But the letter G. has a far greater significance still. It is the initial of Deity--a name that, at the mere mention of which, all, from the W. M. in the east to the youngest E. A. in the northeast corner, should with meekness reverently bow.
Lecture.
Symbolism of the Degree.
If the object of the first degree is to symbolize the struggles of a candidate groping in darkness for intellectual light, that of the second degree represents the same candidate laboring amid all the difficulties that enc.u.mber the young beginner in the attainment of learning and science. The Entered Apprentice is to emerge from darkness to light; the Fellow Craft is to come out of ignorance into knowledge. This degree, therefore, by fitting emblems, is intended to typify these struggles of the ardent mind for the attainment of truth--moral and intellectual truth--and above all that Divine truth, the comprehension of which surpa.s.seth human understanding, and to which, standing in the Middle Chamber, after his laborious ascent of the winding stairs, he can only approximate by the reception of an imperfect, yet glorious reward in the revelation of that "hieroglyphic light which none but craftsmen ever saw."
Charge at Pa.s.sing.
Brother: Being pa.s.sed to the second degree of Freemasonry, we congratulate you on your preferment. The internal, and not the external, qualifications of a man are what Masonry regards. As you increase in knowledge you will improve in social intercourse.
It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties which as a Fellow Craft you are bound to discharge, or to enlarge on the necessity of a strict adherence to them, as your own experience must have established their value. Our laws and regulations you are strenuously to support, and be always ready to a.s.sist in seeing them duly executed. You are not to palliate or aggravate the offenses of your brethren, but in the decision of every trespa.s.s against our rules you are to judge with candor, admonish with friendship, and reprehend with justice.
The study of the liberal arts, that valuable branch of education which tends so effectually to polish and adorn the mind, is earnestly recommended to your consideration, especially the science of Geometry, which is established as the basis of our art. Geometry, or Masonry, originally synonymous terms, being of a divine and moral nature, is enriched with the most useful knowledge; while it proves the wonderful properties of nature, it demonstrates the more important truths of morality.
Your past behavior and regular deportment have merited the honor which we have conferred, and in your new character it is expected that you will conform to the principles of the Inst.i.tution by steadily persevering in the practice of every commendable virtue.
Such is the nature of your engagements as a Fellow Craft, and to these duties you are bound by the most sacred ties.
MASTER MASON.
FIRST SECTION.
[Ill.u.s.tration]
Reception.
The Compa.s.ses are peculiarly dedicated to this degree, and as a Master Mason you are taught that between their extreme points are contained the most important tenets of Freemasonry--Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love.
Perambulation.
The following pa.s.sage of Scripture is introduced:
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not,
Nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; while the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:
In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves,
And the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, and the doors shall be shut in the streets,
When the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low;
Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way,
And the almond tree shall flourish, and the gra.s.shopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail:
Because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto G.o.d who gave it. (Eccl. xii, 1-7.)
[Ill.u.s.tration: Ecclesiastes XII.]
[Ill.u.s.tration]
Presentation of Working Tools.
The Working Tools of a Master Mason are all the implements of Masonry, especially the Trowel.
The Trowel is an instrument used by operative masons to spread the cement which unites the building into one common ma.s.s; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to use it for the more n.o.ble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection--that cement which unites us into one sacred band or society of friends and brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, save that n.o.ble contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work and best agree.
My brother, you have been
SECOND SECTION.
The lodge represents the Craft at refreshment at the building of K. S."s Temple.
Address.
Character and habits of the builder.
Altar.
South, West, East.
Hill west of * * *
[Ill.u.s.tration]