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OPENING

The Sovereign knocks once. This is repeated by the First and Second Generals.
Sov: Brethren, assist me to open … Chapter of Princes Rose Croix of Heredom.
All rise
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Marshal, see that the castle gates are duly guarded.
Marshal acknowledges with bow. C of G opens door. Marshal satisfies himself that the Outer Guard is in his place. C of G closes door. Marshal returns to his place.
Mar, no sign: Most Wise Sovereign, all is secure without.
Sov: To order Brethren as Princes Rose Croix.
All stand to order with the 3rd sign, prior to which no signs are given.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect First General, what is the hour?
1st G: The ninth hour of the day.
Sov: Then it is the hour when the veil of the Temple was rent in twain and darkness overspread the earth, when the true Light departed from us, the altar was thrown down, the Blazing Star was eclipsed, the Cubic Stone poured forth blood and water, the Word was lost, and despair and tribulation sat heavily upon us.
A solemn pause.
Since masonry has experienced such dire calamities it is our duty, Princes, to endeavour by renewed labours to retrieve our loss. May the benign influence of Faith, Hope and Charity prosper our endeavours to recover the lost Word, for which purpose I declare this ... Chapter of Princes Rose Croix of Heredom duly open all drop sign in the name of the great Emmanuel.
Sov knocks ****** *
1st G knocks ****** *
2nd G knocks ****** *
C of G knocks ****** *
O G knocks ****** *
Prelate opens New Testament at St John I.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Prelate, the Chapter being open, what remains to be done?
Prel, gives 3rd sign: To respect the decrees of providence, to render worship to God alone, and with all humility and patience to endeavour to recover the Word. Drops sign.
Sov: Yes, Princes, that shall be our aim. Do you, Excellent and Perfect Prelate, invoke a blessing on our labours.
All place right hand on left breast.
Prel: Almighty and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of Faith, Hope and Charity; and, that we may obtain that which Thou dost promise, make us to love that which Thou dost command, through Jesus Christ, our great Emmanuel.
All: Amen. All drop sign.
Sov, gives first part of 2nd sign: Save, we beseech Thee, O God in Heaven, Creator and Sovereign of all things, us Thine unworthy children. Drops sign. Be seated, Princes.
The Recorder confirms that the candidate’s details are as shown on the agenda and that he has completed the combined application form, petition and obligation.
Sov: Princes, the candidate for Perfection, Brother … having stated that he professes the Trinitarian Christian faith and that he is willing to take an obligation in the name of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, we will proceed to the ballot.
The ballot is taken
Sov: The ballot proves favourable to the candidate. We will now proceed to confer the Intermediate Degrees
 

THE INTERMEDIATE DEGREES

No accolade is given when the Intermediate Degrees are conferred
During the ceremony the Sovereign stands; other Brethren may be seated (if accommodation permits) except where indicated.
 

The Lodge of Perfection

The candidate, who wears no masonic clothing or regalia, is admitted by the Marshal and placed before the Sovereign.
Sov: By virtue of the power vested in me by the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Rite for England and Wales and its Districts and Chapters Overseas, I declare this Lodge of Perfection open. Knocks * * * * * * * * *.
Marshal opens the Bible at II Chron. 6.
Sov: Brother ..., the position of a Prince Rose Croix and promotion to the Eighteenth Degree to which you aspire requires that you have already had conferred upon you the first seventeen degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Rite of Freemasonry. The three degrees of Craft masonry, which you have already received, are accepted as equivalents of the first three degrees of this Rite. As it could otherwise take many months, or even years, for candidates to acquire the whole, it has pleased the Supreme Council to direct that the intervening fourteen degrees shall be conferred by name. Are you willing to pledge yourself to preserve the secrets and mysteries of these degrees?
Candidate: I am.
Sov: Then you will kneel on both knees, place your right hand upon the Holy Bible and with your left hand hold this sword upright by the blade with the cross-bar level with your eyes.
Sovereign hands sword to candidate.
Director of Ceremonies: To order, Brethren.
All rise, with right hand on left breast.
Sov: State your names at length and repeat after me:
I, ..., in the presence of God, Creator of the universe, and calling upon these my brethren as witnesses, do upon this sacred book, most solemnly and sincerely promise that I will never illegally reveal any or either of the secrets or mysteries of or belonging to the several degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Rite from the first to the seventeenth both inclusive, which heretofore have been known by me, shall now, or may at any future time be communicated to me.
You will seal this once on the Holy Bible All drop sign. You will now rise.
Sovereign, Marshal and candidate remain standing, of her brethren resume their seats.
I now confer upon you the following degrees by name:
Fourth: Secret Master;
Fifth: Perfect Master;
Sixth: Intimate Secretary;
Seventh: Provost and Judge;
Eight: Intendant of the Buildings;
Ninth: Elect of Nine;
Tenth: Elect of Fifteen;
Eleventh: Sublime Elect;
Twelfth: Grand Master Architect;
Thirteenth: Royal Arch of Enoch;
Fourteenth: Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Master;
In the first nine of these degrees, from the fourth to the twelfth, the legend of Hiram Abiff is continued in a series of allegories. Collectively they portray the confusion caused by the death of Hiram and the steps taken by King Solomon to complete the building of the Temple.
The thirteenth and fourteenth degrees refer to the legend of the secret vault and its contents.
The whole group is known as that of the 'Ineffable Degrees'.
I declare this Lodge of Perfection closed. Knocks * * * * * * * * *.

The Council of Princes of Jerusalem

Sov: By virtue of the power vested in me by the Supreme Council I declare this Council of Princes of Jerusalem open. Knocks * **.
I confer upon you: the fifteenth degree, Knight of the Sword, or of the East, and the sixteenth degree, Prince of Jerusalem.
These two degrees are known as the ‘Historical Degrees’ or ‘Orders of Chivalry’. They give an account of the assistance received from Cyrus and Darius in the task of rebuilding the Temple after the Babylonian captivity. I declare this Council of Princes of Jerusalem closed. Knocks * **.

The Lodge of Knights of the East and the West

Sov: By virtue of the power vested in me by the Supreme Council I declare this Lodge of Knights of the East and West open. Knocks ** ** ** *.
I confer upon you the seventeenth degree, Knight of the East and West.
The signs, tokens and words are exchanged thus: Sovereign moves to the front of the table and faces north. Marshal turns the candidate to face the Sovereign. Place your left hand, with the fingers straight, palm downwards, on my right hand. I cover it with my left hand, and you look over your right shoulder and say Abaddon, which refers to the Evil One.
I reply by touching your left shoulder with my left hand, while you touch my right shoulder with your right hand, thus forming a St Andrew’s cross.
Then I look over my left shoulder and answer Jabulon, which means 'The Lord is our help’.
Sovereign returns to his place behind the table. Marshal turns candidate to face the Sovereign.
This degree is the first of the ‘Philosophical Degrees’ and forms a fitting preface to the principles of Christianity represented in the eighteenth degree. Studied as allegories, these Intermediate Degrees continue the teachings of Symbolic Masonry.
I close this Lodge of Knights of the East and West with the knocks ** ** ** *.
Marshal closes the Bible, conducts the candidate to the anteroom and reverses his collar.
All others pass to the Black Room, 18° collars being reversed
 

THE FIRST POINT

No sign is given in this Point except right hand on left breast.
The Outer Guard extinguishes all general lighting in the approaches to the Black Room, and between the Black Room, the Chamber of Darkness and the Red Room These lights must not be restored until the candidate has entered the Red Room. Every precaution should be taken to prevent any extraneous lighting disturbing the candidate’s Journey through darkness (from his arrival at the door of the Black Room) to Perfection (when he enters the Red Room).
Prelate opens the New Testament at St John I. The curtains are drawn to veil the table.
Marshal conducts the candidate to lie door of the Black Room.
Mar knocks ** ** ** *.
2nd G: Most Wise Sovereign, an alarm
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Second General, see who disturbs this Chapter.
The Second General opens the door.
2nd G: Wherefore this alarm?
Mar: This worthy Knight of the East and West, having presented a petition to the Most Wise Sovereign, now begs to be admitted to receive an answer.
2nd G: Wait while I report to the Most Wise Sovereign.
The Second General closes the door.
2nd G: Most Wise Sovereign, a worthy Knight of the East and West, having presented a petition to you, now requests to be admitted to receive your answer.
Sov: Summon our Excellent and Perfect Marshal to conduct him hither.
The Second General admits them. The Marshal conducts the candidate to the curtains and stands with him, facing them.
Mar: Most Wise Sovereign, I present to you Brother….
Sov: Who and what are you?
Mar: Nobly born and of the tribe of Judah.
Sov: What is your rank?
Mar: Knight of the East and West.
Sov: Give me the word
Mar: Abaddon.
Sov: Jabulon.
Sov: What is your age?
Mar: Thirty-three.
Sov: Your petition has been favourably received by this Chapter but, whilst we admire your zeal and courage and your conduct inspires us with confidence and esteem, alas, you have come among us at the ninth hour of the day, when we are overwhelmed with grief and the deepest sorrow, and consternation spreads horror over our brows.
The earth quakes, the rocks are rent, the veil of the Temple is rent in twain, darkness overspreads the earth, and the true Light has departed from us. Our altars are thrown down, the Cubic Stone pours forth blood and water, the Blazing Star is eclipsed, our Shepherd is smitten, the Word is lost, and despair and tribulation sit heavily upon us.
A pause.
Nevertheless, it is well that you have arrived at this hour of peril, since, as a courageous and valiant knight, we trust that you will assist us in our endeavours to retrieve our loss and recover the Word, in which case only shall we be able to confer upon you that distinction you so earnestly desire
Mar: We promise faithfully to aid you in your labours and to obey whatever commands you may be pleased to impose upon us.
Sov: Then, worthy knights, I direct you to travel thirty-three days eleven to the pillar of Wisdom in the north; eleven to the pillar of Beauty in the south, and eleven to the pillar of Strength in the west, returning to me in the east with whatever information you may obtain during your travels. I particularly commend to your meditation the beauties of the New and Better Covenant; and, that you may the more completely appreciate its excellence, let us invoke guidance and direction from above.
All rise and stand with right hand on left breast.
Prel: Almighty and Sovereign Architect of the Universe, who dost penetrate into the secret recesses of the hearts of men, purify ours with the sacred fire of Thy divine love. Banish from this holy sanctuary the impious and profane; and grant that we, aided by the power of Thy Spirit, may be enabled to distinguish the precious metal from the dross, and may not be deceived in the choice of him we are about to perfect. May our Order ever be adorned by service, goodwill and peace. Now to the King, eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be the Kingdom, the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
All drop sign and resume their seats
Sov: Depart in peace.
Marshal, followed by the candidate, passes seven times round the Chapter, within the three pillars. He should time the seven circuits to agree with the seven sections of Scripture, noting that transgressions occurs in the third and fifth and that the seventh ends with transgressors. During the third circuit, Marshal shows and gives the Candidate the letter F from the Pillar of Wisdom in the north, during the fifth the letter H from the Pillar of Beauty in the south, during the seventh the letter C from the Pillar of Strength in the west.
Prelate (seated) reads Isaiah 53 during the travel. He should make a slight but distinct pause after each section. During the reading solemn music may be played quietly.
Prel: Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground; he hath no form nor comeliness, and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed. All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth, he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment and who shall declare his generation?
For he was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of my people was he stricken; and he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him, He hath put him to grief.
When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand, he shall see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied, by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many, for he shall bear their iniquities.
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great. and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he hath poured out his soul unto death, and he was numbered with the transgressors, and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Marshal and candidate complete the seventh circuit by returning to the curtains.
Mar: Most Wise Sovereign, I present to you this Knight of the East and West. We have completed the thirty-three days’ travel imposed on us.
Sov: What have you obtained during your travels?
Mar: We have searched in and about the Pillars in the north, south and west for the lost Word, but have only succeeded in finding the letters F, H and C, which we beg to present.
Marshal takes the letters from the candidate and, without revealing the table etc. hands them through the folds of the curtains to the DC and returns to stand beside the candidate. DC hands the letters to the Sovereign and returns to his place. The Sovereign places them on the north side of the table.
Sov: I congratulate you on the success which has already rewarded your exertions. These letters are the initials of those virtues, Faith, Hope and Charity, by whose assistance you may be led to the discovery of the lost Word.
The curtains are slowly drawn apart
Before I can explain further, I must call upon you to take a solemn obligation to keep inviolate the secrets and mysteries of our Order Are you ready to take it?
Candidate: I am.
Sov: Then you will advance and kneel before the Holy Cross
Candidate kneels on both knees
Sov: Place your right hand upon the New Testament whilst across your hand will be laid a sword and compass. Prelate places the sword and compass so that the hilt is to the south and the open compass thereon with points towards the candidate.
All rise with right hand on left breast.
Sov: State your names at length and repeat after me I, …, in the name of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, before the Holy Cross, and in the presence of this Perfect Chapter, do hereby and hereon promise that I will never reveal the secrets or mysteries of this Order of the Rose Croix of Heredom to anyone in the world not lawfully entitled thereto, or whom I may believe not to have been duly qualified in a true arid regularly constituted Chapter. I furthermore pledge my sacred word of honour that I will, at all times, pay due allegiance to this Chapter and to the Supreme Council under whose authority it is held. All this I solemnly pledge myself to observe, so help me God and keep me steadfast in this my obligation
Prelate removes compass and sword.
You will seal your obligation seven times on the New Testament. Candidate does so. Rise, newly obligated Brother
All drop sign and resume seats.
Marshal conducts the candidate via the south to the west of the footcloth, where they face east
Sov: I now inform you that the seven circles round which you have traveled represent the six periods of the world’s existence, which will close with the Second Advent of our great Emmanuel, when time shall be swallowed up in eternity, of which the seventh circle is an emblem.
I have already congratulated you on having found the three fundamental principles of our Order: Faith, Hope and Charity. Assisted by these virtues, we have no doubt that you will ultimately succeed in attaining the end and object of all our researches, that Word on which our eternal salvation must depend.
Prel: For Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hope maketh not ashamed. Charity suffereth long and is kind; Charity envieth not, Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things. endureth all things. Charity never faileth; but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away; for we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
Sov: Let us pray.
All rise with right hand on left breast.
Prel: Almighty and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of Faith, Hope and Charity; and, that we may obtain that which Thou dost promise, make us to love that which Thou dost command. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
All: Amen.
Sov: Having found the three fundamental principles of our Order let us go forth in search of the lost Word.
Under the silent direction of the Director of Ceremonies, all, except C of G, who remains at his post, pass the east in the following order, the Sovereign, Prelate; Members of the Supreme Council, other 33° , 32° , 31° ; 30° ; 18° ; Marshal, followed by candidate. All pass to the East, halt, face the altar, bow, but give no sign, and then pass on. Marshal and candidate bow separately.
After passing the east once, the Sovereign, Prelate, the Supreme Council, other members of the 33° silently pass into the Red Room and resume their seats.
After passing the east twice, the members of the 32° , 31° and 30° similarly retire.
After passing the east thrice, the members of the 18° , with the exception of Marshal and C of G, similarly retire, reverse their collars and resume their seats.
After passing the east for the fourth time. Marshal leads the candidate to C of G, who challenges him at the door through which the other brethren have passed.
C of G: You cannot enter here unless you give me the Word.
Mar: He cannot. He is traveling in search thereof, hoping to obtain it by the practice of Faith, Hope and Charity, and the help of the New and Better Covenant.
C of G: This attire is not compatible with that humility necessary for those who wish to recover the lost Word. Clothe yourself in the garment of humility, and I will summon Raphael to your assistance.
C of G places the black veil on the candidate’s head so that it covers his face. Marshal leads candidate into the Chamber of Darkness and, placing him to face the emblems of mortality, explains that he will now be left for a while to meditate upon them.
Marshal retires from the Chamber of Darkness by the way he entered, closing the Bible in the Black Room and leaving the candidate alone in the Chamber of Darkness to meditate on the emblems of mortality.
Marshal and C of G pass into the Red Room, reverse their collars as appropriate and resume their seats.
After a pause, Raphael, with sword at the carry, enters the Chamber of Darkness from the Red Room, admitting as little light as possible.
Raphael: I come to conduct you from the depths of darkness and the Valley of the Shadow of Death to the Mansions of Light. You have undergone dangers, difficulties and afflictions, yet be of good cheer Armed with the virtues you have already obtained, Faith will support you when tempted to despair, Hope will cheer you on your road, and Charity will sustain you in every trial, until, having traveled through the abyss of darkness, you finally arrive at the Mansions of Light, whither our Heavenly Sovereign has gone before. Approach and come with me.
 

THE SECOND POINT

Raphael, with sword at the carry and the candidate on his left, opens the door to the brilliantly illuminated Red Room and escorts the candidate to the foot of the ladder.
If music has been played, it should gradually swell to a triumphant strain as the candidate enters and cease when he reaches the foot of the ladder.
Marshal, with sword at the carry, moves to the foot of the ladder, stands at the candidate’s left and, when the candidate ascends the ladder, stays in line with him and Raphael.
Raphael: Most Wise Sovereign, I bring with me this worthy knight who has traveled through dangers and difficulties in search of the lost Word, and now supplicates to be rewarded for his labours.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Raphael, we doubt not that this worthy knight, assisted by your powerful aid, is deserving of every distinction, and I now call upon him to ascend the ladder which leads from darkness to glory and Perfection. But first, how came he hither?
Raphael: Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death.
Sov: What supported him?
Raphael: Faith, Hope and Charity.
Sov: What does he seek to obtain?
Raphael: The lost Word.
Sov: Then, as he appears to have proceeded thus far -aright and to be well prepared to ascend the mysterious ladder, he may advance, pausing at each step and replying to my questions with your assistance.
What is that virtue which leads from earth to Heaven?
Raphael instructs candidate to put his left foot on the first rung of the ladder and to the left of the rose, then pushes the rose backwards with the point of his sword; he then prompts the candidate to stoop and pick up the uncovered letter, then to place his right foot on the first rung, and, standing with both feet on the first rung, to reply: Faith.
The above procedure is followed for the subsequent steps.
Sov, before the second step: What virtue supports you when oppressed by shame and sorrow?
Cand: Hope.
Sov, before the third step: What is the perfection of every Christian virtue?
Cand: Charity.
Marshal takes the first three letters from the candidate and holds them in his left hand.
Sov, before the fourth step: Whence come you?
Cand: From Judaea.
Prelate, standing: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the King, behold there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying: Where us He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and are come to worship him.
Sov, before the fifth step: By what village did you pass?
Cand: Nazareth.
Prel: Philip findeth Nathaniel and saith unto him. We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathaniel said unto him Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him: Come and see.
Sov, before the sixth step: Who conducted you?
Cand: Raphael
Prel: He found Raphael that was an angel, and he said unto him: Canst thou go with me? To whom the angel said I will go with thee, and I know the way well.
Sov, before the seventh step: Whither go you?
Cand: To Jerusalem.
Prel: Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify Him, and the third day He shall rise again. Prel Sits.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Marshal, bring me the letters from the first three steps.
Marshal does so and returns to the candidate’s left
Sovereign turns block on his pedestal so that the letters F, H and C are visible to the candidate.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Marshal, bring me the letters from the last four steps.
Marshal obtains these from the candidate, hands them to the Sovereign and returns as before.
Sov: Worthy knight, by the aid of Faith, Hope and Charity you have indeed succeeded in finding the lost Word.
Raphael removes the veil, hands it to Marshal and instructs the candidate to step of the ladder.
Marshal returns to his seat.
Sov: By Faith you have found the Rose of Sharon, and you have been able to apprehend Him who will neither leave you nor forsake you. By Hope you have obtained a Heaven-born blessing, which will console you under all difficulties and distresses and teach you under the afflictions of your earthly pilgrimage to look for a better and more enduring inheritance. In Charity you behold the perfection of every Christian virtue.
Taking the initials of the last four steps of your journey and putting them together you have found the name of Him who is the Word.
Sovereign turns the block on his pedestal so that the letters I N R I are visible to the candidate
For St John says: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Now, worthy knight, having found the Word of the New Law, I request our Excellent and Perfect Prelate to affix it in its proper place.
All rise.
The Prelate goes to the Sovereign to receive the Word and places it on the cubic stone.
All, except Raphael and the candidate, kneel on the right knee and point towards the Word with the right index finger. All rise, facing the altar and in time with the Sovereign, all give the first sign, saying the word H... .a seven times, to the rhythm of the knocks of the degree.
Sovereign then stands in front of the altar, facing west.
Sov: Let the candidate approach.
Raphael escorts the candidate to the kneeling-stool.
Worthy knight, I rejoice to confer upon you the reward you have so well earned and I trust that, by the practice of those virtues - Faith, Hope and Charity - that have this day been commended to your notice, you will indeed be led to Him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Kneel therefore and receive the honours to which you are now entitled.
Candidate kneels on both knees
Raphael presents his sword, holding it by the blade, vertical, point uppermost, to the Sovereign.
By virtue of the power and authority in me vested by the Supreme Council of the Thirty-third Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Rite for England and Wales and its Districts and Chapters Overseas, I hereby make sword on right shoulder, create sword on left shoulder and constitute sword on head you, now and for ever, a Knight of the Pelican and Eagle.
Sovereign transfers sword to left hand and, holding it by the blade, vertical, point uppermost, returns it to Raphael.
Sovereign then takes the seal from the altar and holds it to the candidate’s forehead.
I seal you a Prince of the Order of the Rose Croix of Heredom with the seal of Perfection.
The seal is returned to the altar
Sovereign takes the candidate by both hands and raises him, saying: Rise, Excellent and Perfect Prince Rose Croix and receive the emblems of our Order. Princes, be seated.
Director of the Ceremonies removes the stool, presents the collar and jewel to the Sovereign and resumes his seat.
Sovereign, holding the collar and jewel and displaying them to the candidate, continues: The jewel worn in this degree is a pair of compasses with a rose on either side and surmounted by a celestial crown. The points of the compasses are extended on the segment of a circle with a cross between them Beneath the cross is the heraldic emblem known as a ‘pelican in its piety’; and on the reverse a white eagle with its wings extended as if rising in the air.
The Pelican is a symbol of Christ our Redeemer; for, as it was reputed to feed its young with its own blood to save them from death, so our Saviour shed His blood to save us from death eternal.
The eagle reminds us that the Saviour us God himself, as He said to the Israelites of old: I bare you on eagles’ wings and brought you unto myself
The rose is an emblem of secrecy and silence. In the Song of Solomon we find reference to the Saviour under the mystical title of the Rose of Sharon.

The cross represents the Cross of Calvary, red with the precious Blood.
The red collar is embroidered on the right side with the representation of a serpent, the symbol of wisdom, having its tail in its mouth - thus forming a circle, the emblem of eternity.
On the left side is embroidered a representation of the Crown of Thorns, worn by Him who says unto us: Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Thus the rose and the cross and the other symbols peculiar to this degree should remind us, through the eternal wisdom, of Him who is the Word, and teach us to take up our cross and follow Him here, that we may win the crown hereafter.
I now invest you with the collar and jewel of the degree.
Sovereign takes the candidate's rose from the altar, places the stem in the candidate's breast pocket and says: Lastly, I present to you this rose: an emblem of Him Who is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley.
Be careful, by the exercise of Faith, Hope and Charity to continue to deserve these emblems, which are symbols of hidden truths known only to the Perfect Mason.
I will now communicate to you the signs and words of this degree.
The first sign is called the Sign of Adoration. It consists of interlacing the fingers, then lifting the hands to the fore head, palms outwards, at the same time raising the eyes to Heaven and exclaiming Hosanna, then dropping the hands on to the body.
The second sign is exchanged thus I raise my right hand level with, and to the right of, but not touching, my fore head with the fingers crossed except the index finger, saying He ascended. You reply by pointing downwards with the index finger of the right hand, saying: He descended. The complete sign signifies that there is but one God in Heaven and earth, Creator and Sovereign of all things.
The third sign is called the Sign of the Good Shepherd or Pastor. It is given by crossing the arms on the breast, the left uppermost, without bowing. This sign represents a shepherd holding a lamb. It is answered in the same manner.
We then approach each other with the third sign and mutually place our hands on the other’s breast, thus forming two St. Andrew’s crosses Then we exchange the initials I N R I alternately. These are the initials of the superscription on the Cross and stand for Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judaeorum, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.
The password, Emmanuel, meaning ‘God with us’, is given with the sign of the Good Shepherd and is answered by 'Pax Vobiscum', meaning ‘Peace be with you’, given with the same sign. This sign is also given when addressing the Most Wise Sovereign and when entering or leaving the Chapter.
Sovereign resumes his throne.
Raphael conducts the new Prince to the Sovereign, who shows him the Warrant and presents him with the Rules of the Order, the By-Laws of the Chapter and, wherever possible, a copy of the ritual.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Raphael, you will conduct the new Prince to the West and let him be duly proclaimed.
Raphael, with sword at the carry, followed by the newly perfected Prince goes via the south to the west Marshal rises and all three, the candidate in the center, stand in line, facing east.
Director of Ceremonies: To order, Princes.
All rise
Herald, in the south-west, reads from the scroll: By command of the Most Wise Sovereign, I proclaim that our Brother ... has this day been created a Knight of the Pelican and Eagle and sealed and invested a Prince of the Order of the Rose Croix of Heredom I summon him accordingly to take his seat in the Chapter.
The new Prince is conducted directly to his seat in the south-east by the Marshal and sits
Director of Ceremonies: Princes, be seated.
All resume their seats.
 

CLOSING
THE THIRD POINT

Members of the 33° take their places in the south-east.
While the Director of Ceremonies forms the procession, and throughout the ceremony, silence shall be maintained. The procession enters in the following order: Marshal, the new Prince, 18° , 30° 31° , 32° , the Prelate and the Sovereign.
The procession circles the room until the Sovereign reaches the East The members of the 33° stand on the left of the Prelate. Marshal instructs the candidate to stand outside the circle.
Sov: Princes, we have now arrived at the perfection of Masonry, let us then unite in forming the Living Circle as an emblem of eternity.
The Living Circle is formed, with arms outstretched, not crossed, hands clasped, the candidate being outside the circle.
Sov: Princes, let us receive him who has this day been admitted to our Order.
The Princes on the Sovereign's right make way, the Marshal places the new Prince next to the Sovereign and the circle is again completed.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Prince, we receive you into the Living Circle of our hearts.
After a short pause the hands are dropped.
Sov: Princes, we now invite you, according to oriental custom, to break bread and eat salt with us, at the same time pledging to each other our fidelity and friendship in the goblet of fraternal affection. And all place right on left breast let us invoke the blessing of Him who is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley, by whose assistance we hope to progress here on earth towards that perfection which can be consummated only when, rising from the tomb, we ascend to join our great Emmanuel and are united with Him for ever in a glorious and happy Eternity. All drop sign.
Director of Ceremonies presents the platter to the Sovereign and returns immediately to his place in the circle.
The Sovereign then takes a piece of biscuit or bread and presents it to the Prelate standing on his left, who breaks off a portion. Both then dip their portions at the same time into the salt and eat them. The Prelate takes the platter and repeats these actions with his neighbour and so on.
Director of Ceremonies presents the goblet to the Sovereign. The Sovereign turns to the Prelate, who faces him The Sovereign says Emmanuel, and the Prelate gives the 3rd sign, saying Pax Vobiscum. The Sovereign drinks and passes the goblet to the Prelate, who repeats with the Prince on his left in the same manner and so on.
Director of Ceremonies returns the platter and goblet.
The Prelate, with a taper kindled at the altar, ignites the spirit in the tasse when convenient during the above.
When all have partaken:
Sov: All have partaken.
Prel: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Prelate Prelate gives and holds 3rd sign, I now request you to remove the sacred Word that it be not exposed to the eyes of the profane, but be consumed according to ancient custom as a perpetual memorial of our veneration of Him who came to consummate the redemption of all those who faithfully and sincerely put their trust in Him, our risen Emmanuel.
The Prelate drops 3rd sign, removes the Word, and, clearly displaying It, passes to the west side of the table, faces east and burns It.
The Prelate returns to his place in the circle.
Sov: Princes, we rejoice to have united in this feast of fraternal affection. May we henceforth treasure up the sacred doctrines of the Order in the secret repository of our hearts. Princes, resume your seats
All immediately and in silence return to their seats. The flame is not extinguished but is allowed to die down.
The Sovereign knocks once. This is repeated by the Generals.
Sov: Princes, assist me to close this … Chapter.
All rise.
Sov: Excellent and Perfect Prelate, what is the hour?
Prel, with 3rd sign: It is the first hour of the third day, being the first day of the week; the hour of a Perfect Mason.
Sov: What is the hour of a Perfect Mason?
Prel, with 3rd sign: It is the hour when the Word is found and the Cubic Stone is changed into the Mystic Rose. The Blazing Star has reappeared in all its splendour; our altars are renewed; the true Light restored to our eyes, the clouds of darkness dispersed; and the New Commandment is given to love one another.
Sov: Let us then observe this New Commandment to love one another, the result and perfection of all preceding Masonry, which will enable us to erect an edifice in our hearts to the glory of the Lamb; to whom belongeth might, majesty, dominion and power, Who liveth and reigneth world without end.
All: Amen.
All give and, after a pause, drop the 3rd sign.
Sov knocks ****** *
lstG knocks ****** *
2ndG knocks ****** *
C of G knocks ****** *
OG knocks ****** *
The Prelate closes the Bible.
Sov: This Chapter is now closed in the name of the great Emmanuel. Depart in peace.

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