Bristol Masonic Ritual First Degree

Bristol Masonic Ritual First Degree
Bristol Masonic Ritual

The Oldest and Most Unusual Craft
Working in England
First Degree Opening An Entered
Apprentices Lodge

DC - Worshipful Master, the Lodge is property
officered.
WM - Brethren, assist me to open this Lodge.
WM - Brother J unior Warden, what is the first and
constant care of every Mason? (Never
"Freemason")
J W - To see the Lodge properly tyled, Worshipful
Master.
WM - You will direct that duty to be performed.
J W - Brother Inner Guard, you will see the Lodge
properly tyled.
IG - * * *
TYLER - * * *
IG - Brother J unior Warden, that duty is performed.
J W - 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.
http://www.masonicsecrets.info/ 1
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 J unior Warden, how many principal
Officers rule the Lodge?
J W - Three, Worshipful Master, namely the
Worshipful Master and the Senior and J unior
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 J unior
Deacons and the Inner Guard.
WM - Brother J unior Warden, where is the situation
of the Outer Guard or Tyler?
J W - Without the door of the Lodge, Worshipful
Master.
WM - And his duties there?
J W - 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 J unior Warden.
WM - Brother J unior Deacon, where is your
situation in the Lodge?
J D - At or near the right hand of the Senior Warden
in the West, Worshipful Master.
J D - To carry all commands and communications of
the Worshipful Master from the Senior to the J unior
Warden, to see the same properly dispersed and
punctually obeyed throughout the Lodge.
WM - Brother Senior Deacon, where is your
situation in the Lodge?
J D - At or near the right hand of the Worshipful
Master in the East, Worshipful Master.
SD - To carry all commands and communications
of the Worshipful Master to the Senior Warden, and
there await the return of the J unior Deacon.
WM - Brother J unior Deacon, where is your
constant place in the Lodge?
J W - In the South, Worshipful Master.
WM - And why are you so placed?
J W - 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
hall and come on again in due time, so that profit
and pleasure may be the result.
WM - Brother Senior Warden, where is your
SW - In the West, Worshipful Master.
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 - * * *
J W - * * *
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 J unior Warden, there is a
report.
J W - 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 J unior 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.
J W - How does he hope to obtain these great and
IG - By the help of God and the Tongue of Good
Report.
J W - Is be properly prepared?
IG - He is.
J W - Wait, whilst I report to the Worshipful Master.
J W - 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 J unior Warden?
J W - By the help of God and the Tongue of Good
Report.
WM - Is he properly prepared?
J W - 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.
J W - 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?
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?
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."
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.

J W - 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.
J W - How does he hope to obtain these great and
Report.
J W - 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
Order.
SW - How does he hope to obtain these great and
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
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 J ust, 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.,
1
m.t.r.o.
by the rts. and m.b.b in the ss. 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

1
Here, the Inner Guard, who has cone 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 fight, 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 J ustice, 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.

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 J erusalem. 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 J unior and Senior Wardens for
trial and approval.
DEACONS - Conduct Candidate.
J W - (without gloves) Whom have you there?
SD - Brother A.B., for trial and approval.
J W - I will thank Brother A.B. to advance to me as
an Entered Apprentice.
J W - 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?
J W - 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 - Worhipful 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
J unior 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.
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?
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 J unior Warden, what is the last as
well as the first and constant care of every Mason?
J W - To see the Lodge closely tyled, Worshipful
Master.
WM - You will direct that duty to be performed.
J W - Brother Inner Guard, you will prove the Lodge
closely tyled
IG - * * *
TYLER - * * *
IG - Brother J unior Warden, the Lodge is closely
tyled.
J W - 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
SW - In the West, Worshipful Master.
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.
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 Pact Master closes the Volume
of Sacred Law.

J W - Closed accordingly.
J W - * * * (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.


Bristol Masonic Ritual First Degree

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Оригинальное название

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Bristol Masonic Ritual First Degree

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Bristol Masonic Ritual First Degree

Bristol Masonic Ritual

Вам также может понравиться