Fellowcraft

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Preface

Masonry is a progressive science, and is divided into different degrees, for the more regular advancement in the knowledge of its mysteries. According to the progress we make, we limit or extend our inquiries; and in proportion to our capacity, we attain to a lesser or greater degree of perfection.

Masonry includes within its circle almost every branch of polite learning. Under the veil of its mysteries is comprehended a regular system of science. Many of its illustrations may appear unimportant; but, the man of enlarged faculties will perceive them to be, in the highest degree, useful and interesting. To please the accomplished scholar and ingenious artist, Masonry is wisely planned; and, in the investigation of its latent doctrines, the philosopher and mathematician may experience equal delight and satisfaction. To exhaust the various subjects of which it treats would transcend the powers of the brightest genius; however, nearer approaches to perfection may be made, and the man of wisdom will not check the progress of his abilities, though the task he attempts may at first seem insurmountable. Perseverance and application remove each difficulty as it occurs. Every step he advances, new pleasures open to his view, and instruction of the noblest kind attends his researches. In the diligent pursuit of knowledge, the intellectual faculties are employed in promoting the glory of God and the good of man.

The EnteredApprentice degree is well calculated to enforce the duties of morality and imprint on the memory the noblest principles which can adorn the human mind It is, therefore, the best introduction to the Fellow Craft degree, which not only extends the same plan, but comprehends a more diffusive system of knowledge.

Here practice and theory join in qualifying the industrious Mason to share the pleasures which an advancement in the art must necessarily afford Listening with attention to the wise opinions of experienced Craftsmen on important subjects, he gradually familiarizes his mind to useful instruction, and is soon enabled to investigate truths of the utmost concern in the general transactions of life.

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First Section

The first section of the Fellow Craft degree accurately elucidates the mode of introduction into that particular class; and instructs the diligent Craftsman how to proceed in the proper arrangement of the ceremonies used on the occasion. It qualifies him to judge on their importance, and convinces him of the necessity of strictly adhering to every established usage of the order. Here he is entrusted with particular tests, to enable him to prove his title to the privileges of this degree, while satisfactory reasons are given for their origin. Many duties, which cement in the firmest union of well informed brethren, are illustrated in this section; and an opportunity is given to make such advances in Masonry, as will always distinguish the abilities to those who have arrived at preferment. The knowledge of this section is absolutely necessary for all Craftsmen; as it recapitulates the ceremony of initiation, and contains many other important particulars, no officer or member of a lodge should be unacquainted with it.

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Prayer/Circumambulation

Circumambulation

The following passage of Scripture must be used: Amos 8: 7-8. Stars (★ denote rap of the gavel.)

★ Thus He shewed me;

★ and behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumb line, with a plumb line in his hand.

★ 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 plumb line in the midst of my people Israel:

★ ★I will not pass by them any more.

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Working Tools

The working Tools of a Fellow Craft Mason are the Plumb, Square, and Level.

The Plumb is an instrument made use of by operative Masons to raise perpendiculars; the Square to square their work; and the Level, to lay horizontals; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of them for more noble and glorious purposes. The plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations before God and man, squaring our actions by the square of virtue, and remembering that we are traveling upon the level of time to that "undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns. "

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Operative/Speculative

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There are two kinds of Masonry, Operative and Speculative.

Operative

By Operative Masonry, we allude to a proper application of the useful rules of architecure, whence a structure will derive figure, strength, and beauty, and whence will result in a due proportion and a just correspondence in all its parts. It furnishes us with dwellings and convenient shelters from the vicissitudes and inclemencies of the seasons; and, while it displays the effects of human wisdom, as well in the choice as in the arrangement of the sundry materials of which an edifice is composed, it demonstrates that a fund of science and industry is implanted in man for the best, most salutary, and beneficent purposes.

Speculative

By Speculative Masonry, we learn to subdue the passions, act upon the square, keep a tongue of good report, maintain secrecy, and practice charity. It is so far interwoven with religion, as to lay us under obligation to pay that rational homage to the Deity which at once constitutes our duty and our happiness. It leads the contemplative Mason to view, with reverence and admiration, the glorious works of creation, and inspires him with the most exalted ideas of the perfections of his Divine Creator.

* * * * in six days God created the heaven and the earth, and rested upon the seventh day; the seventh, therefore, our ancient brethren consecrated as a day of rest from their labors; thereby enjoying frequent opportunities to contemplate the glorious works of creation, and to adore their great Creator.

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The Globes are two artificial spherical bodies, on the convex surfaces of which are represented the countries, seas, and various parts of the earth, the face of the heavens, the planetary revolutions and other particulars. The sphere, with the parts of the earth delineated on its surface, is called the Terrestrial Globe; and that with the constellations, and other heavenly bodies, the Celestial Globe.

The principal use of the Globes, besides serving as maps to distinguish the outward parts of the earth, and the situation of the fixed stars, is to illustrate and explain the phenomena arising from the annual revolution and the diurnal rotation of the earth around its own axis. They are the noblest instruments for improving the mind, and giving it the most distinct idea of any problem or proposition, as well as enabling it to solve the same. Contemplating these bodies, we are inspired with a due reverence for the Deity and His works, and are induced to encourage the studies of astronomy, geography, navigation, and the arts dependent upon them, by which society has been so much benefited.

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Order in Architecture

By order in Architecture is meant a system of all the members, proportions, and ornaments of columns and pilasters; or it is a regular arrangement of the projecting parts of a building, which, united with those of a column, form a beautiful, perfect, and complete whole.

From the first formation of society, Order in Architecture may be traced. When the rigor of the seasons obliged men to contrive shelter from the inclemency of the weather, we learn that they first planted trees on end, and then laid others across, to support a covering. The bands which connected those trees at top and bottom are said to have given rise to the idea of the base and capital of pillars; and from this simple hint, originally, proceeded the more improved art of architecture. The five orders are thus classed: the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite

The Tuscan

The Tuscan is the most simple and solid of the five orders. It was invented in Tuscany, whence it derives its name. Its column is seven diameters high; and its capital, base, and entabulature have but few moldings. The simplicity of the construction of this column renders it eligible where ornament would be superfluous.

The Doric

The Doric, which is plain and natural, is the most ancient, and was invented by the Greeks. Its column is eight diameters high, and has seldom any ornaments on base or capital, except moldings; though the frieze is distinguished by triglyphs and metopes, and triglyphs compose the ornaments of the frieze. The Doric is the best proportioned of all the orders. The several parts of which it is composed are founded on the natural position of solid bodies. The solid composition of this order gives it a preference in structures where strength and a noble simplicity are chiefly required.

The Ionic

The Ionic bears a kind of mean proportion between the more solid and delicate orders. Its column is nine diameters high, its capital is adorned with volutes, and its cornice has dentils. There is both delicacy and ingenuity displayed in this pillar, the invention of which is attributed to the Ionians, as the famous temple of Diana at Ephesus was of this order. It is said to have been formed after the model of an agreeable young woman, of an elegant shape, dressed in her hair, as a contrast to the Doric order, which was formed after that of a strong, robust man.

The Corinthian

The Corinthian, the richest of the five orders, is deemed a masterpiece of art. Its column is ten diameters high, and its capital is adorned with two rows of leaves and eight volutes, which sustain the abacus. The frieze is ornamented with curious devices, the cornice with dentils and modillions. This order is used in stately and superb structures. It was invented at Corinth, by Callimachus, who is said to have taken the hint of the capital of this pillar from the following remarkable circumstance. Accidently passing by the tomb of a young lady, he perceived a basket of toys covered by a tile, placed over an acanthus root, having been left there by her nurse. As the branches grew up, they encompassed the basket, till, arriving at the tile, they met with an obstruction, and bent downward. Callimachus, struck with the object, set about imitating the figure. The vase of the capital he made to represent the basket; the abacus, the tile; and the volutes, the bending leaves.

The Composite

The Composite is compounded of the other orders, and was contrived by the Romans. Its capita! has the two rows of leaves of the Corinthiem, and the volutes of the lank Its column has quarter rounds, as the Tuscan and Doric Ofders, is ten diameters high, and its cornice has dentils Of simple modillions. This pillar is generally found in buildings where strength, elegance, and beauty are displayed.

Three orders, alone, show invention and particular character, and essentially differ from each other. The two others have nothing but what is borrowed, and differ only accidentally. The Tuscan is the Doric in its earliest state; and the Composite is the Corinthian, enriched with the Ionic.

Of these five orders, the Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian, as the· most ancient, are most esteemed by Masons. The Ionic, from the skill and ingenuity displayed in its construction, is emblematic of the column of Wisdom, which is situated in the east part of the lodge, and is represented by the Worshipful Master; the Doric, from the massive strength of its structure, is emblematic of the column of Strength, which is situated in the west part of the lodge, and is represented by the Senior Warden; and the Corinthian, from the exuberance of its ornaments, is emblematic of the column of Beauty, which is situated in the south part of the lodge, and is represented by the Junior Warden.

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The Five Sense of Human Nature

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Hearing

Hearing is that sense by which we distinguish sounds, and are capable of enjoying all the agreeable charms of music. We are endowed with hearing, that by a proper exertion of our rational powers, our happiness may be complete.

Seeing

Seeing is that sense by which we distinguish objects. Nay, more; by it we perceive the tempers and dispositions, the passions and affections of our fellow creature, when they wish most to conceal them; so that, though the tongue may be taught to lie and dissemble, the countenance would display the hypocrisy to the discerning eye.

Feeling

Feeling is that sense by which we distinguish the different qualities of bodies, such as heat and cold, hardness and softness, roughness and smoothness, figure, solidity, motion, and extension.

Smelling

Smelling is that sense by which we distinguish odors, the various kinds of which convey different impressions to the mind. Hence, it is evident that there is a manifest appearance of design in the Great Creator's having planted the organ of smell in the inside of that canal through which the air continually passes in respiration.

Tasting

Tasting enables us to make a proper distinction in the choice of our food. The organ of this sense guards the entrance of the alimentary canal, as that of smelling guards the entrance of the canal for respiration. From the situation of both these organs, it is plain that they were intended by nature to distinguish wholesome food from that which is nauseous. Smelling and tasting are inseparably connected; and it is by the unnatural kind of life men commonly lead in society, that these senses are rendered less fit to perform their natural offices.

On the mind, all our knowledge must depend; what therefore, can be a more proper subject for the investigation of Masons? By anatomical dissection and observation, we become acquainted with the body; but, it is by the anatomy of the mind alone, we discover its powers and principles.

To sum up the whole of this transcendent measure of God's bounty to man, we shall add that memory, imagination, taste, reasoning, moral perception, and all the active powers of the soul, present a vast and boundless field for philosophical disquisition, which far exceed human inquiry, and are peculiar mysteries, known only to nature and to nature's God, to whom we are an indebted for creation, preservation, and every blessing we enjoy.

Hearing, Seeing, and Feeling * * * *

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Seven Liberal Arts & Sciences

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Grammar

Grammar teaches the proper arrangement of words according to the idiom or dialect of any particular people; and that excellency of pronunciation which enables us to speak or write a language with accuracy, agreeable to reason and correct usage.

Rhetoric

Rhetoric teaches us to speak copiously and fluently on any subject, not merely with propriety alone, but with all the advantages of force and elegance; wisely contriving to captivate the hearer by strength of argument and beauty of expression, whether it be to entreat and exhort, to admonish or applaud.

Logic

Logic teaches us to guide our reason discretionally in the general knowledge of things, and directs our inquiries after truth. It consists of a regular train of argument, whence we infer, deduce, and conclude, according to certain premises laid down, admitted, or granted; and, in it, are employed the faculties of conceiving, judging, reasoning, and disposing; all of which are naturally led on from one gradation to another, till the point in question is finally determined. This science ought to be cultivated as the foundation, or groundwork, of our inquiries; particularly, in the pursuit of those sublime principles which claim our attention as Masons.

Arithmetic

Arithmetic teaches the power and properties of numbers, which are affected by letters, tables, figures, and instruments. By this art, reasons and demonstrations are given for finding out any certain number, whose relation or affinity to another is already known or discovered

Geometry

Geometry treats of the powers and properties of magnitudes in general, where length, breadth, and thickness are considered, from a point to a line, from a line to a superficies, and from a superficies to a solid. A point is a dimensionless figure, or an indivisible part of space. A line is a point continued, and a figure of one capacity; namely, length. A superficies is a figure of two dimensions; namely, length and breadth. A solid is a figure of three dimensions; namely, length, breadth, and thickness. In fine, geometry is the foundation of architecture, and the root of mathematics.

Music

Music teaches the art of forming concords, so as to compose delighful harmony, by a mathematical and proportional arrangement of acute, grave, and mixed sounds.

Astronomy

Astronomy is that divine art by which we are taught to read the wisdom, strength, and beauty ofthe Almighty Creator, in those sacred pages, the celestial hemisphere. While we are employed in the study of this science, we must perceive unparalleled instances of wisdom and goodness; and, through the whole creation, trace the glorious Author by His works.

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Of the Moral Teachings of Geometry

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Geometry, the first and noblest of sciences, is the basis on which the superstructure of Masonry is erected. By geometry, we may curiously trace nature, through her various windings, to her most concealed recesses. By it, we discover the power, the wisdom, and the goodness of the Grand Artificer of the Universe, and view with delight the proportions which connect this vast machine. By it, we discover how the planets move in their different orbits, and demonstrate their various revolutions. By it, we account for the return of seasons, and the variety of scenes which each season displays to the discerning eye. Numberless worlds are around us, all framed by same Divine Artist, which roll through the vast expanse, and are are conducted by the same unerring law of nature.

A survey of nature, and the observations of her beautiful proportions, first determined man to imitate the divine plan, and study symmetry and order. This gave rise to societies, and birth to every useful art. The architect began to design, and the plans which he laid down, being improved by experience and time, have produced works which are the admiration of every age.

The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance, and the devastations of war, have laid waste and destroyed many valuable monuments of antiquity, on which the utmost exertions of human genius have been employed. Even the Temple of Solomon, so spacious and magnificent, and constructed by so many celebrated artists, escaped not the unsparing ravages of barbarous force. Freemasonry, not withstanding, has still survived. The attentive ear receives the sound from the instructive tongue, and the mysteries of Freemasonry are safely lodged in the repository of faithful breasts. Tools and implements of architecture are selected by the Fraternity to imprint on the memory wise and serious truths; and thus, through a succession of ages, are transmitted, unimpaired, the excellent tenets of our institution

The letter G, wherever spoken of in Masonry as a symbol, is merely a modem substitute for the Hebrew letter Yod; which was the initial of Jehovah, the Tetragammaton, and therefore constantly used as a symbol of Deity.

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Charge

My Brother, being passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft Mason, we congratulate you on your preferment. The internal, and not the external, qualifications of a man are what Masonry regards. As you increase in knowledge, you will improve in social intercourse.

It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties which, as a Mason, you are bound to discharge; or to enlarge on the necessity of a strict adherence to them, as your own experience must have established their value.

Our laws and regulations you are strenuously to support; and be always ready to assist in seeing them duly executed. You are not to palliate, or aggravate, the offenses of your brethren; but, in the decision of every trespass against our rules, you are to judge with candor, admonish with friendship, and reprehend with justice.

The study of the liberal arts, that valuable branch of education, which tends, so effectually, to polish and adorn the mind, is earnestly recommended to your consideration. Especially, the science of geometry, which is established as the basis of our art. Geometry, or Masonry, originally synonymous terms, being of a divine and moral nature, is enriched with the most useful knowledge; while it proves the wonderful properties of nature, it demonstrates the more important truths of morality.

Your past behavior and regular deportment have merited the honor which we have now conferred; and in your new character, it is expected that you will conform to the principles of the order, by steadily persevering in the practice of every commendable virtue.

Such is the nature of your engagements as a Fellow Craft Mason; and, to these duties, you are bound by the most sacred ties.

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