etc. (Upon this, guards all make sign as at opening, and leave the
room.) Then Solomon strikes twice nine, and Hiram rises--signs
reversed. Solomon knocks three times nine, and declares Lodge closed.

* * * * *

PROVOST AND JUDGE.

OPENING.--Thrice Illustrious knocks three. Marshal rises. Thrice
Illustrious says, "Brother Grand Marshal, are we all Provosts and
Judges?" Marshal. We are.

Thrice Illustrious. Your place? M. In the North.

T. I. Your business there? M. To see that the middle chamber is duly
tyled.

Thrice Illustrious says, "Attend to your duty, and inform the Tyler
that we are about to open this Lodge of Provost and Judge." (Grand
Marshal obeys.) Thrice Illustrious strikes four. Wardens rise. "Brother
Junior Warden, where is the Master placed?" Answer.--Everywhere.

Q. Why so? A. To superintend the workmen, direct the work, and render
justice to every man.

Q. What is the hour? A. Break of day, eight, two and seven. Thrice
Illustrious strikes five.--Brethren rise. Thrice Illustrious says, "It
is then time to begin our labors; give notice that I am going to open
a Lodge of Provost and Judge, by four and one." (Signs given, Master
strikes four and one--Senior Warden, four and one--Junior Warden, four
and one, and Marshal, four and one; the brethren all strike four and
one, with their hands, and the Master declares the Lodge open.)

RECEPTION.--Master of Ceremonies conducts candidate to the door, and
knocks four and one, which is answered from within by Senior Warden,
and Thrice Illustrious and Senior Warden says, "While the Provosts and
Judges are engaged in right, an alarm is heard at the inner door of
the Lodge," etc. A golden key is placed on the Bible.

LECTURE.--Question--Are you a Provost and Judge? A. I am, and render
justice to all men without distinction.

Q. Where were you received? A. In the middle chamber.

Q. How did you gain admission there? A. By four and one distinct
knocks.

Q. To what do they allude? A. To the qualifications of a Provost and
Judge, to wit: impartiality, justice, prudence, discretion and mercy;
of which the five lights in the middle chamber are also emblematical.

Q. How were these knocks answered? A. By four and one from within.

Q. What was then said to you? A. I was asked by what further right,
etc.

Q. Your answer? A. By the right of a pass.

Q. What was then said to you? A. Wait until the Thrice Illustrious is
inform