Bristol Masonic Ritual

First Degree

Opening an Entered Apprentices Lodge

DC— Worshipful Master, the Lodge is properly officered.

WM— Brethren, assist me to open this Lodge.

WM— Brother Junior Warden, what is the first and constant care of every Mason? (Never "Freemason")

JW— To see the Lodge properly tyled, Worshipful Master.

WM— You will direct that duty to be performed.

JW— Brother Inner Guard, you will see the Lodge properly tyled.

IG— * * *

TYLER— * * *

IG— Brother Junior Warden, that duty is performed.

JW— Worshipful Master, your commands are obeyed.

WM— Brother Senior Warden, what is the next care?

SW— To see that none but Masons are present, Worshipful Master.

WM— Does every Brother vouch for his right hand neighbour?

DC— All present are vouched for, Worshipful Master.

WM— Then Brethren, to Order as Entered Apprentice Masons.

(Previous to this point the Officers reply without standing to Order. It is not correct, according to Bristol working, for the Worshipful Master or Officers to be addressed by their proper names before the lodge is thus opened.)

WM— Brother Junior Warden, how many principal Officers rule the Lodge?

JW— Three, Worshipful Master, namely the Worshipful Master and the Senior and Junior Wardens.

WM— Brother Senior Warden, how many assistant Officers are there?

SW— Three, Worshipful Master, besides the Outer Guard or Tyler, namely the Senior and Junior Deacons and the Inner Guard.

WM— Brother Junior Warden, where is the situation of the Outer Guard or Tyler?

JW— Without the door of the Lodge, Worshipful Master.

WM— And his duties there?

JW— Being armed with a drawn Sword, to keep off all cowans and intruders upon Masonry and see the Candidates come property prepared.

WM— Brother Inner Guard, where is your situation in the Lodge?

IG— Within the door of the Lodge, Worshipful Master.

WM— And your duties?

IG— To admit Masons upon proof, to receive Candidates in due form, and to obey the commands of the Junior Warden.

WM— Brother Junior Deacon, where is your situation in the Lodge?

JD— At or near the right hand of the Senior Warden in the West, Worshipful Master.

WM— And your duties?

JD— To carry all commands and communications of the Worshipful Master from the Senior to the Junior Warden, to see the same properly dispersed and punctually obeyed throughout the Lodge.

WM— Brother Senior Deacon, where is your situation in the Lodge?

SD— At or near the right hand of the Worshipful Master in the East, Worshipful Master.

WM— And your duties?

SD— To carry all commands and communications of the Worshipful Master to the Senior Warden, and there await the return of the Junior Deacon.

WM— Brother Junior Warden, where is your constant place in the Lodge?

JW— In the South, Worshipful Master.

WM— And why are you so placed?

JW— To mark the Sun at its meridian, to call the Brethren from labour to refreshment and from refreshment to labour, to see that they keep within hail and come on again in due time, so that profit and pleasure may be the result.

WM— Brother Senior Warden, where is your constant place in the Lodge?

SW— In the West, Worshipful Master.

WM— And why are you so placed?

SW— As the Sun disappears in the West to close the most glorious day, so is the Senior Warden placed in the West to close the Lodge by command of the Worshipful Master, first seeing that every Brother has received the due reward of his labour.

WM— Hon. Past Master, where is the Worshipful Master's place?

IPM— In the East, Worshipful Master.

WM— And why is he so placed?

IPM— As the Sun rises in the East to open and enlighten the most glorious day, so is the Worshipful Master placed in the East to open his Lodge, and instruct his Brethren in Masonry in silence and secrecy.

WM— Brethren, our Lodge being the duly formed, before I declare it open, let us invoke a blessing from the Grand Architect of the Universe upon all our undertakings.

WM— (or CHAPLAIN) May our labours thus begun in Order, be continued in peace and finally closed in Brotherly Love.

ALL— So mote it be.

WM— "And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, 'The man's name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.'" (Ruth 2:19)

WM— Brethren, in the name of the Grand Architect of the Universe, I declare this Lodge of Entered Apprentice Masons open.

WM— * * * (Sits)

(Here the Immediate Past Master should open the Holy Bible and place the Square and Compasses thereon both points being hidden.)

SW— * * *

JW— * * *

IG— * * *

TYLER— * * *

(Senior Warden raises, and Junior Warden lowers, column.)

(Hymn. Minutes.)

First Degree Or Ceremony Of Initiation

WM— Our business this evening is to initiate, etc.

(Treasurer's report.)

WM— Brothers Deacons, you will retire and see that the Candidate is properly prepared.

(The Senior Deacon (outside), taking the Candidate's hand. causes him to knock three times on the door.)

IG— (inside) Brother Junior Warden, there is a report.

JW— You will see who seeks admission.

IG— (outside) Whom have you there?

SD— (outside) A.B., a poor Candidate in a state of indigence and darkness, who has been well and worthily recommended, duly proposed, balloted for, and accepted in open Lodge, and who now comes of his own free will and accord, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the Mysteries and Privileges of our Order.

IG— How does he hope to obtain these great and important privileges?

SD— By the help of God and the Tongue of Good Report.

IG— Is he properly prepared?

SD— He is.

IG— Wait, whilst I report to the Worshipful Master.

IG— (inside) Brother Junior Warden, without the door of the Lodge stands A.B., a poor Candidate in a state of indigence and darkness, who has been well and worthily recommended, duly proposed, balloted for, and accepted in open Lodge, and who now comes of his own free will and accord, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the Mysteries and Privileges of our Order.

JW— How does he hope to obtain these great and important privileges?

IG— By the help of God and the Tongue of Good Report.

JW— Is be properly prepared?

IG— He is.

JW— Wait, whilst I report to the Worshipful Master.

JW— Worshipful Master, without the door of the Lodge stands A.B., a poor Candidate in a state of indigence and darkness, who has been well and worthily recommended, duly proposed, balloted for, and accepted in open Lodge, and who now comes of his own free will and accord, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the Mysteries and Privileges of our Order.

WM— How does he hope to obtain these great and important privileges, Brother Junior Warden?

JW— By the help of God and the Tongue of Good Report.

WM— Is he properly prepared?

JW— Brother Inner Guard vouches that he is.

WM— Let him be admitted in the name of the Grand Architect of the Universe and placed in the West.

JW— Brother Inner Guard, you will admit the Candidate in the name of the Grand Architect of the Universe, and let him be placed in the West.

IG— (After admitting to the entrance of the Lodge, the outer door being closed, one candidate at a time) Can you see anything? Do you feel anything?

CAND— (Responds.)

IG— As this is a prick to your flesh at this time, so may the remembrance of it be to your conscience hereafter, should you ever attempt improperly to reveal any of the Secrets with which you are about to be entrusted.

(The Inner Guard should keep the point pressed to the left breast until the end of the sentence.)

IG— Enter in the name of the Grand Architect of the Universe.

(The Candidate is admitted.)

IG— Brothers Deacons, you will place the Candidate in the West.

(The other Candidate. who is in charge of the Junior Deacon, is admitted in the same manner.)

WM— As no person can be admitted into our Order unless he be free by birth and of mature age, I have to demand of you — Are you free and of the full age of twenty-one years?

CAND— (Responds without assistance.) I am.

WM— Do you declare upon your honour that unbiased by the improper solicitations of friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary or other unworthy motives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself as a Candidate for the Mysteries and Privileges of our Order?

CAND— (Responds without assistance.) I do.

WM— Do you also declare upon your honour that you are solely prompted to solicit those privileges by a preconceived opinion of our order, and a sincere desire of gaining such information as may render you more extensively useful to your fellow creatures?

CAND— (Responds without assistance.) I do.

WM— Do you faithfully promise that avoiding fear on the one hand and rashness on the other, you will steadily preserve through the ceremony of your initiation, and being once admitted, you will abide by and strictly adhere to all the Ancient Laws, Landmarks, usages and customs of our Order?

CAND— (Responds without assistance.) I do.

WM— Then, as all our ceremonies commence and close with prayer, you will kneel while the blessing of Heaven is invoked on your behalf.

(The Candidate kneels.)

WM— (or CHAPLAIN) "Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father, Grand Architect of the Universe, to this our present convention. Grant that this Candidate for Masonry, now kneeling before Thee, may dedicate and devote his life to Thy Service, and become a true and faithful brother amongst us. To this end endue him with such a competency of Thy Divine Wisdom, that, assisted by the secrets of our Royal Masonic Art, he may be the better enabled to display the beauties of true godliness to the honour and glory of Thy Most Holy Name."

ALL— So mote it be.

WM— A.B., it is now my duty to inform you that you are placed in a position of imminent peril and danger. At your n.l.b. is the p. of a d. Sw., so that if you attempt to rush forward on our Mysteries, you will be accessory to your own d. by st. At the same time, around your n. is a C.T., so that if you attempt to recede, you will incur a like risk by str.. Placed in this awful position. I have to demand of you, In whom do you place your trust?

CAND— (Responds without assistance.) In God.

WM— Right glad I am to find your faith so well founded, for where the name of God is invoked, we trust no evil will ensue. You may now arise and follow your conductors, with firm hut humble confidence and fear no danger.

(Candidate rises.)

WM— Brothers Deacons, you will conduct the Candidate three times round the Lodge that the Brethren in the North, East, South and West may observe as he passes before them that he presents himself properly prepared.

(On the second time round the Junior Warden leaves his seat and turns his back to the Candidate whose hand is guided by the Senior Deacon to strike three blows upon the Junior Warden's shoulder. The Junior Warden then turns around.)

JW— Brothers Deacons, whom have you there?

SD— A.B., a poor Candidate in a state of indigence and darkness, who has been well and worthily recommended. duly proposed, balloted for, and accepted in open Lodge. and who now comes of his own free will and accord, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the Mysteries and Privileges of our Order.

JW— How does he hope to obtain these great and important privileges?

SD— By the help of God and the Tongue of Good Report.

JW— Pass, good report.

(On the third time round the Senior Warden goes through the same work as the Junior Warden.)

SW— Brothers Deacons, whom have you there?

SD— A.B., a Poor Candidate in a state of indigence and darkness, who has been well and worthily recommended, duly proposed, balloted for, and accepted in open Lodge, and who now comes of his own free will and accord, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the Mysteries and Privileges of our Order.

SW— How does he hope to obtain these great and important privileges?

SD— By the help of God and the Tongue of Good Report.

SW— is he properly prepared?

SD— He is.

SW— Brothers Deacons, let the Candidate face the East, whilst I report to the Worshipful Master.

(Note. All replies are to be made by the Senior Deacon. The officers should speak audibly and distinctly to be heard by all.)

SW— Worshipful Master, allow me to present to you A.B. a poor Candidate in a state of indigence and darkness, who has been well and worthily recommended, duly proposed, balloted for, and accepted in open Lodge, and who now comes of his own free will and accord, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the Mysteries and Privileges of our Order, for which purpose he presents himself properly prepared and which he hopes to obtain by the help of God and the tongue of good report.

WM— Brother Senior Warden, the tongue of good report has already reached me in the Candidate's favour. I will attend to your presentation and address him myself.

WM— A.B., Masonry is free and requires a freedom of inclination to all its mysteries. It is founded upon the purest principles of Piety and Virtue, and possesses many great and inestimable privileges. To secure these privileges to worthy men (and we trust to worthy men alone) vows of fidelity are required, but these vows are in no way inconsistent with your several duties either as a civil, religious, or moral agent. You are to be a peaceable subject in the country in which you dwelt, to obey the moral law, and to abide by and strictly adhere to all the Ancient Laws, Landmarks, usages and customs of our Order. How say you then? Are you ready and willing to enter into a solemn Obligation founded upon the principles I have now described to you?

CAND— (Responds without assistance.) I am.

WM— Brothers Deacons, you will advance the Candidate to the Pedestal in the East, there to take in due form the solemn Obligation of an Entered Apprentice.

(The Cable Tow is removed by the Senior Warden in the West before advancing.)

WM— A.B., you will kneel on your left knee, bare and bent, your right foot forming a Square, your body being erect within that square, your left hand supporting the Volume of the Sacred Law, Compasses and Square, and your right hand placed thereon. In this position you will repeat audibly and distinctly after me, substituting your name at full length where I use mine.

(The Candidate is placed in position.)

WM— (without gloves) I ———, in the presence of the Grand Architect of the Universe and of this worthy and worshipful Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, duly constituted, regularly assembled, and properly dedicated, do of my own free will and accord, hereby and hereon, to wit the Holy Bible, Compasses and Square, most solemnly promise, vow and Swear that I will forever hele, keep and conceal, and never will reveal any or either of the Secret or Secrets, Mystery or Mysteries, Part or Parts, Point or Points of or at all belonging to Ancient, Free and Accepted Masonry, which shall be communicated to me at this time, may have been heretofore, or shall be hereafter, to anyone except a true and lawful Brother or Brethren, and not unto him or them until after due trial, strict examination, or a full conviction in my mind that he or they are worthy of my confidence, or in the body of a Lodge Just, Perfect and Regular.

I furthermore do Swear that this concealment shall extend not only to oral communications, but to writing, painting, carving, engraving or in any other way delineating the Secrets of Masonry on anything movable or immovable, under the canopy of Heaven, whereby they may become legible or intelligible to anyone in the popular world not being a Mason. To all these several Part or Parts, Point or Points, I solemnly pledge fidelity, without hesitation, equivocation, or mental reservation whatever, under the no less a p., on the violation of any or either of them, than that of having m.t.c.a., m.t.r.o. by the rts. and m.b.b in the s.s. of the s., a c. length from the s., where the t.e. and f. twice in the natural day, or until this horrible punishment shall be inflicted, the less dreadful (but equally effectual one to an honourable man) of being forever branded as (Here, the Inner Guard, who has come from the door touches the Candidate's throat with the back of his dagger.) a perjured and worthless individual, unfit for the society of men, more especially so of Masons, amongst whom honour and virtue rank preeminent to titles and riches. So help me God and keep me steadfast in this my solemn Obligation, being that of an Entered Apprentice Mason.

WM— To render this solemn Obligation binding upon you to the latest hour of your existence, you will seal it upon the Volume of the Sacred Law with your lips.

CAND— (Seals Obligation.)

WM— Rise, duly obligated Brother Entered Apprentice Mason, for by that endearing title I am now permitted to address you.

CAND— (Rises.)

WM— Having been for some time in a state of darkness, what is now the most ardent wish of your heart?

The Deacons should allow the Candidate to answer the question for himself, if possible.

CAND— Light.

WM— Then, Brothers Deacons, you will conduct the Candidate to the West, where, in due time the blessing of material light shall be restored.

(The Candidate should be instructed to kneel when he arrives in the West and to place his hands upon the open Holy Bible, etc.)

When the Candidate is ready to be restored to light, the six Brethren with Swords (held horizontally throughout) and Inner Guard are placed in proper position (which should he forming part of a circle). The Worshipful Master strikes once with his gavel and all rise.

WM— And God said. "Let there be light, and there was light."

(One stroke on Gong.)

(All sit except those round the Candidate.)

WM— Brother A.B., having been restored to the blessing of material light, your attention as directed to the Three Great Emblematic lights in Masonry, which lie before you — the Holy Bible, Compasses and Square. They are the unerring standards of Truth and Justice, and from them we learn the duty we owe to God, our neighbor and ourselves. From the Holy Bible, to rule and govern our faith, the Square to square our actions by that faith, and the Compasses to circumscribe our thoughts and actions by the divine precepts therein contained. Your attention is also directed to the Three Grand Luminaries or Lesser Lights, which are situated in the South, West and East, and figuratively represent the Sun, the Moon, and Worshipful Master; the Sun to rule the day, the Moon to govern the night, and Worshipful Master to rule and govern his lodge with regularity and propriety by enlightening his Brethren in Masonry, in silence and secrecy. We place no light in the North as the Sun never darts its rays from that inhospitable quarter in this hemisphere, and it therefore figuratively represents the region of darkness.

The appearance of the Brethren around is not intended to alarm or intimidate, but to teach you that, if you remain true to the trust this evening reposed in you and keep faithfully all that is committed to your charge, the Sword of every Brother will be ready to start from its scabbard in your defence, but, if you betray us, every Mason's hand will be raised against you; you will become as an Ishmaelite amongst us, perjury will stamp her brand of infamy upon your forehead, the finger of scorn will ever be pointed at you as the faithless and unworthy steward, curses will supply the place of blessings, until at last, unable to bear the hiss of universal contempt, which will everywhere tingle in your ears, you will be ready to exclaim in the agony of spirit of Cain, the first-born, "My punishment is greater than I can bear."

The Circle of Swords by which you are surrounded is also emblematic of the universality of Masonry, for, wherever it shall please the will of Providence to cast your lot, whether you sojourn in civilized Europe. visit the icebound regions of the north or languish under the burning sun on the trackless sand of an African desert, whether you traverse the banks of the Nile, the Ganges, the Euphrates, or Mississippi, whether you dwell amid the immeasurable wilds of the scattered Indian tribes across the mighty Atlantic, among the wandering Arabs, roaming Tartars, or far distant Chinese, aye, even on the battlefield itself, you will everywhere find a Brother, who will greet you in the universal language of Masonry, his door will be open to receive you, his couch ready to rest your weary limbs, your parched lips will kiss his sparkling cup, and his bread will be broken with you with that true Brotherly Love, which in every place shows itself characteristic of our Order. Thus over the whole surface of the globe, by means of Signs and Tokens, which have been carefully preserved and handed down amongst Masons from the remotest ages, you will in every nation find a Brother, and in every clime a home.

WM— Brethren, I thank you for your assistance. Please be seated.

WM— Let the Candidate rise.

(Candidate rises.)

WM— Brothers Deacons, you will advance the Candidate to the Northeast corner of the Lodge and instruct him in the use of the Working Tools of an Entered Apprentice.

DEACONS— (Conduct Candidate.)

SD— The Working Tools of an Entered Apprentice are the Mallet and Chisel and the 24-inch Gauge, and are thus used by the Operative Mason: (Three raps are given on the top of the Rough Ashlar, the Chisel being held firmly in the hand. The length, breadth and depth should be measured.)

(The Candidate should afterwards be placed at the Northeast corner of the Lodge-board, facing the Worshipful Master.)

SD— Worshipful Master, your commands are obeyed.

WM— Brother A.B., the Working Tools of an Entered Apprentice are the Mallet and Chisel, and the 24-inch Gauge.

The Mallet and Chisel are used by the Operative Mason to strike off rude and imperfect parts of the stone, but we, as speculative Masons, apply them to strike off all rude and imperfect parts from our thoughts and actions.

From the Mallet we learn that skill without exertion is of little avail and that labour is the lot of man, and from the Chisel that perseverance is necessary to establish perfection.

The 24-inch Gauge is used by the Operative Mason to measure his work, but we apply it to our time. Being divided into twenty-four equal parts, it figuratively represents the twenty-four hours of the day, which our ancient Brethren divided into regular portions, part for labour, part for rest and refreshment, and part for the service of Almighty God and thus, by a regular division of our time, many important advantages may be obtained.

You now stand before me as an upright man and a Mason, and I exhort you in the most emphatic terms ever to continue and act as such, but as yet I have had nothing except promises from you. I shall therefore put your principles in some measure to the test by calling upon you to exercise that virtue which may justly be denominated the distinguishing characteristic of a Mason's heart. I mean Charity. I need not here dilate upon its excellencies, for doubtless it has often been practised by you; suffice it to say that it has the approbation of Heaven and Earth, and like its sister, Mercy, is twice blessed; it blesseth him that gives and him that takes. In a Society so widely extended as Masonry, whose branches are spread over the whole globe, and under whose banner are enrolled Emperors, Kings, Princes, Nobles and a vast number of others into whose lap Fortune has poured riches in abundance, there are, it cannot be denied, many Brethren who have drunk deeply of the cup of affliction, aye, even to its very dregs. On behalf of such as these, my Brother, as well as of our various Masonic Charities, it is our usual custom to excite the sympathy of every newly initiated Candidate. Rest assured that whatever you may feel disposed to give will be thankfully received and properly applied. Our Hon. Past Master will wait upon you for any donation you may be disposed to give.

PM— (Approaches Candidate with plate) By command of the Worshipful Master, I wait upon you for any donation you may feel disposed to make.

(The Candidate should be left to answer for himself; if possible.)

CAND— Responds that he was deprived of all valuables.

PM— Would you give if you had anything?

CAND— (Responds without assistance.) I would.

PM— Worshipful Master, the Candidate is unable to comply with your request, but would do so if he could.

WM— I congratulate you upon the honourable sentiments by which you are actuated, and in the present instance, upon your inability to gratify them. Believe me, this trial was not made with a view to trifling with your feelings, but for three special reasons.

The first is to prove that you had brought nothing offensive or defensive into the Lodge which might disturb its harmony or endanger its safety, for had you done so, the ceremony of your initiation thus far must have been repeated, and I should have had the unpleasant duty of reproving my Deacons for their neglect.

The second reason is that at the building of King Solomon's Temple at Jerusalem. there was not heard the sound of hammer, axe, or any other metal tool, so that (as sacred record informs us) it should not be polluted, for on Mount Zion naught existed but harmony and peace.

The third reason is that at any future time you should meet with a poor and distressed Brother asking assistance, you may call to mind the time when you stood at the Northeast corner of the Lodge, a type of wretchedness and poverty, without a farthing in the world, and will then perhaps be ready to relieve him as far as your means will allow. But, my Brother, you are not called upon to expend your time or your money to the injury of yourself, your family or connections, least of all are your required to give to others when you are yourself in debt. That would not be charity, but ostentation, nay worse, it would be injustice. First be just, and then be generous, for if you do not keep this maxim in view, you may bestow all your goods to feed the poor, and give your body to be burned and it will profit you nothing, but become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.

I am now permitted to inform you that there art three Degrees in Craft Masonry, with peculiar Secrets appertaining to each. These are never indiscriminately given but reserved for Candidates, according to their merit and ability. This is the reason why you will find some who have placed their feet only upon the threshold of our Order, but wanting knowledge and perseverance have never been able to penetrate into the glorious building, but as Entered Apprentices remain ignorant of the mighty spendours blazing forth in the interior of the Temple. By patience and industry the highest honours are to be obtained. We have no concealment from those who are worthy of the light, and step by step we shall greet you in your search for Masonic wisdom. In due time we hold out to you the hand of a Fellow Craft, and trust you will make such progress as will entitle you to be raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. Then will the fall glory of our mysterious light shine upon you as a Mason.

As an earnest, that you shall at all times receive the due reward of your labour, our Hon. Past Master will, put you in possession of the Secrets peculiar to this degree.

(The Past Master stands opposite the Candidate who faces South.)

PM— (without gloves) Brother A.B., I have pleasure in obeying the commands of the worshipful Master to put you in possession of the Secrets peculiar to this Degree, or those Signs and Tokens by which Masons are known to each other by night or by day. I must premise for your general information that all squares, levels and perpendiculars are true and proper Signs by which to know a Mason. You will therefore stand perfectly erect, your feet in the form of a Square, the position of your body being emblematic of the uprightness of your mind, and that of your feet of the rectitude of your actions. You will now take a short pace with your left foot, and bring your right heel into the hollow. This is the First Regular Step in Masonry and it is in this position that the Secrets of the Degree are communicated. They consist of a Sign, Token and Word.

The Sign is given by placing the left hand thus — (sufficiently high) and holding your right hand over it this — with the thumb extended in the form of a Square. It was in this position, you will remember, you took the solemn Obligation of an Entered Apprentice Mason, your left hand supporting the Volume of Sacred Law, Compasses and Square, and your right hand placed thereon. You will now drop your left hand to the side. and bring your right hand (with the thumb still extended) to the left of the windpipe. You will now draw it smartly across your throat and let it fail to your side. This is the Penal Sign and alludes to the penalty of your Obligation, wherein you swore that you would rather. etc.

This Sign demands a Grip or Token which is given by a distinct pressure. etc. always with due guard to prevent any unqualified person etc.

This Grip demands a Word, a Word highly prized among Masons as a safeguard to their privileges. Too much care cannot be taken in communicating it. I must now, however, give it to you. The word is ——. It was the name of the l.h.p. at the entrance porch at King Solomon's Temple, and was also the name of the Great Grandfather of David, a Prince and Ruler in Israel. It means, "In it is Strength." If you are asked for this word you must say: "At my ...," and always make your questioner begin. You must never give it in full except in a tyled Lodge, or when entering to the Inner Guard in a whisper.

It is by this Step and Sign you stand to Order in this Degree and salute the Worshipful Master between the Pillars in the West.

(The Candidate should be instructed to place his right hand at full length in front of him (in accordance with Ancient Bristol custom) in saluting, or when called to Order, in allusion to the position of the right hand when taking the solemn Obligation, also to have his feet in proper position.)

PM— Worshipful Master, your commands arc obeyed.

WM— Brothers Deacons, you will conduct the Candidate to the Junior and Senior Wardens for trial and approval.

DEACONS— (Conduct Candidate.)

JW— (without gloves) Whom have you there?

SD— Brother A.B., for trial and approval.

JW— I will thank Brother A.B. to advance to me as an Entered Apprentice.

JW— That step demands a Sign: will you give me that Sign?

That Sign demands a Grip, will you give me that Grip?

That Grip demands a Word, will you give me that Word?

JW— Pass, — (in full).

SW— Whom have you there?

SW— Brother A.B., for trial and approval.

SW— I will thank Brother A.B. to advance to me as an Entered Apprentice.

SW— That step demands a Sign: will you give me that Sign?

That Sign demands a Grip, will you give me that Grip?

That Grip demands a Word, will you give me that Word?

SW— Brothers Deacons. let the Candidate face the Fast, whilst I report to the Worshipful Master.

SW— Worshipful Master, allow me to recommend to you Brother A.B. who has been regularly admitted into Masonry for some further mark of your favour.

WM— Brother Senior Warden, it always affords me much pleasure to attend to your recommendations. You will therefore send your Deacon to me for the distinguishing Badge of our Order, and I delegate you to invest the Candidate therewith, giving him at the same time a suitable admonition.

SW— It is with pleasure that I obey the commands of the Worshipful Master to invest you with this distinguishing Badge of our Order. It is made of the skin of the lamb, pure and spotless, an emblem of innocence, a token of friendship, and a pledge of peace. It is more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honourable than the Star and Garter, or any other Order that Prince or Potentate can confer upon you except it be to a higher degree in Masonry; and while you observe the precepts it is intended to convey, it will ever reflect honour upon you as its wearer, and, if no act of yours disgrace it, be assured it will never disgrace you. I also present you with these gloves, which from their colour, denote purity.

SW— Brothers Deacons, let the Candidate face the East whilst I report to the Worshipful Master.

SW— Worshipful Master, your commands are obeyed.

WM— Brother A.B., let me add to what has been so ably said by my Brother Senior Warden, that you are never to clothe yourself with that Badge should you unfortunately be at variance with any member of the Lodge. In such cases, it will be your duty, as Junior member, to request him to retire with you for the purpose of reconciling your differences. This having been so happily effected, you may both return to the Lodge, and work with that harmony which is so characteristic of our Order. If, however, your differences are of such a nature as not to be thus easily adjusted, it would be better that one or both of you should withdraw than the peace of the Lodge should be disturbed by your presence.

WM— Brothers Deacons, you will advance the Candidate to the Northeast corner of the Lodge.

WM— Brother A.B., it is customary at the erection of all stately and superb edifices to lay the foundation stone in the Northeast comer of the intended building. You being newly admitted into our Order are placed in the Northeast comer of the Lodge, and figuratively represent that stone. We trust that on this foundation this night laid a moral superstructure may be raised, perfect in all its parts, and honourable alike to yourself and the Masonic body.

WM— You may now retire and reinvest yourself with those personal comforts of which you have been so long deprived, and return to the lodge for further instruction.

On his return, and after saluting, the Candidate is directed by the Worshipful Master to take a seat at the table. He reaches it by the West of the table.

WM— Brother A.B., during the ceremony of your initiation, you were entrusted with certain Signs and Tokens and a Word which you were told was highly prized among Masons. During your temporary absence I have caused writing materials to be placed upon the table, as it is usual to test the memory of ail newly initiated Candidates into Masonry. Will you write that word?

(If the Candidate refuses to write, the Worshipful Master continues:)

WM— I congratulate you upon the close attention you have given to the instruction you have received.

[Should the Candidate attempt to write the word, the Director of Ceremonies, who crept up quietly on his right, prevents him from doing so with his left hand, while releasing a catch at the side of the writing desk with his right hand. This opens the lid which contains a painting of a man with his throat cut across and the devil standing near, laughing at him. Simultaneously, the Assistant Director of Ceremonies, who has crept up quietly on the Candidate's left side, delivers a loud bang on his gong, and the organist ploys a loud chard on the organ.

WM— Have you so soon forgotten the penalty of your Obligation, etc.? Never be thrown off your guard.]

WM— Do you intend on becoming a subscribing Member of this Lodge?

CAND— (Responds without assistance.) I do.

WM— Then you will advance to the Secretary's table and Sign the Bylaws and Roll of Members.

WM— Brother A.B., I present you with a copy of the Book of Constitutions, and the By-laws of this Lodge, both of which I recommend you to study carefully.

(Should the Charge be given, it is to be delivered at this point by the Worshipful Master, or any brother deputed by him.)

Closing An Entered Apprentices Lodge

WM— Brethren, assist me to close this Lodge.

WM— Brother Junior Warden, what is the last as well as the first and constant care of every Mason?

JW— To see the Lodge closely tyled, Worshipful Master.

WM— You will direct that duty to be performed.

JW— Brother Inner Guard, you will prove the Lodge closely tyled.

IG— * * *

TYLER— * * *

IG— Brother Junior Warden, the Lodge is closely tyled.

JW— Worshipful Master, your commands are obeyed.

WM— Brother Senior Warden, what is the next care?

SW— To see the Brethren to Order as Entered Apprentice Masons, Worshipful Master.

WM— Brethren, to Order as Entered Apprentice Masons.

WM— Brother Senior Warden, where is your constant place in the Lodge?

SW— In the West, Worshipful Master.

WM— And why are you so placed?

SW— As the Sun disappears in the West to close the most glorious day, so is the Senior Warden placed in the West to close the Lodge by command of the Worshipful Master, first seeing that every Brother has received the due reward of his labour.

WM— Then Brethren, the Lodge being thus duly formed, before I give my Brother Senior Warden directions for closing it, let us return thanks to the Grand Architect of the Universe for mercies already received.

WM— (or CHAPLAIN) May He continue to cement and adorn our Order with every moral and social virtue.

ALL— So mote it be.

WM— Brother Senior Warden, you have now my commands to declare this Lodge of Entered Apprentice Masons closed in the name of the Grand Architect of the Universe, until our next regular night of meeting, emergencies excepted, of which every member shall receive due and timely notice.

WM— * * * (Sits)

SW— Brethren, in the name of the Grand Architect of the Universe and by the command of the Worshipful Master, I declare this Lodge of Entered Apprentice Masons closed in the name of the Grand Architect of the Universe, until our next regular night of meeting, emergencies excepted, of which every member shall receive due and timely notice.

SW— * * * (Lowers column)

(Here the Immediate Past Master closes the Volume of Sacred Law.)

JW— Closed accordingly.

JW— * * * (Raises column)

IG— * * *

TYLER— * * *

IPM— Brethren, nothing now remains but that according to ancient and laudable custom, we lock up such Secrets of Masonry as have been entrusted to us in the safe and sacred repository of our hearts with (Sign) Fidelity — Fidelity — Fidelity. May the Grand Architect of the Universe ever be with us So mote it be.

ALL— So mote it be.