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

Chapter 7 - Rituals 645
guessed that the candidate is made to stand with his bare feet on the points of
sharp swords, which, of course, are only made of rubber.
The lesson has ended, and the candidate has to hear some more expositions.
The proffer of the Sixth Senator to suffer in his stead was an example of the
highest type of friendship, such as Damon and Pythias had for one another.
Confidence, as the candidate had by undertaking the test of steel, is an outgrowth
of friendship. Now, the candidate has to grasp the hilt of the sword which rests
on the book of law, and repeat the obligation. After that, he receives the
necessary instruction and passwords, all printed in a very secure cipher, ____. He
is explained the sign of B, which stands for benevolence. Finally, he is made to
kneel on his right knee and created a Pythian knight. The Chancellor
Commander strikes him lightly on the left shoulder with the flat of the sword
blade, saying "Be friendly (one blow), be cautious (one blow), be brave (one
blow)". 1600 He then is invested with the "insignia of Knighthood" (p. 111).
Jewels of a Subordinate Court of Knights of Pythias
Chancellor Commander Vice Chancellor Past Chancellor
Prelate Keeper of Records and Seal Master of Exchequer
1600 Although we understand from the manual and text-book that F, C, and B designate friendship,
charity, and benevolence, here another, more "knightly" interpretation is given.