The following "test-oath and word" were invented and adopted by the
"Grand Lodge" of the State of New York, at their Session in June,
1827, for the purpose of guarding against BOOK Masons. They are given
in a Master's Lodge. They were obtained from a gentleman in high
standing in society, and among Masons, but a friend to Anti-Masonry.
He was a member of the "Grand Lodge," and present when they were
adopted.

A person wishing to be admitted into the Lodge, presents himself at
the door; the Tyler (or some brother from within) demands or asks, "Do
you wish to visit this Lodge?" The candidate for admission says, "If
thought worthy." TYLER--"By what are you recommended?" ANS.--"By
fidelity." TYLER says, "Prove that;" at the same time advances and
throws out his hand or arm to an angle of about forty-five degrees
obliquely forward, the hand open, and thumb upward. The candidate then
advances, and places the back of his LEFT HAND against the PALM of the
Tyler's RIGHT HAND--still extended puts his mouth to the Tyler's ear
and whispers, L-O-S, and pronounces LOS.

TEST-OATH.--"I, A. B., of my own free will and accord, in the
presence of Almighty God, solemnly and sincerely promise and swear
that I will not communicate the secret test-word, annexed to this
obligation, to any but a true and lawful Master Mason, and that in
the body of a lawful Lodge of such, in actual session, or at the
door of a Lodge, for the purpose of gaining admission; under the
penalty of being forever disgraced and dishonored as a man, and
despised, degraded, and expelled as a Mason."

* * * * *

FOURTH, OR MARK MASTER'S DEGREE.

CEREMONIES USED IN OPENING A LODGE OF MARK MASTER MASONS.

One rap calls the Lodge to order; one calls up the Junior and Senior
Deacons; two raps call up the subordinate officers; and three, all the
members of the Lodge. The Right Worshipful Master having called the
Lodge to order, and all being seated, the Right Worshipful Master says
to the Junior Warden, "Brother Junior, are they all Mark Master Masons
in the South?" Junior Warden answers, "They are, Right Worshipful." R.
W. M.--"I thank you, brother." R. W. M.--"Brother Senior, are they all
Mark Master Masons in the West?" Senior Warden--"They are, Right
Worshipful." R. W. M.--"They are in the East." At the same time gives
a rap with the mallet which calls up both Deacons. R. W. M.--"Brother
Junior, the first care of a