In some Lodges the following paraphrase of the above is sung; and if the Lodge have an organ, or melodeon, the singers are generally accompanied on the instrument:
“Let us remember in our youth, Before the evil days draw nigh, Our Great Creator, and his Truth, Ere memory fail, and pleasures fly; Or sun, or moon, or planet’s light Grow dark, or clouds return in gloom; Ere vital spark no more incite; When strength shall bow and years consume.”
For balance of this paraphrase, see Freemason’s Monitor, or Illustrations of Masonry, by Thomas S. Webb, p. 61.
As the Senior Deacon and candidate pass the different stations of the officers, they (the officers) sound their gavels as follows; when they pass the Junior Warden in the south the first time, he gives one rap (•), Senior Warden one rap, and Worshipful Master one rap; the second time, .Junior Warden two raps, Senior Warden two raps, and Worshipful Master two raps (• •); the third time round, Junior Warden three raps (• • •), Senior
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[paragraph continues] Warden three raps, and the Worshipful Master three raps. The Master so times his reading of the passage of Scripture, as to finish just as the parties reach the Junior Warden’s station in the south, on the third round, when they halt.
J. W.–Who comes here?
Conductor (S. D.)–Brother Gabe, who has been regularly initiated Entered Apprentice, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, and now wishes to receive further light in Masonry, by being raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason.
J. W.–Brother Gabe, is it of your own free-will and accord?
Candidate–It is.
J. W.–Brother Senior Deacon, is he worthy and well qualified, duly and truly prepared?
S. D.–He is.
J. W.–Has he made suitable proficiency in the preceding Degrees?
S. D.–He has.
J. W.–And properly vouched for?
S. D.–He is.
J. W.–Who vouches for him?
S. D.–A brother.
J. W.–By what further right or benefit does he expect to gain admission?
S. D.–By the benefit of the password.
J. W.–Has he the password?
S. D.–He has it not, but I have it for him.
J. W.–Advance and give the password.
Senior Deacon steps forward, and whispers in the Warden’s ear, “Tubal Cain.”
J. W.–The password is right. I will suffer you to pass on to the Senior Warden’s station in the west, for his examination.
Senior Deacon passes on to the west, where the same questions are asked and answered as before, and the Senior Warden suffers them to pass on to the Worshipful Master in the east, where the same questions and answers are repeated.
W. M.–From whence came you, and whither are you travelling?
S. D.–From the west, travelling toward the east.
W. M.–Why leave you the west, and travel toward the east!
S. D–In search of further light in Masonry.
W. M.–Since that is the object of your search, you will reconduct this candidate to the Senior Warden in the west, with my orders that he be taught to approach the east, the place of further light in Masonry, by three upright, regular steps, his body erect at the altar before the Worshipful Master in the east.
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The Senior Deacon then conducts the candidate to the Senior Warden in the west, and reports:
S. D.–Brother Senior Warden, it is the orders of the Worshipful Master that you teach this candidate to approach the east, the place of further light in Masonry, by three upright, regular steps, his body erect at the altar before the Worshipful Master in the east.
The Senior Warden approaches the candidate, faces him toward the east (i.e. towards the Master), and says:
Brother, you will step off with your left foot one full step, and bring the heel of your right in the hollow of your left foot; now step off with your right foot, and bring the heel of your left in the hollow of your right foot; now step off with your left foot, and bring both heels together. (See Fig. 14.)
FIG. 14. FIRST THREE STEPS IN MASONRY. S. W.–The candidate is in order, Worshipful, and awaits your further will and pleasure.
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