Day 71 out of 100 to Learn Masonic Ritual and we continue our learning of the Third Degree. Yesterday we covered the Third Degree Exhortation. You may remember yesterday that I said this piece can often be performed in Lodge by a Past Master. Well, guess what…?
Learning Masonic Ritual, Day 71 of 100: Exhortation – Again
Yes, we are doing the Exhortation in the Third Degree Raising Ceremony (pages 180-182 in my book of Emulation Ritual) again today. Yes, I know I said that it can often be done by a Past Master, but it turns out that in Kennet Lodge it’s tradition not to start the outsourcing until the Fifteen Fellowcrafts to avoid having to replace the Master in the Chair. (The Fifteen Fellowcrafts and onwards can be performed on the floor or the Lodge so the Master can remain seated through-out).
To explain my confusion, when discussing Lodge Ritual the current Master (who will be my IPM) and Lodge Secretary it was said that the general rule of thumb is the Master should stay in the Chair and perform the ritual himself up to, and including, the Obligations in each Degree. After that the other work (Charges, Tracing Boards, Working Tools, etc) can be given to Past Masters without office, or Master Masons who want experience at floor-work. Of course, it would be preferable if the Master performed it all (as in Lodge of Emulation) but for a Master who lacks in confidence or is getting defeated by the workload they can concentrate their efforts on smaller portions.
Should the Ceremony be repeated whilst they are in the Chair they can add-on some off the Ritual they missed the first time around. This rule of thumb is slightly bent in the Third Degree for the reason of keeping the Master in the Chair for the duration as discussed above. Therefore, this means we are doing the Exhortation again today, because if it’s likely I’m doing, it’s likely you are too! If in doubt contact your IPM, DC or Lodge Secretary.
I closed yesterday saying the Exhortation is four paragraphs, but these can sub-divided. Let’s look at that:
Paragraph 1: a) Following the Obligation the Candidate is entitled to secrets of the degree b) Call attention to previous degrees c) Distinguish and appreciate their connection
Paragraph 2: a) Symbolism and representation of the First Degree b) Benefit of charity and helping others c) To “bend with humility” and generally be purified
Paragraph 3: a) The Second Degree leads to more intellectual pursuits b) Unveiling the principles of nature and science c) Leads you to contemplate you final hour of existence.
Paragraph 4: a) The Third Degree invites you to reflect on this b) Why the just and virtuous man need not fear it c) The noble death of HA To be fair, learning this (even after breaking it down) is going to come down to brute force and repetition, but knowing the breakdown will help the structure, and should enable to you “busk it”, or at least ad-lib a few words with confidence on the night if so required.
Even if you are certain you aren’t doing it whilst you are in the Chair I recommend studying the Exhortation for two reasons: It details what the point of each degree is, the whole three degrees are summarised in four paragraphs. Knowing the meaning behind what you are doing helps you to understand, and hence, learn it.
You may need to do it as IPM or the year after; so if you are going to have to learn it at some point, why not at least make a start on it now so you have plenty of time to absorb it.