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 The Freemason*s Manual 
 came to me in the estate 
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 Godfrey (1869-1942) who 
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 Lodge A.F.&A.M# Thomas 
 Royal Arch Chapter — 
 Grand Lodge of Massachu¬ 
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22J1S ©SHE'S iXBi®* 
 
THE 
 
 FREEMASON’S MANUAL; 
 
 A 
 
 COMPANION FOR THE INITIATED 
 
 THROUGH ALL THE 
 
 DEGREES OF FREEMASONRY 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 ENTERED APPRENTICE TO THE HIGHER 
 DEGREES OF KNIGHTHOOD; 
 
 EMBRACING 
 
 ENTERED APPRENTICE, FELLOW CRAFT, MASTER MASON, MARK 
 MASTER, PAST MASTER, MOST EXCELLENT MASTER, ROYAL 
 ARCH, SELECT MASTER, HIGH PRIESTHOOD, KNIGHTS 
 OF THE RED CROSS, KNIGHTS TEMPLARS, 
 
 KNIGHTS OF MALTA, THE ANCIENT 
 CONSTITUTIONS OF THE 
 ORDER, ETC. 
 
 35nrbjeIItsf)£ir fcutf) upfoarfrs of ©no ^unijnfr Bujjrafunjjs, 
 
 ILLUSTRATING THE 
 
 EMBLEMS AND SYMBOLS OF THE ORDER. 
 
 BY REV. K. J. STEWART, K. T. 
 
 “To understand the words of the wise and their dark sayings.”—P rov. i. 6. 
 
 NEW EDITION, REVISED. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY E. H. BUTLER & CO. 
 
 ANNO TEMPLI, MMDCCCLIV.; R.A. PERIOD, MMCCCXIX. ; 
 
 a. l. 5800 ; a. d. 1800 . 
 
/ 
 
 The undersigned, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the 
 State of Delaware, has examined the Freemason’s Manual, by 
 Brother K. J. Stewart, and approves and recommends the 
 same to the Lodges working under this jurisdiction. 
 
 (Signed) William T. Bead, 
 
 Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Delaware. 
 
 Newcastle, Delaware , 
 
 March 27, 1851. A. L. 5851. 
 
 V 
 
 Entered according to tlie Act of Congress, in tlic year 1S51, 
 By Ivensey Johns Stewart, 
 
 In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of 
 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 213283 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 In the following volume, the young Craftsman is pre¬ 
 sented with a complete system of instruction in all the 
 lectures on the several degrees of Ancient Craft Ma¬ 
 sonry and Knighthood. These lectures have been care¬ 
 fully conferred with the best models among the old 
 masters, and are now submitted to the Fraternity, with 
 the hope that they may he instrumental in promoting 
 among those who are admitted to the privileges of the 
 Order, the knowledge and practice of its principles, 
 thereby advancing the best interests of our civil institu¬ 
 tions, by the exemplification of moral and social virtues, 
 as well as by cherishing a taste for the liberal sciences 
 and the useful arts. Religion and politics are not 
 within the legitimate province of the Institution of 
 which this volume treats; for although Masonry es¬ 
 chews atheism and insubordination, and teaches its 
 
 youthful Craftsman to reverence the Deity and obey 
 
 (iii) 
 
the powers that be, yet it is a principle of its organiza¬ 
 tion to conform itself to the religious and political 
 institutions of the different nations in which it exists. 
 But although it is not a religious organization, yet its 
 most noble and beautiful lessons are drawn from the 
 Sacred Writings; and it cherishes those writings among 
 the most precious treasures of its ancient archives. 
 
 In preparing these pages for the press, the author 
 has consulted the following works: Ahiman Rezon, by 
 Lawrence Dermot; Digest of Lectures, &c., by Rev. 
 William Smith, D. D., A. D. 1783; Sermon preached 
 by Rev. William Smith, D. D., in Christ Church, at a 
 General Communication, Philadelphia, 1778; Captivity 
 of the Jews, London; The Knights Templars, by C. G. 
 Addison, Esq., of the Inner Temple, London, 1842; 
 Ancient Craft Masonry, by Scott, Philadelphia; Pres¬ 
 ton's Illustrations of Masonry, London; Webb’s Free 
 Mason’s Monitor, Salem; Cross’s Masonic Chart, New 
 Haven; Cross’s Templar’s Chart, New Haven; The 
 Craftsman, by Cornelius Moore, K. T., Cincinnati; 
 Masonic Text Book, by John Dove, Richmond, Ya.; 
 Moore’s Templar’s Text Book, Cincinnati; Davis’s 
 Free Mason’s Monitor, Philadelphia; Moore’s Masonic 
 Review, Yol. I. to Y., Cincinnati; Townsend’s (Rev. 
 George, M. A.) History and Chronology of the Bible; 
 Edinburgh Encyclopedia; London Encyclopedia; The 
 Works of Flavius Josephus. 
 
\ 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PREFACE,. 3 
 
 SUBJECT INTRODUCED,. 11 
 
 ORIGIN OF ORGANIZED MASONRY,. 12 
 
 ORIGIN OF FREEMASONRY, . 18 
 
 TEMPLARS INCORPORATED WITH FREEMASONS,. 14 
 
 DIRECTIONS TO CANDIDATES, .. 16 
 
 c - *' -•« • 
 
 PART I. 
 
 FIRST NINE DEGREES IN MASONRY. 
 
 ENTERED APPRENTICE, :. 17 
 
 FELLOW CRAFT,. 33 
 
 MASTER MASON,. 51 
 
 MARK MASTER,. 65 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER,. 73 
 
 MOST EXCELLENT MASTER,. 113 
 
 ROYAL ARCH, . 121 
 
 1* (v) 
 
VI 
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 ROYAL MASTER, . 143 
 
 SELECT MASTER, . 147 
 
 HIGH PRIESTHOOD, . 155 
 
 CONSTITUTION OP GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER, .... 187 
 
 PART II. 
 
 THE THREE DEGREES OF KNIGHTHOOD. 
 
 KNIGHTS OP THE RED CROSS, . 203 
 
 KNIGHTS OP THE TEMPLE, . 219 
 
 KNIGHTS OP MALTA,. 231 
 
 CONSTITUTION OP GENERAL GRAND ENCAMPMENT,.... 255 
 
 , . _ . , I 
 
 PART III. 
 
 PRAYERS AND SONGS. 
 
 PRAYERS AT OPENING AND CLOSING A LODGE, . 265 
 
 PRAYERS USED BY CHRISTIAN MASONS, . 266 
 
 songs, . 273 
 
 PART IV. 
 
 FORMS. 
 
 I FORM OP AN APPLICATION POR INITIATION, . . 291 
 
 II. APPLICANT POR MEMBERSHIP, . 292 
 
CONTENTS. vii 
 
 III. REPORT ON APPLICATION,. 292 
 
 IV. APPLICANT FOR DISPENSATION TO AVOID DE¬ 
 
 LAY, . 293 
 
 V. LETTERS DISPENSATORY,. 294 
 
 VI. APPLICANT FOR SECOND DEGREE,. 294 
 
 VII. APPLICANT FOR THIRD DEGREE, . 295 
 
 VIII. APPLICANT FOR DISPENSATION TO PASS THE 
 
 CHAIR,. 295 
 
 IX. LETTERS DISPENSATORY TO PASS TO THE 
 
 CHAIR, . 296 
 
 X. COMMISSION TO TRAVEL AND FRATERNIZE,. . 296 
 
 XI. LETTERS OF VIRTUE TO VISIT LODGES, _ 298 
 
 XII. OVERTURE FOR A CERTIFICATE FROM THE 
 
 GRAND MASTER, . 299 
 
 XIII. GRAND MASTER’S CERTIFICATE, . 299 
 
 XIV. THE TRAVELLER ACCREDITED,. 300 
 
 XV. OVERTURE FOR A WARRANT, . 300 
 
 XVI. WARRANT FOR A NEW LODGE, . 301 
 
 XVII. FORM OF A CERTIFICATE FOR A REPRESENTA¬ 
 TIVE, . 302 
 
 XVIII. FORM OF RETURNS TO THE GRAND LODGE, . . 303 
 
 XIX. “ “ “ “ “ .. 304 
 
 XX. FORM OF A DISPENSATION TO CONSTITUTE A 
 
 NEW LODGE, AND RETURN THERETO, .... 305 
 
Vlll 
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 XXI. DEPUTATION TO A PAST MASTER TO ISSUE DIS¬ 
 PENSATIONS TO ENTER, PASS, AND RAISE, 
 
 AND TO PASS THE CHAIR,. 306 
 
 XXII. DISPENSATION TO A LODGE TO CONTINUE ITS 
 LABOURS, AFTER THE DESTRUCTION OR LOSS 
 OF ITS WARRANT,. 307 
 
 XXIII. FORM OF A REGISTER OF MEMBERS AND OFFI¬ 
 CERS RECOMMENDED TO BE KEPT BY EVERY 
 
 LODGE, . 309 
 
 XXIV. FORM OF SPECIAL ELECTION RETURN,. 311 
 
 XXV. APPLICATION FOR ADVANCEMENT,. 312 
 
 XXYI. APPLICANT FOR SIXTH DEGREE,.. 312 
 
 XXVII. APPLICANT FOR EXALTATION, . 313 
 
 XXVIII. GRAND COMMISSION TO A M. E. HIGH PRIEST 
 TO PRESIDE OVER HIS CHAPTER, AND SIT 
 
 IN COUNCIL, . 814 
 
 XXIX. ORDER FOR THE ASSEMBLING OF AN EN¬ 
 CAMPMENT OF KNIGHTS OF THE TEMPLE, 315 
 QUESTIONS ADDRESSED TO CANDIDATES BEFORE INI¬ 
 TIATION, . 316 
 
 PART V. 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS,. S17 
 
TO THE 
 
 ANCIENT AND HONORABLE FRATERNITY 
 OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS 
 THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES, 
 
 ®ljis ffnlinti 
 
 IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, 
 WITH FRATERNAL REGARD, 
 
 BY THE AUTHOR 
 
charity. 
 
THE FREEMASON’S MANUAL. 
 
 THE OBJECT OF FREEMASONRY. 
 
 Freemasonry, although founded upon the sublime 
 truths recorded in the sacred Scriptures, and deriving 
 its origin from circumstances therein detailed, is not a 
 religious institution; its object being to promote and 
 cherish the personal and social virtues of its members, 
 rather than to maintain and defend the word of God and 
 the peace of his Church. 
 
 If, however, we may believe its traditionary cabala, it 
 has been the means of preserving the sacred records from 
 utter destruction; and should some unexpected calamity 
 occur in the future to destroy the sacred writings, there 
 is enough taught, amid the sublime traditions of this 
 ancient fraternity, to avail in leading the sinner back, 
 not only to the knowledge of his duty, but also to faith 
 in his Saviour, and hope in the glorious resurrection of 
 the body, and the blissful immortality of the soul. The 
 clearness with which the sacred truths of Scripture are 
 set forth and illustrated, has made this institution ex¬ 
 ceedingly obnoxious to the Church of Rome; and the 
 application of the level to all ranks of society has made 
 it no less so to the Political Despots of Europe. 
 
 ( 11 ) 
 
12 ORIGIN OF ORGANIZED MASONRY. 
 
 These circumstances, together with the suspicion with 
 which secret associations have ever been regarded, and 
 the unadvised conduct of some of its own members, have 
 combined to render it the object of much calumny and 
 persecution. 
 
 As from the inherent nature of such associations se¬ 
 crecy is indispensable to their existence, (and is indeed 
 liable to no well-founded objection, since our wisest and 
 best organizations meet in secret conclave,*) we must 
 look to two sources for the refutation of these calumnies; 
 first, to the peaceable and honest lives of Freemasons 
 themselves; and, secondly, to the published constitu 
 tions, rites and ceremonies of the order. 
 
 THE ORIGIN OF ORGANIZED MASONRY. 
 
 Much confusion has been occasioned in the history 
 of this institution by losing sight of the distinction be¬ 
 tween operative Masons and free Masons. Operative Ma¬ 
 sons, or Architects, like Astrologers, Alchemists, and 
 other similar cultivators of the arts, had an existence 
 almost coeval with the transition of society from its no¬ 
 madic or patriarchal form into established commonwealths 
 and kingdoms; when men began to collect in towns and 
 cities, and tents were abandoned, and habitations of wood 
 and stone were erected. The knowledge of the arts and 
 sciences being limited to the few, in those remote ages, 
 the possession thereof became an object of great value, 
 and often clothed the possessor with much power. These 
 
 * Allusion is here made to such bodies as the United States 
 Senate, the House of Bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 
 &c. 
 
ORIGIN OF FREEMASONRY. 
 
 13 
 
 arts were handed down from father to son, as they still 
 continue to he in the east; and those who were great 
 proficients therein ranked with the Princes of the land. 
 Hence the traditions of operative Masonry are linked 
 with the building of those ancient structures, which were 
 among the first and greatest efforts of the architect, 
 having Kings for their projectors, and immense multi 
 tudes of organized workmen engaged in their accomplish¬ 
 ment : and we add, that these workmen have kept their 
 secret arts with such fidelity, that some of them have 
 been buried with their owners, and modern ingenuity 
 has failed to replace them. The lapse of time, the 
 change of dynasties, and the invasions of foreign foes, 
 have occasioned losses to the operative Mason which are 
 much to be regretted; among them may be noted the 
 means of uplifting the huge stones of the massy struc¬ 
 tures of those early periods, and the composition of ce¬ 
 ment, as durable as the stone itself. 
 
 ORIGIN OF FREEMASONRY. 
 
 The importance of a knowledge of the ancient arts 
 and cabala of the craft, induced Princes, and even 
 Kings, to seek admission thereto; and hence it is re¬ 
 ported of Solomon, King of Israel, and Hiram, King of 
 Tyre, that they not only became partakers of the privi¬ 
 leges of the craft, but also improved and regulated the 
 organization thereof with such wisdom and skill, as to 
 have occasioned its perpetuation, without material 
 change, down to the present day. When distinguished 
 men were thus admitted to an association which was 
 2 
 
14 INCORPORATION OF KNIGHTS-TEMPLARS . 
 
 designed only for operative Masons, they were termed, 
 by way of distinction, “Free,” in contrast with the ap¬ 
 prenticed craftsman, and “ Accepted,” in token of their 
 being received and regarded as if they w r ere Masons. In 
 process of time, these “ free and accepted Masons” be¬ 
 came so numerous as to warrant the origin of “ specula¬ 
 tive Masonry,” which was engrafted upon the ancient 
 institution during the seventeenth century. Speculative 
 Masonry, however, began to develop its present system 
 of instruction at a much earlier day. In its develop¬ 
 ment many great and distinguished men have taken 
 part. Among these the craft will ever remember, with 
 grateful regard, St. Bernard, St. Albans, and William, 
 Archbishop of Canterbury. 
 
 KNIGHTS-TEMPLARS INCORPORATED WITH FREEMASONS. 
 
 Among the most remarkable and successful of those 
 princely warriors who engaged in those grand and daring 
 enterprises, the Crusades, none obtained more favoura¬ 
 ble notoriety for valour, gallantry, and self-denying de¬ 
 votion to the protection of the helpless pilgrim, and the 
 relief of the distressed, than the illustrious and magna¬ 
 nimous Knights of the Temple. But when their deeds 
 of valour had made them many patrons and friends, 
 whose legacies and gifts were proportioned to their esti¬ 
 mate of the order, envy and hatred began their dark and 
 deadly work, and men secretly blackened the characters 
 of those whom they dared not openly assail; and as 
 soon as the Crusades were ended, and Borne no longer 
 needed the services of these warriors, she began to fear 
 
incorporation of knights-templars. 15 
 
 their rising power, and to covet their hard-earned pro 
 perty. From secret scandal, their envious opponents 
 advanced to slander; then they ventured upon open 
 calumny, and, at last, instigated by an empty coffer, 
 which he knew not how to replenish, and still more by 
 the intrigue of Rome, who was ready to share the ill- 
 gotten spoils, Philip, King of France, inveigled the 
 Templars into his treacherous plots; and having in vain 
 subjected their Grand Master and officers to the torture, 
 with the hope of extorting compulsory acknowledgment 
 of alleged crimes and infamous treasons of the order, he 
 commanded a general massacre, and seized their estates, 
 which were subsequently squandered in the reckless dis¬ 
 sipation of the court. Hunted about from place to 
 place, these persecuted Knights were often driven to the 
 dark chambers of deserted ruins for shelter; and, at last, 
 similarity of circumstances, and mutual sympathy in 
 each other’s persecutions, brought about their combina¬ 
 tion with the Masons, who were themselves the objects 
 of aversion, both to political despotism and to Roman 
 intolerance. The Templars were incorporated with the 
 Freemasons; and they are said to have brought with 
 them, from the east, the order of the Knights of the 
 Red Cross, which forms a link between the Royal Arch 
 Degree and their own. The Knights of Malta followed 
 the Templars; and the three orders of Knighthood are 
 now generally acknowledged among Christian Masons 
 as the highest and noblest ornaments of the craft; for 
 although they are difficult of access, and few are able to 
 gain and share their privileges, yet they acknowledge 
 all the fraternity as a common brotherhood, and what- 
 
1G DIRECTIONS TO CANDIDATES. 
 
 ever of honour and advantage is theirs, is accounted as 
 the common property of the whole craft. 
 
 There are two criterions by which we may judge of 
 Freemasonry, i. e. its own inherent merit or demerit, 
 and its influence over its members. 
 
 We present, in the following pages, the best and 
 fairest means of forming an enlightened judgment of the 
 nature of this institution. Its conventional cabala can 
 only be obtained from those in whose gift it must ever 
 remain, and in the way and manner that they prescribe. 
 
 DIRECTIONS TO CANDIDATES. 
 
 The Candidate for admission to the rights and benefits of this 
 ancient and honourable Fraternity must be at least twenty-one 
 years of age, of good moral character, temperate, industrious, and 
 capable of earning an honest livelihood; he must be sound in 
 mind and body, and unless he add to these the possession of a 
 noble, manly spirit, and a generous heart, he never can bo a good 
 Mason. He must also have a profession, trade, or some occupa¬ 
 tion which is reputable, and capable of affording a maintainance. 
 The proposal for admission must come from himself, uninfluenced 
 by his friends, and being placed in the hands of a member of the 
 Lodge, must be submitted for their consideration at least one 
 meeting previous to the time of initiation. The candidate has a 
 right to see the warrant by which the Lodge is held; the By-Laws, 
 and a list of all the members belonging to the Lodge. Having 
 satisfied himself that the Lodge is duly warranted under the hand 
 and seal of the Grand Master of the State, he should present his 
 petition. 
 
 The questions addressed to candidates previous 
 to initiation , will be found on page 316. 
 
PART I. 
 
 FIRST NINE DEGREES IN MASONRY. 
 
 FIRST DEGREE IN MASONRY. 
 
 ENTERED APPRENTICE. 
 
 “ To give subtilty to the simple, 
 
 To the young man, knowledge and discretion.” 
 
 Proverbs i. 4 . 
 
 The candidate is here taught valuable lessons of 
 wisdom and virtue, which are calculated to make him 
 sensible of the vanity of earthly distinction, when not 
 
 9 * 
 
 ( 17 ) 
 
18 
 
 ENTERED APPRENTICE. 
 
 founded on intrinsic worth, and the importance of such 
 a judicious division and employment of his time and 
 talents, as may enable him to worship God, secure his 
 own happiness, and also promote the well-being of his 
 family and neighbours. No temple was ever erected by 
 our ancient operative Brethren, so magnificent and 
 imposing, as the grand structure of speculative Masonry, 
 upon whose threshold we now are treading, whose ever¬ 
 lasting columns are founded in strength, enriched by 
 wisdom, and adorned by beauty. 
 
 SECTION FIRST. 
 
 None can understand the beauties of Masonry, unless 
 he be duly prepared to appreciate what follows, by being 
 divested of prejudice. Approaching the threshold of 
 this time-honoured institution, with becoming humility, 
 under the due guard of a responsible guide, the inquirer 
 may here learn some of those valuable and ancient 
 usages of initiation, which have ever proved a sufficient 
 protection against impostors. As it is impossible that 
 any one should become a true and faithful Freemason 
 without the aid of Almighty God, a prayer is here 
 offered up for the benefit of the candidate. (See Prayer 
 at Initiation, Part III.) 
 
 The following passage from the sacred Scriptures is 
 read during the ceremonies of this section:— 
 
 “ Behold ! liow good and how pleasant it is for 
 brethren to dwell together in unity: 
 
 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, 
 
ENTERED APPRENTICE. 
 
 19 
 
 that ran down upon the heard, even Aaron’s beard, 
 that went down to the skirts of his garment: 
 
 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.” 
 
 Here is explained the peculiar ensign of Masonry, the 
 Lamb-skin, or white Apron, the emblem of innocence, 
 and the badge of a Mason, more ancient than the golden 
 fleece or Roman Eagle; and when worthily worn, more 
 honourable than the star and garter, or any other order 
 wdiich could he conferred on the candidate, at this or any 
 future period. It has been worn by kings, princes, and 
 potentates of the earth, who have never been ashamed 
 to wear it; and it should be worn by every one with 
 pleasure to himself and honour to the fraternity. 
 
20 
 
 ENTERED APPRENTICE. 
 
 This section closes with the explanation of the working 
 tools of an Entered Apprentice, which are the twenty- 
 four inch gauge and the common gavel. 
 
 The twenty-four inch gauge is an instrument used by 
 operative Masons to measure and lay out their work; 
 but w r e, as free and accepted Masons, are taught to make 
 use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of 
 dividing our time. It being divided into twenty-four 
 equal parts, is emblematical of the twenty-four hours of 
 the day, which w T e 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 made use of by 
 operative Masons to break off the corners of rough 
 
ENTERED APPRENTICE. 
 
 21 
 
 stones, the better to fit them for the builder’s use; but 
 we, as free and accepted Masons, are taught to make 
 use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of 
 divesting our 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. 
 
 SECTION SECOND. 
 
 The candidate is here advised of the reasons for main 
 taining the ancient ceremonies of initiation. He is 
 presented with a lamb-skin or white apron. 
 
 The lamb has in all ages been deemed an emblem of 
 innocence; the lamb-skin is therefore to remind him of 
 that purity of life and conduct, which is so essentially 
 necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial 
 Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the 
 universe presides. 
 
 SECTION THIRD. 
 
 The third section explains the nature and principles 
 of our Constitution. Here too we receive instructions 
 
22 
 
 ENTERED APPRENTICE 
 
 relative to the form, supports, covering, furniture, orna¬ 
 ments, lights, and jewels of the Lodge, how it should b* 
 situated, and to whom dedicated. 
 
 Freemasonry extends from East to West, and between 
 North and South; and in every clime Masons are to be 
 found. 
 
ENTERED APPRENTICE. 
 
 23 
 
 Out institution is said to be 
 supported by Wisdom, Strength, 
 and Beauty; because it is neces¬ 
 sary that there should be wis¬ 
 dom to contrive, strength to sup¬ 
 port, and beauty to adorn, all 
 great and important undertak¬ 
 ings. 
 
 Its covering is no less than the 
 clouded canopy, or the starry- 
 decked Heaven, where all good 
 Masons hope at last to arrive, 
 by the aid of the theological lad¬ 
 der, which Jacob, in his vision, 
 saw extending from earth to hea¬ 
 ven; the three principal rounds 
 of which are denominated Faith, 
 Hope, and Charity, and which 
 admonish us to have faith in 
 God, hope in immortality, and 
 charity to all mankind. 
 
 The greatest of these is Cha¬ 
 rity; for our Faith may be lost 
 in sight, Hope ends in fruition, 
 but Charity extends beyond the 
 grave, through the boundless 
 realms of eternity. 
 
 Every well-governed Lodge is 
 furnished with the Holy Bible, 
 the Square, and the Compasses. 
 
 The H oly Bible is dedicated to 
 God, the Square to the Master, 
 and the Compasses to the Craft. 
 
24 
 
 ENTERED APPRENTICE 
 
 The Bible is dedicated to God, because it is the 
 inestimable gift of God to man ***** the 
 Square to the Master, because it is the 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. 
 
 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, that beautiful 
 tesselated border, or skirting, which surrounded it; and 
 the blazing star in the centre is commemorative of the 
 Star which appeared to guide the wise men of the East 
 to the place of our Saviour’s nativity. 
 
 The Mosaic pavement is emblematical of human life, 
 chequered with good and evil; the beautiful border 
 which surrounds it, those manifold blessings and com- 
 
ENTERED APPRENTICE. 
 
 26 
 
 forts which surround us, and which we hope to enjoy by 
 a faithful reliance on Divine Providence, which is hiero- 
 glypliically represented by the blazing star in the centre. 
 
 The movable and immovable Jewels also claim our 
 attention in this section. 
 
 The rough ashler is a stone as taken from the quarry 
 in its rude and natural state. 
 
 The perfect ashler is a stone made ready by the hands 
 of the workmen, to be adjusted by the working tools of 
 the Fellow Craft. The trestle-board is for the master 
 workman to draw his designs upon. 
 
 By the rough ashler, we are reminded of our rude 
 and imperfect state by nature; by the perfect ashler 
 that state of perfection at which we hope to arrive by 
 a virtuous education, our own endeavours, and the 
 blessing of God; and by the trestle-board we are also 
 
 3 
 
•26 
 
 ENTERED APPRENTICE. 
 
 reminded, that as the operative workman erects his tem¬ 
 poral building agreeably to the rules and designs laid 
 down by the master on his trestle-board, so should we, 
 both operative and speculative, endeavour to erect our 
 spiritual building agreeably to the rules and designs laid 
 down by the Supreme Architect of the universe, in the 
 great Books of nature and revelation, which are our 
 spiritual, moral, and masonic trestle-board. 
 
 Lodges were anciently dedicated to King Solomon, 
 the first Most Excellent Grand Master; yet Masons 
 professing Christianity dedicate to St. John the Baptist, 
 and St. John the Evangelist, who were two eminent 
 Christian patrons of Masonry; and since their time, 
 there is represented, in every regular and well-governed 
 Lodge, a certain point within the circle,* embordered 
 by two parallel lines, representing St. John the Baptist 
 and St. John the Evangelist, and upon the top rest the 
 Holy Scriptures. In going round this circle, we neces¬ 
 sarily touch upon these two lines, as well as the Holy 
 Scriptures; and while a Mason keeps himself circum¬ 
 scribed within their precepts, it is impossible that he 
 should materially err. 
 
 Brotherly Love. 
 
 By the exercise of brotherly love, we are taught to 
 regard the whole human species as one family—the high 
 and low, the rich and poor; who, as created by one 
 Almighty Parent, and inhabitants of the same planefc, 
 are to aid, support, and protect each other. On this 
 
 * The point represents an individual brother, the circle is the 
 boundary line, beyond which he is never to suffer his prejudices or 
 passions to betray him. 
 
ENTERED APPRENTICE. 2V 
 
 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 are linked toge¬ 
 ther by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. To 
 soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfor¬ 
 tunes, to compassionate their miseries, and to restore 
 
2<S 
 
 ENTERED APPRENTICE. 
 
 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 . 
 
 Truth is a divine attribute, and the foundation of 
 every virtue. To he good and true is the first lesson 
 we are taught in Masonry. On this theme we contem¬ 
 plate, and by its dictates endeavour to regulate our con¬ 
 duct ; hence, while influenced by this principle, hypoc¬ 
 risy and deceit are unknown among us, sincerity and 
 plain dealing distinguish us, and the heart and tongue 
 join in promoting each other’s welfare, and rejoicing in 
 each other’s prosperity. 
 
 THE FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES — TEMPERANCE, FORTITUDE, 
 
 PRUDENCE, AND JUSTICE. 
 
 Temperance. 
 
 Temperance is that due restraint upon our affections 
 and passions, which renders the body tame and govern¬ 
 able, and frees the mind from the allurements of vice. 
 This virtue should be the constant practice of every Ma¬ 
 son, as he is thereby taught to avoid excess, and the con¬ 
 tracting any licentious or vicious habit, the indulgence 
 of which might lead him to disclose some of those 
 valuable secrets which he has promised to conceal and 
 never reveal, and which w T ould consequently subject him 
 to the contempt and detestation of all good Masons * * 
 
ENTERED APPRENTICE. 
 
 29 
 
 Fortitude. 
 
 Fortitude is that noble and steady purpose of the 
 mind, whereby we are enabled to undergo any pain, 
 peril, or danger, when prudentially deemed expedient. 
 This virtue is equally distant from rashness and cow¬ 
 ardice ; and, like the former, should be deeply impressed 
 upon the mind of every Mason, as a safeguard or secu¬ 
 rity against any illegal attack that may be made, by 
 force or otherwise, to extort from him any of those 
 valuable secrets with which he has been so solemnly 
 intrusted, and which were emblematically represented 
 upon his first admission into the Lodge. * * * * 
 
 Prudence. 
 
 Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and actions 
 agreeably to the dictates of reason, and is that habit by 
 which we wisely judge, and prudently determine, on 
 all things relative to our present as well as to our future 
 happiness. This virtue should be the peculiar charac¬ 
 teristic of every Mason, not only for the government of 
 his conduct while in the Lodge, but also when abroad in 
 the world. It should be particularly attended to, in all 
 strange and mixed companies, never to let fall the least 
 sign, token, or word, whereby the secrets of Masonry 
 might be unlawfully obtained. ***** 
 
 Justice. 
 
 Justice is that standard, or boundary of right, which 
 enables us to render to every man his just due, without 
 distinction. This virtue is not only consistent with 
 divine and human laws, but is the very cement and sup- 
 
30 
 
 ENTERED APPRENTICE 
 
 port of civil society; and as justice in a great measure 
 constitutes the real good man, so should it he the inva¬ 
 riable practice of every Mason, never to deviate in the 
 least degree from the principles thereof. * * * * 
 
 These virtues, which have been illustrated by the 
 examples of many distinguished and venerated men 
 among our ancient Brethren, are thus placed before the 
 Entered Apprentice, accompanied by other observations 
 peculiar to the Craft; after which this instructive and 
 beautiful degree closes with the following 
 
 CHARGE. 
 
 Brother —As you are now introduced into the first 
 principles of Masonry, I congratulate you on being 
 accepted into this ancient and honourable order:— 
 ancient, as having subsisted from time immemorial, and 
 honourable, as tending, in every particular, so to render 
 all men who will be conformable to its precepts. No 
 institution was ever raised on better principles, or a more 
 solid foundation; nor were ever more excellent rules 
 and useful maxims laid down, than are inculcated in the 
 several masonic lectures. The greatest and best of 
 men, in all ages, have been encouragers and promoters 
 of the art, and have never deemed it derogatory to« their 
 dignity, to level themselves with the fraternity, extend 
 their privileges, and patronize their assemblies. There 
 are three great duties which, as a Mason, you are 
 charged to inculcate—to God, your neighbour, and your¬ 
 self. To God, in never mentioning his name, but with 
 that reverential awe which is due from a creature to his 
 Creator; to implore his aid in all your laudable under¬ 
 takings, and to esteem him as the chief good: -to your 
 
ENTERED APPRENTICE. 
 
 31 
 
 neighbour, in acting upon the square, and doing unto 
 him as you wish he should do unto you:—and to your¬ 
 self, in avoiding all irregularity and intemperance, which 
 may impair your faculties, or debase the dignity of your 
 profession. A zealous attachment to these duties will 
 insure public and private esteem. 
 
 In the State, you are to be a quiet and peaceable 
 citizen, true to your government, and just to your 
 country. You are not to countenance disloyalty or re¬ 
 bellion, but patiently submit to legal authority, and con¬ 
 form with cheerfulness to the government of the country 
 in which you live. In your outward demeanor, be par 
 ticularly careful to avoid censure and reproach. 
 
 Although your frequent appearance at our regular 
 meetings is earnestly solicited, yet it is not meant that 
 Masonry 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 ar¬ 
 gument with those who, through ignorance, may ridicule it. 
 
 At your leisure hours, that you may improve in ma¬ 
 sonic knowledge, you are to converse with well-informed 
 brethren, who will be always as ready to give, as you 
 will be ready to receive, instruction. 
 
 Finally, keep sacred and inviolable the mysteries of 
 the order. These are to distinguish you from the rest 
 of the community, and mark your consequence among 
 Masons. If, in the circle of your acquaintance, you 
 find a person desirous of being initiated into Masonry, 
 be particularly attentive not to recommend him, unless 
 you arc convinced he will conform to our rules ; that the 
 honour, glory, and reputation of the institution may bo 
 firmly established, and the world at large convinced of 
 its good effects. 
 
SECOND DEGREE IN MASONRY. 
 
 FELLOW CRAFT. 
 
 C5 For they were Craftsmen.”—1 Chron. i. 14. 
 
 SECTION FIRST. 
 
 The candidate here passes the threshold of the outer 
 court, and approaches a portion of the work which is 
 well worth years of constant study. The ceremonial of 
 this section is solemn and imposing; it should be under¬ 
 stood by all who would advance further. 
 
 “ Thus he showed me; and behold the Lord 
 stood upon a wall made by a plumb-line, with a 
 plumb-line in his hand. And the Lord said unto 
 me, Amos, what seest thou ? And I said, A 
 
 (33) 
 
34 
 
 FELLOW CRAFT. 
 
 plumb-line. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will 
 set a plumb-line in the midst of my people Israel: 
 I will not again pass by them any more.”— Amos 
 vii. 7, 8. 
 
 The working tools of a fellow craft are the plumb, 
 the square, and the level. The plumb is an instrument 
 made use of by operative Masons to raise perpendicu¬ 
 lars ; the square, to square the work, and the level, to 
 lay horizontals: but we, as free and accepted Masons, 
 are taught to make use of them for more noble and glo¬ 
 rious purposes. The plumb admonishes us to walk up¬ 
 rightly in our several stations before God and man, 
 squaring our actions by the square of virtue, and remem¬ 
 bering that we are travelling upon the level of time, to 
 “ that undiscovered country, from whose bourne no 
 traveller returns.” 
 
 SECTION SECOND. 
 
 Here is given important and instructive details of 
 ancient art. Moral precepts are also taught, and the 
 origin of a valuable secret and mystic emblem is ex¬ 
 plained. The Mason who would be useful and honour¬ 
 able among the fraternity, must give much attention to 
 what is here inculcated. 
 
 Masonry is considered under two denominations: 
 operative and speculative. 
 
 Operative Masonry, 
 
 By operative Masonry, we allude to a proper applica¬ 
 tion of the useful rules of architecture, whence a struc¬ 
 ture will derive figure, strength, and beauty, and whence 
 
FELLOW CRAFT. 
 
 35 
 
 will result a due proportion and a just correspondence 
 in all its parts. It furnishes us with dwellings, and con¬ 
 venient shelters from the vicissitudes and inclemencies 
 of seasons; and while it displays the effects of human 
 wisdom, as well in the choice, as in the arrangement, of 
 the sundry materials of which an edifice is composed, it 
 demonstrates that a fund of science and industry is im¬ 
 planted in man, for the best, most salutary, and bene¬ 
 ficent purposes. 
 
 Speculative Masonry. 
 
 By speculative Masonry we learn to subdue the pas¬ 
 sions, act upon the square, keep a tongue of good report, 
 maintain secrecy, and practise charity. It is so far 
 interwoven with religion, as to lay us under obligation 
 to pay that rational homage to the Deity, which at once 
 constitutes our duty and our happiness. It leads the 
 contemplative to view, with reverence and admiration, 
 the glorious works of creation, and inspires him with 
 the most exalted ideas of the perfections of his divine 
 Creator. 
 
 In six days God created the heavens and the earth, 
 and rested upon the seventh day. The seventh, there¬ 
 fore, our ancient brethren consecrated as a day of 
 rest from their labours, thereby enjoying frequent 
 opportunities to contemplate the glorious works of crea¬ 
 tion, and to adore their great Creator. 
 
 Peace, Unity, and Plenty are here explained. 
 
 Grlobes. 
 
 Globes are artificial and spherical bodies, on the con ¬ 
 vex surface of which are represented the countries, seas, 
 
and various parts of the earth; the face of the heavens, 
 the planetary revolutions, and other particulars. 
 
 The Use of the Grlobes. 
 
 Their principal use, beside serving as maps to distin¬ 
 guish the outward parts of the earth, and the situation 
 of the fixed stars, is to illustrate and explain the pheno¬ 
 mena arising from the annual revolution, and the diurnal 
 rotation, of the earth round its own axis. They are 
 noble instruments for improving the mind, and giving 
 distinct ideas of any problems, enabling it also to solve 
 them. Contemplating these bodies, we are inspired with 
 reverence for the Deity and his works, and are induced 
 to encourage the studies of astronomy, geography, and 
 navigation, and the arts dependent on them, by which 
 society has been much benefited. 
 
 The Craftsman is here instructed in Architecture. We 
 give a short description of the five orders. 
 
 By order in architecture is meant a system of all the 
 members, proportions, and ornaments of columns and 
 pilasters.- Or it is a regular arrangement of the pro¬ 
 jecting parts of a building, which, united with those of 
 a column, form a beautiful, perfect, and complete whole. 
 
 From the first formation of society order in architec¬ 
 ture may be traced. When the rigour of seasons obliged 
 men to contrive shelter from the inclemency of the 
 weather, we learn that they first planted trees on end, 
 and then laid others across, to support a covering. The 
 bands which connected those trees at top and bottom, are 
 said to have given rise to the idea of the base and capital 
 4 
 
FELLOW CRAFT. 
 
 38 
 
 of pillars; and from this simple hint originally pro¬ 
 ceeded the more improved art of architecture. 
 
 The five orders are thus classed:—the Tuscan, Doric, 
 Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite. 
 
 The Tuscan 
 
 Is the most simple and solid. It was invented in 
 Tuscany, whence it derives its name. The simplicity of 
 the construction of this column renders it eligible where 
 ornament would be superfluous. 
 
 The Doric , 
 
 Which is plain and natural, is the most ancient, and 
 was invented by the Greeks. Its column is eight diame¬ 
 ters high, and has seldom any ornaments on base or 
 capital, except mouldings, though the frieze is distin¬ 
 guished by triglyphs and metopes; and triglyphs com¬ 
 pose the ornaments of the frieze. 
 
 The Doric is the best proportioned of all the orders. 
 The several parts of which it is composed are founded 
 on the natural position of solid bodies. In its first in¬ 
 vention it was more simple than in its present state. In 
 after times, when it began to be adorned, it gained the 
 name of Doric, for when it was constructed in its primi¬ 
 tive and simple form the name of Tuscan was conferred 
 on it. Hence the Tuscan precedes the Doric in rank, 
 on account of its resemblance to that pillar in its ori¬ 
 ginal state. 
 
 The Ionic 
 
 Bears a kind of mean proportion between the moro 
 solid and delicate orders. Its column is nine diameters 
 high; its capital is adorned with volutes, and its cornice 
 
FELLOW CRAFT. 
 
 30 
 
 has dentals. There is both delicacy and ingenuity dis¬ 
 played in this pillar; the invention of which is attri¬ 
 buted to the Ionians, as the famous temple of Diana at 
 Ephesus was of this order. It is said to have been 
 formed after the model of an agreeable young woman, 
 of an elegant shape, dressed in her hair, as a contrast 
 to the Doric order, which was formed after that of a 
 strong, robust man. 
 
 The Corinthian , 
 
 The richest of the five orders, is deemed a master¬ 
 piece of art. Its column is ten diameters high, and its 
 capital is adorned with two rows of leaves, and eight 
 volutes, which sustain the abacus. The frieze is orna¬ 
 mented with curious devices, the cornice with dentals 
 and modillions. This order is used in stately and superb 
 structures. 
 
 It was invented at Corinth by Callimachus, who is 
 said to have taken the hint of the capital of this pillar 
 from the following remarkable circumstance. Accident¬ 
 ally passing by the tomb of a young lady, he perceived 
 a basket of toys covered with tile, placed over an acan¬ 
 thus root, having been left there by her nurse. As the 
 branches grew up, they encompassed the basket, till, 
 arriving at the tile, they met with an obstruction, and 
 bent downwards. Callimachus, struck with the object, 
 set about imitating the figure: the vase of the capital 
 he made to represent the basket, the abacus the tile, and 
 the volutes the bending leaves. 
 
 The Composite 
 
 Is compounded of the other orders, and was contrived 
 by the Romans. Its capital has the two rows of leaves 
 
40 
 
 FELLOW CRAFT. 
 
 of the Corinthian, and the volutes of the Ionic. Its 
 column has quarter-rounds, as the Tuscan and Doric 
 order, is ten diameters high, and its cornice has dentals, 
 or simple modillions. This pillar is generally found in 
 buildings where strength, elegance, and beauty are 
 displayed. 
 
 The Invention of Order in Architecture. 
 
 The ancient and original orders of architecture, 
 revered by Masons, are no more than three:—the Doric, 
 Ionic, and Corinthian, which were invented by the 
 Greeks. To these the Romans have added two: the 
 Tuscan, which they made plainer than the Doric, and 
 the Composite, which was more ornamental, if not more 
 beautiful, than the Corinthian. The first three orders 
 alone, however, show invention and particular character, 
 and essentially differ from each other. The two others 
 have nothing but what is borrowed, and differ only acci¬ 
 dentally ; the Tuscan is the Doric in its earliest state, 
 and the Composite is the Corinthian enriched with the 
 Ionic. To the Greeks, therefore, and not to the Ro¬ 
 mans, are we indebted for what is great, judicious, and 
 distinct, in architecture. 
 
 THE FIVE SENSES—HEARING, SEEING, FEELING SMELLING, 
 
 AND TASTING. 
 
 Hearing 
 
 Is that sense by which we distinguish sounds, and are 
 capable of enjoying all the agreeable charms of music. 
 Ry it we are enabled to enjoy the pleasures of society, 
 and to communicate to each other our thoughts and 
 intentions, our purposes and desires. 
 
4 * 
 
42 
 
 FELLOW CRAFT. 
 
 The wise and beneficent Author of Nature intended, 
 by the formation of this sense, that we should be social 
 creatures, and receive the greatest and most important 
 part of our knowledge by the information of others 
 
 Seeing 
 
 Is that sense by which we distinguish objects, and in 
 an instant of time, without change of place or situation ; 
 view armies in battle array, figures of the most stately 
 structures, and all the agreeable variety displayed in 
 the landscape of nature. By this sense we find our way 
 on the pathless ocean, traverse the earth, and determine 
 its figure and dimensions. By it we measure the plane¬ 
 tary orbs, and make new discoveries in the sphere of the 
 fixed stars. Nay more: by it we perceive the tempers 
 and dispositions, the passions, and affections of our fel¬ 
 low creatures, when they wish most to conceal them; 
 so that though the tongue may be taught to lie and dis¬ 
 semble, the countenance would display the hypocrisy to 
 the discerning eye. In fine, the rays of light which 
 administer to this sense, are the most astonishing part 
 of the animated creation, and render the eye a peculiar 
 object of admiration. 
 
 Of all the faculties sight is the noblest. The struc¬ 
 ture of the eye, and its appurtenances, evince the ad¬ 
 mirable contrivance of nature for performing all its 
 various external and internal motions; while the variety 
 displayed in the eyes of different animals, suited to their 
 several ways of life, clearly demonstrates this organ to 
 be the masterpiece of Nature’s work. 
 
FELLOW CRAFT. 
 
 43 
 
 Feeling 
 
 Is that sense by which we distinguish the different 
 qualities of bodies, such as heat and cold, hardness and 
 softness, roughness and smoothness, figure, solidity, 
 motion, and extension. 
 
 These three senses, Hearing, Seeing, and Feeling, 
 are most revered among Masons. 
 
 Smelling 
 
 Is that sense by which we distinguish odors, the va¬ 
 rious kinds of which convey different impressions to the 
 mind. Animal and vegetable bodies, and indeed most 
 other bodies, while exposed to the air, continually send 
 forth effluvia of vast subtilty, as well in the state of life 
 and growth, as in the state of fermentation and putre¬ 
 faction. These effluvia being drawn into the nostrils 
 along with the air, are the means by which all bodies 
 are smelled. Hence it is evident that there is a mani¬ 
 fest appearance of design in the great Creator’s having 
 planted the organ of smelling on the inside of that canal, 
 through which the air continually passes in respiration. 
 
 Tasting 
 
 Enables us to make a proper distinction in the choice 
 of our food. The organ of this sense guards the en¬ 
 trance of the alimentary canal, as that of smelling 
 guards the entrance of the canal for respiration. From 
 the situation of both these organs, it is plain that they 
 were intended by nature to distinguish wholesome food 
 
44 
 
 FELLOW CRAFT. 
 
 from that which is nauseous. Everything that enters 
 into the stomach must undergo the scrutiny of tasting, 
 and by it we are capable of discerning the changes 
 which the same body undergoes in the different compo¬ 
 sitions of art, cookery, chemistry, pharmacy, &c. 
 
 Smelling and tasting are inseparably connected; and 
 it is by the unnatural kind of life men commonly lead 
 in society, that these senses are rendered less fit to per¬ 
 form their natural offices. 
 
 THE SEVEN LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES—GRAMMAR, 
 RHETORIC, LOGIC, ARITHMETIC, GEOMETRY, MUSIC, AND 
 ASTRONOMY. 
 
 Grammar 
 
 Teaches the proper arrangement of words, according 
 to the idiom or dialect of any particular people; and 
 that excellency of pronunciation which enables us to 
 speak or write a language with accuracy, agreeably to 
 reason and correct usage. 
 
 Rhetoric 
 
 Teaches us to speak copiously and fluently on any 
 subject, not merely with propriety alone, but with all 
 the advantages of force and elegance, wisely contriving 
 to captivate the hearer by strength of argument and 
 beauty of expression, whether it be to entreat or exhort, 
 to admonish or applaud. 
 
 Logic 
 
 Teaches us to guide our reason discrotionally in the 
 general knowledge of things, and directs our inquiries 
 
FELLOW CRAFT. 
 
 45 
 
 after truth. It consists of a regular train of ’argument, 
 whence we infer, deduce, and conclude, according to cer¬ 
 tain premises laid down, admitted, or granted; and in it 
 are employed the faculties of conceiving, judging, rea¬ 
 soning, and disposing, all of which are naturally led on 
 from one gradation to another, till the point in question 
 is finally determined. 
 
 Arithmetic 
 
 Teaches the powers and properties of numbers. This 
 is variously effected, by letters, tables, figures, and in¬ 
 struments. By this art reasons and demonstrations are 
 given for finding out any certain number, whose relation 
 or affinity to another is already known. 
 
 G-eometry. 
 
 Geometry treats of the powers and properties of mag¬ 
 nitudes in general, where length, breadth, and thickness 
 are considered, from a point to a line, from a line to a 
 superficies, and from a superficies to a solid. 
 
 A point is a dimensionless figure, or an indivisible 
 part of a space. 
 
 A line is a point continued, and a figure of one capa¬ 
 city, namely, length. 
 
 A superficies is a figure of two dimensions, namely, 
 length and breadth. 
 
 A solid is a figure of three dimensions, namely, 
 length, breadth, and thickness. 
 
 By this science the architect is enabled to construct 
 his plans, and execute his designs; the general, to ar¬ 
 range his soldiers; the geographer, to give us the dimen- 
 
4G 
 
 FELLOW CRAFT. 
 
 sions of the world, and all things therein contained; to 
 delineate the extent of seas, and specify the divisions 
 of empires, kingdoms, and provinces. By it, also, the 
 astronomer is enabled to make his observations, and to 
 fix the duration of time and seasons, years and cycles. 
 
 In fine, geometry is the foundation of architecture, 
 and the root of mathematics. 
 
 Music 
 
 Teaches the art of forming concords, so as to com¬ 
 pose delightful harmony, by a mathematical and propor¬ 
 tional arrangement of acute, grave, and mixed sounds. 
 This art, by a series of experiments, is reduced to a 
 demonstrative science, with respect to tones and the in¬ 
 tervals of sound. It inquires into the nature of con¬ 
 cords and discords, and enables us to find out the pro¬ 
 portion between them by numbers. 
 
 Astronomy 
 
 Is that divine art by which we are taught to read the 
 wisdom, strength, and beauty of the Almighty Creator, 
 in those sacred pages, the celestial hemisphere. 
 
 Assisted by astronomy, we can observe the magni¬ 
 tudes, and calculate the periods and eclipses of the 
 heavenly bodies. By it we learn the use of the globes, 
 the system of the world, and the preliminary law of 
 nature. While we are employed in the study of this 
 science, we must perceive unparalleled instances of wis • 
 dom and goodness; and, through the whole creation, 
 trace the glorious Author by his works. 
 
FELLOW CRAFT 
 
 47 
 
 [Here an emblem of Plenty is introduced and ex¬ 
 plained .'] 
 
 The Moral Advantages of Geometry. 
 
 Geometry, the first and noblest of sciences, is the 
 basis on which the superstructure of Masonry is erected. 
 By geometry we may curiously trace Nature through 
 her various windings to her most concealed recesses. 
 By it we may discover the power, the wisdom, and the 
 goodness of the Grand Artificer of the universe, and 
 view with delight the proportions which connect this 
 vast machine. 
 
 By it we may discover how the planets move in their 
 different orbits, and demonstrate their various revolu¬ 
 tions. By it we account for the return of seasons, and 
 the variety of scenes which each season displays to the 
 discerning eye. Numberless worlds are around us, all 
 framed by the same Divine Artist, which roll through 
 the vast expanse, and are. Al conducted by the same un¬ 
 erring law of nature, 
 
48 
 
 FELLOW CRAFT. 
 
 A survey of Nature, and the observation of her beau¬ 
 tiful proportions, first determined man to imitate the 
 divine plan, and study symmetry and order. This gave 
 rise to societies, and birth to every useful art. The 
 architect began to design, and the plans which he laid 
 down, being improved by experience and time, have pro¬ 
 duced 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 de¬ 
 stroyed many valuable monuments of antiquity, on 
 which the utmost exertions of human genius have been 
 employed. Even the temple of Solomon, so spacious 
 and magnificent, and constructed by so many celebrated 
 artists, escaped not the unsparing ravages of barbarous 
 force. Freemasonry, notwithstanding, has still survived. 
 The attentive ear receives the sound from the instructive 
 tongue; and the mysteries of Freemasonry are safely 
 lodged in the repository of faithful breasts. Tools and 
 instruments of architecture, and symbolic emblems most 
 expressive, are selected by the fraternity to imprint on 
 the mind lessons of wisdom and truth; and thus, through 
 a succession of ages, are transmitted, unimpaired, the 
 most excellent tenets of our institution. 
 
 CHARGE AT PASSING TO THE DEGREE OF FELLOW CRAFT 
 
 Brother — Being passed to the second degree of 
 Masonry, we congratulate you on your preferment. 
 The internal, and not the external qualifications of a 
 man, are what Masonry regards. As you increase in 
 knowledge you will improve in social intercourse. 
 
FELLOW CRAFT. 
 
 40 
 
 It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties which, as 
 a Mason, you are bound to discharge, or to enlarge on 
 the necessity of a strict adherence to them, as your own 
 experience must have established their value. Our laws 
 and regulations you are strenuously to support, and be 
 always ready to assist in seeing them duly executed. 
 You are not to palliate or aggravate the offences of your 
 brethren, but in the decision of every trespass against 
 our rules, you are to judge with candor, admonish with 
 friendship, and reprehend with justice. 
 
 The study of the liberal arts, that valuable branch of 
 education which tends so effectually to polish and adorn 
 the mind, is earnestly recommended to your considera¬ 
 tion ; especially the science of geometry, which is estab¬ 
 lished as the basis of our art. 
 
 Your past behaviour and regular deportment have 
 merited the honour which we have now conferred; and 
 in your new character, it is expected that you will con¬ 
 form to the principles of the Order, by steadily perse¬ 
 vering 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. 
 
 6 
 

THIRD DEGREE IN MASONRY. 
 
 MASTER MASON. 
 
 “ Now a thing was secretly brought to me, 
 And my ear received a little thereof.” 
 
 Job iv. 12 
 
 SECTION FIRST. 
 
 The rulers of Lodges working in the first and second 
 degrees, are chosen from among the number of those 
 who have received this degree. Its solemn lessons incul¬ 
 cate fidelity. 
 
 “ 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 grind- 
 
 ( 51 )" 
 
52 
 
 MASTER MASON. 
 
 ing is low; and lie 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 grass¬ 
 hopper 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 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. 
 
 The working tools of a Master Mason are all the 
 implements of Masonry indiscriminately, but more espe¬ 
 cially the trowel. 
 
 » 
 
MASTER MASON. 
 
 53 
 
 The trowel is an instrument made use of by operative 
 Masons to spread the cement which unites a building 
 into one common mass; but we, as free and accepted 
 
 Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble 
 and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of bro¬ 
 therly love and affection; that cement which unites us 
 into one sacred band or society of friends and brothers, 
 among whom no contention should ever exist, but that 
 noble contention, or rather emulation, who can best 
 
 WORK OR BEST AGREE. 
 
 SECTION SECOND. 
 
 The historical traditions of ancient operative Masons 
 are here given, and they furnish an instance of rare 
 virtue, fortitude, and integrity, in contrast with the de¬ 
 velopment of those passions, which debase and ruin all 
 ■who indulge them. 
 
 'See Part III., Prayer No. 3.) 
 
 SECTION THIRD. 
 
 Much information is here given concerning certain 
 cabalistic hieroglyphics, and useful lessons are inculcated. 
 Some valuable details of the traditions of the Craft con 
 cerning Solomon’s temple are also introduced. 
 
 This famous fabric was supported by fourteen hundred 
 and fifty-three columns, and two thousand nine hundred 
 and six pilasters, all hewn from the finest Parian marble. 
 
 5 * 
 
54 
 
 MASTER MASON. 
 
 There were employed in its building three Grand Mas¬ 
 ters, three thousand three hundred overseers of the 
 work, eighty thousand Fellow Crafts, or hewers on the 
 mountains and in the quarries, and seventy thousand 
 Entered Apprentices, or bearers of burdens. 
 
 The Three Steps , 
 
 Usually delineated upon the master’s carpet, are em¬ 
 blematical of the three principal stages of human life, 
 viz. youth, manhood, and age. In youth, as entered 
 
 apprentices, we ought industriously to occupy our minds 
 in the attainment of useful knowledge; in manhood, as 
 fellow crafts, we should apply our knowledge to the dis¬ 
 charge of our respective duties to God, our neighbours, 
 and ourselves; that so, in age, as Master Masons, we 
 may enjoy the happy reflections consequent on a well- 
 spent life, and die in the hope of a glorious immortality. 
 
 The Pot of Incense 
 
 Is an emblem of a pure heart, which is always an 
 acceptable sacrifice to the Deity; and, as this glows 
 with fervent heat, so should our hearts continually glow 
 
MASTER MASON. 
 
 55 
 
 with gratitude to the great beneficent Author of our 
 existence for the manifold blessings and comforts wo 
 enjoy. 
 
 The Bee Hive 
 
 Is an emblem of industry, and recommends the prac¬ 
 tice 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, 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 brutal 
 creation. He lies languishing for days, months, and 
 years, totally incapable of providing sustenance for him¬ 
 self, 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 Crea¬ 
 tor of heaven and earth to have made man independent 
 of all other beings; but, as dependence is one of the 
 
56 
 
 MASTER MASON. 
 
 strongest bonds of society, mankind were made depend¬ 
 ent on each other for protection and security, as they 
 thereby enjoy better opportunities of fulfilling the duties 
 of reciprocal love and friendship. Thus was man formed 
 for social and active life, the noblest part of the work 
 of God; and he that will so demean himself, as not to 
 be endeavouring to add to the common stock of know¬ 
 ledge and understanding, may be deemed a drone in the 
 hive of nature, a useless member of society, and un¬ 
 worthy of our protection as Masons. 
 
 The Book of Constitutions , guarded by the Tyler's 
 
 Sword , 
 
 Reminds us that we should be ever watchful and 
 guarded in our words and actions, particularly when 
 before the enemies of Masonry, ever bearing in remem¬ 
 brance those truly Masonic virtues, silence and circum¬ 
 spection. 
 
 The Sivord , pointing to a Naked Heart , 
 
 Demonstrates that justice will sooner or later over¬ 
 take us; and although our thoughts, words, and actions 
 may be hidden from the eyes of men, yet that 
 
MASTER MASON. 
 
 57 
 
 All-Seeing Eye, 
 
 Whom the sun, moon, and stars obey, and under 
 whose watchful care even comets perform tlieir stupen¬ 
 dous revolutions, pervades the inmost recesses of the 
 human heart, and will reward us according to our merits. 
 
 The Anchor and Ark 
 
 Are emblems of a well-grounded hope, and a well- 
 snent life. They are emblematical of that divine Ark 
 
58 
 
 MASTER MASON. 
 
 which safely wafts us over this tempestuous sea of 
 troubles, and that Anchor which shall safely moor us in 
 a peaceful harbor, where the wicked cease from troubling, 
 and the weary shall find rest. 
 
 The Forty-Seventh Problem of Fuclid. 
 
 This was an invention of our brother, the great Pytha« 
 goras, who, in his travels through Asia, Africa, and 
 Europe, was initiated into several orders, and raised to 
 the sublime degree of a Master Mason, This wise phi¬ 
 losopher enriched his mind with general knowledge, 
 especially with Masonry and Geometry. He invented 
 many problems and theorems, and when, after much 
 labour, he discovered this one, in the joy of his heart, 
 he called Erp^xa, (Eureka,) in the Grecian language, sig¬ 
 nifying, I have found it. Upon the discovery he is 
 said to have sacrificed a hecatomb. It teaches Masons 
 to be general lovers of the arts and sciences. 
 
 The Hour Glass 
 
 Is an emblem of human life. Behold! how swiftly 
 the sands run, and how rapidly our lives are drawing tc 
 
MASTER MASON. 
 
 59 
 
 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 honours 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 
 
 Is an emblem of time, which cuts the brittle thread 
 of life, and launches us into eternity. Behold what 
 havoc the scythe of time makes among the human race ! 
 If by chance we should escape the numerous evils inci¬ 
 dent to childhood and youth, and with health and vigour 
 arrive to 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. 
 
GO 
 
 M ASTER MASON. 
 
 These beautiful and expressive emblems thus close 
 with the solemn realities of death, “ the deep, damp 
 vault, the mattock and the grave.” These are sad and 
 gloomy considerations to our race, and even the animal 
 creation shrinks back with horror from the thought of 
 death. But to the Christian, the coldness and darkness 
 of the tomb are hidden by the evergreens of faith and 
 hope, which spring forth from the root of Jesse, who 
 was cut down in the midst of his days, but from whose 
 resurrection we derive glorious evidences of a blessed 
 immortality. If, like our great pattern and exemplar, 
 we are faithful to our trusts, violence may assail, but 
 cannot destroy us; Death will no longer be a tyrant, 
 but a Tyler to usher us into the presence of our Su¬ 
 preme Grand Master, who presides in the Lodge above. 
 
 CHARGE AT RAISING TO THE SUBLIME DEGREE OF MASTER 
 
 MASON. 
 
 Brother —Your zeal for the institution of Masonry, 
 the progress you have made in the mystery, and your 
 conformity to our regulations, have pointed you out as 
 a proper object of our favour and esteem. You are now 
 bound by duty, honour, 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 author¬ 
 ized to correct the errors and irregularities of your 
 uninformed brethren, and to guard them against a breach 
 
6 
 
62 
 
 MASTER MASON. 
 
 of fidelity. To preserve the reputation of the fraternity 
 unsullied must be your constant care; and for this pur¬ 
 pose, 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 behaviour, afford the best 
 example for the conduct of others less informed. The 
 ancient landmarks of the Order, entrusted to your care, 
 you are carefully to preserve, and never suffer them to 
 be infringed, or countenance a deviation from the estab¬ 
 lished usages and customs of the fraternity. 
 
 Your virtue, honour, 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 cele¬ 
 brated artist whom you this evening represent. Thus 
 you will render yourself deserving of the honour which 
 we have conferred, and merit the confidence that we 
 have reposed. 
 
 King Solomon's Temjple. 
 
 The Craft are justly proud of the honour reflected 
 upon their ancient operative brethren, by the manner in 
 which they discharged their several duties in the erec¬ 
 tion of this great and x magnificent building, as well as 
 the wisdom in counsels, strength in friendship, beauty 
 in arrangement, and method and execution of design, 
 which adorned their three ancient Grand Masters. 
 
 The construction of this grand edifice was attended 
 with two remarkable circumstances. From Josephus 
 
MASTER MASON. 
 
 63 
 
 we learn, that although seven years were occupied in 
 building it, yet during the whole term it rained not in 
 the day time, that the workmen might not be obstructed 
 in their labour; and from sacred history it appears that 
 there was neither the sound of the hammer, nor axe, nor 
 any tool of iron, heard in the house while it was building. 
 
 The vast numbers of operatives employed in its erec¬ 
 tion were classed and arranged in such a manner, by 
 the wisdom of Solomon, that neither envy, discord, nor 
 confusion was suffered to interrupt that universal peace 
 and tranquillity, which pervaded the world at this 
 important period. 
 
 Age succeeded age, other buildings crumbled to decay, 
 empires rose and fell, yet this temple remained un¬ 
 changed amid the convulsions of centuries, until the 
 people neglected the use of the plumb, the square, and 
 the trowel, and they and their work were rejected by 
 their Grand Master, and their temple destroyed. So 
 also shall Masons perish, but only when and where the 
 Craftsman slights his work. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 .'t . 
 
 •: * ■ . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ■ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FOURTH DEGREE IN MASONRY. 
 
 MARK MASTER. 
 
 I have not found thy works perfect.”—Rev. iii. 2. 
 
 At the building of King Solomon’s temple, each 
 craftsman was distinguished by means of a very inge¬ 
 nious arrangement made by the Grand Senior Warden; 
 and if defective work was brought up to the overseers, 
 they were, by the same means, enabled to ascertain who 
 was the faulty workman. The industrious and faithful 
 craftsman was thereby shielded from suffering in the 
 faults of the careless. This degree perpetuates the 
 memorial of these arrangements. 
 
 CHARGE TO BE READ AT OPENING. 
 
 “ Wherefore, brethren, lay aside all malice, and 
 guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil 
 speakings. If so be ye have tasted that the Lord 
 is gracious; to whom coming, as unto a living 
 stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of 
 God, and precious; ye also, as living stones, be ye 
 built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to 
 
 offer up sacrifices acceptable to God. 
 
 6 * 
 
 (65 ) 
 
66 
 
 MARK MASTER 
 
 Brethren, this is the will of God, that with 
 well-doing ye put to silence the ignorance of foolish 
 men. As free, and not as using your liberty for 
 a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants 
 of God. Honour all men, love the brotherhood, 
 fear God.” 
 
 SECTION FIRST. 
 
 Here are explained the opening ceremonials. The 
 craftsman is taught the importance of skilful and 
 honest industry; he learns also the value of method 
 and system in conducting all grgat enterprises. A beau¬ 
 tiful allusion is made to one of the principal circum 
 stances from which the degree originated. 
 
 SECTION SECOND. 
 
 The peculiar features of this section are calculated to 
 make a deep and lasting impression upon the Mark 
 Master. He is here made sensible of his obligations to 
 
MARK MASTER. 
 
 67 
 
 the fraternity in a manner which increases his respect 
 and admiration for the institution. 
 
 The following texts of Scripture are introduced and 
 explained. 
 
 “ When thou doest alms, let not thy left hand 
 know what thy right hand doeth.” —Matt. vi. 3. 
 
 Psalm cxviii. 22. 
 
 “ The stone which the builders refused is be¬ 
 come the head stone of the corner.” — Matt. 
 xxi. 42. “ Did ye never read in the Scriptures, 
 
 The stone which the builders rejected is become 
 the head of the corner ?” —Mark xii. 10. “ And 
 
 have you not read this Scripture, The stone which 
 the builders rejected is become the head of the 
 
68 
 
 MARK MASTER. 
 
 corner?’ 5 — Luke xx. 17. “What is this, then, 
 that is written, The stone which the builders re* 
 jected is become the head of the corner.” 
 
 “ This is the stone which was set at nought of 
 you, builders, which is become the head of the 
 corner.” —Acts iv. 11. 
 
 “ To him that overcometh, will I give to eat of 
 the hidden manna; and I will give him a white 
 stone, and in the stone a new name written, which 
 no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it.”— 
 Rev. ii. 17. 
 
 “ He that hath an ear to hear let him hear.”— 
 Rev. iii. 13. 
 
 “And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as 
 much as thou shalt need; and we will bring it to 
 thee in floats by sea to Joppa, and thou shalt carry 
 it up to Jerusalem.”—2 Chron. ii. 16. 
 
 “ Then he brought me back the way of the gate 
 of the outward sanctuary, which looketh toward 
 the east, and it was shut. And the Lord said 
 unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with 
 thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, all that I say 
 unto thee, concerning all the ordinances of the 
 house of the Lord, and all the laws thereof ; and 
 mark well the entering in of the house, with every 
 going forth of the sanctuary.”— Ezekiel xliv. 1, 5, 
 
% 
 
 MARK MASTER. 
 
 69 
 
 The working tools of a Mark Master are the chisel 
 and mallet. 
 
 The Chisel 
 
 Morally demonstrates the advantages of discipline and 
 education. The mind, like the diamond, in its original 
 state is rude and unpolished; hut as the effect of the 
 chisel on the external coat soon presents to view the 
 latent beauties of the diamond, so education discovers 
 the latent virtues of the mind, and draws them forth to 
 range the large field of matter and space, to display the 
 summit of human knowledge—our duty to God and to 
 man. 
 
 The Mallet 
 
 Morally teaches to correct irregularities, and reduce 
 man to a proper level; so that, by quiet deportment, he 
 may, in the school of discipline, learn to be content. 
 What the mallet is to the workman, enlightened reason 
 is to the passions; it curbs ambition, it depresses envy, 
 it moderates anger, and it encourages good dispositions; 
 whence arises among good Masons that comely order, 
 
 “ Which nothing earthly gives, or can destroy, 
 
 The soul’s calm sunshine, and the heart-felt joy.” 
 
70 
 
 MARK MASTER. 
 
 CHARGE TO BE DELIVERED WHEN A CANDIDATE IS AD¬ 
 VANCED TO THE DEGREE OE MARK MASTER. 
 
 Brother —I congratulate you on having been thought 
 Worthy of being advanced to this honourable degree of 
 Masonry. Permit me to impress it on your mind, that 
 your assiduity should ever be commensurate with your 
 duties, which become more and more extensive as you 
 advance in Masonry. In the honourable character of 
 Mark blaster Mason, it is more particularly your duty to 
 endeavour to let your conduct in the Lodge, and among 
 your brethren, be such as may stand the test of the 
 Grand Overseer’s square, that you may not, like the 
 unfinished and imperfect work of the negligent and un¬ 
 faithful of former times, be rejected and thrown aside, 
 as unfit for that spiritual building, that house not made 
 with hands, eternal in the heavens. 
 
 While such is your conduct, should misfortunes assail 
 you, should friends forsake you, should envy traduce 
 your good name, and malice persecute you, yet may 
 you have confidence, that among Mark Master Masons 
 you will find friends who will administer relief to your 
 distresses, and comfort your afflictions; ever bearing in 
 mind, as a consolation under all the frowns of fortune, 
 and as an encouragement to hope for better prospects, 
 that the stone which the builders rejected, [possessing 
 merits to them unknown,] became the chief stone of the 
 corner. 
 
 (A song suitable to the closing ceremonies of this 
 degree will be found in Part III. No. 4.) 
 
MARK MASTER. 
 
 71 
 
 Previous to closing the following parable is recited: 
 
 66 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man 
 that is an householder, which went out early in 
 the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. 
 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a 
 penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And 
 he went out about the third hour, and saw others 
 standing idle in the market place, and said unto 
 them, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatso- 
 . ever is right I will give you. And they went their 
 way. And again he went out about the sixth and 
 ninth hour, and did likewise. And -about the 
 eleventh hour he went out and found others 
 standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye 
 here all the day idle ? They say unto him, Be¬ 
 cause no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, 
 Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is 
 right, that shall ye receive. So, when even was 
 come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his 
 steward, Call the labourers, and give them their 
 hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And 
 when they came, that were hired about the 
 eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. 
 But when the first came, they supposed that they 
 should have received more, and they likewise re¬ 
 ceived every man a penny. And when they 
 received it, they murmured against the good man 
 of the house, saying, These last have wrought but 
 
72 
 
 MARK MASTER. 
 
 one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, 
 which have borne the burden and heat of the day. 
 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend. I 
 do thee no wrong; didst thou not agree with me 
 for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy 
 way; I will give unto this last even as unto thee. 
 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my 
 own ? Is thine eye evil because I am good ? So 
 the last shall he first, and the first last; for many 
 be called, but few chosen. —Matt. xx. 1— 16. 
 
FIFTH DEGREE IN MASONRY. 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 “ Suaviter in modo ; fortiter in re.” 
 
 “ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers.' — 
 Titus iii. 1. 
 
 “ Let everything be done decently and in order.”—1 Cor. xiv. 40 
 
 This degree inculcates the theory and practice of 
 government, the qualifications of rulers, and the neces¬ 
 sity of blending sweetness of manner with firmness of 
 principle. Here are set forth all the ancient ceremonies 
 of the Order, for all occasions of public and private 
 assemblage. 
 
 SECTION FIRST. 
 
 Forms of petition for letters of dispensation;* war¬ 
 rants constituting a Lodge, and empowering them to 
 work; ceremonies of Constitution and Consecration; 
 and order of processions, are here considered. 
 
 7 
 
 ( 73 ) 
 
74 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 75 
 
 Form of Petition for a Charter or Warrant to establish 
 
 a new Lodge. 
 
 To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State 
 
 of —-, the petitioners humbly show, that they are 
 
 ancient, free and accepted Master Masons. Having the 
 prosperity of the Fraternity at heart, they are willing 
 to exert their best endeavours to promote and diffuse the 
 genuine principles of Masonry. 
 
 For the convenience of their respective dwellings, and 
 for other good reasons, they are desirous of forming a 
 
 new Lodge in the town of-, to he named-. 
 
 In consequence of this desire, and for the good of the 
 craft, they pray for a Charter, or Warrant, to empower 
 them to assemble as a legal Lodge, to discharge the 
 duties of Masonry, in the several degrees of Entered 
 Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, in a regu¬ 
 lar and constitutional manner, according to the ancient 
 form of the fraternity, and the laws and regulations of 
 the Grand Lodge. That they have nominated and do 
 recommend A. B. to be the first master, C. D. to be the 
 first Senior Warden, and E. F. to be the first Junior 
 Warden of said Lodge; that, if the prayer of the peti¬ 
 tion should be granted, they promise a strict conformity 
 to all the constitutional laws, rules, and regulations of 
 the Grand Lodge. 
 
 This petition must be signed by at least seven regular 
 Masons, and recommended by some Lodge contiguous to 
 the place where the new Lodge is to be held. It must 
 be delivered to the Grand Secretary, whose duty it is to 
 lay it before the Grand Lodge. 
 
7G 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 After a charter is granted by the Grand Lodge, the 
 Grand Master appoints a day and hour for constituting 
 and consecrating the new Lodge, and for installing the 
 Master, AVardens, and other officers. The Grand Mas¬ 
 ter has power to appoint some worthy Past Master, with 
 full power to consecrate, constitute, and install the 
 petitioners. 
 
 Ceremony of Constitution and Consecration. 
 
 On the day and hour appointed, the Grand Master 
 and his officers meet in a convenient room near to the 
 Lodge to be constituted, and open in the third degree. 
 After the officers in the new Lodge are examined, they 
 send a messenger to the Grand Master, with the following 
 message, viz. 
 
 Most Worshipful, 
 
 The officers and brethren of-Lodge, who are 
 
 now assembled at-, have instructed me to inform 
 
 you, that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge was pleased 
 to grant them a Charter, authorizing them to form and 
 open a Lodge of free and accepted Masons in the town 
 
 of-: They are now desirous that their Lodge 
 
 should be consecrated, and their officers installed in due 
 and ancient form; for which purpose they are now met, 
 and await the pleasure of the Most Worshipful Grand 
 Master. 
 
 When notice is given, the Grand Lodge walk in pro¬ 
 cession to the hall of the new Lodge. When the Grand 
 Master enters, the grand honours are given by the new 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 77 
 
 Lodge; the officers of which resign their seats to the 
 grand officers, and take their several stations on the left. 
 
 The necessary cautions are given; and all, excepting 
 Present or Past Masters of Lodges, are requested to 
 retire until the Master of the new Lodge is inducted 
 into the Oriental Chair of Solomon. He is then bound 
 to the faithful performance of his trust, and invested 
 with the characteristics of the chair. 
 
 Upon due notice, the Grand Marshal re-conducts the 
 brethren into the hall; and all take their places, except 
 the members of the new Lodge, who form a procession 
 on one side of the hall. As they advance, the Grand 
 Master addresses them: 
 
 “ Brethren , behold your Master /” 
 
 They make the proper salutations as they pass. 
 
 A grand procession is then formed in the following 
 order: viz. 
 
 Tyler with a drawn Sword; 
 Two Stewards with white Hods; 
 Entered Apprentices; 
 Eellow Crafts; 
 
 Master Masons; 
 m Stewards; 
 
 Junior Deacons; 
 
 OQ 7 
 
 3 Senior Deacons; 
 
 ^ Secretaries; 
 
 Treasurers; 
 
 Past Wardens; 
 
 Junior Wardens; 
 
 Senior Wardens.; 
 
 Past Masters; 
 
 7* 
 
78 PRESENT OR PAST MASTERS, 
 
 Mark Masters; 
 
 Royal Arcli Masters; 
 
 Select Masters; 
 
 Knights Templars; 
 
 Masters of Lodges. 
 
 The New Lodge. 
 
 Tyler with a drawn Sword; 
 
 Stewards with white Rods ; 
 
 Entered Apprentices; 
 
 Fellow Crafts; 
 
 Master Masons; 
 
 Junior and Senior Deacons ; 
 
 Secretary and Treasurer ; 
 
 Two Brethren, carrying the flooring,* or Lodge; 
 
 Junior and Senior Wardens; 
 
 The Holy Writings, carried by the oldest or some 
 suitable member, not in office; 
 
 The W. Master; 
 
 Music. 
 
 The G-rand Ijodge. 
 
 Grand Tyler with drawn Sword; 
 
 Grand Stewards with white Rods; 
 
 A Brother carrying a Golden Vessel of Corn;f 
 Two Brethren, carrying the Silver Vessels, one of 
 Wine, the other of Oil; 
 
 Grand Secretaries; 
 
 Grand Treasurers; 
 
 A burning Taper, borne by a Past Master; 
 
 * Carpet: 
 
 f Wheat. 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 79 
 
 A Past Master bearing the Holy Writings, Square 
 and Compasses, supported by two Stewards 
 with white Rods; 
 
 Two burning Tapers, borne by two Past Masters; 
 The Tuscan and Composite Orders; 
 
 The Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian Orders; 
 
 Past Grand Wardens; 
 
 Past Deputy Grand Masters; 
 
 Past Grand Masters; 
 
 The Globes; 
 
 Clergy and Orator ; 
 
 It. W. Junior and Senior Grand Wardens ; 
 
 R. W. Deputy Grand Master; 
 
 The Master of the oldest Lodge, carrying the Book 
 
 of Constitutions; 
 
 - The M. W. Grand Master; 
 
 The Grand Deacons, on a line seven feet apart, on 
 the right and left of the Grand Master, 
 with black Rods; 
 
 Grand Sword Bearer, with a drawn Sword; 
 
 Two Stewards with white Rods. 
 
 The Marshals conduct the procession to the church, 
 or house, where the services are to be performed. When 
 the front of the procession arrives at the door they halt, 
 open to the right and left, and face inward; while the 
 Grand Master and others, in succession, pass through 
 and enter the house. 
 
 A platform is erected in front of the pulpit, and pro¬ 
 vided with seats for the accommodation of the Grand 
 Officers. 
 
 The Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses, and Book 
 
80 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 of Constitutions, are placed upon a table in front of the 
 Grand Master; the flooring is then spread in the centre, 
 upon the platform, covered with white satin or linen, 
 and encompassed by the three tapers, and the vessels 
 of corn, wine, and oil. 
 
 SERVICES. 
 
 1. A piece of Music. 
 
 2. Prayer. 
 
 3. An Oration. 
 
 4. A piece of Music. 
 
 5. The Grand Marshal forms the officers and mem¬ 
 bers of the new Lodge in front of the Grand Master. 
 The Deputy Grand Master addresses the Grand Master 
 as follows: 
 
 Most Worshipful, 
 
 A number of brethren, duly instructed in the myste¬ 
 ries of Masonry, having assembled together at stated 
 periods, by virtue of a dispensation granted them for 
 that purpose, do now desire to be constituted into a 
 regular Lodge, agreeably to the ancient usages and cus¬ 
 toms of the fraternity. 
 
 The dispensation and records are presented to the 
 Grand Master, who examines the records, and, if found 
 correct, proclaims: 
 
 The records appear to be correct, and are approved. 
 Upon due deliberation, the Grand Lodge have granted 
 the brethren of this new Lodge a charter, establishing 
 and confirming them in the rights and privileges of a 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 81 
 
 regularly constituted Lodge, which the Grand Secretary 
 will now read. 
 
 After the charter is read, the Grand Master then 
 says: 
 
 We shall now proceed, according to ancient usage, to 
 constitute these brethren into a regular Lodge. 
 
 Whereupon the several officers of the new Lodgo 
 deliver up their jewels and badges to their Master, who 
 presents them, with his own, to the Deputy Grand 
 Master, and he to the Grand Master. 
 
 The Deputy Grand Master presents the Master elect 
 to the Grand Master, saying: 
 
 Most Worshipful, 
 
 I present you Brother-, whom the members of 
 
 the Lodge, now to be constituted, have chosen for their 
 Master. 
 
 The Grand Master asks them if they remain satisfied 
 with their choice. [They bow in token of assent .] 
 
 The Master elect then presents, severally, his War¬ 
 dens and other officers, naming them and their respective 
 offices. The Grand Master asks the brethren if they 
 remain satisfied with each and all of them. [They bow 
 as before.~\ 
 
 The officers and members of the new Lodge form in 
 front of the Grand Master, and the business of Conse¬ 
 cration commences with solemn music. 
 
82 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 6 . Ceremony of Consecration. 
 
 The Grand Master, attended by the Grand Officers 
 and the Grand Chaplain, form themselves in order round 
 the Lodge, all devoutly kneeling. 
 
 7. A piece of solemn music is performed while the 
 Lodge is uncovered. 
 
 After which the first clause of the Consecration 
 Prayer is rehearsed, which is as follows: 
 
 “ Great Architect of the universe! Maker and Ruler 
 of all worlds! deign, from thy celestial temple, from 
 realms of light and glory, to bless us in all the purposes 
 of our present assembly! We humbly invoke thee to 
 give us at this, and at all times, wisdom in all our doings, 
 strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the beauty 
 of harmony in all our communications! Permit us, 0 
 thou Author of light and life, great Source of love and 
 happiness, to erect this Lodge, and now solemnly to con¬ 
 secrate it to the honour of thy glory! 
 
 “ Glory be to God on high !” 
 
 [Response by the brethren.] 
 
 “ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall 
 be, world without end. Amen.” 
 
 The Deputy Grand Master takes the Golden Vessel 
 of Corn, and the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens 
 take the Silver Vessels of Wine and Oil, and sprinkle 
 the elements of consecration upon the Lodge. 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 83 
 
 The Grand Chaplain then continues: 
 
 “ Grant, 0 Lord our God, that those who are now 
 about to be invested with the government of this Lodge, 
 may be endued with wisdom to instruct their brethren in 
 all their duties. May brotherly love, relief, and truth, 
 always prevail among the members of this Lodge; and 
 may this bond of union continue to strengthen the 
 Lodges throughout the world ! 
 
 “ Bless all our brethren, wherever dispersed; and 
 grant speedy relief to all wdio are either oppressed or 
 distressed. 
 
 “We affectionately commend to thee all the members 
 of thy whole family. May they increase in grace, in 
 the knovdedge of thee, and in the love of each other. 
 
 “Finally: may we finish all our work here below* 
 w T ith thy approbation, and then have our transition from 
 this earthly abode to thy heavenly temple above, there 
 to enjoy light, glory, and bliss, ineffable and eternal ! 
 
 “ Glory be to God on high.” 
 
 [Response by the brethren.] 
 
 “ As it w*as in the beginning, is now, and ever shall 
 be. So mote it be. Amen.” 
 
 8. A piece of solemn music is performed while the 
 Lodge is covered. 
 
 9. The Grand Chaplain then dedicates the Lodge in 
 the following terms : 
 
 “ To the memory of the HOLY STS. JOHN we dedi¬ 
 cate this Lodge. May every brother revere their char 
 acters and imitate their virtues. ' 
 
 “ Glory be to God on high.” 
 
84 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 [Response.] 
 
 “ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall 
 be, world without end. So mote it be. Amen.” 
 
 10. A piece of music is performed, while the brethren 
 of the new Lodge advance in procession to salute the 
 Grand Lodge, with their hands crossed upon their 
 breasts, and bowing as they pass. They then take their 
 places as they were. 
 
 11. The Grand Master then rises, and constitutes the 
 new Lodge in the form following: 
 
 “In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, 
 I now constitute and form you, my good brethren, 
 into a regular Lodge of free and accepted Masons. 
 From henceforth I empower you to meet as a regular 
 Lodge, constituted in conformity to the rites of our 
 Order, and the charges of our ancient and honourable 
 fraternity; — and may the Supreme Architect of the 
 universe prosper, direct, and counsel you in all your 
 doings. 
 
 “ So mote it be. Amen.” 
 
 Response. 
 
 SECTION SECOND. 
 
 Ceremony of Installation. 
 
 The Grand Master, or presiding officer, addresses the 
 Master elect in the words following, viz. 
 
 Brother, —Previous to your investiture, it is neces¬ 
 sary that you should signify your assent to those ancient 
 charges and regulations which point out the duty of a 
 Master of a Lodge. 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 85 
 
 I. You agree to be a good man and true, and strictly 
 to obey the moral law. 
 
 II. You agree to be a peaceable subject, and cheer¬ 
 fully to conform to the laws of the country in which you 
 reside. 
 
 III. You promise not to be concerned in plots and 
 conspiracies against government, but patiently to submit 
 to the decisions of the supreme legislature. 
 
 IV. You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil 
 magistrates, to work diligently, live creditably, and act 
 honourably by all men. 
 
 V. You agree to hold in veneration the original rules 
 and patrons of the order of Masonry, and their regular 
 successors, supreme and subordinate, according to their 
 stations; and to submit to the awards and resolutions 
 of your brethren, when convened, in every case con¬ 
 sistent with the constitutions of the Order. 
 
 VI. You agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, 
 and to guard against intemperance and excess. 
 
 VII. You agree to be cautious in carriage and beha¬ 
 viour, courteous to your brethren, and faithful to your 
 Lodge. 
 
 VIII. You promise to respect genuine brethren, and 
 to 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 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 
 
 s 
 
8G 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 Lodge, or general assembly of Masons, that is not sub¬ 
 versive of the principles and groundwork of Masonry. 
 
 XI. You admit that it is not in the power of any 
 men, or body of men, to make innovations in the body 
 of Masonry. 
 
 XII. You promise a regular attendance on the com¬ 
 mittees and communications of the Grand Lodge, on 
 receiving proper notice, and to pay attention to all the 
 duties of Masonry, on convenient occasions. 
 
 XIII. You admit that no new Lodge shall be formed 
 without permission of the Grand Lodge, and that no 
 countenance be given to an irregular Lodge, or to any 
 person clandestinely initiated therein, being contrary to 
 the ancient charges of the Order. 
 
 XIY. 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. 
 
 XY. You agree that no visitors shall be received into 
 your Lodge, without due examination, and producing 
 proper vouchers of their having been initiated into a 
 regular Lodge. 
 
 These are the regulations of free and accepted 
 Masons. 
 
 The presiding officer then addresses the Master as 
 follows: 
 
 Do you submit to these charges, and promise to sup¬ 
 port these regulations, as Masters have done in all ages 
 before you ? 
 
 The Master is to answer, I do. 
 
 The presiding officer then addresses him: 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 87 
 
 Brother A. B.—In consequence of your cheer¬ 
 ful conformity to the charges and regulations of 
 the Order, you are now installed Master of this 
 new Lodge, in full confidence of your care, skill, 
 and capacity to govern the same. 
 
 [The new Master is then regularly invested with the 
 insignia of his office, and the furniture and implements 
 of his Lodge.] 
 
 The various implements of the profession are 
 emblematical of our conduct in life, and upon this 
 occasion are carefully enumerated. 
 
 The Holy Writings , that great light in Masonry, 
 will guide you to all truth; it will direct your 
 path to the temple of happiness, and point out to 
 you the whole duty of man. 
 
 The Square teaches us to regulate our actions 
 by rule and line, and harmonize our conduct by 
 the principles of morality and virtue. 
 
 The Compasses teach us to limit our desires in 
 every station, that, rising to eminence by merit, we 
 may live respected, and die regretted. 
 
 The Rule directs that we should punctually ob¬ 
 serve our duty; press forward in the path of vir¬ 
 tue, and, neither inclining to the right nor to the 
 left, in all our actions have eternity in view. 
 
88 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 The Line teaches the criterion of moral recti¬ 
 tude, to avoid dissimulation in conversation and 
 action, and to direct our steps to the path which 
 leads to a glorious immortality. 
 
 The Book of Constitutions you are to search at 
 all times. Cause it to be read in your Lodge, that 
 none may pretend ignorance of the excellent pre¬ 
 cepts it enjoins. 
 
 You will also receive in charge the By-laws of 
 your Lodge, which you are to see carefully and 
 punctually executed. 
 
 CHARGE UPON THE INSTALLATION OF THE MASTER OF A 
 
 LODGE. 
 
 Worshipful Master: 
 
 Being appointed Master of this Lodge, you can¬ 
 not 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 appointment. 
 
 The honour, 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 gene¬ 
 rally promoted, in proportion to the zeal and ability 
 with which you propagate the genuine principles 
 of our institution. 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 89 
 
 For a pattern of imitation, consider the great 
 luminary of nature, which rising in the East, 
 regularly diffuses light and lustre to all within its 
 circle. In like. manner, it is your province to 
 spread and communicate light and instruction to 
 the brethren of your Lodge. Forcibly impress 
 upon them the dignity and high importance of 
 Masonry, and seriously admonish them never to 
 disgrace it. Charge them to practise out of the 
 Lodge those duties which are taught in it; and by 
 amiable, discreet, and virtuous conduct, to con¬ 
 vince mankind of the goodness of the institution, 
 so that when any one is said to be a member of 
 it, the w T orld may know that he is one to whom 
 the burthened heart may pour out its sorrows ; to 
 whom distress may prefer its suit; whose hand is 
 guided by justice, and his heart expanded by 
 benevolence. In short, by a diligent observance 
 of the By-laws of your Lodge, the constitutions 
 of Masonry, and, above all, the Holy Scriptures, 
 which are given as a rule and guide to your faith, 
 you Avill be enabled to acquit yourself with honour 
 and reputation, and lay up a crown of rejoicing, 
 which shall continue when time shall be no more. 
 
 The subordinate officers are then severally invested 
 by the presiding officer, who delivers each of them a 
 short charge, as follows, viz. 
 
 8 * 
 
90 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 The Senior Warden. 
 
 Brother-, 
 
 You are appointed Senior Warden of this Lodge, and 
 are now invested with the ensign of your office. 
 
 The Level demonstrates that we are descended from 
 the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share 
 the same hope; and though distinctions among men are 
 necessary to preserve subordination, yet no eminence of 
 station should make us forget that we are brethren. 
 He who is placed on the lowest spoke of fortune’s wheel 
 may be entitled to our regard, because a time will come, 
 and the wisest knows not how soon, when all distinction, 
 but that of goodness, shall cease; and death, the grand 
 leveller of human greatness, reduce us to the same state. 
 
 Your regular attendance on our stated meetings is 
 essentially necessary. In the absence of the Master 
 you are to govern this Lodge; in his presence you are 
 to assist him in its government. I firmly rely on 
 your knowledge of # Masonry, and attachment to the 
 Lodge, for the faithful discharge of the duties of this 
 important trust .—Look well to the West! 
 
 The Junior Warden. 
 
 Brother-, 
 
 You are appointed Junior Warden of this Lodge, and 
 are now invested with the badge of your office.* 
 
 The Plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our 
 several stations; to hold the scales of justice in equal 
 poise; to observe the just medium between pleasure and 
 intemperance; and to make our passions and prejudices 
 coincide with the line of our duty. 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 91 
 
 To you is committed the superintendence of the Craft, 
 during the hours of refreshment; it is therefore indis¬ 
 pensably necessary, that you should not only be tem¬ 
 perate and discreet, in the indulgence of your own in¬ 
 clinations, but carefully observe that none of the Craft 
 be suffered to convert the means of refreshment into 
 intemperance and excess. 
 
 Your regular and punctual attendance is particularly 
 requested; and I have no doubt that you will faithfully 
 execute the duty which you owe to your present appoint¬ 
 ment .—Look well to the South ! 
 
 The Treasurer. 
 
 Brother-, 
 
 Y"ou are appointed Treasurer of this Lodge. It is 
 your duty to receive all moneys from the hands of the 
 Secretary, keep a just and accurate account thereof, and 
 pay them out by order of the Worshipful Master and 
 the consent of the Lodge. 
 
 I trust your regard for the fraternity will prompt you 
 to the faithful discharge of the duties of your office. 
 
 The Secretary. 
 
 Brother-, 
 
 You are appointed Secretary of this Lodge. It is 
 your duty to observe the Worshipful Master’s will and 
 pleasure, to record the transactions of the Lodge in an 
 exact and Masonic manner, to receive all moneys due to 
 the Lodge, and to pay them over to the Treasurer, 
 taking his receipt therefor. 
 
02 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 Your good inclination to Masonry and this Lodge, 1 
 hope, will induce you to discharge your office with 
 fidelity; and by so doing, you will merit the esteem and 
 applause of your brethren. 
 
 Senior and Junior Deacons. 
 
 Brothers--, 
 
 You are appointed Deacons of this Lodge. To you, 
 with such assistance as may be necessary, is entrusted 
 the examination of visitors. It is your duty to attend 
 the Master and Wardens, carry their messages, receive 
 and conduct candidates, and act as their proxies in the 
 practice of our ancient rites. The Square and Com¬ 
 passes, as badges of your office, I trust to your care, 
 not doubting your vigilance and attention. 
 
 The Stewards. 
 
 Brothers-, 
 
 You are appointed Stewards of this Lodge. The 
 duties of your office are, to assist in the collection of 
 dues and subscriptions; to keep an account of the 
 Lodge expenses; to see that the tables are properly fur¬ 
 nished at refreshment, and that every brother is suitably 
 provided for; and generally to assist the Deacons and 
 other officers in performing their duties. 
 
 Your regular and early attendance will afford the best 
 proof of your zeal and attachment to the Lodge. 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 93 
 
 The Tyler. 
 
 Brother-, 
 
 You are appointed Tyler of this Lodge, and I invest 
 you with the implement of your office. As the sword is 
 placed in the hands of the Tyler, to enable him effectu¬ 
 ally to guard against the approach of cowans and eves- 
 droppers, and suffer none to pass or repass hut such as 
 are duly qualified; so it should morally serve as a con¬ 
 stant admonition to us, to set a guard at the entrance 
 of our thoughts, to place a watch at the door of our lips, 
 to post a sentinel at the avenue of our actions, thereby 
 excluding every unqualified and unworthy thought, word, 
 and deed, and preserving consciences void of offence 
 towards God and towards man. 
 
 Your early and punctual attendance will afford the 
 best proof of your zeal for the institution. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE BRETHREN OE THE 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 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 en¬ 
 trusted, and you are of too generous dispositions to envy 
 their preferment. I therefore trust that you will have 
 but one aim, to please each other, and unite in the grand 
 design of being happy, and communicating happiness. 
 
 Finally, my brethren, as this association has been 
 formed and perfected with so much unanimity and con- 
 
94 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 cord, in which we greatly rejoice, so may it long continue 
 May you long enjoy every satisfaction and delight which 
 disinterested friendship can afford. May kindness and 
 brotherly affection distinguish your conduct, as men and 
 as Masons. Within your peaceful walls may your chil¬ 
 dren’s children celebrate with joy and gratitude the 
 transactions of this auspicious solemnity. And may the 
 tenets of our profession be transmitted through your 
 Lodge, pure and unimpaired, from generation to gene¬ 
 ration. 
 
 12. The Grand Marshal then proclaims the new 
 Lodge in the following manner, viz. 
 
 In the name of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of 
 
 the State of--, I proclaim this new Lodge by the 
 
 name of-Lodge, No. —, to be legally constituted, 
 
 consecrated, and the officers thereof duly installed. 
 
 13. A piece of Music. 
 
 14. Benediction. 
 
 The procession is then formed, and returns in due 
 form to the hall. 
 
 The W. Master having been previously inducted into 
 the Oriental Chair of Solomon, all but Master Masons 
 are caused to retire. 
 
 A procession is then formed, and passes three times 
 round the hall; and upon passing the Master, pays him 
 due homage by the usual honours, in the different 
 degrees. 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 95 
 
 While the procession passes round, the following 
 song is sung: 
 
 HAIL MASONRY divine! 
 
 Glory of ages shine ; 
 
 Long may’st thou reign ! 
 
 Where’er thy lodges stand, 
 
 May they have great command, 
 
 And always grace the land, 
 
 Thou Art divine. 
 
 Great fabrics still arise, 
 
 And grace the azure skies; 
 
 Great are thy schemes; 
 
 Thy noble orders are 
 Matchless, beyond compare; 
 
 No art with thee can share. 
 
 Thou Art divine. 
 
 Hiram, the architect, 
 
 Did all the craft direct 
 How they should build: 
 
 Solomon, great Israel’s king, 
 
 Did mighty blessings bring, 
 
 And left us room to sing, 
 
 Hail, royal Art! 
 
 The Grand Master then directs the Grand Marshal to 
 form the procession; when the Grand Lodge walk to 
 their own hall, and both Lodges are closed in due form. 
 
 SECTION THIRD. 
 
 The ceremonies attendant upon the laying of corner 
 or foundation stones of public edifices are here set forth. 
 They should be celebrated by the M. W. Grand Master 
 and the officers of the Grand Lodge, with the assistance 
 
 GO 
 
 * g 
 
 S S 
 
 O 
 
 n <D 
 ° £ 
 
96 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 of officers and members of subordinate Lodges in the 
 vicinity. The Grand Lodge is convened in some suita¬ 
 ble place, and the brethren are all properly clothed. 
 
 The Lodge having been opened in ancient form by 
 the Grand Master, the Grand Secretary is called upon 
 to publish the rules which regulate the procession. 
 
 The Lodge is called off, and the Grand Junior War¬ 
 den marshals the procession in the following order: 
 
 The brethren being arranged in the order of their 
 several degrees, beginning with Entered Apprentices and 
 ending with Knights of the Temple, are followed by 
 
 Grand Tyler with a drawn Sword; 
 
 Grand Stewards with white Rods; 
 
 A Past Master with a Golden Vessel containing 
 
 Corn; 
 
 Principal Architect, with Square, Level, and Plumb; 
 Two Past Masters with Silver Vessels, one containing 
 Wine, and the other oil; 
 
 Grand Secretary and Treasurer; 
 
 The Five Orders; 
 
 One large Light, borne by a Past Master; 
 
 The Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, borne by a 
 Master of a Lodge, supported by two Stewards 
 on the right and left; 
 
 Two large Lights, borne by two Past Masters; 
 Grand Chaplain; 
 
 Clergy and Orator; 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 97 
 
 Grand Wardens; 
 
 Deputy Grand Master; 
 
 The Master of the oldest Lodge, carrying the Book 
 of Constitutions on a velvet cushion; 
 
 Grand Deacons with black Bods, on a line seven 
 
 feet apart; 
 
 Grand Master; 
 
 Two Stewards with white Rods; 
 
 Grand Sword-Bearer with drawn Sword. 
 
 A Triumphal Arch is usually erected at the place 
 where the ceremony is to be performed. The proces¬ 
 sion passes through the Arch; and the brethren repair¬ 
 ing to their stands, the Grand Master and his officers 
 take their places on a temporary platform, covered with 
 carpet. The Grand Master commands silence. An 
 Ode on Masonry is sung; after which, the necessary 
 preparations are made for laying the stone, on which is 
 engraved the year of Masonry, the name of the Grand 
 Master, &c. &c.* 
 
 The stone is raised up, by means of an engine erected 
 for that purpose, and the Grand Chaplain or Orator 
 repeats a short prayer. 
 
 The Grand Treasurer then, by the Grand Master’s 
 command, places under the stone various sorts of coin 
 and medals of the present age. Solemn music is intro¬ 
 duced, and the stone is let down into its place. 
 
 The principal Architect then presents the working 
 tools to the Grand Master, who applies the plumb, 
 square, and level, to the stone, in their proper positions, 
 and pronounces it to be well formed, true, and trusty. 
 
 * It should be laid under the north-east corner of the building, 
 
 9 
 
98 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 The Golden and Silver Vessels are next brought to 
 the table, and delivered; the former to the Deputy 
 Grand Master, and the latter to the Grand Wardens, 
 who successively present them to the Grand Master; 
 and he, according to ancient ceremony, pours the corn, 
 the wine, and the oil, which they contain, on the stone; 
 saying: 
 
 “ May the all-bounteous Author of Nature bless the 
 inhabitants of this place with all the necessaries, con¬ 
 veniences, and comforts of life; assist in the erection 
 and completion of this building; protect the workmen 
 against every accident, and long preserve this structure 
 from decay: and grant to us all, a supply of the corn 
 of nourishment, the wine of refreshment, and the oil 
 of joy! 
 
 “ So mote it be. Amen.” 
 
 He then strikes the stone thrice with the mallet; 
 and the public grand honours of Masonry are given. 
 The Grand Master then delivers over to the Architect 
 the various implements of architecture, entrusting him 
 with the superintendence and direction of the work; 
 after which he re-ascends the platform, and an Oration 
 suitable to the occasion is delivered. 
 
 A voluntary collection is made for the needy work¬ 
 men ; and the sum collected is placed upon the stone 
 by the Grand Treasurer. 
 
 A suitable Song in honour of Masonry concludes the 
 ceremony; after which, the procession returns to the 
 place whence it set out, and the Lodge is closed in due 
 form. 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 99 
 
 SECTION FOURTH. 
 
 The fourth section contains the ceremony observed at 
 the dedication of the Freemasons’ Halls. 
 
 On the day appointed, the Grand Master and his offi¬ 
 cers, accompanied by the members of the Grand Lodge, 
 meet in a convenient room near the place where the 
 ceremony is to be performed, and open in due and 
 ample form in the third degree of Masonry. 
 
 The Master of the Lodge to which the Hall to be 
 dedicated belongs, being present, addresses the Grand 
 Master as follows: 
 
 Most Worshipful, 
 
 The brethren of-- Lodge, being animated with 
 
 a. desire of promoting the honour and interest of the 
 Craft, have, at great pains and expense, erected a Ma¬ 
 sonic Hall, for their convenience and accommodation. 
 They are desirous that the same should be examined by 
 the M. W. Grand Lodge; and if it should meet their 
 approbation, that it should be solemnly dedicated to 
 Masonic purposes, agreeably to ancient form. 
 
 The Grand Master then directs the Grand Marshal to 
 form the procession, when they move forward to the 
 Hall to be dedicated. On entering, the music will con¬ 
 tinue while the procession marches three times round 
 the Hall. 
 
 The lodge is then placed in the centre; and the 
 Grand Master having taken the chair, under a canopy 
 of state, the Grand Officers, and the Masters and 
 
100 
 
 PRESENT UR PAST MASTER. 
 
 Wardens of the Lodges, repair to the places previously 
 prepared for their reception. The three Lights, and the 
 Gold and Silver Pitchers, -with the corn, wine, and oil, 
 are placed round the Lodge, at the head of which stands 
 the Altar, with the Holy Bible open, and the Square and 
 Compasses laid thereon, with the Charter, Book of Con 
 stitutions, and By-laws. 
 
 An anthem is sung, and an Exordium on Masonry 
 given; after which, the Architect addresses the Grand 
 Master as follows: 
 
 Most Worshipful, 
 
 Having been entrusted with the superintendence and 
 management of the workmen employed in the construc¬ 
 tion of this edifice; and having, according to the best 
 of my ability, accomplished the task assigned me, I now 
 return my thanks for the honour 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, 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 makes the following 
 repty: 
 
 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 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 101 
 
 may continue a lasting monument of the taste, spirit, 
 and liberality of its founders. 
 
 An Ode in honour of Masonry is sung, accompanied 
 with instrumental music. 
 
 The Deputy Grand Master then rises, and says: 
 
 Most Worshipful, 
 
 The hall in w T hich we are now assembled, and the plan 
 upon which it has been constructed, having met with 
 your approbation, it is the desire of the fraternity that 
 it should now be dedicated, according to ancient form 
 and usage. 
 
 Whereupon the Grand Master requests all to retire, 
 but such as are Master Masons. A procession is then 
 formed in the following order, viz. 
 
 Grand Sword-Bearer; 
 
 A Past Master, with a Light; 
 
 A Past Master, with a Bible, Square, and Compasses, 
 
 on a velvet cushion; 
 
 Two Past Masters, each with a Light; 
 
 Grand Secretary and Treasurer, with Emblems; 
 
 Grand Junior Warden, with Pitcher of Corn; 
 
 Grand Senior Warden, with Pitcher of Wine; 
 
 Deputy Grand Master, with Pitcher of Oil; 
 
 Grand Master; 
 
 Two Stewards with rods. 
 
 All the other brethren keep their places, and assist in 
 performing an Ode, which continues during the proces- 
 
 9 * 
 
102 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 sion, excepting only at the intervals of dedication. The 
 Lodge being uncovered, passing round it the first time, 
 the Junior Grand Warden presents the Pitcher of Corn 
 to the Grand Master, who pours it out upon the Lodge, 
 at the same time pronouncing: 
 
 “ In the name of the Great Jehovah, the Grand Ar¬ 
 chitect of heaven and earth, to whom be all honour and 
 glory, I do solemnly dedicate this Hall to MASONRY.” 
 
 The grand honours are given. 
 
 Passing round the Lodge the second time, the Grand 
 Senior Warden presents the Pitcher of Wine to the 
 Grand Master, who sprinkles it upon the Lodge, at the 
 same time saying: 
 
 “In the name of the Holy Saints John, I do 
 solemnly dedicate this Hall to VIRTUE.” 
 
 The grand honours are tivice given. 
 
 Passing round the Lodge the third time, the Deputy 
 Grand Master presents the Grand Master with the 
 Pitcher of Oil, who sprinkles it upon the Lodge, saying: 
 
 “ In the name of the whole Fraternity, 1 do solemnly 
 dedicate this Hall to UNIVERSAL BENEVOLENCE.” 
 
 The grand honours are thrice given. 
 
 A solemn Invocation is made to the Throne of Grace, 
 by the Grand Chaplain, and an Anthem sung; after 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 103 
 
 which the Lodge is covered, and the Grand Master 
 retires to his chair. 
 
 An Oration is then delivered, and the ceremonies 
 conclude with music. 
 
 The Grand Lodge is then closed in due and ample 
 form. 
 
 SECTION FIFTH. 
 
 The ceremonies which are observed on the occasion 
 of funerals, and services appropriate for such solemnities 
 are here set forth. 
 
 These services are observed as a token of respect and 
 affection at the funerals of those who have been raised 
 to the sublime degree of Master Mason. 
 
 The brethren should be clothed with white gloves 
 and aprons; and a white or black mourning on the 
 left arm. 
 
 The Funeral Service. 
 
 The brethren being assembled at the Lodge-room, (or 
 some other convenient place,) the presiding officer opens 
 the Lodge in the third degree, with the usual forms; 
 and having stated the purpose of the meeting, the 
 service begins:— 
 
 Master .—“What man is he that liveth, and 
 shall not see death? Shall he deliver his soul 
 from the grave?” 
 
104 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 Response .—“Man walketh in a vain shadow; 
 he heapeth up riches, and cannot tell who shall 
 gather them.” 
 
 Master .—“When he dieth he shall carry no¬ 
 thing away; his glory shall not descend after 
 him” 
 
 Response .—“Naked he came into the world, 
 and naked he must return.” 
 
 Master .—“The Lord gave, and the Lord hath 
 taken away : blessed be the name of the Lord!” 
 
 The Master then taking the roll in his hand, says: 
 
 “ Let us live and die like the righteous, that 
 our last end may be like his!” 
 
 The Brethren answer, “ God is our God for 
 ever and ever; he will be our guide even unto 
 death!” 
 
 The Master then records the name and age of the 
 deceased upon the roll, and says : 
 
 “Almighty Father! in thy hands we leave 
 with humble submission the soul of our deceased 
 Brother.” 
 
 The Brethren answer three times, (giving the grand 
 honours each time:) 
 
 “ The will of God is accomplished! So mote 
 it be. Amen.” 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 105 
 
 The Master then deposits the roll in the archives, 
 and repeats the following Prayer:— 
 
 ' * t * * 
 
 “ Most glorious God! author of all good, and 
 giver of all mercy! pour down thy blessings upon 
 us, and strengthen our solemn engagements with 
 the ties of sincere affection! May the present 
 instance of mortality remind us of our approaching 
 fate, and draw our attention toward thee, the 
 only refuge in time of need! that, when the awful 
 moment shall arrive, and we are about to quit 
 this transitory scene, the enlivening prospect of 
 thy mercy, through the Redeemer, may dispel 
 the gloom of death; and after our departure 
 hence in peace, and in thy favour, may we be 
 received into thine everlasting kingdom, to enjoy, 
 in union with the souls of our departed friends, 
 the just reward of a pious and virtuous life, 
 through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 Amen.” 
 
 A procession is then formed, which moves to the 
 house of the deceased, and from thence to the place of 
 interment. 
 
 The Order of Procession at a funeral, is the same aa 
 on other occasions. 
 
 The procession being formed, is followed by 
 
 The Master; 
 
 Clergy; 
 
 The Body, with the insignia placed thereon. 
 
 Pall Bearers. 
 
10G 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 When the procession arrives at the church-yard, the 
 members of the Lodge form a circle round the grave; 
 and the clergymen and officers of the Lodge take their 
 station at the head of the grave, and the mourners at 
 the foot. The service is resumed, and the following 
 Exhortation is given:— 
 
 Here we view a striking instance of the 
 uncertainty of life, and the vanity of all human 
 pursuits. The last offices paid to the dead, are 
 useful as lectures to the living;—from them we 
 are to derive instruction, and to consider every 
 solemnity of this kind as a summons to prepare 
 for our approaching dissolution. 
 
 Notwithstanding the various mementos of mor¬ 
 tality, with which we daily meet; notwithstand¬ 
 ing Death has established his empire over all 
 the works of nature; yet, through some unac¬ 
 countable infatuation, we forget that we are horn 
 to die; we go on from one design to another, add 
 hope to hope, and lay out plans for the employ¬ 
 ment of many years, till we are suddenly alarmed 
 with the approach of Death, when we least 
 expect him, and at an hour which we probably 
 conclude to he the meridian of our existence. 
 
 What are all the externals of majesty, the 
 pride of wealth, or charms of beauty, when 
 Nature has paid her just debt? Fix your eyes 
 on the last scene, and view life stript of her 
 ornaments, and exposed in her natural meanness; 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 107 
 
 you will then he convinced of the futility of those 
 empty delusions. In the grave, all fallacies are 
 detected, all ranks are levelled, and all distinc¬ 
 tions are done away. 
 
 While we drop the sympathetic tear over the 
 grave of our deceased friend, let charity incline 
 us to throw a veil over his foibles, whatever they 
 may have been, and not withhold from his memory 
 the praise that his virtues may have claimed. 
 Suffer the apologies of human nature to plead in 
 his behalf. Perfection on earth has never been 
 attained;—the wisest, as well as the best of men, 
 have erred. 
 
 Let the present example excite our most 
 serious thoughts, and strengthen our resolutions 
 of amendment. As life is uncertain, and all 
 earthly pursuits are vain, let us no longer post¬ 
 pone the all-important concern of preparing for 
 eternity; but embrace the happy moment, while 
 time and opportunity offer, to provide against the 
 great change, when all the pleasures of this world 
 shall cease to delight, and the reflections of a 
 virtuous and holy life yield the only comfort and 
 consolation. Thus our expectations will not be 
 frustrated, nor we hurried unprepared into the 
 presence of an all-wise and powerful Judge, to 
 whom the secrets of all hearts are known. 
 
 Let us, while in this state of existence, sup¬ 
 port with propriety the character of our pro- 
 
108 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 fession, advert to the nature of our solemn ties, 
 and pursue with assiduity the sacred tenets of 
 our order. Then, with becoming reverence, let 
 us seek the favour of the Eternal God, through 
 the merits of his Son our Saviour, so that when 
 the awful moment of Death arrives, be it soon cr 
 late, we may be enabled to prosecute our journey 
 without dread or apprehension, to that far distant 
 country, whence no traveller returns. 
 
 The following invocations are then made by the 
 Master : 
 
 Master. —May we be true and faithful; and 
 may we live and die in love ! 
 
 Answer. —So mote it be. 
 
 Master. —May we profess what is good, and 
 always act agreeably to our profession! 
 
 Answer. —So mote it be. 
 
 Master. —May the Lord bless us and prosper 
 us, and may all our good intentions be crowned 
 with success! 
 
 Answer. —So mote it be. 
 
 Master. —Glory be to God in the highest; on 
 earth peace ! good will towards men ! 
 
 Answer .— So mote it be, now, from hence-' 
 forth, and for evermore. Amen. 
 
 The apron is taken off from the coffin and handed to 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER, 
 
 109 
 
 the Master—the coffin is deposited in the grave—and 
 the Master says :— 
 
 This Lamb Skin, or white leather Apron, is 
 an emblem of Innocence, and the badge of a 
 Mason, more ancient than the golden fleece or 
 Roman eagle; more honourable than the star and 
 garter, when worthily worn. [The Master then 
 deposits it in the grave.] This emblem I now 
 deposit in the grave of our deceased Brother. 
 By this We are reminded of the universal do¬ 
 minion of Death. The arm of Friendship cannot 
 oppose the King of Terrors, nor the charms of 
 innocence elude his grasp. This grave, that 
 coffin, this circle of mourning friends, reminds us 
 that we too are mortal: soon shall our bodies 
 moulder to dust. Then how important for us 
 that we should know that our Redeemer liveth, 
 and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the 
 Earth. [The Master, holding the evergreen in 
 his hand, continues,] This evergreen is an em¬ 
 blem of our faith in the immortality of the soul. 
 By this we are reminded that we have an immor¬ 
 tal part within us, which shall survive the grave, 
 and which shall never, never, never die. Though 
 like our Brother whose remains now lie before us, 
 we shall soon be clothed in the habiliments of 
 Death and deposited in the silent tomb, yet 
 through the mediation of a divine and ascended 
 10 
 
110 
 
 PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 Saviour, we may confidently hope that our souls 
 will bloom in Eternal Spring. 
 
 The brethren then move in procession round the 
 place of interment, and severally drop the sprig of ever¬ 
 green into the grave; after which, the public grand 
 honours are given. 
 
 The Master then continues the ceremony at the grave, 
 in the following words: 
 
 From time immemorial, it has been the custom 
 among the fraternity of free and accepted Masons, 
 at the request of a brother, to accompany his 
 corpse to the place of interment, and there to 
 deposit his remains with the usual formalities. 
 
 In conformity to this usage, and at the re¬ 
 quest of our deceased brother, whose memory we 
 revere, and whose loss we now deplore, we have 
 assembled in the character of Masons, and to offer 
 up to his memory, before the world, the last 
 tribute of our affection; thereby demonstrating 
 the sincerity of our past esteem, and our steady 
 attachment to the principles of the Order. 
 
 The great Creator having been pleased, out 
 of his mercy, to remove our brother from the 
 cares and troubles of a transitory existence, to a 
 state of eternal duration, and thereby to weaken 
 the chain, by which we are united man to man; 
 may we, who survive him, anticipate our ap¬ 
 proaching fate, and be more strongly cemented in 
 
PRESENT OR PAST MASTER. 
 
 Ill 
 
 the ties of union and friendship; that, during the 
 short space allotted to our present existence, we 
 may wisely and usefully employ our time; and, 
 in the reciprocal intercourse of kind and friendly 
 acts, mutually promote the welfare and happiness 
 of each other. 
 
 Unto the grave we have resigned the body of 
 our deceased friend, earth to earth, dust to dust, 
 ashes to ashes, there to remain until the trump 
 shall sound on the resurrection morn. We can 
 cheerfully leave him in the hands of a Being who 
 has done all things well; who is glorious in holi¬ 
 ness, fearful in praises, doing wonders. Then let 
 us all so improve this solemn warning, that on 
 the great day of account we may receive from the 
 compassionate Judge, the welcome invitation, 
 “ Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the 
 kingdom prepared for you from the foundation 
 of the world.” 
 
 So mote it be. Amen. 
 
 The procession then returns in form to the place 
 whence it set out, where the necessary duties are 
 complied with, and the Lodge is closed. 
 
SIXTH DEGREE IN MASONRY. 
 
 MOST EXCELLENT MASTER. 
 
 <k They that have used the office of a Deacon well, purchase to 
 themselves a good Degree.”—1 Tim. iii. 13* 
 
 “ Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness 
 which the Lord shall give me at that day ”— 2 Tim. iv. 8. 
 
 This solemn degree cannot be conferred on any others 
 than those who have attained the honour of sitting in 
 the Oriental Chair, and presiding over the deliberations 
 of their brethren. At the completion of the Temple, 
 when the laying of the capstone was celebrated, King 
 Solomon is said to have distinguished those who had ex¬ 
 hibited great skill in their work, and inflexible fidelity 
 to the craft, by this degree. Let none expect to dis¬ 
 charge the duties of a Most Excellent Master, without 
 having attained a perfect knowledge of preceding de¬ 
 grees. 
 
 “ The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness there¬ 
 of ; the world, and they that dwell therein. For 
 he hath founded it upon the seas, and established 
 it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill 
 
 of the Lord ? or who shall stand in his holy place V 
 10* (113) 
 
114 
 
 MOST EXCELLENT MASTER. 
 
 He that hath clean hands and a pure heart; whc 
 hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn 
 deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from 
 the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his 
 salvation. This is the generation of them that 
 seek him, that seek thy face, 0 Jacob: Selah. 
 Lift up your heads, 0 ye gates; and be ye lifted 
 up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory 
 shall come in. Who is this King of Glory ? The 
 Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, mighty in 
 battle. Lift up your heads, 0 ye gates; even lift 
 them up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of 
 Glory shall come in. Who is this King of Glory ? 
 The Lord of Hosts, he is the King of Glory: 
 Selah.” —Psalm xxiv. 
 
 The following Psalm is read during the ceremony of 
 
 receiving a candidate in this degree: 
 
 % 
 
 cc I was glad when they said unto me, Let us 
 go into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall 
 stand within thy gates, 0 Jerusalem. Jerusalem 
 is builded as a city that is compact together: 
 whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, 
 unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto 
 the name of the Lord. For there are set thrones 
 of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. 
 
 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall 
 prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy 
 walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For 
 
MOST EXCELLENT MASTER. 
 
 115 
 
 my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now 
 say, Peace be within thee. Because of the housfl 
 of the Lord our God, I will seek thy good.”-* 
 Psalm cxxii. 
 
 The song which is here sung will be found among thf 
 songs in Part III. No. 6. 
 
 The ceremony closes with the following passages: 
 
 “ Then said Solomon, The Lord hath said that he 
 would dwell in the thick darkness. But I have built 
 a house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy 
 dwelling for ever. 
 
 And the king turned his face, and blessed the whole 
 congregation of Israel: and all the congregation of 
 Israel stood. And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of 
 Israel, who hath with his hands fulfilled that which ho 
 spake with his mouth to my father David, saying, Since 
 the day that I brought forth my people out of the land 
 of Egypt, I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel 
 to build a house in, that my name might be there; 
 neither chose I any man to be a ruler over my people 
 Israel: but I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name 
 might be there; and have chosen David to be over my 
 people Israel. 
 
 Now it was the -heart of David my father to build a 
 house for the name of the Lord God of Israel. But 
 the Lord said to David my Father, Forasmuch as it 
 was in thy heart to build a house for my name, thou 
 didst well in that it was in thy heart: notwithstanding, 
 thou shalt not build the house; but thy son which 
 shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the 
 
116 
 
 MOST EXCELLENT MASTER. 
 
 house for my name. The Lord therefore hath per*, 
 formed his word that he hath spoken; for I am risen 
 up in the room of David my father, and am set on the 
 throne of Israel, as the Lord promised, and have built 
 the house for the name of the Lord God of Israel. And 
 in it have I put the ark, wherein is the covenant of the 
 Lord, that he made with the children of Israel. 
 
 And he stood before the altar of the Lord, in the pres¬ 
 ence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth 
 his hands: for Solomon had made a brazen scaffold of 
 five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits 
 high, and had set it in the midst of the court; and upon 
 it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all 
 the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands 
 towards heaven, and said, 
 
 0 Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the 
 heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant, and 
 shewest mercy unto thy servants that walk before thee 
 with all their hearts: thou, which hast kept with thy 
 servant David my father that which thou hast promised 
 him; and spakest with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it 
 with thine hand, as it is this day. Now therefore, 0 
 Lord God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my 
 father that which thou hast promised him, saying, There 
 shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the 
 throne of Israel; yet so that thy children take heed to 
 their way, to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before 
 me. Now then, 0 Lord God of Israel, let thy word be 
 verified, which thou hast spoken unto thy servant David. 
 But, will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth ? 
 Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot con¬ 
 tain thee; how much less this house which I have built! 
 
MOST EXCELLENT MASTER. 
 
 117 
 
 Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and 
 to his supplication, 0 Lord my God, to hearken unto 
 the cry and the prayer which thy servant prayeth be¬ 
 fore thee: that thine eyes may he open upon this house 
 day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said 
 that thou wouldst put thy name there; to hearken unto 
 the prayer which thy servant prayeth towards this place. 
 
 Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy ser- • 
 vant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make 
 toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, 
 even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive. 
 
 “Now when Solomon had made* an end of 
 praying, the fire came down from heaven, and 
 consumed the burnt offering and sacrifices; and 
 the glory of the Lord filled the house. And the 
 priest could not enter into the house of the Lord, 
 because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s 
 house. 
 
 And when all the children of Israel saw how 
 the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord 
 upon the house, they bowed themselves with their 
 faces to the ground upon the pavement, and wor¬ 
 shipped, and praised the Lord, saying, For he 
 is good; for his mercy enduretii for ever.”— 
 2 Chron. vii. 1—4. 
 
 The following Psalm is read at closing: 
 
 “ The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures : he 
 
118 
 
 MOST EXCELLENT MASTER. 
 
 leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth 
 my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteous¬ 
 ness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk 
 through the valley of the shadow of death, I will 
 fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and 
 thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a 
 table before me in the presence of mine enemies; 
 thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth 
 over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow 
 me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in 
 the house of the Lord for ever.” —Psalm xxiii. 
 
 CHARGE TO A BROTHER WHO IS RECEIVED AND ACKNOW¬ 
 LEDGED AS A MOST EXCELLENT MASTER. 
 
 Brother— Your admittance to this degree of 
 Masonry, is a proof of the good opinion the bre¬ 
 thren of this Lodge entertain of your Masonic abili¬ 
 ties. Let this consideration induce you to be 
 careful of forfeiting, by misconduct, and inatten¬ 
 tion to our rules, that esteem which has raised 
 you to the rank you now possess. 
 
 It is one of your great duties as a Most Excel¬ 
 lent Master, to dispense light and truth to the un¬ 
 informed Mason; and I need not remind you of 
 the impossibility of complying with this obligation 
 without possessing an accurate acquaintance with 
 the lectures of each degree. 
 
 If you are not already completely conversant in 
 
MOST EXCELLENT MASTER. 
 
 119 
 
 all the degrees heretofore conferred on you, re¬ 
 member, that an indulgence, prompted by a belief 
 that you will apply yourself with double diligence 
 to make yourself so, has induced the brethren to 
 accept you. 
 
 Let it therefore be your unremitting study, to 
 acquire such a degree of knowledge and informa¬ 
 tion, as shall enable you to discharge with pro¬ 
 priety the various duties incumbent on you, and 
 to preserve unsullied the title now conferred upon 
 you, of a MOST EXCELLENT MASTER. 
 
SEVENTH DEGREE IN MASONRY. 
 
 ROYAL ARCH. 
 
 “ And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine 
 linen, and wrought Cherubims thereon.”— 2 Chron. ni. 14. 
 
 4< He that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” 
 
 This degree, as is implied in its designation, should 
 he conferred on none hut those who are possessed of a 
 nohle and generous disposition, and who have proved 
 themselves worthy of such an exalted distinction hy 
 having faithfully discharged their duties, and diligently 
 sought to acquire perfection in the work of the pro¬ 
 ceeding degrees. 
 
 It teaches humility, and reveals the mode hy which 
 the traditionary arcana of ancient Masonry were pre¬ 
 served and rendered available to the craft. 
 
 11 
 
 ( 121 ) 
 

ROYAL ARCH. 
 
 123 
 
 SECTION FIRST 
 
 Explains the mode of government, apportions the 
 work among the several officers, and shows the signifi¬ 
 cance of the various colours of their banners. 
 
 “ Now we command you, brethren, in the name 
 of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw from 
 every brother that walketh disorderly, and not 
 after the tradition which ye received of us. For 
 yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for 
 we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 
 neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; 
 but wrought with labour and travail night and 
 day, that we might not be chargeable to any of 
 you ; not because we have not power, but to make 
 ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For 
 even when we were with you, this we commanded 
 you, that if any would not work, neither should 
 he eat. For we hear that there are some which 
 walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but 
 are busybodies. Now them that are such we 
 command and exhort, by our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 that with quietness they work, and eat their own 
 bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well 
 doing. And if any man obey not our word by 
 this epistle, note that man, and have no company 
 with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count 
 him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a bro¬ 
 ther. Now the Lord of peace himself give you 
 
124 
 
 R OYAL ARCH 
 
 peace always by all means. The Lord be with 
 you all. 
 
 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, 
 which is the token in every epistle: so I write. 
 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be v T ith you 
 all. Amen.”—2 Thess. hi. 6—18. 
 
 SECTION SECOND. 
 
 We are here taught that honour and success are the 
 ultimate rewards of persevering industry and virtuous 
 
ROYAL ARCH 
 
 125 
 
 fidelity; while ingratitude and impiety are the prelude 
 to ruin and disgrace; this section is rich in its illustra¬ 
 tions of historical truth. 
 
 “ I will bring the blind by a way that they 
 knew not; I will lead them in paths that they 
 have not known; I will make darkness light 
 before them, and crooked things straight. These 
 things will I do unto them, and will not forsake 
 them.”— Isaiah xliii. 16. 
 
 For Prayer at the Exaltation of a Royal Arch Mason 
 see Part III. 
 
 11 * 
 
126 
 
 RO YAL ARCH. 
 
 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father- 
 in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock 
 to the back side of the desert, and came to the 
 mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel 
 of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire, 
 out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and 
 behold the bush burned with fire, and the bush 
 was not consumed. 
 
 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside 
 to see, God called to him out of the bush, and 
 said, Moses, Moses! And he said, here am I. 
 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy 
 shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon 
 thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, 
 I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, 
 the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And 
 Moses hid his face: for he was afraid to look 
 upon God.” Exodus iii. 1—16. 
 
 “Zedekiah was one-and-twenty years old, 
 when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven 
 years in Jerusalem. And he did that which 
 was evil in the sight of the Lord his God, and 
 humbled not himself before Jeremiah the pro¬ 
 phet, speaking from the mouth of the Lord. 
 And he also rebelled against king Nebuchad¬ 
 nezzar, and stiffened his neck, and hardened his 
 heart, from turning unto the Lord God of Israel. 
 Moreover, all the chief of the priests and the 
 
ROYAL ARCH. 
 
 127 
 
128 
 
 ROYAL ARCH. 
 
 people transgressed very much, after all the 
 abominations of the heathen, and polluted the 
 house of the Lord, which he had hallowed in 
 Jerusalem. And the Lord God of their fathers 
 sent to them by his messengers, because he had 
 compassion on his people, and on his dwelling 
 place. But they mocked the messengers of God, 
 and despised his word, and misused his prophets, 
 until the wrath of the Lord arose against his 
 people, till there was no remedy. 
 
 Therefore he brought upon them the king of 
 the Chaldees, who slew their young men with 
 the sword, in the house of their sanctuary, and 
 had no compassion upon young men or maidens, 
 old men, or him that stooped for age; he gave 
 them all into his hand. And all the vessels of 
 the house of God, great and small, and the 
 treasures of the house of the Lord, and the 
 treasures of the king, and his princes: all these 
 he brought to Babylon. 
 
 And they burnt the house of God, and brake 
 down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the 
 palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the 
 goodly vessels thereof. And them that had 
 escaped from the sword, carried he away to 
 Babylon;—where they were servants to him 
 and his sons, until the reign of the kingdom of 
 Persia.” 2 Chron. xxxvi. 11—20. 
 
130 
 
 ROYAL ARCH. 
 
 “Now, in the first year of Cyrus, King of Per¬ 
 sia, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, King 
 of Persia, that he made a proclamation through¬ 
 out all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, 
 saying, Thus saith Cyrus, King of Persia, the 
 Lord God of Heaven, hath given me all the 
 kingdoms of the earth, and he hath charged me 
 to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in 
 Judah. Who is there among you of all his 
 people ? His God be with him, and let him go 
 up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build 
 the house of the Lord God of Israel, which is in 
 Jerusalem.” —Ezra i. 1—3. 
 
 “And Moses said fin to God, Behold, when I 
 come unto the children of Israel, and shall say 
 unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent 
 me unto you; and they shall say to me, What 
 is his name ? what shall I say unto them ? 
 
 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I 
 AM : And thus thou shalt say unto the children 
 of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”— Exodus 
 iii. 13, 14. 
 
 “ Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; 
 give ear unto my voice. Let my prayer be set 
 forth before thee as incense, and the lifting up 
 of hands as the evening sacrifice. Set a watch, 
 0 Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my 
 
ROYAL ARCH. 
 
 131 
 
 lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to 
 practise wicked works with men that work ini¬ 
 quity. Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a 
 kindness; let him reprove me, it shall be an 
 excellent oil. Mine eyes are unto thee, 0 God, 
 the Lord; in thee is my trust; leave not my 
 soul destitute. Keep me from the snares which 
 they have laid for me, and the gins of the 
 workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall into 
 their own nets, while that I withal escape.” 
 Psalm cxli. 
 
 “ I cried unto the Lord with my voice : with 
 my voice unto the Lord did I make my suppli¬ 
 cation. I poured out my complaint before him: 
 I showed before him my trouble. When my 
 spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou 
 knewest my path: in the way wherein I walked, 
 have they privily laid a snare for me. I looked 
 on my right hand and beheld, but there was no 
 man that would know me: refuge failed me: no 
 man cared for my soul. I cried unto thee, 0 
 Lord: I said, Thou art my refuge, and my por¬ 
 tion in the land of the living. Attend unto my 
 cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me 
 from my persecutors; for they are stronger than 
 I. Bring my soul out of darkness, that I may 
 praise thy name.”— Psalm cxlii. 
 
132 
 
 ROYAL ARCH. 
 
 “ Hear my prayer, 0 Lord; give ear to my sup¬ 
 plication. In thy faithfulness answer me, and 
 in thy righteousness. And enter not into judg¬ 
 ment with thy servant; -for in thy sight shall 
 no man living be justified. For the enemy hath 
 persecuted my soul; he hath made me to dwell 
 in darkness. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed 
 within me; my heart within me is desolate. 
 Hear me speedily, 0 Lord; my spirit faileth; 
 hide not thy face from me, lest I be like them 
 that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear 
 thy loving kindness in the morning; for in thee 
 do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein 
 I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. 
 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God : 
 bring my soul out of trouble, and of thy mercy 
 cut off mine enemies, for I am thy servant.” 
 Psalm cxliii. 
 
 “And Moses answered and said, But behold, 
 they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my 
 voice; for they will say, The Lord hath not ap¬ 
 peared unto thee. And the Lord said unto him, 
 What is that in thine hand ? And he said, a rod. 
 And he said, Cast it on the ground; and he cast 
 it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and 
 Moses fled from before it. And the Lord said 
 unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by 
 the tail. And he put forth his hand and caught 
 it, and it became a rod in his hand. That they 
 
ROYAL ARCH. 
 
 133 
 
 may believe that the Lord God of your fathers, 
 the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the 
 God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee. 
 
 And the Lord said furthermore unto him, Put 
 now thine hand into thy bosom; and he put his 
 hand into his bosom; and when he took it out, 
 behold his hand was leprous as snow. And he 
 said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again; and 
 he put his hand into his bosom again; and he 
 plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was 
 turned again as his other flesh. And it shall 
 come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither 
 hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they 
 will believe the voice of the latter sign. 
 
 And it shall come to pass, if they will not 
 believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto 
 thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the 
 river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the 
 water which thou takest out of the river, shall 
 become blood upon the dry land.”— Exodus iv. 
 1 — 10 . 
 
 The following passages of Scripture are read by the 
 High Priest 
 
 “ Speak now to Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, 
 governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the son of Josedec, 
 the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, 
 Who is left among you, that saw this house in her first 
 glory ? and how do you see it now ? is it not, in your 
 12 
 
134 
 
 ROYAL ARCH. 
 
 eyes, in comparison of it, as nothing? Yet now be 
 strong, 0 Zerubbabel; and be strong, 0 Joshua, son 
 of Josedec, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people 
 of the land, saith the Lord, and work: for I am with 
 • you, saith the Lord of Hosts.” 
 
 u In that day, will I take thee, 0 Zerubbabel, my 
 servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the Lord, and will 
 make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee.” 
 Haggai ii. 2—4, 23. 
 
 “ The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of 
 this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou 
 shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto 
 you. For who hath despised the day of small things ? 
 for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the 
 hand of Zerubbabel, with those seven.”— Zechakiah 
 iv. 9, 10. 
 
 u In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David 
 that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof, and I 
 will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in days 
 of old.”— Amos ix. 11. 
 
 “ In that day will I raise the tabernacle of David that 
 is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof, and I will 
 raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of 
 old.”— Amos ix. 11. 
 
 “ And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end 
 of writing the words of this law in a book, until they 
 were finished, that Moses commanded the Levites which 
 bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, saying, Take 
 this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark 
 
ROYAL ARCH. 
 
 135 
 
 of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may he 
 there for a witness against thee.”— Deut. xxxi. 24-26. 
 
 “ And thou shalt put the mercy seat above, upon the 
 ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I 
 shall give thee.”— Exodus xx. 21. 
 
 “ And Moses said, This is the thing which the Lord 
 commandeth, Fill an omer of the manna, to be kept for 
 your generations; that they may see the bread where¬ 
 with I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought 
 you forth from the land of Egypt. And Moses said 
 unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna 
 therein, and lay it up before the Lord, to be kept for 
 your generations. As the Lord commanded Moses, so 
 Aaron laid it up before the testimony to be kept.”— 
 Exodus xvi. 32-34. 
 
 “ And the Lord said unto Moses, Bring Aaron’s rod 
 again before the testimony, to be kept for a token.”— 
 Numbers xvii. 10. 
 
 “ For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein 
 was the candlestick, and the table, and the shew-bread, 
 which is called the sanctuary. And after the vails, the 
 tabernacle, which is called the Holiest of all; which had 
 the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant, overlaid 
 round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that 
 had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables 
 of the covenant; and over it the cherubims of glory, 
 shadowing the mercy seat, of which we cannot now 
 speak particularly.”— Hebrews ix. 2-5. 
 
 “ And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I 
 am the Lord: and I appeared unto Abraham, unto 
 
136 
 
 ROYAL ARCH. 
 
 Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty; 
 but by my name JEHOYAH was I not known to them.” 
 Exodus vi. 2, 3. 
 
 The High Priest then recites the following passage, 
 previous to investing the candidate with an important 
 secret of the degree: 
 
 “In the beginning was the Word: and the Word was 
 with God, and the Word was God. The same was in 
 the beginning with God. All things were made by him: 
 and without him was not anything made that w T as made. 
 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And 
 the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness compre- 
 hendeth it not.”— John i. 1-5. 
 
 KING SOLOMON’S TEMPLE. 
 
 All the most valued associations of ancient craft 
 Masonry are connected with the Temple of King 
 Solomon. It was upon the occasion of the erection of 
 that magnificent and costly edifice that our ancient 
 operative brethren were organized with such admirable 
 method and wisdom, that although more than one hun¬ 
 dred thousand workmen were employed therein during 
 seven years, yet there was neither disorder, confusion, 
 nor delay in their operations. Many interesting events 
 have been associated with 
 
 ITS SITE. 
 
 The Temple was built on one of the eminences of 
 Mount Moriah. 
 
 It was to that sacred spot that the steps of the 
 
ROYAL ARCH. 
 
 137 
 
 Patriarch Abraham, and of the unsuspecting Isaac 
 were directed by God, when he would put the strength 
 of his servant’s faith to the severest test, by requir¬ 
 ing of him the immolation of his only son upon the 
 altar, which was built on an elevated point of that holy 
 mountain. That spot was subsequently the scene of the 
 crucifixion of our blessed Lord. Time has changed the 
 features of the place, but time will never obliterate from 
 the mind of man the scenes which have transpired on 
 Calvary. 
 
 It was there that King David built an altar on the 
 threshing floor of Ornon the Jebusite, and stayed the 
 hand of the destroying angel, whose sword was bathed 
 in heaven for the destruction of the people. 
 
 The traditions of the craft also associate with that 
 spot tales of defection and treachery, whereby the 
 virtuous and the noble perished. 
 
 It was there that the followers of the false prophet 
 placed the Mosque of Omar which Daniel, the pro¬ 
 phet, calls “ the abomination that maketh desolate.” 
 The combined powers of Europe were not able to 
 remove that abomination; seeing that the Great Archi¬ 
 tect would reserve that sacred site for some future 
 glorious effort, when his own hand shall clear away the 
 Moslem rubbish; and craftsmen shall again be called 
 from the rising of the sun, even to the going down 
 thereof, to participate in the erection of another Temple 
 for the worship of the great King. 
 
 THE BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE 
 
 was commenced three years subsequent to the death of 
 King David, in the fourth year of the reign of Solomon, 
 12 * 
 
138 
 
 ROYAL ARCH. 
 
 and about three thousand years from the creation of 
 the world, and four hundred and eighty from the 
 Exode. The ground was broken, and the craft were 
 summoned to their work on the second day of the 
 second month of the Jewish year, which was called Zif, 
 and began at the next full moon after the Passover, 
 which is better known in Christian countries by the 
 name of Good Friday. 
 
 Nothing can impress upon the mind more forcibly 
 the excellence and beauty of system in the conduct of 
 all great undertakings, than the contemplation of this 
 remarkable structure. Its various parts were prepared 
 by different craftsmen who operated in distant places, 
 and under varied circumstances, and yet when the 
 stones, and brass, and gold, and silver, and beams of 
 cedar, were all gathered in from Mount Libanus, and 
 Gebal, and Zaredatha, they were found capable of 
 being put together without the sound of a hammer, and 
 as they thus rose in solemn silence, the mind of the 
 beholder was bewildered by the beauty and sublimity of 
 the vast design, as well as by the excellence of its exe¬ 
 cution. 
 
 This magnificent structure remained during more than 
 four centuries the beauty and glory of the earth. But 
 it was destined to outlive the gratitude and fealty of the 
 people whose prosperity, unity, and peace, it was de¬ 
 signed to promote. In the reign of Zedekiah, King 
 of Judah, who ruled over a small and ignoble remnant 
 of this once great and happy nation, Nebuchadnezzar, 
 King of Babylon, after having desolated the land of 
 Judea, and burnt and destroyed its villages, came to 
 Jerusalem and besieged and - sacked the city. The 
 
ROYAL ARCH. 
 
 130 
 
 Temple was utterly desolated; its sacred vessels of gold 
 and silver, and brass, with the two great brazen pillars 
 which stood before its gateway were carried to Babylon; 
 its citizens were slain until the streets ran with their 
 blood; and those who escaped the sword were doomed 
 to languish in a foreign land, and in a state of slavery 
 during seventy years, until they should be brought back 
 again by their sufferings to fealty to their God. 
 
 At the expiration of seventy years, and upon the 
 occasion of the accession of Cyrus, King of Persia, to 
 the throne of Chaldea by conquest, the Jews were per¬ 
 mitted to return to their own land, and were allowed to 
 engage in building 
 
 THE SECOND TEMPLE. 
 
 r _fhe motives which induced Cyrus to favour this great 
 and glorious enterprise seem to have been the result of 
 a conviction that the God of the Hebrews had raised him 
 up, and given him his kingdom, and prospered him in 
 the conquest of Chaldea in order that he might be made 
 the instrument of the return of the Jews to Jerusalem, 
 and of the rebuilding of the Temple. For while he was 
 yet without the walls of Babylon the prophecy of Isaiah 
 was shown to him, in which he had been called by name, 
 and all the great events of his life accurately described, 
 more than a century before he was born. This prophecy 
 advised him of the means by which he should be enabled 
 to enter Babylon, which had hitherto defied all his efforts, 
 until his army had begun to murmur at the prolongation 
 of the unprofitable siege. The prophet declared that by 
 diverting the Euphrates, which passed through the city, 
 from its course, and drying up its channel, the army of 
 
 
140 
 
 ROYAL ARCH. 
 
 Cyrus should be enabled to pass along the bed of the 
 river, and thence to enter the city through the twc 
 leaved or double gates of brass which protected the 
 thoroughfares connecting the two parts of the city. 
 During the bacchanalian feast of Belshazzar upon the 
 memorable night when he insulted the Majesty of hea¬ 
 ven by calling for the sacred vessels which had been 
 brought from the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar, his 
 drunken guards having left the gates which overlooked 
 the river unprotected, Cyrus, who had acted upon the 
 prophet’s hints, gained admission to the city, and became 
 possessed of the vast treasures which were there shut up 
 in the coffers of the state, and which Isaiah called the 
 “ treasures of darkness.” See Isaiah, ch. xlvi. from 
 v. 26 to v. 7 of ch. xlv. 
 
 The exact manner in which the Hebrew prophet had 
 foretold the fortunes of Cyrus, made a deep impression 
 upon his mind, and he determined not only to set the 
 captive Jews at liberty, but also to aid them in rebuild¬ 
 ing their city and the Temple of their God. 
 
 The building of the second Temple occupied forty-six 
 years, and was prosecuted amid every discouragement 
 and embarrassment which the ingenuity of enemies could 
 invent, or the treachery of false friends could oppose to 
 its progress. As the Ancient Master Mason met with 
 an irreparable loss during the period which was rendered 
 glorious by the building of the Temple of Solomon, so 
 did the Boyal Arch Mason realize inestimable advantage 
 from the reorganization of the craft at the foundation of 
 the second Temple. 
 
ROYAL ARCH. 
 
 141 
 
 CHARGE TO A NEWLY EXALTED COMPANION. 
 
 Worthy Companion —By the consent and assistance 
 of the members of this Chapter, you are now exalted to 
 the sublime and honourable degree of Boyal Arch Ma¬ 
 son. The rites and mysteries developed in this degree, 
 have been handed down through a chosen few, un¬ 
 changed by time, and uncontrolled by prejudice; and 
 we expect and trust, they will be regarded by you with 
 the same veneration, and transmitted with the same 
 scrupulous purity to your successors. 
 
 No one can reflect on the ceremonies of gaining 
 admission into this place, without being forcibly struck 
 with the important lessons which they teach. Here we 
 are necessarily led to contemplate with gratitude and 
 admiration, the sacred Source from w T hence all earthly 
 comforts flow. Here we find additional inducements to 
 continue steadfast and immoveable in the discharge of 
 our respective duties; and here we are bound by the 
 most solemn ties, to promote each other’s welfare, and 
 correct each other’s failings, by advice, admonition, and 
 reproof. As it is our earnest desire, and a duty we owe 
 to our companions of this order, that the admission of 
 every candidate into this chapter, should be attended by 
 the approbation of the most scrutinizing eye, we hope 
 always to possess the satisfaction of finding none among 
 us, but such as will promote, to the utmost of their 
 power, the great end of our institution. By paying due 
 attention to this determination, we expect you will 
 never recommend any candidate to this Chapter, whose 
 abilities, and knowledge of the preceding degrees, you 
 cannot freely vouch for, and whom you do not firmly 
 
142 
 
 ROYAL ARCH. 
 
 and confidently believe, will fully conform to the princi¬ 
 ples of our order, and fulfil the obligations of a Royal 
 Arch Mason. While such are our members, we may 
 expect to be united in one object, without lukewarm¬ 
 ness, inattention or neglect; zeal, fidelity and affection, 
 will be the distinguishing characteristics of our society, 
 and that satisfaction, harmony and peace may be en¬ 
 joyed at our meetings, which no other society can 
 afford. 
 
 [For Closing Prayer see Part III.] 
 
EIGHTH DEGREE IN MASONRY. 
 
 ROYAL MASTER. 
 
 “ I have a secret errand unto thee, O king! and he said, Keep 
 silence.”—J udges iii. 19 . 
 
 The degree of Royal Master is given to none but 
 Royal Arch Masons, and forms a prelude to the degree 
 of Select Master, with which it is intimately allied. It 
 is short, but contains valuable information, and qualifies 
 us to determine with accuracy the claims of others to a 
 participation in our privileges, and confirms our own. 
 
 The following Scriptures are suitable for its lessons: 
 
 “ And Solomon made all the vessels that pertained 
 unto the house of the Lord; the altar of gold, and the 
 table of gold, whereupon the shew-bread was; and the 
 candlesticks of pure gold; five on the right side, and 
 five on the left, before the oracle; with the flowers, and 
 the lamps, and the tongs of gold; and the bowls, and 
 the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the 
 censers, of pure gold; and the hinges of gold, both for 
 the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and 
 for the doors of the house, to wit, of the Temple. So 
 
 ( 143 ) 
 
144 
 
 royal master. 
 
 Hiram made an end of doing all the work, that he had 
 made King Solomon, for the house of the Lord,”.— 
 1 Kings vii. 48—50, and 40. 
 
 “ And behold I come quickly ; and my reward is with 
 me, to give every man according as his work shall he. 
 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the 
 first and the last. Blessed are they that do his com¬ 
 mandments, that they may have a right to the tree of 
 life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” 
 IIev. xxii. 12—14. 
 
 “And he set the cherubims within the inner house; 
 and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so 
 that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the 
 wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and 
 their wings touched one another in the midst of the 
 house.”—1 Kings vi. 27. 
 
 The Ark, called the glory of Israel, which was seated 
 in the middle of the holy place, under the wings of the 
 cherubim, was a small chest, or coffer, three feet nine 
 inches long, two feet three inches wide, and three feet 
 three inches high. It was made of wood, excepting only 
 the mercy seat, but overlaid with gold, both inside and 
 out. It had a ledge of gold surrounding it at the top, 
 into which the cover, called the mercy seat, was let in. 
 The mercy seat was of solid gold, the thickness of a 
 hand’s breadth: at the two ends of it were two cheru¬ 
 bims, looking inwards towards each other with their 
 wings expanded; which, embracing the whole circum¬ 
 ference of the mercy seat, met on each side, in the 
 
ROYAL MASTER. 
 
 145 
 
 middle; all of which, the Rabbins say, was made out of 
 the same mass, without any soldering of parts. 
 
 Here the Shekinah, or Divine presence, rested, and 
 was visible in the appearance of a cloud. From hence 
 the Bathkoll issued, and gave answers when God was 
 consulted. And hence it is that God is said, in the 
 Scriptures, to dwell between the cherubim; that is, be¬ 
 tween the cherubim on the mercy seat, because there 
 was the seat or throne of the visible appearance of his 
 glory among them. 
 
 
NINTH DEGREE IN MASONRY 
 
 SELECT MASTER. 
 
 “ And gave to every man his work, and commanded the porter to 
 watch.”— Mark xiii. 34. 
 
 “ ’Tis night, 
 
 E’en in the zenith of her dark domain. 
 
 Silence, how dread ! and darkness, how profound! 
 ’Tis as the general pulse of life stood still, 
 
 And Nature made a pause—an awful pause! 
 
 % * * * * % 
 Silence and darkness ! sister twins, 
 
 From ancient Night, who nurse the tender thought 
 To reason, and on reason build resolve, 
 
 That column of true majesty in man, 
 
 Assist me; I will thank you in the grave!” 
 
 Young. 
 
 We here reach the summit and perfection of ancient 
 Masonry. The Royal Arch Mason must possess the 
 knowledge here given, in order to the completion of his 
 traditionary lore. The history of those valuable de¬ 
 posits, which lay hidden during many ages, and wero 
 discovered by the Gibblemites, in the reign of Cyrus, is 
 here imparted; and the arcana of the ancient Royal 
 
 (147) 
 
SELECT MASTER. 
 
 149 
 
 Craftsmen, and their few, skilful, and select favourites 
 brought to light. Their inflexible justice is presented, 
 blended ’with clemency toward a Craftsman, whose zeal 
 in the pursuit of Masonic knowledge led him to disobe¬ 
 dience. 
 
 Psalm to be read on Opening. 
 
 “ His foundation is in the holy mountains. The Lord 
 loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of 
 Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee, 0 city of 
 God. Selah. I will make mention of Rahab and Baby¬ 
 lon, to them that know me. Behold Philistia and Tyre, 
 with Ethiopia; this man was born there. And of Zion 
 it shall be said, This and that man was born in her; 
 and the highest himself shall establish her. The Lord 
 shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man 
 was born there. Selah. As well the singers, as the 
 players on instruments, shall be there: all my springs 
 are in thee.”— Psalm lxxxvii. * 
 
 13 * 
 
150 
 
 SELECT MASTER. 
 
 The following passages of Scripture are introduced 
 and explained: 
 
 “So King Solomon was king over all Israel. Azariab, 
 the son of Nathan, was over the officers; and Zabud, 
 the son of Nathan, was principal officer, and the king’s 
 friend; and Abishar was over the household; and 
 Adoniram, the son of Abda, was over the tribute.” 
 1 Kings iv. 1, 5 and 6. 
 
 “ And the king commanded, and they brought great 
 stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the 
 foundation of the house. And Solomon’s builders and 
 Hiram’s builders did hew them, and the stone-squarers; 
 so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.” 
 1 Kings v. IT, 18. 
 
 “And King Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of 
 Tyre. He was a widow’s son, of the tribe of Naphtali; 
 and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker of brass; 
 and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and 
 cunning, to work all works in brass.”— 1 Kings vii. 
 13, 14, 
 
 “ The ancients of Gebal, and the wise men thereof, 
 were in thee, thy calkers; all the ships of the sea, with 
 their mariners, were in thee, to occupy thy merchandize.” 
 Ezekiel xxvii. 9. 
 
 “And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end 
 of writing the words of this law in a book, until they 
 were finishJtl, that Moses commanded the Levites, 
 
152 
 
 SELECT MASTER. 
 
 which bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord, saying, 
 Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the 
 ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may 
 be there for a witness against thee.’’— Deut. xxxi. 
 24—26. 
 
 “ And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an 
 omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the 
 Lord, to be kept for your generations. As the Lord 
 commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the testi¬ 
 mony to be kept.”— Exodus xvi. 33, 34. 
 
 “ And the Lord said unto Moses, Bring Aaron’s rod 
 again before the testimony, to be kept for a token.’’’ 
 Numbers xvii. 10. 
 
 “ And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the 
 congregation, to speak with him, then he heard the 
 voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat, 
 that was upon the ark of the testimony, from between 
 the two cherubims; and he spake unto him.”— Numbers 
 vii. 89. 
 
 “ And look that thou make them after their pattern, 
 which was shoived thee in the mount.”—E xodus xxv. 40. 
 
 CHARGE TO A SELECT MASTER. 
 
 Companion —Having attained to this degree, you 
 have passed the circle of perfection in ancient Masonry. 
 In the capacity of Select Master, you must be sensible 
 that your obligations are increased in proportion to 
 
SELECT MASTER. 
 
 153 
 
 your privileges. Let it be your constant care to prove 
 yourself worthy of the confidence reposed in you, and 
 of the high honour conferred on you, in admitting you 
 to this select degree. Let uprightness and integrity 
 attend your steps; let justice and mercy mark your 
 conduct; let fervency and zeal stimulate you in the 
 discharge of the various duties incumbent on you; but 
 suffer not an idle or impertinent curiosity to lead you 
 astray, or betray you into danger. Be deaf to every 
 insinuation which would have a tendency to weaken your 
 resolution, or tempt you to an act of disobedience. Be 
 voluntarily dumb and blind, when the exercise of those 
 faculties would endanger the peace of your mind or the 
 probity of your conduct; and let silence and secrecy, 
 those cardinal virtues of a Select Master, on all neces¬ 
 sary occasions, be scrupulously observed. By a steady 
 adherence to the important instructions contained in 
 this degree, you will merit the approbation of the select 
 number with whom you are associated, and will enjoy 
 the high satisfaction of having acted well your part in 
 the important enterprise in which you are engaged; and 
 after having wrought your regular hours, may you be 
 admitted to participate in all the privileges of a Select 
 Master. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 .. 
 
 . 
 
 
 - ' ' ••• 
 
 . - 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 l 
 
 <• 
 
 , ’ V ‘ '• 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ORDER OF HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 This order appertains to the office of High Priest of 
 a Royal Arch Chapter; and no one can be legally 
 entitled to receive it, until he has been duly elected to 
 preside as High Priest in a regular Chapter of Royal 
 Arch Masons. This order should not he conferred 
 when a less number than three duly qualified High 
 Priests are present. Whenever the ceremony is per¬ 
 formed in due and ample form, the assistance of at least 
 nine High Priests, who have received it, is requisite. 
 
 Though the High Priest of every regular Royal Arch 
 Chapter, having himself been duly qualified, can confer 
 the order, under the preceding limitation as to number; 
 yet it is desirable, when circumstances will permit, that 
 it should be conferred by the Grand High Priest of the 
 Grand Royal Arch Chapter, or such Present or Past 
 High Priest as he may designate for that purpose. A 
 convention, notified to meet at the time of any convoca¬ 
 tion of the Grand Chapter, will afford the best oppor¬ 
 tunity of conferring this important and exalted degree 
 of Masonry, with appropriate solemnity. Whenever it 
 is conferred, the following directions are to be observed. 
 
 A candidate desirous of receiving the order of High 
 Priesthood, makes a written request to his predecessor 
 in office, or when it can be done to the Grand High 
 
 (1551 
 
r 
 
 15(3 HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 Priest, respectfully requesting that a convention of 
 High Priests may he called, for the purpose of con¬ 
 ferring on him the order. When the convention meets, 
 and is duly organized, a certificate of the due election 
 of the candidate to the office of High Priest, must be 
 produced. This certificate is signed by his predecessor 
 in office, attested by the Secretary of the Chapter. On 
 examination of this certificate, the qualifications of the 
 candidate are ascertained. The solemn ceremonies of 
 conferring the order upon him then ensue. When 
 ended, the presiding officer directs the Secretary of the 
 convention to make a record of the proceedings, and 
 return it to the Secretary of the Grand Chapter, to be 
 by him laid before the Grand High Priest, for the 
 information of all whom it may concern. The conven¬ 
 tion of High Priests is then dissolved in due form. 
 
 It is the duty of every companion, as soon after his 
 election to the office of High Priest as is consistent with 
 his personal convenience, to apply for admission to the 
 order of High Priesthood, that he may be fully qualified 
 properly to govern his Chapter. 
 
 The following passages of Scripture are made use of 
 during the ceremonies appertaining to this order. 
 
 “ And they took Lot, Abraham’s brother’s son, (who 
 dwelt in Sodom,) and his goods, and departed. And 
 there came one that had escaped, and told Abram, the 
 Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre, the Amo- 
 rite, brother of Eschol, and brother of Aner; and these 
 were confederate with Abram. And when Abram heard 
 that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained 
 servants, born in his own house, three hundred and 
 
HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 157 
 
 eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. And he divided 
 himself against them, he and his servants, by night and 
 smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on 
 the left hand of Damascus. And he brought back all 
 the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and 
 his goods, and the women also, and the people. And the 
 king of Sodom went out to meet him, (after his return 
 from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings 
 that were with him,) at the valley of Shevah, which is 
 the king’s dale. And Melchisedek, king of Salem, 
 brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of 
 the Most High God. And he blessed him, and said, 
 Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, who hath 
 delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave 
 him tithes of all. And the king of Sodom said to 
 Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to 
 thyself. And Abraham said to the. king of Sodom, I 
 have lifted up mine hand to the Lord, the Most High 
 God, the possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not 
 take from a thread even to a shoe-latchet; and that 1 
 will not take anything that is thine, lest thou shouldst 
 say, I have made Abram rich : save only that which the 
 young men have eaten, and the portion of the men 
 which went with me, Aner, Eschol and Mamre, let them 
 take their portion.”— Genesis xiv. 12—24. 
 
 “For this Melchisedek, king of Salem, priest of the 
 Most High God, (who met Abram returning from the 
 slaughter of the kings, and blessed him ; to whom also 
 Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being, by in¬ 
 terpretation, King of Righteousness, and after that also, 
 King of Salem, which is, King of Peace: without 
 father, without mother, without descent; having neither 
 14 
 
158 
 
 HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto 
 the Son of God,) abideth a priest continually. Now 
 consider how great this man was, unto whom even the ' 
 patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. And 
 verily, they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive 
 the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to 
 take tithes of the people, according to the law, that is, 
 of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of 
 Abraham. 
 
 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever, after the 
 order of Melchisedek. 
 
 And inasmuch as not without an oath, he was made 
 priest. 
 
 For those priests (under the Levitical law) were made 
 without an oath; but this with an oath, by him that said 
 unto him, The Lord sware, and will not repent, Thou 
 art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedek.”— 
 Hebrews vii. 1—6. 
 
 “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak 
 unto Aaron, and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye 
 shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, 
 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his 
 face to shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee; the 
 Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee 
 peace.” 
 
HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 159 
 
 Ceremonies and Charges upon the Installation of 
 the Officers of a Royal Arch Chapter. 
 
 1. The Grand Officers will meet at a convenient place 
 and open. 
 
 2. The subordinate Chapter will meet in the outer 
 courts of their Hall, and form an avenue for the recep¬ 
 tion of the Grand Officers. 
 
 3. When formed, they will dispatch a committee to 
 the place where the Grand Officers are assembled, to 
 inform the Grand Marshal that the Chapter is prepared 
 to receive them. The Grand Marshal will announce the 
 committee, and introduce them to the Grand Officers. 
 
 4. The Grand Officers will move in procession, con¬ 
 ducted by the committee, to the Hall of the Chapter, in 
 the following order: 
 
 Grand Tyler; 
 
 Two Grand Stewards; 
 
 Representatives of subordinate Chapters, according to 
 seniority, by threes triangular; 
 
 Three Great Lights; 
 
 Orator, Chaplain, and other Clergy; 
 
 Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Royal 
 
 Arch Captain; 
 
 Grand P. Sojourner, Grand Captain of the Host, and 
 Deputy Grand High Priest; 
 
 Grand Scribe, Grand King, and Grand High Priest; 
 (Grand Marshal on the left of the Procession.) 
 
160 
 
 HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 When the Grand High Priest enters, the grand 
 honours are given. 
 
 5. The Grand Secretary will then call over the names 
 of the officers elect, and the Grand High Priest will ask 
 whether they accept their respective offices. If they 
 answer in the affirmative, he then asks the members 
 whether they remain satisfied with their choice. If they 
 answer in the affirmative, he directs their officers to ap¬ 
 proach the sacred volume, and become qualified for In¬ 
 stallation, agreeably to the fourth section of the fourth 
 article of the General Grand Royal Arch Constitution. 
 
 6. The Grand Marshal will then form the whole in 
 procession, and they will march through the veils into 
 the inner apartment, where they will surround the altar, 
 which is previously prepared in ample form for the 
 occasion. • 
 
 T. All present will kneel, and the following prayer 
 will be recited. 
 
 PRAYER. 
 
 “ Almighty and Supreme High Priest of Heaven and 
 Earth! Who is there in heaven but thee! and who 
 upon earth can stand in competition with thee! Thy 
 OMNISCIENT Mind brings all things in review, past, 
 present, and to come; thine OMNIPOTENT Arm 
 directs the movements of the vast creation; thine 
 OMNIPRESENT Eye pervades the secret recesses of 
 every heart; thy boundless beneficence supplies us with 
 every comfort and enjoyment; and thine unspeakable 
 perfections and glory surpass the understanding of the 
 children of men! Our Father, who art in heaven, wc 
 invoke thy benediction upon the purposes of our present 
 
HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 161 
 
 assembly. Let this Chapter be established to thine 
 honour; let its officers be endowed with wisdom to dis¬ 
 cern, and fidelity to pursue, its true interests; let its 
 members be ever mindful of the duty they owe to their 
 God, the obedience they owe to their superiors, the love 
 they owe to their equals, and the good will they owe to 
 all mankind. Let this Chapter be consecrated to thy 
 glory, and its members ever exemplify their love to God 
 by their beneficence to man. 
 
 “ Glory be to God on high.” 
 
 [Response.] 
 
 “ Amen ! So mote it be.” 
 
 They are then qualified in due form. 
 
 All the Companions, except High Priests and Past 
 High Priests, are then desired to withdraw, while the 
 new High Priest is solemnly bound to the performance 
 of his duties; and after the performance of other neces¬ 
 sary ceremonies, not proper to be written, they are per¬ 
 mitted to return. 
 
 8. The whole then repair to their appropriate stations, 
 when the Grand Marshal will form a general procession 
 in the following order : 
 
 Three Royal Arch Stewards, with Rods; 
 
 Tyler of a Blue Lodge; 
 
 Entered Apprentices; 
 
 Fellow Crafts; 
 
 Master Masons; 
 
 14 * 
 
HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 Stewards of Lodges, having Jewels; 
 
 Deacons having Jewels; 
 
 Secretaries having Jewels; 
 
 Treasurers having Jewels; 
 
 Wardens having Jewels; 
 
 Mark Master Masons; 
 
 M. E. Masters; 
 
 Royal Arch Masons by three; 
 
 Royal Masters by three ; 
 
 Select Masters by three; 
 
 Orders of Knighthood; 
 
 Tyler of the new Chapter; 
 
 Members of the new Chapter, by three; 
 
 Three Masters of Veils ; 
 
 Secretary, Treasurer, R. A. Captain, and 
 P. Sojourner carrying the Ark; 
 
 L Companion carrying the Pot of Incense; 
 
 Two Companions carrying Lights; 
 
 Scribe, High Priest and King; 
 
 Grand Chapter, as before prescribed. 
 
 On arriving at the church, or house where the services 
 are to be performed, they halt, open to the right and 
 left, and face inward, while the Grand Officers and 
 others in succession, pass through and enter the house. 
 
 9. The officers and members of the new Chapter, and 
 also of the Grand Chapter, being seated, the Grand 
 Marshal proclaims silence, and the ceremonies com¬ 
 mence. 
 
 10. An Anthem or Ode is to be performed. 
 
 11. An Oration or Address is to be delivered. 
 
 12. An Ode or piece of Music. 
 
 162 
 
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 O 
 
 W 
 
 o 
 
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 «4H 
 
 O 
 
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 o3 
 
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HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 163 
 
 * [13. The Deputy Grand High Priest then rises and 
 informs the Grand High Priest, that “ a number of Com¬ 
 panions, duly instructed in the sublime mysteries, being 
 desirous of promoting the honour, and propagating the 
 principles of the Art, have applied to the Grand Chapter 
 for a warrant to constitute a new Chapter of Royal 
 Arch Masons, which having been obtained, they are now 
 assembled for the purpose of being constituted, and 
 having their officers installed in due and ancient form.] 
 
 [14. The Grand Marshal will then form the officers 
 and members of the new Chapter in front of the Grand 
 Officers; after which, the Grand High Priest directs the 
 Grand Secretary to read the warrant.] 
 
 [15. The Grand High Priest then rises and says, “ By 
 virtue of the high powers in me vested, I do form you, 
 my respected Companions, into a regular Chapter of 
 Royal Arch Masons. From henceforth you are author¬ 
 ized and empowered to open and hold a Lodge of Mark 
 Masters, Past Masters, and Most Excellent Masters, and 
 a Chapter of'Royal Arch Masons; and to do and per¬ 
 form all such things as thereunto may appertain; con¬ 
 forming in all your doings, to the General Grand Royal 
 Arch Constitution, and the general regulations of the 
 State Grand Chapter. And may the God of your 
 fathers be with you, guide and direct you in all your 
 doings.”] 
 
 16. The furniture, clothing, jewels, implements, uten¬ 
 sils, &c., belonging to the Chapter, (having been previ- 
 
 * Note. The paragraphs enclosed with brackets, apply exclu¬ 
 sively to cases where new Chapters are constituted, and their offi¬ 
 cers installed for the first time. The rest apply equally to such 
 cases, and to annual Installations. 
 
164 
 
 HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 ously placed in the centre, in front of the Grand Offi¬ 
 cers, covered,) are now uncovered, and the new Chapter 
 is dedicated in due and ancient form. 
 
 17. The Dedication then follows, the Grand Chaplain 
 saying: 
 
 “ To our Most Excellent Patron, ZERUBBABEL, 
 we solemnly dedicate this Chapter. May the blessing 
 of our Heavenly High Priest descend and rest upon its 
 members, and may their felicity be immortal. 
 
 “ Glory be to God on high.” 
 
 [Response by the Companions.] 
 
 “ As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall 
 be, world without end ! Amen. 
 
 “ So mote it be.” 
 
 18. The Grand Marshal then says, “ I am directed 
 to proclaim, and I do hereby proclaim this Chapter, by 
 
 the name of-Chapter, duly consecrated, constituted 
 
 and dedicated. This,” &c. &c. 
 
 19. An Ode. 
 
 20. The Deputy Grand High Priest will then present 
 the first officer of the new Chapter to the Grand High 
 Priest, saying, 
 
 Most Excellent Grand High Priest, 
 
 I present you my worthy Companion-, 
 
 nominated in the warrant, to be installed High Priest 
 of this [new] Chapter. I find him to be skilful in the 
 Royal Art, and attentive to the moral precepts of our 
 
HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 165 
 
 forefathers, and have therefore no doubt but he will 
 discharge the duties of his office with fidelity. 
 
 The Grand High Priest then addresses him as follows: 
 
 Most Excellent,— 
 
 I feel much satisfaction in performing my duty on 
 the present occasion, by installing you into the office of 
 High Priest of this [new] Chapter. It is an office 
 highly honourable to all those who diligently perform 
 the important duties annexed to it. Your reputed 
 Masonic knowledge, however, precludes the necessity of 
 a particular enumeration of those duties. I shall there¬ 
 fore only observe, that by a frequent recurrence to the 
 constitution, and general regulations, and constant prac¬ 
 tice of the several sublime lectures and charges, you 
 will be best able to fulfil them; and I am confident that 
 the Companions who are chosen to preside with you, 
 will give strength to your endeavours, and support your 
 exertions. I shall now propose certain questions to 
 you, relative to the duties of your office, and to which I 
 must request your unequivocal answer. 
 
 1. Do you solemnly promise that you will redouble 
 your endeavours to correct the vices, purify the morals, 
 and promote the happiness of those of your Companions, 
 who have attained this sublime degree ? 
 
 2. That you will never suffer your Chapter to b<? 
 opened, unless there be present nine regular .Royal 
 Arch Masons ? 
 
 3. That you will never suffer either more or less than 
 three brethren to be exalted in your Chapter at one and 
 the same time ? 
 
1G6 
 
 HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 4. That you will not exalt any one to this degree, 
 who has not shown a charitable and humane disposition; 
 or who has not made a considerable proficiency in the 
 foregoing degrees ? 
 
 5. That you will promote the general good of our 
 order, and on all proper occasions, be ready to give and 
 receive instructions, and particularly from the General 
 and State Grand Officers ? 
 
 6. That, to the utmost of your power, you will pre¬ 
 serve the solemnities of our ceremonies, and behave, in 
 open Chapter, with the most profound respect and 
 reverence, as an example to your Companions ? 
 
 7. That you will not acknowledge or have intercourse 
 with any Chapter that does not work under a constitu¬ 
 tional warrant or dispensation ? 
 
 8. That you will not admit any visitor into your 
 Chapter, who has not been exalted in a Chapter legally 
 constituted, without his being first formally healed ? 
 
 9. That you will observe and support such by-laws 
 as may be made by your Chapter, in conformity to the 
 General Grand Royal Arch Constitution, and the 
 general regulations of the Grand Chapter ? 
 
 10. That you will pay respect and due obedience to 
 the instructions of the General and State Grand Officers, 
 particularly relating to the several Lectures and Charges, 
 and will resign the chair to them, severally, when they 
 may visit your Chapter ? 
 
 11. That you will support and observe the General 
 Grand Royal Arch Constitution, and the General Regu¬ 
 lations of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter, under whose 
 authority you act ? 
 
HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 1G7 
 
 Do you submit to all these things, and do you pro¬ 
 mise to observe and practice them faithfully ? 
 
 These questions being answered in the affirmative, 
 the Companions all kneel in due form, and the Grand 
 High Priest or Grand Chaplain repeats the following, 
 or some other suitable prayer. 
 
 “ Most holy and glorious Lord God, the Great High 
 Priest of Heaven and Earth, 
 
 u We approach thee with reverence, and implore thy 
 blessing on the Companion appointed to preside over 
 this new assembly, and now prostrate before thee;—fill 
 his heart with thy fear, that his tongue and actions may 
 pronounce thy glory. Make him steadfast in thy 
 service; grant him firmness of mind; animate his 
 heart, and strengthen his endeavours; may he teach 
 thy judgments and thy laws; and may the incense he 
 shall put before thee, upon thine altar, prove an ac¬ 
 ceptable sacrifice unto thee. Bless him, 0 Lord, and 
 bless the work of his hands. Accept us in mercy; hear 
 thou from Heaven thy dwelling-place, and forgive our 
 transgressions. 
 
 “ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the 
 Holy Ghost;” “ as it was in the beginning, is now and 
 ever shall be, world without end.” 
 
 [Response.] 
 
 66 So mote it be.” 
 
 21. The Grand High Priest will then cause the High 
 Priest elect to be invested with his clothing, badges, &c.; 
 after which he will address him as follows, viz. 
 
168 
 
 HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 Most Excellent,— 
 
 In consequence of your cheerful acquiescence with 
 the charges, which you have heard recited, you are 
 qualified for installation as the High Priest of this 
 Royal Arch Chapter; and it is incumbent upon me, on 
 this occasion, to point out some of the particulars apper 
 taining to your office, duty and dignity. 
 
 All legally constituted bodies of Royal Arch Masons, 
 are called Chapters ; as regular bodies of Masons of the 
 preceding degrees, are called Lodges. Every Chapter 
 ought to assemble for work, at least once in three 
 months: and must consist of a High Priest, King, 
 Scribe, Captain of the Host, Principal Sojourner, 
 Royal Arch Captain, three Grand Masters of the Veils, 
 Treasurer, Secretary, and as many members as may be 
 found convenient for working to advantage. 
 
 The officers of the Chapter officiate in the Lodges, 
 holden for conferring the preparatory degrees, according 
 to rank, as follows: viz. 
 
 The High Priest, as Master. 
 
 The King, as Senior Warden. 
 
 The Scribe, as Junior Warden. 
 
 The Captain of the Host, as Marshal or Master of 
 Ceremonies. 
 
 The principal Sojourner, as Senior Deacon. 
 
 The Royal Arch Captain, as Junior Deacon. 
 
 The Master of the first Veil, as Junior Overseer. 
 
 The Master of the second Veil, as Senior Overseer. 
 
 The Master of the third Veil, as Master Overseer. 
 
 The Treasurer, Secretary, Chaplain, Stewards, and 
 Tyler, as officers of corresponding rank. 
 
HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 169 
 
 The High Priest of every Chapter has it in special 
 charge, to see that the by-laws of his Chapter, as well 
 as the General Grand Royal Arch Constitution, and all 
 the regulations of the Grand Chapter, are duly observed: 
 that all the officers of his Chapter perform the duties 
 of their respective offices faithfully, and are examples 
 of diligence and industry to their companions;—that 
 true and accurate records of all the proceedings of the 
 Chapter are kept by the Secretary;—that the Treasurer 
 keeps and renders exact and just accounts of all the 
 moneys and other property belonging to the Chapter;— 
 that the regular returns be made annually to the Grand 
 Chapter;—and that the annual dues to the Grand 
 Chapter be regularly and punctually paid. He has 
 the right and authority of calling his Chapter together 
 at pleasure, upon any emergency or occurrence, wdiicli 
 in his judgment may require their meeting. It is his 
 privilege and duty, together with the king and scribe? 
 to attend the meetings of the Grand Chapter, either in 
 person or by proxy; and the well-being of the institu¬ 
 tion requires that his duty should on no occasion be 
 omitted. 
 
 The office of High Priest is a station highly honour¬ 
 able to all those who diligently perform the important 
 duties annexed to it. By a frequent recurrence to the 
 constitution and general regulations, and a constant 
 practice of the several sublime lectures and charges, you 
 will be best enabled to fulfil those duties; and I am 
 confident that the companions, who are chosen to pre¬ 
 side with you, will give strength to your endeavours, 
 and support to your exertions. 
 
 Let the Mitre with which you are invested, remind 
 15 
 
170 
 
 HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 yo.u of the dignity of the office yon sustain, and its 
 inscription impress upon your mind a sense of your 
 dependence upon God;—that perfection is not given 
 unto man upon earth, and that perfect holiness be- 
 longeth alone unto the Lord. 
 
 The Breastplate, with which you are decorated, in 
 imitation of that upon which were engraven the names 
 of the twelve tribes, and worn by the High Priest of 
 Israel, is to teach you that you are always to bear in 
 mind your responsibility to the laws and ordinances of 
 the institution, and that the honour and interests of 
 your Chapter and its members, should be always near 
 your heart. 
 
 The various colours of the Robes you wear, are 
 emblematical of every grace and virtue which can adorn 
 and beautify the human mind; each of which will be 
 briefly illustrated in the course of the charges to be 
 delivered to your subordinate officers. 
 
 You will now take charge of your officers, standing 
 upon their right, and present them severally in succes¬ 
 sion to the Deputy Grand High Priest, by whom they 
 will be presented to me for installation. 
 
 22. The High Priest of the Chapter will then pre¬ 
 sent his-second officer to the Deputy Grand High Priest, 
 who will present him to the Grand High Priest in the 
 words of the Constitution. The Grand High Priest 
 will then ask him whether he has attended to the an¬ 
 cient charges and regulations before recited to his 
 superior officer: if he answers in the affirmative, he is 
 asked whether he fully and freely assents to the same: 
 if he answers in the affirmative, the Grand High Priest 
 
HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 171 
 
 directs liis Deputy to invest him with his clothing, &c. 
 and then addresses him as follows, viz. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE SECOND OFFICER, OR KING. 
 
 Excellent Companion —The important station to 
 which you are elected in this Chapter, requires from 
 you exemplary conduct: its duties demand your most 
 assiduous attention; you are to second and support 
 your chief in all the requirements of his office; and 
 should casualities at any time prevent his attendance, 
 you are to succeed him in the performance of his duties. 
 
 Your badge (the Level surmounted by a crown) should 
 remind you, that although you are the representative 
 of a King, and exalted by office above your Companions, 
 yet that you remain upon a level with them, as respects 
 your duty to God, to your neighbour, and to yourself; 
 that you are equally bound with them, to be obedient to 
 the laws and ordinances of the institution, to be charit¬ 
 able, humane and just, and to seek every occasion of 
 doing good. 
 
 Your office teaches a striking lesson' of humility. 
 The institutions of political society teach us to consider 
 the king as the chief of created beings, and that the 
 first duty of his subjects is to obey his mandates,—but 
 the institutions of our sublime degrees, by placing the 
 King in a situation subordinate to the High Priest, 
 teach us that our duty to God is paramount to all 
 other duties, and should ever claim the priority of our 
 obedience to man; and that however strongly we may 
 be bound to obey the laws of civil society, yet those 
 
172 HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 laws, to be just, should never intermeddle with matters 
 of conscience, nor dictate articles of faith. 
 
 The Scarlet Robe, an emblem of imperial dignity, 
 should remind you of the paternal concern you should 
 ever feel for the welfare of your Chapter, and the 
 fervency and zeal with which you should endeavour to 
 promote its prosperity. 
 
 In presenting to you the Crown, which is an emblem 
 of royalty, I would remind you, that to reign sovereign 
 in the hearts and affections of men, must be far more 
 grateful to a generous and benevolent mind, than to 
 rule over their lives and fortunes; and that to enable 
 you to enjoy this pre-eminence with honour and satisfac¬ 
 tion, you must subject your own passions and prejudices 
 to the dominion of reason and charity. 
 
 You are entitled to the second seat in the council of 
 your Companions. Let the bright example of your 
 illustrious predecessor in the Grand Council at Jeru¬ 
 salem, stimulate you to the faithful discharge of your 
 duties; and when the King of kings shall summon you 
 into his immediate presence, from his hand may you 
 receive a crown of glory, which shall never fade away. 
 
 23. The King will then retire to the line of officers, 
 and the Scribe will be presented in the manner before 
 mentioned. After his investiture, the Grand High 
 Priest will address him as follows, viz. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE THIRD OFFICER, OR SCRIBE. 
 
 Excellent Companion —The office of Scribe, to 
 which you are elected, is very important and respect¬ 
 able. In the absence of your superior officers, you arc 
 bound to succeed them, and to perform their duties. 
 
HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 17a 
 
 The purposes of the institution ought never to suffer for 
 want of intelligence in its proper officers; you will 
 therefore perceive the necessity there is of your possess¬ 
 ing such qualifications as will enable you to accomplish 
 those duties which are incumbent upon you, in your 
 appropriate station, as well as those which may occa¬ 
 sionally devolve on you, by the absence of your supe¬ 
 riors. 
 
 The Purple Robe, with which you are invested, is an 
 emblem of union, and is calculated to remind you that 
 the harmony and unanimity of the Chapter should be 
 your constant aim; and to this end you are studiously 
 to avoid all occasions of giving offence, or countenancing 
 anything that may create divisions or dissensions. You 
 are, by all means in your power, to endeavour to estab¬ 
 lish a permanent union and good understanding among 
 all orders and degrees of Masonry; and, as the glorious 
 sun, at its meridian height, dispels the mist and clouds 
 which obscure the horizon, so may your exertions tend 
 to dissipate the gloom of jealousy and discord, whenever 
 they may appear. 
 
 Your badge (a Plumb-rule surmounted by the Turban,) 
 is an emblem of rectitude and vigilance; and while you 
 stand as a watchman upon the tower, to guard your. 
 Companions against the approach of those enemies of 
 human felicity, intemperance and excess, let this faith¬ 
 ful monitor ever remind you to walk uprightly in your 
 station; admonishing and animating your Companions 
 to fidelity'' and industry while at labour,, and to temper¬ 
 ance and moderation while at refreshment. And, when 
 the Great Watchman of Israel, whose eye never slumbers 
 nor sleeps, shall relieve you from your post on earth, 
 15 * 
 
174 
 
 HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 may he permit you in heaven to participate in that food 
 and refreshment which is 
 
 “Such as the saints in glory love, 
 
 And such as angels eat.” 
 
 24. The Scribe will then retire to the line of officers, 
 and the next officer be presented as before. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE FOURTH OFFICER, OR CAPTAIN OF THE 
 
 HOST. 
 
 Companion —The office with wdiich you are entrusted 
 is of high importance, and demands your most zealous 
 consideration. The preservation of the most essential 
 traits of our ancient customs, usages, and landmarks, 
 are within your province; and it is indispensably neces¬ 
 sary, that the part assigned to you, in the immediate 
 practice of our rites and ceremonies, should be perfectly 
 understood and correctly administered. 
 
 Your office corresponds with that of Marshal, or 
 Master of Ceremonies. You are to superintend all 
 processions of your Chapter, when moving as a distinct 
 body, either in public or private; and as the world can 
 only judge of our private discipline by our public de¬ 
 portment, you will be careful that the utmost order and 
 decorum be observed on all such occasions. You will 
 ever be attentive to the commands of your chief, and 
 always near at hand to see them duly executed. I 
 invest you with the badge of your office, and presume 
 that you will give to your duties all that study and 
 attention which their importance demands. 
 
 25. lie will then retire to the line of officers, and the 
 next officer will be presented. 
 
HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 17 ‘) 
 
 CHARGE TO THE FIFTH OFFICER, OR PRINCIPAL SOJOURNER. 
 
 Companion —The office confided to you, though sub¬ 
 ordinate in degree, is equal in importance to any in the 
 Chapter, that of your chief alone excepted. Your office 
 corresponds with that of Senior Deacon, in the prepara¬ 
 tory degrees. Among the duties required of you, the 
 preparation and introduction of candidates are not the 
 least. As in our intercourse with the world, experience 
 teaches that first impressions are often the most durable, 
 and the most difficult to eradicate; so it is of great 
 importance, in all cases, that those impressions should 
 be correct and just: hence it is essential that the officer, 
 who brings the blind by a way that they knew not, and 
 leads them in paths that they have not known, should 
 
 always be well qualified to make darkness light before 
 
 * • 
 
 them, and crooked things straight. ~ 
 
 Your Robe of Office is an emblem of humility; and 
 teaches that in the prosecution of a laudable undertaking 
 we should never decline taking any part that may be 
 assigned us, although it may be the most difficult or 
 dangerous. 
 
 The rose-coloured tesselated Border, adorning the 
 robe, is an emblem of ardor and perseverance, and sig. 
 nifies, that when we have engaged in a virtuous course, 
 notwithstanding all the impediments, hardships, and 
 trials, we may be destined to encounter, w r e should 
 endure them all with fortitude, and ardently persevere 
 unto the end; resting assured of receiving, at the ter¬ 
 mination of our labours, a noble and glorious reward. 
 Your past exertions will be considered as a pledge of 
 your future assiduity in the faithful discharge of your 
 duties. 
 
176 
 
 HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 26. He will then retire to the line of officers, and the 
 next officer is presented. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE SIXTH OFFICER, OR ROYAL ARCH CAPTAIN 
 
 Companion —The well-known duties of your station 
 require but little elucidation. Your office in the pre¬ 
 paratory degrees corresponds with that of Junior Dea¬ 
 con. It is your province, conjointly with the Captain 
 of the Host, to attend the examination of all visitors, 
 and to take care that none are permitted to enter the 
 Chapter, hut such as have travelled the rugged path of 
 trial, and evinced their title to our favour and friend¬ 
 ship. You will be attentive to obey the commands of 
 the. Captain of the Host, during the introduction of 
 strangers among the workmen; and should they be per¬ 
 mitted to pass your post, may they by him be introduced 
 into the presence of the Grand Council. 
 
 The White Banner, entrusted to your care, is em¬ 
 blematical of that purity of heart and rectitude of con¬ 
 duct which ought to actuate all those who pass the 
 white veil of the sanctuary. I give it to you strongly 
 in charge, never to suffer any one to pass your post, 
 without the signet of truth. 
 
 I present you the badge of your office, in expectation 
 of your performing your duties with intelligence, assi¬ 
 duity and propriety. 
 
 27. He then retires, and the Three Grand Masters 
 of the Veils are presented together. 
 
HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 177 
 
 CHARGE TO THE MASTER OF THE THIRD VEIL. 
 
 Companion—I present you with the Scarlet Banner, 
 which is the ensign of your office, and a Sword to 
 protect and defend the same- The rich and beautiful 
 colour of your banner is emblematical of fervency and 
 zeal; it is the appropriate colour of the Royal Arch 
 degree; it admonishes us, that we should be ferment in 
 the exercise of our devotions to God, and zealous in our 
 endeavours to promote the happiness of man. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE MASTER OF THE SECOND VEIL. 
 
 Companion —I invest you with the Purple Banner, 
 -which is the ensign of your office, and arm you with a 
 sword, to enable you to maintain its honour. 
 
 The colour of your banner is produced by a due 
 mixture of blue and scarlet; the former is the charac¬ 
 teristic colour of the symbolic or first three degrees of 
 Masonry, and the latter, that of the Royal Arch Degree. 
 It is an emblem of union, and is the characteristic colour 
 of the intermediate degrees. It admonishes us to cul¬ 
 tivate and improve that spirit of union and harmony, 
 between the brethren of the symbolic degrees and the 
 companions of the sublime degrees, which should ever 
 distinguish the members of a society founded upon the 
 principles of everlasting truth and universal philan¬ 
 thropy. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE MASTER OF THE FIRST VEIh. 
 
 Companion —I invest you with the Blue Banner, 
 which is the ensign of your office, and a sword for its 
 defence and protection. The colour of your banner is 
 
178 
 
 HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 one of the most durable and beautiful in nature. It is 
 the appropriate colour adopted and worn by our ancient 
 brethren of the three symbolic degrees, and is the pecu¬ 
 liar characteristic of an institution which has stood the 
 test of ages, and which is as much distinguished by the 
 durability of its materials or principles, as by the beauty 
 of its superstructure. It is an emblem of universal 
 friendship and benevolence; and instructs us that in the 
 mind of a Mason those virtues should be as expansive 
 as the blue arch of heaven itself. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE THREE MASTERS OF THE VEILS, AS 
 
 OVERSEERS. 
 
 Companions —Those who are placed as overseers of 
 any work, should be well qualified to judge of its beau¬ 
 ties and deformities, its excellencies and defects; they 
 should be capable of estimating the former, and amend¬ 
 ing the latter. This consideration should induce you to 
 cultivate and improve all those qualifications with which 
 you are already endowed, as well as to persevere in your 
 endeavours to acquire those in which you are deficient. 
 Let the various colours of the banners committed to 
 your charge, admonish you to the exercise of the several 
 virtues of which they are emblematic; and enjoin the 
 practice of these virtues upon all who shall present 
 themselves, or the work of their hands for your in¬ 
 spection. Let no work receive your approbation, but 
 such as is calculated to adorn and strengthen the Ma¬ 
 sonic edifice. Be industrious and faithful in practising 
 and disseminating a knowledge of the true and perfect 
 work, which alone can stand the test of the Grand 
 Overseer’s Square, in the great day of trial and retribu- 
 
HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 179 
 
 tion. Then, although every rod should become a ser¬ 
 pent, and every serpent an enemy to this institution, 
 yet shall their utmost exertions to destroy its reputa¬ 
 tion, or sap its foundation, become as impotent as the 
 leprous hand, or as water spilled upon the ground, which 
 cannot be gathered up again. 
 
 28. They then retire and the Treasurer is presented. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE TREASURER. 
 
 Companion —You are elected Treasurer of this Chap¬ 
 ter, and I have the pleasure of investing you with the 
 badge of your office. The qualities which should re¬ 
 commend a Treasurer, are accuracy and fidelity; accu¬ 
 racy in keeping a fair and minute account of all receipts 
 and disbursements; fidelity, in carefully preserving all 
 the property and funds of the Chapter, that may be 
 placed in his hands, and rendering a just account of the 
 same, whenever he is called upon for that purpose. I 
 presume that your respect for the institution, your 
 attachment to the interests of your Chapter, and your 
 regard for a good name, which is better than precious 
 ointment, will prompt you to the faithful discharge of 
 the duties of your office. 
 
 29. He then retires, and the Secretary is presented. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE SECRETARY. 
 
 Companion —With pleasure I invest you with your 
 badge as Secretary of this Chapter. The qualities 
 which should recommend a Secretary, are, promptitude 
 
180 
 
 HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 in issuing the notifications and orders of his superior 
 officers; punctuality in attending the convocations of 
 the Chapter; correctness in recording their proceedings ; 
 judgment in discriminating between what is proper and 
 what is improper to he committed to writing; regularity 
 in making his annual returns to the Grand Chapter ■ 
 integrity in accounting for all moneys that may pass 
 through his hands; and fidelity in paying the same over 
 into the hands of the Treasurer. The possession of 
 these good qualities, I presume, has designated you a 
 suitable candidate for this important office; and I 
 cannot' entertain a doubt that you will discharge its 
 duties beneficially to the Chapter, and honourably to 
 yourself. And when you shall have completed the 
 record of your transactions here below, and finished the 
 term of your probation, may you be admitted into the 
 celestial Grand Chapter of saints and angels and find 
 your name recorded in the book of life eternal. 
 
 30. He then retires, and the Chaplain is presented. 
 CHARGE TO THE CHAPLAIN. 
 
 E. and Rev. Companion —You are appointed Chap¬ 
 lain of this Chapter; and I now invest you with this 
 circular jewel, the badge of your office. It is emblema¬ 
 tical of eternity, and reminds us that here is not our 
 abiding place. Your inclination will undoubtedly con¬ 
 spire with your duty, when you perform in the Chapter 
 those solemn services which created beings should 
 constantly render to their infinite Creator ; and which, 
 when offered by one whose holy profession is, “ to point 
 to heaven and lead the way,” may, by refining our 
 
HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 181 
 
 morals, strengthening our virtues, and purifying our 
 minds, prepare us for admission into the society of 
 those above, whose happiness will be as endless as it is 
 perfect. 
 
 31. He then retires, and the Stewards are presented. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE STEWARDS. 
 
 Companions —'Having been elected Stewards of this 
 Chapter, I have the pleasure to invest you with the 
 badges of your office. It is your province to see that 
 every necessary preparation is made for the con¬ 
 venience and accommodation of the Chapter, previous 
 to the time appointed for meeting. You are to see that 
 the clothing, implements, and furniture of each degree 
 respectively, are properly disposed, and in suitable 
 array for use whenever they may be required, and that 
 they are properly cared for when the business of 
 the Chapter is over. You are to see that necessary 
 refreshments are provided, and that all your com¬ 
 panions, and particularly visitors, are suitably accom¬ 
 modated and supplied. You are to be frugal and 
 prudent in your disbursements, and to be careful that 
 no extravagance or waste is committed in your depart¬ 
 ment ; and when you have faithfully fulfilled your 
 stewardship here below, may you receive from Heaven 
 the happy greeting of “ Well done, good and faithful 
 servants.” 
 
 32. They then retire, and the Tyler is presented. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE TYLER. 
 
 Companion —You are appointed Tyler of this Chap 
 
 ter, and I invest you with the badge, and this implement 
 
 1G 
 
182 HIGH PRIESTHOOD 
 
 * 
 
 of your office. As the sword is placed in the hands of 
 the Tyler, to enable him effectually to guard against the 
 approach of all cowans and eavesdroppers, and suffer 
 none to pass or repass but such as are duly qualified; 
 so it should morally serve as a constant admonition to 
 us to set a guard at the entrance of our thoughts; to 
 place a watch at the door of our lips; to post a sentinel 
 at the avenue of our actions; thereby excluding every 
 unqualified and unworthy thought, word or deed, and 
 preserving consciences void of offence towards God and 
 towards man. 
 
 As the first application from visitors for admission 
 into the Chapter is generally made to the Tyler at the 
 door, your station will often present you to the observa¬ 
 tion of strangers; it is therefore essentially necessary 
 that he who sustains the office with which you are 
 entrusted, should be a man of good morals, steady habits, 
 strict discipline, temperate, affable and discreet. I 
 trust that a just regard for the honour and reputation 
 of the institution will ever induce you to perform with 
 fidelity the trust reposed in you; and when the door 
 of this earthly tabernacle shall be closed, may you find 
 an abundant entrance through the gates into the temple 
 and city of our God. 
 
 88. He will then retire, and there follows an 
 
 ADDRESS TO THE HIGH PRIEST. 
 
 M. E. Companion —Having been honoured with the 
 free suffrages of the members of this Chapter, you are 
 elected to the most important office which is within their 
 power to bestow. This expression of their esteem and 
 
HIGH I 5 KIES T H O O D . 
 
 183 
 
 respect should draw from you corresponding sensations; 
 and your demeanor should he such as to repay the 
 honour they have so conspicuously conferred upon you, 
 by an honourable and faithful discharge of the duties 
 of your office. The station you are called to fill, is 
 important, not only as it respects the correct practice 
 of our rites and ceremonies, and the internal economy 
 of the Chapter over which you preside; but the public 
 reputation of the institution will be generally found to 
 rise or fall according to the skill, fidelity and discretion, 
 with which its concerns are managed, and in proportion 
 as the characters and conduct of its principal officers 
 are estimable or censurable. 
 
 You have accepted a trust, to which is attached a 
 weight of responsibility that will require all your efforts 
 to discharge honourably to yourself,- and satisfactorily 
 to the Chapter. You are to see that your officers are 
 capable and faithful in the exercise of their offices. 
 Should they lack ability, you are expected to supply 
 their defects; you are to watch carefully the progress 
 of their performances, and to see that the long-estab¬ 
 lished customs of the institution suffer no derangement 
 in their hands. You are to have a careful eye over the 
 general conduct of the Chapter; to see that due order and 
 subordination are observed on all occasions; that the 
 members are properly instructed; that due solemnity 
 be observed in the practice of our rites; that no im¬ 
 proper levity be permitted at any time, but more 
 especially at the introduction of strangers among the 
 workmen. 
 
 In fine, you are to be an example to your officers and 
 members, which they need not hesitate to follow; thus 
 
184 
 
 HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 securing to yourself the favour of Heaven, and the 
 applause of your brethren and companions. 
 
 ADDRESS TO THE OFFICERS GENERALLY. 
 
 Companions in Office —Precept and example should 
 ever advance with equal pace. Those moral duties 
 which you are required to teach unto others, you should 
 never neglect to practice yourselves. 
 
 Do you desire that the demeanor of your equals and 
 inferiors towards you, should be marked with deference 
 and respect ? Be sure that you omit no opportunity 
 of furnishing them with examples in your own conduct 
 towards your superiors. Do you desire to obtain in¬ 
 struction from those who are more wise or better in¬ 
 formed than yourselves ? Be sure that you are always 
 ready to impart of your knowledge to those within your 
 sphere, who stand in need of, and are entitled to receive 
 it. Do you desire distinction among your companions? 
 Be sure that your claims to preferment are founded 
 upon superior attainments; let no ambitious passion bo 
 suffered to induce you to envy or supplant a companion 
 who may be considered as better qualified for promotion 
 than yourselves; but rather let a laudable emulation 
 induce you to strive to excel each other in improvement 
 and discipline: ever remembering, that he, who faith¬ 
 fully performs his duty, even in a subordinate or private 
 station, is as justly entitled to esteem and respect, as 
 he who is invested with supreme authority. 
 
 ADDRESS TO THE CHAPTER AT LARGE. 
 
 Companions —The exercise and management of the 
 sublime degrees of Masonry in your Chapter hitherto, 
 
HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 L85 
 
 are so highly appreciated, and the good reputation of 
 the Chapter so well established, that I must presume 
 these considerations alone, were there no others of 
 greater magnitude, would be sufficient to induce you to 
 preserve and to perpetuate this valuable and honourable 
 character. But when to this is added the pleasure 
 which every philanthropic heart must feel in doing 
 good, in promoting good order, in diffusing light and 
 knowledge, in cultivating Masonic and Christian charity, 
 which are the great objects of this sublime institution, I 
 cannot doubt that your future conduct, and that of your 
 successors, will be calculated still to increase the lustre 
 of your justly esteemed reputation. 
 
 May your Chapter become beautiful as the temple, 
 peaceful as fhe ark, and sacred as its most holy place. 
 May your oblations of piety and praise be grateful as 
 the incense; your love warm as its flame, and your 
 charity diffusive as its fragrance. May your hearts be 
 pure as the altar, and your conduct acceptable as the 
 offering. May the exercises of your charity be as 
 constant as the returning wants of the distressed widow 
 and helpless orphan. May the approbation of Heaven 
 be your encouragement, and the testimony of a good 
 conscience your support: may you be endowed with 
 every good and perfect gift, while travelling the rugged 
 path of life, and finally be admitted within the veil of 
 heaven to the full enjoyment of life eternal. Amen. 
 So mote it be. 
 
 34. The officers and members of the Chapter will 
 then pass in review in front of the Grand Officers, with 
 their hands crossed on their breasts, bowing as they 
 pass. 
 
 1G * 
 
1SG 
 
 HIGH PRIESTHOOD. 
 
 85. The Grand Marshal will then proclaim the Chap¬ 
 ter, by the name of-, to be regularly constituted, 
 
 and its officers duly installed. 
 
 36. The ceremonies conclude with an Ode, or appro¬ 
 priate piece of music. 
 
 37. The procession is then formed, when they return 
 to the place from whence they set out. 
 
 38. When the Grand officers retire, the Chapter will 
 form an avenue for them to pass through, and salute 
 them with the grand honours. The two bodies then 
 separately close their respective Chapters. 
 
CONSTITUTION 
 
 OF THE 
 
 GENERAL GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER 
 
 OF THE 
 
 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
 ARTICLE I. 
 
 OF THE GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER. 
 
 Sect. 1 . There shall he a General Grand Chapter of 
 Royal Arch Masons for the United States of America, 
 which shall he holden as is hereinafter directed, and 
 shall consist of a General Grand High Priest, Deputy 
 General Grand High Priest, General Grand King, 
 General Grand Scribe, Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain, 
 and Marshal; and likewise of the several Grand and 
 Deputy Grand High Priests, Kings, and Scribes, for 
 the time being, of the several State Grand Chapters, 
 under the jurisdiction of this General Grand Chapter; 
 and of the Past General Grand High Priests, Deputy 
 General Grand High Priests, Kings, and Scribes, of 
 the said General Grand Chapter; and the aforesaid 
 
 ( 187 ) 
 
188 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 officers, or their proxies, shall be the only members and 
 voters in said General Grand Chapter. And no person 
 shall be constituted a proxy, unless he be a present or 
 past officer of this or a State Grand Chapter. 
 
 Sect. 2. The General Grand Chapter shall meet 
 septennially, on the second Thursday in September, for 
 the choice of officers, and other business: dating from 
 the second Thursday in September, A. D. 1805, at such 
 place as may, from time to time, be appointed. 
 
 Sect. 3, A special meeting of the General Grand 
 Chapter shall be called whenever the General Grand 
 High Priest, Deputy General Grand High Priest, 
 General Grand King, and General Grand Scribe, or 
 any two of them may deem it necessary; and also 
 whenever it may be required by a majority of the 
 Grand Chapters of the States aforesaid, provided such 
 requisition be made known in writing, by the said 
 Grand Chapters respectively, to the General Grand 
 High Priest, Deputy General Grand High Priest, King 
 or Scribe. And it shall be. the duty of the said General 
 Officers, and they are each of them severally authorized, 
 empowered and directed, upon receiving official notice 
 of such requisition from a majority of the General 
 Grand Chapters aforesaid, to appoint a time and place 
 of meeting, and notify each of the State Grand Chapters 
 thereof accordingly. 
 
 Sect. 4. It shall be incumbent on the General Grand 
 High Priest, Deputy General Grand High Priest, 
 General Grand King, and General Grand Scribe, 
 
CONSTITUTION. 
 
 ISO 
 
 severally to improve and perfect themselves in the 
 sublime Arts, and work of Mark Masters, Past Masters, 
 Most Excellent Masters, and Royal Arch Masons; to 
 make themselves Masters of the several Masonic Lec¬ 
 tures and Ancient Charges; — to consult with each 
 other, and with the Grand and Deputy Grand High 
 Priests, Kings and Scribes of the several States afore¬ 
 said, for the purpose of adopting measures suitable and 
 proper for diffusing a knowledge of the said Lectures 
 and Charges, and an uniform mode of working, in the 
 several Chapters and Lodges throughout this jurisdic¬ 
 tion ; and the better to effect this laudable purpose, the 
 aforesaid General Grand Officers are severally hereby 
 authorized, and empowered, to visit and preside in any 
 and every Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and Lodge 
 of Most Excellent, Past, or Mark Master Masons, 
 throughout the said States, and to give such instruc¬ 
 tions and directions as the good of the Fraternity may 
 require; always adhering to the ancient landmarks of 
 the order. 
 
 Sect. 5. In all cases of the absence of any Officer 
 from any body of Masons, instituted or holden by virtue 
 of this Constitution, the officer next in rank shall suc¬ 
 ceed his superior; unless through courtesy said Officer 
 should decline in favour of a past superior Officer pre¬ 
 sent. And in case of the absence of all the Officers 
 from any legal meeting of either of the bodies aforesaid, 
 ;he members present, according to seniority, and abili¬ 
 ties, shall fill the several Offices. 
 
 Sect. 6 . In every Chapter or Lodge of Masons, 
 
190 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 instituted or holden by virtue of this Constitution, all 
 questions (except upon the admission of members or 
 candidates) shall be determined by a majority of votes; 
 the presiding Officer for the time being being entitled 
 to vote, if a Member; and in case the votes should at 
 any time be equally divided, the presiding Officer as 
 aforesaid, shall give the casting vote. 
 
 Sect. 7. The General Grand Royal Arch Chapter 
 shall be competent (on concurrence of two-thirds of its 
 members present) at any time hereafter, to revise, amend 
 and alter this Constitution. 
 
 Sect. 8. In case any casualty should, at any time 
 hereafter, prevent the septennial election of Officers, the 
 several General Grand Officers shall sustain their re¬ 
 spective offices until successors are duly elected and 
 qualified. 
 
 Sect. 9. The General Grand High Priest, Deputy 
 General Grand High Priest, General Grand King, and 
 General Grand Scribe, shall severally have power and 
 authority to institute new Royal Arch Chapters, and 
 Lodges of the subordinate degrees, in any State in 
 which there is not a Grand Chapter regularly estab¬ 
 lished. But no new Chapter shall be instituted in any 
 State wherein there is a Chapter or Chapters holden 
 under the authority of this Constitution, without a 
 recommendation from the Chapter nearest the residence 
 of the petitioners. The fees for instituting a new Royal 
 Arch Chapter, with the subordinate degrees, shall be 
 ninety dollars; and for a new Mark Master’s Lodge, 
 
CONSTITUTION. 
 
 191 
 
 twenty dollars; exclusive of such compensation to the 
 Grand Secretary, as the Grand Officers aforesaid may 
 deem reasonable. 
 
 ARTICLE II. 
 
 OF THE STATE GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS. 
 
 Sect. 1. The state grand chapters shall severally 
 consist of a Grand High Priest, Deputy Grand High 
 Priest, Grand King, Grand Scribe, Grand Secretary, 
 Grand Treasurer, Grand Chaplain, and Grand Marshal, 
 and likewise of the High Priests, Kings and Scribes, 
 for the time being, of the several. Chapters over which 
 they shall respectively preside, and of the Past Grand 
 and Deputy Grand High Priests, Kings and Scribes of 
 the said Grand Chapters; and the said enumerated 
 officers (or their proxies) shall be the only members and 
 voters in the said Grand Chapters respectively. 
 
 Sect. 2. The State Grand Chapters shall severally 
 be holden at least once in every year, at such times 
 and places as they shall respectively direct; and the 
 Grand or Deputy Grand High Priests respectively, for 
 the time being, may at any time call a special meeting, 
 to be holden at such place as they shall severally think 
 proper to appoint. 
 
 Sect. 3. The Officers of the State Grand Chapters 
 shall be chosen annually, by ballot, at such time and 
 
192 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 place as the said Grand Chapters shall respectively 
 direct. 
 
 Sect. 4. The several State Grand Chapters (subject 
 to the provisions of this Constitution) shall have the sole 
 government and superintendence of the several Royal 
 Arch Chapters, and Lodges of most Excellent, Past and 
 Mark Master Masons, within their respective jurisdic¬ 
 tions ; to assign their limits and settle controversies that 
 may happen between them;—and shall have power, under 
 their respective seals, and the sign manual of their re¬ 
 spective Grand or Deputy Grand High Priests, Kings 
 and Scribes, (or their legal proxies,) attested by their 
 respective Secretaries, to constitute new Chapters of 
 Royal Arch Masons, and Lodges of Most Excellent, 
 Past, and Mark Master Masons, within their respective 
 jurisdictions. 
 
 Sect. 5. The Grand and Deputy Grand High Priests 
 severally, shall have the power and authority, whenever 
 they shall deem it expedient, (during the recess of the 
 Grand Chapter of which they are officers,) to grant Let¬ 
 ters of Dispensation, under their respective hands, and 
 private seals, to a competent number of petitioners (pos¬ 
 sessing the qualifications required by the 9th Section of 
 the 2d Article,) empowering them to open a Chapter of 
 Royal Arch Masons, and Lodge of Most Excellent Past 
 and Mark Master Masons, for a certain specified term 
 of time : provided, that the said term of time shall not 
 extend beyond the next meeting of the Grand Chapter 
 of the State in which such Dispensation shall be granted; 
 and provided further, that the same fees as are required 
 by this Constitution for Warrants, shall be first deposited 
 in the hands of the Grand Treasurer.—And in all cases 
 
CONSTITUTION. 
 
 193 
 
 of such Dispensations, the Grand or Deputy Grand High 
 Priests respectively, who may grant the same, shall make 
 report thereof, at the next stated meeting of the Grand 
 Chapter of their respective jurisdictions, when the said 
 Grand Chapters, respectively, may either continue or 
 recall the said Dispensations, or may grant the petition¬ 
 ers a warrant of Constitution : And in case such warrant 
 shall be granted, the fees first deposited shall be credited 
 in payment for the same; but if a warrant should not 
 be granted, nor the dispensation continued, the said fees 
 shall be refunded to the petitioners, except only such 
 part thereof as shall have been actually expended by 
 means of their application. 
 
 Sect. 6. The several State Grand Chapters shall 
 possess authority, upon the institution of new Royal 
 Arch Chapters, or Lodges of Mark Masters, within 
 their respective jurisdictions, to require the payment of 
 such fees as they may deem expedient and proper; 
 which said fees shall be advanced and paid into the 
 Treasury before a warrant or charter shall be issued. 
 
 Sect. 7. No warrant shall be granted, for instituting 
 Lodges of Most Excellent or Past Masters, independent 
 of a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. 
 
 Sect. 8. The Grand Chapters severally, shall have 
 power to require from the several Chapters and Lodges 
 under their respective jurisdictions, such reasonable pro¬ 
 portion of sums, received by them for the exaltation or 
 advancement of candidates, and such certain annual 
 sums from their respective members, as by their ordi¬ 
 nances or regulations shall hereafter be appointed; all 
 which said sums or dues shall be made good, and paid 
 17 
 
194 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 annually, by the said Chapters and Lodges respectively, 
 into the Grand Treasury of the Grand Chapter under 
 which they hold their authority, on or before the first 
 day of the respective annual meetings of the said Grand 
 Chapters. 
 
 Sect. 9. No waftant for the institution of a new 
 Chapter of Royal Arch Masons shall be granted, except 
 upon the petition of nine regular Royal Arch Masons; 
 which petition shall be accompanied by a certificate 
 from the Chapter nearest to the place where the new 
 Chapter is intended to be opened, vouching for the 
 moral characters, and masonic abilities of the petition¬ 
 ers, and recommending to the Grand Chapter under 
 whose authority they act, to grant their prayer. And 
 no warrant for the institution of a Lodge of Mark Master 
 Masons shall be granted, except upon the petition of (at 
 least) five regular Mark Master Masons, accompanied 
 by vouchers from the nearest Lodge of that degree simi¬ 
 lar to those required upon the institution of a Chapter. 
 
 Sect. 10. The Grand Secretaries of the State Grand 
 Chapters, shall severally make an annual communica¬ 
 tion to each other, and also to the General Grand Sec¬ 
 retary, containing a list of the Grand Officers, and all 
 such other matters as may be deemed necessary for the 
 mutual information of the said Grand Chapters. And 
 the said Grand Secretaries shall also regularly transmit 
 to the General Grand Secretary, a copy of all their by¬ 
 laws and regulations. 
 
 Sect. 11. Whenever there shall have been three or 
 more Royal Arch Chapters instituted in any State, by 
 virtue of authority derived from this Constitution, a 
 Grand Chapter may be formed in such State, (with the 
 
CONSTITUTION. 
 
 195 
 
 approbation of one or more of the General Grand Offi¬ 
 cers,) by the High Priests, Kings and Scribes of the 
 said Chapters, who shall be authorized to elect the 
 Grand Officers. Provided always, that no new State 
 Grand Chapter shall be formed until after the expiration 
 of one year from the establishment of the junior Chapter 
 in such State. 
 
 Sect. 12. The several Grand and Deputy Grand 
 High Priests, Kings, and Scribes, for the time being, 
 of the several State Grand Chapters, are bound to the 
 performance of the same duties, and are invested with 
 the same powers and prerogatives, throughout their 
 respective jurisdictions, as are prescribed to the Gene¬ 
 ral Officers, in the 4th Section, 1st Article, of this 
 Constitution. 
 
 Sect. 13. The jurisdiction of the several State Grand 
 Chapters, shall not extend beyond the limits of the State 
 in which they shall respectively be holden. 
 
 ARTICLE III. 
 
 OF THE SUBORDINATE CHAPTERS AND LODGES. 
 
 Sect. 1. All legally constituted assemblies of Royal 
 Arch Masons are called Chapters ; as regular bodies 
 of Mark Masters, Past Masters, and Most Excellent 
 Masters, are called Lodges. Every Chapter ought to 
 assemble for work at least once in every three months; 
 and shall consist of an High Priest, King, Scribe, Cap¬ 
 tain of the Host, Principal Sojourner, Royal Arch Cap¬ 
 tain, three Grand Masters, Secretary, Treasurer, and 
 
196 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 as many Members as may be found convenient for 
 working to advantage. 
 
 Sect. 2. Every Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and 
 Lodge of Mark Master Masons, throughout this juris¬ 
 diction, shall have a warrant of Constitution from the 
 Grand Chapter of the State in which they may respec¬ 
 tively be holden, or a Warrant from one of the General 
 Grand Officers. And no Chapter or Lodge shall be 
 deemed legal without such warrant; and Masonic com¬ 
 munication (either public or private) is hereby inter¬ 
 dicted and forbidden, between any Chapter or Lodge 
 under this jurisdiction, or any member of either of them, 
 and any Chapter, Lodge or Assembly, that may be so 
 illegally formed, opened or holden, without such war¬ 
 rant, or any or either of their members, or any person 
 exalted or advanced in such illegal Chapter or Lodge. 
 But nothing in this section shall be construed to affect 
 any Chapter or Lodge which was established before the 
 adoption of the Grand Boyal Arch Constitution at 
 Hartford, (on the 27th day of January, A. D. 1798.) 
 
 Sect. 3. Whenever a Warrant is issued for institut¬ 
 ing a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, with a power in 
 said Warrant to open and hold a Lodge of Most Excel¬ 
 lent, Past, and Mark Master Masons, the High Priest, 
 King, and Scribe, for the time being, of such Chapter, 
 shall be the Master and Wardens in said Lodges, ac¬ 
 cording to seniority. 
 
 Sect. 4. All applications for the exaltation or ad¬ 
 vancement of Candidates, in any Chapter or Lodge, 
 under this jurisdiction, shall lie over, at least one meet¬ 
 ing, for the consideration of the members. 
 
CONSTITUTION. 
 
 197 
 
 Sect. 5. No Mason shall be a member of two separate 
 and distinct bodies, of the same denomination, at one 
 and the same time. 
 
 Sect. 6 . No Chapter shall be removed, without the 
 knowledge of the High Priest, nor any motion made for 
 that purpose in his absence; but if the High Priest be 
 present, and a motion is made and seconded, for remov¬ 
 ing the Chapter to some more convenient place, (within 
 the limits prescribed in their Warrant,) the High Priest 
 shall forthwith cause notifications to be issued to all the 
 members, informing them of the motion for removal, and 
 of the time and place when the question is to be deter¬ 
 mined ; which notice shall be issued at least ten days 
 previous to the appointed meeting. But if the High 
 Priest (after motion duly made and seconded as afore¬ 
 said) should refuse or neglect to cause the notices to be 
 issued as aforesaid, the officer next in rank, who may 
 be present at the next regular meeting following, (upon 
 motion made and seconded for that purpose,) may in 
 like manner issue the said notices. 
 
 Sict. 7. All Mark Master Masons’ Lodges shall be 
 regulated, in cases of removal, by the same rules as are 
 prescribed in the foregoing section for the removal of 
 Chapters. 
 
 Sect. 8. The High Priest, and other Officers, of every 
 Chapter, and the Officers of every Lodge of Mark Master 
 Masons, shall be chosen annually, by ballot. 
 
 Sect. 9. The High Priest of every Chapter has it in 
 special charge, as appertaining to his office, duty and 
 dignity, to see that the by-laws of his Chapter, as well 
 as the General Grand Royal Arch Constitution, and the 
 17 * 
 
198 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 General Regulations of the Grand Chapter, be duly ob¬ 
 served ; that all the other officers of his Chapter perform 
 the duties of their respective offices faithfully, and are 
 examples of industry and diligence to their companions; 
 that true and exact records be kept of all the proceed¬ 
 ings of the Chapter by the Secretary; that the Treasu¬ 
 rer keep and render exact and just accounts of all the 
 moneys belonging to the Chapter; that regular returns 
 be made by the Secretary, annually, to the Grand Chap¬ 
 ter, of all admissions of candidates or members; and that 
 the annual dues to the Grand Chapter be regularly and 
 punctually paid. He has the special care and charge of 
 the Warrant of his Chapter. He has the right and 
 authority of calling his Chapter at pleasure, upon any 
 emergency or occurrence which in his judgment may 
 require their meeting; and he is to fill the chair when 
 present. It is likewise his duty, together with his King 
 and Scribe, to attend the meetings of the Grand Chapter 
 (when duly summoned by the Grand Secretary) either 
 in person, or by proxy. 
 
 Sect. 10. For the preservation of secrecy and ^ood 
 harmony, and in order that due decorum may be ob¬ 
 served while the Chapter is engaged in business, a 
 worthy Royal Arch Mason is to be appointed from time 
 to time for tyling the Chapter. His duty is fixed by 
 custom, and known in all regular Chapters. He may 
 be elected annually, but is to continue in office only 
 during good behaviour, and is to be paid for his ser¬ 
 vices. 
 
 Sect. 11. All Lodges of Mark Master Masons are 
 bound to observe the two preceding articles, as far as 
 they can be applied to the government of a Lodge. 
 
CONSTITUTION. 
 
 199 
 
 Sect. 12. No Chapter shall confer the degrees of 
 Mark Master Mason, Past Master, Most Excellent 
 Master, and Royal Arch Mason, upon any brother, for 
 a less sum than twenty dollars. And no Lodge of Mark 
 Master Masons shall advance a brother to that degree, 
 for a less sum than four dollars. 
 
 Sect. 13. When either of the officers or members of 
 the General Grand Chapter, or any of the State Grand 
 Chapters, cannot personally attend their respective 
 meetings, they shall severally have the authority to 
 constitute a proxy, which proxy shall have the same 
 right to a seat and vote as his constituent. 
 
 ARTICLE IV. 
 
 OF CONSTITUTING NEW CHAPTERS. 
 
 Sect. 1. [See Order of High Priesthood, from page 
 122 to 156.] 
 
 Sect. 2. At the institution of all Lodges of Mark 
 Master Masons, under this jurisdiction, the same cere¬ 
 monies as are prescribed in the foregoing section, are to 
 be observed, as far as they will apply to that degree. 
 
 Sect. 3. Whenever it shall be inconvenient for the 
 General Grand Officers, or the Grand or Deputy Grand 
 High Priests, respectively, to attend in person, to con¬ 
 stitute a new Chapter or Lodge, and install the officers, 
 they shall severally have power and authority to appoint 
 some worthy High Priest, or Past High Priest, to per¬ 
 form the necessary ceremonies. 
 
200 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 Sect. 4. The Officers of every Chapter and Lodge 
 under this jurisdiction, before they enter upon the exer¬ 
 cise of their respective offices, and also the members of 
 all such Chapters and Lodges, and every candidate, 
 upon his admission into the same, shall take the follow¬ 
 ing obligation, viz.: “ I, A. B., do promise and swear, 
 that I will support and maintain the General Grand 
 Royal Arch Constitution.” 
 
 I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of 
 the General Grand Royal Arch Constitution for the 
 United States of America, as altered, amended, and 
 ratified, at a meeting of the General Grand Chapter, 
 begun and holden at New York, in the State of New 
 York, on the 6th day of June, A. D. 1816. 
 
 Witness: 
 
 JOHN ABBOT, G-. (r, Secretary . 
 

 
 . 
 
 I • 
 
 * 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ZERUBBABEL WEEPING OYER THE UNFINISHED 
 
 TEMPLE. 
 
 Vast heaps of rubbish rose on Zion’s hill, 
 
 And told of bygone days, when wrath and ruin drove 
 Their ploughshare o’er that sacred spot. 
 
 Near by, 
 
 As if in mockery of long-cherished hopes, 
 
 There rose unfinished walls, the craftsman gone, 
 
 The trowel rusting on the half-set stone; 
 
 And silence reigning o’er the sad’ning scene. 
 
 Beside a ruined altar pile, there stood 
 A man of noble mien and priestly garb,— 
 
 He stood and wept,—then lifting up his eyes 
 To heaven, methought he prayed. 
 
PART II. 
 
 THE THREE DEGREES OF KNIGHTHOOD. 
 
 KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS. 
 
 “ Whom shall I send, and who will go for us ? Then said I, here 
 am I, send me.” Isa. vi. 8. 
 
 “ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and 
 having on the breastplate of righteousness.” Ephes. vi. 14. 
 
 ORIGIN OF THIS ORDER. 
 
 This Degree is intimately connected with the Royal 
 Arch, both in its origin and its character. Its tradi¬ 
 tionary cabala associate it with Darius the Mede, who 
 reigned in Babylon about five hundred years before the 
 Christian era; its ancient designation was “ the illus¬ 
 trious order of Knights of the East.” 
 
 Two circumstances have combined to associate it 
 with the Encampment degrees. 
 
 1st, it is said to have been introduced by the templars, 
 who derived it from the Jews of Palestine, during tho 
 crusades. 
 
 2d, they gave it the designation, now generally 
 adopted, “ Knights of the Red Cross.” 
 
 In accordance with the prophecy of Daniel, the de¬ 
 cree to rebuild Jerusalem was signed by Cyrus, 70 
 
 (203) 
 
204 
 
 KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS. 
 
 weeks, or 490 years before the commencement of the 
 Messiah’s public ministry. But owing to the subtlety 
 and artifice of the enemies of Israel, this great and glo¬ 
 rious undertaking was interrupted before the Temple 
 was completed. As the Boyal Arch Degree is connected 
 with the commencement of the second Temple, so is this 
 illustrious Order associated with the recommencement 
 of that glorious undertaking, after its unhappy inter¬ 
 ruption. 
 
 The accession of Darius the son of Hystaspes, the 
 Mede, to the throne of Persia, his remarkable wisdom, 
 the nobleness of his nature, and an early friendship, 
 which had existed between him and Zerubbabel, one of 
 the Princes of Judea; all combined to induce the latter 
 to undertake a long and hazardous journey through the 
 confines of hostile tribes to the Palace at Babylon, in 
 order to induce the King to fulfil a vow, which he had 
 once made, and complete the rebuilding of the Temple 
 at Jerusalem. Circumstances rendered the enterprise 
 of Zerubbabel successful; and to perpetuate the renewal 
 of tlieir friendship, the King established this illustrious 
 Order of Knights of the East, now known as Bed Cross 
 Knights, from the badge which distinguished them on 
 their return from the Crusades in the Holy Land. 
 
 The assemblies of this order are called Councils. They 
 wear green sashes, decorated with sword and trowel, and 
 trimmed with scarlet. The Presiding officer wears a 
 triple triangle, and green collar with scarlet trimming. 
 The officers of a regular Council are Sovereign Master, 
 Chancellor, Master of Palace, Prelate, Master of Fi¬ 
 nances, Master of Dispatches, Master of Cavalry, Mas 
 ter of Infantry, Standard Bearer, Sword Bearer, War 
 
KNIGHTS OF THE RED CRO*SS. 
 
 205 
 
 der, and Sentinel. None can receive this Degree of 
 Knighthood unless he is a Royal Arch Mason. 
 
 KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS. 
 
 The Sovereign Master is seated upon a throne in the 
 East; the drapery of the throne is green; a green ban¬ 
 ner is suspended above; a triple triangle and Red Cross 
 appear upon the banner; on the right of the throne are 
 the Chancellor and Prelate; on the left, the Master of 
 the Palace; in front of the throne, on the right, the 
 Master of Finance, and Master of Cavalry; on the left, 
 Master of Dispatches, and Master of Infantry. The 
 Standard Bearer is seated in the West, with the Sword 
 Bearer on his right, and Warder on his left. The 
 Knights arrange themselves on either side of the throne 
 in front. 
 
 Prayer at the opening of a Council, Part III. No. 10. 
 
 FIRST LESSON. 
 
 Now in the second year of their coming unto the 
 house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began 
 Zerubbahel the son of the Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son 
 of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests 
 and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the 
 captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, 
 from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the 
 work of the house of the Lord. Then stood Jeshua 
 with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, 
 18 
 
206 
 
 KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS. 
 
 the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen 
 in the house of God; the sons of Henadad, with their 
 sons and their brethren the Levites. And when the 
 builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, 
 they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets; and 
 the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise 
 the Lord, after the ordinance of David, king of Israel. 
 And they sang together by course, in praising and giv¬ 
 ing thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his 
 mercy endureth for ever towards Israel. And all the 
 people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the 
 Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord 
 was laid.— Ezra iii. 8—11. 
 
 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin 
 heard that the children of the captivity builded the 
 temple unto the Lord God of Israel, then they came to 
 Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto 
 them, Let us build with you; for we seek your God, as 
 ye do; and we do sacrifice unto Him since the days of 
 Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. 
 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief 
 of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have no¬ 
 thing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but 
 we ourselves together will .build unto the Lord God of 
 Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath com¬ 
 manded us. Then the people of the land weakened the 
 hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in 
 building, and hired counsellors against them, to frus¬ 
 trate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of 
 Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. 
 And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his 
 
KNIUHTS OF THE RED CROSS. 
 
 207 
 
 reign, 'wrote they unto him an accusation against the 
 inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. 
 
 And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mith- 
 redath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto 
 Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter 
 was written in the Syrian tongue. Then wrote Rehum the 
 chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their 
 companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tar- 
 pelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, 
 the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites, and 
 the rest of the nations whom the great and noble As- 
 napper brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, 
 and the rest that are on this side the river, unto 
 Artaxerxes the king: Thy servants the men on this 
 side the river, and at such a time. Be it known 
 unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee 
 to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious 
 and bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and 
 joined the foundations. Be it known now unto the 
 king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up 
 again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, 
 and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings. 
 Now because we have maintenance from the king’s 
 palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king’s dis¬ 
 honour, therefore have we sent and certified the king, 
 that search may be made in the book of the records of 
 thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the re¬ 
 cords, and know that this city is a rebellious city and 
 hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have 
 moved sedition within the same of old time: for which 
 cause was this city destroyed. We certify the king, 
 that, if this city be builded again, and the walls set up, 
 
208 
 
 KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS. 
 
 by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side 
 the river. 
 
 Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chan¬ 
 cellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of 
 their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the 
 rest beyond the river, Peace and at such a time. The 
 letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read be¬ 
 fore me. And I commanded, and search hath beei 
 made, and it is found that this city of old time hath 
 made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and 
 sedition have been made therein. There have been 
 mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled 
 over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, 
 and custom, was paid unto them. Give ye now com¬ 
 mandment to cause these men to cease, and that this 
 city be not builded, until another commandment shall 
 be given .from me. Take heed now that ye fail not to 
 do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the 
 kings ? 
 
 Now when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was 
 read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their 
 companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto 
 the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. 
 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at 
 Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the 
 reign of Darius king of Persia.— Ezra iv. 
 
 SECOND LESSON. 
 
 We are informed by Josephus, that Darius, while in 
 private life, made a vow that if he ever came to the 
 
KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS. 
 
 200 
 
 throne he would send back to Jerusalem all the sacred 
 vessels which had been brought to Babylon at the time 
 of the destruction of the Temple. Zerubbabel, having 
 arrived at Babylon, and being received with much favour 
 by the King, who renewed in some measure their former 
 intimacy, determined to seize the first opportunity of re¬ 
 minding him of his early vows. Circumstances at first 
 seemed adverse to his plans; for the King made a re¬ 
 quest of his friend, which he could not honorably com¬ 
 ply with; and it was refused. But the moral courage 
 which was exhibited on this occasion, only served to in¬ 
 crease the monarch’s admiration of his friend, and he 
 gave him a magnificent banquet, to which his most dis¬ 
 tinguished nobles were invited. During this memorable 
 feast, it pleased the King to propose certain questions 
 for solution, pledging himself that he, who presented the 
 most judicious answer, should be clothed in purple, and 
 decorated with a silken tiara, and a golden chain about 
 his neck. “Which is the greatest,” said he, “the 
 strength of wine, of the King, or of woman?” In reply, 
 one of his distinguished nobles gave it as his opinion, that 
 wine was the strongest; another thought that the King 
 was the strongest; Zerubbabel pronounced women the 
 strongest, “but above all others,” said he, “truth 
 beareth the victory.” This addition, which he made to 
 the questions, elicited the commendation of Darius, who 
 was pleased to have the reasons given for these several 
 opinions on the morrow. 
 
 THIRD LESSON. 
 
 On the morrow, the princes and nobles were assem¬ 
 bled to hear the discussion, when the following reasons 
 18 * 
 
210 
 
 KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS. 
 
 were presented in defence of the several opinions which 
 had been given ; first, respecting the strength of wine : 
 
 “ 0 ye princes and rulers, how exceeding strong is 
 wine! it causeth all men to err that drink it: it maketh 
 the mind of the king and the beggar to be all one; of 
 the bondman and the freeman, of the poor man and the 
 rich; it turneth also every thought into jollity and 
 mirth, so that a man remembereth neither sorrow nor 
 debt; it changeth and elevateth the spirits, and en- 
 liveneth the heavy hearts of the miserable. It maketh 
 a man forget his brethren, and draw his sword against 
 his best friends. 0 ye princes and rulers, is not wine 
 the strongest, that forceth us to do these things?” 
 
 Then began the second, upon the power of kings, and 
 spake as follows: “It is beyond dispute, 0 princes and 
 rulers, that God has made man master of all things 
 under the sun; to command them, to make use of them, 
 and apply them to his service as he pleases: but whereas 
 men have only dominion over other sublunary creatures, 
 kings have an authority even over men themselves, and 
 a right of ruling them by will and pleasure. Now, he 
 that is master of those who are masters of all things 
 else, hath no earthly thing above him.” 
 
 Then said Zerubbabel of the power of women, and of 
 truth, “ 0 princes and rulers, the force of zvine is not to 
 be denied; neither is that of kings , which unites so many 
 men in one common allegiance; but the supremacy of 
 women is yet above all this: for kings are but the gifts 
 of women, and they are also the mothers of those that 
 cultivate our vineyards. Women have the power to 
 make us abandon our very country and relations, and 
 many times to forget the best friends we have in the 
 
KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS. 
 
 211 
 
 world, and forsaking all other comforts to live and die 
 with them. But when all is said, neither they, nor wine, 
 nor kings, are comparable to the almighty force of 
 truth. As for all other things they are mortal and 
 transient, but truth alone is unchangeable and everlast¬ 
 ing ; the benefits we receive from it are subject to no 
 variations or vicissitudes of time and fortune. In her 
 judgment is no unrighteousness, and she is the ivisdom , 
 strength , beauty , power, and majesty of all ages. Blessed 
 be the Gf-od of Truth.” 
 
 When Zerubbabel had finished speaking, the princes 
 and rulers cried out, “ Great is truth, and mighty above 
 all things.” Then said the king to Zerubbabel, “ Ask 
 w T hat thou wilt, and I will give it thee, because thou art 
 found the wisest among thy companions.” 
 
 Then said he to Darius, “ 0 king, remember thy 
 vow wdiich thou hast vowed, to build Jerusalem in the 
 day when thou shouldst come to thy kingdom, and to 
 restore the holy vessels which w T ere taken away out of 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 “ Thou hast also vowed to build up the Temple which 
 was burned when Judah was made desolate by the 
 Chaldees. And now, 0 king, this is that I desire of 
 thee, that thou make good the vow, the performance 
 whereof with thine own mouth thou hast vowed to the 
 King of Heaven.” 
 
 Then Darius the king stood up and embraced him, 
 and gave him passports and letters to his governors and 
 officers, that they should safely convey, both him and 
 those who should go with him, to Jerusalem; and that 
 they should not be delayed or hindered from building 
 the City and Temple, until they should be finished. He 
 
212 
 
 KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS. 
 
 also restored all the holy vessels remaining in his pos* 
 session, that had been taken from Jerusalem, when the 
 children of Israel were carried away captive to Babylon 
 and restored by Cyrus. 
 
 FOURTH LESSON. 
 
 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and To* 
 biah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the 
 Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were 
 made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, 
 then they were very wroth, and conspired all of them 
 together to come and fight against Jerusalem, and to 
 hinder it. Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our 
 God, and set a watch against them day and night, be¬ 
 cause of them. And Judah said, The strength of the 
 bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rub¬ 
 bish : so that we are not able to build the wall. And 
 our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, 
 till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, 
 and cause the work to cease. And it came to pass, that 
 when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said 
 unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall re¬ 
 turn unto us they will be upon you. 
 
 Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, 
 and on the higher places, I even set the people after 
 their families, with their swords, their spears, and their 
 bows. And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the 
 nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, 
 Be not ye afraid of them : remember the Lord, which is 
 great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your 
 
KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS. 
 
 213 
 
 sons and your daughters, your wives and your houses. 
 And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it 
 was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel 
 to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every 
 one unto his work. And it came to pass, from that 
 time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the 
 the work, and the other half of them held both the 
 spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; 
 and the rulers were behind all the house of.Judah. 
 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare 
 burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of 
 his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand 
 held a weapon. For the builders, every one had his 
 sword girded by his side, and so builded: and he that 
 sounded the trumpet was by me. And I said unto the 
 nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, 
 The work is great and large, and we are separated upon 
 the wall, one far from another. In what place there¬ 
 fore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither 
 unto us : our God shall fight for us.— Nehemiah iv. 
 7 — 20 . 
 
 Then the prophets, Haggai, and Zechariah the son 
 of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah 
 and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel. 
 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and 
 keshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the 
 house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them 
 were the prophets of God hepling them. 
 
 At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on 
 this side of the river, and Shetharboznai, and their com* 
 
214 
 
 KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS. 
 
 panions, and said thus unto them: Who hath commanded 
 you to build this house, and to make up this wall ? But 
 the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, 
 that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter 
 came to Darius : and then they returned answer by letter 
 concerning this matter. 
 
 The governor on this side the river, and Shethar-boz- 
 nai, and his companions the Apharsachites, sent unto 
 Darius the king; they sent a letter unto him, wherein was 
 written thus : Unto Darius the King, all peace.—Be it 
 known unto the king, that we went into the pro¬ 
 vince of Judea, to the house of the great God, which 
 is budded with great stones, and timber is laid in 
 the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth 
 in their hands. Then asked we those elders, and said 
 unto them thus: Who commanded you to build this 
 house, and to make up these walls ? We asked their 
 names also, to certify thee, that we might write the 
 names of the men that were the chief of them. And 
 thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the ser¬ 
 vants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the 
 house that was budded these many years ago, which a 
 great king of Israel budded and set up. But after that 
 our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, 
 he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king 
 of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and 
 carried the people away into Babylon. But in the first 
 year of Cyrus the king of Babylon, the same king Cyrus 
 made a decree to build this house of God. And the 
 vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, 
 which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was 
 in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Ba- 
 
KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS. 
 
 215 
 
 bylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple 
 of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one whose 
 name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor, 
 and said unto him, Take these vessels, go carry them 
 into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house 
 of God be builded in his place. Then came the same 
 Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of 
 God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even 
 until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not 
 finished. Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, 
 let there be search made in the king’s treasure-house, 
 which is there at Babylon, whether it be so that a de¬ 
 cree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of 
 God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to 
 us concerning this matter.— Ezra v. 
 
 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was 
 made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were 
 laid up in Babylon. And there was found at Achmetha, 
 in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, 
 and therein w'as a record thus written : In the first year 
 of Cyrus the king, the same Cyrus the king made a de¬ 
 cree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the 
 house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, 
 and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the 
 height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof 
 threescore cubits: with three rows of great stones, and 
 a row of new timber; and let the expenses be given out 
 of the king’s house: and also let the golden and silver ves¬ 
 sels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth 
 out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto 
 Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple 
 
21G 
 
 KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS. 
 
 which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place 
 them in the house of God. Now, therefore, Tatnai, 
 governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai, and your 
 companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the 
 river, be ye far from thence : let the work of this house 
 of God alone ; let the governor of the Jews and the 
 elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place. 
 Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders 
 of these Jews, for the building of this house of God; 
 that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the 
 river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that 
 they be not hindered. And that which they have need 
 of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the 
 burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, 
 and oil, according to the appointment of the priests 
 which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day 
 without fail: That they may offer sacrifices of sweet 
 savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life 
 of the king, and of his sons. Also I have made a 
 decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber 
 be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let 
 him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a 
 dunghill for this. And the God that hath caused his 
 name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that 
 shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house 
 of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a 
 decree ; let it be done with speed. 
 
 Then Tatnai, governor on this side of the river She¬ 
 thar-boznai, and their companions, according to that 
 which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily 
 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered 
 through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and 
 
KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS. 
 
 217 
 
 Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded and 
 finished it, according to the commandment of the God 
 of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, 
 and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.— Ezra vi. 
 1 - 15 . 
 
 19 
 
KNIGHTS OF THE TEMPLE. 
 
 Among the many remarkable results of the Crusades, 
 the organization of fraternities who were pledged to de¬ 
 fend the poor and helpless, against the oppression of the 
 powerful, and to secure the peaceable enjoyment of the 
 privileges of religion, occupies a prominent place. 
 If the Crusades may be justly termed the greatest 
 political events of the medioeval ages, the institution of 
 the Knights of the Temple and Knights of Malta, may, 
 with equal justice, be considered the greatest events 
 which characterised the Crusades. The Templar needs 
 no eulogist to trumpet his fame. His name, and valour, 
 and chivalry, are written on every great enterprise of 
 the age in which he lived. Princes sought the honour 
 of admission to his order: piety thought it a privilege 
 to contribute towards its maintainance: the Infidel 
 never attacked him in the open field; and when sur¬ 
 prised, and outnumbered by a treacherous ambuscade, 
 
 219 
 
220 KNIGHTS OF THE TEMPLE. 
 
 the Templar fought on until he could no longer wield his 
 sword, and when at last exhausted, he fell from his 
 charger, he fell upon a heap of slain. Nor will the 
 future history of this illustrious order show that because 
 they are no longer warriors in the field of battle, they 
 are less magnanimous in their spirit, and unworthy of a 
 place among the great and noble ones of earth; unless 
 indeed the Templar shall forget the lessons of virtue and 
 wisdom, which have been taught him, and disregard the 
 sacred obligations of his profession. 
 
 The order dates its origin from the year when Hugh 
 de Payens became its first Grand Master, in the City of 
 Jerusalem. Its incorporation with Ancient Freemasonry 
 occurred in the time of Philip of France, who leagued 
 with the intolerant Bishop of Home, ordered a general 
 massacre of the Templars ; a few found a sacred asylum 
 from their persecutors in the bosom of the Masonic 
 fraternity. 
 
 Since then the Templar has been the friend of civil 
 and religious, liberty, and the enemy of tyranny and in¬ 
 tolerance. His profession no longer calls him to the 
 protection of the wayworn pilgrim in a hostile land; hut 
 it inculcates a generous and magnanimous spirit, and 
 expects from him the practice of those virtues, which 
 should ever adorn a Christian Knight, who, in wielding 
 the weapons of this warfare, must ever temper justice 
 with mercy, and fortitude with clemency. 
 
 The Grand Commander is seated upon a throne in 
 the east: above the throne hangs a banner, embellished 
 
KNIGHTS OF THE TEMPLE. 
 
 221 
 
 with a cross and glory: on either side a sky blue ban¬ 
 ner, one displaying the emblems of the order; the other, 
 a pascal Lamb, and Maltese cross, with the motto 
 “ Voluntas Dei.” On the right of the throne, the Ge¬ 
 neralissimo and Prelate; on the left, the Captain 
 General; in front, and on the right, the Treasurer; on 
 the left, the Recorder: the Senior Warden at the south¬ 
 west angle of the triangle, and upon the right of the 
 first division; the Junior Warden at the north-west 
 angle of the triangle, and on the left of the third divi¬ 
 sion : the Standard Bearer in the west, the Sword 
 Bearer on his right and the Warder on his left: at the 
 base of the triangle and in front of the Standard 
 Bearer a stall for the Initiate. The Knights are 
 arranged in equal numbers on each side of the throne 
 in front. 
 
 i 
 
 DRESS. 
 
 A full suit of black. A black velvet Sasii, trimmed 
 with silver lace, hanging on the right shoulder and cross¬ 
 ing the body to the left side; at the end of the sash is 
 suspended a poinard, or small dirk; on the left hip of 
 the sash is a Maltese cross in the centre of a green ro¬ 
 sette ; on the right shoulder a black rose and star; on 
 the left breast a star of nine points; in the centre of 
 the star, a cross and serpent of gold, surmounted by a 
 circle on which is engraved, “ In hoc signo vinces.” 
 Also a Pascal Lamb, with a flag, a cock, and red 
 cross; on the top of the flap of the apron three stars 
 placed in a triangular form, with cross sword in the 
 centre; on the centre of the apron twelve nobs or 
 19 * 
 
222 
 
 KNIGHTS OF THE TEMPLE. 
 
 stars placed in a triangle, with scull cross bones in the 
 centre. 
 
 OPENING. 
 
 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greet¬ 
 ing. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into 
 divers temptations: knowing this, that the trying of 
 your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her 
 perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, want¬ 
 ing nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask 
 of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and* upbraideth 
 not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in 
 faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like 
 a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For 
 let not that man think that he shall receive anything 
 of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all 
 his ways. Let the brother of low degree rejoice in 
 that he is exalted. If any man among you seem to be 
 religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his 
 own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion 
 and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to 
 visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and 
 to keep himself unspotted from the world.— James i. 
 1-10, 26, 27. 
 
 (For Prayer, see Part III., No. 11.) 
 
 LESSON FIRST. 
 
 FIRST EXHORTATION. 
 
 -I greet thee. 
 
 * 
 
 Silver and gold have I none: but such as I havo give 
 I thee. ***** 
 
KNIGHTS OF THE TEMPLE. 
 
 223 
 
 Hearken to a lesson to cheer thee on thy way, and 
 assure thee of success. 
 
 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took 
 bread and a bottle of water and gave it unto Hagar, 
 (putting it on her shoulder,) and the child, and sent her 
 away, and she departed and wandered in the wilder¬ 
 ness, and the water was spent in the bottle and she 
 cast the child under one of the shrubs; and the angel 
 of God called to Hagar out of heaven, saying arise, lift 
 up the lad and hold him in thine hand: for I will make 
 him a great nation: and God opened her eyes, and she 
 saw a well of water. 
 
 By faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise 
 as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles; for he 
 looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder 
 and maker is God. 
 
 Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children, re¬ 
 joicing in the Lord always; and again I say rejoice. 
 
 Farewell—God speed thee. 
 
 SECOND EXHORTATION. 
 
 -1 greet thee. * * * * 
 
 If a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily 
 food, and one of you say, Depart in peace, be ye warmed 
 and filled, and ye give them not of those things which 
 are needful for the body, what doth it profit ? 
 
 To do good and to communicate, forget not, for with 
 such sacrifices God is well pleased. 
 
 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy 
 
224 
 
 KNIGHTS OF THE TEMPLE. 
 
 and vain deceit, after the traditions of men; after the 
 rudiments of the world, and not after Christ: For in 
 him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 
 
 Farewell—God speed thee. 
 
 THIRD EXHORTATION. 
 
 -I greet thee. * * * * 
 
 He that receiveth you, receiveth me, and he that re- 
 ceiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. Come unto 
 me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will 
 give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of 
 me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find 
 rest unto your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden 
 is light. Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of 
 these little ones a cup of cold water only, in the name 
 of a disciple, verily I say unto you he shall in no wise 
 lose his reward. 
 
 Farewell—God speed thee. 
 
 SECOND LESSON. 
 
 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went 
 unto the chief priests, and said unto them, What will 
 ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And 
 they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.— 
 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray 
 him. 
 
 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread 
 the disciples came unto Jesus, saying unto him, Where 
 wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover ? 
 
KNIGHTS OF THE TEMPLE. 
 
 225 
 
 And lie said, Go into the city to such a man, and say 
 unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will 
 keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. And 
 the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them ; and they 
 made ready the passover. Now, when the even was 
 come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did 
 eat, he said, Yerily I say unto you, that one of you 
 shall betray me. And they were exceeding sorrowful, 
 and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is 
 it I ? And he answered and said, He that dippeth his 
 hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. 
 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe 
 unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed ! it 
 had been good for that man if he had not been born. 
 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, 
 Master, is it I ? He said unto him, Thou hast said.— 
 Matthew xxvi. 14-26. 
 
 THIRD LESSON. 
 
 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called 
 Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, 
 while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him 
 Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sor¬ 
 rowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My 
 soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death: tarry ye 
 here, and watch with me. And he went a little farther, 
 and he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 0 my Father, 
 if it be possible, let this cup pass from me : neverthe¬ 
 less, not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh 
 unto the disciples and findeth them asleep, and saith 
 
226 
 
 KNIHGHTS OF THE TEMPLE. 
 
 unto Peter, What! could ye not watch with me one 
 hour ? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into tempta¬ 
 tion : the spirit indeed is willing, hut the flesh is weak. 
 He went away again, the second time, and prayed, say¬ 
 ing, 0 my Father, if this cup may not pass away from 
 me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came 
 and found them asleep again: for their eyes were 
 heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and 
 prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then 
 cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep 
 on now, and take your rest: behold the hour is at hand, 
 and the Son of man is betrayed into the hand of sinners. 
 Rise, let us be going: behold he is at hand that doth 
 betray me. 
 
 And while he yet spake, lo ! Judas, one of the twelve, 
 came, and with him a great multitude, with swords and 
 staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. 
 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, 
 Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; hold him fast. 
 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Master, 
 and kissed him.— Matthew xxvi. 36-50. 
 
 FOURTH LESSON. 
 
 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but 
 that rather a tumult w T as made, he took water, and 
 washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am in¬ 
 nocent of the blood of this just person; see ye to it. 
 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on 
 us, and on our children. 
 
KNIGHTS OF THE TEMPLE. 227 
 
 Then released he Barabbas unto them : and when he 
 had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. 
 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the 
 common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of 
 soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a 
 scarlet robe. 
 
 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they 
 put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and 
 they bowed the knee before 4iim, and mocked him, say¬ 
 ing, Hail, king of the Jews! And they spit upon him, 
 and took the reed and smote him on the head. And 
 after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off 
 from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him 
 away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found 
 a man of Cyrene, Simon by name; him they compelled 
 to bear his cross. 
 
 And when they were come unto a place called Golgo¬ 
 tha, that is to say, A place of a skull; they gave him 
 vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had 
 tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified 
 him and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might 
 be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They 
 parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture 
 did they cast lots. And sitting down they watched him 
 there; and set up over his head his accusation written, 
 This is Jesus the King of the Jews. 
 
 FIFTH LESSON. 
 
 Although it is appointed unto all men once to die, 
 yet the Scriptures inform us, the Saviour of the world 
 
228 
 
 KNIGHTS OF THE TEMPLE. 
 
 arose from the dead and ascended up into heaven, there 
 for ever he is seated on the throne of majesty on high: 
 and they also assure us, that all who have received him 
 for their righteousness, and put their trust in him, shall 
 rise to life everlasting. 
 
 In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn to¬ 
 wards the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene 
 and the other Mary, to see the sepulchre. And behold 
 there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord 
 descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the 
 stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance 
 was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and 
 for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as 
 dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the 
 women, “Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, 
 which was crucified. He is not here; for he is risen, 
 as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay: 
 and go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen 
 from the dead; and behold he goeth before you into 
 Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.” 
 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre, with 
 fear and great joy, and did run to bring his disciples 
 word. 
 
 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold Jesus 
 met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held 
 him by the feet, and worshipped him. 
 
 And he led them out as far as to Bethany; and he 
 lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to 
 pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, 
 and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, 
 and returned to Jerusalem w T ith great joy. 
 
KNIGHTS OF THE TEMPLE. 
 
 229 
 
 
 SIXTH LESSON. 
 
 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the 
 disciples, and said, (the number of the names together 
 were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, 
 this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the 
 Holy Ghost, by the mouth of David, spake before con¬ 
 cerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. 
 For he w T as numbered with us, and had obtained part of 
 this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the 
 reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asun¬ 
 der in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And 
 it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; inso¬ 
 much as that field is called in their proper tongue, Acel¬ 
 dama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is writ¬ 
 ten in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, 
 and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let 
 another take. Wherefore, of these men which have com- 
 panied with us, all the time that the Lord Jesus went in 
 and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John 
 unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must 
 one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrec¬ 
 tion. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, 
 who was surnamed Justus and Matthias. And they 
 prayed and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts 
 of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 
 that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, 
 from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might 
 go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; 
 and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered 
 with the eleven apostles.— Acts i. 15-27. 
 
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KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 During the ceremonies of initiation to this Degree, 
 ihe following portions of Scripture are rehearsed : 
 
 FIRST LESSON. 
 
 And when they were escaped, then they knew that 
 the island was called Melita. And the barbarous people 
 shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, 
 and received us every one, because of the present rain, 
 and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered 
 a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a 
 viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And 
 when the barbarians saw the venemous beast hang on his 
 
 231 
 
232 
 
 KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this mar 
 is a murderer, -whom, though he hath escaped the sea, 
 vet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook ofl 
 the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.— Acts xxviii, 
 1 — 6 . 
 
 SECOND LESSON. 
 
 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. 
 And the writing was Jesus of Nazareth, the King of 
 the Jews.—St. John xix. 19. 
 
 THIRD LESSON. 
 
 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was 
 not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples 
 therefore said unto him, “we have seen the Lord.” But 
 he said unto them, “ except I shall see in his hands the 
 print of the nails-, and put my finger into the print of 
 the nails, and thrust my hand into his side I will not 
 believe.” 
 
 And after eight days, again his disciples were within, 
 and Thomas with them. Then came Jesus, the doors 
 being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be 
 unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Beach hither thy 
 finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy 
 hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, 
 but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, 
 “my Lord and my God.” — St. John xx. 24—28 
 
KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 9Q9 
 
 .Ou 
 
 AN ADDRESS TO A NEW CREATED SIR KNIGHT TEMPLAR. 
 
 Sin Knight, —Having passed through the several 
 degrees and honorary distinctions of our ancient and 
 honourable institution—in your admission to the tessel¬ 
 lated masonic ground floor—your ascent into the middle 
 chamber—your entrance to the unfinished sanctum sanc¬ 
 torum—your regularly passing the several gates of the 
 temple—induction to the oriental chair, witnessing the 
 completion and dedication of that superb model of ex¬ 
 cellence, the Temple, which has immortalized the names 
 of our ancient Grand Masters, and the justly celebrated 
 craftsmen:—having wrought in the ruins of the first 
 Temple, and from its sacred Royal Arch brought to 
 light incalculable treasures and advantages to the 
 craft:—having duly studied into the way and manner of 
 their concealment; also having been engaged in the 
 hazardous enterprise of traversing an enemy’s domi¬ 
 nions, and there convincing a foreign prince that truth 
 is great and will prevail; therefore, you are now ad¬ 
 mitted to a participation in those labours which arc to 
 effect the erection of a Temple more glorious than the 
 first, even that beauteous Temple of holiness and inno¬ 
 cence, whose pillars arc Charity, Mercy and Justice, 
 the foundation of which is in the breast of every one 
 who has tasted that the Lord is gracious: to whom 
 you come as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of 
 men, but chosen of God and precious. 
 
 And now, Sir Knight, we bid you welcome to all 
 these rights and privileges, even to that disinterested 
 20 * 
 
234 
 
 KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 friendship and unbounded hospitality which ever has, 
 and we hope and trust ever will continue to adorn, dis¬ 
 tinguish and characterize this noble order. 
 
 It will henceforth become your duty and should be 
 your desire to assist, protect and befriend the weary 
 way-worn traveller who finds the heights of fortune 
 inaccessible, and the thorny paths of life broken, ad¬ 
 verse and forlorn—to succour, defend, and protect the 
 innocent, the distressed, and the helpless, ever standing 
 forth as a champion to espouse the cause of the Chris- . 
 tian Religion. 
 
 You are to inculcate, enforce, and practice virtue; 
 and amidst all the temptations which surround you, 
 never be drawn aside from the path of duty, or forget¬ 
 ful of those due guards and passwords which are neces¬ 
 sary to be had in perpetual remembrance; and while 
 one hand is wielding the sword for your Companion in 
 danger, let the other grasp the mystic Trowel, and 
 widely diffuse the genuine cement of Brotherly Love and 
 Friendship. 
 
 Should calumny assail the character of a Brother Sir 
 Knight, recollect that you are to step forth and vindi¬ 
 cate his good name, and assist him on all necessary 
 occasions. Should assailants ever attempt your honor, 
 interest or happiness, remember, also, at the same 
 time, you have the council and support of your breth¬ 
 ren, whose mystic swords combining the virtues of 
 Faith, Hope and Charity, with Justice, Fortitude and 
 Mercy, will leap from their scabbards in defence of your 
 just rights and ensure you a glorious triumph over all 
 your enemies. 
 
 On this occasion permit me, Sir Knight, to remind 
 
KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 235 
 
 you of our mutual engagements, our reciprocal ties; 
 whatever may be your situation or rank in life, you will 
 find those in similar stations, who have dignified them ¬ 
 selves and been useful to mankind. You are therefore 
 called upon to discharge all your duties with fidelity 
 and patience, whether in the field, in the Senate, on 
 the Bench, at the Bar, or at the Holy Altar. Whether 
 you are placed upon the highest pinnacle of worldly 
 grandeur, or glide more securely in the humble vale 
 of obscurity, unnoticed, save by a few; it matters not, 
 for a few rolling suns will close the scene, when nought 
 but holiness will serve as a sure password to gain admis¬ 
 sion into that Best prepared from the foundation of the 
 world. 
 
 If you see a brother bending under the cross of 
 adversity and disappointment, look not idly on, nei¬ 
 ther pass by on the other side, but fly to his relief. 
 If he be deceived, tell him the Truth; if he bo ca¬ 
 lumniated, vindicate his cause; for, although in some 
 instances, he may have erred, still recollect that in¬ 
 discretion in him should never destroy humanity in 
 you. 
 
 Finally, Sir Knights, as memento mori is deeply 
 engraved on all sublunary enjoyments, let us ever be 
 found in the habiliments of righteousness, traversing the 
 straight path of rectitude, virtue, and true holiness, so 
 that having discharged our duty here below, performed 
 the pilgrimage of life, burst the bands of mortality, 
 passed over the Jordan of death, and safely landed on 
 the broad shore of eternity, there, in the presence of 
 myriads of attending angels, we may be greeted as 
 brethren, and received into the extended arms of the 
 
236 
 
 KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 Blessed Emanuel, and forever made to participate in his 
 Heavenly Kingdom. 
 
 AN EXHORTATION AT CLOSING AN ENCAMPMENT. 
 
 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in 
 the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of 
 God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of 
 the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, 
 but against principalities, against powers, against the 
 rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual 
 wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you 
 the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to with¬ 
 stand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 
 Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with 
 truth, and having on the breast-plate of righteousness; 
 and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel 
 of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, where¬ 
 with ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the 
 wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the 
 sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.— Ephe¬ 
 sians vi. 10—IT. 
 
KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 237 
 
 CEREMONIES AND CHARGES 
 
 UPON THE INSTALLATION OP AN ENCAMPMENT OP KNIGHTS 
 TEMPLARS, AND THE APPENDANT ORDERS. 
 
 The Sir Knights assemble in the hall where the cere 
 monies are to be performed, and open an encampment. 
 The lines are then formed by the Grand Marshal, when 
 they advance to the hall, where they will halt and open 
 to the right and left, and face inward, while the Grand 
 (or Installing) officers, and others in succession, pass in. 
 After taking their several posts, they salute the audi¬ 
 ence by presenting arms. The Grand Marshal then 
 orders,—“return arms—recover—be at ease.” The 
 jewels are then collected and placed on the altar. An 
 Ode or Anthem is performed, succeeded by Prayer, a 
 Sermon, and an Ode. 
 
 The Grand Marshal then rises and says : “ Most Emi¬ 
 nent Grand Commander,—A constitutional number of 
 Knights Templars, duly instructed in the sublime mys¬ 
 teries of our Order, and desirous of promoting the honour 
 of the same by aiding the cause of humanity, knowledge, 
 and virtue, have applied for a Warrant or Charter to 
 constitute them a regular Encampment of Knights Tem¬ 
 plars and the appendant orders: The prayer of their 
 petition having been granted, they are now assembled 
 for the purpose of being legally constituted, and of hav¬ 
 ing their officers installed in due and ancient form.” 
 
 23 * 
 
238 
 
 KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 The Grand Master then directs the Grand Recorder 
 to read the Charter or Warrant, which being done, he 
 asks the members if they still approve of the officers 
 named in the warrant; if they assent, the Grand Master 
 rises and declares, “ By virtue of the high pow T er and 
 authority in me vested, I do now form you, my worthy 
 brother Knights, into a just and regular Encampment 
 of Knights Templars, and Knights of Malta, or the 
 Order of St. John of Jerusalem, and authorize you 
 to perform all such things as may appertain to the 
 same; conforming in all your doings to the laws and 
 constitution of the Grand Encampment under whose 
 authority you act, and to the constitution and edicts of 
 the General Grand Encampment of the United States. 
 And may the God of your fathers be with you, guide 
 and direct you in all your undertakings.” 
 
 The jewels having been collected on the Knights’ first 
 entrance, and deposited on the altar or table in front of 
 the Grand Master, are now uncovered during solemn 
 music ; the Prelate then rises and says,—“ From time 
 immemorial, it has been customary for the Masonic fra¬ 
 ternity to dedicate the different departments of our in¬ 
 stitution to different patrons. We dedicate our Lodges 
 to Sts. John the Baptist, and the Evangelist; our Chap¬ 
 ters to Zerubbabel, and our Encampments to St. John 
 the Almoner. We do this, not in that superstitious 
 sense in which the heathen employ the term when they 
 set apart their temples for the worship of their imagi 
 nary deities, nor in that high and solemn sense in which 
 Christians dedicate their churches to the great Jehovah; 
 but we do it simply to testify our respect and esteem for 
 the character of those who have been so eminently bene- 
 
KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 239 
 
 ficial to our institution, and that their examples may 
 stimulate us to imitate their exalted virtue. 
 
 “ To our most eminent and worthy Patron, St. John 
 the Almoner, I do now solemnly dedicate this Encamp¬ 
 ment ; and may the God of all grace abundantly bless 
 you in your laudable undertaking, and may each one of 
 its members so redeem his time that he may finally re¬ 
 ceive the joyful invitation, “ Enter thou into the joy of 
 thy Lord.” “ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth 
 peace, good-will towards men.” (Response.) a As it 
 was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world 
 without end. Amen.” 
 
 The Grand Commander elect is then presented to the 
 Grand Master by the Marshal, who says, “ Most Wor¬ 
 shipful, I have the honour to present you the Most Emi¬ 
 nent Sir-, who has been appointed to the office 
 
 of first Grand Commander of this Encampment. I find 
 him well skilled in our sublime mysteries, and observant 
 of the noble precepts of our forefathers, and have, there¬ 
 fore, no doubt but he will discharge the important duties 
 of his office with fidelity.” 
 
 The Grand Master then asks, “Most Eminent, are you 
 ready to subscribe to the oath of office ?” On his answer¬ 
 ing in the affirmative the Grand Master draws his sword, 
 and holding it horizontally, the edge towards the Grand 
 Commander elect, who places his left hand on the same, 
 and his right hand on his left breast, and repeats as fol¬ 
 lows : “ I, A. B., dQ solemnly promise, upon the honour 
 of a Knight Templar, that I will, to the best of my 
 knowledge and ability, faithfully discharge the various 
 duties incumbent upon the office to which I have been 
 appointed; that I will support and maintain the by-laws 
 
240 
 
 KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 of this Encampment and the laws and constitution of 
 the Grand Encampment, under whose immediate autho¬ 
 rity I act; also the constitution and edicts of the Gene¬ 
 ral Grand Encampment of the United States of Arne- 
 *nca. 
 
 The Grand Master then observes: “ M. E. Sir-—, 
 
 I enter upon the discharge of my duty on this interesting 
 occasion, with great pleasure. In installing you as the 
 first officer of an institution which is founded on the 
 holy religion of Jesus Christ, I am satisfied that I am 
 promoting the interest of the Order generally, hut more 
 particularly in this part of our country. Having ac¬ 
 cepted this honourable and responsible office, you will 
 endeavour to discharge your duty in such a manner as to 
 convince the world that those calumnies which have been 
 repeatedly cast upon our institution, by the enemies of 
 our Order, are false and unfounded. 
 
 I shall now propose certain questions to you relative 
 to the duties of your office, to which I must request an 
 unequivocal answer. 
 
 1. Do you solemnly promise, upon the honour of a 
 Knight Templar, that you will exert your best endea¬ 
 vours to correct the errors, purify the morals, and pro¬ 
 mote the true happiness of those of your brother 
 Knights who have attained this magnanimous order ? 
 
 2. That you will not confer the orders on any person 
 who has not shown a charitable and humane disposition, 
 nor upon any one who is an enemy to the Christian re¬ 
 ligion ; but only upon such as you have reason to believe 
 will cheerfully conform to all our laws and precepts ? 
 
 3. That you will endeavour to promote the general 
 good of the order on all proper occasions, be ever ready 
 
KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 241 
 
 to give and receive instruction, especially from the State 
 and General Grand Officers ? 
 
 4. That, to the utmost of your power, you will pre¬ 
 serve the solemnities of our ceremonies and conduct 
 yourself in open Encampment with the most profound 
 respect and reverence, as an example to your brother 
 Knights ? 
 
 5. That you will not acknowledge or have intercourse 
 with any Encampment which does not work under a con¬ 
 stitutional charter or warrant ? 
 
 6. That you will not permit any person to visit your 
 Encampment who has not been knighted in an Encamp¬ 
 ment legally constituted, without his first being formally 
 healed ? 
 
 T. That you will bind your successor in office to the 
 observance of these rules, to which you have now as¬ 
 sented ? 
 
 Do you submit to all these things and promise to ob¬ 
 serve and practice them faithfully ? 
 
 Let us kneel and address the throne of grace. Prayer 
 by the Prelate. 
 
 INSTALLATION CHARGE TO THE MOST EMINENT GRAND 
 
 COMMANDER. 
 
 Most Eminent,— I now invest you with the badge of 
 your office, which is a cross surmounted by rays of light. 
 It is to remind you that humility, love, and pure bene¬ 
 volence, are refulgent rays that emanate from the pure 
 and undefiled religion of the blest Emanuel, and which 
 should ever characterize the members of this order; it 
 is not only to remind you of the respect and obedienco 
 21 
 
242 
 
 KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 you have a right to expect from your brother Knights, 
 hut also those important duties which you owe to them 
 and the order. 
 
 I now declare you duly installed Grand Commander 
 of-Encampment, not doubting your determina¬ 
 
 tion to support, to the utmost of your ability and in¬ 
 fluence, the honour and reputation of this magnanimous 
 order; and I am persuaded as it will be for your in¬ 
 terest, that you will govern this Encampment with such 
 wisdom and regularity as will convince the Sir Knights 
 that their confidence and partiality has not been mis¬ 
 placed. 
 
 I now present you with a Charter, under which you 
 will be authorized to Work: you will consider it a 
 sacred deposit, and never permit it to be used for any 
 other purpose than those which are expressed in it. 
 The Holy Bible, the great Luminary in every degree of 
 Masonry, together with the Cross Swords, I now con¬ 
 fide to your care. In the former part of this sacred 
 volume we are taught to believe in the existence of the 
 eternal Jehovah, the Creator of all things, the Governor 
 of the universe and the Judge of all: that man is a 
 moral and accountable being; that he at first was 
 created upright, but fell by transgression, and became 
 justly exposed to eternal punishment. In the latter 
 part we are taught, that when there was no eye to pity 
 nor created arm to save, Infinite Benevolence devised a 
 plan whereby God could be just, and the justifier of him 
 that believeth in the Lord Jesus Christ: that the great 
 Messiah came into this rebellious world, took upon him- 
 self the character of a servant, fulfilled the law, suffered 
 an ignominious death upon the cross : that he rose from 
 
KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 243 
 
 the dead, ascended into heaven, and is now seated on the 
 right hand of God the Father, making intercession for 
 his people: that he has opened a door whereby all who 
 will may enter into life eternal. 
 
 By the cross swords we are reminded of the armor 
 we should put on when we are called upon to wrestle 
 against principalities and powers, against spiritual wick¬ 
 edness in high places, being assured that by the sword 
 of the Spirit, which is the word of God, we shall come 
 off conquerors and more than conquerors through him 
 that loved us. 
 
 The Constitution of the General Grand Encampment 
 of the United States, and of the Grand Encampment 
 under whose immediate authority you act, together with 
 
 the By-Laws of-Encampment, are committed to 
 
 your care. It will be necessary frequently to consult 
 them, and take special care that none of the latter mili¬ 
 tate against the former. And now M. E. permit me to 
 place you in the chair of your Command, emblematic 
 of that which was formerly filled by a succession of 
 heroes of whom the world was not worthy: and may 
 their bright example, whose matchless deeds are recorded 
 on the historic page, animate you to the faithful dis¬ 
 charge of every duty. 
 
 The Grand Master then proclaims,—“Sir Knights, 
 behold your Grand Commander.” The Knights rise, 
 draw swords, and present arms: while in this position, 
 the M. W. says: 
 
 “Recollect, Sir Knights, that the future welfare 
 and prosperity of your Encampment will depend as 
 much on your obedience, attention, and assistance, as 
 
244 
 
 KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 upon the wisdom, assiduity, and exertion of your Grand 
 Commander.” 
 
 The Sir Knights recover arms, return arms, and are 
 seated. The M. W. then continues: 
 
 “ Your duty henceforth, M. E., will be to direct the 
 ceremonies of the Encampment with wisdom and impar¬ 
 tiality, to confer the orders on those who on application 
 shall be found worthy; to preserve the Laws and Con¬ 
 stitution of the order from innovation and violation; to 
 dispense justice, reward merit, encourage truth, suppress 
 profanity at all times, and dispense the sublime princi¬ 
 ples of universal benevolence. You will distribute alms 
 to poor and weary pilgrims travelling from afar; feed 
 the hungry, clothe the naked, and bind up the wounds 
 of the afflicted. In a word, you will inculcate and 
 practice the duties of Charity and hospitality, and 
 govern your Commandery with justice and modera¬ 
 tion.” 
 
 The Grand Master then directs all the officers of the 
 new Encampment, except the Grand Commander, to rise 
 and prepare to take the oath of office, similar to the 
 one taken by the G. C. 
 
 The officers elect rise, and every third Knight from 
 the right draws and drops his sword to the right, in a 
 horizontal position; the Knights (except those who hold 
 the swords), lay their left hand on the swords before 
 them, and the right upon their left breast. 
 
 The M. W. then administers the obligation as fol¬ 
 low : “ You and each of you promise and agree, upon 
 the honor of a Knight Templar,” &c., &c., as before. 
 
 The Grand Marshal then presents the Generalissimo. 
 
KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 245 
 
 CHARGE TO THE GENERALISSIMO. 
 
 Sir, —You having been appointed to the office of Ge¬ 
 neralissimo of this Encampment, I now invest you with 
 the badge of your office, which is a Square surmounted 
 by a Paschal Lamb. When beholding the lamb, let it 
 stimulate you to have, at all times, a watchful eye over 
 your own conduct, and an earnest solicitude for the 
 prosperity of the kingdom of the blest Emanuel, the 
 spotless Lamb of God, who was slain from the founda¬ 
 tion of the world. 
 
 The square is to remind you that the institution of 
 Freemasonry and the orders of Knighthood were for¬ 
 merly governed by the same Grand Masters, and that 
 the same principles of brotherly love and friendship 
 should for ever govern the members of both orders. 
 Your station, Sir Knight, is on the right of your Com¬ 
 mander ; your duty is to receive and communicate all 
 orders, signs, and petitions, to assist your Commander 
 in his various duties, and in his absence to preside in 
 the Encampment. 
 
 The exercise of all your talents and zeal will be ne¬ 
 cessary in the discharge of your varied duties. I charge 
 you therefore to be faithful to the Sir Knights with whom 
 you are associated; put them often in remembrance of 
 those things which tend to their everlasting peace: 
 finally, “ preach to them the word: be instant in 
 season and out of season : reprove, rebuke, exhort, with 
 all long-suffering and doctrineever remembering the 
 promise, “Bo thou faithful unto death* and I will give 
 thee a crown of life.” 
 
24G 
 
 KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE CAPTAIN-GENERAL. 
 
 Sir, —You are appointed to the important office of 
 Captain-General of this Encampment. I now invest 
 you with the badge of your office, which is a level sur¬ 
 mounted by a cock. As the undaunted courage and 
 valour of the cock stimulates him to conquer his compe¬ 
 titor or yield himself a victim to the contest, so should 
 you be stimulated to the discharge of every duty. You 
 should have on “ the breastplate of righteousness,’’ so 
 that with patience and meekness you may ever travel on 
 the level of humility, and be so supplied with divine 
 grace as to prevent you from selling your God or deny¬ 
 ing your Master. 
 
 Your station is on the left of your Commander. 
 Your duty, among many other things, is to see that the 
 proper officers make all due preparation from the various 
 meetings of the Encampment, that the council chamber 
 and asylum are in suitable array for the introduction of 
 candidates and the despatch of business. You are also 
 to receive and communicate all orders issued by the G. 
 C. through the officers of the line. You are to assist in 
 Council, and, in the absence of your Commander and 
 Generalissimo, you are to govern the Encampment. 
 The distressed widow, the helpless orphan, and the in¬ 
 nocent of the weaker sex, you are ever to assist and 
 protect. But, above all, you are to stand forth, having 
 your loins girt about with truth, in the defence of the 
 Christian religion from all its enemies. And now I ex¬ 
 hort you, that with fidelity you perform every duty:— 
 “ and whatsoever ye do, do heartily as to the Lord, and 
 
KNIGHTS OF MALTA 
 
 247 
 
 not unto men : continue in prayer, and watch in the same 
 with thanksgiving;” ever bearing in mind the promise, 
 “ Be not weary in well doing, for in due time you shall 
 reap, if ye faint not.” 
 
 CHARGE TO THE MOST EXCELLENT PRELATE. 
 
 Sir, —You are appointed Prelate of this Encampment. 
 I now have the pleasure of investing you with this triple 
 triangle, which is the badge of your office, and a beauti¬ 
 ful emblem of the Eternal Jehovah. Your station is on 
 the right of the Generalissimo; your duty is at the altar, 
 to offer up prayers and oblations to the Deity. The 
 duties of your office are very interesting, and highly im¬ 
 portant, and will require your early and punctual atten¬ 
 dance, at every meeting. Your jewel is to remind you 
 of the importance of the trust reposed in you; and may 
 He, who is able abundantly to furnish you for every good 
 work, preserve you from falling into error, improve, 
 strengthen, establish, and perfect you, and finally greet 
 you with “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter 
 thou into the joy of thy Lord.” 
 
 CHARGE TO THE SENIOR WARDEN. 
 
 Sir, —You are appointed Senior Warden of this En¬ 
 campment. I now invest you with the badge of your 
 office, which is a Hollow Square and Sword of Justice. 
 Let the sword of justice be ever drawn to guard the consti¬ 
 tution of the order. Your station is at the southwest angle 
 
248 
 
 KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 of the triangle, and upon the right of the first division. 
 You will attend the Pilgrim Warrior travelling from afar, 
 comfort and support the Pilgrim Penitent, and recommend 
 them, after due trial, to the favour and protection of the 
 Grand Commander. You will be assiduous in teaching 
 your division their duties and exercises. You will, on 
 all occasions, form the avenues for the approach and 
 departure of your commander; and prepare the lines 
 for inspection and review. Let it be your constant care 
 that the Warrior be not deterred from duty, nor the 
 Penitent molested on his journey. Pinally, “let your 
 light so shine before men, that they, seeing your good 
 works, may glorify your Father which is in heaven.” 
 
 CHARGE TO THE JUNIOR WARDEN. 
 
 Sir, —You are appointed Junior Warden of this En¬ 
 campment. I now invest you with the badge of your 
 office, which is an Eagle and Flaming Sword. It is to 
 remind you to perform your various duties with justice 
 and valour, having an eagle eye on the prosperity of the 
 order. Your station is at the northwest angle of the 
 triangle, and on the left of the third division. Your 
 duty is to attend weary pilgrims, travelling from afar, 
 conduct them on their journey, plead their cause, and, 
 by permission of the Grand Commander, introduce them 
 into the Asylum. You will be careful that, in addition 
 to the sandals, staff, and scrip, their whole preparation 
 and deportment be such as shall cause them to be recog¬ 
 nized as children of humility. Teach them that “ Magna 
 est veritas et praevalebit” is the motto of one of our 
 orders, and although, in the course of their pilgrimage. 
 
KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 249 
 
 they will often find the heights of fortune inaccessible, 
 and the thorny path of life crooked, adverse and for¬ 
 lorn ; yet, by faith and humility, courage, constancy, 
 and perseverance in the great duties set before them in 
 the Gospel, they may gain admission into the Asylum 
 above; there to enjoy the honor and rewards that await 
 che valiant soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Finally, 
 be perfect, always abounding in the works of the Lord; 
 that you may be a shining light in the world. A city 
 that is set on a hill cannot he hid. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE TREASURER. 
 
 Sir,— You are appointed Treasurer of this Encamp¬ 
 ment.—I now invest you with the badge of your office. 
 Your station is on the right of the G. Commander, in 
 front. The qualities which should recommend a Trea¬ 
 surer are accuracy and fidelity: accuracy in keeping a 
 fair and minute account of all receipts and disburse¬ 
 ments ; fidelity in carefully preserving all the property 
 and funds of the Encampment, that may be placed in 
 his hands, and rendering a just account of the same 
 whenever he is called upon for that purpose. I presume 
 that your respect and attachment to the Encampment, 
 and your earnest solicitude for a good name, which is 
 better than precious ointment, will prompt you to the 
 faithful discharge of the duties of your office. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE RECORDER. 
 
 Sir, —You are appointed Recorder of this Encamp¬ 
 ment.—I now invest you with the badge of your office. 
 Your station is on the left of the G. Commander, in 
 
250 
 
 KNIGHTS OF MALTA, 
 
 front. The qualities which should recommend a Re¬ 
 corder are promptitude in issuing the notifications and 
 orders of his superior officers; punctuality in attending 
 the meetings of the Encampment; correctness in re¬ 
 cording their proceedings; judgment in discriminating 
 between what is proper and what is improper to he com¬ 
 mitted to writing ; integrity in accounting for all moneys 
 that may pass through his hands, and fidelity in paying 
 the same over into the hands of the Treasurer. The 
 possession of these good qualities, I presume, has desig¬ 
 nated you as a suitable candidate for this important 
 office ; and I cannot entertain a doubt that you will dis¬ 
 charge its duties beneficially to the Encampment and 
 honorably to yourself. And when you shall have com¬ 
 pleted the record of your transactions here below, and 
 finished the term of your probation, may you be admit¬ 
 ted into the celestial Asylum of saints and angels, and 
 find your name recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE STANDARD BEARER. 
 
 Sir, —You are appointed Standard Bearer of this 
 Encampment. I now invest you with the badge of your 
 office, which is a Plumb surmounted by a Banner. Your 
 station is in the West, and in the centre of the second 
 division. Your duty is to display, support and protect 
 the Standard of the order, which I now with pleasure 
 confide to your valour. You will remember that it is 
 our rallying point in time of danger ; and wdien unfurled 
 in a just and virtuous cause, you will never relinquish it 
 to an enemy but with your life. Let, therefore, your 
 conduct be such as all the virtuous will delight to imi 
 
KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 2-51 
 
 t 
 
 tate; let the refulgent rays which ever emanate from 
 pure benevolence and humility, diffuse their lustre on all 
 around, that it may encourage and animate all true and 
 courteous Knights, and, at the same time, confound and 
 dismay all their enemies. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE SWORD BEARER. 
 
 Sir, —You are appointed Sword Bearer of this En¬ 
 campment.—I now invest you with the badge of your 
 office, which is a Triangle and Cross Swords. Your sta¬ 
 tion is on the right of the Standard Bearer, and on the 
 right of the second division when formed in line. Your 
 duty is to watch all orders and signals from the Grand 
 Commander, and see that they are promptly obeyed* 
 You are also to assist in the protection of the banners 
 of the order, with a heart lively devoted to the princi¬ 
 ples of Faith, Hope and Charity : with the mystic sword 
 that is endowed with justice and fortitude, and tempered 
 by mercy, in your hand, you may cast your eyes upon 
 the Standard and remember that “In hoc signo vincis” 
 is an expressive motto of our order, and consoling to the 
 heart of every believer. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE WARDER. 
 
 Sir, —You are appointed Warder of this Encamp- 
 xnent.—I now invest you with the badge of your office 
 which is a square plate with a Trumpet and Cross 
 Swords engraved thereon. Your station is upon the left 
 of the Standard Bearer, and upon the left of the second 
 division when formed in line. Your duty is to announce 
 
252 
 
 KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 the approach and departure of the Grand Commander, 
 to post the sentinels, and see that the Asylum is duly 
 guarded. You will, also, report all petitions from visi¬ 
 tors and strangers, and communicate the orders of your 
 superior officers: and I charge you to be punctual in 
 your attendance at our meetings and indefatigable in the 
 discharge of your important duties ; for though yours is 
 among the last officers in the Encampment, it is by no 
 means the least in importance. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE THREE GUARDS. 
 
 Sir Knights, —You are appointed Captains of the 
 Guards. I now invest you with your badge of office, 
 which is a square plate with a Battle Axe engraved 
 thereon. Your post is that of honor as well as danger. 
 You will therefore be vigilant, and challenge with spirit, 
 examine with caution, admonish with candour, relieve 
 cheerfully, protect with fidelity, and fight valiantly. 
 
 CHARGE TO THE ENCAMPMENT. 
 
 Sir Knights, —To manage and conduct the concerns 
 of an Encampment of Knights Templars with that 
 promptitude, integrity and skill which the Institution 
 demands, will require the exercise of all the talents and 
 perseverance of its officers and members. Are any of 
 you solicitous that your equals and inferiors should con¬ 
 duct towards you with deference and respect ? you will be 
 sure to let no opportunity pass without furnishing them 
 with an example in your own conduct towards your 
 superiors. The officers will recollect that those moral 
 
KNIGHTS OF MALTA. 
 
 253 
 
 and religious duties and precepts 'which they from time 
 to time so forcibly impress upon the minds of others 
 should by no means be neglected by themselves; as the 
 most effectual way to ensure success is to let precept and 
 example go hand in hand. 
 
 I would therefore exhort one and all of you to look 
 well to the East, to the West, to the North and to the 
 South, and see that the entering avenues are strictly 
 guarded, and that you suffer no one to pass the thresh- 
 hold of your Asylum hut the worthy Children of Hu 
 mility ; and at the same time, that you suffer no one 
 to walk among you disorderly, without admonition or 
 reproof. While such is the conduct of the officers and 
 members, you may rest assured that this valiant magna 
 nimous order will forever flourish like the green bay tree. 
 And now, my worthy Sir Knights, I w T ould address you 
 in the language of David to his beloved city, “Peace be 
 within thy walls and prosperity within thy palaces.” 
 For my Brethren and Companions’ sakes, I will now 
 say, Peace be within thee. 
 
 The Grand Marshal then proclaims the new Encamp 
 ment in the following manner, viz: 
 
 “ In the name of the Most Eminent Grand Encamp¬ 
 ment of the State of-, I proclaim this new En¬ 
 campment, by the name of-, to be legally consti¬ 
 
 tuted, consecrated, and the officers duly installed.” 
 
 The lines are then formed, and return in the same 
 order to the hall from whence they started where the 
 business of the Encampment is resumed. After the 
 necessary business is finished, the Encampment is closed 
 in duo and ancient form. 
 
 22 
 

 
 
 
 >=sj -• , ' f! *.>•! i 2 
 
 » 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^ . • * 
 
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CONSTITUTION 
 
 OF THE 
 
 GENERAL GRAND ENCAMPMENT 
 
 OP KNIGHTS TEMPLARS AND APPENDANT ORDERS POR THE 
 UNITED STATES OE AMERICA 
 
 As Amended in 1844. 
 
 ARTICLE I. 
 
 Sec. 1. The General Grand Encampment of Knights 
 Templars, and the Appendant Orders, for the United 
 States of America, consists of a General Grand Master, 
 Deputy General Grand Master, General Grand General¬ 
 issimo, General Grand Captain General, General Grand 
 Prelate, General Grand Senior Warden, General Grand 
 Junior Warden, General Grand Recorder, General Grand 
 Treasurer, General Grand Standard Bearer, General 
 Grand Sword Bearer, General Grand Warder, all Past 
 General Grand Masters, Deputy General Grand Masters, 
 General Grand Generalissimos, and General Grand Cap¬ 
 tain Generals of this General Grand Encampment; the 
 Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters, Grand General¬ 
 issimos, and Grand Captain Generals of all such State 
 Grand Encampments as may be instituted or holden by 
 virtue of this Constitution^ and the said enumerated 
 
 (255) 
 
256 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 officers, or their proxies, shall be the only members and 
 voters in the said General Grand Encampment. 
 
 Provided , That the Encampments, holding Charters 
 from this General Grand Encampment, in the several 
 States, wherein there are no Grand Encampments, may 
 be represented in this General Grand Encampment, and 
 the officers of such Encampments collectively, shall have 
 a right to one vote, but not a right to appear by proxy. 
 Nor shall a Past Grand Master have the right to appear 
 by proxy. And provided further , That no person shall 
 be constituted a proxy unless at the same time he shall 
 be a member of some Grand or subordinate Encamp¬ 
 ment. 
 
 Sec. 2. The time of meeting of the General Grand 
 Encampment shall be on the 2d Tuesday of September 
 triennially, for the choice of officers and other business, 
 at such place as may be from time to time appointed. 
 
 Sec. 3. A special meeting of the General Grand En¬ 
 campment shall be called whenever any two of the first 
 four General Grand Officers may deem it necessary; 
 and also whenever it may be required by a majority of 
 the Grand Encampments of the States aforesaid; pro¬ 
 vided that such requisition be made known, in writing, 
 by the said Encampments respectively, to either of the 
 before-mentioned General Grand Officers. 
 
 Sec. 4. The General Grand Master, Deputy General 
 Grand Master, General Grand Generalissimo, and Gene¬ 
 ral Grand Captain General, are severally hereby autho¬ 
 rized and empowered to visit and preside in any and 
 every assembly of Knights of the Red Cross, Knights 
 Templars, and of Malta, throughout the jurisdiction of 
 
CONSTITUTION. 
 
 1257 
 
 the General Grand Encampment, and to give such in¬ 
 structions and directions as the good of the Institution 
 may require ; always adhering to the ancient landmarks. 
 
 Sec. 5. In all cases of the absence of any officer from 
 any assembly instituted or holden by virtue of this Con¬ 
 stitution, the officer next in rank shall succeed his supe¬ 
 rior ; unless through courtesy such officer shall decline 
 in favour of a Past Superior Officer present. And in 
 case of the absence of all the officers, the members 
 present, according to seniority and abilities, shall fill the 
 several offices. 
 
 Sec. 6. In every assembly of Knights, all questions 
 (except upon the admission of members or candidates) 
 shall be determined by a majority of votes; the presi¬ 
 ding officer for the time being, shall be entitled to a 
 vote, if a member; and in case the votes should be 
 equally divided, he shall also give the casting vote. 
 
 Sec. T. In case any casualty shall at any time, pre¬ 
 vent the triennial election of officers, the several Gene¬ 
 ral Grand officers shall hold their respective offices un¬ 
 til successors be duly elected and qualified. 
 
 Sec. 8. No person shall hereafter be eligible to any 
 office in the General or any State Grand Encampment, 
 unless he shall at the time be a member of some subor¬ 
 dinate Encampment. 
 
 Sec. 9. The General Grand Master, Deputy Gene¬ 
 ral Grand Master, General Grand Generallissimo, and 
 General Grand Captain General, shall severally have 
 power and authority to institute new Councils of Knights 
 of the Red Cross, and Encampments of Knights Tem¬ 
 plars and of Malta, in any State or Territory wherein 
 there is not a Grand Encampment regularly established. 
 
 22 * 
 
258 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 Provided , That no Dispensation shall be in force be¬ 
 yond the time of the next triennial meeting of the Ge¬ 
 neral Grand Encampment, except the same, for cause 
 shown, shall be renewed. 
 
 And provided further , That no Encampment shall be 
 established in any State or Territory, where there is an 
 Encampment, without the approbation or consent of the 
 nearest Encampment to the applicants having been first 
 obtained. 
 
 Sec. 10. The fees for instituting a new Council and 
 Encampment, shall be ninety dollars, exclusive of such 
 compensation for executing the Letters of Dispensation, 
 or Charter, as may be deemed reasonable. 
 
 Sec. 11. It shall be the duty of either of the Gene¬ 
 ral Grand officers, who may hereafter create new En¬ 
 campments, to notify the General Grand Recorder of the 
 same, so soon thereafter as possible; and also to trans¬ 
 mit the fees for the same to the General Grand Treasu¬ 
 rer within thirty days thereafter. 
 
 Sec. 12. For every Knight Templar hereafter created 
 in any Encampment holden by Dispensation from either 
 of the General Grand Officers, and whilst under the im¬ 
 mediate jurisdiction of the General Grand Encamp¬ 
 ment, such Encampment shall pay the sum of two dol¬ 
 lars into the General Grand Treasury. 
 
CONSTITUTION. 
 
 250 
 
 ARTICLE II. 
 
 OF STATE GRAND ENCAMPMENTS. 
 
 Sec. 1. Whenever there shall he three or more En¬ 
 campments instituted, or liolden under this Constitution 
 in any one State, a Grand Encampment may be formed 
 in such State, after obtaining the approbation and con¬ 
 sent of the General Grand Master, the Deputy General 
 Grand Master, or the General Grand Encampment. 
 
 Sec. 2. The State Grand Encampments shall seve¬ 
 rally consist of a Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, 
 Grand Generallissimo, Grand Captain General, Grand 
 Prelate, Grand Senior Warden, Grand Junior War¬ 
 den, Grand Recorder, Grand Treasurer, Grand Stan¬ 
 dard Bearer, Grand Sword Bearer, Grand Warder, 
 all Past Grand Masters, Deputy Grand Masters, 
 Grand Generallissimos, and Grand Captain Gene¬ 
 rals, of any State Grand Encampment, wheresoever they 
 may reside ; the Grand Commanders, Generallissimos, 
 and Captain Generals, for the time being of the En¬ 
 campments over which they shall respectively preside; 
 and all Past Grand Commanders of such Encampments, 
 so long as they shall continue in active existence, and 
 their said enumerated officers, or their proxies, shall be 
 the only members and voters of the said State Grand 
 Encampments respectively. 
 
 Sec. 3. The State Grand Encampments shall bo 
 holden at least once in every year, at such times and 
 places as they shall respectively direct, and the Grand 
 or Deputy Grand Masters respectively, may call spe- 
 
2G0 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 cial meetings when they deem the same necessary. 
 Their officers shall be chosen annually by ballot. 
 
 Sec. 4. The several State Grand Encampments, sub¬ 
 ject to the provisions of this Constitution shall have the 
 sole government and superintendence of the several 
 Councils of Knights of the Red Cross, Knights Tem¬ 
 plars and Knights of Malta, within their respective ju¬ 
 risdictions ; to assign their limits, and settle controver¬ 
 sies that may happen between them; and shall have 
 power, under their respective Seals, and the signs 
 manual of their respective principal Grand Officers, at¬ 
 tested by their respective Grand Secretaries, to consti¬ 
 tute new Councils and Encampments of the above-men¬ 
 tioned Orders, within their respective jurisdictions. 
 
 Sec. 5. The Grand and Deputy Grand Masters, 
 severally, shall have the power and anthority, during 
 the recess of the Grand Encampment of which they are 
 officers, to grant Letters of Dispensation under their 
 respective hands, and private seals, to a competent num¬ 
 ber of petitioners, residing within their respective ju¬ 
 risdictions, (possessing the Constitutional qualifications,) 
 empowering them to form and open a Council and En¬ 
 campment, for a certain specified term of time, not ex¬ 
 tending beyond the next meeting of the Grand Encamp¬ 
 ment. And in all cases of such Dispensations the 
 officer granting the same shall make report thereof at 
 the next meeting of the Grand Encampment, which may 
 either continue or recall the same, or may grant the pe 
 titioners a Charter. 
 
 Sec. 6 . The several State Grand Encampments shall 
 possess authority, upon the institution of new Councils 
 
CONSTITUTION. 
 
 261 
 
 or Encampments within their respective jurisdictions, to 
 require the payment of such fees ns they may deem ex 
 pedient, which fees shall be advanced and paid before a 
 Charter or Letters of Dispensation shall be issued. 
 
 Sec. T. The State Grand Encampments shall sev¬ 
 erally have power to require from the several Councils 
 and Encampments, within their respective jurisdictions, 
 such reasonable proportion of sums received by them 
 for conferring the degrees and such certain annual sums 
 from their respective members, as may be necessary for 
 supporting the Grand Encampment with propriety and 
 respectability; which said dues shall be made good and 
 paid over by the Councils and Encampments respectively 
 at such times as the said Grand Encampment may 
 direct. 
 
 Sec. 8. No charter shall be issued for constituting 
 an Encampment of Knights Templars and the appen¬ 
 dant Orders, except upon the petition of nine Knights 
 of those Orders ; and a recommendation of the Encamp¬ 
 ment in the same State nearest the place where the new 
 Encampment is to be established. 
 
 Sec. 9. The Grand Recorders shall severally make 
 an annual communication to each other, and also to the 
 General Grand Recorder, containing a list of Grand 
 Officers, and all such other matters as may be deemed 
 useful for the mutual information of the several Grand 
 Encammnents. And the said State Grand Recorders 
 
 -A. 
 
 shall also regularly transmit to the General Grand 
 Recorder, a copy of all their Ey-Laws and Regu¬ 
 lations. 
 
 Sec. 10. The jurisdiction of the several State Grand 
 
262 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 Encampments shall not extend beyond the limits of the 
 State in which they shall respectively he holden; except¬ 
 ing any case wherein, before the formation of this Con¬ 
 stitution, a Grand Encampment had been formed by an 
 united representation of the Encampments in two ad¬ 
 joining States. 
 
 ARTICLE III. 
 
 OF SUBORDINATE COUNCILS AND ENCAMPMENTS. 
 
 Sec. 1. All regular assemblies of Knights of the Red 
 Cross are called Councils; and all regular assemblies 
 of Knights Templars and Knights of Malta are called 
 Encampments. Every Council and Encampment ought 
 to assemble at least quarterly, for business and improve¬ 
 ment. Every Encampment shall consist of a Grand 
 Commander, Generalissimo, Captain General, Prelate, 
 Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Recorder, Treasurer, 
 Standard Bearer, Sword Bearer, Warder, and as many 
 members as may be found convenient. 
 
 Sec. 2. No Encampment shall confer the orders of 
 Knighthood for a less sum than twenty dollars, nor upon 
 any one who shall not have regularly received the seve¬ 
 ral degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, Mas¬ 
 ter Mason, Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent 
 Master, and Royal Arch Mason. The rule of succes¬ 
 sion in conferring the orders of Knighthood shall be as 
 follows, viz: Knight of the Red Cross, Knight Templar 
 Knight of Malta. Provided , That the Encampment 
 
CONSTITUTION. 
 
 263 
 
 within ths jurisdiction of this General Grand Encamp¬ 
 ment may confer the orders of Knighthood upon regu¬ 
 larly ordained officiating clergymen without fee. 
 
 Sec. 3. Every Council and Encampment shall have a 
 Charter from the Grand Encampment of the State in 
 which they may respectively be holden, or a Dispensa¬ 
 tion from one of the first four Grand Officers. And no 
 Council or Encampment that may hereafter be formed 
 or opened shall be deemed legal without such Charter or 
 Dispensation; and communication is hereby interdicted 
 and forbidden between any Council or Encampment 
 under this jurisdiction, or any member of either of them, 
 and any Council, Encampment, or Assembly that may 
 be so formed, opened, or holden without such Charter or 
 Dispensation, or any or either of their members, or any 
 person introduced into such illegal assembly. 
 
 Sec. 4. The Grand Commander of every Encamp¬ 
 ment and Council has it in special charge to see that 
 the By-Laws of his Council or Encampment are duly 
 observed, as well as the General Constitution, and the 
 Regulations of the General Grand Encampment; that 
 accurate records are kept, and just accounts rendered; 
 that regular returns are made to the Grand Encamp¬ 
 ment, and to the General Grand Recorder annually, and 
 that the annual due3 are promptly paid. He has autho¬ 
 rity to call special meetings at pleasure; and it is his 
 duty, together with'his second and third officer, to atttnd 
 all meetings of the Grand Encampment in person or by 
 proxy. 
 
 Sec. 5. It shall not be deemed regular for any En¬ 
 campment or Council to confer the orders of Knight- 
 
264 
 
 CO NSTITUTION. 
 
 hoed upon any sojourner, whose fixed place of abode is 
 within any State in which there is an Encampment regu 
 larly established; and in case any Encampment shall 
 confer the said orders, contrary to this section, such 
 Encampment shall, on demand, pay over to the Encamp¬ 
 ment situated nearest the candidate’s fixed place of abode, 
 the whole amount of fees received for his admission. 
 
 Sec. 6 . The officers of every Council and Encamp¬ 
 ment under this jurisdiction, before they enter upon the 
 exercise of their respective offices, and also the mem¬ 
 bers of such Councils and Encampments, and every can¬ 
 didate upon his admission into the same, shall take the 
 following obligation, viz: “ I, A. B ., do promise and 
 swear that I will support and maintain the Constitution 
 of the General Grand Encampment of Knights Templars 
 for the United States of America. 
 
 Sec. T. The General Grand Encampment shall be 
 competent, on concurrence of two-thirds of its members 
 present, at any time hereafter, to revise, amend, and 
 alter this Constitution. 
 
PART III, 
 
 PRAYERS AND SONGS. 
 
 PRAYER AT OPENING. 
 
 Almighty and All Present God! unto whom all 
 hearts are open, and from whom no secret is hid, 
 cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of 
 thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and 
 worthily magnify thy holy name; and direct us in our 
 present work; and in all our doings may we be furthered 
 by thy continual help; that in them all, begun, con¬ 
 tinued and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy 
 name, and finally, with all our Brethren, be found 
 worthy of admission to the great Lodge above, through 
 the merits of our gracious Redeemer, thy Son, our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 So mote it be. 
 
 PRAYER AT CLOSING. 
 
 Oh God! who knowest our down sitting and our up¬ 
 rising, and understandest our thoughts, and compasseth 
 23 (2 f)5> 
 
266 
 
 PRAYERS . 
 
 about our ways; who hast taught us that all our doings, 
 without charity are nothing worth, pour into our hearts 
 that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of 
 peace, and of all virtues, without which, whosoever 
 liveth is counted dead before thee; and grant that when 
 we are called off from the labours of earth, we, and all 
 our Brethren, may be led forth by our Grand Junior 
 Warden, to partake of the refreshments of that heavenly 
 Lodge, where the weary are at rest, and the wicked 
 cease from troubling. Grant this, for his sake. Amen. 
 
 So mote it be. 
 
 PRAYER AT MAKING. 
 
 Oh God! Creator and Preserver of all mankind! 
 Who dost create light and make darkness; without 
 whom nothing is strong, nothing perfect, create in this 
 thy servant, a clean heart, and renew a right spirit 
 within him; the spirit of understanding, that he may 
 see, the spirit of thy most holy fear, that he may ever 
 faithfully observe the obligations which are now, or 
 shall hereafter be imposed upon him:—defend him from 
 the dangers that beset his pathway, and bring him to 
 the life and light of the great Lodge above; for the 
 sake of him who has vouchsafed to be our conductor 
 through the darkness of our earthly pilgrimage. 
 Amen. 
 
 So mote it be. 
 
PRAYERS. 
 
 267 
 
 No. 3. 
 
 Oh thou great and glorious God! who alone canst 
 defend us amid the manifold dangers that beset our 
 pathway through life, vouchsafe us thine aid, we be¬ 
 seech thee, in all our trials and temptations, whensoever 
 they assail us; raise this our brother from his fallen 
 estate, and guide him in an upright walk and conversa¬ 
 tion, let the still small voice of thy Spirit whisper in 
 his ear the words of wisdom, let thy Fatherly hand ever 
 be around him, and do thou direct his feet into the 
 paths of peace ; may his breast ever faithfully keep and 
 guard the interests which friendship there reposes; and 
 at last, when he has diligently executed, in the rough 
 quarries of earth, the designs thou hast inscribed on 
 his trestle board, and shall be smitten down by the 
 ruthless hand of death, may he be raised to the life 
 immortal, and be found worthy of fellowship with the 
 saints, and in the great Lodge above be permitted to 
 see thee face to face, and worship thee in the beauty 
 of holiness. We ask this not for any merit of ours, but 
 only for the merits of thy Son, our Lord and Saviour 
 Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 So mote it be. 
 
 No. 4. 
 
 PRAYER AT CLOSING A MARK LODGE. 
 
 Oh God! who hast taught us that all our doings, 
 without Charity are nothing worth, pour into our hearts 
 
2G8 
 
 PRAYERS. 
 
 that most excellent gift of Charity, the very bond cf 
 peace, and of all virtues; without which whosoever 
 liveth is counted dead before thee; and when we are 
 brought forth from these rough quarries of earthly dis¬ 
 cipline, may we be found worthy of passing the scrutiny 
 of our Grand Master Overseer, and as living stones, ob¬ 
 tain a place in that spiritual temple not made with 
 hands,—eternal in the heavens: grant this, 0 Lord, 
 for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 So mote it be. 
 
 No. 5. 
 
 PRAYER AT CLOSING A PAST MASTER’S LODGE. 
 
 0 God! without whom nothing is strong, nothing 
 wise, nothing perfect; by whom kings rule, and princes 
 decree justice; who alone canst elevate man to power, 
 and give him grace to rule with discretion; grant to us, 
 thy servants, the spirit of wisdom, and understanding to 
 discern the duties of our several stations; and endow 
 us with grace, that we may faithfully discharge the 
 same. Grant this, 0 Lord, for the sake of Him who 
 died to maintain the integrity of thy law, thy Son, our 
 Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 So mote it be. 
 
 No. 6. 
 
 PRAYER AT CLOSING—MOST EXCELLENT MASTER’S 
 
 DEGREE. 
 
 0 thou! before whom the angel bows and the arch¬ 
 angel veils his face, who dwellest in the high and holy 
 
PRAYERS. 
 
 269 
 
 place, we bow ourselves in the dust of humility, and 
 worship thee; beseeching thee to grant, that when our 
 labours shall be ended here on earth, we may be re¬ 
 received and acknowledged as worthy of a place among 
 those most excellent men who have served thee faith¬ 
 fully here, and now rest from their labours in the 
 realms of unspeakable bliss; grant this, gracious God, 
 for the sake of our great and most excellent Master 
 Builder, in whom we are complete, and to whom, with 
 thee, and the Divine Spirit, we ascribe all honour and 
 glory, now, and in ages. Amen. 
 
 So mote it be. 
 
 No. T. 
 
 PRAYER AT EXALTATION. 
 
 Omniscient God! to whom the darkness shineth as 
 the light, and who seest that we are set in the midst of 
 so many and so great dangers, that by reason of the 
 frailty of our mortal nature, we cannot always stand 
 upright, mercifully assist and deliver us in all our ad 
 versities, whensoever they oppress us; direct, govern, 
 and help us in all our ways; strengthen us when we 
 stand, and raise us up when we fall; that amid the 
 sundry and manifold changes and chances of this mortal 
 life, we may ever be defended by thy most gracious and 
 ready help, and finally, by thy mercy be exalted to the 
 light and glor^of thy heavenly habitation, through the 
 merits of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Guide, 
 Amen. 
 
 Response. Holiness to the Lord. 
 
 23* 
 
270 
 
 PRAYERS. 
 
 No. 8. 
 
 AT CLOSING A ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER; OR A COUNCIL OF 
 ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS. 
 
 Great and Eternal Jehovali! who didst manifest thy¬ 
 self to thy servant Moses in the mount, and hast also 
 vouchsafed to he the friend and companion of thy people, 
 and the great High Priest of our salvation; we bow 
 before thee and worship. 
 
 Great and glorious King! eternal, immortal, and in¬ 
 visible, who dwellest in the light and glory of the high 
 and holy place, and dost rule and govern all things in 
 heaven and on earth; we bow and worship before thy 
 throne. 
 
 Spirit of the living God ! by whose inspiration holy 
 men of old did write these sacred Scriptures; great and 
 glorious Scribe, and Teacher of thy people, and Author 
 of all wisdom ; we bow before thee and worship. 
 
 Glorious Council of Heaven! Divine and alone ! grant 
 to us thy servants, that when we have served thee in our 
 generation, we may be gathered to our fathers in the 
 comfortable assurance of a joyful resurrection; and at 
 last be found worthy of admission to thy presence, where 
 there is joy for evermore. Amen. 
 
 Response. Holiness to the Lord. 
 
 No. 9. 
 
 PRAYER AT CLOSING—ORDER OF HIGH^RIESTIIOOD. 
 
 Great and glorious Lord God ! who alone hast entered 
 into the high and holy place, and communed with the 
 
PRAYERS. 
 
 271 
 
 Father, and declared him to man; we, thy servants, 
 whom thou hast exalted to a- noble degree, and made 
 kings and priests before God, do worship and adore 
 thee, as the great High Priest of our salvation, the Me¬ 
 diator between God and man, a Priest for ever, after the 
 order of Melchisedec. Amen. 
 
 Response to he said by all present. “ Glory be to 
 God on high, and on earth peace, good-will toward men; 
 we praise thee; we bless thee; we glorify thee: holy, 
 holy, holy, Lord God Almighty ! which was, and is, and 
 is to come.” So mote it be. 
 
 No. 10. 
 
 ENCAMPMENT DEGREES—PRAYER AT OPENING. 
 
 Sovereign Ruler of the Universe ! we bow before thy 
 throne, most humbly beseeching thee to free us from the 
 chains of ignorance, and to remove far from us the ha¬ 
 biliments of shame and disgrace: clothe us, we pray 
 thee, with the pure and spotless robes of thy own right¬ 
 eousness, give unto us beauty for ashes, the garment of 
 praise for the spirit of heaviness, and anoint us with the 
 oil of joy; graft in our hearts the love of the truth, and 
 fit and prepare us to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and 
 Jacob, at the marriage supper of thy son. Grant this, 
 0 Lord, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the 
 Holy Ghost: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty. 
 
272 
 
 PRAYERS. 
 
 No. 11. 
 
 ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD—PRAYER AT CLOSING. 
 
 Oh thou! who didst go forth as Captain of the Hosts 
 of the Lord, to fight the battles of thy people, and to 
 open up a way of access for the weary pilgrim to the 
 heavenly Jerusalem; endue us, who have enlisted as 
 soldiers of the cross, with the panoply of truth; shield 
 and defend us in all attacks of our enemies; and make 
 us instrumental in protecting suffering innocence, and 
 encouraging pious devotion; and at last, when all Turks 
 and infidels shall be subjected to thy cross, and every 
 enemy shall be destroyed, may we, and all thy saints, 
 come off conquerors, and more than conquerors, and be 
 crowned with glory and immortality in the realms of 
 eternal peace. Amen. 
 
 J Response. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, 
 and to the Holy Ghost: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God 
 Almighty. ' 
 
ENTERED APPRENTICE’S SONG-. 
 
 { Air —Cephas.) 
 
 This song is used at the laying of corner stones of buildings, 
 being sung by the craft as they walk in procession around the 
 stone.* * 
 
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 273 
 
274 ENTERED APPRENTICE’S SONG. 
 
 26 * 
 
What future ages may disclose, 
 
 The sacred truths to us reveal’d, 
 
 By Him, who fell by ruthless foes. 
 
 On Him, this corner stone we build, 
 
 To Him, this edifice erect; 
 
 And still, until this work’s fulfill’d, 
 
 May Heaven the workman’s ways direct. 
 
 Theie words may be sung to “ Creation,” or any long metre tune 
 
27 G THE ANCIENT MASTER MASONS SONG 
 
 THE ANCIENT MASTER MASON'S SONGk 
 
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THE ANCIENT MASTER MASONS SONG. 277 
 
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 And each fulfils his part; 
 Our working tools we bring, 
 To practice ancient art, 
 With gauge and gavel, 
 Plumb and square, 
 Compass and lev’l, 
 
 The work we share. 
 
 24 
 
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 And acting by the plumb, 
 
 The square makes parting civil, 
 Where wars should never come; 
 Then here’s a song, 
 
 From a joyous heart, 
 
 High twelve, ding dong, 
 
 And we must part. 
 
278 
 
 MARK MASTE r’s SONG. 
 
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MARK MASTE r’s SONG. 
 
 279 
 
 You who have pass’d the square, 
 For your rewards prepard, 
 
 Join heart and hand; 
 Each with his mark in view , 
 March with the just and true; 
 Wages to you are due 
 
 At your command. 
 
 # Hiram, the widow’s son, 
 
 Sent unto Solomon 
 
 Our great key-stone: 
 On it appears the name 
 Which raises high the fame 
 Of all to whom the same 
 
 Is truly known. 
 
 Now to the westward move, 
 Where, full of strength and love, 
 Hiram doth stand; 
 But if impostors are 
 Mix’d with the worthy there, 
 Caution them to beware 
 
 Of the right hand . 
 
 Now to the praise of those 
 Who triumph’d o’er the foes 
 Of mason’s art; 
 
 To the praiseworthy three, 
 
 Who founded this degree; 
 
 May all their virtues be 
 
 Deep in our hearts. 
 
280 MOST EXCELLENT MASTE R 5 S SONG. 
 
 The following song is sung with solemn ceremony: 
 
 MOST EXCELLENT MASTER'S SONG. 
 
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 MOST EXCELLENT MASTERS SONG. 
 
 
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282 MOST EXCELLENT MASTE R ? S SONG. 
 
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 MOST EXCELLENT MASTER’S SONG. 283 
 
 Companions assemble 
 On this joyful day ; 
 
 The occasion is glorious. 
 
 The key-stone to lay: 
 
 Fulfill’d is the promise, 
 
 By the ANCIENT OF DAYS, 
 
 To bring forth the cap-stone 
 With shouting and praise. 
 
 [ Ceremonies .] 
 
 There is no more occasion for level or plumb-line, 
 
 For trowel or gavel, for compass or square: 
 
 Our works are completed, the ark safely seated, 
 
 And we shall be greeted as workmen most rare. 
 
 Now those who are worthy, 
 
 Our toils who have shar’d, 
 
 And prov’d themselves faithful, 
 
 Shall meet their reward; 
 
 Their virtue and knowledge, 
 
 Industry and skill, 
 
 Have our approbation, 
 
 Have gain’d our good will. 
 
 We accept and receive them, Most Excellent Masters, 
 Invested with honors, and power to preside; 
 
 Among worthy craftsmen, wherever assembled, 
 
 The knowledge of Masons to spread far and wide. 
 
 ALMIGHTY JEHOVAH! 
 
 Descend now and fill 
 This Lodge with thy glory, 
 
 Our hearts with good will! 
 
 Preside at our meetings, 
 
 Assist us to find 
 True pleasure in teaching 
 Good will to mankind. 
 
 Thy wisdom inspired the great institution, 
 
 Thy strength shall support it till nature expire; 
 
 And when the creation shall fall into ruin, 
 
 Its beauty shall rise through the midst of the fire. 
 
284 
 
 SONGS. 
 
 S. M. 
 
 Blest is the tie that binds 
 Our hearts in social love: 
 
 The fellowship of kindred minds 
 Is like to that above. 
 
 We share our mutual woes, 
 
 Our mutual burdens bear; 
 
 And often for each other flows 
 The sympathizing tear. 
 
 No sorrow, toil, nor pain, 
 
 In the great lodge above, 
 
 There perfect joy and friendship reign, 
 And all that lodge is love. 
 
 II. 1. 
 
 E’en now to my expecting eyes 
 
 The lieaven-built towers of Salem rise; 
 
 Their glory I survey; 
 
 I view her mansions that contain 
 
 The Royal Host, the glorious train, 
 
 And shine with cloudless day. 
 
 0 
 
 Mother of cities ! o’er thy head 
 Bright peace, with healing wings outspread, 
 Forevermore shall dwell: 
 
 Let me, blest seat, my name behold 
 Among thy citizens enroll’d, 
 
 And bid these cares farewell. 
 
 L. M. 
 
 Our lodge triumphant lifts its head 
 From dust and darkness and the dead; 
 Though humbled long, it wakes at length, 
 
 All girded with masonic strength. 
 
SONGS. 
 
 285 
 
 Put all thy beauteous garments on, 
 
 And let thy excellence be known: 
 Clothed in the robes of righteousness, 
 The world thy glory shall confess. 
 
 No more shall foes unclean invade, 
 
 And fill thy hallow’d courts with dread; 
 No more shall hell’s insulting host 
 Their victory and thy sorrows boast. 
 
 III. 5. 
 
 Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing, 
 Fill our hearts with joy and peace, 
 Let us each, thy love possessing, 
 Triumph in redeeming grace; 
 
 Oh! refresh us— 
 
 Travelling through this wilderness. 
 
 II. 5. 
 
 Rise crown’d with light, imperial Salem rise! 
 
 Exalt thy tow’ring head and lift thine eyes! 
 
 See heaven its sparkling portals wide display, 
 
 And break upon thee in a flood of day! 
 
 See barb’rous nations at thy gates attend, 
 
 Walk in thy light, and in thy temple bend! 
 
 See thy bright altars throng’d with prostrate kings, 
 While every land its joyous tribute brings ! 
 
 The seas shall waste, the skies to smoke decay, 
 Rocks fall to dust, and mountains melt away; 
 
 But fix’d his word, his saving power remains— 
 Thy realm shall last, thy own Messiah reigns. 
 
TEMPLAR’S SONGS 
 
 L. M. 
 
 He dies! the Friend of sinners dies, 
 
 Lo I Salem’s daughters weep around ! 
 
 A solemn darkness veils the skies! 
 
 A sudden trembling shakes the ground * 
 
 0 
 
 Here’s love and grief beyond degree! 
 
 The Lord of glory dies for men! 
 
 But lo ! what sudden joys we see ! 
 
 Jesus, the dead, revives again! 
 
 The rising God forsakes the tomb; 
 
 Up to his Father’s court he flies; 
 Cherubic legions guard him home, 
 
 And shout him welcome to the skies \ 
 
 III. 3. 
 
 Guide me, O thou great Jehoval^ 
 Pilgrim through this barren land; 
 
 I am weak, but thou art mighty; 
 
 Hold me with thy pow’rful hand. 
 
 Open now the crystal fountains 
 Whence the living waters flow; 
 
 Let the fiery, cloudy pillar, 
 
 Lead me all my journey through. 
 
 Feed me with the heavenly manna 
 In this barren wilderness; 
 
 Be my sword, and shield, and banner; 
 Be the Lord my righteousness. 
 
 When I tread the verge of Jordan, 
 
 Bid my anxious fears subside ; 
 Death of death, and hell’s destruction, 
 Land me safe on Canaan’s side. 
 
T E M P L A r’s SONGS. 
 
 287 
 
 L. M. 
 
 As, when the weary traveler gains 
 The height of some commanding hill, 
 
 His heart revives, if o’er the plains 
 He sees his home, though distant still. 
 
 So, when the Christian pilgrim views 
 By faith his mansion in the skies. 
 
 The sight his fainting strength renews, 
 And wings his speed to reach the prize. 
 
 The hope of heaven his spirit cheers; 
 
 No more he grieves for sorrows past; 
 
 Nor any future conflict fears, 
 
 So he may safe arrive at last. 
 
 O Lord, on thee our hopes we stay, 
 
 To lead us on to thine abode; 
 
 Assur’d thy love will far o’erpav 
 The hardest labors of the roacL 
 
THE MASON'S ADIEU. 
 (Air—B onny Doon.) 
 WORDS BY BURNS. 
 
 
 
 
 □51 5 
 
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 brothers of our mys - tic tie; Ye favour’d and en- 
 
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 Though I to for - eign lands must hie, Pur- 
 
 -S3 
 
 
 
 
THE MASON’S ADIEU. 
 
 289 
 
 
 
 -ei 
 
 —1 -* 
 
 
 su - ing fortune’s slipp’ryba’; With melting heart and 
 
 
 Si 
 
 To spend a cheerful festive night, 
 
 Oft, honour’d with supreme command, 
 Presiding o’er the sons of light: 
 
 And by that hieroglyphic bright, 
 
 Which none but craftsmen ever saw, 
 Strong mem’ry on my heart shall write, 
 Those happy scenes when far awa\ 
 
 May freedom, harmony, and love, 
 Cement you in the grand design, 
 Beneath th’ Omniscient Eye above, 
 
 The glorious Architect divine: 
 
 That you may keep th’ unerring line, 
 Still guided by the plummet’s law, 
 ’Till order bright completely shine, 
 
 Shall be my prayer when far awa’. 
 
 25 
 
290 
 
 THE MASO N’S ADIEU. 
 
 And you, farewell, whose merits claim 
 Justly that highest badge to wear, 
 
 May heaven bless your noble name, 
 
 To Masonry and friendship dear: 
 
 My last request permit me then, 
 
 When yearly you’re assembled a’, 
 
 One round, I ask it with a tear, 
 
 To him, your friend that’s far awa’. 
 
 And you, kind-hearted sisters, fair, 
 
 I sing farewell to all your charms- 
 Th’ impression of your pleasing air 
 With rapture oft my bosom warms, 
 
 Alas! the social winter’s night 
 
 No more returns while breath I draw, 
 
 ’Till sisters, brothers, all unite, 
 
 In that Grand Lodge that’s far awa’. 
 
 Girry be to God on high, and on earth peace, good 
 will towards men. Amen. 
 
PART IY. 
 
 FORMS. 
 
 The following Forms embrace all the various requirements, 
 both of the private members and of the officers of the Institution, 
 from the first expression of the desire of a candidate, up to the 
 orders emanating from the Grand Commander of an Encamp, 
 ment of Knights of the Temple; and will doubtless be found 
 invaluable to the young craftsman. 
 
 No. 1. 
 
 FORM OF AN APPLICATION FOR INITIATION. 
 
 To the Worshipful Master, Officers, and Brethren, of [St. John's 
 
 Lodge , No. 36.] 
 
 The undersigned, unbiassed by the improper solicitation of 
 friends, and uninfluenced by other unworthy motive, prompted 
 by a favourable opinion of your ancient institution, and a desire 
 for knowledge, freely and voluntarily offers himself a candidate 
 for initiation into the mysteries of Freemasonry, and respect- 
 
 (291) 
 
292 
 
 FORMS. 
 
 fully prays that he may he admitted and become a member of 
 your worshipful Lodge, promising a cheerful conformity to the 
 ancient usages and established customs of the Order. 
 
 Signed, A. B. 
 
 Age, 
 
 Residence, 
 
 Occupation, 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 -- [Richmond, Va. 
 
 - May 26/A, A. L. 5851.] 
 
 No. 2. 
 
 APPLICANT FOR MEMBERSHIP. 
 
 To the Worshipful Master, Officers, and Brethren, of [<$/. John’s 
 
 Lodge , No. 36.] 
 
 The undersigned, initiated, passed, and raised in Lodge 
 [No. 39,] and last a member of [Marshall Lodge, No. 39,] re¬ 
 spectfully prays that he may be admitted a member of your 
 worshipful Lodge. Signed, A. B. 
 
 Age, 
 
 Residence, 
 
 Occupation, 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 - [Richmond, Va. 
 
 - May 26,1851, A. L. 5851.] 
 
 No. 3. 
 
 REPORT ON APPLICATION. 
 
 To the Worshipful Master, Officers, and Brethren, of [S/. John's 
 
 Lodge , No. 36.] 
 
 The committee appointed on the [26/A nit.,] to make the neces¬ 
 sary inquiries relative to A. B., an applicant for initiation, (or 
 membership,) have performed that duty, and beg leave to report 
 
FORMS. 
 
 293 
 
 in favour of [or, against] the prayer of the petition being 
 granted. 
 
 [Richmond, Va., 
 
 June 26, A. D. 1851, A. L. 5851.] 
 -1- Committee. 
 
 Note .— In case an applicant for initiation is disqualified according 
 to the 28th section of the Constitution, (title Members ,) the report 
 should state the fact, and recommend, that the applicant have leave 
 to 'withdraw his petition. 
 
 No. 4. 
 
 APPLICANT FOR DISPENSATION TO AVOID DELAY. 
 
 To the Right Worshipful [W. H. Milnor, Esq., Grand Master 
 of Masons in the State of New York.] 
 
 The petition of [Edward Howard] respectfully showeth, 
 
 That your petitioner entertains a high opinion of the ancient 
 and honourable Society of Freemasons, and is desirous of 
 becoming a member thereof; but being about to leave the 
 State, he is unable to wait the usual delays required by the By- 
 Laws of a Lodge. Your petitioner therefore prays that you 
 will be pleased to grant a dispensation authorizing him to be 
 entered, passed, and raised to the sublime degree of a Master 
 Mason, in [Manhattan Lodge, No. 62,] held in [New York 
 city.] 
 
 And your petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c. 
 
 [Edward Howard,] 
 
 [New York, May 26, 1851, A. L. 5851.] 
 
 Age, 
 
 Residence, 
 
 Occupation, 
 
 We, the Officers of Lodge [No. 62,] beg leave to recommend 
 the above petitioner to the Right Worshipful Grand Master, as 
 25* 
 
204 
 
 FORMS. 
 
 a person who, in our opinion, is worthy of being initiated into 
 the mysteries of our ancient and honourable fraternity. 
 
 Granted. W. M. 
 
 Signed, [W. H. Milnor.] S. W. 
 
 J. W. 
 
 [New York, May 26,1851, A . L . 5851.] 
 
 No. 5. 
 
 LETTERS DISPENSATORY. 
 
 We, [William T. Read, Grand Master of Masons in the 
 State of Delaware,] do send these presents to the W. Master 
 of Lodge, No. 
 
 Greeting: 
 
 By virtue of the powers and authorities in us vested, we do 
 hereby authorize and empower you to enter, pass, and raise, 
 in your Lodge to the sublime degree of a Master Mason ) it 
 appearing that he is about to leave the State, and cannot wait 
 the usual delays required by your By-Laws. If the same 
 meets the approbation of your Lodge, this shall be your suf¬ 
 ficient warrant for so doing. 
 
 Given under our hand and seal at 
 this day of in the year of our Lord 18 , and 
 
 of Masonry, 58 
 
 Attest, [George W. Clayton,] 
 
 Grand Secretary. 
 
 No. 6. 
 
 APPLICANT FOR SECOND DEGREE. 
 
 To the W. Master, Officers, and Brethren, of Lodge No. 
 
 The undersigned, who has been regularly entered in Lodge 
 No. , respectfully prays that he may be admitted to further 
 
FORMS. 
 
 205 
 
 light in Masonry, by being passed to the degree of a Fellow- 
 Craftsman. 
 
 Age, A. B. 
 
 Residence, 
 
 Occupation, 
 
 Recommended by [Charleston, 
 
 JI. L. 5851, May 28 th, 1851.] 
 
 No. 7. 
 
 APPLICANT FOR THIRD DEGREE. 
 
 To the W. Master, Officers, and Brethren, of Lodge 
 
 No. 
 
 The undersigned, who has been regularly entered and passed 
 in Lodge No. , respectfully prays that he may receive further 
 light in Masonry, by being raised to the sublime degree of 
 Master Mason. . A. B. 
 
 Age, 
 
 Residence, 
 
 Occupation, 
 
 Recommended by [Columbus, 0. 
 
 Ji. L. 5851, May 1st , 1851.] 
 
 No. 8. 
 
 APPLICANT FOR DISPENSATION TO PASS THE CHAIR. 
 
 To [Charles H. Ohr, Grand Master of Masons in the State 
 
 of Maryland.] 
 
 The undersigned, having been regularly entered, passed, and 
 raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, in 
 Lodge, No. , and having been honoured by the unanimous 
 suffrages of his brethren, respectfully prays that you will 
 
296 
 
 FORMS. 
 
 grant him a dispensation, authorizing him to he passed to th<? 
 Chair. 
 
 Fraternally yours, &c. 
 
 A. B 
 
 Recommended by the 
 undersigned, Officers and 
 
 Brethren of Lodge No. [Baltimore, 
 
 May 30 th, A. L. 5851.] 
 
 No. 9. 
 
 LETTERS DISPENSATORY TO PASS TO THE CHAIR. 
 
 We, [Charles H. Ohr, Grand Master of Masons, in the State 
 of Maryland,] send these presents to the Worshipful Master and 
 Past Masters of Lodge, No. . Greeting: 
 
 By virtue of powers vested in us, we do hereby authorize 
 and empower you to pass to the Chair our Brother , 
 
 a Master Mason, and a Member of Lodge, No. , 
 
 who has been duly recommended to us by your Lodge; for 
 which this shall be your sufficient warrant. 
 
 Given under our hand and seal, at , this day 
 
 of June, A. L. 5851. 
 
 [ l. s. ] [Charles H. Ohr, 
 
 Grand Master of Masons in Maryland.~\ 
 
 Attest, [JosEPn Robinson, 
 
 Grand Secretary .] 
 
 No. 10. 
 
 COMMISSION TO TRAVEL AND FRATERNIZE. 
 
 To the Right Worshipful Grand Lodges, and Worshipful Lodges 
 of Free and Accepted Masons throughout the Globe, East 
 and West, and between North and South. 
 
 We, [W. H. Hubbard, Grand Master of Masons in the 
 
FORMS. 
 
 297 
 
 State of Ohio,] on the continent of America, send these pre¬ 
 sents. 
 
 A 
 
 o 
 
 k-H 
 
 o 
 
 (X 
 
 <1 
 
 P3 
 
 £ 
 
 w 
 
 O 
 
 Greeting: 
 
 Prosperity, Fraternity and Peace. 
 
 By the high virtue of our office, we do hereby 
 grant to our worthy Brother, [John Raymond, Esq.] 
 (sometime Treasurer of our Grand Lodge), a dispensation tc 
 travel in foreign parts, to present to our Brethren whom he 
 shall visit, assurances of our fraternal regard and statements 
 of our prosperity, and to obtain such information as may 
 promote the general welfare of our ancient Order. We 
 moreover commend him to the esteem and brotherly love 
 of all to whom these presents may come, and ask for him 
 kindly offices, and that he may be furthered in all laudable 
 pursuits; in consideration of which good offices, we shall 
 consider ourself, and all the brethren of our jurisdiction, 
 beholden to all and every worthy brother who shall visit 
 us under like circumstances; that order, harmony, and fra¬ 
 ternal affection may be cherished throughout the globe. 
 We thus commit our Brother, under the Providence of the 
 Grand Master of all the earth, to the protection of all good 
 and true Masons. 
 
 Given under our hand, and the Seal of our Grand Lodge, at 
 [Akron, this 2d day of June, A. L. 5851.] 
 
 [l. s. ] [W. H. Hubbard, 
 
 Grand Master of Ohio.'] 
 
 By the Grand Master, 
 
 [B. F. Smith, 
 
 Grand Secretary.] 
 
 N. B. The name of the traveller should be inserted in his own 
 handwriting in the margin. 
 
298 
 
 FORMS. 
 
 No. 11. 
 
 LETTERS OF VIRTUE TO VISIT LODGES. 
 
 We, [Robert Boyd, Grand Master of Masons in the State 
 of New York,] send these presents to the Worshipful Masters, 
 Wardens, and Brethren of our jurisdiction. 
 
 Greeting: 
 
 Order, harmony, and knowledge be multiplied among you. 
 
 By the high virtue of our office, we do hereby designate and 
 appoint our Brother, [N. Norris Halstead, a Past Master of 
 Holland Lodge, No. 8,] of our jurisdiction, as our representa¬ 
 tive, in our name and authority, to visit all the worshipful 
 Lodges, to examine and inquire into their state and proceedings, 
 and to report such visitation to us. We also empower him to 
 congregate the Officers and Brethren of said Lodges, and ad¬ 
 dress to them advice and instruction, at such times and places 
 as he may deem proper. And we hereby enjoin and require all 
 good and true Masons to render to this our representative, all 
 that submission and respect which is due to our office. This 
 commission to continue in force for the term of three months 
 from the date of these presents, and no longer. 
 
 Given under our hand and seal, in the [city of New York, 
 this 1st day of June, Jl. L. 5850.] 
 
 [l. s.] [Robert Boyd, 
 
 Grand Master of Masons in the 
 State of JYeio York.] 
 
 By the Grand Master, 
 
 [William H. Milnor, 
 Grand Secretary.] 
 
 The preceding form may be altered to meet the case of a Deputy 
 for a District, a Grand Lecturer, &c., by substituting proper designa¬ 
 tions and titles. 
 
FORMS. 
 
 290 
 
 No. 12. 
 
 OVERTURE FOR A CERTIFICATE FROM THE GRAN1) 
 
 MASTER. 
 
 To [Nelson Randall, Esq. ,] R. W. Grand Master of Masons 
 
 in the [State of New York.] 
 
 We do hereby certify that [Richard Pennell] is a Master 
 Mason, and a member of Lodge, No. in good 
 
 standing; and we therefore recommend him as worthy of ob¬ 
 taining a Grand Lodge Certificate. 
 
 Witness our hand and seal, this [2d day of June, A. L. 5851.] 
 
 [ l. s. ] [Jas. W. Powel,] 
 
 Master. 
 
 By the Master, [Samuel Drummond,] 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 No. 13. 
 
 GRAND MASTER’S CERTIFICATE. 
 
 • 
 
 g To all Free and Accepted Masons throughout the globe, the 
 g Grand Lodge of [the State of New York,] on the Conti- 
 § nent of America, sendeth these presents; greeting: peace, 
 ^ prosperity and fraternal affection be multiplied among you. 
 ^ We do hereby commend our Brother, [Richard Pen* 
 § NELL,1 the bearer of this certificate, as a Master Mason, 
 P3 and worthy of your fraternal confidence and regard. 
 Witness our hand and seal, this [2d day of June, 1851.] 
 
 [ l. s. ] [Nelson Randall,] 
 
 Grand Master of Masons 
 in [New York.'] 
 
 By the Grand Master, 
 
 [Gerardus Boyce,] 
 
 Grand Secretary. 
 
300 
 
 FORMS. 
 
 No. 14. 
 
 THE TRAVELLER ACCREDITED. 
 
 \Milnor Lodge, No. 139, Victor, Ontario Co., New York,] to 
 all Free and Accepted Masons throughout the globe, greeting: 
 §j We do hereby commend our Brother [George N. 
 ^ West,] (sometime a Warden of our Lodge,) as a worthy 
 ^ Master Mason, to the fraternal confidence and regard of 
 ^ all true Masons to whom this certificate may be pre- 
 in^ sented. 
 
 Witness our hands and the seal of our Lodge, this [2d day 
 
 of June, A. L. 5851.] [Asahel Moore,] Master. 
 
 [ l. s. ] [Ansel Perkins,] S. W. 
 
 [L. C. Aylworth,] J. W. 
 
 No. 15. 
 
 OVERTURE FOR A WARRANT. 
 
 To the R. W. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of 
 the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Masonic jurisdic¬ 
 tion thereunto belonging. 
 
 We, the undersigned, being regular Master Masons, formerly 
 members of the lodges mentioned against our respective names, 
 and at this time not members of any lodge, pray for a warrant 
 of constitution, empowering us to meet as a regular lodge, 
 at to be called and there to discharge the duties 
 
 of Masonry in a constitutional manner, according to the forms 
 of the Order, and the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge. 
 And we have nominated, and do recommend brother 
 to be the first Master; brother to be the first Senior Warden; 
 and brother to be the first Junior Warden of the said 
 
 Lodge. The prayer of this petition being granted, we promise 
 strict conformity to the ancient land-marks of the Order, and the 
 rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge. 
 
FORMS. 
 
 301 
 
 We recommend that the prayer of the above petition be 
 
 Signed by three or more well-known and approved Master 
 
 Masons. 
 
 RECOMMENDATION OF THE NEAREST LODGE. 
 
 At a meeting of lodge No. held at on the 
 
 day of A. D. A. L. 
 
 On motion made and seconded: Besolved, that the above 
 petition be recommended to the favourable consideration of the 
 B. W. Grand Lodge. W. M. 
 
 [ L. s. ] Attest, Secretary. 
 
 No. 16. 
 
 WARRANT FOR A NEW LODGE. 
 
 [William Whitney,] G. M.; [Anthony Bournonville,] 
 D. G. M.; [James Hutchinson,] S. G. W.; [Peter Wil¬ 
 liamson,] J. G. W. 
 
 To all whom it may concern: 
 
 The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, greeting: 
 
 WISDOM, STRENGTH, FRATERNITY. 
 
 Know ye that, by virtue of the powers and authorities vested 
 in us, we do hereby constitute and appoint our worthy and well 
 beloved brethren, worshipful master, 
 
 senior warden, and junior warden of a lodge, to be 
 
 called number to be held 
 
 or within five miles of the same. And we do further author¬ 
 ize and empower our said trusty and well beloved brethren 
 
 to admit and make freemasons accord¬ 
 ing to the most ancient and honourable custom of the royal 
 craft in all ages and nations throughout the known world, and 
 not contrarywise. And we do further empower and appoint the 
 said and their successors, to hear 
 
 and determine all and singular matters and things relating to 
 26 
 
302 
 
 FORMS. 
 
 the craft within the jurisdiction of the said lodge, with the 
 assistance of the members of the said lodge. "And lastly, we 
 do hereby authorize and empower our said trusty and well-be¬ 
 loved brethren [-] to install their succes* 
 
 sors,—being first duly elected and chosen,—to whom they shall 
 deliver this warrant, and to invest them with all the powers and 
 dignities to their offices respectively belonging: and such suc¬ 
 cessors shall in like manner, from time to time, install their suc¬ 
 cessors, &c. &c. &c. Such installation to be upon or near St. 
 John the Evangelist's day, during the continuance of this 
 lodge, for ever. Provided always, That the said above named 
 brethren, and their successors, pay due respect to this right wor¬ 
 shipful Grand Lodge, and the ordinances thereof, otherwise this 
 warrant to be of no force or effect. 
 
 Given in open Grand Lodge, under the hands of our right 
 worshipful Grand Officers and the Seal of our Grand Lodge, at 
 [Philadelphia, this day of A. L. 5851.] 
 
 . [William H. Adams, G. S.] 
 [John Thomson, G. T.] 
 
 No. 17. 
 
 FORM OF A CERTIFICATE FOR A REPRESENTATIVE. 
 
 To all whom it may concern. Greeting : 
 
 Be it known, that at a regular communication of [ Clinton 
 Lodge , No. 140,] held at [ Waterford , Saratoga County, JYew 
 York, June 2d, 1851,] our worthy Brother, [John Pulton,] a 
 Past Master, and a Member of Lodge (No. 140,) of this juris¬ 
 diction, was appointed the representative of said Lodge in the 
 Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of New York. 
 
 Witness our hand and seal, this [2d day of June, A. L. 5851.] 
 
 [ L * s. ] [James M. Austin,] 
 
 Master. 
 
 [Andrew Hoffman,] 
 Secretary. 
 
General Returns from Lodge No. Ancient York Masons, held under the authority of the Right Wor¬ 
 shipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania , from 18 to 18 
 
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General Returns from Lodge Mo. Ancient York Masons, held under the authority of the Right Wor¬ 
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FORMS. 
 
 305 
 
 No. 20. 
 
 FORM OF A DISPENSATION TO CONSTITUTE A NEW LODGE, 
 
 AND RETURN THERETO. 
 
 We, [William Whitney, Esq.,] R. W. Grand Master of 
 Masons, in [the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,] 
 
 To onr worthy Brother, [John Larkin, Esq.] 
 
 Greeting: 
 
 By virtue of the powers and authorities in us vested, we do 
 hereby authorize and empower you to call to your assistance a 
 sufficient number of known and approved Past Master Masons, in 
 [Media, Delaware County , Pennsylvania^ to open and constitute 
 a new Lodge to be held there; and to proceed to the installation 
 of our worthy Brother, [J. B. Morris, Esq.,] Master-elect, and 
 others, the officers of a new Lodge, there to be established and 
 constituted, to be called and known by the name of [ Bartram 
 Lodge , No. 269,] according to the most ancient and honourable 
 custom of the royal craft, in all ages, and amongst all nations 
 in the known world, and not contrarywise : and make report to 
 us, hereunto annexed, of your proceedings. 
 
 This dispensation to remain in force for months from 
 
 the date hereof, and lio longer. 
 
 Given under our hand and seal, at [ the city of Philadelphia ,] 
 in the [ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ,] this day of 
 
 [A. L. 5851.] 
 
 Attest, [William H. Adams,] 
 
 Grand Secretary. 
 
 I do hereby report, That in pursuance of the powers deputed 
 in the above dispensation, on the day of Anno 
 
 Domini Anno Lucis, in conjunction with a sufficient num¬ 
 ber of known and approved Past Master Masons, I did open 
 and constitute the Lodge, called [Bartram Lodge , No. 169,] 
 26* 
 
306 
 
 FORMS. 
 
 and instal the officers thereof, according to ancient usage and 
 form. 
 
 In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand at 
 this day of A. D. A. L. 
 
 [John Larkin.] 
 
 To [William Whitney, Esq.] 
 
 R. W. Grand Master of the 
 R. W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania . 
 
 No. 21. 
 
 DEPUTATION TO A PAST MASTER TO ISSUE DISPENSA¬ 
 TIONS TO ENTER, PASS, AND RAISE, AND TO PASS 
 TIIE CHAIR. 
 
 We, [William C. Dawson, Esq.,] It. W. Grand Master of 
 Masons, in and for the [State of Georgia,] and Masonic juris¬ 
 diction thereunto belonging: 
 
 To our worthy and respected Brother , a Past Master 
 
 Mason, and Member of Lodge No. held in the 
 
 under the jurisdiction of our B. W. Grand Lodge: 
 
 Deposing the greatest confidence in your zeal, fervour, and 
 constancy to the craft: We do, by virtue of the powers and 
 authorities in us vested, hereby authorize and empower you the 
 said , in the name of our It. W. Grand Master of 
 
 our It. W. Grand Lodge, to grant dispensations in cases of 
 emergency, for entering, passing, and raising persons to the 
 sublime degree of a Master Mason, and also for passing Master 
 Masons to the Chair in any of the Lodges now held, which 
 are, or hereafter may be constituted under the jurisdiction of 
 our It. W. Grand Lodge in the said 
 
 And that you make due and regular returns quarterly to 
 us, or to our successor in office, of your proceedings in the pre¬ 
 mises. And also that you transmit with your said returns, the 
 price of each dispensation you shall so grant, being — dollars 
 
FORMS. 
 
 307 
 
 for a dispensation to enter, pass, and raise, and — dollars for a 
 dispensation to pass the Chair. This power and authority to 
 be, and continue in force, until revoked by us, or by our suc¬ 
 cessor in office. 
 
 Given under our hand and seal, at [the city of Savannah, in 
 the State of Georgia,] this day of , in the year of our 
 Lord, 18 , and of Masonry, 58 . 
 
 [l. s. ] [William C. Dawson,] 
 
 Grand Master . 
 
 Attest, [S. Rose,] 
 
 Grand Secretary. 
 
 No. 22. 
 
 DISPENSATION TO A LODGE TO CONTINUE ITS LABOURS, 
 
 AFTER TIIE DESTRUCTION OR LOSS OF ITS WARRANT. 
 
 We, [John S. M'Corkle, Esq.,] Most Worshipful Grand 
 Master of Masons, in and for the [State of Kentucky,] to the 
 Worshipful Master, Wardens, and members of Lodge, 
 
 No. , held in 
 Greeting: 
 
 Whereas, our Right Worshipful Grand Lodge, by warrant 
 under the hands of the then R. W. Grand Officers, and seal of 
 the R. W. Grand Lodge, bearing date, the day 
 
 of in the year of our Lord, one thousand 
 
 hundred and and of Masonry, five thousand 
 
 hundred and and recorded in the book of war¬ 
 rants, page authorized the holding 
 
 of a Lodge under their jurisdiction, in 
 or within five miles thereof, to be called 
 
 No. which Lodge was duly constituted on the 
 
 and the labours thereof carried on agree 
 ably to the ancient land-marks, so far as our R. W. Grand 
 Lodge has information respecting the same : 
 
 \ 
 
308 
 
 FORMS. 
 
 And, whereas, it has been represented to us, that the said 
 warrant has been [lost or mislaid:] 
 
 Now, therefore, by virtue of the powers and authorities in us 
 vested, we do hereby authorize, empower, and request you, the 
 present, and succeeding worshipful Master, Wardens, and mem¬ 
 bers of the said Lodge, No. , to continue your Masonic 
 labours, in the same full and complete manner, to all intents 
 and purposes, as you could, or might legally have done, if your 
 said warrant had not been and was still 
 
 in existence, agreeably to all the usages, rules, and regulations 
 of the ancient craft, and especially to those of our It. W. Grand 
 Lodge, and not contrary wise. 
 
 Given under our hand and seal, at the [city of Lexington, 
 in the State of Kentucky,] this day of 
 
 in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and 
 
 and of Masonry, five thousand eight 
 
 hundred and 
 
 [l. s.] [John S. M'Corkle,] 
 
 Grand Master. 
 
 Attest, 
 
 [Phillip 0. Swigert,] 
 Grand Secretary. 
 
Abstract of the General Returns made to the Grand Lodge, by Lodge No. held at 
 
 commencing. 
 
 FORMS 
 
 300 
 
 No. 23. 
 
 Form of a Register of Members and Of leers recommended to be 
 
 kept by every Lodge. 
 
 Remarks. 
 
 
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 -uraui jo jaqum^i 
 
 
 Treasurer. 
 
 - 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 
 Junior War¬ 
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 Senior War¬ 
 den. 
 
 
 Worshipful 
 
 Master. 
 
 
 Day of Elec¬ 
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 * 
 
No. 23.—( Continued .) 
 
 Register of the Members of Lodge, No. held at commencing 
 
 A 
 
 310 
 
 PORMS 
 
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FORMS. 
 
 311 
 
 No. 24. 
 
 FORM OF SPECIAL ELECTION RETURN. 
 
 I, Master of Lodge No. $ Ancient 
 
 York Masons, held under the authority of the right 
 
 worshipful Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify to 
 the said right worshipful Grand Lodge, that at an election held 
 in virtue of a dispensation from the on the 
 
 day of A. D. 18 , the following brethren were 
 
 duly elected Officers of the said Lodge, for the remainder of 
 the term ending on St. John’s day in 
 18 
 
 W. M. 
 
 S. W. 
 
 J. W. 
 
 S. 
 
 T. 
 
 In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and 
 caused the seal of the said Lodge to be affixed, at 
 the day of A. D. 18 , and in 
 
 the year of Masonry, 58 
 
 Attest, 
 
 Master of Lodge JYo. 
 Secretary of Lodge No. 
 
312 
 
 FORMS. 
 
 ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER 
 
 No. 25. 
 
 APPLICATION FOR ADVANCEMENT. 
 
 To the M. E. High Priest, Officers and Brethren of [ Washing 
 
 ton Chapter, No. 12.] 
 
 The undersigned, who has been raised to the sublime degree 
 of Master Mason, in [ Chester Lodge, No. 168,] respectfully prays 
 that he may receive further light in Masonry, by being advanced 
 to the honourable degree of a Mark Master. 
 
 Signed, [J. R. Morris.] 
 
 A g e > 
 
 Residence, 
 
 Occupation, 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 No. 26. 
 
 APPLICANT FOR SIXTH DEGREE. 
 
 To the R. W. High Priest, Officers and Brethren of [ Washing¬ 
 ton Chapter , No. 12.] 
 
 The undersigned, who has been advanced to the honourable de¬ 
 gree of Mark Master, in [ Livingston Chapter, No. 16,] respect- 
 
FORMS- 
 
 313 
 
 fully prays that he may receive further light in Masonry, by 
 being accepted and acknowledged as a Most Excellent Mas¬ 
 ter. Signed, [J. R. Morris.] 
 
 Age, 
 
 Residence, 
 
 Occupation, 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 No. 27. 
 
 APPLICANT FOR EXALTATION. 
 
 To the M. E. High Priest, Officers and Brethren of [ Washing¬ 
 ton Chapter , No. 12.] 
 
 The undersigned, who has been received and acknowledged 
 Most Excellent Master, in [Milnor Chapter, No. 18,] re¬ 
 spectfully prays that he may receive further light in Masonry, 
 by being exalted to the Supreme Degree of Royal Arch Ma¬ 
 sonry. Signed, [J. R. Morris.] 
 
 Age, 
 
 Residence, 
 
 Occupation, 
 
 Recommended by 
 
 The preceding forms may be adapted to all succeeding Degrees, 
 by the substitution of the proper titles, which will be found in the 
 portions of this work which treat of those degrees. 
 
 27 
 
314 
 
 FORMS. 
 
 t 
 
 No. 28. 
 
 GRAND COMMISSION TO A M. E. HIGH PRIEST TO PRE¬ 
 SIDE OYER HIS CHAPTER, AND SIT IN COUNCIL. 
 
 To our worthy companions of [ Lagrange Chapter , No. 14,] 
 and all others to whom these presents may come, 
 
 Greeting: 
 
 We, [David C. Skerrett,] Grand High Priest of the 
 Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania, by virtue of our high office, 
 do hereby grant, confirm, and commit to our worthy and excel¬ 
 lent companion, [Robert Frazer,] (who has been duly nomi¬ 
 nated to us by the suffrages of [ Lagrange Chapter, No. 14,] 
 and regularly set apart by our conferring on him the knowledge 
 and virtue pertaining to our honourable degree,) all the peculiar 
 rights, privileges, and authority belonging to the office of High 
 Priest. And he is hereby commissioned to convene his chapter, 
 preside in and over his council, confer degrees, and do all other 
 things accorded to his office by our ancient usages: Provided, 
 nevertheless, That he shall always confine his jurisdiction within 
 the recognized limits of his chapter, and exercise it under and 
 subject to our own prerogative. 
 
 And we hereby enjoin upon all our worthy companions, that 
 they shall accord to this our Most Excellent High Priest the 
 honour and consideration which is due to his exalted station. 
 Signed and sealed this [10th day of June, R. A. P. 2815, A. L 
 5851, at Philadelphia.] 
 
 [D. C. Skerrett,] 
 
 Grand High Priest of Pennsylvania 
 
 By the Grand High Priest, 
 
 [William H. Adams,] 
 Grand Secretary. 
 
FORMS. 
 
 315 
 
 No. 29. 
 
 ORDER FOR THE ASSEMBLING OF AN ENCAMPMENT OF 
 KNIGHTS OF THE TEMPLE. 
 
 To the Most Eminent and Magnanimous Knights of the Temple, 
 within the jurisdiction of [Massillon Encampment ,] 
 Greeting: 
 
 The Grand Commander hereby requires your attendance at 
 the Asylum, this afternoon at [three] o’clock. 
 
 Signed, [Anson Clark,] 
 
 Grand Commander. 
 
 [Massilon, 0. 
 
 June 10/A, A. T. C. 2851.] 
 
■i 
 
 QUESTIONS 
 
 ADDRESSED TO THE CANDIDATE, BEFORE INITIATION, IN 
 PRESENCE OF THREE MEMBERS OF THE LODGE. 
 
 I. Do you declare, upon your honour, before these 
 Witnesses, that, unbiassed by friends, and uninfluenced 
 by mercenary motives, you freely and voluntarily offer 
 yourself as a candidate for the mysteries of Masonry ? 
 
 II. Are you prompted to solicit the privileges of Ma¬ 
 sonry, by a favourable opinion of this Institution, and a 
 desire of knowledge, together with a sincere wish to 
 increase your usefulness among your fellow men ? 
 
 III. Will you cheerfully conform to all the ancient 
 established usages and customs of the Fraternity ? 
 
 (316) 
 
P A 11 T Y. 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 ‘‘THESE ARE ANCIENT THINGS.”—1 Cliron. iv. 22 . 
 
 Note. —[These constitutions were first published without authority, a few years 
 since. We give them as a very good digest of rules, which have obtained, (very much 
 as they are here stated) among the craft, from time out of mind. Their modernization 
 by the first compiler has not affected their validity. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 % 
 
 OF THOSE WHO WOULD BE FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS. 
 
 Before we enter upon the duties of the operative 
 Mason, in the various offices to which he may be called 
 in the Lodge, it is proper to give some account of what 
 is absolutely requisite in all who aspire to partake of the 
 sublime honours of those who are duly initiated into the 
 mysteries, and instructed in the art, of ancient Masonry. 
 
 Section First. 
 
 OF GOD AND RELIGION. 
 
 Whoever, from love of knowledge, interest, or curi¬ 
 osity, desires to be a Mason, is to know that, as his 
 foundation and great corner-stone, he is firmly to believe 
 27 * 317 
 
318 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 in the eternal God, and to pay that worship which is due 
 to him as the great Architect and Governor of the 
 Universe. 
 
 A Mason must observe the moral law. And if he 
 rightly understand the royal art, he will never he an 
 atheist, or an irreligious libertine ; and will never act 
 against the great inward light of his own conscience. 
 
 He will likewise shun the errors of bigotry and super¬ 
 stition, making a due use of his own reason, according 
 to that liberty wherewith a Mason is made free; for 
 though in ancient times, Masons were charged to comply 
 with the religious opinions and usages of the country or 
 nation where they sojourned or worked, yet it is now 
 thought most expedient that the brethren in general 
 should only be charged to adhere to the essentials of reli 
 gion, in which all men agree, leaving each brother to his 
 own judgment as to particular forms. Whence, being 
 good men and true, of unsullied honour and unfailing 
 honesty, the Order becomes the centre of union, and the 
 means of conciliating true friendship. 
 
 Section Second. 
 
 OF GOVERNMENT AND THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE. 
 
 Whoever would be a true Mason is farther to know, 
 that, by the privileges of his Order, his obligations as a 
 subject and citizen will not be relaxed, but enforced. 
 He is to be a lover of peace, and obedient to the civil 
 powers which yield him protection, and are set over him, 
 where he resides or works. Nor can a real craftsman 
 ever be concerned in conspiracies against the State, or be 
 disrespectful to the magistrate, because the welfare of 
 his country is his most happy object. 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 310 
 
 Now, if any brother, forgetting for a time the rules of 
 his craft, and listening to evil counsels, should unhappily 
 fall into a contrary conduct, he is not to be countenanced 
 in his crimes or rebellion against the State ; but he for¬ 
 feits all the benefits of the Lodge, and his fellows will 
 refuse to associate or converse with him in private, while 
 he continues in his guilt, that no offence may be given to 
 lawful government. Such a person, however, is still 
 considered as a Mason, his title hereto being indefeasible; 
 and hopes are to be entertained, and endeavours used, 
 that the rules of the craft may again recover him to hi? 
 duty. 
 
 From the constant desire of true Masons to adorn the 
 countries where they reside with all useful arts, crafts 
 and improvements, they have been, from the earliest 
 ages, encouraged and protected by the wisest rulers of 
 States and Commonwealths, who have likewise thought 
 it an honour to have their names enrolled among the 
 fraternity, and have become the patrons of the craft. 
 And thus Masonry, having always flourished most in the 
 peaceable times of every country, and having suffered in 
 a particular manner through the calamitous effects of 
 war, the craftsmen are the more strongly engaged and 
 inclined to act agreeably to the prime principles of their 
 art, in following peace and love, as far as possible, with 
 all men. 
 
 And as political affairs have occasioned discord amongst 
 th^ nearest relations and most intimate friends, Masons 
 are enjoined never to speak of, or discuss them in the 
 Lodge. 
 
320 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 Section Third. 
 
 OF PRIVATE DUTIES. 
 
 Whoever would be a Mason should know how to prac¬ 
 tice all the private virtues. He should avoid all manner 
 of intemperance or excess, which might prevent his per¬ 
 formance of the laudable duties of his craft, or lead him 
 into enormities, which would reflect dishonour upon the 
 ancient fraternity. He is to be industrious in his profes¬ 
 sion, and true to the Lord and Master he serves. He is 
 to labour justly, and not to eat any man’s bread for 
 nought, but to pay truly for his meat and drink. What 
 leisure his labour allows, he is to employ in studying the 
 arts and sciences with a diligent mind, that he may the 
 better perform all his duties to his Creator, his country, 
 his neighbour, and himself. 
 
 He is to seek and acquire, as far as possible, the vir¬ 
 tues of patience, meekness, self-denial, forbearance, and 
 the like ; which give him the command over himself, and 
 enable him to govern his own family with affection, dig¬ 
 nity, and prudence; at the same time checking every 
 disposition injurious to the world, and promoting that 
 love and service which brethren of the same household 
 owe to each other. 
 
 Therefore, to afford succour to the distressed, to divide 
 our bread with the industrious poor, and to put the mis¬ 
 guided traveller into the way, are duties of the craft, 
 suitable to the dignity, and expressive of its usefulness. 
 But, though a Mason is never to shut his ear unkindly 
 against the complaints of any of the human race, yet, 
 when a brother is oppressed or suffers, he is in a more 
 peculiar manner called to open his whole soul in love and 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 321 
 
 compassion to him, and to relieve him without prejudice, 
 according to his capacity. 
 
 It is also necessary, that all who would be true Masons 
 should learn to abstain from all malice, slander and evil¬ 
 speaking ; from all provoking, reproachful and ungodly 
 language, keeping always a tongue of good report. 
 
 A Mason should know how to obey those who are set 
 over him, however inferior they may be in worldly rank 
 or condition. For although Masonry divests no man of 
 his honours and titles, yet in the Lodge, pre-eminence of 
 virtue, and knowledge in the royal art, are considered as 
 the true source of all nobility, rule and government. 
 
 The virtue indispensably requisite in Masons is secrecy. 
 This is the guard of their confidence, and the security of 
 their trust. So great stress is to be laid upon it, that it 
 is enforced under the strongest penalties and obligations; 
 nor is their esteem in any man to be accounted wise, who 
 has not intellectual strength and ability sufficient to cover 
 and conceal such honest secrets as are committed to him, 
 as well as his own more serious and private affairs. 
 
 Section Fourth. 
 
 OF PREREQUISITES. 
 
 No person is capable of becoming a member unless, 
 together with the virtues aforementioned, or at least a 
 disposition to seek and acquire them, he is also free-born; 
 of mature and discreet age ; of good report; of sufficient 
 natural endowments, and the senses of a man; with an 
 estate, office, trade, occupation, or some visible way of 
 acquiring an honest livelihood, and of working in his 
 Craft, as becomes the members of this most ancient and 
 honourable fraternity, who ought not only to earn what 
 
322 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 is sufficient for themselves and families, but likewise 
 something to spare for works of charity, and supporting 
 the true dignity of the Royal Craft. Every person 
 desiring admission must also be upright in body, not 
 deformed or dismembered, at the time of making, but of 
 hale and entire limbs, as a man ought to be. 
 
 No brother shall propose for admission into this ancient 
 and honourable society any person, through friendship or 
 partiality, who does not possess the moral and social 
 virtues, a sound head and a good heart; and who has 
 not an entire exemption from all those ill qualities and 
 vices which would bring dishonour on the Craft. 
 
 Section Fifth. 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CANDIDATE. 
 
 A strict, though private and impartial, inquiry will be 
 made into the character and ability of the candidate, 
 before he can be admitted into any Lodge; and by the 
 rules of Masonry, no friend, who can wish to propose 
 him, may show him any favour. But if he have a friend 
 who is a Mason, and is every way satisfied, his duty is 
 described as follows: 
 
 Section Sixth. 
 
 OF PROPOSING CANDIDATES. 
 
 Every person desirous of being made a Freemason in 
 any Lodge, shall be proposed by a member, who shall 
 give an account of the candidate’s name, age, quality, 
 title, trade, place of residence, description of his person, 
 and other necessary requisites, as mentioned in the fore¬ 
 going sections. And it is generally required, that such 
 proposal be also seconded by soffie one or more members 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 323 
 
 who are acquainted with the candidate. Such proposals 
 shall also be made in Lodge hours, at least one Lodge 
 night before initiation, in order that the brethren may 
 have sufficient time and opportunity to make a strict 
 inquiry into the morals, character, and circumstances of 
 the candidate, for which purpose a special committee is 
 sometimes appointed. 
 
 The brother who proposes a candidate shall, at the 
 same time, deposit such a sum of money for him as the 
 rules or By- laws of the Lodge may require, which is 
 forfeited to the Lodge if the candidate should not attend, 
 according to his proposal, but is to be returned to him 
 if he should not be approved or elected. In case he be 
 elected, he is to pay, in addition to his deposit, such 
 further sum as the laws of the Lodge may require; and 
 clothe the Lodge, or make some other present, as his 
 circumstances will admit and the brethren agree to ac¬ 
 cept, for the benefit of the Craft and distressed members. 
 
 Section Seventh. 
 
 THE CANDIDATE. 
 
 He has a right, before his admission, to desire his 
 lriend to show him the Warrant, or Dispensation, by 
 which the Lodge is held ; which, if genuine, he will find 
 to be an instrument written or printed upon parchment, 
 and signed by some Grand Master, his Deputy, the 
 Grand Wardens and Grand Secretary, sealed with the 
 Grand Lodge seal, constituting particular persons, therein 
 named, as Master and Wardens, with full power to con¬ 
 gregate and hold a Lodge at such a place, and therein 
 “make and admit Freemasons, according to the most 
 ancient and honourable custom of the Royal Craft, in 
 
324 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 all ages and nations throughout the known world, with 
 full power and authority to nominate and choose their 
 successors,” &c. 
 
 He may also request the perusal of the By-laws, which, 
 being short, he may read in the presence of his friend, 
 and be shown a list of the members of the Lodge; by 
 all which he will be better able to judge whether he 
 could associate with them, and render a ready conformity 
 to their rules. Being thus free to judge for himself, he 
 will not be liable to the dangers of deception. But, on 
 the contrary, will be admitted into a society where he 
 may converse with men of honour and honesty—be exer¬ 
 cised in all the offices of brotherly love, and be made 
 acquainted with some things which it is not lawful to 
 speak of or make known out of the lodge. 
 
 Previously to his introduction, every candidate ought 
 to subscribe the following declaration: 
 
 “I, A. B., do seriously declare, upon my honour, that 
 unbiassed by friends, and uninfluenced by unworthy mo¬ 
 tives, I freely and voluntarily offer myself a candidate 
 for the mysteries of Freemasonry; that I am solely 
 prompted by a favourable opinion conceived of the insti¬ 
 tution, a desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish to be 
 serviceable to my fellow creatures ; and that I will cheer¬ 
 fully conform to the ancient established usages and cus 
 toms of the society. As witness my hand, this 
 day of . in the year A. D. 
 
 D ]? | Witnesses. 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 325 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 OF A LODGE AND ITS GOVERNMENT. 
 
 Section First. 
 
 OF A LODGE. 
 
 A Lodge is a place where Masons assemble and 
 work; hence a duly organized society of Masons is 
 called a Lodge, and every brother ought to belong 
 to one, and to be subject to its By-laws and general 
 regulations. It is either particular or general, and will 
 be best understood by attending it, and by the regula¬ 
 tions of the General or Grand Lodge hereunto annexed. 
 In ancient timts, no Master or Fellow could be absent 
 from it, especially when warned to appear at it, without 
 incurring a severe censure, until it appeared to the Master 
 and Wardens that pure necessity hindered him. 
 
 Section Second. 
 
 OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS IN GENERAL. 
 
 A Lodge ought to assemble for work at least once in 
 every calendar month; and must consist of one Master, 
 two Wardens, senior and junior; one Secretary, one 
 Treasurer, two Deacons, one or more Stewards, a Tyler, 
 and as many members as the Master and the majority of 
 the Lodge shall think proper; although more than forty 
 or fifty, when they can attend regularly, as the whole¬ 
 some rules of the Craft require, are generally found in¬ 
 convenient for working to advantage; and, therefore, 
 when a Lodge comes to be thus numerous, some of the 
 ablest Master workmen, and others under their direction, 
 will obtain leave to separate and apply to the Grand 
 28 
 
32G 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 Lodge for a Warrant to work by themselves, in order to 
 the advancement of the Craft, as the laws hereafter to 
 be delivered will more particularly show. 
 
 Every member of a working Lodge should be a Master 
 Mason. 
 
 Section Third. 
 
 OF THE MASTER I-HIS ELECTION, OFFICE, . AND DUTY. 
 
 All preferment among Masons depends on real worth 
 and personal merit only, that the society may be well 
 served, and the Royal Craft maintained. 
 
 No brother should be a Master till he has first served 
 a Lodge acceptably in the office of Warden, unless in 
 extraordinary cases, or when a new Lodge is to be 
 formed, and no Past or former Warden is to be found 
 among the members. But, three Master Masons, although 
 they have served in no such offices, if they be well learned, 
 may be constituted Master and Wardens of such new 
 Lodge, or of any old Lodge in the like emergency ; and 
 it shall be their duty first to qualify themselves thoroughly 
 for their work. 
 
 The Master of every Lodge shall be annually chosen 
 by ballot, on some stated Lodge night. Each member 
 hath one vote. And when the ballot is closed, the former 
 Master shall carefully examine the votes, and audibly 
 declare him who hath the majority to be dul) elected. 
 In like manner shall the Lodge proceed in the choice of 
 all the other officers; great care being taken that none 
 be put in nomination for favour or affection, birth or for¬ 
 tune, exclusively of the consideration of real merit, and 
 ability to fill the office for the honour and advancement 
 of Masonry. No Mason chosen into any office can refuse 
 to serve, unless he has served in the same office before. 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 327 
 
 The Master of every regular Lodge, thus duly elected 
 and installed, has it in special charge, as appurtenant to 
 his office, duty, and dignity, to see that all the By-laws 
 of his Lodge, as well as the General Regulations from 
 the Grand Lodge, be duly observed; that his Wardens 
 discharge their office faithfully, and be examples of dili¬ 
 gence and sobriety to the Craft; that true and exact 
 minutes and entries of all proceedings be made and kept 
 by the Secretary; that the Treasurer keep and render 
 exact and just accounts at the stated times, according to 
 the By-laws and orders of the Lodge; and, in general, 
 that all the goods and moneys belonging to the body be 
 truly managed and dispensed, according to the vote and 
 direction of the majority. 
 
 The Master shall also take care that no Apprentice or 
 Fellow Craft be taken into his house or Lodge, unless he 
 has sufficient employment for him, and finds him to be 
 duly qualified, according to the rules before laid down, 
 for learning and understanding the sublime mysteries of 
 the Art. Thus shall Apprentices be admitted, upon fur¬ 
 ther improvement, as Fellow Crafts; and, in due time, 
 be raised to the sublime degree of Master Masons, ani¬ 
 mated with the prospect of passing in future through all 
 the higher honours of Masonry, viz: those of Wardens 
 and Masters of their Lodges, and perhaps at length of 
 Grand Wardens and Grand Masters of all the Lodges, 
 according to their merit. 
 
 The Master of a particular Lodge has the right and 
 authority of calling his Lodge, or congregating the mem¬ 
 bers into a Chapter, at pleasure, upon the application of 
 any of the brethren, and upon any emergency and occur¬ 
 rence which, in his judgment, may require their meeting ; 
 and he is to fill the Chair when present. It is likewise 
 
328 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 his duty, together with his Wardens, to attend the Grand 
 Lodge at the quarterly Communications, and such occa¬ 
 sional or special Grand Communications as the good of 
 the Craft may require, when duly summoned by the 
 Grand Secretary, and within such reasonable distance of 
 the place of holding the Grand Lodge as the laws of the 
 same may have ascertained. When in the Grand Lodge, 
 and at general as well as special Communications, the 
 Master and Wardens, or either of them, have full power 
 and authority to represent their Lodge, and to transact 
 all matters as well and truly as if the whole body were 
 there present. 
 
 The Master has the right of appointing some brother, 
 who is most commonly the Secretary of the Lodge, to 
 keep the book of By-laws, and other laws given to the 
 Lodge by proper authority; and in this book shall also 
 be kept the names of all the members of the Lodge, and 
 a list of all the Lodges within the same Grand Commu¬ 
 nication, with the usual times and places of their meeting. 
 
 Section Fourth . 
 
 OF THE WARDENS OF A LODGE. 
 
 1. None but Master Masons can be Wardens of a 
 Lodge. 
 
 2. The Senior Warden succeeds to all the duties of 
 the Master, and fills the Chair when he is absent. If 
 the Master goes abroad on business, resigns, or is de¬ 
 posed, the Senior Warden shall fill his place until the 
 next stated time of election. And although it was for¬ 
 merly held, that in such cases the Master’s authority 
 ought to revert to the last Past Master who is present, 
 yet it is now the settled rule, that the authority devolves 
 upon the Senior Warden, and in his absence upon the 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 329 
 
 Junior Warden, even although a former Master be present. 
 But the Wardens will generally honour a Past Master 
 that may be present, and will call on him to take the 
 Chair, upon the presumption of his experience and skill 
 in conducting the business of the Lodge. 
 
 Nevertheless, such Past Master still holds his authority 
 under the Senior Warden, and cannot act until he con¬ 
 gregates the Lodge. If none of the officers be present, 
 nor any former Master to take the Chair, the members, 
 according to seniority and merit, shall fill the places of 
 the absent officers. 
 
 The business of the Wardens in the Lodge is generally 
 to assist the Master in conducting the business and 
 managing the Craft, in due order and form, when the 
 Master is present. Particular Lodges do likewise, by 
 their By-laws, assign particular duties to their Wardens 
 for their own better government; which such Lodges 
 have a right to do, provided they transgress not the old 
 landmarks, nor in any degree violate the true genius and 
 spirit of Masonry. 
 
 Section Fifth. 
 
 OF THE SECRETARY OF A LODGE. 
 
 The Secretary shall keep a proper register or record 
 of all transactions and proceedings of the Lodge, that 
 are to be committed to writing ; which shall be faithfully 
 entered in the Lodge books, from the minutes taken in 
 open Lodge, after being duly read, amended if necessary, 
 and approved of before the close of every meeting, in 
 order that the said transactions, or authentic copies, may 
 be laid before the Grand Lodge once in every quarter if 
 required. 
 
 28 * 
 
330 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 In particular, the Secretary shall keep exact lists ol all 
 the members of the Lodge, with the admission of new 
 members; and shall prepare and send to the Secretary 
 of the Grand Lodge the list of members, together with 
 all expulsions and rejections for the time being, to the 
 intent that the Grand Secretary, and consequently the 
 members of the Grand Lodge, may be at all times 
 enabled to know the names and number of members in 
 each Lodge under their jurisdiction, with the hand¬ 
 writing of the different officers, and pay all due respect 
 to the brethren recommended by them. 
 
 Section Sixth. 
 
 OE TIIE TREASURER OF A LODGE. 
 
 The Treasurer is to receive, and keep exact accounts 
 of all moneys raised, or paid according to rule, for the 
 advancement of the Lodge and benefit of the brethren, 
 and to pay all orders duly drawn upon him by the au¬ 
 thority of the Lodge. He is to keep regular entries both 
 of his receipts and expenses; and to have his books and 
 vouchers always ready for examination at such stated 
 times as the By-law T s require, or when specially called 
 upon by order of the Master and brethren. 
 
 The Treasurer is likewise to have the charge and cus¬ 
 tody of the chest, jewels, and furniture of the Lodge ; 
 unless when the Master and majority may judge it more 
 convenient to appoint some other responsible brother foi 
 that particular duty, or when the officers of the Lodge 
 may take the charge immediately upon themselves. But 
 the warrant or charter is in the custody of the Master. 
 
 * 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 33 
 
 Section Seventh. 
 
 OF THE DEACONS OF A LODGE. 
 
 The Deacons are to assist the Master and Wardens in 
 the execution of their duty; to examine and welcome 
 visiting brethren, to prepare candidates, and to perform 
 such other services as are assigned to them. 
 
 Section Eighth. 
 
 STEWARDS. 
 
 The Stewards are to provide refreshments, and make 
 a regular report of the expense to the Treasurer; and to 
 see that the regalia of the Lodge are in good order and 
 always ready for use. 
 
 Section Ninth. 
 
 OF THE TYLER OF A LODGE. 
 
 In order that due decorum be observed, while the 
 Lodge is engaged in what is serious and solemn, and for 
 the preservation of secrecy and good harmony, a brother 
 well skilled in the Master’s part, shall be appointed and 
 paid for tyling the Lodge door, during the time of com¬ 
 munication. Generally a brother is to be preferred, to 
 whom the fees of the office may be necessary and ser¬ 
 viceable, on account of his particular circumstances. 
 
 His duty is fixed by custom, and known to every bro¬ 
 ther. He is to be true and trusty, and to obey the specia : 
 directions of the Lodge. 
 
 Section Tenth. 
 
 OF THE NUMBER TO BE INITIATED. 
 
 No Lodge shall make more than five new brethren at 
 one time, nor shall any person be made, or admitted a 
 
332 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 member of a Lodge, without being proposed at least one 
 Lodge night before, unless in cases of emergency, or by 
 dispensation from the Grand Master or his Deputy, in his 
 absence, that due notice may be given to all the members 
 for the necessary inquiries into the candidate’s character, 
 and that there may be unanimity in the election and 
 admission of members. 
 
 Section Eleventh. 
 
 OF PRIVILEGES IN LODGES. 
 
 The majority of every particular Lodge, when duly 
 congregated, have the privilege of instructing their Mas¬ 
 ter and Wardens for their conduct in the Grand Lodge and 
 Quarterly Communications; and all particular Lodges 
 in the same Communication, shall, as much as possible, 
 observe the same rules and usages, and appoint some of 
 their members to visit each other in the different Lodges, 
 as often as it may be convenient. 
 
 When it so happens that a Lodge cannot attend the 
 Communications of the Grand Lodge, they may appoint 
 a brother, who is a Master Mason, and of real merit, and 
 give him instructions to represent them, and vote-in their 
 behalf. He, bearing their certificate under the seal of 
 the Lodge, and signed by the Master and Wardens, may, 
 if approved by the officers of the Grand Lodge, take his 
 seat among them, and vote and act in the name of the 
 Lodge he represents. But no individual can appear for 
 more than one Lodge at the same time. 
 
 Lodges shall have place according to the date of their 
 Constitution. 
 
 If any Lodge shall cease to meet regularly for twelve 
 months successively, its charter shall be void. 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 333 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 OF THE BEHAVIOUR OF MASONS AS MEMBERS OF 
 
 A LODGE. 
 
 ■1. OF ATTENDANCE. 
 
 Every brother ought to belong to some regular Lodge, 
 and should always appear therein properly clothed, truly 
 subjecting himself to all its By-laws and the general 
 regulations. He must attend all meetings, when duly 
 summoned, unless he can offer to the Master and War¬ 
 dens such plea of necessity for his absence as the said 
 laws and regulations may admit. 
 
 By the ancient rules and usages of Masonry, which 
 are generally adopted among the By-laws of every Lodge, 
 no plea was judged sufficient to excuse any absentee, 
 unless he could satisfy the Lodge that he was detained 
 by some extraordinary and unforeseen necessity. 
 
 None have a right to vote in the Lodge but such as 
 are members. 
 
 No brother shall be a member of more than one Lodge 
 at the same time. 
 
 2 . OF working. 
 
 All Masons should work faithfully and honestly. All 
 the working hours appointed by law, or confirmed by 
 custom, are to be strictly observed. The usual hours of 
 working are—“from seven o’clock in the evening until 
 ten, between the 25th of March and the 25th of Sep¬ 
 tember ; and from six until nine, between the 25th of 
 September and the 25th of March.” 
 
 The Mastei and Masons shall faithfully finish their 
 work. 
 
334 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 None shall envy a brother’s prosperity, or put him out 
 of his work, if capable of finishing it. 
 
 All Masons shall receive their wages without mur¬ 
 muring. They must avoid all unbecoming modes of 
 expression, and shall call each other brother in the Lodge. 
 
 3 . OF BEHAVIOUR IN THE LODGE. 
 
 While the Lodge is open for work, Masons must hold 
 no private conversation or committees, without leave 
 from the Master ; nor talk of anything foreign or imper¬ 
 tinent, nor interrupt the Master or Wardens, or any 
 brother addressing himself to the Chair; nor behave in¬ 
 attentively while the Lodge is engaged in what is serious 
 and solemn; but every brother shall pay due reverence 
 to the Master and Wardens, and all his fellows. 
 
 Every brother guilty of a fault shall submit to the 
 Lodge, unless he appeal to the Grand Lodge. 
 
 No private offences, or disputes about nations, families, 
 religion or politics, must be brought within the doors of 
 the Lodge. 
 
 4 . OF BEHAVIOUR AFTER THE LODGE IS CLOSED. 
 
 When the Lodge is closed, and the labour finished, the 
 brethren, before they depart home to their rest, may enjoy 
 themselves with innocent mirth, enlivened and exalted 
 with their own peculiar songs and sublime pieces of music; 
 but avoiding all excess, considering each other, in the 
 hours both of labour and festivity, as always free. And, 
 therefore, no brother is to be hindered from going home 
 when he pleases; for although, after Lodge hours, Masons 
 are as other men, yet if they should fall into excess, the 
 blame, though unjustly, may be cast upon the fraternity, 
 by the ignorant or the envious. 
 
ANCIENT- CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 335 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 OF THE BEHAVIOUR OF MASONS IN THEIR PRIVATE 
 
 CHARACTER. 
 
 1. WHEN A NUMBER OF BRETHREN HAPPEN TO MEET WITH¬ 
 OUT ANY STRANGER AMONG THEM, AND NOT IN A LODGE. 
 
 In such case you are to salute each other in a cour¬ 
 teous manner, as you are or may be instructed in the 
 Lodge, and freely communicate hints of knowledge, but 
 without disclosing secrets, unless to those who have given 
 proof of their taciturnity and honour. Masonry divests 
 no man of the honours due to him before, or that may 
 become due after he was made a Mason. On the con¬ 
 trary, it increases respect, teaching us to add to all his 
 other honours, those which as Masons we cheerfully pay 
 to an eminent brother, distinguishing him above all of 
 his rank and station, and serving him readily according 
 to our ability. 
 
 2 . WHEN IN THE PRESENCE OF STRANGERS WHO ARE NOT 
 
 MASONS. 
 
 Before those who are not Masons you must be cautious 
 in your words and carriage, so that the most penetrating 
 stranger shall not be able to discover what is not proper 
 to be intimated. The impertinent and ensnaring ques¬ 
 tions, or ignorant and idle discourse, of those who seek 
 to pry into the secrets and mysteries of the Craft, must 
 be prudently answered and managed, or the discourse 
 wisely diverted to another subject, as your discretion and 
 duty shall direct. 
 
33G 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 3 . WHEN AT HOME AND IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD. 
 
 Masons ought to be moral men. Consequently the^ 
 should be good husbands, good parents, good sons, and 
 good neighbours; avoiding all excess injurious to them¬ 
 selves or families, and wise as to all affairs, both of their 
 own household and of the Lodge, for certain reasons 
 known to themselves. 
 
 4 . OF BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS A FOREIGN BROTHER OR 
 
 STRANGER. 
 
 You are cautiously to examine a stranger or foreign 
 brother, as prudence and the rules of the Craft direct, 
 that you may not be imposed upon by a pretender; and 
 if you discover any one to be such, you are to reject him, 
 but with proper caution. But such as are found to be 
 true and faithful, you are to respect as brothers, relieving 
 them, if in want, to your utmost power, or directing 
 them how to find relief; and employing them, if you 
 can, or else recommending them to employment. 
 
 5 . OF BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS A BROTHER, WHETHER PRESENT 
 
 OR ABSENT. 
 
 Free and accepted Masons have ever been charged to 
 avoid all slander of true and faithful brethren, with all 
 malice and unjust resentment, or talking disrespectfully 
 of a brother’s person or performance. Nor must they 
 suffer any to spread unjust reproaches or calumnies 
 against a brother behind his back, nor to injure nim in 
 his fortune, occupation, or character ; hut they shall 
 defend such a brother, and give him notice of any danger 
 or injury wherewith he may be threatened, to enable him 
 to escape the same, as far as is consistent with honour, 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 337 
 
 prudence, and the safety of religion, morality, and the 
 State, but no further. 
 
 6. CONCERNING DIFFERENCES AND LAWSUITS, IF ANY SUCII 
 SHOULD UNHAPPILY ARISE AMONG BRETHREN. 
 
 If a brother do you injury, or if you have any differ¬ 
 ence with him about any worldly or temporal business, 
 or interest, apply first to your own or his Lodge, to have 
 the matter in dispute adjusted by the brethren. And if 
 either party be not satisfied with the determination of 
 the Lodge, an appeal may be made to the Grand Lodge; 
 and you are never to enter into a lawsuit until the matter 
 cannot be decided as above. And if it be a matter that 
 wholly concerns Masonry, lawsuits are to be entirely 
 avoided, and the good advice of prudent brethren is 
 to be followed, as they are the best referees of such 
 differences. 
 
 But where references are either impracticable or unsuc¬ 
 cessful, and courts of law or equity must at last decide, 
 you must still follow the general rules of Masonry, 
 avoiding all wrath, malice, rancor, and personal ill will, 
 in carrying on the suit with a brother; neither saying or 
 doing anything to prevent the continuance or renewal of 
 that brotherly love and friendship, which are the glory 
 and cement of this ancient fraternity. Thus shall we 
 show to all the world the benign influence of Masonry, 
 as wise, true and faithful brethren have done from the 
 beginning of time ; and as all who shall follow us, and 
 would be thought worthy of that name, will continue 
 to do. 
 
 (£7=* These charges, and such others as shall be given 
 to you, in a way that cannot be written, you are strictly 
 and conscientiously to observe; and, that they may be 
 29 
 
338 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 the better'observed, they should be read or made known 
 to young brethren at their making; and at other times, as 
 the Master shall direct. Amen! 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Section First , 
 
 OF GRAND LODGES IN GENERAL. 
 
 A Grand Lodge consists of the Masters and Wardens 
 of all the regular Lodges within its jurisdiction, with the 
 Grand Master at their head, the Deputy Grand Master 
 on his left, and the Grand Wardens in their proper places; 
 attended also by the Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, 
 Grand Marshal, Grand Sword Bearer, Grand Tyler, 
 Grand Pursuivant, and other necessary officers, as will 
 be explained in the proper place; all of whom must be 
 Master Masons. 
 
 No new Lodge is acknowledged, nor can their officers 
 be admitted into the Grand Lodge, until such new Lodge 
 is first regularly constituted, and registered by the autho¬ 
 rity of the Grand Lodge. 
 
 All Past Grand Masters, Past Deputy Grand Masters, 
 and Past Grand Wardens, are considered as members of, 
 and admitted to vote in, all Grand Lodges. By courtesy, 
 as well as custom, Past Masters, Past Grand Secretaries, 
 and Past Grand Treasurers, have the privilege of sitting 
 in all the Grand Lodges, and voting in such matters as, 
 by the rules of the Grand Lodge, they might or could 
 have voted in while in office. 
 
 No Master, Warden, or other member of the Grand 
 Lodge, should ever attend the same, without the jewels 
 which he ought to wear in his own particular Lodge, 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 339 
 
 except for some good and sufficient reason to be allowed 
 of by the Grand Lodge. And when the officer of any 
 particular Lodge, from such urgent business or necessity, 
 as may regularly plead his excuse, cannot personally 
 attend the Grand Lodge, he may nominate and send a 
 brother of his Lodge, with his jewel and clothing, to 
 supply his room, and support the honour of his Lodge in 
 the Grand Lodge. • 
 
 A brother of eminence, and of the rank of Master, 
 having business, or whose attendance is necessary in any 
 point of evidence or intelligence, may be admitted into 
 the Grand Lodge upon motion, or leave asked and given; 
 but such brother, thus admitted, shall have no vote, nor 
 be allowed to speak to any question without leave, or 
 unless desired to give his opinion. 
 
 The Grand Lodge shall meet four times a year statedly, 
 for Quarterly Communications, and may also have oc¬ 
 casional meetings and adjournments, monthly or other¬ 
 wise, as business requires; and such meetings shall be 
 held in the hall of the Grand Lodge, unless for some 
 particular reason the Grand Master should think fit to 
 appoint some other place of special meeting. 
 
 All matters in the Grand Lodge shall be determined 
 by a majority of votes, each member having one vote, 
 unless the Grand Lodge leave any particular thing to the 
 determination of the Grand Master. 
 
 The business of the Grand Lodge, whether at Quar¬ 
 terly Communications or other meetings, is seriously to 
 communicate and consider, transact and settle, all matters 
 that concern the prosperity of the Craft and the Frater¬ 
 nity in general, or private Lodges and brethren in par¬ 
 ticular. Thus all differences that cannot be accommo¬ 
 dated privately, nor by a particular Lodge, are to be 
 
340 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 seriously considered and decided. And if any brother 
 thinks himself aggrieved by such decision, he may, by 
 lodging an appeal in writing with the Grand Secretary, 
 have the matter reheard and finally determined upon at 
 the next ensuing Quarterly Communication, provided it 
 be not the annual Grand Lodge, or the feast days of St. 
 John; on which, by the new and wise regulations, it is 
 agreed apd ordered that no petitions or appeals should be 
 heard, nor any business transacted, that tends to inter¬ 
 rupt the harmony of the assembly; but all shall be 
 referred to the next meeting of the Grand Lodge. And, 
 in general, whatever business cannot be transacted or 
 finished at any one meeting of the Grand Lodge, may 
 either be adjourned to the next, or referred to a proper 
 committee, to be by them heard, considered, and reported 
 upon to the said next meeting. 
 
 The officers of all private Lodges, under the jurisdic¬ 
 tion of the Grand Lodge, shall, at every Quarterly Com¬ 
 munication, (except the distant Lodges, which shall 
 annually on or before the festival of St. John the Evan¬ 
 gelist,) deliver an exact list of such members as have 
 been made, or even admitted by them, since the last 
 . preceding Communication; and books shall be kept in 
 the Grand Lodge, by some able brother to be appointed 
 Grand Secretary, in which the said lists and returns shall 
 be duly recorded, together with all the Lodges in Com¬ 
 munication, the usual times and places of their assembly, 
 and the names of all their members. In the said books are 
 also to be registered all the proceedings, and other affairs 
 of the Grand Lodge, which are proper to be written. 
 
 The Grand Lodge shall likewise consider of the mos. 
 prudent and effectual means of collecting and managing 
 what money may accrue to the general charity fund. 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 341 
 
 Section Second. 
 
 OF THE ELECTION OF THE GRAND MASTER. 
 
 The Grand Lodge must meet in some convenient place 
 in order to elect new, or re-appoint the old officers; and 
 such election or re-appointment shall be made in such 
 season that the Grand Lodge may be completely or¬ 
 ganized, and duly prepared for the celebration of the 
 annual feast in June, and other important business of 
 the season. 
 
 The election shall be made either by holding up of 
 hands, or by ballot, as may be agreed by the majority, 
 on motion made and seconded for that purpose; pro¬ 
 vided always that the brother recommended by the 
 Grand Master in office, as his successor, be the first voted 
 for, either by holding up of hands, or by ballot; and if 
 he is not chosen, the other candidates in the order they 
 were proposed, until one has the majority of voices or 
 ballots. When the election is thus made, he is to be 
 proclaimed, installed and saluted, if present; but if not 
 present, a day is to be appointed for this ceremony. The 
 ceremony of installing the new Grand Master is to be 
 conducted by the last Grand Master; but he may, never¬ 
 theless, order any brother well skilled in the ceremony to 
 assist him, or act as his deputy on the occasion. 
 
 In case the new Grand Master, when nominated or 
 chosen, cannot attend at the time appointed for his instal¬ 
 ment, he may be installed by proxy, on signifying his 
 acceptance of the office; but such proxy must be either 
 the last, or a former Grand Master, or else a very 
 reputable Past Master. 
 
 29 * 
 
342 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 Section Third. 
 
 OF THE ELECTION OR APPOINTMENT OF THE DEPUTY 
 
 GRAND MASTER. 
 
 The last Grand Master thus continued, or a new 
 Grand Master thus appointed and installed, hath an in¬ 
 herent right to nominate and appoint the Deputy Grand 
 Master; because, as the Grand Master cannot be sup¬ 
 posed to be able to give his attendance on every emer¬ 
 gency, it hath been always judged necessary, not only to 
 allow him a Deputy, but that such Deputy should be a 
 person in whom he can perfectly confide, and with whom 
 he can have full harmony. 
 
 Section Fourth. 
 
 OF THE GRAND WARDENS. 
 
 The Grand Lodge has the right of electing the Grand 
 Wardens ; and any member has a right to propose one or 
 both the candidates, either the old Wardens or new ones; 
 and the two persons who have the majority of votes or 
 ballots are declared duly elected. 
 
 Section Fifth. 
 
 OF THE GRAND SECRETARY. 
 
 The office of Grand Secretary hath become one of 
 great importance in the Grand Lodge. All the transac¬ 
 tions of the Lodge are to be drawn into form, and duly 
 recorded by him. All petitions, applications, and appeals 
 are to pass through his hands. No warrant, certificate, 
 or instrument of writing from the Grand Lodge, is au¬ 
 thentic without his attestation and signature, and his 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 343 
 
 r 
 
 affixing the grand seal as the laws require. The general 
 correspondence with Lodges and brethren over the whole 
 world is to be managed by him, agreeably to the voice 
 of the Grand Lodge, and directions of the Grand Master 
 or his Deputy, whom he must, therefore, be always ready 
 to attend, with the books of the Lodge, in order to give 
 all necessary information concerning the general state 
 of matters, and what is proper to be done upon any 
 emergency. 
 
 For these reasons, at every annual election or appoint¬ 
 ment of Grand Officers, the nomination or appointment 
 of the Grand Secretary has been considered as the right 
 of the Grand Master, being properly his amanuensis, and 
 an officer as necessary to him as his Deputy. But in 
 America, Grand Masters, not being tenacious of pre¬ 
 rogative, have relinquished this privilege, and the Grand 
 Secretary is chosen by nomination and vote of the Grand 
 Lodge. 
 
 The Grand Secretary, by virtue of his office, is a 
 member of the Grand Lodge, and may sit and vote 
 accordingly. 
 
 The Grand Secretary may have an assistant, with the 
 consent of the Grand Lodge; but he will not be con¬ 
 sidered as a member, nor admitted to vote. 
 
 Section Sixth. 
 
 OF THE ELECTION AND OFFICE OF GRAND TREASURER. 
 
 The Grand Treasurer is elected by the body of the 
 Grand Lodge, in the same manner as the Grand Wardens; 
 he being considered as an officer peculiarly responsible to 
 all the members in due form assembled, as having the 
 charge of their common stock and property. To him is 
 
344 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 committed the care of all money raised for the genera^ 
 charity, ami other uses of the Grand Lodge, an account 
 of which he is regularly to enter in a book, with the 
 respective uses for which the several sums are intended. 
 He is likewise to pay out, or expend the same upon such 
 orders, signed as the rules of the Grand Lodge in this 
 respect shall allow to be valid. 
 
 The Grand Treasurer, by virtue of his office, is a 
 member of the Grand Lodge. He shall always be 
 present in the Lodge, and ready to attend the Grand 
 Master, and other Grand Officers, with his books for 
 inspection when required; and likewise any committee 
 that may be appointed for adjusting and examining his 
 accounts. 
 
 Section Seventh. 
 
 OF THE GRAND TYLER AND GRAND PURSUIVANT. 
 
 These officers of the Grand Lodge must be Master 
 Masons, but none of them are members of the Grand 
 Lodge. The Tyler’s duty is to attend at the door, to see 
 that none but members enter into the Lodge. 
 
 The business of the Pursuivant is to stand at the 
 inward door of the Grand Lodge, and to report the 
 names and titles of all that want admittance, as given to 
 him by the Tyler. He is also to go upon messages, and 
 perform other services known in the Lodge. 
 
 The Grand Deacons, whose duty is well known in 
 the Grand Lodge, as particular assistants to the Grand 
 Master and Senior Warden, in conducting the business 
 of the Lodge, are always members of the same, and may 
 he either nominated occasionally on every Lodge night, 
 or appointed annually. 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 345 
 
 Section Eighth. 
 
 GENERAL RULES FOR CONDUCTING THE BUSINESS OF THE 
 
 GRAND LODGE, IN CASE OF THE ABSENCE OF ANY OF THE 
 
 GRAND OFFICERS. 
 
 If the Grand Master is absent at any meeting of the 
 Grand .Lodge, stated or occasional, the Deputy is to 
 supply his place. 
 
 If the Deputy be likewise absent, the Senior Grand 
 Warden takes the Chair, and in his absence the Junior 
 Grand Warden. All Grand Officers, Present and Past, 
 take place of every Master of a Lodge, and the present 
 Grand Officers take place of all Past Grand Officers. 
 Nevertheless, any of them may resign their privilege, to 
 do honour to any eminent brother or Past Master, whom 
 the Lodge may be willing to place in the Chair on any 
 particular occasion. 
 
 If the Grand Officers are not present at any Grand 
 Lodge duly summoned, the Master of the Senior Private 
 Lodge who may be present, is to take the Chair, although 
 there may be Masters of Lodges present who are older 
 Masons. 
 
 But to prevent disputes, the Grand Master, when he 
 finds he must be necessarily absent from any Grand 
 Lodge, usually gives a special commission, under his 
 hand and seal of office, countersigned by the Grand Sec¬ 
 retary, to the Senior Grand Warden, or in his absence to 
 the Junior, or in case of the absence of both, to any 
 other Grand Officer, or particular Master of a Lodge, 
 Past or Present, to supply his place, if the Deputy Grand 
 Master be necessarily absent. 
 
 But if there be no special commission, the general rule 
 
346 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 of precedence is, that the Junior Grand Warden supplies 
 the place of the Senior in his absence; and if both are 
 absent, the oldest former Grand. Wardens take place im¬ 
 mediately, and act as Grand Wardens, pro tempore , unless 
 they resign their privilege. 
 
 When neither the Grand Wardens of the present, nor 
 of any former year, are in company, the Grand Master, 
 or he that legally presides in his stead, calls forth whom 
 he pleases, to act as Deputy Grand Master and Grand 
 Wardens, although the preference is generally given to 
 the Master or Past Master of the oldest Lodge present. 
 The presiding Grand Officer has the further privilege of 
 appointing a Secretary, or any other Grand Officer, if 
 neither the stated officers, nor the deputies of such of 
 them as have a right to nominate a deputy, be present. 
 
 In case of the death of a Grand Master, the same 
 order of succession and precedency takes place, as above 
 set forth, until a new Grand Master is duly chosen and 
 installed. 
 
 Old Grand Officers may be again chosen officers of 
 private Lodges, and this does not deprive them of any 
 of the privileges to which, as old Grand Officers, they 
 are entitled in the Grand Lodge; only, an old Grand 
 Officer, being the officer of a private Lodge, must depute 
 a Past Officer of his particular Lodge to act for him in 
 the Grand Lodge, when he ascends to his former rank in 
 the same. 
 
 Section Ninth. 
 
 OF GRAND VISITATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, ANNUAL 
 
 FEASTS, &C. 
 
 The Grand Master, with his Deputy, the Grand War¬ 
 dens, and Grand Secretary, shall, if possible, annually 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 347 
 
 (at least once) visit all the Lodges under his juris¬ 
 diction ; or, when this laudable duty becomes imprac¬ 
 ticable, from the extent of his jurisdiction and large 
 number of Lodges, he shall as often as necessary, and if 
 possible, annually, appoint visiters, of different districts, 
 composed of his Grand Officers, and such other assistants 
 as he may think proper, who shall make faithful report 
 of their proceedings to the Grand Lodge, according to 
 the instructions given them. 
 
 When both the Grand Master and Deputy Grand 
 Master are absent, the Senior or Junior Grand Warden 
 may preside as Deputy in visiting Lodges, or in consti¬ 
 tuting any new Lodge. 
 
 The brethren of all the regular Lodges, in the same 
 general jurisdiction and Grand Communication, shall 
 meet in some convenient place on St. John’s day, to cele¬ 
 brate their festival, either in their own or any other regu¬ 
 lar Lodge, as they shall judge most convenient. And 
 any brethren who are found true and faithful members of 
 the Ancient Craft may be admitted. But only those who 
 are members of the Grand Lodge must be present during 
 the installation of Grand Officers. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Section First. 
 
 % 
 
 GENERAL REGULATIONS OF ANCIENT YORK MASONS. 
 
 I. The Grand Master, or Deputy, has full authority 
 and right, not only to be present, but also to preside ir. 
 every Lodge, with the Master of the Lodge on his left 
 hand; and to order his Grand Wardens to attend him, 
 who are not to act as Wardens of particular Lodges, but 
 
548 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 in his presence and at his command; for the Grand 
 Master while in a particular Lodge, may command the 
 Wardens of that Lodge, or any other Master Masons, to 
 act as his Wardens, pro tempore. 
 
 II. The Master of a particular Lodge has the right 
 and authority of congregating the members of his Lodge 
 into a Chapter, upon any emergency or occurrence, as 
 well as to appoint the time and place of their usual 
 forming; and in case of death or sickness, or necessary 
 absence of the Master, the Senior Warden shall act as 
 Master, pro tempore , if no brother is present who has 
 been Master of that Lodge before; for the absent Mas¬ 
 ter’s authority reverts to the last Master present, though 
 he cannot act till the Senior Warden congregates the 
 Lodge. 
 
 III. The Master of each particular Lodge, or one of 
 the Wardens, or some other brother, by appointment of 
 the Master, shall keep a book, containing their By-laws, 
 the names of their members, and a list of all the Lodges 
 in town, with the usual times and places of their forming, 
 and also the transactions of their own Lodge, that are 
 proper to be written 
 
 IV. No Lodge shall make more than five new brothers 
 at one and the same time, without an urgent necessity; 
 nor any man under the age of twenty-one years, who 
 must also be his own master, unless by a dispensation 
 from the Grand Master. 
 
 V. No man can be accepted a member of a particular 
 Lodge without previous notice one month before given to 
 the Lodge, in order to make due inquiry into the reputa¬ 
 tion and capacity of the candidate, unless by a dis¬ 
 pensation. 
 
 VI. But no man can be entered a brother in any par- 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 349 
 
 ticular Lodge, or admitted a member thereof, without 
 the unanimous consent of all the members of that Lodge 
 then present, when the candidate is proposed ; and when 
 their consent is formally asked by the Master, they are 
 to give their consent in their own prudent way, either 
 virtually or in form, but with unanimity; nor is this 
 inherent privilege subject to a dispensation, because the 
 members of a particular Lodge are the best judges of it; 
 and because, if a turbulent member should be imposed on 
 them, it might spoil their harmony, or hinder the freedom 
 of their communication, or even break or disperse the 
 Lodge, which ought to be avoided by all that are true 
 and faithful. 
 
 VII. Every new brother, at his entry, is decently to 
 clothe the Lodge, that is, all the brethren present, and 
 to deposit something for the relief of the indigent and 
 decayed brethren, as the candidate shall see fit to bestow 
 over and above the small allowance that may be stated 
 in the By-laws of that particular Lodge, which charity 
 shall be kept by the cashier; also, the candidate shall 
 solemnly promise to submit to the Constitution, and other 
 good usages that shall be intimated to him in time and 
 place convenient. [This article is generally commuted.] 
 
 VIII. No set or number of brethren shall withdraw 
 or separate themselves from the Lodge in which they 
 were made, or were afterwards admitted members, unless 
 the Lodge becomes too numerous; nor even then without 
 a dispensation from the Grand Master or Deputy; and 
 when thus separated, they must either immediately join 
 themselves to such other Lodges that they shall like best, 
 who are willing to receive them, or else obtain the Grand 
 Master’s Warrant to join in forming a new Lodge, to be 
 regularly constituted in good time. 
 
 30 
 
350 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 If any. set or number of Masons shall take upon them 
 selves to form a Lodge without the Grand Master’s 
 Warrant, the regular Lodges are not to countenance 
 them, nor own them as fair brethren duly formed, nor 
 approve of their acts and deeds; but must treat them as 
 rebels, until they humble themselves as the Grand Master 
 shall in his prudence direct, and until he approve of 
 them by his Warrant signified to the other Lodges, as 
 the custom is when a new Lodge is to be registered in 
 the Grand Lodge book. 
 
 IX. But if any brother so far misbehave himself as to 
 render his Lodge uneasy, he shall be thrice duly admo¬ 
 nished by the Master and Wardens in that Lodge formed-; 
 and if he will not refrain his imprudence, nor obediently 
 submit to the advice of his brethren, he shall be dealt 
 with according to the By-laws of that particular Lodge; 
 or else in such manner as the Grand Lodge shall in their 
 great prudence think fit, for which a new regulation 
 may be afterwards made. 
 
 X. The majority of every particular Lodge, when 
 congregated, not else, shall have privilege of giving 
 instructions to their Master and Wardens before the 
 meeting of the Grand Chapter, because the said officers 
 are their representatives, and supposed to speak the sen¬ 
 timents of their brethren at the said Grand Lodge. 
 
 XI. All particular Lodges are to observe the like 
 usages as much as possible; in order to which, and also 
 for cultivating a good understanding among Freemasons, 
 some members of every Lodge should be deputed to visit 
 other Lodges as often as shall be thought convenient. 
 
 XII. The Grand Lodge consists of, and is formed by, 
 the Masters and Wardens of all the particular Lodges 
 upon record, with the Grand Master at their head, the 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 351 
 
 Deputy on his left hand, and the Grand Wardens in their 
 places. 
 
 These must have their Quarterly Communications, or 
 monthly meetings and adjournments, as often as occasion 
 requires, in some convenient place, as the Grand Master 
 shall appoint, where none shall be present but its own 
 proper members, without leave asked and given; and 
 while such a stranger, though a brother, stays, he is not 
 allowed to vote, nor even to speak to any question, with¬ 
 out leave of the Grand Lodge, or unless he is desired to 
 give his opinion. 
 
 All matters in the Grand Lodge are determined by a 
 majority of votes, each member having one vote, and the 
 Grand Master two votes, unless the Grand Lodge leave 
 any particular thing to the determination of the Grand 
 Master for the sake of expedition. 
 
 XIII. At the Grand Lodge meetings, all matters that 
 concern the Fraternity in general, or particular Lodges, 
 or single brothers, are sedately and maturely to be dis¬ 
 coursed of. 
 
 1. Apprentices must be admitted Fellow Crafts and 
 Masters only here, unless by a dispensation from the 
 Grand Master. 
 
 2. Here also all differences that cannot be made up 
 or accommodated privately, nor by a particular Lodge, 
 are to be seriously considered and decided; and if any 
 brother thinks himself aggrieved by the decision, he may 
 appeal to the Grand Lodge next ensuing, and leave his 
 appeal in writing with the Grand Master, the Deputy, or 
 Grand Wardens. 
 
 3. Hither also all the officers of particular Lodges 
 shall bring a list of such members as have been made, or 
 even admitted by them since the last Grand Lodge. 
 
352 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 4. There shall be books kept by the Grand Master or 
 Deputy, or rather by some other brother appointed Sec¬ 
 retary of the Grand Lodge, wherein shall be recorded 
 all the Lodges, with the usual times and places of their 
 forming, and the names of all the members of each 
 Lodge; also, all the affairs of the Grand Lodge that are 
 proper to be written. 
 
 5. The Grand Lodge shall consider of the most pru¬ 
 dent and effectual means of collecting and disposing of 
 what money shall be lodged with them on charity, to¬ 
 wards the relief only of any true brother fallen into 
 poverty and decay, but none else. 
 
 6. But each particular Lodge may dispose of their own 
 charity for poor brothers, according to their own By-laws, 
 until it be agreed by all the Lodges in a new regulation, 
 to carry in the charity collected by them to the Grand 
 Lodge at the Quarterly or Annual Communication, in 
 order to make a common stock for the more handsome 
 relief of poor brethren. 
 
 7. They shall appoint a Treasurer, a brother of worldly 
 substance, who shall be a member of the Grand Lodge 
 by virtue of his office, and shall be always present, and 
 have power to move to the Grand Lodge anything that 
 concerns his office. 
 
 8. To him shall be committed all money raised for the 
 general charity, or for any other use of the Grand Lodge, 
 which he shall write down in a book, with the respective 
 ends and uses for which the several sums are intended, 
 and shall expend or disburse the same by such a certain 
 order, signed as the Grand Lodge shall hereafter agree 
 to in a new regulation. 
 
 But by virtue of his office, as Treasurer, without any 
 other qualification, he shall not vote in choosing a new 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 353 
 
 Grand Master and Grand Wardens, though in every 
 other transaction. 
 
 9. In like manner the Secretary shall be a member of 
 the Grand Lodge, by virtue of his office, and shall vote 
 in everything/except in choosing Grand Officers. 
 
 10. The Treasurer and Secretary may each have a 
 Clerk or Assistant, if they think fit, who must be a bro¬ 
 ther and a Master Mason, but must never be a member 
 of the Grand Lodge, nor speak without being allowed 
 or commanded. 
 
 11. The Grand Master or Deputy have authority always 
 to command the Treasurer and Secretary to attend him, 
 with their Clerks and books, in order to see how matters 
 go on, and to know what is expedient to be done upon 
 an emergency. 
 
 12. Another brother and Master Mason should be 
 appointed the Tyler, to look after the door; but he must 
 be no member of the Grand Lodge. 
 
 13. But these offices may be further explained by a 
 new regulation, when the necessity or expediency of them 
 may more appear than at present to the Fraternity. 
 
 XIV. If at any Grand Lodge, stated or occasional, 
 monthly or annual, the Grand Master and Deputy should 
 both be absent, then the present Master of a Lodge that 
 has been longest a Freemason, shall take the Chair and 
 preside as Grand Master, pro tempore; and- shall be 
 vested with all the honour and power for the time being, 
 provided there is no brother present that has been Grand 
 Master or Deputy formerly; for the last former Grand 
 Master or Deputy in company takes place of right in the 
 absence of a Grand Master or Deputy. 
 
 XY. In the Grand Lodge none can act as Wardens 
 but the uresent Grand Wardens, if in company; and if 
 30* 
 
354 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 absent, the Grand Master shall order private Wardens to 
 act as Grand Wardens, pro tempore , whose places are to 
 be supplied by two Fellow Crafts or Master Masons of 
 the same Lodge, called forth to act, or sent thither by 
 the Master thereof; or if by him omitted, the Grand 
 Master, or he that presides, shall call them forth to act, 
 so that the Grand Lodge may be always complete. 
 
 XYI. 1. The Grand Wardens, or any others, are first 
 to advise with the Deputy about the affairs of the Lodges 
 of private single brothers, and are not to apply to the 
 Grand Master without the knowledge of the Deputy, 
 unless he refuse his concurrence. 
 
 2. In which case, or in case of any difference of senti¬ 
 ment between the Deputy and Grand Wardens, or other 
 brothers, both parties are to go to the Grand Master by 
 consent; who, by virtue of his great authority and 
 power, can easily decide the controversy and make up 
 
 ’ the difference. 
 
 3. The Grand Master should not receive any private 
 intimation of business concerning Masons and Masonry, 
 but from his Deputy first, except in such cases as his 
 Worship can easily judge of; and if the application to 
 the Grand Master be irregular, his Worship can order 
 the Grand Wardens, or any so applying, to wait upon 
 the Deputy, who is speedily to prepare the business and 
 lay it orderly before his Worship. 
 
 XVII. No Grand Master, Grand Warden, Treasurer 
 or Secretary, or whoever acts for them, or in their stead, 
 pro tempore, can, at the same time, act as the Master or 
 Warden of a particular Lodge; but as soon as any of 
 them has discharged his public office, he returns to that 
 post or station in his particular Lodge from which he was 
 called to officiate. 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 355 
 
 XVIII. 1. If the Deputy be sick, or necessarily ab¬ 
 sent, the Grand Master can choose any brother be pleases 
 to act as his Deputy, pro tempore . 
 
 2. But he that is chosen Deputy at the installation, 
 and also the Grand Wardens, cannot be discharged, un¬ 
 less the cause fairly appear to the Grand Lodge. 
 
 3. For the Grand Master, if he is uneasy, may call a 
 Grand Lodge on purpose to lay the cause before them for 
 their advice and concurrence. 
 
 And if the members of the Grand Lodge cannot recon¬ 
 cile the Grand Master with his Deputy or Wardens, they 
 are to allow the Grand Master to discharge his Deputy 
 or Wardens, and to choose another Deputy immediately; 
 and the same Grand Lodge, in that case, shall forthwith 
 choose other Grand Wardens, so that harmony and peace 
 may be preserved. 
 
 XIX. If the Grand Master should abuse his great 
 power, and render himself unworthy of the obedience 
 and submission of the Lodge, he shall be treated in a 
 way and manner to be agreed upon in a new regulation, 
 because hitherto the ancient Fraternity have had no 
 occasion for it. 
 
 XX. The Grand Master, with his Deputy, Grand 
 Wardens, and Secretary, shall, at least once, go round 
 and visit all the Lodges about town during his mastership. 
 
 XXL If the Grand Master dies during his mastership, 
 or by sickness, or by being beyond sea, or any other 
 way be rendered incapable of discharging his office, the 
 Deputy, or in his absence the Senior Grand Warden, or 
 in his absence the Junior Grand Warden, or in his absence 
 any three Masters of Lodges shall assemble the Grand 
 Lodge immediately, in order to advise together upon the 
 emergency, and to send two of their number to invite the 
 
356 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 last Grand Master to resume his office, which now of 
 course reverts to him; and if he refuses to act, then the 
 next last, and so backward; but if no former Grand 
 Master be found, the present Deputy shall act as prin¬ 
 cipal till a new Grand Master is chosen; or if there be 
 no Deputy, then the oldest Mason, the present Master of 
 a Lodge. 
 
 XXII. The Grand Lodge must meet in some convenient 
 place on St. John the Evangelist’s day, in every year, in 
 order to proclaim the new or recognize the old Grand 
 Master, Deputy, and Grand Wardens. When St. John’s 
 day happens to be on a Sunday, then meetings of the 
 Lodges shall be on the next Monday. 
 
 XXIII. If the present Grand Master shall consent to 
 continue a second year, then one of the Grand Lodge 
 deputed for that purpose, shall represent to all the 
 brethren his Worship’s good government, &c., and turn¬ 
 ing to him, shall, in the name of the Grand Lodge, humbly 
 request him to do the Fraternity the great honour of con¬ 
 tinuing to be their Grand Master for the year ensuing; 
 and his Worship declaring his consent thereto, in manner 
 he thinks proper, the Grand Secretary shall thrice pro¬ 
 claim him aloud— Grand Master of Masons. 
 
 All the members of the Grand Lodge shall salute him 
 in due form, according to the ancient and laudable custom 
 of Freemasons. 
 
 XXIY. The present Grand Master shall nominate his 
 successor for the year ensuing; who, if unanimously ap¬ 
 proved of by the Grand Lodge, and there present, he shall 
 be proclaimed, saluted, and congratulated, the new Grand 
 Master as before hinted, and immediately be installed by 
 the last Grand Master, according to ancient usage. 
 
 Hut if that nomination is not unanimously approved, 
 
ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 357 
 
 the new Grand Master shall be chosen immediately by 
 ballot; and if present, he shall be proclaimed, saluted, 
 and congratulated, as before hinted, and forthwith in¬ 
 stalled by the last Grand Master, according to usage. 
 
 XXY. 1. The last Grand Master thus continued, or 
 the new Grand Master thus installed, shall next, as his 
 inherent right, nominate and appoint his Deputy Grand 
 Master, either the last, or a new one, who shall also be 
 proclaimed, saluted, and congratulated, in due form. 
 
 2. The new Grand Master shall also nominate his new 
 Grand Wardens; and, if unanimously approved by the 
 Grand Lodge, they shall also be forthwith proclaimed, 
 saluted, and congratulated, in due form. 
 
 XXYI. If the brother whom the present Grand Mas¬ 
 ter shall nominate for his successor, or whom the 
 Grand Lodge shall choose by ballot, as above, be out of 
 town, and has returned his answer that he will accept of 
 the office of Grand Master, he shall be proclaimed, as 
 before in regulation XXIII., and may be installed by 
 proxy, which proxy must be the present or former Grand 
 Master, who shall act in his name, and receive the usual 
 honours, homage, and congratulations. 
 
 XXYII. Every Grand Lodge has an inherent power 
 and authority to make new regulations, or to alter these 
 for the real benefit of the ancient Fraternity, provided 
 always, that the old landmarks be carefully preserved, 
 and that such new regulations and alterations be pro¬ 
 posed and agreed to by the Grand Lodge, and that they 
 be submitted to the perusal of all the brethren, in writing, 
 whose approbation and consent, or the majority thereof, 
 is absolutely necessary to make the same binding and 
 obligatory ; which must, therefore, after the new Grand 
 Master is installed, be solemnly desired and obtained 
 
358 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 from the Grand Lodge, as it was for these old regula 
 tions, by a great number of brethren. 
 
 Section Second. 
 
 REGULATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE GRAND LODGE 
 DURING THE TIME OF PUBLIC BUSINESS. 
 
 XXVIII. 1. That no brothers be admitted into the 
 Grand Lodge, but the immediate members thereof, viz: 
 the four present and all former Grand Officers, the Trea¬ 
 surer and Secretary, the Masters, Wardens, and Past 
 Masters, of all regular Lodges, except a brother who is 
 a petitioner, or a witness in some case, or one called in 
 by motion. 
 
 2. That at the third stroke of the Grand Master’s 
 gavel, there shall be a general silence ; and that he who 
 breaks silence, without leave from the Chair, shall be 
 publicly reprimanded. 
 
 3. That under the same penalty every brother shall 
 keep his seat, and keep strict silence whenever the Grand 
 Master or Deputy shall think fit to rise from the chair, 
 and call to order. 
 
 4. That in the Grand Lodge every member shall keep 
 in his seat, (according to the number of his Lodge,) and 
 not move about from place to place during the communi¬ 
 cation, except the Grand Wardens, as having more imme¬ 
 diately the care of the Grand Lodge. 
 
 5. That no brother is to speak but once to the same 
 affair, unless to explain himself, or when called upon by 
 the Chair to speak. 
 
 6. Every one that speaks shall rise, and keep standing, 
 addressing himself in a proper manner to the Chair; nor 
 shall any presume to interrupt him, under the aforesaid 
 
359 
 
 ANCIENT CONSTITUTIONS. 
 
 penalty; unless the Grand Master find him wandering 
 from the point in hand, and shall think fit to reduce him tc 
 order, for then the said speaker shall sit down; but aftei 
 he has been set right he may again proceed, if he pleases. 
 
 7. If in the Grand Lodge any member is twice called 
 to order at any one assembly, for transgressing these rules, 
 and is guilty of a third offence of the same nature, the 
 Chair shall peremptorily order him to quit the Lodge 
 room for that night. 
 
 8. That whoever shall be so rude as to hiss at any 
 brother, or at what another says or has said, he shall be 
 forthwith solemnly excluded the Communication, and de¬ 
 clared incapable of ever being a member of any Grand 
 Lodge for the future, till another time he publicly owns 
 his fault, and his grace be granted. 
 
 In order to preserve harmony, it was thought necessary 
 to use counters and a balloting box when occasion requires. 
 
 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep 
 my commandments, and remove not the ancient land¬ 
 mark which thy fathers have set.— Solomon. 
 
 THE END. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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BOSTON COLLEGE 
 
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