Collectanea, volume 16, part 1

A volume of a periodical of the Grand College of Rites of the United States of America published in 1996, containing an English transcription of the 1816 work, "Sarsena," and "The Ancient Order of Free Gardeners," edited by Art DeHoyos.

| | | | . "SARSENA" IV° Scots Apprentice and Fellow, V° Scots Master, VI° Scots Past Master and Kt. of St. Andrew, | VII° Grand Cross of the Knights of St. John. and | | THE ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDENERS Edited and Prepared by Art deHoyos | . VOLUME 16, PART1 Published by the Grand College of Rites Nes of the United States of America 1996 ee et etl eet ceili Al "Sarsena" and The Ancient Order of Free Gardeners. Collectanea. Volume 16, Part1. Copyright © 1996 by Art deHoyos for The Grand College of Rites of the United States of America. All rights reserved. Nopart of this publication maybe reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise. Collectaneais a private publication limited in distribution to members of the Grand College of Rites of the United States of America. INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION might be said that a "cousin" of the Swedish Rite is active in the United States. ll serious students of Masonicritual have learned to Aen caution prior to accepting the claims of renouncing Masons, or accepting their ritual exposés as accurate. However, in the absence of explicit official documents the ritual historian is sometimes forced to consider the exposé as a source which may reveal someof the inner workingsor evolutionoflittle-knownrites. This is the situation with thelittle-known Swedish Rite, a rite which (in its modern form) is exclusively Christian, and recognized as a regular system and branchofthe Fraternity. Although primarily a Scandinavianrite it is also practiced by the Grand National Lodge of Freemasons of Germany (Grofe Landesloge der Freimauerei von Deutschland). The German rituals are not identical with their Scandinavian counterparts, however, just as there are minorvariations within the Webb- form rituals used throughout the United States. ! Little authentic information is available on this rite to the English-language reader, but on the basis of the current rituals and a recent Norwegian exposé based on authentic documents," there is little doubt that the Swedish Rite is closely related to the Rectified Scottish Rite, or Rite Ecossais Rectifié, and its ancestor, the Strict Observance.3 It might be observed, in passing, that the higher degrees ofthe Rite Ecossais Rectifié are worked in the United States under the name Knights Beneficent of the Holy City, or Chevalier Bienfaisants de la Cité Sainte (C.B.C.S.)4 Sarsena In this issue of Collectanea | provide a translation of an exposé of high degree rituals which allegedly comprised part of the early Grofe Landesloge system. This exposé was first published in 1816, under the merciless title Sarsena, or the Perfect Architect. Containing the History and Origin of the Freemasonic Order and Varied Opinions Regarding What it Could be in Our Time; What a Lodge is, the Manner of Reception, Opening and Closing the Samein the First, and the Advancement in the Second and Third St. John's Degrees; likewise the Higher Scots Degrees and Knights of Andrew. Faithfully and Truly Transcribed by a True and Perfect Brother Freemason. Extracted from Papers He Left Behind, and Delivered Unalteredfor Publication.5 Johann Christian Gadicke wrote in his Freimauer-Lexicon (1818) that the identity of Sarsena, ‘the great Architect' (ostensibly the name of a Scots Master)is aslittle revealed in the bookitself, as the name is known. Similarity to Other Rituals Sarsena does, however, provide some very interesting material for study. The First Section of the Perfect Master or the Scot, for example, is not only quite similar to the Perfect Master degree in the Recueil Precieux de la Maconnerie Adonhiramite (1787), but it also has something in common As such, i Otto Schwartz, Das X° Logenbuch des schwedischen Freimaurerordens (St. Michaelsdonn: Giinter Stramm, 1978). Sverre Dag Mogstad, Frimureri Mysterier Fellesskap Personlighetsdannelse (Oslo: Universitets Forlaget, 1994). {See J. Webb,"The Scottish Rectified Rite," AQC101 (1987), pp. 1-5. Arthur Edward Waite, trans., The Liturgyofthe Rite ofStrict reseed Reformed and Rectified (Warrenton, NC: J. EdwardAllen, 5 Sarsena, oder der vollkommene Baumeister. Enthaltend die Geschichte und Entstehung des Freimauerorderns und die verschiedene Meinungen dariiber, was er in unseren Zeiten seyn kénnte; was eine Logeist, die Art der Aufnahme, Offnung and Schliessung derselben;in demersten, und die Beférderung in den zweiten und dritten der St. Johannisgrade; sowie auch der héhern Schottengrade und Andresritter. treu und wahr niedergescrieben von einem wahren und vollkommenen Bruder Freimaurer. Aus dessen hinterlassenen papieren gezogen und unverdndert zum Druck iibergeben. Im Jahre 5816 A. (Bamberg: F. Kunz, 1816). 2 COLLECTANEA with an old German-language ritual INTRODUCTION discovered in the archives of Pilgrim Lodge No. 238 (London). The ritual was described by Bro. Eric Ward in his article, "Early Masters' Lodges and the Relation to Degree."® Because of its importance to the development of high grade Masonry, his description of this ritual is reproduced below: "In the archives of the Pilgrim Lodge there is a ritual in German, undated but apparently printed in the late eighteenth century, which seems to have been derived as the result of factors much the same as those discussed before. It was almost certainly translated or based upon a French version of an adapted English craft ritual, but the whole is so simple and free from elaboration as to suggest an origin not pointing their swords towards him. (This suggests the old arrangement of the Wardens' pedestals in the W. and the circle of swords, shown in early French prints and still practised in some workings.) The candidate is then informed that he has been called to account for his actions and, having been tried and proved guilty, must expect the reward for his misdeeds. The J.W.is instructed to seize the candidate, turn him round, make him sit reversed on a stool, bind his hands together behind his back and place a rope about his neck. The W.M. then announces that this is the ruffian who has Slain our Master (i.e., Hiram) and ought to be punished, but because of his knowledge the Order will show mercy. He is therefore released, and the W.M. reads the Oath, of which the following is approximately the English equivalent:- then "I, N.N., Swear in the presenceof the living God, and in this worthy assembly of Scots Masters, that | will preserve inviolably the secrets of Scots Masonry, and that neither intentionally nor through carelessnesswill | betray them to a living soul. That | am willing to fulfil to the best of my ability all duties which are demanded of me as a Scots Master, and that | will render the high Scottish Lodge all due obedience. Should | at any time act otherwise, then | shall Submit myself to the same penalty to which | was pledged on admission to this high order. So help me God." immediately follows the question to the S.W.: "Whattimeis it? and the answer: "It is high noon." The J.W. is asked the duty of the S.W. and replies that he has to "see the door closed, the Profane excluded andall is in order". The S.W., in reply to the question, "What is your name?" replies: "NOTUMA", i.€., The candidate is then asked by the W.M. whether he is willing to take the oath, and on replying in the affirmative his left hand is placed upon the Bible and the M. makes him give the "handclasp " with the right hand as a pledge of fidelity. Then far removed from 1740. It has none of the embroidery of late eighteenth century chivalric rituals, as it required only a W.M., S.W. and J.W.for its working. There is no mention of a trowel. A short preamble states that the L. is marked out in green and that the aprons are lined with green taffeta. There is a floor cloth having a diagram of a coffin, an eight-pointed star and the word JEHOVA superimposed. In the four corners are representations of animals, and palms surround the place from which Hiram wasraised. The Lodge is opened first an anagram of "AUMONT". by calling The W.M., to order, after being asked whetherit is the correct hour, declares the Scots Lodge open, lying his sword upon the book. At the admission the candidate is prepared by a brother sent out for the purpose, who brings him to the door to knock as a Master. The W.M. enquires of the S.W.: "Who is there? to which the latter replies: "A Master who desires to be numbered amongst the Scots Masters." The door is opened, and after his Sword and Hat have been taken from the candidate the latter kneels on a stool between the two Wardens' pedestals, with the brethren standing around ©AQC 75 (1962), pp. 162-63. 7ACFJackson, Rose Croix 2d ed. (London: A Lewis, 1987), pp. 1719, 3 he gives him the Sign " as if he were about to grasp him", makes him stand on his right and gives him the grip, thus:- "The right hand is placed under the elbow of the other, foot to foot and knee to knee; the left hand is put on the right shoulder of the other, saying the word JEHOVAand adding, This is the eternal fighting word and the name of the Lord under whose bannerwefight." Then he is given the touch, the leather apron, the hat and the sword, with the following words:- "| here return your sword to you; use it to defend your honour, our Brethren and the Orderif you are asked to do so." COLLECTANEA ny of admission continues INTRODUCTION by retrospectic r of oly the W.M. stressing the importance of all previous symbols, but pointing out that here there are New ones, yet" they are the last, the Order has no others'. They are (he says) nevertheless closely related to the prec ting ones, for "As a Master you left the slain Hiram in the grave", but "Here you find him dead no_ longer, his grave is surrounded by palms, he has awakened". Later the candidate is told:- "As a Master you had very important duties to perform, the fulfilment of which is not easy. They are as difficult as they are different. The Five points of Mastership contain great and important lessons, but they are insufficient to instruct our Brethren for the real purpose of the Order.' The W.M. then goes on to explain the qualities demanded of a Scots Master, which are symbolised by the four animals- the Lion (intrepidity, etc.), the Fox (shrewdness), the Ape (emulation) and the Sparrowhawk (alertness), but all have had qualities which must be guarded against. (Note: The use of symbolic animals and birds is possibly a parallel to, of forerunnerof, the Lion, Ox, Man and Eagle of the "Antients Armorial bearings depicted in Ahiman Rezon, 1704.) After the somewhat wordy explanation there follows a catechism evidently used for "lectures", commencing with "Are you a Scots Master?" in which the catechised says he was initiated" in the Scottish Islands". Asked how many form a Scots Lodge, the answer was" a Master and three Scots Brethren", the number of the Scots Lodge was four and its colour that of "hope", whilst the colour of a Scots Master was that of "fire". Asked why the W.M. wears a triangle onhis breast, the reply given was: "Because it is a sign of unity. Asked where he had previously worked, the answer given was: "At the rebuilding of the Temple under Ezra." . The closing was quite simple, the W.M. asking of the S.W.: "Which hour is it? " and the answer: "It is high midnight." After asking whether any brother had anything to propose, and it being the just hour, the Lodge was closed in the name of the Most High and through "the holy number ", etc." Both Bro. Ward's ritual and the First Section of our Perfect Master mention that the Lodge is decorated with Green, and each Lodge hasthe representations of animals 1n each comer. Bro. Ward's ritual has a Lion, Fox, Ape and 5 Sparrowhawk, while the Perfect Master has a Lion, Fox, Ape and a Pelican. It might also be noted that similar animals were encountered in the "Architects or Ecossais Masons" degree in Les Franc-Macons Ecrases (1747), where we find a Lion, Fox, Ape, Pelican and a Dove.® In Bro. Ward's ritual the word NOTUMA(an anagram of Aumont, mythical successor to Jacques de Molay) appears as the "name" of the Candidate; likewise in our Perfect Masterritual. In Bro. Ward's ritual the "colour" of a Scots Lodge is "hope." In our Scots Master degree the Green Collar, worn aboutthe neck, "bears the color of Hope." In Bro. Ward's ritual the "colour" of a Scots Master is said to be "fire." In our ritual of Scots Past Master the color of Scots Masonry is likewise said to be "fire." similarities will also be noted bythe reader. Other There are many differences however. Referring to Hiram, Bro. Ward's ritual states "Here you find him deadnolonger, his grave is surrounded by palms, he has awakened." This depiction is not found in Sarsena, thoughit is similar to that depicted on the emblematic Carpet of the old Scots Degree (Schottengrad) of the German National Motherlodge of the Three World Globes (Grofe National-Mutterloge "Zu den drei Weltkugeln"),9 and a somewhat similar scene appears on the diagram of the C.B.C.S. Perfect Master of St. Andrew degree ("here you behold Hiram rising from the dead").!° It appears that the Three World Globes and the C.B.C.S. have retained a "Scots" tradition which developed in a different form from Sarsena and the Swedish Rite.!! 8Harry Carr, Early French Exposures 1737-1751 (London: Quatuor Coronati Lodge 2076, 1971), esp. pp. 307-314. °The Carpetis depicted in Altschottisches Heft (Dec. 1992), p. 363. 10Waite, trans., The Liturgy of the Rite of Strict Observance, p. R-25-. ‘lin fact, the C.B.C.S. and the Three World Globesshare several other similarities as well, perhaps the moststriking of whichis the "device of a Scottish Master": "A lion under a tempestuous sky, sheltered beneath a rock andplaying tranquilly with mathematical instruments, the device being these two words: MELIORA PRAESUMO." Waite, trans., The Liturgy of the Rite ofStrict Observance, p. R-34-. 6 INTRODUCTION COLLECTANEA It is worth noting that the Three World Globes' Scots Degree also used the word NOTUMA, as the initials « f the phrase Nazarenus Optimus Tanos Uniusque Moralitas Adninciator. Sarsena and the Swedish Rite As might be expected the most interesting comparisons are to be made with the Swedish Rite. It would be inappropnate to describe the current Swedish Rite rituals in any detail, as they are used by legitimate Grand Lodges. However, a light comparison would not be out of order. Sarsena's Scots Apprentice and Fellow degrees (conferred at the same time) correspond with the IV/V° Swedish Rite degree(s) of St. Andrew's Apprentice-Fellow (also conferred together), while the Scots Master or Knight of St. Andrew degree corresponds with the Swedish Rite VI° Scots Master of St. Andrew. The ritual content of these degrees share, at times, strong similarities to each other, while at other times there is a striking difference. This may be because Sarsena relied on inaccurate information, or because the rituals were rev ised. They both have similar-though not identical-Signs, Tokens and Words (e.g., the "Crown-Grip"), share similar regalia, and have similar legends regarding Adoniram (rather than Hiram). Sarsena's description of the Carpet of a Scots Apprentice and Fellow accounts for all but one of the emblems on the Swedish Rite IV/V° "Work Table" (Tracing Board). Inthe Scots Master degree, Sarsena likewise provides a description of most of the emblems on the Swedish Rite VI° Work Table. Sarsena's ritual also includes the Derrick and Golden Cord, two unusual emblems which also occur in the Swedish Rite VI°.13 The numbers 13, 14 and 27also play significantly into both rituals. --- the device being these two words: MELIORA PRAESUMO." Waite, trans., The Liturgy of the Rite of Strict Observance, p. R-34-. | 3Mogstad, Frimureri, p. 129-134, 300-305. 7 Sarsena and the C.B.C.S. Other interesting comparisons may be made by studying the rituals of the C.B.C.S. Again, it would not be prudent to discusstherituals ofthis active system, but those familiar with them may see not onlya similarity of Signs, Tokens and Words, butnote likewise that the C.B.C.S. ritual of the Scottish Master of St. Andrew's "Discovery of the Golden Plate and the Sacred Word" is paralleled in the discovery of the Word on the Cornerstone in Sarsena's degree of Scots Master or Knight of St. Andrew. The Ancient Order of Free Gardeners Anilluminating introduction to the Ancient Order of Free Gardeners precedesthe text of the ritual. This article was originally published in Transactionsof the Somerset Masters Lodge No. 3746 (1948), and was send to me by Bro. Matthew Marfield, of Costa Mesa, California, to whom fraternal appreciation is extended. Art deHoyos, member Publications Committee GRAND COLLEGE OF RITES, USA SARSENA COLLECTANEA Fourth Degree | PERFECT MASTER OR THE SCOT FIRST SECTION The old English system contained onlythese four Deer es. The roomis hung in green; on the Tapis (or Carpet) are the figures of a fox, an ape, a lion andapelican. - No one can be made a Perfect Masterunless he has a good education, the proper Knowledge of Masonry and a strong sincere desire of increasing this Knowledge; also no Master is permitted to applyfor this Degree in his own behalf, but his name is proposed by a member of this Lodge and if elected he is to appear at a given timeforinitiation, if he chooses to avail himself of his election. The Worshipful Master occupies the seat in the East, raps four times, which raps are repeated by the two Wardens. - The Candidate is prepared in the preparation room, which is hung in black, a Cable Towput around his neck and so conducted to the door of the Lodge room, where he raps 3x3. The door is opened and he asked, whether he is in favor of Liberty and Equality and willing to be obedient, courageous and constant; his answerbeing in the affirmative he is thereupon admitted. He is conducted aroundthe room beginning at the figure of the fox, so the pelican, the dove and the ape andhalted at the first namedfigure(the fox). The Worshipful Master examines him in the three preceding Degrees, orders him to advanceto the East bythe steps of an Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason and the Candidate then takes the following obligation. "I renew herewith the obligations, which I have already entered into in the preceding Degrees and promise to keep the same under the penalties, which are threatenedtoall false and forsworn Brethren; and I furthermore promise, t0 prove the strength and the sincerity of mydesire to reach perfection, before the eye of the Great Architect of the Universe and in the presence ofall illustrious Masons: 9 who hear me, that I will ever and at all times humbly practice all these virtues, which the laws of Masonry require and by which the members of this order are distinguished-bynoless a penaltythen that of being cast out by all good men and treated like a felon, whois unworthy of the name andthe privileges of a Mason. So help me God; Amen! After the obligation is taken the Worshipful Master embraces him and gives him the Sign, Word and Grip (see Catechism). The GRIP, outside of the Lodge and in public, thatis in the ordinary walksoflife, is given in the following manner: take each other by the hand and press the middle finger several timesagainst the palm ofthe others hand. The SIGN is to place the right hand upon the heart and hold the left, reversed, before the eyes, the thumb downward. The WORDis ADONAI.!3 It is lettered as the words in the preceding Degrees. The Scot or Perfect Master then receives a green apron and the Cross of St. Andrew on a green ribbon. Then follows:- SECOND SECTION THE CATECHISM OF A PERFECT MASTER Q. Whoare you? A. Worshipful! A Master and I know the great Jehova. Q. Whatis the meaning of that word? A. Itis the namethat signifies vastness (immeasurability): JE meansthe past; HO, the present; and VA, the future; ‘That Was, That Is and That Will Be'-inshort, it is the Masters Word, which wasneverlost. Q. What do you wish? !3ADONAI wasalso the Word in the previously-cited "Architects or Ecossais Masons" degree of Les Franc-MaconsEcrases. 10 COLLECTANEA SARSENA to receive instructions, how to arrive at perfection. ; Q. A. Q. A. | By what means will you become worthy ofthis favor? By showing, that I know the Square and Compasses. Howdid youreach this Degree of Perfection? Through the Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason. Q. How were youintroduced in the Lodge? A. With a Cable Tow around myneck. Q. Why so? A. To teach me, not to feel ashamed or ridiculed by the trials, which I had to undergo, to make me more perfect. The Cable Tow also reminds us, that the ruffians placed a Cable Tow around the neck of our Grand Master Adoniram and dragged the corpse through the Westgate of the Temple. Q. What did yousee in the Center of the Lodge? A. A large square stone and upon it four Squares and four )) Compasses. ' Q. Whatis the meaning of the four Compasses? A. The Existence, the Boundlessness, the Power and the Unity of the Grand Architect of the Universe. Q. Whatis the meaning of the four Squares? A. The four parts of the globe, governed by the GreatI AM Q. By which gate did you enter the Temple? A. Bythe Southgate. Q. Whythere? A. To teach me, that perfection can only be reached by leaving the ordinary track. Q. What did yousee there? A. The grave of our beloved Master Adoniram. Q. How will you convince me, that you are a Perfect Master? - By Word, Sign and Grip, by which we know each other. Q. Which is the word? A. ADONAI. Q. Whatdoes it mean? A. In Hebrew, "The Lord." 11 Q. Whatis your nameas a Scot? A. NOTUMA. Q. How manysigns have you? A. Four. The First Sign is made by stretching forth the hand, as is resting on the Bible, symbolically representing the safety of our order; The Second,by placing the handonthe left breast; The Third, by stretching forth the right hand and raising it slowly,as if to help and assist our Brethren; the eyes looking upwards to heaven, to show, what are the actions of Providence. And the Fourth, by pointing to the ground, indicating, that from earth man cameand toit he must return. . How manyother signsof recognition are there? . Five. . Whatare they? . 1. Foot to Foot, 2. Knee to Knee, 3. Thefirst grip with the right hand, 4. The secondgrasp theleft elbow, 5. Theleft hand on the back. FIO FRO PzOPO gt PO > A. To enter the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Temple, there What decoration did you receive? A green ribbon. Why? That I might hope to becomeperfect by practicing the Vi ues, that had been taught me. How old are you? Morethan seven years. Howis the weather? The firmament is starry and the moon shinesclear. From whence blows the wind? From the happyparts of the world. Whattime isit? Midnight. Only a few Brethren receive the Degree of Perfect Master; hardly more than one percent advance, and when they do recetve it know in most cases only what has been 12 COLLECTANEA SARSENA The communicated to them, without seeking further. question therefore arises: what secret or what important Redemption by the Son, and the Communion of the Holy Ghost. The first two belong to the past, the first two raps matter have they learned? answer: none! The Lodgesare opened and closed, Candidates instructed, passed and raised, to replenish the coffers; but little or nothing is done to educate and instruct the Brethren in the therefore are short, butthe lastis still continued. The FIRST RAPalso refers to the blood of Abel, innocently spilled:thefirst sacrifice in the Old Testament. The SECOND RAP refers to the blood of St. John the sublime teachings, that are the foundation of Masonry. Baptist: the first sacrifice in the New Testament. Craft and Master Mason of Scottish Masonry. But before I do soit will be necessary to give a short explanation of some that reason, they must be laid aside, not to be a hindrance in the work. About the only thing gained is, that one is a Mason, and that one canvisit and go, where a Profane cannot go. To show my readers, whether or not there are any higher principles and loftier teachings in the Scottish Degrees,I will explain to them the Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow of the phrases and hieroglyphics used in Masonry. The THIRD RAP refers tot the death of our Grand Master, as the second New Testament. IT RAINS means moisture in comparison to electricity; for all work is magical. ALL METALLIC SUBSTANCES attract electricity, and for APRONSwere worn also by the Essenes. ORIENT. This word is used, because from there came the se_ Magi and the founders of the order. : HIGH NOON and HIGH MIDNIGHT means, that one must ! knowat 12 o'clock, whether the true work shall continue or THE BLACK COLOR IN THE MASTER MASON DEGREE means that all work was originally good, and that all work will be good, when it is supported and supervised by wise and prudent men. THE LODGEIS TILEDfor the reason,that it is not yet time, first reward: to listen to true harmony in first seeing the THE ORDERis founded on THREE DEGREES improved BY FIVE and madeperfect BY SEVEN. THE MASTER WORDIS LOST meansthat the time is passed to assert that only a small numberof Elus are in possession The three Degrees constitute the stratum equestrem; the two Scottish Degrees, the theory, and the other three, the of the higher mysteries. "Macbenac" must never be pronouncedin a loud voice, not even by the Initiated without Knights Templars. permission. not. to let the profane be benefited by the fruits of Masonic work. The Entered Apprentice Degreeis the historical origin; That of Fellow Craft, the growth and That of Master Mason,the decay of the Order. MUSIC IN THE FELLOW CRAFT DEGREE denotes that the Blazing Star. St. John's day is commemorated by Masons, because on that day AUMONT, Commander in Chief of the Auvergne, HARRIS and OTHER BRETHREN founded the Order of Free The Entered Apprentice's place in the Lodge is in the North. because those who are not instructed cannotstand the full light of the sun, for only the Instructed know the sun. The Sign of the Entered Apprentice is haIf of a cross(+); the Sign with which we are blessed and by which wefind Masonsonthe Isle of Moll, to hide the persecuted Order or of the Knights Templars, and to preserve it for future generations. The greatness of that order is well known, but through traitors, through the mean avarice of a tyrant and the vicious subservience of an ambitious priest it was brought so the strength to work. low, that it could not possibly sink lower. The THREE RAPSrefer to the three great epochs by which The BLAZING STAR represents the changes offortune. Godhas revealed His grace: the Creation by the Father, the 13 14 COLLECTANEA SARSENA The NINE STARS represent the nine founders of the Order of Knights Templars; also the Cord with nine knots and the anc 3x3 raps at the Initiation. The THREE JOURNEYSrepresent the three pilgrim ages to the Holy Land. The OBLIGATIONis a kind of declaration of vows. The ACACIA is a branch of a palm, known to Master Masons. The DRAWING BOARDrepresents the work as planned. This constitutes about all that can be said of the Blue Lodge Degrees. Thefourth or Perfect Master is no longer in use. The Higher Degrees, where they are still found, are very seldom worked; whoever is deemed worthy to become an Elu, to him the historical Degrees of higher Masonry are communicated. John's arLodge; e ae this room is also occupi pied duly andtile | d by) a THIRD SECTION INITIATION OF A SCOTS ENTERED APPRENTICE Scots Entered Apprentice and Fellow Crafts are also called Brothers of Knights in Black. The Lodgeis furnished asfollows: 1) The Lodge room proper and the altar are draped in black;the floor painted Black; on the altar, besides the usual requisites, are a Crown and a lighted Lantern. The Grand Master is dressed in black, wearing a hat with blue stars embroidered thereon. Besides the Insignia of higher Masonry he wears a black band with a Dagger; the other officers also wearthe insignia of the higher Degrees. The Scots Masters stand on the South side and the Candidate elected in the North, between the Master of Ceremonies, all dressed in long mourningrobes. _2) The Middle Chamber, also draped in black, is dimly illuminated by only a Lantern and on the center of the floor is a pall. The room is occupies by a Knight in Black. 3) Inthethird or Anteroom, nearthe door to the Middle Chamber, stands the altar, decorated and draped as in a St. 15 4) On the North side of the altar, with the Lodge room proper are two tables, with the Charter of the St. John's Lodge and the gavel of a Worshipful Master on one, on the other, on a black cushion, the insignia to be conferred upon the Elu. Atthe close of the Lodge of Knights of St. Andrew and before resuming work in the St. John's Lodge the Master of Ceremonies collects all the paraphernalia pertaining to a Lodge of Knights in Black. OPENING The Lodge, openedin the Master Mason Degree of theSt. John 5Rite, is changed into a Lodgeof Scots Elusinthat the Worshipful Master placesthe gavel on the cushion and rings the Bell four times, which Bell-ringing is repeated by the Senior and Junior Wardens. The Worshipful Masterthen informs the Tiler, through the proper officer, that he is about 10 open a Lodge of Elus. All then give the Sign ofthis Degree and the Lantern is lighted; and the Senior and Junior Wardens announce, that the Lodge of Entered Apprentice and Fellow Crafts of the Knights of St. Andrew is opened. The Worshipful Master appoints two Brethren, one to go into the Middle Chamber and one to go into the Anteroom, there to await the Candidate Upon the entrance of the Candidate in the Anteroomhe is examined and admitted by proving himself a Master Mason, whereupon a Bell is rung and the Master of Ceremonies goes 10 receive him and takes his place at the altar and near the entrance to the Middle Chamber, where he asks him, whether and why he is not satisfied with the knowledge already received in the Master Mason Degree? what his meets were and why he braved the dangers before him? oan Candidate desires to enter his is informed, that he will tave to find the way himself and not to blame anybodyelse if he should meet with danger; if he still persists, he is conducted to the Altar, his hand is placed upon the Bible, and the Master of Ceremonies says:- 16 SARSENA COLLECTANEA "My worthy Brother, if you are still resolved to enter a Lodge of Elus you will have to affirm upon your honor and upon the obligation already taken, that you will not reveal any of the secrets that may be communicated to you. I make this request by order of the Worshipful Master and the Brethren." If the Candidate gives his word, the Master of Ceremonies hands him the Bell and continues:-"My worthy Brother, the ways are dark. I therefore lend you this Lantern, to enable you to find your way; but (pointing to the Sword) know you, my Brother, that if you come back and cannot convince methat you havebeeninitiated you will die bythis Sword. Only under this condition do I give you these working tools. You will now proceed, the time for consideration is past." Uponhis entry into the Middle Chamberhe is met bythe Brother tiling that room, threatened with the Dagger and questioned who he is, wherefrom and what he wants? and then adding that having good and proper tools he might continue his journey. The Candidate then announces himself by ringing the Bell, whereupon all the Brethren in the Lodge room proper go 10 the Wardensand ring the Bell and these to the Worshipful Master and ring the Bell. The Worshipful Master, after instructing them to be vigilant and guard against surprises, ordersthe doors to be opened and to admit the Candidate, the Knights in Black forming a circle around and pointing their Dagger at him; the Brethren. from the Anteroom also enter. The Candidate is asked his name by the Worshipful Master; where he had been raised; what induced him to seek for advancement; who could vouch for him? answers are entered upon the minutes. All of his He also asks the Brethren whether they desire and consent, that this Worthy Master, Brother N.N., be initiated as a Scots Entere Knights in Black by holding the Lantern before their faces; whereuponthe Worshipful Master says: - "Right Worshipful Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, let the Candidate take the obligation." Both Wardens cross their Swords over his breast, the Master of Ceremonies holds the Holy Bible upon which the Candidate places his hands, and the Secretary pronounces the following obligation, which the Candidate repeats after him: "I, N.N., standing in the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Temple, promise and swear, before God and these here assembled Scots Masters, that I will keep the secrets of a Scots Master, which have been, may noworat any future time be communicated to me, and not reveal the same to any Brother of the lower Degrees, as much less to a Profane; also that I will not singly initiate a Bro. of the lower Degrees in this a Scots Masters Degree. All this I promise and swear under no less a penalty than that of having mysoul eternally damned. I furthermore promise, that I will love all Brethren, especially my Brethren Scots Masters, and assist them either counsel and deeds, evenif I should loose my honor, my property or mylife. So help me God." Whenthe obligation has been taken the Worshipful Master says:-"Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, let this Worthy Brother begin the journey of a Scots Master." The Brethren appointedfor this purpose leave their places, lake their position around and with their backs to the Carpet. The Junior Warden (whoseproperstation is occupiedfor the time by another Brother) goes to the Candidate, placesthe Bell and the Lantern in the right position and the Swords against his breast, and requests him to followthe light. On Apprentice and Fellow Craft. The Brethren of the higher Degreesanswer in the affirmative by giving the Sign andthe each journey he halts him between the two Wardens, hisface averted, while they make report. When the two Wardens 17 18 SARSENA COLLECTANEA the announce that the journeys have been completed, t. Carpe the ace Knights in Black quickly turn andf The Worshipful Master then directs:-"Brethren Senior and Junior Wardens, let this worthy Brother approach the Inner Court of the Temple by the 27 steps." The two Wardens turn the Candidate to the East and teach him the Masters steps, that is 13 in the West and 14 in the South, whereuponthe Worshipful Master asks: - "My Brethren, has this worthy Brother your permission to approachthe Altar?" Assent is given only by the Knights in Black, the usual Sign with the Lantern, whereupon the Candidate conducted bythe Master's steps from the West through the South and He raises the Dagger, places the point against the throat, chest and stomach of the Candidate, then places it in his folded hands, makes first the CROWN-SIGN and then the ARM-SIGN and says:- "I welcome you." _The Worshipful Master then resumes his station and instructs the Master of Ceremonies to bring the Candidate before him to receive the jewels and additional information. He is conducted to the North side where, on a_ black cushion, are all the jewels and working tools, with the exception of the Dagger and the Worshipful Master then says:- "You all know, my Brethren. the tragic fate of our beloved North to the East and placed before the altar, where he iS father Adoniram and the sorrow of Solomon, when he was informed of the foul deed. You also know, that he had is placed uponthe Bible and the Swords,in his left he holds diligent and careful search made to find him and when the body was found that he had him re-interred with all due directed by the Worshipful Master to kneel. His right hand a Dagger, the point resting on his breast. When in this position, the Worshipful Master asks: - "MyBrother, do you promise, under the penalties already 0 taken, to keep the secrets of Masonry and if necessary, defend them with your life, to conquer or to die; also to avenge all violence or injustice done to the Order or tc 4 Brother?" After the Candidate gives his promise the Worshipful Master takes his hand by the CROWN-GRIP, holding it over the Crown and, assuming a position of offense, orders him to rise. Both rise and the Worshipful Master taking the Crownin his left hand and with the right hand making the CROWN-SIGNwith the Candidate, says: - honors. I will now relate to you what happened on that occasion and how King Solomon rewarded those, who attended the interment. Hear and pay due attention to the history as transmitted to us from a very ancienttime." ADONIRAM'S RE-INTERMENT When King Solomon ordered that the body ofthe epceitnate Adoniram be taken up andinterred with all due onors, he also determined to be an unseen onlooker. For that purpose he instructed the Brethren to ring their Bells ne their arrival at the Temple with the body, whereupon hi soape a secret place from whence he without being seen Worshipful Master I now receive you as a Brother Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft of a Scottish Lodge." aa ati see everybody and everything that took place pa € lemple. The 27 Master Masons, to whom he had oeertes the re-interment, went at midnight to the place, M: - they had found the body. They were clothed as "asters, had a Lantern in one hand, a spade in the other and 19 20 "My Worthy Brother, by authority vested in me 4s SARSENA COLLECTANEA wore longleather aprons. Arriving at the foot of thehill, eighteen remained there and stood guard to keep off cowans and eavesdroppersandto warn the others of the approach of strangers by ringing their Bells; the other nine went on and three of then to the place, where they found the twig of acacia; and although neither the sun, nor the moon northe stars were shining, the commendedto dig by the aid ofa peculiar light and found the body. They called the other six and with their help disinterred the body, wrappedit intheir aprons and carried it, accompanied by the others, to the Temple, where everything had been arrangedfor a properreinterment. King Solomon had also called together all the other Masters to attend the ceremonies and to keep guard in and around the Temple; for he would not permit a Profane present or even nearby. Arriving at the Temple, these 27 divided, nine guarding the East gate, nine the Southgate, while the other nine, who had disinterred the body and carried it hither, entered by the West gate and placed the body in a magnificent vault under a threefold fire (ic., applause) 3x3, with all due honors and in accordance with ancient Masonicrites. After this was done King Solomon thought it onlyright and just to reward the nine Masters, who had cared for the body of the unfortunate Adoniram; he therefore appeared before them and gave them permission to touch his Crown; also, as a reward for their fidelity to their deceased Grand Master Adoniram, he gave them silver skull on a black ribbon, which had three white stripes to be worn around the neck. He also gave them the privilege to call on him dark; he embraced them and gave them for their mutual recognition a separate Master-word; also, in case a Profane should try by violence or force to extort the same, he took his own Baldrick with the Dagger attached and gave it to them, admonishing them, to revenge the murder of Adoniram and to defend the widows and the widows sons." The Worshipful Master then gives the Candidate the apron and says:-"My Worthy Brother, by the authority vested in me I now accept you as a Brother Elu and give you the apron of this Degree. You know already its purport; and the meaning of the four roses, embroidered thereon, will be communicated to you at some future time at the pleasure of the Scots Masters." The Worshipful Master then hands him the band with the skull attached and says:-"My Brother, of the meaning of this you have also been informed; let it remind you of Adoniram,that it is better to die than to reveal what you have sworn to conceal." He gives him the Bell with the following instruction:- "MyBrother, this Bell shall remind you to be readyalways, andat the first indiscretion also to give the Brethren this Sign in case anything hostile is contemplated against the order; it is therefore the Due Guard of this Degree." After this the Candidateis instructed in the word andsigns by the Worshipful Master, the Secretary readsto himthe rest whenever they pleased and he gave them each a Bell to announce their coming. of the history. Then the Worshipful Master explains the usual ceremonies, hands him the Lantern andcontinues: - they became angry and insisted that, having assisted al the "MyBrother Elu, you have been informed whythis Lantern is given you; guard well the Temple by day and Then, for the sake of peace King Solomon likewise gavé night." Whenthe other eighteen heard ofthis distinction and honor ceremonies, they also were justly entitled to these privileges. themtheseprivileges, but thinking that the nine were afterall of the Temple, to guard the same by day and night, andfor Hethrowsonto the Candidate'sright shoulder the Baldrick with the Dagger hanging on the left side and says:-"My Brother Elu, I arm you with this Dagger, that you may 21 22 entitledto some extra distinction, he made them Inspectors that purpose gave them a Lantern to guide their wayin the COLLECTANEA SARSENA defend with it the Temple, the Crown, your Brethren and making an angle of a square.!+ Thefirst part is the Sign ofa yourself; that you may revenge the murder of Adoniramand defend the widowsand sons of the widow. The Daggeris fastened to this striped Baldrick to prove your innocence and purity and to mark the Degree you now hold." Scots Entered Apprentice in the Lodge. The SIGN OF RECOGNITION is followed by the GRIP, whichis given in the following manner: First, place foot to foot and knee to knee; Handing him the white gloves he says:-"Thesignificance Secondly, place the left hand on the others shoulder, and Thirdly, close the Index and ring-fingers and stretch the of these you know, and I am notat liberty to again explain thumb, middle andlittle fingers and so touch each others i." hand forming a Crown,to prove their Initiation and thatit When his gives him the ladies gloves he says:-‘"My had been vouchsafed to them,to touch the Crown.!5 The WORD of this Degree is the new Master's Word, special devotion is due to the widows and the sons of the 27 Brethren,the first syllable into one ear and the last two widow of a Brother Mason, members of our Order. You into the other; but wegiveall into the left ear, as it was done must show her, to whom yougive this pair of gloves, such devotion and render her such services as she requests orthe occasion requires. To remind youofthis carry such gloves by Solomon, when he approvedofit. The DUE GUARD ofthis Degree is by holding the Bell in the left hand and ringing it four times, but such is never When the Candidate has received all these instruction and The PASSWORD given in the Anteroom, prior to entering the Lodge, is the usual Masters Word; and the wordat the Worthy Brother, we respect and esteem all the ladies; but alwayswith you to the Lodge." explanations heis informed of taughtthe art of recognizing 4 Brother. MACBENAC,approved by King Solomonandgiven bythe given outside of a Lodge. door of the Lodge room proper is NOTUMA. The ENTERED APPRENTICE BATTERY is the usual three and one additional, denoting a Scottish Lodge. INSTRUCTIONS AND SIGNS OF RECOGNITION OF A SCOTS ENTERED APPRENTICE AND FELLOW CRAFT i _ The Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts of a Lodge of St. Andrew, as the Scottish Lodge is called, have a Sign of Recognition different from th e Brethren of a St. Johns; Lodge. The Degrees of Entered Apprentice and of Fellow The SIGN OF RECOGNITION between a Scots Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft is made as if grasping the Dagger withthe right hand, raising the same and thrusting it into the throat of the other, at the same time holding the Faas . peker i rett |4"TEGNET utfgres ved at venstre hands tommelfinger ik at at albue si handen tiltil side cker handen inni vinkel albuen slik og at en trekker el mot tinningen ah fi in former wer aft were Degrees: years two separate and distinct in Craft ‘ . : ow : and each had its ; ; : vinkel." Mogstad, :danneren rett et vinkel. ogstad, Fri Frimureri, p. 126 126. o eesigan pian of aScots Entered oo Siven belore giving that of the Fellov : Craft og tommeleni rett vinkel. Handen og armentrekkesrett uttil venstre ul underarmen dannerenrett vinkel med overarmen. Deretter lar en N sign; but even since the signs of each ; ; tie The SCOTS ENTERED APPRENTICE SIGN is made by placing the fingers inward, before the face and forehead, thumb and fingers forming an angle of the square drawing the sametothe left side and dropping it perpendicularly. 23 ; Venstre handIgftes flat utovervendt foran pannen medfingrene rett ut armen falle rett ned langs siden. Gjentas fire ganger." Mogstad, Frimureri, p. 137. ‘ST tilless finnes KRONEGREPET. Detskjer vedat spissene pa tommelfingerog lillefinger settes sammenslik at de danner ensirkel." Mogstad, Frimureri, p. 126. 24 COLLECTANEA SARSENA Lantern in the left hands leaning against each other; the Daggeris then dropped and the CROWN-GRIPis given. The word is given in the following manner: 1) Right foot to foot and knee to knee. loss is sincerely felt. That is the case of the Brotherhood of the Temple in regard to the death of Adoniram. The Brethren would not have deserved their great fortune to find the body of their great dead, if they had not honored him with an appropriate and ceremonious interment. Your raising to the Sublime Degree of a Master Masonina St. John's Lodge solemnized the recovery of the body of Adoniram andtheInitiation as Scots Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft in a St. Andrew's Lodge teaches you, in the ceremonies which you have gone through, that it is founded on the re-interment of the same. The Bell and the Lantern, with their help you found admission in this Lodge, shall remind you of the burial ceremonies, when the coffin was lowered into the crypt by the light of the Lantern andtheringing of the Bell. That you yourself had to try to gain admission shall remind you, that the 27 Master Masonshad to find their way with the help of Lanterns from the mountain to the Temple and that they had to make knowntheir arrival by the ringing ofBells. That you had to pass through a dark room, in which the 2) The left hand holding the closed Lantern against the others right shoulder. 3) Grasping the other's elbow with the right hand, touching each other once with the middle finger, and there and then the Word is given, meaning "the Lord on High"!® or "God." It is given four times-thefirst three timesby whispering the First letter into the left ear and the othersinto the right ear; but the fourth time the whole word is givenin the right ear; and this must be followed by the sign, whichis made by taking the closed Lantern from theleft into the right hand, raising the same before the face and opening it suddenly before the others eye; whereupon the accolade follows. This is never done outside a Lodge room;the Fellow Crafts rap and request the word in the same mannet. If two Brethren, having the same Degree, meet it is sufficient to recognize each other from conversation; and whena Scottish Masondesiresto visit a Lodge all he hasto dois to request a Brother to call a Lodge of recognition, where he produceshis legitimation papers and is examined; if found proficient and to be a Scottish Mason,he will be notified of and invited to their next regular communication. EXPLANATION OF THE INITIATION AND OF THE CARPET (TAPIS) OF A SCOTS ENTERED APPRENTICE AND FELLOW CRAFT _ "My worthy Brother, the ceremonies, which attended your initiation, appeared to you very likely as somewhat peculia r, but dead slumber, shall remind you ofthe fact, that our ancient Brethren had a great deal of suffering to undergo, visit catacombsandplacesof interment and examine a good many bodies, before they found the body of Adoniram and were able to place it in the magnificent crypt andlast resting place. That the Elus pointed their Swords at you upon your entrance shall remind you, that the eighteen Master Mason kept guard at the foot of Mt. Sinai and protected the march to the Temple. You had to make several journeys, because your Brethren did so with the body of Adoniram, before they could finally place it at rest. You remember whatthese journeys in the St. they will not appear to be so, when you rememberthat 4 John's Lodge signified and we hope that you will continue to walk these walks of uprightness and virtue. At your prove the interest, one takes, and the sympathy, onefeels, 9 entrance the Elus advanced towards you in closed column decent and appropriate intermentis thefirst thing whereby the death of one, whose earthly career is ended and whost and during your journeysthey closed around the Carpet and 'ODette ord var ADONAI,som betyr Herreni hgyden." Mogstad, Frimureri, Adoniram thought that when his soul and body parted, the p. 129. 25 hid it from your view; it mean, that the murderers of golden chain, which kept the Brotherhood together, also 26 A COLLECTANEA SARSENA parted; but that wewill try to hold even closer together and that the chain may neverbe severed. You have approached the Sanctum Sanctorum by twenty steps as a Scots Fellow Craft which shall remind you that you should visit the church, to tech you the right road to heaven. The steps which you took around the Carpet, on the North, West, South and East sides, denote your connection with the Order. The Bellis the instrument, by which you gain entrance into the Temple, and the Lantern to give light in darkness. The former also reminds you to watch over yourself and over your duties; the latter to follow the revealed Light during your pilgrimage throughthis vale of sorrows; which Light is not seen by the profanes and which alone can lead you to that sphere, where life and Lightare eternal. Upon this Carpet rests a Globe, denoting that our ashes will rest somewhere on the globe, as those of Adoniram. Wehavestretched the chain so as to include within this circle everything andall, that it may loose nothing ofits strength. JEWELS OF A SCOTS ENTERED APPRENTICE. 1.) Black Lambskin, also embroidered in silver, a skull. lined in black, on it Yousee there also the Square and Compasses, which have a 2.) Bell. deep meaning for a true Freemason; also the coffin of 3.) Lantern. 4.) Skull in triangle, fastened to a black ribbon, striped Adoniram,the Mt. Sinai and the Sprig of Acacia, all known to you which may remind you,that the history of the death of Adoniram andhis interment are inseparable. The Scale, which you see here in the shape of a Square,1s divided into 27 equal parts, which reminds you of the number of 27 Masters (3x9), who took care of the honorable re-interment of the body of Adoniram. The Sun and the Moonare also represented, for we, seeking Light, can do nothing without Light; but as the re- interment of Adoniram tookplace at night, by the lightof a New Moon,this heavenly li ght is clouded over and the Stars disappear. _ The Crownsignifies King Solomon's presence at the reinterment; it was keptatfirst in the tabernacle and afterwards in the Temple and was modeled after the one which Moses made on Mt. Sinai. The three Swords, one on the Altar and the other two in the form of a cross on the Carpet, are the principal characteristics and symbolsof this Degree, and shall remind us, that, at the restoration of the Temple, the Hebrews held in one hand a trowel and in the other a Sword, to defend themselves against assaults. These Swords also remind you, that you have joined an Order Militant, which has 1 fight hosts of enemies before they can reach the gatesof the NewJerusalem. 27 7 with white. 5.) Pair of man's and woman's gloves, white. CATECHISM OFA SCOTS ENTERED APPRENTICE AND FELLOWCRAFT Q. My worthy Brother, are you a Scots Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft? A. The Grand Master and the Brethren knowmeas such. Q. From whence do you come? A. From the numberof those, who recovered the bodyof our Grand Master,and rejoicedat his innocence. Q. Why did you becomea Scot? A. To defend the widows andthe nobility. Q. How mayI know youto be a Scots Brother? A. I know the Acacia. Q. How do you makeyourself known as such? _A. By the Sign, Grip, Word, Due Guard and my innocence in the murder of our Grand Master. Q. How doyougive the Sign? A. I give it, as a Scots Entered Apprentice, by placing the left hand before my face; as a Fellow Craft, by raising my right arm perpendicularly and striking with the Dagger horizontally. 28 COLLECTANEA Q. How do you give the Grip? SARSENA ' _ A. Placing foot to foot and knee to knee; in this position| give you my hand and together with you give the Sign of a A. Whenthelight of the Sun is hidden, we use the light of the Moon. Scots Entered Apprentice; then as Fellow Craft I grasp with the right hand your right arm, pressing the middle finger against the elbow andplace the left hand on yourback. Q. Give me the Word? A. Asan Entered Apprentice I give you the new Word of a Master Mason;as a Fellow Craft I give you theletter "A" and let you supplytherest. Q. Whichis the Due Guard? A. As Entered Apprentice I use the Bell, as Fellow Craft the Lantern. Q. Have you seen your Grand Master? A. He saw me. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A. Q. A- How washeclothed? In sky blue withstars. Whatis your name? Thatofthefirst architect. Howold are you? Morethan seven years. Why do you answer thus? Because King Solomon made us Elus, not on account of our age, but on account ofour fidelity. Q. Where do wefind a lost Brother? A. Between East and West. Q. Whereis the Grand Master's seat? A. Whereit ought to be. Q. Why do you answer thus? A. Because the Sunrises in the East, to open and adom the day, even if heis not always visible. Q. Whereare the Brethren placed? . In the West. . Whereis your place? . Near the Sun. . Why there? - Because the Light does not blind me. Q. If your place is near the Sun, why does the light no! blind you? 29 ADDITIONAL CATECHISM Q. How do you gain admission in a Lodge of Scottish Masons? A. By twenty-sevensteps. Q. Whatdo they signify? A. That I am instructed to visit the Temple frequently with the 27 Brethren, of whom there werenine at each entrance at the re-interment of our Grand Master. Q. Haveyou traveled as a Scottish Mason? A. I have traveled four times, as is usual for an Entered Apprentice. Q. How? A. Bydarkroads, but armed andenlightened. Q. What happened to you? A. A numberof brethren surrounded meand pointedtheir Swords towards me. Q. And whatdid you do then? A. I keep myobligation and never mentionit; it cannot be extorted, for disloyalty I could never make amends. Q. Whohelped youto gain admission? A. Oneof the Brethren gave mehis Bell and Lantern, and with their aid and by those means I entered. Q. How did you mount the twenty-seven steps by which you approached the Inner Temple? A. I approached from the West to the South bythirteen steps, when the remaining fourteen were barred. Q. Howdid you approach the Grand Master? A. By foursteps in the four regions on Heaven. Q. Whatthen did the Grand Master do with you? A. He caused meto beinstructedin all which is necessary for an Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft to know, and he explained to methe jewels ofthis Degree. Q. What do the four roses on your apron signify? A. The Masters knowit. Q. Whatdo the colors on your Baldrick denote? 30 COLLECTANEA A. The black color denotes our mourning over the death of our Grand Master, the white border our innocence ofhis death. Q. Whywasthe skull given to you? A. To remind me to imitate the example of our Grand Masterandrather die than to divulge our secrets. Q. Why were the Dagger and Lantern given to you? A. To defend the Temple and rather die than becomefalse and forsworn. . How do you defend yourself? . Bysilence, secrecy and good moral conduct. . Why were the gloves given to you? . To remind meto defend our widowsand orphans. . Why wereyouinitiated by the light of a Lantern? . To teach me, that the Word of God, which enlightens us,is like a Light which illuminates all dark places, until the day dawns and the Morning Star appears. Q. Whatis your business in a Scottish Lodge. A. To improve the work. Q. How? A. By using arms and Working Tools and to furnish the work with a Sword in one hand,and the trowelin the other. ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, RELATIVE TO THE DEGREE OF SCOTS E.A. AND F.C. Q. Whatdid you see on yourfirst entrance in the Scottish Lodge? A. Bythe dim light of a Lantern I saw only emblemsof mourning. Q. A. with Q. Whatwerethese? The coffin of our Grand Master and the implem ents which he was murdered. Wheredid you see them? SARSENA Q. Whatelse? A. I saw the Sun and the Mooneclipsed, and the Blazing Star disappear. Q. Whatdoes that mean? A. It means, that the re-interment took place at night, and it was so darkthatthe lights could not be seen. Q. At what hourdid the intermenttake place? A. At midnight. Q. How werethe brethren clothed, whenthey left to look for our Grand Master? A. In the garb of Masons, with a spade to disinter the body, a Lantern to give the necessary light, a Bell to give warning, and an apron. Q. By whom and how wasour Grand Master re-interred? A. The nine Masters, who disinterred the body, wrapped it in their aprons, and carried it to the Temple, where they placed it in a magnificent crypt. Q. How wasthe body, when it was taken up? A. The neck wassevered, the heart lacerated, the tongue and intestines taken out and sunkin the sea, the body burned to ashes, and the ashes strewn into the four winds of heaven. Q. Whodid all this? A. Brother Masons. Q. Whosebodywasit, and whywasit thus treated? A. It was done that there should not be left and remembrance of it among Masons, and further I have not inquired. Q. Whatelse did yousee in the Lodge? A. I saw the Crown of King Solomonand have placed my hand on it. Q. How wasit made? A. Offine gold and had an inscription after the model A. At the foot of Mt. Sinai, where he had beeninterred which waskept in the Tabernacle (Exodus 39:30)! 7 Q. What does the Crown signify? Q. What did you see on the Mount? A. The place wherethe Sprig of Ac acia wasplanted. upon it a writing, like to the engravings ofa signet, HOLINESS TO and where he was found by our Bre thren, taken up andre interred. 31 7 and they madethe plate of the holy crownof pure gold, and wrote THE LORD." 32 COLLECTANEA A. That we must conquer; that we must win and defend the Crown of life, which will be manifested to us as a reward for the erection of our spiritual Temple. Q. Whatelse did you see? A. Two Swordscrossed. Q. Whywerethey placed there? A. Because the ancient Hebrews held in one hand the trowel, and in the other the Sword. Q. Whywasit placed on the Altar? A. Because thereI took the last obligation, which the Elus have taken. Q. Is this all you saw or did you see anything else? A. I saw four other things: I saw the Cord of Unity among the Brethren, which never breaks; I saw the Globe, upon which welive; I saw the Bell and the Lantern, with whosehelp I found the way. Q. Whydo youcarry a Bell? : A. Because I am on myguard, as a Brother Elu oughtto ¢, Q. What do you guard? A. I guard the Crown and the Temple and I an eve watchful for the enemy. Q. Who are the enemy? A. All vices, which tend to destroy the spiritual Temple. Q. Of what use is the Lantern? A. To givelight in darkness. Q. Whattimeisit? A. High noon (whenthe Lodge is opened); or, Midnight (when closed). SARSENA Fifth Degree INITIATION OF A SCOTS MASTER, OR KNIGHT OF ST. ANDREW 1) The Altar and the Throne are covered in white, onall sides decorated with St. Andrew's crosses; on the West side hangs a red cloth, with stars embroidered thereon. 2) On the Altar are the Holy Bible, Square, Compasses and a Sword;also a Crown, a lighted Lantern and aBell, all placed in a triangular form, besides seven lighted candles, three of which are in the Northwest and the other fourin the Southwest. 3) The Grand Master occupies his customary seat; heis dressed in the usual paraphernalia and wears his hat; the officers occupy their respective places; the Stewards have red ribbons on their staves; all Brethren have their Swords drawn during the time the Lodge is opened. 4) The jewels to be distributed are on a red cushion and placed on the South side of the Altar; on the right side on a blue cushion are the jewels pertaining to a St. John's Lodge. 5) The Derrick is placed in position, South, between the East and West. OPENING The Grand Master raps four times with the Scottish gavel against his Sword, lying on a table before him; which raps are repeated by the Wardens. He opensthe lodge in the usual manner and standing in the Sign of a Scots Master, requests that the two Wardensinformthe Brother Elus, that the Lodge is opened. The Worshipful Master then appoints the four youngest membersto go into and guard the outer room, who take position two nearthe door leading to the Anteroom, and two near the entrance door to the Lodge room proper. In this room stands a table covered in red; on it, a Lamp anda Bible openedto a chapter ofSt. John the Evangelist. 34 COLLECTANEA As soon asit is known that the candidate has enteredthis outer room, the Master of Ceremonies receives order to go and meet him, to receive his Sword, to inform himself of services renderedfor the good of the Order, and also relative to the Degrees already received, whether he be an Elu andof what Lodge a member;also, to ask a few questionsrelative to the Degreeof Elu and to callfor the Sign, Grip, Password and Word of that Degree. If he is satisfied he conducts the Candidateto the Altar, places his hand upon the open Bible, whenthe following Ist obligation is read to him:- ist OBLIGATION "My Brother, do you promise upon the Holy Bible and upon the obligations already taken as an Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and as an Elu, never to reveal to a brother of the lower Degrees any of the secrets or arts pertaining to the Degree of Scots Master, nor cause the same to be done?" The Candidate answers: -"I promise." The Master of Ceremonies then returns to the Lodg e room proper, repo rts and hands the sword of the Candidate to the Worshipful Master whotakes it and places it crosswise over his own. Whenheissatisfied with the report of the Master of Ceremonies, he directs him to again go to the Anteroom, with the two Stewards, to read to the Candidate the two obligations and prepare him. They do so and the Mast er of C eremonies asks the Candidate whether he is willing to take uponhimself another obligation, one which had beent aken byall whohad received this Degree. Upon his affirmative answer, the 2d obligation is read. 2d OBLIGATION "My Brother, do you promise upon the Holy Bible andthe obli gations already taken, never to reveal any of the secrets that we are about to communicate to you; that you will 35 SARSENA avoid disharmony and preventdiscord, if such should take place among the Brethren; also, that you will defend the Brethren, if and whenever oppressed?" Answer: -"‘I promise." The Master of Ceremonies then produces the Cord and says: -"MyBrother, I am instructed to place around your neck this Golden Cord; it has caused the death of many a Brother, andI sincerely hope that it maynot cause yours." Heplaces it around the neck and putsthe endofit in the pocket of the Candidate; the two Stewards place their Swords crosswise over his breast. He then returns again to the Lodge room and reports, whereupon the Worshipful Master asks the consent of the Brethren to admit the Candidate. If it is given the Master of Ceremonies again retires to the Anteroom, remains at the door and the two Stewards conduct the Candidate to him, upon his sign to approach. Arriving at the door the Steward rapswith his Sword 4x4. Upon information of this alarm, the Worshipful Master directs the properofficer to inquire into the causeof this disturbance, and being informedthatit is a Brother Elu, he orders the doors to be opened. The Stewards enter and lake their places, while the Master of Ceremonies and the Candidate remain standing about 3 steps from thedoor. The Worshipful Master asks: -‘""Who comeshere? Whatdoes he want? Whatis his age? Has he been, before this, a member of any other Lodge?" The Master of Ceremonies answering the questions, his answers are communicated to the Elus by the two Wardens andthe Worshipful Master continues:- Q. From whence does he come? Master of Ceremonies: - From a band of Elus. 36 . AI COLLECTANEA SARSENA Q. Whydoeshe desire to become a Scots Master? A. To receiveall the Degrees, to approach to the truth and reach the completion; also, to make a vacancy among the Brethren Elus, whose ranks are full, for a worthy Master Mason, whodesires to become a member. Q. MyBrethren, do you consent that this Brother Elu be admitted? 3d OBLIGATION "I, N.N., in the presence of the Great Architect of the Universe, before the Worshipful Master, the Wardens and officers of this Lodge and all Brother Scots Masters, promise that I will endeavor to promulgate the arts of Freemasonry, to defend the Order, to encourage the workmen,to instruct the Masons, to collect material from The Brethren give the Sign of Approbation. The Candidate is then admitted by seven steps: namely, three steps while in the Anteroom to the threshold, giving with the 15! step the Sign of an Entered Apprentice; with the 2d step that ofan FellowCraft; and with the 3d step the Sign, Grip, all parts of the world for the erection of the Temple, that neither oppression nor persecution shall prevent me; to defend the purity and the honor of the Order; that I will combat for the same whenever it should be necessary; that I will do my duty as a Scots Master and keep my Password and True Word of a Master Mason. Then,inside obligation under no less penalties than those already and voluntarily assumed. So help me God, the Grand steps to the Wardens, andfacing the East he makes the Sign Architect of the Universe." the Lodge room, heis conducted in a straight line byfour of a Knight in Black. When heentersall the Brethren fasten their eyes on the tablet on the table and when the Candidate gives the Sign of the Elus they make step suddenly, and as in astonishment back up again and give that Sign. The Master of Ceremonies then also resumes his station. The Worshipful Master then continues:-"Brothers Wardens,let this Brother Elu nowtravel as a Scots Master.' Which is done by conducting him four times aroundthe The room and each time he passes the Wardens they dub him and receiving the same answers he orders the same to be entered upon the minutes, as also the letter of recommendation, if the Candidate applies for affil iation or natur with their Swords and communicate this to the Worshipful Master by the Sword-Sign. Should the latter choose, after the first journey, to dispense with the remainder, the Candidate receives all the dubbings with the Sword at one time and is reconducted to the Wardens byseven steps from The Worshipful Master then announ ces:-"Brothers Wardens, let this Brother now take the 3d obligation, which the South to West. Worshipful Master again asks the same questions as before, alization here. all Scots Masters have taken, after they have been permit ted to enter the Lodge." Both the Wardens place the points of their Swords crosswise upon the breast of the Candidate, the Master of Ceremonies holds the Holy Bible, upon which he placeshis hands and the Secretaryreads the followin g obligation: The Worshipful Master then asks the consent of the Brethren to have the Candidate conducted to the Altar and the consent being given by shaking the leather aprons, he continues:- "Brothers Wardens, conduct this Scottish Brother and Elu to the East by the four steps South, West, North and East. After this is done he says:-"Brother Master of Ceremonies, attend to such duties which are necessary to receive and accept this Brother as a Scots Master! 38 COLLECTANEA SARSENA The Master of Ceremonies takes the end of the Cord, goes to the Wardens and includes them in the circle and then hands it to the Worshipful Master; he leads the Candidate near the Derrick, his back to the circle, and when inthis position the Worshipful Master continues :- one of the ruffians who tried to extort the same from our Grand Master Adoniram. His conscience has smitten him. "My Brother, I presume and I hope, that before entering this Lodge you have carefully and conscientiously considered this step and also your Masoniclife from the time of your first initiation. I ask you whether you have confidence in yourself and think yourself strong enough to endurethetrial youstill must undergo? Sometimes curiosity prompts mento enter this Lodge, but their curiosity will be disappointed. It is my duty to warn you, in case you have received this Degree or the knowledgethereofillegally, or in case you haveviolated the Constitution or requirements of our Order, that you had better stop right here and not continue in this undertaking, as it might go beyond your strength. Reflect carefully, my Brother!" After the Candidate has answered the Worshipful Master says in a loud and impetuous voice:-"Very well, my Prepare him for death and do not spare him." The Worshipful Master returns to his seat and the Master of Ceremonies walks with the Candidate towards the door, to take him outside and prompts him; they then remain standing in the door and the Master of Ceremonies asks permission in the usual way to address the East. The Worshipful Master tells him:-"Brother Elu, make haste and execute the judgment." Master of Ceremonies:-‘Worshipful Master, I have questioned the Brother and I find him without guilt; he has cleared himself." Worshipful Master:-"My worthy Brother, I can hardly believeit." Master of Ceremonies:-"Worshipful Master, but I can assure you ofit." Brother, we shall see!" Worshipful Master:-‘"In that case, my Brother, I will Hequicklyarises from his seat, grasps the Sword from the Altar, walks quickly up to the Candidate, taking him with the left hand bythe neck, and placing the Sword upon to his heart, he asks: - "Wheredid you received the Masters Word?" If the Candidate should answer correctly, "In the Middle Chamber", the initiation will be proceeded with; but it is mostoften the case, if the Candidate is taken by surprise and perplexed and fails to give this answer, that the Worshipful Master addresses the Master of Ceremonies:- "MyBrother, why have you introduced one who cannot tell where he received the Masters Word? He is probably 39 investigate. Reconductthe candidate to the Altar, and place him again near the Derrick, and should he prove himself a true Master you may continue with the ceremonies, as a reward for his sufferings." When he has been reconducted and has given the correct answer, the Worshipful Master says:-‘"My Brother, I am hotsatisfied and heartily glad, that I can give you what you have askedfor; I think you havethe strength and the courage to Overcomethe obstacles whicharestill in your way." The Master of Ceremonies has, in the mean time, again laken up the end of the Cord and handsit to the Worshipful Master, who says:- 40) i] SARSENA COLLECTANEA "My Brother, yourfate is still uncertain. There is yet one obstacle in the way, connected with evident danger, before we can accept you as a Scots Master. But you have already proceeded to far to retrace your steps, even if you desired to do so. Prepare yourself for what may come. Brothers Wardens, conduct this Brother by the usual four steps to that memorable place, where the Golden Cord, which has caused the union of the Brethren, will be the meansto bind him to us and unite him to the Brother Elus, the Scots Masters!" The Candidate is conducted 4 times backwards and placed under the Derrick between the two Wardens. After the Candidate has been freed from the Cord, all the Brethren embrace him and then resume their seats. Worshipful Master instructs the All the Brethren for a chain with their hands, holding their Swords pointing upwards, andclose in a circle around the Candidate, whereupon the Worshipful Master enters the circle, advances towards him, places the point of one sword against his breast, and holding the other crosswise over tt, the two Wardensplacethe points of their Swords againsthis knees. The Worshipful Master then pulls the Cord gently who The have remained with the Candidate, under the Derrick:- "Brothers Wardens, conduct this Brother, who is now a Scots Master, to the Altar, to take the 4th obligation." The Candidate kneels before the Altar, places one hand upon the Holy Bible, the other upon the Crown, the Worshipful Master places the point of the Sword againsthis breast, holding another crosswise overit, and the Secretary then readsthe obligation:- The Worshipful Master then continues:- "All Brothers Elus will approach this doomed man." Wardens, 4th OBLIGATION "I, N.N., promise and swearbythree times three, bythe obligations already taken as an Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason andthose three as a Scots Master, never to reveal what has been communicated to me. I also promise that I will not assist in the initiation of any one, not worthy of that honor; and if worthy, to give him the Light only in conformity with our ancient laws and usages by three times three. So help me God, the Grand Architect four times and says:- of the Universe!" "My Brother, by the power vested in me, as Worshipful Master (dubbing him once), and with the consentofall the The Candidate is now told to rise, the Worshipful Master Brethren Scots Masters (dubbing him a second time), undet this Derrick (dubbing him a third time) and by this fourth dubbing with the Sword of a Scots Master (dubs him the 4th hands him back his Sword, and says:-‘Brother Elu, | return your Sword, which lay upon the Altar of the Scottish Order. It will never again be taken from you in a Lodge. Use it for the honor and defense of the Order and ofthis time), | now accept and receive you as a Scots Master and a particular Degree." He then continues:-"Brother Master of Ceremonies. unfasten the Gold Cord which unites this Brother with us; relative to his initiation into the first three Degrees, and with member of this Scottish Lodge." and place it whereit belongs!" 41 He then presents to him, with his left hand, credentials a gavelin his right hand he touches him four times uponthe right shoulder, continuing : - COLLECTANEA SARSENA "Brother Elu, I now endow you with the power to open and close a Lodge of Entered Apprentices, Fellow Crafts and Master Masons,to Initiate Candidates and to Pass and Raise Brethren; but be very careful not to abuse this power where youfind a legally constituted Lodge." is also the initial letter of the word GOLGOTHA,!8 ice., Calvary, and should remind youthat no fear of danger must preventyou from assisting in the building of our Temple. It The documents and the gavel are then laid upon a blue cushion, which the Master of Ceremonies presents and sets in their proper place. Following this the Master of Ceremonies conducts the newly initiated Brother to the East, to receive the Jewels of this Degree, and places him in the Southeast corner. also reminds you of the word ‘Geometry,' the fifth science, whichis especially dedicated to the fifth Degree in Masonry, which enables you to measure heights and raise from the deep the sunkenruins of the Temple. The glory surrounding the Star should remind you of the fire and ardor with which you mustlabor in behalf of the Order; also, that neither fire norresistance should prevent you from defendingall Orders, whichhaveas pure and moral foundationsas this. The five points of the Star should remind you of the five wounds of our Lord and Master." The Worshipful Master hands him the leather Apron and says: -"Brother Elu, I now present to you the Apron of a Scots Master." Handing him the Sash, he says:-"Brother Elu, I now present you with a red sash, a decoration of a Scots Master, which is only given to Elus and true Christians. The significance of which is profound. You will wear it in memory of our Grand Master Adoniram, and of the many martyrs and heroes whosacrificed their blood in interest of the Christian religion. You will wear it from the rightto the left (in memory of our Master, the founder of the Christian religion, whose left breast was opened, and whosebloodis the only meansofpurification) to qualify you to become 4 He then hands him the Green Collar, and says:-‘"My Brother, I present to you the Green Collar, the especial decoration of this Degree; it is worn around the neck. It bears the color of Hope; Hopein the ultimate rebuilding of the Temple. The Jewel, suspended from this collar, represents St. Andrew, and is enameled on a green St. Andrew's cross. The reason why the members of a Lodge of Scots Masters of St. Andrew wear this Jewel is because he, as a pupil of St. John, was prepared by thelatter, to Serve a greater Master, in whose service he becamea great Architect also, because St. Andrew is recognized as the Patron of Scotland, where our ancient Brethren found protection in times of oppression. The Sun, represented on member ofthis illustrious Order. ; The meaning of the Blazing Star on this Sash, and which a Jewel, signifies that you have approached very near the ruth. You saw its Light during your initiation as an Entered Apprentice, likewise during the Fellow Craft Degree, when He then hands him a pair of men's and women's gloves, is also embroidered on your Apron, is not unknown to you. the significanceof the letter G was explained to you. It als0 represents that star which the three wise men saw, who came from the East in search of Truth, and which guided them on and says: -"My Brother, these you will use in accordance With the instructions already received." their way. Theletter G has several meaning. Principally, " signifies the name of the Grand Architect of the Universe: whois the Supreme Architect and Protector if our Order. It 43 '8in some contemporary German Master Masons Lodgestheletter *‘G' retains this significance. See "The Letter G," in Harry Carr's World of Freemasonry(London: A Lewis, 1984), p. 217. 44 COLLECTANEA SARSENA Hethen orders the Secretary to instruct the Brother in the Signs of Recognition, to make himself known, and the Wardensto instruct him in the lessons of this Degree. alternately, the letters G.A.; with the second turn, B.A.; and with the third turn, the remainingletters, O.N. Secretary: -"The modesof recognition are as follows: The Scots Master's BATTERYis four raps (three quick and the other after a short interval), denoting a Scottish Lodge. The SIGN of this Degree is made by placing the left hand horizontally before the face with the thumb touching the forehead, and placing thetips of the fingers of the right hand to the tips of the fingers of the left vertically, forming the angle of a Square. There is ANOTHER SIGN, infrequently used, made by placing the right handonthehip,the four fingers to the front and the thumbto the back, forming the angle of a Square. Place the right foot in front of the left, resting onits toes. Onaccountof the difficult and unpleasant position this sign is seldom used. There are THREE OTHER SIGNS. Thefirst is given by touching the elbow, which calls for the Word; the secondis to grasp the hand, which calls for the Password; and the third, with the middle finger, the only Sign given outside the Lodge. The FIRST GRIPis given upon three Points of Fellowship; first, right knee to right knee and toes to toes; second,left hand on the back of the other; third, grasp with the right handsin the Master Masons Grip the other's right elbow. The WORD is ELOHIM, whichis given by onepressing the other's arm to his side and pronouncing thefirst syllable: £, then the other does the same and pronounces the second syllable, LO, and thenthefirst again presses the arm to his side and both whisper into the other's ear the whole word: ELOHIM. Theythen proceed to the GRIP PROPER, byplacing the thumb of the right hand under the index finger and s0 grasping each other's hands. The WORD is GABAON,andis given by turning the hands three times, lettering the word and giving at the first tum 45 There is ANOTHER GRIP, in addition to the afore- mentioned Grip, which is the only one to be given outside the Lodge. It is given by pressing the middle finger into the palm of the other's hand, and nothingelse is permitted. By no meansare you to give the Word or Password, or Battery as a Scots Master. When two Brethren meet it is sufficient to ask some pertinent questions and so recognizeeach other accordingly. Any Brother, having made himself known as a Scots Master, where there is a regular Lodge, will soon be notified and have an opportunity to visit the Lodge, where he will be examined in the proper way. When a Brother makes himself known and expresses a desire to visit, the Worshipful Master appoints a Committee of three, which with the visitor 80 to a secluded and perfectly tiled place where the Worshipful Master opens a Lodge foregoing the usual ceremonies, merely to become acquainted with Brother N.N., but no Sign is given until the Brother is examined and found to be what he represents himselfas." The Secretary then reads the laws, rules and regulation governing a Scots Master's Lodge and then continues to read:- _ Secretary: -"Brother Elu, it is but proper that should be Instructed and the ceremonies explained, which were Observed at yourinitiation. They may have struck youas very peculiar, but once you have heard the explanation you will cease to wonder, and the surprise which you may have experienced on the outset will yield to an understanding of the hidden and deep meanings underlyingall. The destruction of our Temple has caused surprise and wonder; for you surely know thatit is completely destroyed. Look at the Carpet! The magnificent temple of King Solomon can hardly be rebuilt. Nothing of its magnificence remains but ruins. The two pillars, gracing the entrance have fallen, and are broken into four parts; the magnificent 46 COLLECTANEA SARSENA stairway has crumbled; the entrance is buried by a massof The Bull, the Lion, the Eagle and the Cherubim which you see here on the four corners of the Carpet, were carved on the pillars of the Temple. Whenthese pillars where square, rubble and rubbish; the Temple is destroyed, and you see only signs of violence, avarice, perfidy and perjury. Butin spite of all this something remains which permits us to hope or four-cornered, one of the beasts was carved on each side. that the Temple may be rebuilt. Look at the foundation of The carving on the fourth side could not be seen, because the the Temple, my Brother; look at the Cornerstone. Some of our Brethren, good and true Architects, hearing pillars stood near the wall and this side was facing towards of the demolished condition of the Temple, and knowingthat The Twelve Lights on all sides of this Carpet are placed in our Grand Master Adoniram had been buried there bythe memory of the twelve Architects who spread the science of orders of King Solomon,agreedto go there to search forthe coffin and not to return until they had discovered it. They entered upontheir journey separately and alone, and adopted certain Signs and Grips for their mutual recognition, and Architecture in all places of the world. The Globe, which you see here before you, represents the world, wherein the Brother Scots Masters are scattered for the purpose of finding and selecting new workmen, to satisfied that Adoniram never divulged it to the ruffians ot any unworthy person. Whenthey arrived at their place of until it is completed, and its doors may be thrown open. From this you will easily understand the true meaning of the ceremonies and why questions were put to determine that you had been properly initiated and that you had not received the knowledge in an unlawful manner. The Cable Tow wasplaced around your neck, to make you suffer the penalties in case you were found an impostor; but also, your legal standing having been proved, to save you they also adopted the old Masters Word, ELOHIM, being destination, they found everything as you see it here upon the Carpet; but they discovered the Cornerstoneintact. It was of a cubical shape and upon it they found the old Masters Word engraved therein. From this they became convinced that they had discovered the place where the body of our Grand Master Adoniram had been entombed. They went to work and raised the stone and were not disappointed; for under it they found the Tomb andthe Coffin. They were overjoyed and took counsel, how (0 raise the coffin and to carry it away. They found nearby 4 Derrick, movedit into place, and placed a guilded rope o Cable Tow around the Coffin, fastened it to the Derrick, and if. continue the building of the Temple, by day and bynight, and raise you for further advancement, as the rope had been used to raise the Coffin of our Grand Master. Your Sword wastaken away, to deprive you ofall means of defense, in case you had been found guilty. It was returned to you with the assurance that it would never again be taken, as your zeal for the Order had been sufficiently with four pulls (resting a moment after each), raised the tested and you were found not wanting. carried it away. always to walk the path of rectitude and virtue, which all must walk whoseek the Truth. Coffin to the surface by the light of the stars, and then They also found the Candelabra with seven arms, which you see represented here. It was formerly used in King eee s Temple and represented the seven sciences which A Seee should study, to becomea perfect Mason. ane ‘cy which you see in the West represents the key King Solomon's Temple andto the Mysteries ofa St. John's | dge. It was kep Lo t and guarded by Adoniram; they found! ound 1 in the Coffin, and therei t stil The journeys which you madeshould remind you ever and The Crumbled Stairway and walls should remind you that the fortress and walls of ignorance, superstition, tyranny and perfidy should be demolished, that the Temple oftrue piety, ofliberty and righteousness may beerected in your heart. The Globe should also remind you to be zealous and to search for our Brethren, to render them services. l eidine ee 47 48 COLLECTANEA The Seven-branched Candelabra SARSENA should remind all Brethren to become perfect and to shine in each Degreeof our Order. Inasmuch as each arm supported light andall were joined and rested on one commonarm,it also signifies the Unity of the Brethren who, although of differing Degrees,all belongto a single Order. The Key in the East should remind you of Eternity, for which you should prepare yourself. The Derrick, by which the Cornerstone was_ raised, reminds you ofthe difficulties in raising it, and should teach you to contemplate your spiritual Masonic edifice. There Hebrew word carved thereon is the old Master's Word, which ourBrethren adopted. The meaning of the Coffin, the Skull and Crossbones, and the Sprig of Acacia is knownto you, and are placedhere, to again remind you of the constancy, the readiness, and the firmness of our beloved Grand Master; it is our duty to emulate his zeal and constancy. The colors of the Carpet, red and white, signify the blood and the brains of our Grand Master, which flowed and were scattered on the ground when he was murdered. I now congratulate you on your initiation!" The Worshipful Master then explains the Questions and Answersofthe Degree. Before closing he asks whether any Brother has anything to offer for the benefit of the Lodge of this Degree, and then closes in the usual form, by changing this lodge into a St. John's Lodge. : There are General Lawsfor the Initiation and the Passing. S fo the Raising of a Fellow Craft to a Scots Master, he may use his own discretion; but he cannot raise more than four at a time, and must select these from the nine oldes! members, Refreshment, or Table Lodge, is held and the ceremonies are the sameas in the St. John's Degrees; but the Sign and the Battery used are of that respective Degree in whichthe sameis held. 49 When he opens a St. John's Lodge, all the Brethren of those Degrees are admitted. He calls Lodges of Instruction as his own pleasure, and as they are very important, he should doit frequently. The Scots Masters have their ownright, and these are read in open Lodge once a year. One of these is that he has the right and authority to open and hold a lodge of the St. John's Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason without a Charter, for the purpose ofInitiation, Passing and Raising. Another is that he requires no Constitution, but has the right to take the gavelin any St. John's Lodge. At any place where there is no legally constituted lodge, but sufficient and good material, it is his dutyto establish a Lodge; and it is at his discretion whether that be but an Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, or Master MasonsLodge. COLLECTANEA Sixth Degree INITIATION OF A SCOTS PAST MASTER AND KNIGHT OF ST. ANDREW The Lodge is hung in red, all the Brethren occupytheir usual seats; the collars of the officers are black. . The Worshipful Master's Jewel, instead of a Square, is triangular; that of the Senior Warden is a Square surmounted by a rule and a rising Sun; that of the Junior Wardenis a Compasses, surmounted by a crescent Moon. The Aprons are white, but lined with red. Uponthetable are three lights, the Compasses, the Gavel and the Holy Bible. Around the Carpet are fourlights. The Brethren do not carry Swords, with the exception of the youngest member, who is called "Frére Gardien," and whotiles the door with a drawn Sword. (This Degreeis only for those who are specially selected and qualified for the higher Degrees.) Whenall are assembled, the Worshipful Master raps once and says:- "Toorder, my Brethren." All make the Signs beginning with that of Entered Apprentice. SARSENA Q. Whattimeis it? A. The Sunhasset. Worshipful Master:-"As the Sun hasset an the time has come, I open this Chapter in due form in the nameofthe Grand Master of the whole Order and the Grand Master of the Chapter." He raps seven times (x.xx.x.xx.x), which raps are repeated by the Wardens and he then says: -"It is opened." The Worshipful Master gives the name ofthe Candidate, and ifthere is no objection he appoints a Brotherto retire and prepare and examine him, andalso to learn what he thinks of the Order. Concerning the latter he quietly informs the Worshipful Master and, if the report is satisfactory, the ceremonies are continued. If not, he has the power to cease and desist thefurther ceremonies. The Master of Ceremonies conducts the Candidate to the door of the Chapter and raps seven times, whereupon the Worshipful Master, through the Frére Gardien, puts the following questions:- WM. See who knocks? FG. A Scottish Brother, who desires initiation in this Chapter. WM. Askfor the Word of an Entered Apprentice? He continues: -"Brother Senior Warden, are you a Master of this Scottish Chapter?" FG. FG. A. Lam. Q. What is the duty of a Worshipful Master of a Scottish Chapter? A. Tosee that the Chapteris duly tiled. The Frére Gardienretires and sees that the doors are locked andthen responds:-"brother Senior Warden, the Chapter is tiled!" Q. Brother Junior Warden, what is your nam e? A. SARSENA. 51 JAKIN. WM. Askfor the Word of a FellowCraft? BOAS. WM. Askfor the Word of a Master Mason? FG. MACBENAC. WM. Askfor the Word ofa Scots Master? FG. NOTUMA. WM. FG. WM. FG. From whence does he come? From the West. Whither does he go? To the East. | A COLLECTANEA WM.Is he a memberof any association which is notin conformity, or has he taken any ties or obligations which are not in accord,with the principles of this Order? FG. No. (Such associations are: 1-other secret societies, 2-slavery, 3-marital ties (in some very orthodox C.hapters)). The Swordis then taken away and a cloth placed over his head, and upon the Worshipful Master's order, "Let him enter," he is conducted into the Chapter. WM.-"In seekinginitiation into this Scottish Chapter you haveundertaken a step of great importance. Yourideas and Opinions regarding this matter may notentirely agree with Ours, and the Light you seek mayyet be far off. Your patl may be beset with difficulties, and I do not know if youwill ever reach the end. You will find everything quite different from your previous initiations. The mysteries which you seek to penetrate are of a very different nature. Before you canproceed we require you to assume a solemn obligation Whichwill now be read aloud to you." Thefollowing obligation is the n read:- "I, N.N., promise and Swear in the presence of God, the Crea tor of the Universe and in the presence of these Scot tish Brethren, that I will keep the secrets which ma) be communicated to me, and will not reveal even the leas! part thereof; that I will not speak with anyone concerning them, even though he be the Grand Master of the Order until I know him to be such or until such are avouched fo! by my superiors in this Chapter. | promise to be true and faithful to this Chapter, that I will keep the secrets and nol reveal the same byletters, Signs or symbols, unles s | have the permission of My superiors; that I will not speak 0! them except to a known Brother and in the prescribe 53 SARSENA manner. I furthermore promise that I will not visit any Chapter which is not recognized by this one; that I will remain loyal to this Chapter; that I will not reveal any of the secrets, usages or allegories by which others might learn to know them. I furthermore promise that I will be true and steadfast unto death in the Holy Creed; to practice humility; to obey the commands and instructions of my superiors; to shun vice; to do good; to alleviate suffering; to love all mankind andto live the life of an honest and upright manas it becomes a memberofthe higher Scottish Degrees. In confirmation whereofI kiss this book, which contains the teachings of my Redeemer." WM. "Are youwilling to take this obligation?" "Are you doing it of your own free will and accord?" "Will you keep it inviolate?" "Do youreally not belong to any other association, not in accord with this?" After the Candidate has answered, heis requested to take this obligation and to signit. The candle is taken from his hands and extinguished; the cloth is again thrown over his head; he is led backwards from the Carpet then conductedthree times aroundthe room. During the journeys all the lights are extinguished, except for one on the Altar, and this burnsonly but dimly. When his journeys continues :- are completed, the Worshipful Master "Brother Senior Warden, what time is it?" SW. Worshipful Master, the quietest hour ofthe night. WM. Brother Junior Warden, what do you see? JW. Itis dark, our Brethren are scattered and only a dim lightilluminates the Temple. WM. Whatis the causeof our Brethren being scattered? JW. globe. The clouds, which gather from all parts of the 54 Hill | COLLECTANEA WM. Then conduct one of the Brethren to me, that I may further instruct him and receive him amongst the numberof Scots Masters. The two Wardens take their places on each side of the Candidate, and after having conducted him four times around the room place him to the right of the Worshipful Masterand retire to their seats. SARSENA placed and higher honors are in store for you. remember that! Now, give the Sign of Recognition to the Brothers Wardens, and take your place amongst us." While he does this the candles are relighted and the Worshipful Master then directs, that the Carpet is explained to the Candidate. The Worshipful Master uncovers the head of the Candidate and says:-"On the strength of the obligation, which you have taken of your own free will and accord, I venture to receive you among the Brethren of the higher Scottish Degrees. But I would not dare to doit, if it was not dark around us and we not secure on all sides. Darkness constitutes a wall between us andthose not of this Degree. | relieve you of your apron (he does so and throwsit back over the head of the Candidate) and give you instead this apron of a Brother of the higher Scottish Degrees. It shall remind you that what has been doneto you before is nothing in comparison to the mysteries which will be revealed to you, if you are deemed worthy. By the seven raps(suiting the action to the words and tapping him with the gavel three times on the forehead and twice on each shoulder) 1 accept and declare you a Brother of the higher Scottish Degrees. This is the Sign, and indicates that far off you already see the gloryofthe Order, This, that you will keep in the inmost recesses of your heart all the secrets which have been and may yet be communicated to you. This is the position used in the Chapter; it intimates the broken pillars and the perfection concealed thereby. But you are to useit only in a regular Chapter of the higher degrees. The WORDis SARSENA, to indicate your age. I now congratulate you and advise you to walk the path of rectitude, to respect your superiors, to love your Brethren, t0 be loyal to the Order and to your obligations and to be ver) careful not to reveal anything you have seen here ( anybody, no matter whoit is; because you are peculiarly 55 Always EXPLANATIONOF THE CARPET "My Brother, you have taken one of the most important steps of your life. Even if you had never taken this step, your duties would have beenof a ‘grave nature; but having taken it, they are still more so. That you may judge for yourself, I will now recapitulate the ceremonies which attended yourinitiation and explain the hieroglyphics and figures on the Carpet. Even before you approachedthe door ofthis Chapter, the Worshipful Master had to be informed ofthe opinion you entertained relative to the Order andits mysteries. You seldom havea correct idea ofthe interior ofa house, unless you have beenin it. But there is a reason whythe Worshipful Master should be the sole judge. You were examined by a Brother at the doorso closely, as if you were not even a member of the Order; you observe from this that although all members of the Order are our Brethren, still a good manyarein the position ofutter strangerstous. Your head wascovered for the reason thattheli ght, which you approached, was of such a nature that it would have blinded you, had you suddenly comewithin its radius. Your sword was taken away, because armsare entirely unnecessary and oftimes incompatible with our duties. You wereat last admitted. A lighted candle was placed in your hand, to indicate that you werein search of something Worth seeking; also to indicate that you were engaged in a solemn action. Your obligation was taken with due caution and great deliberation. 56 COLLECTANEA I am notatliberty to reveal to you the reason and give you an explanation of all the points; but in due time you will know that nothing was done without a deep meaning and you will have to use your best endeavors to live up to the teachings andall the requirements. You then made three journeys, during which timesilence reigned supreme. Arriving again at the place from whence you started, you heard the Worshipful Master asking the Wardens some questions, which seemed to you rather strange; but they are of great importance and are the Key to the Temple and the higher mysteries of the Order. More I cannottell you. Your then, after having made four more journeys, requested initiation into the mysteries of the higher Scottish Degrees. You recall that you also made three journeys, when you wereinitiated as an Entered Apprentice; they were counted equivalent to three years service, and if you think that these journeys have a similar meaning you will not be far wrong. The numberseven is also a mysterious number, and has a deeper meaning which I am notat presentatliberty to make known to you. Almost darkness and night surrounded you, when you stood before the Worshipful Master and what you saw by the dim light possibly created in you somewhattrepidation SARSENA truth ofall, if you live up to the teachings of the Order and keep your obligation as you have promised. The color of the Carpet is red, as you perceive. It may remind you of the blood of our Brethren, but rememberalso that it is the color of the Order of Scottish Brethren. You see the Temple in ruins, the pillars broken, the magnificent stairway demolished; it reminds you of the past experience of our Order and that our Brethren were scattered. You can understand ourloss; for the misdeeds of some all had to suffer. I am not permitted to tell you when all this happened, when we becamevictims of avarice and arrogance. Butin spite of all, our secrets and our mysteries been preserved; no one has yet dared to overstep the ines. Iam notat liberty to explain to you the meaning ofthe four lights. Let it suffice to say that it is based on the Trinity and this again on Unity. If you choose to connectit with the four elements, the four quarters of heaven, or the Cubical Stone, I have no objection and you will not be for off the path. No matter what direction, or where you go, youwill eventually return again to the place from whenceyoustarted. The letters and figures which you see here, are at present an enigmato you; but you will know them andtheir meaning and fear. We have reasonto think of that night with deep in time. The destruction ceased here; the outer shell was broken sorrow; that night when the Temple waslaid in ruins, when the blood of our Brethren was spilled, and they were and the interior in ruins, but the Blazing Star remains to pierce the darkness. Around it you see seven other stars, scattered to the four winds of heaven. But we rememberit with joy also, knowingthatthis very darkness concealed and preserved them from further persecution. Whether more 1s concealed I am not permitted to tell you just now, but time will come when you will know all and you will bless the darkness with us. I nowturn to the hieroglyphics on the Carpet. If they Which to some extent signify the same, as the nine stars of the Carpet of an Entered Apprentice; but they also signify more. The Blazing Star, shining for the whole world, can do without them; but we have selectedit to lead us into the Sanctum Sanctorum,and to give us Light in our works. It requires the seven stars to provide us with more Light, and seem strange to you and if I do not explain them as you likely expect, I will give you the assurance and consolation to make us more perfect. You will comprehendthis later on. You see neither the Sun nor the Moon; the power ofour enemies has deprivedusof their light. But we are thankful that theyare thelast. Tonight, for the last time, I speak 10 for the night with its stillness and peace; it is more in raised, nO more enigmaswill be used, youwill see atlast the harmony with the workings of this Order. From the very fact that both have conspicuousplaces in our Chapter rooms 57 58 you in hieroglyphs. All this will cease, the curtain will be COLLECTANEA you perceive that we esteem them very highly. SARSENA Without them we would not be what we were or what we are now; without these the Blazing Star would not have been able to provide ussufficient Light in our search. Finally, you here see in the midst of the Temple a square box, made of gold. I cannotyet divulge to you the contents, for the time has not yet arrived that you should see everything clearly. But the position of the Pillars around it veneration of Godis to be your highest duty; as the Creator of all it is due Him from the humblestcreature, nay, more so from a Freemason, and still more from a Brother of the higher Scottish Degrees. We recommend that you walk the path of rectitude and uprightness; be just, practice humility, charity and moderation, and love all mankind. Be true to your Word, lost by the death of Adoniram,is contained herein. obligation and the blessings will not fail you, and in time you will see the Light. I congratulate you and may peace be with you from the East, from whence peace comes." thereon are vessels of purification, teaching us to purify our When the explanation of the carpet is finished and the Catechism completed, the Candidate again approachesthe East and the Worshipful Master continues:- may to some extent serve to solve the enigma; as mayalso the word JEHOVA written in the triangle. The old Master's Youalso see engraved thereon the grave of Adoniram and the hilltop with the green Sprig of Acacia, reminding you of the resurrection of the Grand Master. The vessels carved morals and our lives, which is indispensable for every Brother of the higher degrees, to enable us to participate in the higher mysteries and to serve the Lord in our Temples. Youalso see thereon the Band of Friendship, a sacred symbol of our Order; it teaches the Brethren that although scattered over the whole globe they are one; of one origin, of one mind and purpose, share in common the samesecrets and mysteries and are governed by the samerules. This, my Brother, concludes the explanation. Fortunate are you, if the mistis dissipated and the veil taken from your eyes, to enable youto see clearly whatis as yet an enigma to you. There is but one more step you can take, but not presently. Patience, time and fortitude in all those trials yet before you may bring you the reward. The solemnity of the occasion and the sincerity of the Brethren in keeping every secrel cannot but impress you; the disinterestedness and hearty accord, with which you have been received, cannot bul strengthen your resolution to live a useful life. : However, do not rely on yourself alone. The Worshipful Masteris not here simply to govern the Chapter, but also t0 give us counsel, to guard our Steps, to give us light, that we may not stumble andfall by the wayside. Go to him, heed his counsel, follow his advice and profit by it. 59 "MyBrother, I should now return to you your Sword; but aS We are not in the habit of using it, it is unnecessary. | now appoint you Frére Gardien; tile and defend the Chapter Well against all strangers who may approach. immediately enter upon your duties." You may The Candidate goes to the door, gives the Sign of Recognitionto the Tiler, whereupon the latter hands himthe Swordand takes his place among the Brethren. If nothing else is before the Chapter, it is closed by the Worshipful Master in the following manner: - WM. Brother Senior Warden, whattimeis it? SW. It is four o'clock, the hour ofearly dawn. WM. Brother Junior Warden, is it time to close this Chapter? JW. itis duetime. WM. As it is due time, I therefore close this Scottish Chapter of the higher Degrees in the name of the Grand Master of the Order, and in the nameofthe Superior ofthe Grand Chapter, and by the sacred numbers! The 60 COLLECTANEA He raps seven times (x.xx.x.xx.x), repeated by the Wardens. SARSENA which raps are A. The seven steps which I trod to reach the door of the Temple. Q. How did you recognize our Grand Master? WM.TheChapteris closed! CATECHISM Q. Are you a Master of the higher Degrees of Scottish Masonry? A. lam, prove me. Q. How mayI know youas such? A. By my name,bythe time, and by the work to which | am appointed! Q. Whatis your name? A. SARSENA, or Perfect Master. Q. How did you becomea Perfect Master? A. By the number seven, by which means I received membership in the Scottish Degrees. Q. Whyis this numberperfect? A. Because it contains the Triangle and the Square of the ees and because it gives Light during the hoursof work. Q. Where have you been employed? A. In the Sanctum Sanctorum, where none but Masters are permitted. A. By the Triangle which he wore on ablack collar. Q. Whatdoesit denote? A. The Degree of Perfection, on which our works are based, and the mourning we bear on account of our Brethren. Q. How did you gain these secrets? A. By seven journeysin the darkness. Q. Why was it dark when the Worshipful Master communicated to you oursecrets? A. That we might conceal them from the Profane, as from our Brethren. Q. In what condition did you find the Temple? A. I found the Pillars broken and tumbled, the walls destroyed and everything in ruins. Q. Whodestroyed the Temple? A. The hands of the sacrilegious and the violence of warriors. I found the stones scattered, the remnants ofthe Pillars against the cross; I found the grave of our Grand Master, the mound with the Sprig of Acacia; I also sawthe Blazing Star surrounded by seven others and I found the treasures of the Temple. Q. Of whatdid thelatter consist? . At what hour were you employed? . At dark, when everything was quit. In a triangle the name JEHOVA. - The Blazing Star and an experienced Brother. - What causedtheinterruption of your work? four, and the Master's Word of Scottish Masonry, which . Who wasyour guide? - The clouds thatarose onall sides. - What does that signify? - That the secrets which have been communicated to me should be keptasis utter darkness had covered them up, and that our Brethren are scattered. Q. By what means did you gain admittance into the Chapter of Scottish Masonry? A. By means of seven knocks. Q. Whatdo they signify? 61 _A. Of a case, a Square of gold upon which was engraved Q. What doesit signify? A. The Degree of Perfection in the numbers three and Waslost in the Temple but found again on the Scottish Isles. Q. What more did you see? A. I saw four lights in the four directions ofthe globe, upon which our Brethren are Scattered. Q. Whatelse? _A. The vessels of purification, to purify us for the service in the Temple. Q. Whatdoesthis purification signify? 62 COLLECTANEA SARSENA A. Putting aside all vices and impurity as belonging to darkness, andputting on virtues, as belongingto light. Q. How do Scots Master's travel? Seventh (Additional) Degree GRAND CROSS OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN, OR THE CHAPTER OF PERFECT MASTERS A. From the West through the South to the East, and on through the North to the West. Q. Whatis the color of Scots Masonry? A. Thecoloroffire. Q. Whattimeis it? A. It is four o'clock; the time of early dawn. The SIGN of the Scottish Degree is to place the right hand upon the heart, the left hand reversed and the fingers together and thumb downward,as if to ward off the light. Whenstanding up in the Chapter and speaking or addressing the East, you close the hands, thumbsinside, and place them one abovethe other. The WORD is SARSENA,or Perfect Master. The GRIP is folding the fingers of the right hand and placing the left on each other's shoulders. OPENING OF THE CHAPTER The Puissant Master and the Wardensgive the Grand Sign with both arms extended, remain standing in the sign and then asks: - Q. Are all Perfect Masters? A. Illustrious Brother Expert, satisfy yourself, all present can justly extendtheir right hand. After looking around andsatisfying himself, he reports:- "Puissant Master, all is well." WM. Thenlet us begin. (The Grand Sign is made.) Brother Senior Warden,are you a Perfect Master? SW. Puissant Master, I am. WM. Doyourejoiceinit? SW. I do, and so do all the Brethren of the Knighthood. Q. How mayI know youto be a Perfect Master? A, By Sign, Grip and Word. Q. Give the Sign? (He givesit.) Give the Word? (He givesit.) Give the Grip? (It passes around.) Whattimeisit? . The perfect hour. . Whatis that? . The hour whenthe watch awoke interror. Illustrious Brothers Wardens and Brethren, Cc apter of Perfect Masonsis opened! He raps 3x9 (xXxXXxXXXXXX-X.xX which are repeated by the Wardens. this A COLLECTANEA INITIATION The Brother Assistant Expert, with the Assistance of another prepare the Candidate, who awaits them in a dark room. Heis told that he has wornthe collar of the Orderfor some time without knowing whatit denotes, and that he has been found worthy to be told the rest. Before doing 50, however, he must declare whether he had acted in goodfaith to obtain the secrets. If he solemnly states that such is the case, he is questions whether he will continue to strive to improve, whether he will serve his Brethren with all his power, whether he will live and die in the profession offaith made whenreceiving the Degree of Knighthood, whether he will agree to accept the duties which will be read to him, whether he is afraid or entertains any doubts that the secrets to be communicated to him might contain somethingevil. All his answers are communicated to the Chapter; the Worshipful Master directs that he remain alone in darkness and again reflect. After a short pause, the Master of Ceremonies returns to him and conducts him to the door of the Chapter, where he raps 3x9 (as above); which raps are repeated on the inside by the Wardens, and the Brother Expert reports: - "There is an alarm at the door!" A. See who knows. Exp. He who knocks is Commander N.N., who desires to be advanced into all the mysteries. A. Let him enter! The Candidate enters and the Brother Expert condu cts him to the Throne of King Solomon (before the Worshipful Maste r), who addresses him with the following: - _MyBrother, you will now be advanced to the Degree of this Sublime Chapter, where all the Secrets of our Grand Master Adoniram will be disclosed to you; secrets, which from the First Degree to this have so far but been represented SARSENA same, I shall kill you and thenkill myself for having raised such a contemptible creature to this Degree of Perfection, to this Degree of Transfiguration. You will certainly meet the same fate as Abiram, the assassin of Adoniram, who was put to death forhis treachery. I therefore ask of you again, will you faithfully keep the secrets and remain loyal?" A. Yes, I will. Q. Can andwill you take the last obligation that you will, upon your honor and uponthe salvation of your soul, keep inviolate the pledge of secrecy unto death? Reflect well! If you havethe slightest doubt, I would advise you to wait yet awhile. When the Candidate affirms his resolution the Worshipful Master hands him the Apocalypse, opened on the 21st and 22d Chapters, and requests him to retire into the Anteroom and there to read the two chapters. Sometimes the Brother Orator goes with him and reads them to him, which generally makes a better and deeper impression. After returning, the Candidate keels and takes the following obligation: - "I, N.N., solemnly vow at the portals of the New Jerusalem in our Sublime Temple, in the presence of God, before whom all things are revealed and nosecrets exist; also in the presence of all these Brother Perfect Masters, never to reveal the secrets which have been communicated to me, to any Profane, nor even to a Brother ofthe first six degrees; and I promise this under no less penalty than to forego the salvation of my soul, that God may have no mercy On me, and to forego all participation in the glories of the coming New Jerusalem. the Holy Ghost to keep this obligation and lead meto the portals of the New Jerusalem. So help me God." in hieroglyphs andallegories. If you divulge or reveal the 65 MayGod, whois the Might and the Strength, hear this, and may He aid me by 66 COLLECTANEA All the Brethren repeat: -"Hallelujah! Amen!" After this, the Worshipful Master tells him to rise, kisses him again on the forehead, and says:-‘"Rejoice, my Brethren, in receiving this new and worthy member!" The SIGN is the Hands folded and raised high. The WORD is LOBARETH, meaning "Godis mystrength." In some Chapters the word DA KINETHis used, meaning, "God will reward me." The Worshipful Master then decorates him with the Cross on a white collar, and says:-"I now invest you with the true insignia of the Order. Wear it among the Elus with honor unto death. Be a Light to the Brethren of the lower degrees, and endeavor to increase the growth and importanceofthis Order. I also invest you with the power which Christ gave ¥9 Scones: and admonish you, ‘Keep the teachings of the Ord. _ I will now reveal to you the true meaning of the Working Tools, Hieroglyphics, and the Symbols. Illustrious Brother Senior Warden, what signifies the Rough Ashlar of an Entered Apprentice Mason? A. The laws under which mankind lived, before God was revealed through Moses. Q. Whatsignifies the Cubical Stone of a Fellow Craft Mason. A. The Laws of Moses. 67 tS FOFOFPOFOFrOFSO of the Universe, whois revealed as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, in whose presence you have divested yourself of the regalia and Sword of Knighthood, and to whom you have prayed for Light, Peace and the reward of this Order, be with you and grant you all you desire. May He receive you among the Elect in the Chapter above and may He lead you to the portals of the New Jerusalem! Amen! Hallelujah! Amen!" re The Tracing Board? The Gospel. The Three Light? The Trinity. The Indented Tessel? The Curtain of the Temple. The Blazing Star. The Star, seen by the three Wise Men. Who was Adoniram? A representation of Christ. The Middle Chamber? The Sanctum Sanctorum. Whatdo the three ruffians, who murdered Adoniram, resent? The different sects, who most persecuted Christ. Where is your Chapter? Within and around me. > OFOFo> co The Worshipful Master then kisses him on the forehead, and says: -"The GreatInfinite and Invisible Spirit and Ruler SARSENA Whyis St. John the Baptist a Patron of the Order? Becausehefirst preachedthe Trinity. Whydoes a Masoncall for the Children of the Widow? . On accountof the wholesale slaughter ofthe children at Bethlehem. (A collection is here taken for the poor.) Q. MyBrother, are you a Perfect Master and a Knight of St. John. A. lam,and I possessall the secrets. Q. How did youattain this honor? A. Throughsecrecy and loyalty, through great trials and noble deeds andwith the help of God. Q. Where will you receive you reward. A. In the New Jerusalem. Q. Whattimeisit? A. Neither time nor hour is observed. -Q. Illustrious Brothers Wardens, make knownthat neither time nor houris observed. | AU COLLECT The Lodge is then closed by i de} Lt THE ANCIENT FREE GARD meine SETTRUTTR Excelsis." By W.Bro. T. W. R Installation, on} Introduction-Hallam-Irwin- Vibert-History-Apron- Certificate-Jewel-The three Gardeners: Adam, Noah, and Solomon- Officers Apprentice's Degree and Lecture- Journeyman's Deeree-Master's Degree and Lecture- Apron Lecture-Travelling Lecture- Garden Lecture Constituting a Lodge. ; + I was first prompted to attempt this paperafter reading an article by Albert Pike, in which he made rather strong comment at the unfortunate proclivity of over-zealous and injudicious Brethrento trace the history of Masonry back to the time when Adam, in the Garden of Eden, was deemed to be the Grand Master, etc: This brought to my mindthat I had in mypossession two very old MS. Rituals setting out the three degrees andall the lectures of the Order of Free Gardeners, and that maybe they would serve as a basis for a paper, but little did I realise, at that time, the type of task I had set myself, for subsequently I found that verylittle was knownof the Order,at leastlittle has ever been recorded: even at Grand Lodge they have but scanty information about it, although they possess, in the Museum, three Jew els, an Apron, and some Banners of the Order. My search for information extended over many months, gleaningalittle here andalittle there, and I should like to pay tribute to the assistance given by a widecircle of friends ee *This article was originally published in Transactions ofthe Somerset Masters Lodge No. 3746 vol. 9 (1948)pt. 2, pp. 149-175. 70 COLLECTANEA ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS and Societies without whose help the history portion of this | paper could not have been presented. on the written names Myfirst clue was one of the many fly-leaf of the MSS.-J. T. Hallam of the Cedar Lodge; now J. T. Hallam wasvery prominent in Masonic circles, both in Bristol and Keyn-sham; he was a P.M. of the Moira Lodge in the Province of Bristol and held the Office of Treasurer for 27 years; he held Provincial ranks of P.S.G.W., and P.G.J.; and his connection with the Province of Somerset was at Keynsham wherein 1880, and againin 1886, he was Master of the Carnarvon Mark Lodge; and in 1888, and monograms ANS andAES. The apron is edged with yellow braid, and it has no fall." You will notice the account states "possibly" of the Order of Free-Gardeners; I can say definitely that exhibit was an actual apron of the Order, and when I was in Bath a few days agoI tried to findit in order to exhibit here to-day, but without success, but I can show you a banner on which you will see a similar type of symbols. The apron in Grand Lodge Museumis identical to that described by Bro. Vibert. Thefirst of the only two references, by noted authors, I have been able to discover is by Gould, in his "History of Freemasonry": "The word FREEis of somewhat extensive use in connection with various craftsmen and wasgenerally applied in Scotland to those craftsmen who were free to exercise their trades byvirtue of due service and qualification, hence, free-mason, free-sewer, free-carpenter, free-sewers, freelinen weavers, and lastly free-gardeners, who formed a again in 1895, he was the Commander of the Irwin Ark Mariners; in the Mark degree he held Provincial rank of G.S.W., 1885. Hallam was afriend of Francis George Irwin whose name is prominent in Somerset Masonic Circles... I have here to-day, among other exhibits, a Warrant, dated 1878, authorising J.T. Hallam with others, to constitute a Council of the Knights of Constantinople, to be named "Helena," and this is signed by F. G. Irwinas Head of the Grand Council; all this data gave rise to the belief that a Lodge of Free Gardeners was held in Bristol and later in this paper you will find this belief established; in fact, I am ableto exhibit Hallam's certificate of membershipof the | Order. The following interesting record appeared in_ the transactions of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge, Vol. XLI, 1828:-"Exhibit by Lionel Vibert of Bath: Apron, possibly of the Order of Free Gardeners. Dark blue serge about [9 in. deep by 6 in. wide Designis entirely painted and consists of all irradiated Eye, Sun, Moon, and Seven Stars, Rainbow, Dove and Olive Branch, Bell, Pomegranate, Bible with Square and compasses, Terrestrial Globe, Crown with Sceptre and Sword, Beehive, Pineapple, Square and Compasses with onepoint raised, the letters PE G H,?° and 20The letters, P.E.G.H. probablyrefer to the fourrivers which watererd the Garden of Eden, as given in Gen, II, v. 10-13, although the order 1s slightlydifferent, viz., Pison, Gihon, Hiddekel, and Euphrates, and the 71 Grand Lodge in 1849, but of whose prior existence I find the earliest trace in St. Michael Pine-Apple Lodge of Free Gardeners in Newcastle, established in 1812, by warrant from the St. George Lodge of North Shields, which was itself derived from a Lodge composed ofsoldiers belonging to the Forfar Regiment ofMilitia." The second is from an American work by Stevens, in his "Cyclopaedia ofFraternities" (1899), whostates: "National United Order of Free Gardeners: The Order of Gardeners is one ofthe older English beneficiary secret Societies. No authentic or satisfactory account ofits origin has been published, although it is believed the different English Orders of Gardeners, like the Order of Odd-fellows are successive secessions from the parent body. Among the various branches are the Scotch Order of Free Gardeners, One of the oldest dating back into the Eighteenth Century, and an Antient Order in the North of England. In addition ee first monogram ANS probably denoted Adam, Noahand Solomon, the ee Master Gardeners, subsequently mentioned. 72 COLLECTANEA ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS there are the British, the United, the Loyal, and the National United Orders of Free Gardeners, the last named of whichis by far the largest. The first five named have probablyno less Whilst dealing with Gilds, this extract from Walford's "History of Gilds,' re the Merchant Gild of Preston, founded in the 12th Century, is of interest: "Thus we find in the great processions the following Companies take part, in the order here stated: (1) Tanners, Skinners, Curriers, and Glovers. (2) Cotton Spinners and Weavers. (3) than 25,000 members, while the National United has nearly three times as many. Gardeners Lodges were originally called after the flowers, such as Moss-Rose, Myrtle, Lilyof the Valley, andin the early days of the Order the ceremonies are declared to have been of an extreme though impressive type. The Initiation Ceremony and Lectures were not printed and, with the rules of the Order, were jealously guarded. A considerable item of expense formerly incurred was for the relief of members when ‘tramping in search of work.' The latter, about the middle of the century, received twoshillings per day and what was voluntary given them A refusalto cut downthe ‘tramping allowance,' and to have the Ceremonies printed, resulted in a secession from the Order of Antient Free Gardeners Lancashire Union in 1842. The newly Cordwainers. (4) Carpenters. (5) Butchers. (6) Vinters. (7) Tailors. (8) Plasterers. (9) Smiths. (10) GARDENERS. (11) Oddfellows. (12) Printers and Bookbinders. (13) Freemasons." You will notice the order of procession places Masonslast. Itis claimedthat the Order of Free Gardenersis of Scottish origin, and if you examine the Certificate of J. T. Hallam on exhibition here, you will note it is issued by the authority of the Grand Lodge ofScotland. Gould supports this view, insomuch as hestates the Lodge, formed in Newcastle in 1812, sprang from a Scottish formed Society described itself by the same general title, Yorkshire Union,and, as the Grand National Order merged source. I have not been able to verify any Lodge earlier than with parent body in 1871, then known as the United Order, and I have actually handled and read the document which in 1820 amendedtheir rules and regulations. Lodges were formedat the end of the 17th Centuryand the the re-united bodies became known as the National Order. The general government of the Gardeners suggests that of the English Foresters and Odd-Fellows. The titles of Officers of the Order, Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master, were drawn directly from the Freemasons and OddFellows. The Gardeners, so far as known, have not spread to the United States, which is remarkable in view ofthe vogue ofbeneficiary secret orders here." Wenowhave twoclues at our hand, Gould and Stevens, both of whom support the view that the Order of Free Gardeners emanated from the Old Trade Gild system, solet us examine a statement by Toulmin Smith in his work, "English Gilds," 1870. "The early English Gild was an institution of local self-help, which, before Poor Laws were invented, took the place in old times of the Modern Friendly or Benefit Society, but with a higher aim; while it joined all classes together in a care for the needy, and for objects of common welfare,it did not neglect the forms andpractice of Religion, Justice and Morality." a 1813, this was the St. John's Lodge, Montrose, Scotland, beginning of the 18th in Falkirk, Dunfermline and Arbroath, and one-Lodgeis claimed to have a continuousrecordofits proceedings for more than 200 years. The Adam's Lodgeat Sunderland was formed some 140 years ago, and other Lodges opened throughout Durham and Northumberland, whilst in Bristol there were three Lodges, the "Cedars of Lebanon," of which Hallam Was a P.M., meeting at Thompson's Hotel, Bridge Street, the "Olive,"at the Hope and Anchor, Redcliffe Street; and the "Rose and Lily," meeting at the White Horse, Barr Street, Bristol, whilst Provincial Grand Lodge washeld at the Globe Hotel, Stokes Croft. I have a list of members and their occupations which prove that the Order was not confined to operative Gardeners, for some were Carvers, Architects, Engravers, Outfitters and Tobacconists, besides a Wide range of other Tradesor Professions. 74 COLLECTANEA Butin contrast to this last fact, I hope to be able to exhibit here to-day the Certificate of Apprenticeship of John Nelson to William Sweet and John Miller to learn their art as Gardeners, and a further Certificate of the Free Gardeners Society dated 1827, raising the said John Neison to the sublime degree of a Master Gardener. I am ofthe opinion, which I base on the 1827 documentand another dated 1835 to which I will refer later, that the Trade Qualification of a Gardener was not enforced in the 1880's the time ofthe Bristol Lodges, and the Order became open to anytype of trade. The other document, to which I have referred, was dated September, 1835, printed on paper and strengthened by a linen strip, is 14 in. by 16 in.; at the top is the "All seeing eye," and at the bottom, on either side, there are twolarge wax seals with the impression of a coat of arms and the lettering," Pine-Apple Lodge of Free Gardeners, Chepstow,"this states: - "We, the Right Worshipful Grand Master, Deputy Master, ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS enlightened brother Gardeners on the face of the terrestrial globe, greeting. In the east is a place full of light, and the darkness comprehendeth it not, where reigns love, wisdom, harmonyand peace." This document established the foundation of the Bristol Olive Lodge which, as before mentioned, met at the Hope and Anchor, in Redcliffe Street, but you will notice that it was under Northumberland Constitution, whilst the Bristol "Cedars of Lebanon" was under the Scottish Constitution. _Up to about 1840 each Lodge was a separate and independent body and not subject to central control, and having little or noofficial knowledge of any other Lodge, also the Ceremonies and Lectures of the Order, though long and important, did not exist in printed form-they were written and taken from placetoplace. This lack of system hadfinally an important effect on the Order, for various attempts were made to combine them, but Owing to differences in working these were unsuccessful; however, itis known that in 1865, five Lodges in the Tyne District grouped themselves into the "English Order of Free Past Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, and the rest of the Bearers and Brethren of the Monmouthshire Pine-Apple Lodge of Free Gardeners, held at the house of Mr. Morgan, Gardeners" and were so successful that they crossed the Northumberland Lodge of Free Gardeners, North Shields, joined, the title was changed fromEnglishto British. I have following Brethren and finding them properly qualified, we have regularly constituted them into a Lodge under the name and title of the Bristol Olive Lodge of Free Gardeners." Then follows the names of the Officers: Installed Grand years prior to this invasion of "Scotland's First" Lodge, and it would appear to be another case of the Antients and Moderns as in Masonry. The records of the Registrar of Friendly Societies show Many titles, viz., The Ancient Order of F.G., the British Order, The National United Order, and the St. Andrew's Order, and from information recently obtained the following Swan Inn, Chepstow, holding constitution from the do hereby certify and declare that after duly examining the Master, Daniel Marsh; Deputy Master, James Thomas; Past Master, Charles Cook; Senior Warden, George Meatyard; Junior Warden, William Pole; Inside Tiler, George Cottle; Outside Tiler, Abraham Croker; and Chaplain, Charles Orchard, and they were authorised to make Brother Apprentice Gardeners" not under seven shillings and sixpence, and Journeymen and Master Gardeners not under seven shillings and sixpence duly investing them with all the secrets thereto belonging." The document concludes with these words: "To all regularly constituted Lodges and truly 75 Border, and in 1872 "Scotland's First" Lodge was founded in Glasgow, and after a number of Scottish members had already proved the existence of a Lodge in Scotland some 60 still appear on the Register: National United, British Order, and the St. Andrew's Order. From the rather sketchy information which I have been able to obtain, you will immediately realise the difficulty of seiling forth a complete History of the Order, but we have a background to work on sufficient for our purpose. 76 COLLECTANEA ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS I am hoping weshall be able to obtain photographs ofthe exhibits here to-day for inclusion in the Transactions, otherwise a detailed description will be given, for the benefit of those many Members whocannotattend this Meeting. The Ceremonial and Symbols of the Order are of particular interest; from the parallel they afford to the Craft and other Worshipful Master, and the Wardens, as Worshipful Senior or Junior Warden. I am unable to give any information regarding the formation ofthe Lodge. Degrees in Freemasonry; the Ritual is divided into Three Degrees: (a) Apprentice (b) Journeyman; and (c) Master, and is based on the Garden of Eden, with Adam as the Grand Master: There are five Lectures: (1) Apprentice; (2) Garden; (3) Apron; (4) Travelling; (5) Masters. The MS., moreover, contains the ceremony of Constituting a Lodge. Each Degree has an obligation with a penalty clause, and as the Ritual is read, you will be able to observe many parallels with what you already know; the Badgeis the Square and Compasses, with a Gardener's Pruning Knife, openat an angle of 90 degrees, placed across the centre; the rough sketch shown with the exhibits is one I copied from the Jewel in the Grand Lodge Museum. The Certificate on exhibition has two dates: Anno Lucis and Actual, and the Hebrew characters are in the ancient Hebrew of the Old Testament, which, I understand are noteasily translated by the present generation of Jews. The three degrees deal with three distinct periods, Adam the First Gardener; Noah the Second Gardener, for as the Bible informs us he was chosen to tend the land when the waters had subsided after destroying all the Earth; and, finally, Solomon the greatest Gardener of all. The Officers of a Lodge were the Master, Past Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Inside and Outside Tiler, and Chaplain. The Master was addressed as the Right 77 COLLECTANEA THE APPRENTICE DEGREE. with Instructions for the R.W.M. The P.M. retires to room where the candidate is and enquires if he comesof his own f.w. and a.; if he believes in G.; if he believes the B. to be the revealed will of G.; if answered in the affirmative, the P.M. shall then ask if any objection to take an oath or obligation never to reveal any of the Scts. of F.G., which may now or hereafter be communicated unto you.- None. Bare L.B., K. and F.; divest of all M. and Minerals; blindfold and lead to D.of L.; K. P.M.replies and asksthree times, who comes there? A.P.M. A poorb. candidate wishing to be admitted into all the Art or Arts, Prt. or prts., sns., wds., grps., and scts. touching or belonging to F.G. or their Ord. as others have done before him. Is he duly prepared?- Yea. And properly recommended?- Yea. By whom? By a quorum ofthree clean qualified Bn. Call again-(repeat above). Is he sound of mind,and hashe strength of body and able to earn his daily bread?- Yea. Call again-(repeatas above). In whom doeshe put his trust?-In G. (P.M. then reports to R.W.M.) Is he duly prepd.?- Yea. Is he properly recommended?- Yea. By whom?-Three clean qualified Bn. R.W.M. Admit him. (The candidate is admitted.) ha he believe the B. to be the revealed word of G.?- a. Has heany objection to take an Oath or Obligation that he will never reveal any of the Scts. of F.G.2?- None. In whom does he put his trust?-In G. Try his sincerity by test of Faith or Work.-The Candidate has been tried by Work. ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS Then lead him through that dark and subterraneous passage which leadeth eastwardto the G. of E., he putting his trust in G. need fear no evil. (Read Prov. 24, 30-32, while the candidate is led three times round the L.) R.W.S. The candidate has passed through that, etc. You will now lead him three short sps. backwards and three short sps. forward and place him in a fit and proper position to take an obligation. (The candidate is placed; his bare L.K. on three squares of aG.Apn., his R.H. extended towards Hvn. holding a Pr. Knife, his L.H. on the H. Bible. and his face due E.) O.B. I, A.B., do of my ownfree w. and a., in the presence of A. God, and in the midst ofthis the L. of free Ap.G. here well met, do most solemnly vowand swearthat I shall hele conceal, and never reveal any of the Art or Arts, Prt. or Prts., Pnt. or Pnts., Dgrs., wds. grps., or scts. touching or belonging to F.G. ortheir Or., but unto whom they justly and lawfully belong, and that unto none but a clean qualified Br. and not unto him or them, until after strict search, due examination, or very sure information, I myself being fully persuaded that he or they have taken a similar obligation to that which I am now doing, I further solemnly and sincerely vow and swearthatI will neither write nor indite, cut, carve, stain or emboss any ofthese scts. or cause the same to be done upon any substance, Metal or Mineral, anything moveable or immoveable, under the whole canopy of Hyvn. Whereon a mark, character, letter or impression may become legible or intelligible to any but a FG. I shall always Consider this the L. my mother L. I will pay due respect to the Mr., Offrs., and Bn. thereof, also to all rules and regulations of G.L.I will not makeor assist at the making of any Bn. except in the body ofa just and lawfully chartered L.of not less than three being present including the M.of the L. or having his authority so to do, always contributing the profits that mayarise to the funds of the L. in which the 80 COLLECTANEA ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS Initiation takes place. I will not make orassist at the making also see three instruments before you, the S. C. and Prknf. The Sq. is to square your moral actions in the world, the Cmps. is to encompass youwith due submissionto the rules not only of this L. but to every other well regulated L. of (F.G.). And the Pr. Knf., being the most useful instrument of Grdrs. for pruning and engrafting, is to teach you to cultivate your mind bycasting off those vices that are inherent in our natures and engrafting those virtues of Brly. love and kindly affection which ought to characterise every true Br. You alsosee three Lts. before you, thefirst is the L. of any Br. in a state of intoxication, nor will I under any pretext whatever be accessory to the communicating the Scts. of F.G. to a woman. If I should meeta Br.travelling by sea or by land, he being in want, I shall relieve his necessities in so far as my doing so shall not be detrimental to me or my family. I will not take a Br's. vineyard over his head withoutfirst acquainting him of myintention soto do, and will so far as in me lies prevent any undue advantage being taken of a Br. I will not speak evil of a F.G. or makeit a matter of, ridicule or sport, but will embrace every favourable opportunity of recommending it to my fellowmen.To all this do I most solemnly vow and swear without the least equivocation, self-evasion or mental reservation in me whatever under no less a penalty than having my... s. h.m.G. and keep mesteadfast in this my solemn obligation as a F.A.G." Whatdo you stand mostin need of?-Lt. Bn. assist mein bringing the Br. to Lt. and Gd. said, etc. You now see the humble andhelpless condition in which of nature, the second the Lt. of the lawor divine revelation, and the third is the L. of F.G., which you are nowin theact of receiving. I, in the name and authority of a quorum of F.G. Bn. of this L. say unto thee, arise Ap. F.G. you are welcomeBr. amongst us." Youwill now take the Br. and invest him with what he has been divested of and bring him back tothe L. for further instruction. _ Invest with Apn. saying:-I have nowthe pleasure of you are made a Br. you are neither naked nor clothed, Investing you with a very ancient and honourable badge, squares of a G.Apn., your r.h. extended to Hvn. holding the Fleece, or any other Order known amongst men; so ancient barefooted nor shod, but with your b.1.k. kneeling on three mostuseful, also the most dangerous implement ofF.G., your |.h. upon the H.Ble., your F. due E. Your being neither naked nor clothed is to teach you that you should never see a Br. G. in that condition without relieving him to the utmost of your power. Yourr.h. extended towards Hvn. is calling G. to witness the sincerity with which you are taking this your solemn obligation. Your being on yourLk. 1s to teach you thatgreattruth that unto G. every knee should bow, and every tongue confess. Your L.H. being on the H.Ble.is to teach youthatit contains the articles of our faith and the promise thereof, and points us forward to a better rest, even the Heavenly Paradise. And your face being due E. is becauseall Lt. cometh from the E., the Lt. of nature as well as the light of F.G. The Grdn. of E. wasin the E. The said to be more ancient than the Roman Eagle, the Golden and honourable that even Kings and Princes have laid down their Crowns, Sceptres and Swords, and considered it a higher honourto take up the Pr. Knf. and wear a F.G. Apn. Webelieve that our foreparents in a state of innocence drank nothing but pure water, so we in a L. capacity follow this example and drink your health in that beverage out of an (olive) leaf, and hope that you may be long spared to be a useful member of the order. The Candidate drinks, after Whichheis led to the Altar andinstructed in the sgns., wds., ps. and scts. END OF APPRENTICE DEGREE. Before giving the Apprentice Lecture it may be ofinterest sacred record hath expressed that the parents of (man) there were placed to (dress) that (garden) and to (keep) it. You Fleece the Free Gardeners appear to have been founded 81 82 {0 note the reference to the Roman Eagle and the Golden KIN W COLLECTANEA ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS before the time of the Union in 1813, when our ownritual But how do you knowyourself to be one?-By being often tried and never denied and willing to be tried by you if you are one. wasrevised, and the were historical events which at that time brought these Order into prominence. The Roman Eagle was famous amongst the Romans, it was a figure of an Eagle with outstretched wings, madeof bronze, carried at the head of a staff, in the same manner as banner or standard. The first knowndate of its use in this manner was B.C. 401, by the Persians, and then the Romansusedit, about B.C. 104, as an emblem of honour to be borne before their Chief Ruler. But in 1804, or in other words the period with which we are dealing, the Great Napoleon used this emblem and had it carried before his Army, and this probably broughtthe Eagle into prominence, and reminded the Brethren ofthe Great Roman Eagle the highest emblem of dignity, honour and powerill that might nation. The Order of the Golden Fleece was founded by Philip the Good, the Duke of Burgundy and of the Netherlands, in 1429, and eversince its institution it has been considered, on the Continent of Europe, as the highest and most important of all civil Orders. When the disruption of the Order between Spain and Austria took place in 1717 Speculative Masonry wasthen being placed on firmer footing, and the prominence which was given to the Order of the Golden Fleece by the dispute respecting who should be Grand Master no doubt accounts for its mention in Rituals among other Orders. APPRENTICE LECTURE. The Explanatory Lecture on this First Degree is as follows: - Bro., what are you?-A man. How do you know yourself to be one?-By having that revealed to me that never wasrevealed to a woman. Whatis that?-A word in Secret. But how shall I knowthat you are one ?-Bywords, sgns. and Brot'lygrps (given). Why doyou greet me thus?- Because I mean toplant. Plant what?- A wordinsecret. A word in secret of what?-A wordinsecret of F.G. But you cannot plant upon a Rock !-But I can between twoCliffs. Then I presume that you are a F.G.?-I am part of one, but how shall I knowthat you are one? When thou wast under the Fig Tree before I sawthee I knew thee, believest thou me? (S. John i, 48).-I do Brother. Nowyou being a Bro. F.G. howdid you obtain F.G.?- By three regular steps. What are these three regular steps?-Application, Preparation and Obligation. To whom did you apply?-Toa friend and he applied to a regular _ Constituted L. of F.G., and after he and they had duly Investigated my character, finding no fault therewith, I was Initiated and becamean Ap.Bro. F.G. prncte were youfirst prepared? -In the secrets of my own iD Where next Bro.?-In a small room adj' the L. In that room some questions were asked you?-There were Bro. How many?-Three. Whatwasthe first?-If I came there of my own f.w. and ac, The reason they asked you that?-Because ifI did not come of my f.w. and ac. I could not become an E.A.P.F.G. Whatwasthe next question asked?-If I believed in Gd. Then I presumethat youare a F.G.?-I am, part ofone. Thereasonfor that question? - Because I was to be sworn by Him,and in His presence, and ifI believed not in Gd. I could not be sworn by his Name. 83 84 A wordin secret of what ?-A word in secret of F.G. KAM A COLLECTANEA ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS The next question Bro.?-If I believed the Hy. BI. to be the written word of Gd. by divine Inspiration. How were you next prepared? -I was dulyprepared. In what manner?-I wasdivested of all means and Metals, part of my clothing, blindfolded andled to a door. The reason you was divested of all means?-To remind meat that time I was poor, so that if I ever met a Bro. F.G. in distress I should relieve him with a part of what I might then have, as a meansforhis support. The reason you were divested of all metals? -In orderthat I should bring nothing offensive or defensive into the L., or according to that portion of Scripture which saith (S. Matthew vi, 19): "Lay not up for yourselves treasure on Earth where moth and rust doth corrupt or where thieves break through andsteal, but lay up your treasures in Hvn. where neither moth norrust doth corrupt, nor thieves break through andsteal." The reason you were deprived of part of your clothing?- time in a true and lawful manner asit has been doneto others before me. Anddid that gain you admittance?- It did not Bro. What further obstruction did you meet with?-He from within asked me in whomI placed mytrust. Your answer?-In Gd. Did that gain you admittance?-It did, a Bro. took me by the R.H. and bid me followhimand fearno evil. How were youthen disposed of?-I was led three times round the L. and placed in the centre with my face due E. there to take an O.B. as an E.A.F.G. The reason you were led three times round the L.?-That the Brn. present might see that I was properly prepared, no Eve, no Impostor, a man and not a woman. Whyplaced in the centre with your face due E.?- Because all Lt. cometh from the E. and from thence camethe Lt. of F.G. and that is a Gt. Lt. What position were you in when you took the Oath or O.B.?-I was neither running nor walking, sitting nor standing naked nor clothed, barefooted nor shod, but in a humble and halting position with my bare and bending L.K. on three squares of a Gr.B.A. (probably Gardener's Blue Apron), my left hand on the Hy. Ble., my R.H. extended Because our forefathers were naked in innocency and clothedinsin. The reason you plucked off your1. sh. and gave it to your neighbour?-It was an ancient custom in Jerusalem for a man to pluck off his 1. sh. as a token of sincerity or that he meantto perform all things. The reason you were blindfolded?- Because at that time I was blind to the Scts. and Mysts. of F.G., and I was to remain so to all the world except to a true and lawful Bro. PAG. Now you being blindfolded, how did you knowit was a door?- Bythree distinct kns. and further obstruction. What does the three kns. represent?-(S. Matt. vii, 7): "Ask and ye shall have, seek and ye shall find, knock andit shall be opened unto you." Did you then gain admittance?-]I did notBro. Whatfurther obstruction did you meet with?- Someone from within asked who came there. Your answer?-I, A.B., of my own f. w. and ac. wish to have the Scts. and Mysts. of F.G. revealed unto meatthis 85 towards Hvn., in that humble position I took an O. or O.B. as an E.A.F.G. You say you were kneeling on your bended L.K. what does that signify?-That portion of Scripture which saith: - Unto Gd. every kneeshall bowand every tongue confess. And your kneeling upon three squares of a Gr.B.A. what does that signify? - Thatall squares are true or should be so. And being within three circles, what does the outer circle signify ?-The Globe or Earth on which | live and have Privilege to roam to and fro to get mybread in a true and lawful manner as others have done before me. What does the innercircle signify? -It teaches meto deal fair and square with all mankind more especially with a true and lawful Bro. F.G. ae COLLECTANEA ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS What does the centre Circle signify?-The centre Circle, being smaller and near the Ht., teaches me to look well toits Will you give or take?-I always take... . Thatis the secret word. Whatdoes it signify-That portion ofScripture, S. John i, 1-14. What was the next benefit received?-I was taken by the grp. of friendship and raised from my humble posture and declared to be a regular Initiated A.G. in the body of a regular constituted L. of F.G. I was requested toretire and invest myself with whatI hadbeendivested ofand return for dictates; also to square my actions to the law of Gd. You say the R.H. was extended towards Hvn., what did that signify? -That portion of Scripture, found in Rev. x, 16: And I saw a mighty Angel come downfrom Hn. having in his left hand a Book open, he stood with one foot on the sea and the other on the Shore, and he swore by Him that liveth for ever and ever, that, time should be no more. Did you take an O. or O.B.?-I did. Give methe three first pnts. Always to hele, conceal and neverreveal. The next three pnts.-Without any equivocation, selfevasion or mental reservation in me whatever. What wasthe first benefit you received after taking the O.B.?-Light. Whatdid you see?-Three Lights. Whatdo they represent?-The Sn., Mn., and Mr.Gr. How do you apply them in F.G.?-The Sn. to rule the day, the Mn. to govern the Night, and the W.M. torule the L. and instruct the Brethn. Do they represent anything else?-They do. What?-The light of the Law, light of F.G. Which of those is the greatest?-To meat that time the light of F.G. For why?-Becausethelight of the Law and the light of further instruction. How were you disposed of on yourreturn to the L.?-I wasled to the R.H. of the W.M. whenhe presented me with aG.B.A. as a badge of honor and antiquity conferred upon me, and told me it was more ancient than the Roman Eagle or Golden Bull,?! it was so ancient and honourable thatforit Kings, Princes and the mightiest Monarchs had laid down their Crowns, Sceptres and Swords, put on a G.B.A. and taken up the pruning knife and become F.G. The W.M. then gave me a name and placed me onhis L.H. for further Instructions. Now youbeing a F.G. where should F.G. be talked of?- At the top of a Mountain orat the bottom of a Valley, where We can see whoascends or descends. END OF THE APPRENTICE LECTURE. the GospelI in part knew but the light of F.G. I wasin total darknessof. Whatwasthe next benefit you received?-A shakeofthe H. by a Bro. What did that signify?-The grp. of an E.A. Whatwas thenext benefit?-The Sgn.of an E.A. What doesthat signify?- Shame or obedience to the W.M. on entering or leavingthe L.or the four heads ofF.G. The next benefit received? -The wordin secret. Have you that word?-I have, Bro. Will you give it to me?-No. HowshallI obtain it or know you have it?-I will 1. or d. it with you. 2Ip the E.A. degree the orders mentioned are the Roman Eagle andthe Golden Fleece, but in this Lecture thelatter is referred to as the Golden Bull, probably from the fact that the Badge or Jewel of the Order ofthe Golden Fleece was a Golden Ram hanging from aring roundits middle; Ithad an elaborately designed scroll, with a motto, which in English Would read "The reward of laboursis not trifling." 87 88 UM | COLLECTANEA ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS THE SECOND DEGREE. and will doall I can to conduceto his happiness. To all this do I solemnlyand sincerely vow and swear without the least equivocation, self-evasion, or mental reservation in me whatever, under the same O.B. as when I became an Ap. s. h. m. G., and keep me steadfast in this my solemn vowand O.B. as a Journey'n F.G. What does the Br. stand most in need of ?-More Lt. Bring the (Br.to Lt). Whenyouwere taught Ap. Gardening you were taught by symbols; we also teach your Journey'n (gardening) by The Second Degreeis called the Journeyman's Degree and is sometimesreferred to as the Journeyman's Part or Order. The L. having being opened in the A. deg., the R.W.M. asks the W.J.W. whatis it the Br. requests?-Tobe advd. to the J.O. Are they all Journeyman present? W.J.W. inform the officer of ourintention. The J.W. gives (ks.) on table which is-repeated by the P.M.on the D.and replied to by off. outside. I hereby declare this the L. of F.G.'s here well met, duly symbols. You are nowarepresentative of (Noah) offering up a sacrifice for his preservation from (waters) of the advancedto the Jour. Deg., and may that harmonyoffeeling (flood) thereby teaching you gratitude to G. Rise up Br. and goodwill in Action which is characteristic of our noble You are welcome amongst us. _ The Jewels or Symbols connected with this Deg. are four Order dwell and reign amongst us. This I do byvirtue (kns.). R.W.Sir. There is an Ap. at the D. wishing to be admitted into the Fraty. of Journ. Has he served his Appn. in an honest and conscientious manner? - Hehas. Then admit him. The Ap. is now admitted, R.W.S. Lead the Br.forth totill the grd. Read Gen.vi, 8-18. The Ap.is lead four times round L. in number. The Altar the Ark, the Rainbow, and the Dove with an Olive Leaf. The Altar, as we told you, is to teach you gratitude to Gd.; the Ark is to teach you Gd.'s preserving care over those whowalk uprightly; the Rainbow is to teach you faith in the promises of Gd., and the Dove, with the O.L., is to teach you that you should live at peace With all men, more especially Bn. The four (Lts.) before the M. are to remind youof the four Jewels, and the four letters inthis deg. Ap. goes by A. Journey'n. by N. The(waters) The Br. has beenled forth to till the grd., R.W.S. Let the Br. kneelat the altar of gratitude whichis erected to of the (flood) being assuaged from the face of the Earth and ean his preservation from the Fd. of the (Floodsof the Wheresoever he will to till the ground and eat the fruits the dry land having appd. the Br. may now go forth thereof, rth). Kneels with both hands on the H.Ble which is placed on an O.L. (olive leaf) plucked off; in that posn. repts. the following: I, A.B., an Ap. of my ownf.w. and ac. in midst of this the L. of F.G. here well met do most solemnly and sincerely vow and swearthatI will hele, conceal and never reveal any of the At. or Ats., pt. or pts., pnt. or pnts., sgns., wds., 8Ips., Or scts. touching or belonging to Journeymen or their (degree) to an Ap., any more than I did that of an Ap. to the natural world. I will aid and assist a Jn. in procuring labour 8° The candidate will nowretire and clothe and return for further instruction. Upon return give sgns., scts., etc. END OF THE JOURNEYMAN DEGREE. COLLECTANEA ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS THE MASTER'S DEGREE. "And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon evenunto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also ofbeasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and offishes. "And there came ofall people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from; all kings of the earth, which has heard of his wisdom.'') P.M. The Br. has nowarrived at the L. Room of the Forest of Lebn. R.W.M. Let him lift up his R.H. and take an O.B. W.S.W. Whatis it the (Brother) requests?-To be advd. to the Sub. deg. W.P.M. Are theyall Jyn. present? P.M. Brn. stand to order as (Journeymen) and give the... sgn. I am satisfied W.S.W. R.W.M. Inform the Brn. of our intention-(Done). R.W.M. I hereby declare this the L. of F.G. duly opened, and while the L. remains so may the Olv. Bnch of peace flourish in our midst, being ever mindful of the admonition: What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. This I do by virtue of myoffice. P.M. R.W.S. there is a Jnyn. at the D. wishing to be admitted into all the Art or Arts, prt. or prts., pnt. or pnts., sgns., wrds., grps., or scts. touching or belonging to (M.F.G.'s) or their order as others have done before them. R.W.M. Hasheservedhis time faithfully and honestly as an Ap. and been of good repute as a Journeyman? P.M. He has R.W.Sir. R.W.M. Then admit him. You will now take him through that straight gate and along that narrow path that leads to the L. Room,situated in the Forest of Lebanon, where he will be taught manythingstransmitted to us by the greatestof(all kings) the King of (Israel) and the head of the (Israelite) Nation. The Journeyman is led five times round the L., Hd. Wkd., with his Ap. on. (I Kings iv, beg. v. 29 to end, leaving out middle of v. 31.) ("And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the seashore. "And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom ofall the children of the east country, andall the wisdom of Egypt. "For he was wiser than all men;...and his fame wasin all nations round about. "And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand andfive. 91 I, A.B., do of my ownf.w. and ac. in the midst of this L. Room of the Forest of Leb., most solemnly and sincerely vow and swearthat I will hele, conceal and never reveal any of the Art or Arts, prt. or prts., pnt. or pnts., sgns., wrds., grps., or Scts. touching or belonging to F.G. or their Order to a Journey'n. no more than I would those of a Journey'n. to an Ap., as I would not those of an Ap. to the neutral world. I shall study the interests ofall M.G. and assist them, their widows or orphans, to the utmost of my power,if I find them worthy thereof in so far as I can do so without injury to myself or family. I will be ever careful of the Watchword and will do everything I can to keep it from being knownby the neutral world. Toall this do I most solemnly and sincerely vow and swear without the least evasion, equivocation or mental reservation in me whatever under the same obligations and penalties as when I became an Ap. Bere the MS. ends abruptly, but further information 1s given in the Master's lecture, which is as follows: MASTER'S LECTURE. Now you being a Master G. from whence came you?- From the E. Whatpart of the E.?-The Garden of Eden. What made you leave? -Through Disobedience. Whatis your name?-A. Whatwasit before that?- H. 92 meal COLLECTANEA ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS Whyis it A. now and H. before?- Because I was an H. before I became an Apprentice Gr. And where are you going?-Tothe West. For what purpose?- Tobeinstructed in all the Arts, Scts., and Mysts., of Mr. Gr. and their garden, together with that grandsecret called the Watch Wd. You being a Mr. Gr. how far have you advanced in M.G.?-Asfar as the first step or the letter A. on the Apprent. part (gives the step). Now you being a M.G. have you the Apprentice Sgn. on the M.pt.?-I have (both giveit). Whatdoesthat signify? -That of having my N. cleft from my F. with a G.'s pr. knf., being the first part of my Ob. Will you give it me?- No, Bro. Howshall I obtain it or knowyou haveit ?-I will 1. or d. it with you. Do you give or take?-I always take....that is Journeyman word on the M. part. You being a M.G. have you anyfarther advanced in M.G.?-I have, Bro. as far as the 3rd step orthe letter (T.) on the M. part (both giveit). You being a M.G. have you the M. sgn.?-I have, Bro. (both giveit). What does that signify?-The Hd., the chief seat of part?-I have, Bro.(both giveit). What does that signify?-Two...when joined together, or...our Ancient forefather. You being a M.G. have you the Apprentice word on the (Solomon)the great Archt. of Grs. You being a M.G. have you the M. word?-I have, Bro. Will you give it me?-No,Bro. . whenI became an A.F.G. You being a M.G.have you the Apprentice grip on the M. M.part?-I have, Bro. I Will you give it to me?-No, Bro. _ How shallI obtain it or know you have it?-I will I. or d. it. Do you give or take?-I always take...that is the Apprentice word on the M. part. Upon being a M.G. have you any farther advanced in M.G.?-I have, Bro. How far?- Asfar as the second step or the letter N. on the Journeyman part. You being a M.G. have you the grip on the Journeyman part?-I have, Bro. (both giveit). Whatdoes that signify?-Two when joined together...the pleasant practicer of F.G. Now youbeing a M.G. have you the Journeyman sgn. on the M.part?-I have, Bro. (both giveit). Whatdoesthat signify?-That of having Ht. taken from my B. and burnt to a., that being the second penalty of my O.B. when I became a A.F.G. You being a M.G. have you the Journeyman word on the M.part ?-I have, Bro. 93 Wisdom. You being a M.G. have you the M. grip?-I have, Bro. (givesit). What does that signify?-Two...when joined together Howshall I obtain it or know you have it?-I will I. or d. It. Do you give or take?-I always take....that is the M. word. You being a M.G. why doyoutake A. as the Apprentice by being the first person spoken of?-Because he was the first Man placed in the Gd. of E. to dress and to keepit havingall things plantedto his hand. ; Then I presume there was a Garden before? -There was, Bro. How do you prove it?- Bythat portion of Scripture which saith, And the Ld. Gd. planted a garden eastward in Eden, Wherein he placed the Man whom he had formed to dress and to keepit. ; Why do you name Nh. as the Journeyman, he being the second person spoken of?-Because he was the first man after the Deluge whoplanted the Vine and having drunk too freely of the juice thereof and thereby could not attain to the sublime deg. of M.G. And why is Sn. the M.G., he being the third person spoken of?- Becausehe wasthefirst person who wrote and 94 AN COLLECTANEA spoke of all Trees, Greens Herbs, Plants and Flowers from the lofty Cedars of Lebanon to the lowly Hyssop that groweth out of the wall. He made himself gardens and orchards to bring forth trees and all mannerof fruits. He made him pools to water the woodsto bring forth trees, so that Sol. exceeded in wisdom and riches more than all that wasin Judea before him and yet his wisdom remaineth with him still, for this reason we name Solomonas the M.G. You being a M.G. have you the Olive Sgn.?-I have (givesit). What does that signify?-An O. Lf. when plucked off falling to the ground. You being a M.G.have you the Ol. gerp.?-I have, Bro. (both giveit). What does that signify?-Two Ol. Lvs. when joined together or Solid Secrecy. You being a M.G. have you that grand Sct. called the Watch Wd.?-I have, Bro. Will you give it me?-No. Howshall I obtain it or know that you have it?-I will 1. or d. it with you. Do yougive or take?-I always take (gives it), that is the Sct. called the Watch Wd. What authority have you for a Watchword?-Good Authority. Gen.viii, (verses 6-11). And Noah sentforth a Dove from the Ark; when she returned in the evening, lo, with an Olive leaf plucked off in her mouth. So Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the Earth, and for that reason I take the Olive to be a part of the Grand Sct.called the W.W. You being a M.G. what is M.G. founded upon as a Sct.?- Uponthree things. Whatare they?- Rhetoric, Logic, and Geometry. Why upon Rhetoric?-Because by Rhetoric I am able to write and speak of trees, greens, herbs, plants and flowers with accuracy, fluency and perspicuity, so as to tell what clime, whatsoil, and whatsituation suits their purposebest. Why upon Logic?- Because by Logic I am able to speak and reason upon all Trees, Greens, Herbs, Plants and oS ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS Flowers, so as to describe their colours in the most pleasing manner. Whyupon Geometry?- By Geometry I am able to draw Maps, lay out plans, and measure grounds in the most scientific and pleasing manner. END OFFIRST MASTER'S LECTURE. Apparently there was a continuation of this Master's Lecture, but unfortunately, although there were manyblank pages, nothing further was recorded. Between the Master's and Apprentice's Lectures three Others are given, viz., the Garden Lecture, the Apron Lecture and the Travelling Lecture, as we are all amateur gardeners Brethren will find the first intensely interesting. GARDEN LECTURE. Now you being a Bro. F.G. I presume you have a garden? -I have, Bro. Whereis it situated? - Not on a Mountain, but in a Valley, Where the Moisture flows. What shape is your garden?-It is as high as Hvn., as round as the Globe, as fair as Truth, and as deep aslove. Does anything surround your Garden?-There does, Bro. What?- A high Wall and a thick Hedge. Howhigh is your Wall?-It is so high that no unhallowed can reach the top or hop aroundthereon. How thick is your Hedge?-Sothick that no unhallowed Ear can hear throughit. Is it any thicker?- As thick as Fidelity and Truth. Have youany doors to your Garden?-I have, Bro. How many?-Three. eect situation?-Onein the E., one in the W., and one in the S. COLLECTANEA ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS The reason you have no doorin the N.?- Becausenolight cometh from the N. but chiefly storms and tempests proceed therefrom. AsI passed by your garden I saw G.A. and the Rainbow on the E. door., R.D. and a Crown on the S. door, and E.N. and a bunch of Hyssop on the W. door, these letters when put together spell "Garden," but by their being so subdivided I presume you have some particular meaning for it?-I have, Bro. What does G.A. on the E. door signify?-Gain Accommodation. What do you mean by Gain Accommodation?- Adam gained accommodation when he wasplaced in the Gn. of En.to dress and to keepit. What do you mean by Entirely Noble?-Adam was entirely noble and our Blessed Ld. was entirely noble when he was taken for a Gardener. Howdo youprove that ?- Bythat portion ofScripture, S. John xx, 15, which saith: "And Mary seeing him in the garden, supposing him to be the gardenersaid unto him,Sir, What does the Rainbow signify?-The covenant G. entered into with Man. And the Ld. Gd. said never more will I destroy the Eh. as I have done, neither will I destroy all living, for Man's sake, but while the earth remaineth there shall be seed time and harvest winter and summer, days and nights shall nevercease. How many colours have you in the Rainbow?-Three, Bro. Their names?- Blue, Green, and Red. What does the Blue signify?-That the World was once destroyed by a deluge of Water. What does the Green signify?-A still stronger proof of God's covenant with man that while the Earth remains he would keepit in a state of Fertility. And what does the Red signify?-That the world atlast should be destroyedbyfire. And what does R.D. on the S. door signify? - Restored Dominion. What do you mean by Restored Dominion?-That Dominion which waslostin the first Adam and restored by the second our Blessed Ld. and Saviour. What does the Crown signify?-The Crown of Thorns if thou hast borne him hence tell me where thou hastlaid him?" What does the bunch of Hyssop signify?-The purity of the Garden. Prove it.-David saith in the Psalms, sprinkle me with Hyssop andI shall be clean. How did you gain admittance to the Garden?-I neither broke through the hedge nor leaped over the Wall, but by taking one step backwards and two forward I found a Key, with which I unlocked the door and went in. Whereis that Key kept ?-In a small bone box that moves on transparent hinges which opens to none buta Bro. F.G. Who was the first person you saw on entering the Garden?-The Apprentice. What washe doing?- Digging up the green, turning down the red, seeking moisture to sowhis seed. To whom did he conduct you ?-Tothe journeyman. What was he doing?- Raking and squaring his beds. And to whom did he conduct you?-Tothe Master. - And what was he doing?-Standing in the midst of the garden with a flaming swordin his right hand which turned every way to guard the Tree ofLife. And how did he dispose of you?-He showed me Walks, Trees, Greens, Herbs, Plants and Flowers. How manykind of walks have you?-Three Bro. Their names?- Straight, Curve and Serpentine. How manykind of Trees?-Three, Bro. Their names?- Hardwood, Soft wood and Barren wood. Whatis your hard wood?- Such as Oak. Whatis your soft wood?- Such astheFir. which He wore when Herestored the Dominion. And what does E.N. on the W. door signify?-Entirely Noble. Whatis your barren wood?-Such as the Lime, and those that bear no blossom butare cultivated by layers or cuttings. How manykinds offruit?-Three, Bro. 97 98 COLLECTANEA ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS Their names?- Standard, Espaliard and Dwarfs. Whatis your Standards?- Suchas grow erect of their own accord. Whatare your Espaliards?- Such as are supported bywall orrailing. What are your Dwarfs?-Such as the gooseberry or any low tree. Whatdo you keep in your first?-The tools with which I work in the garden. Whatare they?-The Spade, Rake and Knife. To whom doyougive the Spacle?-The Apprentice. To whom doyou give the Rake?-Tothe Journeyman. To whom do you give the Knife?-The Knife I keep myself supposing that I am the Master. What do youkeep in the second apartment?-That is my own wherein I keep myJewels. Whatare they? -The H.Ble., Square and Compasses. Why do you take the H.B. to be one of your Jewels ?- Because it contains the articles of the Christian Faith and promises thereof whereby I am directed in that path of Holiness which will finally lead me to the Heavenly Paradise. And why the Square?-The Square teaches me Truth, which is the most pleasing to the eye, and delightful to the Supreme Being. And why the Compasses?-Because I cannot strike a How manykind of Shrub?-Three, Bro. Their names?- High, low and common. How manykind of Greens?-Three, Bro. Their names?- Kale, Broccoli and Savoy. How manykind of Herbs?-Three, Bro. Their names?- Pot, sweet and medicinal. How manykind of pot?-Three, Bro. Their names? - Cabbage, Leak and Potato. How many kind of sweet?-Three, Bro. Their names?-Thyme, Mint and Sweet Marjoram. How manykind of Medicinal?-Three, Bro. Their names?- Camomile, Rhubarb and Astromoniam. How manykind of Plants? -Three, Bro. Their names?- Annual, Biennial and Perennial. Whatare your Annual?- Suchas last one year. Whatare your Biennial? -Suchas last 2 years. Whatare your Perennial?- Such aslast 3 years or more. And how many kind of flowers have you ?-Three, Bro. Their names ?- Passion, Sun and Mari gold. Whichis the finest flowerin the garden? - Opinionsdiffer. Whichis the next finest? -The Cauliflower. For why, Bro.?-Because it is the most pleasing to the eye, and delicious to thetaste. Have you a Lodge in the Garden?-I have, Bro. What covers it?-A canopy of divers colours. Whatsupports it?-Three greatpillars. Their names?- Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. What do you apply them in F.G.?-Wisdom to direct, Strength to protect, and Beauty to adorn. Have you any Apartments in your Lodge?-I have, Bro. How many?-Three, Bro. direct line or Circle, having one foot as a fixture, so that if my thoughts should rove abroad on any other object I might more immediately fix them upon Gd. as the sum and centre of all true happiness What do you keep in the third apartment?-My Roots, Fruits, and Seeds. How manykind of Roots have you?-Three, Bro_ Whatare their names?-Bulbous, Tuberous and Fibrous. How manykind of Bulbous?-Three, Bro. Their names?-Tulip, Turnip and Lily. How many kind of Tuberous?- Three, Bro Their names?- Carrot, Parsnip and Radishes. And how manykind of Fibrous?-Three, Bro. _ Their names?- Grasses, Cresses and Strawberries. And how manykind of Fruits? -Three, Bro. Their names?- Stone, Shell and Sponge. How manykind of stone?-Three, Bro. Their names?- Plums, Peaches, and Nectarines. How manykind of Shell?-Three, Bro. Their names?- Nuts, Cokernuts, and Walnuts. 99 100 COLLECTANEA How manykind of sponge?-Three, Bro. Their names?- Apples, Pears, and Melons. How manyparts to a seed?-Three, Bro. Their names?- Dying, Rescending, and Ascending. Why Dying, Descending and Ascending ?-Because it must first die to descend or ascend, or spring on its own bottom. Where were you then conducted to?-Back into the garden. What wasthe Master doing?-He was pruning, grafting, oe and plantinghis trees. For what purpose ?- Both for beauty, order, andfruit. To whom did he conduct you?-To the Journeyman. What was he doing? - Sowing and planting his spices. And to whom did he conduct you ?-To the Apprentice. Whatwashe doing? - Sowing andplanting his flowers. And where did he conduct you?-Tothe W.door. For what purpose?-To goout. How did you go out?- Entirely Noble. Nowyoubeing a B.F.G. and having seen so muchofthe garden into how manyparts is F.G. divided?- Four parts, which may be subdivided into twelve different points. Give methefirst three. -To make high ground low, rough ground smooth, and crooked groundstraight. Give me the next three.-To dig well, dung well, and to plant in due season. The next three.-That is my mysterious points to prune, to graft, and to inoculate. The next three.-That is to cut down, to gather in and to preserve which crowns the Gardener's labours with success for another year. ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS on the Apron, a description of which I gave in my preliminary remarks. Whatis that you have before you?- An Apron, Bro. By what authority do you wear it?-It is a badge of honour and antiquity conferred upon me by the R.W.M. when I became an Apprentice G. Whatis its shape?- An oblong square. Whyan oblong square? - Becauseit is longer than broad. But your Apron stinks.-No Bro. it only smells. Whatdoes it smell of? - Roses white, roses red, and roses variagated. But your Apron is too long.-I can easily shorten it Bro. (turns up one corner). Whatform is it now?-A Right Angle Triangle. But your Apronstill stinks. -NoBro. it only smells. Of what does it smell ?- Myrrh, Aloes, and Frankincense. But your Apronis too long.-I caneasily shortenit. (turn another corner). In what form is it now?-Inthe form of Angles. (the hand in and the hand through the Apron). I perceive you have pockets. -I have, Bro. How many?-Three, Bro. But one of them is broken. -I can easily mendit. What with Bro.?-Adam's Needle and Eve's thread. Whatdo you mean by Adam's Needle?-The prickof the Hawthorn. ; What do you mean by Eve's thread?-The String of the Vine. ee tat do you keep in the outer pocket?)-MyFlowers, ro. For why, Bro.?-Because they are tender and will not END OF THE GARDEN LECTURE. APRON LECTURE. The next Lecture is called the Apron Lecture, but strange to say it does not give any explanation of the emblemspainted 101 bear pressure. And what do you keep in the inner pocket ?-My Roots and Seeds. For why, Bro.?-Because they are harder and will bear more pressure. But your Apronis still foul.-No. Bro. it only smells. 102 ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS COLLECTANEA Of what does it smell ?-The Rose of Sharon, the Lilies of the Valley, and the Cedars of Lebanon. But your Apronis still too long?-I can easily shortenit. (turns up). In what form is it now?-In the form ofa ring. Whatdo you mean by a ring?-Loveand Unity among the Brethn. (the Apron is nowlet fall). But your Apronis dirty.-I can easily washit. What with, Bro.?-I can washit with water. Suppose the men should have used all the water in the pots?-ThenI can washit in the juice of the Vine. Howwill you dry it?-Bythe Fire. Suppose the day sultry and no fire?-Then I would dryit by the Sun. Suppose there was no Sun ?-Then I would spread it upon quaking Ash, which has an involuntary motion ofits own. Now you being a Bro. E.G. what or why is a B.F.G. more to you than any other man?-Thatas the quaking Ash among the Shrubs and the Apple Tree in its highest state of perfection, is superiorall the Trees of the Wood both for the whitenessofits blossom and the freshnessofits fruit, so is a B.F.G. more to me than a other mannotbeing a F.G. How far ?-As far as the Gn. ofE. Whatdid yousee there worthy of notice ?-Gen. ii, 10- 14: I saw a river of water running out of E. to water the garden from whence it was divided, and became four different heads which are the four heads ofF.G. Can you give a description of those four heads ?-I can, Bro. Please give them.-The nameofthe first is Pison, thatis it which compasseth the whole land of Havillah where there is Gold, and the gold of that land is good. There is also Bdillium, and the Onyx. And the name of the second, Gihon, that is it which encompasseth the land of Ethiopia, and the nameofthe third is Hiddikel, that is it which runneth Eastward of Assyria, and the ‘name of the fourth is Euphrates. Here the Ld. Gd. placed Man whom he had formed in the Gn. of En. to dress and to keep it. Have you travelled any farther? -I have, Bro. How muchfarther?- As far as the Gn. of Nuts. And whatdid you see there worthy of notice?-I sawthe Fruits of the Valley-The Vine blossoming and the Pomegranates budding. Whatdoesthefruits of the Valley represent to you?-The freshness of the Apple and the Clearnessof the stream which floweth through the Valley, wherewith the Ld. Gd. came END OF APRON SECTION. downto taste the fruits of his own right hand labour, he TRAVELLING LECTURE. And what of the Vine blossom?-That as the Vine blossoms are blue so should all F.G. Aps. be blue, or according to Scripture whichsaith, I am the true Vine, my Although the name, Travelling Lecture, would seem to be associated with the Journeyman's Degree yet, as it describes the journey from the Garden of Eden to the Garden of Gethsemane, and yetfurtherstill to the ideas of a Heavenly cata it is more appropriate that it should come last of all. Now you being a Bro. F.G. I presume you have travelled? -I have, Bro. 103 being the chief Gardener and the Lord of the whole orchard. Father the Husbandman. What does the Pomegranates budding represent? -The orders Moses gave unto Aaron respecting the priesthood's garments, saying, Behold a golden bell and a pomegranate Shall ye wear on the hem of your garments that ye may be knownand distinguished amongst men. Have youtravelled any farther?- Yes, farther still, Bro. How muchfarther?- Asfar as the Gn. of Gethsemane. What did you see there worthy of notice?-I saw three things. 104 | WNL COLLECTANEA ANCIENT ORDER OF FREE GARDNERS What were they?- The Passion Rose bleeding, the Rootof Righteousness, and the plant of Renown. And what does the Passion Rose bleeding represent to you?-OurBlessed Lord and Saviour who in the Garden of Geth. sweating as it were great drops of blood forthe sins of his people. And what does the Plant of Renown represent?- Our Blessed Ld. and Saviour, he being the most renowned person that ever wason the Earth, he being both Gd. and Man. And what does the Root of Righteousness represent? - That portion of Scripture which saith, I am the Root, ye are the branches. hand of the great Jehovah, supported byhis Strength and wisdom, governed by his divine will and power, and contains four things. Whatare they?-The Tree of Knowledge ofgood and evil, a Fountain of Living Waters, a field of Vegetables, and a closet for Prayer. Can you give me a description of the Garden of Gethsemane?-I can claiming your assistance with that of the Brethn. present. Proceed Bro.-Gethsemene wasa small village in Judea, where the garden stood in a pleasant andfertile spot; it was first planted by the hand of King David and Solomon, and afterwards enlarged, by succeeding Princes who used to regale themselves with the fruits, thereof, but in this earthly paradise of the Jews and in this seat of pleasure our most Blessed Lord and Saviour underwent that almost insurmountable load of wrath for the sins of the people that they through him andhis sufferings might become partakers of far greater pleasures even that of the Heavenly Paradise. Have you travelled any farther?-Yes, much farther in Ideas but notin reality. Howfar in Ideas?-As far as the Heavenly Paradise. , ee whatdid yousee there worthy of notice?-Rev.xxii, I saw a pureriver of waterclear as crystal proceeding from out of the Throne of Gd. and of the Lamb, on either side was the Tree of Life which bore twelve kind of Fruits and the leaves of the Tree were for healing of the nations under whose happy boughsI trust every true and lawful Bro. F.G. will be safely lodged atlast. _ Now youbeing a Bro. F.G. what is a Garden to you?-It is a figure of God's own appointment wrought by the right 105 END OF TRAVELLING LECTURE. CONSTITUTING A LODGE. The Ceremony for Constituting a new Lodge, although somewhatvery brief, is most interesting; it is as follows: (k's given outside the d., from within is asked who comesthere?) -A friend and Bro. Whatis your name?- Am. Whatwas it previous? - Hb. WhyA. now andH. before?- Because I was a Hb. before I became an App.G. Where are you going?-To the E. For what purpose?-In searchof Lt. WhatLt. do you expectto find?-The Lt. of F.G. How do you expect to find it?-Bypursuit and diligent search. Whygoto the E.in search ofit?-Because the E. is a place full of Lt. and contains a Gn. Have you the nameof that Gn. ?-I havenot, Bro. How then do you expectto find that Gn. supposing there are others in the same locality?-It has G.A. and the Rainbow on the W. door, R.D. and the Crown onthe S. dr., and E.N., with the bunch of Hyssop, on the E. door. Let us then go in search of this Garden and you, S. and J. Wardens, will stand in the gap to prevent any unholy hand or footstep stopping our progress. (Both walk three times roundthe L., each k.'s three times on the Table at G.A., one asks the meaning of G.A.; answer "Gain accommodation bi 106 COLLECTANEA Constitution Right Brother. (Proceeds round three times, gives four k.'s at R.D., and asks the meaning- answer "Restored Dominion"; proceeds three times round to E.N., five k.'s., and asks meaning; answer"Entirely Noble.") W.M. The Garden is found andlo, here are the H. Ble. Comps., the Sacred Emblems. Nowthe Garden is found we need labourers to work in the Garden.-Lothey are here, of the they have worked well in other Gardens, and have borne the burden and heatof the day. But we also want a Master-Healsois here. (The Officers are now installed by the Constituting Brother. The Dispensation must now be read and then the Lodge declared regularly constituted.) Grand College of Rites of the UnitedStates of America Preamble: The Grand College of Rites has for its major objects: 1. The study of the history andritualofall Rites, Systems and Orders of Freemasonry not under the control, jurisdiction and/or stewardship of regularly existing and recognized Masonic bodies. 2. The elimination of sporadic efforts to resusitate or perpetuate Rites, Systems and Orders of Freemasonry in the United States, except to bring them underthe control of the Grand College of Rites. 3. The collection and preservation of rituals of various Rites, Systems and Orders of Freemasonry ordinarily unavailable to Masonic students. Article I - Name This organization shall be known and designated as "THE GRAND COLLEGEOF RITES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA". Article II - Authority The GrandCollege of Rites, as such,in loyal recognition of the regularity and accepted standing of the organized Masonic bodies actively operating in the United States, shall refrain from any encroachment upon their ritualistic systems. Article V - Insignia Theofficial seal and insignia of the Grand College of Article III - Membership Membership (termed "Fellow") in the Grand College of Rites, may be obtained by application of any Master Mason holding membership and in good standing in a regular symbolic Lodge recognized by a majority of the Grand Lodges of Freemasonry in the United States. Members mayusethetitle "F.G.C.R." as a particular designation. Fellowsnot residing in the United Statesor its territories (excluding Canada whose brethren may become normal Fellows) may be elected "Honoris Causa" (Honorary), without paying an entrance fee or yearly donation. Such brethren mustbe proposedby a Fellow at the Annual Convocation. Article IV - Fees and Donations There shall be a joining fee of $10.00 for membership in the Grand College of Rites. Each Fellow shall contribute a donation of $10.00 annually, to defray the cost of publications of the Grand College and operating expenses. A Fellow whofails to donate for two years may be suspended from membership in the Grand College. Reinstatement of any Fellow may be made by payment of donations dueat the timeof his suspension,plus the current year donation. A Fellow who has held membership in the Grand College of Rites for thirty years, shall become a Life Fellow, without any further paymentof donations. There maybeelected Life Fellows, so elected because of outstanding contributions made to Grand College, who shall also be exempt from further donations. Rites shall be a special adaptation of a Greek cross superimposed ona pair of crossed swords saltaire pointing down, the cross containing: a circle in the center, a square on the bottom arm, a triangle pointing up on the top arm, a five pointed star with onepoint up surrounding a pentagon on theleft arm and a Seal of Solomon onthe right arm. Article VI - Officers The Officers of the Grand College of Rites, all of whom shall be elected by majority vote at the Annual Convocation, and be installed forthwith are: M.Ill. Grand Chancellor R.Il. Senior Vice-Chancellor R.Il. Junior Vice-Chancellor R.Ill. Grand Registrar R.Ill. Grand High Prelate R.01. Grand Archivist R.Il. Grand Redactor R.fll. Grand Mareschal R.Ill. Grand Seneschal Article VII - Titles Thetitle of the Grand Chancellor and the Past Grand Chancellors shall be "Most Illustrious", and that of the other Grand Officers and Past GrandOfficers "Right Illustrious". Article VIII - Convocations Meetings of the Grand College of Rites shall be termed "Convocations". There shall be an Annual Convocation at such time and place in February as determined by the Most Illustrious Grand Chancellor, who may convoke Article VIII Cont. Special Convocations at such time and place as may be expedient, by notice to the Fellowship fifteen (15) days before the date of any such Convocation. In case of emergency the Most Illustrious Grand Chancellor may changethe time andplace of the Annual Convocation with due notice to the Fellowship. Article IX - Quorum A quorum of the Grand College of Rites shall be fifteen Fellows, including oneof the first three Grand Officers. In the absenceofthe first three Grand Officers, the MostIllustrious Grand Chancellor shall designate and appoint any Past Grand Chancellor to preside, who will have the powersandrights of the Most Illustrious Grand Chancellor during the Convocation. Honorary Fellows shall have a voice but no vote in Grand College. Article X - Committees The Standing Committees of Grand College shall be appointed by the Grand Chancellor and shall include: 1) Financial Review 2) Publications 3) Necrology 4) Registration 5) Grand Chancellor's Allocution 6) Board of General Purposes 7) Nominating Article XI - Amendments This Constitution may be amended,altered or changed at any Annual Convocation of the Grand College of Rites by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Fellows present and voting. Adopted :May 12, 1932, Amended: 2/21/37, 2/22/58, 2/21/70, 2/22/91, 2/18/94, 2/24/95 nae