Masonic Monitor of the Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason Part 4

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 pa.s.sions, 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 circ.u.mscribed 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 friends.h.i.+p among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.

Relief.--To relieve the distressed is a duty inc.u.mbent 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 compa.s.sionate their miseries and to restore peace to their troubled minds, is the great aim we have in view. On this basis we form our friends.h.i.+ps 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 ill.u.s.trated by the four cardinal virtues: Fort.i.tude, Prudence, Temperance and Justice.

Fort.i.tude is that n.o.ble 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 pa.s.sions 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 const.i.tutes 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 * * *

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Chalk, Charcoal and Clay.

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 hara.s.sed, 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 pa.s.s through the "dark valley of the shadow of death" she once more receives us, and piously covers our remains within her bosom, thus admonis.h.i.+ng 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 inst.i.tution 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 a.s.semblies.

There are three great duties which as a Mason you are charged to inculcate: To G.o.d, to your neighbor and to yourself. To G.o.d, 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 inst.i.tution 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 inst.i.tution may be firmly established, and the world at large be convinced of its good effects.

Charge to a Soldier.

Brother: Our inst.i.tution 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 subst.i.tuted. 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 inst.i.tution 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 n.o.ble fraternity, remember that he is your brother.

FELLOW CRAFT.

First Section--Reception.

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Thus he shewed me: and behold the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumb-line, with a plumb-line in His hand.

And the Lord said unto me: Amos, what seest thou? and I said, A plumb-line. Then said the Lord: Behold, I will set a plumb-line in the midst of my people Israel;

I will not again pa.s.s by them any more. Amos, vii. 7, 8.

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