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THE FOLLOWING is extracted
from the RyIands' MS. 'low in the
Bodleian Library at Oxford, which came into the possession
of that
institution on the passing of Bro. W. H. Rylands, one of
the
founders of the Quatuor Coronati Lodge, No. 2076, English
Constitution. In a note Bro. RyIands says that it was
taken "from a
copy in the possession of Bro. the Rev. A. F. A. Woodford,
and
certified as a correct copy of the original by Bro. W.J.
Hughan."
the date of the entry in Bro. Rylands' MS. being 6th
March, 1873.
IN THE FIRST part, which he calls "the Minor's
Degree," the
Master of the Lodge inquires of the person to be initiated
when
Freemasonry began.
"At the building of the Tower of Babel."
He then asks several other questions which he answers as
before
instructed.
He is next ordered to be stripped naked in order that they
may be
well assured he is not a woman. After this he is clothed
with a
loose white garment, generally made of Holland, which they
call
the badge of innocence, and placed in the center of the
brethren.
He is ordered to kneel down on both his knees.
The Master of the Lodge holds the point of the sword to
his throat,
whilst the following oath is administered unto him:
You shall not reveal to any person or persons, either by
word of
mouth or your handling-writing or cause to be revealed in
any
manner whatever any part or parts, point or points, or any
treatises
which have been, are now, or shall hereafter be held as a
secret
among Freemasons, unless to an honest man, whom you know
is a
Mason, or to the Master or Wardens of any regular Lodge.
And it
was always esteemed by the Masons of old, to swear by the
sword
was the most binding of all obligations, so we do insist
and require
you solemnly to kiss the edge of this sword presented to
your
throat as a sign of your full consent and approbation to
the above
particulars.
When he has taken the oath all the Brethren assist in
putting on his
cloths. The Master presents him with a white leather apron
and
tells him that he has become a fellow and brother to kings
and
princes. Several other questions are put to him which if
he cannot
answer he must give to every member of the Lodge a pair of
gloves and in return he is entitled to a ring (called a
signet) as a
warrant of his admission.
THE MINOR'S duty is to guard the Lodge with a drawn sword
and
when they find him to be sober, silent, and discreet he is
admitted
into the major's degree. To pass this examination he has
to answer
several questions as to the diameter of the Tower of
Babel, the
height, breadth, the number of men that were employed, how
many
years in building, and their reasons why this tower was
built, etc.
He is again enjoined to secrecy, to be cautious in his
words and
carriage, to have his breast fortified against all
attempts that may
be made by the artful and designing. The Master next
instructs him
in the nature of signs, tokens, and words. The first sign
is given by
pointing the forefinger of the right hand to his mouth,
which is a
symbol of silence. The second is by drawing his hand
across his
mouth, which is much like the former and likewise
signifies
silence or secrecy. The first token is given by shaking
hands and at
the same time pressing the forefinger hard in the palm of
the other
hand. The second token is likewise given by shaking hands
and at
the same time placing the forefinger on one side the
other's wrist
and the middle finger on the other. The first word is
"Eureka,"
which signifies truth and fidelity; the second is
"Philadelphia," or
brotherly love. He is asked; of what use are these signs,
tokens,
and words; he answers to make themselves known to each
other
wheresoever dispersed.
The third is the officer's part or ceremony of instalment:
Belus, the
Master, wears a compass pendent on a white ribbon round
his
neck: Sabus, the superintendent, wears a square; Silus and
Sabathes, the two wardens, wear a level and plumb rule;
and
Sabactas and Ramas, a twenty-four inch rule in each
other's hands.
The third and last part concludes as follows:
"Have you the officer's secret word?"
"Yes."
"How did you reveal it?"'
On my knee he ordered me to kneel,
Before he could the sacred word reveal:
A word to all but officers unknown,
Because we give it when we are alone.
The word is Belus, be it known to thee,
'Twas that great man gave birth to Masonry.
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