orthy brother, asking a
favor, before you deny him make diligent search, and be quite sure of
your inability to serve him; perhaps you will then find, as in the
present instance, that some unknown person has befriended you, and you
are really in a better situation than you think yourself." The
candidate then rises and is made acquainted with the grips, words, and
signs of this degree. The pass-grip of this degree is made by
extending the right arms and clasping the fingers of the right hands,
as one would naturally do to assist another up a steep ascent; the
pass-word is "JOPPA;" the real grip is made by locking the little
fingers of the right hand, bringing the knuckles together, placing the
ends of the thumbs against each other; the word is "Mark well." The
signs have been described. After the grips, words, and signs are given
and explained (see Lectures), the Master says, "Brother, I now present
you with the tools of a Mark Master (here he points them out in the
carpet, or in the chart), which are the chisel and mallet; they are
thus explained: The chisel morally demonstrates the advantages of
discipline and education; the mind, like the diamond in its original
state, is rude and unpolished, but as the effect of the chisel on the
external coat soon presents to view the latent beauties of the
diamond, so education discovers the latent beauties of the mind, and
draws them forth to range the large field of matter and space, to
display the summit of human knowledge, our duty to God and man. The
mallet morally teaches to correct irregularities, and to reduce man to
a proper level; so that by quiet deportment, he may, in the school of
discipline, learn to be content. What the mallet is to the workmen,
enlightened reason is to the passions; it curbs ambition, it depresses
envy, it moderates anger, and it encourages good dispositions, whence
arises among good Masons that comely order,

'Which nothing earthly gives, or can destroy,
The soul's calm sunshine, and the heartfelt joy.'"

The Worshipful Master then delivers a charge to the candidate, which
completes the ceremony of advancement to this degree.

* * * * *

CEREMONIES GENERALLY GONE THROUGH IN CLOSING A LODGE OF MARK MASONS.

The Worshipful Master says, "Brother Junior Warden, assemble the
brethren, and form a procession for the purpose of closing the
Lodge." The brethren then assemble and commence a circular march