Part 38 (1/2)
have pity on and forgive my enemies.”--Instead of which words were subst.i.tuted, M. B. N. (Mac-be-nac), which, in Arabian, signifies, ”The son of the widow is dead.” The false brethren represent Judas Iscariot, who sold Christ. The red collar worn by the Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Masons, calls to remembrance the blood of Christ.
The sprig of ca.s.sia is the figure of the cross, because of this wood was the cross made. The captivity of the Grand Elect and Sublime Masons (i.e., by the Chaldeans), shows us the persecution of the Christian religion under the Roman emperors, and its liberty under Constantine the Great. It also calls to our remembrance the persecution of the Templars, and the situation of Jacques De Molay, who, lying in irons nearly seven years, at the end of which our worthy Grand Master was burnt alive with his four companions, on the eleventh of March, 1314, creating pity and tears in the people, who saw him die with firmness and heroic constancy, sealing his innocence with his blood. My dear brother, in pa.s.sing to the degree of Perfect Master, in which you shed tears at the tomb of Hiram Abiff, and in some other degrees, has not your heart been led to revenge? Has not the crime of Jubelum Akirop been represented in the most hideous light?--Would it be unjust to compare the conduct of Philip the Fair to his, and the infamous accusers of the Templars, to the two ruffians who were accomplices with Akirop? Do they not kindle in your heart an equal aversion? The different stages you have traveled, and the time you have taken in learning these historical events, no doubt, will lead you to make the proper applications; and by the degree of Master Elect and Kadosh, you are properly disposed to fulfil all your engagements, and to bear an implacable hatred to the Knights of Malta, and to avenge the death of Jacques De Molay. Your extensive acquaintance with symbolic Masonry, which you have attained by your discretion, leaves you nothing more to desire here. You see, my dear brother, how, and by whom, Masonry has come to us. You are to endeavor by every just means to regain our rights, and to remember that we are joined by a society of men, whose courage, merit, and good conduct, hold out to us that rank that birth alone gave to our ancestors. You are now on the same level with them. Avoid every evil by keeping your obligations, and carefully conceal from the vulgar what you are, and wait that happy moment when we all shall be reunited under the same Sovereign in the mansions of eternal bliss. Let us imitate the example of our Grand Master, Jaques De Molay, who to the end put his hope in G.o.d, and at his last dying moments ended his life saying, ”Spes mea in Deo est!”
OBLIGATION.--I do, of my own free will and accord, in the presence of the Grand Architect of the Universe, and this consistory of Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret, or Knights of St. Andrew, faithful guardians of the faithful treasure; most solemnly vow and swear, under all the different penalties of my former obligations, that I will never directly or indirectly reveal or make known to any person or persons whatsoever, any or the least part of this Royal degree, unless to one duly qualified in the body of a regularly const.i.tuted Consistory of the same, or to him or them whom I shall find such after strict and due trial. I furthermore vow and swear, under the above penalties, to always abide and regulate myself agreeably to the statutes and regulations now before me; and when in a Consistory to behave and demean myself as one worthy of being honored with so high a degree, that no part of my conduct may in the least reflect discredit on the Royal Consistory, or disgrace myself. So may G.o.d maintain me in equity and justice! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen!
SOVEREIGN GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL.
The number of Inspectors of a Kingdom or Republic is not to exceed nine. They claim jurisdiction over all the ineffable and sublime degrees, and in reality form an aristocratic body, with power to appoint their own successors, and act as ”Sovereigns of Masonry.”
DECORATIONS OF THE PLACE OF MEETING.--The hangings are purple, embroidered with skeletons, death's-heads, and cross-bones. Before the canopy is a transparent delta (equilateral triangle). In the middle of the room is a grand triangular pedestal, near which is seen a skeleton holding in his left hand the standard of the order, and in his right hand a poniard in the att.i.tude of striking. Above the door, or place of entrance, is the motto of the order, ”Deus meumque jus.” In the East is a chandelier of five branches; in the South is one of two branches; in the West is one of three; and in the North a single one.
OFFICERS AND t.i.tLES.--The a.s.sembly is termed ”Supreme Council.” The first officer, ”Thrice Puissant Sovereign Grand Master.” He represents Frederick II. The second officer is termed ”Sovereign Lieutenant Commander.” Besides these there is a ”Treasurer of the Holy Empire;”
an ”Ill.u.s.trious Grand Secretary of the Holy Empire;” an ”Ill.u.s.trious Master of Ceremonies;” and an ”Ill.u.s.trious Captain of the Guards”--in all, seven officers.
DRESS.--The Thrice Puissant Sovereign wears a crimson robe, bordered with white--a crown on his head, and a sword in his hand. The Lieutenant Commander wears a ducal crown.
SASH.--The sash is black, edged with gold, from left to right; at the bottom a rose of red, white and green. On the part crossing the breast is a delta, with rays traversed by a poniard, and in the midst the figure ”33.”
JEWEL.--A black double-headed eagle holding a sword. His beak, claws, and sword are of gold. [Pa.s.s-words, signs, etc., as may from time to time be agreed upon.]
[THE END.]
FOOTNOTES:
[1] A person wis.h.i.+ng to become a Mason must get some one who is a Mason to present his pet.i.tion to a Lodge, when, if there are no serious objections, it will be entered on the minutes, and a committee of two or three appointed to inquire into his character, and report to the next regular communication. The following is the form of a pet.i.tion used by a candidate; but a worthy candidate will not be rejected for the want of formality in his pet.i.tion.
_To the Wors.h.i.+pful Master, Wardens, and Brethren of Lodge No. ----, of Free and Accepted Masons._
The subscriber, residing in ----, of lawful age, and by occupation a ----, begs leave to state that, unbia.s.sed by friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, he freely and voluntarily offers himself a candidate for the mysteries of Masonry, and that he is prompt to solicit this privilege by a favorable opinion conceived of the inst.i.tution, a desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish of being serviceable to his fellow-creatures. Should his pet.i.tion be granted, he will cheerfully conform to all the ancient established usages and customs of the Fraternity.
(Signed) A. B.
[2] In many Lodges this is put in the form of a question, thus: ”Are you willing to take an obligation upon you that does not affect your politics or religion?” The promise ”to conform,” made before entering the Lodge, the ”a.s.surance that the oath is not to interfere with their political or religious principles” and the manner the obligation is administered, only two or three words being repeated at a time, consequently not fully understood, are among the reasons which have led many great and good men to take oaths incompatible with the laws of G.o.d and our country.
[3] Literally a rope several yards in length, but mystically three miles; so that a Master Mason must go on a brother Master Mason's errand whenever required, the distance of three miles, should he have to go barefoot and bareheaded. In the degrees of knighthood the distance is forty miles.
[4] In some Lodges the Master takes the candidate by the Master's grip and says, ”Brother, you will please rise,” a.s.sisting him.