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
The following charge is, or ought to be, delivered to the candidate
after he has got through the ceremonies; but he is generally told, "It
is in the Monitor, and you can learn it at your leisure." "Brother,
being advanced 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. It is unnecessary to recapitulate the
duties which, as a Mason, you are bound to discharge; or 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 consideration; especially
the science of Geometry, which is established as the basis of our art.
Geometry, or Masonry, originally synonymous terms, being of a divine
moral nature, is enriched with the most useful knowledge; while it
proves the wonderful properties of nature, it demonstrates the more
important truths of morality. Your past behavior and regular
deportment have merited the honor which we have now conferred, and, in
your new character, it is expected that you will conform to the
principles of the Order, by steadily persevering 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."
I will now proceed with the Lecture on this degree; it is divided into
two sections.
* * * * *
FIRST SECTION.
Question--Are you a Fellow Craft Mason? A. I am; try me.
Q. By what will you be tried? A. By the Square.
Q. Why by the Square? A. Because it is an emblem of virtue.
Q. What is a Square? A. An angle extending to ninety degrees, or the
fourth part of a circle.
Q. Where was you prepared to be made a Fellow Craft Mason? A. In a
room adjacent to the body of a just and lawfully constituted Lodge of
such, duly assembled in a room or place, representing the middle
chamber of King Solomon's Temple.
Q. How was you prepared? A. By being divested of all metals; neither
naked nor clothed; barefooted nor shod; hoodwinked; with a cable-tow
twice 'round my neck; in which situation I was conducted to the door
of the Lodge, where I gave two distinct knocks.
Q. What did those two distinct knocks allude to? A. To the second
degree in Masonry, it being that on which I was about to enter.
Q. What was said to you from within? A. Who comes there? Who comes
there?
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