Q. Your answer? A. An Illustrious Knight who wishes to receive the
degree of Grand Architect.
Q. What then followed? A. I was conducted by the Master of Ceremonies
to the west, and thus addressed: "It has become necessary to form a
school of Architecture for the instruction of the brethren employed in
the temple, as none but skilful Architects can bring the same to
perfection. In order to prevent some brethren from receiving the
honors and rewards due only to brethren of talents, we have deemed it
expedient to prove and test all those who present themselves as
candidates for this degree. We, therefore, require you to make the
tour of the temple, for the purpose of examining the work, and to
produce a plan drawn with exactness which you must present for
inspection, that we may judge whether you are entitled to this
degree."
Q. What followed? A. I was conducted through the anti-chamber and
'round the Lodge, when the Master of Ceremonies again stationed me in
the west, and where I drew a plan according to my direction. When the
same was finished, the Master of Ceremonies informed the Most Potent
that I had obeyed his directions. Most Potent inquired, "My brother,
what are the fruits of your travels?"
Q. Your answer? A. "Most Potent, I have brought a plan of the works of
the temple, which I am ready to present for inspection."
Q. What followed? A. I was directed to approach the east, and present
the plan to the Most Potent, which I accordingly did, and the Most
Potent examined the same, and then passed it on to the other
companions, who, after examining, returned it with expressions of
approbation, and then the Most Potent addressed me thus: "It is with
pleasure we witness the skill you have manifested in fulfilling the
conditions prescribed to you, but we require further proof before you
can be admitted among us. We again require you to travel."
Q. What followed? A. I was conducted once 'round the Lodge, to the
north, where I stopped to view the north star, and was told, that as
the north star was a guide to mariners, so ought virtue to be a guide
to every Grand Master Architect, and was again conducted to the west,
and directed to approach the east by one and two steps, which brought
me to the altar, when the Most Potent inquired, "What have you learned
in your travels?"
Q. Your answer? A. That virtue as well as talents should be possessed
by every one who is admitted to this degree.
Q. What followed? A. I received the obligation of a Grand Master
Architect.
Q. Repeat the obligation? A. (Same as Perfect Master.) Under the
penalty of having my left hand cut in twain. So help, etc.
Q. What then followed? A. I was then addressed by the Most Potent.
Q. What then followed? A. The Most Potent gave me the signs, words,
and tokens of this degree.
Q. Give me the sign? A. (Make the motion of writing in the left hand),
also alluding to penalty.
Q. Give me the token? A. (Interlace the last finger of the right hand,
so as to form a square, and place the left hand on each other's right
shoulder.)
Q. Give me the pass-word? A. Rab-kuam.
Q. What does it signify? A. Grand Master Architect.
Q. Give me the mysterious word? A. Jehovah (pronounced Ye-ho-wah).
Q. What was then done to you? A. The Most Potent invested me with the
jewel, apron and gloves of this degree, and thus addressed me: "I have
elevated," etc.
Q. What then followed? A. I was directed to salute the Senior Warden,
as a Grand Architect, and return to the east for further instruction.
Q. Give me the history? A. Solomon established this degree for the
purpose, etc.
Q. What do the seven small rays 'round the north star signify? A.
Seven liberal arts and sciences.
CLOSING.--Most Potent knocks one. (Grand Marshal rises.) Most Potent
says, "The last as well as the first care," etc. Most Potent knocks
two. Senior Warden rises. Most Potent says, "What is the hour?" Ans.
The last instant, the last hour, the last day, in which the Grand
Architect completed the creation of the universe. Most Potent knocks
one and two.--Companions rise. Most Potent says, "It is the last
instant, etc.; it is the last hour, the last day, the last year, in
which Solomon completed the temple, the last instant for closing this
Chapter. Give notice," etc. Signs. Most Potent knocks one and two,
Senior Warden one and two, and Companions one and two, with their
hands.
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