A
Freemason's Instructions, 1754
The Master Mason - March
1925
THE FOLLOWING is extracted from the RyIands' MS. 'low in
the Bodleian Library at Oxford, which came into the possession
of that institution on the passing of Bro. W. H. Rylands, one of
the founders of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge, No. 2076, English
Constitution. In a note Bro. RyIands says that it was taken
"from a copy in the possession of Bro. the Rev. A. F. A.
Woodford, and certified as a correct copy of the original by
Bro. W.J. Hughan." the date of the entry in Bro. Rylands' MS.
being 6th March, 1873. IN THE FIRST part, which he calls "the
Minor's Degree," the Master of the Lodge inquires of the person
to be initiated when Freemasonry began.
"At the building
of the Tower of Babel."
He then asks several other questions
which he answers as before instructed. He is next ordered
to be stripped naked in order that they may be well assured he
is not a woman. After this he is clothed with a loose white
garment, generally made of Holland, which they call the badge of
innocence, and placed in the center of the brethren. He is
ordered to kneel down on both his knees. The Master of the
Lodge holds the point of the sword to his throat, whilst the
following oath is administered unto him:
You shall not reveal
to any person or persons, either by word of mouth or your
handling-writing or cause to be revealed in any manner whatever
any part or parts, point or points, or any treatises which have
been, are now, or shall hereafter be held as a secret among
Freemasons, unless to an honest man, whom you know is a Mason,
or to the Master or Wardens of any regular Lodge. And it was
always esteemed by the Masons of old, to swear by the sword was
the most binding of all obligations, so we do insist and require
you solemnly to kiss the edge of this sword presented to your
throat as a sign of your full consent and approbation to the
above particulars.
When he has taken the oath all the
Brethren assist in putting on his cloths. The Master presents
him with a white leather apron and tells him that he has become
a fellow and brother to kings and princes. Several other
questions are put to him which if he cannot answer he must give
to every member of the Lodge a pair of gloves and in return he
is entitled to a ring (called a signet) as a warrant of his
admission. THE MINOR'S duty is to guard the Lodge with a
drawn sword and when they find him to be sober, silent, and
discreet he is admitted into the major's degree. To pass this
examination he has to answer several questions as to the
diameter of the Tower of Babel, the height, breadth, the number
of men that were employed, how many years in building, and their
reasons why this tower was built, etc. He is again enjoined to
secrecy, to be cautious in his words and carriage, to have his
breast fortified against all attempts that may be made by the
artful and designing. The Master next instructs him in the
nature of signs, tokens, and words. The first sign is given by
pointing the forefinger of the right hand to his mouth, which is
a symbol of silence. The second is by drawing his hand across
his mouth, which is much like the former and likewise signifies
silence or secrecy. The first token is given by shaking hands
and at the same time pressing the forefinger hard in the palm of
the other hand. The second token is likewise given by shaking
hands and at the same time placing the forefinger on one side
the other's wrist and the middle finger on the other. The first
word is "Eureka," which signifies truth and fidelity; the second
is "Philadelphia," or brotherly love. He is asked; of what use
are these signs, tokens, and words; he answers to make
themselves known to each other wheresoever dispersed. The
third is the officer's part or ceremony of installment: Belus, the
Master, wears a compass pendent on a white ribbon round his
neck: Sabus, the superintendent, wears a square; Silus and
Sabathes, the two wardens, wear a level and plumb rule; and
Sabactas and Ramas, a twenty-four inch rule in each other's
hands. The third and last part concludes as
follows:
"Have you the officer's secret
word?"
"Yes." "How did you reveal it?"'
On my
knee he ordered me to kneel,
Before he could the sacred word
reveal:
A word to all but officers unknown,
Because we give
it when we are alone.
The word is Belus, be it known to thee,
'Twas that great man gave birth to
Masonry.
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