Methodist Order of Knighthood
Ritual of the Third or Knight’s Degree
Preparation of room for Third or Knighthood Degree explained
1936
As in the former degrees, the PM., M, and K.E (if Knights) prepare the room,
and assisted, if necessary, by other Officers appointed. Round tables being
uncommon, an ordinary, or a tressle table, will have to be used, and its use is
accounted for in the Ritual. Table to be covered with a tablecloth of white, for
the sake of cleanliness, and to gather up crumbs, nut-shells, etc. Cups to be
available for alt and each Kt. will he charged to bring with him 3lb. of cake,
fruit, or biscuits, sandwiches, etc , and the soft drinks might be provided out
of the funds of the Order, or the best possible substitute arranged. The
Officers will take the places as per diagram, other Knights sitting where they
please at the table. All persons present will be challenged and tested in the
Knights’ degree. Utmost discipline must be enforced; grabbing, stealing, or
scrambling, and throwing of food about, or on the floor, to be irreverent and
vulgar. Knights are the most courteous of men, and know how to behave as guests.
The vacant chair shall be prominent, covered—and, of course, no Knight will
sit therein. A petrol box, painted red or covered with red paper or cloth, shall
stand bottom up on one side of the room, with a sword jammed in through the join
in the boards, right up to the hilt. On a tag tied to the sword hilt is to be
written, :Never shall man take me hence, except he by whose side I ought to
bang; and he shall be the best Knight in the world." On another tag tied to
the back of the Siege Perilous there should be written some strange and
mysterious characters, such as Greek or Hebrew letters, or anything having the
appearance of such. On the seat of the same chair, under the cover, should be a
circle of cardboard, the size of the scat of the chair, with GALAHAD written
around the circle or edges, as the case may be. One corner of the room is to be
fitted up as a monastery. In it there may be a shrine with a wooden cross in
miniature, a small table for it to stand on, a couple of candles burning (just
for the period the candidate is in the monastery), and a cushion or mat to kneel
on. Three chairs to be within, and more for each candidate, in addition to the
one supposed. On the table in the monastery is to be an open Bible, pen and ink,
rubber stamp, and pad (This rubber stamp is to be the usual seal of the Order
and its Courts. It is to be in the shape of the O.K. monogram worn as the
Officers’ badge, as per preface to the first degree, and as to be stamped over
the signature of the K.C. en the minute book, and no official communication,
transfer, receipt, etc., shall be valid without it. We shall also see that even
the Knights are invalid without being "seated." .See below.)
In the monastery, hanging in a corner, is a pure white shield, about 3ft x
2ft. There will be two holes bored through the centre, into which a string is
threaded. If the holes be three or four inches apart and the string tied
somewhat slack, with the knot on the inner side, the string will serve as a
handle to carry it by.
The Esquire is to be blindfolded, his right arm must be bare to the elbow or
higher. The empty scabbard of the sword which is in the petrol box is to be
fastened to his left side. Toy swords are inexpensive, and each Knight ought to
be encouraged to buy one for himself Of course, a planed and varnished lath,
with crosspiece near the handle, will do well.
When there are more than one to be initiated, the K.C. shall appoint
assistant Marshals. But there shall be only one Siege Perilous, though the other
seats must be increased (monastery and at the table) if necessary. Chancellor
shall have matches and other special material.
N.B.—In this degree, all excepting Officers are addressed as Brethren.
Opening
All sitting at big table.
K.C. gives one loud knock on the table. When all are seated and quiet, knocks
again: Officers and brethren, assist me to open this Court. All
stand.
K.C.: We cordially welcome you again to this Court, brethren.
Before opening our proceedings, however, let me earnestly remind you that as
courtesy is of the essence of knightliness, I must charge you, in the name of
the Order, that you observe that quality in this night’s proceedings, that all
may be done in the spirit of goodwill. All give the
sign of assent as in former degrees. Remain standing. The ceremony proceeds, as
in other degrees, down to the giving of the sign of a Knight, then:
K.C.: I acknowledge the correctness of this test also, and salute
you all with the countersign. Sir Bp., what are the supreme qualities which
Knights must display in our assemblies?
Bp.: Reverence and humility before God, our Protector and
Deliverer, on whose aid we rely.
K.C.: Then, I pray you, lead our devotions. Knights
fold arms.
Bp. retires to Monastery, from where he reads Psalm 20 or Psalm 27, and then
says: Let us pray: Divine Protector and Deliverer, help us to be like
Thee in truest knightliness, ever exerting ourselves tenderly to deliver those
in need, and bravely to protect the weak. Give us continual victory over the
evil Knights within us, that, as David slew his giant enemy, Thou mayest deliver
our inner foes into our hands to slay them. We also beseech Thee to grant us
that humility and purity of heart, with~ out which none may see the heavenly
vision, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught us to pray, saying:
All give Lord’s Prayer.
K.C. knocks; all drop hands from the sign: Let us sing our opening
hymn. Sing. I now declare this Court open in
the 3rd or Knighthood degree. May we be found worthy to see the vision. Sign
of assent.
Be seated, brethren. Sir K.E., you will now enquire if any seek admission, and
inform them that they may now apply in the regular manner. Opens
door slightly
and tells
them. Shuts and
waits Procedure same as in first degree with regard to late-comers, usual
business, etc., including visitors.
Initiation
K.C.: We are now ready to proceed to the business of initiating
Esquires into this Court of the Order of Knights. Sir C.K., I will thank you to
read to us the names of those whom we have agreed to initiate into this degree. Reads
them. Sir P.M. and M., I now direct you to
go outside and blindfold the Esquire, rolling up his right sleeve as far as you
can above the elbow. Take your staves with you, and when you are ready, give the
knocks, instructing the Esquire to first knock with the knock of the Esquires’
degree. Having prepared
him, they knock. The K.C. and Bp. must now be in the monastery. Others remain in
their seats, and due reverence observed. The new-comer gives Esquires’ knock,
then the P.M. and M. each give the Knights’ knock.
K E.: Sir K.C., there are knocks at the door; is it your will that
I attend to the knocks?
K.C.: Yes, please, attend to them, Sir Kt., and report to me.
K.E., slightly opens door: Who goes there?
P.M. and M. :the procedure is the same as in the second degree, altering the
name to Galahad instead of Perceval, and saying Knight instead of Esquire and
demanding the password of an Esquire instead of Page, right down to the
admission. On admission, he is set down on his seat in the monastery. N.B.—
Knights fold arms during prayer or Scripture, etc.
K.C.: Be upstanding, brethren, while Sir Bishop will read us a
portion of Scripture. Knock.
Bp. reads 1. Peter 3:8 to 18, or part of Hebrews XI. All arms are folded,
except Esquire.
K.C.: Let the Esquire kneel for the benefit of prayer. Knights
remain standing, with arms folded. P M. and M., who are
standing with staves outside the monastery door, on guard, enter, and assist
Esquire to kneeling cushion. Kneels on both knees. Bp. prays:
Bp.: O Thou who dost maintain Thy sway in a thousand million
worlds throughout the wide universe, who inhabitest eternity, and whose name is
Holy, we rejoice, that Thou dost dwell also with him that is of a humble and
contrite heart. Bestow on this seeker for knighthood those blessings of humility
and purity of heart which will enable him to become the best Knight in the
world, worthy both to take the sword of truth and to bear the white shield of
purity, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
K.C.: Be seated, brethren. Candidate
remains on knees. At this stage, if there be more than
one to be admitted, the others are escorted outside for a few moments by one of
the Marshals, who remains with them.
K.C. to Esquire: As the secrets of this degree must be kept with
the same strict fidelity as enjoined upon you in the former degrees, I have to
ask you if you are now prepared to again pledge yourself never to reveal any of
the secrets belonging to this degree also?
Esquire: I am.
K.C.: Then you will kneel upon both knees, place the left hand on
the Bible so assists, your right hand you
will place on your heart thus places it
conveniently for
branding, and now repeat after me the
following solemn vow knocks; all stand with folded
arms: Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for strength, I promise upon
my word of honour, and before God, to cultivate humility and purity of heart; to
try to do at least one good turn every day without reward; to observe the utmost
care not to bring any shadow of disgrace upon the Order of Knighthood by any
unworthy conduct of mine, in order that our Knights may be known and trusted
throughout the world for their excellence and helpfulness. I will obey the
Knights’ law, and never divulge any of the secrets of the Order. Immediately
the K.C. shall stamp on his arm, clearly and distinctly, the seal (rubber stamp)
of the Order.
K.C.: What you have now vowed, may you never forget. By prayer you will daily
obtain grace to fulfil your vow. By the Word of God, you will learn how your vow
is rightly to be performed. As a Knight you must now henceforth be daily on the
look-out for adventures, for such do we term the opportunities for doing a good
turn to others, without reward. The day that is fullest of these adventures will
be the happiest, let me assure you. But should you, by accident, fail to do one
such good turn on any day, you are to try to do two, at least, on the next day,
to make amends. Let the badge of darkness and ignorance now be removed. P.M.
takes blindfold off. We now welcome to the full light of Knighthood
our brother. Rise, Brother … name.
If more than one to be admitted, the others are now brought in while the
first sits in the monastery.
Resuming:
K.C.: Brethren … names of
Esquires, I will now crave your attention to
the following lecture:
Lecture I
Among the oldest treasures of the English race are the traditions concerning
King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Besides the King, there were
admitted only eleven Knights to the Round Table Council. True, there was another
chair, but it was always unoccupied and covered. It was the seat of Judas
Iscariot, the traitor, and since his tragic and well-merited end, none had sat
in it. It was enchanted, and even Merlin, the most wonderful of magicians, met
an untimely death by essaying to sit thereon. On that chair, which none but the
King himself might uncover, were mysterious writings, and it was said that only
the truest and best Knight in the world would be able to sit thereon. If this
were done, however, by anyone who lacked humility and purity of heart, or anyone
who had divulged treacherously any secret of the Order, it would mean a sudden
and untimely death. You are admonished to remember this distinctly. I also wish
to inform you that since the passing of Arthur, as his death is called, the
excellence and renown of our Order has so grown, and the picture of loyalty and
love united to religion has so commended itself to the world, that even the
greatest of sovereigns have been ambitious to join our Courts and practise our
teachings. This being so, the number of seats at the Round Table Councils has
now increased greatly. Indeed, the very shape of our tables has altered to that
of an oblong or square, to indicate that our members have come from the four
corners of the earth, peoples of every nation and kindred, tribe, and tongue, a
great multitude which no man can number, to serve our Eternal King, Jesus
Christ, in whose service we have enlisted. As you are aware, he who would become
a Knight must first learn the rudiments as a Page. I ask you, therefore, have
you been made a Page? If so, rise and give the sign.
Candidate gives Pages’ sign; K.C. gives countersign. Sits.
K.C.: As he grew older he was taught courtesy, the truths of
religion, and the use of weapons as an Esquire. Are you an Esquire? If so, rise
and give me the sign. Does. Sits.
K.C.: At the age of 21, he was permitted to apply for knighthood.
The ceremonies of initiation were peculiarly solemn. After undergoing a severe
fast, and spending whole nights in prayer, the candidate received the Holy
Communion. His chief prayer was:
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within
me." To Esquire:
Repeat that, please. Does.
K.C.: This petition referred to that humility and purity of heart
which has ever characterised the true Knight. Clothing himself in snow-white
garments, the Esquire then kneeled with folded arms before the Commander of the
Court, who, after some questions as to his motives and purposes in requesting
knighthood, such as were embraced in your solemn vow, administered to him the
vow and granted his request. The accolade, being three strokes with the flat of
the sword or with the sceptre on the shoulder or neck of the seeker, was then
given, and was accompanied by the words "In the name of God, St. Michael,
and St George, I make thee a Knight. Be valiant, be courteous, be loyal."
He then was assisted to his feet. Seeing that you have been fasting so long in
this monastery, and from the reverent demeanour you have shown during prayer and
our devotions, I shall now bestow upon you the honour and privilege, yet no less
the exacting duties and responsibilities of Knighthood. Come hither and kneel
before me, on your left knee, remembering your right knee is for the Governor or
the King, your left for your K.C. Both knees are for God. You will now fold both
arms across your breast as a token of fidelity, for thus your brethren do when
prayer is being offered, when Scripture is read, or vows are repeated. Bow your
head in silent prayer for a clean heart and humble spirit. In the name of God,
St. Michael, and St. George, I make thee a Knight. Be valiant, be courteous, be
loyal Arise, Sir Knight. The K.C. shall bestow an
appropriate name on each Candidate, such as Sir Knight of the Silver Tongue, or
of the Golden Deeds, or of Garden, or of the Gentle Heart, or of the Lion Heart,
etc.
The K.C. shall now take his place at the head of the Big Table, as also do
all other Officers, except the C.K., who goes to new Knight in monastery.
K.C.: Sir Bp., you will please say grace. Knock.
All stand, arms folded.
Bp.: For what we are about to receive, may the Eternal King make
us truly thankful, for Christ’s sake.
All say: Amen
K.C.: Be seated, brethren Sir Chancellor Seneschal, bear us out
the beverages. The drinks
are poured but
untouched. If lemon syrup or only water, a jug, set before the K.C., is now
taken by K.Ch. and cups are filled. None must drink or eat yet.
C.K. to new Knight: There is but one vacant seat besides my own.
It is covered, and is called the Siege Perilous; but it has been revealed to me
that you alone may safely sit thereon. Upon my word of honour, I assure you,
that you may sit thereon in perfect safety and comfort. I beg you to trust me as
a Knight, and sit thereon now, as a pledge of your trust in mime as the Chief
Knight and your brother To be
said earnestly. New Knight sits thereon, without uncovering chair. If there be
more than one, the others leave the room, and they reenter one at a time, and
after sitting in the Siege Perilous, are accommodated with a seat brought to the
table from the side of the room. As the new Knight is led to S.P. the K.C. says:
K.C.: Why, here come strangers. Our rules of courtesy bid us
welcome strangers, and therefore we bid you welcome. New
Knight sits. When fairly seated, K.C. knocks. All rise
with signs of surprise, raising both hands, palms outwards, before their faces,
as in horror: One, two, three! Give honours applause.
K.C.: You, Sir Kt. have sat in the Siege Perilous without being
instantly killed. What is your name? C.K. teaches him
to say, "Galahad."
K.C.: Then will I raise the cover and see if this seat be truly
thine. Does. Why, here is the very name. It
is the name of the best Knight in the world. Right gladly do we welcome you as
one of ourselves Brethren, let us eat and be merry. C.K.
sits, as also new Knight. All eat. When finishing, K.C. gives Esquire’s knock
with his foot under the table. K.E. rises and goes to door and says:
K.E.: There is a knock at time door, Sire. K.C. Attend to it. Sir
Kt,
K.E. pretends to talk a message, and stands, after closing door, by the red
box with sword on it. Says: A wonderful timing has happened, Sire.
Some Esquires, having seen a red stone in the river, endeavoured to secure it.
To their amazement, it was floating. In it was a sword. Knowing it must be
enchanted, they have brought it to you, and I place it here
K.C.: Is there any inscription on any part of it?
K.E.: Yes, Sire, there is a tag which says he
reads it: "Never
shall man take me hence, except him by whose side I ought to hang, and he shall
be the best Knight in the world."
K.C.: Why, that is you, Sir C.K. Draw out the sword.
C.K. pretends to draw it out and fails: I cannot, Sire.
K.C.: Then you try, Sir K.Comp.
K.Comp. does likewise: I cannot, Sire.
K.C.: You try, Sir Kt. Chancellor, Seneschal
K.Ch. does likewise: I cannot, Sire.
K.C.: Sir Galahad, will you try?
Candidate pulls it out, assisted by the instructions of the K.E., who makes
sure he tries.
K.C.: It is no wonder that the other Knights could not take this
sword, for he holds but an empty scabbard shows
it, and this sword was sent to him by magic
Thou hast no shield, but as the same power that preserved thy life when thou
didst sit in the Siege Perilous did send this sword, so wilt thou soon receive a
shield. Sir Bp., you will accompany the Knight Galahad to the monastery in
search of his shield. In the
monastery is a white shield hanging. The Bp. gives it to him.
Bp.: Be thou the Knight of the White Shield, for that shield is
the emblem of purity and humility Sit in
monastery, one candle alight. K.Ch. extinguishes lights, except this. In a
kerosene tin a big bunger is exploded. Be sure the safeguard of the tin is
observed, it will make the report louder, too. K.Ch. does this.
K.C.: Hark? it thunders. Six or
eight inches of magnesium ribbon, procurable at photo-dealers, is burned by C.K.
K.Ch. secures a glass of red liquid he has had concealed near by, and moves it
so as light shines particularly on it. Not too near light, as it will not be
seen. To be hid again.
K.C.: What was it? Gas is
lit again. Candle put out.
All: I saw nothing.
C.K.: I think I saw a shadow like the Holy Grail..
New Knight, taught by C.K.: I saw the Holy Grail.
K.C.: Then, brethren, may we so purify our hearts that we, too,
may be judged worthy of this holy vision which our brother has seen. For I know
of no greater ambition for a Knight than to see the heavenly vision. Let us
remember the words of Christ: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they
shall see God." Sir Galahad, you are the most happy Knight in the world,
for to you has already been granted this privilege. Persevere in all goodness
and thou shalt be crowned a King in a far-off spiritual city, where the humble
and pure are given the Crown of Life. He is set at the
table again.
Lecture II
The Holy Grail was a cup said to be the very one used at the Last Supper, and
brought to England by Joseph of Arimathea, where he placed it in the Abbey at
Glastonbury. While there, it was a source of blessing, healing the sick who
touched it and reverenced by all. But when the Romans left England and it was
overrun by the heathen, the Holy Grail was caught up to heaven. Now that King
Arthur, with his Knights, had trodden down so many of these evil hordes, it was
earnestly hoped that to these Knights might again be restored the Holy Grail.
Sitting at a feast one day it thundered, then an unearthly light streamed in,
and down it stole the Holy Grail, and disappeared. None, however, saw it but
Galahad. Then the Knights took this to be a sign that the Grail was restored,
and all set out in search for it. For twelve months they searched and then
returned. Most had met with failure. A gathering was held at which they
recounted their adventures. Although the Chief Knight, Sir Lancelot, greatly
desired to see it, he failed, because his heart was not pure. But Sir Bors, who
cared but little for himself, if only Sir Lancelot might see it, gained a
glimpse. This very unselfishness was the secret of his success, for those who
crave a blessing for others, achieve, in so doing, the truest blessedness. Sir
Lancelot got very near it, however. Boldly entering a castle guarded by lions,
he climbed a thousand steps till he came to where he heard being sung the
following words: "Glory and joy and honour be to our Lord and to the vessel
of the Holy Grail." He burst open the door, expecting to see angels
guarding the Holy Grail, but it was veiled, and, knowing the vision was not for
him, he swooned away, and was carried out. Sir Gawain, who was so polite and
courteous as to be called the silver-tongued, had soon tired of the quest, and
had spent his time feasting with merry damsels. He said that in future he would
be deaf to all stories of the Holy Grail But King Arthur said sadly, "O
Gawain, think not to become more blind and deaf than you are now, since you are
already too blind to what is highest and best, even to wish to see it." Sir
Perceval in the course of his adventures went to a hermit’s cave, and was told
that his search had been fruitless through the lack of humility, and that even
at that very moment he thought too much of his own sins, and had not host
himself in the utter abandonment of his life and plans to God in order to save
himself, saying: "He that loseth his life shall save it unto life eternal.:
Just then Sir Galahad came to the hermit’s hut, and they took the Holy
Communion together. During this, Galahad had another vision of the Grail, but
Perceval did not. Galahad said the vision was ever with him as he journeyed,
fainter by day and blood-red by night. In the strength of it, he prevailed
everywhere by shattering evil and proclaiming the right. He invited Perceval to
go with him, promising him a vision of the Grail, for Galahad was leaving this
world to go to a spiritual city, the crown of which awaited him. Having
journeyed some little way, there was a sound of angels singing, then a bright
light shone over Galahad’s head, while just above it hovered the Holy Grail,
redder than any rose. For an instant the veil of the unseen was moved, and
Perceval saw the pearly gateways and golden walls of the spiritual city, of
which Galahad had spoken, and where Galahad, the spotless Knight of the White
Shield, was to reign. To the Knight of the White Shield alone was granted the
perfect vision. On hearing Sir Perceval’s tale, all the Knights rose to their
feet, and folding their arms mu reverence, the King said: "Brethren, the
meaning of this is:—To the pure in heart, all things are possible; and those
who would wear the victor’s crown in the battle of life must seek it even as
Galahad did, with no thought of self." May this bright character whom you
have been made to represent throughout this ceremony to-night be a pattern to
you, and may you follow in his steps to the spiritual city, there to shine as
the brightness of the stars, and to reign for ever and ever.
K.C.: I will now entrust you with the secrets of this degree,
which consist of knock, grip, password, sign and countersign, test questions,
secret mark, cypher, secret whistle and cough.
1. The knock of a Knight is to add one loud knock to time Esquire’s knock,
viz., ―.―.―
2. The grip consists in a handshake, in which your first finger only is kept
straight, and runs up time brother’s wrist. After so doing, you let go,
carelessly strike the body and drop hand to side.
3. The password is "Pure," never to be pronounced except in order
to admit another into a participation in our secrets. It is always given by
letters, never beginning with the first, and requiring of the challenger that he
gives two letters first, while you supply the missing two.
4. The sign is to pass one hand across the body (the right), as in folding
the arms. The countersign is to fold both arms.
5. Test Questions: What did you sit upon, Brother … Christian
name?
Answer: The cover.
Then—What was under it?
Answer: My name.
Then—What was that name?
Answer: It begins with G.
Does it end with D?
Answer: That is O.K.
These questions are always to be consecutive.
6. The secret mark is G inside a circle. It is emblematical of the name
discovered on the circle of cardboard on your chair when the cover was removed.
You will use this with care. Let me tell you that if you are indebted to anyone
who has done you or the Order a good turn, you may put this secret mark on their
fence or any place that will not annoy them, but without their knowledge. All
Knights will respect that mark, and the friends you have honoured. The same
mark, with a stroke right through it from top to bottom, means the opposite, and
will serve to warn Knights. from places that are cheats or frauds, etc., etc.
7. The Knights’ cypher is very simple. The words are written plainly, but
are spelt backwards, with two dummy letters behind and in front. You can all
read this:—Paredroro pufofy jisthiginkey: Order of Knights
N.B.—If you are with friends not Knights, and a Knight joins you, open your
penknife and shut it, or take your handkerchief out and close your hand over it
completely. It means silence concerning O.K.
8. The universal secret whistle is the second line of the National Anthem,
i.e., "Long live our noble King."
K.C.: It only remains for me to explain the rewards of merit among
Knights. You will now be permitted to wear a dark blue ribbon in your metal
badge, and you will scratch your number on the back of it. You are eligible for
office, being a Knight, and, like them, will, if elected such, wear a special
O.K. monogram badge with red ribbon. For one year’s service as an Officer, as
in every subsequent year of satisfactory service as such, you will be awarded a
metal star to hang by a purple ribbon. For not missing one meeting during the
year (excepting through sickness, absence from town, and urgent reasons accepted
by the Court of Honour, composed of the K.C., all P.K.C.’s, C.K., and Bp.), a
metal star, hung by an orange ribbon. Now you must know that rewards of merit
were highly prized among Knights. While refusing any rewards for being
courteous, they gladly accepted the honours that their Commander judged them
worthy of Until a Knight had done some noble deed, his shield was blank and
bare. This was regarded as a reproach to any one who had been long a Knight. So
that a newly-made Knight was given a month in which to do some adventure which
would entitle him to have some decoration of merit on his shield. The Knight
Companion keeps the Black Book, in which a record of punishments and censures is
made; but he also keeps time White Book, in which he records the awards of merit
and the reasons therefor. As we have no need for shields in our knightly deeds,
as did the Knights of old, we adopt the White Shield of the Heart, which is
"Purity," as you have already learned to-night. Over the heart, then,
we hang the badges of merit, and may yours be many. You will learn from the
Commander how these rewards may be earned. Let all Knights beware of having a
shield like Modred’s, which was:
"Blank and bare, without a sign,
Saving the name beneath."
K.C.: In an Order such as this there must be discipline. You must
be obedient to your Officers, and punishments will be meted out by the Court of
Honour, with justice and without favour. They consist of an entry in the Black
Book, and certain titles of reproach, for a limited term, which you will be
known by, instead of your honourable new name given at the ceremony of your
knighthood. These terms of reproach must be used only while in the assembly, and
never outside. Severe punishment follows the infringement of this rule. To break
your vow and divulge our secrets is punished by death, which means expulsion
from the Order. We merely mention these things to warn you that as you are now a
member of one of the noblest fraternities of the world, it must be our constant
care to keep our conduct consistently worthy of those high principles we have
vowed to expound by life and example. From the attention you have paid to these
ceremonies, I am led to hope that ever after in life you will remember these
noble ideals, and help others also to achieve them. You may now take your seat
among us as a fully-qualified Knight. On this
occasion he is permitted to occupy the Siege Perilous for the rest of the
ceremony. The K.C. now calls for honours, which ore given in the same way as in
former degrees at the close of an initiation.
Closing
K.C.: Has any brother aught to say for the good of the Order in
general, or this Court in particular? Visitors may
respond in the usual way.
K.C.: Sir C.K., your Herald will now make the proclamations.
K.C., knocks: Brethren, assist me to close this Court. All
stand. Let us sing our closing hymn.
Bp. (or P.K.C.) takes Bible, and slowly closing it, as lie stands in the
monastery, says: Brethren, as we close this Book, so may we close our
lips on all we have said, heard, or done to-night, as we have solemnly promised.
May we be true to each other, our vows, and our God, when we part. Advancing
to the table, he makes all join hands and says:
Let us unite in the Mispah Benediction. All repeat
it, as in former degree.