The Worshipful Master says, "Brother Junior Warden, assemble the
brethren, and form a procession for the purpose of closing the
Lodge." The brethren then assemble and commence a circular march,
singing the song, "Mark Masons all appear." After the song is
completed, the brethren compare the wages they have received, and
finding that all have received alike (one penny or cent), they begin
to murmur among themselves, some pretending to think they ought to
have more, as they have done all the labor. They finally throw down
their wages upon the altar, declaring if they cannot be dealt justly
with, they will have none. The Worshipful Master calls to order, and
demands the cause of the confusion. Some brother answers, "Worshipful,
we are not satisfied with the manner of paying the workmen, for we
find those who have done nothing, and even the candidate just
received, is paid just as much as we, who have borne the heat and
burden of the day." Master says, "It is perfectly right." Brother--"It
cannot be right--it is very unreasonable." Master--"Hear what the law
says on the subject." He then reads the following parable--Matt. XX.
1-16. "For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a
householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into
his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a
day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third
hour, and saw others standing idle in the market-place, and said unto
them, 'Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right, I will
give you.' And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth
and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went
out and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, 'Why stand ye
here all the day idle?' They say unto him, 'Because no man hath hired
us.' He saith unto them, 'Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever
is right, that shall ye receive.' So when even was come, the lord of
the vineyard said unto his steward, 'Call the laborers, and give them
their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.' And when they
came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man
a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have
received more, and they likewise received every man a penny. And when
they had received it, they murmured against the good man of the house,
saying, 'These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them
equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.' But
he answered one of them and said, 'Friend, I do thee no wrong; didst
thou not agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy
way; I will give unto this last even as unto thee. Is it not lawful
for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil because I am
good? So the last shall be first, and the first last; for many be
called, but few chosen.'" The brethren then declare themselves
satisfied; the signs are given from Mark Master down to the Entered
Apprentice, and the Master declares the Lodge closed.
* * * * *