SANCTION. GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. Providence July 7, A. L. 5802. THE subscribers, having been appointed a committee to examine publication by companion THOMAS S. WEBB, entitled, "THE FREEMASON'S MONITOR," beg leave to report, that, having attended to the subject of their appointment, they are of opinion, that the said publication is replete with useful Masonic Information, and is fully entitled to the sanction of this grand chapter. JOHN CARLILE, R. A. K. JOSEPH TILLINGHAST, R. A. C. Whereupon resolved unanimously, That this Grand Chapter recommend the aforesaid work to the attention and study of all the members of the fraternity to whom the same may come. EXTRACT FROM THE RECORDS, AMOS T. JENCKES, Grand Secretary. PREFACE. THE following work, although chiefly intended for the use of the ancient and honourable sóciety of Free and Accepted Masons, is also calculated to explain the nature and design of the Masonic institution, to those who may be desir· ous of becoming acquainted with its principles, whether for the purpose of initiation into the society, or merely for the gratification of their curiosity. The observations upon the first three degrees are many of them taken from Preston's 'Illustrations of Masonry,' with some necessary alterations. Mr. Preston's distribution of the first lecture into six, the second into four, and the third into twelve sections, not being agreeable to the mode of working in America, they are differently arranged in this work. It is presumed that all regular Lodges, and Royal Arch Chapters, will find it a useful assistant and Monitor; inasmuch as it contains most of the Charges, Prayers, and Scripture Passages, made use of at our meetings, and which are not otherwise to be found, without recourse to several volumes. This often occasions much delay in the recitals, produces many irregularities in their distribution, and sometimes causes important omissions. The whole are here digested and arranged in such order, through the several degrees, from the Entered Apprentice to the Royal Arch Mason, that they may be easily understood; and, by a due attention to their several divisions, the mode of working, as well in arrangement as matter, will become universally the same. This desirable object will add much to the happiness and satisfaction of all good Masons, and redound to the honour of the whole fraternity. CONTENTS. PART L BOOK 1. CHAP. II. Origin of Masonry, and its general advantages III. The importance of the Secrets of Masonry demonstrated Ceremony of Opening and Closing a Lodge γ. Charge used at Opening a Lodge Prayer used at Closing the Lodge PAGE. 13 15 17 19 20 23 ib. 24 VI. Charges and Regulations for the Conduct and Behaviour of Masons Ancient Charges. On the Management of the Craft in Working Laws for the Government of the Lodge Charge on the Behaviour of Masons out of the Lodge ib. VII. Pre-requisites for a Candidate 28 Form of a Petition to be presented by a Candidate for Ini- 29 Declaration to be assented to by a Candidate, in an adjoin- |