A. Third Ruffian, Jubelum, Candidate. This is all intended to produce its effect upon the ears of the candidate. Skip to main content. It was his usual practice at that hour, while the craft were called from labor to refreshment, to enter into the unfinished "Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies," of the Temple, and there offer up his adorations to the Deity, and draw his designs on the trestle-board. Conductor (for candidate.) Reader, I have given you the whole of the first three Degrees in Masonry. Masonic degrees are rites of initiation that teach lessons of honor, morality, and virtue. W. M.--Brother Gabe, you will please approach the east. King Solomon then ordered the twelve Fellow Crafts to go in search of the body, and, if found, to observe whether the Master's word, or a key to it, or any thing appertaining to the Master's Degree, was on or about it. JD: To see that they are duly tyled. The Master approaching me from the East, on the step, under the due guard and penal sign of an Entered Apprentice, who, in token of his Brotherly love and friendship presented me with his right hand, and with it the word and grip of an Entered Apprentice, and bade me arise and salute the Wardens as such. . King Solomon then ordered them to take it by the Fellow Craft grip; but on trial, for the reason before given, the Fellow Craft's grip failed to benefit any--it could not be raised. Ruffian--Give me the secrets of a Master Mason! Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. When through, signify by saying Amen, and arise and pursue your journey. or Best Offer. As they approach the west, the Senior Warden steps out as did the Junior Warden, facing the candidate, and, clinching him by the collar more roughly than the Junior Warden, exclaiming as follows: S. W. (Second Ruffian.) They then pass on to this officer's station, where the same questions and answers are repeated as at the Junior Warden's station, and he (the Senior Warden) suffers them to pass on to the Worshipful Master's station in the east. THE ceremony of opening and conducting the business of a Lodge of Master Masons is nearly the same as in the Entered Apprentice and Fellow Crafts' Degrees, already explained. (Secretary reads the minutes, &c., &c.). Conductor (S. D.)--Brother Gabe, who has been regularly initiated Entered Apprentice, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, and now wishes to receive further light in Masonry, by being raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason. A. Third Ruffian--Let us secrete ourselves until night and steal a small boat and put to sea. I was ordered to be re-conducted to the place whence I came, there be reinvested with which I was divested, and await the Master's will and pleasure. For them, learning the Masonic work happens fast like the below scene from the Matrix. "4th. Aprons, Grand Lodge of British Columbia Petition and Behold! (pdf), Masonry of Adoption: (Masonic Rituals for Women) The Ruffians now return near to the body, when the following conversation takes place: First Ruffian--What shall we do in this case? There are three of them, and only three of us. 19 watching. Part of the fun of masonry is finding these patterns as you memorize the ritual words.The author touches on this as much as he is able to in the untyled forum of a book available to the public while still maintaining masonic secrets, and there are no spoilers that would make lower degree masons avoid this book. [paragraph continues] Warden three raps, and the Worshipful Master three raps. (Scottish Rite 1st - 32nd 'Degree' Explanations), 'Masonic Ritual for use by The Most and inculcated by Robert Morris,1 is generally accepted as the "Work" of ancient origin, and there is not much doubt but that it will be adopted by the Grand Lodges throughout the United States. 1. Upon which the three Fellow Crafts rush forward over benches and chairs, and secure the ruffians in no very gentle manner, and lead them to the Worshipful Master's seat in the east, when one of them reports to the Master: "Most Worshipful King Solomon, I, being one who pursued a westerly course, and, on my return, after several days of fruit-less search, being more weary than my companions, sat down on the brow of a hill to rest and refresh myself; and, on rising, accidentally caught hold of a sprig of acacia,1 which, easily giving way, excited my suspicions. The ancient landmarks of the order, intrusted to your care, you are carefully to preserve; and never suffer them to be infringed, or countenance a deviation from the established usages and customs of the fraternity. I will suffer you to pass on to the Senior Warden's station in the west, for his examination. Are you a sea-captain? King Solomon then ordered them to divide themselves into parties, and travel three east, three west, three north, and three south; and that they should, with others whom he should appoint, go in search of the ruffians. We will carry the body a westerly course from the Temple to the brow of the hill west of Mount Moriah, where I have dug a grave due east and west, six feet perpendicular. degree: "Today more than ten thousand men who never progressed beyond the E.A. 2 Fellow Craft. At the command of the Worshipful Master, the Senior Warden performs his duty, after seeing that the brethren have received their due proportion of Masonic instruction and improvement; and the whole concludes with an impressive address to the brethren on their respective duties as men and Masons, when pursuing their accustomed avocations in the world; and with a fervent petition to the Deity, supplicating his blessing on the fraternity wheresoever dispersed under the wide canopy of heaven."--Theo. What! 1. If it was of my own free-will and accord, if I was worthy and well qualified, duly and truly prepared, had made suitable proficiency in the preceding Degree, and was properly vouched for; all which being answered in the affirmative, I was asked by what further right or benefit I expected to gain admission. W. M.--Brother Gabe, the second section of this degree exemplifies an instance of virtue, fortitude, and integrity seldom equalled, if ever excelled, in the history of man. that my breast had been torn open." never--no, never dies. It is now past mid-night, and if we do not act with decision, daylight will be upon us, and we will be discovered and taken. A. However, it becomes "real work" when the verbiage must be actually committed to memory - and vocal chord output. Jewels, Chains, Collars & Oh! From Josephus we learn, that although seven years were occupied in building it, yet, during the whole time, it rained not in the daytime, that the workmen might not be obstructed in their labor, and from sacred history it appears that there was neither the sound of hammer, nor axe, nor any tool of iron, heard in the house while it was building. S. W.--The candidate is in order, Worshipful, and awaits your further will and pleasure. Where is our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff? Jubela! The brethren form around the Secretary like a class at school. Q. When we take a survey of nature, we view man, in his infancy, more helpless and indigent than the brute creation; he lies languishing for days, months, and years, totally incapable of providing sustenance for himself, of guarding against the attack of the wild beasts of the forest, or sheltering himself from the in-clemencies of the weather. The real memory-taxing part of Lodge ritual is in the degree work, whether the Degree conferral, or the Lectures and Charges. The Senior Warden then takes the candidate's right hand, giving the real grip of a Fellow Craft (see Fig. A. One of the brothers now takes off the jewel from the candidate's neck, and all repair to the Master's seat in the east, and report: Answer--A westerly course, where our weary brother sat down to rest and refresh himself. W. M.--You will repeat your name, and say after me: "I, Peter Gabe (Master gives three raps with his gavel, when all present assemble round the altar), of my own free-will and accord, in the presence of Almighty God, and this worshipful Lodge, erected to him and dedicated to the holy Sts. The Master approaching me from the East, under the due guard and sign of a Master Mason, who in token of the further continuance of his brotherly love and friendship, presented me his right hand, and with it the pass and token of the pass of a Master Mason; and bade me to arise and salute the Wardens as such. He cometh forth as a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. S. W. (now styled J. G. W.)--Most Worshipful King Solomon, there is no work laid out for us, and it is said we can have none. . that my throat had been cut across, my tongue torn out by its roots, and buried in the rough sands of the sea, at low-water mark, where the tide ebbs and flows twice in twenty-four hours, ere I had been accessory to the death of so good a man as our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff.' FIG 18. 1 (See p. oftheStateofMaine!!!! reflect with horror on the atrocity of your crime, and on the amiable character of your Worshipful Grand Master, whom you have so basely assassinated. In some Lodges, the brethren on this occasion attire the candidate with a very rich apron and yoke. At the point is a blue rosette, in the centre of which is a silver five-pointed star. Finally, brethren, be ye all of one mind, live in peace, and may the God of love and peace delight to dwell with and bless you. Time, unfolding the ringlets of her hair, denoted that time, patience, and perseverance accomplish all things. In this state of darkness and despair she lay until the Saviour came, instituted the five points of Christian fellowship, and raised her from the dust, in which she had been indecently interred, to a more glorious inheritance."--Theo. The Master (Third Ruffian) then exclaims: W. M. (as Third Ruffian.) ), The Master steps to the feet of the candidate, bending over, takes him by the real grip of a Master Mason, places his right foot against the candidate's. It is my orders that strict search be made for him through the apartments of the Temple, and due inquiry made. Complete Master Mason Study Guide - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. This interpretation is borne out in the higher Degrees of sublime Masonry. Remember it more "especially to the household of the faithful.". In the second section, the historical traditions of the Order are introduced, and an important instance of Masonic virtue is exemplified. Our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, who was slain just before the completion of King Solomon's Temple. Accordingly our traditions furnish in stances, both among the Apprentices and Craftsmen, of treachery--violation of sacred pledges--and the commission of actual crime. Why are they not at work as usual? 'The five points of fellowship are--foot to foot, knee to knee, breast to breast, hand to back, and cheek to cheek, or mouth to ear. I'll hear no more of your cavilling! The Lectures Of The Three Degrees In Craft Masonry. Masonic Cipher Book Grand Lodge F.A.A.M District of Columbia One, acting as the principal mover, raises his right foot from the floor, at the same time his hands, in the manner of slapping them together, makes two false motions, but at the third all bring down their right feet and hands together, producing a very sharp noise. And, if finished, he would not have been permitted to enter it; for one living person alone possessed that privilege, viz., the High Priest, and he only once a year. He can study the . After the candidate is lowered, one of the ruffians says: Let us plant an acacia at the head of the grave, in order to. Brother Senior Warden. S. W.--I have; from west to east, and from east to west again. 1892 . First, the Entered Apprentice Degree, second, the Fellow Craft Degree and finally, the Master Mason Degree. They buried it in the rubbish of the Temple until low twelve, or twelve at night, when they met by agreement and carried it a westerly course from the Temple, to the brow of a hill west of Mount Moriah, where they buried it in a grave dug due east and west, six feet perpendicular, at the head of which they planted an acacia, in order to conceal it, and that the place might be known, should occasion ever require; and then made their escape. First Ruffian--We cannot make our escape in that way. i. W. M.--You will cause him to kneel on his naked knees, both hands resting on the Holy Bible, square, and compasses. By innocence is meant clean thinking and clean living, a loyal obedience to the laws of the Craft and sincere good will one's Brethren. 35 Let him enter in the name of God, and be received in due and ancient form. It is the pass-word to the Master's degree. W. M.--You will detach your hands and kiss the book. A. The body of our Grand Master was buried three times: first, in the rubbish of the Temple; secondly, on the brow of a hill west of Mount Moriah; and, thirdly and lastly, as near the "Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies," of King Solomon's Temple, as the Jewish law would permit; and Masonic tradition informs us that there was erected to his memory a Masonic monument, consisting of "a beautiful virgin, weeping over a broken column; before her was a book open; in her right hand a sprig of acacia, in her left an urn; behind her stands Time, unfolding and counting the, ringlets of her hair.". W. M.--Has any brother around the Lodge any thing to offer for the benefit of Masonry before we proceed to close? List the six basic rights guaranteed by law in the Consumer Bill of Rights. 126.). Master now takes his seat in the east, and requests candidate to stand before him. One of his companions exclaims: "I am tired, too!" 97. The ruffians being executed, the brethren all return quietly to the Lodge, when one of them reports, in a loud tone of voice: "Most Worshipful King Solomon, your orders have been duly executed upon the three murderers of Grand Master, Hiram Abiff." Phil., p. 232. 155.). "Further, that I will not knowingly strike a brother Master Mason, or otherwise do him personal violence in anger, except in the necessary defence of my family or property. How many constitute a Fellow Crafts' Lodge? His business is to teach the subordinate Lodges the Ritual of Freemasonry, and he is paid generally by salary, or so much from each Lodge before whom he may lecture. Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. Craftsmen, we are having good times; I wonder if it will last. (They take hold of each other's hands by the real grip of a Fellow Craft. They usually meet on the Ground Floor of King Solomon's Temple. By the order of the Master and the assistance of the Brethren. Senior Deacon steps forward, and whispers in the Warden's ear, "Tubal Cain.". "Further, that I will keep a worthy brother Master Mason's secrets inviolable, when communicated to and received by me as such, murder and treason excepted. W. M.--To what do you allude, my brother? [paragraph continues] Deacon, and he (Junior Deacon) takes his seat near the door, at the right hand of the Senior Warden in the west, while the Senior Deacon proceeds to conduct the candidate, followed by the two Stewards, three times around the Lodge, during which time the Worshipful Master reads the following passage of Scripture: "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 moon, or the stars be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain; in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease, because they are few; and those that look out of the windows be darkened, and the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low. B. divided the operatives the three classes, viz., Apprentices, Fellow Crafts, and Masters; paying the wages of the former at the pillar of J (Jachin), and the Masters in the Middle Chamber. Updated on March 23, 2022. B., who has been regularly initiated Entered Apprentice, passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft, and now wishes. W. M. (looking candidate seriously in the face.) J. W.--Pass. After imploring the blessings of Deity, what followed? Codes, Documents, Grand Lodge of Nevada Entered Apprentice Ritual in These facts will account for the want of agreement between the East and the West and Southwest, as to what are the true Barney Lectures. A rope, technically called, by Masons, a cable-tow, is wound around his body three times, and a bandage, or hoodwink, is tied very closely over his eyes. In some Lodges the following paraphrase of the above is sung; and if the Lodge have an organ, or melodeon, the singers are generally accompanied on the instrument: For balance of this paraphrase, see Freemason's Monitor, or Illustrations of Masonry, by Thomas S. Webb, p. 61.