Note: This material was scanned into text files for the sole purpose of convenient electronic research. This material is NOT intended as a reproduction of the original volumes. However close the material is to becoming a reproduced work, it should ONLY be regarded as a textual reference. Scanned at Phoenixmasonry by Ralph W. Omholt, PM in May 2007.
LIGHTFOOT'S MANUAL OF THE LODGE
or
Monitorial Instructions in the Three Degrees of
Symbolic Masonry,
Revised and Amended, so as to restore much that had been changed or lost through lapse of time, and to harmonize the language of the Manual with that employed in the Monitorial work of many of the oldest and leading grand jurisdictions of the world, to which is also added, Commentaries on some of the important rites, symbols and allegories of Ancient Craft Masonry.
By
JEWEL P. LIGHTFOOT, Past Grand Master
INTRODUCTORY
"FREE MASONRY," "CRAFT MASONRY," "ANCIENT CRAFT MASONRY," "MASONRY" and "LODGE" are terms indiscriminately employed in designating the institution comprising the Masonic Fraternity as it exists today. These terms, while indicating, in a general way, the same Institution, may be said to possess individual significations.
The word "Masonry" cannot be adequately defined within the limits of a necessarily brief introduction to the work of the Manual of the Lodge. Like the words city, church, democracy, craft and the like, it embraces many elements, divisions, and subjects, each of which is separable, yet all combining to create a coordinated whole.
The word Masonry has been applied to the art of building in stone; also to the whole body of the society of Masons, including the entire complex of their organizations, grand and subordinate, throughout the world. At times, the word is used to signify the peculiar rites and ceremonies used in what we term the Lodge. Again, it may be said to signify, not these, but a certain body of principles and rules of morals, duties and conduct, advocated or taught in the Lodges.
It has also been suggested that the word "Masonry," in addition to the significations already named, and others which cannot be properly specified here, signifies a vast and comprehensive body of Knowledge, teachings, traditions, and principles, concerning the visible universe; the government thereof; order; Providence; nature; man; and their necessities. Also, the relations between natural physical causes, as well as the operations and sublime moral principles and processes of the human mind.
These, with other related and connected subjects, are claimed to constitute a veritable system of science, philosophy and moral enlightenment, taught by a system of symbols and allegories, as well as by precepts and examples inculcated and practiced from remote ages, in the ancient temples of many nations. Such ceremonies and their correlated teachings have sometimes been referred to as the Mysteries of Masonry, with the same signification employed when one speaks of the "Mysteries of the Magi;" the "Mysteries of Osiris;" the "Grecian Mysteries of Eleusis," and other kindred rites, practiced in the temples of initiation through‑out the ancient world.
The meaning of the word Mysteries, as so used, must not be confounded with the idea signified by the word mysterious. The word has an entirely different meaning, and constitutes a system of some kind, designed to be communicated in a particular manner, for the purpose of inculcating the truths of life, of nature, of art, of science, of philosophy, and other subjects.
It has been described by Bromwell, (Restorations of Masonic Geometry and Symbolry," Chap. 11, 23), as "A system of sublime truths, including those of the Natural Universe, as well as of Moral and intellectual science and philosophy, based on the accepted fact of one Almighty, infinite and perfect Deity, called by Masons `The Grand Architect of the Universe' - the perfection and completeness of the order of the Universe - its correspondence with itself throughout; that is, in all its parts and Degrees - the coordination of these last by correspondence, from first to last - xtheir correspondence with the Degrees found in man, in the same order - physical, intellectual and moral - the immortality of the human spirit - a righteous system of Divine Government - the enjoining of the practice of all moral and social virtues and duties by means of lessons embodied in symbolic representations of deep significance, together with apt and wisely ordered discourse, all contained in certain ancient and simple, but sublime, ceremonies, coordinated in Degrees according to the order of the Universe, which is the Divine order." The presence in the modern Masonic system, of many of the emblems, symbols and allegories of the ancient Temples of Initiation, as well as certain rites performed therein, has persuaded the most learned among Masonic scholars to conclude that Masonry is of very ancient origin, and is, in some aspects, the modern successor of, and heir to, the sublime Mysteries of the Temple of Solomon, and of the Temples of India, Chaldea, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as the basic doctrine of the Essenes, Gnostics and other mystic Orders.
The work of Freemasonry is conducted in what is called the Lodge. The word Lodge as used in Masonry has several different significations, as when we speak of "A Lodge," meaning any Lodge; another when we speak of a Lodge being opened or closed when we mean the symbolic Lodge; again when we speak of a particular society of Masons, as when we say "Frank Sexton Lodge, No. 206." There are also three different Lodges, the Entered Apprentice's Lodge; the Fellow‑Craft's Lodge, and the Master‑Mason's Lodge. Yet all three of the Lodges, though separate in their opening and closing, as well as in their respective work, are one. The one contains the three as will be well understood by the skillful craftsman.
In this respect the Lodge is said to conform to the Divine Order in nature and in man. There is an external Lodge and an internal Lodge. The external Lodge refers to the physical Lodge, its building, furnishings and members composing it; corresponding to the physical universe of which it is said to be a symbol, and symbolizes also the First Degree in man represented by his physical body. The Internal Lodge is said to be divided into two parts, the secondary and the primary.
The secondary Degree in Masonry has been compared with the second Degree in man and in nature. In man, it refers to xi his intellectual faculties, and powers; while in nature it alludes to the harmony of laws that regulate and govern the Universe. The primary or third Degree of the Lodge refers to the Moral Degree in man, and to the Divine attributes of the Supreme Divine Intelligence.
Thus the three Degrees in man, physical, intellectual and moral, correspond to the same Divine order in the Universe and are thought to be reflected in the three Degrees of the Lodge, which are yet one, in the sense that the Universe is a unit, though composed of three Grand Divisions, and man is an entity, though possessing three distinct divisions in his being. This correspondence will become more manifest to the initiate as he penetrates the veils of our Mysteries.
The work of the Degrees is imparted through the medium of certain rites, forms and ceremonies, which are designated by the terms, Initiation, Passing, and Raising.
Every candidate for the Mysteries of Masonry, at the proper time and in an appropriate manner, should be taught the truth that the rite of Initiation means much more than a formal ceremonial progress through the Degrees. In fact one may receive the entire work, conferred under the most favorable circumstances, and by competent officers, and yet not perceive the true Masonic light, which the symbols and allegories are designed to conceal, as well as to reveal. Initiation is to be attained only after real labor, deep study, profound meditation, extensive research and a constant practice of those virtues which will open a true path to moral, intellectual, and spiritual illumination.
Masonry does not expound the truths concealed in her emblems. It displays the symbol and may give a hint here and there concerning some characteristic of its several meanings, but it must remain for the Neophite to search out for himself its more hidden significations.
It has always been the essential process by which man rises from a state of nature, to that of civilization, from darkness to light, from slavery to freedom, that he advances as by the steps of a ladder. This is the method provided by the laws of nature, at times retarded and slow in its operation, but certain to lead to glorious heights if persistently pursued, and devoutly followed.
Manual of the Lodge
OPENING AND CLOSING THE LODGE
THE necessity of some preparatory ceremonies, of a more or less formal character, before proceeding to the dispatch of the ordinary business of any association, has always been recognized. The decorum and dignity of the meeting suggest, even in popular assemblies called only for a temporary purpose, that a presiding officer shall, with some formality be inducted into the chair, and then, to use the ordinary phrase, "opens" the meeting with the appointment of his necessary assistants, and with an announcement, in an address to the audience, explanatory of the objects that have called them together.
If secular associations have found it expedient, by the adoption of some preparatory forms, to avoid the appearance of an unseeming abruptness in proceeding to business, it may well be supposed that religious societies have been still more observant of the custom, and that, as their pursuits are more elevated, the ceremonies of their preparation for the object of their meeting should be still more impressive.
In the Ancient Mysteries (those sacred rites which have furnished so many models for Masonic symbolism), the opening ceremonies were of the most solemn character. The sacred herald, in the Ancient Mysteries, commenced the ceremonies of opening the greater initiations by the solemn formula of "Depart hence, ye profane!" to which was added a proclamation which forbade the use of any language which might be deemed of unfavorable augury to the approaching rites.
In like manner a Lodge of Masons is opened with the employment of certain ceremonies in which, that attention may be given to their symbolic as well as practical import, every member present is expected to take part.
These ceremonies, which slightly differ in each of the degrees - but differ so slightly as not to affect their general character - may be considered, in reference to the several purposes which they are designed to effect, to be divided into eight successive steps or parts.
1. The Master having signified his intention to proceed to the labor of the Lodge, every brother is expected to assume the necessary Masonic clothing, and, if an officer, the insignia of his office, and silently and decorously to repair to his appropriate station.
2. The next step in the ceremony is, with the usual precautions, to ascertain the. right of each one to be present. It is scarcely necessary to say that, in the performance of this duty, the officers who are charged with it should allow no one to remain who is not either well known to themselves or properly vouched for by some discreet and experienced brother.
3. Attention is next directed to guarding the external avenues of the Lodge, and the officers, within and without, who are entrusted with the performance of this important duty, are expected to execute it with care and fidelity.
4. By a wise provision, it is no sooner intimated to the Master that he may safely proceed, than he directs his attention to an inquiry into the knowledge possessed by his officers of the duties that they will, respectively, be called upon to perform.
5. Satisfied upon this point, the Master then announces, by formal proclamation, his intention to proceed to business; and, mindful of the peaceful character of our Institution, he strictly forbids all unceremonious conduct whereby the harmony of the Lodge may be impeded, and after this no brother is permitted to leave the Lodge during Lodge hours (that is, from the time of opening to that of closing), without having first obtained the Worshipful Master's permission.
6. Certain mystic rites, which can here only be alluded to, are then employed, by which each brother present signifies his concurrence in the ceremonies which have been celebrated, and his knowledge of the degree in which the Lodge is about to be opened.
7. It is a lesson, which every Mason is taught at one of the earliest points of his initiation, that he should commence no important undertaking without first invoking the blessing of Deity - hence the next step in the progress of the opening ceremonies is to address a prayer to the Supreme Architect of the Universe. This prayer, although offered by the Master, is to be participated in by every brother, and, at its conclusion, the audible response of "So mote it be" should be made by all present.
8. The Lodge is then declared, in the name of God and the Holy Saints John, duly opened.
A Lodge is said to be opened in the name of God and the Holy Saints John as a declaration of the sacred purpose of our meeting; of our profound reverence for that Divine Being whose name and attributes should be the constant theme of our contemplation, and of our respect for those ancient patrons whom the traditions of Masonry have so intimately connected with the history of the Institution.
It is said to be duly opened, to intimate that all that is necessary, appropriate and usual in the ceremonies, and all that the law requires, or that ancient usage renders indispensable, has been observed.
It is said to be opened on, and not in, a certain degree (which latter expression is often incorrectly used), in reference rather to the speculative, than to the legal character, of the meeting; to indicate, not that the members are to be circumscribed in the limits of a particular degree, but that they are met together to unite in contemplation on the symbolic teachings and divine lessons, to inculcate which is the peculiar object of that degree.
It is improper to open either the Entered Apprentice or the Fellow Craft Degree until a Master's Lodge has first been opened and then called off for such purpose.
The ceremony of closing varies but very slightly from that of opening. Of course the first and second steps, which have already been enumerated as proper to be observed when the brethren first assemble, are to be dispensed with when they are about to part, as being under those circumstances entirely unnecessary, and the proclamations and prayers which refer to opening must be varied when they are to be applied to closing, but in other respects the ceremonies are much the same.
* * * * * * * *
PRAYER AT OPENING
Most holy and glorious Lord God, the Great Architect of the Universe; the Giver of all good gifts and graces: Thou hast promised that where two or three or more are gathered together in Thy name, Thou wilt be in `the midst of them. In Thy name, we assemble, most humbly beseeching Thee to bless us in all our undertakings, that we may know and serve Thee aright, and that all our actions may tend to Thy glory and to our advancement in knowledge and virtue; and we beseech Thee, 0 'Lord God, to bless this our present assembling, and to illuminate our minds by the divine precepts of Thy Holy Word, and teach us to walk in the light of Thy countenance; and when the trials of our probationary state are over be admitted into THE TEMPLE "not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens." Amen.
Response: So mote it be.
4 MANUAL OF THE LODGE
ANOTHER PRAYER
Great Architect of the Universe: In Thy name we have assembled, and in Thy name we desire to proceed in all our doings. Grant that the sublime principles of Freemasonry may so subdue every discordant passion within us, so harmonize and enrich our own hearts with Thine own love and goodness, that the Lodge, at this time, may humbly reflect that order and beauty which reign forever before Thy throne. Amen.
Response: So mote it be. ANOTHER Supreme Grand Master of the Universe: We would reverently invoke Thy blessings at this time: Wilt Thou be pleased to grant that this meeting, thus begun in order, may be conducted in peace, and closed in harmony. Amen.
Response : So mote it be.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. Reading the Minutes of the Preceding Communication.
2. Receiving and Referring Petitions
3. Reports of Standing Committees
4. Reports of Special Committees
5. Balloting for Candidates and Members
6. Unfinished Business
7. New Business, Resolutions, Etc.
CLOSING PRAYERS 5
AT CLOSING THE FIRST DEGREE
Master: Brethren - Before I declare the Lodge closed, let us, with all reverence and humility, express our gratitude to the Great Architect of the Universe, for the blessings already received.
May He continue to preserve the Order, by cementing and adorning it with every social and moral virtue. Amen.
Response: So mote it be.
AT CLOSING THE SECOND DEGREE
Master: Brethren - Before I declare the Lodge closed, let us humbly invoke the continued blessing of the Grand Geometrician of the Universe on our Fraternity.
Let us remember that wherever we are, and whatever we do, He is with us, that His "All‑Seeing Eye" observes us. While, then, we continue to act in conformity with the principles of the Craft, let us not fail to discharge our duties toward Him with fervency and zeal. Amen.
Response: So mote it be.
AT CLOSING THE THIRD DEGREE
Master: Brethren - Before I declare the Lodge closed, let us unite in humbly acknowledging our dependence on the Most High. May His right hand be as a shield and buckler to us against the assaults of our enemies; and, at the final day, may each and every one of us be raised, through the merits of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, to the celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Grand Master forever presides - forever reigns. Amen.
Response: So mote it be.
6 MANUAL OF THE LODGE
CHARGE AT CLOSING
Brethren: We are now about to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world. Amidst its concerns and employments, forget not the duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and forcibly recommended in this Lodge. Be diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet. Remember that around this altar you have promised to befriend and relieve every brother who shall need your assistance. Remember that you have promised to remind him, in the most tender manner, of his errors, and aid in his reformation. Vindicate his character when wrongfully traduced.
These generous principles are to extend further; every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. "Do good unto all." Remember it more "especially to the household of the FAITHFUL." Finally, brethren, be ye all of one mind; live in peace, and may the God of love and peace delight, to dwell with and bless you. Amen.
Response: So mote it be.
BENEDICTION
May the blessings of heaven rest upon us and all regular Masons. May brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue cement us. Amen.
Response: So mote it be.
Entered Apprentice
PREPARATION OF THE CANDIDATE
When the candidate for initiation shall have entered the preparation room, the Secretary of the Lodge, or some other Officer or member, shall, by direction of the W.'.M.'. repair thither, and may address him as follows:
Mr. _____, somewhat of your motives, in applying for admission into our Ancient and honorable fraternity, we have learned from the declarations contained in your petition, over your signature. It now becomes my duty to recall to your memory some of the more important promises and declarations you have made therein, and each of which, we find, you have answered in the affirmative:
1. You have promised upon your honor, to strictly adhere to and be governed by the Constitution and Laws of the Grand Lodge of _____, and the By‑Laws of this Lodge.
2. You have sincerely declared, upon your honor, that, unbiased by friends and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself as a candidate for the Mysteries of Masonry.
3. You have seriously declared, upon your honor, that you are prompted to solicit the privileges of Masonry by a favorable opinion conceived of the institution, a desire for knowledge, and a sincere desire to be of greater service to your fellowmen.
4. You have seriously declared, upon your honor, that you will cheerfully conform to all the ancient established usages and customs of Masonry.
5. You have seriously declared, upon your honor, that you firmly believe in the existence of God; the immortality of the soul; and in the Divine authenticity of the Holy Scriptures.
You are again reminded of these solemn declarations, because they constitute important considerations upon which the Lodge acted, in looking with favor, upon your request to be admitted a member among us.
8 MANUAL OF THE LODGE
In order that you may not be misled as to the character or the purpose of the ceremonies in which you are about to engage, the Lodge addresses to you these preliminary words of advice.
Freemasonry is far removed from all that is trivial, selfish and ungodly. Its ceremonies are by no means of a light or trifling character, but are of profound significance and deep solemnity. They have existed without material changes from remote antiquity. Its structure rests upon the indestructible foundation of the Father‑hood of God, the Brotherhood of Man, and the Immortality of the Soul.
Our ancient and honorable fraternity welcomes to its doors, and admits to its privileges, worthy men of all faiths and creeds who possess the indispensable qualifications. Freemasonry is, in one of its major aspects, a beautiful and profound system of morality, veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols. Its grand purposes are, to diffuse light; to banish ignorance; to promote peace and happiness among mankind; to relieve distress; to protect the widows and orphans of our brethren; to inculcate a wider knowledge concerning the existence of the Grand Architect of the Universe, and of the arts and sciences connected with His Divine laws. In fine, the design is to make its members wiser, freer, better and consequently happier men.
These purposes are accomplished by means of a series of moral instructions taught, according to ancient usage, by allegories, symbols, types, figures and lectures.
With this brief and general explanation is it still your desire to proceed?
If the candidate answers in the affirmative, then continue:
As a preparation for the mystic rites into which you are about to enter, you will now be asked to divest your
ENTERED APPRENTICE 9
mind and conscience of all mental prejudices and superfluities incident to a material or worldly life; and to re‑member that selfish aims and vanities, if present, are not in keeping with the reverential spirit which a true seeker of Divine Light and Wisdom must manifest when he enters upon the path of true initiation. I will now leave you in the hands of true and trusty brethren, who will attend to your further preparation and see that you proceed as all others have done who have gone this way before.
SECTION 1
The ceremonies as taught in this section not only serve as marks of distinction, but communicate useful and interesting knowledge, when they are thoroughly investigated and understood. It is, of course, impracticable, and inexpedient, in a monitorial work, to give a full explanation of the various symbols and ceremonies of our important rites; but an allusion, even in the most general terms, to the most important ones, in the order in which they occur, will be sufficient to lead the observant and contemplative Mason to make further examination into their more concealed and important import.
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MANUAL OF THE LODGE11
THE PRAYER USED AT THE INITIATION OF A CANDIDATE
Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father of the Universe, to this our present convention; and grant that this candidate for Masonry may dedicate and devote his life to Thy service, and become a true and faithful brother among us. Endue him with a competency of Thy divine wisdom that by the secrets of our art he may better be enabled to display the beauties of godliness* to the honor of Thy Holy Name. Amen.
Response: So mote it be.
* * * * * *
The word "godliness" has been reinstated in this prayer for the word "holiness' which was substituted for it by Cross, and was therefore a modern innovation. Preston uses the word as restored. It is said that the prayer at initiation is one of very ancient usage and in its corrected form was used by the "Ancient" or "York Masons," but omitted by the Moderns.
ENTERED APPRENTICE 11
CIRCUMAMBULATION:
The following passage of Scripture will be read during the ceremony, beginning immediately after passing the South on first circuit:
12 MANUAL OF THE LODGE
♪
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity:
♪
"It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of his garment:
♪
"As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore."
* * * * * *
"In the beginning God created the heavens 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,' and there was light."
ENTERED APPRENTICE 13
* * * * *
* * * * *
In the course of this section the badge of a Mason is introduced and explained.
* * * * *
* * * 14 MANUAL OF THE LODGE
* * * * *
The Lambskin, or white leather apron, is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason; more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle; more honorable than the Star and Garter, or any other order that could be conferred, at this, or any future period, by king, prince or potentate, or any person, except he be a Mason; and which, I trust, you will wear with equal pleasure to yourself and honor to the Fraternity.
* * * * *
NORTH‑EAST
* * * * *
* * * * * ENTERED APPRENTICE 15
DEMAND
* * * *
* * * *
CHARITY
THE WORKING TOOLS OF AN ENTERED APPRENTICE
* * * *
* * * * * * * * *
This section closes with the moral explanation of the Twenty‑four Inch Gauge and Common Gavel.
THE TWENTY‑FOUR INCH GAUGE Is an instrument made use of by operative Masons to measure and lay out their work. But we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing our time. It being divided into twenty‑four equal parts, is emblematical of the twenty‑four hours of the day; which we are taught to divide into three parts, whereby we find a portion for the service of God and a distressed worthy brother; a portion for our usual vocations, and a portion for refreshment and sleep.
16 MANUAL OF THE LODGE
THE COMMON GAVEL
Is an instrument made use of by operative Masons, to break off the rough and superfluous parts of stones, the better to fit them for the builder’s use; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our minds and consciences of all the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting ourselves as living stones, for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
* * * * *
_____
SECTION II
SECTION II
This section rationally accounts for the ceremony of initiating a candidate into our ancient institution, and fully explains the first section. No portion of it can be written, but the following emblems will greatly aid the memory in explaining said section.
The superstructure of the Temple, from a drawing more than 200 years old, by a distinguished Divine and Scientist of England, Arthur Bed ford, M. A. Copied from his "Scripture Chronology."
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ENTERED APPRENTICE 19
ENTERED APPRENTICE
SECTION III
This section sets out with the definition of the Lodge, and contains instructions relative to the form, supports, covering, furniture, ornaments, lights and jewels of the Lodge, and how it should be situated and to whom dedicated.
Every lawful assemblage of Masons, duly congregated for work, is "A just and legally constituted Lodge." It is just, that is, regular and orderly, when it contains the requisite number to form a quorum and when the Bible, Square, and Compasses are present. It is legally constituted when it is acting under the authority of a Warrant or Charter, emanating from the Grand Lodge in whose jurisdiction the Lodge is situated, and signed by the grand officers, which authorizes the persons therein named, and their successors to meet as Masons and perform Masonic labor. As no assemblage of Masons is legal without such an instrument, it is not only the privilege, but the duty, of every Mason on his first visit to a strange Lodge, to demand a sight of its Warrant or Charter; nor should any brother sit in a Lodge whose members are unwilling to exhibit the authority on which they act.
Nearly the whole of the third section has been made monitorial. The symbols and allegories of Freemasonry are susceptible of more than one interpretation. An Illustrious Masonic Savant has well said, "He who would become an accomplished Mason must not be content merely to hear, or even to understand, the lectures; he must, aided by them, and they having as it were, marked out the way for him, study, interpret, and develop these symbols for himself."
* * * * *
20
HIGHEST HILLS
LOWEST VALES
21
22
And * * * *
The Lodge has three principal supports, which are Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty; because it is necessary that there should be wisdom to contrive, strength to support, and beauty to adorn, all great and important under‑takings. Of these, the column Wisdom, situated in the East part of the Lodge, is represented by the Worshipful Master, because it is presumed that he has wisdom to devise labor for the craft, and superintend them during the hours thereof. The column of Strength, in the West part of the Lodge, is represented by the Senior Warden, be‑cause it is his duty to strengthen and support the authority of the Master. The column of Beauty is situated in the South part of the Lodge, and is represented by the Junior Warden, because from his position in the South he is the first to observe the meridian sun, which is the beauty and glory of the day; to call the craft from labor to refreshment and to superintend them during the hours thereof; to see that none convert the purposes of refreshment into those of intemperance or excess; and to call them to labor again in due season, that the Worshipful Master may have honor, and they pleasure and profit, 'thereby.
Jacob's Vision
23
THE COVERING OF THE SYMBOLIC LODGE
The covering of the Symbolic Lodge is no less than a clouded canopy, or starry‑decked heavens, where all good Masons hope at last to arrive, by the aid of the theological ladder which Jacob, in his vision, saw ascending from earth to heaven; the three principal rungs of which are denominated Faith, Hope, and Charity; and which admonish us to have faith in God, hope of immortality, and charity to all mankind.
Of these, Charity is the greatest; for Faith may be lost in sight; Hope end in fruition; but Charity extends beyond the grave, through the boundless realms of eternity.
THE FURNITURE OF THE LODGE
is the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses.
* * * * *
* * * * * *
The Holy Bible is dedicated to God, because it is the inestimable gift of God to man:
* * * * *
the Square to the Master, because it is the proper Masonic emblem of his office; and the Compasses to the Craft, because, by due attention to their use, they are taught to circumscribe their desires and keep their passions within due bounds.
24 MANUAL OF THE LODGE
THE ORNAMENTS OF THE LODGE
Are the Mosaic Pavement, the Indented Tessel, and the Blazing Star.
The Mosaic Pavement is a representation of the ground‑floor of King Solomon's Temple; and the Indented Tessel, of that beautiful tessellated border or skirting which surrounded it. The Mosaic Pavement is emblematical of human life checkered with good and evil; the beautiful border which surrounds it is emblematical of those manifold blessings and comforts which surround us, and which we hope to obtain by a faithful reliance on Divine Providence, which is hieroglyphically represented by the Blazing Star in the center.
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The Lodge has three symbolic lights; one of these is in the East, one in the West, and one in the South. There is no light in the North, because
* * * * * * *
THE JEWELS OF THE LODGE
There are six Jewels belonging to the Lodge, three immovable and three movable. The Immovable Jewels are the Square, Level, and Plumb; the Square teaches morality, the Level equality, and the Plumb rectitude of conduct. They are termed immovable, because they be‑long at fixed stations in the Lodge - the Square in the East, the Level in the West, and the Plumb in the South, and are the jewels of the officers filling those respective stations.
26 MANUAL OF THE LODGE
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