Page 34 - MML - Journal - Centenary Edition - Vol. 01 / 2023

communicated in writing". It is unlikely that he had introduced a legend unknown to the then Brethren.
Bro. Harry Mendoza in his paper, "The Words of a Master Mason" presented in Quatuor Coronati Lodge (Vol.102 A.Q.C. 164) has urged that "The earliest definite evidence, we have of a Third Degree is in 1725....although we have no evidence of a Third Degree prior to 1725, there are hints of some things we associate with that Degree. In particular, the five points of fellowship and some form of word.”
We also find in Masonic literature that at certain period the lost secrets were sought to be recovered by raising the dead. Graham Manuscript of 1726 mentions about the legend that after Noah died, his sons attempted to get the secrets by raising the corpse of Noah. On reopening the grave one son exclaimed there is still marrow in it. The other said it is dry bone and the third exclaimed, "it stinketh". Careful reasoning may pronounce that any attempt to obtain the secrets from the dead, after severe decomposition had set in is either abnormal or unwise. The rationale of such a practice is also rather difficult to understand. Some of the authors had opined that the Lost Word could not have been recovered by such a procedure, but that, what was indicated was a genuine attempt to regain the long-lost secrets by proving worthy to receive such secrets. The available literature thus indicate that the present Third Degree had evolved over a time and became established some 2 or 3 decades after the formation of the Grand Lodge in England in 1717.
Bro. Harry Mendoza has convincingly pointed out that out of the 12 Masonic manuscripts between 1700 and 1730, seven had specific Christian references. At some time the builder that was slain was said to be Jesus. That view was propounded by Bro. William Hutchinson in his book "Spirit of Freemasonry", published in 1775. We find a
reference in Matthew. 16:18, that, "But I say also unto thee, that Thou art Peter and upon this Rock, will I build My Church". We are all builders and symbolically our Master helps us to be living stones in that great edifice not built with human hands, but eternal in heaven. In that view Bro. Hutchinson's view does not appear to be totally incorrect. We also find that scriptures mention about resurrection and the immortality of the soul, which form some of the important tenets of freemasonry. The expression that there is yet marrow figuratively means there is goodness or the vital part or the essence and that was indicative of the fact even though Noah was dead and buried, his bones retained his righteousness and goodness. It is written in the First Book of Peter that the flood of the time of Noah prefigured the water of the baptism, "which brings salvation"[and possibly peace] "through the resurrection of Jesus Christ". The ritual teaches us about the rising of that bright Morning Star, whose rising brings peace and salvation to the faithful and the obedient of the human race. It certainly reflects the teachings in the scriptures.
The second expression "a dry bone" has been used in the Holy Bible. Ezekiel 37 found a plain full of dry bones. He was directed by God to invoke “Come O wind, from every quarter and breathe life into those slain that they come to life. The spirit of God brought flesh and life to those dry bones.” As regards the third expression "It stinketh", we find in St. John 11:39 mentioning about the raising of Lazarus, his sister Martha was directed by Jesus to remove the stone closing the cave in which the body of Lazarus was kept and Martha replied, “Lord, by this time he stinketh, for he hath been dead four days”. She however carried out the command and the Lord called out Lazarus and he came out. The above- mentioned Biblical portions had been incorporated to emphasize that the righteous will be given a new life and immortality. But they gave way to the Hiramic Legend having
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A Publication of Madras Masters Lodge No. 103, GLI
Madras Masonic Journal Vol. 01 / 2023 - Centenary Year Edition