Ancient Order of Pilgrims
The Crown Degree - Purple

1912

 
When the Crown Degree is to be conferred, the sanctuary is regularly opened in the Crown Degree, or is raised in conformity with the customs and Pilgrimic practices from the lower degrees. The arrangement of the sanctuary is similar to that when conferring the other degrees, the titles of the officers are the same as before; and those who have been advanced to this degree, because of the lesson herein sought to be taught – that is, to live above that which is mean, vile and degrading – are customarily referred to as "sojourning on Mount Ararat." Everything being in readiness, and having been advised as to the presence of the candidate, the Worthy Shepherd says:
W.S., *: Worthy Patrol, accompanied by the Worthy Recorder, you will proceed to the ante-room, where you will find one who claims to have been heretofore engaged in constructive work on the Ark. Please satisfy yourself as to his desires in reference to his further enlightenment in our ancient mysteries, and his right to make demand therefor.
The officers above referred to rise at the sound of the gavel, appear before the altar. and facing the East they make the due-guard sign of the degree, and then retire. When upon the outside the investigation is proceeded with thus:
W.P.: Mr ..., have you been regularly received and initiated in the Silver Cloud Degree, advanced to the Star Degree to become a builder upon the Ark, and proven your efficiency as such in a regularly constituted sanctuary of Pilgrims?
Candidate, prompted: I have been so received, and have proven my efficiency.
W.P.: Is it now your desire to further advance yourself in our ancient mysteries, and do you intend to make strict compliance with our ancient rites and ceremonies?
Candidate, prompted: Such are my desires and intentions.
W.P.: Having thus declared yourself, you may pay to our Worthy Recorder the premium for the Beneficiary Department of our Order for this current quarter; the fee for your certificate of membership, and advise him as to the beneficiary to be named therein; and wait until the Worthy Shepherd shall be informed as to your desires and intentions, and his answer returned to you.
The candidate pays the required fees to the Recorder, who enters the sanctuary, and standing at the altar reports thus:
W.R., making the due-guard sign: Worthy Shepherd, Mr ... is without, who, on investigation by the Worthy Patrol, has been found worthy to receive the Crown Degree; and, having complied with all our regulations in reference thereto, the Worthy Patrol directs me to request
that you permit him to be advanced.
W.S., *: My brethren and sisters, you have heard the recommendation of our Worthy Patrol in regard to Mr ..., who is in the ante-room, and if there are no valid objections to be urged by you as to why the candidate should not, at this time, be. further inducted into our ancient rites, customs and ceremonies, the Worthy Senior Usher will proceed to the ante-room, prepare the candidate in conformity with our customs, and conduct him through the mazy labyrinth to the heights of Mt. Ararat.
The Worthy Senior Usher rises at the sound of the gavel, appears before the altar, and makes the due-guard sign of the degree; he retires to the anteroom, where the candidate is prepared by being blindfolded, a silken purple cord being adjusted about the body, three laps, passing over the right shoulder and under the left arm. Having prepared the candidate he alarms the door thus:
W.S.U.: ** ** **.
W.J.U., * * *, opening the door slightly: Who comes here?
W.S.U., for the candidate: A weary Pilgrim, faithful to the end, journeying to the heights of Mt. Ararat.
W.J.U.: What has induced you, my brother (sister), to undertake a journey so hazardous?
W.S.U., for the candidate: The gateway to Eden is guarded by the Cherubims armed with the flaming swords, hence there I can not enter; a wanderer and a vagabond, journeying toward the East, in penitence and sorrow the Ark of safety I assisted to construct, and was saved through the faith of our just and perfect Patriarch. If I carry the Book of the Law next to my heart, the flood having subsided, I must dwell upon Mt. Ararat.
W.J.U.: How did you make your entrance into the Ark, my brother (sister)?
W.S.U., for the candidate: With the Book of the Law next to my heart and the cord of blue adjusted about my body, symbolizing the true and steadfast loyalty of the faithful eight, my entrance was so made.
W.J.U.: What was the fashion of the Ark, my brother (sister)?
W.S.U., for the candidate: An oblong floating house in the form of a parallelogram, three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, thirty cubits high, with a roof either flat or slightly inclined, and having one door on the side, and one window in the top.
W.J.U.: Tell us the purpose in the construction or this Ark, my brother (sister).
W.S.U., for the candidate: To preserve our ancient Patriarch and his household, together with certain ones of the species, from the deluge with which God intended to overwhelm the land, in punishment of the iniquities of man.
W.J.U.: What prompts you, my brother (sister), to refuge no longer in the Ark?
W.S.U., for the candidate: Having seen the mountain tops, my loyalty to our ancient Patriarch compels me to follow where he leads me.
W.J.U.: By what means do you expect to ascend to such heights of elevation?
W.S.U., for the candidate: With my companion, hand in hand Senior Usher and candidate
walking hand in hand; we will travel in our journey from the gates of Eden towards the East, for we are in possession of the Word that inspired our ancient Patriarch.
W.J.U.: To what do you refer, my brother (sister)
W.S.U.: The pass to the Ark, "a just and perfect man." Whispers the pass into the ear of the Worthy Junior Usher.
W.J.U.: Pursue thy journey with all diligence, mv brother (sister), for the waters prevail upon the lowlands.
The candidate is allowed to enter, walking hand in hand with the Worthy Senior Usher, who carries the Shepherd's Crook, while the Worthy Patrol follows after with the Pilgrim's Staff. They pass twice around the room, passing by the station in the North first, halting at the station in the West, during which time the Worthy Shepherd reads the following:
W.S., reads: "And God remembered Noah, and every living thing and all the cattle that was with him in the ark; and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters assuaged; The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained; ... and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.
''And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventh day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat." (Gen. 8 :1-5.)
W.S.U., ** ** ** raps on the floor with the Crook.
W.V.S., * * *: Who comes here?
W.S.U., for the candidate: A weary Pilgrim, faithful to the end, journeying to the heights of Mt. Ararat.
W.V.S.: What has induced you, my brother (sister), to undertake a journey so hazardous?
W.S.U., for the candidate: The gateway to Eden is guarded by the Cherubims armed with the flaming swords, hence there I can not enter; a wanderer and a vagabond; journeying toward the East, in penitence and sorrow the Ark of safety I assisted to construct, and was saved through the faith of our just and perfect Patriarch. If I carry the Book of the Law next to my heart, the flood having subsided, I must dwell upon Mt. Ararat.
W.V.S.: How did you make your entrance into the Ark, my brother (sister)?
W.S.U., for the candidate: With the Book of the Law next to my heart and the cord of blue adjusted about my body, symbolizing the true and steadfast loyalty of the faithful eight, my entrance was so made.
W.V.S.: What was the fashion of the Ark, my brother (sister)?
W.S.U., for the candidate: An oblong floating house in the form of a parallelogram, three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, thirty cubits high, with a roof either flat or slightly inclined, and having one door on the side, and one window in the top.
W.V.S.: Tell us the purpose in the construction of this Ark, my brother (sister)?
W.S.U., for the candidate: To preserve our ancient Patriarch and his household, together with certain ones of the species, from the deluge with which God intended to overwhelm the land, in punishment of the iniquities of man.
W.V.S.: What prompts you, my brother (sister), to refuge no longer in the Ark?
W.S.U., for the candidate: Having seen the mountain tops, my loyalty to our ancient Patriarch compels me to follow where he leads me.
W.V.S.: By what means do you expect to ascend to such heights of elevation?
W.S.U., for the candidate: With my companion, hand in hand, we will travel in our journey from the gates of Eden towards the East, for we are in possession of the Word that inspired our ancient Patriarch.
W.V.S.: To what do you refer, my brother (sister)?
W.S.U., for the candidate: Not only to the pass to the Ark ... but the lesson I learned through my transgression in Eden.
W.V.S.: Then advance the grip and the pass for the Silver Cloud Degree, my brother (sister), and pursue thy journey with all diligence. The waters prevail upon the lowlands.
At the suggestion of the Worthy Senior Usher, the candidate gives the Worthy Vice-Shepherd the grip used in the Silver Cloud Degree, and at the same time announces the pass for the same aloud. This done, walking hand in hand, the journey is continued twice around the room in the same direction, during which time the incense burns on the altar, which the candidate is permitted to see by a slight adjustment of the hoodwink. During the time the Vice-Shepherd reads the following, so timed as to conclude when the candidate is halted at the station in the East:
W.V.S., reads: "Go forth of the Ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee. Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl and of cattle, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful and multiply upon the earth. And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him: every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, and whatsoever creepeth upon the earth, after their kinds, went forth out of the Ark.
"And Noah builded an altar unto the Lord; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the Lord smelled a sweet savor; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake." (Gen. 8 :15-20.)
W.S.U., ** ** ** raps on floor with the Crook.
W.S., * * *: Who comes here?
W.S.U., for the candidate: A weary Pilgrim, faithful to the end, journeying to the heights of Mt. Ararat.
W.S.: What has induced you, my brother (sister), to undertake a journey so hazardous?
W.S.U., for the candidate: The gateway to Eden is guarded by the Cherubims armed with the flaming swords, hence there I can not enter; a wanderer and a vagabond, journeying toward the East, in penitence and sorrow, the Ark of safety I assisted to construct, and was saved through the faith of our just and perfect Patriarch. If I carry the Book of the Law next to my heart, the flood having subsided, I must dwell upon Mt. Ararat.
W.S.: How did you make entrance into the Ark, my brother (sister)?
W.S.U., for the candidate: With the Book of the Law next to my heart and the cord of blue adjusted about my body, symbolizing the true and steadfast loyalty of the faithful eight, my entrance was so made.
W.S.: What was the fashion of the Ark, my brother (sister)?
W S.U., for the candidate: An oblong floating house in the form of a parallelogram, three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, thirty cubits high, with a roof either flat or slightly inclined, and having one door on the side, and one window in the top.
W.S.: Tell us the purpose in the construction of this Ark, my brother (sister)?
W.S.U., for the candidate: To preserve our ancient Patriarch and his household, together with certain ones of the species, from the deluge with which God intended to overwhelm the land, in punishment of the iniquities of man.
W.S.: What prompts you, my brother (sister), to refuge no longer in the Ark?
W.S.U., for the candidate: Having seen the mountain tops, my loyalty to our ancient Patriarch compels me to follow where he leads me.
W.S.: By what means do you expect to ascend to such heights of elevation?
W.S.U., for the candidate: With my companion, hand in hand, we will travel in our journey from the gates of Eden towards the East, for we are in possession of the Word that inspired our ancient Patriarch.
W.S.: To what do you refer, my brother?
W.S.U., for the candidate: Not only to the pass to the Ark, but the lesson I learned through my transgression in Eden.
W.S.: Then advance the grip and pass for the Silver Cloud Degree, my brother (sister)?
At the suggestion of the Worthy Senior Usher, the candidate gives the Worthy Shepherd the grip of the Silver Cloud Degree, and at the same time announces the pass for the same aloud.
W.S.: Advance the grip and the pass for the Star Degree, my brother (sister), and pursue thy journey with all diligence. The waters prevail upon the lowlands.
At the suggestion of the Worthy Senior Usher, the candidate gives the Worthy Shepherd the grip for the Star Degree, and at the same time announces aloud the pass for the same. Immediately thereafter the candidate is conducted twice around the room, in the same direction as before, during which time the Worthy Shepherd reads the following, so timed as to conclude as the candidate is halted be for the altar:
W.S., reads: "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars ... And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads ... And she brought forth a man-child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne ... And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought, and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
"And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ." (Rev. 12 :1-10.)
 

Obligation

W.S., raps *** * ***: In the presence of the members here assembled, I, ..., do most solemnly and sincerely take this vow, in addition to my former obligations:
That I will always keep the secrets of this degree, and shall not expose them or any other part of the secret work to any person or persons, except it be to a worthy member of this degree, whom on strict trial I shall find lawfully entitled to receive the same; that I now renew my vows and obligations as .made in the Silver Cloud and the Star Degrees, and shall do my utmost to fashion my conduct in harmony with the truths and principles as revealed to me by the secret work of this institution; that I will uphold and obey the Constitution, the rules and regulations of the Supreme Home, and the mandates and rulings of its officers, properly issued, and the by-laws and regulations of this sanctuary, or any other sanctuary of which I may become a member; and that I shall not invoke the aid -of the law nor encourage and condone the practice in others, to settle any controversy or grievance at issue, between myself and the institution, or myself and any member thereof, until I shall have complied with and applied all the remedies available under the regulations, customs and practices of the institution; that I will, at all times and in all places, do my utmost to protect the person, the property and the good name of a member of this degree, and shall not hesitate to warn him of approaching danger, or to go to his relief when in distress; that I will not defraud this institution, nor any member thereof, but will assist him or her in any laudable enterprise he may undertake, and I will not discuss the business of the Order, the local nor the supreme governing body, with a person not a member, in a manner derogatory thereto, and I shall not slander, besmirch or question the veracity of the rulings and intentions of its officers and agents, without proof to support the same; and I shall not speak harshly of a friend nor foe, all of which I most sacredly promise and swear, binding myself under no less penalty than that of forfeiting my rights and privileges as a member of this institution, or that I be doomed to fall . from the heights of respect, association and esteem of my fellowman, and sink to the cess-pool of despair and wretchedness; in token of which I kiss the Holy Bible, so help me God.
W.S.: My brother (sister), what would you now desire?
W.S.U., for the candidate: To see the heights of Mt. Ararat.
The members stand on the sign of the degree, as during the administering of the obligation, and the Worthy Patrol prepares to remove the hoodwink just as the following is concluded by the Worthy Shepherd:
W.S., reads: "Hear, ye that are far off, what I have done; and ye that are near acknowledge my might ... Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire, who among us shall dwell with everlasting burning?
"He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; he shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rock; bread shall be given him, his waters shall be sure.
"Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off." (Isa. 33 :13-17.)
W.S., *: Brother (sister) ..., for it is in such regard and esteem we shall hereafter greet you, this is the third occasion upon which we have readily complied with your request for light into our ancient mysteries, and unless you have further aspirations as regards your temporal and spiritual welfare, it will be, perhaps, the last.
Because of his faith and righteousness, our ancient Patriarch, and "every living thing, and all the cattle that were with him," were by Jehovah remembered while in the Ark during that awful Deluge. Faithful to the end, at the command of his Creator, he went forth from the Ark with his wife, his sons and their wives, and builded an altar unto the Lord, and upon it he offered sacrifice.
Thus we are taught that our first duty is to God, and that as we go forth into the world aspiring to lofty ideals, we need the help and inspiration that only pure and devout womanhood can give; and hence males and females co-operate for good in our institution.
The great wonder in the heavens, the woman clothed with the sun, seen in your journey to the heights of Mt. Ararat, is symbolical of the heights attained by a womanhood of purity and godliness -righteous and faithful; the moon under her feet indicates the nearness to all that is sublime and grand of those whose path is lighted by the sun light of God's eternal truth; and thus we commend to you his word, the Holy Bible, here on the altar; the war in heaven, led by Michael and his angels, in which the "old serpent" that beguiled in Eden was cast out, must remind you how with the Almighty Father, the righteous will prevail against the wicked; and the crown upon her head is indicative of the sure reward of those who are faithful to the end; and, as I thus crown you placing the crown upon the head of the candidate, be faithful to your friends, to your institution, to your family, to your country, and to your God, unto the end be ye faithful "even until death." Long may your example, as well as your precept, shine like these twelve stars pointing to the stars in the crown with the brightness of the sun, announcing the "power of our God and the Kingdom of his Christ."
The light you saw in the journey, burning on the altar, was a symbol of the "sweet savor" that arose as Noah offered a sacrifice on the altar erected to God, and it suggests divine worship; and it also serves as a type of that devouring fire we shall avoid if we dwell on high.
As a memento of your endeavor to dwell on Mt. Ararat - to think and dwell on things that are lofty, and to select associates that are superior - I present you with the badge of a Pilgrim invests the candidate with a purple badge the color of which is purple, symbolizing divine grace and royal majesty, the God-man, Christ, on earth; the gold is symbolical of his divine nature as revealed after his resurrection, and .may you endeavor as best von can to will to be like him.
And, as we have done before, we again call your attention to the arrangement of the altar: "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace until the hearers." (Eph. 4 :29.) To a large extent strife and disagreement are due to corrupt communications, one to another, and thus we remind you that our sublimest principle, "CONCORD," has its support in the Scriptural truth here shown.
This emblem, the anchor and the dove, will now be explained to you thus: The anchor is a sure steadfast, and it symbolizes the hope we shall realize when anchored to the principles of. Love, Benevolence and Concord ; the dove sent from the Ark by our ancient Patriarch symbolizes purity and harmlessness, which you should; at all times, strive to acquire; and the olive branch denotes fruitfulness.

The Sign of the Degree
W.S.: Brother (sister) ... the sign of the Crown Degree, made thus, Interlock the fingers of both hands, the arms being dropped to full length, across the front of the body, the palms upward. Bow the head slightly. is the manner in which your hands were placed when taking the obligation, and represents the moon as seen in the "great wonder in the heavens" during your journey to Mt. Ararat. Let it suggest to you the necessity of keeping close to the Great Light, the source of all power and knowledge.

The Due-Guard Sign
W.S.: The due-guard sign of the degree, made thus, Close the third and fourth fingers, together with the thumb, of the left hand, across the palm; and, with the first and second fingers extended in contact, close the left nostril; and, at the same time, place the right hand on the heart. alludes to the sweet savor from the burnt offering laid on the altar by our ancient Patriarch, which you observed in your journey from the West towards the East. It should ever remind you of the promise the Lord made in his heart not to curse the ground any more for man's sake, because of the righteousness of Noah. Therefore, through divine worship, let us make ourselves worthy of His goodness, and that we might be ever conscious of our duty and this promise, our custom requires this due-guard sign to be made to the Worthy Shepherd before we proceed to address him in his station.

The Recognition Sign and Word
W.S.: Brother (sister) ... in order that you may be enabled to discharge your duty and obligation towards your fellow members, as is now imposed upon you, by reason of your last vow, it is necessary that you have at your command some means by which your presence or identity can be made known, and especially is this true if your unfortunate brother or sister, or yourself, need such syn1pathy and consolation as must needs exist between those who are anchored to the principles of Love, Benevolence and Concord. And for such a purpose our recognition sign, made thus, Place the right hand gently on top of the head, the answer thereto being made in the same manner with the left hand. is used, and it alludes to the crown seen in the "great wonder" on your journey to higher planes.
If conditions are such as not to permit the use of the recognition sign, the recognition word "now is come the Kingdom of our God" is used, the answer to which is: "and the power of His Christ" They allude to the voice heard when the "great wonder" appeared in the heavens, and only those whose thoughts and aims are pure and lofty, and who have kept the faith, can realize in their hearts the power such a truth conveys.

The Caution Sign and Word
W.S.: From what you have been taught thus far, it must be quite evident that your duty is to protect your brethren and sisters as far as your ability will permit, and that you should lose no opportunity to warn them of an approaching danger, and therefore you should endeavor to caution them thus: Pass the first three fingers of the right hand across the eyes from left to right, the answer to which is made in the same manner with the left hand.
Having gone forth from. the Ark to be a husbandman, it alludes to the manner in which our ancient Patriarch awoke from his slumber only to know what his younger son had advised his older brothers in reference to the Patriarch's condition, when unduly influenced by wine. Let it serve to remind you that your duty is to caution your brother, rather than to defame him to his neighbors and friends.
If, in your judgment, caution notice by sign is inadequate, then the caution word is: "open the window of the ark", the answer to which is: "and the tops of the mountain were seen."
As our ancient Patriarch opened the window of the ark, and could see the top of the mountain, may you, through sagacity and superior judgment, caution your brother against his indiscretions.

The Distress Sign and Word
W.S.: My brother (sister), it is now my duty to show you the sign you shall use, if in imminent peril or danger, and to which you are urged to respond as often as you recognize it, unless you shall know it to be used, at the time, by those not entitled to its protection. It is called the distress sign, and is made thus: Fold the arms across the breast, extend them suddenly to either side at full length, and drop them suddenly to the sides. The answer thereto is made by placing both hands behind the neck, with the fingers interlocked. This sign alludes to the manner in which the descendants of our ancient Patriarch were scattered abroad over the earth, when, because of the iniquity of the hearts, they reasoned that to make themselves famous and to secure protection a city should be built that would reach unto heaven.
If on any occasion the use of the distress sign does not bring the relief and protection sought, then the word to be used when in distress is: "the dragon, seven heads and ten horns," the answer to which is: "the dragon. Prevailed not." The word alludes to the struggle between Michael and his angels on the one hand and the demon and his angel on the other, the triumph of right and righteousness and faith over might and wickedness and doubt, as pictured in the great war seen in the heavens, during the journey of the f…l from the plains and lowlands to the hills of Mount Ararat.

The Grip and Pass-Word
W.S.: Finally, my brother (sister), in behalf of the members of our sanctuary, and as your Worthy Shepherd, I extend you my hand in fellowship and with it the Pilgrim word "faith".
The grip is made thus: Close the fingers of the right hand, the thumb resting on the second joint of the first finger, and then clasp hands in the ordinary way.
Its name is power, and it signifies the strength of soul, and character, and purpose that comes through faith, and it alludes to the manner in which the road was grasped in the g-t w-r s-n in the hours during your journey to Mount Ararat, and the power by which "all n-s w-d be r-d with a r-d of i-n."
The pass-word for the Crown Degree is: "Salvation," What man lost through disobedience and sin in ancient Eden, it has been made possible to overcome through faithh and r-s, and the"p-r of his C-t," and therefore, in order that we should at all times remember how man shall be redeemed, and how "the k-s of his w-d'; shall ultimately become the ''k-s of our w-d," who shall reign forever and forever, let the pass-word to this sanctuary remind you of the pass to the Eternal City.
W.S.: My brother (sister), it is our earnest desire that the beautiful colors presented in the various degrees will ever serve to remind you of the virtues taught by the signs and secrets of this degree, and that the rainbow and its various colors shall also be a sign of your covenant to keep and cherish the same as they were to our ancient Patriarch Noah. In the holy writings we are taught that when God created man he was given dominion over all things on the face of the earth – animate and inanimate – but with all this power Adam could not attain the higher state of happiness, because there was for him no helpmate. Hence, in a manner familiar to those conversant with Bible history, a woman was created, of whom Adam said: "This is my bone and my flesh."
And in addition to what has already been made clear to you, the manner in which Patriarch Noah and his "three sons and their wives, together with all animals, two of a kind, entered into the Ark, suggest to you most vividly the custom of the ancients, as well as the intention of our Creator, that the hearty co-operation of males and females should be the swiftest and surest means for the development of the Godlike qualities of man. Such is our purpose, as has been pointed out to you once before in admitting to membership males and females in our institution.
We now greet you as one of our fraternity, entitled to all of the rights and privileges, and from you we expect ready compliance with our customs and strict obedience to our laws. We are thus united not only for the wise purpose of making provisions against the infirmities of old age and those misfortunes which, at times, come to the most of us; but for the moderate enjoyment of social intercourse and for the temperate interchange of social feeling.
We expect to find exemplified in you a strict regard for all the obligations of life; that you should be slow to anger, forbearing in. temper, and charitable in opinions and judgments of others.
We encourage no excesses of any kind, neither do we enforce any religious creed, nor attempt to influence your politics; but we do desire to impress upon you the fact that no wrangling and dissension will be permitted to interrupt the harmony of our meetings. In your outward acts and dealings as a Pilgrim we expect to find you sober, honest and upright; willing to relieve; subservient to the laws of your country; and worthy of the esteem of your fellowman. We expect to find you, in the family, affectionate and truthful; regardful of the material welfare of your children and those dependent upon you; dutiful and exemplary as a son or daughter; and, as a friend, steadfast and true. These delightful qualities will ever command the admiration and respect of n1ankind, and will extend your sphere of usefulness, not only to yourself and your immediate family connections, but also to our ancient Order.

The Voting Sign
Lastly, your attention is called to the voting sign used in our Order, which is made in the following manner : Raise the right hand, the palm showing to the Presiding Officer, the fingers extended in contact.
It alludes to the frankness and candor with which we should deal one with another, and as expressing our sentiments on all questions at issue in an assemblage of your brethren and sisters. Let your open hand be typical of an open heart.

Lecture

Question: Are you a Pilgrim?
Answer: I am a weary Pilgrim, faithful to the end.
Ques.: In what were you faithful to the end?
Ans.: My journey from the east of Eden to the heights of Mt. Ararat, during which time, in penitence and sorrow, the Ark of safety I assisted to construct.
Ques.: What induced you to take the hazardous journey from Eden to Mt. Ararat?
Ans.: Having become a vagabond and a wanderer, I was saved through the faith of our ancient Patriarch. Out of loyalty to him and my firm resolve to carry the Book of the Law next to my heart, I determined to dwell upon Mt. Ararat.
Ques.: If you were saved through the faith of the Patriarch, how did you make entrance into the Ark?
Ans.: With the Book of the Law next to my heart and the cord of blue adjusted about my body, symbolizing the true and steadfast loyalty of the faithful eight.
Ques.: Who were the faithful eight?
Ans.: Our ancient Patriarch and his wife, his three sons and their wives.
Ques.: If you were a builder in the construction of the Ark, you can tell us of its fashion.
Ans.: The Ark was an oblong floating house in the form of a parallelogram, three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, thirty cubits high, with a roof either fiat or slightly inclined, and having one door on the side, and one window in the top.
Ques.: Why did you not refuge longer in the Ark?
Ans.: Having seen the mountain tops, my loyalty to our ancient Patriarch compelled me to follow.
Ques.: How was your journey prosecuted on leaving the Ark?
Ans.: With my companion, walking hand in hand, I was aided by the experience of my transgression in Eden.
Ques.: How is your transgression there made impressive?
Ans.: By the pass and the grip of the Silver Cloud Degree; "I am my brother’s keeper."
Ques.: What was the specific act on leaving the Ark to indicate that its occupants had profited by their experience in Eden?
Ans.: Another two days' journey from the West to the East, and Noah builded an altar into the Lord, and took of every clean beast and every clean fowl, and made a burnt offering on the altar.
Ques.: Having journeyed until the erection of the altar and the offering of the sacrifice, how did you qualify yourself for a task so hazardous?
Ans.: Not only by the pass and grip of the Silver Cloud Degree, but the pass and grip of the Star Degree. After which it was suggested that the journey be pursued with all diligence, for the waters prevailed upon the lowlands.
Ques.: What was the most striking and remarkable thing of beauty to impress you in your journey to Mt. Ararat?
Ans.: The great wonder in the heavens.
Ques.: Was this great wonder explained to you?
Ans.: Not until I had taken an obligation at the altar to respect and observe the secrets and traditions of Mt. Ararat was any explanation made to me.
Ques.: What was the nature of your obligation?
Ans.: That I will always keep the secrets of this degree, and shall not expose them or any other part of the secret work to any person or persons, except it be to a worthy member of this degree, whom on strict trial I shall find lawfully entitled to receive the same; that I now renew my vows and obligations as .made in the Silver Cloud and the Star Degrees, and shall do my utmost to fashion my conduct in harmony with the truths and principles as revealed to me by the secret work of this institution; that I will uphold and obey the Constitution, the rules and regulations of the Supreme Home, and the mandates and rulings of its officers, properly issued, and the by-laws and regulations of this sanctuary, or any other sanctuary of which I may become a member; and that I shall not invoke the aid -of the law nor encourage and condone the practice in others, to settle any controversy or grievance at issue, between myself and the institution, or myself and any member thereof, until I shall have complied with and applied all the remedies available under the regulations, customs and practices of the institution; that I will, at all times and in all places, do my utmost to protect the person, the property and the good name of a member of this degree, and shall not hesitate to warn him of approaching danger, or to go to his relief when in distress; that I will not defraud this institution, nor any member thereof, but will assist him or her in any laudable enterprise he may undertake, and I will not discuss the business of the Order, the local nor the supreme governing body, with a person not a member, in a manner derogatory thereto, and I shall not slander, besmirch or question the veracity of the rulings and intentions of its officers and agents, without proof to support the same; and I shall not speak harshly of a friend nor foe, all of which I most sacredly promise and swear, binding myself under no less penalty than that of forfeiting my rights and privileges as a member of this institution, or that I be doomed to fall from the heights of respect, association and esteem of my fellowman, and sink to the cess-pool of despair and wretchedness; in token of which I kiss the Holy Bible, so help me God.
Ques.: Having obligated yourself, how were you advised?
Ans.: That mine eyes should see the King in his beauty, and the land that was very far off.
Ques.: What was the land far off, arid how explained?
Ans.: The land afar off was the tops of the mountain, the heights of Mt. Ararat, symbolical of lofty aspirations and perfect ideals.
Ques.: How do Pilgrims explain "the King in his beauty"?
Ans.: The cardinal principles, the secrets, rites and traditions arising in our ceremonies constitute a halo of beauty for those who by their faithfulness thereto shall be crowned in the final resurrection.
Ques.: What is the lesson taught by our ancient Patriarch in the erection of the altar on leaving the Ark?
Ans.: The erection of the altar and the offering of the sacrifice by Noah, and they that were with him teach us that our first _duty is to God, and that we need the help and inspiration which only a pure and devout womanhood can give, and for that purpose males and females co-operate in our institution on equal terms.
Ques.: What was the great wonder in the heavens, and how explained?
Ans.: The great wonder in the heavens, the woman clothed with the Sun, is symbolical of the sublime heights attained by a pure and righteous womanhood. In the. war led by Michael and his angels we are taught that righteousness will prevail against wickedness; the crown and stars are symbolical of the sure reward to those who are faithful to the end ⸻ "even until death."
Ques.: How do you explain the burning fire seen in your journey?
Ans.: The burning fire on the altar was typical of the burnt offering and the "sweet savor," as Noah offered the sacrifice, and suggests divine worship.
Ques.: How do you explain the badge of a Pilgrim?
Ans.: The purple badge is a memento of my endeavor to dwell on Mt. Ararat, to meditate on things lofty, and to select superior associates. Its color symbolizes divine grace and royal majesty, the God-man, Christ on earth; the gold, His divine nature as revealed after His resurrection.
Ques.: How do you explain the altar to be a striking thing of beauty?
Ans.: The Holy Bible in the altar arrangement teaches the lesson of Concord; that no communication should proceed out of the mouth but that which is good to the use of edifying. The anchor is a sure steadfast and symbolizes the realized hope when anchored to the principles of Love, Benevolence and Concord; the dove sent from the Ark is typical of purity and harmlessness; and the olive branch denotes fruitfulness.
Ques.: How do you explain the signs in the Crown Degree?
Ans.: The sign of the Crown Degree making it, alludes to the manner in which my hands were placed when taking the obligation, and represents the moon as seen in the "great wonder." It suggests the necessity of keeping close to the Great Light.
The due-guard sign of the Crown Degree making it alludes to the "sweet savor" that arose, and it reminds us of the promise not to curse the ground any more for man's sake.
The recognition sign making it alludes to the Crown and twelve stars seen in the "great wonder," and the lesson they teach; the caution sign making it alludes to the manner in which our ancient Patriarch arose from his slumber, and serves to remind us that our duty is to caution our brother and sister rather than to defame them; the distress sign making it alludes to the manner in which the descendants of our ancient Patriarch were scattered abroad over the land when, because of the iniquity in their hearts, they reasoned that a city built unto heaven would give them protection.
Ques.: How do you explain the grip and password?
Ans.: The grip giving it is made thus, and its name is "power". It signifies the strength of soul and character and purpose which comes through faith.
Ques.: How do you explain the voting sign?
Ans.: The voting sign making it indicates the frankness and candor with which we should deal one with another, and. in expressing our sentiments in an assemblage of brethren and sisters.