Book Intro – Three Distinct Knocks (c.1760)

THE

Three Distinct Knocks

Or the Door of the most

ANTIENT FREE-MASONRY,

Opening to all Men, Neither Naked nor Clothed, Bare foot, nor Shod, etc…

Being a universal Description of all its Branches,

FROM

Its first rise to this present time, as it is delivered in all Lodges:

Giving an exact account of all their proceedings in making a brother, with the three obligations or oaths belonging to the first second, and third degrees of masonry, viz. The Entered Apprentice, Fellow-craft, and Master-Mason: with the obligating on belonging to the chair, and the grip and word.

Also, full descriptions of the drawing upon the floor of the lodge, with the three steps, and a prayer used at the making of a brother; with songs to be sung after grave business is done, and the examination of a brother, whereby he may get admittance into a lodge, without going through, the obligations.

With, The Author’s Reasons for opening the Door of Masonry to all the World: Also, the Character of some Masters of Lodges at this Time.

Ву

W – O – V – n

Member of a Lodge in England at this Time.

DUBLIN:

Printed and fold by Thomas Watkinson, Bookseller and Stationer, (No. 40) Winetaver- Street, Corner of Cook-Street: Where may be had all Kind of Schoolbooks, Novels, Histories, Plays, Merchants Account-Books, with every Article in the Stationary Way.

TO
THE RIGHT
WORSHIPFUL
COMPANY
OF FAITHFUL
IRISH MASTERS
Of Number 1

And the whole fraternity which it may be of service to

SIRS,

I am obliged to dedicate my book to number I, because they are all matters, and in partnership; besides, they would be angry if I did not give them that honour; for they that are not masters, can’t be admitted: but it may be of service to the younger brothers, because it will let them into the tricks that are carried on, which you can’t come at under six or seven years, and the expense of a great-many pounds; but here you may learn it all in a month, and go and lecture as well as the best of them.

But if you belong to any lodge, you must give a shilling every quarter to Number 1, to feast their d-mn’d guts, and perhaps your family want it at home: but this family of Pluto have the impudence of the d – l [devil] , to say if you don’t send a shilling when they want it, you shall be excluded all lodges what forever: and thus there go four, or five shillings a year, you don’t know for what; besides other expenses, which is ten times as much.

I could give you a lift of expenses for one year only, would make you stare; but it does not signify, for any man that has been a mason half a year, and comes to read this book, will know what I fay to be true, and more so if he reads it out; for it will let him into things he never thought of but now he will see them as plain as possible.

Pray, brother, what is the matter that six or eight or ten brethren, that like to learn masonry, can’t meet at a brother’s house when they please and spend their six pence with pleasure and depart in peace, without wrangling and cheating one another; which too often, happens of late, by admitting of bad men, and laying charges upon them that are not honest enough to keep one tittle thereof; which I could speak of two or three who were made maters last St. John’s day, and in a month’s time turned out the most foreworn villains in the world.

Therefore, I advise all young brethren to meet as aforesaid; first at one brother’s house, and then at another, that is in the public way: for what occasion have you to be confined to any particular lodge, when you may hold a lodge where you please, and when you please; having either three, five, seven, or eleven, and as many more as you please; and thus you will be of service one to another, without sending your money to the Grand Number 1, as they call it, which they tell you is for charities: but if it be, I am afraid they make them-selves the poor: thus I advise you further that you have nothing to do with them, for they are wolves in sleeps clothing.

It was the custom among the primitive masons, and also among the primitive Christians, to visit one another; for it if laid as iron sharpens iron, so shall one man. Sharpen, another.

But me thinks I hear some young brethren say, who shall instruct us? I answer: buy this book, thou wilt have instructions enough.

But perhaps you will lay, how shall I know that it is right? Get some faithful Irishman, for two or three times, and you will soon see that this book is right; for they all understand masonry, even the lowest class of them, if they are once made; for then it is the chief of their business.

In the winter they have a little money out of the box of Number 1, to buy them a few cloths, so you may have one of them any night only paying for what he eats and drinks, for they never pay anything; but if they can lay hold of the money, they will so I charge you to take care of that, and you may do well enough with them, paying their expenses of the night: or you may have a faithful instructor from Number 1; the secretary, or the like, with one or two with him; but they must be all free, because they come to instruct the young brethren; and sometimes you must pay a coach-hire or waterage, or the like, according to the situation of the place.

Therefore, it is the best way not to be troubled with them, but as little as you can help; yet I would have you try, and you will find what I fay to be true; for it is by experience.

Could lay ten times more, but I don’t care to be too harsh; I only give you hints, whereby, with a little experience, you will find it all out, and a great deal more villainy that is carried on, and three parts of the free-masons know nothing about the matter.

For they pretended to so much holiness at first when I came to England, I thought they were. Gods, but I soon found them devils.

For at first, I found all their pretended friendship not to be real, because they had so much of it that made me sick, and I dare say some of you, brethren, have been as sick with their pretended honesty, as ever I was.

But with all their wit, they never could find me out, that I never was made a mason, or received any of following obligations; yet I have been a member of several lodges, both antient and modern, and royal arch; and have been master of some lodges in England.

I will tell you how I came at it without being made; as follows.

I am a German, born near Berlin; and being acquainted with an English family, who had a large quantity of books, and being intimate with their children, I learnt a little English, and took great delight in reading of English, books, which I could have when I would.

About the year 1740, (I was then upwards of 20 years old) as, I was a looking in my neighbour’s library, I found a pamphlet, called Masonry Dissected, [by Samuel Prichard, first published 1730] an English book; I read it with great attention, because I had heard of masonry to be a very bad thing; so I took great notice of this book, and could say it all by heart, or very near, and concluded it was the whole thing, but it was not, yet there was enough to get admittance into a lodge.

For, about two or three years after, I went to Paris I had not been there long, before I worked with a man that was a Mason, and belonged to a lodge in Paris.

We fell in discourse about masonry, (I had heard that he was one before) I asked him if he was a Free-Mason; he said you? I said I am; and he asked me where I was made, I said at Berlin.

He asked me some questions, which I answered out of the book, and happened to be right; so he shook me by the hand and called me, brother, and took me to his lodge, which I became a member of, and belonged to it whilst I said there, which was two or three years; then my business led me to England.

When I set out, they gave me a certificate, and were very sorry to part from me, but desired me to remember them to all brothers in England, which I did not forget.

I went to a Modern Lodge, as the Irish call them, whose Grand Lodge is held at the Devil Tavern, but I don’t care to mention the lodge.

They never disputed me when I showed them my certificate, for they were fond of hearing how masons proceeded in other countries, which is just the same as it is here only one thing in the Master’s part, and that I shall speak of in the Master’s part.

Then I was invited to an Irish lodge, that called themselves the most Antient Masons, and held their Grand Lodge at the Five Bell Tavern in the Strand, [London. England] which is the whole subject of this book; but the other I don’t meddle with, because there is a book already published, called Masonry Dissected, which was published in the year 1730; and I believe was all the masonry that was made use of at that time; but it is not half that is used now, though it is the nicest that was ever wrote about the matter before this.

Indeed there have been many books written about masonry but most to draw the reader’s mind from off the aforesaid book, for I have read them all that have been published these twenty years, and I never saw any masonry but in the aforesaid book.

There was one published the other day, called, A Master Key to Free Masonry, but it is not the thing, thou it is something about the mater, but so very little, that it is not worth speaking of; there is not one thing right, only some of the words, but not in their proper places.

I wonder that any man can pretend to write a book of a thing that he knows nothing of, but by picking a bit here and there.

For no man is able to speak or write this secret without he has visited lodges some years. He speaks of drawing upon the ceiling with a pencil, that shows he knew nothing of the matter, to fill people’s ceilings full of marks and scratches, which would be soon known to all the world.

All men that ever saw anything of masonry, know that their drawing is upon the floor, (and that is the reason of the mop and pale) but any man that reads my book with attention, will find it right, by his own judgment only; for I will assure you there was never such an exact account before published; which I hope will give entire satisfaction to all lovers of truth; so I shall remain,

Your most obedient
Humble Servant

W – O – V – n

N. B. The style of the aforesaid and following apologies may not be so fine as it should, but I hope the reader will excuse as I am not an Englishman; but I assure you my meaning truth and justice, and I hope will be understood.

Three Distinct Knocks

By:   Samuel Pritchard  (Author)

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

 

Recent Articles: in this series

Book Intro - The Kybalion

Unravel the secrets of the ancient Egyptian wisdom with our comprehensive guide to the Kybalion, by Three Initiates. Discover its influence on modern thought, the controversies surrounding it, and its seven profound Hermetic principles. Unlock the power of these timeless teachings to transform your understanding of life's mysteries.
 

Book Intro - The Working Tools of an Old York Master by Wilmshurst

Unlock the Secrets of Freemasonry! Dive into the profound symbolism of 'The Working Tools of an Old York Master.' Discover the hidden meanings behind the square, compass, plumb line, and more. Embark on a transformative journey of personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. Uncover the ancient wisdom that has shaped generations of Masons.
 

Book Intro - The Masonic Ladder by J Sherer

Unlock the mysteries of Freemasonry with "The Masonic Ladder" by J. Sherer - - 1876. This 19th-century guidebook takes readers on a journey through the steps of the Masonic ladder, from the basic principles of the Entered Apprentice to the highest degree of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General. Discover the symbolism, allegory, and values of Freemasonry in this timeless classic.
 

Book Intro - The London mason in the seventeenth century

The London Mason in the Seventeenth Century by Douglas Knoop offers a comprehensive examination of the lives and work of masons in the bustling city of London during the seventeenth century. The book delves into the intricacies of their craft, the socioeconomic and political forces that influenced their profession, and the role they played in shaping the architectural landscape of London.
 

Book Intro - History of Freemasonry, Gould, Robert Freke

The History of Freemasonry is a comprehensive overview of the origins, development, and evolution of Freemasonry from its ancient roots to the modern era. The book explores the fascinating history of one of the oldest and most mysterious organisations in the world, which has been the subject of much speculation and curiosity over the centuries. - by Robert Freke Gould
 

Book Intro - Daniel Beresniak Symbols Of Freemasonry

This book is a collection of the symbolic images which Freemasons encounter on their journeys of transformation.' The texts and illustrations form an intimate dialogue whose subject is Freemasonry, and which casts light on the relationship between dreams and reality, reason, intuition and imagination.
 

Book Intro - The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P Hall

The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P Hall is a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the various esoteric and occult traditions that have shaped human history. The book covers a wide range of subjects including alchemy, astrology, mysticism, and secret societies, and provides detailed explanations of the underlying principles and concepts.
 

Book Intro - Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor

Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor is an impression of the Old York Rite published in New York in 1866.
 

Book Intro - Jachin and Boaz (1762)

Thirty two years after Samuel Prichard's Masonry Dissected (1730) a second detailed exposure was published Jachin and Boaz (1762) attributed to the same author, and met with equal distain by Freemasons of the time. However, these exposures offer the masonic historian an invaluable view in to how freemasonry was conducted during its early formation
 

Book Intro - Three Distinct Knocks (c.1760)

Giving an exact account of all their proceedings in making a brother, with the three obligations or oaths belonging to the first second, and third degrees of masonry, viz. The entered apprentice, fellow-craft, and master-mason: with the obligating on belonging to the chair, and the grip and word.
 

Book Intro - A Text Book of Masonic Jurisprudence

An introduction to Albert Mackey's seminal work on Masonic Jurisprudence – the theory or philosophy of Masonic law. The Foundations of Masonic Law are to be found in the Landmarks, or Unwritten Law, and in the Ancient Constitutions, or the Written Law. These constitute the subject matter of the book.
 

Book Intro - The Perfect Ceremonies Of Craft Masonry 1871

A beautiful example of a the rituals, produced in a Medieval illuminated script style. Facsimiles still exist of this illustrated ritual book, of which the most authentically produced version is that available from the Scottish Rite Masonic Book Club.
 

Book Intro – Freemasonry; when, where, how?

Introduction to Freemasonry; when, where, how? By George Thornburgh
 

Book Intro - Origin Of The Royal Arch

An introduction to the Origin of the Royal Arch, through the eyes of the English nineteenth century masonic author Dr G Oliver (1782–1867)
 

Book Intro – Symbolical Masonry

Symbolical Masonry is a treasure-house of Masonic lore, including discussions of key concepts of the first three degrees, along with an extensive study guide.
 

book intro - Portrait Gallery

This month we look at – 'A portrait gallery, with biographical sketches of prominent freemasons throughout the United States'
 

book intro - The Mystic Tie

Extracted and abridged from The Mystic Tie: Or, Facts and Opinions, Illustrative of the Character and Tendency of Freemasonry By Albert Mackey,
 

Book intro - Constructive Psychology

The introduction to Constructive Psychology or The Building Of Character By Personal Effort by J D Buck a masonic author
 

book intro - Cagliostro: the splendour and misery of a master of magic

Preface to the book by William Rutherford Hayes; Cagliostro: the splendour and misery of a master of magic
 

book intro - Origin of the Rosicrucians and the Free-Masons

Historico-Critical Inquiry into the Origin of the Rosicrucians and the Free-Masons – Thomas De Quincey
 

Book Intro - The Genius of Freemasonry

The Genius of Freemasonry: “Has any brother anything to offer for the good of Masonry?” The following pages are the author’s answer to that question.
 

Book Intro - The Spirit of Masonry

An essential source for anyone interested in exploring the inner mysteries of the Masonic Fraternity.
 

Book intro - History of Freemasonry

Introduction to a classic masonic book by J. G. Findel, History of Freemasonry published 1866
 

Book intro - Ahiman Rezon

The Book of Constitutions for the Ancient Grand Lodge or Ahiman Rezon
 

Book Intro- The Men's House

A short introduction to The Men's House, a collection of masonic papers and addresses
by Joseph Fort Newton
 

Book Intro - The Builders

This is a general survey of Masonic origins, history and philosophy. It was at one time given to every new Mason in Iowa.
 

Book Intro - The Discrepancies of Freemasonry

Written almost 150 years ago, this book contains wisdom still relevant today.
 

Book Intro - The Principles of Masonic Law

"The first great duty, not only of every lodge, but of every Mason, is to see that the landmarks of the Order shall never be impaired".
 

Book Intro - Mystic Masonry

Published in 1911, this fascinating book is equally relevant for the 21st century Mason with an interest in the more mystical side of Freemasonry.
 

Book Intro - Hidden Life of Freemasonry

Introduction to The Hidden Life in Freemasonry (1926) by Charles Webster Leadbeater
 

Book Intro - The Symbolism of Freemasonry

Introduction to a classic masonic book; The Symbolism of Freemasonry: Illustrating and Explaining Its Science and Philosophy, its Legends, Myths and Symbols.
 

Book Intro - The Meaning of Masonry

This is the Introduction to The Meaning of Masonry, a set of essays which discuss the esoteric side of Masonry
 

Book Intro - Illustrations of Masonry

Introduction to Illustrations Of Masonry by William Preston (1742-1818)
 

masonic knowledge

to be a better citizen of the world

share the square with two brothers

click image to open email app on mobile device

Masonic Apparel

made to order

Share this article ....

Contents