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THIRD DEGREE RITUAL - THE RAISING
(The Lodge being open in the Third Degree the Deacons lay down the S...t, which should be open and not folded during any part of the ceremony. The Tyler, having properly prepared the Candidate, not forgetting the badge of Second Degree, gives Second Degree knocks on door).
Inner Guard (standing in front of his chair at North of Senior Warden takes Step and gives Sign .of Third Degree, which he holds until instructed by Junior Warden.).- Brother Junior Warden, there is a report.
Junior Warden (stands, no knocks with Step and Sign which he holds until instructed by Worshipful Master.) – Worshipful Master there is a report.
Worshipful Master- Brother Junior Warden, inquire who wants admission.
Junior Warden (cuts Sign not forgetting to recover, resumes seat).- Brother Inner Guard, see who wants admission.
Inner Guard (cuts Sign, not forgetting to recover, goes to door, opens it but keeps hold of handle. The colloquy between Inner Guard and Tyler should be audible in Lodge).- Whom have you there?
Tyler.- Brother ___________, who has been regularly initiated into Freemasonry, passed to the Degree of a Fellowcraft and has made such further progress as he hopes will entitle him to be raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason, for which ceremony he is properly prepared.
Inner Guard (sees that Candidate is properly prepared)' How does he hope to obtain the privileges of the Third Degree?
Tyler.- By the help of God, the united aid of the square and compasses and the benefit of a Password Word.
Inner Guard-Is he in possession of the password?
Tyler.- Will you prove him? (Inner Guard extends his right hand and the Candidate, instructed by Tyler if necessary, gives him the Pass Grip and Pass Word leading from Second to Third Degree).
Inner Guard - Halt, while I report to the Worshipful Master (closes and fastens door, returns to position in front of his chair at North of Senior Warden with Step and Sign which he holds until instructed by Worshipful Master). Worshipful Master Brother __________, who has been regularly initiated into Freemasonry, passed to the Degree of a Fellowcraft and has made such further progress as he hopes will entitle him to be raised to the sublime Degree of . a Master Mason, for which ceremony he is properly prepared
Worshipful Master - How does he hope to obtain the privileges of the Third Degree?
Inner Guard - By the help of God, the united aid of the square and compasses and the benefit of a Password Word.
Worshipful Master - We acknowledge the powerful aid by which he seeks admission; do you, Brother Inner Guard vouch that he is in possession of the password
Inner Guard - I do, Worshipful Master
Worshipful Master-Then let him be admitted in due form. (Inner Guard cuts Sign not forgetting to recover). Brother Deacons.
(It is at this point that all candle lights except that of the Worshipful Master are extinguished Inner Guards and both Deacons proceed to door of Lodge, Junior Deacon en route places kneeling stool. Senior Deacon places himself in position at door so that he can take Candidate by right hand on admission to the Lodge. Inner Guard opens door. Inner Guard has in his hand the compasses widely extended,' he presents one point simultaneously to each breast and then raises them above his head to show that he has done so. Senior Deacon takes Candidate by right hand and leads him to kneeling stool, Junior Deacon takes up position on left of Candidate Position is about 18 inches distant from kneeling stool).
Senior Deacon - Advance as a Fellowcraft, first an Entered Apprentice. (Candidate takes Step and gives Sign of First Degree, cuts Sign, takes another Step and gives Sign of Second Degree and cuts it).
Worshipful Master - Let the Candidate kneel while the blessing of Heaven is invoked on what we are about to do.
(Worshipful Master knocks once, followed by Senior Warden and Junior Warden All stand with Sign of Reverence. No Step. Candidate, instructed by Senior Deacon, kneels on kneeling stool with Sign of Reverence Deacons take wand in left hand and show Sign of Reverence with right hand. Deacons cross wands over head of Candidate).
Worshipful Master - Almighty and Eternal God, Architect and Ruler of the Universe, at Whose creative fiat all things first were made, we, the frail creatures of Thy providence, humbly implore Thee to pour down on this convocation assembled in Thy Holy Name the continual dew of Thy blessing. Especially, we beseech Thee, to impart Thy grace to this Thy servant, who offers himself a Candidate to partake with us the mysterious Secrets of a Master Mason Endue him with such fortitude that in the hour of trial he fail not, but that, passing safely under Thy protection through the valley of the shadow of death, he may finally rise from the tomb of transgression, to shine as the stars for ever and ever.
Immediate Past Master (only)..-So mote it be. (All drop Sign of Reverence, Deacons lower wands to right hand).
Worshipful Master - Let the Candidate rise. (Worshipful Master and Brethren resume seats. The Candidate rises. The Junior Deacon removes kneeling stool to his left and leaves it. Inner Guard replaces it before Senior Warden's pedestal as soon as perambulation commences. Senior Deacon takes Candidate by right hand and begins perambulation of Lodge. Junior Deacon follows close behind Candidate and keeps this position throughout all perambulations. Senior Deacon takes care when Lodge is squared during the perambulations to leave room behind for Junior Deacon and not to blanket him or shut him out at the squaring.' Halt is made in front of Worshipful Master's pedestal).
Senior Deacon - Salute the Worshipful Master as a Mason.
(Senior Deacon relinquishes Candidate's right hand and instructs him, if necessary, to remain facing South and take Step and show Sign of First Degree. Candidate is then led to East of Junior Warden's pedestal and lines up as in former Degrees, Junior Deacon behind Candidate).
Senior Deacon - Advance to. the Junior Warden as such, showing the Sign and communicating the Token and Word (Candidate, instructed by Senior Deacon if necessary, takes Step and shows Sign of First Degree, then cuts it).
Junior Warden – Have you anything to communicate?
Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon).- I have.
(Junior Warden rises and takes Step and extends his right hand Candidate, instructed by Senior Deacon, gives grip of First Degree. Senior Deacon adjusts grip from above. Junior Warden does not give grip until he has received it from Candidate).
Junior Warden - What is this?
Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon). The grip or token of an Entered Apprentice Freemason.
Junior Warden - What does it demand?
Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon). A word
Junior Warden-Give me that ,.freely and at length.
Candidate. (prompted aloud by Senior Deacon). BOAZ
Junior Warden- Pass BOAZ (Junior Warden restores right hand of Candidate to Senior Deacon and resumes his seat. Candidate is then led to front of Senior Warden's pedestal and halted).
Senior Deacon - Salute the Senior Warden as a Mason. (Candidate instructed by Senior Deacon if necessary, looking North takes Step and shows Sign of First Degree and then cuts it. Candidate is then led to North of Senior Warden's pedestal. Here the Senior Deacon wheels backward as described in former Degrees while Junior Deacon passes behind both Senior Deacon and Candidate to take up position behind latter when both Candidate and Senior Deacon face East. After a momentary halt perambulation of Lodge is again commenced, Junior Deacon following close behind Candidate as before. Lodge is 'squared' with same precautions as above. Candidate is halted in front of Worshipful Master's pedestal.).
Senior Deacon - Salute the Worshipful Master as a Fellowcraft (Candidate, facing South instructed by Senior Deacon if necessary, takes Step and gives Sign of Second Degree. Candidate is then led to front of Junior Warden's pedestal and halted). Salute the Junior Warden as a Fellowcraft (Candidate, facing West, proceeds as at Worshipful Master's pedestal. Candidate is then led to South of Senior Warden's pedestal, Candidate and Senior Deacon lining up as in former Degrees, Junior Deacon behind Candidate). Advance to the Senior Warden as such, showing the sign and communicating the token and of that Degree. (Candidate, instructed by Senior Deacon if necessary, takes Step and shows Sign of Second Degree, then cuts it).
Senior Warden - Have you anything to communicate?
Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon). I have.
Senior Warden (rises, takes Step and extends his right hand. Candidate gives grip of Second Degree, Senior Deacon adjusting as before. Senior Warden does not give grip until he receives it from Candidate). - What is this?
Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon). The grip or token of a Fellowcraft Freemason.
Senior Warden - What does it demand?
Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon). A word
Senior Warden - Give me that freely and at length.
Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon).- JACHIN
Senior Warden – Pass JACHIN.
(Senior Warden restores right hand of Candidate to Senior Deacon and sits. Candidate is led by Senior Deacon to North of Senior Warden by same movement as in first perambulation. The Junior Deacon, passing behind Candidate and Senior Deacon as before, goes to left of Candidate, and all three, Senior Deacon, Candidate, and Junior Deacon, stand in line facing East.).
Worshipful Master (knocks once followed by Senior Warden and Junior Warden).- The Brethren will take notice that Bro. , who has been regularly initiated into Freemasonry and passed to the Degree of a Fellowcraft is about to pass in view before them, to show that he is the Candidate properly prepared to be raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason (Candidate is led round the Lodge a third time, Junior Deacon following close behind him as before and the Lodge being 'squared' with same precautions. Candidate is halted in front of Worshipful Master's pedestal.). '
Senior Deacon - Salute the Worshipful Master as a Fellowcraft (done as in previous perambulation. Candidate then led to front of Junior Warden's pedestal.) Salute the Junior Warden as a Fellowcraft (done as at Worshipful Master's pedestal. Candidate then led to South of Senior Warden's pedestal. and position taken as before). Advance to the Senior Warden as such, showing the sign and communicating the pass grip and password you received from the Worshipful Master previously to leaving the Lodge. (Candidate, instructed if necessary by Senior Deacon, takes Step and shows Sign of Second Degree, cuts Sign.). .
Senior Warden - Have you anything to communicate?
Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon).- I have.
(Senior Warden rises and extends right hand Candidate gives pass grip leading from Second to Third Degree, Senior Deacon adjusting as before.
Senior Warden does not give grip until he has received it from Candidate).
Senior Warden - What is this?
Candidate - (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon) The pass grip leading from the Second to the Third Degree. .
Senior Warden - What does this pass grip demand?
Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon).- A pass word.
Senior Warden - Give me that password
Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon). TUBALCAIN
Senior Warden. What was TUBALCAIN
Candidate (Prompted by Senior Deacon).- The first Artificer in Metals.
Senior Warden - The import of the ?
Candidate (Prompted aloud by Senior Deacon). Worldy possessions
Senior Warden – Pass TUBALCAIN
(Senior Warden restores right hand of Candidate to Senior Deacon but remains standing. Senior Deacon takes Candidate to North of Senior Warden, makes forward left wheel interposing himself between Worshipful Master and Candidate, Places latter's right hand in Ieft hand of Senior Warden and stands on Ieft of Candidate. Junior Deacon who has kept behind Candidate during wheeling movement, moves so as to take up position on Ieft. of Senior Deacon
The position in the. West now is: S W standing in his Place holding Candidates right hand Senior Deacon on left of Candidate, and Junior Deacon on left of Senior Deacon, all facing East).
Senior Warden (takes Step and shows penal sign of third degree, which he holds until instructed by Worshipful Master). - Worshipful Master, I present to you Brother ___________, a Candidate properly prepared to be raised to the Third Degree.
Worshipful Master- Brother Senior Warden you will direct the Deacons to instruct the Candidate to advance to the East by the proper steps.
(Senior Warden cuts Sign not forgetting to recover and restores right hand of Candidate to Senior Deacon and sits. Senior Deacon resumes position on right of Candidate Junior Deacon is on left and all three facing East).
Senior Warden – Bro Deacons it is the Worshipful Masters Command you instruct the candidate to advance to the East by the proper steps (Senior Deacon conducts Candidate, Junior Deacon following behind, to a convenient point in the North about mid-way of the Sheet, where he leaves Candidate with Junior Deacon on his t., both facing South. Senior Deacon faces Candidate from far side of sheet which he reaches by going round the head of the grave.).
Senior Deacon-The method of advancing from West to East in this Degree is by seven steps the first three as if stepping over a grave. For your information I will go through them and you will afterwards copy me.
(Senior Deacon takes position at head or West end of grave, his foot. formed in a square hell to heel his left foot pointing East and right foot pointing South. Commencing with left foot the first step is taken across the grave in a North East direction, the left foot being placed at the North side of the grave about one-third of the latter's length and pointing North. The step is completed by bringing the right foot up to the left foot,, heel to heel, in the form of a square and with the right foot pointing East. Commencing with the right foot, the second step is taken across the grave in a South East direction, the right foot being placed at the South side of the grave about two-thirds of the latter's length and pointing South. This step is completed by bringing the left foot. up to the right foot., heel to heel, in the form of a square, the left foot pointing East. Commencing with the left foot, the third step is taken to the foot or East end of the grave, the left foot pointing East. The step is completed by bringing up the right foot to the left foot, heel to heel, in the form of a square and right foot pointing South. Commencing with the left foot, four steps are now taken in a direction due East, finishing in front of Worshipful Master's pedestal with the feet heel to heel in the form of a square, left foot pointing North East and right foot pointing South East. Senior Deacon, taking care not to step over the grave, returns to Candidate, takes him by the right hand, places him in position at West end of grave and instructs him how to take steps. In front of Worshipful Master's pedestal the Senior Deacon takes position at Candidate's right. The Junior Deacon remains stationary while Senior Deacon and Candidate are taking steps and then moves so as to arrive at Worshipful Master's pedestal. Simultaneously with Senior Deacon and Candidate and takes position on left of Candidate).
Worshipful Master - It is but fair to inform you that a most serious trial of your fortitude and fidelity and a more solemn O. await you. Are you prepared to meet them as you ought?
Candidate - I am. (If Candidate does not reply, Senior Deacon should prompt in. a whisper only, no audible prompt should be given).
Worshipful Master - Then you will kneel on both knees, place both hands on the Volume of the Sacred Law. (Candidate does so. Candidate places one hand on each page of the Volume of the Sacred Law but should not touch Square and Compasses. Worshipful Master knocks once, followed by Senior Warden and Junior Warden. All rise with step and penal sign of Third Degree. The Deacons take wands in left hand, cross them over the head of Candidate, take step and show penal sign with right hand.
Worshipful Master - Repeat your name at length and say after me: I, __________, in the presence of the Most High, and of this worthy and worshipful Lodge of Master Masons, duly constituted, regularly assembled, and properly dedicated, of my own free will and accord, do hereby (Worshipful Master with his left hand touches hands of Candidate) and hereon (Worshipful Master with his left hand touches Volume of the Sacred Law ) most solemnly promise and swear that I will always hele (Pronounced hail), conceal, and never reveal any or either of the secrets or mysteries of or belonging to the Degree of a Master Mason to anyone in the world-unless it be to him or them to whom the same may justly and law fully belong, and not even to him or them until after due trial, strict exam, or full conviction that he or they are worthy of that confidence, or in the body of a Master Mason's Lodge duly formed on the centre. I further solemnly pledge myself to adhere to the principles of the Square and Compasses, answer and obey all lawful Signs and Summonses sent to me from a Master Mason's Lodge, if within the length of my Cable Tow and plead no excuse, except sickness or the pressing emergencies of my own public or private avocations. I further solemnly engage myself to maintain and uphold the five points of Fellowship in act as well as in word; that my hand, given to a Master Mason, shall be a sure pledge of brotherhood; that my feet shall travel through dangers and difficulties to unite with his in forming a column of mutual defence and support; that the posture of my daily supplications shall remind me of his wants and dispose my heart to succour his weakness and relieve his necessities, so far as may fairly be done without detriment to myself or connections; that my breast shall be the sacred repository of his secrets when entrusted to my care-murder, treason, felony, and all other offences contrary to the laws of God and the ordinances of the realm being at all times most especially excepted.
And, finally, that I will maintain a Master Mason's honour and carefully preserve it as my own: I will not injure him myself or knowingly suffer it to be done by others if in my power to prevent it but, on the contrary, will bodly repel the slanderer of his good name and most strictly respect the chastity of those nearest and dearest to him in the persons of his wife, his sister, and his child.
All these point I solemnly swear to observe, without evasion, equivocation or mental reservation of any kind, under no less a penalty, on the violation of any of them, than that of being severed in two, my body burnt to ashes and those ashes scattered over the face of earth and water by the 4 cardinal winds of heaven, that no trace or remembrance of so vile a wretch may longer be found among men, particularly Master Masons. So help me the Most High and keep me steadfast in this my solemn Obligation of a Master Mason (All cut penal sign, not forgetting to recover. Deacons return wands to right hand.)
Worshipful Master - As a pledge of your fidelity and to render this binding as a Solemn Obligation for so long as you shall live you will seal it with your lips three times on the Volme of the Sacred Law. (done)
Let me once more call your attention to the position of the Square and Compasses. When you were made an Entered Apprentice both points were hid; in the Second Degree one was disclosed; in this the whole is exhibited, implying that you are now at liberty to work with both those points in order to render the circle of your Masonic duties complete.
(Worshipful Master takes right hand of Candidate with his right hand and raises him; only one hand to be used) - Rise, newly obligated Master Mason .
(Worshipful Master and Brethren sit and Candidate step backwards to foot of grave, all facing East).
THE EXHORTATION
Worshipful Master - Having entered upon the Solemn Obligation of a Master Mason, you are now entitled to demand that last and greatest trial, by which alone you can be admitted to a participation of the secrets of this Degree. But it is first my duty to call your attention to a retrospect of those Degrees in Freemasonry through you have already passed that you may, the better be enabled to distinguish and appreciate the connection of our whole system, and the relative dependency of its several parts,
Your admission among Masons in a state of helpless indigence was an emblematical representation of the entrance of all men on this their mortal existence. It inculcated the useful lessons of natural equality and mutual dependence. It instructed you in the active principles of universal beneficience and charity - to seek the solace of your own distress, by extending relief and consolation to your fellow - creatures in the hour of their affliction. Above all, it taught you to bend with humility and resignation to the will of the Great Architect of the Universe; to dedicate your heart, thus purified from every baneful and malignant passion, fitted only for the reception of truth and wisdom to His glory and the welfare of your fellow mortals.
Proceeding onwards, still guiding your progress by the principles of moral truth, you were led in the Second Degree to contemplate the intellectual faculty and trace it from its development, through the paths of heavenly science, even to the throne of God Himself. The secrets of Nature and the principles of intellectual truth were then unveiled to your view. To your mind thus modelled by virtue and science, Nature, however, presents one great and useful lesson more. She prepares you, by contemplation for the closing hour of existence; and when by means of that contemplation she has conducted you through the intricate windings of this mortal life, she finally instructs you how to die.
Such, my Brother, are the peculiar objects of the Third Degree in Freemasonry; they invite you to reflect on this awful subject and teach you to feel that, to the just and virtuous man, death has no terrors equal to the stain of falsehood and dishonour. Of this great truth the annals of Masonry afford a glorious example in the unshaken fidelity and noble death of our Master Hiram Abiff who was slain just before the completion of King Solomon’s Temple at the construction of which he was as no doubt are well aware the principal Architect.
The manner of his death was as follows:
Worshipful Master - Brother Wardens
(The Wardens leave their seats, not forgetting to take Level and Plumb Rule with them. The Junior Warden waits until the Senior Warden has drawn level with him and then both advance abreast to the East, come up behind the Deacons whom they touch simultaneously on the shoulder. Deacons step one pace outwards and the Wardens come up in line between them and the Candidate, the Senior Warden on the left and the Junior Warden on the right. This line is held momentarily from North to South. Junior Deacon, Senior Warden, Candidate, Junior Warden, Senior Deacon being' all in line facing East. Deacons then simultaneously turn outwards and return to their seats, taking care not to cross or walk over grave. Junior Warden directs Candidate to cross his feet, right over left. Both Wardens hold Candidate securely by his hands)
Worshipful Master - Fifteen Fellowcrafts of that superior class appointed to preside over the rest, finding that the work was nearly completed and that they were not in possession of the Secrets of the Third Degree, conspired to obtain them by any means, even to have recourse to violence, at the moment of carrying their conspiracy into execution, twelve of the fifteen recanted, but three of a more determined and atrocious character than the rest, persisted in their impious design, in the prosecution' of which they planted themselves respectively at the East, North, and South entrances of the Temple, whither our Master had retired to pay his adoration to the Most High, as was his wonted custom at the hour of high twelve. Having finished his devotions, he attempted to return by the South entrance, where he was opposed by the first of those ruffians, who for want of other weapon, had armed himself with a heavy Plumb Rule and in a threatening manner demanded the Secrets of a Master Mason warning him that death would be the consequence of a refusal. Our Master true to his Obligation answered that those secrets were known to but three in the world, and that without the consent and co-operation of the other two be neither could nor would divulge them but intimated that he bad patience and industry would, in due time, entitle the worthy Mason to a participation of them but that for his own part he would rather suffer death than betray the sacred trust reposed in him. This answer, not proving satisfactory the ruffian aimed a violent blow at the head of our Master but being startles by the firmness of his demeanour, it missed his forehead and only glanced on his right temple (here the Junior Warden touches the Candidate's right temple with the Plumb Rule making the movement from front to back ) but such force as to cause him to reel and sink on his left knee. (Here the Candidate, instructed by the Senior Warden, sinks until his left. touches the floor). Recovering from the shock (Candidate regains erect position), he made for the North entrance, where he was accosted by the second of those ruffians, to whom he gave a similar answer with undiminished firmness, when the ruffian who was armed with a Level, struck him a violent blow on the left temple (here the Senior Warden touches Candidate on the left temple with the Level), which brought him to the ground on his right knee. (Here the Candidate instructed by Junior. Warden sinks until his right knee touches the floor. Candidate regains erect positon). Finding his retreat cut off at both those point he staggered, faint and bleeding, to the East entrance, where the third ruffian was posted who received a similar answer to his insolent demand, for even at this trying moment our Master remained firm and unshaken, when the villain, who was armed with a heavy Maul struck him a violent blow on the forehead (here the Worshipful Master, remaining seated, goes through the movement without actually touching Candidate with the heavy Maul), which laid him lifeless at his feet (which the Candidate, assisted by both Wardens is made to imitate being lowered with arms at sides and right foot still crossed over left foot. The Wardens stand
West of Candidate at head of the grave, and when called on to raise him come forward but return to make their report to Worshipful Master).
Worshipful Master - The Brethren will take notice that in the recent ceremony, as well as in his present situation, our Brother has been made to represent one of the brightest characters recorded in the annals of Masonry, namely Hiram Abiff who lost his life in consequence of his unshaken fidelity to the sacred trust reposed in him, and I hope this will make a lasting impression on his and your minds should you ever be placed in a similar state of trial. Bro. Junior Warden, you will endeavour to raise the representative of our Master by the Entered Apprentice grip
(Junior Warden proceeds to level of Candidate’s knees, steps across him with his right foot lifts Candidate’s right hand with his left hand gives Entered Apprentice grip with his right hand, slips it and gently replaces Candidate’s right hand to his side. He goes and returns to his position at head of the grave on the right side of the Candidate. On returning to his position he takes Step, shows Penal Sign of Third Degree).
Junior Warden – Worshipful Master it proves a slip (cuts Sign not forgetting to recover).
Worshipful Master - Brother Senior Warden you will try the Fellowcrafts
(Senior Warden proceeds in similar manner to Junior Warden but along left side of Candidate, steps over latter with his left foot and gives Fellowcraft’s grip and slips it precisely as Junior Warden did and returns to his position, takes Step and with Penal Sign of Third Degree).
Senior Warden - Worshipful Master it proves a slip like wise (cuts Sign not forgetting to recover).
Worshipful Master - Bro. Wardens having both failed in your attempts, there remains a third method, by taking a more firm hold of the sinews of the hand and raising him on the five points of fellowship which, with your assistance, I will make trial of. (Worshipful Master leaves chair by left, advances to feet of Candidate which he uncrosses, so heels are about six inches apart. Worshipful Master then puts foot to foot, takes Candidate's right hand by the Master Masons grip, and with the aid of the Wardens raises the Candidate on the five. Points of Fellowship. The Senior Warden sees that Candidate's left hand is extended properly over Worshipful Master's right shoulder, palm downwards, hand bent back at wrist, and thumb in form of a square. In the Hand Over Back position the Worshipful Master continues). It is thus all Master Masons are from a figurative grave to a reunion with the former companions of their toils, (Worshipful Master disengages).- Bro. Wardens resume your seats. (Wardens do so by shortest route, no 'squaring:' Worshipful Master takes Candidate by both hands and gently edges him round so that he stands in the North facing South, in front of and to the North of the Worshipful Master's pedestal. Worshipful Master places Candidate's hands at his sides, steps backward four or jive paces, faces Candidate, and addresses him) .
THE CHARGE
Worshipful Master (to Candidate in North).-Let me now beg you to observe that the Light of a Master Mason is darkness visible, serving only to express that gloom which rests on the prospect of futurity. It is that mysterious veil which the eye of human reason cannot penetrate unless assisted by that Light which is from above. Yet, even by this glimmering ray, you may perceive that you stand on the brink of the grave into which you just figuratively descended, and which, when this transitory life shall have passed away, will again receive you into its cold bosom. Let the emblems of mortality which lie before you lead you to contemplate on your inevitable destiny, and guide your reflections to that most interesting of all human studies, the knowledge of yourself. Be careful to perform your allotted task while it is yet day, continue to listen to the voice of Nature, which bears witness that even in this perishable frame resides a vital and immortal principle, which inspires a holy confidence that the Lord of Life will enable us to trample the King of Terrors beneath our feet, and lift our eyes to that bright Morning Star, whose rising brings peace and salvation to the faithful and obedient of the human race. (Worshipful Master steps forward, takes both hands of Candidate and gently moves round counter clockwise until they exchange places i.e. the Worshipful Master interposes himself between Candidate and pedestal, in this movement, and the Candidate is now in the South facing North, the Worshipful Master in the North facing Candidate The position of the Candidate should be South of mid-line of Lodge so as to enable him to take the subsequent Steps and finish in front of Worshipful Master's pedestal.). I cannot better reward the attention you have paid to this exhortation and charge than by entrusting you with the Secrets of the Degree. You will therefore advance to me as a Fellowcraft, first as an Entered Apprentice. (Candidate takes Step and Sign of an Entered Apprentice, cuts Sign, takes another Step, and gives Sign of Fellowcraft and cuts Sign). You will now take another short step towards me with your left foot bringing the right heel into its hollow as before. That is the third regular step in Freemasonry, and it is in this position that the Secrets of the Degree are communicated. They consist of Signs a Token and Word. Of the Signs the first and second are casual the third penal. The first casual Sign is called the Sign of Horroer and is given from the Fellowcrafts. Stand to order as a Fellowcraft (Worshipful Master takes Step and Sign of a Fellowcraft Candidate takes no Step, he has already taken it, gives Fellowcraft Sign only) by dropping the left hand in this position extending the right with the hand in order to r. s., as if struck with horror at some dreadful and awful sight (Worshipful Master - illustrates Candidate copies). The second casual Sign is called the Sign of Sympathy and is given by bending the head forward and smiting the forehead gently with the right hand (Worshipful Master illustrates and Candidate copies).
Place your hand in this position with the thumb extended in the form of a square. (Worshipful Master illustrates, Candidate copies). The Penal Sign is given by drawing the hand sharply across the body, dropping it to the side and recovering with the thumb towards the navel. (Worshipful Master illustrates, Candidate copies). This is in allusion to the penalty of your Obligation implying that as a man of honour and a Master Mason, you would rather be severed in two (Worshipful Master gives Penal Sign copied by Candidate) than improperly disclose the Secrets entrusted to you. The Grip or Token is the first of the Five Points of Fellowship. They are (Worshipful Master illustrates with aid of Candidate) Hand to Hand, Foot to Foot, Knee to Knee Breast to Breast and Hand over Back. (Worshipful Master disengages), and may be thus briefly explained. (The Worshipful Master gives the Five Points of Fellowship a second time, illustrating each with aid of Candidate and explaining each point as he gives it). Hand to Hand, I greet you as a Brother; Foot to Foot, I will support you in all your laudable undertakings; Knee to Knee, the posture of my daily supplications shall remind me of your wants; Breast to Breast your lawful secrets when entrusted to me as such I will keep as my own; and Hand over Back, I will support your character in your absence as in your presence. It is in this position, and this only, and then only in a whisper, except in open Lodge, that the word is given - it is MAHABONE or MACBONAH (The Worshipful Master keeps up the last of the five points of Fellowship until he has communicated the word which he does aloud. Candidate repeats word after Worshipful Master. He then disengages and stands in front of Candidate).
You are now at liberty to retire in order to restore yourself to your personal comforts, and on your return to the Lodge the, Signs, Token and Word will be further explained.
(Worshipful Master resumes seat, Senior Deacon rises and takes right hand of Candidate. With a forward left wheel, faces the door of the Lodge and, taking care not to step over the grave, leads Candidate by most direct route to North. of Senior Warden and by means of a backward wheel faces Worshipful Master).
Senior Deacon - Salute the Worshipful Master in the Three Degrees. (Senior Deacon whispers to Candidate penal sign only of Third Degree.' Candidate does. Senior Deacon, by left forward wheel, conducts Candidate to door, which is opened and shut by Inner Guard after Candidate's exit.
After exit of Candidate instruments are restored and the sheet taken up by the Deacons. Outside the Lodge Candidate resumes his ordinary clothing, not forgetting the Fellowcraft’s badge. When he is ready the Tyler gives Third Degree knocks on door).
Inner Guard (stands in his place in front of his chair at North of Senior Warden, takes Step and shows Penal Sign of Third Degree). - Brother Junior Warden, there is a report.
Junior Warden, seated, gives one knock. (Inner Guard cuts Penal Sign which he has held, not forgetting to recover, goes to the door, opens, but says nothing).
Tyler - The Candidate on his return.
Inner Guard (Inner Guard makes no reply, closes and locks door, returns to position in front of his seat and with Step and Penal Sign of Third Degree).-Worshipful Master, the Candidate on his return.
Worshipful Master - Admit him. (Inner Guard cuts Penal Sign, not forgetting to recover, and proceeds to door. Senior Deacon also proceeds to door, which is opened and, after admission of Candidate, shut and locked by Inner Guard, Senior Deacon takes Candidate by right hand to North of Senior Warden and instructs him).
Senior Deacon - Salute the Worshipful Master in the Three Degrees (in a whisper says 'full signs.' The Candidate does so. Senior Deacon then places Candidate's right hand in left hand of Senior Warden who rises with Step and gives Penal Sign which he holds .Senior Deacon on left of Candidate)
Senior Warden - Worshipful Master, I present to you Brother __________ on his being raised to the Third Degree, for some further mark of your favour.
Worshipful Master - Brother Senior Warden I delegate you to invest him with the distinguishing badge of a Master Mason.
Senior Warden (cuts Penal Sign, not forgetting to recover. Senior Deacon turns Candidate to face Senior Warden who removes Fellowcrafts apron and assisted by Senior Deacon, if necessary, invests Candidate with the badge ". of a Master Mason. Badge should have been fitted to Candidate's proportions before ceremony. (holding badge with left hand by lower right hand corner);-Brother by the Worshipful Master's command I invest you with the distinguishing badge of a Mason Mason to mark the further progress you have made in the science.
(Senior Warden restores right hand of Candidate. to Senior Deacon with his left hand and sits. Senior Deacon turns Candidate towards Worshipful Master and stands on right of Candidate). .
Worshipful Master - I must state that the badge with which you have now been invested not only points out your rank as a Master Mason, but is meant to remind you of those great duties you have just solemnly engaged yourself to observe, and whilst it marks your own superiority, it calls on you to afford assistance and instruction to the brethren in the inferior degrees (Senior Deacon leads Candidate by nearest route, no squaring' and places him in front of Worshipful Master's pedestal, not more than a foot away).
TRADITIONAL HISTORY
Worshipful Master - We left off at that part of our traditional history 'which mentions the death of our Master Hiram Abiff, a loss so important as that of the principal architect could not fail of being generally and severely felt. The want of those plans and designs which had hitherto been regularly supplied to the different classes of workmen was the first indication that some heavy calamity had befallen our Master. The Menatschin or Prefects, or more familiarly speaking, the Overseers, deputed some of the most eminent of their number to acquaint King Solomon with the utter confusion into which the absence of Hiram had plunged them, and to express their apprehension that to some fatal catastrophe must be attributed his sudden and mysterious disappearance.
King Solomon immediately ordered a general muster of the workmen throughout the different departments, when three of the same class of overseers were not to be found. On the same day the twelve Craftsmen who had originally joined in the conspiracy came before the King and made a voluntary confession of all they knew down to the time of withdrawing themselves from the number of the conspirators. This naturally increased the fears of King Solomon for the safety of his chief artist. He therefore selected fifteen trusty Fellowcrafts and ordered them to make diligent search after the person of our Master to ascertain if he were yet alive, or had suffered death in the attempt to extort from him the Secrets of his exalted Degree. Accordingly, a stated day having been appointed for their return to Jerusalem, they formed themselves into three Fellowcraft Lodges and departed from the three entrances of the Temple.
Many days were spent in fruitless search; indeed, one class returned with out having made any discovery of importance. A second, however, were more fortunate, for on the evening of a certain day, after having suffered the greatest privations and personal fatigues, one of the brethren, who had rested himself in a reclining posture, to assist his rising, caught hold of a shrub that grew near, which to his surprise came easily out of the ground.
On a closer examination he found that the earth had been recently disturbed.
He therefore hailed his companions, and. with their united endeavours reopened the ground, and there found the body of our Master very indecently interred. They covered it again with an respect and reverence, and to distinguish the spot, stuck a sprig of acacia at the head of the grave.
They then hastened to Jerusalem to impart the afflicting intelligence to King Solomon. He, when the first emotions, of his grief had subsided, ordered them to return and raise our to such a sepulture as became his rank and exalted talents, at the same time informing them that by his untimely death the secrets of a Master Mason were lost. He therefore charged them to be particularly careful in observing whatever casual sign, token or word. might occur whilst paying this last sad tribute of respect to departed merit. They performed their task with the utmost fidelity, and on reopening the ground one of the brethren looking round (Worshipful Master rises, no step.) observed some of his companions in this position. Worshipful Master gives Sign of Horror no step, Candidate copies) struck with at the dreadful and afflicting sight (Worshipful Master cuts Sign), while others viewing the ghastly wound still visible on his forehead smote their own (Worshipful Master gives Sign of Sympathy, copied by Candidate) in sympathy with his sufferings (Worshipful Master sits). Two of the brethren then descended the grave and endeavoured to raise him by the Entered Apprentice grip which proved a slip. They then tried the Fellowcrafts which proved a slip likewise. Having both failed in their attempts, a zealous and expert brother took a more firm hold of the sinews of the hand, and with their assistance raised him on the five points of fellowship, while others, more animated exclaimed MACABONE or MACBONAH both having a nearly similar import, one signifying the death of the builder, the other the builder is smitten.
King Solomon therefore ordered that those casual Signs and that token and word should designate all Master Masons throughout the universe, until time or circumstances should restore the genuine. It only remains to account for the third class, who had pursued their researches in the direction of Joppa, and were meditating their return to Jerusalem, when, accidentally passing the mouth of a cavern, they heard sounds of deep lamentation and regret. On entering the cave to ascertain the cause, they found three men answering the description of those missing; who, on being charged with the murder, and finding all chance of escape cut off, made a full confession of their guilt. They were then bound and led to Jerusalem, when King Solomon sentenced them to that death, the heinousness of their crime so amply merited.
(Immediate Past Master the Tracing Board to Worshipful Master).
Worshipful Master - (with Tracing Board in left hand and pencil in right hand to point various items)). - Our Mason was ordered to be re-interred as near to the Sanctum Sanctorum as the Israelitish law would permit; there in a grave, from the centre three feet East and three feet West, three feet between North and South and five feet or more perpendicular. He was not buried in the Sanctum Sanctorum, because nothing common or unclean was allowed to enter there; not even the High Priest, but once a year; nor then until after many washings and purifications against the great day of expiation for sins, for by the Israelitish law all flesh was deemed unclean. The same fifteen trusty Fellowcrafts were ordered to attend the funeral, clothed in white aprons and gloves as emblems of their innocence.
You have already been informed that the working tools with which our Master was slain were the Plumb Rule, Level and Heavy Maul. The ornaments of a Master Mason’s Lodge are the Porch, Dormer, and Square Pavement. The Porch was the entrance to the Sanctum Sanctorum, the Dormer the window that gave Light to the same and the Square Pavement for the High Priest to walk on. The High Priests office was to burn incense to the honour and glory of the Most High, and to pray fervently that the Almighty of His unbounded wisdom and goodness, would be pleased to bestow peace and tranquility on the Israelitish nation during the ensuing year. The coffin, skull and crossbones, being emblems of mortality, allude to the untimely death of our Master Hiram Abiff . He was slain three thousand years after the creation of the world.
(Worshipful Master here returns Tracing Board and pencil to Immediate Past Master.). In the course of the ceremony you have been informed of three signs in this Degree. The whole of them are five corresponding in number with the five points of Fellowship. They are the Sign of Horror, the Sign of Sympathy,
The Penal Sign, the Sign of Grief and Distress and the Sign of Joy Exultation likewise called Grand and Royal sign. For the sake of regularity I will go through them and you will copy me.
(Worshipful Master rises with Step. Senior Deacon instructs Candidate to take Step also, and to copy Signs. made by Worshipful Master but not to repeat word).
This is the Sign of Horror, this, of Sympathy, this, the Penal Sign. The Sign of Grief and Distress is given by passing the right hand across the forehead and dropping it over the left eyebrow in the form of a square. This took its rise at the time our Master was making his way from the North to the East entrance of the Temple, when his agony was so great that the perspiration stood in large drops on his forehead, and he made use of this Sign (does it and is copied by Candidate) as a temporary relief to his sufferings. This is the Sign of Joy and Exultation (does it and is copied by Candidate as before). It took its rise at the time the Temple was completed, and King Solomon, with the princes of his household, went to view it, when they were struck with its magnificence that with one simultaneous motion they exclaimed (Worshipful Master gives Sign copied by Candidate) O wonderful Masons. On the continent of Europe the Sign of Grief and Distress is given in a different manner by clasping the hands and elevating them with back to the forehead (Candidate copies Sign. But does not repeat words.), exclaiming 'Come to my assistance ye children of the widow (Worshipful Master, followed by Candidate, cuts Sign) on the supposition that all Master Masons are brothers to Hiram Abiff who was a widows son. In Scotland, Ireland and the States of America the Sign of Grief and Distress is given in a still different manner by throwing up the hands with the palms extended towards the heavens and dropping them, with three distinct motions to the sides exclaiming, O Lord my God, O Lord my God, O Lord my God, is there no help for the widows son. (Candidate, as before, copies Sign but does not repeat words).
Worshipful Master (sits).- I now present to you the Working Tools of a Master Mason (The Working Tools have been previously arranged on pedestal by Immediate Past Master ). They are the skirret, pencil and compasses.
The skirret is an implement which acts on a centre pin, whence a line is drawn to mark out ground for the foundation of the intended structure. With the pencil the skilful artist delineates the building in a draft or plan for the instruction and guidance of the workmen. The compasses enable him, with accuracy and precision, to ascertain and determine the limits and proportions of its several parts. But as we are not all operative masons but rather free and accepted, or speculative, we apply these to our morals. In this sense, the skirret points out that straight and undeviating line of conduct laid down for our pursuit in the Volume of the Sacred Law. The pencil teaches us that our words and actions are observed and recorded by the Almighty Architect, to whom we must give an account of our conduct through life. The compasses remind us of His unerring and impartial justice, who, having defined for our instruction the limits of good and evil, will reward, or punish, as we have obeyed or disregarded His Divine commands. Thus the working tools of a Master Mason teach us to bear in mind, and act according to, the laws of our Divine Creator, that, when we shall be summoned from this sublunary abode, we may ascend to the Grand Lodge above where the world's Great Architect lives and reigns for ever.
(S. D. conducts Candidate to seat in Lodge. No Salute).
