holder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market place, and said unto them, go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, why stand ye here all the day idle ? They say unto him, because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right, that ye shall receive. So, when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny; but when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more, and they likewise received every mau a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the good man of the house, saying, these last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have · borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last for many be called, but few chosen."-Matt. xx, 1-16. CHAPTER II. PRESENT OR PAST MASTER'S Degree. General Remarks. THIS degree should be carefully studied and well understood, by every Master of a Lodge. It treats of the government of our society, the disposition of our rulers, and illustrates their requisite qualifications. It includes the ceremony of opening and closing Lodges in the several preceding degrees; and also the forms of installation and consecration. It comprehends the ceremonies at laying the foundation stones of public buildings, and also at dedications and at funerals, by a variety of particulars explanatory of those ceremonies. Section First. This section contains the form of a petition for letters of dispensation, or a warrant of constitution for a Lodge, empowering them to work. The ceremonies of constitution and consecration are considered, with the form of a Grand Procession. FORM OF A PETITION FOR A CHARTER OR WARRANT TO ESTABLISH A NEW LODGE. To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Your petitioners respectfully represent, that they are ancient, free, and accepted Master Masons. Having |