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FELLOW-CRAFT'S DEGREE
the official monitor
grand lodge of texas (1922)
[Masonry, like all other sciences, is progressive, and can only
be acquired by degrees, and at intervals. When an Entered Apprentice has served
the proper time, and learned properly the Ritual of the first degree, he can,
and it is his duty (if he is a good and true Apprentice), to apply through a
member of the Lodge for the second, or Fellow-Craft's Degree.
This application can he made orally, at a stated meeting, but before the
applicant can be balloted for, he must be examined in an Entered Apprentice
Lodge as to his proficiency in the first degree, and if (after closing the E. A.
Lodge, and calling to labor in the Master's Degree), said examination is
declared satisfactory, by the vote of the brethren present, the Lodge will
proceed to ballot upon said application.]
[This degree is divided into two sections, the first of which is entirely
ceremonial, and the Lecture pertaining to the same is but a recapitulation of
the ceremonies used on the occasion, and should be well understood by every
member of the Lodge, but more especially, by the officers.]
SECTION I
[The following passage of Scripture is rehearsed during the
ceremony of the first section:]
"Thus he shewed me; and behold the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumb line, with a plumb line in His hand. And the Lord said unto me, Amos,
what seest thou? And I said, a plumb line, Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will
set a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel; I will not again pass by them
any more."
Or the following Ode may be sung:
Come, Craftsmen, assembled, our pleasure to share,
Who
work by the Plumb, and remember the Square;
While trav’ling, in love, on the
Level of time,
Sweet hope shall light on to a far better clime.
We'll seek, in our labors, the Spirit Divine,
Our temple to bless, and our
hearts to refine;
And thus to our altar a tribute we'll bring,
While
joined in true friendship our an-them we sing.
See Order and Beauty rise gently to view.
Each Brother a column, so
perfect and true!
When Order shall cease, and when temples decay,
May each
fairer columns, immortal, survey.
The Working Tools of a Fellow-Craft
Are the Plumb, Square and Level.
The Plumb is an instrument made use of by operative Masons to raise
perpendiculars, the Square to square their work, and the Level to lay
horizontals; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of them
for more noble and glorious purposes; the Plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly
in our several stations before God and man, squaring our actions by the Square
of Virtue, and remembering that we are traveling upon the Level of Time, to
"that undiscovered country, from whose bourne no traveler returns."
[This section closes with a practical illustration of the
manner in which Our Ancient Brethren gained admission into the middle chamber of
King Solomon's Temple.]
SECTION II
The Second Section * * * * * and treats of Masonry under two de nominations,
Operative and Speculative.
[The Terrestrial and Celestial Globes, the Orders of
Architecture, the Human Senses and the Liberal Arts and Sciences are here
introduced and explained, and the learned and accomplished Mason may display his
talents and skill in their elucidation.]
Operative Masonry
By Operative Masonry we allude to a proper application of the useful rules of
architecture, whence a structure will derive figure, strength and beauty, and
whence will result a due proportion, and a just correspondence in all its parts.
It furnishes us with dwellings and convenient shelters from the vicissitudes and
inclemencies of seasons, and while it displays the effects of human wisdom, as
well in the choice as in the arrangement of the sundry materials of which an
edifice is composed, it demonstrates that a fund of science and industry is
implanted in man, for the best, most salutary and beneficent purposes.
Speculative Masonry
By Speculative Masonry we learn to subdue the passions, act upon the square,
keep a tongue of good report, maintain secrecy, and practice charity. It is so
far interwoven with religion as to lay us under obligations to pay that rational
homage to the Deity, which at once constitutes our duty and our happiness.
It leads the contemplative to view with reverence and admiration the glorious works of creation, and inspires him with the most exalted ideas of
the perfection of his divine Creator.
Our ancient brethren, in obedience to God's law, labored six days and rested
on the seventh, thereby enjoying frequent opportunities to contemplate the
glorious works of the creation, and to adore the Great Creator.
[The emblems of Unity, Peace and Plenty are explained in
connection with these pillars.]
The Globes
Are two artificial spherical bodies * * * * *, upon the convex surface of
which are delineated various portions of the earth's surface, the planetary
revolutions, fixed stars, and other particulars.
[The five orders of Architecture next require attention. By
order in Architecture is meant a system of all the members, proportions and
ornaments of columns and pilasters.
Its antiquity claims particular attention. From the first formation of
society, order in architecture may be traced. When the rigor of the seasons
first obliged man to contrive shelter from the inclemency of the weather, we
learn that they planted trees on end, and then laid others across to support a
covering. The bands which connected those trees at the top and bottom are said
to have given rise to the idea of the base and capital of pillars; and from this simple
hint, originally proceeded the more improved art of architecture.]
THE FIVE ORDERS OF ARCHITECTURE
Are the Tuscan, Doris, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite.
The Tuscan
Is the most simple and solid of the five orders. It was
invented in Tuscany, whence it derives its name. [Its column is seven diameters
high, and its capital, base and entablature have but few mouldings. The
simplicity of the construction of this column renders it eligible where ornament
would be superfluous.]
The Doric
Which is plain and natural, is the most ancient, and was
invented by the Greeks. [Its column is eight diameters high, and has seldom any
ornaments on base or capital, except mouldings; though the frieze is
distinguished by triglyphs and metopes, and triglyphs compose the ornaments of
the frieze. The solid composition of this Order gives it a preference in
structures where strength and noble simplicity are chiefly required.
The Doric is the best proportioned of all the orders. The several parts of
which it is composed are founded on the natural position of solid bodies. In its
first invention it was more simple than in its present state. In after times, when it began to be adorned, it gained
the name of Doric; for when it was constructed in its primitive and simple form,
the name of Tuscan was conferred on it. Hence the Tuscan precedes the Doric in
rank, on account of its resemblance to that pillar in its original
state.]
The Ionic
Bears a kind of mean proportion between the more solid and
delicate orders. [Its column is nine diameters high; its capital is adorned with
volutes, and its cornices have dentals. There are both delicacy and ingenuity
displayed in this pillar; the invention of which it attributed to the Ionians,
as the famous temple of Diana, at Ephesus, was of this order. It is said to have
been formed after the model of an agreeable young woman of an elegant shape,
dressed in her hair, in contrast to the Doric order, which was formed after that
of a strong, robust man.]
The Corinthian
The richest of the five orders, is deemed a masterpiece of art.
[Its column is ten diameters high, and its capital is adorned with two rows of
leaves, and eight volutes, which sustain the abacus. The frieze is ornamented
with curious devices, the cornice with dentals and modillions. This order is
used in stately and superb structures. It was invented at Corinth, by
Callimachus, who is said to have taken the hint of the capital of this pillar
from the following remarkable circumstances: Accidentally passing by the tomb of
a young lady, he perceived a basket of toys, covered with a tile, placed over an acanthus root, it having
been left there by her nurse. As the branches grew up, they compassed the
basket, till, arriving at the tile, they met with an obstruction and bent
downward. Callimachus, struck with the object, set about imitating the figure;
the vase of the capital he made to represent the basket; the abacus the tile;
and the volutes the bending leaves.]
The Composite
Is compounded of the other orders, and was contrived by the
Romans. [its capital has the two rows of leaves of the Corinthian, and the
volutes of the Ionic. Its column has the quarter-round, as the Tuscan and Doric
order; is ten diameters high, and its cornice has denticles, or simple
modillions. This pillar is generally found in buildings where strength, elegance
and beauty are displayed.]
Three of these orders, the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian, are only revered by
Masons, for these alone show invention and were invented by the Greeks); the
others differ only by accident, and were added by the Romans. Hence it is to the
Greeks, and not to the Romans, that we are indebted for all that is great,
judicious and distinct in architecture.
THE FIVE HUMAN SENSES
Are Seeing, Hearing, Feeling, Smelling and Tasting, (and are next in order for explanation):
Seeing
Is that sense by which we distinguish objects, and in an
instant of time, without change of place or situation, view armies in battle
array, figures of the most stately structures, and all the agreeable variety
displayed in the landscape of nature. [By this sense we find our way on the
pathless ocean, traverse the globe of earth, determine its figure and
dimensions, and delineate any region or quarter of it. By it we measure the
planetary orbs, and make new discoveries in the sphere of the fixed stars. Nay
more; by it we perceive the tempers and dispositions, the passions and
affections of our fellow-creatures, when they wish most to conceal them; so
that, though the tongue may be taught to lie and dissemble, the countenance
would display the hypocrisy to the discerning eye. In fine, the rays of light
which minister to this sense, render the eye a peculiar object of admiration,
and the most astonishing part of the animated creation.]
Hearing
Is that sense by which we distinguish sounds and are capable of
appreciating the agreeable charms of music. [By it, we are enabled to enjoy the
pleasures of society, and reciprocally to communicate to each other our thoughts
and intentions, our purposes and desires; and thus our reason is rendered
capable of exerting its utmost power and energy. The wise and beneficent Author of Nature intended, by the formation of this
sense, that we should be social creatures, and receive the greatest and most
important part of our knowledge from social intercourse with each other. For
these purposes we are endowed with hearing, that, by a proper exertion of our
rational powers, our happiness may be complete.]
Feeling
Is that sense by which we distinguish the different qualities
of bodies, such as heat and cold, hardness and softness, roughness and
smoothness, figure, solidity, motion and extension.
Smelling
Is that sense by which we distinguish odors, the various kinds
of which convey different impressions to the mind. [Animal and vegetable bodies,
and indeed most other bodies, while exposed to air, continually send forth
effluvia of vast subtlety, as well in the state of life and growth as in the
state of fermentation and putrefaction. These effluvia, being drawn into the
nostrils along with the air, are the means by which all bodies are smelled.
Hence it is evident that there is a manifest appearance of design in the great
Creator's having planted the organ of smell in the inside of that canal, through
which the air continually passes in respiration.]
Tasting
Enables us to make a proper distinction in the choice of our
food. [The organ of this sense guards the entrance of the alimentary canal, as that
of smell guards the entrance of the canal for respiration. From the situation of
both these organs, it is plain that they are intended by nature to distinguish
wholesome food from that which is nauseous. Everything that enters into the
stomach must undergo the scrutiny of tasting; and by it we are capable of
discerning the changes which the same body undergoes in the different
compositions of art, cookery, chemistry, pharmacy, etc.]
Smelling and Tasting are inseparably connected, and it is by the unnatural
kind of life men commonly lead in society that these senses are rendered less
fit to perform their natural offices.
Three of which, Seeing, Hearing and Feeling, are principally revered by
Masons.
THE SEVEN LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
Are Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music and Astronomy (and
are illustrated in this section as follows):
Grammar
Is the key by which alone a door can be opened to the
understanding of speech. [It is Grammar which reveals the admirable art of
language and unfolds its various constituent parts, its names,
definitions and respective offices; it unravels, as it were, the thread of
which the web of speech is composed. These reflections seldom occur to any one
before their acquaintance with the art; yet it is most certain that, without a
knowledge of Grammar, it is very difficult to speak with propriety, precision
and purity.]
Rhetoric
It is by Rhetoric that the art of speaking eloquently is
acquired. [To be an eloquent speaker, in the proper sense of the word, is far
from being either a common or an easy attainment; it is the art of being
persuasive and commanding; the art not only of pleasing the fancy, but of
speaking both to the understanding and to the heart.]
Logic
Is that science which directs us how to form clear and distinct
ideas of things, and thereby prevents us from being misled by their similitude,
or resemblance. [Of all the human sciences, that concerning man is certainly
most worthy of man. The precise business of Logic is to ex-plain the nature of
the human mind, and the proper manner of conducting its several powers in the
attainment of truth and knowledge. This science ought to be cultivated as the
foundation, or ground-work of our inquiries; particularly in the pursuit of
those sublime principles which claim our attention as Masons.]
Arithmetic
Is the art of numbering, or that part of the mathematics which
considers he properties of numbers in general. [We have but a very imperfect
idea of things without quantity, and as imperfect of quantity itself, without
the help of Arithmetic.]
Geometry
This science usually treats of the magnitude of bodies.
[Magnitude has three dimensions, length, breadth and thickness.]
Music
Is that elevated science which affects the passions by sound.
[There are few who have not felt its charms and acknowledged its expressions to
be intelligible to the heart. It is a language of delightful sensations, far
more eloquent than words; it breathes to the ear the clearest intimations; it
touches, and gently agitates the agreeable and sublime passions; it wraps us in
melancholy, and elevates us in joy; it dissolves and inflames; it melts us in
tenderness and excites to war. This science is truly congenial to the nature of
man, for, by its powerful charms, the most discordant passions may be harmonized
and brought into perfect unison, but it never sounds with such seraphic harmony
as when employed in singing hymns of gratitude to the Creator of the
Universe.]
Astronomy
Is that sublime science which inspires the contemplative mind
to soar aloft and read the wisdom, strength and beauty of the great Creator in
the heavens. [How nobly eloquent of the Deity is the celestial
hemisphere!--spangled with the most magnificent heralds of His infinite glory! They speak to the whole
universe; for there is neither speech so barbarous but their language is
understood, nor nations so distant but their voices are heard among them.
The heavens proclaim the glory of God;
The firmament declareth the works
of his hands."
Assisted by Astronomy, we ascertain the laws which govern the heavenly
bodies, and by which their motions are directed; investigate the power by which
they circulate in their orbs, discover their size, determine their distance,
explain their various phenomena, and correct the fallacy of the senses by the
light of truth.]
The fifth of these sciences, Geometry, is deemed principally essential in
Masonry.
By it the architect is enabled to construct his plans and execute his
de-signs; the general, to arrange his soldiers; the engineer to mark out grounds
for encampments; the geographer to give us the dimensions of the world, and all
things therein contained; to delineate the extent of seas, and specify the
divisions of empires, kingdoms and provinces. By it, also the astronomer is
enabled to make his observations, and to fix the durations of times and seasons, years and cycles. In fine, Geometry is the foundation
of architecture and the root of mathematics.
The Moral Advantages of Geometry
Geometry, the first and noblest of sciences, is 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 connect this vast machine. By it we
discover how the planets move in their different orbits, and demonstrate their
various revolutions.
By it we account for the return of seasons, and the variety of scenes which
each season displays to the discerning eye.
Numberless worlds are around as (all framed by the same Divine Artist), which
roll through the vast expanse, and all are conducted by the same unerring laws
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 experience
and time, 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, has still survived. The attentive ear receives
the sound from the instructive tongue, and the sacred mysteries are safely
lodged in the repository of faithful breasts.
Tools and implements of architecture, symbols the most expressive! are
selected by the Fraternity, to imprint on the memory wise and serious truths;
and thus, through a succession of ages, are transmitted, unimpaired, the excellent tenets of our
institution.
Corn, Wine and Oil
This closes the second section, and finishes the degree, with the exception
of the charge, which is as follows:
Charge to the Candidate
My Brother: Being advanced to the degree of Fellow-Craft, we congratulate you
on your preferment. The internal and not the external qualifications of a man
are what Masonry regards. As you increase in Masonic 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 importance of a strict adherence to
them, as your own experience must have established their value.
The rules and regulations of a Fellow-Craft's Lodge 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 and sciences, that valuable branch of education
which tends so effectually to polish and adorn the mind, is earnestly
recommended to your careful 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 now conferred; and in your new character it is expected that you will
conform to the principles of our order, by steadily preserving in the practice
of every commendable virtue. Such is the nature of your engagement as a
Fellow-Craft, and to these duties you are bound by the most sacred and solemn
ties.
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