Note: In 1986 The Grand Lodge of England removed the candidate's
speaking out of the traditional physical penalties. However they are
still within the wording, only more subtly. The pledge now states 'Do
you likewise pledge yourself that you conceal what I shall now impart to
you with the same strict caution as the other secrets in masonry?'
The worshipful master explains to the candidate '..to the symbolic
penalty at one time included in the Obligation in this degree (as
below) had he improperly disclosed the secrets entrusted to him,
which implied that, as a man of honour a Fellow Craft Freemason would rather have had
the left breast laid open, the heart torn out and given to the birds of
the air or the devouring beasts of the field' and in an exchange with the Senior
Warden when he asks the candidate to what does it allude the candidate
answers ..'the symbolic penalty of the degree, which
implied that, as a man of honour, a Fellow Craft FreeMason would rather have had his
heart torn from his breast than improperly disclose..etc'
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