ENTERED APPRENTICE.
The first lecture in Masonry is divided into three Sec¬
tions, and each Section in several clauses.
Virtue is painted
in the most beautiful colours, and the duties of morality
properly inculcated.
In it we are taught various useful
lessons, to prepare the mind for a regular advancement in
the principles of Philanthropy.
They are imprinted ou
the memory by lively and sensible hieroglyphical figures,
which are here explained and which have a moral tendency,
and inculcate the practice of virtue.
SECTION I.
The first Section consists of general heads, and is suited
to all capacities.
It ought to be studied by all who desire
to rank as a Mason.
It consists of
useful rules, which,
though short and simple, carry weight with them.
Inde¬
pendent of communicating valuable knowledge, they qualify
us to try and examine the rights of others to our privileges,
while they prove ourselves.
It also properly explains the
mode of initiation in our noble order.
Towards the close of the section is explained that pecu¬
liar ensign of Masonry, the lamb-skin, or white leather
apron, which is an emblem of innocence, and the badge of
a Mason ; more ancient than the golden fleece or Roman
Eagle; more honourable than the star and garter, or any
other order that could be conferred upon the candidate at
that or any future period, by king, prince, potentate, or any
other person, except he be a Mason ; and which every one
80
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
81
ought to wear with pleasure to himself, and honour to the
fraternity.
This section closes with an explanation of the working
tools,
which
are, the
twenty-four inch guage,
common gavel.
The twenty-four inch guage
and the
is an instrument used by
operative masons to measure and lay out their work; but
wo, as free and accepted Masons, are taught to make use
of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing
our time.
It being divided into twenty-four equal parts, is
emblematical of the twenty-four hours of the day, which
we are taught to divide into three equal parts; whereby are
found eight hours for the service of God, and a distressed
worthy brother; eight for our usual vocations; and eight
for refreshment and sleep.
The
common gavel
is an instrument made use of by
operative masons to break off the corners of rough stones,
the better to fit them for the builder’s use; but we, as free
and accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the
more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our hearts
and consciences of all the vices and superfluities of life ;
thereby fitting our minds, as living stones, for that spiritual
building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the
heavens.
SECTION II.
The second section rationally accounts for the ceremony
of initiating a candidate into our ancient institution.
THE BADGE OF A MASON.
Every candidate, at his initiation, is presented with a
lamb-shin
or
white* leather apron.
* Masons, as one of their first principles, profess innocence; they put
on white apparel, as an emblem of that character, which bespeaks purity
ENTERED
82
APPRENTICE.
The lamb has, in all ages, been deemed an emblem of
innocence; the lamb-skin is therefore to remind him of that
purity of life and conduct, which is so essentially necessary
to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge above,
where the Supreme Architect of the universe presides.
SECTION III.
The third section explains the nature and principles of
our Constitution.
Here also we receive instructions rela¬
tive to the form,
supports, covering, furniture, orna¬
ments, lights, and jewels of the lodge ; how it should be
situated, and to whom dedicated.
From east to west, and between north and south, Free
Masonry extends ; and in every clime are Masons to be
found.
Our institution is said to be supported by
Wisdom,
Strength, and Beauty ; because it is necessary that there
should be wisdom to contrive, strength to support, and
beauty to adorn, all great and important undertakings.
Its covering is no less than a clouded canopy, or a starrydecked Heaven, where all good Masons hope at last to
arrive, by the aid of the theological ladder, which Jacob,
in his vision, saw ascending from earth to heaven; the
three principal rounds of which are denominated Faith,
Hope, and Charity ; and which admonish us to have faith
in Cod, hope in mortality, and charity to all mankind.
of soul, guiltlessness, and being harmless.
The apron with which we
are clothed, indicates a disposition of innocence, and belies not the
wearer’s heart.
Let the ignorant deride and scoff on ; superior to the
ridicule and malice of the wicked, we will enfold ourselves in the garb
of our own virtue, and safe in self-approving conscience, stand unmovt
amidst the persecutions of adversity.
To be a true Mason, is to possess this principle: or the apparel which
he wears is an infamy to the apostate, and only shows him forth to
shame and contempt.
83
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
The greatest of these is Charity; for our Faith may be
lost in sight; Hope ends in fruition; but Charity extends
beyond the grave, through the boundless realms of eternity.
Every well-governed lodge is furnished with the Holy
Bible, the Square, and the Compasses.
The Holy Bible is dedicated to God; the Square, to the
Master ; and the Compasses, to the Craft.
As more immediate guides for a Free Mason, the lodge
is furnished with unerring rules, whereby he shall form his
conduct.
The book of the law is laid before him, that he
may not say, through ignorance he erred ; whatever the
great Architect of the world hath dictated to mankind, as
the mode in which he would be served, and the path in
which to tread is to obtain his approbation ; whatever pre¬
cepts he hath administered, and with whatever laws he hath
inspired the sages of old, the same are faithfully comprised
in the book of the law of Masonry.
That book reveals
the duties which the great master of all exadts from us;
open to every eye, comprehensible to every mind; then
who shall say among us that he knoweth not the accept¬
able service ?
The Bible is dedicated to God, because it is the inestima¬
ble gift of God to man; the square to the master, because
it is the proper Masonic emblem of his office ; and the
compasses to the craft, because, by a due attention to their
use, they are taught to circumscribe their desires, and keep
their passions within due bounds.
The Ornaments of a Lodge are the Mosaic pavement,
the indented tessel, and the blazing star.
The Mosaic
pavement is a representation of the ground floor of King
Solomon’s temple ; the indented tessel, that beautiful tesselated border, or skirting, which surrounded it; and the
blazing star in the centre, is commemorative of that Pro¬
vidence which continually surveys our actions.
The Mosaic pavement is emblematic of human life.
As
84
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
the steps of man are trod in the various and uncertain inci¬
dents of life; as our days are chequered with a strange
contrariety of events, and our passage through this existence,
though sometimes attended with prosperous circumstances,
is often beset by a multitude of evils; hence is the lodge
furnished with Mosaic work, to remind us of the precari¬
ousness of our state on earth ; to-day, our feet tread in pros¬
perity ; to-morrow, we totter on the uneven paths of weak¬
ness, temptation, and adversity. Whilst this emblem is
before us, we are instructed to boast of nothing; to have
compassion, and give aid to those who are in adversity; to
walk uprightly, and with humility; for such is this exist¬
ence, that there is no station in which pride can be stably
founded—all men in birth and in the grave are on a level.
Whilst we tread on this Mosaic work, let our ideas return
to the original which it copies; and let every Mason act as
the dictates of reason prompt him, to live in brotherly love.
The beautiful border which surrounds this pavement, is
emblematic of those manifold blessings and comforts which
surround us, and which we hope to enjoy by a faithful reli¬
ance on Divine Providence, which is hieroglyphically
represented by the blazing star in the centre.
The moveable and immoveable Jewels also claim our
attention in this section.
The rough ashler is a stone as taken from the quarry in
Its rude and natural state.
The perfect ashler is a stone made ready by the hands
of the workmen, to be adjusted by the working tools of the
fellow craft. The trestle board is for the master workman
to draw his designs upon.
By the rough ashler, we are reminded of our rude and
imperfect state by nature ; by the perfect ashler, that state
of perfection at which we hope to arrive by a virtuous edu¬
cation, our own endeavours, and the blessing of God ; and
by the trestle board, we are also reminded, that as the ope-
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
85
rative workman erects his temporal building agreeably to
the rules and
designs laid down by the master on his
trestle board, so should we, both operative and speculative,
endeavour to erect our spiritual building agreeably to the
rules and designs laid down by the Supreme Architect of
the universe, in the great Book of nature and revelation,
which is our spiritual, moral, and Masonic trestle-board.
Lodges were anciently dedicated to King Solomon, as it
is said he was the first Most Excellent Grand Master: Yet
Masons professing Christianity dedicate theirs to Saint
John the Baptist, and Saint John the Evangelist, who
were two eminent Christian patrons
of
Masonry ; and
since their time, there is represented, in every regular and
well-governed lodge, a certain point within a circle,* embordered by two perpendicular parallel lines, representing
St. John the Baptist, and St.John the Evangelist; and upon
the top rests the Holy Scriptures.
In going round this cir¬
cle, we necessarily touch upon these two lines, as well as
the Holy Scriptures ; and while a Mason keeps himself
circumscribed within their precepts, it is impossible that he
should materially err.
OF BROTHERLY LOVE.
By the exercise of brotherly love, we are taught to regard
the wThole human species as one family; the high and low,
the rich and poor; who, as created by one Almighty Pa¬
rent, and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support,
and protect each other.
On this principle, masonry unites
men of every country, sect, and opinion, and conciliates
true friendship among those who might otherwise have
remained at a perpetual distance.
* This point represents an individual brother, the circle is the boun¬
dary line, beyond which he is never to suffer his prejudices or passions
to betray him.
8
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
86
OF RELIEF.
To relieve the distressed, is a duty incumbent on all men ;
but particularly on Masons, who are linked together by an
indissoluble chain of sincere affection.
To soothe the
unhappy, to sympathise with their misfortunes ; to compas¬
sionate their miseries, and to restore peace to their troubled
minds, is the grand aim we have in view.
On this basis
we form our friendships and establish our connexions.
OF TRUTH.
Truth is a divine attribute, and the fountain of every vir¬
tue.
To be good and true, is the first lesson we are taught
in Masonry.
On this theme we contemplate, and by its
dictates endeavour to regulate our conduct: hence, while
influenced
by this
principle, hypocrisy and deceit are
unknown among us ; sincerity and plain dealing distinguish
us ; and the heart and tongue join in promoting each other's
welfare, and rejoicing in each other’s prosperity.
Jin Explanation of the four Cardinal Virtues: which are
Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice.
OF TEMPERANCE.
Temperance is that due restraint upon our affections and
passions, which renders the body tame and governable, and
frees the mind from the allurements of vice.
This virtue
should be the constant practice of every Mason ; as he is
thereby taught to avoid excess, or contracting any licentious
or vicious habit, the indulgence of which might lead him to
disclose some of those valuable secrets, which he has pro¬
mised to conceal and never reveal, and which would conse¬
quently subject him to the contempt and detestation of all
good Masons.
*
*
*
*
87
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
OF FORTITUDE.
Fortitude is that noble and steady purpose of the mind,
whereby we are enabled to undergo any pain, peril, or dan¬
ger, when prudentially deemed expedient.
This virtue is
equally distant from rashness and cowardice; and, like the
former, should be deeply impressed upon the mind of every
Mason, as a safe-guard or security against any illegal attack
that may be made, by force or otherwise, to extort from him
any of those valuable secrets, with which he has been so
solemnly intrusted, and which were emblematically repre¬
sented upon his first admission into the lodge.
*
*
*
*
OF PRUDENCE.
Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and actions
agreeably to the dictates of reason, and is that habit by
which we wisely judge, and prudentially determine, on all
things relative to our present as well as to our future happi¬
ness.
This virtue should be the peculiar characteristic of
every Mason, not only for the government of his conduct
while in the lodge, but also when abroad in the world.
It
should be particularly attended to, in all strange and mixed
companies, never to let fall the least sign, token, or word,
whereby the secrets of Masonry might be unlawfully ob¬
tained.
*
*
*
*
OF JUSTICE.
Justice is that standard or boundary of right, which ena¬
bles us to render to every man his just due without distinc¬
tion.
This virtue is not only consistent with divine and
human laws, but is the very cement and support of civil
society; and as justice in a great measure constitutes the
real good man, so should it be the invariable practice of
88
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
every Mason, never to deviate from the minutest principles
thereof.
*
*
*
*
The illustration of these virtues is accompanied with some
general observations peculiar to Masons.
Due veneration
is also paid to our ancient patrons.
Such is the arrangement of the different sections in the
first lecture ; and comprehends the whole of the first degree.
The whole is a regular system of morality, conceived in a
strain of interesting allegory, which must unfold its beauties
to the candid and industrious inquirer.
CHARGE AT INITIATION INTO THE FIRST DEGREE.
Brother,
As you are now introduced into the first principles of
Masonry, I congratulate you on being accepted into this
ancient and honourable order; ancient, as having subsisted
from time immemorial; and honourable, as tending, in
every particular, so to render all men, who will be conform¬
able to its precepts.
No institution was ever raised on a
better principle, or more solid foundation; nor were ever
more excellent rules and useful maxims laid down, than are
inculcated in the several Masonic lectures.
The greatest
and best of men, in all ages, have been encouragers and
promoters of the art; and have never deemed it derogatory
to their dignity, to level themselves with the fraternity,
extend their privileges, and patronize their assemblies.
There are three great duties, which, as a Mason, you are
charged to inculcate—to God, your neighbour, and yourself.
To God, in never mentioning his name, but with that reve¬
rential awe which is due from a creature to his Creator; to
implore his aid in all your laudable undertakings, and to
esteem him as the chief good:—to your neighbour, in act¬
ing upon the square, and doing unto him as you wish he
should do unto you :—and to yourself, in avoiding all irre-
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
89
gularity and intemperance, which may impair your facul¬
ties, or debase the dignity of your profession.
A zealous
attachment to these duties, will insure public and private
esteem.
In the state, you are to be a quiet and peaceable subject,
true to your government, and just to your country; you are
not to countenance disloyalty or rebellion, but patiently sub¬
mit to legal authority, and conform with cheerfulness to the
government of the country in which you live.
In your out¬
ward demeanour, be particularly careful to avoid censure or
reproach.
Although your frequent appearance at our regular meet¬
ings is earnestly solicited, yet it is not meant that Masonry
should interfere with your necessary vocations; for these
are on no account to be neglected; neither are you to.suffer
your zeal for the institution to lead you into argument with
those who, through ignorance, may ridicule it.
At your
leisure hours, that you may improve in Masonic knowledge,
you are to converse with well-informed brethren, who will
be always as ready to give, as you will be ready to receive,
instruction.
Finally, keep sacred and inviolable the mysteries of the
order; as these are to distinguish you from the rest of the
community, and mark your consequence among Masons.
If, in the circle of your acquaintance, you find a person
desirous of being initiated into Masonry, be particularly
attentive not to recommend him, unless you are convinced
he will conform to our rules; that the honour, glory, and
reputation of the institution may be finally established, and
the world at large convinced of its good effects.
The following beautiful explanations of the working
tools will no doubt be duly appreciated by every Mason.
The)r are from the pen of the R. W. Brother Dalclio :
As the various tools and instruments, which we use in
8*
90
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
the lodge, are all emblematical of the conduct which Free
Masons should pursue in their intercourse with society, I
shall, therefore, endeavour to explain to you such of them
as we most frequently use.
In a lodge of Masonry, the first object which deserves
attention, is the Mosaic floor upon which we tread.
It is
intended to convey to our minds, the vicissitudes of human
affairs, checkered with a strange contrariety of events.
To¬
day, elevated with the smiles of prosperity : to-morrow,
depressed by the frowns of misfortune.
The precarious¬
ness of our situation, in this world, should teach us humi¬
lity, to walk uprightly and firmly upon the broad basis of
virtue and religion, and to give assistance to our unfortunate
fellow creatures who are in distress ; lest on some capri¬
cious turn of fortune’s wheel, we may become dependants
on those who before looked up to us as their benefactors.
The two emblematical pillars, erected in front of the
porch of the temple, independent of the beauty which they
added to the building, conveyed to the minds of those who
entered, a knowledge of the attributes of that Being to
whom it was dedicated.
The literal translation of the
name of the left pillar is, “ in thee is strengthand that
of the right, “ it shall be established,” wrhich, as a learned
author observes, may very naturally be transposed in this
manner—“ 0 Lord, thou art mighty, and thy power is esta¬
blished from everlasting to everlasting.”
The name of one
of the pillars, as relating to a person, may give a different
translation, which may be pointed out on some other occa¬
sion.
The next object which demands attention, is the holy
bible, with the square and compasses.
.As these instru¬
ments remind us to keep our actions within the bounds of
propriety, and to square them with all mankind, the sacred
volume on which they lie, contains the unerring guide for
our conduct through life, as it relates to our worship of the
ENTERED
91
APPRENTICE.
Supreme Master of the world, and our conduct to each
other.
For these reasons, the book of the divine law is
never closed : “ it is open to every eye, and comprehensible
to every mind.”
The blazing star is the emblem of prudence, which is one
of the emanations of the Deity, agreeably to the system of
Basilides.
It points out to Free Masons the path which
leads to happiness, and is the sure source of self-approba¬
tion.
It enlightens us through the dark and rugged paths
of life, and enables us to shun the many obstacles which
would impede our progress and embitter our journey with
pain.
The three great luminaries allude to the three Masonic
degrees, and at the same time are emblematical of that
effulgence which should illuminate the mind of a Free
Mason, and which he can alone receive from a perfect
understanding of the principles of the order.
apron and gloves are also emblematical.
The white
They are not
worn merely as insignia of the order, but as badges of that
innate innocence, and purity of soul, which Free Masons
should always possess ; and, in this point of view, they are
more honorable distinctions than any order of knighthood
which can be conferred.
On being invested with these
badges of innocence and humility, a Free Mason should
firmly resolve to support that purity and integrity of heart,
of which he outwardly wears the emblems.
The rule, the square, and the compasses, are emblemati¬
cal of the conduct we should pursue in society.
To observe
punctuality in all our engagements, faithfully and religiously
to discharge those important obligations, w^hich we owe to
God, and our neighbour; to be upright in all our dealings ;
to hold the scale of justice in equal poise; to square our
actions by the unerring rule of God’s sacred word ; to keep
within compass and bounds with all mankind, particularly
with a brother ; to govern our expenses by our incomes ; to
92
ENTERED
APPRENTICE.
curb our sensual appetites; to keep within bounds those
unruly passions which oftentimes interfere with the enjoy¬
ments of society, and degrade both the man and the Free
Mason ; to recal to our minds, that in the great scale of
existence, the whole family of mankind are upon a level
with each other, and that the only question of preference
among Free Masons should be, who is most wise, who is
most good ? For the time will come, and none of us know
how soon, when death, the great leveller of all human great¬
ness, will rob us of our distinctions and bring us to a level
with the dust.
ENTERED APPRENTICE’S SONG.
Come let us prepare,
We brothers that are,
Assembled on every occasion ;
Let’s drink, laugh, and sing.
Our wine has a spring,
Here’s a health to an accepted Mason.
The world is in pain,
Our secrets to gain,
And still let them wonder and gaze on;
Till they ’re brought to the light,
They ’ll ne’er know the right
Word or sign of an accepted Mason.
’Tis this and ’tis that,
They cannot tell what,
Why so many great men of the nation
Should aprons put on,
To make themselves one,
•
With a free and accepted Mason.
Great Kings, Dukes, and Lords,
Have laid by their swords,
Our mystery to put a good grace on;
ENTERED
APPRENTICE.
And thought themselves fam’d,
To hear themselves named,
With a free and accepted Mason.
Antiquity’s pride,
We have on our side,
Which makes men just in their station ;
There is naught but what’s good
To be understood,
By a free and accepted Mason.
We ’re true and sincere,
And just to the fair,
They ’ll trust us on any occasion,
No mortal can more,
The ladies adore
Than a free and accepted Mason.
Then join hand in hand,
By each brother firm stand,
Let’s be merry and put a bright face on;
What mortal can boast,
So noble a toast,
As a free and accepted Mason.
(Thrice repeated in due form.)
93