THE WHOLE INSTITUTIONS OF FREE-MASONS OPENED. As also their Words and Signs.
FIRST, Observe that all Squares is Signs according to every Subject in Handling, proved by the 7th Verse of the 6th Chap. of the First of Kings.
The Salutation as follows.
FROM whence came You — Answer, I came from a right worshipful Lodge of Masters and Fellows belonging to Holy St. John, who doth greet all perfect Brothers of our Holy Secret, so do I you, if you be one. — I greet you well Brother, God's Greeting be at our Meeting, what is your Name answer Jachin.
The Examination as follows.
HOW shall I know you are a Free-Mason. — By true Words and Tokens at my Entering. What was the first Point of your Entering a willing desire to know what I now know. — How were you made a Mason. — By a true and perfect Lodge. — What Lodge are you of, answer St. John. — How Stands a Lodge. — South, East and West. How many Lights belongs to a Lodge. — Twelve, what are they. Father, Son, Holy Ghost, Sun, Moon, Master, Mason, Square, Rule, Plum, Line, Mell and Cheisal. — Who is Master of all Lodges, God, and the Square. — In what Posture did you receive our Secret Words. — Kneeling with Square and Compass at my Breast.
WHAT were you Sworn to. — For to Heal and Conceal. — What other Tenor did your Oath carry. — For to help all perfect Brothers, of our Holy Secret fellow Craft or not. — What is your foundation Words. — Come let us, and you shall have —
What mean you by these Words — We differ from the Babylonians who did presume to Build to Heaven, but we pray the blessed Trinity to let us build True, High, and Square, and they shall have the praise to whom it is due.
Your first word is Jachin and Boaz is the answer to it, and Grip at the forefinger Joint. — Your 2d word is Magboe and Boe is the answer to it, and Grip at the Wrist. Your 3d Word is Gibboram, Esimberel is the Answer — and Grip at the Elbow, and Grip at the Rein of the Back, and then to follow with the five Points of Free Masons fellowship, which is Foot to Foot, Knee to Knee, Breast to Breast, Cheek to Cheek, and Hand to Back ; these five Points hath reference to the five principal Signs, which is Head, Foot, Body, Hand and Heart.
The Explanation of our Secrets, is as follows.
JAchin and Boaz, two Pillars made by Heirom Jachin, signifies Strength, and Boaz Beautiful, Magbo and Boe signifies Marrow in the Bone, so is our Secret to be Concealed. — Tho' there is different opinions of this, yet I prove this the truest Construction. — Gibboram, and Simber signifies the Gibonites, who built the City of Simenon.
For proof of our two Pillars you may read the 7th Chapter of the 1st of Kings from the 13th Verse to the 22d, where you will find the wonderful Works of Hierome at the building the House of the Lord.
The reason why Masonary receiv'd a secret, was, because the building the House of the Lord pleas'd his Divine Majesty ; it could not well go amiss, being they wrought for so good a Master. And had the wisest Man on Earth to be their Overseer — Therefore in some parts by Merit, yet more by free Grace, they obtain'd a Name, and a new Command, such as Christ gave his Disciples, for to love each other, keep well the Key that lies into a Box of Bone, adieu Brother.
Yet for all this I want the primitive Word, I answer it was God in six Terminations, to wit I am, and Johova is the answer to it, and Grip at the Rein of the Back, or else Excellent and Excellent, Excellency is the Answer to it, and Grip as aforesaid, or else Tapus Majester, and Majester Tapus is the answer to it, and Grip as aforesaid, for proof read the first of the first of St. John.
Printed by William Wilmot on the Blind-Key, 1725.
Reproduction intégrale de la transcription citée en tête de page, dans l'orthographe d'origine, sans commentaire ni modernisation. Les titres et notes d'époque sont conservés ; l'appareil éditorial moderne a été écarté.