PERFECT MASTER. The lodge of perfect masters is hung with green tapestry, on eight columns, fcur on each side, placed at equal distances; to be illuminated with sixteen lights, placed at the four cardinal points. A table before the canopy covered with black. The right worshipful and respectable master represents the noble Adoniram, being the first that was elected secret master, because Solomon chose him the first of the seven. He commanded the works of the temple before Hiram Abiff arrived at Jerusalem, and afterwards had the inspection of the works at Mount Libanus. He is decorated with the ornaments of perfection, and is a prince of Jerusalem, with those decorations. He occupies the place of Solomon in the east under the canopy. There is only one warden, who represents Stockin, in the function of inspector, with the ornaments of his highest degrees, which he received in the west. The assistants, being at least perfect masters, ought to be decorated with a large green ribbon hung to the neck, with a jewel suspended thereto, being a compass extended to 60 degrees. The brethren all have aprons of white leather with green flaps ; on the middle of the apron must be embroidered a square stone, surrounded by three circles, with the letter P, in the centre. Reception. The candidate is ornamented with the dress and jewel of a secret master. Master of ceremony knocks four on the shoulder of inspector, and says, 'There is in the antichamber a secret master desirous of being raised to this degree.' The inspector reports to the master, who says, 'Is he worthy and well qualified to receive this degree?' 'Yes.' Mast. 'Let him be introduced according to an ancient due form.' Inspector orders master of ceremonies to go and instruct candidate; he goes and examines him on his former degrees, puts on his neck a green cord, and holding it in his left hand, and his sword in his right, leads him to the door, and knocks four. Inspector repeats this within, and says to the master, 'Some one knocks.' Mast. 'See who it is.' Inspector orders the tyler to open the door, and see who knocks; and after the tyler has repeated to the master of ceremonies, he acquaints the master, who orders him to be introduced, and led to the south side of the tomb, at the head of the lodge, where he stands with the sign of a secret master. Master says, 'My brother, what do you demand? Ans. To be received to the degree of P. M.' The inspector then takes him by the cord, and leads him four times round the lodge, then makes him kneel during the prayer, after which he passes by the tomb on each side of the two columns ; (crossed:) in crossing he steps from one to the other, still with the sign of a secret master, he is placed opposite the altar, his right knee a little bent, and takes the obligation. 1st, Secrecy. Penalty being dishonored, and the penalties of all those of my former obligations, Amen; Amen; Amen; Amen. Master draws the cord from his neck, saying, 'I now draw you from your vicious life, and, by the favor I have received from the most powerful of kings, I raise you to the degree of perfect master, on condition that you strictly adhere to what shall be presented to you by our laws.' The ceremonies, &c. of this degree were originally established as a grateful tribute of respect to the memory of a departed worthy brother. The lodge is closed by four times four. The word in this degree is 'Jeva.' There are three signs. [See plate 27, fig. 2.] The first is given by placing the palm of the right hand on the right temple, at the same time stepping back with the right foot, after which bring the right foot to its first position. The second is that of admiration. Raise the hands and eyes to heaven, then let the arms fall across the belly, and look downwards. The third is to advance the toes of the right feet, (that is of both persons) until they meet, bring the right knees together, place the hands on the heart, then bring the hand towards the right side. INTIMATE SECRETARY. The lodge of intimate secretary is furnished with black hangings, and represents the hall of audience of Solomon. It should be enlightened with twenty-seven lights, in three candlesticks of nine branches each, placed east, west and south. This lodge consists of two persons only; who represent Solomon, and Hiram king of Tyre. They are covered with blue mantles, lined with ermine, with crowns on their heads, sceptres in their hands, and seated at a table, on which are placed two naked swords, a roll of parchment, and a death's head. All the rest of the brethren are considered only as perfect masters, and are termed the guards. They should have white aprons. lined and embroidered with blood color, with strings of the saine; and ribbons of the same color round their necks, to which must be suspended, hanging on the breast, a solid triangle. Opening.-Solomon knocks three times nine, which is repeated by Hiram of Tyre, and then by all the brethren who are supposed to be perfect masters. They kneel, make signs, repeat theword' thrice, then rise, take their swords, and go out of the lodge. Solomon having first appointed a captain and lieutenant of the guards, with directions that they take care of the lodge, and see that none approach without permission, and that all the guards observe their duty. Reception. Candidate being in the antichamber, the captain of the guards orders two or three of them to take from him his hat, sword, and the decorations of a perfect master, and then to place him by the door, (partly open) with his hands across, in the attitude of listening. The guards make a little noise, on which Hiram of Tyre, turning his head, sees the cowans, lifts his eyes to heaven, and says, 'O heavens, there is a listener!' Solomon says, 'It is impossible, as there are guards without.' Hiram of Tyre, without reply, makes to the door, and drags the candidate by the hands into the lodge, crying, 'Here he is!' Solomon, What shall we do with him? Hiram of Tyre, (his hand on his sword,) We must kill him!' 6 6 Solomon quits his place, and laying hold of Hiram of Tyre, says, 'Stop, my brother:' then knocks on the table, the guards enter and salute the lodge. Solomon, Take this prisoner and secure him, and let him be forthcoming when called for!' on which they go out with the prisoner, leaving Solomon and Hiram of Tyre for some time in private and low conversation. Solomon knocks on the table again, and the guards return with the prisoner in the midst. By a signal from Solomon they advance near the foot of the throne and take seats. Solomon then says to candidate, I have, by my entreaties, prevailed on the king of Tyre, my worthy ally, whom your vain curicsity has offended, to remit the sentence of death which he pronounced upon you. I have not only obtained your pardon, but have gained his consent to receive you an intimate secretary to the alliance we have contracted. Do you promise to keep inviolate the secrets intrusted to you in this degree, and will you take an obligation for that purpose, in the most solemn manner? (Yes.) Solomon causes him to kneel. Obligation. 1st, Secrecy. 2d, Obey the mandates and degrees of the grand council of princes of Jerusalem. Penalty |