THE LODGE, ITS DECORATIONS, ETC.
The hangings are blue and gold; {the blue and gold of the clouds in which God appeared to Moses].
In the East is s Throne, which you ascend by nine steps, under a canopy. Before it is an altar, on which are an open Bible, Square and Compasses, Sword, Mallet, &c., as in Symbolic Lodges. The Lodge ix lighted by nine lights, in a candlestick with nine branches, between the Altar and the South.
Over the Ten.", Master in the East is a glory, surrounding a Triangle, in the centre of which are the words; Fiat Luz. -
In the middle of the room are three columns, forming a triangle, on which are these words: on that in _ the East, Taura: on that in the West, Justice: on that in the South, TOLERATION.
'This Lodge cannot be opened with less than nine members.
The lights in the great candlestick are arranged in three triangles, one within the other. There are other lights in different parts of the Lodge, all arranged in squares and triangles; but those in the great candlestick should be of yellow wax, and very large. ,
OFFICERS, DRESS, ETC.
The Presiding officer is styled' Ten... Gr.°. Muster; and sits in the East.
The Gr.*. Sen.*. and Gr.. Jun.. Wardens are, the former in the West, and the latter in the South. The Gr.°. Sen.*. and Gr.°. Jun.*. Deacons sit as the Deacons do in Symbolic Lodges. The Orator sits in the North. The Pursuivant guards the door, within.
All the Brethren wear their hats.
The cordon is a broad ribbon of yellow and sky-blue; or two, one of each color, worn crossing each other.
The apron is yellow, bordered and lined with sky-blue. Upon it, in the centre, are three triangles, equilateral, one within the other, with the initial letters of the nine Great Lights in the corners, thus arranged; in the corners of the outer Triangle, . . at the apex, C.°.: at the right hand corner below, G.'. and at the left hand corner, V..... Of the middle Triangle . . at the apex, IL'.; and at the right and left hand corners, P.. and If..... Andof the inner Triangle, at the apex, T.. and at the right and left hand corners, T.°, and J..
In the centre of the inner triangle is the Tetragrammaton: and across it, from below upwards, the words,
. Frat Lox.*.
The tracing Board is an Octagon, with a square raised on each of five sides, and an equilateral triangle
. Ilo
on each of the three others: with the initials of the twenty-nine Virtues of a Mason i in the corners of the Squares and Triangles, :
, The jewel is of gold; like the triangles on the apron, with the same words and letters; or like the tracingjoard.
The Battery is ,?
TO OPEN.
[The Ten.°. Grr. Master gives one rap; and says]:
VY... Me. Gr.*. Masters and Brethren, the hour has come for this Are. Lodge to convene. Be pleased to
clothe yourselves and repair to your appropriate stations. Bro.°. Gr.*. Jun.'. Deacon, see that the doors are duly guarded. .
[The Jun.-. Deacon goes out, returns, gives the alarm {,2]—and reports] :
Jun. D.. Wen.. Gr.*. Master, the doors are duly guarded,
Ten. Mf. Bro.". Gr.. Sen.", Warden, ascertain whether all present are Gr.*. Masters.
[The Sen.-. W.°. goes round, receives the word from each, returns, and reports] :
Sen. Wa". Ten.'. Gr.*, Master, all present have the word, and prove themselves Gr.", Masters.
Ten.*. Af°. Bro.*, Gr., Jun.*, Deacon, what compose the first Masonic Square?
Jun. D.:. Prudence, Temperance, Chastity and Sobriety.
Ten". Mf. Bro.*. Gr.'. Sen.*. Deacon, what compose the second Masonic Square?
Sen. D.*. Heroism, Firmness, Equanimity and Patience.
Ten. MC. Bro.*, Gr.*. Secretary, what compose the third Masonic Square ?
Sec, Purity, Honour, Fidelity and Punctuality.
Ten.*. B.. Bro.. Gr.*. Treasurer, what compose the fourth Masonic Square?
Treas... Charity, Kindness, Generosity and Liberality.
Ten. 2. Bro.*. Gro. Orator, what compose the filth Masonic Square? Orat.. Disinterestedness, Mercy, Forgiveness and Forbearance.
Vo. A. - Brow. Are.. Jun... Warden, what is the first great Masonic Triangle ?
J. Wee. Veneration, Detotedness and Patriotism.
Vo. Me. Bro.. Gr.*. Sen.-. Warden, what is the second great Masonic Triangle?
S.. Ws. Gratitude to God; Love of mankind; and Confidence in Human Nature,
Vu.-O. And the third great Triangle is composed of Truth, which includes Frankness, Plain-dealing and Sincerity ; Justice, which includes Equity and Impartiality; and Totenation. My Brethren, these are the appropriate jewels of a Grand Master ; compared with which, silver and gold and precious stones are valueless as the common earth from which they came. [Raps,?] Brethren in the South, what seek you to attain in Masonry?
. Jun. Wo. Licit! The Light of Knowledge, Science and Philosophy.
Ten. Mf. [Raps,?] Brethren in the North, what seek you to attain in Masonry ?
Orator: .. Vicar! The Light of Liberty, Free Thought, Free Speech for all mankind: Free Conscience, Free Action, within Law the same for all.
Ten. Mf. (Raps ,?]. Brethren in the West, what seek you to attain in Masonry? |
Sens. We. Licit! 'The Great Light of God's Divine Truth, Eternal as Himself; and of Virtue, immortal as the Soul. . Ten. af. Aid me then, my Brethren, to open this Lodge ; that we may together seek the True Masonic Light. The sign, my Brethren!
[The Brethren all give the sign].
Ten, Of, My Brethren, let the Great Lights of the Lodge be lighted!
xk... 3
[Each officer. advances in turn, and lights one of the Tights in the great candlestick, an] then retarns to his station; saying, as he lights the candle, as fullows] :
Pursuicant: Let Veneration fur the Deity burn in this Lodge as its first Great Light!
Jun, Deacon: Let the Light of Charity shine in this Lodge!
Sen.*. Deacon: Let the light of Generosity he lifted up in this Lodge!
Secretary: Let the light of Heroism blaze like the Day among us!
Treasurer: Let the Light of honour ever direct our footsteps !
Orator: Let the Light of Puérivéism shine in our souls as in the Lodge !
Jun". Warden: Let the Great Light of Justice burn steadily upon our altars!
Sen.. Warden: Let the Great Light of Toleration dim the fires of Persecution!
Ten. Master: Let the Great Light of Taurm illumine our Souls, and complete the Great Triangles of Perfection | "
{Then all clap their hands [ ,?] —andery Fiat Lux!].
Ten.*. Mf. My Brethren, the Nine Great Lights are burning in our Lodge, and it is duly opened.
RECEPTION.
[The Candidate for this Degree, wearing the collar and jewel of o Gr.". Pontiff, and the jewel of a Rose >[, is received by the Sen.*. Deacon, and conducted to the door of the Lodge-Room; in which the Nine great Lights are extinguished. The Sen.-. Deacon raps [,, ? J, which the Jun.". Deacon answers from within, opens the door and enquires]:
J. Dear.. Who seeks admission here?
Sen.'. D.. - A Mason, who having attained the 19th h Degree, desires to be here qualified to preside over all Symbolic Lodges; that he may still further advance in Masonry.
w So. De. «1s it not through mere idle curiosity, or for the sake of distinction among his fellows, that he prefers this request?
Sen D.. It is not.
J'. Ds. Is he of that number of Masons, who, having obtained the degrees, repose thereafter i in contented indolence, indifferent to the evils that.demand to be redressed?
Sen.. D.. He is not.
J. Deac., Is he of that class of Masons who utter beautiful sentiments, and press on others the performance of Masonic duty; and with that remain content?
Sen. D.. He in not.
J... Dear., Is he of that class of Masons who spare their own purse, and levy liberal contributions on those of others, for works of charity and the welfare of the Order?
Be. D.. We is not. .
Jo. D.. Tf he be one of these, let him speedily withdraw. For such Masons we have here no room, no need, no use. Do you vouch for him that he is none of these?
. Sen. Do. Do. ~
Jun. D.. This well. Let him wait with patience until the Ten.'. Gr.°. Master, informed of his request, ascertains the will of the Brethren. .
* [The Jun.*, Deacon reports to the Sen.*. Warden, the same questions being asked, and Tike. answers returned as at the door; except the last answer; instead of which the Sen.*. Warden says "It is well:" and reports to the Pen:*. Master, the same questions being asked, and like answers returned, except the last}.
* Ten. Mr. It is well. , My Brethren, you hear. Is it your pleasure that this Candidate shall be admitted? If a0, give me the affirmative sign.
, [The affirmative sign is, to raise the right hand above the head].
Fen. Mo. If any are of another opinion, give me the negative sign.
[The negative sign is, to stretch out the right hand to the front, palm open and outwards, as if repelling
& person. If the yotes are all in the affirmative, the Yen.-. M.*. says, "t Let the Candidate be admitted." Ile in introduced, and placed in the centre of the Triangle formed by the Three Columns, and in front of the altar; where the Sen.*. Deacon leaves him by himself]. se
Ten. DL. My Brother, you bare often kneeled before the altar of Masonry; and you now stand before it again, enclosed in the great triangle formed by the three great columns which support this Lodge. What name do you read upon the column in the South?
Cand, Torerarioy. .
Ten.", M.:. | No man has the right to dictate to another in matters of belief or Faith. No man can say
that he has possession of Truth, as he has of o chattel. It iy no merit in any one to entertain that faith which his birth-place, his education or habit have imposed upon him, without examination and investigation into the evidences on which its based. When man persecutes for opinion's sake, be usurps the prerogative of God. Do you admit the truth of these principles? a ,
Cand... I do.. Lo
Ten.*. Af*. 'What name do you read upon the column in the West?
Cand... Justice. : .
Ten.. Mf'. Man should judge others as he judges himself; believe others honest and sincere as he
believes himself; find for their actions the excuses that he readily finds fur his own; and look always fur o good rather than 2 bad motive. Justice and Equity are like the Light and Air. God made them common to all; and he who denies justice to his Brother, or wrongs him in his estate, his affections, or his reputation, is a plunderer unfit to live. Do you recognize the truth of these principles? °
*+ .Cand.. -Do.-.
Ten." AC:. . What name do you read upon the column in the West?
Cand.. Tautx.
. Ten.". Bf. He who lies is coward. No falsehood can be other than an evil. To lic, expressly or by
implication, is base and dishonourable. Without Truth, there can be no virtue: and he who professes an "pinion he does not entertain, originates 2 falsehood or a slander, or receives and passes it, as he receives and passes coin, in an uttered of spurious moneys, deserving to be branded as a malefactor and forger. God is 'Perfect Trurn, and every lic, prevarication, misrepresentation, colouring or concealment is.an offence against Hry, and disgraceful to Mason. Do you recognize the truth of these principles?
Cand... Do. :
Ten. ML. Will you make them hereafter the inflexible rule of your life, conduct and conversation, let-
ting no inducement, temptation or necessity, however stringent, persuade you to swerve from them? Cand... Will.
Ten.. 3f:. Kneel then at the Altar, and assume the obligation appropriate to the rank and degree which you desire to receive. ~ , .
(The Candidate kneels, and repents the following]
OBLIGATION.
I,A.....3B.....,do hereby and hereon, in the presence of the God of Truth, Justice and Mercy, and appealing to Him for the uprightness of my intentions, most solemnly and sincerely swear, and to each Gr.. Master here present, and elsewhere in existence, do most sincerely promise, pledge myself and vow; That I will never reveal any of the Secrets of this Degree to any person in the known world, except to one
who is duly authorized to receive them, and when I am fully authorized to communicate thom. ; ; * 3... furthermore promise and swear that I will henceforward forever make those virtues which
compose the five Masonic Squares and three Masonic Triangles of this Lodge the rule and guide of mg life, conduct and conversation; and will endeavour by all means in my power to extend and increase the practice of them among men: and particularly, that my steps shall ever be guided and directed by the Nine Great Lights of s Gr.". Master, as I shall be informed thereof hereafter. . a
«see TJ furthermore promise and swear that I will not govern any Lodge or other
over which I may be called to preside, in o haughty or arbitrary manner; but with goatleness,
Masonic Body,
urbanity and
courtesy ; and that I will use my best endeavours to preserve peace and harmony among the members thereof
and all Masons everywhere. .
I furthermore promise and swear, that I will never assist in, be present at, or consent to, the conferring
of this degree and dignity upon any Mason who will not and does not answer, and, as I believe, truly, heartily and sincerely, all the questions asked of me at the door, and here before the Altar and within the
columns.
To all of which I do most solemnly and sincerely swear; binding myself under no less a penalty, than
that of being despised and execrated by all Masons, and detested by all whom I hold most dear on earth. So help me God! and keep me steadfast! Amen!
[The Ten.°. M.°. then raises the Candidate, and gives him the signs, words and tokens; as follows] : ;
First Stov: . . . Form four 2% 3 OCS, thus: Place the t9Q.&Y{SO°1I on the &COt*, the Whom CIOs VL Are CHOMOSC 8 vy COCO, the $4 25m raised: thus making withthe Ci y pi 4 one 2X 4 Of, and with the P&E2mM, one. Place the {ikQTI on the f 2 $=, making a similar 2% 4 OLC with the %&$25M ; and with the &C Cf of the P20 YIWCCH forma lx Zorn.
Second Ten: [<C Ct on both J7C CO; and place the Him 8 I/4: on the CLUI¥ $1, leaning the head a little to the left.
Turep Stew: .". Cross the %2/ peers: on the SECRP—Women CIA EU CPEC! and
CYP CeMCO—P& FMA C tC FF and T&O°TL uppermost. The Cin ¥ 2/4 and &4 m=: thus
form four & SOICAH: then place the &C CIP EQUCTEC in a BHEOIC. _—
Toxen: . . Take each the € {M ¥ 2/ of the other with the t1&Q)-" 1 the &% Sail on the ¥ 4 PAO, 'and the fingers closed together on the "72: 9IIC: §$COO the CimY Y thas | FeesCM—then Of 9 § 'the' &@sr02: down as far as the tO, as if to. 9*C each other the (To$: then raise the; {O27} WIV CIS, and {C24 with the PETC YIWOHKKLCt the WIPO of each other. ;
_ Toxex UPON INTRODUCTION: .. Take each other by the right hand, with the °P&% 95m, upon the *C Ques of the YtEy, and 2 92 your Some MY I> that of the other, to the CocLit of the You. Cio.
Pass-worp: ... ROT&As..
Answer: ... OY8TTO%..
2d Pass-worp:..- RO&MOTIS.
ANSWER: «22 ROT&RO..
3d Pass-worp:... MOSOMOROIC..
Sacred Worp:.. [O2%O&MC¥L9t-be&".
[The Ten'. M.'. then invests the candidate with the collar, apron and jewel of the degree; and then says]:
V.*. i. My Brother, as the presiding officer of a Lodge, it will be your particular duty to dispense light and knowledge to the Brethren. That duty is not performed, nor is that which the old charges require, that at opening and closing the Master shall give or cause to be given, a lecture, or part of a lecture, for the instruction of the Brethren, by asking and receiving the answers to three or four merely formal and trivial questions.
On the contrary, that duty is far higher and more important: and it behooves the Master to be prepared to perform it: nor should any one accept the office of Master, until, by acquaintance and familiarity with the
history, morals, and philosophy of Masonry, he is fitted to enlighten and instruct his brethren. That you may ever remember that duty, you will now proceed symbolically to perform it, by restoring to us the splendor of our Nine Great Lights in Masonry.
[Directed by the Sen.*. W.-., the candidate lights each of the nine lights in succession: the V.°. ML.°. saying, before and after each is lighted, and the candidate repeating, as follows]: :
Vi. ML. Let the Great Light of Vexerattox shine in our Lodge! Veneration of God, the Supreme Father: not a slavish fear and adulation, but a loving reverence for a Deity infinitely wise, good, beneficent, and merciful, Frat Lux! [The candidate lights the first candle]. The light shines! Let us applaud, my Brethren! [All clap with their hands ,? and cry Lox Esr!]. Say after me, my Brother! So let the Light of Veneration shine in me! [The candidate repeats this].
Let the Great Light of Cuanity shine in our Lodge! Charity; to relieve misery and distress, and condole with the broken-licarted ;' charity, to forgive the errors and judge kindly of the motives of our Brother. Fiat Luz! (The candidate lights the 2d]. The light shines! let us applaud, my Brethren! [They applaud as before]. My Brother, say after me... So let the Light of Charity shine in me! .
Let the Great Light of Gensrosrry shine in our Lodge; that generous nobility of soul that overlooks injuries, and scorns to punish wrongs; that will rather confer than receive favours; and that doubles the value of its gifts by the graceful mode in which it makes them. Fiat Luz! {The 3d is lighted]. The light shines | Let us applaud! my Brethren! [Apps.*.]. My Bro.-., soy after me... So let the Light of Generosity shine in mel .
* Let the Great Light of Usroisu shine in our Lodge: that noble Heroism, inspired by which, men die at
obscure posts of duty, when none are their witnesses save God: which sustains the martyr at the stake,
. upholds the humble missionary among savages, strengthens the fireman's arm, and actuates the patient
watcher with the sick, when the air is thick with pestilence! Fiat Luz! (The 4th is lighted]. The light
shinest Let us applaud, my Brethren ! (Apps..]. My Bro.-., say after me . . . So may the Light of Heroism shine in mel Hoot ™
- Let the Great Light of Uoxor shine in our Lodge! that true Honour, incapable of baseness, treachery, or deceit: that never breaks its word to mon or woman; that guards its.ermine.from.the slightest spot or stain; and fears the act far more than the disgrace that follows it. Fiat Luz! &e. &e. . ... So may. the Light of Honour shine in me! :
Let the Great Light of Parniotisx shine in our.Lodge: Patriotism, willing to sacrifice itself for the common good, even when neither thanks nor honour follow it: that asks not whether what the country's weal requires will or will not be popular; but does the right without regard to consequences: the patriotism of Leonidas, who died to hold Thermopyla ; of Curtius, who leaped into the yawning gulf; of Winkelried, who turned the Burgundian spear-points towards his heart; of Socrates, who died becauée the law willed it, rather than escape ; of all who love the soil that gave them birth, enough to die for it unwept, unhonoured, and unsung. Fiat Lux! &c. &e. . . . So may the Light of Patriotism shine in me! ;
Let the Great Light of JUSTICE shine in our Lodge! Justice, that gives to every man his due, and pronounces righteous judgment even when its possessor is plaintiff or defendant; that takes bribes neither from friendship nor dislike; that is not rash nor censorious; nor bates sin so much as to come to love mankind too little. Fiat Lux! &e. &e. . . So may the Light of Justice shine in me! .
Let the Great Light of Toleration shine in our Lodge: Toleration, that fears to usurp God's prerogative, remembering the warning; Judge not, lest ye be judged: and holds that every man has an estate in fee in his opinions, and the absolute, ample right of free enjoyment, Fiat Luz, &c. &e. . . So may the Light of Toleration shine in mel °
- Let the Great Light of Taoru, greatest and crowning Light of all, shine in our Lodge! Truth, the Imps-
rial and Divine! The Infinite Attribute of God! Truth, that rebukes and abhors evasion, prevarication, and mental reservation. Truth, that rejoices in the light—itself and Light twin emanations from the Deity. Fiat Luz'l &e. &e. . . . So may the Divine Light of Truth shine in me! [Cand.°. repeats]... . Seal, now, and perfect your obligation as Gr.*. Master of all symbolic Lodges: [says, and cand.-. repeats]... and when these
"great lights cease to illumine my soul, direct my conduct, and guide my footsteps, ma y I, as fulse Mason and worthless man, cease fo exist, and be remembered only to be despised; so help me God!
[The Van.:. M.*. then displays to the candidate the tracing board, and says to him]:
Ver. Bf. ity Brother, behold the § Great Squares and 3 Great Triangles of Masonry: composed as
follows:
' The square at the bottom of the octagon, that surrounds the Ineffable Name, and the 7 letters of the words with which Io crented Light,—of Prudence, Temperance, Chastity and Sobriety.
The first square on the right,—of heroism, Firmness, Equanimity and Patience.
The first square on the left,—-of Probity, Honour, Fidelity and Punctuality.
The upper square on the right, of Disinderestedness, Mercy, Forgiveness and Forbearance.
The upper square on the left,—of Charity, Kindness, Generosity and Liberality.
The Triangle on the right,—of Gratitude to God; Love of Mankind; and Confidence in Human Nature.
The Triangle on the left,—of Veneration, Decotedness and Patriotism: Veneration of God; Devotedness . to family and friends ; and ardent Love for our country.
And the Triangle in the centre,——of Tauta, which includes Frankness, Plain-dealing and Sincerily ; Justice, which includes Equity and Impartiality ; and Toleration.
[The Orator then reads the following Lecture]:
LECTURE.
.The true Mason, my Brother, is a practical Philosopher, who, under religious emblems, in all ages adopted by wisdom, builds upon plans traced by nature and reason the moral edifice of knowledge. He ought to find,: in the symmetrical relation of all the parts of this rational edifice, the principle and rule of. all his duties, the source of all his pleasures. Ile improves his moral nature, becomes # better man, and finds in the reunion - of.virtuous men, assembled with pure views, the means of multiplying his acts of beneficence. Masonry and Philosophy, without being one and the same thing, have the same object, and propose to themselves the same and, the worship of the Gr.*. Architect of the Universe, acquaintance and familiarity with the wonders of nature, and the happiness of humanity, attained by the constant practice of all the virtues.
--As Geo. Master of all Symbolic Lodges, it is your especial duty to aid in restoring Masonry to its primitive purity. You have become an instructor. Masonry long wandered in error. Instead of improving; it degenerated from its primitive simplicity, and retrograded towards a system, distorted by stupidity and ignorance, which, unable to construct a beautiful machine, made a complicated one. Less than two hundred years ago, its organization was simple, and altogether moral, its emblems, allegories and ceremonies easy to be understood, and their purpose and object readily to be seen. It was then confined to a very small number of degrees. 'Its constitutions were like those of a Society of Essenes, written in the first century of our era. There could be seen the primitive Christianity, organized into Masonry, the school of Pythagoras without incongruities or absurdities; 0 Masonry simple and significant, in which it was not necessary to torture the mind to discover reasonable interpretations; a Masonry at once religious and Philosophical, worthy of a good citizen and an ,enlightened philanthropist.
Innovators and inventors overturned that primitive simplicity. Ignorance, engaged i in the work of making degrees ; and trifles and gewgaws and pretended mysteries, absurd or hideous, usurped the place of Masonic Truth, : The picture of a horrid vengeance, the poniard and the bloody head, appeared in the peaceful Temple of Masonry, without sufficient explanation of their symbolic meaning. Oaths, out of all proportion with their object, shocked the candidate, and then became ridiculous, and were wholly disregarded. Acolytes were exposed to tests, and compelled to perform acts, which, if real, would have been abominable; bat being mere chimeras, were preposterous, and excited contempt and laughter only. Eight hundred degrees of one kind and another were invented: Infidelity, Wermeticiem, Jesuitry were taught under the mask of Masonry.
The rituals, even of the respectable degrees, copied and mutilated by ignorant men, became nonsensical and trivial; and the words so corrupted that it has hitherto been found impossible to recover many of them at all. Candidates were made to degrade themselves, and to submit to insults not tolerable to a man of spirit and honour.
Hence it was, that, practically, the largest portion of the degrees claimed by the.Ancient and Accepted Rite, and the Rites of Perfection and Misraim, fell into disuse, were merely communicated, and their rituals became jejune and insignificant, These Rites resembled those old palaces and baronial castles, the different parts of which, built at different periods remote from one another, upon plans and according to tastes that greatly varied, formed a discordant and incongruous whole. Judaism and chivalry, superstition and philosophy, philanthropy and insane hatred and longing for vengeance, a pure morality and unjust and illegal revenge, were found strangely mated, and standing hand in hand within the Temples of Peace and Concord: and the whole system was one grotesque commingling of incongruous things, of contrasts and contradictions, of shocking and fantastic extravagances, of parts repugnant to good taste, and fine conceptions overlaid and disfigured by absurdities engendered by ignorance, fanaticism and a senseless mysticism.' .
An empty and sterile pomp, impossible indeed to be carried out, and to which no meaning whatever was attached, with far-fetched explanations that were either so many stupid platitudes or themselves needed an interpreter; lofty titles, arbitrarily assumed, and to which the inventors had not condescended to attach any explanation that should acquit them of the folly of assuming temporal rank, power, and titles of nobility, made the world laugh, and the Initiate feel ashamed, . . ;
Some of these titles we retain; but they have with us meanings entirely consistent with that Spirit of Equality which is the foundation and peremptory law of its being of all Masonry. The Knight, with us, is he who devotes his hand, his heart, his brain to the Science of Masonry, and professes himself the Sworn Soldier of Truth: the Prince is he who aims to be Chief [Princess], first, leader, among his equals, in virtue and good deeds: The Sovereign is he who, one of an order whose members are all Sovereigns, is Supreme only because
the law and constitutions are so, which be administers, and by which he, liko every brother, is governed. The Titles, Puissant, Potent, Wise, and Venerable, indicate that power of 'Virtue, Intelligence, and Wisdom which those ought to strive to attain who are placed in high office by the suffrage of their brethren: and all _. our other titles and designations have an esoteric meaning, consistent with -modesty.and equality, and which . those who receive them should fully understand. As Master of n Lodge it is your duty to instruct your
Brethren that they are all so many constant lessons, teaching the lofty qualifications which are required
of those who claim them, and not merely idle gewgaws worn in ridiculous imitation of the times when the
Nobles and Priests were masters and the People slaves: and that, in all true Masonry, the Knight, the Pon-
tiff, the Prince, and the Sovereign are but the first among their equals: and the cordon, the clothing and
the jewel but symbols and emblems of the virtues required of all good Masons.
The Mason kneels, no longer to present his petition fur admittance, or to receive the answer, no longer to man as his superior, who is but his brother, but to his God; to whom he appeals for the rectitude of his intentions, and whose aid he asks to enable him to keep his vows. No one is degraded by bending his knee to God at the altar, or to receive the honour of Knighthood as Bayard and Du Guesclio knelt. To kneel for other purposes, Masonry does not require. God gave to man a head to be borne erect, port upright and majestic. We assemble in our Temples to cherish and inculcate sentiments that conform to that loftiness of bearing which the just and upright man is entitled to maintain, and we do not require those who desire to be admitted among us, ignominiously to bow the head. We respect man, because we respect ourselves, that he may conceive a lofty idea of his dignity a3 8 human being, free and independent. If modesty is a virtue, humility and obsequiousness to man are base; for there is s noble pride which is the most real and solid basis of virtue." Man should humble himself before the Infinite God; but not before his erring and imperfect
brother.
As Master of a Lodge, you will therefore be exceedingly careful that no Candidate, in any Degree, be
required to submit to any degradation whatever; as has been too much the custom in some of the Degrees: and take it as a certain and inflexible rule, to which there is no exception, that Masonry requires of no man
, anything to which a Knight and Gentleman cannot honourably and without feeling outraged or humiliated, submit.
The Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States at length undertook the indispensable and long delayed task of revising and reforming the work and rituals of the thirty degrees under its jurisdiction. Retaining the essentials of the degrees and all the means by which the members recognize one another, it has sought out and developed the leading idea of each degree, rejected the puerilitics and absurdities with which many of them were disfigured, and made of them a connected system of moral, religious and philosophical instruction. Sectarian of no creed, it has yet thought it not improper to use the old allegories, based on occurrences detailed in the Hebrew and Christian books, and drawn from the Ancient Mysteries of Egypt, Persia, Greece, India, the Druids and the Essenes, as vehicles to communicate the Great Masonic Truths; as it has used the legends of the Crusades, and the ceremonies of the orders of Knighthood
It retains none of the revolting and odious representations of a criminal and wicked vengeance. It hag not allowed Masonry to play the assassin ; to avenge the death, either of Hiram Abi, Charles the Ist, or Jacques De Malay and the Templars. The Ancient and Accepted Rite of Masonry has now become, what Masonry
at first was meant to be, a Teacher of Great Truths, inspired by an upright and enlightened reason, o firm and constant wisdom, and an affectionate and liberal philanthropy.
- It is no longer a system, over the composition and arrangement of the different parts of which, want of reflection, chance, ignorance, and perhaps motives still more ignoble presided ; a system unsuited to our habits, our manners, our ideas, or the world-wide philanthropy and universal toleration of Masonry; or to bodies small in number, whose revenues should be devoted to the relief of the unfortunate, and not to empty show: no longer a vicious aggregate of Degrees, shocking by its anachronisms ond contradictions, powerless to disseminate light, information, and moral and philosophical ideas.
- As Master, you will teach those who are under you, and to whom you will owe "your office, that the decorations of many of the degrees are to be dispensed with, whenever the expense would interfere with the duties of charity, relief and benevolence ; and to be indulged in only by wealthy bodies that will thereby do no wrong to those entitled to their assistance. The essentials of all the degrees may be procured at slight expense ; and it is at the option of every Brother to procure or not to procure as he pleases, the dress, decorations and jewels 'of any degree other than the 14th, 18th, 30th and 32d.
"We teach the truth of none of the legends we recite. They are to us bat parables and allegories, involving and enveloping Masonic instruction; and vehicles of useful and interesting information. They represent the different phases of the human mind, its efforts and struggles to comprehend nature, God, the government of the Universe, the permitted existence of sorrow and evil. To teach us wisdom, and the folly of endeavouring to explain to ourselves that which we are not capable of understanding, we reproduce the speculations of the Philosophers, the Kabbalists, the Mystagogues and the Gnostics. Every one being at liberty to apply our symbols and emblems as he thinks most consistent with truth and reason and with his own faith, we give them such an interpretation only as may be accepted by all. Ourdegrees may be conferred in France or Turkey, at Pepin, Isfahan, Rome or Geneva, on Plymouth Rock, in the City of Penn or in Catholic Louisiana, upon the subject of an absolute government or the citizen of a Free State, upon Sectarian or Theist. To honour the Deity, to regard all men us our Brethren, as children, equally dear to him, of the Sup.". Creator of the Universe, and to make himself useful to society and himself by his labour, are its teachings to its initiates in all the degrees.
: Preacher of Liberty, Fraternity and Equality, it desires them to be attained by making men fit to receive them, and by the moral power of an intelligent and enlightened People. It Inys no plots and conspiracies. It hatches no premature revolutions; it encourages no people to revolt against the constituted authorities ; but recognizing the great truth that freedom follows fitness for freedom as the corollary follows the axiom, it © strives to prepare men to govern themselves. .
"Where domestic slavery exists, it recognizes it as an institution allowed by God, for purposes of infinite wisdom and benevolence, and which If will remove in his own good time, as Ile gave Liberty to the Israelites enslaved four hundred years in Egypt, to the slaves of Imperial Rome and the helots of Sparta, to the Peasants of France, and the thralls and serfs of Saxon and Norman England; and as he will give it to the serfs
2p
of Russia, the Coolies of India and the Peons of Mexico. It inculcates upon the Master, care and kindness fur the slave whom God has placed in his power and under his protection; and whose unfitness to be free, and certain annihilation if be were liberated, create an irresistible necessity for keeping him in bondage. I¢ teaches him humanity and the alleviation of the condition of his slave, and moderate correction and gentle discipline ; as it teaches them to the master of the apprentice: and ss it teaches to the employers of other men, in mines, manufactories and workshops, consideration and humanity for those who depend upon their labour for their bread, and to whom want of employment is starvation, and overwork is fever, consumption and death, °
As Master of a Lodge, you are to inculcate these duties on your brethren. Teach the employed to be honest, punctual and faithful, as well as respectful and obedient to all proper orders: but also teach the employer that every man or woman who desires to work, has a right to have work to do;'and that they, and those who from sickness or feebleness, loss of limb or of bodily vigour, old age or infancy, are not able to work, have aright to be fed, clothed and sheltered from the inclement elements: that he commits an awful sin against Masonry and in the sight of God, if he closes his workshops or factories, or ceases to work his mines, when they do not yield him what he regards as sufficient profit, and so dismisses his workmen and workwomen to starve; or when he reduces the wages of man or woman to so low a standard that they and their families cannot be clothed and fed and comfortably housed; or by overwork must give him their blood and life in exchange for the pittance of their wages: and that his duty as a Mason and Brother peremptorily requires him to continue to employ those who else will be pinched with hunger and cold, or resort to theft and vice: and to pay them fair wages, though it may reduce or annul his profits or even eat into his capital: for God hath but loaned him his wealth, and made him His almoner and agent to invest it. - of
The Degrees of which the Supreme Council of the South has jurisdiction are divided into seven classes.
The 1st Class is composed of the 3 Symbolic Degrees, which the Supreme Council, for the sake of peace and harmony, has for the present relinquished to the Grand Lodges of the York Rite, reserving always the right to re-take them at pleasure ; but in the mean time commencing with the 4th Degree, and requiring those who desire to receive it, to have first obtained the three first in a York Lodge, and to be in good standing as a York Mason. Still it has established the Rituals of those Degrees according to its own work and system,
" and requires them to be referred to continually for explanation, and permits and indeed recommends that they
be regularly conferred, before the 4th, on those who have already received them in the York Mite, in the muti-. lated, corrupt and imperfect state in which they have long existed in that Rite, especially since the creation almost within our own times, of che Mark Master and Royal arch Degrees.
The 2d Class includes the 4th, Sth, 6th, 7th and 8th Degrees. The Ist Class is that of The Builders: the
2d, being the It Class of the Cupifular Order, is that of Instructors.
The 3d Class includes the 9th, 10th and lth Degrees. It is the second of the Capitular Order, and is
the Class.of Directors of the Work.
The 4th Class includes the 12th, 13th and ldth Degrees. It is the third of the Copitulas Order, and the
Class of Architects.
The 5th Class includes the 15th, 16th, 17th ond 18th Degrees. It is the fourth -and Inst of the Capitular
Order, and the Class of Knights.
The Gth Class includes the Degrees from the 19th to the 27thinclusive. Its the IstClass of the areopagus ; and is styled the Class of Pontiffs.
The 7th and last Class includes the Degrees from the 28th to the 33d inclusive.
Areopagus, and is styled the class of the Grane Elect.
Except as mere symbols of the moral virtues and intellectual qualities, the tools and implements of Masonry
belong exclusively to the three Grstdegrees. They also, however, serve tu remind the Mason who has advanced further, that his new rank is based upon the humble labours of the symbolic degrees, as they are improperly termed, inasmuch as all the Degrees are symbolic.
Thus the initiates are inspired with a just idea of Masonry, to wit, that it is essentially wors ; both teaching and practising Labour; and that its altogether emblematic. Three kinds of work are necessary to the preservation and protection of man and society: munoual Inbour, specially belonging to the three blue
It is the 2d Class of the
Degrees; labour in arms, symbolized by the intermediate Knightly Degrees; and intellectual labour, belonging particularly to higher Masonry.
.We have preserved and multiplied such emblems as have 4 true and profound meaning. We reject many of the old and senseless explanations. We have not reduced Masonry to scold metaphysics that exiles every- .thing belonging to the domain of the imagination. The ignorant, and those half-wise in reality but over-wise in their own conceit, may assail our symbols with sarcasms; but they are nevertheless ingenious veils that cover the Truth, respected by all who know the means by which the heart of man is reached and his feelings enlisted. The Great Moralists often had recourse to allegories, in order to instruct men without repelling them. But we have.been careful not to allow our emblems to be too obscure, so as to require far-fetched and forced interpretations. In our days, and in the enlightened land in which we live, we do not need to wrap ourselves in veils so strange and impenetrable, as to prevent or hinder instruction instead of furthering it; or to induce the suspicion that we have concealed meanings which we communicate only to the most reliable adepts.
The leading ideas in the Second Class, or that of Instructors, are:
In the 4th Degree; silence and discretion ; the first and indispensable qualifications for one who would
advance in the Ancient and Accepted Rite.
In the 5th ; the honour and respect due to the memory of departed excellence; and that it alone should
be the model for a Mason's conduct.
In the 6th; that no man is allowed to advance in Masonry, who seeks to do so, through an idle curiosity alone, and mere profane motives, with no zeal to arrive at the truth: for such a man will be o mere dead limb in Masonry, worthless to it and to himself.
In the Tih; that every Mason should be just,.and keep his passions in proper subjection. This is indicated by the balance. Ever ready to find excuses for himself, he is taught that he ought to be a Provost and Severe Judge of his own conduct and motives.
In the 8th; that the duty of a Mason is to improve and assist his Brethren. Therefore its, that the Candidate ascends the Seven Steps of exactitude, and has explained to him and enforced upon him the five 'points of fellowship: to work, to intercede, to pray, to love his brethren and to sustain them. .
In the third Class: or that of Directors of the Work: ;
Ta the 9th Degree ; That Masonry is the implacable antagonist of the three great evils. that afflict humanity ; : the three great powers of darkness and evil, Falsehood, Fanaticism and Ignorance ; and that its mission upon earth is ultimately to exterminate the first, that inciter of the second, and of whom the third is the blind and
stupid instrument.
In the 10th ; that when falsehood i is destroyed, Fanaticism and Ignorance will share its fate, and cease to
afflict humanity. .
'In the 11th; that those who have extinguished in their own souls these three Powers of Evil, ara alone entitled to be selected to rule and govern men; that Providence is the certain avenger of crime, no place Aiding the guilty from its eye; and punishment, by torture of the body or of the soul being, by the inflexible claw of God, the certain result and consequence of rice and iniquity.
— In the 4th Class, or that of Architects:
_In the 12th Degree; That the five orders of Architecture, and the different working-tools of the three
Degrees have a symbolic meaning, and constitute a complete code of Ethics; by which the upright Mason "must square and regulate his conduct.
. Jn the 13th; that resolution, patience, and perseverance are indispensable to him who would arrive at the knowledge of Truth; which is attained only by long and laborious investigation, and by overcoming many 'impediments, nine of which are indicated; Indolence . . Preconceived opinion . . Blind reliance on authority . « Inaccurate discrimination . . . Superficial investigation . . Self-conceit .. Rash haste in reaching conclusions... Self-interest . . and Want of moral principle . . . which passed, man enters the 9th vault, where Truth is revealed to Him: and thus those who seek knowledge os « mere instrument to serve their ambition, their avarice or their vices, perish by it, like those jealous and ambitious Masons who were overwhelmed by
'the rains in which they dug.
KX... 12
In the 14th; That virtue is the true Perfection, and all virtuous men are brothers: that he who assists his brethren, visits the sick, obeys the dictates of lore and charity, and knows no other distinction among men than that between the virtuous and the vicious, obeys God's law, and has discovered the True Word, which the selfish, the unfeeling and the malicious can never discover or comprehend. And the rank and honour conferred by this degree are emblems ofthat reward which all nations have believed awaits the virtuous in another world.
In the 5th Class; or that of the Kniyhés:
In the 15th Degree; That Patriotism, and Devotion to the interests, and love for the institutions, of our Country, are indispensable to the Perfect Mason; and, combined with fidelity and incorruptible integrity, entitle the possessor to be invested with the highest honours.
In the 16th; that Masonry rewards those only who are ready to risk their lives in defence of their country; and commits the power of judging to those only who have proved their impartiality and their quick sense of Justice and Equity. ,
We need not recall to your mind the leading ideas of the 17th, 18th and 19th Degrees, which you cannot yet have forgotten. : .
The Duties of the Class of Instructors, are, particularly, to perfect the younger Masons in the words, signs and tokens and other work of the degrees they have received; to explain to them the meaning of the different emblems, and to expound the moral instruction which they convey. And upon their report of proficiency alone can their pupils be allowed to advance and receive an increase of wages.
The Directors of the Work are to report.to the Chapters upon the regularity, activity and proper direction of the work of bodies in the lower degrees, and what is needed to be enacted for their prosperity and usefulness. In the Symbolic Lodges, they are particularly charged to stimulate the zeal of the workmen, to induce them to engage in new labours and enterprises for the good of Masonry, their country and mankind; and to give them fraternal advice when they fall short of their duty; or, in cases that require it, to invoke against them the rigor of Masonic law.
The Architects should be selected from none but Brothers well instructed in Symbolic Masonry, zealous, and capable of discoursing upon that Masonry, illustrating it, and discussing the simple. questions of moral : philosophy. And one of them, at every communication, should be prepared with o lecture, communicating. useful knowledge'or giving good advice to the Brethren. ° °
The Knights wear the sword. They are'bound to prevent and repair, as far as may be in their power, all injustice, both in the world and in Masonry, to protect the weak and to bring oppressors to justice, Their works and lectures must be in this spirit. They should inquire whether Masonry fulfils, as far as it ought and can, its principal purpose, which is to succour the unfortunate. That it may do so, they should prepare propositions to be offered in the Symbolic Lodges, calculated to attain that end, to put an end to abuses, and prevent or correct negligence. Those in the Symbolic Lodges who have attained the rank of Knights are most fit to be appointed Almoners, and charged to ascertain and make known who need and are entitled to the charity of the order. ,
In the sixth class those only should be received who have sufficient reading and information to discuss the great questions of philosophy. From them the Orators of the Lodges should be selected, as well as those of the Councils and Chapters. They are charged to suggest such measures as are necessary to make Masonry entirely faithful to the spirit of its institution, both as to its charitable purposes, and the diffusion of light and knowledge; such as are needed to correct abuses that have crept in, and offences against the rules and general spirit of the order; and such as will tend to make it, as it was meant to be, the great Teacher of Mankind. : .
As Master of » Lodge, Council or Chapter, it will be your duty to impress upon the minds of your . Brethren these views of the general plan and separate parts of the Ancient and Accepted Rite; of its spirit and design; its harmony and regularity; of the duties of the officers and members; and of the particular lessons intended to be taught by each degree. . .
Especially you are not to allow any assembly of the body over which you may preside, to close, without recalling to the mind of the Brethren the Masonic virtues and duties which are represented upon the Tracing
Board of this Degree. That is an imperative duty. Forget not that, more than three thousand years ago, Zoroaster said; Be good, be kind, be humane and charitable; love your fellows; console the afflicted ; pardon those who have done you wrong. Nor that more than two thousand three hundred years ago Conructus repeated, also quoting the language of those who had lived before himself; Love thy neighbour as thyself: Do not to others what thou woulds not wish should be done to thyself: Forgive injuries. Forgive your enemy, be reconciled to him, give him assistance, invoke God in his behalf. . .
Let not the morality of your Lodge be inferior to that of the Persian or Chinese Philosopher. Urge upon your Brethren the teaching and the unostentatious practice of the morality of the Lodge, without regard to times, places, religions, or peoples. : Urge them to love one another, to be devoted to one another, to be faithful to the country, the Government and the laws: for to serve the country is to pay a dear and sacred debt: To respect all forms of worship, to tolerate all political and religious opinions; not to blame, and still. less to condemn the religion of others: not to seek to make converts; but to be content if they have the religion , of Socrates; a veneration for the Creator, the religion of good works, and grateful acknowledgment of God's blessings: © . .
To fraternize with all men; to assist all who are unfortunate; and to cheerfully postpone their own interests to that of the Order: . To make it the constant rule of their lives, to think well, to speak well, and to act well: To place the sage above the soldier, the noble or the Prince; and take the wise and good as their models. To see that their professions and practice, their teachings and conduct do always agree: To make this also their motto: Do that which thou oughtest to do; let the result be what it will. 2 Sach, my Brother, are some of the duties of that office which you have sought to be qualified to exercise. May you perform them well; and in so doing gain honour for yourself, and advance the great cause of Masonry, Humanity, and Progress.
TO CLOSE.
Yen. Mf. Bro.*. Sen.*. Warden, have you anything in the West, to bring before this Lodge of Gr. Masters?
Sen. W.. Nothing, Ten.:. Gr.°. Master.
Ten, HM. Bro.. Jun.*. Warden, have you anything in the South?
Jun... W.. Nothing, Ten.. Gr.*. Master.
Yen.'. M.". Bro.. Orator, have you anything in the North?
Orator: .. Nothing, Yen.°. Gr.°, Master. .
Ten, Mi, Tas any Gr.*, Master anything to suggest, offer or propose to this Lodge, for the benefit of a Br.*. Mason, of this Lodge, of his Country, or of Humanity? .
'. Ans. 7. © © © © © © 8 # @ @ .
Yen. M. Bri. Sen.*. Warden, what is the hour?
Sen.. W.. The world waits for the Light.
Ten. Mo; Then it is time for us to close; that the Great Lights of this Lodge may be borne into and illuminate the world. The Sign, my Brethren !
[The Brethren give the Ist Sign: Then the Ten.'. M.*. raps ,?— the Sen.°. W.*., ? — the Jun.' W.*. ., ? =~ and then all the Brethren clap ,? with their hands; and cry Lux est].
Yen. M... Wherever the nine great lights are, there is this Lodge. Let the great Light of Veneration go forth from hence, and shine in the world! [The Pursuivant takes one of the Lights, and goes out]. Ten.. M. Let the great Light of Charity go forth into and inspire the world! [The Jun.". Deacon * takes one and goes out].
Ten.". 1, Let the Great Light of Generosity go forth into and ennoble the world! [The Sen.". Deacon
takes one, and goes out]. :
Ten. 36°. Let the great Light of Heroism go forth into the world and barn in the spirits of men!
[The Secretary takes one and goes out].
Ten.. I. Let the Great Light of honour go forth into the world, and Baseness skulk and hide from its
presence | [The Treasurer takes ¢ one and goes out].
Ten.. af. Let the Great Light of Patriotism go forth and shine in the worlds [The Orator takes one
and goes out].
Ten. ML*. Let the Great Light of Justice go forth and blaze upon the altars of all men's hearts | +(The
Jun.*. Warden takes one and goes out].
Ten. Mf*. Let the Great Light of Toleration go forth, and dim the fires of Perfection [The Sen.
Warden takes one and goes out].
Ten.*. 3f. I bear the Light of Tacrm into the world, to overcome Falsehood and Error; and this Lodge
is closed until the Lights return! [Ie goes out with the last Light; and the remaining Brethren follow; which closes the Lodge]-
FINIS.
