Collectanea, volume 11, part 1

A volume of a periodical of the Grand College of Rites of the United States of America published in 1977, with volume title, "The early Grand Rite of Scotland twenty-eighth degree to forty-fourth degree," which continues the work from volume 10, part 3.

THE EARLY GRAND RITE OF SCOTLAND TWENTY-EIGHTH DEGREE to FORTY-FOURTH DEGREE VOLUME 11 PART 1 Published by the Grand College of Rites of the United States of America THE EARLY GRAND RITE OF SCOTLAND [Continued from Volume10, Part 3] TWENTY-EIGHTH DEGREE called THE PILGRIM (The Pilgrim is the Twenty-eighth Degree of the E.G. Rite, and is conferred in an Encampment of K.T., to which degree it is introductory, occupying, in fact, a position towards it similar to that of the Ex. and Super Ex. towards the Royal Arch. The Cand. represents a religious devotee of the Middle Ages, whose conscience being pricked by remorse for acts which were but too prevalent in this day of broil and bloodshed, resolves by making a pilgrimage to those places in the Holy Land associated in the popular belief with the Saviour's suffering, to clear the page ofhis pastlife of all stain. He is dressed in a loose robe girt round the waist with a cord, a Palmer's hat on his head, a burden onhis back, sandals on his feet, a staff in his hand, and hoodwinked. The Encampment being duly opened, The Cand. is led to the door by the Conductor, who gives **-*#*-##*_#** ) Herald. - There is a report at the door, your Eminence. E.C. - See who comes? and, if found worthy. admit the applicant in due form. Herald. - Who comes here? Cond. - A pilgrim penitent traveling from afar, who wishesto visit the sacred places endeared to himby his religion, and to cast the sins and follies of a life-time at the foot of the Cross where his Saviour suffered. 17 THE COLLECTANEA he professes Herald. - How am I to know that he is what | himself to be? Enter, and listen to the instructions of the Kt. Marshall M. - Pilgrim, the undertaking upon which you have entered you will find to be a difficult and a trying one, and one which will tax your powers ofenduranceto the uttermost. I do not saythis to discourage you, far fromit, for manyas the difficulties are which are to be surmounted, and trying the hardships to be endured, the goal, when reached, will more than compensate for the difficulty in reaching it. And now, Pilgrim, let me recommend you to put your trust in Him who in His own bodyoffered up the expiatory sacrifice on Mount Calvary, and so wish you God speed upon your journey. (The Cand. is conducted round the Conclave over various obstacles put in his way, to the keeper of the First Caray anserai, or resting-place for Pilgrims; same questions as at door First K. - Pilgrim, I greet you. Silver and gold have | none, such asI have give I untoyou- (gives Cand. alittle salt orbitter stuff). On our pilgrimage throughlife we must all, if we wish to succeed, practice self denial, and accustom ourselves RITE Accustomed as you have been from the outset to encounter difficulty, you experience less the roughness of the way. H. - Let him advance andgiveit. (Cond. gives G Cond. - The pass is correct. "GRAND not to us, but such as I have give I unto you - (gives bread and water). pass. Cond. - Byhis being in possession of the Pilgrim's BARLY to humiliation, in a good cause. We must expect to taste ofthe bitterness oflife before we taste the sweets, which can onlybe In like manner the palate, tampered by the bitter sweets of adversity; better appreciates the comparative sweets of mediocrity. The slight advance you have made will the more encourage you to proceed, and so I wish you God speed upon your journey. (Further pilgrimage, but no difficulty, stopping at Third Keeper.) Third K. - Pilgrim, I greet you. The worst of your pilgrimage is now over, and the goal for which you havestriven appears in view. You have tasted the bitter though wholesome cup of adversity, and have already made some advance to a better condition, and now suchofthe sweetsofthis life as I have give I unto you - (gives wine and fine bread). And now, Pilgrim, in the hope that this further advancewill stimulate you tostill greater exertions, I wish you God speed towards the completion of your journey. (Cand. is nowled to the altar, where on the H.B. is placed a skull and cross-bones, with a cross placed upright. This is called "Golgotha.'" While Cand. advances Prelate reads John xix. 16-18. Upon reaching the E. the C. asks and receives the same answers as at door.) E.C. - Let him advance, and, placing hands uponthe S. and H.B., take the O.B. OrsBe earned by conscious rectitude and untiring struggles in the cause I, A.B., do promise and swear, in presence of God and these of well-doing. Pilgrim, I wish you God speed uponyourjourney. emblems of mortality, that I will never unlawfully disclose the (Furtherpilgrimage, but not so difficult, stoppingat Second Keeper.) Second K. - Pilgrim, I greet you. Worldly affluence belong 18 secrets of the degree of a Pilgrim; that I will never confer this degree, or be present at the conferringofit in Scotland, unless it be in a K.T. Encampment held under the authority of the 19 COLLECTANEA E.G.M.E. of Scotland, coming under noless penalty than my skull split at the joining. E.C. - Kiss the emblems. Let the Pilgrim be brought to Light. (Whenthe Pilgrim is brought tolight, it is so arrangedthat, as he sees Golgotha, the burden falls from his back). E.C. - You here behold Mortality resting upon Divinity - a H.S. upon the H.B. Let this ever remind you that a faithful reliance on the truths herein revealed will afford you consolation in the gloomy hours of death, and assure your inevitable happiness in the world to come. Thesecrets of this degree consist of a sign, made thus ( ), which, as well as the grip, given thus( ), refers to the joinings on the topoftheS., and also to the penalty of the O.B. The wordis ( ), and should remind you ofthe sacrifice there consumated. TWENTY-NINTH DEGREE called KNIGHT TEMPLAR (The Knight-Templar is the Twenty-ninth Degree of the E.G. Rite. It is the principal and ruling degree of the Black ot EncampmentSeries. The meeting is called an Encampment, the Symbolof which is a Triangle, and is opened as follows:) OPENING E.C. - Sir Kt., assist me to resume our duties by openingthis Christian Encampment of H.K.T. Sir Kt. Central Captain, what is the first duty of K.T. in Encampment assembled! C.C. - To see the Christian Encampment properly guarded 20 THE EARLY GRAND RITE without and within, and the sentinels placed at the avenues of entrance. E.C. - You will see that it is so, and that the Christian Encampmentis properly secure. C.C. (giving sign). - Your orders shall be obeyed, your Eminence, in this as in every other lawful command. (C.C. goes to door, gives ***-*#*.*#*_**> answered by Sentinel, and reports.) C.C. - Your Eminence, the Sentinals guard the avenues of approach, the Encampmentis secure and all is well. E.C. - Sir Kt. Standard Bearer, your place in the Encampment? S.B. - In the centre of the Sir Knights, on the right of his Eminence. E.C. - Your Christian duty when there placed? S.B. - To bear and wave the Standard of the Orderin the presence of his Eminence, to defend the same with mylife if necessary, and obey all and every other lawful command I may receive from his Eminence. E.C. - Sir Kt. Sword Bearer, your place in the Encampment? S.B. - At the immediate door of Entrance, and opposite his Eminence on the throne. E.C. - Your Christian duty while there placed? S.B. - To allow noneto pass in or out of the Encampment but such as are duly authorized to do so, and to obeyall and every other lawful command I mayreceive from his Eminence. E.C. - Sir Kt. Conductor, your place in the Encampment? Cond. - At the foot of the Kts., on the left of his Eminence. E.C. - Your Christian duty when there placed? Cond. - To prepare all Pilgrims, and assist them in visiting the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem, and to obey all and every other 21 COLLECTANEA lawful command of his Eminence. E.C. - Sir Kt. Receiver, your place in the Encampment? R. - At the foot of the Sir Kts. on the right of his Eminence. E.C. - Your Christian duty when there placed? R. - To examineall visitors, and, after examination, if found worthy, to deliver them to the Ushers for presentation tohis Eminence, andto obeyall and every commandofhis Eminence. E.C. - Sir Kt. Central Captain, your place in the Encampment? C.C. - Between the Marshall and Capt. General, and opposite his Eminence on the throne. E.C. - Your Christian duty when there placed? C.C. - To receive orders from the M. and C. General, and diffuse the same throughout the Encampment, to see the Sentinels placed, and the Encampment properly guarded, andto obey all and every other lawful command of his Eminence. E.C. - Sir Kt. Capt. General, your place in the Encampment? C.G. - In the S.W., and in the command of the Sir Kts. in that column. E.C. - Your Christian duty when there placed? C.G. - As Christ arose at High Meridian, and ascended into Heaven, bearing glad tidings to the believing world, in remembrance thereofit is the duty of the Capt. General to preside in the South W.., to call the Sir Kts. fromthe field to refreshment, that the E.C. may have the pleasure and the Sir Kts. the profit consequent. E.C. - You have a second duty. Whatis it? M. - To receive and dispatch all general orders from the E.C. to the C.G., and to see them punctually obeyed, and to obey all and every other lawful command of his Eminence. 22 THE BAR LY (GRAND "RITE E.C. - Sir Kt. Past. Com., where is the E.C.'s place in the Encampment? P.C. - In the East, your Eminence. E.C. His Christian duty while there presiding? P.C. - As it is evident that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the light of whose Gospel has illuminated the whole world, spring from the East, in remembrance thereofit is the E.C.'s duty to preside in the E., to superintend, govern, and regulate his Christian Encampment, by projecting schemes and plans for its general welfare, to see that all orders and distinctions are preserved and duly executed, to order, to sound the alarm, to call the Knights from refreshment to the field, and to open his Christian Encampment. E.C. - Sir Kt. Companions, by virtue of my authority as E.C. of this regularly warranted Encampment of H.K.T., registered NOws.i5.- on the Registry of the E.G. Mother Encampment of Scotland, I now, in memory of our gracious Emmanuel, our Prophet, Priest, and King, declare this Christian Encampment of H.K.T. open for the dispatch of such business as may come regularly before it. Brn., be sober, and watch for your adversary the Devil, who goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Him resist, and be strong in faith. But Thou, O Lord, have mercy on us they servants and soldiers. (Gives K.,M.C.-G_-H.,, and_S. same;) RECEPTION (The Cand. is prepared as a Pilgrim, only he has no burden on his back. A scallop shell is in his Palmer's hat. The Cond. takes him to the door and gives ***-***-**##_** ) (Herald, blowing horn, gives alarm within, and Central Capt. reports.) C.G.., (giving sign) - Your Eminence, there is an alarmat the the outposts. 23 COLLECTANEA the E.C. - You will cause the proper officer to ascertain cause, and report. every F.C. - Your Eminence's shall be obeyed onthis as on m, alar of se other lawful occasion. Sir Kt. Receiver, see the cau and report to his Eminence. esthis (R., going to door and opening it slightly) - Whocaus alarm? Cond. - A worthy Pilgrim, who, having visited the sacred shrines and holy places, and offered up his devotions wherehis Saviour suffered, hearing of a K.T. Encampment inthis place, humblysolicits the privilege offinding rest within the Veils of the Temple. R. - Howam I to knowthat he is what he professes to be? Cond. - Byhis being in possession of that pass known only to those who have performed the pilgrimage. R. - Let him advance and give it. (Gives G......a.) R. - I will report your desire to his Eminence. R. - Your Eminence, a worthyPilgrim. (same as at the door.) E.C. - Let him be admitted and conducted in proper form to the Asylum. R. - Your Eminence's commands. (Pilgrim is admitted and conducted to the first Veil, the Captain of which asks.) C. of Ist V. - Who comes here? Who approaches the Ist Veil of the Temple? (Cand. answers same as at door.) C. of Ist V. - How does he expect to enter within the 1st Veil of the Temple? Cond. - By benefit of the p.w. belonging to that Veil. C. of Ist V. - Advance and give it. (Gives ).1 24 THE VEAR DY GRAND "RITE acknowledge the correctness of the word. Enter within the 1st Veil. (The Cond. with Pilgrim, then pushes his way through the Blue Veil, and, proceeding to the 2nd or Red Veil, and to the 3rd or Black Veil. At the 2nd and 3rd the same questions are asked as at the Ist, except that the words an ( ) and ( ), and that the 3rd Veil is rent and twain, so the Pilgrim does not have to push through it. As he passes through, the Capt. of the 3rd Veil says: C. of 3rd V. - At the instant when Emmanuel died, Behold the Veil of the Temple was rent and twain from the top to the bottom. (Cand. has nowreached the Asylum, where a white Veil separates it from the Encampment, and the Receiver asks:R. - Who comes here? Who approaches the Asylum of our Encampment? Cond. - A worthy pilgrim, who has served the full period of his pilgrimage, and passed the Veils of the Temple, nowseeks to be admitted a Member of this magnanimous Order, that he might consecrate the remainderofhis life to the protection of the Holy Land. R. - I will make known your request to his Eminence. (Goes inside Veil.) R. - Your Eminence, a worthyPilgrim, etc. E.C. - What proof have you that this Pilgrim is what he professes to be? R. - Your Eminence, he has the words ofthe Captains ofthe Veils, and the assurance of a worthy Sir Kt. who accompanies and vouches for him. E.C. - If he be thus vouched for, let him enter within the Asylym, and cause him to kneel and take the O.B. of a K.T. (Receiver nowtakes Pilgrim.) COLLECTANEA (Pilgrim is nowled within the Asylymto the altar, where he kneels on both knees, one hand on the ( ), the other on the ( ), and takes the O.B.) O:.Bx E.C. - You will repeat your name and surname after me. - Litteest in the name and presence of our gracious Emmanuel the Capt. of our Salvation, do promise and swear that I will never improperly reveal, but will always conceal, the secrets of this degree of K.T. from the whole world. I will confer this degree upon no one, nor be present while it is conferred by another, unless the Cand. has taken all the subordinate degrees of the E.G. Scottish Rite, nor then unless it be in a just and regular Encampment of H.K.T., and I or he have the power to do the same bybeing E.C. of an Encampment, or acting as such at the request of the E.C., or as E.G. Master or G. Representative, and there be a lawful number of K.T. present. I further swear that I will obey all signs or summonses sent to me from. this Encampment, or any otherof whichI may become a member, ifI can do so without injury to myself or family. I further swear that I will obey all the laws of the E.G.M.E. of Scotland, which I acknowledge to be the only legal governing body for the degrees worked by the E.G. Rite of Scotland, and the by-laws ofthis Encampment, which I acknowledge to be my Mother Encampment. I swear that I will never draw the blood ofa K.T. in anger, norsee it done if I can prevent it. I will keep his secrets as I would keep my own, whether communicated to me as such, or accidentally coming to my knowledge murder, treason, or apostasy in religion not even excepted; but, in case of such coming to my knowledge, I will communicate the same to the nearest K.T. Encampment, leaving them to deal with it. All this I Swear, coming under noless penalty than that my head maybe 26 THE EARLY GRAND RITE smote off and stuck upon the highest spire in Christendom, and that the sins of the body of which this( ) once formed a part rest heavy on mysoul at the day of judgement, if I knowingly or wilfully violate any part of this my K.T. obligation. E.C. - Let the Pilgrim be hailed to Light. (This is done, Pilgrim still kneeling.) Pilgrim, you will now, in token of your belief in the mortality of the body, and the immortality of the soul, pledge me in this pure wine from theL...S...... , and the pledge is "To the memory of Simon the Cyrene'. You will now listen to a lesson from the Sacred Writings. (Prelate reads Matt. xxvi., 14-26 verses, and Cand. is made to extinguish one of the twelvelights.) Marshall - And thus, if unworthy, may your light be put out from amongst men. (Prelate reads Acts i., 15-27 verses, and Cand. lights the candle he put out.) E.C. - Pilgrim, upon being brought to light you saw the Encampment illuminated by( ) lights arranged in ( ) form. The lights represent ( other representing ( symbolizes ( ), the one fainter than the ). The form in which they are placed ), the Christian idea of Deity, and is also the sign of the Encampment. You also by their aid behold this ( ) with thirty ( ), the sight of which now, and the remembrance hereafter, should ever impress upon you a sense of horror and detestation of deceit and treachery. (Pointing tos....) - Behold these emblems of mortality, once animated like ourselves, but nowhas ceased to act or think; its vital energies are extinct, andall its powersof life have ceased their operation. To such a State Sir Kts, are weall hastening; therefore let us embrace the present opportunity, that when our frail bodies, like this memento, shall become cold and inanimate, our disembodied spirits may soar aloft to regions of life and light eternal. 27 ae} THE COLLECTANEA And now, Pilgrim, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as E.C. of this Encampment, I dub and create thee a Kt. of the Templeof Jerusalem. (Touches him with sword on head and shoulder, and Marshall pours a little wine upon his head. After dubbing, he is raised to his feet, and stands before the altar.) E.C., to Cand. - Sir Kt. - - - - - , the Usherswill present you to the C.C. of this Encampment, who will invest you with the spurs of Knighthood. Usher. - Sir Kt. C.C., by commandofthe E.C., I present to you Sir Kt. - - - -, that he may be invested with the spurs of Knighthood. C.C. - Sir Kt. - - - -, it is with pleasure that I invest you with this Knightly pledge - (buckles spur on right heel) - and, as the touch of the spur is to the mettled charger, so may the remembrance of the pledges by which you have here bound yourself be to you in the performance of every Knightly duty. The Usher will now present you to the C.G. for investiture with the robes of our Order. Usher- Sir Kt.C.G., I here presentto you Sir Kt. - - - -, that he might be invested with the robes of the Order. CG Sir Kt oss itis mypleasing duty to divest you ofthe blade and sombre raimentof a Pilgrim, and invest you with the white robes of a Knight of the Temple of Zion, and as I divest you ofthis Pilgrim's dress - (takesit off) - mayyou, by the grace ofthe Great Captain of our Salvation, be divested of all darkness of heart and soul, and being invested with these white robes- (gives K.T. robes) - may you be inspired to so guide your thoughts and actions, that in the Grand Asylum above, and in the presence of our Gracious Emmanuel, you may receive the spotless robes of immortality. You will now be presented to the Marshal, to be invested with the ring of profession. 28 EARLY GRAND RITE Usher. - Sir Kt. Marshal, I here present to you Sir Kt. - - -, that he might be invested with the ring of profession. M. - Sir Kt. - - - -, the ceremonyof investiture with a ring is one of the most remote antiquity, and one which conferred on the recipient the rank of nobility, and in this sense do weuse it, and as the ring is the symbol by whichthebride is bound in wedlock to her husband, so is this ring with which I nowinvest you - (puts ring on fourth finger of left hand) - and one similar to which should always be wornby you, the symbol of your union with our Order, from which death alone can divorce you. On the ring you will observe four letters P.D.E.P., signifying Pro Deo et Patria for God and Country - a motto worthy of our noble Order. You will now be presented to the E.C. for the Closing ceremony. Usher. - E.C., I here present to youSir Kt. - - - -, who having been invested with Spur, Robes and Ring, awaits your further pleasure. E.C. - Sir Kt. - - - -, having been invested with the spur, the robes of Knighthood, and the ring of profession, I now present you with this sword, which, in the hands of a true KT., is endowed with three excellent virtues - its hilt with justice, its blade with fortitude, and its point with mercy - which teaches us that, firm in the justice of our cause, we should press on with undauntedfortitude, ever remembering, in the hour of victory, to present the point of mercy to a fallen foe. And now, Sir Kt., having laid aside the staff and taken up the sword, it is necessary that you join with us in the Knightly declaration. (All now form in a circle, the altar, lights, coffin, and emblems in the centre, and, marching around brandishing swords, exclaim: I wield my sword against all those who dare oppose the Christian religion. I wield my sword against all Jews, Turks, Infidels, and other gainsayers. I wield my sword in defense of destitute widows, maids, and orphans.) 29 COLLECTANEA (All nowre-form circle, and continue the march around, singing the K.T. Anthem, and at the appropriate places pointing with the foot to the various objects named, joining hands at the last verse, giving g. sign as they break, and all go to seats, leaving THE EARLY GRAND RITE THIRTIETH DEGREE called Cand. standing.) E.C. - Sir Kt. Herald, youwill now proclaim Sir Kt. A.B.a Kt. of the T. in ancient form. (H., giving a blast on trump, says) Hear ye, hearye, Sir Kts. all, by order of the E.C. I proclaim Sir Kt. A.B. a Knight ofthe Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, (All take seats.) E.C. - I will nowinstruct you in the secret means bywhich WeeasaN one K.T. can recognize another. The G.W. of the Orderis ( ), the fitness of which will at once present itself to you; the P.W., which are also the W. of the Veils, are( ); the G. is MLL given thus( ), legend informing us that it was here thenail pierced the hand of Christ and not in the palm as usually represented. Another grip, used, however, more by other systems than by the E.G.., is given thus( thus ( ). The Grand S., given ), must never be used by you except in the ceremonies of the Encampment, unless you are in peril oflife or limb. There are two penal S. One givent hus ( ), is also the hailing sign of the Order; the other is given thus ( ). In conclusion, let me enjoin upon youthe serious study ofthe history and aims of the Order of the Temple, and particularly of the E.G., the oldest as well as the only legitimat e representatives of the Templars of old, that not only might you have faith in the purity and antiquity of our E.G. System, but be ableat all times to showto our enemies that you have a reason for the faith within you. I nowcongratulate you upon your initiation into our Order; you can take your place as it will be shown you by the Usher. _ (End of Ceremony. Closing same as opening, with necessary variations.) 30 KNIGHTSOF ST. PAUL or MEDITERRANEAN PASS. (The Thirtieth Degree of the E.G. Riteis called the Knights of St. Paul, or Mediterranean Pass. It is conferred upon a Kt. Templar who is desirous of it, without any form, in an Encampmentof K.T., the Applicant being simply, and without any preparation, called to the E. When standing before the altar, the E.G. thus addresses him:) E.C. - Sir Knight, do you pledge your honour as a Kt. ofthe Temple of Zion, that you will keep inviolate the secrets of this degree, and confer it only subject to the rules of the Order. (Assents.) Then I will proceed to confer upon you the degree of the Mediterranean Pass, and, although conferred unaccompanie d by any of those solemn and impressive ceremonies to which you have been accustomedin the preceding degrees, it was in ancient times of paramount importance. In the times of, and immediately succeeding the Crusades, the principal of the Chivalri c Orders then existing were the Knights of the Temple of Zion, and the Knights ofthe Hospital of St. John, subsequently called Knights of Malta. Each ofthese Orders had, as well as manyotherofthe Chivalric Orders, galleys which plied upon the Mediterranean Sea, giving battle to those of the Saracens, and protecting the commerce of those times; and, to protect themselves from ignorantly attacking in the dark a Christian galley for a Saracenic one, the various Christian Orders agreed upona code ofsigns and Jl COLEBCTANEA THE. signals, which afterwards came to be known as these of the Order of St. Paul or the Mediterranean Pass. They consisted ofa penal and hailing sign, given thus ( ), which could be given by day, and, before gunpowder wasused, could be seenat sufficient distance to prevent accidents; a word ( ), which was usually spoken through a trumpet; and one( ), which was used when the parties were closer together - by these making surethat followers of the Cross would never unwittingly imbrue their hands in Christian blood while thinking they were opposed only to the Saracen foe. This, Sir Knight, ends the history andsecrets ofthe degree, and it might easily convey to us the moral lessonthat, as the common possession of these words and signs were a safe-guard to the Knights of ancient times, that so might the grand Shibboleth of love and tolerance keep the modern Knight in harmonywith all the sons of men, whom, by the teaching of our noble Order, we claim as our Brethren. I nowcongratulate you on your further advancement. EARLY.GRAND. RITE Encampment Officers in order of priority. The arrangement of the Preceptory is the same as the K.T. Encampment, without the eek ). OPENING Com. - (gives *; all rise). - Worthy Sir Kt. Captain General, whatis the first duty of Kts. of Malta in Preceptory assembled? C. Gen. - To see that our Brn. in Arms are properly protected against the ill wishers and enemies of the Orderof St. John. Com. - Worthy Sir Kt. Senior Lieut., see that the outposts of our Perceptory are properly guarded, and inform the Captain of the Outposts that I am about to open the Preceptory for the dispatch ofbusiness. (The S.L. executes this order, returns to his station, and reports.) S. Lieut. - M.N.C., the Capt. of Outposts is at his station, and the Preceptory is duly guarded. Com. - W.S.Kt. Capt. Gen., what is our next duty? C.G. - M.N.C., to see that every Companion present proves THIRTY-FIRST DEGREE himselfa Legitimate Son in Arms and Brother in our Preceptory. called Com. - S.Kt.C.G., see that they do so. (C.G. and 1st Lieut. examine each Kt. present bythe p. and h. signs.) KNIGHTS OF MALTA (The Thirty-first Degree of the E.G. Rite is the Knights of Malta. It is called Chiefofthe Third Series, and is the last degree wrought under the Encampment Warrant. The meeting is styled a Preceptory, the officers being Commander, Captain-General, Ist, 2nd, and 3rd Lieutenants, Marshall, Hospitalier, Admiral, C.G. - M.N.C., the Companions present have all proved themselves Brothers in Arms ofour Preceptory. Com. - (to all) - Worthy Sir Kts., let us invoke a blessing on our assembly. Sir Kt. Chaplain, you will conduct our devotions. Chap. - O ThouGlorious Trinity, vouchsafe Thy blessing upon the Knights of St. John here assembled. Grant that whatever we maysay and do, there will be nothing said or done unworthy of Thy smile and approbation. Endowour deliberations Conservator, Bailiff, Turcopolier, Chancellor, Treasurer, and Captains of Outposts. These offices are filled with the K.T- with wisdom, and grant that in every deed we maybe the servants 32 33 and soldiers of the Cross. So mote it be. COLTECTANEA THE Com. - In the name of the Holy Trinity, and byvirtue of my office as Com. of this Preceptory of the Kts. of the Hospital of St. John, of Palestine, Rhodes, and Malta, I declare this Preceptory, held under authority of Encampment No. on the Registry of the E. Grand Encampmentof Scotland, to be duly and regularly openedfor the dispatch of business. (12-1, and by three principal officers, and at door.) RECEPTION (Cand., dressed as a K.T., and accompanied byhis sponsor gives 11-1 at the door.) J. Lieut. - M.N.C., there is an alarm at the door ofthe Preceptory. Com. - W.S.K.J.L., you will discover the cause of the alarm and report. (J. Lieut. goes to door, which heslightly opens, and asks:) 1] meee ee lis J. Lieut. - Who comes here? Ans. - A Worthy Kt. and Soldier of the Cross seeks admission to the Preceptory. EARLY GRAND RITE (Sponsor gives ...... , and Cand. is conducted to the East, Sponsor and J. Lieut. on each side of him.) Com. - Worthy Sir Kts., what stranger Kt. is this? J.L.-M.N.C., he is a Kt. of the Temple of Zion, and wishes to join our Order and fight under our banner. Com. - Stranger have you attained the honour of Knighthood? (Answers.) Com. - What proof have you to showus that you have? Ans. - I have this. (Points to Cross on his breast, and bows.) Com. - But we must have somestrongerproof. (Cand. - bows, gives grand sign of K.T., and says:) I have this also. Com. - Sir Kt. of the Temple, what do you require at our hands? Ans. - To be affiliated with your Ill. Order, M.N.C. Com. - It is a noble and wholesomeprofession to belongto. It is only given to those who have proved their devotion. Forthis J.L. - To what Order does he belong? Ans. - To the Order of the Temple of Zion. J.L. - Has he got the necessary qualifications? reason, and believing you to be what the rules of our Sovereign Order require, we consent to your reception, on condition that you take a vow to conform yourself to the rules and regulations, Ans. - He has. J.L. - Let him give me the Mediterranean Pass. (Gives...... ). and to walk in strict conformity thereto. J.L. - Let him await till I report his application to the M.N.C. and Kts. in Council. (Closes door, advancesto the East, and salutes.) Com. - Who comes there? (Answers as at door.) Let him be admitted. Ans. - I will. Com. - Let the Templar be prepared to receive the vow. (ist and 2nd Lieuts. conduct Cand. to altar, and instruct him to draw his sword and place it across the one on the H.B., places his hands uponthe cross swords, takes the covenant, which J.L., (opening door.) - The M.N.C. and his Council have taken into consideration the petition of your friend to be admitted to the vows and habits of our Order, and I am directed to admit him uponthe reception of the word of a Kt. of M. is the same as the K.T., except the penalty, which is...... st th thirteen times. He rises, and the J.L. gives him back his sword, and the Chaplain says:) Chap. - Receive this sword, and take thou good heed that the frailties of our common nature do notcause thee to drawit in an 34 35 Meee THE COLYUECTAN EA unjust or unholy cause. (J.L. resumes the sword, sheaths it, and girds it on the Cand.) Chap. - Gird thy sword on thy thigh in the nameof the Lord Jesus Christ, and remember it was not by arms that the Saints conquered kingdoms, butby the greatness oftheir faith. (Sponsor draws the sword, and gives it to the M.N.C., wholays the blade on Cand.'s head and says:) BARLY GRAND RITE emblematical of the eight languages with which our Order was originally divided.'' (The Com. delivers a historical lecture on the Order; finally says:-) Com. - I will nowinstruct you in the secrets of the Order. But first you will listen to a lesson read by our Chaplain. (Chap. reads John xx. 26-28, and Acts xxviii 1-5 and 11.) Com. - The penal sign is given thus ( ); the Hailing Com. - Take this sword. By its brightnessit is an emblemof faith, by its point of hope, and byits guard of charity. Fear no sign thus ( ). The G.W. is ( The M.W. and G. is given thus ( perils in behalf of the Brethren, for this is the true faith and justification of a loyal Knight. (Places the hilt in Cand.'s hand, various words, signs, etc., you will readily understand. The P.S. is founded upon a circumstance connected with the treacherous and, wiping the blade on hissleeve, sheathsit.) And as you have thus brightened and cleaned this sword, and placed it unsullied in its sheath, take heed that you defile notits brightness by drawing it in an unjust cause. Receive these Robes. Beneath them thou betrayal of one of the strongholds of the Order, which I will now relate to you ( ). (Cand. now takes a seat.) shalt find an increase of faith, and a more ernest zeal in support of our just cause. (J.L. puts black cloak on Cand., and hands the tassels to the Com.) Take heed unto thy ways. This yoke is pleasant to be borne. By this cord I bind you, in token ofyour reception into our Sovereign Order, and as I now castthis cord behind thee - (throwsit violently over Candidate's left shoulder)so will we cast thee out from among us should you provea false and unworthy Knight. You will now kneel (Com. gives Accolade). By the power with which I am invested as Com. ofthis Preceptory, I admit thee a Companion of this Order, and, for the sake ofthy faith, and in remembrance of St. John the Baptist, do create you a Kt. of St. John of Jerusalem, and raise thee by a new name - (takes him by the Maltese grip, and exchanges the p.Wwith him). Arise my Brother, a Kt. of Malta. Be thou brave and valiant in defense of our Order- (placing Cross on his breast) -Wear this Cross; it is the badge of our Order, and its points are 36 ); the P.W. ( ). ). The application of the (Closing same as opening, with necessaryalterations.) Naa THE COLLECTANEA Transcript ofa printed pamphletlent to me by WilliamTait, of‘‘Inniskeen,'' Marlborough Park North, Belfast. "BARLY GRAND RITE RECEPTION (There should never be less than three Candidates. When The pamphletis boundin green cloth boards, and consists of there are less there should be some of the Council chosen to make 64 pages, size 6 x 1 x 3x 8". The title page is page 1, verso up the number. The Candidates are H.W., and are brought to the door by the Con.-who gives *, when the C. of G. opens the door slightly and asks:) C. of G. - Who comeshere, who disturbs our Council? Con. - Three true and worthy Masons proficient in the Blue, blank. According to the colophon, at foot of page 64, the pamphlet was, "Printed by Bro. W.W. Wallace, New Milns, Ayrshire." From a MS note on title page it was published in ‘'1908". Red, and Black, and now wish to enter the Green in this Council Philip Crossle, April, 1927. of Princes of Babylon. C. of G. - Who vouchesfor their proficiency in the B., R., and B.? SCOTISH GRAND COUNCIL OF RITES. THE RITUALS OF THE DEGREES OF THE GREEN AND WHITESERIES. Con. - I do, who am a Prince Mason and the Conductor of this Council. C. of G. - What further recommendation have they? Con. - The word of a Knight of the Temple of Zion. PRINCE OF BABYLON, C. of G. - Let them advance and give it. (Candidates advance and give C. of G. the word.) The recommendationis sufficient. sometimescalled SUSPENDING CROSS OF BABYLON. door and steps five steps into Council, and giving (6) reports.) Be Await here while I report to the President your desire. (Closes it known unto you, O King, that three true and worthy Masons, (This degree is not now practiced by the Scottish Grand Council of Rites, although originally it was a part of all ancient systems of high grades. There is a degree with a name somewhat similar which is worked by some of the modern systems as the Red Cross Sword of Babylon, which is sometimes confounded with this degree, but erroneously so, as it is but a modern imitation of the old Prince Mason, to which the present degree is introductory. There is no opening or closing ceremony in this degree, the Council of Prince Masons, under whose authority it is worked, being reduced to this degree for the purpose of initiation.) vouched for by a Prince Mason, the Conductor of this Council, and who have given me the word of a Knight of the Temple of Zion, desire admittance to the Green through this Council of Princes of Babylon. Pres. - Since these strangers are thus qualified and vouched for, let them be introduced in ancient and regular form. (C. of G. - returns to the door, opensit, and says:) C. of G. - Strangers, the President of our Council hath favourable considered your petition, and I have now his commands to admit you into the Council. Enter, therefore, and 39 COLLECTANEA listen while the Prelate seeks the favour of the King of Heaven upon your undertaking. Prelate. - O Thou King of Heaven, we praise, extol, and honour Thee; all Thy works are truth, and all Thy ways are judgement. O Thou whodidst aforetime preserve Thy Servants Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego, who for Thy name-sake were cast into the fiery furnace, and didst bring them forth scatheless, do Thoubless these our Brethren, and enable them to pass through the fiery furnace of worldly trouble and temptation, trusting in Thee, Great King of Power. So moteit be. (Candidates are then led round the Council while the Prelate reads Danieliii, 4-6. The C. of G. and other Guardsseize the Candidates and hurry them before the Pres.) aT Wh C. of G. - O King, live forever. (As 10, 11, and 12 verses, same chapter.) Pres. - Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego? (As in 14 and 15 verses.) Con. - O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. (As in 16, 17, and 18 verses. ) Pres. - (Angrily). Let these rebels be bound andcast into the fiery furnace seven times heated, even as it hath been before proclaimed. (Candidates are bound loosely with ropes and taken into a corner of the room.) Chan. - Then these men were bound - (from 20th verse to end). ; (Candidates are loosened and led slowly round the room while the Prelate reads Daniel v, 1 to6, and 25th to 29th verses; at the mention of(3) the H.W. is then replaced, and at the end of the reading the Prelate Says:) 40 THE EARLY GRAND RITE Prelate. - Conductor, you will take the Candidates to the President for closing instructions. Con. - M.E. President, by command ofthe Prelate I present to you these strangers for further instructions. Ptes. - Have they been attentive to the lessons and instructions which they have already received? Con. - They have. Pres. - Then youwill conduct them to the altar to take the O.B. of a P. of B. (Candidates kneel on both knees, both hands on the V.S.L.) O.B. Priore Si , do vow and promise thatI will faithfully keep all the secrets of this degree, and will speak thereof to no one unless he or they have come by them as lawfully as I have. I will never confer this degree upon anyonein any other form than that in which I havereceived it, nor then unless there be three recipients, and then only in a Council warranted by the Sovereign Grand Council of Rites of Scotland, which I hereby acknowledge to be the only legal authority in Scotland for doing so, and then onlyifI be acting or actual President of a Council of Prince Masons acting under the same. All this I promise, going under no less penalty than (9). So help me God. LIGHT. Pres. - Companions and Sir Knights, allow me to congratulate you on the progress you have made. Having now gone through the ceremony of advancement to this degree, you have entered Green Masonry, so called from the colour of the sash worn byits members, and with which I now invest you. (Puts sash on Candidates.) On it you will observe two interlaced tangles - in the angles of one are the letters S.M.A., and on the other M.T.U., with tays radiating therefrom. This is the jewel of 41 THE COLLECTANEA this degree, and its possession will distinguish you among your fellows. In this as in the other degrees you have taken there are certain secrets. In this degree they consist of a G.W. (1), a P.W. (2), a covered or sacred W. (3), the sign of the Order(4), a sign of H. (5), Penal S. (6), H.S. (7) the hailing sign of the degree, anda gtip given thus (8). This degree is one of the oldest of the High Grades, as we haverecord ofit in 1725 beingthen ofold standing, and outside of the Scottish Grand Council of Rites is only known to the more enthusiastic Masonic Students. Solittle is it known, indeed, that in some Masonic Encyclopaediasit is mentioned as obsolete. It is worked under authority of a Council of Prince Masons, and is introductory to that degree. Your initiation and instruction being now complete, I welcome you again amongus. EARLY GRAND RITE C. of G. - To see the Council properly secured, M.E. Pres. - You will see that duty properly performed. (C. of G. gives ****** on door, Sentinel answers.) C. of G. - The Council is properly secured, M.E. Pres. - E.P. Chancellor, whose is the right to be present in our Council? Chan. - Only those M.E., who with the Sword are guardians of the trowel. Pres. - How are such to be known, E.P. Almoner? Alm. - By the word of a Prince Mason, M.E. Pres. - Captain of the Guards, will you see that there are none here but those who havethis word. (C. of G. goes round andcollects (9).) C. of G. - All present are qualified to sit with us, M.E. Sma THE PRINCE MASON. (The meeting is styled a Council, and it is one of the governing degrees of the Green series. In working the degree there should be three chambers, or the one arranged differently Pres. - E.P. Scribe, what is the hour? Scribe. - It is the hour, M.E., when the T. is being rebuilt. Pres. - This being the hour in which we should resume our labours, I declare this Council of Prince Masons, held under the authority of the Scottish Grand Council of Rites, and numbered for each part. Thefirst, whichis used twice, represents the Grand -... on the registry of same, to be duly open, and charge you all to Chapter at Jerusalem, the second, mountain scenery with 4 govern yourselves accordingly. (Gives ******, C. of G. and Sent. bridge of three arches over the river Euphrates, a walled city same, then Pres. says) - Taking this for yoursign, (gives (6) *, and representing Babylon in the distance with a towerat the gate; the all sit down.) again. The officers are a President, Prelate, Chancellor in the West, Almonerin the South, Scribe, Captain of the Guards, two ADVANCEMENT. (The Cand. dressed as a R.A.M. is led by Conductor to the Council door, when he gives **¢***, Captain of the G. opens and Guards of the Bridge, Keeper of the Tower, Conductor, and asks - third is the Court of Darius the King, after which the first is used Sentinel. The Candidate is dressed as a R.A.M., and H.W.) OPENING Pres. (Gives *, all rise.) Illustrious Cousins and Princes of the Council, assist me to res ume our labours. Captain of the Guard, what is our first duty? 42 fi C. of G. - Who causesthis alarm? Con. - A worthy Mason who desires further advancement in this Council. C. of G. - In what character does he come here? COLEECTANEA THE Con. - As a Prince of Babylon. C. of G. - If he be so let him advance and proveit. (Candidate gives G.W. of Prince of Babylon.) Await here while I report to the M.E. andlearn his pleasure. EARLY a Babylonish Master requests admission and advancement in our Council. Pres. - Has he proved himself to be what he professes? C. of G. - He has given me the word ofthe Prince of Babylon. Baeaay Pres. - Let him then be admitted, and after joining with the Prelate in the invocation, let him be conductedto thealtar, there to take the O.B. ofthis degree. (C. of G. returns to the door and says -) Enter our Council in the name ofthe God of truth and join with us in our invocation. (Conductor leads Candidate into the Council and causes him RITE Pres. - You will then kneel at the altar, and with yourI.h. on H.B., and your r.h. raised to h.n. Repeat after me the O.B. of this degree. O.B. eee ete , do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, in the name ofthe great God of truth, and in this Council of P.M., that I will always keep and conceal the secrets ofthis degree of P.M. from every one not entitled to the same. I will speak upon the secrets of this degree to no one unless he be a P.M. and has teceived the degree as lawfully as I have. I will do my utmost to advance the interests of this Council, which I acknowledge to be my Mother Council, and the interests of the Scottish Grand Council of Rites, which I acknowledge to be the legal governing body of this degree and the degrees linked with this, in Scotland, to kneel.) and that I will pay due observanceto the laws and statutes of the Prelate. - Wilt Thou, O God of truth, bless us and this Candidate for advancement in our Order. May the-principles of Divine Truth be so impressed upon his mind that throughall his same. All which I swear with a firm and steadfast resolution to keep and perform the same, going undernoless penalty than things. So mote it be. Con. - (Leading Candidate to altar.) M.E. President, I present to your Companions.........., whohaving proved himself LIGHT. Pres. - Companion.........., you will nowrise. Having taken the O.B. youwill give attention to a lesson from the sacred life he will acknowledge that great is truth and mighty aboveall Proficient in the preceding degrees, wishes to be received a member of our Council. Pres. - Companion.........., your desire for advancement is commendable, before, however, you can advancefurtherit will be necessary for you to take an O.B. of secre cy and obedience. Are you willing to do so? Cand. - I am. ( { (C. of G. shuts door, salutes Pres., and says:-) M.E. President, GRAND (12). So help me God. writings read by the Prelates, which will prepare you for the further ceremonies of this degree, during which youwill take the Part of Zerubabbel, a Prince and Ruler in Israel, with some of whose history you are already familiar. Prelate reads Ezra iii, 8-11, and Ezraiv, 1-6 and 11 to the end.) Alm. - M.E. Pres., Darius the King having succeeded Cyrus, Howreigneth in his stead. He hath ever been favourable to the People of God, and if he were now informed how hard we are 45 COLLECTANEA bestead, and how our enemies encompasseth us about, peradventure he might help us. Pres. - E.P. Almoner, there is wisdom in what yousay, but who is there whowill do this thing? Alm. - Our E. Companion Zerubabbel, who hath had acquaintanceaforetime with Darius the King, offers to travelto Persia with the request of the People. Pres. - Art thou willing, O Zerubabbel, to do this thing? Cand. - I am. Pres. - Thou shalt be armed with a sword, and entrusted with passwordsto pass the Jewish Guards, andthe C. ofthe Guardwill conduct you to the banksof the great river, even Euphrates which divideth the country of the Jews from the Persians. Sa a (President gives Candidate (10), and gives him a sword. The C. of G. leads him out to the 2nd Chamber. He is met at the bridge by the first Jewish Guard, who challenges him.) Ist J.G. - Halt, who comes? Cand. - Zerubabbel, thefirst among my equals, a Prince by birth, by choice a Mason. Ist J.B. - Advance and give me the pass. (Candidate gives (10). The word is correct, pass Z. 2nd J.G. - Halt who comes? (Same as before, Candidate gives (10). _C. of G. - Companion Z., I can go no further; here the Jewish territory ends, on the other side of the bridge is Persian territory. You must therefore Proceed by yourself, and trusting in the justice of your cause, press forward undauntedly. (Candidate crosses the bridge and is challenged by Persian Guard.) P.G. - Halt, who comes? Cand. - Zerubabbel, (etc ., as before.) WHE EAREY GRAND RITE P.G. - Advance and give the pass. (Candidate gives (10). What? (Candidate again gives (10), when the Guard seizes him and cries) - A spy! a spy! (Candidates sword is taken from him, and he is bound with chains and taken to the tower. Guards knock at the tower.) K. of Tower. - Who comeshere, who seeks admission to the city of the great King? P.G. - The Guardians of the bridge, with a stranger whom we found entering the territory of the King, and was not in the possession of the Persian pass. We wish to conduct himto the presence of the King. K. of T. (Admitting them between the two gates ofthe tower.) - Await here with your prisoner until I learn the pleasure of the King. (K. of T. opens the inner door, which is the door ofthe third chamber, and reports to the Master, who then represents Darius, and the womenthe courtof Persia.) K. of T. - Know, O King, that the Guardians ofthe Bridge are here with a stranger. (As before). King. - Let them enter; we will examine this stranger. (Guards enterstill leading Z. in chains.) King. - Stranger, who art thou, and whycome youintothis country without the Persian pass? Cand. - My name is Zerubabbel. I amthe first among my equals, a Prince of birth, a Mason of choice, and a captive by misfortune. I was coming unto thee, O King, to seek thyfavour and protection for my people in building the Temple andCityof God at Jerusalem - a privilege granted unto us sixteen years ago by Cyrus, and in which we have been hindered by our enemies When I was taken prisoner by these your Guards. In corroboration of this Tatnai and Shethar-boznai, your governors, have sent you these letters. (Gives letters to King). 47 Dhieh COLUTBCTANEA King. (Reads Ezra v, 7-17.) - Generals and Councillors, let search be made among the records of the kingdom touching this matter. Chan. - (Producing roll) - This roll, O King, found among the records at Achmetha, shows that Cyrus granted permission to build the City and Temple at Jerusalem. (Reads Ezravi, 3-5.) BaaeaL King. - Let these chains be taken from the limbs of Z. He hath proved his case; and let him wait in the meantime among our attendants until letters are prepared from him that he may return unto his own country and people. But nowis my mind exercised over the solution of a problem as to which is strongest and greatest of these three - Wine, the King, or Women. Thou O Chancellor, shalt speak as to the strength of Wine; and Thou, Almoner, as to the strength and greatness of the King; and thou, Z.. who has shown so much wisdom and prudenceas toleave upon our mind no doubt ofyour ability, shall expound unto us the greatness and the strength of Women. (All rise, bow, and say-) As thou has said, O King, so beit. King. - And he that shall overcome, and whose sentence shall seem wiser than the others, unto him shall the King Darius give great gifts and great things in token ofvictory - to be clothed in purple, to drink in gold, to sleep upon gold, and have an headtire, of fine linen, a chain about his neck, and he shall sit next to Darius because ofhis wisdom, and be called by Dariushis cousin. All - As thou has said, O King, so be it. Chan. - (1 Esdras iii, 18-24.) Alm. - (1 Esdras iv, 2-12.) Cand. - (1 Esdras iv, 14-32 and 34-40.) (King then embraces Candidate by placing his I.h. of Candidates's right shoulder, Candidate doing same. Both say') 48 BARLY GRAND RITE King. and Candidate. - Great is truth and mighty above all things. All. (Rising). - Great is truth and mighty above all things. _ King. - Ask what thou wilt more thanis appointed in this writing, and wewill give it thee because thou art foundwi sest. and thou shalt sit next me and be called mycous in. Candidate. - Remember thy vow(etc., as in Esdras iv, 43-46.) King. - Z., it shall be granted unto thee according to thy desire, and thou shalt return home unto thine own land and thine own people, and thou shalt take with thee this writing unto my Severnors, Tatnai and Shethar-boznai. (Reads as in Ezra vi, 6-12.) Thy people shall be no more disturbed. (Candidate is given a purple robe, a white cap, a chain round his neck, and a sword I will now give you the Persian pass by which youcancross the fiver into your own country, the pass you had before will then conduct you to Jerusalem. (King gives Candidate 11.) rig is then conducted to the bridge, where the es A oe eaves him. He gives these" Bs and crossing gives = ot . ne The Captain ofthe Guard then leads him to . € first chamber, gives ******, and Conductor Con. - Who comes here? =i al 2, is Prince, returning from Babylon with e King for the Brethren. Con. - Wait till | report. Bab Con. - M.E. President, Z., the Prince, returning from ith ; ylon with favours from the King for the Brethren seeks admission, Pres. : . Let him be admitted with all Honour. ( andidate is admitted while all rise and say:-) THE COLLECTANEA All. - Welcome to Zerubabbel. Pres. - We welcome you Z., on your return from Babylon, what said the great King to the prayer of the people? Cand. - He sendthis scroll, M.E. President. (Gives President scroll). Pres. - (Reads as in Ezra vi, 6-12.) - Z., you have worthily acquitted yourself of the trust reposed in you by your Brethren, and it now becomes mypleasant duty to confer on you the reward ofyour merit. Darius has given you a purple robe; amongst your Brethren such a distinction would be out of place, but while divesting you ofthe robe (takes off robe) we will retain in some Beea measure the colour and dignity. Darius created you a Prince among the Courtiers; we acknowledge you a Prince Mason, and EARLY GRAND RITE Captain of the Guard, you will instruct the Sentinel that we are about to reduce this Council of P.M. to work on the degree of the P. of B. (Captain of the Guard gives ******, answered by Sentinel, and reports.) C. of G. - Your orders have been obeyed, O King, and the Sentinel guards on this degree. Pres. - The Sentinel having thus been instructed, and you, my Cousins, properly warned, I now declare this Council of Prince Masons reducedto work on the Prince of Babylon Degree, and this shall be your sign (6). (All take seats.) bythat style shall you hereafter be known; and as a cousin of the King in the Council I invest you with this green sash, the KNIGHT OF THE BLACK CROSS perennial colour of which should ever remind you of the everlasting power and might of the principle of truth. By the (This and the following four degrees are worked under a colour ofthe rosette at the bottom of this you will be reminded of the robe given you by Darius. You possess a sword in token of Council of Knights of St. Andrew. There is no form of opening or closing on these degrees.) rank; I will now give you a trowel, the emblem of labour. This (Form of reducing from the Rosy Cross to either of these conjunction of sword and trowelwill also remind youofthe times degrees:) ofpersecution, when the Brethren laboured with the sword in one hand andthe trowel in the other. I will now instruct you in the M.W. - (All rise.) - Perfect Knight S.W., it is mywill and Pleasure that this Chapter of the Rosy Cross of St. Andrew be secrets of this degree. With the Jewish and Persian passes you are alreadyfamiliar. The G.W. is (1), answered by (2); the P.W- (3), answered by (4): the hailing sign is (5); and the P.S. (6); the teduced to work on the degree of.......... Grand Word of the Orderis (7); the grip is (8). (Formofreducing a Council of Prince Masons to work on the preceding degree.) Pres. - Cousins and Princes, all assist me to reduce this Council of P.M. to the degree of P. of B. (Gives * all rise.' S.W. - Perfect Knight J.W., it is the will and pleasure of the M.W., asit is also mine, that this Chapter of the Rosy Cross of St. Andrew be reduced to work on the degree of.......... S.W. - Perfect Knights of the Rosy Cross, it is the M.W.'s will and pleasure, as it is also of the Perfect Knight S.W., and is also mine, thatthis Chapter of the Rosy Cross be reduced to work in the degree of .......... Per fect Knight you will advise Sentinel of the same. the COLLECTAN.EA (Guard slightly opens the door to see that the Sentinel is at his post, then closing it, and giving sign, reports:) Guard. - M.W., the Sentinel awaits your pleasure. M.W. - Then I declare this Chapter of the Rosy Cross ofSt. Andrewto be reduced for work on the degree of.......... , taking this ( ) for your sign. (Gives *, and all resume seats.) RECEPTION (The Candidate is prepared by being dressed as a K.T., with the addition of the jewel and sash of a Prince Mason. He is led to the door by the Conductor, who gives *. The dooris slightly opened by the Guard.) Guard. - Who causesthis alarm at the door of our Council? ie Con. - A Prince Mason. Guard. - What seeks he here? Con. - Further progress by being dubbed a Knight ofthe Black Cross. Guard. - By what right does he expect this honour? Con. - By virtue of the pass-word of a Black Cross Knight. Guard. - Give it to me. (Conductorgives 1.) Abide hereuntil I report to the M.W. (Guard closes door, gives (3), and reports:) Guard. - M.W., a Prince Mason, seeking further advancement by virtue of the word of a Black Cross Knight, awaits your pleasure. THE EARLY which he is made to be his Mother Council. After taking the O.B. he is hailed to light, when he sees the transparencyrepresenting the Crucifixion, and the choir sing the 44th Paraphrase, after which the M.W. raises him and says:-) new. om Knight .:.:......, I nowinvest you with the jewel ofthis degree. It is a silver passion cross, enamelled black, with the letter P. in Gold upon the upright; and with it I invest you with the rights and privileges of the Order ofthe Black Cross. The ceremony as you have seen is commemorative of the Crucifixion that great expiatory offering wherein our Gracious Emmanuel, Great Captain ofour Salvation, gave His own life to ransomours. | will Nowinstruct you in the secrets of this degree, which consist ofa P>W., (1); a G.W., (2): a sign, (3); and a grip, (4). This instruction completes the ceremonies of the Black Cross degree. (Candidate retires giving (3), and the Council is raised to the next degree by the declaration of the M.W.) KNIGHTOF BETHANY. MW, - Prince Knight J.W., what is the hour when the Knights of Bethany meet? All rise. The Guard opens the door to admit the Candidate, and as he enters the Prelate reads, 1 Tim, vi, 11-16; and Mark xv, | 16 and 43-46. By the time these passages have been read the 52 RITE ©.B, (The O.B. of this and the succeeding four degrees is in general terms to keep the secrets, to recognize the Sovereignty of the Council of Rites, and to acknowledge the Council under M.W. - Admit the applicant in regular form. Perfect Knights, prepare to receive the stranger Knight. Candidate will have reachedthe altar, at which he is instructed to kneel andtake the O.B. of the degree.) GRAND J.W. - At the first hour ofthe first day of the week, M.W. M.W. - Why at this hour, Sir Knight J.W.? Lw.. Because at this hour, leading captivity captive, Christ arose from the dead. M.W. - And has He indeed arisen, Sir Knight S.W.? SW. Yea, He is risen indeed. 23 THE COLLECTANEA All. - All hail. take (The M.W. gives (3), answered by the Knights, andall seats.) PREPARATION. the (The Candidate is prepared asin last degree, and wears and gives., wherehe Black Cross jewel. He is brought to the door, the G. asks:-) G. - Who comeshere, who approaches the entrance to our Council? cae O.B. ' (The O.B: is the same as in the preceding degree. Upon being brought to light the Candidate sees a transparency tepresenting the resurrection, and the choir sings the anthem "Blest morning whosefirst dawning ray," and the M.W. instructs the Candidate in the secrets which consist of a P.W., (1); G.W. (2); S., (3); and G., (4).) KNIGHT OF THE WHITE CROSS. laid. circumambulation is so timed that at the end of the reading is before the M.W.) M.W. - Sir Knight, who are you, and whatis yourdesire in thus intruding upon our Council? Cand. - A Black Cross Knight wishing to visit the Sepulchre wherein the Word is laid. M.W. - Whyseekye the living amongst the dead? He is not here but is risen. Remember how He speaks unto you while He was yet in Galilee, saying - "The Son of man must be delivered into the hands ofthe sinful men to be crucified, and the third day rise again." By the eye offaith only can the Word be seen until by GRANDRITE M.W. - Then are you as such enrolled amongst the Knights of Bethany. Advanceto the altar to take the O.B. ofthi s degree Cand. - A Knight of the Black Cross who has mourned the loss of the Word, and wishesto visit the Sepulchre wherein he was G. - All hail Sir Knight, enter and listen to the lesson ofthe Prelate. (Candidate is slowly led round the Council, while the Prelate reads Mathew xxviii, 1-9 and Luke xxiv, S0-S1. The EARLY (The raising of the Council from the preceding degree, is lowering from the Rosy Cross, is the same as in the former, with hecessary alterations of K., S., Vc. The preparation is also the same, with the addition of wearing the jewel of a Knight of Bethany, which is a white dove with a gold letter B in its mouth. : the Candidate entering, the Prelate reads Zach. vi, 12-13, Baa. oe Acts i, 9-11. At the completion of the ihe 4 C -B. is given, which is the same as last, the penalty .... . being brought to light a transparencyis seen .. . e Ascension, when he is presented with the jewel - ., Silver passion cross with a green branch on the face of , € letters A. and O. on the cross arms - and instructed in . which are a P.W., (1); G.W., (2); S., (3); and G., obedience to the Divine precepts which He taught; we shall meet Himin the Council above. Are you willing as far as your power lies to obey these precepts? Cand. - Iam. KNIGHT OF PATMOS. ins(Theheraising raisi of the Council; and preparation of the Candidate same as in the last degree, the jewel of the White Cross 55 COLLECTANEA Rev. 110-115 it; 11; being worn in addition. The Prelate reads idate should have and xx, 4-8; during reading of which the Cand the O.B. is given. reached the altar. After the reading is finished with the jewel, The penaltyis (S). The Candidate is presented suspended which is a Lamb resting on a sealed book, the book (1); G.NY:., from a star of seven points. The secrets are a Peay (2); S., (3); and G., (4).) LECTURE. revelation to This degree was instituted to commemorate the heavenly St. John, the Apostle of brotherly love of the new and Empire, Roman the temple. St. John was banished from Sea Aegean the in Domitian, in A.D. 94 to Patmos, an island Da twenty of situated between Samos and Naxos. It is about twenty-five miles in circumference, and was used by the Romans as a place of exile for convicts. Its soil is very thin and sterile, lying on a rugged rock probably of volcanic origin. About a mile back fromthe beach is a chapel enclosing the cavern which it is said St. John occupied when writing the book of Revelation. Here the Patron Saint of Masonry beheld the new Jerusalem and the Temple not made with hands. He wholone on Patmos banished, Sawin the sun a mighty angel stand, And heard great Babylon's doom Pronounced by Heaven's command. KNIGHT OF DEATH. OPENING. - The opening ceremonyis similarin all respects PME EARDY GRAND RITE he is led (without any ceremony or interrogation) into the Council. He halts before the Prelate, who reads Matt. xxvii, 50-53; and John xix, 28-30. He is then led to the altar, where he takes the O.B. (2). The O.B. is similar to the last, the penalty being (3). After O.B. the M.W. gives the lecture. Candidate is next presented with the jewel, and instructed in the secrets which consist of a P.W. (4), a S. (5), giving (6), and G. (7). LECTURE. This degree was called in some ofthe old lists ‘‘The Gates of Death,' probably on account ofthe form or ceremonial. In it we are reminded of the mutability of things mundane, the necessity of preparing for death, and the ushering in ofthe great change. Death, the greatleveller, being no respecter ofpersons. Can storied urn or animated lust. Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath, Can honours voice provoke the silent dust, Orflattery soothe the dull cold ear of death. The boast.of heraldry, the pomp ofpower, And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave, Await alike the inevitable hour, The paths of glory lead but to the grave. (The jewel of this degree is an antique crown with a cross through it, and the letters M.M. on the cross-bar.) KNIGHT OF THE ROSY CROSS OF ST. ANDREW, HEREDOM OF KILWINNING. to the preceding degree, excepting K - and S -. ADVANCEMENT. - The Council represents a burial-vault, In the working ofthis degree three apartments are necessary and the Candidate is prepared by being (1). On being prepared, - the first representing the Calvary, hung with black, having in 56 a7 THE COLLECTANEA Hope, and Charity the West three columns with the words Faith, of the Ascension, ber on themin gold letters; 2nd, the Cham sion, surmounted Ascen having in the East a transparency of the (Hades), the grave by a radiated triangle; 3rd representing the the East, is in d place of departed spirits. The Master, seate officers and styled, "‘Most Wise and Perfect," and the other in Templar ed members ‘‘Perfect Knights.'" The Knights are dress which is a e costume, with the addition ofthe jewel of this degre to rose upona cross, above an eagle or pelican bleeding its breast anare feed its young, the whole within a crowned compass on Geum forming the sixteenth partof a circle. OPENING. ts, Senior and Junior Wardens, and t Knigh Perfec M.W. and KnightsofSt. Andrew, assist Cross Rosy he Companionsoft me to open this Chapter. (Gives!, all rise.) S.W. - Perfect Knights, you hearit is the will of the M.W. and P.M. that you assist in opening this Chapter. J.W. - Perfect Knights, you hearit is the will of the M.W. and P.M.., as it also is of the P. Kt. S.W.., andit is also mine, that you assist in opening this Chapter. M.W.,, - ##% #3 ee S.W, - ##* FRR Ra JW, - 88 ae aes M.W. - P. Kt. S. Warden, what is our chief care? S.W. - To see the Chapter well covered and that all present are true Knights of Saint Andrew. M.W. - Convince yourselves, Perfect Knights, one from the North, and one from the South. (All the Knights give 1.) S.W. - M.W. and P.M., all present are true Knights ofthe Rosy Cross of Saint Andrew. M.W. - P. Sir Kt. S. Warden, whatis the hour? EARLY GRAND RITE S.W. - It is the instant when the Veil of the Temple was rent in twain, when darkness and consternation covered the earth, when the stars disappeared and the lamp of day was darkened, when the implements of Masonry werelost, and the cubic stone sweated blood and water. It is the instant when the Word was lost. M.W. - Since Masonry hassustained so great a loss, let us endeavour by new works to recover the lost Word, andto attain this end we will open this Chapter of the Rosy Cross. S.W. - Perfect Knights, the Chapter is nowopen, let us do our duty. J.W. - Perfect Knights, the Chapter is now open, let us do our duty. (All advance one step towards the altar, and kneeling on right knee exclaim:-) All. - Let us do our duty M.W. - In the name of EmmanuelI declare this Chapter of the Rosy Cross,.No. .,.... on the Registry of the Scottish Grand Council of Rites duly open. (Gives *** *** *#*, answered by S.W.,J.W.,1.G., and T.) Andthis shall be your sign, ...... . (All resume seats.) INITIATION M.W. - Perfect Knight Senior Warden, whatis the cause of our present assembly? S.W. - The perfection of a Knight of Death, who nowawaits your pleasure and that of the Chapter, that he might be received a Knight of Saint Andrew. M.W. - Who vouchesfor the worth of the applicant? (The proposer here rises and giving the sign, says:-) _ Proposer. - I vouch for the applicant being a K.T., and having regularly advanced to the degree of Knight of Death. 59 COLLECTANEA (The seconderrises and giving same sign, says:-) Seconder. - I vouch for the applicant having shown due proficiency in the subordinate degrees. M.W. - The applicant having thus been duly vouched for, Perfect Wardens and Knights of the Rosy Cross, what is your will? (This may either be expressed by ballot or sign, if clear the ese THE EBARLY GRAND RITE on the earth, the Veil of the Temple is rent, the light is obscured, darkness spreads over the earth, the flaming star has disappeared, the cubic stone sweats blood and water, and the Sacred Wordis lost. Nevertheless it is our intention to recoverit. Are you disposed to follow and assist us? Cand. - I am. M.W. - Perfect Knight Wardens, it is necessary that this M.W. says:-) worthy Brother should travel thirty-three years (the years the M.W. - Sir Knight Master of Ceremonies, you will retire and introduce the applicant. (The M.C. retires and conductsthe applicant, who is dressed Heavenly Word traveled upon the earth) to learn the beauties of the new Law. (The Wardens conduct the Candidate slowly three times round the Chapter, kneeling at the altar as theypass, and calling out the name ofeach pillar, Faith, Hope, and Charity, as they as a K.T., to the door of the Chapter.) M. of C. - Sir Knight, the Temple is destroyed, our tools are broken with the columns, the Sacred Wordis lost, ard the whole Order is in confusion. Will you assist us in recovering the Word? Applicant. - I will. M. ofC. - Then follow me. (Advances to door and gives *** eK *EK) | S.W. - Who are you, and what do you want? M. of C. - A Knight of the Temple and of Death, who hopes by assisting to discover the Word to be received a Knight of the Rosy Cross of Saint Andrew. S.W. - takes Candidate to Master.) S.W. (To Master). - M.W. and P.M., a Knight ofthe pass them, and halt in front of the M.W.) M.W. - My Brother, what have youlearned on your journey? Cand. - I have learned the three virtues by which to conduct myself in future - Faith, Hope, and Charity. Inform me ifthere are any others. M.W. - No, myBrother, theyare the principles and pillars of our new mystery. Approach near to us and take an O.B. never to depart from this faith. {All rise, and Candidate is conducted to altar and caused to kneel with right hand on H.B.) O.B. | do solemnly vow andpromise, under penalty of Temple (as at door). The M.W. is seated at the foot of the altar, and the members allmy former O.B.'s, never to reveal, directly or indirectly anyof on the floor with heads down, elbows on knees, faces covered with the secret parts of this degree of the Rosy Cross of Saint Andrew, left hand, right hand on neck, and jewels covered with crepe.) M.W. (To Candidate.) - My Brother, confusion has come upon our work, and it is no longer in our power to continue it. Heredom of Kilwinning, to any one notentitled to the same; and will confer it upon no one except in such a manner as is authorized by the Scottish Grand Council of Rites, which | acknowledge to be the only governing body for the same in Scotland. So help me God. Grief and consternation prevail amongst us, and confusion reigns COELECTAN E A M.W. - My Brother, you will now pass under care ofthe P. Knight Senior Warden to the West and assist us in our further search for the Word. (Candidate is taken by the Wardento the West, and all take seats.) M.W. _ BRK RRA KKK S.W, - 88 ee RK JW, - ##* Fee EEE (Brethren all rise and give sign of G.S.) M.W. - P. Kt. S. Warden, what is the cause of our assembly? S.W. - The search for the new Word, which with your assistance we hope to discover. Se | M.W. - What must wedo to obtain it? S.W. - Be firmly convinced of the three virtues which are the basis of our columns and our principles. M.W. - What are they? S.W. - Faith, Hope and Charity. M.W. - Howshall we find these three columns? S.W. - By traveling three days in the most profound obscurity. M.W. - Let us travel, Brethren, from East to North, and TREV EARLY GRAND RITE Candidate. - I am in search of the Word bythe help of the new law and the three Columns of Masonry. (Candidate gives *** *** ***) S.W. - Who comes here? M. of C. - A Knight of the Temple and of Death who seeks the new Word. S.W. - It is not by those who boast of worldly distinctions that the Word shall be found, but only by such as have suffered indignity and humiliation in a good cause, and have walked in the Valley of the Shadow, who can hopeto gain that honour. (Slams door in his face.) (M. of C. Takes off his Knightly robes and jewels, puts on a dress of course sacking.) M. of C. - As a child of humility, shorn of earthly honours and distinctions, I am going to conduct you into a dark and dismal place from whence the Word shall triumphantly come to the glory and advantage of Masonry. Place your confidence in me. (Leads him into third apartment.) You are now emblematically in that great beyond - Hades, the grave, the devourer ofall and yet the purifier, where the Word in mercy went when temporarily loosened from the thraldom ofthe flesh, from West to South. bearing the glad tidings so long waited for by those who had been (All pass around as indicated seven times, bending their knees as they pass the altar, the Candidate being conducted by the M. of C. At the third time round the M.W. passes into the aforetime disobedient in the days of our Father Noah, and from thence emerged in renewed effulgence. second apartment; at the fourth round the Wardens pass; at the fifth, the other officers except the M. of C.; at the sixth, the Members pass, leaving the M. of C. and the Candidate; who makes a seventh round and halts suddenly at the door of Second apartment.) ; M. of C. (To Candidate.) - You cannot enter unless yougive me the Word. (M. of C. gives *** *** #** at second apartment.) S.W. - M.W. and P.M., there is an alarmat the door. M.W. - See who knocks. S.W. - Who knocks there? M. of C. - One who havingleft all honours and distinctions behind, passed through the Valley of the Shadow, and hopes now aS a recompense to procure the New Word. COLLECTANEA S.W. - M.W. and P.M., it is one...... (Same as before.) M.W. - Introduce him to the West of the Chapter. (As he is introduced a veil is thrown over him.) M.W. - From whence come you? M. of C. - From Judea. M.W. - By what road did you travel? M. of C. - By Nazareth. M.W. - Who conducted you? M. of C. - Raphael. M.W. - Of what tribe are you? M. of C. - Of the tribe of Judah. M.W. - Take the initials of these words, what do they form? M. of C. - I. N. R. I. Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews. M.W. - My Brethren, what happiness, the Word is recovered. Give him light. (All clap hands *** *** ***, and say:-) All. - Hosanna in the highest, on earth peace, goodwill to men. M.W. - Approach, my Brother, and I will communicate to you the secrets of this degree, which consist of the sign of the G.S., given thus (1); sign of Recognition, given thus (2); sign of help, given thus (3); answered thus (4). The Grip is (5); P.W., (6); Sacred Word, (7). Go, my Brother, and make yourself known to the Members ofthe Chapter. (Candidate passes from one to another, giving P.W. in the ear of each, then returns and kneels before the altar, when the Brethren gather round him, and placing right hand on him.) THE EARLY GRAND RITE Scotland, Heredom ofKilwinning, a Knight ofthe Eagle and Pelican. The Heredom or Holy House of Kilwinning was where this Order was founded, and the Eagle is the emblem of Him who bore our forefathers as an eagle's wings, while the Pelican is the fitting symbol of Him who shedHis bloodfor us. | hope that you may long enjoy the honors and privileges pertaining thereto, and that you will never disgrace the ribbon with which you have now been invested. KNIGHT OF THE BLACK AND WHITE EAGLE. (This degree called the Knight of the Black and White Eagle, Kadosch, signifying Holy or Consecrated, is the last of the Green Series, and also the last of the Chivalric degrees. It is intimately connected with the Knight Templar Degree, and was anciently used as a second grade of the Temple. The Meeting is called a Council, and the officers have the same names as in a K.T. Encampment. The Knights wear the Temple dress with the addition ofa collar of biack edged with white with the jewel ofthe Degree - a doubled headed eagle, one half white and the other black, with a swordin its claws. The Council is arranged similarly to the K.T., only there is a ladder about fourfeet high, having seven steps, which is covered until required by the ceremony.) OPENING. E.C. - (Gives * * * *, and all rise.) - Sir Knight Marshal, what is your name? M.W. (Investing Candidate with ribbon and jewel of the degree.) - By virtue of the authority vested in me as M.W. and Marshal. - Kadosch, your Eminence. P.M. of this Chapter of the Rosy Cross, I do hereby create and Marshal. - Holy or Consecrated, your Eminence. constitute you a Knight of the Rosy Cross of Saint Andrew of E.C. - What do you mean by Kadosch, Sir Knight Marshal? E.C. - Sir Knight Captain General, in what light do we understand those terms? COLLECTANEA the Holy Temple of C.G. - Holy, as applying to the Orderof and Consecrated as applied Zion, of which Kadoschis the Crown, the Order. to us, who have vowed fidelity to another name? E.C. - Sir Knight Marshal, have you White Eagle, your M. - 1 am a Knight of the Black and | Eminence. ght Kni Eagle, Sir E.C. - Whyof the Black and White Marshal? and the M. - Black and White being the Temple colours, typifies union this ruie, of Eagle being the acknowledged symbol the position of the Knights Kadosch. care whenin E.C. - Sir Kt. Captain General, whatis our first a. Council assembled? Order, your C.G. - To see all present are members of our Eminence. E.C. - Youwill see that duty done. that you C.G. - Sir Knights, it is the honour ofhis Eminence Knights Eagle, White prove yourselves Knights of the Black and Kadosch. (All prove themselves by the sign of the Order.) care? E.C. - Sir Knight Central Captain, what is our next secure. properly Council C.G. - To prove the Central E.C. - You will see that duty done, Sir Knight Captain. returns and (Central Captain goes to door, gives * * * * reports.) C.C. - The Council is properly secure, your Eminence. s ofthe E.C. - | nowdeclare this Council of Kadosch, Knight Black and White Eagle, to be duly opened in the name of Emanuel our Prophet, Priest and King. (Gives knocks, answered by M., C.G., S.B., and S.) And this shall be your sign. (Gives sign of........, all take seats.) THE EARLY GRAND RITE RECEPTION. (Candidate is dressed as a K.T., with no other decorations or jewels, and is brought to the door by the Conductor, whogives * * ** when the Receiver says:-) R. - There is an alarm at the door ofthe entrance, your Eminence. E.C. - See who causes the alarm, and report. R. (Slightly opening door.) - Who causes this alarm at our Council? Con. - A Knight of the Temple of Zion, who desires to be Kadosch andreceived as a Knightof the Black and White Eagle. R. - What rights has he? Con. - He hasall the rights acquired by the degrees which he has taken, and I, who am Kadosch, vouch for him. R. - Await here while I acquaint his Eminence with your fequest. (Closes door, gives sign, and reports). R. - Your Eminence, a Knight of the Temple....(Same as at door.) E.C. - What rights has he? R. - He has all the necessary qualifications, and the Conductor of our Encampment, who is Kadosch, vouches for him. E.C. - Since he is thus vouched for, he must be worthy. You will receive him from the Conductor, informing him that before he can proceed furtherin this degree it is necessarythat he takes a - O.B. to preserve the secrets and observe the laws ofthe rder. (Receiver goes to door, reports to Cand. what the Con. has Said, and leads him to the West, where he kneels upon both knees, his left hand upon the emblems, his right on the H.B., Which are placed on a c.....n.) COLLECTANEA aaa O.B. Eee te on my O.B. asaK.T., and by the penalty which | then invoked, do solemnly promise to keep sacred the secrets of this degree of Kadosch, or Kt. of the Black and White Eagle, and speak of them to none except a true and lawful Kt. Kadosch. | will in all things obey the laws of the Scottish Grand Council of Rites, which I acknowledge to be the only lawful governing body of this degree in Scotland, and the laws of this Council, No. ...., which I acknowledge to be my Mother Council. So help me, God, as I keep and perform the same. E.C. - Sir Knight Receiver, you will now conduct ourBrother to the mysterious ladder of our Order. (R. conduct Cand. to ladder, which is uncovered.) E.C. - Sir Knights, form a circle round the ladder. (All surround the ladder.) E.C. (To Candidate.) - My Brother, you will nowascendthe first step of the ladder. (Order is obeyed.) The ladder uponwhich you stand has two supports - the one on the right bears the Hebrewwords ‘‘Oheb Eloah,"' thatis, "Loving God;" the one on the left "Oheb Karoho," ‘‘Loving your Neighbour." Thereare seven steps on each side, each step has a word written onit - those PTE EAR EY 'GR AND RITE The fourth step is ‘‘Emunah,"' that is "Fidelity," or "Steadiness," a quality you can easily understand as being valuable to a Knight Kadosch, as there can be no success without steadiness and ene The fifth step, "‘Amal-Sagghi," that is, "Great Labour," and truly it is but by great labour and unceasing exertion that we can nope to gain success. The sixth step, "Sabbal" or "Burden," reminds us of the burden of duty which we owe the Order, a burden, however, which by love is rendered light. The seventh step is ‘"‘Ghemul, Binah, Thubinal," that is. "Generosity, Intelligence, and Prudence," which must, indeed, be the last step to perfection. A generous man is always ready to sacrifice himself for the benefit of his brethren. An intelligent manstudies the secrets of nature, and draws therefrom all that can promote human happiness. A prudent man does noi waste his resources, and hever trust to hazard. On the stepson theother side are the words "Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music and Astronomy."' Upon these you have in other degrees heard so much thatit is unnecessary to enlarge upon here. At the bottom of all you behold the words ‘‘Ne Plus Ultra," (As these last words are uttered the ladder is suddenly lowered, and the Cand., on the one side in the Hebrew, on the other in the English supported by the Knights, finds himself suddenly on the floor.) language. The name ofthe step upon which you stand is This fall, so sudden, so unexpected, is the emblem ofthe "Tsedakah," or "Justice," the principal upon which all our misfortunes which maystrike you. Whatever maybe theextent of actions should be based. The second, which you will now ascend, labour which is the common heritage of man. On the third step your knowledge or your virtues, what ever the degreeofelevation to which you may have attained among men, asingle breath of adverse fortune may bring you down to the commonlevel. And (Ascends it.) is "Mathoc," that is ‘‘Meekness,'' a virtue which thoughvaluable in the profane is more so in the Knight Kadosch, now, by Brother (striking himthree times on shoulder withflat of Sword), to the glory of the Grand Architect of the Universe, and is "Shor Laban," signifying the "White Ox,"' an emblemofthat as by its exercise we may convince the erring Brother, and influence him again to enter the paths of peace and happiness. by the power and authority vested in me as E.C. ofthis Council, Noi... on the Registry of the Scottish Grand Council ofRites, I COLLECTANEA the Black and receive and constitute you Kadosch, Knight of to the White Eagle, with all the honours and privileges pertaining , and words ofthe same. We will nowgive you the signs, tokens saying degree of Kadosch. The sign of Kadosch is made by(1), enter to P.W. (4); is token the and (3); is Order (2); the sign of the d Word (7). (5), and to retire (6), answer (...... ); and the Sacre END OF THE GREEN SERIES. N. PRIESTLY ORDER OF THE TEMPLE, OR WHITE MASO Baaie (This degree is the first of the White Series. The meeting is Knight styled a Tabernacle, and the members are Royal Arch Templar Priests. The Tabernacle is in form an oblong square, and represents a Tent, supported by seven pillars extending from High the first at the entrance to the seventh at the right of the Priest, whois the presiding officer. At each pillar is placed an officer, and on the pillar is a pillar. The membersareall dressed in the white robes of the Temple, and wear the Priest's jewel, which is a triangular plate of metal with the letters B.O.N.T.L.O.1., W.L.B.T.T.P.D., A.O.S.I.0.G., around the inner edge, and in the centre the letters G.M.G.F. In the case of the High Priest it is surmounted by a mitre, and of each ofthe pillars by a pillar having a number enamelled on it. When Candidate is passing the Pillars, Prelate reads the appropriate passages ofscripture.) OPENING. assemble as Priests, and assist meto us let Brethren, H.P. dispatch of business. (Gives *, the for Tabernacle open this and Pillars of our Tabernacle, | Priests Pillars rise.) Sir Knight in forming this Tabernacle. duties your discharge call uponyouto 70 THE EARLY GRAND RITE (7th Pillar gives *, all rise.) Sir Knight Priest and 1s: Pillar is our Tabernacle secure fromall intruders? 2 Ist P. (After tyling.) - It is, Sir Knight High Priest. H.P. - Then let us unite together as children of one parent brethren of one tie, and in the name of God let brotherly bats prevail. The Lordis our Judge, the Lordis our Lawgiv er, the Lord is our King: He will save us: blessed is He that comet h in the name of the Lord. You will nowassist me to open this Tabern acle for promulgating the friendship of the Order. Sir Knight Priest and 2nd Pillar, from whence come you? 2nd P. - From the land of darkness. H.P. - Sir Knight Priest and 2nd Pillar, whither are you going? 3rd P. - To the land oflight. H.P. - Sir Knight Priest and 4th Pillar, for what purpose? i 4th P. - In search of that City and Tabernacle set upon a high hill, whose founder and master is God. ‘ H.P. - Sir Knight Priest and Sth Pillar, your reason? Sth P. - For the Lord is my God. H.P. - Sir Knight Priest and 6th Pillar, your second reason? 6th P. - For the Lord God omnipotent ruleth and reigneth; Hallelujah for ever! H.P. - Sir Knight Priest and 7th Pillar, I will thank you to give me the S. and W. ofa Priest? (7th Pillar gives 1 and 2.) Ist P. - Wherefore, Brethren, lay aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as new-born babesdesire the sincere milk ofthe Word, that ye may gow thereby, if so be that ye have tasted that the Lord iy : To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed men, but chosen by God, and precious, ye also, as living THE COLLECTANEA on one holy priesthood, to stones, are built up a spiritual house, le to God by Jesus Christ. offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptab pture - Behold, I lay in Whereforealso it is contained in the Scri , and he that believeth in Sion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious e, dearly beloved, I Him shall not be confounded. Wherefor ain from all fleshly beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abst lusts which was against the flesh. with unbelievers 2nd P. - Be ye not unequally yoked together ghteousness? unri s with for what fellowship hath righteousnes And what ? ness And what communion hath light with dark hath he that concord hath Christ with Belial? And what part the temple of believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath g God, as God God with idols? For ye are the temple of the livin and I will be , them in walk that them hath said, I will dwell in ple. their God, and they will be mypeo and that 3rd P. - Knowye not that ye are the temple of God, e the temple the spirit of God dwells in you? And if any man defil , of God, himwill God destroy, for the temple of God is Holy which temple ye are. 4th P. - And manypeople shall go and say, Come ye, and let of us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God His in walk will we , and ways his of h us teac Jacob, and He will paths, for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word ofthe Lord from Jerusalém. Sth P. - Now, therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints and of the dation of the household of God, and are built upon the foun Apostle and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief her, corner-stone, in whomall the building, fitly framed toget groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord, in whomye are also builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. EARLY GRAND RITE 6th P. - Finally, Brethren, be strong in the Lord, andin the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye ma be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, for we wrestle i against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers against the powers of darkness in this world, against Spite wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you i Abe armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand a the evil day and having doneall to stand. Stand, therefore having your ae girt about you with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, and above all taking the shield offaith wherewith ye Shall be able to guard all the fiery darts of the wicked; and take the helmet of salvation, and the swordofthe spirit, sich is the word BE God, praying always with prayers and supplications of the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication ofall saints. 7th P. - After this I looked and behold, a door was openedin heaven, and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a ttumpet talking with me, which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter. a | _aii seeing we also are compassed about with 7 oud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the ae doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the os set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and om our faith; Who for the joy which was set before Him ted the Cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the tight hand of the throne of God, and having all. Ist P. - Power. (Gives E.A.P. sign.) 2nd P. - Riches. (Gives F.C. sign.) 3rd P. - Wisdom. (Gives M.M. sign.) 4th P. - Strength. (Gives E.M. sign.) COLLECTANEA Sth P. - Honour. (Gives R.A. sign.) 6th P. - Glory. (Gives K.T. sign.) 7th P. - Blessing. (Gives S. of T.R.A.) H_P. - I nowdedicate this Tabernacle of Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests .........., INO: hick. on the Registry of the Scottish Grand Council of Rites, to be open, and stand open for such time as is necessary to transact the business which may come lawfully before it, and this I do in the name of Melchizedek, King of Peace, and by * * * * * * *, (answered by 7th P., Ist P., and ve Tyler), and this shall be your sign (3). (All take seats.) (The Candidate, who is dressed as a Knight Templar but h..d w...d, is led to the door of the Tabernacle. The Conductor gives ** * * * * *, and the Ist Pillar opening the door slightly asks:-) PE EARLY GRAND RITE H.P. - Admit the applicant in the name ofthe King of Peace, and let him pass the Pillars of our Tabernacle towards the East. Ist P. (To Conductor) - Enter in the name of the King of Peace, by the doorof Faith, the Power of Strength, the Lamp of Prayer, walk in the steps of that faith of our Father Abraham. Godis a light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. Beloved, the Lion ofthe tribe of Judah hath prevailed to open the Book, and loose the seven seals thereof, to the joy of His own peopleand the terror of His enemies; and when he openedthe first seal, there was opened for us the doorof Faith (Rev. ii, 11; 1 Cor. x, 3, 4; Num. xvii, 10; Psalm cxix, 105; Eph. vi, 10 to end). Beloved, smite the rock with the rod offaith, that the living waters of Divine grace mayflowto us in a precious stream of santification and free pardoning. Thy wordis a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. You will now proceed to the Second Pillar for ist P. - What stranger approaches our Tabernacle? further instructions, taking with you my word, which is (5). Con. - It is no stranger, but I with a Knight of the Temple (At each of the Pillars the same questions are asked and answeredas at the door, only the Candidate passes by the word of who earnestly desires to be consecrated a Priest Mason. Ist P. - What brings he with him as a recommendation for this honour? Con. - Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, peace and goodwill towards all Knight Masons, and the Priest's pass, which | will give for him. ist P. - Advance and give it. (Conductor gives 4.) Await w hile I report to the High Priest your request. (ist Pillar closes door, turns to High Priest, gives sign, and says:-) Ist P. - Sir Knight High Priest, a Knight of the Temple with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and peace and good will tow ards all Knight Masons, whose Conductorhas given me the Priest's Pass, seeks to be consecrated in our Tabernacle. the preceding Pillar.) 2nd P. - Enter by the Power of Wisdom, by the Lamp of Knowledge, through the door of Hope. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in His way; for the Lord God is a Light and a defence. When the Lamb of God opened the second seal He opened the door of Hopeforus also. (Rev. iii, 12; Rom. xv, 13; Num. xiii, 23; Hos. ii, 15). Beloved, smite the rock with the rod of faith, that the living fountain of Divine grace may flow to us in heart reviving strength and adoption. Youwill now pass to the Third Pillar by the aid of my word, which is (6). 3rd. P. - Enter by the Power of Beauty, by the Lamp ofHoly Desire, through the door of Mercy. The Lord will order our steps 75 COLLECTANEA r) a) THE EARLY GRAND RITE in His word, and cause us to walk in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. God shall load Israel with joy, in the light of His glory, with mercy and righteousness. When the Prince of Peace opened the third seal, He opened the door of mercyforall lost sinners. (rev. ii, 17; Heb. ix, 3, 4; Sol. Song ii, 5.) Beloved, smite the rock with the rod offaith, that the living fountains of Divine grace may flow to us in a satisfying stream ofreal consolation and peace, with assurance forever. (7). 4th P. - Enter by the Power of Truth, the Lamp ofPurity, and the Doorof Utterance, and listen to a lesson from the Sacred writings. I have no greater joy than to hear that my Brethren walk in the truth asit is in Christ Jesus. The light which cometh from wisdomshall never go out. When the King of righteousness opened the fourth seal, He opened the door of Utterance to preach the everlasting gospel, and therein discover to us the glories of Divine light and holiness as revealed in the secret mysteries of His redeeming love, so that we may walk in all the steps of truth through out, and in full confidence of hope, to the @th P. - Enter by the Power of Peace, the Lamp ofPower, and the Door of Perseverance. Righteousnessshall go beforeus, and shall lead us in the way ofHis steps, in the newand living way. Wisdomis the brightnessofthe everlasting light; walking in the light we shall find all the sacred treasures of true wisdom and saving knowledge of Christ's glorious gospel, which never faileth. When the Gracious Emmanuel openedthe sixth seal, He opened for us the Door of Perseverancefor the poor in heart. To him that overcomethwill I give to eat ofthe tree of knowledgeoflife, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. (Zec. iii, 4, 5, 8; Rev. xxii, 2; Isaiah xxv, 6.) Beloved, smite the rock with the rod of faith, that the living fountain of Divine grace may flow to us in a soul-refreshing stream of joy. (10.) 7th P. - Enter by the Power of Glory, the Lamp ofJoy, and the Door of Life; live in the spirit, and walk continually in the steps of the spirit; quench not the light of Israel, which light burneth to the perfect day. When the true Melchizedek opened the seventh seal, He opened the DoorofLife to all that through promised land. (Rev. ii, 26-28; Matt. ii, 8, 10; Rev. ii, 28; 2 Peter faith endure to the end in perfect love and holiness. (Rev. iii, 21; i, 19; Isaiah lv, 1.) Beloved, smite the rock with the rod offaith, that the living fountain of Divine grace may flow to us in a purifying stream of righteousness and true holiness. (8.) Sth P. - Enter by the Power of Light, the Lamp of Good Words, and the Door of Salvation. Brethren, be faithful and John vi, 33, 48; Acts xxii, 5, 6, 7; Acts ii, 1-10; 1 Peter ii, 9.) Beloved, smite the rock with the rod offaith, that the living fountain of Divine grace may flowto us in a crystal streamof life out riversofoil. 1 am the Light of the world; he that followeth me and sanctifying love. You will now be conducted to the High an for further instructions, taking with you my word, which is (2). Con. - Sir Knight High Priest, I here present to you this Candidate for priestly consecration in the house of holy wisdom. shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light oflife. When the Great Jehovah openedthe fifth seal, He opened to us the Door acknowledge the correctness of the word. Let the Candidate of Salvation. (Rey. iii, 5; Rev. xxii, 16, 17.) Beloved, smite the advanceto the altar, and there in proper formtake the O.B. ofa rock with the rod offaith, that the living fountain of Divine grace Priest Mason. (This is done by K. on b.k., right hand holding a tod, the left on the H.B.) diligent, and the Almightywill be with us, and will enable us by faith to wash our steps with butter, and the rocks shall pour us may flow to us in a streamof happiness and heavenly comfort. (9-) 76 H.P. - Let him advance and give it. (Candidate gives 2.) I COLLECTANEA O.B. I, in the name ofthe great Melchizedek, and in this Tabernacle of Priest Masons, do solemnly promise that I will forever faithfully keep and conceal the secrets of this degree from anyonein the whole world not lawfully entitled to the same. I will always acknowledge this Tabernacle to be my Mother Tabernacle as a Priest Mason, and will obey all her laws, and those of the Scottish Grand Council of Rites under whichit is held, and which I acknowledge to be the only legal governing body for this and other degrees of White Masonry in Scotland. Coming under no less a penalty than (11). ee Doe EARLY GRAND RITE bodies and souls of each other, our trusts, reputation, and interests, all the days of our lives. This covenant we have made in the presence of the Lord Jehovah, who understands all our thoughts, hears all our words, discovers all our actions, Great Searches for all, with true intent through Grace to perform the same, as we shall answerat the great and awful day of judgement Sir Knight Priests, until when should a Priest be faithful to these vows? All exclaim. - Until time is no more. (This question is also asked at closing from the 7th Pillar, with the same answer.) H.P. - Having now taken the O.B., I, as a High Priest ofthis WROSTNACIO A. Has, No. ..., do anoint and consecrate you (pours a little oil upon Candidate's head) a Priest Mason and invest you with all the privileges pertaining to this degree. (Raises Candidate.) I now congratulate you on your advance into White Masonry, and will put you in possession of the secrets ofthis EXPLANATION. Ist P. - Lion, White. 2nd P. - Anchor, Black, Fig. 3rd P. - Sun, Crimson, Apples. 4th P. - Star, Red, Wine and Milk. Sth P. - Heart, Purple, Water. 6th P. - Soul, Blue, Mitre. degree, which consist of a G.W. (12), an entrance P.W. (13), 7th P. - Crown, Green, Wine and Bread. LIGHT. given with the G. thus (14), a P.W. of exit (15), and the Priest's Pass (4). And now, Sir Knight, as Royal Arch Knight Templar PRIEST OF THE SUN. Priests, we resolve, in the strength of the Lord our God, to unite (This degree is in some Rites called Knights of the Sun, in our souls, that we may become spiritual builders of the second Temple and Pillars in the House of God, resolving alwaystolive others, Prince Adept, and Key of Masonry. We retainthe original name. The meeting is styled a Consistory, andis lit by one bright in brotherly love, and endeavour through grace to keepthe unity ofthe spirit in the bonds ofpeace and in holy friendship, now and light in the East, under which the principal officer sits. The officers are Father Adam, representing the Sun; Brother Truth, forever joining our hearts and hands in the true Christian representing the moon; and seven Brothers, representing the fellowship. bythe all-sufficient grace and Spirit of God, to be true to the seven Angels who governed the number ofplanets knowntothe ancients, viz:- Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, Hamaliel, Raphael, Zarachael, and Saphael. There is no opening or closing 78 79 Andby the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ we again resolve, COLLECTANEA THE ceremony, the Consistory being reduced from the degree of Mother Word.) ae RECEPTION. (Brother Truth retires to the preparation room and prepares the Candidate, who is dressed as a Templar Priest, and without anyfurther ceremony conducts him to the Consistory, and halting in front of F.A., gives **** **,) F.A. - Brother Truth, whomdo you conduct? Bi am OIPe Alc tesina ey a Knight Templar Priest who seeks further advancement as Priest of the Sun. F.A. - Is he prepared to receive instructions with humility? B.T. - He is. F.A. - Then let him be conducted around our temple to the seventh Cherubim, that he may profit by the teachings ofthe Divine Sun, even as nature profits by the enlivening rays of the material Sun. (B.T. takes Candidate to Michael and gives **** **,) M - Brother Truth, whom do you conduct? B.T. - A Blue Mason seeking advancement in this Consistory. M. - What has he to recommend him? B.T. - The sign and word of a M.M. M. - Let him give them. (Candidate gives them.) | acknowledge you a true Blue Mason, and give you leave to pass to Gabriel. Remember that blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. (Passes to G.) **** **, G. - Brother Truth, whom do you conduct? B.T. - A Red Mason who seeks advancement in our Consistory. G. - What has he to recommend him? B.T. - The P.W. and P.G. of a R.A.M. 80 EARLY GRAND RITE G. - Let him give them. (Candidate gives them.) | acknowledge you a true Red Mason, and give you leave to pass to Uriel. Remember that blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Passes to Uriel) *#** **, U.- Brother Truth whom do you conduct? B.T. - A Black Mason seeking advancement in our Consistory. U. - What has he to recommend him? B.T. - The W. and S. of a K.T. U. - Let him give them (Candidate gives them.) I acknowledge you to be a true Black Mason: pass to Hamliel. Rememberthat blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. (Passes to H.) *#** **, H. - Brother Truth, whom do you conduct? B.T. - A Prince Mason seeking advancement in our Consistory. H. - Whathas he to recommend him? B.T. - The S. and W. of a P.M. H. - Let him give them. (Candidate gives them.) | acknowledge you a true Prince Mason; pass to Raphael. Rememberthat blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled (Passes to R.) *#** **, R. - Brother Truth, whom do you conduct? B.T. - A Knight of St. Andrewseeking advancement in our Consistory. R. - Let him prove himselfby giving me the S. and W. of that degree. (Candidategives them.) I acknowledge you a true Knight of St. Andrew; pass to Zarachiel. Remember that blessedare the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. (Passes to Z.) **** **, Z. - Brother Truth, whom do you conduct? B.T. - Kadosch, who seeks advancement in our Consistory. COLLECTANEA Z. - Let him prove himself by giving me the S. and W. of Kadosch. (Candidate gives them.) I acknowledge youto be true Kadosch; pass to Saphael. Rememberthat blessed are the purein heart, for they shall see God (Passes to S.) **** **, S. - Brother Truth, whom do you conduct? B.T. - A Knight Templar Priest seeking advancement in our Consistory. S. - Let him prove himself by giving me the Priest's Pass. (Candidate gives them.) I acknowledge you a true Knight Templar Priest; pass to Father Adam. Rememberthat blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called children of God. B.T. - Father Adam, I again present to you Sir .........., who has proved himself worthy to receive instruction from the Cherubim. F.A. - Is he fully determined to profit by the instructions he has received? B.T. - He is. F.A. - Then let him kneel at the altar and take the O.B. of this degree. (The O.B. is in general terms.) LIGHT. PA, * Sit aes by the power and authority vested in me by the Scottish Grand Council of Rites I proclaim youa Priest of the Sun, and nowinvest you with the jewel of this degree, which is a sun hung froma yellowribbon. I will also put you in possession of the secrets ofthis degree, which consist of a G.W. (1), answer (2); a P.W. (3), answer (4); a S. (5); and G. (6). Brother Truth will now conduct you to a seat in the Consistory. THE EARLY GRAND RITE PRIEST OF ELEUSIS. (The ceremonies of this degree are two-fold - the first founded upon the ancient Eleusion mysteries; the second a Christian version of the same. The officers are - Heirophant, or Master; Huperet, or Conductor; Diachanos, or Inner Guard; Cereberus, or Tyler. The meeting is styled a Consistory, and there are no opening or closing ceremonies, the Consistory being raised or lowered to or from the next degree. The Candidate is dressed as in the preceding degree, and let by Huperet into the Consistory, the door beingleft open for the purpose.) ADVANCEMENT. D. - (Meeting Candidate inside the door). What profaner is this who intrudes within these sacred precincts? M. - (For Candidate.) I am no profaner, though but a dweller on the threshold, and am come humblyseeking light in Eleusis. D. - If you are sincere in your desire, enter, and having partaken in the ceremony of lustration emit the declaration, without which nofurther progress can be made. (The Candidate washeshis hands in a basin, and dried them with a towel provided for him.) Repeat after me, holding up your right handBerens. Ls , do solemnly declare that in seeking advancement here I am actuated by no unworthy motive, and sacredly pledge myself to keep inviolately secret from the whole world the secrets of or belonging to this degree, should the Hierophant see fit to entrust me with the same; and maythe great Dispenser oflight and life deal with me as I keep my pledge. And now, having conformed thus far to our regulations, you will proceed to the Hierophant for further instructions. (Goesto the East, led by Huperet, and halts before H.) 83 COLLECTANEA Huperet. - Wise Hierophant, behold before you a dweller on the threshold, who has washed his hands of the vanities of the outer world, and vowed unalterable fidelity to our Order. H. - Approach, O dweller on the threshold! (Cand. advances byfour long and three short steps, and kneels; the H. takes one step to meet him, and touching him upon the ear, eyes, and mouth, says-) - And thus I seal you, that you may hear, see, and speak concerning the Order, but as you may be instructed. Do ay you again renewthe pledge you formerly made? Cand. - I do. H. - (Raising Candidate.) - Muo. Huperet. (Taking Candidate's left hand.) - Mueo. H. - Hear, see, and be silent (touching eyes and ears, but not the mouth) concerning the secrets of Eleusis, in which I will now instruct you. The G.W. is (1), Ist P.W. (2), 2nd P.W. (3), and sign (4). The Hierophant having imparted the secrets, steps back, and says-) H. - Konx Onipax (It is finished.) Priest of Eleusis, be secret and silent. (All give sign.) (All retire to second apartment led by Hierophant, Candidate and Huperet being last. As Candidate enters a veil is thrownover him and he is laid on the floor, and all having taken their places, the Hierophant, as High Priest, also Huperet, as Vice High Priest-) H.P. - What is the cause of our present assembly, Brother Vice High Priest? V.H.P. - To learn for ourselves, and to explain to a Priest of the old Eleusis the mysteries of the New Jerusalem, whichis the true Eleusis. THE ‘EARLY GRAND RITE H.P. - Where is he thatis to profit by the lesson? V.H.P. - He is dead in error, but aw aits the revivifying teaching of the new law. a Pai ae him beraised fro m the grave of error by the power S or i the Word, and bythe aid of ofth the three ints poin i h, Hope, and ts, Fait V.H.P. (Taking Candidate by right hand, gives (5), and whispering (6) in his ear.) - Rise by the power of the Word fron deadly errorto living truth. (Chaplain reads 21st ChapterofRevelat ion, while Candidate is led slowly round, halting before the H.P.) V.H.P. - I here present to you, Rev erend High Priest, a xtest of the old Eleusis, who from the death of error h as been taised by living truth. HP. : Companion .........., I welcome youa Priest of the true Eleusis, and now put you in posse ssion ofthe secrets ofthis grade, which consist of sign (7), G.W. (6), P.W. (8), id G (5). (H.P. reads a lecture upon the ancie nt initiation for Candidate's instruction, and Chaplain reads the 22nd Chapterof Revelations, which closes the cerem ony.) THE MOTHER WORD, or ROYAL SECRET. i (This degree is known as the Mother Word or Royal Secret. i meeting as in the two preceding degrees which are held under is styled a Consistory. The Commander is seated on a throne with seven steps. In front ofthis is the altar, draped with black cloth. On it is placed the H.B., S. and B., also the statutes, a naked sword, a sceptre, and a balance. In front ofthe altar is laid a drawing of the Camp painted in colours. The 1st and 2nd Captains are Placed West and South. The other officers are 85 COLLECTANEA Master of Ceremonies, two Lieutenants of the Guards, Sword Bearer, and Sentinel, also fourteen sub-officers, five Standard Bearers, and nine Captains of Tents, as shown in the Camp. The apron hasa triangular flap, and, with the sash, is of black velvet edged with silver lace or white silk ribbon. The jewel is the Camp plan hung from a Templar's Cross.) ah OPENING. (Com. strikes **** **** with hilt of sword, and all Companions in the East rise to their feet and stand to order.) (ist C. strikes **** **** with hilt of sword, and all in the West do same.) 2nd C. strikes **** **** with hilt of sword, and all in the THE EARLY GRAND RITE Com. - Ist Lieut., advance and receive the watch word of the day, which youwill give to the Sentinel and the Sword Bearer. (1st Lieut. gets the word and gives it to the Sentinel and Sword Bearer, returns and reports.) Ist L. - The Sentinel and Sword Bearer have the word, Eminent Commander. Com. - Attention Princes! (All stand to order.) In the name of the Great Architect of the Universe, I nowdeclare this Consistory of Princes of the Royal Secret .......... sNOe sass under authority of the Scottish Grand Council of Rites, to be open for the dispatch of business (gives **** **** with sword hilt, Ist and 2nd Captains, Sentinel, and Sword Bearer do same) - and this shall be your sign. (All give (4), and take their seats.) South do same.) Com. - Ist Lieutenant of the Guard, see that the Sentinel is properly posted, and advise him that we are about to open this Consistory of the Royal Secret. L. (Goes to door and posts the Sentinel, returns and salutes.) - The Sentinel is properly posted, and the Consistory is secure fromall intruders. Com. - Eminent Captains and Knights, Princes of the Royal Secret, it is not enough to be guarded from without, we must be certain that none but sharers in the Royal Secret are present. (Ist and 2nd Lieuts. start, one from the right of the Com., the other fromthe right of the Ist Capt., and get the word from each Memberpresent; the Ist Lieut. gives the Word to theIst Capt., and the 2nd Lieut. reports:-) Ist L. - None but Princes of the Royal Secret are present Eminent Commander. Com. - (1). Ist Capt. - (2). 2nd Capt. - (3). (All throwa sign, saying -) Laus Deo. 86 INITIATION. (Candidate is dressed as Knight Templar Priest, with the additional jewels of the Green and White. Thereis nopreparation, all being ready, the Master of Ceremonies, acting as Conductor, gives **** F#** On door.) S.B. - Your Eminence, there is an alarm. Com. - See the cause thereof and report. S.B. (Opening door slightly.) - What is the cause of the alarm? M. of C. - The Master of Ceremonies of this Consistory desires admission, that he might present to the Eminent Commander a Knight Templar Priest, who desires to learn the Royal Secret. S.B. - Has he made suitable proficiency in the subordinate degrees? M. ofC. - I answer for him that he has. S.B. - Await then, until I report. (Closes the door andreports to the E.C. same as at the door.) 87 COMPLE CT AN EA E.C. - His desire is laudable, and as he is so well recommended you may admit him to the camp, where from the properofficers he will receive those instructions which constitute the Royal Secret. M. of C. (Leading Candidate to Camp on floor.) Companions, the plan you see before you, in itself a symbol, is a key to the symbols of Masonry, which will be explained to you by the proper officers as you pass around. The external lines, as you will observe, form a nonagon, at each angle of which is a flag, on each side a tent. Each flag and its pennon are ofdifferent colours from the others, and each tent is distinguished bya letter. From the officer in command of each you will learn its esoteric meaning. Captain Stodan, be pleased to explain to our Brother the esoteric meaning ofthe ninth tent. Stodan. - You are nowat the ninth tent, the letter of which is I or J. (which in the ancient languages are identical), the distinguishing word of a F.C. The colour of its Standard is blue, the symbolical colour of Craft Masonry. Its Captain is Stodan, of whomyou learned in the degree of the Link and Chain. The first degree represents man such as nature has made him, having no other resource than his physical strength, his every act is subordinate to the will of another. The second degree shows the necessity of labour, and consequently of knowledge, by whichto guide it intelligently. The third degree teachesus that death is the inevitable destiny of man, and in the very name of Hiram, signifying as it does ‘‘He who was or shall be raised upalive," shadows forth the great doctrine of the immortality of the soul. Companion Master of Ceremonies, conduct the Candidate to the next Tent. (Order is obeyed.) M. of.C. - Captain Moabon, please communicate to our Companionthe teachings of the eighth Tent. 88 THE EARLY GRAND RITE M. - The Tent which you have now reachedis the eighth, the letter of which is N, the initial letter of the name of the first Ark Mariner. The flag is green, in memory of the olive branch brought back by Noah's dove. Of the degrees under my banner the Funeral Master teaches us by Abraham the sanctity of the rites of sepulture; in the Mark weare taught that true merit is sure ultimately to receive recognition and reward; the Marked Master teaches humility, by showing how the greatest mayerr; the Architect and Grand Architect explains the manner in which Hiram's loss was temporarily filled; and the Knights of the Blue show howdifficult it may occasionally be for even the wisest to discriminate between truth and error. Companion Master of Ceremonies, conduct the Candidate to the next Tent. (Orderis obeyed.) M. of C. - Captain David, please explain to our Companion the teaching of the seventh Tent. D. - The Tent which you have nowreachedis the seventh, the letter of which is O, theinitial letter of the word (5), signifying "the last,"" reminding us in the midst oflife of the end ofthings; its flag is green and red. Of the degrees under my banner we have in David and Jonathan an instance of brotherly love almost passing belief, for David loved him as he loved his ownsoul; and in the Scarlet Cord we have an example of dependence uponthe Divine promise. Companion Master of Ceremonies conduct the Candidate to the sixth Tent. (Order is obeyed.) M. of C. - Captain Aholiab, please explain Companion the teaching ofthe sixth Tent. to our A. - The Tent which you have now reachedis the sixth, the letter of whichis N., the initial letter of the secondscribe ofthe Royal Arch. The colours of my flag is red, the distinguishing colour of a R.A.M., and by the degrees under my care weare 89 COLLECTANEA taught, as Excellent and Super Excellent Masons, the necessity of carefully examining any who seek to associate with us in prosecuting any great enterprise, while in the R.A. we see that determined effort can rescue beneficial secrets. Companion Master of Ceremonies, conduct the Candidate to the fifth Tent. (Order is obeyed.) M. of C. - Captain Eusebius, please explain to our Companion the teachings of the fifth Tent. E. - The Tent which you have now reachedis the fifth, the letter of which is X, the initial of the Grand Captain of our Salvation. Its flag is red and black, and the degrees under my charge teach us, by Constantine's example, that, having received the Divine sign of approval, nothing should be allowed to turn us aside. In the Christian Mark we learn that our hands must be clean and our actionspure if the destroying Angel is to pass us by. Companion Master of Ceremonies, conduct the Candidate to the next Tent. (Order is obeyed.) M. of C. - Captain Simon, please instruct our Companion in the teachings of the fourth Tent. S. - The Tent which you have nowreached is the fourth, the letter of which is I, the initial of the distinguishing word ofa Knight Templar. My flag is black, and the lesson taught bythe degrees under my chargeis fidelity to religious duties, abhorrence of treason and deceit, and reliance on the sustaining power of Divine providence in every lawful duty. Companion Master of Ceremonies, conduct the Candidate to the next Tent. (Order is obeyed.) M. of C. - Captain Zerubbabel, please instruct our Companion in the teachings ofthe third Tent. Z. - The Tent which you have now reached is the third, the letter of whichis L, theinitial letter of the distinguishing wordof 90 EHE EARLY ‘GRAND RITE a Prince Mason; its flag is green and white. Ofthe degrees under my charge the Prince of Babylon shows forth God's protecting care over those who repose implicit trust on Him, while the Prince Mason showsthe all prevailing power of Truth. Companion Master of Ceremonies conduct the Candidate to the next Tent. (Order is obeyed.) M. ofC. - Captain Raphael, please instruct the Candidate in the teachings of the next Tent. R. - The Tent which you have nowreachedis the second, the letter of which is A, the initial letter of the distinguishing word of a Knight of the White Cross. The flag is light green, and the lesson taught by my degree is, as a Knight of St. Andrew, to revere the true Word as the name to whose power all things bow in heaven and on earth, and as Kadosch, to rememberthat you are consecrated to a great purpose. Companion Master of Ceremonies, conduct the Candidate to the next Tent. (Order is obeyed.) M. of C. - Captain Adam, please instruct the Candidate in the teaching ofthe first Tent. A. - The Tent which you have nowreachedis the first, the letter of whichis S, the initial of a word ofa Priest of the Sun. The colour of my flag is white, and my degrees teach obedienceto divinely constituted authority by holding up the examples of Korah, Dothan, and Abriam, and the dutyofforsaking theold philosophy for the beauties of the true Elysium, forafter all the will of God governs, and doctrines which are true will prevail over those which are false; no matter howtruth is persecuted it will grow, and no matter howerroris bolstered up it will ultimately fall. Companion Master of Ceremonies, conduct the Candidate to the first Standard Bearers. (Does so.) M. of C. - Brother Boaz, please describe to our Companion the first Standard. COLEECTANEA B. - Companion, you have nowpassed around the nonagon, and received a lesson at each Tent from its Captain. Within it you perceive a heptagon, and within that a pentagon, on each external angle is a great banner, blue, red, black, green, and white, symbolising the five divisions of Masonry, and designated by a letter. The one before which you nowstand hasthe letter T, whichis the initial letter of the word of my Standard. The colour is blue; on it a Lion Couchant, having a key in his mouth, and a collar with the figures 525 on it; motto, Custos Arcanum (Keeper of the Secret). Pass to the second Standard. M. of C. - Companion Joshua, please describe to our Companion the second Standard. J. - Companion, the letter of the second Standard is E, which is the initial letter of the word of my Standard. Its colour is red; onit is displayed the Ark of the Covenant between two palm trees and twolighted candlesticks; motto, Laus Deo (Praise God). Pass to the third Standard. M. of C. - Sir Knight Hugo de Payens explain to our Companion the third Standard. H. de P. - Companion, the letter of the third Standard is N, which is the initial letter of my Standard. Its colour is black and white; and is a two-headed eagle, also black and white, holding in his right claw a sword, and in his left a bloody heart: motto, Carde Gladio Potens (Mightyof heart and with the sword). Pass to the fourth Standard. N. - Companion, the letter, which is also the initial of the word ofthe fourth Standard, is G. The colour of the Standardis green; on it is a black ox, and a sword and trowel crossed; motto, Omnia Tempus Alit (Time gives growth and strength to all things). Pass to the fifth Standard. M. of C. - Reverend Melchizedek, please explain to our THE EARLY GRAND RITE M. - Companion, the letter of the fifth Standard is A; it is also the initial letter of the word of my Standard. The colour is white: on it a flaming heart with wings, and crowned with laurel; motto, Ardens Gloria Surgit (Inflamed with glory as it ascends). Pass to the Commanderfor the closing lessons. (Order is obeyed.) M. of C. - Eminent Commander, I present to your Companion........ for the closing lessons. E.C. - Companion, within the pentagon you perceive a triangle significant of the three Blue degrees which form the foundation of the Masonic structure; within the triangle again is a circle reminding us of the constant round of Masonic duties; within it again is a five-pointed cross, which has a double symbolism, being in itself the symbol of Salvation, and in the numberof its points the divisions of Masonry. You will nowplace your right hand upon the H.B., your left upon this naked sword, and repeat after me the O.B. of the Royal Secret. O.B. Mee ee aise , do solemnly promise to keep inviolable the Mother Word and Royal Secret from all not lawfully entitled to the same. I promise true obedience to the laws ofthis Consistory, See elcien'=s » No. ...., and the statutes of the Scottish Grand Council of Rites under which it is held, and which I acknowledgeto be the sole depository of lawful authority over Green and White Masonry in Scotland. E.C. - Now, Companion, I will put you in possessionofthe secrets of this degree, which consist of the Grand Mother Word (6), also a sign (4), a P.W. (7), 2nd P.W. (8), Sacred W. (9), and aT. or G. (10). And nowI acknowledge you a Prince Companion of the Royal Secret and Mother Word, and congratulate you on having nowattained to the highest degree of White Masonry, and the highest degree to which youcan attain, except by election to a Companionthe fifth Standard. 92 93 COLLECTANEA tory, a position superioroffice in a Council, Tabernacle, or Consis that membership to which I hope youwill worthily strive to attain; you, and you in the purple or governing degrees may be opened to might thus attain the summit of Masonry. End of the White Series.