The Mysteries of Free Masonry: Containing All the Degrees of the Order Conferred in a Master's LodgeMorgan, William
Religion
The Mysteries of Free Masonry: Containing All the Degrees of the Order Conferred in a Master's Lodge
Morgan, William
Freemasonry -- United States -- Rituals
"Brother, it has been a custom from time immemorial to demand, or ask
from a newly-made brother, something of a metallic kind, not so much
on account of its intrinsic value, but that it may be deposited in the
archives of the Lodge, as a memorial that you was herein made a Mason;
a small trifle will be sufficient--anything of a metallic kind will
do; if you have no money, anything of a metallic nature will be
sufficient; even a button will do." [The candidate says he has nothing
about him; it is known he has nothing.] "Search yourself," the Master
replies. He is assisted in searching--nothing is found. "Perhaps you
can borrow a trifle," says the Master. [He tries to borrow, none will
lend him; he proposes to go into the other room where his clothes are;
he is not permitted: if a stranger, he is very much embarrassed.]
Master to candidate, "Brother, let this ever be a striking lesson to
you, and teach you, if you should ever see a friend, but more
especially a brother, in a like penniless situation, to contribute as
liberally to his relief as his situation may require, and your
abilities will admit, without material injury to yourself or family."
Master to Senior Deacon, "You will conduct the candidate back from
whence he came, and invest him of what he has been divested, and let
him return for further instruction. A zealous attachment to these
principles will insure a public and private esteem. In the State, you
are to be a quiet and peaceable subject, true to your government, and
just to your country; you are not to countenance disloyalty, but
faithfully submit to legal authority, and conform with cheerfulness to
the government of the country in which you live. In your outward
demeanor be particularly careful to avoid censure or 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 argument with those who, through ignorance, may ridicule it. At
your leisure hours, that you may improve in Masonic knowledge, you are
to converse with well-informed brethren, who will be always as ready
to give, as you will be to receive information. Finally, keep sacred
and inviolable the mysteries of the Order, as 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 commend him, unless you are convinced he will conform to our
rules; that the honor, glory, and reputation of the institution may be
firmly established, and the world at large convinced of its good
effects." Here the initiation ends, and the candidate is congratulated
by his Masonic friends.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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