"A young F. C., on his way to the M. C. to have his name enrolled among
the workmen and to be taught the wages of a F. C."
"How do you expect to pass the outer door?"
"By the * * * and * * * of a F. C."
"Give them."
* * *
"What does this * * * denote?"
"Plenty."
"How is it represented?"
"By a sheaf of corn suspended near a waterfall."
"How did it originate?"
"It originated in consequence of a quarrel that long existed between
Jephtha, judge of Israel, and the Ephraimites. The Ephraimites were a
wicked, stubborn and rebellious people, whom Jephtha strove to subdue by
lenient means, but all to no avail. They became highly incensed because
they were not called to share in the rich spoils of the Ammonitish war,
raised an exceeding great army, crossed over the river Jordan, came down
upon Jephtha and gave him battle. Jephtha, being apprised of their
approach, called out the mighty men of Gilead and put the Ephraimites to
flight. And to make his victory secure, he placed guards at all the
passes on the river Jordan, giving them this password: Shibboleth. The
Ephraimites, being of a different tribe and dialect, could not pronounce
the word Shibboleth, but called it Sibboleth, which trifling defect
proved them enemies, and there fell at that time forty and two
thousand."
"The * * * and * * * with the explanation are correct. You have my
permission to pass the outer door."
This brings us to the inner door of the M. C., which we find partly open
but more strictly tiled by the S. W. We will see if we can gain
admission.
"Who comes here?"
"A young F. C., on his way to the M. C., to have his name enrolled among
the workmen, and to be taught the wages of a F. C."
"How do you expect to pass the inner door?"
"By the true * * * and * * * of a F. C."
"Give them."
* * *
"They are correct. You have my permission to pass the inner door!"
This brings us into the M. C. W. M., this young F. C. has come up to the
M. C. to have his name enrolled among the workmen and be taught the
wages of a F. C.
W. M.: "I congratulate you upon your arrival into the M. C. You have
been admitted for the sake of the letter G. you see suspended over the
Master's station, which entitles you to the enrolling of your name among
the workmen and to be taught the wages of a F. C. Brother Secretary, you
will enroll the brother's name. The wages of a F. C. are C., W. and O.
The C. of nourishment, W. of refreshment and O. of joy. I will also
instruct you in the three P. J. They are a L. E., an I. T., and a F. B.
A. L. E., that you will ever be attentive to lessons from the I. T., and
a F. B. should serve as a faithful repository for all the secrets of the
Fraternity that may be entrusted to your care."
The letter G. has a very significant meaning. It is the initial of
Geometry, the first and noblest of sciences, and the basis on which the
superstructure of Freemasonry is erected. By Geometry we may curiously
trace Nature through her various windings to her most concealed
recesses; by it we discover the power, wisdom and goodness of the Grand
Artificer of the Universe, and view with delight the proportions which
compose this vast machine; by it we discover how the planets move in
their respective orbits and demonstrate their various revolutions; by it
we account for the return of the seasons, and the variety of scenes
which each season displays to the discerning eye. Numberless worlds are
around us, all framed by the same Divine Artist, which roll through the
vast expanse, and are all conducted by the same unerring law of Nature.
A survey of Nature, and the observation of her beautiful proportions,
first determined man to imitate the divine plan and study symmetry and
order. This gave rise to societies and birth to every useful art. The
architect began to design, and the plans which he laid down, being
improved by time and experience, have produced works which are the
admiration of every age.
The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance and the devastations
of war have laid waste and destroyed many valuable monuments of
antiquity, on which the utmost exertions of human genius have been
employed. Even the Temple of Solomon, so spacious and magnificent, and
constructed by so many celebrated artists, escaped not the unsparing
ravages of barbarous force. Freemasonry, notwithstanding, still
survives. The attentive ear receives the sound from the instructive
tongue, and the mysteries of Freemasonry are safely lodged in the
repository of faithful breasts.
Tools and implements of architecture and symbolic emblems most
expressive have been selected by the Fraternity to imprint on the mind
wise and serious truths, and thus through a succession of ages have been
transmitted unimpaired the most excellent tenets of our institution.
But the letter G. has a far greater significance still. It is the
initial of Deity--a name that, at the mere mention of which, all, from
the W. M. in the east to the youngest E. A. in the northeast corner,
should with meekness reverently bow.
* * *
Lecture.
* * *
Symbolism of the Degree.
If the object of the first degree is to symbolize the struggles of a
candidate groping in darkness for intellectual light, that of the second
degree represents the same candidate laboring amid all the difficulties
that encumber the young beginner in the attainment of learning and
science. The Entered Apprentice is to emerge from darkness to light; the
Fellow Craft is to come out of ignorance into knowledge. This degree,
therefore, by fitting emblems, is intended to typify these struggles of
the ardent mind for the attainment of truth--moral and intellectual
truth--and above all that Divine truth, the comprehension of which
surpasseth human understanding, and to which, standing in the Middle
Chamber, after his laborious ascent of the winding stairs, he can only
approximate by the reception of an imperfect, yet glorious reward in the
revelation of that "hieroglyphic light which none but craftsmen ever
saw."
Charge at Passing.
Brother: Being passed to the second degree of Freemasonry, we
congratulate you on your preferment. The internal, and not the external,
qualifications of a man are what Masonry regards. As you increase in
knowledge you will improve in social intercourse.
It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties which as a Fellow Craft you
are bound to discharge, or to enlarge on the necessity of a strict
adherence to them, as your own experience must have established their
value. Our laws and regulations you are strenuously to support, and be
always ready to assist in seeing them duly executed. You are not to
palliate or aggravate the offenses of your brethren, but in the decision
of every trespass against our rules you are to judge with candor,
admonish with friendship, and reprehend with justice.
The study of the liberal arts, that valuable branch of education which
tends so effectually to polish and adorn the mind, is earnestly
recommended to your consideration, especially the science of Geometry,
which is established as the basis of our art. Geometry, or Masonry,
originally synonymous terms, being of a divine and moral nature, is
enriched with the most useful knowledge; while it proves the wonderful
properties of nature, it demonstrates the more important truths of
morality.
Your past behavior and regular deportment have merited the honor which
we have conferred, and in your new character it is expected that you
will conform to the principles of the Institution by steadily
persevering in the practice of every commendable virtue.
Such is the nature of your engagements as a Fellow Craft, and to these
duties you are bound by the most sacred ties.