Knights of the Essenic Order
Ritual of the First Degree

1894

The Council are to be six in number, appointed by the Excellent Senator. The number may be increased to twelve, eighteen, twenty-four or thirty-six. If composed of but six, three are to be seated in front of the Sarcedos, and three in front of the Junior Seneschal. If composed of more than six, one-half of the number should be seated in the south, and one-hale in the north. The Council should be clothed in white and black robes; the white in the south, black in the north. The Rituals of the order are to be kept locked up, and must not, under any circumstances, be carried by members, or distributed to them by the Excellent Senator, except during the session of the Senate. They are placed in his care and he is held responsible for their safe keeping Examination upon proficiency in the work is required of each candidate before they are to be advanced from the first section to the second or third.

Position of Officers

Excellent Senator in the East.
Senior Seneschal in the West.
Junior Seneschal in the South.
Sarcedos in the North.
Secretary, on right of Excellent Senator.
Treasurer, on left of Excellent Senator.
Senior Vigilante, on right and in front of Excellent Senator
Junior Vigilante, on right and in front of Senior Seneschal.
Surgeon, on right of Sarcedos.
Warder, in vestibule.
Council, in north and south of Senate, and in front of the Sarcedos and Junior Seneschal.
 

Opening Ceremonies

The Excellent Senator takes his station. The constitutional number of members being present, he calls the Senate to order with one rap of his gavel. The officers occupy their stations and the members are seated. The Junior Vigilante observes that the Warder is at his post and armed with his sword, closes the door.
EX SEN.: Knight Senior Seneschal, Senior Seneschal rises are all present members of the Ancient Essenic Order?
SEN.: SEN’L.: I will ascertain and report. Two raps with gavel. Senior and Junior Vigilantes Approach this station. They obey. You will receive the word of a Knight from the north and south, the dividing line being the Excellent Senator and Senior Seneschal, and report the same to me. The Senior Vigilante in the north and the Junior Vigilante in the south receive the word from each member, excepting the Excellent Senator, Senior Seneschal and Sarcedos. If any member is found without it he should remain standing until he shall have received the word from the Excellent Senator and communicates the same to the Vigilante. All
members must be in possession of the word or must be vouched for at this time. No member can lawfully vouch for another unless he has sat in open Senate with him. The Vigilantes having received the word from each member, now returns to the station of the Senior Seneschal and gives to him, each in turn, the word. They are then seated by one rap by the Senior Seneschal.
SEN.: SEN’L.: All present are members of the Ancient Essenic Order, Excellent Senator.
EX SEN.: Senior Seneschal, our first duty when assembled?
SEN.: SEN’L.: To see that our Senate is guarded from the intrusion of the uninformed, the profane.
EX SEN.: You will see that this duty is done, Senior Seneschal.
SEN.: SEN’L., calls up Junior Vigilante by two raps of the gavel: Junior Vigilante, you will see that we are guarded from the intrusion of all those who are not members of the Ancient Essenic Order.
JR. VIG., partially opens the door, observes that the Warder is at his post armed with his sword, and then closes the door and reports: Senior Seneschal, the Warder is at his post and we are guarded from the intrusion of all those who are not members of the Ancient Essenic Order.
SEN.: SEN’L., seats Junior Vigilante, one rap: We are guarded from all intrusion of the profane, Excellent Senator.
EX SEN.: It is well, Senior Seneschal. Are you a Knight of the Ancient Essenic Order?
SEN. SEN’L.: Yea, verily.
EX SEN.: Where did you receive instruction and the word of a Knight of the Ancient Essenic Order?
SEN. SEN’L.: In a lawful organized Senate of the Ancient Essenic Order, assembled in a place like unto a house of our ancient brethren and near the Red Sea.
EX SEN.: Why did the members of our Order erect their habitation in the desert?
SEN. SEN’L.: To the end that in the retiracy of their unsecular surroundings they might be the better able to study these heavenly orbs, cultivate knowledge of the arts and sciences, and educate their members aright.
EX SEN.: How many constitute a Senate of this Order?
SEN. SEN’L.: Nine or more.
EX SEN.: When of nine of whom do they consist?
SEN. SEN’L.: The Excellent Senator, Senior and Junior Seneschals, Secretary, Treasurer, Sarcedos, Senior and Junior Vigilantes, and Warder. Add to this number when conferring the work, Medical Examiner and six or more Councilors.
EX SEN.: The Warder’s place and his vocation there.
SEN. SEN’L.: In the vestibule, between the outer and inner door, that he may guard our mysteries from the intrusion of the profane.
EX SEN.: The Junior Vigilante’s place?
SEN. SEN’L.: On the right of the Senior Seneschal in the west.
EX. SEN., calls up the officers with three raps: What is your vocation there, Knight Junior Vigilante?
JR. VIG.: To guard well the inner gate, suffer none to enter or withdraw, but such as are duly qualified and have your permission, to receive and execute the orders of the Senior Seneschal, and of my Chief, and to assist in the performance of our rites.
EX SEN.: The Senior Vigilante’s place?
JR. VIG.: At the right of the Excellent Senator in the east.
EX SEN.: Your vocation there, Knight Senior Vigilante?
SEN. VIG.: Faithfully to obey the orders of the Excellent Senator, to assist in the performance of our rites, to receive and conduct applicants for the degree, and to greet and present visiting members.
EX SEN.: The Treasurer’s place?
SEN. VIG.: On the left of the Excellent Senator in the east.
EX SEN.: Treasurer, your vocation?
TREASURER: Safely to keep and honestly to account for all moneys of the Senate, received from the hands of the Secretary, and to disburse them only upon such orders authorized by the Senate, and as are signed by the Excellent Senator and attested by the Secretary under the seal of the Senate.
EX SEN.: The Secretary’s place?
TREASURER: On the right of the Excellent Senator in the east.
EX SEN.: Secretary, your vocation there?
SECRETARY: To observe your will in recording the transactions of the Senate, to obey the requirements of the Supreme or Grand Senate with regard to making returns and remittances. To keep accurate accounts between the Senate and its members. To receive all moneys owing the Senate, paying them into the hands of the Treasurer, taking his receipt therefor.
EX SEN.: The station of the Sarcedos?
SECRETARY: In the north.
EX SEN.: Sarcedos, your vocation there?
SAR.: As the North Star illuminates the Northern firmament by night, and guides the ocean tossed sailor o’er the pathless deep, so stands the Sarcedos in the north of the Senate, to invoke Adonai’s blessing on our labors, to rehearse and expound the Book of the Law, and thus direct our Brother Knights in the way of duly and hope to the goal of truth.
EX SEN.: The Station of the Junior Seneschal.
SAR.: In the South.
EX SEN.: Your vocation there, Knight Junior Seneschal?
JR. SEN’L.: To assist the Excellent Senator in the performance of our rites, to set good examples to the members and, to see that none go unrebuked who bring discredit upon the Ancient Essenic Order during the intervals between our assemblies, and to announce the opening and closing of the Senate.
EX SEN.: The station of the Senior Seneschal?
JR. SEN’L.: In the west, Excellent Senator.
EX SEN.: Your vocation there, Knight Senior Seneschal.
SEN. SEN’L.: To be merciful, yet just, as an associate supervisor of the brothers hereof, to assist the Excellent Senator in the performance of our rites, to honor the memory of our Ancestral Brothers, and to urge upon those of our obedience, the necessity of emulating their virtues.
EX SEN.: The Excellent Senator’s station?
SEN. SEN’L.: In the east.
EX SEN.: His vocation there?
SEN. SEN’L.: As the light of the physical world cometh from the east, where likewise religion and the arts and sciences were born, so is the, Excellent Senator to instruct the members in our ancient mysteries. To brighten the links in our fraternal love. To supervise the business of the Senate. To maintain its honor. To promote its activities, and faithfully enlarge the boundaries of the Ancient Essenic Order.
EX. SEN., now strikes ** ** and the Senate rises: Knight Senior Seneschal, it is my order that the Brother Knights assemble around the Altar that we may there renew our vows of fealty to each other and to our order, and open the Senate in due form.
SEN. SEN’L.: Attention, Brother Knights! Form circle. The circle is formed, the Senior Vigilante takes charge of the right, and the Junior Vigilante the left when the circle is formed. The Excellent Senator, Senior Seneschal, Junior Seneschal, Sarcedos are standing very near the Altar and within the circle, when the Senior Seneschal now commands: Brother Knights, present swords. All drop swords to a horizontal, bringing hilt firmly against the left breast. The Senior Seneschal says: To the cause of all people who are struggling against oppression and are fit to be free.
JR. SEN’L.: To the cause of all people who defend right and free thought against the tyranny of popular opinion.
SAR.: To the cause of Unity, Toleration, and Charity.
ALL BROT HER KNIGHTS: We dedicate ourselves, our hands, our hearts and our minds.
EX SEN.: Now, henceforth, and forever.
ALL BROTHERS: Deus Vult; Deus Vult.
EX SEN.: For what purpose are we wrought into the Ancient Essenic Order.
SEN. SEN’L.: That the people among whom we live may be protected against illegal imposts, and that the laborer may have a fair day’s wages for a fair day’s work.
JR. SEN’L.: That they may be maintained in the enjoyment of their religious, political and social rights.
SAR.: That the virtues of unity and equality, fortitude and patriotism may illumine our lives and govern our actions as Brothers Knights of the Ancient Essenic Order and as citizens.
SR. VIG.: That we may be true to our country and to all men, that we may be frank, honest and energetic in all things.
JR. VIG.: That we may be earnest in doing that which it is our duty to do, within and without the Ancient Essenic Order.
EX SEN.: And above all, that no man or woman shall repent that they have relied upon our word. That our ears may be open to hear, and that our hearts may be capacitated to heed and obey the petitions of the poor and distressed within and without the Ancient Essenic Order.
ALL BROTHERS AND OFFICERS: And to all of this we pledge ourselves as true men.
EX SEN.: Now, henceforth and forever.
ALL BROTHERS: Deus Vult; Deus Vult
SEN. SEN’L.: Attention Knights! All bring swords to carry: Return swords. To your posts The Senior and Junior Vigilantes, in accordance with the tactics, reform their lines and march their commands to stations, when all are seated. The officers take their respective stations.
EX SEN.: Junior Seneschal, it is my order that … Senate No. … be now
opened for the dispatch of its lawful business. Announce this order to the Brother Knights, and bid them be ruled while in this presence by a spirit of Unity, Toleration and Charity,
JR. SEN’L. calls up the Senate by striking ** **: Brother Knights, it is the order of the Excellent Senator that … Senate No. … be now opened for the dispatch of its lawful business. During these hours all will be ruled and governed by a spirit of Unity, Toleration and Charity: Herein fail not. Observe the East.
EX SEN.: Together, Brother Knights. All give the signs in unison with, the Excellent Senator who then strikes ** *, followed by the Senior Seneschal and after him the Junior Seneschal. Brothers, let us stand reverently under the sign of Humility while our Sarcedos offers prayer to Adonai. The Brothers place their arms across their chests, their right arm uppermost, the tips of the fingers resting on the shoulders, and the heads bowed while the Sarcedos repeats the
 

Invocation

SAR.: Omnipresent and adorable Adonai, wilt thou be pleased to smile upon the ceremonies and business of these hours. Wilt thou further with thy most gracious care, the humane usages of the Ancient Essenic Order, wheresoever its Senates may be seated. Wilt thou give the gift of wisdom to our officers, Supreme, Grand and Subordinate, and grant that each brother Knight of this Order may perceive and know the things he ought to do, and have grace and power to fulfill the same through Thy Son, the glorified Messiah. Amen and Amen.
ALL THE BROTHERS: Deus Vult; Deus Vult.
EX SEN.: In the name of Adonai, and in honor of St John the Baptist, I declare …
Senate No. … opened in due form. Junior Vigilante instruct the Warder. Senior Vigilante decorate the Altar. The Junior Vigilante partially opens the inner door or gate and communicates in a loud voice to the Warder the order of the Excellent Senator, closes the door or gate and strikes one thereon. The Warder responds by striking once or answering the caution stroke by cue blast from his trumpet. Meanwhile the Senior Vigilante decorates the Altar by opening the Bible at Isaiah, chapter 32nd, and laying on it, crosswise the Altar, the sword and trowel, salutes and returns to his place and stands while the Junior Vigilante salutes with his sword and repeats.
JR. VIG.: Your order has been obeyed, Excellent Senator.
EX. SEN. seats Vigilante by striking once and the Senate proceeds to business.
 

Initiatory Ceremonies

EX SEN.: Knight Junior Vigilante, ascertain and report if there are any parties in waiting who desire to receive the degree at a Knight of the Ancient Essenic Order.
JR. VIG., who stands as soon as he is addressed by the Excellent Senator, salutes with his sword. He retires to the vestibule or ante-room, and in due time returns to the Senate Chamber as he has retired therefrom and reports: I find Mr. … in waiting, Excellent Senator.
EX SEN.: Secretary has the party been proposed and elected in due form?
SECRETARY: He has
EX SEN.: Has the initiatory fee been paid?
SECRETARY: It has
EX SEN.: Senior Vigilante, you will repair to the reception room and conduct the candidate to the preparation room, where you will see that he is in properly prepared, and answers all questions, and then introduce him.
SEN. VIG. salutes with his sword and returns to the reception room, he conducts the candidate to the preparation room, on entering the room. the door is locked, he then hands the candidate a sword and administers the following obligation or vow:
‘I, …, in the presence of the omnipresent and adorable Adonai, and in the presence at these witnessing members of the Ancient Essenic Order, solemnly and sincerely promise and vow that I will keep my vows as a member of this order as pure and unsoiled as this bright blade. Amen and amen.’ The candidate is required to salute the symbol of honor with a kiss. He is now required to wash his hands in a bowl of water and to dry them, during which time the Vigilante quotes this passage of Scripture: "I will wash my hands in innocency and thus compass thine Altar, Oh Lord." The candidate is now seated at a table upon which is a bottle of ink, pen and an open book, in which are printed questions to be answered by the candidate in writing, to be dated and signed by the candidate, his full name in his own hand writing.
 

Questions

Q.: Are you conscious of ever having committed against the laws of Adonai or of your country that which would prohibit your admission into this Order if it were known?
ANS.: …
Q.: Have you ever done any injury to man or woman which remains unrepented of, or for which you have not already made all the reparation in your power?
ANS.: …
Q.: Do you believe in a first Great Cause, controller of the universe and of yourself?
ANS.: …
Q. What is the first Great Cause?
ANS.: …
Q.: What does man owe to God?
ANS.: …
Q.: What does man owe to his country?
ANS.: …
Q.: What does man owe to his fellow men?
ANS.: …
Q.: Before you lay upon our Altar your vows as a Knight of the Ancient Essenic Order can you truthfully say that you are willing to be reconciled to, and will seek reconciliation with any man who has aught against you?
ANS.: …
Q.: Are you willing to premise now that hereafter you will be tolerant and charitable, courteous and just, that you will be the outspoken defender of the equality of man, the dignity of labor, of free thought and free speech, of the poor and distressed wherever you may find them, and of the honor of women?
ANS.: …
Write, now, as though you were writing your last will on the eve of battle, remembering that the purjurer is surely punished here and hereafter, and that nothing can put out the fires of remorse. The above questions hare been properly answered and the obligation signed and dated by the candidate. His shoes and stockings now are removed from his feet and a pair of slippers are placed upon them. His coat and waistcoat and other garments are taken off, exposing upper part of body. A white robe is now placed upon the candidate, reaching from the throat to the instep. This robe should be gathered back to expose the left breast, a chain is now placed around the body, the free end on the left side. The candidate is now hoodwinked or blindfolded.
The Senior Vigilante will now deliver to the candidate the following lecture: "My friend, none but those whose intentions are pure, and whose hands are clean can enter this sacred retreat. As a visible proof that such are your intentions, and as an avowal of your purpose never more knowingly to einploy your hands in other than good works, you have been required to wash your hands in pure water."
The Senior Vigilante accompanied by the candidate will now advance to the door leading to the Senate Chamber, the Senior Vigilante draws his sword and with the hilt strikes upon the door.
JR. VIG., rising and saluting with his sword as do all when addressed by or addressing the Excellent Senator: Excellent Senator, there is an alarm at the door of the preparation room.
EX. SEN.: Ascertain its cause and report.
JR. VIG. Advances to the door and strikes twice thereon, opens it slightly and says: Who comes hither?
SR. VIG.: …, a candidate and stranger imbued with the love of his country, who has answered all questions properly, has washed his hands in innocency, and now comes to join himself to the Knights of the Ancient Essenic Order, the mighty men of Israel, who led by the valiant Mattathias seek to restore the decayed state of our people, who are fighting for Israel, and for our sanctuary which has been defiled by the heathen.
JR. VIG.: Is he of lawful age, free born and of good repute?
SR. VIG.: Yea, verily.
JR. VIG.: Are you his sponsor?
SR. VIG.: Yea, verily.
JR. VIG.: Humbly expectant, let him await the Excellent Senator’s answer, which he will soon receive.
The Junior Vigilante closes the door, advances to the Altar, salutes and reports: Excellent Senator, the alarm was caused by a candidate and stranger,
imbued with a love for his country, who has answered all questions, has washed his hands in innocency, and now comes to join himself to the Knights of the Ancient Essenic Order, the mighty men of Israel, who led by the valiant Mattathias, seek to restore the decayed state of our people, who are fighting for Israel, and for our Sanctuary, which has been defiled by the heathen.
EX. SEN.: Who is his sponsor?
JR. VIG.: Knight Senior Vigilante is his sponsor and his guide, Excellent Senator.
EX SEN.: It is well, Knight Junior Vigilante, open wide the door and in the name of Adonai admit the candidate and stranger. As the Excellent Senator thus commands the Senate must be partially darkened, the incense must be lit, the six Knight Councillors, properly costumed in white robes, cowles and swords, arrange themselves in a semi-circle at the Altar, swords at a carry. When all is ready the Junior Vigilante opens wide the door and exclaims: Enter stranger, in the name of Adonai. The Senior Vigilante leads the candidate unto the Senate, advancing to the councillors, halts, drops the hoodwink, then steps one pace aside. The music is now heard from the organ for a few moments, then the Excellent Senator strikes with his bell.
1ST COUN. commands: Knights charge. The Councillors all point their swords at the candidate’s naked breast. Stranger, pause, let thine ears be attent to the lessons of the Book of the Law. Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire, your land strangers devour in your presence.
2ND COUN.: Stranger, do you solemnly vow, as a patriot and true man, to devote yourself to the services of your country?
ANS.: I do
3RD COUN.: Stranger, do yen solemnly vow that you will oppose, by all lawful means, the tyranny of public opinion over free thou gut and free speech ?
ANS.: I do.
4TH COUN.: Stranger, do you solemnly vow that you will be chaste in thought and deed, that you will be compassionate to the poor, helpful to your brothers of the Ancient Essenic Order, and that you will deal justly by all men?
ANS.: I do.
5TH COUN.: Stranger, do you solemnly vow that to the best of your ability, you will support the cause of intellectual progress, that you will labor earnestly for the good of the Ancient Essenic Order, zealously guarding its mysteries and its threshold?
ANS.: I do.
6TH COUN. , taking a cup of water held in readiness by the Junior Vigilante: Stranger, thou hast well sustained the examination of my associates, and now as a further preparation of our rites you will kneel upon both knees. The candidate obeys. This pure water I pour upon thy bead, and solemnly consecrate thee to Unity, to Truth, and to Virtue. Be thou strong in the strength of the living Adonai. Arise; go forward valiantly and hopefully as did our forefathers when about to pass over the Red Sea. The Senior Vigilante replaces the hoodwink. The sacred bell or gavel is struck, as it should be after the charge of each Councillor. The first Councillor commands: Attention Brother Knights; Return swords; Posts, March. The Councillors resume their places. The Senior Vigilante takes the Approacher’s chain in his hand and begins the mystic journey The Sarcedos meanwhile reading audibly and impressively the XV Psalm: "Lord, who shall abide in thy Tabernacle, etc." The Approacher is slowly conducted twice around the Altar to the Junior Seneschal in the south. During the journey an interlude in a minor key is heard, and the sacred bell or gavel announces the approach and departure from each of the four stations. As the Vigilante and the candidate reaches the south the Vigilante faces him to the Junior Seneschal. The Junior Seneschal steps down and says: Stranger, are you willing to go through fire for the service of Adonai and your country?
ANS.: I am.
JR. SEN’L.: I test thee with fire. Applying the sponge to the breast. Care should be used in this act. Let this admonish thee that ambition should wait on fitness, and that he who aspires to a station that he is not ordained to fill is worthy the fate that befel the sacrilegious sons of Aaron in the wilderness. Be thou sure of thy calling. The sacred bell or gavel is struck and strokes follow at intervals while the candidate journeys slowly to the Senior Seneschal in the west. The Vigilante faces the candidate to the Senior Seneschal who says: Stranger, art thou willing to shed thy blood when Adonai and thy country require it, and thy seal approves the sacrifice?
ANS.: I am.
SURGEON takes his position on the right and facing the candidate now says: My friend, before you can proceed any further in this degree it becomes necessary that you should pass through an ordeal that will require courage to undergo. Coursing through your Veins and Arteries, is a Purple or Crimson Fluid essential to life. So precious is it to the Life of Man, that he who sheds his blood in defence of a Cause, or in a line of Duty, proves in the most decisive manner, his devotion thereto, Now, in order that we may be the better satisfied, as to your steadfastness of mind, the honesty and integrity of your purpose, I propose, here and now, to take from your Body the amount of blood you may be willing voluntarily to offer to Sacrifice. The whole amount of blood in the human body is about one-thirteenth of the body’s weight. In the bountiful provision of Nature, however, many pounds of this vital fluid may be lost and again restored, but should the limit of safety be passed, and your physical life lost, your name will be enrolled among the Gods, and you will become immortal, Take time to consider, and when you shall so decide the amount of blood you are willing to sacrifice, taking upon yourself all the consequences resulting therefrom, I by virtue of the authority in me vested, will perform the operation. A demand is now made by the Excellent Senator that the candidate state the amount of blood he is willing to lose rather than to divulge the Secrets of the Order when once obligated This having been done the Surgeon says: Assistants, you will place the candidate upon the operating table. The assistants, consisting of four or more, who have been grouped about the candidate, will now pick up the candidate and carry him to the operating table, (the Altar having been removed and the operating table placed in the center of the room) placing him upon the table, the Sutgeon following, who then says: Assistants, you will now bind him securely to the table. Plenty time is now taken, to bind him securely, when the Surgeon again commands: Bare his right arm above the elbow, prepare the bandages and I will strike deep and sure, that this test be performed. The Excellent Senator now calls up the Senate, the members form a circle around the operating table. Care is necessary here. Always have on hand a glass of water, and under no circumstances attempt this work without the regular Surgeon or his deputy is at hand. After the test the arm should be properly bandaged with a surgeon’s bandage and the candidate liberated, the Senior Vigilante conducts the candidate partially around the hall and then returns him to the Altar facing the Excellent Senator, then halts.
EX SEN.: Stranger, kneel at our Holy Altar, interlace thy fingers, rest thy hands on the Book of the Law, the Sword and Trowel, and in this position make thy vow. Excellent Senator calls up the Senate by striking ** ** in couplets, uncovers and passes down to the Altar, the Knights form circle around the Altar.
 

Vow

I, …, in the presence of the omnipresent and adorable Adonai, and its the presence of these witnessing members of the Ancient Essenic Order, do solemnly and sincerely declare and vow, that I will evermore so long as life lasts, whether apart from the Ancient Essenic Order or remaining within it, keep and conceal, and in nowise expose in any manner whatsoever, the signs, passwords, hand grasps, mysteries or secrets, business plans of this Order, to any person, except it be a duly and truly annointed Knight of the Ancient Essenic Order or a lawful Senate of the same, and not to him or them until after examination I shall have found him or them justly qualified to receive the same. All this I solemnly and sincerely vow to do on this Book of the Law, and in the name at the omnipresent and adorable Adonai. And if I should, in any manner whatsoever, fail to heed and keep the solemn vow which I have new vowed, may the fate of Aaron’s rebellions sons be mine. Amen and amen.
EX SEN.: In testimony of thy voluntary assumption of these vows, and of thy solemn determination to keep and observe the same, salute now the Book of the Law once. Candidate kisses the Bible. This done the Excellent Senator returns to the east, covers and strikes once; the Sarcedos advances to the Altar and places both hands on the candidate’s head and gives the benediction.
SAR.: Omnipresent and adorable Adonai, Thou who art Supreme Ruler of the Supreme Senate of Heaven, Thou clement and compassionate One, incline thine ear to listen to the solemn vows of our newly made friend, now kneeling humbly before thee. We beseech thee to direct, sanctify and govern his thoughts, words and actions, that he may evermore keep inviolate his vows, and thus become thy faithful son, a brave lover of his country, and a helpful servator of the Ancient Essenic Order. Amen and amen.
All the members respond: Deus Vult; Deus Vult.
The Excellent Senator then strikes and all resume seats except the Senior Vigilante, who remains near the candidate.
EX SEN. returns to the Altar and says: My friend, sing praises unto Adonai’s name forever that thou mayest daily perform thy vow; thy vows have made thee free. Senior Vigilante, truth is the body of Adonai and light is his shadow, uncover our friend’s eyes that he who was blinded may see the light, and guided by the truth, may evermore walk in the shadow.
The Senior Vigilante obeys and removes the hoodwink: My friend, your eyes being uncovered you see before you on our holy Altar, the Book of the Law, the Sword and Trowel. The Book of the Law is the Divine Charter of our civil and religions liberties. These are the statutes in which Adonai commanded Moses. They teach man his whole duty to Adonai, to his country and to his fellow man. He that keepeth the Law, happy is he. KEEP THOU THE LAW. The sword and trowel are significant of the sword and trowel of Zerrebbabel. Remember how, with the sword in one strong hand, Zerrebbabel repelled the enemies of Judah and Benjamin, while with the trowel in the other hand he spread the cement between the courses of the recreated walls of Jerusalem. Again, my friend, the heathen have defiled and lain waste Zion, and have scattered the children of promise. But another Zerrebbabel, even Mattathias, has been chosen to restore the City and Temple, and to gather Israel together en Zion, therefore, grasp then the sword; cry aloud and spare not the enemies of Adonai. Then, when he giveth us victory, grasp thou the trowel and work manfully on the walls. Arise. The Excellent Senator now instructs the candidate that he will be compelled to pass an examination in open Senate, and appoints some Brother Knight to lecture him, also requesting his attendance at as early a date as possible for advancement.
 
 
Closing Ceremonies

EX SEN.: Senior Seneschal, what is the hour?
SEN. SEN’L.: It is the sixth hoar of the night, Excellent Senator.
EX SEN.: It is then time our labors should end, and that we should repair to our respective places of abode. Hath anything been left undone that should have been done on behalf of the Ancient Essenic Order?
SEN. SEN’L.: Nothing, Excellent Senator.
EX SEN.: Junior Seneschal, hath any work of charity been neglected? Hath any offence been left unreproved, or hath any erring member been forgotten, who might, by kindness, fraternal warning or advice, have been reformed?
JR. SEN’L.: None, Excellent Senator
EX SEN.: Sarcedos, what two words contain the whole moral existence of a Brother Knight, and the whole creed of our Order?
SAR.: Duty and Hope, Excellent Senator.
EX SEN.: Brother Knights, Prayer is a Duty, let us therefore, with our Sarcedos unite in prayer. Calls up Senate by striking ** **. The members all stand under the sign of Humility during the closing prayer.
 

Closing Prayer

SAR.: Omnipresent and adorable Adonai, grant us grace that we may evermore follow the doctrines of John the Baptist, and emulate his holy life as best we can, to the end that we may truly repent, according to ibis preaching, and after his example constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the Truth’s sake. Amen and Amen.
ALL THE MEMBERS: Deus Vult; Deus Vult.
EX SEN.: Junior Seneschal, it is my order that ... Senate No. … be now closed. You will announce this order to the Brother Knights.
JR. SEN’L.: Brother Knights, it is the order of the Excellent Senator that ... Senate No. … be now closed. Observe the East.
EX SEN.: Together, Brother Knights. The signs are given. I declare … Senate No. … closed in due form. Brother Knights, go in peace; and may duty and Hope, the hope of eternal reward which awaits the true duty doer in the hereafter, abide with you until we meet again around our Altar to renew our vows of fealty to each other and to the Ancient Essenic Order. Strikes once, and the members depart after the Junior Vigilante has opened the inner door or gate, the Book of the Law closed and the sword and trowel are removed by the Senior Vigilante.

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