The Perfect Mason

Q. Why these three numbers?

A. To represent the three first grades of Maçonnerie Masonry of which this one is composed, and in which you know the three numbers are employed.

Q. What does the green ribbon worn by Perfect Masters signify?

A. This color, which is particular to the Very Sublime grade of Perfect, is the symbol of the hope and the desire that we must have for celestial goods.

Q. Please teach us what the attribute is that hangs from this ribbon?

A. A gold sun.

Q. What relationship do the sun and gold have with our Very Sublime Grade?

A. The sun being the most perfect of all luminous beings, and gold the purest of all metals, these two things essentially characterize the grade of Perfect Master.

Q. What does the crown signify that is placed upon the head of the Recipiendaire candidate?

A. The crown being a mark of empire, it shows the authority that the Perfect Master must exercise over his passions.

Q. What do the garlands of flowers represent that surround the throne of the Very Sublime Exercising Officer?

A. They are the symbol of the gentleness of our government and remind us of the first age of the world where a perpetual spring reigned.

Q. Very Sublime Exercising Officer, forgive my curiosity, could you tell us why there is no tracing board nor lodge drawn in our Sublime Grade?

A. My brother, it is to teach us that the brilliant apparatus that excites the admiration of candidates in the three first grades is only the bark of Masonry, and that it is necessary to apply these sensible objects to morality and the practice of virtues if one wishes to arrive at perfection.

Q. What is the sign of a Perfect Master?

A. He joins both hands while saying, "Here it is."

Q. What does this sign represent?

A. The union and perfect equality that reigns among us.

Q. Allow me to ask you, Very Wise Exercising Officer, in what our equality consists in particular?

A. In that there are no fixed masters or officers who have inspection over the brothers, but that each of us exercises the charges in turn.

Q. Very Sublime, this manner of governing appears singular, deign to teach us upon what it is founded?

A. Upon a precept of J. Ch. Jesus Christ who says: "Do not seek to be called master, for you have only one master who is God, and you are all brothers." Matthew, chapter XXIII, verses 8 and 10.

Q. But what rank can the Very Sublime Exercising Officer hold after having presided among us?

A. He becomes the last of all and the servant of the brothers, for it is written: he who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted.

Q. Would you now please show us how the grip of the Perfect Master is given?

A. He gives it to the Brother Orator and the Brother Secretary.