The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

Chapter 7 - Rituals 411
When the candidate has finished, he kisses the Bible as evidence of his
sincerity, and the Worshipful Master orders his cabletow to be removed, since
they are now "holding the brother by a stronger tie" (p. 146). This means that he
finally has bound himself to Freemasonry by being obligated in the Third
Degree. He is asked what in the present situation he desires most, and answers:
"Further light in Masonry" (p. 146). The Worshipful Master has the blindfold
removed, and explains to the candidate the new constellation of the two Greater
Lights that are lying upon the Bible:
[...] you behold the three great lights in Masonry, as in the preceding
degree, with this difference: both points of the compasses are above the
square which is to teach you that you have received and are entitled to
receive, all the light that can be conferred upon or communicated to you
in a Master Mason Lodge. (p. 147)
Hereafter, the Worshipful Master imparts the secrets of the degree to the
candidate, and a catechetical question-and-answer dialogue exemplifies how to
prove himself a Master Mason when examined. The Senior Warden instructs the
candidate in the fashion to wear his apron as a Master Mason, with its flap and
corner down, and presents to him the working tools of this degree and their
meaning. After this ceremony, the candidate is re-conducted into the preparation
room, where he receives his metallic objects and his clothes back. Then follows
the second section of his initiation ceremony, the staging of the Hiramic legend.
The candidate knocks three times on the inner door, and is conducted by the
Senior Deacon west of the altar. In the ritual we have employed (1980), he is told
in advance whom he has to represent, and what will await him:
My brother, in your further progress in this degree, it will be necessary
for you to represent our ancient operative G. M . H. A., the widows
[sic!] son, who for his integrity and fidelity became eminently
distinguished, and whose name is held in high veneration by the craft. It
is for that reason you are invested with this jewel, as the appropriate
emblem or badge of his office.
You will therefore perceive that you are not yet fully invested with
all the secrets of a Master Mason, nor do I know that you will ever be;
for, like him, it will be necessary for you to give us satisfactory proof of
your fidelity [...]. In doing this your path may be beset with dangers and
difficulties, and even your life itself may be threatened. (p. 153) 1282
1282 In the more ancient rituals, this situation was explained to the candidate in a different way,
without anticipating his role or any danger for the candidate, but with reference to the ancient
customs at the building of the temple. Cf. Duncan, p. 102: "Brother, it was the usual custom of our
Grand Master, Hiram Abiff (this is the first he hears about Hiram Abiff), to enter into the
unfinished "Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies," of King Solomon's Temple, each day at high
twelve, while the craft were called from labor to refreshment, for the purpose of drawing out his
designs upon the trestle-board, whereby the craft might pursue their labors; after which, it was
further his custom to offer up his devotions to the Deity. Then he would retire at the south gate of