Q. To what does the word allude, etc. Give me the token and mysterious
word. A. Token is that of the Mark Master, given on the five points of
fellowship; the mysterious word Jeva (pronounced Je-vau).
Q. What was then done? A. The Master invested me with the jewel and
apron of this degree, and informed me that my jewel was designed to
remind me, that, as a perfect Master, I should measure my conduct by
the exact rule of equity.
Q. Give me the history of this degree. A. After the body of Hiram
Abiff had been found, Solomon, pleased with having an opportunity of
paying a tribute of respect to the memory of so great and good a man,
ordered the noble Adoniram, his Grand Inspector, to make the suitable
arrangements for his interment; the brethren were ordered to attend
with white aprons and gloves, and he forbade that the marks of blood
which had been spilled in the temple, should be effaced until the
assassins had been punished. In the meantime, Adoniram furnished a
plan for a superb tomb and obelisk of white and black marble, which
were finished in nine days. The tomb was entered by passing between
two pillars, supporting a square stone surrounded by three circles; on
the stone was engraved the letter J. On the tomb, was a device
representing a virgin, etc. (as in third degree). The heart of Hiram
Abiff was enclosed in a golden urn, which was pierced with a sword to
denote the desire of the brethren to punish the assassins. A
triangular stone was affixed to the side of the urn, and on it were
the letters J. M. B., surrounded by a wreath of cassia. This urn was
placed on the top of the obelisk which was erected on the tomb. Three
days after the interment, Solomon repaired with his court to the
temple, and all the brethren being arranged as at the funeral, he
directed his prayer to heaven, examined the tomb and the inscription
on the urn: struck with admiration, he raised his hands and eyes to
heaven, and said in the joy of his heart, "It is accomplished and
complete."
Q. Where was this monument situated? A. Near the west end of the
temple.
Q. What is meant by the letter J. on the square stone? A. Jeva. The
ineffable name as known by us.
Q. What is meant by the letters J. M. B. on the triangular stone? A.
They are the initials of the three Hebrew words, Joshagn, Mawkoms,
Bawheer--signifying "the elect sleeps in his place."
Q. What is signified by the pyramids in the Lodge? A. Pyramids were
used by our Egyptian brethren, for Masonic purposes. Being built on
rocks, they shadow forth the durability of Masonry. Their bases were
four-cornered, their external surfaces equilateral triangles, pointing
to the four cardinal points. The pyramidical form is also intended to
remind us of our mortality. Its broad base represents the
commencement, and its termination in a point, the end of human life.
CLOSING.--Master strikes two.--Marshal rises. Master says, "The last
as well as the first care," etc., as in opening.
* * * * *