Duncan's Ritual of Freemasonry.pdf - FatimaMovement

"My worthy brother of Tyre, as the Master's word
is now lost, the first sign given at the grave, and
the first word spoken, after the body is raised,
shall be adopted for the regulation of all Masters'
Lodges, until future generations shall find out the
right."
Treasurer--Agreed.
All now form in a circle around the body, the
Master and
p. 117
Wardens at the head, when the Master makes the
sign of "distress" of a Master Mason, which is
done by raising both hands and arms above the
head. (See grand hailing sign of distress, Fig. 7,
p. 18.) As the Master makes this sign, he says:
"O Lord my God, I fear the Master's word is
forever lost!"
I would remark here, that in some Lodges the
Master does not make the sign of distress first at
the body, but only gives the sign of a Master
Mason, which is done by drawing the right hand
across the body, with the thumb inward. (See sign
of a Master Mason, Fig. 6, p. 18.) After the sign
is made, the whole party commence marching
around the body with the sun, singing the
following dirge; and, if the Lodge has an organ or
melodeon, it is played on this occasion, in a very
solemn and impressive manner.
[paragraph
continues]