Q. What was the intention of Solomon in instituting this degree?  A. To strengthen the means of preserving order among such a vast number of workmen; the duty of Provosts and Judges being, to decide all differences that might arise among the brethren.

Q. Who was the first that was made Provost and Judge?  A. Joabert being honored with the intimate confidence of King Solomon, received this new mark of distinction.  Solomon first created Tito, Adoniram, and Abda, his father, Provosts and Judges, and gave them orders to initiate Joabert into the mysteries of this degree, and to give him all the keys of the temple, which were inclosed in a small ivory box suspended in the Sanctum Sanctorum, under a rich canopy.  When Joabert was first admitted into this sacred place, he was struck with awe, and involuntarily found himself in a kneeling posture, and said, Beroke; Solomon observing him, said Kumi, which signifies to rise.

Q. Whence came you as a Provost and Judge?  A. I came and am going everywhere.

Closing.—­Thrice Illustrious Master knocks three (Marshal rises) and says, “Brother Grand Marshal, the last as well as the first care of Provost and Judge?” Answer—­To see that the middle chamber is duly tyled.—­“Attend to your duty, and inform the Tyler that we are about to close this Lodge of Provosts and Judges by four and one.”  Marshal reports.  Thrice Illustrious strikes four.  Wardens rise, and Master says, “Brother Senior Warden, what is the hour?” Ans.—­Break of day, 8, 2 and 7.

Q. Brother Junior Warden, how so?  A. Because Provosts and Judges should be ready at all times to render Justice.  Thrice Illustrious knocks four and one, and brethren all rise.  Signs reversed given.  Thrice Illustrious strikes four and one, Marshal four and one, Junior Warden four and one, and Senior Warden four and one, and then all the brethren strike four & one with their hands, and Thrice Illustrious declares Lodge duly closed.

* * * * *

INTENDANT OF THE BUILDINGS (OR I. B.).

Opening.—­Most Puissant knocks three (Marshal rises) and says, “Brother Grand Marshal, are we all I. B.?” Answer—­We are, Most Puissant.

Q. Your place?  A. In the north.

Q. Your business there?  A. To see that the Lodge is duly tyled.—­“Attend to your duty, and inform the Lodge that we are about to open a Lodge of I. B. by the number five.”  Marshal obeys.  Most Puissant knocks four, and Wardens rise.—­Q.  Brother Senior Warden, what is the hour?  A. Break of day.—­Most Puissant knocks five, and brethren all rise.  Most Puissant says, “If it is break of day, it is time to begin our labors; give notice that I am going to open a Lodge of I. B.”  Senior Warden obeys.  All make signs.  Most Puissant knocks five, Senior Warden five, Junior Warden five, and brethren five, with their hands; and Most Puissant declares the Lodge open.