the hand, and says, "Come, my
dear brother, I will show you mysteries worthy the contemplation of a
sensible man. Give me the sign, token, and word of a prince of
Jerusalem;" after which the candidate kneels on both knees, about six
feet from the throne, when the Most Ancient Respectable Senior Grand
Warden says to him, "Brother, you, no doubt, have always borne in
memory the obligations of your former degrees, and that you have, as
far as in the power of human nature, lived agreeably to them?"
Candidate. "I have ever made it my study, and, I trust, my actions and
life will prove it." Q. "Have you particularly regarded your
obligations as a 'Sublime Knight of Perfection,' 'Knight of the East
and Prince of Jerusalem?' Do you recollect having injured a brother in
any respect whatsoever? or have you seen or known of his being injured
by others, without giving him timely notice, as far as was in your
power? I pray you answer me with candor." Candidate. "I have in all
respects done my duty, and acted with integrity to the best of my
abilities." The Most Puissant says, "You will be pleased to recollect,
my brother, that the questions which have now been put to you, are
absolutely necessary for us to demand, in order that the purity of our
Most Respectable Council may not be sullied; and it behooves you to be
particular in your recollection, as the indispensable ties which we
are going to lay you under, will, in case of your default, only
increase your sins, and serve to hurl you sooner to destruction,
should you have deviated from your duty: answer me, my dear brother."
Candidate. "I never have." The Most Puissant says, "We are happy, my
brother, that your declaration coincides with our opinion, and are
rejoiced to have it into our power to introduce you into our society.
Increase our joy by complying with our rules, and declare if you are
willing to be united to us by taking a most solemn obligation."
Candidate. "I ardently wish to receive it, and to have the honor of
being united to so respectable and virtuous a society." The Most
Puissant orders one of the Knights to bring an ewer containing some
perfume, a basin of water, and a clean white napkin to the candidate,
who washes his hands. The Most Puissant repeats the six first verses
of the 24th Psalm. Then the candidate is brought close to the foot of
the throne, where he kneels on both knees, and placing his right hand
on the Bible, his left hand between the hands of the M