Exaltation Ceremony

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M.E.Z.: Comp. P.S., you will retire and entrust the Can.

( The P.S. rises, goes to the P.A., gives Rev. or H.Sn., Scr.N.
opens the door, P.S. retires Scr. N. closes the door and
remains standing by it.)

P.S. (to Can, who wears a M.M.’s Apron): Bro (Name)…


advance to me in the three Degrees of Craft Masonry,
showing the Sns. (Full Sns. Of 3rd Degree) (Done). Give
me the Wds. Of a M.M. on the F. Pts. Of F. (Done)

Do you pledge your honour as a man, and your fidelity as a


Mason, that you have been raised to the Sublime Degree of
a M.M. for four weeks and upwards?

Can.: I do.

P.S.: Do you likewise pledge yourself under the penalties


of all your Obs. That you will conceal what I shall now
impart to you with the same strict caution as the others s..s
in Freemasonry?
Can.: I do.
P.S.: Then I will entrust you with the P.Wds. leading to this
Supreme Degree to which you seek to be admitted. They
are “A.i.R..h.” The import of the Wds. Is “My P. having
found M..y.” ( The Can. Should repeat the words as well as
the import of the words. Jan. now puts h..d w..k. on the
Can., who is then s..p s.d., Jan. goes to the door and gives
4 Ks. Scr.N goes to the P.A. gives ct. bow)

Scr.N.: M.E. there is report.

(M.E.Z. alone gives one K., Scr.N. goes to the door, opens
it, sees P.S. outside, closes the door, and returns to the P.A.,
gives ct. bow)
Scr.N.: M.E. the P.S. on his return.

M.E.Z.: Admit him. (Scr. N. drops Sn., goes to the door,


admits P.S., locks door and returns to his place without
saluting. P.S. goes to the P.A., gives Rev. or H.Sn. and
resumes his seat. After a short pause the Jan. announces
the Can. By M.M’s knocks. Scr.N. goes to the P.A. and
gives ct. bow.)

Scr.N.: M.E. there is an alarm.

M.E.Z.: Comp. Scr.N., see who wants admission.Scr.N.


(drops Sn. goes to the door, opens it and addresses Jan.) :
Whom have you there?

Jan. (speaking loud enough for all the Comps. Inside to


hear): Bro. (Name)…, who has been regularly initiated into
Freemasonry, passed to the Degree of a F.C., and in due
time raised to the Sublime Degree of a M.M., in which
capacity he has exercised himself for four weeks and
upwards, and as a reward of merit has been entrusted with
the P.Wds. leading to this Supreme Degree, to which he
seeks to be admitted, and for which ceremony he is
properly prepared.

Scr.N.: How does he hope to obtain the privileges of this


Supreme Degree?

Jan.: By the assistance of T.T.A.L.G.M.H., the united aid of


the C.r.l and T.i.n.l., and the benefit of the P.W.ds.

Scr.N.: Is he in possession of the P.W.ds.?


Jan.: He is, try him.
Scr.N.: (to the Can.): Give me the P.Wds. (Given) The
import of the Wds? (Given) Wait, while I report to the
M.E.
(Scr.N. locks the door, goes to P.A., and gives ct.bow)
Scr.N.: M.E., Bro. (Name) …, who has been regularly
initiated into Freemasonry, passed to the Degree of a F.C.,
and in due time raised to the Sublime Degree of a M.M., in
which capacity he has exercised himself for four weeks
and upwards, and as a reward of merit has been entrusted
with the P.W.ds. leading to this Supreme Degree to which
he seeks to be admitted, and for which ceremony he is
properly prepared.

M.E.Z.: How does he hope to obtain the privileges of this


Supreme Degree?

Scr.N.: By the assistance of T.T.A.L.G.M.H., the united aid


of the C.r.l. and T.i.n.l., and the benefit of the P.Wds.

M.E.Z.: Is he in possession of the P.Wds.?

Scr.N.: He is, M.W.


M.E.Z.: Admit him.
(Scr.N., P.S. and 1st Asst. Soj. Go to the door, Scr. N. opens
it. P.S. takes the Can.’s r.h. and the 1st Asst. Soj. His l.h.,
and conduct him to the front of the K.S. in the W., facing E.
Scr.N. lcoks door. Resumes his seat. 2nd Asst. Soj. Moves to
a side chair.)

M.E.Z.: Bro. (Name) … as you seek preferment in our


Order, and have been entrusted with the P.Wds. leading to
this Supreme Degree, we must inquire if you freely and
voluntarily offer yourself as a Can. For R.A.Masonry?
Can. (prompted by P.S., if necessary) : I do.

M.E.Z.: Do you present yourself with a desire of


improving in Freemasonry, and directing that improvement
to the glory of God and the good of man?
Can. (prompted by P.S., if necessary) : I do.
M.E.Z.: And, are you willing to take the sacred and Solemn
Ob. Restricted to this Supreme Degree, and if admitted, to
keep inviolate our mystic rites?

Can.: I am ( If the Can. Does not reply promptly, P.S.


should whisper “Answer”)

M.E.Z.: Then you will k..l and receive the benefit of


Masonic Prayer.

PRAYER

(The P.S. instructs Can. To k..l on b.ks. The Prins. Give 4


Ks. All stand with the Sn. of R. The P.S. whispers to the
Can. Also to do so.)

J.: Almighty God, at whose command the world burst forth


from chaos and all created nature had its birth, we humbly
implore Thee to bestow Thy spiritual blessing on this
convocation, and grant that the Bro. who now seeks to
participate in the light of our mysteries may be endued
with a portion of Thy Divine Spirit; may he not enter our
Order lightly, nor recede from it hastily, but pursue it
steadfastly, and may he ever remember that the object of
our institution is the welfare of our fellow creatures, but,
above all, the honour and glory of Thy Most Holy Name.
Amen
Omnes: S.M.I.B. (All drop Sn. of R.)
M.E.Z.: Bro. (Name) …. In all cases of difficulty and
danger, in whom do you put your trust?

Can.: (prompted by P.S.) : In T.T.A.L.G.M.H.


M.E.Z.: Glad are we to find your faith continued on so firm
a basis. You may now rise and follow your conductor.
(All sit. P.S. instructs Can. To rise and step back to the P.A.
The P.S. and the 1st Asst. Soj. Also step back to stand at the
right and left of the Can.)
M.E.Z.: ( 4 Ks. By Prins.) : Comps., take notice that Bro.
(Name) …, who has been regularly initiated into
Freemasonry, passed to the degree of a F.C., and in due
time raised to the Sublime Degree of a M.M. is about to
pass in view before you, to show that he is a Can. Properly
prepared to be exalted into R.A. Masonry.

(1st Asst. Soj. Steps back and remains standing in front of


2nd Asst. Soj.’s chair. P.S. turns Can. To face N., and stands
facing him, takes the r.h. of the Can. In his l.h. and the l.h.
of the Can. In his r.h. fingers clasped and arms fully
extended, whispers to the Can. To step off with his l.f.,
steps off backwards with his r.f. and conducts the Can.
Round the Chapter via N., E and S. to the W. without
squaring and as far as possible his own chair and wheels
so that Can. Is immediately in front of it facing E. and
halts. P.S. drops his and Can.’s hands and stands on the r.
of the Can. Facing E.)

M.E.Z.: (to can.) : Bro. (Name)… as you seek to


participate in the light of our mysteries, we must call upon
you to advance towards the Sacred Shrine in which they
are deposited by seven steps, halting and bowing at the
third, fifth, and seventh, for at each step you will approach
nearer to the Sacred and Mysterious Name of
T.T.A.L.G.M.H.
P.S.: (instructs the Can.): Take three walking steps
forward, commencing with the l.ft, halt and bow. Take two
walking steps commencing with the r.ft., halt and bow.
Take two more walking steps, commencing with the r.ft.,
halt and bow.
(P.S. guides the Can. And shuld see that the 3rd and 5th
steps are not completed by bringing the ft. together and the
Can. Bows at these steps before the ft. is raised for the next
step. At the end of the 7th step the Can. Brings up his r.ft. to
complete the step. At the completion of the the Can. Should
be near the K.S., 1st Asst. Soj. Comes forward to the Can.’s
s.l., so that P.S., Can. And 1st Asst. Soj. All stand in one line
facing E.)

M.E.Z. ( to Can.) : You have now arrived at the crown of a


valuted champer, into which it is necessary that you should
descend. You will, therefore, figuratively wrench forth two
of the Arch stones.

(P.S. picks up crowbar and places it in Can.’s both hands,


puts his hands over that of Can.’s, guides the Can. To make
two wrenching movements at two different points, as if
pulling the Arch stones towards him. He then replaces the
crow bar at its place and resumes his place on the r. of the
Can.)

M.E.Z.: Let the Can. Be duly lowered into the vault.

(P.S. instructs the Can. To k…l. on b.ks. on the K.S.)

M.E.Z.: (to the Can.): You will now endeavour to find


something within the vault.

(On instructions of P.S. the Can. Endeavour to find Scroll


and after some time the P.S. guides the Can.’s r.h. to the
Scroll).
Can. (prompter by P.S.) : It is found .

M.E.Z.: What is found?


Can. (prompted by P.S.) : Something like a Scroll of vellum
or parchment.

M.E.Z.: What are its contents?

Can. (prompted by P.S.): For the want of light, I am unable


to discover.

M.E.Z.: Let that want of light remind you that man by


nature is a child of ignorance and error and ever would
have remained in a state of darkness, had it not pleased the
Almighty to call him to light and immortality by the
revelation of His Holy Will and Word. Rise, wrence forth
the Key – stone, and prepare to receive the light of the
Holy Word.

(P.S. replaces Scroll in its original position, and assists the


Can. To stand, places crow bar in his h.ds, as before and
makes one wrenching movement as if pulling the key –
stone, towards him and then replaces the crow bar at its
place and resumes his place on the r. of the Can.)

M.E.Z.: Let the Can. Be again duly lowered into the vault.
(P.S. again instructs the Can. To k…l.)

M.E.Z.(to the Can.): You will now prepare yourself to take


the Sacred and Solemn Ob., without which none can be
exalted into this Supreme Degree.
P.S. (to the Can. Aloud) : Support the V.S.L. on your l.h.
and place your r.h. upon it.

(P.S. places the open small V.S.L. of the faith of the Can.
On his l.h. and asks him to cover it with his r.h. Prins. Give
4 Ks. All stand with the Sn. of R.Prins. advance in line to
the E. of the A. Comps. Stand around, near to the Ensigns.)
OBLIGATION

M.E.Z. (to the Can.) : State your name at length and say
after me. I, … in the presence of T.T.A.L.G.M.H., and of
this H.R.A Chapter, duly constituted, consecrated, and
congregated, of my own free will and accord, do hereby
(P.S. with his l.h., touches hand of the Can.) and hereon
9P.S. with his l.hd., touches V.S.L.) most solemnly promise
and swear, that I will always hele, conceal and never
divulge, any of the s..s or my..s restricted to this Supreme
Degree, denominated the H.R.A. of J., to anyone in the
world, unless it be to a true and lawful Comp. of the Order,
whom I shall find to be such after strict examination. I
further solemnly promise that I will not dare to pronounce
that S.. d and My..s N..e which may now for the first time
be communicated to me, unless in the presence and with
the assistance of two or more R.A. Comps., or in the body
of a lawfully constituted R.A. Chapter, whilst acting as
First Prin.
All these points, I solemnly swear to observe, without ev..,
eq.. or men. Res. Of any kind. So help me T.T.A.L.G.M.H.
and keep me steadfast in this the Sacred and Solemn Ob.
Of a R.A. Mason,

(All drop Sn. of R.)

M.E.Z.: As a pledge of your fidelity and to render what you


have repeated a Solemn Ob., binding on you so long as you
shall live, you will, seal it f.. times on the V.S.L., in the
manner most binding on you.

(Done, P.S. takes V.S.L. from the Can. And replaces it on


the cushion. The D.O.C. moves from the S.E. to the S.W.,
picks up the Scroll and stands at the r. of the P.S.)
In former times, a Can, was required to swear to observe
all the points of his Ob. Under no less a penalty on the
violation of any of them, than that of suffering l..s of l..e.
by having his hd. St…k off. Now we do not include
physical penalties in the Ob.,but rely on the conscience of
the Can. To remain steadfast to his Ob.

M.E.Z.: Comp. P.S. you will raise the Can. In due from by
the G.p. of a R.A. Mason.

(The P.S. comes to the S. side of K.S., faces N and raises


the Can. By these five actions.

1. The P.S. with his r.h. takes the Can. By the r.h. and
says; Bro….. (Name)
2. The P.S. places his l.h. under the r. forearm just above
the wrist of the Can. And says: now.
3. The P.S. then places his r.h. on the upper forearm of
the Can. Just below the elbow and says: a
Companion.
4. The P.S. then places his l.h. under the Can.’s elbow
and says: of our Order.
5. The P.S. then places his r.h. under the Can.’s armpit
and says: Rise, at the same time raising the Can.

P.S. resumes his place at the Can’s r. side. The Prins.


now form a vertical t.i.n.l. with their Serptres, that of the
M.E.Z. forming the base. Comps. Grasp the staves of the
Ensigns and and tilt them slightly inward. They all stand
thus till the Can. Goes out and the, door in closed.)
M.E.Z.: Having been kept for a considerable time in a
state of darkness, what in your present condition, is the
predominant wish of your heart?

Can. (prompted by P.S.) : Light.

M.E.Z.: Comp. P.S., let that blessing be restored to the


Can. (Done. The h.w. is removed and handed to the
D.O.C., who gives the Scroll to the P.S.)

M.E.Z.: We congratulate you on being admitted to the


light of our Order, and it is with satisfaction that we
express our confidence that your future conduct will
fully justify our partiality in having exalted you in to this
Supreme Degree, so truly denominated the essence of
Freemasonry. You will now read the Scroll you brought
with you out of the vault.

(P.S. hands the Scroll to the Can., who reads)

“ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness
was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God
moved upon the face of the waters.

“And God said, Let there be light, and there was light.”

M.E.Z.: Let us, therefore, bless, praise and magnify His


Holy Name for the knowledge vouchsafed to us, and
walk worthily in the Light which shines around.

M.E.Z.: ( to the Can.) : You are now at liberty to retire,


in order to restore your personal comfort, and on your
return to the Chapter you will be permitted to participate
in the further my…s of the Order.
(P.S. takes Scroll from the Can. And hands it lo the
D.O.C., Scr.N. opens the door. P.S..1st Asst. Soj. Leave
their robes, collars. Sahes etc. behind. They and the
Can. Go out Scr.N. closes the door, but remains standing
by it. The D.O.C> places the Scroll in its former
position. The Prins., after breaking t.i.n.l., and Comps.
Resume their seats. In the ante-room the Sojs. Don
M.M.’s Aprons. Jan. gives the Ks. Of a M.M.)

Scr.N. (goes to P.A. and with ct.bow): M.E., there is an


alarm

M.E.Z.: Comp. Scr.N. see who seeks admission.

Scr.N. (drops Sn., goes to the door and opens it.): Whom
have you there?

Jan. (speaking fairly loudly) : Three M.Ms, from


Babylon, having heard that you are about to rebuild the
Temple to the honour and glory of the M.H. are anxious
To sojourn amongst you, and to assist in that great and
glorious undertaking.

Scr.N.: Wait, while I report to the M.E.

(Scr.N. locks the door)

Scr.N.(goes to P.A. and with ct.bow) : M.E. three M.Ms


from Babylon having heard that you are about to rebuild
the Temple to the honour and glory of the M.H. are
anxious to Sojourn amongst you, and to assist in that
great and glorious undertaking.
M.E.Z.: Admit them.

(Scr.N. goes to and opens the door. 1st Asst. Soj. Entres
first, P.S. next and the Can. Last.
They line up in front of Soj.’s chairs facing E. Scr.N.
locks the door and resumes his seat.)

M.E.Z.: Strangers, whence come you?

P.S.: From Babylon, M.E.


M.E.Z.: What is your request?

P.S.: Having heard that you are about to rebuild the


Temple to the honour and glory of the M.H. we are
anxious to sojourn amongst you, and to assist in that
great and glorious undertaking.

M.E.Z.: As no strangers can be permitted to assist in that


holy work, we must first inquire who you are.

P.S.: We are nobly born and descended from a race of


partriarchs and kings; in fact, we are Brethren of your
own tribes and families, M.E.

M.E.Z.: But are you not descended from those who fled
when the City and Holy Temple were sorely oppressed,
or are you of those left behind by the Babylonish
General for the purpose of tilling the land?

P.S.: We would scorn to be descended from those who


basely fled when the City and Holy Temple were sorely
oppressed; neither are we of those left behind by the
Babylonish General for the purpose of tilling the land;
but we are nobly born, and like your selves descended
from a race of partriarchs and kings. A., I. and Jb. Were
our forefathers. M.E., we are of the royal line of David
and princely tribe of Judah, who, for their sins and the
sins of the people, were led into captivity with
Jehoiachin their king, by Nebuchadnezzar, King of
Babylon, there to remain for seventy years, as was
foretold by the prophet Jeremiah. The period of our
captivity expired in the first year of the reign of Cyrus,
King of Persia, when it pleased the Almighty to inspire
that noble prince to issue the following proclamation:

“ Thus saith Cyrus, King of Persia, All the kingdoms of


the earth hath the Lord God of heaven given me; and He
hath charged me to build Him a house in Jerusalem,
which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all His
people? The Lord his God be with him and let him go
up.”

We eagerly availed ourselves of this opportunity of


returning to our native land, and have come up
accordingly to sojourn amongst you, and to offer our
assistance in rebuilding the Temple to the honour and
glory of the M.H., who hath promised by the mouth of
His holy prophet, there to establish His name for ever,
and give peace to the whole earth.

M.E.Z.: We acknowledge your noble ancestry and


cheerfully admit you members of our tribes and families.
It only remains for us to enquire on what part of the holy
work you wish to be employed.

P.S.: Any position to which your Excellencies may be


pleased to appoint us will be deemed an honour
conferred.

M.E.Z.: Humility and docility are sure indications of


merit; but from the lateness of your application, the
principal offices are already filled. We will, however,
engage you to prepare the ground for the foundation of
the Second Temple on the site where the first formerly
stood, for which purpose you will be provided with
proper working implements; but we lay this strict
injuction upon you: that should you during the progress
of your labours make any discovery you deem of
importance, you will communicate it to me none but the
Grand Sanhedrim now sitting.

P.S.: We humbly thank your Excellencies for the trust


reposed in us, and pledge ourselves to a faithful
discharge of the duties thereof.

M.E.Z.: Go, and may the God of your fathers be with


you.

(Scrs.E and N. pick up the pick, crowbar, shovel, life


lines and the Scroll. They hand over the crowbar, life –
lines and Scroll to P.S., who takes Scroll in his r.hd., the
pick to 1st Asst., Soj., and the shovel to the Can. Scr.E.
resumes his seat. The Can. Followed by the Sojs. Retires
without Sn. Scr. N. opens the door to let them out, then
locks it and resumes his seat. In the ante – room, the P.S.
winds the thick cord round his waist and the thinner
ones round his wrists. 1st Asst. Soj. Takes in his l.hd. the
end of the thin cord round the r. wrist of P.S. The Can.
Takes in his r.h. the end of the thin cord round the l. wrist
of P.S., Jan. gives 4 Ks.)

Scr.N. (goes to P.A. and with ct.bow): M.E., there is a


report.
M.E.Z.: Comp. Scr. N., see who wants admission.

Scr. N. (goes to and opens the door and asks Jan):


Whom have you there?

Jan.(speaking aloud) : The three Sojs. Who were sent to


prepare the ground for the foundation of the Second
Temple, having made a discovery which they deem of
importance, are anxious to communicate the same to the
Grand Sanhedrim now sitting.
Scr.N.: Wait while I report to the M.E. (locks the door,
goes to P.A. and with ct. bow) : M.E., the three Sojs.
Who were sent to prepare the ground for the foundation
of the Second Temple, having made a discovery which
they deem of importance, are anxious to communicate
the same to your Excellencies.

M.E.Z.: Admit them.

(Scr. N. goes to and opens the door. 1st Assi.Soj. enters


first, the P.S. next and the Can. Last . Scr. N. locks the
door and resumes his seat).

M.E.Z. (to Sojs.) : Brethren, we understand that you


have made a discovery you deem of importance. It is,
therefore, necessary that you communicate to us the
discovery you have made and the circumstances which
led thereto.

P.S.: Resuming our labours early this morning, we


discovered a pair of pillars of exquisite design and
workmanship. Proceeding onwards we found six other
pairs of equal symmetry and beauty, which, from their
position, appeared to have supported the roof of a
subterranean passage or gallery leading to where the M.
Holy Place formerly stood. Our progress was here
impeded by the fragments which had fallen during the
conflagration of the former Temple. These we cleared
away and arrived at what appeared to be solid rock.
Accidentally striking it with my crow, it emitted a
hollow sound. I, therefore, hailed my Comps., when he
with the pick loosened the earth which he with the
shovel cleared away (indicates each implement in turn),
when that which at first appeared solid rock proved to be
compact piece of masonry wrought in the form of a
dome. Aware of who had been the Architect of the
former Temple, and that no part thereof had been
constructed in vain, we determined to examine it further,
for which purpose we wrenched forth two of the Arch
stones, when a vault of considerable magnitude appeared
to view.

All being anxious to descend, we cast lots. The lot, M.E.,


was mine. My Comps. then tied this strong cord or life-
line round my body by which to lower me into the vault;
but, being apprehensive of dying from damp, noxious
vapours, or other unforeseen causes, I took a smaller
cord in each hand (shows) by which to give pre-
concerted signals, should I require more liberty or wish
to be drawn up. I was then duly lowered into the vault.
On arriving at the bottom, I felt something like the base
or pedestal of a column, with certain characters engraven
thereon, but for the want of light I was unable to
decipher their meaning. I then signaled with my left
hand for more liberty, and on exploring the vault,found
this Scroll of vellum or parchment, but from the same
cause was unable to read its contents. I, therefore,
signaled with my right hand, and my Comps. drew me
up, bringing the Scroll with me (indicates Scrl. In r.hd.).
On arriving at the light of day, we found from the first
words therein recorded, that it was a part of the long-lost
Sacred Law, promulgated by our Grand Master Moses at
the foot of Mount Horeb in the wilderness of Sinai. The
possession of this precious treasure stimulated us to
funther exertions; we, therefore, enlarged the aperture by
removing the Keystone, and I descended as before. The
Sun by this time, had gained its greatest altitude, and
darted its rays with meridian splendour into the vault,
enabling me clearly to distinguish those objects I had
before so imperfectly discovered. In the centre of the
vault stood a block of white marble, wrought in the form
of the Altar of incense, a double cube. On the front were
engraven the initials of the three Grand Masters who
presided at the building of the former Temple viz., S.K.
of I, H.K. of T. and H.A.B., along with certain mystic
characters; and a veil covered the Altar; approaching
with reverential awe, I raised the veil, and there beheld,
on a plate of gold, that which I humbly conceived to be
the S..d and My…s N..e of T.T.A.L.G.M.H. I carefully
re-veiled it, retired with all respect and reverence, gave
the agreed-on signal, and –was again drawn up. With the
assistance of my Comps. I closed the aperture, and we
have hastened hither to communicate to your
Excellencies the discovery we have made, and the
circumstances which led thereto.

M.E.Z.: Your narrative bears every appearance of truth,


but to convince us you must state what you saw on that
plate of gold.

P.S. (Bowing): That, M.E., we must humbly beg to


decline, for we have heard with our ears, and our fathers
have declared unto us, that in their days and the old time
before them it was not lawful for anyone to pronounce
the S…d and My..s N…e of T.T.A.L.G.M.H., save the
High Priest, nor him but once a year, when he entered
the H. of H. and stood before the Ark of the Covenant to
make propitiation for the sins of the people.

M.E.Z.: We admire your pious caution, and your conduct


considerably increases our esteem. We will, however,
depute two of our Comps., E. and N. to accompany you
to the spot, and their report shall determine your reward.

(P.S. hands crowbar and Scrl. To 1st Asst. Soj., who steps
immediately to the r. side of the Can. Scrs. E. and N.
accompany P.S. to the N.W. corner of the Chapter, where
the Names are communicated in a whisper on the four
t.i.n.l.s. as at the Opening Ceremony by the Prins. P.S. is
on the l. of Scr. E. facing E. Scr. E. demands and P.S.
starts the communication of the Names anti-clockwise.
P.S. returns to his place on the r. of the Can. And
receives the crowbar and Scrl. From 1st Asst.Soj., who
returns to P.S>’s right from behind. Scr. E. goes to the
N.W. of the Chapter and Scr.N. to the S.W. They advance
towards the A. with seven steps, no Sn., remove the veil
and plave it on the floor at the W. side of the A. They
examine the symbols etc, on the plate of gold to see that
all is correct.)

Scr. E. (from N. side of A. and with ct. bow) : Right,


M.E., in every particular.

Scr.N. (from S. side of the A. and with ct. bow) : Right,


M.E., in every particular.

(Both Scrs. Move down to the W. of the Chapter, Scr.E.


to a position to the l. of the Can. And Scr. N. to the r. of
1st Asst. Soj.)

(M.E.Z. consults the other Prins. who nod their assent)

M.E.Z.: My colleagues in office concur with me in my


opinion , that as a reward for your zeal and fidelity in
having discovered the long-lost secrets of the R.A. you
should be at once called to that exalted rank held by your
illustrious ancestors.

Scrs. E. and N., divest these worthy Masons of the


implements of labour, clothe them with the robes of
innocence, and instruct them to advance hither that they
may be further rewarded.

(Scrs. E. & N. take the implements, life line, smaller


cords and Scrl. Form the three, and replace them in their
places. They then assist the Sojs. And the Can. In
dicesting their M.M.’s aprons. The Sojs. Resume their
R.A. clothing and robe with collar over the robe;
attended by Scr. E. the Can. Puts on the robe only. Scr.E.
resumes his seat.)

Scr. N. (to the Can. From the N.W.) : Advance by s..n


steps., halting and bowing at the t..d, f..h and s..h, follow
and copy me.

(Scr.N. advances along N. with s..n .sps. No Sn. P.S.


places the Can. In N. W. and directs him to follow and
copy Scr.N.P.S. follows behind the Can., but does not
take the sps. Scr.N. moves round by the E. to his seat.
P.S. places the Can. In front of the M.E.Z. and stands
behind him. The D.O.C. gets the jewel(s), sash(s),
staff(s) and apron(s) ready).

M.E.Z. (to the Can): The robes with which you have
been invested are emblems of that purity of heart and
rectitude of conduct, which should at all times actuate
those exalted into this Supreme Degree. ( The M.E.Z.
rises, leaves his Sceptre, comes down and faces the
Can.)

We reward you with this jewel (pins it on) as a mark of


our entire approbation, and admit you a Comp. amongst
us; we decorate you with this ribbon and badge, the
insignia of our Order (places sash on first, and then
apron), and entrust you (gives staff, which is handed to
the M.E.Z. by the D.O.C., into the Can.’s right hand)
with this staff of office, which you will ever have a right
to bear, unless 72 of the elders are present; and hereby
constitute you a prince and ruler in the Order; and,
should you continue to act in the faithful discharge of
your duties, you will, by a regular gradation, be entiled
to full participation of our secrets. (The sash should rest
on the l… shoulder with the knot at the r.side of the body.
The apron belt must be under the sash but outside the
robe. The D.O.C. returns to his seat after the Can. Is
entrusted.)

M.E.Z.: It is in this part of the ceremony that the Sacred


Names and the manner of sharing them is
communicated. The Sojs. Found the Names inscribed on
a plate of gold in the vault and rightly conceived them to
be the S…d and My….s Names of the T.T.A.L.G.M.H.
Because in ancient times it was not lawful for anyone
save the High Prienst to pronounce those Names, it is
our custom to divide the Names into theree syllables,
each syallable to be spoken by a different Comp. and
thus forms a token of recognition. E.Comp.H., will you
please assist.

(The M.E.Z. shifts a pace to S., H. leaves his Sceptre on


his chair and steps down to the r. side of M.E.Z. The two
Prins. are standing looking W. The Can. Is in front of
and between the Prins. looking E., and P.S. is behind
and to the r. of the Can., ready to prompt him.)

M.E.Z. Stand to order thus. (The two Prins. and the Can.
Give Rev or H.Sn.) The Sacred Names are given on a
series pf t.i.n.l.s. formed first, with the r.ft. (here all
three form first t.i.n.l. with the r.ft.), Second, with the r.k.
(here r.ks. of all three are slightly bend and made to
touch), third, r.hd. grasping r.e..w. (here all three drop
r.hd. from l.b.and rest it on the r.e…w of the Comp. on
his left), and fourth, l.hd. grasping 1. w..t. (here the l.
arms are extended fully over the haeds and the w..ts.
grasped as at the Opening). The names are J….H.,
J.B.O. They are shared in a series of syallables. I will
commence and you will follow.

(The M.E.Z. given the first syllable, the Can. Prompted,


if necessary, by P.S. gives the second, H. gives the third
and so on, the communication being done clock-wise.
The Prins. resume their front of the 2nd Asst. Soj.’s chair
and turns him to face the E.P.S. stands on the r. side of
the Can. i.e. at P.A.)

P.S. (with ct.bow-the Can. Does not give Sn.): Thus


invested, rewarded, decorated, and entrusted by your
Excellencies, it shall ever be our study to merit a
continuance of your approbation, by faithfully and
assiduously discharging the duties of the high vocation
to which you have this day been pleased to call us.

M.E:Z We congratulate you on being exalted into


R.A. Masonry, at once the foundation and keystone of
the whole Masonic structure. When you were raised to
the Third Degree, you were informed that by the
untimely death of our Master H.A.B. the s..s of a M.M.
were lost, and that certain substituted s.. s. were adopted
to distinguish all M.Ms, until time or circumstances
should restore the genuine, These s..s were lost for a
period of nearly 500 years, and were regained in the
manner which has just been described to you, somewhat
in a dramatic form, the more forcibly to impress on your
mind the providential means by which these ancient s..s
were regained. Be seated.

(The P.S. conducts the Can. To the 2nd Asst. Soj’s seat. If
there are two Cans, then the other is seated in the 1st
Asst. Soj.’s seat.)

M.E.Z.: (4 Ks): Comps, I claim your attention to W.


Comp. J. for the Historical Lecture.

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