Masonic Monitor of the Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason

This Monitor, prepared by Past Grand Master George Thornburgh, having been approved by the Custodians of the Work, the Grand Lecturer and myself, I do recommend the use of the same to all the lodges in Arkansas.

JOHN T. HICKS, GRAND MASTER.

PREFACE AND DEDICATION.

The demand of the craft throughout the State for a practical working Monitor of the three degrees, arranged in conformity with the work in this jurisdiction, culminated in the adoption, by the Grand Lodge of 1902, of the following resolution:

"Resolved, That Brother George Thornburgh be requested to prepare a Monitor which shall be adopted as the Monitor of this Grand Lodge. When the proposed Monitor is approved by the Custodians of the Work, the Grand Lecturer, and the Grand Master, the Grand Master shall be authorized to recommend it to the lodges."

This Monitor has been prepared in obedience to that resolution. The book is the child of my heart and mind. A love for the cause inspired its preparation. It goes to the craft with my earnest prayers that it may cause a more general and closer study of the beautiful ceremonies of the first three degrees, which are the foundation of all true Freemasonry. I dedicate the book to the Masons of Arkansas, who have so often and so kindly honored me above my merit.

GEO. THORNBURGH.

Little Rock, Ark, Sept. 1, 1903.

PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION

On the 20th of October, 1903, the first edition of one thousand Monitors was placed on sale. I supposed I would probably dispose of them in the course of a year, but to my surprise, by December 20 they were all sold. I placed the second edition of one thousand on sale February 24, 1904, and by June 15 they were gone. Evidently the Monitor fills a long felt want.

It was prepared especially to conform to the work in this jurisdiction. It may be studied with profit by every Mason, whether he be an officer or not. The youngest Entered Apprentice will find it helpful and useful in assisting him to fix upon his mind those beautiful first lessons. The officers from Master of Ceremonies to Worshipful Master will find it convenient and indispensable in the performance correctly of the beautiful ceremonies of the institution.

I am gratified beyond expression at the cordial reception the Monitor has received from the craft.

It is commended in the highest terms by the best workers in the State. Here are only a few of the hundreds of endorsements sent me.

Grand Master Hicks: "It is the best Monitor to be found for Arkansas Masons."

Grand Lecturer Oathout had the manuscript sent to his home that he might very carefully examine it, and he wrote: "I have carefully examined the manuscript of your Monitor twice over and cheerfully give my endorsement, believing it to be the best Monitor I have ever seen. I believe your work will be appreciated by the Craft in Arkansas when they examine the Monitor."

Brother G. W. DeVaughan, Custodian of the Secret Work: "I am very much pleased with it."

Brother W. M. Kent, the other custodian of the Secret Work: "Good; I want another copy."

Our Senior Past Grand Master G. A. Dannelly, who was so long the Grand Lecturer, says: "I have read it carefully. In my judgment it is the best Monitor I ever saw. I heartily congratulate you on being the author of such a book. I recommend it to all the lodges. It would be well if every member would supply himself with a copy."

Past Grand Master R. H. Taylor: "I have carefully reviewed it from opening to conclusion. It is a work of great merit, concise and clear, free and easy of style. It is not alone valuable and useful as a guide to Arkansas Masons, but to Masons everywhere. In fact if adopted by other Grand Jurisdictions, would simplify and beautify Masonic work. Every Mason in the State should own and study the Arkansas Monitor."