Book of the lodge and Aphorisms

By G. Oliver. Distributor: Lulu. $29.99. 216 pages. Paperback CQ. 2016 (1864).

“It was reserved for Oliver to open out for the English Masonic student the great storehouse of Masonic antiquity. Perhaps no one writer has so much contributed to literature in so short a time as did Oliver; and we must fairly concede to him the credit of awakening a love of Masonic study in England, and of being the father of Anglo-Saxon Archaeological investigation.” Bro. Woodford. 1900.

Divided into two sections, this work offers (1) rituals of building and works and (2) Ritual of work or 'Aphorisms. The first part covers comparison of the rites practised by ancient and modern Brethren. The second covers maxims and precepts which may confirm our adherence to the laws and usages of the Craft, and elevate the tone of our Masonic life.

The added annex includes a review of the work by Crucifix, along with a suggested list of G. Oliver's works and a list of over 100 references (26 original and 93 new ones).

Labour is the rule in Masonry, refreshment the exception.

 Content

PART THE FIRST. RITUAL OF BUILDING

Chapter I. What is Masonry!

Tendency of the Order | Mistaken Opinions | Symbolical Masonry Defined | First Definition — Sciential | Arts Taught by Masonry | Masonic Discoveries in Central America | Second Definition — Moral | Its Application | Rule and Government of Passions Instanced | Third Definition — Cosmopolitical | Fourth Definition — Benevolence | Fifth Definition— Know Thyself | Fidelity | Tendency of the Spurious Freemasonry | Discipline | Sixth Definition — Religious | Seventh Definition — A Tongue of Good Report | Eighth Definition — Not Sectarian | The Mark Degree Quoted | Ninth Definition — Symbolical | Singular Fate of Pythagoras | Legend of the Spurious Freemasonry | Tenth Definition — Christianity | The Temple of Solomon a Type of Our Lodges | Universality of Christian Masonry | Its Progress Unimpeded by Hostility | Degrees in all known Secret Institutions Enumerated | The Secrets of Masonry Incommunicable;

Chapter II. The Lodge

The Lodge a Microcosm | Just, Perfect, and Regular | Freemasonry Instituted for the Practice of Good Manners | Form and Extent | Useless until Ceremonially Opened | Various Methods of Opening a Lodge | Valley of Jehosaphat | The Mosaic Pavement | The Symbolical Floor | The Blazing Star | The Cloudy Canopy | The Pedestal | The Fixed Lights | Punishment of a Cowan | Where a Lodge may be Lawfully Held | Extent of the Lodge Illustrated;

Chapter III. Plans and specifications

The Utility of Ceremonies | Exhibited to the Dead | Instructions for the Erection of a Masonic Hall | The Plan | The Architect | The Situation | The Capacity | Position of the Windows | The Roof | The Dimensions | The Entrances | The Crypts or Closets | Chapel for the Dead | The Moveable Trap-door;

Chapter IV. The Foundation-stone

Proper Time for Levelling the Foot-stone | Commencement of the Work | Copy of the Dispensation | Visitors | Arrangements for Laying the First Stone | Examinations | The P.O. Master’s Address to the Brethren | Sprinkling the Veil | The Procession | Instructions | Arrival at the Site of the Intended Building | The P.G. Master’s Address to the People | The Ceremonies Detailed | Com, Wine, Oil, and Salt | Com, a Symbol of the Resurrection | Wine, of Cheerfulness and Joy | Oil, of Prosperity and Happiness | Salt, of Hospitality and Fidelity;

Chapter V. The decorations

Embellishment of a Lodge-room | The Curtains | The Pillars | The Screen | The Pedestal | The First Great Light Displayed | The Gallery | Sound Judgment | The Ornaments | Pictures, Statues, and Transparencies | Gorgeous Embellishments of Foreign Lodges | The Floor Cloth | Effects of Initiation;

Chapter VI. The name

The Helvetian Ceremonies Quoted | Appropriate Names | Names from Christian Saints | Precedency of Lodges | Importance of the Name | Ruhammah | Credulity Respecting Names | Fortunate Names | Improper Names | Names of Lodges in Germany | Origin of the Names of Lodges | Period when first Imposed;

Chapter VII. Ceremony of installing a Provincial Grand Master

Office of a P.G. Master Explained | Duties of his Deputy | His Staff of Officers | The P.G. Master’s Charge | Ceremony of Installation Detailed | The P.G. Master Introduced | Beading the Patent | The Address | Laws Relating to P.G. Masters | Ancient Charges | The Pledge | The Prayer | The Installation | The Emblem;
Chapter VIII. Ceremony of Dedication and Consecration
Preliminary Arrangements | The Preparation | Opening of the Lodge | The Procession Detailed | Arrangement of the Lodge Furniture | Ladies Admitted | The Dedication Anthem | Adjournment to the Church | Instructions for the Ceremony | Order of Procession | Return to the Lodge | The Prayer of Benediction | The Architect Resigns his Tools | The Formula of Dedication | The Oration | Procession Round the Lodge | The Invocation—Salt | The Invocation—Com | The Invocation—Wine | The Invocation—Oil | The Lodge Solemnly Consecrated | Concluding Address;

PART THE SECOND. RITUAL OF WORK

Chapter I. A century of masonic aphorisms

Importance of Discipline; Rejection of Candidates; Inefficient Management;

The aphorisms — 1. Definitions; 2. Perversion of Silence; 8. Duties; 4. Benefits; 5. Know Thyself; 6. Regular Attendance; 7. Lodge-room; 8. Incompetency; 9. Punctuality; 10. Duties; 11. Obedience; 12. Disobedience; 13. Disturbances; 14. Rule and Obey; 15. Envy; 16. Levity; 17. Disputes; 18. Level and Square; 19. Cowans; 20. Brotherly Love; 21. Offensive Expressions; 22. Peace; 28. A Cowan Pumping; 24. Social Customs; 25. Avoid Disputes; 26. Indolence; 27. Art of Pleasing; 28. Love of Masonry; 29. The W.M.; 30. A True Mason; 31. Silence; 32. Boasting; 33. Refreshment; 34. Contention; 35. Safeguard; 36. A Just Master; 37. Taciturnity; 38. Bear and Forbear; 39. Ridicule; 40. The Cardinal Virtues; 41. The Moral Jewels; 42. Excellence; 48. Versatility; 44. S.W. and T; 45. Ostentation; 46. Intemperance; 47. Masonic Fruits 1; 48. Wisdom; 49. Labour and Refreshment; 50. Allegories; 51. Faults and Virtues; 52. The Rough Ashlar; 58. Flattery; 54. Assumption of Superiority; 55, Errors; 56. Apathy; 57. Trifles; 58. Uprightness; 59. Excellence; 60. Despising; 61. Negative and Positive; 62. Castigation; 63. The Senses; 64. The Same; 65. A Man of a Thousand; 66. Impertinent Curiosity; 67. Dress; 68. Chalk, Charcoal, and Clay; 69. Keep your Lodge Select; 70. A Disgraceful Action; 71. Eloquence; 72. Ornaments; 73. W.S. and B.; 74. Symbols; 75. Success and Failure; 76. Procrastination; 77. Turbulence; 78. Selfishness; 79. The Key; 80. Art of Speaking; 81. Mischief-making; 82. The Third Degree; 88. Experience; 84. How to Study Masonry; 85. The Circle; 86. Defence of Character; 87. Moroseness; SS. False Praise; 89. The Middle Chamber; 90. Decorum; 91. Study; 92. Emulation; 98. Memory; 94. An Impetuous Brother; 95. Anger; 96. Perjury; 97. Animosities Reconciled; 98. Repentance; 99. Irregularities; 100. Benign Influence of Masonry;

Chapter II. The Pillar of Wisdom

Fraternal Union | Form of Government | Constitutions and Landmarks | The Rulers and Governors | The Master-spirit | His Qualifications and Duties | Privileges and Responsibilities | Consequences of an Imprudent Choice of the Master | Tact and Prudence | The Secret of Good Government | Proceedings of the Lodge | The By-Laws | Fines and Punishments | Duties of the Wardens | Private Conversations Forbidden | Disputes Disallowed | Punctuality in Opening the Lodge | Payment of Fees;

Chapter III. Installation of a W. Master

Innovations and Irregularities to be Avoided | Respect due to the Landmarks | Choice of Candidates | Three Black Balls | Peace, Harmony, and Brotherly Love | Ceremony of Installation | The installing Master’s First Address | The Ancient Charges Read | The Pledge | The Fellow Crafts Retire | Board of Installed Masters Opened | The Prayer | The Installing Master’s Second Address | The Installation Completed;

Chapter IV. Pillars of Strength and Beauty

Duties of the Wardens | Their Places in the Lodge | The Senior Warden’s Duties | Rules the Lodge in the Absence of the Master | The Junior Warden’s Emblem | The Moveable Jewels | Both Members of the Grand Lodge | Cannot be Displaced | The Office of Deacon | When First Instituted | Continental Officers | Duties of the Members;

Chapter V. The Tracing Board of AN E.A.P.

Examination of the English Tracing Boards | Progress of a Candidate | Compared with the Reception of the Early Christians | Placed in the North-East | A Lecture on the Tracing Board | Form, Extent, and Situation of the Lodge | The Three Pillars | The Working Tools | The Key | The Ashlars | How Explained on the Continent | The Ladder | The Seven Stars;

Chapter VI. The Tracing Boards of Fellow Craft and Master Mason

The Winding Staircase | Jephtha and the Ephraimites | The Passage of the Jordan | The Steps of the Winding Staircase | The Middle Chamber | The Working Tools of a Fellow Craft | How Explained on the Continent | The Queen of Sheba | The Holy Place | The Two Pillars Illustrated | Tracing Board of the Third Degree | Symbolism | The Cherubim | The Funeral Service | Ritual over the Coffin | The Prayer | Procession to the Place of Interment | The Central Cavity | The Working Tools Explained | The Ornaments | The Sprig of Cassia | The Resurrection of the Dead;

Chapter VII. Labour and refreshment

Lodges in the last Century | How Decorated | Practical Appointments | Refreshment during Lodge Hours Superseded | Office of the Pillar of Beauty | The Call to Refreshment | Ancient Customs | Song and Toast | The Old Gothic Constitutions 2 | Laws of King Ahasuerus | The Libels of Hogarth | Temperance of the Old Masons | Refreshments Forbidden in the United States | The Imparity of Water | The Vines of Palestine | Intoxication Reprobated;

[Annexes]
[Crucifix’s Review];
[Works by G. Oliver];
[Works cited];