Page 80 - LESTER'S LOOK TOTHE EAST
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S.D. By an ear of corn hanging near a water-ford.
J.W. From whence originated this word?
S.D. In consequence of a quarrel between Jephtha, judge of Israel,
and the Ephraimites, the Ephraimites having long been a turbulent and
rebellious people, whom Jephtha sought to overcome by lenient
measures, but without effect. They being highly enraged at not being
invited to fight and share in the rich spoils of the Ammonitish war,
gathered together a mighty army; Jephtha also gathered together all
the men of Gilead, gave them battle and put them to flight. And in order
to make his victory more complete, he placed guards at the several
passes of Jordan, and commanded that if any should attempt to pass
that way, to demand of them, say now Sh--------. But they, being of a
different tribe, could not frame to pronounce it right, and said S------—.
This they did proving themselves enemies, and it cost them their lives.
And there fell at that time of the Ephraimites forty and two thousand.
Since which time this word has been adopted as a regular word to gain
admission into all regular and well governed Lodges of Fellow Crafts.
J.W. Give me the token of the pass.
S.D. Gives the token of the pass.
J.W. Your pass and token of the pass are correct. You may now pass
on through the outer door of the middle chamber.
S.D. My brother, we are now approaching a place representing the
inner door to the middle chamber, which we shall find guarded by the
Senior Warden.
They pass around the Junior Warden's station and proceed to the
Senior Warden's station in the West. Upon arriving there the Senior
Deacon gives three knocks upon the floor with his rod.
S.W. to S.D. Who comes here?
S.D. to S.W. A Fellow Craft on his way to the middle chamber.
S.W. How does he expect to gain admission?
S.D. By the grip and word of a Fellow Craft.
The Senior Deacon gives them, and then follow five questions and
answers which refer solely to the grip, etc.
S.W. Your grip and word are correct. You may pass within the inner
door.
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