Ancient Order of Scottish BuildersRitual of the First or Entered
Builder Degree
n.d.
OpeningThe W.M. gives two raps, which are answered by the D.M.
's one.W.M.:Officers, be upstanding and assist me to open the Lodge
in the First Degree.Brother Deputy Master, what is the first care
of the Lodge?D.M.:To see the Lodge is duly tiled.W.M.:Order that
duty to be done, and report the case to me.D.M.:Brother Junior
Deacon, see that the Lodge is duly tiled.The J. D. goes to the
Lodge-room door, and gives one rap that is answered by the Tiler by
another tap outside.J.D., standing before the D.M. 's
station:Brother Deputy, the Lodge is duly tiled.D.M.:Worthy Master,
the Lodge is duly tiled.W.M.:Brother Senior Deacon, what is the
next care of the Lodge?S.D.:To see that every one present proves
himself a member of this Order.W.M.:Direct that duty to be done.The
W.M. here gives three raps and says:To order as Brother Scottish
Builders of the First Degree.S.D.:Brethren, by order of the Worthy
Master you are requested to prove yourself Scottish Builders.They
all give the Two-fold Sign and word, thus: Standing erect, placing
the heel of the right foot in the hollow of the left, forming on
oblong square, closing the right hand except the forefinger, and
bringing it from right to left with the forefinger pointing to the
heart. After being satisfied that all are Scottish Builders,
says:Worthy Master, the brethren present having proved themselves
Scottish Builders by the two-fold sign, I, in conformity with their
example, demonstrate the same to you.W.M.:The correctness of that
sign I acknowledgerepeats the sign.Brethren, our Lodge being duly
proved, let us, before I declare it open, invoke a blessing from
the Sublime Power above.PrayerAlmighty God, Maker of the Universe,
prosper this Lodge we beseech Thee, and grant that unity, brotherly
love and charity may dwell in the heart of every brother, and that
all our proceedings may be such as to coincide with Thy
approbation. Preside over our Institution, we beseech Thee, and
grant that by endeavouring to begin in order, we may close in
peace. Amen.Brother Chaplain, you will please read the Scripture
Lesson (Psalm 133).Singing of the Scottish Builders' Ode.Brethren
of our friendly Order,Honor here asserts her sway.All within her
sacred borderMust her high command obey.Join Scottish Builders,
join Scottish Builders,In the song of truth and love.Leave disputes
and strife to othersWe in harmony must move.Honor to her courts
invites usWorthy subjects let us proveStrong the chain that here
unites us,Linked with friendship, truth and love.In our heart
enshrined and cherished,May these feelings ever bloom;Failing not
when life has perished.Living still beyond the tomb.W.M.:Brother
Senior Deacon, display the Great Lightspauseilluminate the Lesser
LightspauseDisplay the Dispensation.In the name of the Sublime
Power of the Universe, I,..., Worthy Master. declare this Lodge
duly opened for the transaction of such business as may regularly
and constitutionally be brought before it.All repeat:Stand open
accordingly.Initiation CeremonyW.M.:Brother Secretary, are there
any candidates in waiting?Sec 'y.:Yes, Worthy Master, there is in
waiting Mr ....W.M:You will repair to the ante-room, collect the
balance of Initiation Fee, read and cause him to sign the
Declaration Form.The Secretary having complied with the W.M.'s
orders, returns to the Room and makes his report; reading the
Declaration and Certificate of Health.W.M.:Brother Deputy, Officers
and Members, you have heard the Secretary's report, are there any
objections why the Candidate should not be initiated?Members:There
are no objections, Worthy Master.W.M.:Brother Deacons, you will
please appear before the Holy Altar. Brother Senior Deacon, how
should a Candidate be prepared to be initiated into the Entered
Builder Degree?S.D.:By being divested of all metallic substances,
neither naked nor clothed, hoodwinked and a cable-tow around his
neck, and his right heel slip shod, right arm, left breast and left
knee made bare.W.M.:You will repair to the preparation room where
you will find Mr... in waiting to be initiated into the mysteries
of our Order; after he is properly prepared, cause him to make his
alarm.The S.D. retires, during which time the Lodge Room is being
prepared for the initiation.After the candidate is properly
prepared, he is instructed to make three distinct raps on the
door.J.D.:Worthy Master, there is an alarm at the
door.W.M.:Ascertain the cause and report.Giving three distinct
raps, opens the door and says:Who comes here?S.D.:The Senior Deacon
with a friend who desires to be initiated into the Ancient Order of
Scottish Builders.J.D.:Wait until I report to the Worthy Master in
the East.Closes door sharply and reports:Worthy Master, the Senior
Deacon is outside the door of the Lodge with a Candidate who has
been proposed, elected and now comes of his own free will to be
initiated into the Ancient Order of Scottish Builders.W.M.:How does
he expect admittance?J.D.:By the tongue of good report.W.M.:The
tongue of good report has already been heard in his favor. Do you
vouch be is properly prepared?J.D.:I do.W.M:Then let him be
admitted.A P.W.M. takes compasses, proceeds to the door that is
partly opened, says:Candidate, it is the will of the Worthy Master
that you be admitted into this Lodge. Take heed upon what you
enter.P.W.M., receiving candidate, presses both points of the
compasses to his naked left breast and says:What do you feel?Can.,
prompted by conductor says:A Torture.P.W.M.:As this is a torture to
your flesh, so may the recollection thereof be to your mind and
conscience should ever you presume to reveal the secrets of
Building unlawfully. Pass on.The Candidate passes on where he is
met by a P.W.M. who taps him lightly on his forehead with a Gavel,
saying:My next duty is to knock off the rough edges, the better to
fit it for the builders' use.The Candidate is led around Lodge Room
three times while presented.W.M.:My friend, let no one enter upon
any great and important undertaking without first invoking the
blessings of the Great Builder of the Universe. Brother Senior
Deacon, cause the Candidate to kneel on both knees before the Holy
Altar.S.D., after complying with the W.M.'s order, says:Worthy
Master, your orders have been obeyedW.M. raising the Lodge (Three
Raps).Chaplain:Almighty God, Ruler of the Universe and Master of
all good Builders, without whose Benediction no human work can
proper. Grant unto us Thy servants, Thy Divine Blessings in the
special work we are about to undertake. Send Thy rich Blessings
upon this Candidate who kneels before Thee. Endow him with all the
courage and strength of body and mind; all the firmness of will and
clearness of understanding, above all, bestow on him that purity of
spirit which shall enable him to realize the true meaning of The
Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man and thus become a true
symbol of a stone fitted for that Spiritual Building, eternal in
the Heavens. So mote it be.W.M.:Candidate, in whom do you put your
trust?Can., prompted by conductor says:In God.W.M.:Your trust being
in God, your faith is well founded, arise,Candidate is assisted by
conductorfollow your conductor and fear no danger.The S.D. hearing
the insignia of the First Degree (crosskeys) conducts Candidate
three times around the Lodge-Room, via the North East, during which
time a Hymn is being sung. At the conclusion, the S.D. with
Candidate should be standing in the N.E. corner, or right front of
the W.M.S.D.:Worthy Master, I present to you Mr... who is desirous
of being initiated into the mysteries of our Order.W.M.:Brother
Senior Deacon, your presentation is acknowledged. You will now
conduct the Candidate to the Deputy Master in the West who will
cause the links to be entwined about him.During the march around to
the D.M., the First charge is given; it should be so timed that it
is completed upon the arrival in the West.Charge
You are now within the retreat of the Scottish Builders; here
the world is shirt out. You are separated from its cares and
distinctions, from its dissensions and vices. Here friendship and
love assert their mild dominion, while Faith and Charity combine to
bless the mind with peace and soften the heart with charity. Those
who surround us have all assumed the obligations, and endeavor to
cherish the sentiment peculiar to Building. But before you can
unite with them you must pass through an initiatory ceremony, which
will ultimately lead you to a primary truth; be patient therefore
and firm. Brothers, the stranger now awaits our mystic rights.Then
at once the chains prepare.Conductor:Here they are.D.M.:Entwine
their links about him.This is done by the Con.Man in darkness and
in chains, how mournful a spectacle; yet 'tis but the condition of
millions of our race who are void of wisdom, though they know it
not.To the conductor:Lead on our friend.The Candidate is than made
to tray rood three times, during which time the hymn is being sung;
at conclusion he is presented to the Worthy Master.S.D.:Worthy
Master, I present to you, Mr..., who has traversed the imaginary
road, but in my opinion has not given satisfaction entitling him to
be obligated.W.M.:Brother Senior Deacon, I shall ascertain from the
craft whether they are satisfied.Members of the craft, you have
heard the report of the Senior Deacon; are you satisfied that the
Candidate has given sufficient proof, thus far, to entitle him to
be obligated in the Order?Members:Worthy Master, we are not
satisfied.W.M.:Neither am I satisfied. Candidate, you will now be
passed through the Dark Valley of the Shadow of Death, where it is
expected that you will fear no evil.The Candidate is now made to
pass through the various straits and difficulties, after which he
is made to lie on the floor to contemplate on the past and future.
(During this time complete silence must be maintained). After a few
minutes in this position, he is assisted to rise and led from the
Lodge Room.S.D., upon returning with Candidate, takes him to the
right of W.M. and introduces him:Worthy Master, I present to you
Mr.... as a Candidate who desires to be made a member of the
Ancient Order of Scottish Builders.W.M.:Your presentation I
acknowledge. You will conduct the candidate before the Holy
Altar.S.D., after complying:Worthy Master, your orders have been
obeyed.W.M.:Mr ..., it is requisite that you hear theObligationYou
should have a sincere love and veneration for your Almighty Maker,
productive of those lively and happy fruits; righteousness and
obedience to His commands; a firm and steadfast faith in the Savior
of the world, convinced that He is the only Mediator between a
sinful creature and an offended Creator. You should be an utter
enemy to every species of cruelty; a lover of society and improving
company. You should have a hatred to cursing and swearing, and
taking the name of God in vain, and should exercise every
opportunity to discourage them. Wisdom and prudence should guide
your actions; honesty and integrity direct your conduct, and the
honor, happiness, and prosperity of this Institution you should
endeavor to promote. Lastly, you should pay strict attention to a
religious observance of the Sabbath, likewise to temperance and
sobriety.Candidate, will you endeavor to conform to these maxima as
far as lies in your power?Cand:I will.The Candidate is led three
times around the lodge Room while a Hymn is being sung. The Deacons
been prepared, he is made to kneel before it on both knees.The room
in darkness, Deacons feet towards east.Be serious as our lesson is
as melancholy as it is truthful.W.M.:We have a lesson to impart to
him, one of great moment and deep solemnity, a faithful exhibition
of the vanity of worldly things, of the instability of wealth and
power, of the certain decay of all earthly greatness.The conductor
here removes Hoodwink.Behold a representation of the effect of sin;
that silent yet oppressive lecturer to vice, confusion; but to
virtue, peace. It is all which remains on earth of one who was born
as you were born, who lived as you now live, and who for many days
enjoyed his possession, his power and his pleasure. But now, alas,
nothing is left of him, have that sad memorial of man's mortality.
The warm heart that is robbed for other woes, or the cold one which
held no sympathy, has now mouldered away and joined its kindred
dust.Contemplate the scene? Should it not humble pride? Should it
not awake the soul as a just sense of responsibility to God; of
duty to itself? And in few of this common lot of all, should it not
enlist the tenderest of human sympathies? My friend, that gloomy
monitor is but an emblem of what you are sure to be and of what you
may soon become. Seriously meditate the solemn admonition it
affords, ponder it well, and hope that your heart fosters not evil.
The fountain of all wrong, the promoter of crime, hatred and
violence, whose fearful consequence must continue to afflict
mankind until the coming of that period yet hidden in the womb of
time, to which, hope looks forward with prudent joy, ... when the
chains of human bondage shall be broken and the tears and woes of
this world be submerged by the healing life that shall flow from
the Fountain of Benevolence and Peace; then one law shall bind all
nations, kindreds and tongues of the earth and that law shall be
the law of Universal Brotherhood. And as the coffin and the grave
so forcibly speak to us of our mortality, may we not ask the
psalmist, "Lord, what is man that Thou are mindful of him, or the
Son of Man, that Thou visitest him?" From the sacred scriptures
comes the response: "Man that is born of a woman is of few days,
and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower and is cut down;
he fleeth also as a shadow and continueth not. We spend our years
as a tale that is told. The dust shall return to the earth, and the
spirit shall return unto God who gave it."The Hoodwink is replaced,
the Room is relit, the Candidate is assisted to rise and join a
procession around the Lodge Room. Four Brothers hearing D...s
followed by S.D. leading Candidate, brothers behind heads covered
with white singing, after which the D...s is removed and Candidate
made to stand before the Holy Altar.W.M.:An affirmation will be
required of you. But let me assure you that in such affirmation,
there is nothing inconsistent with your civil, religious or moral
duties. Are you willing therefore to take such an
affirmation?Cand:I am.W.M.:Brother Senior Deacon, you will place
the candidate in proper position to be obligated. You will please
conduct the Candidate to the West and place him in the hands of the
Deputy Master who will teach him how to approach the east, the
place of light, by three irregular upright steps, and place him in
the proper position to take upon himself the solemn oath and
obligation of an Ancient Order of Scottish Builders.The Candidate
is caused to kneel on his left knee, his right foot forming a
square, his right hand on his left breast and his left hand on the
Three great lights.S.D.:Worthy Master, your orders have been
obeyed, the candidate is in proper position.W.M., rising the Lodge,
proceeds,Affirmation (Obligation of an Entered Builder)I,..., of my
own free will and accord, in the presence of Almighty God, and this
regularly assembled Lodge of the Ancient Order of Scottish
Builders, do sincerely affirm that I will never reveal anything
appertaining to this Order that may entrusted to me to keep secret,
unless I be authorized so to do by the proper authorities.These
several points, I sincerely promise to observe without evasion of
any kind, and that I now become a member, steadfastly resolving, by
God's help to observe and abide by all rules, laws and orders made
for the government of this Order.W.M:My Brother..., so as to make
your obligation more binding, you will detach your hands and kiss
the Volume of the Sacred Law three times.Brother, in your present
condition, what do you desire most?Can., prompted by Conductor,
says:Light.W.M.:Light being your desire, light you shall have.
Conductor, stretch forth your hands and assist me to bring this new
brother to light.In the beginning God created the heaven and the
earth, and the earth was without form and void and darkness was
upon the face of the deep and the Spirit of God moved upon the face
of the waters, and God said, let there be light.At this time he is
brought to light.Brother, on being brought to light, you first
discover three Great Lights by the assistance of three Lesser
Lights. The three Great Lights are the Holy Bible, Square and
Compasses.The three Lesser Lights are the three burning tapers.The
Candidate is then made to arise.The next voice you hear will be
that of Past Worthy Master ..., delivering the Lecture on the
skull.P.W.M.:My brother, give me thy right hand and I will endeavor
to teach thee to know thyself. Behold this emblem of mortality. It
is the final close of life's eventful history. Its contemplation
should daily solemnize thy mind to prepare for another state of
being whenever the wise Dispenser of all events sees fit to summon
thee away. For instance, where is the tongue from which flowed the
eloquence that rendered its possessor the welcomed guest of a
hundred households? It is now silent and cannot reply.The lips that
were oft pressed to the cheeks of the loved ones have ceased to
reciprocate.The cheek that was looked upon with fondness and once
bloomed with the promise of years is now withered in the blast. The
eye with its luster, is decayed and fallen from its socket. The
aspiring thought, the imagination of the heart, and the whole of
the intellect that influenced society, are laid low by mortality,
which eventually levels all in the dust.Mortal, this tot is
thine!The king and the slave all share the same fate. Wealth, pomp
or grandeur are but the vision of today; tomorrow, eternity opens
before them, and the stern King of terror strikes them down, and
with it, the schemes of ambition, oppression and aggrandizement are
brought to naught. What thou now possesseth, the strong arm and the
radiant cheek of glowing health, or the brain full of intellect,
all become as nothing before the touch of the Destroyer. Let the
men whose ruling passion are either the accumulation of wealth, or
obtaining place and position in this world, stand here and
contemplate what he must come to, for it is appointed unto all men,
once to die My brother, seek to know thyself.Realize the idea, that
thy present life is only a probationary one, previous to entering
upon an existence of eternal duration. Through life, endeavor to
check unruly passions, bear up nobly against adversity, do all the
good thou canst to your fellowman; correct thyself by the Standard
of truth, and having attained this, thou canst wait calmly for
Heaven's decree, and welcome the state of immortality, where the
wicked cease to trouble, and the weary are at rest.My brother, thy
initiation is to be considered emblematical of the life of man, the
Lodge Room is the world and the Death-Scene the end of life. "Naked
you came into the world, and naked you shall go out of it," says
the Holy Writ. Then thou was divested of all thy clothing before
coming into the Lodge room is emblematical of thy birth, The
imaginary road was set thick with dangers. This is intended to
represent the various straits and difficulties that man encounters
in passing through the world, which is the probationary state; when
man is either confirmed in evil as his passions, if uncontrolled,
lead him captive, and thus while on earth he becomes fitted to
dwell in company with demons; or else regenerated by a belief in
the Word of God he becomes fitted for a divine inheritance in the
regions of eternal bliss. The hoodwink that was placed over thine
eyes is to denote that in our walk through life we are in darkness
with regard to what shall happen to us on the morrow. You being
bound, represents the good or evil principle that actuate our
motives, and thus preserves us in a general state of equilibrium.
The death scene is intended as an emblem of thy death to former
principles, and that henceforth thou beginnest a new life of
usefulness; keeping the great end of living in view, viz: "The
perfect knowledge of thyself."W.M.:You will now be further
instructed in the Order by Past Worthy Master.P.W.M.:Brother, I
have little more to say on this occasion except to direct your
attention to the glorious works of nature. If we take an attentive
survey of the wonderful works of creation, and examine closely the
objects that surround us, and rightly consider their nature and
prosperities, our deepest admiration must be excited by studying
the order and proportions that govern the whole. The mind, capable
of reflection, must irresistibly be drawn to adore the Almighty
Being, the first Builder of Heaven and Earth, Who directs their
operations. The science of Astronomy lifts our minds above the
world and its doings and leads us to exclaim, "Glory be to Thee O
God." The sun, the center of our system, diffusing light and heat
to the world; the planetary system of which our earth is one of the
smallest. The starry skies, composed of thousands of suns, the
possible center of other systems; while ever and anon, those
magnificent displays of mysterious import which we call comets, fly
trough unlimited space, for what purpose we know not, rendering man
insignificant in comparison therewith. Yet the Word of God declares
"Man was created for his glory." Day and night fell not, the
seasons are regular and unchanged, the tide ebbs and flows, the
earth gives out its abundance to supply man's wants. Who, then, can
be insensible to the claim the Great Ruler of all has upon us for
those favors received? A pause I shall now direct your attention to
the fittings of the interior of this Lodge. Thou art surrounded
with things, the meaning of which, thou art at present ignorant of,
but as every object here has a hidden truth contained within it,
they will be gradually unfolded to thee, so that whenever the
object is presented to the mind's eye in ordinary life, thou wilt
at once revert to the moral lessons contained in it. Our emblems
are scorned by the world, and when exposed to public view, are made
the subjects of derision; but to the mind of Brotherhood, they
convey instructions that are hidden from those who are uninitiated.
Their further uses will be communicated to you in special lodges of
instruction. In order that you shall be recognized among brothers,
I shall import to you the grip.Here the grip is given.W.M.:Brother
Senior Deacon, you will now conduct our new brother to the
Northeast corner of the Lodge and cause him to sit.S.D., seating
the Brother as instructed, says:Worthy Master, your orders have
been obeyed.W.M.:My brothers, Charity being the mother of mercy,
and one of the chief Tenets of our Institution, we should at all
times be ready to extend it to those whom we find worthy. Brother
Senior Deacon, you will now proceed to take up charity.S.D., taking
the Charity Box, proceeds to all the brothers except the new one.
This being done, he says:Worthy Master, your orders have been
obeyed.W.M.:Brother Senior Deacon, have you received Charity from
all present?S.D.:Worthy Master, I have received from all but the
new brother whom I have not approached.W.M.:Brother Senior Deacon,
our obligation makes us Scottish Builders, our new brother being
duly obligated is entitled to contribute to charity as the others
have done, and more so should he place some metallic substance in
the Charity Box in commemoration of the step he has just taken. You
will now wait on the brother.The Senior Deacon waits on the brother
who has nothing to offer, reports to the W.M. that he has received
nothing.W.M.:Brother ..., it is necessary that you place something
in the Charity Box as the other brothers have done; if you find
yourself devoid of anything to give, you have my permission to go
to any of the brothers present and solicit enough to deposit so
that it may be recorded in your favor.The brother goes around the
Lodge asking for the loan of a coin. The brothers who are
approached will respond, in a serious manner, "I know you not" or
"You have my sympathy." After a reasonable time he returns to his
seat without receiving anything. The S.D. then approaches him and
asks whether he had received anything to deposit, the answer being
in the negative, reports to the W.M.:Worthy Master, the brother has
nothing.W.M.:Not even a penny? The lesson on Charity will now be
delivered by Past Worthy Master ...P.W.M.:My brother, that part of
the Ritual just concluded may have seemed meaningless to you, but
it conveys an instructive import. I shall now endeavor to impress
on your mind the ennobling sentiments embodied in this lesson.Every
human being bas a claim upon your kind offices, and should you ever
meet a member of the human family in a like condition as you are
tonight, you should contribute to him as liberally as his wants may
require and your means allow; but especially to a worthy distressed
brother Builder.W.M.:Brother Senior Deacon, you will now retire
with the brother, reinvest him with that of which he had been
divested and return as soon as possible so that he may be further
instructed into the mysteries of our Order.S.D. retires with the
brother, and after he is fully clothed, makes the alarm (three
distinct raps). During the absence, the Grand Altar and the Altar
of Incense are prepared.J.D.:Worthy Master, there is an alarm at
the door.W.M.:Ascertain the cause and reportJ.D., giving three
distinct raps on the door, opens slide and says:Who comes
there?S.D.:The Senior Deacon with Brother ... for further
instructions in the Order.J.D.:Worthy Master, the alarm is made by
the Senior Deacon with Brother ... for furtherinstructions.W.M.:Let
them enter.The J.D. throws open the door. Upon re-entering, the
S.D. conducts the brother around the room three times whilst a hymn
is being sung, after which he is brought before the Holy Altar and
introduced to the W.M. as a brother to be further instructed into
the Mysteries of the Order.W.M.:Brother ..., give your attention to
the Chaplain.The Chaplain reads the First Lesson: Genesis 22
Chapter, verses l to 19, after which the Gloria is sung.P.W.M.
reads the Second Lesson: Revelation 4th Chapter.Candidate kneels
before the Altar of Incense, Brethren stand to order.Prayer By
Worthy Master:Almighty and eternal God, the Architect and Ruler of
the Universe, at Whose Creative fiat all things were made. We the
frail creatures of Thy Providence do humbly implore Thee, to pour
down on this convocation here assembled in Thy Holy Name, the
continued dew of Thy Blessings, and to impart Thy grace to this Thy
servant, whom we now offer to Thee for Thy safe keeping; grant that
his light in Building may shine before men that he may be an
attractive star to his Lodge and Order. Therefore brethren, let us
invoke His Holy Presence, as there is none besides Him. Perfect in
love and purity.All sing:Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty.Hymn
concluded, a P.W.M. takes a white apron bordered with pink and
invests the Candidate saying:Brother ..., I now invest you with
this apron, the distinguished badge of an Ancient Scottish Builder.
It had been worn by our ancient brethren who esteemed it an honor
to wear as a symbol of virtue; you may therefore receive it
unspotted, and wear it thus, remembering always those virtues that
are inseparable from the character of every true Builder.W.M.
taking Pink Collarette:Brother .... In the name of the Grand
Supreme of the Universe, I now decorate you with the Regalia of
your First Degree trusting that you will wear it with honor and
soon rise to greater honor in this Lodge.Taking his hand with the
Grip.Rise Brother... as a member of the Ancient Order of Scottish
Builders, and be thou also a member of ...Name ofLodge.The W.M.
returns to his chair and says:Officers and Brothers, I present to
you Brother... as a member of this Lodge and Order.Brother Senior
Deacon, place the brother in the North East corner and cause him to
stand on an oblong square, with the heel of the right foot into the
hollow of his left, as the youngest Entered Builder.S.D.:Worthy
Master, your orders have been obeyed.W.M.:Brother ..., you there
stand an upright Builder, you are admonished ever to walk and act
as such before God and man. What is your name?Cand. calling his
name.W.M.:I now present you with a new name it is "CAUTION."It
teaches you that as you are barely instructed in the rudiments of
Building, you should be cautious in your words and actions,
especially when in the presence of enemies of the Fraternity. Now
that you are clothed, it is necessary that, as a Builder, you be
provided with tools with which to work. Past Worthy Master will
present you with the working tools of this Degree and instruct you
in their use.P.W.M., taking the twenty-four inch gauge and the
gavel:My brother, the working tools of an Entered Builder are the
Twenty-Four Inch Gauge and the Common Gavel; they are thus
explained: The twenty-four inch gauge is an instrument made use of
by our ancient brethren to measure and lay out their work; but we,
as Speculated Scottish Builders, make use of it for a more noble
and glorious purpose of dividing our time. The twenty-four hours of
the day that we are taught to divide into three equal parts,
whereby we find eight hours for the service of God and a worthy
distressed brother. Eight hours for our usual vocation; and eight
hours for refreshment and sleep.The common gavel is an instrument
made use of by our ancient brethren to break off the rough stones,
the better to fit them for the builder's use; but we as Speculated
Scottish Builders, use it for the more noble and glorious purpose
of divesting our minds and consciences of all vices and
superfluities of life thereby fitting our minds as living stones;
for that spiritual building, that house not made by hands, eternal
in the heavens.W.M.:The lecture of the First or First Degree will
now be delivered to you by ....W.M.:Who was the first
Builder?D.M.:The Sublime Power Master Builder, for while the world
lay in chaos, He formed the earth and He made the two great
luminaries, the greater to rule the day, the lesser the night; the
stars in the firmament He made also.W.M.:Did He end there,
brother?D.M.:No, He made man after His own image, formed him
according to the strictest Builders principles, breathed in his
nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living
creature.W.M.:Did man retain the dignity of that station in which
his Maker first placed him?D.M.:No, be disobeyed the command of his
Maker and brought death into the world, for which God pronounced
that by the sweat of his brow, man should earn his bread.W.M.:What
was the result of this, brother?D.M.:Man had to devise Builders
means wherewith he could obtain food and raiment; hence arose the
origin of all human works.W.M.:Who are you?D.M.:An Ancient Scottish
Builder.W.M.:Where are you going?D.M.:To the land of promise, in
search of a Builders Lodge of the First Degree.W.M.:How do you
expect admittance?D.M.:By the benefit of a password.W.M.:Do you
have a password?D.M.:I have.W.M.:Will you give it to me?D.M.:No,
Worthy Master, I will divide it or letter it with you, the same as
I would with any other brother Builder, after just trial and
examination.W.M.:Proceed then.D.M.:No, you
proceed.W.M.:E.D.M.:M.W.M.:M.D.M.:A.W.M.:N.D.M.:U.W.M.:E.D.M.:L.W.M.:Emmanuel.W.M.:Why
Emmanuel?D.M.:Man having fallen from his original purity, there
came a Redeemer who died for man, that man might live: viz;
Emmanuel.W.M.:Do you have a sign?D.M.:I have.W.M.:Advance it.The
sign is here shown.W.M.:What does that mean?D.M.:Silence.He is then
instructed as to the emblems of the First Degree, taught to work
his way into the Lodge, when in session, his dress for the Lodge
and meeting night. Last and concluding the ceremony is the
reception. Brothers, led by the W.M., march round and greet the
young brother whilst they hymn: Praise to the Holiest in the Heaven
is being sung.At the closing of the lodge, before the W.M. declares
the Lodge closed, the brother-chain is formed, the young brother is
placed within and wielded into the chain.EmblemsThe EyeAs Scottish
Builders, let us always remember those expressive words, that
cannot be too deeply impressed on our minds, "Thou God seest me."
For the eye of the Lord is in every place, beholding the good and
the evil. We may also, in this connection, remind ourselves "that a
wholesome tongue is a tree of life." That the secrets we have
promised to keep inviolate will never be divulged, except by a
person devoid of the principles of honor.The Heart and the HandThe
command of our law is, that we visit the sick, relieve the
distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan, Whatever our hand
find to do in these respects, therefore, we should do it
cheerfully, with the whole heart, not grudging and unwillingly.
True friendship goes out with alacrity to the service required of
it; and the heart and hand should go forth in consent in the cause
of suffering humanity. They must not be divided in their
energies.The Coffin, Skull and Crossed Bones.The Decree of Heaven
is "Dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return." We all await
the inevitable hour. What is our life? It is even a vapor that
appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. Where are the
myriads of the human families that have lived and figured on this
earth of which hundreds of millions and over a century
disappear.They all in turn sleep with their fathers, and the places
that once knew them, shall know them no more forever. Ah! let us
reflect; let us seriously meditate on these monitors of "what we
are sure to be, and what we may soon become."The Bee Hive.The
industrious person seldom suffers the agony of want. Even though
his labours yield him but a trifle, he is content in the knowledge
that he is doing what he can to support himself. The idler is on
unhappy wretch, who drags out a miserable existence. While the
sleep of the laborer is refreshing and sweet, that of the idler is
restless, and unsatisfying.No person can be happy unemployed. No
matter how rich he may be he must work if he would not be
miserable. This is a Law of Nature; it cannot be successfully
resisted. As members of this Order, one must labor, my brother, if
not necessarily for us, then for our fellows.The Bundle of
Sticks."In union is strength" is a common axiom. We must be united
in this cause of Building, not only in our corporate capacity, but
also in our deeds. A single individual, if he labours with a will,
may accomplish much in the field of fraternity; but a host united
in a solid phalanx in the service of Benevolence may revolutionize
the world. If the thousand Scottish Builders we boost of were to go
forth now, and put into practice what they profess; if they would
labor with one heart, and one mind, in the highways and by-ways of
life; how soon might their influence pervade the earth, crushing,
withering, annihilating the demons of avarice, lust and pride and
raising man to the high and holy estate, for which his Maker
designed him. Brothers, forget not your obligations. Wait not for
others, but do your part, though you may be but one rod in the
bundle.Raps to be Employed in Entering a Lodge Whilst in Session:
three distinct.Method of Addressing the Assembly After Entering:
Proceed to the West, stand directly before the Deputy Master 's
station on the level, then walk casually to within a reasonable
distance of the Holy Altar; standing on the right angle of on
Oblong Square. Take one step with the left foot, bringing the heel
of the right foot into the hollow of the left, thereby forming the
Right Angle of on Oblong Square.Fold the fingers of the right hand
so that none are exposed except the index; bring hand from right to
left, piercing the left breast with the index finger, saying:
Worthy Master (if there are Grand Officers present they are next
addressed), Past Masters, (Turn completely around via the right
until you face the Deputy Master) Deputy Master, Past Deputies,
(Complete circle until you again face the W.M.) Officers and
Members, Good evening. Completing with the sign of silence; after
being acknowledged by the Worthy Master, the Brother is
seated.Words to be Employed in Entering on Entered Builder's Lodge:
At Outer Door: Emmanuel.Inner Door: Alpha - Omega.Test, With Grip:
Boaz.ClosingThe Worthy Master gives two raps that are answered by
the D.M.'s one.W.M.:Brother Deputy, what is the first duty to be
performed before we close the Lodge?D.M.:To see the Lodge is duly
tiled.W.M.:Direct that duty to be done and report the case to
me.D.M.:Brother Junior Deacon, examine if the Lodge is duly
tiled.J.D. gives one rap at the door of the Lodge, which is
answered by another rap from the Tiler outside. Standing before the
D.M.'s station:Brother Deputy Master, the Lodge is duly
tiled.D.M:Worthy Master, the Lodge is duly tiled, and the Tiler on
his duty.W.M.:Brother Deputy, what number of officers constitute a
Lodge of the Ancient Order of Scottish Builders?D.M.:Three, Five or
Seven.W.M.:What three?D.M.:The Worthy Master, the Deputy Master and
the Senior Deacon.W.M.:What five?D.M.:The before mentioned three,
the Junior Deacon and the Tiler.W.M.:What number constitutes a duly
formed Lodge of the said Order?D.M.:Seven: The before mentioned
Five, the Secretary and the Treasurer.W.M.:Where is the Tiler
placed?D.M.:At the Door of the Lodge.W.M.:What is his duty?D.M.:To
admit Scottish Builders only upon proof of being in possession of
the password and other requisites.W.M.:Where is the Treasurer
placed?D.M.:At the right of the Senior Deacon.W.M.:His duty in the
Lodge?D.M.:To keep safe the coffers of our Lodge.W.M.:Where is the
Secretary placed?D.M.:In the South.W.M.:His duty?D.M.:To keep an
account of every service rendered by each brother of our Lodge,
whereby we know how far he is worthy of reward.W.M.:Where is the
Junior Deacon placed?D.M.:At the right of the Deputy
Master.W.M.:His duty?D.M.:To see that the Tiler does his duty, to
carry any message from the Deputy Master to the Worthy Master and
to assist the Senior Deacon in visiting the sick brethren of his
Lodge.W.M.:Where is the Senior Deacon placed?D.M.:At the right hand
of the Worthy Master.W.M.:His duty?D.M.:To carry Orders from the
Worthy Master to any part of the Lodge. To prepare candidates for
initiation, and to visit and pay every sick brother of his
Lodge.W.M.:Where is the Deputy Master placed?D.M.:In the
West.W.M.:Why is he placed in the West?D.M.:As the moon reflects
the rays of the Sun from the east to the west, so the Deputy Master
dispenses the instructions he receives from the Worthy Master in
the east to the brethren of the Lodge in the west.W.M.:Where is the
Worthy Master placed?D.M.:In the East.W.M.:Why is he placed in the
East?D.M.:As the sun rises in the east to rule, brighten and
enliven the day, so the Worthy Master is placed in the east to
open, govern and instruct his Lodge.W.M.:Brethren, to order as
Scottish Builders.Here the Worthy Master gives three raps, calling
all to their feet.Our Lodge being regularly constituted, let us,
before I pronounce it closed, express our gratitude to the Sublime
Power of the Universe.All facing the East.PrayerAdorable Jehovah,
Thou first and last. Thou who madest all things, both movable and
immovable, visible and invisible; we return the sincere thanks for
all favor hitherto received at Thy hands; and mayest Thou still
continue to support this our Institution by cementing and adorning
us with every moral and social virtue. Go with us to our respective
homes; and grant that when we have done meeting in these earthly
Lodges below, we may all meet together in Thy Celestial Lodge
above, never to part more.Amen.W.M.:Brother Senior Deacon, close
the Three Great Lights. Extinguish the Lesser Lights. Close the
Dispensation.I, ..., Worthy Master of ... Lodge No. ... declare
this Lodge duly closed until its next regular communication, unless
especially convened, in which emergency due and timely notice shall
be given.All Stand closed accordingly.