tion to lead you into argument with those who, through ignorance, may ridicule it.

At your leisure hours, that you may improve in Masonic knowledge, you are to converse with well informed brethren, who will be always as ready to give, as you will be ready to receive, instruction.

Finally, keep sacred and inviolable the mysteries of the Order, as these are to distinguish you from the rest of the community and mark your consequence among Masons. If, in the circle of your acquaintance, you find a person desirous of being initiated into Masonry, be particularly attentive not to recommend him unless you are convinced he will conform to our rules, that the honor, glory and reputation of the Institution may be firmly established and the world at large convinced of its good effects.15

15 The text follows exactly the charge given by Mackey, Shaver, and Sickles, which is identical with that given by Webb (excepting the sentence omitted as shown in next preceding note) and is followed by Parsons, Davis, Bowers, Redding's Standard, Cross and Macoy. Several monitors omit the charge altogether. Moore, Trestle-Board, p. 29, Edition of 1850, now out of print, presents a charge different in phraseology and slightly shorter, but having the same general plan; which is followed by the Oregon, California, Arizona, Illinois and Washington manuals. The Ohio and Vir ginia monitors follow, but abbreviate, Webb. Simons' charge is totally unlike all others. Taylor's is a conglomeration of parts of Webb and Moore, arranged differently from either, and spliced in with entirely new matter. The text follows the decided weight of authority, though many prefer the standard adopted by Moore and his followers.

FELLOW-CRAFT

Prayer1 (a)

Grant, O Father Almighty, to this Candidate for more light, the continuance of thy divine favor, that he may improve in Masonry, and in the knowledge of thy Word and all liberal art and science. Keep him a faithful brother among us; truly serving Thee all the days of his life, and advancing more and more unto perfect light which surrounds thy throne: and to thy great name be all the honor and glory, now and forever. Amen!

Response:

*

So mote it be!

*

"Thus he shewed me: and behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumb-line in his hand.

The Canada manual (Sargent, p. 57) likewise differs from all others, following Webb partially but adding new matter. The English system divides the E. A. lecture into seven sections and gives at the end of each what they term a charge, but which seem to us more like a motto or sentiment, such as accompanies a toast at a banquet. They are as follows: First: "That excellent key, a Freemason's tongue, which should speak well of a brother absent or present, and when unfortunately that can not be done with honor and propriety, should adopt that excellent virtue of the craft, which is Silence." Second: "The Heart that con

11

"And the Lord said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumb-line. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more.

16

[Or the following ode may be sung or chanted:] Come, craftsmen, assembled our pleasure to share,

Who walk by the Plumb, and who work by the Square;

While traveling in love on the Level of time Sweet hope shall light on to a far better clime.

ceals, and the Tongue that never improperly reveals any or either of the secrets or mysteries of or belonging to Free and Accepted Masons." Third: "To all poor and distressed Masons, wheresoever dispersed, wishing them a speedy relief from all their sufferings, and a safe return to their native country, if they desire it." Fourth: "May every Mason attain the summit of his profession where the just will most assuredly meet their due reward." Fifth : "The Past Grand Patrons of Masonry." Sixth: "May Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, in conjunction with Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice, distinguish Free and Accepted Masons till time shall be no more. Seventh: "May Virtue, Honor and Mercy continue to distinguish Free and Accepted Masons. (Given with honors, all the brethren standing.)"Emulation Working, pp. 9, 20, 28, 36, 44, 49, 57.

15(a) In the English and Canadian systems and a few of the U. S. Manuals, a prayer is offered for the candidate in this degree immediately after his reception. This is also the ancient custom in Georgia, though it has fallen too much into disuse of late. A majority of modern manuals omit it, but the custom is orthodox.

16 The New Brunswick, Massachusetts, Illinois and California monitors substitute for this passage of Scripture selections from the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians. Evidently this is a modern innovation. Moore gives both.