Q. Give me the history of this degree.  A. After the body of Hiram Abiff had been found, Solomon, pleased with having an opportunity of paying a tribute of respect to the memory of so great and good a man, ordered the noble Adoniram, his Grand Inspector, to make the suitable arrangements for his interment; the brethren were ordered to attend with white aprons and gloves, and he forbade that the marks of blood which had been spilled in the temple, should be effaced until the assassins had been punished.  In the meantime, Adoniram furnished a plan for a superb tomb and obelisk of white and black marble, which were finished in nine days.  The tomb was entered by passing between two pillars, supporting a square stone surrounded by three circles; on the stone was engraved the letter J. On the tomb, was a device representing a virgin, etc. (as in third degree).  The heart of Hiram Abiff was enclosed in a golden urn, which was pierced with a sword to denote the desire of the brethren to punish the assassins.  A triangular stone was affixed to the side of the urn, and on it were the letters J. M. B., surrounded by a wreath of cassia.  This urn was placed on the top of the obelisk which was erected on the tomb.  Three days after the interment, Solomon repaired with his court to the temple, and all the brethren being arranged as at the funeral, he directed his prayer to heaven, examined the tomb and the inscription on the urn:  struck with admiration, he raised his hands and eyes to heaven, and said in the joy of his heart, “It is accomplished and complete.”

Q. Where was this monument situated?  A. Near the west end of the temple.

Q. What is meant by the letter J. on the square stone?  A. Jeva.  The ineffable name as known by us.

Q. What is meant by the letters J. M. B. on the triangular stone?  A. They are the initials of the three Hebrew words, Joshagn, Mawkoms, Bawheer—­signifying “the elect sleeps in his place.”

Q. What is signified by the pyramids in the Lodge?  A. Pyramids were used by our Egyptian brethren, for Masonic purposes.  Being built on rocks, they shadow forth the durability of Masonry.  Their bases were four-cornered, their external surfaces equilateral triangles, pointing to the four cardinal points.  The pyramidical form is also intended to remind us of our mortality.  Its broad base represents the commencement, and its termination in a point, the end of human life.

Closing.—­Master strikes two.—­Marshal rises.  Master says, “The last as well as the first care,” etc., as in opening.

* * * * *

INTIMATE SECRETARY.

Opening.—­Most Illustrious Master knocks nine.—­Marshal rises.

Master says, “Are we all Intimate Secretaries?” Answer—­We are, Most Illustrious.

Q. Your place?  A. In the anti-chamber at the head of the guards.