ed to the more honorable
degree of Mark Master; presided as Masters in the chair; accepted and
received as Most Excellent Masters, and now wish for further light in
Masonry by being exalted to the more sublime degree of Royal Arch
Masons.

Q. What was then said to you? A. We were asked if we were duly and
truly prepared, worthy and well qualified; had made suitable
proficiency in the preceding degrees, and were properly avouched for.
All of which being answered in the affirmative, we were asked by what
further right or benefit we expected to obtain this favor.

Q. Your answer? A. By the benefit of a pass-word.

Q. Had you that pass-word? A. We had not, but our conductor gave it to
us.

Q. What was then said to you? A. We were directed to wait with
patience till the Grand Council could be informed of our request and
their pleasure known.

Q. What answer was returned? A. Let them enter under a living arch,
and remember to stoop low, for he that humbleth himself shall be
exalted.

Q. Did you pass under a living arch? A. We did.

Q. How were you then disposed of? A. We were conducted to the altar,
caused to kneel, and take upon ourselves the solemn oath or obligation
of a Royal Arch Mason.

Q. Have you that obligation? A. I have.

Q. Will you give it me?

A. "I, A. B., of my own free will and accord, in the presence of
Almighty God, and this Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, erected to
God, and dedicated to the Holy Order of St. John, do hereby and
hereon, most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, in addition
to my former obligations, that I will not give the degree of Royal
Arch Mason to to anyone of an inferior degree, nor to any other
being in the known world, except it be to a true and lawful
companion Royal Arch Mason, or within the body of a just and
legally constituted Chapter of such; and not unto him or unto them
whom I shall hear so to be, but unto him or them only whom I shall
find so to be, after strict trial, due examination, or legal
information received. Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I
will not give the Grand Omnific Royal Arch word, which I shall
hereafter receive, neither in the Chapter nor out of it, except
there be present two companions, Royal Arch Masons, who, with
myself, make three, and then by three times three, under a living
arch, not above my breath. Furthermore, that I will not reveal the
ineffable characters belonging to this degree