The Mysteries of Free Masonry Part 38

have pity on and forgive my enemies."--Instead of which words were subst.i.tuted, M. B. N. (Mac-be-nac), which, in Arabian, signifies, "The son of the widow is dead." The false brethren represent Judas Iscariot, who sold Christ. The red collar worn by the Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Masons, calls to remembrance the blood of Christ.

The sprig of ca.s.sia is the figure of the cross, because of this wood was the cross made. The captivity of the Grand Elect and Sublime Masons (i.e., by the Chaldeans), shows us the persecution of the Christian religion under the Roman emperors, and its liberty under Constantine the Great. It also calls to our remembrance the persecution of the Templars, and the situation of Jacques De Molay, who, lying in irons nearly seven years, at the end of which our worthy Grand Master was burnt alive with his four companions, on the eleventh of March, 1314, creating pity and tears in the people, who saw him die with firmness and heroic constancy, sealing his innocence with his blood. My dear brother, in pa.s.sing to the degree of Perfect Master, in which you shed tears at the tomb of Hiram Abiff, and in some other degrees, has not your heart been led to revenge? Has not the crime of Jubelum Akirop been represented in the most hideous light?--Would it be unjust to compare the conduct of Philip the Fair to his, and the infamous accusers of the Templars, to the two ruffians who were accomplices with Akirop? Do they not kindle in your heart an equal aversion? The different stages you have traveled, and the time you have taken in learning these historical events, no doubt, will lead you to make the proper applications; and by the degree of Master Elect and Kadosh, you are properly disposed to fulfil all your engagements, and to bear an implacable hatred to the Knights of Malta, and to avenge the death of Jacques De Molay. Your extensive acquaintance with symbolic Masonry, which you have attained by your discretion, leaves you nothing more to desire here. You see, my dear brother, how, and by whom, Masonry has come to us. You are to endeavor by every just means to regain our rights, and to remember that we are joined by a society of men, whose courage, merit, and good conduct, hold out to us that rank that birth alone gave to our ancestors. You are now on the same level with them. Avoid every evil by keeping your obligations, and carefully conceal from the vulgar what you are, and wait that happy moment when we all shall be reunited under the same Sovereign in the mansions of eternal bliss. Let us imitate the example of our Grand Master, Jaques De Molay, who to the end put his hope in G.o.d, and at his last dying moments ended his life saying, "Spes mea in Deo est!"

OBLIGATION.--I do, of my own free will and accord, in the presence of the Grand Architect of the Universe, and this consistory of Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret, or Knights of St. Andrew, faithful guardians of the faithful treasure; most solemnly vow and swear, under all the different penalties of my former obligations, that I will never directly or indirectly reveal or make known to any person or persons whatsoever, any or the least part of this Royal degree, unless to one duly qualified in the body of a regularly const.i.tuted Consistory of the same, or to him or them whom I shall find such after strict and due trial. I furthermore vow and swear, under the above penalties, to always abide and regulate myself agreeably to the statutes and regulations now before me; and when in a Consistory to behave and demean myself as one worthy of being honored with so high a degree, that no part of my conduct may in the least reflect discredit on the Royal Consistory, or disgrace myself. So may G.o.d maintain me in equity and justice! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen!

SOVEREIGN GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL.

The number of Inspectors of a Kingdom or Republic is not to exceed nine. They claim jurisdiction over all the ineffable and sublime degrees, and in reality form an aristocratic body, with power to appoint their own successors, and act as "Sovereigns of Masonry."

DECORATIONS OF THE PLACE OF MEETING.--The hangings are purple, embroidered with skeletons, death's-heads, and cross-bones. Before the canopy is a transparent delta (equilateral triangle). In the middle of the room is a grand triangular pedestal, near which is seen a skeleton holding in his left hand the standard of the order, and in his right hand a poniard in the att.i.tude of striking. Above the door, or place of entrance, is the motto of the order, "Deus meumque jus." In the East is a chandelier of five branches; in the South is one of two branches; in the West is one of three; and in the North a single one.

OFFICERS AND t.i.tLES.--The a.s.sembly is termed "Supreme Council." The first officer, "Thrice Puissant Sovereign Grand Master." He represents Frederick II. The second officer is termed "Sovereign Lieutenant Commander." Besides these there is a "Treasurer of the Holy Empire;"

an "Ill.u.s.trious Grand Secretary of the Holy Empire;" an "Ill.u.s.trious Master of Ceremonies;" and an "Ill.u.s.trious Captain of the Guards"--in all, seven officers.

DRESS.--The Thrice Puissant Sovereign wears a crimson robe, bordered with white--a crown on his head, and a sword in his hand. The Lieutenant Commander wears a ducal crown.

SASH.--The sash is black, edged with gold, from left to right; at the bottom a rose of red, white and green. On the part crossing the breast is a delta, with rays traversed by a poniard, and in the midst the figure "33."

JEWEL.--A black double-headed eagle holding a sword. His beak, claws, and sword are of gold. [Pa.s.s-words, signs, etc., as may from time to time be agreed upon.]

[THE END.]

FOOTNOTES:

[1] A person wishing to become a Mason must get some one who is a Mason to present his pet.i.tion to a Lodge, when, if there are no serious objections, it will be entered on the minutes, and a committee of two or three appointed to inquire into his character, and report to the next regular communication. The following is the form of a pet.i.tion used by a candidate; but a worthy candidate will not be rejected for the want of formality in his pet.i.tion.

_To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren of Lodge No. ----, of Free and Accepted Masons._

The subscriber, residing in ----, of lawful age, and by occupation a ----, begs leave to state that, unbia.s.sed by friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, he freely and voluntarily offers himself a candidate for the mysteries of Masonry, and that he is prompt to solicit this privilege by a favorable opinion conceived of the inst.i.tution, a desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish of being serviceable to his fellow-creatures. Should his pet.i.tion be granted, he will cheerfully conform to all the ancient established usages and customs of the Fraternity.

(Signed) A. B.

[2] In many Lodges this is put in the form of a question, thus: "Are you willing to take an obligation upon you that does not affect your politics or religion?" The promise "to conform," made before entering the Lodge, the "a.s.surance that the oath is not to interfere with their political or religious principles" and the manner the obligation is administered, only two or three words being repeated at a time, consequently not fully understood, are among the reasons which have led many great and good men to take oaths incompatible with the laws of G.o.d and our country.

[3] Literally a rope several yards in length, but mystically three miles; so that a Master Mason must go on a brother Master Mason's errand whenever required, the distance of three miles, should he have to go barefoot and bareheaded. In the degrees of knighthood the distance is forty miles.

[4] In some Lodges the Master takes the candidate by the Master's grip and says, "Brother, you will please rise," a.s.sisting him.

[5] There is much diversity of opinion among Masons respecting this word; some insist that GIBLEM is the right word; others, that GIBELUM is the right word; the latter word was rejected, because it was used by "Jachin and Boaz."

[6] This charge is frequently omitted when conferring the degree on a candidate, but never when really installing a Master of a Lodge.

[7] Here the brethren divest themselves of their jewels, sashes, ap.r.o.ns, etc.

[8] The ark, which had been carried by two brethren in the procession, is here placed on the altar.

[9] At these words the candidate is received into the procession.

[10] Here all kneel in a circle around the altar.

[11] At the words, "For He is good," the Most Excellent Master, who is High Priest of the Chapter, kneels and joins hands with the rest; they all then repeat in concert the words, "For He is good, for His mercy endureth forever" six times, each time bowing their heads low towards the floor.

[12] There is a great difference in the manner of giving the Royal Arch word in the different Chapters. Sometimes it is given at the opening, as above stated; sometimes they commence with the word G.o.d, each one p.r.o.nouncing a letter of it in succession, until they have each p.r.o.nounced every letter of the word, then the word JEHOVAH, a syllable at a time, and then the word JAHBUHLUN as described. There are also Chapters in which the latter word is not known, and there are others in which the word is not given at all at opening.

[13] This clause is sometimes made a distinct point in the obligation in the following form, viz.: Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will vote for a companion Royal Arch Mason before any other of equal qualifications; and in some Chapters both are left out of the obligation.

[14] In some Chapters this is administered: All the secrets of a companion without exception.

[15] This is frequently represented in this manner: When the person reading comes to that part where it says, "G.o.d called to him out of the midst of the bush and said," etc., he stops reading, and a person behind the bushes calls out, "Moses, Moses." The conductor answers, "Here am I." The person behind the bush then says, "Draw not nigh hither; put off thy shoes from off thy feet; for the place whereon thou standeth is holy ground (his shoes are then slipped off). Moreover, I am the G.o.d of Abraham, the G.o.d of Isaac, and the G.o.d of Jacob." The person first reading then says, "And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon G.o.d." At these words the bandage is placed over the candidate's eyes.

[16] By this tremendous imprecation, the candidate, of his "own free will and accord," volunteers (in case of a violation) to come forth to the resurrection of d.a.m.nation and receive the sentence, "Depart thou accursed into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels."

[17] See the Apocryphal books, 1 Esdras, chapters iii. and iv.

[18] Diplomas of this degree, "In the name of the HOLY and UNDIVIDED TRINITY," recommend the bearer as a true and faithful soldier of Jesus Christ.

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE KIDNAPPING OF WILLIAM MORGAN.

Captain Morgan was born in Virginia, and was a mason by trade. He commenced the business of a brewer at York, Upper Canada, in 1821, but having lost all his property by fire, he removed to New York State, and worked at his trade both in Rochester and Batavia. In the year 1826 rumors were heard that Morgan, in connection with other persons, was preparing and intended to publish a book which would reveal the secrets of Freemasonry, and an excitement of some kind existed in relation to the publication of the book. In the month of September he was seized under feigned process of the law, in the day time, in the village of Batavia, and forcibly carried to Canandaigua. Captain Morgan was at this time getting ready his book, which purported to reveal the secrets of Freemasonry. This contemplated publication excited the alarm of the fraternity, and numbers of its members were heard to say that it should be suppressed at all events. Meetings of delegates from the different Lodges in the Western counties has been held to devise means for most effectually preventing the publication.

The zealous members of the fraternity were angry, excited, and alarmed, and occasionally individuals threw out dark and desperate threats. About this time an incendiary attempt was made to fire the office of Col. Miller, the publisher of the book. The gang who seized Morgan at Batavia were Masons. They took him to Canandaigua; after a mock trial he was discharged, but was immediately arrested and committed to prison on a debt. The next night, in the absence of the jailer, he was released from prison by the pretended friendship of a false and hollow-hearted brother Mason. Upon leaving the prison door he was seized in the streets of Canandaigua, and notwithstanding his cries of murder, he was thrust with ruffian violence into a carriage prepared for that purpose. At Batavia he had been torn from his home--from his wife and infant children. At Canandaigua he was falsely beguiled from the safe custody of the law, and was forcibly carried, by relays of horses, through a thickly populated country, in the s.p.a.ce of little more than twenty-four hours, to the distance of one hundred and fifteen miles, and secured as a prisoner in the magazine of Fort Niagara. This was clearly proved on the trial of persons concerned in the outrage, and who were found guilty and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment. The fate of Captain Morgan was never known, but it is supposed he was taken out into the lake, where his throat was cut, and his body sunken fifty fathoms in water. About the same time, Col.

David C. Miller, the publisher of the book, was also seized, in Batavia, under the color of legal process, and taken to Le Roy. The avowed intention of Col. Miller's seizure was to take him where Morgan was--and where that was may be best gathered from the impious declaration of one of the conspirators, James Ganson, for several years a member of our Legislature--that "he was put where he would stay put until G.o.d should call for him." Miller was, however, set at liberty, as the inhabitants of Le Roy interfered with the schemes of his kidnappers. He soon after put to press the first part of the volume which is here presented to the public. Additions have been made to Captain Morgan's revelations, from time to time, until we are now able to make public all the Masonic degrees of any note or interest, entered into by modern Freemasons.