d Apprentice, served a proper time as such; passed to the
Fellow Craft; raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason; and now
wishes further light in Masonry, by being advanced to the more
honorable degree of a Mark Master Mason.

Q. What further was said to you from within? A. I was asked if it was
of my own free will and accord I made this request; if I was duly and
truly prepared; worthy and well qualified; had wrought in the
quarries, and exhibited specimens of my skill and proficiency in the
preceding degrees; all of which being answered in the affirmative, I
was asked by what further right or benefit I expected to gain this
favor.

Q. Your answer? A. By the benefit of a pass-word.

Q. What was that pass-word? A. JOPPA.

Q. What did it allude to? A. The city of Joppa, the place where the
materials were landed for building king Solomon's Temple, after being
prepared in the forest of Lebanon, and carried there on floats (by
sea). [Masonic tradition informs us that the banks of this place are
so perpendicular that it was impossible to ascend them without
assistance from above, which was effected by brethren stationed there,
with this strong grip; this has been explained; which, together with
the word JOPPA, has since been adopted as a proper pass to be given
before entering any well-regulated Lodge of Mark Master Masons.]

Q. What further was said to you from within? A. I was bid to wait till
the Right Worshipful Master in the East was made acquainted with my
request and his answer returned.

Q. When his answer was returned, what followed? A. I was caused to
enter the Lodge.

Q. On what did you enter? A. On the edge of the engraving chisel,
under the pressure of the mallet, which was to demonstrate the moral
precepts of this degree, and make a deep and lasting impression on my
mind and conscience.

Q. How was you then disposed of? A. I was conducted four times
regularly around the Lodge and halted at the Junior Warden's in the
South, where the same questions were asked, and answers returned as at
the door.

Q. How did the Junior Warden dispose of you? A. He ordered me to be
conducted to the Senior Warden in the West, where the same questions
were asked, and the same answers returned as before.

Q. How did the Senior Warden dispose of you? A. He ordered me to be
conducted to the Right Worshipful Master in the East, where the same
questions were asked, and answers returned as before; who likewise
demande