The Graham Manuscript E. John T. Acaster PM, Quatuor Coronati Lodge 2076 (E.C.) Past President, Manchester Association for Masonic Research

In the study of the evolution of Freemasonry the Graham MS is Special and unique; describes not ‘Constitutions’ but ‘INSTITUTIONS’ of Free Masonry’ Ranks in importance with the earliest set of ‘Old Charges’ Is itself early (mid-17th century?) and long Outlines ritual in places, plus traditional legends Has broad horizons and offers explanations for many symbolic elements Has great depth, requiring careful understanding

How should we assess it? The start of Graham can be compared to that in three other texts All concur in slightly different forms with the opening statement that: ‘All our signs is taken from the square’ A fourth text also exists of the start, set in rhyme (not yet published) Each of these four can usefully be compared None is copied from any other so different versions must have been circulating, presumably variants from a missing original

Opening teaching (combined and modernised) 1st Observe that all our signs is taken from the square according to every subject in handling. The Salutation is as follows. Qu. From whence came you? Ans. I came from a right worshipful lodge of Masters & Fellows belonging to God and Holy St. John who doth greet all true and perfect brothers of our holy secrets as I do if I find you to be one. Resp. & Qu. I greet you well brother; what is your name? Resp. & Instr. Answer J, and the other to say his is B. Instr. & Qu. The examination follows: How shall I know you are a free mason? Ans. By true words, signs and tokens from my entering. Qu. How were you made a mason? Ans. By a true and perfect Lodge. Qu. What is a perfect Lodge? Ans. The centre of a true heart. Qu. But how many masons was so called? Ans. Any odd number from 3 to 13. . . . Qu. What was the first step towards your entering? Ans. A willing desire to know the secrets of free masonry.

A later key section Qu. What was you sworn to? Ans. To heal and conceal our secrets. Qu. What other tenours did your Oath carry? Ans. To obey God and all true squares made or sent to me from a brother, never to steal lest I should offend God and shame the square, never to commit adultery with a brother’s wife nor tell him a wilful lie, and not to design any unjust revenge upon him, but love and relieve him as far as you can, not hurting myself too far.

Summary of Major Points Graham is famed for describing the raising of Noah, not Hiram. Is it eccentric, a ‘one-off’? Graham certainly has startling features, for instance 12 Great Lights instead of 3. Its instruction ends with Strength, Beauty, and the new command, Love. “All being finished then was the secrets of free masonry ordered aright as now and will be to the end of the world for such as do rightly understand it—in three parts in reference to the blessed Trinity who made all things yet in 13 branches in reference to Christ and his 12 apostles. . .’ The heroes are: Christ the chief and Cornerstone; Peter called Cephas Moses who cut the Commands; Bazalliel the best of Masons; Hiram who was filled with wisdom and understanding. (Noah seems to have been a special but incidental figure in the story.)

Summary of Major Points cont. Three progressive grades are mentioned, entering, passing, and raising, plus a special one of conformation by three several Lodges for those deemed worthy of obtaining a ‘trible voice’. Graham points to ‘knowledge of God contracted in the square’—never shame the square! Beyond this ideal spiritual morality one can even perceive the original Royal Secret (and why it is Royal); something precious obtainable by true and perfect (excellent) Masters of the Craft by their conformation and individual humility and prayer—receiving thereby no less than the genuine and full secrets of a Master Mason!