of the wild beasts of the field, +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 created beings; but as dependence is one of the +strongest bonds of society, mankind were made dependent on each other +for protection and security, thereby enjoying 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 who will so demean himself as not to endeavor to add to the +common stock of knowledge 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. + +The Book of Constitutions guarded by the Tiler'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. + + +The Sword. + +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 men, yet that-- + +[Illustration] + +All Seeing Eye whom the Sun, Moon and Stars obey, and under whose +watchful care even Comets perform their stupendous revolutions, pervades +the inmost recesses of the human Heart, and will reward us according to +our merits. + + +The Anchor and the Ark. + +The Anchor and the 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 are at rest. + + +Forty-seventh Problem of Euclid. + +This was an invention of our ancient friend and brother Pythagoras, who, +in his travels through Asia, Africa and Europe, was initiated into +several orders of priesthood, and raised to the sublime degree of Master +Mason. 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 among the most +distinguished he erected this, which, in the joy of his heart, he called +Eureka, in the Grecian language signifying "I have found it;" and upon +the erection of which he is said to have sacrificed a hecatomb. It +teaches Masons to be general lovers of the arts and sciences. + +[Illustration] + + +The Hour-Glass. + +The 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. 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 aspiring, he falls, like autumn leaves, to enrich our mother +earth. + + +The Scythe. + +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 +ills 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. + +[Illustration] + +Thus we close the explanation of the emblems upon the solemn thought of +death, which, without revelation, is dark and gloomy; but we are +suddenly revived by the ever-green and ever-living Sprig of Faith which +strengthens us, with confidence and composure, to look forward to a +blessed immortality; and we doubt not that, on the glorious morn of the +Resurrection, our bodies will rise and become as incorruptible as our +souls. + +Then let us imitate the good man 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 from our Supreme Grand Master, to translate us from this +imperfect to that all-perfect, glorious and celestial lodge above, where +the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides. + + * * * + + +Lecture. + + * * * + + +Charge. + +My Brother--Your zeal for the institution of Masonry, the progress you +have made in the mysteries, and your conformity to our regulations, have +pointed you out as a proper object of 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 are always to +inculcate, and by the regularity of your own behavior afford the best +example for the conduct of others less informed. The ancient landmarks +of the Order, intrusted 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 have this evening represented. Thus you will render yourself +deserving of the honor which we have conferred, and merit the confidence +that we have reposed in you. + + + + +FORMS AND CEREMONIES. + + +Grand Honors. + +The public Grand Honors (not funeral) are given by raising the hands +above and a little in front of the head, and clapping them three times +together, then letting them fall to the side--repeating this action +twice, making three times. + +The private Grand Honors are made by 3x3, but not in the same way as the +public Grand Honors. + + +Reception of Visitors. + +The reception of visitors with the honor due to their rank is an ancient +custom of the fraternity which should never be omitted. It is an act of +great discourtesy to a visiting officer to omit his formal reception by +the Lodge, and in an official visitation the visiting officer should +ordinarily require it. On the occasion of visits not official it will be +found to greatly increase a true fraternal feeling when courtesy is +properly shown. + + +I.--Grand Lodge. + +When a visit from the Grand Lodge is expected, the Master will see that +a convenient apartment is provided for the use of the Grand Lodge, where +the same can be opened in the proper form. On being notified that the +Grand Lodge is opened and prepared for the visitation, the Master, the +Lodge being opened on the third degree, will send a committee, headed, +if possible, by a Past Master, with the Masters of Ceremony with their +rods, the Deacons with their rods, and the Marshal, to escort the Grand +Lodge. A procession is formed in the following order: + + Marshal. + Masters of Ceremony. + Committee. + Deacons. + The Grand Lodge. + +On arriving at the door, the Grand Marshal will announce: + +"The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of F. and A. M. of the State of +Arkansas." + +The procession enters, the Masters of Ceremony and Deacons halt inside +the door and cross their rods, the committee proceed, followed by the +Grand Lodge in the inverse order of their rank. When the Grand Master +arrives in front of the altar, he halts, and the Grand Lodge filing to +the right and left form a line across the hall. The committee then +introduce The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of +Arkansas. The Grand Master then advances to the East, and the Master +receives him according to ancient usages, with the private Grand Honors +of Masonry, and resigns to him the chair and the gavel, each other Grand +Officer taking his station in place of the corresponding officer of the +Lodge, and the brethren are seated. + +The Grand Master, at his pleasure, resigns the chair to the Master, +whereupon the other Grand Officers resign their respective stations to +the proper officers of the Lodge, and repair to the East, and take +seats on the right of the Grand Master. + +The Grand Lodge should retire before the Lodge is closed. When the Grand +Master announces his intention to retire, the Lodge is called up, the +Grand Honors are given, and the Masters of Ceremony and Deacons repair +to the door and cross their rods, the Marshal conducts the procession of +the Grand Lodge to the door, and salutes as the procession passes him. + + +II.--The Grand Master. + +When a visit from the Grand Master is expected, the Master will see that +a convenient apartment is provided for his use and that of his suite. +When the Grand Master's visit is announced, the Master sends the +Marshal, Deacons, Masters of Ceremony, and one of the oldest members (a +Past Master, if practicable) bearing the Book of Constitutions, to +escort him to the Lodge Room. A procession is formed in the following +order: + + Marshal. + Masters of Ceremony. + Suite. + Brother with the Book of Constitutions. + Grand Master. + Deacons. + +The Marshal announces to Tyler, Tyler to J. D., and J. D.: "The Most +Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of Arkansas," when the Master calls up +the Lodge. The Masters of Ceremony stop inside, and cross their rods, +while the others proceed towards the East. On arriving at the altar, the +suite open inwards, the Grand Master passes through, and the others, +filing to the right and left, form a line across the hall. The private +Grand Honors are then given. The Grand Master advances to the East, and +the Master receives him, resigns to him the chair and the gavel. The +suite take place on the right of the Master, and the Lodge is seated. + +The Grand Master may decline to receive the chair and gavel, or at his +pleasure may resign the same. + +When the Grand Master announces his intention to retire, having +previously resigned the chair and gavel to the Master, the Lodge is +called up, the Private Grand Honors are given and the Master directs the +proper officers to attend for the escort of the Grand Master. The +Masters of Ceremony halt at the door, cross their rods, and the other +officers escort the Grand Master to his apartment. + + +III.--The Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Etc. + +The form will be the same as for the Grand Master, except that the Book +of Constitutions will not be borne before them. + + +IV.--Other Brethren. + +When a brother visits a Lodge for the first time and has been vouched +for, the Master will send the Senior Deacon to introduce him. That +officer conducts him to the Altar and says: + +"Worshipful Master, I have the pleasure of introducing to you Brother +......, of ...... Lodge ......" + +The Master calls up the Lodge and says: + +"Brother ......, it gives me pleasure to Introduce to you the members of +...... Lodge and to welcome you to a seat among us. We meet on ......, +and shall be very glad to welcome you to any of our meetings." + +The Senior Deacon conducts the visitor to a seat and the Lodge is +seated. + +If the visitor is to be examined the W. M. appoints a committee, who +retire at the door of the preparation room, the S. D. passing them out. +When the committee are ready to report, they make an alarm at the door +of the preparation room. The S. D. attends to it, and reports that the +examining committee desire admission. The W. M. directs him to admit +them. When he goes to the door, if the committee expect to report +favorably they will introduce the S. D. to the visitor. The committee +then come in and make their report at the altar that they have examined +......, who claims to be a member of ...... Lodge No. ......, under the +jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of ...... and find him to be a Master +Mason (or, that they are not satisfied to vouch for him as a worthy +Mason). The W. M. seats the committee, and asks if there is any +objection to the admission of ...... as a visitor. Any member of the +Lodge has the right to object to the admission of a visitor, but the +grounds of the objection must be stated to the W. M., who shall judge of +the sufficiency thereof. If there be no objection, the W. M. directs the +S. D. to introduce the brother. The S. D. presents him at the altar and +introduces him to the W. M., who in turn introduces him to the Lodge in +the form above. No brother should be allowed to visit a lodge for the +first time without an introduction. If the visitor is a Past Master, he +should be invited to a seat in the East. + + + + +Election and Installation. + + +The Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer and Secretary of a +chartered Lodge must be chosen annually by ballot, and by a majority of +votes, at the time fixed in the by-laws. The Senior and Junior Deacons +and Tyler are appointed by the W. M. A Chaplain and Senior and Junior +Masters of Ceremony may be appointed also. + +If a lodge fails to elect officers at the time appointed, it may at said +meeting, or at the next regular meeting thereof, appoint a day for such +election, not more than three months from the regular time, and may, +without dispensation, elect officers at said appointed time and install +them at once. + +No member in arrears for dues at the time of the regular election shall +be elected or appointed to any office in the Lodge, nor be allowed to +vote at such election. + +Every voter is eligible to any office except that of Master. + +Where a Lodge finds it absolutely necessary to elect a brother W. M., +who has not served as Warden, the facts must be reported to the Grand +Master, and the Master-elect must not be installed without his +dispensation. + +When vacancies occur in any of the elective offices of the Lodge, they +must be filled by seniority or pro tem. appointments during the +remainder of the term. No election can be held to fill them except by +dispensation of the Grand Master. + +Each Lodge may make its own rule as to whether nominations shall be made +or vote without nominations. + +No one can be installed by proxy. + +Officers re-elected must be installed after each election. + +Membership in a Lodge is necessary to eligibility to office except in +case of Tyler and Organist. + +Any Past Master in good standing of a Blue Lodge can install the +officers of a Lodge. + + +INSTALLATIONS. + +Officers of a New Lodge. + +The new Lodge having been constituted, etc., the Grand Master says: + +G. M.: This Lodge having been constituted, I will now install its +officers. Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, collect the official +jewels, place them upon the altar, and present Brother ---- ----, who +has been elected Worshipful Master. + +The Deputy Grand Master now conducts the W. M. elect before the altar, +facing the East, and says: + +D. G. M.: Most Worshipful Grand Master, I present Brother ---- ----, to +be installed Worshipful Master of this Lodge. + +G. M.: Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, have you carefully examined +the brother, and do you find him qualified to discharge the duties of +the office for which he has been chosen? + +D. G. M.: Most Worshipful Grand Master, I find him to be qualified and +of good morals, of great skill, true and trusty; and, as he is a lover +of the Fraternity, I doubt not he will discharge his duties with +fidelity and honor. + +The Grand Master will perform the installation service to the end, +continuing the ceremony as for annually elected officers, the Deputy +Grand Master assisting. + + +Annually Elected Officers. + +Installing his successor is usually the prerogative of the retiring +Worshipful Master, although any Past Master may act as installing +officer for the occasion. A competent brother (usually a Past Master) +will be appointed to act as Marshal, who will present the officers-elect +for installation. All things being in order, the Installing Officer +says: + +Inst. Off.: Brother Marshal, you will present the Worshipful +Master-elect for installation. + +Mar: Worshipful Master, I present Brother ----, who has been elected +Worshipful Master of this Lodge, and is now ready for installation. + +Inst. Off.: Brethren, you now behold before you Brother ---- ----, who +has been elected to serve this Lodge as Worshipful Master, and now +declares himself ready for installation. If any of you have any reason +to urge why he should not be installed you will make it known now, or +forever after hold your peace. No objection being offered, I shall now +install him. + +Inst. Off.: Brother ---- ----, I congratulate you upon your election as +Worshipful Master of this Lodge, and it will afford me great pleasure to +invest you with the authority and the insignia of your office. Previous +to your investiture, however, it is necessary that you signify your +assent to those charges and regulations which point out the duty of the +Master of a Lodge: + +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 +the government, but patiently submit to the law and the constituted +authorities? + +IV. You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil magistrates, to work +diligently, live creditably, and act honorably toward all men? + +V. You agree to hold in veneration the original rulers and patrons of +Freemasonry, and their regular successors, supreme and subordinate, +according to their stations, and submit to the awards and resolutions of +your brethren, in Lodge convened, in every case consistent with the +Constitutions of the Fraternity? + +VI. You agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, and to guard against +intemperance and excess? + +VII. You agree to be cautious in your behavior, courteous to your +brethren, and faithful to your Lodge? + +VIII. You promise to respect genuine brethren, and discountenance +impostors 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 mystic art? + +X. You promise to pay homage to the Grand Master for the time being, and +to his officers when duly installed, and strictly to conform to every +edict of the Grand Lodge that is not subversive of the principles and +groundwork 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 communications of the Grand +Lodge, on receiving proper notice, and to pay a proper 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 any irregular +Lodge, or to any person clandestinely made therein, being contrary to +the ancient charges of Freemasonry? + +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 visitor shall be received into your Lodge without +due examination, or being properly vouched for? + +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 answers: I do. + +Inst. Off.: Brother ---- ----, in consequence of your conformity to the +charges and regulations of the Fraternity, you are now to be installed +Master of this Lodge, in full confidence of your skill and capacity to +govern the same. + +The Master is then regularly invested with the insignia of his office, +and the furniture and implements of the Lodge are placed in his charge. +The various implements of his profession are emblematical of his conduct +in life, and are fully explained, as follows: + +Inst. Off.: The Holy Writings, that Great Light in Masonry, which guides +us to all truth, directs our path to the temple of happiness, and points +out the whole duty of man. + +The Square teaches us to regulate our actions and harmonize our conduct +with 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 us to punctually observe our duty, press forward in the +path of virtue, and, inclining neither to the right nor to the left, in +all our actions to have eternity in view. + +The Line, the emblem of moral rectitude, teaches us to avoid +dissimulation in conversation and action, and to walk in the path which +leads to a blessed immortality. + +The Constitution and Laws you are to search at all times and cause to be +read in your Lodge, that none may pretend ignorance of the excellent +precepts they enjoin. + +You now receive in charge the Charter, by the authority of which this +Lodge is held. You are carefully to preserve the same and duly transmit +it to your successor in office. + +You will also receive in charge the By-Laws of your Lodge, which you are +to see carefully and punctually executed. + +The new Master is conducted to the East and placed on the right of the +Installing Officer until the other officers are installed. + +The other officers are then severally presented by the Marshal to the +Installing Officer, who delivers to each his appropriate charge. + + +Senior Warden. + +Inst. Off.: Brother ---- ----, you have been elected Senior Warden of +this Lodge. Do you solemnly promise that you will serve the Lodge as +Senior Warden for the ensuing year, and will perform all the duties +appertaining to that office to the best of your ability? (He assents.) +You will now be invested with the insignia of your office. + +The Level teaches that we are descended from the same stock, partake of +the same nature, and share the same hope; "that we are all children of +one common father, heirs of the same infirmities, and exposed to the +same vicissitudes." It also reminds us that, although distinctions among +men are necessary to preserve subordination, no eminence of station +should make us forget that we are brethren, and that in the Lodge and in +all our Masonic associations, we are on a level. This implement teaches +us that a time will come, and the wisest knows not how soon, when all +distinctions but that of goodness, shall cease, and death, the grand +leveler of all human greatness, reduce us to the same state. + +Your regular attendance on the stated and other meetings of the Lodge is +essentially necessary. In the absence of the Master you are to govern +the Lodge, and in his presence assist him in the government of it. Hence +you will perceive the necessity of preparing yourself for the important +duties which may devolve upon you. Look well to the West, and guard with +scrupulous care the pillar committed to your charge. + +He is conducted to his proper station. + + +Junior Warden. + +Inst. Off.: Brother ---- ----, you have been elected Junior Warden of +this Lodge. Do you solemnly promise that you will serve the Lodge as +Junior Warden for the ensuing year, and will perform all the duties +appertaining to that office to the best of your ability? (He assents.) +You will now be invested with the insignia of your office. + +The Plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations; to do +unto others as we would have others do to us; to observe the just medium +between intemperance and pleasure, and make our passions and prejudices +coincide with the line of our duty. + +In the absence of the Master and Senior Warden upon you devolves the +government of the Lodge; but to you is especially committed the +superintendence of the Craft during the hours of refreshment; it is, +therefore, not only necessary that you should be temperate and discreet +in the indulgence of your own inclinations, but carefully observe that +none of the Craft convert the purpose of refreshment into intemperance +or excess. Look well to the South. Guard with vigilance the pillar +committed to your charge, that nothing may disturb the harmony of the +Lodge or mar its beauty. + +He is conducted to his proper station. + + +Treasurer. + +Inst. Off.: Brother ---- ----, you have been elected Treasurer of this +Lodge and will now be invested with the jewel of your office. + +It is your duty to receive all moneys belonging to the Lodge from the +Secretary, keep a just and true account thereof, and pay them out by +order of the Worshipful Master and consent of the Lodge. Your own honor +and the confidence the brethren repose in you will arouse you to that +faithfulness in the discharge of the duties of your office which its +important nature demands. + +He is conducted to his station. + + +Secretary. + +Inst. Off.: Brother ---- ----, you have been elected Secretary of this +Lodge, and will now be invested with the jewel of your office. + +It is your duty to "keep a faithful record of all things pertaining to +the Lodge, proper to be written, transmit a copy of the same to the +Grand Lodge when required, receive all moneys due the Lodge and pay them +to the Treasurer, taking his receipt for the same." + +Your love for the Craft and attachment to the Lodge will induce you +cheerfully to fulfill the very important duties of your office, and in +so doing you will merit the esteem of your brethren. + +He is conducted to his station. + + +Chaplain. + +Inst. Off.: Brother ---- ----, you have been appointed Chaplain of this +Lodge, and will now be invested with the jewel of your office. + +It will be your duty to perform those solemn services which we should +constantly render to our infinite Creator, and which, when offered by +one whose holy profession is "to point to heaven and lead the way," may, +by refining our souls, 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. + +He is conducted to his station, which is in the East in front and to the +left of the W. M. + + +The Senior and Junior Deacons. + +Inst. Off.: Brothers ---- and ----, you are appointed Deacons of this +Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of your office. 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, the introduction and +accommodation of visitors, 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. + +They are conducted to their stations. + + +Masters of Ceremonies. + +Inst. Off.: Brothers ---- and ----, you have been appointed Masters of +Ceremonies of this Lodge, and will now be invested with the jewels of +your office. The positions to which you are assigned in the Lodge are +very important. You are to assist the Senior Deacon and other officers +in performing their respective duties. Your conduct should be courteous +and dignified. Remember that in your company the candidate will receive +his first impressions of our institution. Your regular and early +attendance at our meetings will afford the best proof of your zeal and +attachment to the Lodge. + +They are conducted to their stations. + + +Tiler. + +Inst. Off.: Brother ---- ----, you have been appointed Tiler of this +Lodge, and will now be invested with the jewel and the implement of your +office. + +As the Sword is placed in the hands of the Tiler to enable him +effectually to guard the Lodge against the approach of cowans and +eavesdroppers, and suffer none to pass or re-pass except such as are +duly qualified and have permission of the Worshipful Master, so it +should morally serve as a constant admonition to us to set a guard over +our thoughts, a watch at our lips, and a sentinel over our actions, +thereby preventing the approach of every unworthy thought or deed, and +preserving consciences void of offence toward God and toward man. Your +early and punctual attendance will give us the best proof of your +appreciation of and love for the institution. + +He is conducted to his station. + +The Installing Officer, addressing the Master, when presenting the +Gavel, explains its power and use. + +One * of which calls * * *; two * calls * * *; three * calls * * * + +Worshipful Master, behold your brethren! + +Brethren, behold your Master! + +The grand honors are then given the W. M. by the Lodge, the Marshal +leading in the ceremony. + +The brethren are now seated. Then the Grand Master or Installing Officer +may deliver an address or read the following charges, in his discretion: + +"Worshipful Master: The superintendence and government of the brethren +who compose this Lodge having been committed to your care, you cannot be +insensible of the obligations which devolve on you as their head, nor +of your responsibility for the faithful discharge of the important +duties annexed to your position. + +The honor, reputation and usefulness of this Lodge will materially +depend upon 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. + +As a pattern for imitation, consider the great luminary of nature, +which, rising in the East, regularly diffuses light and luster to all +within the 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 they have been taught in +it; and by amiable, discreet and virtuous conduct, to convince mankind +of the goodness of the institution; so that when a person is said to be +a member of it, the world may know that he is one to whom the burdened +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 the Lodge, the +Constitutions of Freemasonry, and, above all, the Holy Scriptures, which +are given as a rule and a guide to your faith, 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. + +Brother Senior and Junior Warden: 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 say, +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 of 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 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. + +The Lodge being called up, the Installing Officer continues as follows: + +Brethren of ---- Lodge: Such is the nature of our constitution, that as +some must of necessity rule and teach, so others must, of course, learn +to submit and obey. Humility in both is an essential duty. The officers +who are chosen to govern your Lodge are 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 Lodge has been formed and perfected in so +much unanimity and concord, 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 annual recurrence of +this auspicious solemnity; and may the tenets of our profession be +transmitted through this Lodge, pure and unimpaired, from generation to +generation." + +The Marshal then makes proclamation from the South, West and East in the +following manner: + +"I am directed to proclaim, and I do hereby proclaim, that the +Worshipful Master, Wardens, and other officers, elected and appointed, +of ---- Lodge, have been regularly installed into their respective +stations." + + + + +INSTITUTING AND CONSTITUTING NEW LODGE + + +Ceremony for Instituting a Lodge Under Dispensation. + +The members of the new Lodge, whether they are to be instituted by the +Grand Master, or by a brother deputized by him, will, in either case, be +notified by the Master to assemble in their Lodge room at the time +determined upon. After the brethren are assembled, the Grand Master, or +Instituting Officer, will assume the East and announce the object of the +meeting. He then causes the Letter of Dispensation to be read, after +which the names of the officers appointed by the Grand Master and by the +Master of the new Lodge will be announced. As these names are called, +the officers will form in line near and facing the East, when each +officer will be invested with his jewel. The new Master will then be +seated in the East, on the right of the Instituting Officer. The Wardens +and other officers will take their respective stations. The Instituting +Officer will then open the Lodge on the third degree of Masonry, and +deliver to the officers and brethren the following + + +Charges to the Officers and Brethren. + +Inst. Off.: Worshipful Master: (Who rises.) The Grand Master having +committed to your care the superintendence and government of the +brethren who are to compose this new lodge, you cannot be insensible of +the obligations which devolve on you, as their head, nor of your +responsibility for the faithful discharge of the important duties +attached to your office. + +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 sun, which, rising in the east, +regularly diffuses light and luster to all within its circle. In like +manner, it is in 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 they have been 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 burdened 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 Constitution of +Masonry, and above all, the Holy Scriptures, which are given as a rule +and guide to your faith, you will be enabled to acquit yourself with +honor and reputation. + + +Charge to the Wardens. + +Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens: (Who are called up by one knock.) +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. 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 of 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 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. + + +Charge to the Brethren of the Lodge. + + * * * + +Brethren of ...... Lodge, such is the nature of our Constitution, that +as some must of necessity rule 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 the Lodge are sufficiently +conversant with the rules of propriety and the laws of the Institution +to avoid exceeding the powers with which they are intrusted, 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 to unite +in the grand design of being happy and communicating happiness. + +Finally, my brethren, as this association has been formed and perfected +in so much unity and concord, in which we greatly rejoice, so may it +long continue. May you enjoy every satisfaction and delight, which +disinterested friendship can afford. May kindness and brotherly +affection distinguish your conduct as men and Masons. Within your +peaceful walls, may your children, and your children's children +celebrate, with joy and gratitude, the annual recurrence of this +auspicious solemnity. And may the tenets of our profession be +transmitted through your Lodge, pure and unimpaired, from generation to +generation. + + +Proclamation. + +Instituting Officer: (Calls up Lodge.) In the name and by the authority +of the Most Worshipful* Grand Master of Free and Accepted Masons of +the State of Arkansas, I now declare this Lodge duly instituted and +properly prepared for the transaction of such business as may lawfully +come before it. + +* If Grand Master Institutes the Lodge, in person, he will omit what +precedes the * and insert "as." + +Instituting Officer: (Addressing Master.) I now deliver to you the +Dispensation empowering you and your brethren to work as a Regular +Lodge. You are its custodian and must see to it that it is present at +all Communications of the Lodge. You must also, as required by law, +safely transmit it to the Grand Secretary just prior to the next Annual +Communication of the Grand Lodge, and when this is done, Masonic work in +this Lodge must cease until the Dispensation is continued by the Grand +Lodge, or until the Lodge is constituted. I now deliver to you the gavel +of authority; wield it, my brother, with prudence and discretion. You +will now assume your station. + + +Constituting a Newly Chartered Lodge. + +After the grant of a charter the new Lodge thus created should be +constituted, and its officers installed, by the Grand Master or his +Deputy or some past or present Master. The Lodge is opened on the Third +Degree. The Marshal forms the officers of the new Lodge in front of the +Installing Officer, whereupon the Deputy G. M. addresses the G. M. as +follows: + +Most Worshipful, a number of brethren, duly instructed in the mysteries +of Masonry, having assembled together for some time past by virtue of a +dispensation granted them for that purpose, do now desire to be +regularly constituted as a lodge agreeably to the ancient usages and +customs of the fraternity. + +The charter is presented by the D. G. M. to the Grand Master, who +examines it and, if correct, proclaims: + +G. M.--The charter appears to be correct and is approved. Upon due +deliberation the Grand Lodge has granted the brethren of this new Lodge +a charter establishing and confirming them in the rights and privileges +of a regularly constituted Lodge. We shall now proceed according to the +ancient usage to constitute these brethren into a regular Lodge. + +The officers of the new Lodge deliver up their jewels and badges to +their Master, who presents them, with his own, to the D. G. M. and he to +the G. M. + +The D. G. M. then presents the Master-elect to the G. M., saying: + +D. G. M.--Most Worshipful, I present to you Brother ----, whom the +members of the Lodge now to be constituted have chosen for their Master. + +The G. M. asks the brethren 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 G. M. 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 G. M. and +the business of consecration commences. + +The G. M. and grand officers form around the Lodge, all kneeling. + +A piece of solemn music is performed while the Lodge is being uncovered, +after which the first clause of the consecration prayer is rehearsed by +the Grand Chaplain, as follows: + +Great Architect of the Universe; Maker and Ruler of all worlds. Deign +from Thy Celestial Temple, from the 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, O Thou author of life and light, great source +of love and happiness, solemnly to consecrate this Lodge to Thy honor +and glory. Amen. + +Response by the Officers of the Grand Lodge: + +As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without +end. Amen. + +The Grand Officers will then rise. + + +Consecration. + +The Deputy Grand Master will step forward and present the Vessel of Corn +(wheat) to the Grand Master, who sprinkles a portion of it upon the +symbol of the Lodge, saying: + +May the Giver of every good and perfect gift strengthen this Lodge in +all its philanthropic undertakings. + +The following may then be sung: + + When once of old, in Israel, + Our brethren wrought with toil, + Jehovah's blessings on them fell, + In showers of Corn and Wine and Oil. + +In like manner, the Senior Grand Warden presents the Vessel of Wine, +which is sprinkled on the Lodge by the Grand Master, saying: + +May this Lodge be continually refreshed at the pure fountain of Masonic +virtue. + +The following may then be sung: + + When then a shrine to him above + They built, with worship sin to foil, + On threshold and on corner-stone + They poured out Corn and Wine and Oil. + +The Junior Grand Warden then presents the Vessel of Oil, which is used +in the same manner, the Grand Master saying: + +May the Supreme Ruler of the Universe preserve this Lodge in peace, and +vouchsafe to it every blessing. + +The following may then be sung: + + And we have come, fraternal bands, + With joy and pride and prosperous spoil, + To honor him by votive hands, + With streams of Corn and Wine and Oil. + +Each vessel after use is placed upon the table. + +The Grand Master then orders the Officers of the Grand Lodge to kneel as +before, when the Grand Chaplain will rehearse the remaining portion of +the consecration prayer: + +Grant, O Lord, our God, that those who are now about to be invested with +the government of this Lodge may be endowed with wisdom to instruct +their brethren in their duties. May brotherly love, relief and truth +always prevail among the members of this Lodge. 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 this whole family; may they increase in grace, in the +knowledge of Thee, and in love to each other. Finally, may we finish all +our work here below, with Thy approbation; and then may our transition +from this earthly abode be to Thy heavenly Temple above, there to enjoy +light and glory, and bliss ineffable and eternal. Amen. + +Response: (By the Officers of the Grand Lodge.) As it was in the +beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. + +A short piece of solemn music is then performed, during which the Grand +Officers will rise. + + +Dedication. + +The Grand Master steps forward, and extending his hands over the emblem +of the Lodge, exclaims: + +To the memory of the Holy Saints John, we dedicate this Lodge. May every +brother revere their character and imitate their virtues. + +Response: (By the brethren.) As it was in the beginning, is now, and +ever shall be, world without end. Amen. + +The Officers of the Grand Lodge will then about face, and stand, while +the brethren of the new Lodge, under direction of the Grand Marshal, +make a circuit in procession, single file, and salute the Grand Officers +with their hands crossed upon their breasts, left over right, and heads +slightly bowed while passing. Upon the completion of this ceremony, the +brethren will resume position, facing inward. The Officers of the Grand +Lodge will also resume original position. The Grand Master will call up, +with his gavel, all present, and then proceed to + + +Constitute the Lodge. + +Grand Master: In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the +State of Arkansas, I now constitute and form you, my beloved brethren, +into a Regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. From henceforth we +empower you to meet as a Regular Lodge, constituted in conformity to +the rites of our institution, 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. + +Response by the brethren: So mote it be. + +The Officers of the Grand Lodge will, under the direction of the Grand +Marshal, give the Full Grand Honors. The Grand Marshal will then slowly +replace the covering on the Lodge, during which a choir should chant-- + + "Glory be to God on High." + +The Grand Marshal will then conduct the Grand Master to his chair, and +instruct the officers of the Grand Lodge to resume their respective +stations; and the members of the new Lodge to resume their seats. During +these movements instrumental music should be performed. + +Grand Master: (Calls up the assembly.) Worshipful Grand Marshal, you +will make proclamation that ...... Lodge, No. ......, has been regularly +constituted. + +Grand Marshal: I am directed by the Most Worshipful Grand Master to +proclaim, and I do hereby proclaim, that ...... Lodge, No. ......, has +been regularly constituted, and duly registered as such in the Grand +Lodge of Arkansas. This proclamation is made from the East, (one knock +by G. M.); from the West, (one knock by the S. G. W.); from the South, +(one knock by the J. G. W.); once, twice, thrice; the Craft will take +due notice and govern itself accordingly. The Grand Honors are given. + +Grand Master seats the brethren. + + + + +LAYING CORNER STONES. + + +These ceremonies are conducted only by the Grand Master in person, or by +some brother acting for him, under special dispensation, assisted by the +officers of the Grand Lodge, and such of the Craft as may be invited, or +who may choose to attend, either as Lodges, or as individual brethren. + +No corner-stone should be laid with Masonic ceremonies, except those of +acknowledged public structures, or buildings which are to be used for +Masonic purposes; and then only by special request of the proper +authorities. + +The Lodge or Lodges in the place where the building is to be erected, +may invite such neighboring Lodges, and other Masonic bodies, as they +may deem proper. The Chief Magistrate, and other Officers of the place, +should also be invited to attend on the occasion. + +At the time appointed for the ceremony, a sufficient number of brethren +to act as Grand Officers are convened in a suitable place, where a +Special Communication of the Grand Lodge will be opened on the Third +Degree, and proper instructions given by the Grand Master; after which, +the Officers of the Grand Lodge, under the direction of the Grand +Marshal, will form in the following order: + + Grand Tyler. + (with drawn sword.) + + Master Masons. + + Grand Steward. A Brother. Grand Steward. + (carrying rod.) (carrying Bible, (carrying rod.) + Square and Compass, + on a cushion.) + + Grand Chaplain. + + Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, + (carrying scroll, containing (in charge of the box[A] + list of articles to be to be deposited under + placed under the the corner-stone.) + corner-stone.) + + Gr'd Steward, Past Gr'd Officers,[B] Gr'd Steward, + (carrying rod.) (in the order of their (carrying rod.) + G rank, two abreast.) + R + A Principal Architect,[C] + N (carrying Square, Level and Plumb.) + D + + M Jr. Grand Warden, Sr. Grand Warden, + A (carrying vessel of oil.) (carrying vessel of wine.) + R + S Deputy Grand Master. + H (carrying vessel of corn.) + A + L Master of Oldest Lodge, + . (carrying book of constitutions.) + + Jr. Grand Deacon, Grand Master. Sr. Grand Deacon, + (carrying rod.) (carrying rod.) + +The procession thus formed will proceed to join the general procession, +if any, and march to the place where the ceremony is to be performed. + +[A] This box may be carried by the Treasurer, or be sent in advance to +the site of the corner-stone, as circumstances may dictate. + +[B] In the absence of Past Grand Officers, these Stewards will support +the Deputy Grand Master and Grand Warden. + +[C] If the architect of the building is not a member of the Masonic +Fraternity, the Square, Level and Plumb will be carried by a brother +appointed for the purpose, who will deliver them to the architect on +arriving at the corner-stone. + +When a procession is composed of other than the officers of the Grand +Lodge and Master Masons, it should be formed in the following order: + + G Music. + R + A M Military. + N A + D R Civic Societies and Organizations. + S + H Chief Magistrate, Mayor or other Official Guests. + A + L Knights Templar Escort. + . + Grand Lodge. + +Should any Masonic body other than those above named appear, they will +be assigned an appropriate place in the procession. + +A triumphal arch is usually erected near the place where the ceremony is +to be performed; and the corner-stone should have engraved on its face +the words, "Laid by the Masonic Fraternity," with the date, the year of +Masonry, the name of the Grand Master, and such other particulars as may +be deemed proper. + +When the head of the procession reaches the Arch, it will open to the +right and left, facing inward. The Grand Master, uncovering, preceded by +the Grand Marshal and Grand Tyler, and followed by the other Grand +Officers and the Chief Magistrate and civil officers of the place, will +pass through the lines and ascend to the platform. As the Grand Master +and others advance, the remainder of the procession will counter-march +and surround the platform. + +The stone should be suspended about six feet from its bed, by a machine +having suitable arrangements for slowly lowering it to its place. All +being in readiness-- + +The Grand Master will command silence and address the assembly, +announcing the purposes of the occasion, etc., concluding as follows: + +The teachings of Freemasonry inculcate, that in all our works, great or +small, begun and finished, we should seek the aid of Almighty God. It is +our first duty, then, to invoke the blessing of the great Architect of +the Universe upon the work in which we are about to engage. I therefore +command the utmost silence, and call upon all to unite with our Grand +Chaplain in an address to the Throne of Grace. + +The brethren uncover, while the Grand Chaplain delivers the following, +or some other appropriate + + +Prayer. + +Almighty God! who hath given us grace at this time, with one accord, to +make our common supplication unto Thee, and dost promise, that where two +or three are gathered together in Thy name, Thou wilt grant their +request; fulfill now, O Lord! the desires and petitions of Thy servants, +as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world, knowledge +of Thy truth; and in the world to come, life everlasting. Amen. + +Response: So mote it be. + +The choir may then sing an Ode, or a piece of instrumental music may be +performed. + + +Deposit of Memorials. + +Grand Master: R. W. Brother Grand Treasurer, it has ever been the +custom, on occasions like the present, to deposit within a cavity in +the stone, placed in the north-east corner of the edifice, certain +memorials of the period at which it was erected; so that in the lapse of +ages, if the fury of the elements, or the slow but certain ravages of +time, should lay bare its foundation, an enduring record may be found by +succeeding generations, to bear testimony to the energy, industry and +culture of our time. Has such a deposit been prepared? + +Grand Treasurer: It has, Most Worshipful Grand Master, and the various +articles of which it is composed are safely enclosed within the casket +now before you. + +Grand Master: R. W. Grand Secretary, you will read for the information +of the brethren and others here assembled, a record of the contents of +the casket. + +Grand Secretary reads a list of the articles contained in the casket. + +Grand Master: R. W. Grand Treasurer, you will now deposit the casket in +the cavity beneath the corner-stone, and may the Great Architect of the +Universe, in His wisdom, grant that ages on ages shall pass away ere it +again be seen of men. + +Grand Treasurer, assisted by the Grand Secretary, will place the casket +in the cavity prepared, and report: + +Most Worshipful Grand Master, your orders have been duly executed. + + +Presentation of Working Tools. + +Principal Architect delivers the working tools to the Grand Master, who +retains the Trowel, and presents the Square, Level and Plumb to the +Deputy Grand Master, Senior and Junior Grand Warden, respectively, +saying: + +Right Worshipful Brethren, you will receive the implements of your +office. With your assistance and that of the Craft, I will now proceed +to lay the corner-stone of this edifice, according to the custom of our +Fraternity. Brother Grand Marshal, you will direct the Craftsmen to +furnish the cement, and prepare to lower the stone. + + +Laying Stone. + +The Grand Master will then spread a portion of the cement. The stone is +then lowered slowly, during which there should be appropriate music. The +Grand Master then says: + + +Trial of Stone. + +R. W. Deputy Grand Master, what is the proper implement of your office? + +D. G. Master: The Square. + +G. M.: What are its moral and Masonic uses? + +D. G. M.: To square our actions by the rule of virtue, and prove our +work. + +G. M.: Apply the implement of your office to that portion of the stone +that needs to be proved, and make report. + +The Square is applied to the four corners. + +D. G. M.: Most Worshipful Grand Master, I find the stone to be square. +The Craftsmen have done their duty. + +G. M.: R. W. Senior Grand Warden, what is the proper implement of your +office? + +S. G. W.: The Level. + +G. M.: What are its Masonic uses? + +S. G. W.: Morally, it teaches Equality; and by it we prove our work. + +G. M.: Apply the implement of your office to that portion of the +corner-stone that needs to be proved, and make report. + +Level is applied to the top surface. + +S. G. W.: Most Worshipful Grand Master, I find the stone to be level. +The Craftsmen have done their duty. + +G. M.: R. W. Junior Warden, what is the proper implement of your office? + +J. G. W.: The Plumb. + +G. M.: What are its moral and Masonic uses? + +J. G. W.: Morally, it teaches rectitude of conduct; and by it we prove +our work. + +G. M.: Apply the implement of your office to that portion of the +corner-stone that needs to be proved, and make report. + +The Plumb is applied to the sides of the stone. + +J. G. W.: Most Worshipful Grand Master, I find the stone to be plumb. +The Craftsmen have done their duty. + +Grand Master (striking the stone three times with his gavel), says: + +This corner-stone has been tested by the proper implements of Masonry. I +find that the Craftsmen have skillfully and faithfully done their duty; +and I do declare the stone to be well formed and trusty, truly laid, and +correctly proved according to the rules of our Ancient Craft. May the +building be conducted and completed amid the blessings of Plenty, Health +and Peace. + +Response by the Craft: So mote it be. + + +Consecration. + +Grand Master: Brother Grand Marshal, you will present the elements of +consecration to the proper officers. + +Grand Marshal presents vessel of corn to the D. G. M.; the wine to the +S. G. W.; and the oil to the J. G. W. + +Deputy Grand Master advances with the corn, scattering it on the stone, +and says: + +I scatter this corn as an emblem of Plenty; may the blessings of +bounteous Heaven be showered upon us, and upon all like patriotic and +important undertakings, and inspire the hearts of the people with +virtue, wisdom and gratitude. + +Response by the Craft: So mote it be. + +Senior Grand Warden advances with the vessel of wine, pouring it on the +stone, and says: + +I pour this wine as an emblem of Joy and Gladness. May the great Ruler +of the Universe bless and prosper our National, State and City +Governments; preserve the union of the States in harmony and brotherly +love, which shall endure through all time. + +Response by the Craft: So mote it be. + +Junior Warden advances with the vessel of oil, pouring it on the stone, +saying: + +I pour this oil as an emblem of Peace; may its blessings abide with us +continually; and may the Grand Master of Heaven and Earth shelter and +protect the widow and orphan, and vouchsafe to them, and to the +bereaved, the afflicted and sorrowing, everywhere, the enjoyment of +every good and perfect gift. + +Response by the Craft: So mote it be. + +Grand Master, extending his hands, pronounces the following invocation: + +May corn, wine and oil, and all the necessaries of life, abound among +men throughout the world. May the blessing of Almighty God be upon this +undertaking. May He protect the workmen from every accident. May the +structure here to be erected, be planned with Wisdom, supported by +Strength, and adorned in Beauty, and may it be preserved to the latest +ages, a monument to the energy and liberality of its founders. + +Response by the Craft: So mote it be. + + +Proclamation. + +Grand Master: (Addressing Architect.) Worthy sir (or brother), having +thus, as Grand Master of Masons, laid the corner-stone of the structure, +I now return to you these implements of Operative Masonry (presents +Square, Level and Plumb), having full confidence in your skill and +capacity to perform the important duties confided to you, to the +satisfaction of those who have entrusted you with their fulfillment. + +The G. M. strikes the stone three times with the gavel, and the public +grand honors are given. + +The Grand Master will then make report of his doings, as follows: + +I have the honor to report, that in compliance with the request of the +proper authorities, the corner-stone of the ...... building to be +erected on this site, has been laid successfully, with the ancient +ceremonies of the Craft. The Brother Grand Marshal will therefore make +the proclamation. + +Grand Marshal: In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free +and Accepted Masons of the State of Arkansas, I now proclaim that the +corner-stone of the structure to be erected, has this day been found +true and trusty, and laid according to the old customs, by the Grand +Master of Masons. + + +Closing Ode. + + +Oration. + + +Benediction. + +Glory be to God on High, and on earth peace, good will toward men! O +Lord, we most heartily beseech Thee with Thy favor to behold and bless +this assemblage; pour down Thy mercies, like the dew that falls upon the +mountains, upon Thy servants engaged in the solemn ceremonies of this +day. Bless, we pray Thee, all the workmen who shall be engaged in the +erection of this edifice; keep them from all forms of accidents and +harm; grant them in health and prosperity to live; and finally, we hope, +after this life, through Thy mercy and forgiveness to attain everlasting +joy and felicity in Thy bright mansion, in Thy holy temple, not made +with hands, eternal in the heavens. Amen. + +Response: So mote it be. + +After which, the Grand Lodge, with escort, returns to the place whence +it started, and is closed. + +The Lodges, and other Masonic bodies, return to their respective halls. + + * * * + + + + +DEDICATION OF MASONIC HALLS. + + +At the time appointed for the celebration of the ceremony of dedication, +the Grand Master and his officers, accompanied by the members of the +Grand Lodge, meet in a convenient room, near to the place where the +ceremony is to be performed, and the Grand Lodge is opened in ample +form. + +The procession is then formed, under direction of the Grand Marshal, +when the Grand Lodge moves to the hall to be dedicated, in the following +order: + + Music; + + Tiler, with drawn sword; + + Stewards, with white rods; + + Master Masons; + + Grand Secretaries; + + Grand Treasurers; + + A Past Master, bearing the Holy Writings, Square and Compass, + supported by two Stewards, with rods; + + Two Burning Tapers, borne by two Past Masters; + + Chaplain and Orator; + + Past Grand Wardens; + + Past Deputy Grand Masters; + + Past Grand Masters; + + The Globes; + + Junior Grand Warden, carrying a silver vessel with corn; + + Senior Grand Warden, carrying a silver vessel with wine; + + Deputy Grand Master, carrying a golden vessel with oil; + + The Lodge, + Covered with white linen, carried by four Brethren; + + Master of the oldest Lodge, carrying Book of Constitutions; + + Grand Master, + Supported by two Deacons, with rods. + +When the Grand Officers arrive at the center of the Lodge room, the +Grand honors are given. + +The Grand Officers then repair to their respective stations. + +The Lodge is placed in front of the altar, toward the East, and the gold +and silver vessels and lights are placed around it. + +These arrangements being completed, the following or some other +appropriate Ode is sung: + + Master Supreme! accept our praise; + Still bless this consecrated band; + Parent of light! illume our ways, + And guide us by thy sovereign hand. + + May Faith, Hope, Charity, divine, + Here hold their undivided reign; + Friendship and Harmony combine + To soothe our cares--to banish pain. + + May pity dwell within each breast, + Relief attend the suffering poor; + Thousands by this, our Lodge, be blest, + Till worth, distress'd, shall want no more. + +The Master of the Lodge to which the hall to be dedicated belongs, then +rises, and addresses the Grand Master as follows: + +Most Worshipful: The brethren of ...... Lodge, being animated with a +desire to promote the honor and interest of the Craft, have erected a +Masonic Hall, for their convenience and accommodation. They are desirous +that the same should be examined by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge; and +if it should meet their approbation, that it be solemnly dedicated to +Masonic purposes, agreeably to ancient form and usage. + +The Architect or Brother who has had the management of the structure +then addresses the Grand Master as follows: + +Most Worshipful: Having been entrusted with the superintendence and +management of the workmen employed in the construction of this edifice; +and having, according to the best of my ability, accomplished the task +assigned me, I now return my thanks for the honor of this appointment, +and beg leave to surrender up the implements which were committed to my +care, when the foundation of this fabric was laid, (presenting to the +Grand Master the Square, Level and Plumb), humbly hoping that the +exertions which have been made on this occasion will be crowned with +your approbation, and that of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge. + +To which the Grand Master replies: + +Brother Architect: The skill and fidelity displayed in the execution of +the trust reposed in you at the commencement of this undertaking, have +secured the entire approbation of the Grand Lodge; and they sincerely +pray that this edifice may continue a lasting monument of the taste, +spirit, and liberality of its founders. + +The Deputy Grand Master then rises, and says: + +Most Worshipful: 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 be now dedicated, +according to ancient form and usage. + +The Lodge is then uncovered, and a procession is made around it in the +following form, during which solemn music is played. + + Grand Tiler, with drawn sword; + + A Past Master, with light; + + A Past Master, with Bible, Square and Compass, + on a velvet cushion; + + Two Past Masters, each with a light; + + Grand Secretary and Treasurer, with emblems; + + Grand Junior Warden, with vessel of corn; + + Grand Senior Warden, with vessel of wine; + + Deputy Grand Master, with vessel of oil; + + Grand Master; + + Two Stewards, with rods. + +When the procession arrives at the East, it halts; the music ceases, and +the Grand Chaplain makes the following + + +Consecration Prayer. + +Almighty and ever-glorious and gracious Lord God, Creator of all things, +and Governor of everything Thou hast made, mercifully look upon Thy +servants, now assembled in Thy name and in Thy presence, and bless and +prosper all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee. Graciously +bestow upon us Wisdom, in all our doings; Strength of mind in all our +difficulties, and the Beauty of harmony and holiness in all our +communications and work. Let Faith be the foundation of our Hope, and +Charity the fruit of our obedience to Thy revealed will. + +May all the proper work of our institution that may be done in this +house be such as Thy wisdom may approve and Thy goodness prosper. And, +finally, graciously be pleased, O Thou Sovereign Architect of the +Universe, to bless the Craft, wheresoever dispersed, and make them true +and faithful to Thee, to their neighbor, and to themselves. And when the +time of our labor is drawing near to an end, and the pillar of our +strength is declining to the ground, graciously enable us to pass +through the "valley of the shadow of death," supported by Thy rod and +Thy staff, to those mansions beyond the skies where love, and peace, and +joy forever reign before Thy throne. Amen. + +Response: So mote it be! + +All the other brethren keep their places, and assist in singing the Ode, +which continues during the procession, excepting only at the intervals +of dedication. + + +Song. + +Tune--Old Hundred. + + Genius of Masonry, descend, + And with thee bring thy spotless train, + Constant our sacred rites attend, + While we adore thy peaceful reign. + +The first procession being made around the Lodge, the Grand Master +having reached the East, the Grand Junior Warden presents the vessel of +Corn to the G. Master, saying: + +Most Worshipful: In the dedications of Masonic Halls, it has been of +immemorial custom to pour corn upon the Lodge, as an emblem of +nourishment. I, therefore, present you this vessel of corn, to be +employed by you according to ancient usage. + +The Grand Master then, striking thrice with his mallet pours the corn +upon the Lodge, saying: + +In the name of the great Jehovah, to whom be all honor and glory, I do +solemnly dedicate this hall to Freemasonry. + +The grand honors are given. + + Bring with thee Virtue, brightest maid! + Bring Love, bring Truth, bring Friendship here; + While social Mirth shall lend her aid + To soothe the wrinkled brow of Care. + +The second procession is then made around the Lodge, and the Grand +Senior Warden presents the vessel of wine to the Grand Master, saying: + +Most Worshipful: Wine, the emblem of refreshment, having been used by +our ancient brethren in the dedication and consecration of their Lodges, +I present you this vessel of wine, to be used on the present occasion +according to ancient Masonic form. + +The Grand Master then sprinkles the wine upon the Lodge, saying: + +In the name of the holy Saints John, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to +Virtue. + +The grand honors are twice repeated. + + Bring Charity! with goodness crowned, + Encircled in thy heavenly robe! + Diffuse thy blessings all around, + To every corner of the Globe! + +The third procession is then made round the Lodge, and the Deputy Grand +Master presents the vessel of oil to the Grand Master, saying: + +Most Worshipful: I present you, to be used according to ancient custom, +this vessel of oil, an emblem of that joy which should animate every +bosom on the completion of every important undertaking. + +The Grand Master then sprinkles the oil upon the Lodge, saying: + +In the name of the whole Fraternity, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to +Universal Benevolence. + +The grand honors are thrice repeated. + + To Heaven's high Architect all praise, + All praise, all gratitude be given, + Who deigned the human soul to raise, + By mystic secrets, sprung from Heaven. + +The Grand Chaplain, standing before the Lodge, then makes the following + + +Invocation. + +And may the Lord, the giver of every good and perfect gift, bless the +brethren here assembled, in all their lawful undertakings, and grant to +each one of them, in needful supply, the corn of nourishment, the wine +of refreshment, and the oil of joy. Amen. + +Response: So mote it be. + +The Lodge is then covered, and the Grand Master retires to his chair. + +The following or an appropriate original oration may then be delivered, +and the ceremonies conclude with music: + +Brethren: The ceremonies we have performed are not unmeaning rites, nor +the amusing pageants of an idle hour, but have a solemn and instructive +import. Suffer me to point it out to you, and to impress upon your minds +the ennobling sentiments they are so well adapted to convey. + +This Hall, designed and built by Wisdom, supported by Strength, and +adorned in Beauty, we are first to consecrate in the name of the great +Jehovah; which teaches us, in all our works, begun and finished, to +acknowledge, adore, and magnify Him. It reminds us, also, in His fear to +enter the door of the Lodge, to put our trust in him while passing its +trials, and to hope in Him for the reward of its labors. + +Let, then, its altar be devoted to His service, and its lofty arch +resound with His praise! May the eye which seeth in secret witness here +the sincere and unaffected piety which withdraws from the engagements of +the world to silence and privacy, that it may be exercised with less +interruption and less ostentation. + +Our march round the Lodge reminds us of the travels of human life, in +which Masonry is an enlightened, a safe, and a pleasant path. Its +tesselated pavement of Mosaic-work intimates to us the chequered +diversity and uncertainty of human affairs. Our step is time; our +progression, eternity. + +Following our ancient Constitutions, with mystic rites we dedicate this +Hall to the honor of Freemasonry. + +Our best attachments are due to the Craft. In its prosperity, we find +our joy; and, in paying it honor, we honor ourselves. But its worth +transcends our encomiums, and its glory will outsound our praise. + +Brethren: It is our pride that we have our names on the records of +Freemasonry. May it be our high ambition that they should shed a luster +on the immortal page! + +The hall is also dedicated to Virtue. + +This worthy appropriation will always be duly regarded while the moral +duties which our sublime lectures inculcate, with affecting and +impressive pertinency, are cherished in our hearts and illustrated in +our lives. + +As Freemasonry aims to enliven the spirit of Philanthropy, and promote +the cause of Charity, so we dedicate this Hall to Universal Benevolence; +in the assurance that every brother will dedicate his affections and his +abilities to the same generous purpose; that while he displays a warm +and cordial affection to those who are of the Fraternity, he will extend +his benevolent regards and good wishes to the whole family of mankind. + +Such, my brethren, is the significant meaning of the solemn rites we +have just performed, because such are the peculiar duties of every +Lodge. I need not enlarge upon them now, nor show how they diverge, as +rays from a center, to enlighten, to improve, and to cheer the whole +circle of life. Their import and their application is familiar to you +all. In their knowledge and their exercise may you fulfill the high +purposes of the Masonic Institution. + +How many pleasing considerations, my brethren, attend the present +interview! While in almost every other association of men, political +animosities, contentions, and wars interrupt the progress of Humanity +and the cause of Benevolence, it is our distinguished privilege to dwell +together in peace, and engage in plans to perfect individual and social +happiness. While in many other nations our Order is viewed by +politicians with suspicion, and by the ignorant with apprehension, in +this country its members are too much respected, and its principles too +well known, to make it the object of jealousy or mistrust. Our private +assemblies are unmolested; and our public celebrations attract a more +general approbation of the Fraternity. Indeed, its importance, its +credit, and, we trust, its usefulness, are advancing to a height unknown +in any former age. The present occasion gives fresh evidence of the +increasing affection of its friends; and this noble apartment, fitted up +in a style of such elegance and convenience, does honor to Freemasonry, +as well as reflects the highest credit on the respectable Lodge for +whose accommodation and at whose expense it is erected. + +We offer our best congratulations to the Worshipful Master, Wardens, +Officers, and Members of ...... Lodge. We commend their zeal, and hope +it will meet with the most ample recompense. May their Hall be the happy +resort of Piety, Virtue, and Benevolence! May it be protected from +accident, and long remain a monument of their attachment to Freemasonry! +May their Lodge continue to flourish; their union to strengthen; and +their happiness to abound!--And when they, and we all, shall be removed +from the labors of the earthly Lodge, may we be admitted to the +brotherhood of the perfect, in the building of God, the Hall not made +with hands, eternal in the heavens! + +The Grand Lodge is again formed in procession, as at first, returns to +the room where it was opened, and is closed in ample form. + + + + +MASONIC FUNERAL SERVICE + + +General Directions. + +1. No Freemason can be buried with the formalities of the Fraternity +unless it be at his own request or that of some of his family, +communicated to the Master of the Lodge of which he was a member at the +time of his death, foreigners or sojourners excepted; nor unless he has +received the Master Mason degree; and to this rule there can be no +exception. + +2. Fellow Crafts or Entered Apprentices are not entitled to these +obsequies, nor can they be allowed in the procession, as Masons, at a +Masonic funeral. + +3. The Master of the Lodge, having received notice of the death of a +brother (the deceased having attained the degree of Master Mason), and +of his request to be buried with the ceremonies of the Craft, fixes the +day and hour for the funeral (unless previously arranged by the friends +or relatives of the deceased), and issues his order to the Secretary to +summon the Lodge. Members of other Lodges may be invited, but they +should join with the Lodge performing the ceremonies. + +4. Upon the death of a sojourner who had expressed a wish to be buried +with Masonic ceremonies, the duties prescribed in Article 3 will devolve +upon the Master of the Lodge within whose jurisdiction the death may +have occurred, unless there be more than one Lodge in the place; and if +so the funeral service will be performed by the oldest Lodge, unless +otherwise mutually arranged. + +5. Whenever other societies or the military unite with Masons in the +burial of a Mason, the body of the deceased must be in charge of the +Lodge having jurisdiction, and the services should, in all respects, be +conducted as if none but Masons were present. + +6. If the deceased was a Grand or Past Grand Officer the Officers of the +Grand Lodge should be invited; when the Master of the Lodge having +jurisdiction will invite the Grand Officer present who has attained the +highest rank to conduct the burial service. + +7. The pallbearers should be Masons, and should be selected by the +Master, with the approval of the family of the deceased. If the deceased +was a member of a Chapter or other Masonic body, a portion of the +pallbearers should be taken from these bodies severally. + +8. The proper clothing to be worn at a Masonic funeral is black or dark +clothes, a black necktie, white gloves, and a white apron, and a sprig +of evergreen on the left breast. The Master's gavel, the Wardens' +columns, the Deacons' and Stewards' rods, the Tiler's sword and the +Marshal's baton, should be trimmed with black crape. The officers of the +Lodge and Grand Officers should wear their official jewels. + +9. As soon as the remains are placed in the coffin there should be +placed upon it a plain white lambskin apron. + +10. If a Past or Present Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, or Grand +Warden, should join the procession of a Lodge, proper attention must be +paid to them. They take place after the Master of the Lodge. Two +Deacons, with white rods, should be appointed by the Master to attend +them. + +11. When the head of the procession shall have arrived at the place of +interment, or where the services are to be performed, the lines should +be opened, and the highest officer in rank, preceded by the Marshal and +Tiler, pass through, and the others follow in order. + +12. Upon arriving at the entrance to the cemetery, the brethren should +march in open order to the tomb or grave. If the body is to be placed in +the former, the Tiler should take his place in front of the open door, +and the lines be spread so as to form a circle. The coffin should be +deposited within the circle, and the Stewards and Deacons should cross +their rods over it. The bearers should take their places on either +side--the mourners at the foot of the coffin, and the Master and other +officers at the head. After the coffin has been placed in the tomb, the +Stewards should cross their rods over the door and the Deacons over the +Master. If the body is to be deposited in the earth, an oblong square +should be formed around the grave, the body being placed on rests over +it; the Stewards should cross their rods over the foot, and the Deacons +the head, and retain their places throughout the services. + +13. After the clergymen shall have performed the religious services of +the church, the Masonic services should begin. + +14. When a number of Lodges join in a funeral procession, the position +of the youngest Lodge is at the head, or right, of the procession, and +the oldest at the end, or left, excepting that the Lodge of which +deceased was a member walks nearest the corpse. + +15. A Lodge in procession is to be strictly under the discipline of the +Lodge room; therefore no brother can enter the procession or leave it +without express permission from the Master, conveyed through the +Marshal. The Lodge is open and not at refreshment. + + +Service in Lodge Room. + +The brethren having assembled at the lodge room, the Lodge will be +opened briefly on the Third Degree; the purpose of the communication +must be stated, and remarks upon the character of the deceased may be +made by the Master and brethren, when the service will commence, all the +brethren standing: + +Master: What man is he that liveth and shall not see death? Shall he +deliver his soul from the land of the grave? + +S. W.: His days are as grass; as a flower of the field so he +flourisheth. + +J. W.: For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place +thereof shall know it no more. + +M.: Where is now our departed brother? + +S. W.: He dwelleth in night; he sojourneth in darkness. + +J. W.: Man walketh in a vain shadow; he heapeth up riches, and cannot +tell who shall gather them. + +M.: When he dieth, he shall carry nothing away; his glory shall not +descend after him. + +S. W.: For he brought nothing into the world, and it is certain he can +carry nothing out. + +J. W.: The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name +of the Lord. + +M.: The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in +mercy. + +S. W.: God is our salvation; our glory and the rock of our strength; and +our refuge is in God. + +J. W.: He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us +according to our iniquities. + +M.: Can we offer any precious gift acceptable in the sight of the Lord +to redeem our brother? + +S. W.: We are poor and needy. We are without gift or ransom. + +J. W.: Be merciful unto us, O Lord, be merciful unto us; for we trust in +Thee. Our hope and salvation are in Thy patience. Where else can we look +for mercy? + +M.: Let us endeavor to live the life of the righteous, that our last end +may be like his. + +S. W.: The Lord is gracious and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. + +J. W.: God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide, even unto +death. + +M.: Shall our brother's name and virtues be lost upon the earth forever? + +Response: We will remember and cherish them in our hearts. + +M.: 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." + +Here the Master will take the Sacred Roll (a sheet of parchment or paper +prepared for the purpose), on which have been inscribed the name, age, +date of initiation or affiliation, date of death, and any matters that +may be interesting to the brethren, and shall read the same aloud, and +shall then say: + +Almighty Father! in Thy hands we leave, with humble submission, the soul +of our departed brother. + +Response; Amen! So mote it be. + +The Masonic funeral honors should then be given once; the brethren to +respond: + +The will of God is accomplished. Amen. So mote it be! + +The Master should then deposit the Roll in the archives of the Lodge. + +The following or some appropriate Hymn may be sung: + + +Ode--Air, Balerma. C. M. + + Few are thy days, and full of woe, + O man, of woman born! + Thy doom is written, "Dust thou art, + And shalt to dust return." + + Behold the emblem of thy state + In flowers that bloom and die; + Or in the shadow's fleeting form, + That mocks the gazer's eye. + + Determined are the days that fly + Successive o'er thy head; + The number'd hour is on the wing, + That lays thee with the dead. + + Great God! afflict not, in Thy wrath, + The short alloted span + That bounds the few and weary days + Of pilgrimage to man. + +The Master or Chaplain will repeat the following or some other +appropriate Prayer: + +Almighty and Heavenly Father! infinite in wisdom, mercy and goodness, +extend to us the blessings of Thy everlasting grace. Thou alone art a +refuge and help in trouble and affliction. In this bereavement we look +to Thee for support and consolation. Strengthen our belief that Death +hath no power over a faithful and righteous soul! Though the dust +returneth to the dust as it was, the spirit returneth unto Thee. As we +mourn the departure of a brother beloved from the circle of our +Fraternity, may we trust that he hath entered into a higher brotherhood, +to engage in nobler duties and in heavenly work, to find rest from +earthly labor and refreshment from earthly care. May Thy peace abide +within us, to keep us from all evil! Make us grateful for present +benefits, and crown us with immortal life and honor. And to Thy name +shall be all the glory forever. Amen. + +Response: So mote it be. + +A procession should then be formed, which will proceed to the church or +the house of the deceased, in the following order: + + Tiler, with drawn sword. + Masters of Ceremony, with white rods. + M Master Masons. + A Secretary and Treasurer. + R Senior and Junior Wardens. + S Past Masters. + H The Chaplain. + A The Three Great Lights + L on a cushion, covered with black cloth, carried + . by a member of the Lodge. + The Master, + supported by two Deacons, with white rods. + +When the head of the procession arrives at the entrance to the building, +it should halt and open to the right and left, forming two parallel +lines, when the Marshal, with the Tiler, will pass through the lines and +escort the Master or Grand Officer into the house, the brethren closing +in and following, thus reversing the order of procession; the brethren +with heads uncovered. + + +Service at Church or House of Deceased. + +After the religious services have been performed, the Master will take +his station at the head of the coffin, the Senior Warden at his right, +the Junior Warden at his left; the Deacons and Stewards, with white rods +crossed, the former at the head, and the latter at the foot of the +coffin, the brethren forming a circle around all, when the Masonic +service will commence by the Chaplain or Master repeating the following +or some other appropriate prayer, in which all the brethren will join: + +(Scripture can be used here.) + + +Prayer. + +Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. +Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily +bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass +against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. +For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. + +Response: So mote it be. + +Master: Brethren, we are called upon by the imperious mandate of the +dread messenger Death, against whose free entrance within the circle of +our Fraternity the barred doors and Tiler's weapon offer no impediment, +to mourn the loss of one of our companions. The dead body of our beloved +Brother lies in its narrow house before us, overtaken by that fate which +must sooner or later overtake us all; and which no power or station, no +virtue or bravery, no wealth or honor, no tears of friends or agonies of +relatives can avert; teaching an impressive lesson, continually +repeated, yet soon forgotten, that every one of us must ere long pass +through the shadow of death, and dwell in the house of darkness. + +S. Warden: In the midst of life we are in death; of whom may we seek +succor but of Thee, O Lord, who for our sins art justly displeased. Thou +knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts; shut not Thy merciful ears to +our prayer. + +J. Warden: Lord, let me know my end, and the number of my days; that I +may be certified how long I have to live. + +Master: Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. +He cometh forth like 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 is 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 a 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 till the heavens be no more. + +S. Warden: Our life is but a span long, and the days of our pilgrimage +are few and full of evil. + +J. Warden: So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts +unto wisdom. + +Master: Man goeth forth to his work and to his labor until the evening +of his day. The labor and work of our brother are finished. As it hath +pleased Almighty God to take the soul of our departed brother, may he +find mercy in the great day when all men shall be judged according to +the deeds done in the body. We must walk in the light while we have +light; for the darkness of death may come upon us at a time when we may +not be prepared. Take heed, therefore, watch and pray; for ye know not +when the time is; ye know not when the Master cometh--at even, at +midnight, or in the morning. We should so regulate our lives by the line +of rectitude and truth that in the evening of our days we may be found +worthy to be called from labor to refreshment, and duly prepared for a +translation from the terrestrial to the celestial Lodge, to join the +Fraternity of the spirits of just men made perfect. + +S. Warden: Behold, O Lord, we are in distress! Our hearts are turned +within us; there is none to comfort us; our sky is darkened with clouds, +and mourning and lamentations are heard among us. + +J. Warden: Our life is a vapor that appeareth for a little while, and +then vanisheth away. All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as +the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth +away. + +Master--It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the +house of feasting; for that is the end of all men; and the living will +lay it to his heart. + +Response: So mote it be. + + +Ode--Air, Naomi. + + Here Death his sacred seal hath set, + On bright and by-gone hours; + The dead we mourn are with us yet, + And--more than ever--ours! + + Ours, by the pledge of love and faith; + By hopes of heaven on high; + By trust, triumphant over death, + In immortality. + + The dead are like the stars by day, + Withdrawn from mortal eye; + Yet holding unperceived their way + Through the unclouded sky. + + By them, through holy hope and love, + We feel, in hours serene, + Connected with the Lodge above, + Immortal and unseen. + +The service may be concluded with the following, or some other suitable +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 own approaching fate, and, by drawing our attention toward +Thee, the only refuge in time of need, may we be induced to so regulate +our conduct here that when the awful moment shall arrive at which we +must quit this transitory scene, the enlivening prospect of Thy mercy +may dispel the gloom of death, and that after our departure hence in +peace and Thy favor, we may be received into Thine everlasting kingdom, +and there join in union with our friends, and enjoy that uninterrupted +and unceasing felicity which is allotted to the souls of just men made +perfect. Amen. + +Response: So mote it be. + +If the remains of the deceased are to be removed to a distance, where +the brethren cannot follow to perform the ceremonies at the grave, the +procession will return to the Lodge room or disperse, as most +convenient. + + +Service at Grave. + +When the solemn rites of the dead are to be performed at the grave, the +procession should be formed, and proceed to the place of interment in +the following order: + + Tiler, with drawn sword. + + Masters of Ceremony, with white rods. + + Musicians, + if they are Masons; otherwise they follow the Tiler. + + Master Masons. + + Secretary and Treasurer. + + M Senior and Junior Wardens. + A + R Past Masters. + S + H Chaplain. + A + L The Three Great Lights + on a cushion, covered with black cloth, carried by + a member of the Lodge. + + The Master, + Supported by two Deacons with white rods. + + Officiating Clergy. + + Pall Bearers. Pall Bearers. + Mourners. + +If the deceased was a member of a Royal Arch Chapter and a Commandery of +Knights Templar, and members of those bodies should unite in the +procession, clothed as such, the former will follow the Past Masters, +and the latter will act as an escort or guard of honor to the corpse, +outside the pallbearers, marching in the form of a triangle, the +officers of the Commandery forming the base of the triangle, with the +Eminent Commander in the center. + +When the procession has arrived at the place of interment the members of +the Lodge should form a square around the grave; when the Master, +Chaplain and other officers of the acting Lodge, take their position at +the head of the grave, and the mourners at the foot. + +After the clergyman has performed the religious service of the Church, +the Masonic service should begin. + +The Chaplain rehearses the following, or some other suitable prayer: + + +Prayer. + +Almighty and most merciful Father, we adore Thee as the God of time and +eternity. As it hath pleased Thee to take from the light of our abode +one dear to our hearts, we beseech Thee to bless and sanctify unto us +this dispensation of Thy providence. Inspire our hearts with wisdom from +on high, that we may glorify Thee in all our ways. May we realize that +Thine All-Seeing Eye is upon us, and be influenced by the spirit of +truth and love to perfect obedience--that we may enjoy Thy divine +approbation here below. And when our toils on earth shall have ended, +may we be raised to the enjoyment of fadeless light and immortal life in +that kingdom where faith and hope shall end, and love and joy prevail +through eternal ages. And Thine, O righteous Father, shall be the glory +forever. Amen. + +Response: So mote it be. + +The following exhortation is then given by the Master: + +The solemn notes that betoken the dissolution of this earthly tabernacle +have again alarmed our outer door, and another spirit has been summoned +to the land where our fathers have gone before us. + +Again we are called to assemble among the habitations of the dead, to +behold the "narrow house appointed for all living." Here, around us, in +that peace which the world cannot give or take away, sleep the +unnumbered dead. The gentle breeze fans their verdant covering, they +heed it not; the sunshine and the storm pass over them, and they are not +disturbed; stones and lettered monuments symbolize the affection of +surviving friends, yet no sound proceeds from them, save that silent but +thrilling admonition, "Seek ye the narrow path and the straight gate +that lead unto eternal life." + +We are again called upon to consider the uncertainty of human life, the +immutable certainty of death, and the vanity of all human pursuits. +Decrepitude and decay are written upon 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 moment we also +begin to die. It is passing strange that, notwithstanding the daily +mementos of mortality that cross our path--notwithstanding the funeral +bells so often toll in our ears and the "mournful processions" go about +our streets--we will not more seriously consider our approaching fate. +We go on from design to design, add hope to hope, and lay out plans for +the employment of many years, until we are suddenly alarmed at the +approach of the Messenger of Death, at a moment when we least expect +him, and which we probably conclude to be the meridian of our existence. + +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 life stripped of its ornaments, and exposed in its +natural weakness, and you must be persuaded of the utter emptiness of +these delusions. In the grave, all fallacies are detected, all ranks are +leveled, all distinctions are done away. Here the scepter of the prince +and the staff of the beggar are laid side by side. + +Our present meeting and proceedings will have been vain and useless, if +they fail to excite our serious reflections, and strengthen our +resolutions of amendment. + +Be then persuaded, my brethren, by this example of the uncertainty of +human life, of the unsubstantial nature of all its pursuits, and no +longer postpone the all-important concern of preparing for eternity. Let +us each embrace the present moment, and while time and opportunity +permit, prepare for that great change when the pleasures of the world be +as a poison to our lips, and the happy reflections consequent upon a +well-spent life afford the only consolation. + +Thus shall our hopes be not frustrated, nor we be hurried unprepared +into the presence of that all-wise and powerful Judge, to whom the +secrets of all hearts are known. Let us resolve to maintain with +sincerity the dignified character of our profession. May our Faith be +evinced in a correct moral walk and deportment; may our Hope be bright +as the glorious mysteries that will be revealed hereafter; and our +Charity boundless as the wants of our fellow-creatures. And, having +faithfully discharged the great duties which we owe to God, to our +neighbor, and to ourselves, when at last it shall please the Grand +Master of the Universe to summon us into His eternal presence, may the +Trestle-board of our whole lives pass such inspection that it may be +given unto each of us to "eat of the hidden manna," and to receive the +"white stone with a new name" that will insure perpetual and unspeakable +happiness at His right hand. + +The Lambskin being removed from the coffin, the Master holds it up and +says: + +W. M.: The Lambskin, or white leathern Apron, is an emblem of innocence +and the badge of a Mason; more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman +Eagle; more honorable than Star and Garter, when worthily worn. This +emblem I now deposit in the grave of our deceased brother. [Deposits +it.] By it we are reminded of that purity of life and conduct so +essentially necessary to gaining admission to the Celestial Lodge above, +where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides. + +The mattock, the coffin, and the melancholy grave admonish us of our +mortality, and that, sooner or later, these frail bodies must moulder in +their parent dust. + +The Master, holding the evergreen, continues: + +This evergreen, which once marked the temporary resting-place of the +illustrious dead, is an emblem of our faith in the immortality of the +soul. By it we are reminded that we have an immortal part within us, +that shall survive the grave, and which shall never, never, never die. +By it we are admonished that, though, like our brother whose remains lie +before us, we shall soon be clothed in the habiliments of death, and +deposited in the silent tomb, yet, through our belief in the mercy of +God, we may confidently hope that our souls will bloom in eternal +spring. This, too, I deposit in the grave. + +The brethren then move in procession round the place of interment, and +severally drop the sprig of evergreen into the grave, during which the +following may be sung: + + +Funeral Dirge. + + Hark! from the tombs a doleful sound! + Mine ears attend the cry: + "Ye living men, come view the ground + Where you must shortly lie. + + "Princes! this clay must be your bed, + In spite of all your towers; + The tall, the wise, the reverend head, + Must lie as low as ours." + + Great God! Is this our certain doom? + And are we still secure? + Still walking downward to the tomb, + And yet prepared no more? + + Grant us the power of quick'ning grace, + To fit our souls to fly; + Then, when we drop this dying flesh, + We'll rise above the sky. + +Or the following: + + +Pleyel's Hymn. + + Solemn strikes the fun'ral 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! + + Here another guest we bring! + Seraphs of celestial wing, + To our funeral altar come, + Waft our friend and brother home. + + Lord of all! below--above-- + Fill our hearts with truth and love; + When dissolves our earthly tie + Take us to Thy Lodge on high. + +After which the Masonic funeral honors are given. + +The Grand Honors, practiced among Masons at funerals, whether in public +or private, are given in the following manner: Both arms are crossed on +the breast, the left uppermost, and the open palms of the hands sharply +striking the shoulders; they are then raised above the head, the palms +striking each other, and then made to fall smartly upon the thighs. This +is repeated three times, and while they are being given the third time, +the brethren audibly pronounce the following words--when the arms are +crossed on the breast: "We cherish his memory here;" when the hands are +extended above the head: "We commend his spirit to God who gave it;" and +when the hands are extended toward the ground: "And consign his body to +the grave." + +The Master then continues the ceremony: + +The Great Creator, having been pleased to remove our brother from the +cares and troubles of this transitory existence to a state of endless +duration, thus severing another link from the fraternal chain that binds +us together, may we who survive him be more strongly cemented in the +ties of union and friendship; and, during the short space allotted us +here, 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 now consign his body--earth to earth; ashes to ashes; +dust to dust--there to remain until the trump shall sound on the +Resurrection morn. We can trustfully leave him in the hands of Him who +doeth all things well, who is "glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, +doing wonders." + +To those of his immediate relatives and friends who are most +heart-stricken at the loss we have all sustained, we have but little of +this world's consolation to offer; we can only sincerely, deeply and +most affectionately sympathize with them in their afflictive +bereavement; but we can say, that He 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 Great Architect will fold +the arms of His love and protection around those who put their trust in +Him. + +Then let us improve this solemn warning, so that, when the sheeted dead +are stirring, when the great white throne is set, we shall receive from +the Omniscient Judge the thrilling invitation, "Come, ye blessed, +inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." + +The services will close with the following or some other suitable +prayer: + + +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 own approaching fate, and, by drawing our attention toward +Thee, the only refuge in time of need, may we be induced to so regulate +our conduct here that when the awful moment shall arrive at which we +must quit this transitory scene, the enlivening prospect of Thy mercy +may dispel the gloom of death, and that after our departure hence in +peace and Thy favor, we may be received into Thine everlasting kingdom, +and there enjoy that uninterrupted and unceasing felicity which is +allotted to the souls of just men made perfect. "Bless those who are +bereaved by this sad providence, and make this brotherhood faithful to +their solemn vows, to comfort, aid, and protect those thus left to their +sacred charge." + +And now, O Lord, we pray for Thy hand to lead us in all the paths our +feet must tread; and when the journey of life is ended, may light from +our immortal home illuminate the dark valley and shadow of death, and +voices of the loved ones welcome us to that "house not made with hands, +eternal in the heavens." Amen. + +Response: So mote it be. + +The Master then approaches the head of the grave (or the entrance to the +tomb), and gently says: + +Soft and safe to thee, my brother, be this earthly bed. Bright and +glorious be thy rising from it. Fragrant be the acacia sprig that here +shall flourish. May the earliest buds of spring unfold their beauties on +this, thy resting place; and here may the sweetness of the summer's rose +linger latest. Though the cold blast of autumn may lay them in the dust, +and for a time destroy the loveliness of their existence, yet the +destruction is not final, and in the springtime they shall surely bloom +again. So, in the bright morning of the world's resurrection, thy mortal +frame, now laid in the dust by the chilling blast of death, shall spring +again into newness of life, and expand, in immortal beauty, in realms +beyond the skies. Until then, dear brother, until then, farewell. + +The Benediction will then be pronounced by the Master, or Chaplain, as +follows: + +The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make His face to shine upon us +and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up the light of His countenance, +and give us peace. Amen. + +Response: So mote it be. + + +End of Service at Grave. + +In very inclement weather service at the grave can be shortened by +omitting any part of the ceremony except the apron, acacia and honors. + + +ANOTHER SERVICE AT THE GRAVE. + +At the grave the Lodge forms a circle or semicircle. The Master and +other officers of the Lodge take their position at the head of the +grave; the Tyler behind the Master, and the mourners at the foot. The +religious burial service of the church (if there be any) should be first +performed, after which the Masonic service begins: + +The following passage of Scripture, from Ecclesiastes, chapter xii, +verses 1-7, is read: + +Chaplain: 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 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. + +Master: One by one they pass away--the brothers of our adoption, the +companions of our choice. A brother whose hand we have clasped in the +bonds of fraternal fellowship now lies before us in the rigid embrace of +death. All that remains of one near and dear to us is passing from our +sight, and we know that we shall meet him on earth no more. + +We, who knew him so well in our brotherhood, feel that in his departure +from among the living, something has gone out of our own lives that can +never be again. Thus, as human ties are broken, the world becomes less +and less, and the hope to be reunited with friends who are gone, grows +more and more. Here is immediate compensation, which, while it cannot +assuage our grief, may teach resignation to the inevitable doom of all +things mortal. + +While we stand around the open grave, in the presence of a body once, +and so lately, warm with life and animate with thought, now lingering +for a brief moment at the dark portal of the tomb--like a beam of holy +light the belief must come, this cannot be all there is of day. Stricken +human nature cries out: There must be a dawn beyond this darkness and a +never setting sun, while this short life is but a morning star. + +The cycles of Time roll with the procession of seasons. Spring is bloom; +summer is growth; autumn is fruition; winter is the shroud, and beneath +its cold, yet kindly fold, live the germs of a new life. Spring comes +again; growth matures, and fruit is eternal. This is the religion and +lesson of Nature, and the universal example cannot fail in relation to +man. Let us draw comfort and consolation from things visible in this sad +scene, and lift our eyes to the invisible Father of all with renewed +faith that we are in His Holy Hands. Besides His infinitude of worlds, +we have also His word, "That He is All, and All-upholding." + +We can do nothing for the dead. We can only offer respect to our +brother's inanimate clay, and cherish his memory in the abiding faith +that our temporary loss is his eternal gain. In this belief let us +commit him with due reverence to the keeping of the All-Father, who is +supreme in wisdom, infinite in love, and ordereth all things well. + +(Family service to be omitted in case no relatives of the deceased are +present.) + +While we pay this tribute of respect and love to the memory of our late +brother, let us not forget to extend our fraternal sympathy to his +deeply afflicted and sorrowing family (wife, children, father, mother, +brothers, sisters, as the relatives may be present): In your irreparable +bereavement, and as he, for whom we are all mourners, was true to us, +and faithful to the ties of our brotherhood, so shall we be true to you +in the practice of the principles of Freemasonry and in tender memory of +our loved and lost. He gave much of his time to us in devotion to our +cause. We owe a grateful acknowledgement to you for his social +companionship and service, and mingle our sorrows at parting with +yours, his near and dear relations. + +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." + +The apron is taken from the coffin and handed to the Master; and while +the coffin is being lowered into the grave, either of the following +funeral dirges may be sung--the one used, to be selected and announced +before leaving the lodge-room: + + +Funeral Dirge. + +Air--Pleyel's Hymn. + + 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 slumber of the grave! + + Here another guest we bring; + Seraphs of celestial wing, + To our funeral altar come, + Waft our friend and brother home. + + Lord of all! below--above-- + Fill our hearts with truth and love; + When dissolves our earthly tie, + Take us to Thy lodge on high. + + +Hark, From the Tombs. + + Hark, from the tombs, a doleful sound, + Mine ears attend the cry: + "Ye living men; come view the ground + Where you must shortly lie. + + "Princes, this clay must be your bed, + In spite of all your towers; + The tall, the wise, the reverend head + Must lie as low as ours." + + Great God! Is this our certain doom? + And are we still secure? + Still walking downward to the tomb, + And yet prepared no more? + + Grant us the power of quick'ning grace, + To fit our souls to fly; + Then, when we drop this dying flesh, + We'll rise above the sky. + +At the conclusion of the singing, the Master, displaying the apron, +continues: + +The Lambskin, or white leathern apron, is an emblem of innocence, and +the badge of a Mason; more honorable than the crown of royalty, or the +emblazoned insignia of princely orders, when worthily worn. + +The Master drops the apron into the grave. + +Our brother was worthy of its distinction, and it shall bear witness to +his virtues, and our confidence in the sincerity of his profession. + +W. M.: (Taking off his white glove and holding it up.) This Glove is a +symbol of fidelity and is emblematic of that Masonic friendship which +bound us to him whose tenement of clay now lies before us. It reminds us +that while these mortal eyes shall see him not again, yet, by the +practice of the tenets of our noble order and a firm faith and steadfast +trust in the Supreme Architect, we hope to clasp once more his vanished +hand in friendship and in love. (Deposits glove.) Those whom virtue +unites, death can never separate. + +The Master, displaying an evergreen sprig, continues: + +The Evergreen is emblematic of our Faith in Immortality. + +This green sprig is the symbol of that vital spark of our being which +continues to glow more divinely when the breath leaves the body, and can +never, never, never die. + +The Master drops the evergreen in the grave, and the Brothers each make +a similar deposit, with as little confusion as possible. + +If the place is convenient, they march around the grave in a line. When +all are again settled in their places, the public Grand Honors are given +by three times three. + +The will of God is accomplished; so mote it be. Amen. + +The Master then continues: + +Change is the universal law of mortality, and the theme of every page of +its history. Here we view the most striking illustration of change that +can be presented to mortal eyes, minds and hearts. Ties of fraternity, +friendship, love, all broken, and earthly pursuits, hopes and affections +laid waste by death. Let us profit by this example of the uncertainty of +the world, and resolve to live honest, pure and worshipful lives in +daily preparation for the summons that will, sooner or later, surely +come. It came to our brother, whose remains we have here laid away to +rest eternal, and reminds us that we, too, are mortal--subject to the +universal law. Our brother is dead, and cannot speak for himself. Let us +defend his good name. Frailties he may have had, as what mortal man has +not? To err is human, charity is Divine, and judgment is with the +Almighty and All-Merciful. In this resting place of the body, virtues +only are remembered, and sweet memories bloom. + +All must pass through the Shadow of Death, and each one must make the +dark journey without the companionship of earthly friend. Let us all +hasten to secure the passport of an upright life, to the glories of a +better land. Unto the grave we have resigned the body of our brother. + +The Master scatters a handful of earth in the grave. + +Earth to earth; dust to dust (the S. W. scatters dirt in the grave); +ashes to ashes (the J. W. scatters dirt in the grave); there to remain +until the dawn of that resplendent day, when again, the morning stars +shall sing together, and all the sons of God shall shout for joy. + +Prayer by the Chaplain. + +Chaplain: Almighty and eternal God, in whom we live and move, and have +our being--and before whom all men must appear, in the judgment day to +give an account of their deeds in life, we, who are daily exposed to the +flying shafts of death, and now surround the grave of our fallen +brother, most earnestly beseech Thee to impress deeply on our minds the +solemnities of this day, as well as the lamentable occurrence that has +occasioned them. Here may we be forcibly reminded that in the midst of +life we are in death, and that whatever elevation of character we may +have obtained, however upright and square the course we have pursued, +yet shortly we must all submit as victims of its destroying power, and +endure the humbling level of the tomb, until the last loud trump shall +sound the summons of our resurrection from mortality and corruption. + +May we have Thy divine assistance, O merciful God, to redeem our +mis-spent time; and in the discharge of our important duties Thou has +assigned us, in the erection of our moral edifice, may we have wisdom +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 when our work is done, and our +bodies mingle with the mother earth, may our souls, disengaged from +their cumbrous dust, flourish and bloom in eternal day; and enjoy that +rest which Thou hast prepared for all good and faithful servants, in +that spiritual house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, +through the great Redeemer. Amen. + +So mote it be. Amen. + +Fill grave. + +W. M.: Soft and safe, my brother, be this thy earthly bed. Bright and +glorious be thy rising from it. In the glorious morning of the +resurrection may thy body spring again into newness of life, to live +forever in the home of the blest. Until then, dear brother, farewell. + + +Benediction. + +Chaplain: The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face to shine +upon us and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up the light of his +countenance and give us peace. Amen. + + + + +RITUAL FOR A LODGE OF SORROW. + + +The following Ritual for a Lodge of Sorrow is recommended for use in the +Lodges. While necessarily of a funeral character, it differs essentially +from the burial service. In the latter case, we are in the actual +presence of the departed, and engaged in the last rites of affection and +respect for one who has been our companion in life, and whose mortal +remains we are about to consign to their last resting-place. The Lodge +of Sorrow, on the contrary, is intended to celebrate the memory of our +departed brethren; and while we thus recall to our recollection their +virtues, and temper anew our resolutions so to live, that, when we shall +have passed the silent portals, our memories may be cherished with +grateful remembrance, we learn to look upon death from a more elevated +point of view; to see in it the wise and necessary transition from the +trials and imperfections of this world, to the perfect life for which +our transient journey here has been the school and the preparation. +Vocal and instrumental music are indispensable to the proper effect of +the ceremony. The brethren should wear dark clothing, and white gloves +and aprons. There is no necessity for any attempt at secrecy in the +ceremonies of Sorrow Lodges. They may be held in churches or public +halls, or in the presence of friends at the Lodge room, with benefit to +all concerned. + + +Preparation of the Hall. + +I. The Lodge room should be appropriately draped in black, and the +several stations covered with the same emblem of mourning. + +II. On the Master's pedestal is a skull and lighted taper. + +III. In the center of the room is placed the catafalque, which consists +of a rectangular platform, about six feet long by four feet wide, on +which are two smaller platforms, so that three steps are represented. On +the third one should be an elevation of convenient height, on which is +placed an urn. The platform should be draped in black, and a canopy of +black drapery may be raised over the urn and platform. + +IV. At each corner of the platform will be placed a candlestick, bearing +a lighted taper, and near it, facing the East, will be seated a brother, +provided with an extinguisher, to be used at the proper time. + +V. During the first part of the ceremonies the lights in the room should +burn dimly. + +VI. Arrangements should be made to enable the light to be increased to +brilliancy at the appropriate point in the ceremony. + +VII. On the catafalque will be laid a pair of white gloves, a lambskin +apron, and if the deceased brother had been an officer, the appropriate +insignia of his office. + +VIII. Where the Lodge is held in memory of several brethren, shields +bearing their names are placed around the catafalque. + + +Opening the Lodge. + +The several officers being in their places, and the brethren seated, the +Worshipful Master will call up the Lodge and say: + +W. M.: Brother Senior Warden, for what purpose are we assembled? + +S. W.: To honor the memory of those brethren whom death hath taken from +us; to contemplate our own approaching dissolution; and, by the +remembrance of immortality, to raise our souls above the considerations +of this transitory existence. + +W. M.: Brother Junior Warden, what sentiments should inspire the souls +of Masons on occasions like the present? + +J. W.: Calm sorrow for the absence of our brethren who have gone before +us; earnest solicitude for our own eternal welfare, and a firm faith and +reliance upon the wisdom and goodness of the Great Architect of the +Universe. + +W. M.: Brethren, commending these sentiments to your earnest +consideration, and invoking your assistance in the solemn ceremonies +about to take place, I declare this Lodge of Sorrow opened. + +The Chaplain, or Worshipful Master, will then offer the following, or +some other suitable + + +Prayer: + +Grand Architect of the Universe, in whose holy sight centuries are but +as days; to whose omniscience the past and the future are but as one +eternal present; look down upon Thy children, who still wander among the +delusions of time--who still tremble with dread of dissolution, and +shudder at the mysteries of the future; look down, we beseech Thee, +from Thy glorious and eternal day into the dark night of our error and +presumption, and suffer a ray of Thy divine light to penetrate into our +hearts, that in them may awaken and bloom the certainty of life, +reliance upon Thy promises, and assurance of a place at Thy right hand. +Amen. + +Response: So mote it be! + +The following, or some other appropriate Ode may here be sung: + + +Ode. + +Tune--Bradford, C. M. + + O brother, thou art gone to rest; + We will not weep for thee; + For thou art nowhere, oft on earth, + Thy spirit longed to be. + + O brother, thou art gone to rest; + Thy toils and cares are o'er; + And sorrow, pain, and suffering now + Shall ne'er distress thee more. + + O brother, thou art gone to rest, + And this shall be our prayer: + That, when we reach our journey's end, + Thy glory we shall share. + +The Worshipful Master (taking the skull in his hand) will then say: + +Brethren: In the midst of life we are in death, and the wisest cannot +know what a day may bring forth. We live but to see those we love +passing away into the silent land. + +Behold this emblem of mortality, once the abode of a spirit like our +own; beneath this mouldering canopy once shone the bright and busy eye; +within this hollow cavern once played the ready, swift, and tuneful +tongue; and now, sightless and mute, it is eloquent only in the lessons +it teaches us. + +Think of those brethren, who, but a few days since, were among us in all +the pride and power of life; bring to your minds the remembrance of +their wisdom, their strength, and their beauty; and then reflect that +"to this complexion have they come at last;" think of yourselves, thus +will you be when the lamp of your brief existence has burned out. Think +how soon death, for you, will be a reality. Man's life is like a flower, +which blooms today, and tomorrow is faded, cast aside, and trodden under +foot. The most of us, my brethren, are fast approaching, or have already +passed the meridian of life; our sun is setting in the West; and oh! how +much more swift is the passage of our declining years than when we +started upon the journey, and believed--as the young are too apt to +believe--that the roseate hues of the rising sun of our existence were +always to be continued. When we look back upon the happy days of our +childhood, when the dawning intellect first began to exercise its powers +of thought, it seems as but yesterday, and that, by a simple effort of +the will, we could put aside our manhood, and seek again the loving +caresses of a mother, or be happy in the possession of a bauble; and +could we now realize the idea that our last hour had come, our whole +earthly life would seem but as the space of time from yesterday until +today. Centuries upon centuries have rolled away behind us; before us +stretches out an eternity of years to come; and on the narrow boundary +between the past and the present flickers the puny taper we term our +life. When we came into the world, we knew naught of what had been +before us; but, as we grew up to manhood, we learned of the past; we saw +the flowers bloom as they had bloomed for centuries; we beheld the orbs +of day and night pursuing their endless course among the stars, as they +had pursued it from the birth of light; we learned what men had thought, +and said, and done, from the beginning of the world to our day; but only +through the eye of faith can we behold what is to come hereafter, and +only through a firm reliance upon the Divine promises can we satisfy the +yearnings of an immortal soul. The cradle speaks to us of +remembrance--the coffin, of hope, of a blessed trust in a never-ending +existence beyond the gloomy portals of the tomb. + +Let these reflections convince us how vain are all the wranglings and +bitterness engendered by the collisions of the world; how little in +dignity above the puny wranglings of ants over a morsel of food, or for +the possession of a square inch of soil. + +What shall survive us? Not, let us hope, the petty strifes and +bickerings, the jealousies and heart-burnings, the small triumphs and +mean advantages we have gained, but rather the noble thoughts, the words +of truth, the works of mercy and justice, that ennoble and light up the +existence of every honest man, however humble, and live for good when +his body, like this remnant of mortality, is mouldering in its parent +dust. + +Let the proud and the vain consider how soon the gaps are filled that +are made in society by those who die around them; and how soon time +heals the wounds that death inflicts upon the loving heart; and from +this let them learn humility, and that they are but drops in the great +ocean of humanity. + +And when God sends his angel to us with the scroll of death, let us look +upon it as an act of mercy, to prevent many sins and many calamities of +a longer life; and lay down our heads softly and go to sleep, without +wrangling like froward children. For this at least man gets by death, +that his calamities are not immortal. To bear grief honorably and +temperately, and to die willingly and nobly, are the duties of a good +man and true Mason. + + +Ode. + +Tune--Naomi. C. M. + + When those we love are snatched away, + By Death's relentless hand, + Our hearts the mournful tribute pay, + That friendship must demand. + + While pity prompts the rising sigh, + With awful power imprest; + May this dread truth, "I too must die," + Sink deep in every breast. + + Let this vain world allure no more; + Behold the opening tomb! + It bids us use the present hour; + Tomorrow death may come. + + The voice of this instructive scene + May every heart obey; + Nor be the faithful warning vain + Which calls to watch and pray. + +At its conclusion the Chaplain will read the following passages: + +Lo, He goeth by me and I see Him not. He passeth on also, but I perceive +Him not. Behold He taketh away, who can hinder Him? + +Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He +cometh forth like 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, as an +hireling, 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. +Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die +in the ground, yet through the scent of water it will bud and bring +forth boughs like a plant. 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; +till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of +their sleep. + +My days are passed, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my +heart. If I wait, the grave is mine house; I have made my bed in the +darkness. I have said to corruption, thou art my father. And where is +now my hope? As for my hope, who shall see it? They shall go down to the +bars of the pit, when our rest together is in the dust. + +My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh. Oh, that my words were now +written; Oh, that they were printed in a book! That they were graven +with an iron pen and lead in the rock forever! For I know that my +Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the +earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh +shall I see God. Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall +behold, and not another. + +For Thou cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and Thy floods +compassed me about; all Thy billows and Thy waves passed over me. Then I +said, I am cast out of Thy sight; yet will I look again toward Thy holy +temple. The waters compassed me about, even to the soul, the depth +closed me round about, the weeds were wrapt about my head. + +I said, in the cutting off of my days I shall go to the gates of the +grave! I am deprived of the residue of my years; I said, I shall not see +the Lord, even the Lord in the land of the living; I shall behold man no +more with the inhabitants of the world. Behold, for peace I had great +bitterness; but Thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit +of corruption. For the grave cannot praise Thee, death cannot celebrate +Thee; the living, the living, he shall praise Thee as I do this day. + +Are not my days few? Cease, then, and let me alone, that I may take +comfort a little, before I go whence I shall not return, even to the +land of darkness, and the shadow of death. A land of darkness, as +darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and +where the light is as darkness. + +An interval of profound silence will be observed. The general lights of +the hall, if there be convenience, will be turned low, and the four +brethren will extinguish the tapers near which they are placed. + + +Prayer by the Chaplain. + +Our Father Who art in heaven, it hath pleased Thee to take from among us +those who were our brethren. Let time, as it heals the wounds thus +inflicted upon our hearts and on the hearts of those who were near and +dear to them, not erase the salutary lessons engraved there; but let +those lessons, always continuing distinct and legible, make us and them +wiser and better. And whatever distress or trouble may hereafter come +upon us, may we ever be consoled by the reflection that Thy wisdom and +Thy love are equally infinite, and that our sorrows are not the +visitations of Thy wrath, but the result of the great law of harmony by +which everything is being conducted to a good and perfect issue in the +fullness of Thy time. Let the loss of our brethren increase our +affection for those who are yet spared to us, and make us more punctual +in the performance of the duties that friendship, love and honor demand. +When it comes to us also to die, may a firm and abiding trust in Thy +mercy dispel the gloom and dread of dissolution. Be with us now, and +sanctify the solemnities of this occasion to our hearts, that we may +serve Thee in spirit and understanding. And to Thy name shall be +ascribed the praise forever. Amen. + +Response: So mote it be! + +The Wardens, Deacons and Stewards, will now approach the East and form a +procession, thus: + + Two Stewards, with rods. + + Two Wardens. + + The Worshipful Master, supported by the Deacons, with rods. + +This procession will move once around the catafalque to slow and solemn +music. On arriving at the East, the procession will halt and open to the +right and left. The Junior Warden will then advance to the catafalque, +and, placing upon it a bunch of white flowers, will say: + +Junior Warden: In memory of our departed brethren I deposit these white +flowers, emblematical of that pure life to which they have been called, +and reminding us that as these children of an hour will droop and fade +away, so, too, shall we soon follow those who have gone before us, and +inciting us so to fill the brief span of our existence that we may leave +to our survivors a sweet savor of remembrance. + +The Junior Warden will now return to his place, and an interval of +profound silence will be observed. The procession will again be formed, +and move as before, to the sound of slow music, twice around the +catafalque. They will open as before, and the Senior Warden approaching +the catafalque will place upon it a wreath of white flowers, and say: + +Senior Warden: As the sun sets in the West, to close the day and herald +the approach of night, so, one by one we lay us down in the darkness of +the tomb to wait in its calm repose for the time when the heavens shall +pass away as a scroll, and man, standing in the presence of the +Infinite, shall realize the true end of his pilgrimage here below. Let +these flowers be to us the symbol of remembrance of all the virtues of +our brethren who have preceded us to the silent land, the token of that +fraternal alliance which binds us while on earth and which we hope will +finally unite us in heaven. + +The Senior Warden returns to his place, and an interval of profound +silence will be observed. The procession will again be formed, and move +three times around the catafalque to slow and solemn music, as before. +Arrived in the East, the Worshipful Master will advance and place upon +the Urn a wreath of evergreen, and say: + +Worshipful Master: It is appointed unto all men once to die, and after +death cometh the resurrection. The dust shall return to the earth and +the spirit unto God who gave it. In the grave all men are equal; the +good deeds, the lofty thoughts, the heroic sacrifices alone survive and +bear fruit in the lives of those who strive to emulate them. + +While, therefore, nature will have its way, and our tears will fall upon +the graves of our brethren, let us be reminded by the evergreen symbol +of our faith in immortal life that the dead are but sleeping, and be +comforted by the reflection that their memories will not be forgotten; +that they will still be loved by those who are soon to follow them; that +in our archives their names are written, and that in our hearts there is +still a place for them. And so, trusting in the infinite love and tender +mercy of Him without whose knowledge not even a sparrow falls, let us +prepare to meet them where there is no parting, and where with them we +shall enjoy eternal rest. + +The Worshipful Master will return to his place, and a period of silence +will obtain. The Chaplain will now be conducted to the altar, where he +will read: + +But some man will say: How are the dead raised up? and with what body do +they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened except it +die; and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall +be, but bear grain; it may chance of wheat or of some other grain; but +God giveth it a body as it hath pleased Him, and to every seed his own +body. + +All flesh is not the same flesh; but there is one kind of flesh of men, +another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There +are also celestial bodies and bodies terrestrial; but the glory of the +celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. + +There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and +another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in +glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in +corruption, it is raised in incorruption; it is sown in dishonor, it is +raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is +sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural +body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, the first man +Adam was made a living soul, the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. +Howbeit, that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is +natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the +earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, +such are they also that are earthy; and as is the heavenly, such are +they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the +earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. + +Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the +kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I +show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed; +in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the +trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we +shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and +this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have +put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then +shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, death is swallowed +up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy +victory? + +As the Chaplain pronounces the concluding words, "O grave, where is thy +victory?" the lights in the hall will be raised to brilliancy, the four +brethren seated around the catafalque will relight the tapers, while a +strain of triumphant music will be played. + +The Chaplain will return to his place in the East, and the following, or +some other appropriate Ode, will be sung to music of a more cheerful +character: + + +Ode.--Tune, Cary. + + One sweetly solemn thought + Comes to me o'er and o'er; + I am nearer home today + Than I ever have been before. + + Nearer my Father's house, + Where the many mansions be; + Nearer the great white throne; + Nearer the crystal sea. + + Nearer the bound of life, + Where we lay our burdens down; + Nearer leaving the cross; + Nearer gaining the crown. + + But lying darkly between, + Winding down through the night, + Is the deep and unknown stream, + That leads at last to the light. + + Father, perfect my trust! + Strengthen the might of my faith; + Let me feel as I would when I stand + On the rock of the shore of death. + + Feel as I would when my feet + Are slipping over the brink; + For it may be, I am nearer home-- + Nearer now than I think. + +The Orator will then pronounce the Eulogium. + +Then follows the following, or some other appropriate Ode: + + +Ode.--Tune: Old Hundred. L. M. + + Once more, O Lord, let grateful praise + From ev'ry heart to Thee ascend; + Thou art the guardian of our days, + Our first, our best and changeless friend. + + Hear now our parting hymn of praise, + And bind our hearts in love divine; + Oh, may we walk in wisdom's ways, + And ever feel that we are Thine. + + +Closing. + +Worshipful Master: Brother Senior Warden, our recollection of our +departed friends has been refreshed, and we may now ask ourselves, were +they just and perfect Masons, worthy men, unwearied toilers in the +vineyard, and possessed of so many virtues as to overcome their faults +and shortcomings? Answer these questions, as Masons should answer. + +Senior Warden: Man judgeth not of man. He Whose infinite and tender +mercy passeth all comprehension, Whose goodness endureth forever, has +called our brethren hence. Let Him judge. + +In ancient Egypt no one could gain admittance to the sacred asylum of +the tomb until he had passed under the most solemn judgment before a +grave tribunal. + +Princes and peasants came there to be judged, escorted only by their +virtues and their vices. A public accuser recounted the history of their +lives, and threw the penetrating light of truth on all their actions. If +it were adjudged that the dead man had led an evil life, his memory was +condemned in the presence of the nation, and his body was denied the +honors of sepulture. But Masonry has no such tribunal to sit in judgment +upon her dead; with her, the good that her sons have done lives after +them; and the evil is interred with their bones. She does require, +however, that whatever is said concerning them shall be the truth; and +should it ever happen that of a Mason, who dies, nothing good can be +truthfully said, she will mournfully and pityingly bury him out of her +sight in silence. + +Worshipful Master: Brethren, let us profit by the admonitions of this +solemn occasion, lay to heart the truths to which we have listened, and +resolve so to walk that when we lay us down to the last sleep it may be +the privilege of the brethren to strew white flowers upon our graves and +keep our memories as a pleasant remembrance. + +Brother Senior Warden: Announce to the brethren that our labors are now +concluded, and that it is my pleasure that this Lodge of Sorrow be +closed. + +Senior Warden: Brother Junior Warden, the labors of this Lodge of Sorrow +being ended, it is the pleasure of the Worshipful Master that it be now +closed. Make due announcement to the brethren, and invite them to +assist. + +Junior Warden [calling up the Lodge]. Brethren, the labors of this Lodge +of Sorrow being ended, it is the pleasure of the Worshipful Master that +it be now closed. + +W. M.: Let us unite with our Chaplain in an invocation to the Throne of +Grace. + + * * * + +W. M.: This Lodge of Sorrow is now closed. + + + + +Transcriber's Note: + + +The following have been retained as they appear in the original +publication: + + 1. alternative spelling for Tiler and Tyler; + + 2. hyphenation in corner-stone/corner stone, ever-green/evergreen, + north-east/northeast and to-morrow/tomorrow; + + 3. punctuation in the order of the Special Communication of the + Grand Lodge; + + 4. irregular indentation of verse on pages 63 and 149; and + + 5. * * * within the text, and on a line of its own, * * * + +Changes have been made as follows: + + Page 2 Election and Installation _changed to_ + Election and Installation. + + Laying Corner Stone _changed to_ + Laying Corner-Stone. + + Page 7 alone valuable a _changed to_ + alone valuable and + + Page 8 vade mecum.' _changed to_ + 'vade mecum.' + + Page 10 offend When we go astray, _changed to_ + offend. When we go astray, + + Page 11 with hands, eternal i _changed to_ + with hands, eternal in the + + Page 12 Brother S. W., how _changed to_ + "Brother S. W., how + + Page 13 selfish and ungodly _changed to_ + selfish and ungodly. + + Page 24 eavesdroppers, as-scending _changed to_ + eavesdroppers, ascending + + Page 29 north of the eliptic _changed to_ + north of the elliptic + + Page 36 hich he is afterwards _changed to_ + which he is afterwards + + Page 47 the Doric Ionic _changed to_ + the Doric, Ionic + + seven sabatical years _changed to_ + seven sabbatical years + + expressions to be intellgible _changed to_ + expressions to be intelligible + + Page 48 and gentle tremulo _changed to_ + and gentle tremolo + + Page 51 to pass the inner door? _changed to_ + to pass the inner door! + + Page 52 to your care. _changed to_ + to your care." + + Page 63 dissolves our eathly _changed to_ + dissolves our earthly + + Page 64 degree of Master Msaon _changed to_ + degree of Master Mason + + Page 65 approaching danger _changed to_ + approaching danger. + + Page 69 darkness to Pharoah _changed to_ + darkness to Pharaoh + + Page 73 problems and theorims _changed to_ + problems and theorems + + Page 82 a lodge For _changed to_ + a lodge for + + Page 83 necessary to eligibilty _changed to_ + necessary to eligibility + + Page 87 with the Constituions _changed to_ + with the Constitutions + + Page 96 calls * * * _changed to_ + calls * * *; + + Page 110 S. G. W.) from the South _changed to_ + S. G. W.); from the South + + Page 112 Past G'rd Officers _changed to_ + Past Gr'd Officers + + Page 119 the folowing invocation _changed to_ + the following invocation + + Page 122 Deacons, with rods; _changed to_ + Deacons, with rods. + + Page 125 bless the Craft, whersoever _changed to_ + bless the Craft, wheresoever + + Page 125 employed by you acording _changed to_ + employed by you according + + Page 138 Master repeating the folowing _changed to_ + Master repeating the following + + Page 138 Try name _changed to_ + Thy name + + Page 140 from the terrestial _changed to_ + from the terrestrial + + Page 143 follow the Tiler _changed to_ + follow the Tiler. + + Page 149 Princes! this clay _changed to_ + "Princes! this clay + + Page 175 terresrtial is another _changed to_ + terrestrial is another + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Masonic Monitor of the Degrees of +Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason, by George Thornburgh + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MASONIC MONITOR *** + +***** This file should be named 30118.txt or 30118.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/0/1/1/30118/ + +Produced by Alicia Williams, Jen Haines and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. |
