THE origin ^* of the society called Free-Masons is said by some to have been a certain number of persons who formed a resolution to rebuild the Temple of Solomon ^†. This appears from the lecture, or rather history, of the Order, at the mak­ing or raising of a member to the degree of Master, which is fully described in the following work. But I am inclined to [Page]think that the chief design of the establishment is to rectify the heart, inform the mind, and promote the moral and social virtues of humanity, decency, and good order, as much [...] possible in the world: and some of the emblems of Free-Masons confirm this opinion, such as the Compass, Rule, Square, &c.

In all countries where Masonry is practised, or established at this time, there is a Grand Master; but formerly there was only one Grand Master, and he was an Englishman. HIS ROYAL HICHNESS GEORCE PRINCE OF WALES is the person on whom the dignity is now bestowed, who governs all the Lodges in Great-Britain, and has the power of delivering the constitutions and laws of the society to the Masters who preside over the subordinate assemblies: which constitutions must always be signed by the Grand Secretary of the Order.—The Grand Master can hold a Meeting or Lodge when he thinks proper, which is generally the second Saturday in every month in the summer, but oftener in the winter.

The other Lodges meet regularly twice a month in the winter half-year, and once a month in the summer; and the members of each Lodge pay quarterly, from 3 s. 6 d. to 5 s. into the hands of the Treasurer; and this generally defrays the expence of their meetings.

There are also quarterly communications or meetings, held, at which are present the Master and Wardens of every re­gular constitution in and near London, where the several Lodges send, by the said Wardens, different sums of money to be paid into the hands of the Treasurer-General, and ap­propriated to such charitable uses as the Grand Master, and the Masters of the different Lodges under him, think proper; but these charities are chiefly confined to Masons only. Such as have good recommendations as to their behaviour and cha­racter, will be assisted with five, ten, or twenty pounds; and lefs sums are distributed to the indigent brethren, in pro­portion to their wants, and the number of years they have been members. At these quarterly communications, large sums are likewise sent from Lodges in the most remote parts of the world, viz. in the East and West-Indies. and accounts transmitted of the growth of Masonry there. The state of the funds of the society are likewise communicated to the company, and the deliberations of the meeting taken down by the Secretary, who lays them before the Grand Master at the yearly meeting.

The number of members which compose a Lodge is inde­terminate: but it is no Lodge except there are present one Master, three Fellow Crafts, and two Apprentices.

[Page] When a Lodge is met, there are two principal officers un­der the Master, called Senior and Junior Wardens, whose business it is to see the laws of the society strictly adhered to, and the word of command given by the Grand Master, regu­larly followed.

It must be remarked, that the authority of a Master, though chief of the Lodge, reach [...] no farther than he is himself an observer of the laws; should he infringe them, the brethren never fail to censure him; and if this has no effect, they have a power of doposing him, and appealing to the Grand Master, and giving their reasons for it; but they seldom proceed to this extremity.

As no doubt the reader chuses to be made acquainted with every circumstance of the ceremony of making a Mason, I shall begin with the following directions, and proceed regularly in the description of what further concerns Masonry.

A man desirous of becoming a Free-Mason, should endea­vour to get acquainted with a member of some good Lodge, who will propose him as a candidate for admission the next Lodge-night. The Brother who proposes a new member, is likewise obliged to inform the Brethren of the qualifications of the candidate ^*. Upon this it is debated whether or not he shall be admitted; and it being carried in the affirmative, the next step is to go with the proposer the ensuing Lodge-night.

The evening being come when a Lodge is to be held, which generally begins about seven in the winter, and nine in the summer, as previous notices are sent to the members for this purpose; the Masons are punctual to time, and it frequently happens, that, in half an hour, the whole Lodge, to the number of fifty or sixty, are assembled.

The Master, the two Assistants, Secretary, and Treasurer, begin with putting over their necks a blue ribbon of a trian­gular shape; to the Master's ribbon hangs a Rule and Compass, which is in some Lodges made of gold, though in others only gilt: the Assistants, Senior Wardens, and the other officers, carry the Compass alone.

The candles are placed upon the table in the form of a triangle; and in the best Lodges the candlesticks are finely carved with emblematical figures. Every Brother has an apron made of white skin, and the strings are also of skin; though some of them chuse to ornament them with ribbons [Page 4]of various colours. On the grand days, such as quarterly communications, or general meetings, the grand officers aprons are finely decorated, and they carry the Rule and Compass, the emblems of the Order.

When they sit down to the table, the Master's place is on the east side, the bible being opened before him, with the Compass laid thereon, and the points of them covered with a lignum vitae or box Square; and the Senior and Junior Wardens opposite to him on the west and south. On the table is likewise wine, punch, &c. to regale the Brethren, who take their places according to their seniority. Being thus seated, after a few minutes, the Master proceeds to ^* open the Lodge in the following manner:

What is the chief care of a Mason?

To see that the Lodge is tyled.

Pray do your duty.

Worshipful, the Lodge is tyled.

Pray where is the Junior Deacon's place in the Lodge?

At the back of the Senior Wardens; or at his right-hand, if he permits him.

Your business there?

To carry messages from the Senior to the Junior War­den, so that they may be dispersed round the Lodge.

Pray where is the Senior Dea­con's place in the Lodge?

At the back of the Master; or at his right-hand if he permits.

Your business there?

To carry messages from the Master to the Senior Warden.

The Junior Warden's place in the Lodge.

In the south.

Why in the south?

The better to observe the sun at high meridian, to call the men off from work to refreshment, and to see that they come on in due time, that the Master may have pleasure and profit thereby.

Where is the Senior Warden's place in the Lodge?

In the west.

Your business there, Brother?

As the sun sets in the west to close the day, so the Senior. Warden stands in the west to close the Lodge, to pay the men their wages, and dismiss them from their labour.

The Master's place in the Lodge?

In the east.

His business there?

As the sun riseth in the east to open the day, so the Master stands in the east to open his Lodge, and s [...] the men to work.

This Lodge is open, in the name of holy St. John, forbidding all oursing, swearing, or whispering, and all prophane discourse whatever, under no less penalty than what the majority shall think proper.

The Master gives three knocks upon the table with a wooden hammer, and puts on his hat, the Brethren being uncovered; he then asks, if the gentleman proposed last Lodge-night is ready to be made? and on being answered in the affimative, he orders the Wardens to go out and pre­pare the person, who is generally waiting in a room at some distance from the Lodge room by himself, being left there by his friend who proposed him. He is conducted into ano­ther room, which is totally dark; and then asked, Whe­ther he is conscious of having the vocation necessary to be received? On answering yes, he is asked his name, sur­name, and profession. When he has answered these ques­tions, whatever he has about him made of metal is taken away, as buckles, buttons, rings, &c. and even the money in his pocket. ^* Then they uncover his right knee, and put his left foot with his shoe on into a slipper; ^† hood­wink him with a handkerchief, and leave him to his re­flection [Page 6]for about half an hour. The chamber is also guarded within and without by some of the Brethren who have drawn swords in their hands. The person who proposed the can­didate stays in the room with him: but they are not permitted to converse together.

During this silence, and while the candidate is preparing, the Brethren in the Lodge are putting [...]very thing in order for his reception there; such as drawing the annexed figure on the floor at the upper part of the room; which is ge­nerally done with chalk and charcoal intermixed; though some Lodges use tape and little nails to form it; which prevents any mark or stain on the floor. It is drawn cast and west. The Master stands in the east, with the Square hanging at his breast, the holy bible opened at the gospel of St. John, and three lighted tapers are placed in the form of a triangle in the midst of the drawing on the floor.

The proposer then goes and knocks three times at the door of the grand apartment, in which the ceremony is to be performed. The Master answers within by three strokes with the hammer, and the Junior Warden asks, who comes there? The candidate answers (after another who prompts him) ‘One who begs to receive part of the benefit of this Right Worshipful Lodge, dedicated to St. John, as many Brothers and Fellows have done before me.’ The doors are then opened, and the Senior and Junior Wardens, or their Assistants, receive him, one on the right, and the other on the left, and conduct him blindfolded three times ^* round the drawing on the floor, and bring him up to the foot of it, with his face to the Master, ^† the Brethren ranging themselves on each side, and making a confused noise, by striking on the attributes of the Order, which they carry in their hands. ^‡

[Page]

• A Senior Deacon, with a black Rod.
• B Past-Master, with the Sun and Compasses, and a String of Cords.
• C Senior Warden, with the Level, and a Column in his Hand.
• D Junior Deacon, with a black Rod.
• E Junior Warden, with a Column in his Hand.
• F the Secretary, with Cross Pens.
• G H I Candles. ^*

[Page] When this part of the ceremony is ended, the Master, who stands at the upper end, facing the foot or steps of the drawing on the floor, behind a low arm-chair, asks the following question, Whether you have a desire to become a Mason? and if it is of your own free will and choice? Upon which the candidate answers, Yes. "Let him see the Light." says the Master: They then take the handkerchief from his eyes, and whilst they are so doing, the Brethren form a circle round him, with their swords drawn in their hands, the points of which are presented to his breast. The ornaments borne by the officers, the glittering of the swords, and fantastic appearance of the Brethren in white aprons, creates great surprise, especially to a person, who for above an hour has been fatigued with the bandage over his eyes; and his uncertainty concerning what is further to be done for his reception, must, no doubt, throw his mind into great perplexity. ^*

The candidate is then directed to advance three times to a stool at the foot of the arm-chair; he is taught to step in a proper manner by one of the assistants. Upon the stool are placed the rule and compass; and one of the Brethren says to the candidate to this effect: ‘You are now entering into a respectable society, which is more serious and important than you imagine. It admits of nothing contrary to law, religion, or morality; nor does it allow any thing inconsistent with the allegiance due to his Majesty; the Worshipful Grand Master will inform you of the rest ^†.’

As soon as the speaker has ended his speech, he is desired to put his right knee upon the stool, which is bare, as men­tioned above ^‡, and his left foot is put into a slipper, with the shoe on, or the shoe slipped at the heel, to represent a slipper.

The candidate being in this posture, the Worshipful Grand Master addresses him to the following effect: ‘Do you promise never to tell, write, or disclose, in any man­ner whatever, the secrets of Free Masonry and Free Ma­sons, [Page]except to a Brother at the Lodge, and in the presence of the Worshipful Grand Master?’ On which the person says, "I do." His waistcoat is then unbuttoned ^*, and the point of a pair of compasses ^† placed upon his naked left breast, and he himself holds it with his left hand, his right being laid upon the gospel opened at St. John; when the following oath is administered to him, he repeating it after the Master:

[He kisses the book.]

The new made member is then taught the Sign, Grip, and Pass-word of the Entered Apprentice, which will be [Page]seen more clearly in the following lecture belonging to that part of Masonry.

He is also learnt th [...] step, or how to advance to the Master upon the drawing on the floor, which in some Lodges resem­bles the grand building, termed a Mosaic Palace, and is de­scribed with the utmost exactness. They also draw other figures, one of which is called the Laced Tuft, and the other, the Throne beset with Stars. There is also represented a per­pendicular line in the form of a Masons' instrument, com­monly called the Plumb-Line; and another figure which represents the Tomb of Hiram, the first Grand Master, who has been dead almost three thousand years. These are all explained to him in the most accurate manner, and the orna­ments or emblems of the Order are described with great fa­cility. The ceremony being now ended, the new made member is obliged to take a mop out of a pail of water brought for that purpose, and rub out the drawing on the floor, if it is done with chalk and charcoal. Then he is con­ducted back, and every thing that he was d [...]csted of is re­stored, and he takes his seat on the right hand of the Master. He also receives an apron, which he puts on, and the list of the Lodges is likewise given him.

The Brethren now congratulate the new-made member, and all return to the table to regale themselves; when the Master proposes a health to the young Brother, which is drank with the greatest applause by the whole body, the new Mason sitting all the while. After which he, instructed by a Brother, takes a bumper, and drinks ‘To the Wor­shipful Grand Master, the Senior and Junior Wardens, the rest of the Officers and Members of the Lodge, wish­ing them success in all their public and private under­takings, to Masonry in general, and that Lodge in par­ticular, craving their assistance.’ To which they answer, "they will assist him." And after he has drank, the throws his glass from him, and brings it back three times, and then sets it down on the table, the rest doing the same in exact order. This they call firing: then they clap their hands nine times divided into three, and stop between each, keeping true time.

The reader having been led thus far, it is high time to introduce the Apprentice's Lecture, which is intended not only to amuse, but likewise to instruct him in the part he is entered into. The readiness of many of the Brethren in answering the questions, adds a lustre to the Order, the members vying with each other who shall most contribute to the edification of their new Brother.

BROTHER, is their any thing between you and me?

There is, Right Worshipful.

What is it Brother, pray?

A Secret.

What is that Secret, Brother?

Masonry.

Then I presume you are a Mason?

I am so taken and excepted amongst Brothers and fellows.

Pray what sort of a man ought a Mason to be?

A man that is born of a free woman.

Where was you first prepared to be made a Mason?

In my heart.

Where was you next prepared?

In a room adjoining to the Lodge?

How was you prepared, Brother?

I was neither naked, nor clothed, bare-foot, nor shod; deprived of all Metal; bood-winked, with a cable tow about my neck, where I was led to the door of the Lodge, in a halting moving posture, by the hand of a friend, whom I af­terwards found to be a Brother.

How do you know it to be a door, you being blinded?

By finding a stoppage, and afterwards an entrance, or admittance.

How got you admittance?

By three knocks.

What was said to you within?

Who comes there?

Your answer, Brother?

One who begs to have and receive part of the bene­fit of this Right Worshipful Lodge, dedicated to St. John, as many Brothers and Fellows have done before me.

How do you expect to obtain it?

By being free born, and well reported.

What was said to you then;

Enter.

How did you enter, and upon what?

Upon the point of a sword or spear, or some warlike instrument presented to my naked lest breast.

What was said to you then?

I was asked if I felt my thing.

What was your answer?

I did, but I could see nothing.

You have told me how you was received; pray who received you?

The Junior Warden.

How did he dispose of you?

He delivered me to the Master, who ordered me to kneel down and receive the benefit of a prayer.

O LORD God, thou great and universal Mason of the World, and first builder of man, as it were a temple; be with us, O Lord, as thou has promised, when two or three are gathered together in thy name, thou wilt be in the midst of them: be with, O Lord, and bless all our undertakings, and grant that this our friend may become a faithful Brother. Let grace and peace be multiplied unto him, through the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; and grant, O Lord, as he putteth forth his hand to thy Holy Word, that he may also put forth his Hand to serve a Brother, but not to hurt himself or his Family; that wereby may be given to us great and precious Promises, that by this we may be Partakers of thy divine nature, having escaped the corruption that this is in the world through lust.

O Lord God, add to our faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge temperance, and to tem­perance prudence, and to prudence patience, and to pati­ence godliness, and to godliness brotherly love, and to brotherly love charity; and grant, O Lord, that Masonry may be blessed throughout the world, and thy peace be upon us, O Lord, and grant that we may be all united as one, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever. Amen.

After this prayer, what was said to you?

I was asked who I put my trust in?

Your answer, Brother?

In God.

What was the next thing said to you?

I was taken by the right hand, and a Brother said, rise up, and follow your leader, and fear no danger.

After all this, how was you disposed of?

I was led three times round the Lodge.

Where did you meet with the first opposition?

At the back of Junior Warden in the South, where I gave the same three knocks as at the Door?

What answer did he give you?

He said, Who comes there?

Your answer?

The same as at the door, one who begs to have and receive. &c.

Where did you meet with the second opposition?

At the back of the Senior Warden in the west, where I made the same repetition as at the door. He said, who comes here? One who begs to have and receive, &c.

Where did you meet with the third opposition?

At the back of the Master in the East, where I made the repetition as before.

What did the Master do with you?

He ordered me back to the Senior Warden in the West to receive instructions.

What where the instructions he gave you.

He taught me to take one step upon the first step of a right angle oblong square, with my left knee bare bent, my body upright, my right foot forming a square, my naked right hand upon the holy bible, with the square and compass thereon; my left hand supporting the same; where I took that solemn obligation or oath of a Mason.

Brother, can you repeat that obligation?

I will do my endeavour, with your assistance, Wor­shipful.

Stand up and begin.

Now, Brother, after you received the obligation, what was said to you?

I was asked what I most desired.

What was your answer?

To be brought to light.

Who brought you to light?

The Master and the rest of the Brethren.

When you was thus brought to light, what were the first things you saw?

The bible, square and compass.

What was it they told you they signified?

Three great lights in Masonry.

Explain them, Brother?

The bible to rule and govern our Faith; the square to square our actions; the compass to keep us within bounds with all men, particularly with a Brother.

What were the next things that were shewn to you?

Three candles, which I was told were three lesser lights in Masonry.

What do they represent?

The sun moon and Master-Mason.

Why so, Brother?

There is the sun to rule the day, the moon to rule the night, and the Master-Mason his Lodge, or at least ought so to do.

What was then done to you?

The Master took me by the right hand, and gave me the grip and word of an Entered Apprentice, and said, ri [...]e, my Brother JACHIN.

Have you got this grip and word, Brother?

I have, Right Worshipful.

Give it to your Brother.

Brother gives him the grip.

Brother says, what's this?

The grip of an Entered Apprentice.

Has it got a name?

It has.

Will you give it me?

I'll letter it with you, or halve it,

I'll halve it with you.

Begin.

No. You begin first.

JA.

CHIN.

JACHIN.

It is right, Worshipful Master.

What was the next thing that was shewn to you?

The guard or sign of an Entered Apprentice ^*.

Have you got the guard or sign of an Entered Apprentice?

After this, what was said to you?

I was ordered to be taken back, and invested with what I had been divested of; and to be brought again to re­tu [...] thanks, and to receive the benefit of a lecture, if time would permit.

After what you had been divested of was restored, what was next done to you?

I was brought to the north west corner of the Lodge, in order to return thanks.

How did you return thanks?

I stood in the north west corner of the Lodge, and, with the instruction of a Brother, I said, Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Senior and Junior Deacons, and the rest of the Brethren of this Lodge, I return you thanks for the honour you have done me in making me a Mason, and admitting me a member of this worthy society.

What was then said to you?

The Master called me up to the north east corner of the Lodge at his right hand.

Did he present you with any thing?

He presented me with an Apron, which he put on me: He told me it was a badge of innocence, more ancient than the Golden Fleece, or the Roman Eagle; more honoura­ed than than the Star and Garter, or any other order under the Sun, that could be conferred upon me at that time, or any time hereafter.

What were the next things that were shewn you?

I was set down by the Master's right hand, who shewed me the working tools of an entered apprentice.

What were they?

The 24 Inch Guage, the Square, and common Gavel or Setting Maul.

What are their uses?

The Square to square my work, the 24 Inch Guage to measure my work, the common Gaval to knock off all super­fluous matter, whereby the Square may fit easy and just.

Brother, as we are not all working Masons, we apply them to our morals, which we call spiritualizing: Explain them.

The 24 Inch Guage represents the 24 hours of the day.

How do you spend them, Brother?

Six hours to work in, six hours to serve God, and six to serve a friend or a brother, as far as lies in my power, with­out being detrimental to myself or family.

I come now to the entered apprentice's reasons; but as the ceremony of drinking healths among the Masons takes up much of their time, we must stop a little, in order to in­troduce [Page]some of them. The first is, ‘To the Heart that conceals, and the tongue that never reveals;" Then "the King and Royal Family;" and, "To all Brethren where­soever dispersed ^*.’ The pleasures they enjoy, purity of their sentiments, and the uniformity that always reign in their Assemblies, is far from being tiresome or insipid. I next pro­ceed to the

WHY was you neither naked nor clothed, bare­footed nor shod, with a cable-tow (or halter) about your neck?

If I had recanted, and ran out in the street, the peo­ple would have said I was mad; but if a brother had seen me, he would have brought me back, and seen me done justice by.

Why was you hood-winked?

That my heart may conceal before my eyes did dis­cover.

The second reason, Brother?

As I was in darkness at that time, I should keep all the world in darkness.

Why was you deprived of all metal?

That I should bring nothing offensive or defensive in the Lodge.

Give me the second season brother?

As I was poor and pennyless when I was made a Ma­son, it informed me that I should assist all poor and pennyless, brethren as far as lay in my power.

Brother, you told me you gave three distinct knocks at the door: Pray what do they signify?

A certain text in scripture.

What is that text?

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

How do you apply this text in Masonry?

I sought in my mind; I asked of my friend; I knocked and the door of Masonry became open unto me.

Why had you a sword, spear, or some other war­like instrument presented to your naked left breast parti­cularly?

Because the left breast is the nearest the heart, that it might be the more a prick to my conscience, as it pricked my flesh at that time.

Why was you led three times round the Lodge?

That all the Brethern might see I was duly prepared.

When you was made an Apprentice, why was your left knee bare bent?

Because the left knee is the weakest part of my body, and an Entered Apprentice is the weakest part of Masonry, into which degree I was then entering.

BROTHER, pray what makes a Lodge?

Right Worshipful, a certain number of Masons met together to work.

Pray what number makes a Lodge?

Three, five, seven, or eleven.

Why do three make a Lodge?

Because there were three Grand Masons in the build­ing of the world, and also that noble piece of Architecture, man; which are so complete in proportion, that the Ancients began their Architecture by the same Rules.

The second reason, Brother?

There were three Grand Masons at the building of Solomon's Temple.

Why do five make a Lodge?

Because every man is endowed with five senses.

What are the five senses?

Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, and feeling.

What use are those five senses to you in Masonry?

Three are of great use to me, viz. hearing, seeing, and feeling.

What use are they, Brother?

Hearing is to hear the word; seeing is to see the sign; feeling is to feel thee grip, that I may know a Bro­ther as well in the dark as in the light.

Why should seven make a Lodge?

Because there are seven Liberal Sciences.

Will you name them, Brother?

Grammer, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy.

Brother, what do these Sciences teach you?

Grammar teaches me the art of writing and speak­ing the Language tught me according to the first, second, and third Concord.

What doth rhetoric teach you?

The art of speaking upon any topic whatsoever.

What doth logic teach you?

The art of reasoning well, whereby you may find out truth from falschood.

What doth arithmetic teach you?

The use of numbers.

What doth geometry teach you?

The art of measuring, whereby the Egyptians found out their own land, or the lame quantity which they had be­fore the overflowing of the River Nile, that frequently used to water their country, at which time they fled to the moun­tains till it went off again, and this made them have continual quarrels about their lands.

What doth music teach you, Brother?

The virtue of sounds,

What doth astronomy teach you?

The knowledge of the heavenly bodies.

Why should eleven make a Lodge, Brother?

There were eleven Patriarchs when Joseph was fold into Egypt, and supposed to be loft.

The second reason, Brother?

There were but eleven apostles when Judas betrayed Christ.

What form is your Lodge?

An oblong square.

How long, Brother?

From east to west.

How wide, Brother?

Between north and south?

How high, Brother?

From the earth to the heavens.

How deep, Brother?

From the surface of the earth to the center.

Why is your Lodge said to be from the surface to the center of the earth?

Because that Masonry is universal.

Why is your Lodge situate east and West?

Because all churches or chapels are or ought to be so.

Why so, Brother?

Because the gospel was first preached in the east, and extended itself to the west.

What supports your Lodge?

Three great pillars.

What are their names?

Wisdom, strength, and Beauty.

Who doth the pillar of wisdom represent?

The Master in the east.

Who doth the Pillar of beauty represent?

The Junior Warden in the South.

Why should the Master represent the Pillar of Wisdom?

Because he gives Instructions to the Crafts to carry on their work in a proper manner, with good harmony.

Why should the Senior Warden represent the Pillar of Strength?

As the sun sets to finish the day, so the Senior Warden stands in the west to pay the hirelings their wages, which is the strength and support of all business.

Why should the Junior Warden represent the Pillar of Beauty?

Because he stands in the south at high twelve at noon, which is the beauty of the day, to call the men off from work to refreshment, and to see that they come on again in due time, that the Master may have pleasure and profit therein.

Why is it said that your Lodge is supported by those three great Pillars, Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty?

Because Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty is the Fi­nisher of all Works, and nothing can be carried on without them.

Why so, Brother?

Because there is wisdom to contrive, strength to sup­port, and beauty to adorn.

Had you any covering to your Lodge?

Yes, a clouded canopy of divers colours.

How blows a Mason's wind, Brother?

Due east and west.

What is it o'Clock, Brother?

High Twelve.

Call the men off from work to refreshment, and see that they come on again in due time.

While this song is singing, they all stand round the table, and when they come to the last verse they join hands cross­ways in the following manner: the right hand man takes hold of the left hand of his neighbour with his right hand: and the left hand man takes hold of the right hand of his next Brother with his left hand, so as to form a chain by so many links, and all join in the chorus, jumping violently with their feet on the floor, and shaking their hands up and down, linked together as above, keeping exact time with both.

Every one now talks of what he pleases; and as it is gene­rally half an hour before they proceed to business, those who perhaps have ordered a supper retire into another room; [Page]but before they are permited, the Master proceeds to call the [...] off from work, as it is termed, which is done in this manner: the Master whispers to the Senior Deacon, who sits on his right hand, and says, "It is high time to call the men from work to refresh themselves:" The Senior Deacon whispers it to the Senior Warden; and it is communicated from him to the Junior Deacon, who carries it to the Junior Warden; he preclaims it openly to the Lodge, and sets his column up­right ^*, and the Senior Warden lays his down, which signi­fies that the Junior Warden is intrusted with the care of the Lodge, while the Brethren refresh themselves.

In this place it will be necessary to acquaint the reader how he may discover an Entered Apprentice by drinking with him in company. Take the glass with your right hand, and draw it across your throat, either before or after you drink; and if an Apprentice is present, he will imme­diately take notice of it, by asking you some question in Masonry, which you will readily answer from this book. If he asks you the meaning of your doing that, you may whisper to him, that it is the penalty of the Obligation of an Entered Apprentice. From this answer he will proceed farther in his Inquiry.

The Brethern having now regaled themselves, they take their seats, and the master proceeds to set them on again, which is performed in the same manner as the calling off; with this difference, the Warden proclaims, ‘It is our Worshipful Master's pleasure that this Lodge is called from refreshment to work.’ The Junior Warden lays down his Column, and the Senior sets his up. But as it often happens, that the time will not permit for the Fellow-Craft's Lecture, they close the Lodge, which is done after the same manner as that of opening. The Senior Warden declares it in the following words: ‘It is our Master's will and pleasure, that this Lodge stand closed till the first or third Wednesday in the next month,’ according to the night the Lodge is held. Then the Master, Wardens, Deacons, Secretary, &c. take off the Ensigns and Orna­ments from their necks, and every one is at liberty to de­part or stay longer; every thing of Masonry is excluded; they talk of what they please, and sing various songs for their amusement.

I shall now proceed to the second degree of Masonry, cal­led the Fellow-Craft's: that is, one who has served his time justly and lawfully as an Entered Apprentice, and desires to [Page] [...] perfect in Masonry, by being admitted a Fel­low-Craft. But in most Lodges at this time, they are made entered apprentices and Fellow-Craft the same evening. The ceremony is the same, though they have different lectures, pass­word, and grip belonging to each.

BROTHER, are you a Fellow-Craft?

I am. Try me, prove me.

Where was you made a Fellow-Craft?

In a just and lawful Lodge.

How was you prepared to be made a Fellow-Craft?

I was neither naked nor cloathed, bare-foot, nor shod; in a halting moving posture; deprived of all metal, I was led to the door of the Lodge by the hand of a brother.

How got you Admittance?

By three distinct knocks.

What was said to you within?

Who comes there?

Your answer, Brother?

One who has served his time justly and lawfully as an Entered Apprentice, and now begs to become more perfect in Masonry by being admitted a Fellow-Craft.

How do you expect to attain to this degree?

By the benefit of a pass-word?

Have you got that pass-word?

I have.

Give it me, Brother?

SHIBBOLETH ^*.

What did he then say to you?

Pass, Shibboleth.

What became of you then?

I was led twice round the Lodge.

Where did you meet with the first Opposition?

At the back of the Senior Warden.

Where did you meet with the second Opposition?

At the back of the Master, where I repeated the same as before.

What did he do with you?

He ordered me back to the Senior Warden to receive instructions.

What instructions did he give you?

He taught me to shew the Master my due guard, and to take two steps upon the second step of a right an­gled oblong square, with my right knee bent bare, my [Page]left foot forming a square, my body upright, my right hand on the Holy Bible, my let arm supported by the points or the compasses, forming a square, where I took the obligation of a Fellow-Craft.

Have you got that obligation, Brother?

I have, Right Worshipful.

Can you repeat it.

I'll do my endeavour, Right Worshipful, with your Assistance.

Pray stand up, and let the Brethren hear it.

The Obligation of a Fellow-Craft.

‘I— A. B. of my own free will and accord, and in the presence of Almighty God, and this Right Worshipful Lodge, dedicated to St. John, do hereby swear, that I will always hale, conceal, and never reveal, that part of a Fellow-Craft to an Entered Apprentice, or either of them, except it be in a true and lawful Lodge of Crafts, him or them whom I shall find to be such, after just trial and examination. I do furthermore swear, that I will answer all signs and summonses sent to me from a Lodge of Crafts, within the length of a cable-tow ^*. I also swear, that I will not wrong a Brother, nor see him wronged, but give him timely notice of all approaching dangers whatsoever, as far as in me is. I will also serve a Brother as much as lies in my power, without being detrimental to myself or family: and I will keep all my Brother's secrets as my own, that shall be delivered to me as such, murder and treason excepted. All this I swear, with a firm and steady resolution to perform the same, without any equivocation or hesitation in me what­soever, under no less penalty than to have my heart torn from my naked left breast, and given to the vultures of the air as a prey. So help me God, and keep me stedfast in this my Fellow-Craft's obligation.’ [Kisses the Book.]

Thank you, Brother.—After you received this obliga­tion, pray what was shewn to you?

The sign of a Fellow-Craft.

Pray give it me.

I will, Right Worshipful.

What was the next thing done to you?

He took me by the right hand, and gave me the grip and word of a Fellow-Craft, and the pass grip ^†.

What did they then to you?

He took me by the right hand, and said, rise, Brother Boaz.

What followed after that. Brother?

He ordered me back, when every thing I had been divested of was restored, and I was brought in again in order to return thanks ^*

Being thus admitted, Brother, did you ever work as a Craft?

Yes, Right Worshipful, in building the Temple.

Where did you receive your wages?

In the Middle Chamber.

When you came to the door of the Middle Chamber, pray who did see you?

A Warden.

What did he demand of you?

The pass-word of a Fellow-Craft.

Did you give it him?

I did, Right Worshipful.

Pray what is it?

SHIBBOLETH.

How got you to the Middle Chamber?

Through the porch.

Did you see any thing worth your notice?

I did, Right Worshipful.

What was it?

Two fine brass pillars.

What are their names?

JACHIN and BOAZ.

How high were these pillars?

Thirty-five Cubits, with a Chapiter Five Cubits ^†, which made it forty in the whole.

What were they ornamented with, Brother?

Two chapiters, each five cubits in height.

What were they adorned with besides?

Lilly-work, Net-work, and Pomegranates.

Were they hollow, Brother?

Yes, Right Worshipful.

How thick was the outside coat?

Four Inches

Where were they cast?

On the plain of J [...]don. between [...] in a clay ground, where all S. L [...]mon [...], holy vessels were cast.

Who cast them. Brother?

H [...]ra [...] A [...]st, th [...] [...]idow's son.

This generally finishes the Fellow-Craft's lecture, and very few Lodges go so far in their questions and answers: there­fore, in order to enliven the company, the Master asks some good singer to favour them with the following song, which I have heard sung with great energy and rapture throughout the Lodge; every Brother bearing a part in the chorus.

In company the Fellow-Craft takes the pot or glass, and d [...]ws it across his left breast, and touches it; the penalty being this, that he would sooner have his heart torn from his left breast, and given to the fowls of the air, than discover the secrets of Masonry. Sometimes this is done with the right hand only, as it is less taken Notice of by Strangers.

Having given the Entered Apprentice and Fellow-Craft's part, I now proceed to the third and last degree of Masonry, which is termed the Master's part, it being performed in the same manner as the other two, viz. by way of question and answer, and is as follows:

BROTHER, where have you been?

In the west.

And where are you going?

To the east.

Why do you leave the west, and go to the east?

Because the Light of the gospel was first shewn in the east?

What are you going to do in the east?

To seek for a Lodge of Masters.

Then you are a Master Mason, I presume?

I am so taken and accepted among Masters?

Where was you made Master?

In a Lodge of Masters.

How was you prepared to be made Master?

My s [...]es were taken off my feet, my arms and breast were naked, and I was deprived of all metal. In this manner I was led to the door of the Lodge ^*.

How got you addmittance?

By three distinct knocks.

What was then said to you from within?

Who comes there?

Your answer, Brother?

One who hath lawfully and truly served his time as an Entered Apprentice and Fellow-Craft, and now begs to attain the last and most honourable degree of Masonry, by being admitted a Master.

How do you expect to attain it?

By the benefit of a pass-word.

Can you give me that word, Brother?

I can and will, Right Worshipful.

Pray give it me then.

TUBAL CAIN ^†.

What was then said to you?

Enter TUBAL CAIN.

How was you disposed of?

I was led round the Lodge.

Where did you meet with the first opposition?

At the back of the Master.

What did he demand of you?

The same as at the door.

How did he dispose of you?

He ordered me back to the Senior Warden in the west, to receive proper instructions.

What were those instructions, Brother?

He instructed me as I stood in the west, first, To shew the Master in the east the due guard or sign of an Entered Apprentice, and take one step upon the first step of the right angle of an oblong square, with my left foot [Page]forming a square. S [...] [...], to make two steps upon the [...]one oblong square, and to shew the sign of a Fellow-Craft. [...]. I was taught to take two steps upon the fame oblong square, with both my knees bent, and bare; my body upright, my right hand upon the holy bible, both points of a pai [...] of compasses being pointed to my right and left breast, where I took the solemn oath of obligation of a Master-Mason.

Brother, can you remember the obligation you speak of?

I'll do my endeavour, Right Worshipful with your Assistance.

Pray stand up, and begin.

‘I A. B. of my own fice will and accord, and in the presence of Almighty God and this Right Worshipful Lodge, dedicated to holy St. John, do hereby and hereon most solemnly and sincerely swear, that I will always hale, conceal, and never reveal, this part of a Master Mason to a Fellow-Craft, any more than that of a Fellow-Craft to an Apprentice, or any of them to the rest of the world, except in a true and lawful Lodge of Masters, him or them whom I shall find to be such, after a just trial and exami­nation.—I furthermore do swear, that I will attend all Summonses sent to me from a Lodge of Masters, if within the length of a cable-tow.—I will also keep all my Bro­thers secrets as my own, treason and murder excepted, and that at my own free will.—I will not wrong a Bro­ther, or see him wronged, but give him notice of all Dan­ger, as far as in my power lies.—And I also swear, that I will confirm myself to all the laws and institutions of this Lodge.—All this I swear, with a firm and fixed Reso­lution to perform the same, under no less penalty than to have my body severed in two; the one part carried to the south, the other to the north; my Bowels burn to ashes, and the ashes to be scattered to the four winds of the heavens that no further remembrance of such a vile Wretch may exist among men (and in particular Masons.) so help me God, and keep me stedfast in this my Master's obligation.’

Thank you, Brother.—Pray what was shewn you after you had received this obligation?

One of the Master's signs.

Has it got a name?

It has, Right Worshipful.

Will you give [...]t me?

JACHIN.

Will you be of or from?

From.

From what Brother?

From an Entered Apprentice to a Fellow-Craft.

Pai [...]. Brother.

What was do [...] to you after that?

He took me by the grip of a Fellow-Craft, and said, What's his?

Your answer. Brother?

The grip of a Fellow-Craft.

His it got a name?

It has.

Wi [...] you give it me?

BOAZ.

What was then said to you?

Rise up, Brother BOAZ.

Brother, what followed?

He told me I represented one of the greatest men in the world, viz. our Grand Master Hiram, who was killed just at the finishing of the temple; and the manner of his death is thus related:

"There were orginally fifteen Fellow-Crafts, who per­ceiving the temple almost finished, and not having received the Master's word, they grew impatient, and agreed to extort it from their Master Hiram the first opportunity they could find of meeting him alone, that they might pass for Master's in other countries, and receive the wages or profits of Mas­ters; but before they could accomplish their scheme, twelve of them recanted; the other three were obstinate, and deter­mined to have it by Force, if no other way could be found: their names were, Jubela, Jubelo and Jubelum.

"It being always the Custom of Hiram, at twelve at noon, as soon as the men were called off to refresh them­selves, to go into the Sanctum Sanctorum, or holy of holies, to pay his devotion to the true and living God, the three assassins above-mentioned placed themselves at the east, west, and south doors of the temple. At the north there was no entrance, because the rays of the sun never dart from that point.

" Hiram, having finished his prayer to the Lord, came to the east door, which he found guarded by Jubela, who demanded the Master's grip in a resolute manner; he re­ceived for answer from Hiram, that it was not customary [Page] [...]a [...]k it in such a strain: that he himself did not receive it so [...] [...]dding, that he must wait, and time and patience would bring it about. He told him farther, that it was not in his power alone to reveal it, except in the presence of [...] king of Israel, and Hiram king of Tyre. Jubela being dissatisfied with this answer, struck him a cross the [...] with a twenty-four inch gauge. Hiram upon this [...] fl [...]w to the south door of the temple, where he was [...] who asked [...]im the Master's grip and word [...] Jubela had done before; and on receiving [...] from his Master, he gave him a violent blow [...] a square upon his left brest, which made him reel. upon recovering his strength, he ran to the west door, the only w [...] left him of escaping; and on being interrogated by Jubelum to the same purport, who guarded that passage, ( [...]o whom he replied as at first) he received a terrible fracture upon his head with a gavel ^* or setting Maul, which oc­casioned his death. After this they carried his body out at the west door ^†, and hid it under some Rubbish till twelve [Page]o'Clock the new night, when they met by agreement, and huned him on the side of a hill, in a grave six feet per­pendicular, dug due east and west.

After you was thus knocked down, what was said to you then?

I was told I represented one of the greatest men in the world lying dead, viz. our grand master Hiram.

Thank you, brother.—Pray go on.

As I lay on my back, the master informed me how Hiram was found; and by what means the three ruffians were discovered, as follows:

"Our master Hiram not coming to view the workmen as usual, king Solomon caused strict search to be made; but this proving ineffectual, he was supposed to be dead. The twelve fellow-crafts who recanted, hearing the report, their consciences priching them, went to Solomon with white aprons and gloves, c [...]lems of their innocence, and in­forming him of every thing relative to the affair, as far as they knew, and offered their assistance in order to discover the three other Fellow-Crafts, who had absconded. They separated, and divided themselves into four parties; three east, west, north and south, in quest of the murderers. As one of the twelve was travelling on the sea-side, near Joppa, being fatigued, he sat down to refresh himself: but was soon alarmed by the following hideous exclamations from the cliff of a rock: ‘Oh! that my throat had been cut across, my tongue torn out by the root, and buried in the sands of the sea at low-water mark, a cable's length from the shore, where the tide ebbs and flows twice in twenty-four hours, e'er I had consented to the death of our Grand Master Hiram!"—"Oh! (says another) that my heart had been torn from under my naked left breast, and given a prey to the vultures of the air, rather than I had been concerned in the death of so good a Master!" But (says a third) I struck him harder than you both; 'twas I that killed him. Oh! that my body had been sever­ed in two, and scattered to the south and north; my bow­els burnt to ashes in the south, and scattered between the four winds of the earth, ere I had been the cause of the death of our good Master Hiram!’ The Fellow-Craft bearing this, went in quest of his two afs;sociates, and they entered the cliff of the rock, took and bound them fast, and brought them to king Solomon, before whom they voluntarily confessed their guilt, and begged to die. The sentence passed on them was the same as they expressed in their lamentation in the cliff; Jubela's throat was cut across; Jubela's heart was [Page 32]torn from under his left breast; and Jubelam's body was sever­ed in two, and scattered in the south and north.

"When the execution was over, king Solomon sent for the twelve Crafts, and desired them to take the body of Hiram up, in order that it might be interred in a solemn manner in the Sanctum Sanctorum; he also told them, that if they could not find a key-word about him, it was lost; for there were only three in the world to whom it was known; and unless they were present it could not be delivered, Hiram being dead it consequently was lost. However, as Solomon ordered, they went and cleared the rubbish, and found their Master in a mangled condition, having lain fifteen days; upon which they lifted up their hands above their heads in astonishment, and said, O Lord, my God! This being the first word and sign, king Solomon adopted it as the grand sign of a Master Mason, and it is used at this day in all the Lodges of Masters.

Brother, when Hiram was thus found dead, how was he raised?

By the five points of fellowship.

What are these five points of fellowship?

He was taken by the Entered Apprentice's grip, and the skin slipped off. Then he was taken by the Fellow-Craft's grip, which also slipped off; and lastly, by the Master's grip. ^*

Brother, it appears you could not have been raised but by the five points of fellowship. Pray explain them.

Hand in hand signifies that I will always put forth my hand to serve a Brother as far as in my power lies.— Foot to foot, that I never will be afraid to go a foot out of my way to serve a Brother.—Knee to knee, that when I pray, I should never forget my Brother's welfare.—Breast to breast, to shew I will keep my Brother's secrets as my own.— The left hand supporting the back, that I will always support a Brother, as far as I can, without being detrimental to my own family.

Thank you Brother.—But pray, why was you de­prived of all metal?

Because there was neither axe, hammer, nor found of any metal tool heard in the building the temple of Solomon.

Why so, Brother?

Because it should not be polluted.

How is it possible, Brother, that such a large build­ing should be carried on without the use or sound of some metal tool?

It was prepared in the forest of Lebanon. and brought down upon proper carriages, and set up with wooden mauls made on purpose for the occasion.

Why were both your shoes taken off from your feet?

Because the place I stood on, when I was made a Mason, was holy ground.

What supports our Lodge?

Three Pillars.

Pray what are their names, Brother?

Wildom, strength and beauty.

What do they represent?

Three grand Masters; Solomon king of Isreal; Hiram, king of Tyre; and Hiram Abiff, who was killed by the three Fellow-Crafts.

Were these three Grand Masters concerned in the building of Solomons temple?

They were.

What was their business?

Solomon found provisions and money to pay the Work­men; Hiram, king of Tyre provided materials for the build­ing; and Hiram Abiff performed or superintended the work.

The form observed at the inftalment of a Master, and the other Officers, on St. John's day.

THE year being expired, a proper person is fixed on by the Members of every Lodge to preside over and govern the societies in the capacity of Master. The Qualifications for this office are, 1st, that he must be regularly and lawfully raised: 2dly, He ought to be a man of good character, and irreproachable in his private conduct: 3dly, He must be well versed in the laws and constitutions of the order, and ought to be temperate, cool, and quite perfect in going through the before-mentioned lectures, as all the questions are put by him, and he is often obliged to assist the brethern in making the proper answers ^*; for every Mason sitting round the table answers in his turn, in the same manner as boys at church saying the catechism. This is termed Working. For Instance; [Page]Suppose a Brother meets another, and asks him if he was at his Lodge last night? He says, yes. Well, replied the other, did you work? that is, did you go through the several ques­tions and answers in any of the lectures?—If any member cannot, or does not chuse to work, when the question is put, and it comes to his turn, he gets up, and clapping his hand on his breast, addresses himself to the Master, and begs to be excused; then the left hand man answers in his room.

The Brethren having chose a proper man for this office, and he being approved of by the Grand Master, they proceed to the installing him as follows: he kneels down in the south part of the Lodge, and the la [...]e Master gives him the following obligation before he resigns the chair, which he repeats:

‘I— A. B. of my own free will and consent, in the pre­sence of Almighty God, and this Right Worshipful Lodge, dedicated to St. John, do most solemnly and sincerely swear, that I will not deliver the word and grip belonging to the chair whilst I am Master, or at any time hereafter, except it be to a Master in the chair, or a Past-Master, him or them whom I shall find to be such, after a due trial and examina­tion. — [...] also swear, that I will act as Master of this Lodge till n [...] St. John's day, and fill the chair every Lodge, night, [...]f I am within the length of my table-tow.—I likewise further promise, that I will not wrong this Lodge, but act in every respect for the good of Masonry, by be­having myself agreeable to the rest of the Brethren; and maintaining good order and regularity in this Lodge, as far as lies in my power. All this I swear, with a firm and steadfast resolution to perform the same, under no less than the four following penalties: My throat cut across, my tongue torn out, my heart torn from my left breast, and my body severed in two. So help me God, and assist me in this my obligation belonging to the chair..’ [Kisses the book.]

The Past Master raises him up, and takes off the jewels and ribbon from his own neck, and puts it on the new Master, taking him at the same time by the Master's grip, and whisper­ing in his ear the word CHIBBELUM ^*; after which he slips his hand from the Master's grip to the elbow, and presses his nails in, as is done in the grip of the Master under the wrist.

[Page] The Senior and Junior Warden, Secretary, &c. receive the obligation as the master, except the grip and word; there being none peculiar to them.

Having now gone through the several degrees and lectures belonging to the Entered Apprentice, Fellow-Craft, Master, and the manner of instalment, I shall close the work with a few general directions, dividing them under the following heads:

I. A description of the ornaments worn by the different effects when assembled in the Lodge, and their proper places of sitting.

The MASTER, who sits in the cast of the lodge, has the rule and compass, and the square hanging to a ribbon round his neck, and a black rod in his hand, when he opens the lodge, near seven feet high.

The SENIOR WARDEN, sits in the west, with a level hanging by a ribbon round his neck, and a column placed on the table about twenty-nine inches long.

The JUNIOR WARDEN's place is in the south, with the plumb rule hanging by a ribbon from his neck, and a column in his hand.

The SECRETARY wears the cross-pens, hanging in the same manner.

The Senior and Junior DEACONS have each a black rod, with the compass hanging round their necks; the Senior sits at the back of the Master, or at his right hand; the Junior at the Senior Warden's right hand.

The PAST-MASTER has the compasses and sun, with a line of cords about his neck.

The TREASURER has a key hanging from his neck.

II. The manner of giving the signs of each degree, and the word belonging to it, with the Fellow-Craft and Master's Clap.

The Master's Sign, Grip, and Word, &c.

The sign. Draw the right hand edgeways across your belly, which is the penalty of the obligation.

The Grip. Take hold of the right hand of your brother with your right hand, and press the four finger nails hard under the wrist of his right hand; put your right foot to his right foot: your right knee to his right knee; and his right breast to yours, with your left hand supporting his back.

The word is MAHABONE; or, in some Lodges, MAC­BENACH.

The pass-word is TUBAL-CAIN.

[Page] [...] mayer's [...], is by holding bo [...] your na [...]s above your head, and striking them down at once upon your apron, both feet keeping time. They assign two rea­sons for this sign, viz. when the twelve Fellow-Crafts saw ther Master he dead, they lifted up their hands in surprize, and said, O Lord our God! and that when Solomon dedicated the temple to the Lord, he stood up, and lifting up both his hands, exclaimed, O Lord my God, great art thou above all Gods.

The Fellow-Craft's sign, grip, word, and clap.

Sign. Put your right hand to your left breast, keeping your thumb square, and your left hand upright, forming a square.

The pass-grip, is by putting the thumb nail of your right hand between the first and second joint of a Brother's right hand.

The pass-word is SHIBBOLETH.

The grip is the same as the pass-grip, except pressing your thumb nail on the second joint instead of between the first and second.

The word is BOAZ.

The Fellow-Craft's clap is by forming the sign of a Craft as above, holding your left hand square and upright; then clap your right and left hands together; and afterwards strike your left breast with your right hand, and from thence give a slap on your apron, your right foot going at the same time.

The Entered Apprentice's sign, grip, and word.

The sign. Draw your hand across your throat edgeways. the penalty of the obligation being this, that an Appientice would sooner have his throat cut than discover the secrets of Masonry.

The grip. Take a Brother with your right hand, and press hard with your thumb nail upon the first joint of the fore­finger of his right hand.

The word. Whisper in his ear JACHIN.

The Master kneels upon both knees in the ceremony of making.

The Craft kneels with the right knee.

The Apprentice with the left knee.

III. The form observed in drinking.

The table being plentifully stored with wine and punch, &c. every man his a glass set before him, and fills it with [Page]what he chooses, and as often as he pleases. But he [...] drink his glass in turn, or at least keep the motion with the rest. When therefore a public health is given, the Master fills first, and desires the Brethern to charge their glasses: and when this is supposed to be done, the Master says, Brethern, are you all charged? The Senior and Junior Wardens answer, We are all charged in the south and west. Then they all stand up, and observing the Master's motion, (like the soldier his right hand man) drink their glasses off; and if the Master proposes the heath or toast with three times three claps, they throw the glasses with the right hand at full length, bringing them across their throats three times, and making three motions to put them down on the table; at the third they are set down, (though perhaps fifty in number) as if it was but one: then raising their hands breast high, they clap nine times against the right, divided into three divisions, which is termed Drinking with three times three, and at the end they give a huzza.

Having at length gone through my plan, I have nothing further to add than this, that the following is the best method for a stranger to gain admittance, being what I have often tried in many places, in order to be fully satisfied.

As soon as you come to the door of the Lodge, you will find the Tyler on the outside, with a drawn sword in his hand, and a white apron on. Ask him if there is a full Lodge? And tell him you should be glad of admittance as a visiting member; taking care to provide yourself with a white leather apron, which you may shew him as if by ac­cident. He will, perhaps, ask you what degree you are of, and desire a sign, which you may shew him with Readiness, and likewise inform him what Lodge you belong to.

It being contrary to the Rules of the society that the Tyler should admit a stranger, he will go in, and acquaint the Master, that such a person (mentioning your name, and the Lodge you told him you belonged to) craves admittance, upon which one of the Wardens will come out to examine you, draw your right hand across your throat edgeways, and he will say, "Whats that?" Your answer must be "The due guard of an Apprentice." Then he will take you by the first joint of the thumb of your right hand, and press it hand with the thumb-nail of the right hand, and ask, "What's this?"—You must immediately answer, "The grip of an Entered Apprentice."—If he is not fully satisfied with this, he will go further on in this manner.

Ques. Has it got a name?—You must answer, "It has." Then he will ask you to give it him.

[Page] [...]

Mason. CHIN. Ans. JACHIN.

Ques. Will you be of or from? Ans From.

Ques. From what? Ans. From an Entered Apprentice to a Fellow-Craft. He will then shift his thumb from the Ap­prentice's grip towards the Fellow-Craft's, and ask. What's this? Ans. The pass-word of a Fellow-Craft. Give it me, says he. Whisper in his car SHIBBOLETH. On this he will pat his thumb to the second joint, and say. What's this? Ans. The grip of a Fellow-Craft. Has it a name? says he. Ans. It has. Prav give it me. Ans. I will letter it or halve [...] with you. Mason, I'll letter it with you. Ans. Begin. Mason. No. you begin. Ans. B. Mason, O. Ans. A. Mason, [...] Ans. BOAZ.

What I have here offered being more than sufficient, you will be admitted, and you must put your apron on, and take [...] sear. If there should be a making that night, you will be perfect in the first principles, and know more than one in ten who have been Malous many years, and have never read this book.

If you should, after this, chuse to go to a Lodge of Masters, the ceremony is the same as above; but you are interrogated as to the grip, pass-grip, and word of a Master, which you cannot fail of answering by reading the Master's part before mentioned. In all this you must take care not to betray any fear, but put on an air of assurance.

The ceremony observed at the Free-Masons sunerals, according to ancient custom.

No Mason can be interred with the formalities of the Order, unless by his own especial request, communicated to the Master of the lodge of which he died a member: nor unless he had been advanced to the third degree of Masonry.

The Master of the lodge, on receiving intelligence of his death, and being made acquainted with the day and hour appointed for his funeral, is to issue his commands for sum­moning the lodge; and immediately to make application, by the grand Secretaty, to the deputary Grand Master, for a legal power and authority to attend the procession, with his officers and such Brethern as he may approve of, properly clothed.

The dispensation being obtained, the Master may invite as many Lodges as he thinks proper, and the members of the said Lodges many accompany their officers in form; but the whole ceremony must be under the direction of the Master of the lodge to which the deceased belonged; and he, and his officers must be duly honoured and chearfully obeyed on the occasion.

[Page] An the [...] who walk in procemon, [...], as much as possible, and uniformity in their dress. Decent mourning, with white steekings, gloves, and aprons is most sailable and becoming. No person ought to be distin­guished with a jewel, unless he is an officer of one of the Lodges united to attend in form, and the officers of such Lodges should be ornamented with white fashes and [...] ­bands: as alto the officers of the Lodge to whom the dis­pensation is granted, who should likewise be distinguished with white rods.

In the procession to the place of interment, the different Lodges rank according to their semority; the junior ones preceding. Each Lodge forms one division, and the follow­ing order is observed.

The Tyler with his sword; The Stewards with white rods; The Brethren out of office, two and two; The Secretary with a roll; The Treasurer with his badge of office; Senior and Junior Wardens, hand in hand; The Past-Master, The Master. The Lodge to which the deceased Brother belonged, in the following order; all the members having flowers or herbs in their hands. The Tyler; The Stewards; The music [drums muffled, and trumpets covered;] The members of the Lodge; The Secretary and Treasurer; The Senior and Junior Wardens; The Past-Master. The bible and book of constitutions on a cushion, covered with black cloth, carried by a member of the Lodge: The MASTER. The Choristers singing an anthem. The Clergyman: Pall bearers, The BODY, with the regalia plac­ed thereon, and two swords crossed. Pall bearers, Chief Mourner; Assistant Mourners; Two Stewards; A Tyler.

[Page] One or two Lodges [...]ch, before the procession begans to the church-yard, to prevent confusion, and make the neces­sary preparations. The Brethren are on no account to desert then ranks or change their places, but keep in their different departments. When the procession arrives at the g [...]e of the church-yard, the Lodge to which the deceased Brother be­longed, and all the rest of the Brethren, must na [...], till the members of the different Lodges have formed a perfect cu [...]e round the grave, when an opening is made to receive them. They then march up to the grave; and the Clergyman, and the officers of the acting Lodge, taking their station at the head of the grave: with the Choristers on each side, and the Mourners at the foot, the service is rehe [...]r [...]ed, an anthem sung, and that particular part of the ceremony is conc [...]ded with the usual forms. In returning from the funeral, the same order of procession is to be observed.

This is the whole of Masonry in all its branches; and I defy any Mason to prove the contrary, being ready to answer any question proposed, which must be carefully sealed up, and directed for R. S. to be left with my publisher, mention­ing the name and residence of every person desiring any farther information. And as to any annonymous letters or threatnings on account of this publication, they will be treated with contempt, let them come from what quarter they will. I also declare, that I will always attend and visit at the Lodges mentioned in the introduction, or any others as I have done for some years past.