Q. What followed? A. The Thrice Illustrious gave me the signs, tokens and words of this degree.

Q. Give me the signs? A. (Put the two first fingers of your right hand to the right side of your nose, the thumb under the chin, forming a square.)

Q. Give me the token? A. (Clench the three first fingers of the right hand over the thumb, and join hands by interlacing the little fingers.)

Q. Give me the pass-word? A. Jev (pronounced Jo).

Q. What was then done to you? A. I was invested with the jewel, apron and gloves of this degree, and was thus addressed:—"Respectable Brother, it gives me joy that I am now about to recompense, etc. This key opens a small ebony box, in which are contained the plans for the building of the temple, and this key opens a small ivory box containing all the keys of the temple. I clothe you with a white apron, lined with red, having a pocket in its centre, and in which you are intended to carry the plans for the building of the temple, that they may be laid out on the tressel board for the use of the workmen when wanted. I also give you a balance in equilibrio, as a badge of your office. Let it remind you of that equity of judgment which should characterize your decisions."

Q. What was next done? A. He made me a Provost and Judge.

Q. In what manner? A. He gave me a blow on each shoulder, and said, "By the power with which I am invested, I constitute you Provost and Judge over all the works and workmen of the temple. Be impartial, just, prudent, discreet and merciful. Go salute the Junior and Senior Wardens as a Provost and Judge, and return to the Lodge for further instruction.

SECOND SECTION.—Question—What did you perceive in the middle chamber? Answer—A curtain, behind which was suspended a small ebony box containing the plans for the construction of the temple.

Q. What else did you see? A. A triangle enclosing the letters G. A.

Q. What is their meaning and use? A. Grand Architect, and are designed to make us remember him in all our decisions and actions.

Q. Did you perceive anything more? A. I saw the letters I. H. S. with the sprig of cassia.

Q. What is meant thereby? A. Imitate Hiram's Silence, and Justice, Humanity and Secrecy, which are designed to teach Provost and Judge, that while their decisions are just, they should be tempered with humanity, or mercy, and that all differences which may arise among the craft, should be kept secret from the world.

Q. What was the intention of Solomon in instituting this degree? A. To strengthen the means of preserving order among such a vast number of workmen; the duty of Provosts and Judges being, to decide all differences that might arise among the brethren.

Q. Who was the first that was made Provost and Judge? A. Joabert being honored with the intimate confidence of King Solomon, received this new mark of distinction. Solomon first created Tito, Adoniram, and Abda, his father, Provosts and Judges, and gave them orders to initiate Joabert into the mysteries of this degree, and to give him all the keys of the temple, which were inclosed in a small ivory box suspended in the Sanctum Sanctorum, under a rich canopy. When Joabert was first admitted into this sacred place, he was struck with awe, and involuntarily found himself in a kneeling posture, and said, Beroke; Solomon observing him, said Kumi, which signifies to rise.

Q. Whence came you as a Provost and Judge? A. I came and am going everywhere.

CLOSING.—Thrice Illustrious Master knocks three (Marshal rises) and says, "Brother Grand Marshal, the last as well as the first care of Provost and Judge?" Answer—To see that the middle chamber is duly tyled.—"Attend to your duty, and inform the Tyler that we are about to close this Lodge of Provosts and Judges by four and one." Marshal reports. Thrice Illustrious strikes four. Wardens rise, and Master says, "Brother Senior Warden, what is the hour?" Ans.—Break of day, 8, 2 and 7.

Q. Brother Junior Warden, how so? A. Because Provosts and Judges should be ready at all times to render Justice. Thrice Illustrious knocks four and one, and brethren all rise. Signs reversed given. Thrice Illustrious strikes four and one, Marshal four and one, Junior Warden four and one, and Senior Warden four and one, and then all the brethren strike four & one with their hands, and Thrice Illustrious declares Lodge duly closed.

* * * * *

INTENDANT OF THE BUILDINGS (OR I. B.).

OPENING.—Most Puissant knocks three (Marshal rises) and says, "Brother Grand Marshal, are we all I. B.?" Answer—We are, Most Puissant.

Q. Your place? A. In the north.

Q. Your business there? A. To see that the Lodge is duly tyled.—"Attend to your duty, and inform the Lodge that we are about to open a Lodge of I. B. by the number five." Marshal obeys. Most Puissant knocks four, and Wardens rise.—Q. Brother Senior Warden, what is the hour? A. Break of day.—Most Puissant knocks five, and brethren all rise. Most Puissant says, "If it is break of day, it is time to begin our labors; give notice that I am going to open a Lodge of I. B." Senior Warden obeys. All make signs. Most Puissant knocks five, Senior Warden five, Junior Warden five, and brethren five, with their hands; and Most Puissant declares the Lodge open.

RECEPTION.—Most Puissant knocks seven, and Senior Warden rises. Most Puissant says, "My excellent brother, how shall we repair the loss of our worthy Hiram Abiff, he is now removed from us, and we are thereby deprived of his counsel and services; can you give me any advice in this important matter?" Senior Warden answers, "The method I would propose, would be to select a chief from the five orders of architecture upon whom we may confer the degree of I. B., and by his assistance fill the secret chamber of the third story." Most Puissant says, "I approve of your advice, and to convince you of my readiness to follow it, I appoint you and brothers Adoniram and Abda to carry the same into execution. Excellent Brothers, let Adoniram go into the middle chamber and see if he can find a chief of the five orders of architecture." Junior Warden goes out of the Lodge into the ante-chamber, and finding the candidate, addresses him as in the Lecture.

NOTE.—When the alarm of five is given Senior Warden rises and says, "Most Puissant, we are disturbed in our deliberations by an alarm at the inner door of the secret chamber." Most Puissant says, "Brother Senior Warden, see the cause of that alarm."

LECTURE.—Question—Are you an Intendant of the Buildings? A. I have made the five steps of exactness; I have penetrated the inmost parts of the temple, and have seen the great light, in which were three mysterious characters, J. J. J.

Q. How were you received? A. Being in the middle chamber, in company with the Master of Ceremonies, Adoniram entered and inquired, "Is there here a chief of the five orders of architecture?"

Q. Your answer? A. I am one.

Q. What followed? A. I was then asked, "My dear brother, have you zeal to apply yourself with attention to that which the Most Puissant shall request of you?"

Q. Your answer? A. I have, and will comply with the request of the Most Puissant, and raise this edifice to his honor and glory.

Q. What followed? Ans. Adoniram demanded of me the signs, words, and tokens of my former degrees, which being given, the Master of Ceremonies conducted me to the door of the Lodge, where he gave me five distinct knocks.

Q. To what did they allude? A. To the five orders of architecture.

Q. How were they answered? A. By five from within.

Q. What was then said to you. A. I was asked, "Who comes there?"

Q. Your answer? A. A chief of the five orders of architecture, who is to be employed in the works of the secret chamber.

Q. What was then said to you? A. I was then asked by what further right, etc.

Q. Your answer? A. By the right of a pass-word.

Q. Give me that pass-word? A. Bonahim (pronounced Bo-nau-heem).

Q. What was then said to you? A. Wait until the Most Puissant is informed, etc.

Q. What was his answer? A. Let him be introduced in due form.

Q. What followed? A. I was conducted to the altar and caused to recede five steps, and then to advance to the altar by five steps of regular exactness.

Q. What is meant thereby? A. That I should recede from vice, and advance to virtue, before I was qualified to supply the place of so good a man as the lamented Hiram Abiff.

Q. What followed? A. I was laid prostrate before the altar, with a sprig of cassia in my right hand, and my left upon the first great light of Masonry, in which posture I took the obligation of this degree.

Q. Repeat that obligation. A. (Same as Perfect Master) under penalty of being deprived of my sight. So help, etc.

Q. What followed? A. I was thus addressed by the Most Puissant: "Your present posture is that of a dead man, and is designed to remind you of the fate of our worthy Hiram Abiff. I shall now raise you in the same manner he was raised, under the sprig of cassia." I was then raised by the Master's grip, and further addressed, "By your being raised, our hope is signified, that in some measure you will repair his loss, by imitating his bright example."

Q. What followed? A. I received the signs, tokens and words of this degree.

Q. Give me the signs. A. (Interlace the fingers, and place the hands over the eyes, alluding to penalty; second sign is that of grief, made like Fellow Craft's, with left hand on the left hip.)

Q. Give me the token? A. (Take hold of each other by the right wrists with the right hand.)

Q. Give me the pass-word. A. Bonahim.

Q. What does that word signify? A. Builders.

Q. Give me the words. A. Achard, jenok (pronounced yo-kayn).

Q. Give me the mysterious word. A. Jah (pronounced yaw).

Q. What was next done? A. I was invested with the apron, gloves and jewels of this degree, and was thus addressed: "I decorate you with a red ribbon, to be worn crossing the breast from the right shoulder to the left hip, to which is suspended a triangle fastened with a green ribbon. I also present you with a white apron, lined with red, and bordered with green. The red is emblematical of that zeal which should characterize you as an I. of B., and the green, of the hope we entertain that you will supply the place of our lamented Hiram Abiff.

Q. What is meant by the letters B. A. J. in the triangle which you wear? A. They are the initials of the pass-word and words of this degree.

Q. What followed? A. I was directed to salute the Senior Warden as an Intendant of the Buildings, and return to the east for further instruction.

* * * * *

SECOND SECTION.—Question—What did you see in the Lodge? Answer—A triangle enclosing a circle, having on its circumference the letters J. A. I. N., and in its centre the letters J. J. J.

Q. What is signified by the circle in the triangle? A. The eternity of the powers of God, which hath neither beginning nor end.

Q. What is signified by the letters J. A. I. N.? A. They are the initials of the four Hebrew words, Jad, Ail, Jotsare, and Nogah, which are expressive of four attributes of the Deity; power, omnipresence, creation and splendor.

Q. What is signified by the letters J. J. J? A. Jah, Jokayn and Jireh, signifying "The Lord, the Creator seeth."

Q. What else did you see? A. A blazing star with five beams, in the centre of which appeared the letter J.

Q. What is signified by the five beams? A. The five equal lights of Masonry, the Bible, the square, the compass, the key, and the triangle.

Q. What is signified by the letter J.? A. It is the initial of the ineffable name, as known by us.

Q. Are you in darkness? A. No, the blazing star is my guide.

Q. What is your age? A. 27, or 5, 7 and 15.

Q. To what do those three numbers allude? A. To the five chiefs of the five orders of architecture, to seven cubits, which was the breadth of the golden candlestick with seven branches, and the fifteen Fellow Crafts, who conspired against the life of our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff.

CLOSING.—Most Puissant knocks three (Grand Marshal rises) and says, "Brother Grand Marshal, the last as well as the first care of I. of B.?" Answer. To see that the Lodge is duly tyled. "Attend to your duty," etc. Most Puissant knocks four, and Warden rises; "Brother Senior Warden, what is the hour?" A. Seven at night. Most Puissant strikes five—all brethren rise. Most Puissant says, "As it is seven at night, it is time to retire: Brother Junior Warden, give notice that I am going to close this Lodge of Intendants of the Building." Signs reversed, Most Puissant knocks five, Junior Warden seven, and Senior Warden fifteen, then the brethren five, seven and fifteen, with their hands, and the Most Puissant declares the Lodge closed.

* * * * *

ELECTED KNIGHTS OF NINE.

OPENING.—The brethren sit cross-legged, and lean their heads on their right hands. Most Potent knocks seven (Grand Marshal rises), "Brother Grand Marshal, are we all Elected Knights of Nine?" Ans. We are.

Q. Your place? A. In the north, Most Potent.

Q. Your business there? A. To see that the Chapter is duly guarded.—"Please attend to your duty, and inform the Sentinel that we are about to open this Chapter of E. K. and charge him," etc. Marshal obeys. Most Potent knocks eight, and Warden rises, and Master says, "Brother Stokin, are you an E. K.?" A. One cavern received me, one lamp gave me light, and one fountain refreshed me. Q. What is the hour? A. Break of day. Most Potent knocks eight quick and one slow strokes, and companies all arise. Most Potent says, "If it is break of day, it is time to open a Chapter of E. K's. Inform the companies," etc. Warden obeys. Signs given. Most Potent knocks eight and one, and Warden eight and one, and companies eight and one, with their hands; and Most Potent declares the Chapter open.

LECTURE.—Question—Are you an E. K.? A. One cavern received me, one lamp gave me light, and one fountain refreshed me.

Q. Where were you received? A. In the audience chamber of Solomon.

Q. How were you received? A. I was hoodwinked and conducted by the Master of Ceremonies to the door of the Chapter, where he gave eight and one distinct knocks.

Q. To what do those knocks allude? A. To the number of the nine elect.

Q. How were those knocks answered? A. By eight and one from within.

Q. What followed? A. I was asked, "Who comes there?"

Q. Your answer? A. A companion, to whose lot it has fallen to accompany the stranger in search of the assassins of Hiram Abiff.

Q. What followed? A. I was conducted by the hand to the west, and asked by the Most Potent, what I wanted.

Q. Your answer? A. To be made an Elected Knight.

Q. What then followed? A. I was asked if I had courage to go in pursuit of the assassins of Hiram Abiff, which question I answered in the affirmative, and was addressed by the Most Potent in the following manner:—"If you have, you shall be shown the place where one of his murderers lies concealed; a stranger has discovered it to me, and if you have resolution, follow this stranger."

Q. What was then done to you? A. The Master of Ceremonies led me out of the Chapter, by intricate roads, and at last seated me on a stone, and thus addressed me:—"I am going to leave you, but be of good cheer, I shall not be long absent; when I am gone, you must take the bandage off your eyes, and drink some water from the fountain beside you, that you may be refreshed after so fatiguing a journey."

Q. What followed? A. I removed the bandage and found myself alone in a cavern, in which was a lamp, a fountain, and a head just severed from the body. In a short time the Master of Ceremonies returned, and directed me to take a poniard in my right hand, and the head in my left, and then conducted me to the door of the Chapter, where I knocked eight and one with my foot, which was answered from within, and I was asked, "What do you want?"

Q. Your answer? A. To enter this Chapter of Elected Knights.

Q. What followed? A. I was asked by what right I claimed this privilege.

Q. Your answer? A. I Have performed a feat for the honor of the craft, which I hope will entitle me to this degree.

Q. What followed? A. I was admitted, and directed to approach the altar by eight quick and one slow steps, still holding the head in my left hand, and the poniard in my right, as if in the act of striking; the ninth step brought me to the altar, where the Most Potent addressed me in an angry tone: "Wretch, what have you done, do you not know that by this rash act you have deprived me of an opportunity of inflicting condign punishment on the assassin?"

Q. What followed? A. The companies made earnest intercession for me, observing that my offence had doubtless arisen from the wrath of my zeal, and not from any bad intention. Upon this the Most Potent was reconciled, and he administered to me the obligation of this degree, the companies all standing 'round me with their poniards as if going to stab me.

Q. Repeat that obligation? A. (Same as in Perfect Master.) Under penalty of being stabbed in my head and in my heart. So help, etc.

Q. What followed? A. The Most Potent gave me the sign, token and words of this degree.

Q. Give me the sign? A. (Clap your right hand first to your head and then to your heart.)

Q. Give me the token? A. (Grasp the thumb of your brother's right hand, both clenching the fingers and extending the thumb of the hand that is uppermost.)

Q. To what does that token allude? A. The eight fingers and extended thumb allude to the eight and one elect; the one to Joabert, who left his eight companions, and went alone in search of, etc.

Q. Give me the pass-words? A. Rawkam and Akirop.

Q. What is the word? A. Bugelkal, who was chief of the tabernacle.

Q. Give me the mysterious word? A. Jeva (pronounced Je-vau).

Q. What was then done to you? A. I was invested with the apron, gloves and jewels of this degree, and ordered to salute the Warden, and to return to the east for further instructions.

* * * * *

SECOND SECTION.—Question—Give me the history of this degree? Ans. After the death of Hiram Abiff, the three ruffians who had been apprehended having made their escape, a great assembly of Masters had sat, etc., he had only time to pronounce Naukam, which signifies, "vengeance is taken," and expired. Joabert being extremely fatigued, refreshed himself at the spring which he found in the cavern, and then slept until he was awakened by the other eight, who arrived shortly after. On beholding what Joabert had done, they all exclaimed Naukam. Joabert then severed the head from the body, divided the body into 4 quarters, which were burnt to ashes, and the ashes scattered to the four winds of heaven. Joabert then taking the head, etc., again reconciled. Solomon then ordered the head to be placed on the east pinnacle of the temple.

Q. What was the name of the assassin? A. Jubelum Akirop.

Q. From what number were the nine elect chosen? A. Ninety-nine.

Q. Where was the assassin found? A. In a cavern, near the coast of Joppa.

Q. How did the nine elect travel? A. By dark and intricate roads, which often obliged them to cross their legs, and this is the reason why the nine elect sit in this manner in the Chapter.

Q. What is meant by the dog you saw on the carpet, in the Lodge? A. The dog of the stranger, through whose sagacity Akirop was discovered.

Q. What does the color, black, denote in this degree? A. Grief.

Q. What is your age? A. Eight and one, accomplished.

CLOSING.—Most Potent knocks seven (Grand Marshal rises) and says, "The last as well as the first care of a Chapter of E. K.?" Ans. To see that the Chapter is duly guarded.—Please attend to your duty and inform the Sentinel, etc. Most Potent knocks eight, and Warden rises. Q. What is the hour? A. Evening. Most Potent knocks eight and one. Companies all rise. Companion Stokin gives notice, etc. Most Potent knocks eight and one, Warden eight and one, Companions eight and one, and the Chapter is declared duly closed.

* * * * *

MASTERS ELECTED OF FIFTEEN.

OPENING.—Most Potent knocks five (Grand Marshal rises) and says, "Brother Grand Marshal, are we all Masters Elected of Fifteen?" A. We are, Most Potent. Q. Your place, etc.? Your business, etc.? Please inform the Tyler that we are about to open a Lodge of Masters Elected of Fifteen. Most Potent knocks twice five—Senior Warden rises. Most Potent knocks three times five. Brethren rise. Most Potent says, "Brother Inspector, give notice that I am going to open a Lodge of Masters Elected of Fifteen, by three times five." Inspector obeys. Most Potent knocks three times five, Senior Warden three times five, Junior Warden three times five, and the brethren the same, and the lodge is declared open.

LECTURE.—Question—Are you a Master Elected of Fifteen? Answer—My zeal and works have prepared me that honor.

Q. How were you prepared? A. A head was placed in my hand, and I was conducted to the door of the Lodge by the Master of Ceremonies who knocked three times five.

Q. How were those knocks answered? A. By three times five from within.

Q. To what do they allude? A. The fifteen elected Masters.

Q. What followed? A. I was asked, "Who comes there?"

Q. Your answer? A. An Elected Knight who is desirous of joining the other Knights, for the purpose of discovering the other assassins.

Q. What was then said to you? A. I was told to wait until the Most Potent had been informed of my request, and his answer returned.

Q. What was his answer? A. Let him be introduced in due form.

Q. What was that due form? A. I was conducted to the altar, and caused to make fifteen steps in a triangular form, which brought me again to the altar, when the Most Potent ordered me to kneel, and thus addressed me: "My brother, the Elected Masters here present, wish me to admit you to this degree; will you take the obligation appertaining to the same?" which being answered in the affirmative, I took the obligation.

Q. Repeat that obligation? A. (Same as Perfect Master.) Under penalty of having my body cut open perpendicularly, and my head cut off and placed on the highest pinnacle in the world. So help me, etc.

Q. What did the Most Potent then communicate to you? A. He gave me the signs, words, and token of this degree.

Q. Give me the signs? A. (Hold the thumb of the right hand at the bottom of the belly, and move it perpendicularly upwards.) The second sign (that of the Entered Apprentice, with the fingers clenched.)

Q. Give me the token? A. (Join left hands.)

Q. Give me the pass-word? A. Eleham.

Q. Give me the mysterious word? A. Jevah (pronounced Je-vau).

Q. What then followed? A. I was invested with the apron, gloves and jewels of this degree, and directed to salute the Senior Warden as a Master Elected of Fifteen, and return to the east for further instruction.

* * * * *

SECOND SECTION.—Question—Give me the history of this degree? A. Not long after the execution, they were discovered cutting stone, in a quarry. They were immediately seized and carried to Jerusalem, and imprisoned in the tower of Achizer, and at ten o'clock on the ensuing morning, they were brought forth for execution. They were bound neck and middle, to posts, with their arms extended, and their bellies were cut open by the executioner, lengthways and across, and thus they remained until six in the evening, their entrails exposed to flies and other insects; their tongues and entrails were afterwards taken out for the beasts of the field and the birds of the air to prey upon, and their heads were cut off and placed upon spikes, like that of Akirop, on the west and south pinnacles of the temple. Thus we see that although corruption, perjury and treason assisted our ancient Knights, their quarters were discovered by the unerring eye of justice, and they were doomed to suffer penalty tantamount to their crimes.

Q. What were the names of the two assassins? A. Jubela Kurmavel, and Jubelo Gravolet.

Q. At what hour did the assassins expire? A. At six in the evening.

CLOSING.—Most Potent knocks five. Grand Marshal rises. Most Potent says, "Brother Grand Marshal, the last as well as the first care of a Lodge of Masters Elected of Fifteen?" A. To see that the Lodge is duly tyled.—"Please attend," etc. Most Potent knocks twice five.—Senior Warden rises. Signs reversed. Most Potent knocks three times five, which is repeated by Wardens, and then by brothers with their hands, etc.

* * * * *

ILLUSTRIOUS KNIGHTS ELECTED.

OPENING.—Most Potent knocks ten. Grand Marshal rises. Most Potent says, "Are we all Illustrious Knights Elected?" A. We are, Most Potent. "Your place? etc. Your duty?" A. To see that the Chapter is duly guarded. "Please attend," etc. Most Potent knocks eleven. Grand Inspector rises. "Companion Inspector, what is the hour?" A. It is twelve. Most Potent knocks twelve. Companions rise. "If it is twelve, it is time to labor by the greatest of lights." Signs given. Most Potent knocks twelve, Inspector twelve, and Companion twelve, with their hands, etc.

LECTURE.—Question—Are you an Illustrious Knight Elected? Answer. My name will inform you.

Q. What is that name? A. Payrawsh Bawheer, or Illustrious Knight elected.

Q. How were you admitted? A. I was hoodwinked and conducted by the Master of Ceremonies to the door of the Chapter, where he gave twelve distinct knocks.

Q. To what did they allude? A. To the twelve tribes of Israel.

Q. How were they answered? A. By twelve from within.

Q. What was then said to you? A. "Who comes there?"

Q. Your answer? A. A Master Elected of Fifteen wishes to receive the degree of Illustrious Knight.

Q. What was then said to you? A. I was asked by what further right, etc., and I was told to wait until the Most Potent was informed of my request, and his answer returned.

Q. What was that answer? A. Let him be introduced in due form.

Q. What then followed? A. I was conducted to the west, and the Most Potent inquired what I wanted.

Q. Your answer? A. To receive the degree of Illustrious Knight, as a reward for my zeal and labor.

Q. What did the Most Potent say to you then? A. My brother, you cannot receive this degree until you have given us satisfactory proof that you have not been an accomplice in the death of our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff; to assure us of this, we require you to participate in a symbolic offering, of a portion of the heart of our Respectable Master, Hiram Abiff, which we have preserved since his assassination. You are to swallow the portion we present to you. Every faithful Mason may receive it without injury, but it cannot remain in the body of one who is perjured. Are you disposed to submit to this trial?

Q. What was your answer? A. I am.

Q. What followed? A. The Most Potent directed the Master of Ceremonies to cause me to advance to the altar, by twelve upright regular steps, where the Most Potent, with the trowel, presented to me the symbolic offering which I swallowed, and was thus addressed by the Most Potent: "This mystic oblation, which, like you, we have received forms a tie so strong that nothing can oppress it; woe to him who attempts to disunite us. I then received the obligation of this degree.

Q. Repeat that obligation. A. (Same as Perfect Master.) Under penalty of having my hands nailed to my breast. So help, etc.

Q. What was then communicated to you? A. The Most Potent removed the bandage, and gave me the sign. (Cross hands on breast) it alludes to penalty.

Q. Give me the token? A. (Token of Intimate Secretary, with left hand on brother's heart.)

Q. Give me the pass-word? A. Emun.

Q. What does that word signify? A. Truth.

Q. Give me the mysterious word? A. Joha (pronounced Yo-hay).

Q. What followed? A. I was invested with the apron, gloves and jewels of this degree, and was told the device on my sash and apron, and also the color of the latter, was an emblem of a heart inflamed with gratitude for the honors and rewards conferred on me, and the sword of that justice which overtook and punished the assassins, and was designed to admonish me that perjury and treason will never escape the sword of justice, and I was directed to go and salute the Inspector, and return to the east for further instruction.

* * * * *

SECOND SECTION.—Of what was the symbolic offering presented to you at your initiation composed? A. Of flour, milk, wine and oil.

Q. What did they represent? A. Flour represents goodness, the milk, gentleness, the wine, strength or fortitude, and the oil, light and wisdom, qualities which distinguished Hiram Abiff, and should distinguish every illustrious Knight.

Q. How were the Illustrious Knights employed at the erection of the temple? A. They had command over the twelve tribes, and by their strict attention, promoted peace and harmony, and animated the laborers with cheerfulness.

Q. What was the intention of Solomon in instituting this degree? A. To reward the zeal, etc., and also by their preferment to make more.

CLOSING.—Most Potent knocks ten (Grand Marshal rises). "The last as well as the first care of a Chapter of Illustrious Knights?" A. To see that the Chapter is duly guarded. "Attend to your duty, and inform the Sentinel," etc. Most Potent knocks eleven (Senior Warden rises). "Brother Inspector, what is the hour?" A. Low six. Most Potent knocks twelve (brethren rise). "Brother Inspector, give notice," etc. Signs. Most Potent knocks twelve, Inspector twelve, brethren twelve, with their hands, and Most Potent declares the Chapter duly closed.

* * * * *

GRAND MASTER ARCHITECTS.

OPENING.—Most Potent knocks one (Grand Marshal rises). "Are we all," etc. Your place? etc. Your duty? A. To see that the Chapter is duly guarded. "Attend," etc. Most Potent knocks two.—Warden rises. Most Potent says, "What is the hour?" A. A star indicates the first instant, the first hour, and the first day, in which the Grand Architect commenced the creation of the universe. Most Potent knocks one and two.—Companions rise. Most Potent says, "Companions, it is the first instant, the first hour, the first day, the first year, when Solomon commenced the temple; the first day, the first hour, the first instant for opening this Chapter. It is time to commence our labors. Give notice," etc. Signs. Most Potent knocks one and two, Senior Warden one and two, Companions one and two, and Most Potent declares Chapter open, etc.

LECTURE.—Question—Are you a Grand Master Architect? Answer—I know the use of every mathematical instrument.

Q. What are they? A. A square, a single compass, a compass with four points, a rule, a line, a compass of perfection, a quadrant, a level and plumb.

Q. Where were you received? A. In a white place, painted with flames.

Q. What does that signify? A. That purity of heart and that zeal which should characterize every Grand Master Architect.

Q. How were you admitted? A. I was conducted by the Master of Ceremonies to the door of the Chapter, where he gave one and two distinct knocks.

Q. How were those knocks answered? A. One and two from within.

Q. What followed? A. I was asked, "Who comes there?"

Q. Your answer? A. An Illustrious Knight who wishes to receive the degree of Grand Architect.

Q. What then followed? A. I was conducted by the Master of Ceremonies to the west, and thus addressed: "It has become necessary to form a school of Architecture for the instruction of the brethren employed in the temple, as none but skilful Architects can bring the same to perfection. In order to prevent some brethren from receiving the honors and rewards due only to brethren of talents, we have deemed it expedient to prove and test all those who present themselves as candidates for this degree. We, therefore, require you to make the tour of the temple, for the purpose of examining the work, and to produce a plan drawn with exactness which you must present for inspection, that we may judge whether you are entitled to this degree."

Q. What followed? A. I was conducted through the anti-chamber and 'round the Lodge, when the Master of Ceremonies again stationed me in the west, and where I drew a plan according to my direction. When the same was finished, the Master of Ceremonies informed the Most Potent that I had obeyed his directions. Most Potent inquired, "My brother, what are the fruits of your travels?"

Q. Your answer? A. "Most Potent, I have brought a plan of the works of the temple, which I am ready to present for inspection."

Q. What followed? A. I was directed to approach the east, and present the plan to the Most Potent, which I accordingly did, and the Most Potent examined the same, and then passed it on to the other companions, who, after examining, returned it with expressions of approbation, and then the Most Potent addressed me thus: "It is with pleasure we witness the skill you have manifested in fulfilling the conditions prescribed to you, but we require further proof before you can be admitted among us. We again require you to travel."

Q. What followed? A. I was conducted once 'round the Lodge, to the north, where I stopped to view the north star, and was told, that as the north star was a guide to mariners, so ought virtue to be a guide to every Grand Master Architect, and was again conducted to the west, and directed to approach the east by one and two steps, which brought me to the altar, when the Most Potent inquired, "What have you learned in your travels?"

Q. Your answer? A. That virtue as well as talents should be possessed by every one who is admitted to this degree.

Q. What followed? A. I received the obligation of a Grand Master Architect.

Q. Repeat the obligation? A. (Same as Perfect Master.) Under the penalty of having my left hand cut in twain. So help, etc.

Q. What then followed? A. I was then addressed by the Most Potent.

Q. What then followed? A. The Most Potent gave me the signs, words, and tokens of this degree.

Q. Give me the sign? A. (Make the motion of writing in the left hand), also alluding to penalty.

Q. Give me the token? A. (Interlace the last finger of the right hand, so as to form a square, and place the left hand on each other's right shoulder.)

Q. Give me the pass-word? A. Rab-kuam.

Q. What does it signify? A. Grand Master Architect.

Q. Give me the mysterious word? A. Jehovah (pronounced Ye-ho-wah).

Q. What was then done to you? A. The Most Potent invested me with the jewel, apron and gloves of this degree, and thus addressed me: "I have elevated," etc.

Q. What then followed? A. I was directed to salute the Senior Warden, as a Grand Architect, and return to the east for further instruction.

Q. Give me the history? A. Solomon established this degree for the purpose, etc.

Q. What do the seven small rays 'round the north star signify? A. Seven liberal arts and sciences.

CLOSING.—Most Potent knocks one. (Grand Marshal rises.) Most Potent says, "The last as well as the first care," etc. Most Potent knocks two. Senior Warden rises. Most Potent says, "What is the hour?" Ans. The last instant, the last hour, the last day, in which the Grand Architect completed the creation of the universe. Most Potent knocks one and two.—Companions rise. Most Potent says, "It is the last instant, etc.; it is the last hour, the last day, the last year, in which Solomon completed the temple, the last instant for closing this Chapter. Give notice," etc. Signs. Most Potent knocks one and two, Senior Warden one and two, and Companions one and two, with their hands.

* * * * *

KNIGHTS OF THE NINTH ARCH.

OPENING.—Most Potent knocks seven. (Grand Marshal rises.) Most Potent says, "Are we all Knights of the Ninth Arch?" Ans. We are, Most Potent.—Q. Your place? etc., etc. Most Potent Knocks eight. Junior Warden rises. Q. What is the hour? A. The rising of the sun. Most Potent knocks three times three.—Companions rise. Most Potent says, "If it is the rising of the sun, it is time to commence our labors. Give notice," etc. Signs of former degrees. Then two kings kneel at the pedestal, as in the first sign, and raise each other by the token. Companions do the same. Most Potent knocks three times three, Senior Warden same, Junior Warden same, and Companions same, and Most Potent says, "I declare this Chapter open."

LECTURE.—Question—Are you a Knight of the Ninth Arch? Answer—I have penetrated the bowels of the earth, through nine arches, and have seen the brilliant triangle.

Q. In what place were you admitted? A. In the audience chamber of King Solomon.

Q. How did you gain admittance there? A. In company with some Intendants of the Building, Illustrious Knights, and Grand Master Architects. I was conducted by the Master of Ceremonies to the door of the audience chamber, where he gave three times three distinct knocks.

Q. To what did they allude? A. To the nine arches which led from the palace of Solomon to the secret vault, and the nine arches of the temple of Enoch.

Q.—How were they answered? A. By three times three from within.

Q.—What followed? A. I was asked, "Who comes there?"

Q.—Your answer? A. Several I. of B.'s, I. K.'s, and Grand Master Architects solicit the honor of being admitted into the secret vault under the Sanctum Sanctorum.

Q. What was then said to you? A. I was told to wait until the Most Potent had been informed of my request, and his answer returned.

Q. What was his answer? A. My brethren, your request cannot now be granted.

Q. What followed? A. We were conducted back to the anti-chamber, when the nine masters entered and thus addressed us: "My brethren, our Most Potent Master requests Grand Master Architects, Joabert, Stokin, and Gibulum to attend in the audience chamber," whereupon we were introduced into the presence of Solomon, who thus addressed us: "My brethren, you know that in digging for a foundation for the temple, we found the ruins of an ancient edifice. Among the ruins, we have already discovered much treasure which has been deposited in the secret vault. Are you willing to make further researches among the ancient ruins, and report to us your discoveries?"

Q. What was your answer. A. We are.

Q. What followed? A. We were conducted to the ruins, and commenced our labors. Among the rubbish we discovered a large iron ring, fixed in a cubic stone, which we raised with much difficulty. Upon examining the same, we discovered an inscription, of the meaning of which we were ignorant. Beneath the stone, a deep and dismal cavern appeared.

Q. Did you enter that cavern? A. I did.

Q. In what manner? A. A rope was fastened 'round my body, and descending, I found myself in an arched vault, in the floor of which was a secret opening, through which I also descended, and in like manner through a third; being in third vault, I found there was an opening for descending still further, but being afraid of pursuing my search, I gave a signal and was hoisted by my two companions. I then recounted to them what I had seen, and proposed to them to descend by turns, which they refused; upon this I determined to descend again, and told them that through every arch I passed, I would gently shake the rope. In this manner I descended from arch to arch, until I was lowered into the sixth arch, when, finding there was still another opening, my heart failed me, and giving the signal, I was again pulled up. I acquainted my two companions with the particulars of my second descent, and now earnestly urged that one of them should go down, as I was very much fatigued; but, terrified at my relation, they both refused. I then received fresh courage, went down a third time, taking a lighted flambeau in my hand. When I had descended into the ninth arch, a parcel of stone and mortar suddenly fell in and extinguished my light, and I immediately saw a triangular plate of gold, richly adorned with precious stones, the brilliancy of which struck me with admiration and astonishment. Again I gave the signal, and was assisted in reascending. Having related to my two companions the scene which I had witnessed, they expressed a desire to witness the same; they also concluded to go down together, by means of a ladder of ropes, which they did, and shortly after returned with the golden plate, upon which we saw certain characters, of the meaning of which we were then ignorant.

Q. What followed? A. We repaired to the apartment of King Solomon, the King of Tyre, with him, and said, "Most Potent, we obeyed your commands and present you with the fruits of our labors, and solicit the honor of being made acquainted with the inscription on this cubic stone and this golden triangle." Upon beholding it, the two Kings raised their hands, and exclaimed "Gibulum ishtov." The Kings then examined the sacred characters with attention, and Solomon thus addressed us: "My brethren, your request cannot now be granted. God has bestowed upon you a particular favor, in permitting you to discover the most precious jewel of masonry. The promise which God made to some of the ancient patriarchs, that in fulness of time his name should be discovered, is now accomplished. As a reward for your zeal, constancy, and fidelity, I should now constitute you Knights of the Ninth Arch, and I promise you an explanation of the mysterious characters on the golden plate, when it is fixed in the place designed for it, and I will then confer on you the most sublime and mysterious degree of Perfection."

Q. What followed? A. The Most Potent directed the Master of Ceremonies to conduct us to the south-west, and from thence to approach the altar, by three times three steps, and there to take upon ourselves the obligation of this degree.

Q. Repeat that obligation? A. (Same as Perfect Master.) I further promise never to be concerned in the initiation of any brother in this degree, unless he manifests a charitable disposition for Masonry, and a zeal for the brethren, and also obtains permission, under the hands and seal of the first regular officers of a Lodge of Perfection. I further promise that I will not debauch any female related to a companion of this degree, either by blood or marriage, knowing her to be such, under penalty of being crushed under the ruins of a subterraneous temple. So help, etc.

Q. What followed? A. The Most Potent gave me the signs, token and words of this degree.

Q. Give me the sign? A. (Made by kneeling on the left knee, the right hand on the back, the left raised above the head, the palm upward, the body leaning forward, alluding to the penalty.)

Q. Give me the token? A. (Being in the last mentioned position token is made by raising each other from the same, by interlacing the fingers of the left hand.)

Q. How many pass-words are there? A. One for each arch.

Q. Give them to me? A. 1st, Jov; 2d, Jeho; 3d, Juha; 4th, Havah; 5th, Elgibbor; 6th, Adonai; 7th, Joken; 8th, Eloah; 9th, Elzeboath.

Q. Give me the grand word? A. Gibulum ishtov.

Q. What does that signify? A. Gibulum is a good man.

Q. What was then done to you? A. I was invested with the jewel, apron and gloves of this degree, and directed to salute the Senior Warden as a Knight of the Ninth Arch, and return to the east for further instruction.

* * * * *

SECOND SECTION.—Question—Give me the history and charge of this degree? Ans. My worthy brother, it is my intention, at this time, to give you a clearer account of certain historical traditions, etc. (to the words "favored with a mystical vision"), when the Almighty thus designed to speak to him, as thou art desirous to know my name, attend, and it shall be revealed unto thee. Upon this, a mountain seemed to rise to the heavens, and Enoch was transferred to the top thereof, where he beheld a triangular plate of gold most brilliantly enlightened, and upon which were some characters which he received a strict injunction never to pronounce. Presently he seemed to be lowered perpendicularly into the bowels of the earth through nine arches, in the ninth or deepest of which he saw the same brilliant plate which was shown to him in the mountain. In digging for a foundation they discovered an ancient edifice, among which they found a considerable quantity of treasure, such as vases of gold and silver, urns, marble, jasper, and agate columns, and precious stones. All these treasures were collected and carried to Solomon, who upon deliberation concluded that they were the ruins of some ancient temple, erected before the flood, and possibly to the service of Idolatry. He, therefore, determined to build the temple in another place, lest it should be polluted. Solomon caused a cavern to be constructed under the temple, to which he gave the name of secret vault. He erected in this vault a large pillar of white marble, to support the Sanctum Sanctorum, and which, by inspiration, he called the pillar of beauty, from the beauty of the ark which it sustained. There was a long, narrow descent through nine arches from the palace of Solomon to this vault. To this place he was accustomed to retire with Hiram of Tyre, and Hiram Abiff, when he had occasion to enter upon important business. There were none else, then living, qualified to enter this vault. One of their number being removed, disordered their business for a time. As the two kings were on one occasion consulting on business of the craft, application was made to them by several I's of B., I. K.'s and Grand Master Architects, soliciting the honor of being admitted to the secret vault, to whom Solomon replied, "My brethren, your request cannot now be granted." Some days afterwards Solomon sent for the three Grand Master Architects, Gibulum, Joabert and Stokin, and directed them to go and search among the ancient ruins, in hopes of discovering more treasure. They departed, and one of them, viz., Gibulum, in working with a pickaxe among the rubbish, discovered a large iron ring fixed in a cubic stone. On removing this stone, a cavern was discovered. Gibulum offered to descend. A rope being fastened 'round his body, and in this manner he descended thrice, and discovered the golden triangle of Enoch, as was represented in the ceremony of your initiation. They then carried the stone and triangle to King Solomon, when the same circumstances occurred, which took place when you presented the same to us. The two Kings then informed the three Knights that they were ignorant of the true pronunciation of the mysterious word until that time, and that this word being handed down through a succession of ages, had been much corrupted. The two Kings, accompanied by the three Knights, descended with the sacred treasure into the secret vault. They encrusted the golden plate upon the pedestal of the pillar of beauty, and the brilliancy of the plate was sufficient to enlighten the place. The secret vault was afterwards called the sacred vault. Whenever the Lodge of Perfection was holden, nine Knights of the Ninth Arch tiled the nine arches which led to the sacred vault; the most ancient stood in the arch next to the anti-chamber of the vault, and so on in regular progression, the youngest taking his station in the first arch, which was near the apartment of Solomon. We were suffered to pass without giving the pass-words of the different arches. There were living at that time several ancient masters, who, excited by jealousy at the honors conferred upon the twenty-five brethren, deputed some of their number to wait upon Solomon, and request that they might participate in those honors. The King answered that the twenty-five masters were justly entitled to the honors conferred on them, for their zeal and fidelity. Go, said he, in peace, you may one day be rewarded according to your merits. Upon this, one of the deputies with an unbecoming warmth, observed to his companions, "What occasion have we for a higher degree? We know the word has been changed, we can travel as masters, and receive pay as such." Solomon mildly replied, "Those whom I have advanced to the degree of perfection, have wrought in the ancient ruins, and though the undertaking was difficult and dangerous, they penetrated the bowels of the earth, and brought thence treasures to enrich and adorn the Temple of God. Go in peace, wait with patience, and aspire to perfection by good works." The deputies returned and reported their reception to the masters. These masters, vexed at the refusal, unanimously determined to go to the ancient ruins, and search under ground, with a view of arrogating the merit necessary for the accomplishment of their desires. They departed the next morning, and raising the cubic stone descended into the cavern with a ladder of ropes, by the light of torches, where no sooner had the last descended, than the nine arches fell in upon them. Solomon hearing of this accident, sent Gibulum, Joabert and Stokin to inform themselves more particularly of the matter. They departed at break of day, and upon their arrival at the place, could discover no remains of the arches, nor could they learn that one single one of all those who had descended escaped the destruction. They examined the place with diligence, but found nothing except a few pieces of marble, on which were inscribed certain hieroglyphics; these they carried to Solomon, and related what they had seen. King Solomon examining these hieroglyphics, discovered that these pieces of marble were part of one of the pillars of Enoch. Solomon ordered these pieces of marble to be carefully put together and deposited in the sacred vault.

Q. What followed? A. The Most Potent gave me the mysterious characters of this degree, which were engraved on the triangle of Enoch.

CLOSING.—Most Potent knocks seven (Grand Marshal rising), "the last as well as the first care," etc. Most Potent knocks eight, and Junior Warden rises. "Brother Junior Warden, what is the hour?" A. "The setting of the sun." Most Potent knocks three times three, and companions all rise. "Brother Junior Warden, give notice," etc. Signs.

Most Potent knocks three times three, Junior Warden three times three, and Companions three times three, with their hands, and Most Potent declares Chapter closed.

* * * * *

GRAND ELECT, PERFECT, AND SUBLIME MASON.

OPENING.—Most Perfect knocks three (Grand Marshal rises), "Are we all," etc. Most Perfect knocks five, and Junior Warden rises. Most Perfect says, "Brother Junior Warden, what is the hour?" Ans. "High twelve."

Q. What do you understand by high twelve? A. That the sun has gained its meridian height, and darts its rays with greatest force on this Lodge. Most Perfect says, "It is then time that we should profit by its light." Most Perfect knocks seven, and Senior Warden rises, and Most Perfect says, "Venerable Brother Senior Warden, what brings you here?" A. My love of Masonry, my obligation, and a desire for perfection.

Q. What are the proper qualities for acquiring it? A. Frequent innocence and benevolence.

Q. How are you to conduct in this place? A. With the most profound respect.

Q. Why is it that men of all conditions assembled in this place are called brethren, and are all equal? A. Because the ineffable name puts us in mind that there is one being superior to us all.

Q. Why is respect paid to the triangle? A. Because it contains the name of the Grand Architect of the universe. Most Perfect knocks nine, and brethren all rise. Most Perfect says, "Brother Senior Warden, give notice that I am going to open a Lodge of Perfect Grand Elect and Sublime Masons, by the mysterious number 3, 5, 7 and 9. Senior Warden obeys. Signs of former degrees given, then the Most Perfect knocks three, and all the brethren give the first sign of this degree. Most Perfect knocks three, and then third sign. Most Perfect knocks three, five, seven and nine, Senior Warden the same, Junior Warden the same, and then all the brethren with their hands, & Most Perfect declares Lodge open.

NOTE.—Behind the Master is the burning bush, in which is a transparent triangle, with five Hebrew letters signifying "God" placed therein. In the west is the pillar of beauty. The pedestal appearing to be broken is a part of the pillar of Enoch, the pieces of which were found among the ruins, and carefully put together. The Lodge is adorned with vases of gold and silver, urns, etc., which were found among the ruins. The lights are thus arranged: three in the west, behind the Junior Warden; five in the East, behind the Senior Warden; seven in the south, and nine behind the Master. The brethren are seated in a triangular form around the altar.

LECTURE.—Question—What are you? Ans. I am three times three, the Perfect's number of eighty-one, according to our mysterious numbers.

Q. Explain that? A. I am a Perfect Grand Elect and Sublime Mason; my trials are finished, and it is now time I should reap the fruits of my labor.

Q. Where were you made a Grand Elect Mason? A. In a place not enlightened by the sun nor moon.

Q. Where was that place situated? A. Under the Sanctum Sanctorum.

Q. How did you gain admission? A. By the nine pass-words of Knights of the Ninth Arch, which brought me to the door of the ante-chamber leading to the sacred vaults, where I gave three distinct knocks.

Q. How were they answered? A. By three from within.

Q. What was said to you? A. Who comes there?

Q. Your answer? A. A Knight of the Ninth Arch, who wishes to be admitted into the sacred vault.

Q. What was then said to you? A. I was directed to give the pass; when I did I was permitted to pass to the second door of the ante-chamber, where I gave three and five knocks, which were answered by three and five and seven from within, and the pass-word demanded as before, which I gave, and was permitted to pass to the door of the sacred vault, where I gave three, five and seven and nine distinct knocks. (NOTE.—These knocks are answered from within by the Junior and Senior Wardens, and Most Perfect; and Most Perfect says, "Brother Junior Warden, see who knocks there in the manner of a Perfect Grand Elect and Sublime Mason.")

Q. To what do these knocks allude? A. The three knocks signify the age of the Entered Apprentice, and the number of the Grand Marshal Architects who penetrated the bowels of the earth. The five allude to the age of the Fellow Craft and the number of the Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Masters who placed the sacred treasure upon the pedestal of beauty.

Q. What are their names? A. Solomon, Hiram, King of Tyre, Gibulum, Joabert, and Stokin. The seven allude to the age of the Master Mason, and to Enoch who was the seventh from Adam. The nine represent the age of the Perfect Grand Elect and Sublime Mason, and the nine guards of the arches.

Q. How were these knocks answered? A. By three, five, seven and nine from within.

Q. What followed? A. I was asked, "Who comes there?"

Q. Your answer? A. A Knight of the Ninth Arch, who is desirous of being admitted into the sacred vault and arriving at perfection.

Q. What followed? A. The pass was demanded, which I gave and was ordered to wait until the Most Perfect in the East had been informed of my request and his answer returned.

Q. What was his answer? A. Let him be introduced in ancient form.

Q. What was that form? A. I was conducted to the west and placed between the Wardens, and having made the sign of admiration, was thus interrogated by the Most Perfect: "My Brother, what is your desire? A. To be made a Perfect Grand Elect and Sublime Mason."

Q. What followed? A. The Most Perfect said, "Before I can initiate you, you must satisfy us that you are well skilled in Masonry, otherwise you must be sent back until you are better qualified," whereupon I was thus examined:

Q. Are you a Mason? A. My brethren all know me as such.

Q. Give me the sign, token and word? A. (Given.)

Q. Are you a Fellow Craft? A. I have seen the letter G and know the pass.

Q. Give me the sign, token and word? A. (Given.)

Q. Are you a Master Mason? A. I have seen the sprig of cassia, and know what it means.

Q. Give me the sign, token and words? A. (Given.)

Q. Are you a Secret Master? A. I have passed from the square to the compass opened to seven degrees.

Q. Give me the sign, token and words? A. (Given.)

Q. Are you a Perfect Master? A. I have seen the tomb of our respectable Master, Hiram Abiff, and have, in company with my brethren, shed tears at the same.

Q. Give me the sign, token and words? A. (Given.)

Q. Are you an Intimate Secretary? A. My curiosity is satisfied, but it nearly cost me my life.

Q. Give me the sign, token and words? A. (Given.)

Q. Are you a Provost and Judge? A. I am, and render justice to all men, without distinction.

Q. Give me the sign, token and words? A. (Given.)

Q. Are you an Intendant of the Buildings? A. I have made the five steps of exactness, I penetrated the inmost part of the temple, and have seen the great light in which were three mysterious characters, J. J. J.

Q. Give me the sign, token and words? A. (Given.)

Q. Are you an Elected Knight? A. One cavern received me, one lamp gave me light, and one fountain refreshed me.

Q. Give me the sign, token and words? A. (Given.)

Q. Are you a Master Elected of Fifteen? A. My zeal and works have procured me that honor.

Q. Give me, etc.? Are you an Illustrious Knight? A. My name will inform you.

Q. Give me, etc. Are you a Grand Master Architect? A. I know the use of the mathematical instruments.

Q. Give me, etc. Are you a Knight of the Ninth Arch? A. I have penetrated through the bowels of the earth, through nine arches, and have seen the brilliant triangle.

Q. Give me, etc. What then followed? A. The Most Perfect inquired of the brethren whether they consented that I should be exalted to the sublime and mysterious degree of Perfection, whereupon one of the brethren rose and said, "I have objections to this candidate." The Most Perfect inquired what these objections were, to which this brother answered, "I will communicate them if the candidate retires." I was then ordered to retire, which I did.

Q. What then followed? A. Shortly after, the Master of Ceremonies conducted me again into the Lodge, and placing me in the west, I was asked the following questions, viz.:—1st, Have you never wilfully revealed any of the secrets of Masonry? 2d, Have you always been charitable towards your brethren? 3d, Have you never defrauded a brother? 4th, Are you in the habit of using the name of God profanely? 5th, Does your conscience accuse you of having committed any offence against your brethren, which ought to debar you from receiving this degree? Be sincere, and answer me. Which questions being answered, the Most Perfect said, "Brethren, do you consent that this candidate be admitted among us? If you do, raise your right hands." Which being done, I was directed to approach the altar, by three, five, seven and nine steps, which I did, and took upon me the obligation of a Perfect Grand Elect and Sublime Mason.

Q. Repeat that obligation? A. (Same as Perfect Master.) I further promise that I will aid all my worthy brethren in distress and sickness, as far, etc., with my counsel as well as my purse. I further promise, etc. that I will not be concerned in conferring this degree upon any Mason whose character and knowledge I disapprove, nor unless he has been elected and installed as an officer in some regular Lodge, Chapter, Encampment, or Council. I further promise that I will never fully pronounce more than once in my life the mysterious word of this degree, under penalty of having my body cut in twain. So help, etc. Amen, Amen, Amen.

Q. What followed? A. While I was still in a kneeling posture, the Most Most Perfect said, "Let us pray," which was done, and the Master of Ceremonies then presented the hod and trowel to the Most Perfect, who said, "My brother, I shall now proceed to anoint you with the holy oil wherewith Aaron, David, and the wise Solomon were anointed." And then anointing my head, lips and heart, at the same time said, "Behold how good and pleasant," etc., and then placing his hand upon me, said, "I impress you," etc.

Q. What followed? A. The Most Perfect presented me with the bread and wine, and rising, said, "Eat of this bread," etc. When this part of the ceremony was ended the brethren made a libation according to ancient usage.

Q. What followed? A. The Most Perfect raised me and said, "That which I shall now communicate to you, will make you accomplished in Masonry." He then gave me three signs, three tokens, the three pass-words, and the three grand words of this degree.

Q. Give me the signs? [First sign made like Master Mason's, with hands clenched.]

Q. To what does this sign allude? A. To the penalty of the obligation. [Second sign: bring your right hand upright, the palm outwards to guard your left cheek, your left hand supporting your elbow, then guard your right cheek with left hand, etc.]

Q. To what does that sign allude? A. To the manner in which Moses guarded his eyes from the light of the burning bush, from which the Almighty revealed to him his true name. [Third sign is that of surprise: raise both hands as high as the shoulders, and step back with the right foot.]

Q. To what does this sign allude? A. To the attitude of Solomon and Hiram, when the sacred treasure was first produced.

Q. Give me the first token? [First token same as Intimate Secretary, giving the words Berith, Neder, Shelemoth]

Q. What do those signify? A. Alliance, Promise and Protection.

Q. To what do they allude? A. To the alliance of Moses and Aaron, of Solomon and Hiram, King of Tyre. The promise made by the Almighty to the ancient patriarchs that the true pronunciation of his name should be revealed to their posterity, and the perfection attained when this promise was fulfilled.

Q. Give me the second token? [Pass from Master's grip, and seize his right arm above the elbow, and place your left hand on his right shoulder.]

Q. Give me the third token? [With your left hand seize your brother's right elbow, and with your right hand, his right shoulder.]

Q. Give me the three pass-words? A. First, Master Mason's; second, Elhanon; third, Fellow Craft's, repeated thrice.

Q. Give me the three grand words? A. First, Gibulum; second, Eh-yeh-asher-eh-yeh.

Q. What does that word signify? A. I am what I am. Third, El-hod-dihu kaw-lu.

Q. What does that word signify? A. God be praised, we have finished it.

Q. What followed? A. The Most Perfect caused me to pronounce the mysterious word of this degree.

Q. Pronounce it? A. I cannot but once in my life.

Q. How will you then give it? A. * * * * [A Hebrew pronunciation of God.]

Q. What followed? A. The Most Perfect thus addressed me: "You are already acquainted with the fact, that the true pronunciation of the name of God was revealed to Enoch, and that he engraved the letters composing that name on a triangular plate of gold. The name was represented by the four Hebrew consonants, Jod, He, Vau, and He. The vowel sounds of this language being represented by points placed above the consonants, and being frequently omitted in writing, the consonants composing the mysterious word, at different ages, received different pronunciations. Hence, though the method of writing this word remained uniform, its pronunciation underwent many changes. These changes constitute what are termed the different ages of Masonry. These are 3, 5, 7 and 9. These are the three ages of Masonry, and are thus estimated:

After the death of Enoch, the ineffable name was pronounced by

{ Methuselah, } 3 { Lamech, and } Juha (Yu-haw.) { Noah, }

{ Reu, } { { Serug, } { { Nahor, } { 7 { Terah, } Jova { 7 ages. { Abraham, } (Yo-waw). { { Isaac, } { { Judah, } {

{ Shem, } { { Arphaxed, } { 5 { Salah, } Jeva { 5 ages. { Eber, and } (Ye-waw). { { Peleg, } {

{ Hezron, } (Yay-wo) } { Ram, } Jevo. } { Aminadab, } Jevah } { Nasshou, } (Ye-way). } 9 { Salmon, } } 9 ages. { Boaz, } Johe } { Obed, } (Yo-hay). }

Jesse, } Jehovah } David, } (Ye-ho-waw). }

The true pronunciation of the name was revealed to Enoch, Jacob, and Moses, and on that account are not named in this enumeration. The perfect number is thus formed:—The number of corrupted words is 9. The ages of Masonry, 3, 5, 7, 9—24, multiplied by 3, the number gotten who discovered Tunsune (noticed in the degree of the Knight of the Ninth Arch), gives the product 72; to this add 9, the number of corrupted words, the amount is 81. The mysterious words which you received in the preceding degrees, are all so many corruptions of the true name (of God) which was engraved on the triangle of Enoch. In this engraving the vowel points are so arranged as to give the pronunciation which you have just received (Yow-ho). This word, when thus pronounced, is called the ineffable word, which cannot be altered as other words are, and the degrees which you have received, are called, on this account, INEFFABLE DEGREES. This word you will recollect was not found until after the death of Hiram Abiff, consequently the word engraved by him on the ark is not the true name of God."

Q. What then followed? A. The Most Perfect gave me the secret characters of this degree, and then invested me with the jewels, apron, and girdle of this degree, and I was again addressed:—"I now with the greatest pleasure salute you," etc.

CLOSING.—Most Perfect knocks three (Grand Marshal rises), "The last," etc., etc. Most Perfect knocks five, and Junior Warden rises. "Brother Junior Warden, what is the hour?" Most Perfect knocks seven, and Senior Warden rises. Most Perfect says, "Venerable Brother Senior Warden, how should the Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason part?" A. "They should part in peace, love, and unity." Most Perfect knocks nine, all brethren rise. Signs. Most Perfect knocks three, five, seven and nine, Junior Warden the same, Senior Warden the same, and brethren the same, with their hands, etc.

* * * * *

THE PHILOSOPHICAL LODGE; OR, THE KEY OF MASONRY: BEING THE DEGREE OF KNIGHTS ADEPTS OF THE EAGLE OR SUN.

This Council must be illuminated by one single light, and is enlightened by one divine light: because there is one single light that shines among men, who have the happiness of going from the darkness of ignorance and of the vulgar prejudices, to follow the only light that leads to the celestial truth. The light that is in our Lodge, is composed of a glass globe filled with water, and a light placed behind it, which renders the light more clear. The glass of reflection, the globe, when it is lighted, is placed in the south.

ROBE AND SCEPTRE.—The Grand Master or Thrice Puissant, is named "Father Adam," who is placed in the East, vested in a robe of pale yellow, like the morning. He has his hat on, and in his right hand a sceptre, on the top of which is a globe of gold. The handle or extremity of the sceptre is gilt. The reason that Father Adam carries the globe above the sceptre in this Council is, because he was constituted Sovereign Master of the world, and created Sovereign Father of all men. He carries a SUN suspended by a chain of gold around his neck; and on the reverse of this jewel of gold is a globe. When this degree is given, no jewel or apron is worn.

There is only one Warden, who sits opposite Father Adam in the west, and is called Brother Truth. He is entitled to the same ornaments as Father Adam; and the order that belongs to this degree is a broad white watered ribbon worn as a collar, with an eye of gold embroidered thereon, above the gold chain and jewel of the sun. The number of other officers is seven, and are called by the name of the cherubim, as follows: Zaphriel, Zabriel, Camiel, Uriel, Michael, Zaphael, and Gabriel. These ought to be decorated in the same manner as the Thrice Puissant Father Adam. If there are more than that number of the Knights of the Sun, they go by the name of Sylphs, and are the preparers of the Council, and assistants in all the ceremonies or operations of the Lodge. They are entitled to the same jewel, but have a ribbon of a fiery color tied to the third button-hole of their coat.

TO OPEN THE GRAND COUNCIL.—Father Adam says:—"Brother Truth, what time is it on earth?" Brother Truth: "Mighty Father, it is midnight among the profane, or cowans, but the sun is in its meridian in this Lodge." Father Adam: "My dear children, profit by the favor of this austere luminary, at present showing its light to us, which will conduct us in the path of virtue, and to follow that law which is eternally to be engraved on our hearts, and the only law by which we cannot fail to come to the knowledge of pure truth." He then makes a sign, by putting his right hand on his left breast; on which all the brethren put up the first finger of the right hand above their heads, the other fingers clenched, showing by that, that there is but one God, who is the beginning of all truth; then Father Adam says, "This Lodge is opened."

FORM OF RECEPTION.—After the Council is opened, the candidate is introduced into an ante-chamber, where there are a number of Sylphs, each with a bellows, blowing a large pot of fire, which the candidate sees, but they take no notice of him. After he is left in that situation two or three minutes, the most ancient of the Sylphs goes to the candidate and covers his face with black crape. He must be without a sword, and is told that he must find the door of the Sanctuary, and when found, to knock on it six times with an open hand. After he finds the door and knocks, Brother Truth goes to the door, and having opened it a little, asks the candidate the following questions, which he answers by the help of the Sylphs. "Q. What do you desire? A. I desire to go out of darkness to see the true light, and to know the true light in all its purity. Q. What do you desire more? A. To divest myself of original sin, and destroy the juvenile prejudices of error, which all men are liable to, namely, the desire of all worldly attachments and pride." On which Brother Truth comes to Father Adam, and relates what the candidate has told him; when Father Adam gives orders to introduce the candidate to the true happiness. Then Brother Truth opens the door, and takes the candidate by the hand, and conducts him to the middle of the Lodge or Sanctuary, which is also covered by a black cloth, when Father Adam addresses him thus: "My son, seeing by your labor in the royal art, you are now come to the desire of knowledge of the pure and holy truth, we shall lay it open to you without any disguise or covering. But, before we do this, consult your heart, and see in this moment if you feel yourself disposed to obey her (namely truth) in all things which she commands. If you are disposed, I am sure she is ready in your heart, and you must feel an emotion that was unknown to you before. This being the case, you must hope that she will not be long to manifest herself to you. But have a care not to defile the sanctuary by a spirit of curiosity; and take care not to increase the number of the vulgar and profane, that have for so long a time ill-treated her, until Truth was obliged to depart the earth, and now can hardly trace any of her footsteps. But she always appears in her greatest glory, without disguise, to the true, good, and honest Free Masons; that is to say, to the zealous extirpators of superstition and lies. I hope, my dear brother, you will be one of her intimate favorites. The proofs that you have given, assure me of everything I have to expect of your zeal; for as nothing now can be more a secret among us, I shall order brother Truth, that he will instruct you what you are to do in order to come to true happiness." After this discourse of Father Adam, the candidate is unveiled and shown the form of the Lodge or Council, without explaining any part thereof. Brother Truth then proceeds thus: "My dear brother, by my mouth, holy truth speaketh to you, but before she can manifest herself to you, she requires of you proofs in which she is satisfied in your entrance into the Masonic order. She has appeared to you in many things which you could not have apprehended or comprehended without her assistance; but now you have the happiness to arrive at the brilliant day, nothing can be a secret to you. Learn, then, the moral use that is made of the three first parts of the furniture, which you knew after you was received an Entered Apprentice Mason, viz.: Bible, Compass and Square. By the Bible you are to understand that it is the only law you ought to follow. It is that which Adam received at his creation, and which the Almighty engraved in his heart. This law is called natural law, and shows positively that there is but one God, and to adore him only without any subdivision or interpolation. The Compass gives you the faculty of judging for yourself, that whatever God has created, is well, and he is the sovereign author of every thing. Existing in himself, nothing is either good or evil; because we understand by this expression, an action done which is excellent in itself, is relative, and submits to the human understanding, or judgment, to know the value and price of such action; and that God, with whom every thing is possible, communicates nothing of his will, but such as his great goodness pleases; and every thing in the universe is governed as he has decreed it, with justice, being able to compare it with the attributes of the Divinity. I equally say, that in himself there is no evil; because he has made every thing with exactness, and that every thing exists according to his will; consequently, as it ought to be. This distance between good and evil with the Divinity, cannot be more justly and clearly compared than by a circle formed with a compass. From the points being reunited there is formed an entire circumference; and when any point in particular equally approaches or equally separates from its point, it is only a faint resemblance of the distance between good and evil, which we compare by the points of a compass forming a circle, which circle when completed is God.

SQUARE.—By the Square we discover that God, who has made every thing equal, in the same manner that you are not able to dig a body in a quarry complete, or perfect; thus, the wish of the Eternal in creating the world by a liberal act of his own, well foresaw every matter that could possibly happen in consequence thereof; that is to say, that every thing therein contained at the same time of the creation was good.

LEVEL.—You have also seen a level, a plumb, and a rough stone. By the level you are to learn to be upright and sincere, and not to suffer yourself to be drawn away by the multitude of the blind and ignorant people; to be always firm and steady to sustain the right of the natural law, and the pure and real knowledge of that truth which it teacheth.

PERPENDICULAR AND ROUGH STONE.—By these you ought to understand that the perpendicular man is polished by reason, and put censure away by the excellence of our Master.

TRESSLE-BOARD.—You have seen the tressle-board, to draw plans on. This represents the man whose whole occupation is the art of thinking, and who employs his reason in that which is just and reasonable.

CUBIC STONE.—You have seen the cubic stone, the moral of which, and the sense you ought to draw from it, is, to rule your actions, that they might be equally brought to the sovereign good.

PILLARS.—The two pillars teacheth you that all Masons ought to attach themselves firmly to become an ornament to the order, as well as to its support; as the pillars of Hercules formerly determined the end of the ancient world.

BLAZING STAR.—You have seen the blazing star, the moral sense of which is, "a true Mason perfecting himself in the way of truth," that he may become like a blazing star which shineth equally during the thickest darkness; and it is useful to those that it shineth upon, and who are ready and desirous of profiting by its light.

The first instructions have conducted you to the knowledge of Hiram Abiff, and the inquiries that were made in finding him out. You have been informed of the words, signs and tokens which were substituted for those we feared would have been surprised, but of which they afterwards learnt that the treacherous villains had not been able to receive any knowledge of; and this ought to be an example and salutary advice to you, to be always on your guard, and well persuaded that it is difficult to escape the snares that ignorance, joined to conceited opinion, lay every day against us, and thereby to overcome us; and the most virtuous men are liable to fall, because their candor renders them unsuspecting. But, in this case, you ought to be firm as our Respectable Father Hiram, who chose rather to be massacred than to give up what he had obtained.

This will teach you that as soon as truth shall be fixed in your heart, you ought never to consider the resolution you should take; you must live and die to sustain the light, by which we acquire the sovereign good. We must never expose ourselves to the conversation of cowans, and must be circumspect even with those with whom we are the most intimate; and not deliver up ourselves to any, excepting those whose character and behavior have proved them brothers, who are worthy to come and appear in the sacred sanctuary where holy Truth delivers her oracles.

You have passed the Secret and Perfect Master; you have been decorated with an ivory key, a symbol of your distinction; you have received the pronunciation of the ineffable name of the Great Architect of the universe, and have been placed at the first balustrade of the sanctuary; you have had rank among the Levites, after which you knew the word "Zizon," which signifies "a balustrade of the Levites;" where all those are placed, as well as yourself, to expect the knowledge of the most sublime mysteries.

COFFIN AND ROPE.—In the degree of Perfect Master they have shown you a grave, a coffin, and a "withe rope," to raise and deposit the body in a sepulchre, made in the form of a pyramid, in the top of which was a triangle, within which was the sacred name of the Eternal, and on the pavement were the two columns of Jachin and Boaz laid across.

IVORY KEY.—By the "ivory key" you are to understand that you cannot open your heart with safety, but at proper times. By the corpse and grave is represented the state of man, before he had known the happiness of our order.

ROPE.—The rope to which the coffin is tied, in order to raise it, is the symbol of raising one, as you have been raised from the grave of ignorance to the celestial place where truth resides.

PYRAMID.—The pyramid represents the true Mason who raises himself by degrees, till he reaches heaven, to adore the sacred and unalterable name of the Eternal Supreme.

INTIMATE SECRETARY.—This new degree leads you near to Solomon and honor; and after you redoubled your zeal, you gained new honors and favors, having nearly lost your life by curiosity; which attachment to Masonry gave you the good qualities of your heart, and which obtained your pardon and let you to the "Intendant of the Buildings," where you saw a "blazing star," a large candlestick with seven branches, with altars, vases, and purification, and a great brazen sea.

BLAZING STAR.—By the expression of PURIFICATION you are to understand that you are to be cleansed from impiety and prejudice before you can acquire more of the sublime knowledge in passing the other degrees, to be able to support the brilliant light of reason, enlightened by truth, of which the blazing star is the figure.

CANDLESTICK WITH SEVEN BRANCHES.—By the candlestick with seven branches you are to remember the mysterious number of the seven Masters who were named to succeed one; and from that time it was resolved that seven Knights of Masonry, united together, were able to initiate into Masonry, and show them the seven gifts of the Eternal, which we shall give you a perfect knowledge of, when you have been purified in the Brazen Sea.

BRAZEN SEA.—You have passed from the Secret and Perfect Master to the Intimate Secretary, Provost and Judge, and Intendant of the Buildings. In these degrees they have shown you an ebony box, a key suspended, a balance, and an inflamed urn.

EBONY BOX.—The ebony box shows you with what scrupulous attention you are to keep the secrets that have been confided to you, and which you are to reserve in the closet of your heart, of which the box is an emblem. And were you to reflect on the black color of said box, it would teach you to cover your secrets with a thick veil, in such a manner that the profane cowans cannot possibly have any knowledge thereof.

KEY.—The key demonstrates that you have already obtained a key to our knowledge, and part of our mysteries; and if you behave with equity, fervor, and zeal to your brothers, you will arrive shortly to the knowledge and meaning of our society, and this indicates the reason of the balance.

INFLAMED URN.—By the inflamed urn you are to understand, that as far as you come to the knowledge of the Royal and Sublime Art, you must, by your behavior, leave behind you, in the minds of your brethren and the vulgar, a high idea of your virtue, equal to the perfume of the burning urn.

TWO KINGS.—In the degree of Intimate Secretary, you have seen and heard two kings who were entering into their new alliance and reciprocal promise, and of the perfection of their grand enterprise. They spoke of the death of Hiram Abiff, our Excellent Master. You saw guards, as a man who was overseen, very near of being put to death for his curiosity of peeping. You also heard of the prospect of a place called the vault, to deposit the precious treasure of Masonry, when the time should be fulfilled, and you afterwards became a brother. The conversation of the two kings is the figure of the coincidence of our laws and the natural law, which forms a perfect agreement with what is expedient, and promises to those who shall have the happiness to be connected to you in the same manner and perfect alliance that they will afterwards come to the centre of true knowledge.

TEARS.—The tears and regret of the two kings are the emblem of the regret you ought to have when you perceive a brother depart from the road of virtue.

THE MAN PEEPING.—By the man you saw peeping, and who was discovered and seized, and conducted to death, is an emblem of those who come to be initiated into our sacred mysteries through a motive of curiosity; and, if so indiscreet as to divulge their obligations, we are bound to take vengeance on the treason by the destruction of the traitor. Let us pray the Eternal to preserve our order from such an evil you have hereof seen an example, in that degree to which you came, by your zeal, fervor and constancy. In that degree you have remarked, that from all the favorites that were at that time in the apartment of Solomon, only nine were elected to avenge the death of Hiram Abiff; this makes good, that a great many are often called, but few chosen. To explain this enigma, a great many of the profane have the happiness to divest themselves of that name, to see and obtain the entrance in our sanctuary; but very few are constant, zealous and fervent, to merit the happiness of coming to the height and knowledge of the sublime truth.

REQUISITIONS TO MAKE A GOOD MASON.—If you ask me what are the requisite qualities that a Mason must be possessed of, to come to the centre of truth, I answer you, that you must crush the head of the serpent of ignorance. You must shake off the yoke of infant prejudice concerning the mysteries of the reigning religion, which worship has been imaginary, and only founded on the spirit of pride, which envies to command and be distinguished, and to be at the head of the vulgar; in affecting an exterior purity, which characterizes a false piety, joined to a desire of acquiring that which is not its own, and is always the subject of this exterior pride, and unalterable source of many disorders, which being joined to gluttonness, is the daughter of hypocrisy, and employs every matter to satisfy carnal desires, and raises to these predominant passions, altars, upon which she maintains, without ceasing, the light of iniquity, and sacrifices continually offerings to luxury, voluptuousness, hatred, envy, and perjury. Behold, my dear brother, what you must fight against and destroy before you can come to the knowledge of the true good and sovereign happiness! Behold this monster which you must conquer—a serpent which we detest as an idol, that is adored by the idiot and vulgar under the name of religion.

SOLOMON, KING HIRAM, AND ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST.—In the degrees of Elected of Fifteen, Illustrious Knights, Grand Master Architects, and Knights of the Ninth Arch, you have seen many things which are only a repetition of what you have already examined. You will always find in those degrees initial letters enclosed in different triangles, or Deltas. You have also seen the planet Mercury, the chamber called "Gabaon," or the "Third Heaven;" the "winding staircase," the "Ark of Alliance," the "tomb of Hiram Abiff," facing the ark and the urn—the precious treasure found by the assiduous travels—the three zealous brethren Masons—the punishment of the haughty Master Mason, in being buried under the ancient ruins of Enoch's temple—and finally, you have seen the figures of Solomon, and Hiram, King of Tyre, and St. John the Baptist.

3. I. I. I.—By the 3. I. I. I. you know the three sacred names of the Eternal and "Mount Gabaon" (Third Heaven) which you came to by seven degrees that compose the winding staircase.