to prevent it; but will give
due and timely notice of all approaches of danger, if in my power.
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will dispense light
and knowledge to all ignorant and uninformed brethren at all
times, as far as in my power, without material injury to myself or
family. To all which I do most solemnly swear, with a fixed and
steady purpose of mind in me, to keep and perform the same binding
myself under no less penalty than to have my breast torn open,
and my heart and vitals taken from thence and exposed to rot on
the dunghill, if ever I violate any part of this my solemn oath or
obligation of a Most Excellent Master Mason. So help me God, and
keep me steadfast in the due performance of the same."

"Detach your hands and kiss the book."

The candidate is now requested to rise, and the Most Excellent Master
gives him the sign, grip, and word appertaining to this degree. The
sign is given by placing your hands, one on each breast, the fingers
meeting in the centre of the body, and jerking them apart as though
you were trying to tear open your breast; it alludes to the penalty of
the obligation. The grip is given by taking each other by the right
hand, and clasping them so that each compresses the third finger of
the other with his thumb. [If one hand is large and the other small,
they cannot both give the grip at the same time.] It is called the
grip of all grips, because it is said to cover all the preceding
grips. The Most Excellent holds the candidate by the hand, and puts
the inside of his right foot to the inside of the candidate's right
foot, and whispers in his ear, "RABBONI." In some Lodges the word is
not given in a whisper, but in a low voice. After these ceremonies are
over, and the members seated, some noise is intentionally made by
shuffling the feet. M. E. M.--"Brother Senior, what is the cause of
this confusion?" S. W.--"Is not this the day set apart for the
celebration of the copestone, Most Excellent?" M. E. M.--"I will ask
Brother Secretary. Brother Secretary, is this the day set apart for
the celebration of the copestone?" Secretary (looking in his
book)--"It is, Most Excellent." M. E. M.--"Brother Senior Warden,
assemble the brethren, and form a procession, for the purpose of
celebrating the copestone." The brethren then assemble (the candidate
stands aside, not joining in the procession), form a procession double
file, and march six times around the L