the next morning, and raising the cubic stone descended into the cavern with a ladder of ropes, by the light of torches, where no sooner had the last descended, than the nine arches fell in upon them.  Solomon hearing of this accident, sent Gibulum, Joabert and Stokin to inform themselves more particularly of the matter.  They departed at break of day, and upon their arrival at the place, could discover no remains of the arches, nor could they learn that one single one of all those who had descended escaped the destruction.  They examined the place with diligence, but found nothing except a few pieces of marble, on which were inscribed certain hieroglyphics; these they carried to Solomon, and related what they had seen.  King Solomon examining these hieroglyphics, discovered that these pieces of marble were part of one of the pillars of Enoch.  Solomon ordered these pieces of marble to be carefully put together and deposited in the sacred vault.

Q. What followed?  A. The Most Potent gave me the mysterious characters of this degree, which were engraved on the triangle of Enoch.

Closing.—­Most Potent knocks seven (Grand Marshal rising), “the last as well as the first care,” etc.  Most Potent knocks eight, and Junior Warden rises.  “Brother Junior Warden, what is the hour?” A.  “The setting of the sun.”  Most Potent knocks three times three, and companions all rise.  “Brother Junior Warden, give notice,” etc.  Signs.

Most Potent knocks three times three, Junior Warden three times three, and Companions three times three, with their hands, and Most Potent declares Chapter closed.

* * * * *

GRAND ELECT, PERFECT, AND SUBLIME MASON.

Opening.—­Most Perfect knocks three (Grand Marshal rises), “Are we all,” etc.  Most Perfect knocks five, and Junior Warden rises.  Most Perfect says, “Brother Junior Warden, what is the hour?” Ans.  “High twelve.”

Q. What do you understand by high twelve?  A. That the sun has gained its meridian height, and darts its rays with greatest force on this Lodge.  Most Perfect says, “It is then time that we should profit by its light.”  Most Perfect knocks seven, and Senior Warden rises, and Most Perfect says, “Venerable Brother Senior Warden, what brings you here?” A. My love of Masonry, my obligation, and a desire for perfection.

Q. What are the proper qualities for acquiring it?  A. Frequent innocence and benevolence.

Q. How are you to conduct in this place?  A. With the most profound respect.

Q. Why is it that men of all conditions assembled in this place are called brethren, and are all equal?  A. Because the ineffable name puts us in mind that there is one being superior to us all.