S. D.: Mr. ——, we have learned from the declaration, over your signature, contained in your petition, somewhat of your motives in applying for admission into our ancient and honorable Fraternity; but, in order that you may not be misled as to the character or the purpose of the ceremonies in which you are about to engage, the Lodge addresses to you these preliminary words:

Freemasonry is far removed from all that is trivial, selfish and ungodly. Its structure is built upon the everlasting foundation of that God-given law—the Brotherhood of Man, in the family whose Father is God. Our ancient and honorable Fraternity welcomes to its doors and admits to its privileges worthy men of all creeds and of every race, but insists that all men shall stand upon an exact equality, and receive its instructions in a spirit of due humility, emphasizing in demeanor, in conduct, in ceremony and in language the helpless, groping nature of man at his birth and his needs of reliance upon Divine guidance through all the transactions of life. You will here be taught to divest your mind and conscience of all the vices and superfluities of life, and the Lodge into which you are now to be admitted expects you to divest yourself of all those worldly distinctions and equipments which are not in keeping with the humble, reverent and childlike attitude it is now your duty to assume, as all have done who have gone this way before you.

(Every candidate, previous to his reception, is required to give his free and full assent to the following interrogatories propounded by the S. D., in a room adjacent to the Lodge).

Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that, unbiased by the improper solicitation of friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a candidate for the mysteries of Freemasonry?

Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you are prompted to solicit the privileges of Freemasonry by a favorable opinion conceived of the institution, a desire for knowledge, and a sincere wish of being serviceable to your fellow-creatures?

Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you will cheerfully conform to all the ancient usages and established customs of the Fraternity?

(Let there be no levity—but dignity and decorum.)

FIRST SECTION.

Reception.

***

***

Prayer.

Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father of the Universe, to this our present convention; and grant that this candidate for Masonry may dedicate and devote his life to Thy service, and become a true and faithful brother among us. Endue him with a competency of Thy divine wisdom, that by the influence of the pure principles of our Fraternity he may be better enabled to display the beauties of holiness, to the honor of Thy holy name. Amen!

Response: So mote it be!

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.

As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.—133d Psalm.

***

The Lamb-Skin or White Leathern Apron is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason; more ancient than the Golden Fleece; more honorable than the Star and Garter, or any other order that can be conferred upon you at this or any future period by King, Prince or Potentate, or any other person except he be a Mason and in the body of a lodge. I trust you will wear it with equal pleasure to yourself and honor to the fraternity.

***

The following may be used:

It may be that, in the coming years, upon your head may rest the laurel wreaths of victory; pendant from your breast may hang jewels fit to grace the diadem of an Eastern potentate; nay, more than these, with light added to the coming light, your ambitious feet may tread round after round of the ladder that leads to fame in our mystic circle, and even the purple of the Fraternity may rest upon your honored shoulders; but never again from mortal hands, never again until your enfranchised spirit shall have passed upward and inward through the pearly gates, shall any honor so distinguished, so emblematical of purity and all perfections, be conferred upon you as this which I now bestow. It is yours; yours to wear throughout an honorable life, and at your death to be deposited upon the coffin which shall inclose your lifeless remains, and with them laid beneath the clods of the valley.

Let its pure and spotless surface be to you an ever-present reminder of a "purity of life and rectitude of conduct," a never-ending argument for nobler deeds, for higher thoughts, for greater achievements. And when at last your weary feet shall have come to the end of life's toilsome journey, and from your nerveless grasp shall drop forever the working tools of life, may the record of your life and actions be as pure and spotless as this fair emblem which I place in your hands; and when your trembling soul shall stand naked and alone before the Great White Throne, there to receive judgment for the deeds done while here in the body, may it be your portion to hear from Him who sitteth as the Judge Supreme the welcome words: "Well done, good and faithful servant! Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things! Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

***

Working Tools.

The Working Tools of Entered Apprentice are the Twenty-four-Inch Gauge and the Common Gavel.

The Twenty-four-inch Gauge is an instrument used by operative masons to measure and lay out their work; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to use it for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing our time. It being divided into twenty-four equal parts, is emblematical of the twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to divide into three equal parts, whereby are found eight hours for the service of God and a distressed worthy brother, eight for our usual vocations, and eight for refreshment and sleep.

The Common Gavel is an instrument used by operative masons to break off the corners of rough stones, the better to fit them for the builder's use; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to use it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our hearts and consciences of all the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting our minds, as living stones, for that spiritual building—that house not made with hands—eternal in the heavens.

***

Reinvested.

Northeast Corner.

*** an upright man and Mason, and I give it you strictly in charge ever to walk and act as such before God and man.

SECOND SECTION.

This section accounts, rationally for the ceremonies of initiation. Containing almost entirely esoteric work, it cannot be written. The Master should not only familiarize himself with it, but he should also diligently learn and explain to the candidate each truth symbolized by each step of the ceremonies through which he has just passed.

***

Offensive or Defensive.

At the building of King Solomon's Temple there was not heard the sound of axe, hammer or any tool of iron. The question naturally arises, How could so stupendous an edifice be erected without the aid of those implements? The stones were hewn, squared and numbered in the quarries where they were raised; the timbers were felled and prepared in the forests of Lebanon, conveyed in floats by sea to Joppa, and thence by land to Jerusalem, where they were set up by the aid of wooden implements prepared for that purpose; so that every part of the building, when completed, fitted with such exact nicety that it resembled the handiwork of the Supreme Architect of the Universe more than that of human hands.

***

Masonry regards no man for his worldly wealth or honors; it is therefore the internal and not the external qualifications of the man that recommend him to become a Mason.

***

In the fourth chapter of the book of Ruth we read: "Now this was the manner in former times concerning redeeming and changing; for to confirm all things, a man plucked off his shoe and gave it to his neighbor; and this was a testimony in Israel." ***

Cable——.

***

Hood——.

***

K—no—ks.

***

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you."

***

Before entering upon any great or important undertaking, we ought always to invoke the aid of Deity.

***

Trust in God.

***

The Left Side.

***

The Right Hand, by our ancient brethren, was deemed the seat of fidelity. The ancients worshiped a deity named Fides, sometimes represented by two right hands joined, at others by two human figures holding each other by the right hand.

***

The Lamb has in all ages been deemed an emblem of innocence. The lambskin is therefore to remind you of that purity of life and conduct which is so essentially necessary to your gaining admission to the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.

Northeast Corner.

It is customary at the erection of all Masonic edifices to lay the first or foundation stone in the northeast corner of the building. The first instructions which the candidate receives symbolizes the cornerstone, and on it he constructs the moral and Masonic temple of his life.

THIRD SECTION.

This section explains the manner of constituting and the proper authority for holding a Lodge. Here, also, we learn where lodges were anciently held, their Form, Support, Covering, Furniture, Ornaments, Lights and Jewels, how situated, and to whom dedicated, as well in former times as at present.

A Lodge.

A Lodge is an assemblage of Masons, duly congregated, having Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, and a dispensation or charter, authorizing them to work.

Ancient Lodges—Where Held.

Our ancient brethren held their Lodges on high hills or in low vales, the better to observe the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, ascending or descending.

Lodge meetings at the present day are usually held in upper chambers—probably for the security which such places afford. This custom may have had its origin in a practice observed by the ancient Jews of building their temples, schools and synagogues on high hills, a practice which seems to have met the approbation of the Almighty, who said unto the Prophet Ezekiel, "Upon the top of the mountain, the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy."

Form and Dimension.

Its form is *** Its dimension, from east to west, embracing every clime between north and south. Its universal chain of friendship encircles every portion of the human family and beams wherever civilization extends.

A Lodge is said to be thus extensive to denote the universality of Freemasonry, and teaches that a Mason's charity should be equally extensive.

The Supports of a Lodge.

A Lodge is supported by three great pillars, denominated Wisdom, Strength and Beauty; because there should be wisdom to contrive, strength to support, and beauty to adorn all great and important undertakings. They are represented by the three principal officers of the Lodge: The pillar Wisdom, by the W. M. in the East, who is presumed to have wisdom to open and govern the Lodge; the pillar Strength, by the Senior Warden in the West, whose duty it is to assist the W. M. in the discharge of his arduous labors; and the pillar Beauty, by the Junior Warden in the South, whose duty it is to call the craft from labor to refreshment, superintend them during the hours thereof, carefully to observe that the means of refreshment are not perverted to intemperance or excess, and see that they return to their labor in due season.

Its covering is no less than the clouded canopy or starry-decked heaven, where all good Masons hope at last to arrive, by the aid of that theological ladder which Jacob, in his vision, saw extending from earth to heaven; the three principal rounds of which are denominated Faith, Hope and Charity; which admonish us to have faith in God, hope of immortality and charity to all mankind. The greatest of these is Charity; for Faith may be lost in sight, Hope ends in fruition, but Charity extends beyond the grave through the boundless realms of eternity.

Furniture.

The furniture of a lodge consists of the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses.

The Holy Bible is dedicated to God; because it is the inestimable gift of God to man. The Square to the Master, because it is the proper Masonic emblem of his office; and the Compasses to the craft, because, by a due attention to their use, they are taught to circumscribe their desires, and keep their passions within due bounds.

Ornaments.

The Ornaments of a Lodge are the Mosaic Pavement, the Indented Tessel and the Blazing Star.

The Mosaic Pavement is a representation of the ground floor of King Solomon's Temple; the Indented Tessel, of that beautiful tessellated border or skirting which surrounded it. The Mosaic Pavement is emblematical of human life, checkered with good and evil; the Indented Tessel, or tessellated border, of the manifold blessings and comforts which constantly surround us, and which we hope to enjoy by a firm reliance on Divine Providence, which is hieroglyphically represented by the Blazing Star in the centre.

Lights.

A Lodge has three symbolic lights; one in the East, one in the West and one in the South, represented by the W. M., S. W. and J. W. There is no light in the north, because King Solomon's Temple, of which every lodge is a representation, was so far north of the elliptic that the sun could dart no rays into the northern part thereof. The north, therefore, we Masonically call a place of darkness.

Jewels.

A Lodge has six jewels; three of these are immovable and three movable.

The Immovable Jewels are the Square, Level and Plumb. The Square inculcates morality; the Level, equality, and the Plumb, rectitude of conduct. They are called immovable jewels, because they are always to be found in the East, West and South parts of the Lodge, being worn by the officers in their respective stations.

The Movable Jewels are the Rough Ashlar, the Perfect Ashlar and the Trestle-Board.

The Rough Ashlar is a stone, as taken from the quarry, in its rude and natural state. By it we are reminded of our rude and imperfect state by nature.

The Perfect Ashlar is a stone made ready by the hands of the workmen, to be adjusted by the working tools of the fellow craft; and reminds us of that state of perfection at which we hope to arrive by a virtuous education, our own endeavors and the blessing of God.

The Trestle-Board is for the master workman to draw his designs upon. By it we are reminded that, as the operative workman erects his temporal building agreeably to the rules and designs laid down by the master on his trestle-board, so should we, both operative and speculative, endeavor to erect our spiritual building agreeably to the rules and designs laid down by the Supreme Architect of the Universe, in the great books of nature and revelation, which are our spiritual, moral and Masonic trestle-boards.

How Situated.

A Lodge is situated due east and west, because King Solomon's Temple was so situated; and also because, when Moses crossed the Red Sea, being pursued by Pharaoh and his hosts, he erected a Tabernacle by Divine command, and placed it due east and west to receive the first rays of the rising sun, and to commemorate that mighty east wind by which the miraculous deliverance of Israel was effected.

Dedication of Lodges.

Our ancient brethren dedicated their lodges to King Solomon because he was our first most excellent Grand Master, but Masons of the present day, professing Christianity, dedicate theirs to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, who were two eminent patrons of Masonry; and since their time there is represented in every regular and well govern lodge a certain point within a circle embordered by two perpendicular parallel lines, representing St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist; and upon the top rests the Holy Scriptures. The point represents the individual brother; the circle, the boundary-line of his duty beyond which he is never to suffer his passions, interests or prejudices to betray him. In going around this circle we necessarily touch on the two parallel lines, as well as the Holy Scriptures, and while a Mason keeps himself circumscribed within these due bounds, it is impossible that he should materially err.

Tenets.

The three great tenets of a Mason's profession inculcate the practice of those commendable virtues, Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

Brotherly Love.—By the exercise of brotherly love we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family—the high and low, the rich and poor—who, created by one Almighty Parent and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid and protect each other. On this principle Masonry unites men of every country, sect and opinion, and conciliates true friendship among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.

Relief.—To relieve the distressed is a duty incumbent on all men, but particularly on Masons who profess to be linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. To soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate their miseries and to restore peace to their troubled minds, is the great aim we have in view. On this basis we form our friendships and establish our connections.

Truth is a divine attribute, and the foundation of every virtue. To be good and true is the first lesson we are taught in Masonry. On this theme we contemplate, and by its dictates endeavor to regulate our conduct; hence, while influenced by this principle, hypocrisy and deceit are unknown among us; sincerity and plain-dealing distinguish us, and the heart and tongue join in promoting each other's welfare and rejoicing in each other's prosperity.

P. P. E.

Every Mason has four (p. p. e.) which are illustrated by the four cardinal virtues: Fortitude, Prudence, Temperance and Justice.

Fortitude is that noble and steady purpose of the mind whereby we are enabled to undergo any pain or peril, when prudentially deemed expedient. This virtue is equally distant from rashness and cowardice, and should be deeply impressed upon the mind of every Mason. It is a safeguard or security against the success of any attempt, by force or otherwise, to extort from him any of those valuable secrets with which he has been solemnly intrusted, and which were emblematically impressed upon him on his first admission into the lodge, when he was received on *** which refers to ***

Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and actions agreeably to the dictates of reason, and is that habit by which we wisely judge and prudentially determine on all things relative to our present as well as to our future happiness. This virtue should be the peculiar characteristic of every Mason, not only for the government of his conduct while in the lodge, but also when abroad in the world. It should be his constant care, when in any strange or mixed companies never to let fall the least sign, token or word whereby the secrets of Masonry might be unlawfully obtained; ever bearing in mind that important occasion when on his left *** which alludes to ***

Temperance is that due restraint upon our affections and passions which renders the body tame and governable, and frees the mind from the allurements of vice. This virtue should be the constant practice of every Mason; as he is thereby taught to avoid excess, or contracting any licentious or vicious habit, the indulgence of which would subject him to the contempt and detestation of all good Masons; and might lead him to disclose some of those valuable secrets which he has promised to conceal and never reveal. It will remind you of the p. and alludes to the ***

Justice is that standard, or boundary of right, which enables us to render to every man his just due, without distinction. This virtue is not only consistent with human and Divine laws, but is the very cement and support of civil society. As justice in a great measure constitutes the really good man, so should it be the invariable practice of every Mason never to deviate from the minutest principles thereof; ever remembering the time when placed in *** which alludes to the ***

Entered Apprentices should serve their masters with freedom, fervency and zeal, which are represented by Chalk, Charcoal and Clay.

There is nothing freer than Chalk, the slightest touch of which leaves a trace; there is nothing more fervent than Charcoal, for to it, when properly ignited, the most obdurate metals will yield; there is nothing more zealous than Clay.

Our Mother Earth alone of all the elements has never proved unfriendly to man. Bodies of Water deluge him with rain, oppress him with hail and drown him with inundation; the Air rushes in storms and prepares the tempest; and Fire lights up the volcano; but the Earth, ever kind and indulgent, is found subservient to his wishes. Though constantly harassed, more to furnish the luxuries than the necessaries of life, she never refuses her accustomed yield, spreading his pathway with flowers and his table with plenty. Though she produces poison, still she supplies the antidote, and returns with interest every good committed to her care; and when at last we are called upon to pass through the "dark valley of the shadow of death" she once more receives us, and piously covers our remains within her bosom, thus admonishing us that as from it we came, so to it we must shortly return.

Symbolism of the Degree.

The First, or Entered Apprentice, degree of Masonry is intended, symbolically, to represent the entrance of man into the world in which he is afterwards to become a living and thinking actor. Coming from the ignorance and darkness of the outer world, his first craving is for light—not that physical light which springs from the great orb of day as its fountain, but that moral and intellectual light which emanates from the primal Source of all things—from the Grand Architect of the Universe—the Creator of the sun and of all that it illuminates. Hence the great, the primary object of the first degree is to symbolize the birth of intellectual light in the mind; and the Entered Apprentice is the type of the unregenerate man, groping in moral and mental darkness, and seeking for the light which is to guide his steps and point him to the path which leads to duty and to Him who gives to duty its reward.

Charge at Initiation.

Brother: As you are now introduced to the first principles of Freemasonry, I congratulate you on being accepted into this ancient and honorable Fraternity. Ancient, as having existed from time immemorial; and honorable, as tending in every particular so to render all men who will be comformable to its precepts. No institution was ever raised on a better principle or more solid foundation; nor were ever more excellent rules and useful maxims laid down than are contained in the several Masonic lectures. The wisest and best of men in all ages have been encouragers and promoters of our Art, and have never deemed it derogatory to their dignity to level themselves with the Fraternity, to extend its privileges, and to patronize its assemblies.

There are three great duties which as a Mason you are charged to inculcate: To God, to your neighbor and to yourself. To God, in never mentioning His name save with that reverential awe which is due from the creature to his Creator, to implore His aid in all your laudable undertakings, and to esteem Him as the chief good. To your neighbor, in acting upon the square and doing unto him as you would that he should do unto you. And to yourself, in avoiding all irregularities and intemperance, which may impair your faculties or debase the dignity of your profession.

A zealous attachment to these duties will insure public and private esteem.

In the State you are to be a quiet and peaceable citizen, true to your government and just to your country. You are not to countenance disloyalty or rebellion, but patiently submit to legal authority and conform with cheerfulness to the government of the country in which you live, yielding obedience to the laws which afford you protection.

In your outward demeanor be particularly careful to avoid censure or reproach. Let not interest, favor, or prejudice, bias your integrity, or influence you to be guilty of a dishonorable action.

Although your frequent appearance at our regular meetings is earnestly solicited, yet it is not meant that Freemasonry 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 always be as ready to give as you will be to receive instruction.

Finally, my brother, keep sacred and inviolate 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 the Fraternity, be particularly careful not to recommend him unless you are convinced that he will conform to our rules, that the honor, glory and reputation of the institution may be firmly established, and the world at large be convinced of its good effects.

Charge to a Soldier.

Brother: Our institution breathes a spirit of general philanthropy. Its benefits, in a social point of view, are extensive. In the most endearing ties, it unites all mankind. In every nation, wherever civilization extends—and not unfrequently among wild savages of the forest—it opens an asylum to a brother in distress, and grants hospitality to the necessitous and unfortunate. The sublime principles of universal goodness and love to all mankind, which are essential to it, cannot be lost in national distinctions, prejudices and animosities. The rage of contest and the sanguinary conflict have, by its recognized principles, been abated, and the milder emotions of humanity substituted. It has often performed the part of the Angel of Goodness, in ministering to the wants of the sick, the wounded, and the unfortunate prisoner of war. It has even taught the pride of victory to give way to the dictates of an honorable connection.

In whatever country you travel, when you meet a true Mason, you will find a brother and a friend, who will do all in his power to serve you; and who will relieve you, should you be poor or in distress, to the utmost of his ability, and with a ready cheerfulness.

Pure patriotism will always animate you to every call of your country. And this institution demands that you shall be true to your government. But should you, while engaged in the service of your country, be made captive, you may find affectionate brethren, where others would only find enemies. And should you be the captor of one who belongs to this noble fraternity, remember that he is your brother.

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