It is very singular that a man so celebrated as Hiram Abiff was, and arbiter between Solomon, King of Israel, and Hiram, King of Tyre, universally acknowledged as the third most distinguished man then living, and in many respects, the greatest man in the world, should pass off the stage of action, in the presence of King Solomon, three thousand, three hundred grand overseers, and one hundred and fifty thousand workmen, with whom he had spent a number of years, and neither King Solomon, his bosom friend, nor any other among his numerous friends, even recorded his death, or anything about him.

A person who has received the two preceding degrees, and wishes to be raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, is (the Lodge being opened as in the preceding degrees) conducted from the preparation room to the door (the manner of preparing him is particularly explained in the Lecture), where he gives three distinct knocks, when the Senior Warden rises and says, “Worshipful, while we are peaceably at work on the third degree of Masonry, under the influence of humanity, brotherly love, and affection, the door of our Lodge appears to be alarmed.”  The Master to the Junior Deacon, “Brother Junior, inquire the cause of that alarm.”  The Junior Deacon then steps to the door and answers the three knocks that have been given by three more (the knocks are much louder than those given on any occasion, other than that of the admission of candidates in the several degrees); one knock is then given without, and answered by one from within, when the door is partly opened, and the Junior Deacon asks, “Who comes there?  Who comes there?  Who comes there?” The Senior Deacon answers, “A worthy brother, who has been regularly initiated as an Entered Apprentice Mason, passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft, and now wishes for further light in Masonry, by being raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason.”  Junior Deacon to Senior Deacon, “Is it of his own free will and accord he makes this request?” A.  “It is.”  Junior Deacon to Senior Deacon, “Is he worthy and well qualified?” A.  “He is.”  Junior Deacon to Senior Deacon, “Has he made suitable proficiency in the preceding degree?” A.  “He has.”  Junior Deacon to Senior Deacon, “By what further rights does he expect to obtain this benefit?” A.  “By the benefit of a pass-word.”  Junior Deacon to Senior Deacon, “Has he a pass-word?” A.  “He has not, but I have it for him.”  Junior Deacon to Senior Deacon, “Will you give it to me?” The Senior Deacon then whispers in the ear of the Junior Deacon, “Tubal Cain.”  Junior Deacon says, “The pass is right; since this is the case, you will wait till the Worshipful Master be made acquainted with his request, and his answer returned.”  The Junior Deacon then repairs to the Master, and gives three knocks, as at the door; after answering which, the same questions are asked and answers returned, as at the door; when the Master says, “Since he comes endued with