In the Second Degree, the Candidate was taught the Liberal Arts, and with the knowledge gained, cultivated his Soul and was able to ascend to the Middle Chamber, where he received his wages.

At this point, the candidate has symbolically, if not actually, balanced his internal natures and shaped them into the appropriate relationship with the higher spiritual parts of himself. His physical existence has been purified and developed to a great extent. He has developed stability and solid foundations. His spiritual abilities have been sharpened and his horizons have expanded.

He is now ready to approach the gate of the Highest Degree, that of the Master Mason. His work now focuses on the cultivation of the Spirit, for the inner significance of this Degree contains some of the deepest teachings that can be acquired today.