FELLOW CRAFT OPENING PRAYER

Great Architect of the Universe, help us to remember that wherever we are or
whatever we do, Thine All-Seeing Eye is upon us.  May we continue to act together as
faithful craftsmen, and never fail to discharge our duty toward each other, and to
Thee, with fervency and zeal.

So mote it be.        Amen.





FELLOW CRAFT SCRIPTURE

**
"Thus He showed me: and behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumb-line,
with a plumb-line in His hand.

**
And the Lord said unto me, Amos, what seest thou?  And I said, a plumb-line.  

**
Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumb-line in the midst of my people Israel: I
will not again pass by them any more.

Amos vii 7,8





FELLOW CRAFT WORKING TOOLS


The working tools of a Fellow Craft are the plumb, square and level.

The plumb is an instrument made use of by operative masons to raise perpendiculars,
the square to square their work, and the level to lay horizontals, but we, as free and
accepted Masons are taught to make use of them for more noble and glorious purposes;
The plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations before God and
man; squaring our actions by the square of virtue, remembering that we are traveling
upon the level of time to that undiscovered country, from whose bourne no traveler
returns.       





THE LETTER G


Geometry, the first and noblest of sciences, is the basis on which the superstructure of
masonry is erected.  By geometry we may curiously trace nature through her various
windings to her most concealed recesses. By it we may discover the power, the
wisdom and the goodness of the Grand Artificer of the universe and view with delight
the proportions which connect this vast machine.

By it we may discover how the planets move in their different orbits and demonstrate
their various revolutions.  By it we account for the return of seasons, and the variety
of scenes  which each season displays to the discerning eye.  Numberless worlds are
around us, all framed by the same Divine Artist, which roll through the vast expanse,
and are all conducted by the same unerring law of nature.

A survey of nature and the observation on her beautiful proportions first determined
man to imitate the divine plan and study symmetry and order.  This gave rise to
societies and birth to every useful art.  The architect began to design, and the plans
which he laid down, being improved by experience and time, have produced works
which are the admiration of every age.

The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance and the devastations of war have laid
waste and destroyed many valuable monuments of antiquity on which the utmost
exertions of human genius have been employed.  Even the temple of Solomon, so
spacious and magnificent, and constructed by so many celebrated artists, escaped not
the unsparing ravages of barbarous force.  Freemasonry, notwithstanding, has still
survived.  The attentive ear receives the sound from the instructive tongue, and the
secrets of freemasonry are safely lodged in the repository of faithful breasts.  Tools
and implements of architecture, and symbolic emblems, most expressive are selected
by the fraternity to imprint upon the mind wise and serious truths;  thus, thru a
succession of ages, are transmitted unimpaired, the most excellent tenets of our
institution .

FELLOW CRAFT CHARGE


Brother- being passed to the second degree of Masonry, we congratulate you on your
preferment.  The internal, and not the external qualifications of a man, are what
Masonry regards.  As you increase in knowledge, you will improve in social
intercourse.

It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties which as a Mason you are bound to
discharge, or enlarge on the necessity of a strict adherence to them, as your own
experience must have established their value.  Our laws and regulations you are
strenuously to support, and be always ready to assist in seeing them duly executed.  
You are not to palliate or aggravate the offences of your brethren; but in the decision
of every trespass against our rules, you are to judge with candor.

The study of the liberal arts, that valuable branch of education which tends so
effectually to polish and adorn the mind, is earnestly recommended to your
consideration; especially the science of geometry, which is established as the basis of
our art.  Geometry, or Masonry, originally synonymous terms, being of a divine and
moral nature, is enriched with the most useful knowledge; while it proves the
wonderful properties of nature, it demonstrates the more important truths of morality.

Your past behavior and regular deportment have merited the honor which we have
now conferred; and in your new character it is expected that you will conform to the
principles of the Order, by steadily persevering in the practice of every commendable
virtue.  Such is the nature of your engagement as a Fellow Craft, and to these duties
you are bound by the most sacred ties.





FELLOW CRAFT CLOSING PRAYER


Most Glorious Lord God, we invoke Thy Divine blessing upon the labors of this hour.
As we grow in numbers, may we grow in strength.  May the corn of nourshiment, the
wine of refreshment and the oil of joy strengthen us, that we may be faithful craftsmen
in the quarries of life.  May we so labor that our work will be accepted of Thee and
that Thou wilt grant unto us a place in that temple not made with hands, eternal in the
heavens.                             

So mote it be.          Amen.               
F.:C.: Section
Balfour Lodge #188 AF & AM
Chartered December 2, 1856 - Grand Lodge of North Carolina
Balfour Masonic Temple
632 Sunset Ave.
Asheboro, NC  27203
(336) 625-5363
info@balfourlodge.com
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