is side; he then clutches the third and
little fingers of his right hand; with his thumb extended at the same
time, his middle and forefingers, brings up his hand in such a manner
as to have the side of the middle finger touch the rim of the right
ear, then lets it drop, and, as it falls, brings the outward side of
the little finger of the left hand across the wrist of the right, then
lets them fall by his sides. This is the sign or due-guard of a Mark
Master Mason, and also alludes to the penal part of the obligation in
this degree. Here it is proper to remark that in the opening of any
Lodge of Masons, they commence giving the signs of an Entered
Apprentice, and go through all the signs of the different degrees, in
regular gradation, until they arrive to the one which they are
opening, and commence at the sign of the degree in which they are at
work, and descend to the last when closing. After going through all
the signs, as before described, the Right Worshipful Master declares
the Lodge opened in the following manner: "I now declare this Lodge of
Mark Master Masons duly opened for the dispatch of business." The
Senior Warden declares it to the Junior Warden, and he to the
brethren. The Right Worshipful Master then repeats a charge:
"Wherefore, brethren, lay aside all malice and guile," &c., &c.

The Lodge being opened and ready for business, the Right Worshipful
Master directs the Secretary to read the minutes of the last meeting,
which generally brings to view the business of the present. If there
are any candidates to be brought forward, that is generally the first
business. A Master Mason, wishing for further light in Masonry, sends
a petition to the Chapter, and requests to be advanced to the honorary
degree of Mark Master Mason; if there is no serious objection to the
petition, it is entered on the minutes, and a committee of several
appointed to inquire into his character, and report to the next
regular communication: at that time, if the committee report in his
favor, and no serious objection is made against him otherwise, a
motion is made that the ballot pass; if carried, the Deacons pass the
ballot boxes; these boxes are the same as in the preceding degrees.
When the balls are received, the box is presented to the Right
Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens. R. W. M.--"Clear in the
West, Brother Senior?" S. W.--"Clear, Right Worshipful." R. W.
M.--"Clear in the South, Brother Junior?" J. W.--"Clear,