Ronaynes Handbook Of Freemasonry 35
Worshipful Master (pointing to the letter G, sus-
pended over the Master's chair, continues) : "I will
* See Appendix note N, p. 268.
144
HAND BOOK OF FREEMASONRY.
now call your attention to the letter G, which you
see above the Master's chair. It is the initial of
geometry.
"Geometry, is the basis on which the superstruc-
ture of Masonry 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 respective
orbits, and demonstrate their various revolutions. By
it we account for the return of the seasons and the
variety of scenes which each season displays to the
discerning eye. Numberless worlds are around us, all
framed by the same Divine Artist, which roll through
the vast expanse, and are all conducted by the same
unerring law 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 time and experience,
have produced works which are the wonder and ad-
miration of every age.
"The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance,
and the devastations of war, have laid waste and de-
„ stroyed many valuable monuments of antiquity, on
which the utmost exertions of human genius had been
employed. Even the temple of Solomon, so spacious
and magnificent, and constructed by so many cele-
brated artists, escaped not the unsparing ravages of
WORK ON SECOND DEGREE.
145
ftarbarous xorce. Freemasonry, notwithstanding, has
still survived.
"The attentive ear receives the sound from the
instructive tongue, and the mysteries of Masonry are
safely lodged in the repository of faithful breasts.
Tools and implements of architecture, symbols most
expressive, selected by the fraternity, to imprint on
the memory wise and serious truths ; and thus, through
a succession of ages, are transmitted, unimpaired, the
most excellent tenets of our institution. '
"But, my brother, (gives 3 raps, calls up lodge)
the letter (pointing to the G) has a still higher and
holier significance (gives three raps calling up the
entire lodge.*) It alludes to the sacred name of Deity,
before whom all, from the youngest Entered Appren^
tice who stands in the Northeast corner of the lodge,
to the Worshipful Master who presides in the East,
together w T ith all created intelligences, should with rev-
erence, most humbly bow."
The Master and all the brethren bow; he gives
one rap and the lodge is again seated.
The Master then repeats from memory, or reads
from the Monitor, the following charge. If he prides
himself on being a good worker he of course learns the
charge by heart and repeats it without the book ; but if
he is dull, as many Worshipful Masters are, he reads
it as best he can.
CHARGE OF A FELLOW CRAET.
"My Brother : Being advanced to the second de-
gree of Freemasonry, I congratulate you on your
preferment.
"Masonry is a progressive moral science, divided
* App. note O, page 268.
I46 HAND BOOK OF FREEMASONRY.
into different degrees ; and as its principles and mystic
ceremonies are regularly developed and illustrated, it
is intended and hoped that they will make deep and
lasting impression on the mind."
It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties which,
as a Fellow Craft, you are bound to discharge. Your
general good reputation affords satisfactory assurance,
that you will not suffer any consideration to induce you 4
to acHn any manner unworthy of the respectable char-
acter you now sustain ; but, on the contrary, that you
will ever display the discretion, the virtue, and the dig-
nity which become a worthy and exemplary Mason.
Our laws and regulations you are strenuously to
support, and be always ready to assist in seeing them
duly executed. You are not to palliate or aggravate
the offences 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 impressive ceremonies of this degree are cal-
culated to inculcate upon the mind of the novitiate the
importance of the study of the liberal arts and sciences,
especially of the noble science of Geometry, which
forms the basis of Freemasonry, and which, being of a
divine and moral nature is enriched with the most use-
ful knowledge; for while it proves the wonderful
properties of nature, it demonstrates the more import-
ant truths of morality. To the study of Geometry,
therefore, your attention is specially directed.
Your past regular deportment and upright con-
duct have merited the honor we have conferred. In
your present character, it is expected that at all our
assemblies you will observe the solemnities of our cere-
monies, that you will preserve the ancient usages an^
thus, by your example, induce others to hold them in
due veneration.
Such is the nature of your engagements as a Fel-
low Craft, and to a due observance of them you are
bound by the strongest ties of fidelity and honor.
"You will now be seated at the right of the Sen-
ior Warden in the West."
The foregoing ceremonies, together with the cere-
monies used at opening and closing, constitute the
second or Fellow Craft degree. As in the Entered
Apprentice degree, so also in this — when a brother is
passed he is turned over to some other brother to be
posted ; and having learned the ritual of the first sec-
tion, he is afterward publicly examined in open lodge,
and being found proficient and the ballot being found
clear, he is ready to be raised to what is termed the"sublime" degree of a Master Mason.
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