The Perfect Mason

Q. What does the mosaic pavement represent?
A. The variety of the tiles, which all tend toward the same point of view, is the image of the different characters united by the laws of Masonry.
Q. What does the blazing star placed in the center signify?
A. It teaches us that all our actions must be enlightened and animated by the torch of charity.
Q. What do the indented tassels that decorate its exterior represent?
A. They are the symbol of the good example that we owe to all our brothers, both outside the lodge and in the midst of our assemblies.
Q. Very Excellent Brother Introducer, by how many lights is the Master’s lodge illuminated?
A. By nine.
Q. What do the lights signify, the number of which increases with each grade?
A. They represent the progress we must make on the path of virtue as we acquire new knowledge.
Q. Why is mention made of the death of our Very Respectable Master Hiram the architect of Solomon's Temple in the Master’s lodge?
A. To show us that the righteous have been persecuted by the wicked in all times, and that God sometimes permits them to be victims in order to serve as an example to their brothers.
Q. What reflection do you make on the three wretches who committed this attack?

A. Their crime teaches us how attentive we must be in the choice of recipiendaries candidates for initiation, and that Masonry is only so divulged today because of the excessive ease with which subjects who were unworthy of it have been admitted.
Q. What fruit must we draw from the constancy of our said master, who preferred to suffer death rather than reveal the Master’s word to his assassins?
A. His example must strengthen us in the resolution we have taken to admit among us only good brothers, truly worthy of the name of Mason and capable of fulfilling all its duties.

Next, the Brother Assistant, in the name of the brothers, speaks and says: Very Wise presiding officer, nothing can be more beautiful than what you have just taught us regarding Masonry. Would you be so kind as to instruct us likewise on the Very Sublime Grade of Perfect Master?

The Very Wise presiding officer replies: Very Estimable brother, we are all equal here, so you may propose your difficulties to me and I will try to satisfy you.

Very Sublime presiding officer, since you give me the power and permission, I will speak on behalf of the brothers:
Q. Dare I ask you how many lights there were in our Very Sublime Grade?
A. My dear brother, there were 3... 6... 9...