ROYAL ARCH, OR SEVENTH DEGREE.

THE Royal Arch Degree seems not to have been known to what are called modern Masons as late as about 1750 That !ort"on o# the old $reemasons who met at the #amous A!!le%Tree Tavern& "n 1717& and #ormed the soc"ety u!on somewhat new !r"nc"!les& that "s& so #ar as to adm"t "nto #ellowsh"!& "nd"scr"m"nately& res!ectable "nd"v"duals o# all !ro#ess"ons& were denom"nated& by the non%adherents to th"s !lan& modern Masons Th"s a##a"r caused the d"v"s"on o# the Mason"c 'oc"ety "nto two !art"es& wh"ch cont"nued t"ll 1(1)& nearly one hundred years To the r"valry occas"oned by th"s sch"sm& Masonry& "t "s !resumed& "s ma"nly "ndebted #or the great celebr"ty "t has obta"ned "n the world *t a!!ears that the non%con#orm"sts to th"s new scheme& who cons"dered themselves the orthodo+ !arty& by rummag"ng among the old records o# the ,rder& #"rst d"scovered the Royal Arch Degree& wh"ch had !robably la"n dormant #or centur"es- dur"ng wh"ch t"me& "t would a!!ear& the soc"ety had been con#"ned almost e+clus"vely to o!erat"ve masonswho cont"nued the ceremon"es only o# the a!!rent"ce& #ellow%cra#t or .ourneyman& and master mason& these be"ng deemed a!!ro!r"ate to the"r occu!at"on A soc"ety o# Royal Arch Masons "s called a /ha!ter& and not a 0odge& as "n the !rev"ous Degrees All /ha!ters o# Royal Arch Masons are 1ded"cated to 2erubbabel&1 and the symbol"c color o# th"s Degree "s scarlet The several Degrees o# Mark Master& 3resent or 3ast Master& and Most E+cellent Master& are g"ven only under the sanct"on o# the Royal Arch /ha!ter- and a Master Mason who a!!l"es #or these Degrees usually enters the /ha!ter also& and somet"mes the #our degrees are g"ven at once *# he takes the #our& he "s only balloted #or once& v"4 5 "n the Mark Master6s Degree /and"dates rece"v"ng th"s Degree are sa"d to be 1e+alted to the most subl"me Degree o# the Royal Arch 1 *t "s a !o"nt o# the Royal Arch Degree not to ass"st& or be
! 71(

!resent& at the con#err"ng o# th"s Degree u!on more or less than three cand"dates at one t"me *# there are not three cand"dates !resent& one or two com!an"ons& as the case may be& volunteer to re!resent cand"dates& so as to make the re8u"s"te number& or a 1team&1 as "t "s techn"cally styled& and accom!any the cand"date or cand"dates through all the stages o# e+altat"on

At the destruct"on o# 9erusalem by :ebuchadne44ar& three Most E+cellent Masters were carr"ed ca!t"ves to ;abylon& where they rema"ned seventy years& and were l"berated by /yrus& <"ng o# 3ers"a They returned to 9erusalem to ass"st "n rebu"ld"ng the Tem!le& a#ter travell"ng over rugged roads on #oot They arr"ved at the outer ve"l o# the Tabernacle& wh"ch was erected near the ru"ns o# the Tem!le Th"s Tabernacle was an oblong s8uare& enclosed by #our ve"ls& or curta"ns& and d"v"ded "nto se!arate a!artments by #our cross ve"ls& "nclud"ng the west end ve"l or entrance The ve"ls were !arted "n the centre& and guarded by #our guards& w"th drawn swords At the east end o# the Tabernacle& Hagga"& 9oshua& and 2erubbabel usually sat "n grand counc"l& to e+am"ne all who w"shed to be em!loyed "n the noble and glor"ous work o# rebu"ld"ng the Tem!le '"nce that t"me& every /ha!ter o# Royal Arch Masons& "# !ro!erly #ormed& re!resents the Tabernacle erected by our anc"ent brethren& near the ru"ns o# <"ng 'olomon6s Tem!le& and our engrav"ng shows the "nter"or arrangement o# a /ha!ter o# the Royal Arch Degree 1 ='ee $"g )1 > These three Most E+cellent Masters& on the"r arr"val& were "ntroduced to the ?rand /ounc"l& and em!loyed& #urn"shed w"th tools& and d"rected to commence the"r labors at the northeast corner o# the ru"ns o# the old Tem!le& and to clear away and remove the rubb"sh& "n order to lay the #oundat"on o# the new The ?rand /ounc"l also gave them str"ct orders to !reserve whatever should #all "n the"r way =such as s!ec"mens o# anc"ent arch"tecture& @c &> and br"ng "t u! #or the"r "ns!ect"on Among the d"scover"es made by the three Masters was a secret vault "n wh"ch they #ound treasures o# great bene#"t to the cra#t& @c The ceremony o# e+alt"ng com!an"ons to th"s Degree& "s a reca!"tulat"on o# the adventures o# these three Most E+cellent Masters& and hence "t "s that three cand"dates are necessary #or an "n"t"at"on
! 71A

The ?rand /ounc"l cons"sts o# the Most E+cellent H"gh 3r"est& <"ng& and Holy 'cr"be The H"gh 3r"est "s dressed "n a wh"te robe& w"th a breast!late o# cut glass& cons"st"ng o# twelve !"eces& an a!ron& and a m"tre The k"ng wears a scarlet robe& a!ron& and crown The m"tre and crown are generally made o# !asteboard- somet"mes they are made o# most s!lend"d mater"als& gold and s"lver velvet- but these are ke!t #or !ubl"c occas"ons The m"tre has the words& 1Hol"ness to the 0ord&1 "n gold letters& across the #orehead The scr"be wears a !ur!le robe& a!ron& and turban A /ha!ter o# Royal Arch Masons cons"sts o# n"ne o##"cers& as #ollows5 1 H"gh 3r"est& or Master =9oshua > 7 <"ng& or 'en"or ?rand Barden =2erubbabel > ) 'cr"be& or 9un"or ?rand Barden =Hagga" > C /a!ta"n o# the Host =as Marshal& or Master o# /eremon"es> or 'en"or Deacon

5 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner& who re!resents the 9un"or Deacon D Royal Arch /a!ta"n& who re!resents the Master ,verseer 7 ?rand Master o# the Th"rd Ee"l& or 'en"or ,verseer ( ?rand Master o# the 'econd Ee"l& or 9un"or ,verseer A ?rand Master o# the $"rst Ee"l *n add"t"on to these& three other o##"cers are usually !resent& v"4 & 'ecretary& a Treasurer& and a Tyler& or sent"nel The o##"cers and com!an"ons o# the /ha!ter be"ng stat"oned as "n the engrav"ng =see $"g )1>& the H"gh 3r"est !roceeds to bus"ness as #ollows5 H"gh 3r"est%%/om!an"ons& 1 * am about to o!en a /ha!ter o# Royal Arch Masons "n th"s !lace& #or the d"s!atch o# bus"ness& and w"ll thank you #or your attent"on and ass"stance *# there "s any !erson !resent who "s not a com!an"on Royal Arch Mason& he "s re8uested to ret"re #rom the room A#ter wa"t"ng #or any stranger or brother not o# th"s degree to ret"re& he g"ves one ra! w"th the gavel& wh"ch br"ngs u! the /a!ta"n o# the Host H"gh 3r"est%%/om!an"on /a!ta"n& the #"rst care o# congregated MasonsF
! 770

/l"ck to enlarge $*? )1 R,GA0 AR/H /HA3TER

1 Treasurer 7 'ecretary ) <"ng C H"gh 3r"est 5 'cr"be D /a!ta"n o# the Host 7 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner ( Royal Arch /a!ta"n A ?rand Master o# the Th"rd Ee"l 10 ?rand Master o# the 'econd Ee"l& 11 ?rand Master o# the $"rst Ee"l 17 ;urn"ng ;ush 1) Altar
! 771

/a!ta"n =!lac"ng the !alm o# h"s r"ght hand to h"s #orehead& as "# to shade h"s eyes >%%To see the Tabernacle duly guarded& Most E+cellent =$or th"s s"gn& see $"g )D >

H"gh 3r"est%%Attend to that !art o# your duty& and "n#orm the ?uard that we are about to o!en a /ha!ter o# Royal Arch Masons "n th"s !lace #or the d"s!atch o# bus"ness- d"rect h"m to guard accord"ngly The /a!ta"n o# the Host stat"ons the ?uard at the outs"de o# the door& g"ves h"m h"s orders& closes the door& and makes an alarm o# three t"mes three =H H H H H H H H H> on the "ns"de& to ascerta"n that the ?uard "s on h"s !ost- the ?uard answers by n"ne corres!ond"ng ra!s The /a!ta"n o# the Host then g"ves one& and ?uard does the same The /a!ta"n then returns to h"s !ost /a!ta"n =to H"gh 3r"est >%%The /ha!ter "s duly guarded& Most E+cellent H"gh 3r"est%%How guardedF /a!ta"n%%;y a com!an"on o# th"s Degree at the outer avenue& w"th a drawn sword "n h"s hand H"gh 3r"est%%H"s duty thereF /a!ta"n%%To observe the a!!roach o# all cowans and eavesdro!!ers& and see that none !ass or re!ass but such as are duly 8ual"#"ed H"gh 3r"est%%/om!an"ons& we w"ll be clothed The com!an"ons !lace the #urn"ture o# the /ha!ter "n !ro!er order& clothe w"th the"r var"ous .ewels& robes& and badges o# th"s Degree& and draw as"de the ve"ls& wh"ch br"ngs the hall "nto one a!artment& and resume the"r seats The H"gh 3r"est then g"ves two ra!s w"th the gavel& wh"ch br"ngs all the o##"cers on the"r #eet& wh"le the #ollow"ng lecture "s g"ven& or 8uest"ons asked& by the H"gh 3r"est& and answered by the /a!ta"n o# the Host H"gh 3r"est%%/om!an"on /a!ta"n o# the Host& are you a Royal Arch MasonF /a!ta"n%%* am& that * am H"gh 3r"est%%How shall * know you to be a Royal Arch MasonF /a!ta"n%%;y three t"mes three H"gh 3r"est%%Bhere were you made a Royal Arch MasonF /a!ta"n%%*n a .ust and legally const"tuted /ha!ter o# Royal Arch Masons& cons"st"ng o# Most E+cellent H"gh 3r"est& <"ng and 'cr"be& /a!ta"n o# the Host& 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner& Royal Arch /a!ta"n& and the three ?rand Masters o# the ve"ls& assembled "n a room or !lace re!resent"ng the Tabernacle erected by our anc"ent brethren near the ru"ns o# <"ng 'olomon6s Tem!le

H"gh 3r"est%%Bhere "s the H"gh 3r"est stat"oned& and what are h"s dut"esF
! 777

/a!ta"n%%He "s stat"oned "n the sanctum sanctorum H"s duty& w"th the <"ng and 'cr"be& "s to s"t "n the ?rand /ounc"l& to #orm !lans& and g"ve d"rect"ons to the workmen H"gh 3r"est%%The <"ng6s stat"on and dutyF /a!ta"n%%'tat"on& at the r"ght hand o# the H"gh 3r"est- duty& to a"d h"m by h"s adv"ce and counsel& and "n h"s absence to !res"de H"gh 3r"est%%The 'cr"be6s stat"on and dutyF /a!ta"n%%'tat"on& at the le#t hand o# the H"gh 3r"est- duty& to ass"st h"m and the <"ng "n the d"scharge o# the"r dut"es& and to !res"de "n the"r absence H"gh 3r"est%%The /a!ta"n o# the Host6s stat"on and dutyF /a!ta"n%%'tat"on& at the r"ght hand "n #ront o# ?rand /ounc"l- duty& to rece"ve orders& and see them duly e+ecuted H"gh 3r"est%%The 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner6s stat"on and dutyF /a!ta"n%%'tat"on& at the le#t hand "n #ront o# ?rand /ounc"l- duty& to br"ng the bl"nd by a way that they know not- to lead them "n !aths they have not known- to make darkness l"ght be#ore them& and crooked th"ngs stra"ght H"gh 3r"est%%The Royal Arch /a!ta"n6s stat"on and dutyF /a!ta"n%%'tat"on& at the "nner ve"l& or entrance to the sanctum sanctorum- duty& to guard the same& and see that none !ass but such as are duly 8ual"#"ed& and have the !ro!er !ass% words& and the s"gnet o# truth H"gh 3r"est%%Bhat "s the color o# h"s bannerF /a!ta"n%%Bh"te& and "s emblemat"cal o# that !ur"ty o# heart and rect"tude o# conduct wh"ch are essent"al to obta"n adm"ss"on "nto the d"v"ne sanctum sanctorum above H"gh 3r"est%%The stat"ons and dut"es o# the three ?rand Masters o# the ve"lsF /a!ta"n%%'tat"on& at the entrance o# the"r res!ect"ve ve"ls- duty& to guard the same& and see that none !ass but such as are duly 8ual"#"ed& and "n !ossess"on o# the !ro!er !ass%words and tokens H"gh 3r"est%%Bhat are the colors o# the"r bannersF

/a!ta"n%%That o# the th"rd& scarlet- wh"ch "s emblemat"cal o# #ervency and 4eal& and the a!!ro!r"ate color o# the Royal Arch Degree *t admon"shes us to be #ervent "n the e+erc"se o# our devot"ons to ?od& and 4ealous "n our endeavors to !romote the ha!!"ness o# men ,# the second& !ur!le- wh"ch be"ng !roduced by a due m"+ture o# blue and scarlet& the #ormer o# wh"ch "s the character"st"c color o# the symbol"c& or three #"rst Degrees& "t teaches us to cult"vate and "m!rove that s!"r"t o# harmony between the brethren o# the symbol"c Degrees and the com!an"ons o# the subl"me Degrees& wh"ch should ever d"st"ngu"sh the members
! 77)

o# a soc"ety #ounded u!on the !r"nc"!les o# everlast"ng truth and un"versal !h"lanthro!y ,# the #"rst& blue- the !ecul"ar color o# the three anc"ent& or symbol"cal Degrees *t "s an emblem o# un"versal #r"endsh"! and benevolence& and "nstructs us that "n the m"nd o# a Mason those v"rtues should be as e+!ans"ve as the blue arch o# heaven "tsel# H"gh 3r"est%%The Treasurer6s stat"on and dutyF /a!ta"n%%'tat"on& at the r"ght hand "n rear o# the /a!ta"n o# the Host- h"s duty& to kee! a .ust and regular account o# all the !ro!erty and #unds o# the /ha!ter !laced "n h"s hands& and e+h"b"t them to the /ha!ter when called u!on #or that !ur!ose H"gh 3r"est%%The 'ecretary6s !lace "n the /ha!terF /a!ta"n%%'tat"on& at the le#t "n rear o# the 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner- h"s duty& to "ssue the orders and not"#"cat"ons o# h"s su!er"or o##"cers& record the !roceed"ngs o# the /ha!ter !ro!er to be wr"tten& to rece"ve all moneys due the /ha!ter& and !ay them over to the Treasurer H"gh 3r"est%%?uard6s !lace and dutyF /a!ta"n%%H"s stat"on "s at the outer avenue o# the /ha!ter- h"s duty& to guard aga"nst the a!!roach o# cowans and eaves%dro!!ers& and su##er none to !ass or re!ass& but such as are duly 8ual"#"ed H"gh 3r"est =address"ng the /ha!ter >%%/om!an"ons& you w"ll assemble round the altar& #or the !ur!ose o# ass"st"ng me "n o!en"ng a /ha!ter o# Royal Arch Masons All the members !resent =e+ce!t the ?rand /ounc"l> a!!roach the altar& and& #orm"ng a c"rcle& kneel& each u!on h"s r"ght knee An o!en"ng "n the c"rcle "s le#t #or the H"gh 3r"est& the <"ng& and the 'cr"be The H"gh 3r"est r"ses and reads #rom the 'econd E!"stle o# 3aul to the Thessalon"ans& cha! """ & vs D to 1(5%% 1:ow we command you& brethren& "n the name o# our 0ord 9esus /hr"st& that ye w"thdraw yourselves #rom every brother that walketh d"sorderly& and not a#ter the trad"t"on wh"ch ye have rece"ved o# us $or yourselves know how ye ought to #ollow us- #or we behaved not ourselves d"sorderly among you- ne"ther d"d we eat any man6s bread #or naught- but wrought w"th labor and trava"l n"ght and day& that we m"ght not be chargeable to any o#

you- not because we have not !ower& but to make ourselves an e+am!le unto you to #ollow us&1 @c A#ter the read"ng& the H"gh 3r"est& the <"ng& and the 'cr"be a!!roach the altar and take the"r !laces "n the c"rcle& kneel"ng w"th the rest& the <"ng on the r"ght& and the 'cr"be on the le#t o# the H"gh 3r"est Each one now crosses h"s arms and g"ves h"s r"ght hand to h"s le#t%hand com!an"on& and h"s le#t hand to h"s r"ght%hand com!an"on Th"s const"tutes the l"v"ng arch under
! 77C

wh"ch the ?rand ,mn"#"c Royal Arch Bord must be g"ven& but "t must also be g"ven by three t"mes three& as herea#ter e+!la"ned The H"gh 3r"est now wh"s!ers "n the <"ng6s ear the !ass%word RA;;,:* The <"ng wh"s!ers "t to the com!an"on on h"s r"ght& and he to the ne+t one& and so on unt"l "t comes round to the 'cr"be& who wh"s!ers "t to the H"gh 3r"est H"gh 3r"est%%The word "s r"ght The com!an"ons now all balance three t"mes three w"th the"r arms- that "s& they ra"se the"r arms and let them #all u!on the"r knees three t"mes "n concert%%a#ter a short !ause& three t"mes more& and a#ter another !ause& three t"mes more They then r"se and g"ve all the s"gns& #rom the Entered A!!rent"ce u! to th"s Degree& a#ter wh"ch they .o"n "n s8uads o# three #or g"v"ng the ?rand ,mn"#"c Royal Arch Bord& as #ollows5 Each one takes hold w"th h"s r"ght hand o# the r"ght wr"st o# h"s com!an"on on the le#t& and w"th h"s le#t hand takes hold o# the le#t wr"st o# h"s com!an"on on the r"ght Each one then !laces h"s r"ght #oot #orward w"th the hollow "n #ront& so that the toe touches the heel o# h"s com!an"on on the r"ght Th"s "s called 1three t"mes three-1 that "s& three r"ght #eet #orm"ng a tr"angle& three le#t hands #orm"ng a tr"angle& and three r"ght hands #orm"ng a tr"angle *n th"s !os"t"on each re!eats the #ollow"ng5 As we three d"d agree& *n !eace& love& and un"ty& The 'acred Bord to kee!& 'o we three do agree& *n !eace& love& and un"ty& The 'acred Bord to searchInt"l we three& ,r three such as we& shall agree To close th"s Royal Arch They then balance three t"mes three& br"ng"ng the r"ght band w"th some v"olence down u!on the le#t The r"ght hands are then ra"sed above the"r heads& and the words& 9ah%buh%

lun& 9ehovah& ?%o%d& 1 are g"ven at low breath& each com!an"on !ronounc"ng the syllables or letters alternately& as #ollows5
! 775

$*? )7 THREE T*ME' THREE

1st 9ah

7nd buh 9ah

)d lun buh

lun 9ah buh 9e

! 77D

lun ho vah

9e vah

ho

9e ho ? vah o ? d ? o d
1

d o

A#ter the word "s thus g"ven& the H"gh 3r"est "n8u"res "# the word "s r"ght Each s8uad re!l"es that "t "s r"ght The o##"cers and com!an"ons resume the"r seats The H"gh 3r"est ra!s three t"mes w"th h"s gavel& the <"ng re!eats "t& as also the 'cr"bes- th"s "s done three t"mes =H H H H H H H H H> H"gh 3r"est =r"s"ng >%%* now declare th"s /ha!ter o# Royal Arch Masons o!ened "n due and anc"ent #orm- and * hereby #orb"d all "m!ro!er conduct whereby the !eace and harmony o# th"s /ha!ter may be d"sturbed& under no less !enalt"es than the by%laws& or a ma.or"ty o# the /ha!ter& may see #"t to "n#l"ct H"gh 3r"est =to /a!ta"n o# the Host >%%/om!an"on /a!ta"n& !lease to "n#orm the ?uard that the /ha!ter "s o!en The /a!ta"n !roceeds on th"s duty& wh"le the 'ecretary reads the m"nutes o# the last meet"ng 'hould there be any cand"dates to be balloted #or& th"s "s the #"rst bus"ness "n order *# one or more cand"dates are wa"t"ng w"thout& the 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner goes to the !re!arat"on%room to get them ready *# there are not three o# them& a com!an"on or com!an"ons volunteer to make the tr"o& as not less than three can !er#orm the ceremon"es The three take o## the"r coats& when the 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner t"es bandages over the"r eyes& and& tak"ng a long ro!e& co"ls "t seven t"mes round the body o# each& leav"ng about three #eet slack between
! 777

He then !roceeds w"th them to the door o# the /ha!ter and g"ves seven d"st"nct knocks
J!aragra!h cont"nuesK

/a!ta"n =r"s"ng >%%There "s an alarm at the door& Most E+cellent H"gh 3r"est%%Attend to the cause o# "t& and see who comes there The /a!ta"n o# the Host goes to the door and ra!s on "t n"ne t"mes The 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner& outs"de& answers th"s by three t"mes three& and then g"ves one ra!& wh"ch the /a!ta"n answers by one& and then !artly o!ens the door /a!ta"n%%Bho comes thereF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Three worthy brothers& who have been "n"t"ated& !assed& and ra"sed to the subl"me Degree o# Master Masons& advanced to the honorary Degree o# Mark Master& !res"ded as Master "n the cha"r& and& at the com!let"on and ded"cat"on o# the Tem!le& were rece"ved and acknowledged Most E+cellent Masters- and now w"sh #or #urther l"ght "n Masonry& by be"ng e+alted to the august subl"me Degree o# the Holy Royal Arch /a!ta"n =to cand"dates >%%*s "t o# your own #ree%w"ll and accord you make th"s re8uestF $"rst /and"date =!rom!ted >%%*t "s /a!ta"n =to 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner >%%Are they duly and truly !re!aredF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%They are /a!ta"n%%Have they made su"table !ro#"c"ency "n the !reced"ng DegreesF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%They have /a!ta"n%%;y what #urther r"ght or bene#"t do they e+!ect to ga"n adm"ss"on to th"s /ha!ter o# Royal Arch MasonsF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%;y the bene#"t o# a !ass /a!ta"n%%Have they that !assF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%They have "t not- but * have "t #or them /a!ta"n%%Advance and g"ve "t 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner wh"s!ers "n h"s ear the word RA;;,:*

/a!ta"n%%The word "s r"ght- you w"ll wa"t a t"me& unt"l the Most E+cellent H"gh 3r"est be "n#ormed o# the"r re8uest& and h"s answer returned The /a!ta"n o# the Host closes the door& and returns to h"s 3lace "n the /ha!ter& g"ves the alarm& wh"ch "s answered by the H"gh 3r"est& who asks the same 8uest"ons& and rece"ves the same answers #rom the /a!ta"n o# the Host& as were asked and g"ven at the door H"gh 3r"est%%'"nce th"s "s the case& you w"ll let them enter th"s /ha!ter o# Royal Arch Masons& and be rece"ved under a g"v"ng Arch
! 77(

The /a!ta"n o# the Host goes to the door& o!ens "t& and says/a!ta"n%%*t "s our Most E+cellent H"gh 3r"est6s order& that the cand"dates enter th"s /ha!ter o# Royal Arch Masons& and be rece"ved under a 0"v"ng Arch 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner =lead"ng the cand"dates by the ro!e >%%/om!an"ons& you w"ll #ollow me =0eads them "n > * w"ll br"ng the bl"nd by a way they know not5 * w"ll lead them "n !aths they have not known- * w"ll make darkness l"ght be#ore them& and crooked th"ngs stra"ght These th"ngs w"ll * do unto them& and w"ll 6not #orsake them 'too! low& brethren5 he that humbleth h"msel# shall be e+alted Meant"me the brethren& or com!an"ons o# the /ha!ter& #orm two l"nes #ac"ng each other& #rom the door to the centre o# the room& and each one takes hold and locks h"s #"ngers w"th those o# h"s o!!os"te com!an"on As the cand"dates !ass under th"s 0"v"ng Arch& each cou!le !lace the"r knuckles u!on the necks and backs o# the cand"dates& knead"ng them !retty hard somet"mes& and !rostrat"ng them on the #loor Thus they have a good deal o# d"##"culty "n #orc"ng the"r way through Bhen they do get through& they are #"rst conducted round the /ha!ter& and then to the altar& where they must kneel to rece"ve the obl"gat"on 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner =to the cand"dates >%%;rethren& as you advance "n Masonry& your obl"gat"on becomes more b"nd"ng Gou are now kneel"ng at the altar #or the seventh t"meand about to take a solemn oath& or obl"gat"on& wh"ch& l"ke your #ormer obl"gat"ons& "s not to "nter#ere w"th the duty you owe to your country& or Maker *# you are w"ll"ng to !roceed& you w"ll re!eat your /hr"st"an and surname& and say a#ter me5 *& 3eter ?abe& o# my own #ree%w"ll and accord& "n !resence o# Alm"ghty ?od& and th"s /ha!ter o# Royal Arch Masons& erected to ?od& and ded"cated to 2erubbabel& do hereby and hereon most solemnly and s"ncerely !rom"se and swear& "n add"t"on to my #ormer obl"gat"ons& that * w"ll not reveal the secrets o# th"s Degree to any o# an "n#er"or Degree& nor to any be"ng "n the known world& e+ce!t "t be to a true and law#ul /om!an"on Royal Arch Mason& or w"th"n the body o# a .ust and legally const"tuted /ha!ter o# such and never unto h"m& or them& whom * shall hear so to be& but to h"m and them only whom * shall #"nd so to be& a#ter str"ct tr"al and due e+am"nat"on& or law#ul "n#ormat"on g"ven

* #urthermore !rom"se and swear& that * w"ll not wrong th"s /ha!ter o# Royal Arch Masons& or a com!an"on o# th"s Degree& out o# the value o# any th"ng& mysel#& nor su##er "t to be done by others& "# "n my !ower to !revent "t
! 77A

* #urthermore !rom"se and swear& that * w"ll not reveal the key to the "ne##able characters o# th"s Degree& nor reta"n "t "n my !ossess"on& but w"ll destroy "t whenever "t comes to my s"ght * #urthermore !rom"se and swear& that * w"ll not s!eak the ?rand ,mn"#"c Royal Arch Bord& wh"ch * shall herea#ter rece"ve& "n any manner& e+ce!t "n that "n wh"ch * shall rece"ve "t& wh"ch w"ll be "n the !resence o# three /om!an"ons Royal Arch Masons& mysel# mak"ng one o# the number- and then by three t"mes three& under a 0"v"ng Arch& and at low breath * #urthermore !rom"se and swear& that * w"ll not be at the e+altat"on o# cand"dates "n a clandest"ne /ha!ter& nor converse u!on the secrets o# th"s Degree w"th a clandest"ne% made Mason& or w"th one who has been e+!elled or sus!ended& wh"le under that sentence * #urthermore !rom"se and swear& that * w"ll not ass"st or be !resent at the e+altat"on o# a cand"date to th"s Degree& who has not rece"ved the Degrees o# Entered A!!rent"ce& $ellow /ra#t& Master Mason& Mark Master& 3ast Master& and Most E+cellent Master * #urthermore !rom"se and swear& that * w"ll not be at the e+altat"on o# more nor less than three cand"dates at one and the same t"me * #urthermore !rom"se and swear& that * w"ll not be at the #orm"ng or o!en"ng o# a /ha!ter o# Royal Arch Masons unless there be !resent n"ne Royal Arch Masons& mysel# mak"ng one o# that number * #urthermore !rom"se and swear& that * w"ll not s!eak ev"l o# a /om!an"on Royal Arch Mason& beh"nd h"s back nor be#ore h"s #ace& but w"ll a!!r"se h"m o# all a!!roach"ng danger& "# "n my !ower * #urthermore !rom"se and swear& that * w"ll su!!ort the /onst"tut"on o# the ?eneral ?rand Royal Arch /ha!ter o# the In"ted 'tates o# Amer"ca- together w"th that o# the ?rand /ha!ter o# th"s 'tate& under wh"ch th"s /ha!ter "s holden- that * w"ll stand to and ab"de by all the by%laws& rules& and regulat"ons o# th"s /ha!ter& or o# any other /ha!ter o# wh"ch * may herea#ter become a member * #urthermore !rom"se and swear& that * w"ll answer and obey all due s"gns and summonses handed& sent& or thrown to me #rom a /ha!ter o# Royal Arch Masons& or #rom a /om!an"on royal Arch Mason& "# w"th"n the length o# my cable%tow * #urthermore !rom"se and swear& that * w"ll not str"ke a /om!an"on Royal Arch Mason& so as to drew h"s blood& "n anger

! 7)0

* #urthermore !rom"se and swear& that * w"ll em!loy a /om!an"on Royal Arch Mason "n !re#erence to any other !erson o# e8ual 8ual"#"cat"ons& * #urthermore !rom"se and swear& that * w"ll ass"st a /om!an"on Royal Arch Mason when * see h"m engaged "n any d"##"culty& and w"ll es!ouse h"s cause so #ar as to e+tr"cate h"m #rom the same& whether he be r"ght or wrong * #urthermore !rom"se and swear& that * w"ll kee! all the secrets o# a /om!an"on Royal Arch Mason =when commun"cated so me as such& or * know"ng them to be such>& w"thout e+ce!t"ons * #urthermore !rom"se and swear& that * w"ll be a"d"ng and ass"st"ng all !oor and "nd"gent /om!an"ons Royal Arch Masons& the"r w"dows and or!hans& wheresoever d"s!ersed around the globe- they mak"ng a!!l"cat"on to me as such& and * #"nd"ng them worthy& and can do "t w"thout any mater"al "n.ury to mysel# or #am"ly To all wh"ch * do most solemnly and s"ncerely !rom"se and swear& w"th a #"rm and stead#ast resolut"on to kee! and !er#orm the same& w"thout any e8u"vocat"on& mental reservat"on& or sel#%evas"on o# m"nd "n me whatever- b"nd"ng mysel# under no less !enalty& than to have my skull smote o##& and my bra"ns e+!osed to the scorch"ng rays o# the mer"d"an sun& should * know"ngly or w"l#ully v"olate or transgress any !art o# th"s my solemn oath or obl"gat"on o# a Royal Arch Mason 'o hel! me ?od& and kee! me stead#ast "n the due !er#ormance o# the same 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%<"ss the book seven t"mes The cand"date k"sses the book as d"rected 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%/om!an"ons& you w"ll ar"se and #ollow we $or although you are obl"gated Royal Arch Masons& yet& as the secrets o# th"s Degree are o# "n#"n"tely more "m!ortance than any that !recede "t& "t "s necessary that you should travel through rough and rugged ways& and !ass through many tr"als& 6m test"mony o# your #"del"ty to the ,rder& be#ore you can be "nstructed "n the more "m!ortant secrets o# th"s Degree The cand"dates are conducted once around the /ha!ter& and then aga"n d"rected to kneel& wh"le the 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner reads the #ollow"ng !rayer5 'u!reme and "nscrutable Arch"tect o# un"versal :ature& who& by th"ne Alm"ghty word d"dst s!eak "nto be"ng the stu!endous arch o# heaven& and& #or the "nstruct"on and !leasure o# thy rat"onal creatures& d"dst adorn us w"th greater and lesser l"ghts& thereby magn"#y"ng thy !ower& and endear"ng thy goodness unto the sons o# men& we humbly adore and worsh"! th"ne uns!eakable !er#ect"on Be bless thee& that& when man had #allen #rom h"s
! 7)1

"nnocence and h"s ha!!"ness& thou d"dst leave h"m the !owers o# reason"ng& and ca!ac"ty o# "m!rovement and !leasure Be thank thee& that& am"d the !a"ns and calam"t"es o# our !resent state& so many means o# re#reshment and sat"s#act"on are reserved to us& wh"le travell"ng the rugged !ath o# l"#e- es!ec"ally would we& at th"s t"me& render thee our thanksg"v"ng and !ra"se #or the "nst"tut"on& as members o# wh"ch we are at th"s t"me assembled& and #or all the !leasures we have der"ved #rom "t Be thank thee& that the #ew here assembled be#ore thee have been #avored w"th new "nducements& and been la"d under new and stronger obl"gat"ons o# v"rtue and hol"ness May these obl"gat"ons& , blessed $atherL have the"r #ull e##ect u!on us Teach us& we !ray thee& the true reverence o# thy great& m"ghty& and terr"ble :ame *ns!"re us w"th a #"rm and unshaken resolut"on "n our v"rtuous !ursu"ts ?"ve us grace d"l"gently to search thy word "n the book o# nature& where"n the dut"es o# our h"gh vocat"on are "nculcated w"th D"v"ne author"ty May the solemn"ty o# the ceremon"es o# our "nst"tut"on be duly "m!ressed on our m"nds& and have a ha!!y and last"ng e##ect on our l"vesL , Thou& who d"dst a#oret"me a!!ear unto thy servant Moses "n a #lame o# #"re out o# the m"dst o# a bush& enk"ndle& we beseech thee& "n each o# our hearts& a #lame o# devot"on to thee& o# love to each other& and o# char"ty to all mank"ndL May all thy m"racles and m"ghty works #"ll us w"th thy dread& and thy goodness "m!ress us w"th a love o# thy holy nameL May hol"ness to the 0ord be engraven u!on all our thoughts& words& and act"onsL May the "ncense o# !"ety ascend cont"nually unto thee #rom the altar o# our hearts& and burn day and n"ght& as a sacr"#"ce o# a sweet%smell"ng savor& well%!leas"ng unto theeL And s"nce s"n has destroyed w"th"n us the #"rst tem!le o# !ur"ty and "nnocence& may thy heavenly grace gu"de and ass"st us "n rebu"ld"ng a second tem!le o# re#ormat"on& and may the glory o# th"s latter house be greater than the glory o# the #ormerL Amen& so mote "t be 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%/om!an"ons& ar"se and #ollow me He now conducts them once around the /ha!ter& dur"ng wh"ch t"me he reads #rom the te+t%book the #"rst s"+ verses o# the th"rd cha!ter o# E+odus5%% 1:ow Moses ke!t the #lock o# 9ethro h"s #ather%"n%law& the !r"est o# M"d"an- and he led the #lock to the back s"de o# the desert& and came to the mounta"n o# ?od& even to Horeb And the angel o# the 0ord a!!eared unto h"m "n a #lame o# #"re out o# the m"dst o# a bushand he looked& and behold& the bush burned w"th #"re& and the bush was not consumed 1 @c The read"ng o# these verses "s so t"med& that .ust when they
! 7)7

are #"n"shed the cand"dates have arr"ved "n #ront o# a re!resentat"on o# the burn"ng bush& !laced "n a corner o# the /ha!ter- when the 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner d"rects them to halt& and sl"!s u! the bandages #rom the"r eyes ,ne o# the members now !ersonates the De"ty& beh"nd the bush& and calls out& MosesL MosesL

3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner =answer"ng #or cand"dates >%%Here * am /om!an"on beh"nd the bush%%Draw not n"gh h"ther5 !ut o## thy shoes #rom o## thy #eet& #or the !lace whereon thou standest "s holy ground * am the ?od o# thy #athers& the ?od o# Abraham& the ?od o# *saac& and the ?od o# 9acob 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner d"rects the cand"dates to kneel& and he covers the"r #aces aga"n& and then says%%And Moses h"d h"s #ace& #or he was a#ra"d to look u!on ?od 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner =to cand"dates >%%Ar"se& and #ollow me He then leads them three t"mes around the /ha!ter& dur"ng wh"ch t"me he reads #rom the te+t%book 7 /hron"cles& ch +++v" & vs 11 to 705 62edek"ah was one%and%twenty years old when he began to re"gn& and he re"gned eleven years "n 9erusalem And he d"d that wh"ch was ev"l "n the s"ght o# the 0ord h"s ?od& and humbled not h"msel# be#ore 9erem"ah the !ro!het& s!eak"ng #rom the mouth o# the 0ord And he also rebelled aga"nst <"ng :ebuchadne44ar& and st"##ened h"s neck& and hardened h"s heart #rom turn"ng unto the 0ord ?od o# *srael Moreover& all the ch"e# o# the !r"ests and the !eo!le transgressed very much& a#ter all the abom"nat"ons o# the heathen& and !olluted the house o# the 0ord& wh"ch he had hallowed "n 9erusalem And the 0ord ?od o# the"r #athers sent to them by h"s messengers& because he had com!ass"on on h"s !eo!le& and on h"s dwell"ng%!lace ;ut they mocked the messengers o# ?od& and des!"sed h"s Bord& and m"sused h"s !ro!hets& unt"l the wrath o# the 0ord arose aga"nst h"s !eo!le& t"ll there was no remedy There#ore he brought u!on them the <"ng o# the /haldees& who slew the"r young men w"th the sword& "n the house o# the"r sanctuary& and had no com!ass"on u!on young men or ma"dens& old men& or h"m that stoo!ed #or age- he gave them all "nto h"s hand And all the vessels o# the house o# ?od& great and small& and the treasures o# the house o# the 0ord& and the treasures o# the k"ng& and h"s !r"nces- all these he brought to ;abylon And they burnt the house o# ?od& and brake down the wall o# 9erusalem& and burnt all the !alaces thereo# w"th #"re& and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereo# And them that had esca!ed #rom the sword carr"ed he away to ;abylon- where they were servants to h"m and h"s sons& unt"l the re"gn o# the k"ngdom o# 3ers"a 1
! 7))

Bhen the 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner arr"ves at that !art o# the above read"ng wh"ch alludes to the /haldees k"ll"ng the young men w"th the sword& the com!an"ons o# the /ha!ter beg"n to make all sorts o# 8ueer and unearthly no"ses& such as roll"ng cannon%balls on the #loor& clash"ng old swords& shout"ng& groan"ng& wh"stl"ng& stam!"ng& throw"ng down benches& @c Th"s no"se cont"nues dur"ng the rema"nder o# the read"ng& the ob.ect be"ng to re!resent the s"ege and destruct"on o# 9erusalem Dur"ng th"s con#us"on the three cand"dates are se"4ed& thrown u!on the #loor& bound hand and #oot& and carr"ed bod"ly "nto the !re!arat"on%room& when the door "s closed *n a #ew m"nutes the com!an"ons beg"n to shout5 1Hurra #or the ca!t"vesL1 re!eat"ng "t several t"mes

/a!ta"n o# the Host goes and o!ens the door& and says%%/ome #orthL you are at l"berty to returnL #or /yrus has "ssued h"s !roclamat"on to bu"ld a second Tem!le at 9erusalem 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner =who "s w"th the cand"dates >%%B"ll you read the !roclamat"onF /a!ta"n o# the Host reads the #"rst three verses o# the #"rst cha!ter o# E4ra& as #ollows5 1:ow "n the #"rst year o# /yrus& <"ng o# 3ers"a& the 0ord st"rred u! the s!"r"t o# /yrus& <"ng o# 3ers"a& that he made a !roclamat"on throughout all h"s k"ngdom& and !ut "t also "n wr"t"ng& say"ng5

PROCLAMATION
1Thus sa"th /yrus& <"ng o# 3ers"a& the 0ord ?od o# heaven hath g"ven me all the k"ngdoms o# the earth& and he hath charged me to bu"ld h"m an house at 9erusalem& wh"ch "s "n 9udah Bho "s there among you o# all h"s !eo!leF H"s ?od be w"th h"m& and let h"m go u! to 9erusalem& wh"ch "s "n 9udah& and bu"ld the house o# the 0ord ?od o# *srael& wh"ch "s "n 9erusalem 1 /a!ta"n o# the Host%%Bhat say you to the !roclamat"onF Are you w"ll"ng to go u! to 9erusalemF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner =consult"ng cand"dates >%%Ges& we are w"ll"ng to go& but we have no !ass%word whereby to make ourselves known to the brethren when we get there Bhat shall we say to themF /a!ta"n o# the Host reads verses 1) and 1C o# the th"rd cha!ter o# E+odus5 1And Moses sa"d unto ?od& ;eholdL when * come unto the ch"ldren o# *srael& and shall say unto them& The ?od o# your #athers hath sent me unto you& end they shall say to me& Bhat "s h"s nameF Bhat shall * say to themF
! 7)C

1And ?od sa"d unto Moses& * AM THAT * AM5 and thus thou shalt say unto the ch"ldren o# *srael& * AM hath sent me unto you 1 Be were d"rected to use the words& 1* AM THAT * AM&1 as a !ass%word 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Be w"ll go u! /om!an"ons& you w"ll #ollow me- our !assword "s& * AM THAT * AM As they enter the /ha!ter& they aga"n !ass under the 0"v"ng Arch 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%'too! low& brethren He that humbleth h"msel# shall be e+alted

,n one s"de o# the hall or /ha!ter& the 0"v"ng Arch "s #ormed& as be#ore descr"bed- on the other s"de "s what "s called the rugged road Th"s "s generally made o# blocks and logs o# wood& old cha"rs& benches& @c The com!an"ons who #orm the 0"v"ng Arch !ress harder on the cand"dates each t"me they go through& and they now go through three t"mes Bh"le !ass"ng through& the 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner says5 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Th"s "s the way many great and good men have travelled be#ore you& never deem"ng "t derogatory to the"r d"gn"ty to level themselves w"th the #ratern"ty * have o#ten travelled th"s road #rom ;abylon to 9erusalem& and generally #"nd "t rough and rugged However& * th"nk * never saw "t much smoother than "t "s at the !resent t"me The cand"dates& a#ter !ass"ng the 0"v"ng Arch& stumble over the rugged road& and arr"ve aga"n at the entrance o# the arch 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%/om!an"ons& here "s a very d"##"cult and dangerous !lace ahead& wh"ch l"es d"rectly "n our way ;e#ore we attem!t to !ass "t& we must kneel down and !ray =Reads 3salm c+"" > 10ord& * cry unto thee- make haste unto me- g"ve ear unto my vo"ce 10et my !rayer be set #orth be#ore thee as "ncense& and the l"#t"ng u! o# my hands as the even"ng sacr"#"ce 1'et a watch& , 0ord& be#ore my mouth- kee! the door o# my l"!s 6*ncl"ne not my heart to any ev"l th"ng& to !ract"ce w"cked works w"th men that work "n"8u"ty 10et the r"ghteous sm"te me- "t shall be a k"ndness5 and let h"m re!rove me- "t shall be an e+cellent o"l 1M"ne eyes are unto thee& , ?od the 0ord5 "n thee "s my trust- leave not my soul dest"tute 1<ee! me #rom the snare wh"ch they have la"d be#ore me& and the g"ns o# the workers o# "n"8u"ty
! 7)5

10et the w"cked #all "nto the"r own nets& wh"lst that * w"thal esca!e 1 The cand"dates r"se and aga"n !ass under the 0"v"ng Arch and over the rugged road They then kneel aga"n 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%0et us !ray =Reads #rom te+t%book 3salm c+l"" >

1* cr"ed unto the 0ord w"th my vo"ce- w"th my vo"ce unto the 0ord d"d * make my su!!l"cat"on&1 @c They then !ass round the th"rd t"me as be#ore& when the cand"dates aga"n kneel 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner reads 3salm c+l""" #rom the te+t%book5 1Hear my !rayer& , 0ord& g"ve ear to my su!!l"cat"ons- "n thy #a"th#ulness answer me& and "n thy r"ghteousness&1 @c 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Be have now arr"ved "n s"ght o# the ru"ns o# the old Tem!le& near the outer ve"l o# the Tabernacle The ve"ls are now !ushed a!art to adm"t the cand"dates& but as soon as they enter& the ve"ls are closed aga"n& and the o##"cers =e+ce!t the 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner> take the"r seats 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner makes an alarm by stam!"ng n"ne t"mes on the #loor& wh"ch br"ngs out the Master #rom the $"rst Ee"l ='ee :ote ,& A!!end"+ > Master o# $"rst Ee"l%%Bho comes thereF Bho dares a!!roach th"s outer Ee"l o# our sacred TabernacleF Bho are youF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Three weary travellers #rom ;abylon Master o# $"rst Ee"l%%Bhat are your "ntent"onsF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Be have come to ass"st "n the noble and glor"ous work o# rebu"ld"ng the house o# the 0ord& w"thout the ho!e o# #ee or reward ='ee :ote M& A!!end"+ > Master o# $"rst Ee"l%%How do you e+!ect to enter hereF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%;y a !ass%word that we rece"ved "n ;abylon Master o# $"rst Ee"l%%?"ve "t to me 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%* AM THAT * AM Master o# $"rst Ee"l%%The !ass "s r"ght Gou have my !er m"ss"on to enter The cand"dates now enter the $"rst Ee"l& when the bandages are removed #rom the"r eyes Master o# $"rst Ee"l%%Gou surely could not have come thus #ar unless you were three Most E+cellent Masters- but #arther Gou cannot go w"thout my words& s"gn& and word o# e+hortat"on My words are 'hem& Ham& and 9a!het- my s"gn "s th"s =hold"ng out a cane>& "n "m"tat"on o# one g"ven by ?od to Moses& when he commanded h"m to cast h"s rod u!on the ground thus =cast"ng down the cane>& and "t became a ser!ent- but !utt"ng #orth

! 7)D

h"s hand and tak"ng "t u! by the ta"l& "t became a rod "n h"s hand as be#ore My word o# e+hortat"on "s e+!lanatory o# th"s s"gn& and "s to be #ound "n the wr"t"ngs o# Moses& v"4 5 the #"rst verses o# the #ourth cha!ter o# E+odus ='ee :ote :& A!!end"+ > 1And the 0ord sa"d unto Moses& Bhat "s that "n thy handF And he sa"d& A rod And the 0ord sa"d& /ast "t on the ground- and he cast "t& and "t became a ser!ent& and Moses #led #rom be#ore "t&1 @c

$*? )) '*?: ,$ THE MA'TER ,$ THE $*R'T EE*0

3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%/om!an"ons& we have !assed the #"rst guard& and w"ll make an alarm at the 'econd Ee"l ='tam!s on the #loor& as be#ore > Master o# 'econd Ee"l%%Bho comes thereF Bho dares a!!roach th"s 'econd Ee"l o# our sacred TabernacleF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Three weary so.ourners #rom ;abylon& who have come to ass"st "n rebu"ld"ng the house o# the 0ord& w"thout the ho!e o# #ee or reward Master o# 'econd Ee"l%%How do you e+!ect to enter the second Ee"lF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%;y the words& s"gn& and word o# e+hortat"on o# the Master o# the $"rst Ee"l
! 7)7

Master o# 'econd Ee"l%%?"ve them 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%'hem& Ham& and 9a!het =?"ves the s"gn o# cast"ng down a cane and tak"ng "t u! by the end& as be#ore e+!la"ned > Master o# 'econd Ee"l%%They are r"ght Gou have my !erm"ss"on to enter the 'econd Ee"l The cand"dates& led by the 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner& !ass "n

$*? )5 '*?: ,$ THE MA'TER ,$ THE TH*RD EE*0 $*? )C '*?: ,$ THE MA'TER ,$ THE 'E/,:D EE*0

Master o# 'econd Ee"l%%Three Most E+cellent Masters you Must have been& or thus #ar you could not have come- but #arther you cannot go w"thout my words& s"gn& and word o# e+hortat"on My words are 'hem& 9a!het& and Adon"ram- my s"gn "s th"s5 =thrust"ng h"s hand "n h"s bosom>- "t "s "n "m"tat"on o# one g"ven by ?od to Moses& when He commanded h"m to thrust h"s hand "nto h"s bosom& and& tak"ng "t out& "t became as le!rous as snow My word o# e+hortat"on "s e+!lanatory o# th"s s"gn& and "s #ound "n the wr"t"ngs o# Moses& v"4 & #ourth cha!ter o# E+odus5 1And the 0ord sa"d unto Moses& 3ut now th"ne hand "nto thy
! 7)(

bosom And he !ut h"s hand "nto h"s bosom- and when he took "t out& behold& h"s hand was le!rous as snow&1 @c 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%/om!an"ons& we w"ll !ass on& and make an alarm at the Th"rd Ee"l ='tam!s n"ne t"mes > Master o# the Th"rd Ee"l%%Bho comes thereF Bho dares a!!roach th"s Th"rd Ee"l o# our sacred TabernacleF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Three weary so.ourners #rom ;abylon& who have come to ass"st "n the rebu"ld"ng o# the house o# the 0ord& w"thout the ho!e o# #ee or reward Master o# Th"rd Ee"l%%How do you e+!ect to enterF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%;y the words& s"gn& and word o# e+hortat"on o# the Master o# the 'econd Ee"l Master o# Th"rd Ee"l%%?"ve them 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%'hem& 9a!het& and Adon"ram =Thrusts h"s hand "nto h"s bosom as Master o# 'econd Ee"l had done > Master o# Th"rd Ee"l%%They are r"ght Gou can enter the Th"rd Ee"l The cand"dates enter Master o# Th"rd Ee"l =to cand"dates >%%Three Most E+cellent Masters you must have been& or thus #ar you could not have come ;ut you cannot go #arther w"thout my words& s"gns& and word o# e+hortat"on My words are& Hagga"& 9oshua& and 2erubbabel My s"gn "s th"s5 =holds out a tumbler o# water& and !ours out a l"ttle on the #loor > *t "s "n "m"tat"on o# one g"ven by ?od to Moses& when he commanded h"m to !our water u!on the dry land& and "t became blood My word o# e+hortat"on "s e+!lanatory o# th"s s"gn& and "s #ound "n the wr"t"ngs o# Moses& v"4 & the #ourth cha!ter o# E+odus5 1And "t shall come to !ass& "# they w"ll not bel"eve "n the two #ormer s"gns& thou shalt take o# the water o# the r"ver and !our "t u!on the dry land- and the water shall become blood u!on the dry land 1 Master o# Th"rd Ee"l%%* also !resent you w"th the '"gnet o# Truth& wh"ch "s that o# 2erubbabel =3resents a tr"angular !"ece o# metal& w"th 2ER%I;;A%;E0 engraved on "t > 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner =to cand"dates >%%/om!an"ons& we have now !assed the Th"rd Ee"l5 let us make an alarm at the $ourth ='tam!s as be#ore >

Royal Arch /a!ta"n%%Bho comes thereF Bho dares a!!roach the $ourth Ee"l o# our sacred Tabernacle& where "ncense burns& day and n"ght& u!on the holy altarF Bho are you& and what are your "ntent"onsF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Three weary so.ourners #rom ;abylon& who have come u! thus #ar to a"d and ass"st "n the noble and
! 7)A

glor"ous work o# rebu"ld"ng the house o# the 0ord& w"thout the ho!e o# #ee or reward Royal Arch /a!ta"n%%How do you e+!ect to enter th"s $ourth Ee"l o# our sacred TabernacleF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%;y the words& s"gn& and word o# e+hortat"on o# the Master o# the Th"rd Ee"l Royal Arch /a!ta"n%%?"ve them 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Hagga"& 9oshua& and 2erubbabel =3ours a l"ttle water #rom a tumbler& or cu!& u!on the #loor& #oe the s"gn > Royal Arch /a!ta"n%%They are r"ght Gou have my !erm"ss"on to enter the $ourth Ee"l The Ee"ls are now drawn as"de& and the cand"dates enter am"d a da44l"ng l"ght& and behold the H"gh 3r"est& <"ng& and 'cr"be s"tt"ng "n ?rand /ounc"l The l"ght "s usually made by "gn"t"ng gum cam!hor "n an urn u!on the altar Royal Arch /a!ta"n%%Three Most E+cellent Masters you must have been& or thus #ar you could not have come * w"ll !resent you to the ?rand /ounc"l ='tam!s h"s #oot n"ne t"mes > H"gh 3r"est%%Bho comes hereF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Three weary so.ourners #rom ;abylon& who have come u! thus #ar to a"d and ass"st "n rebu"ld"ng the house o# the 0ord& w"thout the ho!e o# #ee or reward H"gh 3r"est%%Have you the s"gnet o# 2erubbabelF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Be have =3resents the s"gnet g"ven h"m by Master o# Th"rd Ee"l > H"gh 3r"est takes "t& and reads #rom the second cha!ter o# Hagga"5 1*n that day w"ll * take thee& , 2erubbabel& my servant& the son o# 'healt"el& sa"th the 0ord& and w"ll make thee a s"gnet5 #or * have chosen thee 1

H"gh 3r"est =to <"ng& show"ng h"m the s"gnet >%%/om!an"on& are you sat"s#"ed that th"s "s the s"gnet o# 2erubbabelF <"ng =tak"ng the s"gnet& and scrut"n"4"ng "t >%%* am sat"s#"ed Most E+cellent& that "t "s H"gh 3r"est =show"ng s"gnet to 'cr"be >%%/om!an"on 'cr"be& th"nk you th"s "s the true s"gnet o# 2erubbabelF 'cr"be =look"ng shrewdly at "t >%%* am sat"s#"ed that "t "s Most E+cellent H"gh 3r"est =draw"ng s"gnet across h"s #orehead& "n "m"tat"on o# the !enalty& see $"g )D >%% '"gnet o# Truth& and Hol"ness to the 0ordL The <"ng and the 'cr"be& each "n turn& !uts h"s hand to h"s #orehead& re!eat"ng%%Hol"ness to the 0ord H"gh 3r"est =to cand"dates >%%*t "s the o!"n"on o# the ?rand
! 7C0

/ounc"l& that you have !resented the true s"gnet o# 2erubbabel ;ut& ow"ng to d"##"cult"es hav"ng ar"sen #rom the "ntroduct"on o# strangers among the workmen& none are allowed to undertake "n the noble and glor"ous work& but the true descendants o# the twelve tr"bes *t "s necessary you should be very !art"cular "n trac"ng your genealogy Bho are you& and what are your "ntent"onsF
J!aragra!h cont"nuesK

3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Be are your own k"ndred& the descendants o# those noble #am"l"es o# ?"blem"tes& who wrought so hard at the bu"ld"ng o# the #"rst Tem!le Be have been regularly "n"t"ated as Entered A!!rent"ce Masons& !assed to the Degree o# $ellow /ra#t& ra"sed to the subl"me Degree o# Master Mason& advanced to the honorary Degree o# Mark Master& !res"ded as Master "n the cha"r& and at the com!let"on and ded"cat"on o# the Tem!le were acknowledged as Most E+cellent Masters Be were !resent at "ts destruct"on by :ebuchadne44ar& and by h"m were carr"ed away ca!t"ves to ;abylonwhere we rema"ned servants to h"m and h"s successors unt"l the re"gn o# /yrus& <"ng o# 3ers"a& by whose !roclamat"on we were l"berated& and have come u! thus #ar to a"d and ass"st "n the noble and glor"ous work o# rebu"ld"ng the house o# the 0ord& w"thout the ho!e o# #ee or reward H"gh 3r"est%%0et the ca!t"ves be unbound& and brought to l"ght /om!an"on <"ng& * th"nk we had better em!loy these so.ourners They look l"ke good hardy men- .ust such men as we want about the bu"ld"ng Bhat say youF <"ng%%*t "s my o!"n"on& Most E+cellent& that they are very e+!ert workmen * w"sh they m"ght be e+am"ned H"gh 3r"est%%Bhat "s your o!"n"on& /om!an"on 'cr"beF

'cr"be%%*# they can sat"s#y us they are $ree Masons& * shall be "n #avor o# em!loy"ng them "mmed"ately H"gh 3r"est%%Gou say you are entered A!!rent"ce Masons 'at"s#y the ?rand /ounc"l The three cand"dates g"ve the s"gns o# Entered A!!rent"ce ='ee $"gs 1 and 7& !! 17& 1( > H"gh 3r"est =to <"ng and 'cr"be >%%/om!an"ons& are you sat"s#"edF The <"ng bows grace#ully& and the 'cr"be answers& Be are sat"s#"ed& Most E+cellent H"gh 3r"est =to cand"dates >%%The ?rand /ounc"l are sat"s#"ed that you are Entered A!!rent"ce Masons Have you been advanced to the $ellow /ra#t6s DegreeF /and"dates g"ve the $ellow /ra#t s"gns =see $"gs ) and C& ! 17>& when the H"gh 3r"est asks h"s com!an"ons o# the ?rand /ounc"l "# they are sat"s#"ed& as be#ore& and then "n#orms the
! 7C1

cand"dates that the ?rand /ounc"l a!!roves them as true $ellow /ra#ts& @c The same 8uest"ons and answers are g"ven "n l"ke manner as to each Degree& u! to and "nclud"ng that o# Most E+cellent Master& and the cand"dates g"ve all the s"gns o# those Degrees to the ?rand /ounc"l "n deta"l H"gh 3r"est =a#ter consultat"on w"th the <"ng and 'cr"be >%%/om!an"ons& we are sat"s#"ed that you are three worthy Most E+cellent Masters As such& we w"ll em!loy you on the Tem!le Bhat !art o# the work w"ll you undertakeF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Be w"ll take any serv"ce& however serv"le or dangerous& #or the sake o# #orward"ng so great and noble an undertak"ng H"gh 3r"est =to Royal Arch /a!ta"n >%%Gou w"ll #urn"sh them w"th the work"ng tools& and d"rect them to re!a"r to the northeast corner o# the ru"ns o# the old Tem!le& w"th orders to remove the rubb"sh& !re!aratory to lay"ng the #oundat"on o# the new Tem!le Adv"se them to care#ully !reserve every th"ng o# serv"ce to the cra#t that #alls "n the"r way& and br"ng "t to the ?rand /ounc"l The cand"dates are !resented& one w"th a !"cka+e& one w"th a crow& and the other w"th a shovel& wh"ch are generally made o# wood& and ke!t #or the !ur!ose "n the 0odge or /ha!ter

B,R<*:? T,,0' ,$ A R,GA0 AR/H MA',:

3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner =to the cand"dates >%%$ollow me Each cand"date shoulders h"s work"ng tools and #ollows the 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner& go"ng s"ngle #"le to a corner o# the room where a 8uant"ty o# blocks or br"cks are scattered around These they st"r u! a l"ttle& when they come to a r"ng "n a tra!%door& wh"ch they !ull u!& and #"nd "t sha!ed l"ke a keystone o# an arch Each one e+am"nes "t& and then looks down the tra!& when the 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner suggests that "t be at once taken u! to the ?rand /ounc"l He then leads the cand"dates back H"gh 3r"est%%/om!an"on <"ng& have you #urther bus"ness to lay be#ore th"s ?rand /ounc"lF <"ng%%* have noth"ng& Most E+cellent
! 7C7

H"gh 3r"est =to 'cr"be >%%Have you any th"ng& worthy com!an"onF 'cr"be%%* know o# noth"ng& Most E+cellent H"gh 3r"est%%* know o# noth"ng& unless the workmen #rom the ru"ns have art"cles #or "ns!ect"on The workmen w"ll !lease come #orward and g"ve an account o# the"r labors 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Most E+cellent& "n !ursuance o# orders o# th"s ?rand /ounc"l& we re!a"red to the ru"ns and commenced our labors A#ter labor"ng several days& we d"scovered what seemed a rock& but on str"k"ng "t w"th a crow "t gave a hollow sound& and u!on closer e+am"nat"on we d"scovered "n "t an "ron r"ng& by hel! o# wh"ch we succeeded "n remov"ng "t #rom "ts !lace& when we #ound "t to be the keystone o# an arch& and through the a!erture there a!!eared to be an "mmense vault& cur"ously arched Be have brought th"s keystone u!& that "t may be e+am"ned by the ?rand /ounc"l H"gh 3r"est%%Gou w"ll !resent "t 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner !resents the keystone& or tra! H"gh 3r"est =look"ng closely at "t >%%/om!an"on <"ng& th"s "s a very valuable d"scovery "ndeed *t must be a keystone o# a Mark Master Mason

<"ng%%* th"nk that "s the stone wrought by our ?rand Master& H"ram Ab"## H"gh 3r"est%%Bhat th"nk you o# "t& /om!an"on 'cr"beF 'cr"be%%*t "s undoubtedly the stone wrought by our ?rand Master& H"ram Ab"## H"gh 3r"est =draw"ng the keystone across h"s #orehead& and g"v"ng the s"gn >%%The keystone o# a Mark MasterL Hol"ness to the 0ord <"ng and 'cr"be do and say the same H"gh 3r"est =to cand"dates >%%Th"s "s a very valuable d"scovery "ndeed :o doubt "t w"ll lead to some "m!ortant treasure& o# "nest"mable value to the cra#t Are you w"ll"ng to !ursue your labors& and endeavor to !enetrate th"s secret vaultF 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner =a#ter consult"ng cand"dates >%%Be are& even to the r"sk o# our l"ves H"gh 3r"est%%?o- and may the ?od o# your #athers be w"th you 3reserve every th"ng that #alls "n your way The 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner returns w"th the cand"dates to the !lace where they l"#ted the tra!& and they there consult together as to who shall descend "nto the vault ,ne o# the cand"dates agree"ng to go& they !ut a ro!e seven t"mes around h"s body& leav"ng two long ends 1
! 7C)

3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner =to cand"date who "s about to descend >%%/om!an"on& "t "s necessary you should take a l"ttle !recaut"on 'hould you w"sh to descend st"ll lower& !ull the ro!e "n your le#t hand5 "# you w"sh to ascend& !ull that "n your r"ght hand Two com!an"ons take hold o# each end o# the ro!e& lett"ng the cand"date down e"ght or ten #eet& to another tra!%door& where he #"nds three small try"ng s8uares- and& g"v"ng the s"gnal o# ascend"ng& "s drawn u! 1 Each cand"date tak"ng a s8uare& they re!a"r to the ?rand /ounc"l As they !resent themselves& the H"gh 3r"est reads the #ollow"ng !assage #rom the #ourth cha!ter o# 2echar"ah5 1Th"s "s the word o# the 0ord unto 2erubbabel& say"ng& :ot by m"ght& nor by !ower& but by my s!"r"t Bho art thou& , great mounta"nF ;e#ore 2erubbabel thou shalt become a !la"n& and he shall br"ng #orth the headstone thereo# w"th shout"ngs& cry"ng& ?race& grace unto "t Moreover& the word o# the 0ord came unto me& say"ng& The hands o# 2erubbabel have la"d the #oundat"on o# th"s house- h"s hands shall also #"n"sh "t- and thou shalt know that the 0ord o# hosts hath sent me unto you $or who hath des!"sed the day o# small th"ngsF $or they shall re.o"ce& and shall see the !lummet "n the hand o# 2erubbabel w"th those seven 1

H"gh 3r"est =to the <"ng >%%/om!an"ons& have you any #urther bus"ness #or the ?rand /ounc"lF <"ng%%* have noth"ng& Most E+cellent H"gh 3r"est =to 'cr"be >%%Have you any th"ng& worthy com!an"onF 'cr"be%%:oth"ng& Most E+cellent H"gh 3r"est%%* know o# noth"ng& unless the workmen #rom the ru"ns have someth"ng #or our "ns!ect"on 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Be have e+am"ned the secret vault& Most E+cellent& and here "s what we have #ound "n "t =3resent"ng the three try"ng s8uares > H"gh 3r"est =draw"ng one o# the s8uares across h"s #orehead > The .ewels o# our anc"ent ?rand Masters& <"ng 'olomon& H"ram& <"ng o# Tyre& and H"ram Ab"##L Hol"ness to the 0ord The <"ng and the 'cr"be each take one and "m"tate the H"gh 3r"est H"gh 3r"est =to cand"dates >%%Are you w"ll"ng to cont"nue your labors& and st"ll #urther !enetrate th"s secret vaultF
! 7CC

3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Be are& even to the r"sk o# our l"ves H"gh 3r"est%%?o- and may the ?od o# your #athers be w"th you- and remember that your labors shall not go unrewarded The 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner leads the cand"dates back as be#ore& and w"nds the ro!e round one o# them& who "s let down the tra!& st"ll #urther down than be#ore& where he #"nds the Ark& when he g"ves the s"gnal and "s drawn u! The !arty "mmed"ately return to the ?rand /ounc"l& two o# them carry"ng the Ark& where they !resent themselves "n the same manner as be#ore& and the H"gh 3r"est d"rects them to come #orward and g"ve an account o# the"r labors 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner%%Most E+cellent& "n !ursuance o# your orders& we re!a"red to the secret vault& and let down one o# our com!an"ons The sun at th"s t"me was at "ts mer"d"an he"ght& the rays o# wh"ch enabled h"m to d"scover a small bo+& or chest& stand"ng on a !edestal& cur"ously wrought& and overla"d w"th gold ,n d"scover"ng "t& he "nvoluntar"ly #ound h"s hand ra"sed "n th"s !os"t"on =g"v"ng the s"gn as shown "n $"g )D>& to guard h"s eyes #rom the "ntense l"ght and heat re#lected #rom "t The a"r becom"ng o##ens"ve& he

gave the s"gnal #or ascend"ng& and was "mmed"ately drawn out Be have brought th"s chest u! #or the e+am"nat"on o# the ?rand /ounc"l H"gh 3r"est =look"ng w"th sur!r"se at the Ark>%%/om!an"on <"ng& th"s "s the Ark o# the /ovenant o# ?od <"ng =look"ng at "t>%%*t "s undoubtedly the true Ark o# the /ovenant& Most E+cellent 'cr"be =look"ng at the Ark>%%That "s also my o!"n"on H"gh 3r"est =tak"ng the Ark>%%0et us o!en "t& and see what valuable treasure "t may conta"n =,!ens the Ark& and takes out a book > H"gh 3r"est =to <"ng>%%/om!an"on& here "s a very anc"ent%look"ng book- what can "t beF 0et us read "n "t =Reads #"rst three verses o# #"rst cha!ter o# ?enes"s5> 1*n the beg"nn"ng& ?od created the heaven and the earth&1 @c A#ter read"ng these verses& the H"gh 3r"est turns over to Deuteronomy +++" & and reads #rom the 7Cth to the 7Dth verses& as #ollows5 1And "t came to !ass& when Moses had made an end o# wr"t"ng the words o# th"s law "n a book& unt"l they were #"n"shed& that Moses commanded the 0ev"tes& wh"ch bare the Ark o# the /ovenant o# the 0ord& say"ng& Take th"s book o# the law& and !ut "t "n the s"de o# the Ark o# the /ovenant o# the 0ord your ?od& that "t may be there #or a w"tness aga"nst thee 1 The H"gh 3r"est then turns back to E+odus ++v & and reads the 71st verse& as #ollows5
! 7C5

/l"ck to enlarge EM;0EM' ,$ THE R,GA0 AR/H DE?REE

1 The <eystone 7 The Three 9ewels o# the Anc"ent ?rand Masters ) The Ark C The ;ook o# the 0aw 5 3ot o# Manna D Aaron6s Rod 7 The <ey ( ?rand ,mn"#"c Bord
! 7CD

1And thou shalt !ut the mercy%seat above u!on the Ark- and "n the Ark thou shalt !ut the test"mony that * shall g"ve thee 1 H"gh 3r"est%%Th"s "s a book o# the law%%long lost& but now #ound Hol"ness to the 0ord =He re!eats th"s aga"n& tw"ce > <"ng%%A book o# the law%%long lost& but now #ound Hol"ness to the 0ordL 'cr"be re!eats the same H"gh 3r"est =to cand"dates >%%Gou now see that the world "s "ndebted to Masonry #or the !reservat"on o# th"s sacred volume Had "t not been #or the w"sdom and !recaut"on o# our anc"ent brethren& th"s& the only rema"n"ng co!y o# the law& would have been destroyed at the destruct"on o# 9erusalem 1
! 7C7

H"gh 3r"est =tak"ng a l"ttle !ot out o# the Ark >%%/om!an"on <"ng& what can th"s beF a !ot o# mannaF Be w"ll read "n the book o# the law& and see what that says5 =Reads& Exodus +v" )7%)C > 1And Moses sa"d& Th"s "s the th"ng wh"ch the 0ord commandeth5 $"ll an omer o# the manna to be ke!t #or your generat"ons& that they may see the bread wherew"th * have #ed you "n the w"lderness& when * brought you #orth #rom the land o# Egy!t And Moses sa"d unto Aaron& Take a !ot& and !ut an omer #ull o# manna there"n& and lay "t u! be#ore the 0ord& to be ke!t #or your generat"ons As the 0ord commanded Moses& so Aaron la"d "t u! be#ore the test"mony& to be ke!t #or a token 1 H"gh 3r"est%%A 3ot o# MannaL Hol"ness to the 0ordL <"ng%%A 3ot o# MannaL Hol"ness to the 0ordL 'cr"be re!eats the same H"gh 3r"est%%/om!an"ons& we read "n the book o# the law& that he that overcometh& w"ll * g"ve to eat o# the h"dden manna /ome #orward& /om!an"ons& you are ent"tled to "t =Each one rece"ves a small lum! o# sugar > ;ut how "t came de!os"ted here& we cannot now !art"cularly s!eak Gou must go h"gher "n Masonry be#ore you can know The H"gh 3r"est looks aga"n "nto the Ark& and #"nds a st"ck w"th some buds u!on "t& wh"ch he shows to the <"ng and 'cr"be& and a#ter a consultat"on& they dec"de that "t "s Aaron6s Rod& and the #act "s thus !rocla"med "n the same manner as the d"scovery o# the manna H"gh 3r"est then reads the #ollow"ng !assage& :umbers +v"" 105

1And the 0ord sa"d unto Moses& ;r"ng Aaron6s rod aga"n be#ore the test"mony& to be ke!t #or a token 1 And also& Hebrews "+ 7%55 1$or there was a tabernacle made5 the #"rst& where"n was the candlest"cks& and the table& and the shew%bread& wh"ch "s called the sanctuary5 and a#ter the second ve"l& the tabernacle& wh"ch "s called the Hol"est o# all- wh"ch had the golden censer& and the ark o# the covenant& overla"d round about w"th gold- where"n was the golden !ot that had manna- and Aaron6s rod& that budded& and the tables o# the covenant- and over "t the cherub"m o# glory& shadow"ng the mercy seat- o# wh"ch we cannot now s!eak !art"cularly 1 0ook"ng aga"n "nto the Ark& the H"gh 3r"est takes out #our !"eces o# !a!er& wh"ch he e+am"nes closely& consults w"th the
! 7C(

<"ng and 'cr"be& and then !uts together& so as to show a key to the "ne##able characters o# th"s Degree5
J!aragra!h cont"nuesK

<EG T, THE *:E$$A;0E /HARA/TER'

The key to the "ne##able characters& or Royal Arch /"!her& alluded to above& cons"sts o# r"ght angles& "n var"ous s"tuat"ons& w"th the add"t"on o# a dot ;y trans!os"t"on& "t #orms twenty%s"+ d"st"nct characters& corres!ond"ng w"th the twenty%s"+ letters o# the Engl"sh al!habet There are two methods o# comb"n"ng these characters #or secret corres!ondence5 ,ne method "s to call the #"rst s"gn& th"rd& & c- and so on& read"ng #rom le#t to r"ght& thus5 & a- the second& & b- the

The second way to read the al!habet "s as #ollows5

The u!!er le#t angle w"thout a dot "s a- the same w"th a dot "s b& @c H"gh 3r"est then reads E+odus v" 7& )5 1And ?od s!ake unto Moses& and sa"d unto h"m& * am the 0ord5 and * a!!eared unto Abraham& unto *saac& and unto 9acob& by the name o# ?od Alm"ghty- but by my name 9ehovah was * not known to them 1
! 7CA

A#ter e+am"n"ng the <ey& he !roceeds to read& by the a"d o# "t& the characters on the #our s"des o# the Ark H"gh 3r"est =read"ng #"rst s"de >%%De!os"ted "n the year three thousand 'econd s"de%%;y 'olomon& <"ng o# *srael Th"rd s"de%%H"ram& <"ng o# Tyre& and H"ram Ab"## $ourth s"de%%$or the good o# Masonry& generally& but the 9ew"sh nat"on "n !art"cular 1 H"gh 3r"est =to cand"dates >%%/om!an"ons& here are three myster"ous words& "n a tr"angular #orm& u!on the Ark& wh"ch& when #"rst #ound& were covered w"th three s8uares& the .ewels o# our three anc"ent ?rand Masters- and #rom th"s c"rcumstance& we su!!osed "t to be the long%lost Master Mason6s word- and& on a!!ly"ng our <ey to "t& "t !roved our sus!"c"ons to be correct *t "s the name o# De"ty "n three languages& v"4 & /halda"c& Hebrew& and 'yr"ac& wh"ch "s the long%lost Master Mason6s word& or 0ogos& and has now become the ?rand ,mn"#"c Royal Arch word *t "s the d"v"ne 0ogos& or Bord& to wh"ch re#erence "s had "n 9ohn =" 1%5>5 1*n the beg"nn"ng was the word =0ogos>& and the word was w"th ?od& and the word was ?od- the same was "n the beg"nn"ng w"th ?od5 all th"ngs were made by h"m& and w"thout h"m was not any th"ng made that was made- "n h"m was l"#e& and the l"#e was the l"ght o# men5 and the l"ght sh"neth "n darkness& and the darkness com!rehended "t not 1 Th"s word was anc"ently wr"tten only "n these sacred characters& and thus !reserved #rom one generat"on to another *t was lost by the death o# H"ram Ab"##& was #ound aga"n at the bu"ld"ng o# the Tem!le& and w"ll now be g"ven to you- and you w"ll re%member the manner you rece"ve "t& and that you have sworn never to g"ve "t to others e+ce!t "n that !art"cular manner

The cand"dates& "nstructed by the 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner& now learn the ?rand ,mn"#"c Royal Arch Bord& as #ollows5 Each one takes hold w"th h"s r"ght hand o# the r"ght wr"st o# h"s com!an"on on the le#t& and w"th h"s le#t hand takes hold o# the le#t wr"st o# h"s com!an"on on the r"ght Each one then
! 750

!laces h"s r"ght #oot #orward w"th the hollow "n #ront& so that the toe touches the heel o# h"s com!an"on on the r"ght Th"s "s called 1three t"mes three-1 that "s& three r"ght #eet #orm"ng a tr"angle& three le#t hands #orm"ng a tr"angle& and three r"ght hands #orm"ng a tr"angle They balance "n the same manner& and then& w"th hands ra"sed& re!eat the words 9ah%buh%lun& 9ehovah& ?%o%d& at low breath& as descr"bed be#ore ='ee !! 77C%75& $"g )7 > 1
! 751

The s"gns o# th"s Degree are now g"ven to the cand"dates& as #ollows5 $"rst& ra"se the r"ght hand to the #orehead& the hand and arm hor"4ontal& the thumb toward the #orehead- draw "t br"skly across the #orehead& and dro! "t !er!end"cularly by the s"de Th"s const"tutes the duegard and s"gn o# th"s Degree& and re#ers not only to the !enalty o# the obl"gat"on& but alludes also to the manner "n wh"ch the brother who descended "nto the vault& and #ound the Ark& #ound h"s hands "nvoluntar"ly !laced& to !rotect

$*? )D R,GA0 AR/H DIE?ARD A:D '*?:

$*? )7 R,GA0 AR/H ?RA:D HA*0*:? '*?:

h"s head #rom the rays o# the mer"d"an sun ='ee $"g )D > Th"s s"gn must be g"ven to the H"gh 3r"est& u!on enter"ng and ret"r"ng #rom a /ha!ter H"gh 3r"est =!lac"ng crowns u!on the heads o# cand"dates >%%/om!an"ons& you are now "nvested w"th all the "m!ortant secrets
! 757

o# th"s Degree& and crowned and rece"ved as worthy /om!an"ons Royal Arch Masons The H"gh 3r"est then reads to them #rom a book the charge "n th"s Degree& "n#orm"ng them that the Degree owes "ts or"g"n to 2erubbabel and h"s assoc"ates& who rebu"lt the Tem!le by order o# /yrus& <"ng o# 3ers"a He l"kew"se "n#orms them that the d"scovery o# the secret vault and the "nest"mable treasures& w"th the long%lost word& actually took !lace "n the manner re!resented "n con#err"ng th"s Degree& and that "t "s the c"rcumstance u!on wh"ch the Degree "s !r"nc"!ally #ounded The "n"t"at"on be"ng over& the H"gh 3r"est beg"ns the clos"ng lecture& wh"ch "s a re!et"t"on& by 8uest"ons and answers& o# the o!en"ng o# a /ha!ter& and the advancement o# a com!an"on o# th"s Degree *t beg"ns as #ollows5

H"gh 3r"est =to /a!ta"n o# the Host >%%Are you a Royal Arch MasonF /a!ta"n%%* am that * am H"gh 3r"est%%How shall * know you to be a Royal Arch MasonF /a!ta"n o# Host%%;y three t"mes three H"gh 3r"est%%Bhere were you made a Royal Arch MasonF /a!ta"n o# the Host%%*n a .ust and legally const"tuted /ha!ter o# Royal Arch Masons& cons"st"ng o# Most E+cellent H"gh 3r"est& <"ng and 'cr"be& /a!ta"n o# the Host& 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner& Royal Arch /a!ta"n& and the three ?rand Masters o# the Ee"ls& assembled "n a room or !lace re!resent"ng the Tabernacle erected by our anc"ent brethren& near the ru"ns o# <"ng 'olomon6s Tem!le The H"gh 3r"est cont"nues h"s 8uest"ons as to the stat"on and dut"es o# each o##"cer o# the /ha!ter& and every !art"cular relat"ve to the organ"4at"on thereo#& the "n"t"at"on or advancement o# cand"dates& @c The /a!ta"n o# the Host rehearses or descr"bes the whole !rec"sely as we have g"ven "t These clos"ng lectures are "ntended to !er#ect members "n the #ull understand"ng o# each Degree A#ter the lecture& the /ha!ter "s closed "n the same manner as the o!en"ng& u! to the ra"s"ng o# the 0"v"ng Arch The com!an"ons .o"n hands by threes& "n the same manner& and say "n concert5 As we three d"d agree The 'acred Bord to kee!%% As we three d"d agree The 'acred Bord to search'o we three do agree To close th"s Royal Arch
! 75)

They then break& and the H"gh 3r"est reads the #ollow"ng !rayer5 1;y the w"sdom o# the 'u!reme H"gh 3r"est may we be d"rected& by h"s strength may we be enabled& and by the beauty o# v"rtue may we be "nc"ted to !er#orm the obl"gat"ons here en.o"ned u!on us& to kee! "nv"olable the myster"es here un#olded to us& and "nvar"ably to !ract"se all those dut"es out o# the /ha!ter wh"ch are "nculcated "n "t 1 /om!an"ons%%'o mote "t be Amen H"gh 3r"est%%* now declare th"s /ha!ter o# Royal Arch Masons closed
1

*t "s generally conceded by Mason"c wr"ters& that anc"ent Masonry closes w"th the Royal Arch *n an ed"t"on o# 1The *llustrat"ons o# Masonry&1 by Mr 3reston& !ubl"shed "n 0ondon& 1(7A& the ed"tor& Mr ,l"ver& observes5 1All Degrees beyond the Royal Arch ought to be care#ully se!arated #rom genu"ne Masonry& as they are mostly #ounded on vague and uncerta"n trad"t"ons& wh"ch !ossess not the shadow o# author"ty to recommend them to our not"ce 1 7
! 75C

The add"t"onal Degrees& "nclud"ng those cons"dered leg"t"mate& amount to u!ward o# #"#ty These are #ounded !artly u!on astronom"cal !r"nc"!les& agree"ng w"th the anc"ent worsh"! o# the Egy!t"ans& and !artly u!on the Hebrew and /hr"st"an doctr"nes *t may be remarked "n general& that many o# the degrees o# kn"ghts are #ounded on the /hr"st"an kn"ghthoods got u! "n the t"me o# the /rusades& "n the twel#th century- and that the ceremon"es thereo# are an "m"tat"on o# those su!erst"t"ous establ"shments A #ormer ?rand H"gh 3r"est o# the /ha!ters "n the 'tate o# :ew Gork "n#orms me& that he "n"t"ated a $rench gentleman "nto the Degree o# <n"ght o# Malta& who told h"m he was a member o# the anc"ent order o# that name& and that the ceremon"es were very s"m"lar At the t"me those old kn"ghthoods were #ounded& 1su!erst"t"on m"ngled "n every !ubl"c and !r"vate act"on o# l"#e- "n the holy wars "t sanct"#"ed the !ro#ess"on o# arms- and the order o# ch"valry was ass"m"lated "n "ts r"ghts and !r"v"leges to the sacred orders o# !r"esthood The bath and the wh"te garment o# the nov"ce were an *ndecent co!y o# the regenerat"on o# ba!t"sm- h"s sword& wh"ch he o##ered on the altar& was blessed by the m"n"sters o# rel"g"on- h"s solemn rece!t"on was !receded by #asts and v"g"ls- and he was created a kn"ght "n the name o# ?od& o# 't ?eorge& and o# 't M"chael the archangel 1%% Rees's Cycl The emblem o# the Royal Arch Degree "s called the Triple Tau& and "s a #"gure cons"st"ng o# three tau crosses *t was ado!ted at /h"cago& 1(5A& by the ?eneral ?rand /ha!ter o# the In"ted 'tates& and "s worn !r"nted on all a!rons o# the Royal Arch Degree

LECTURE ON THE SEVENTH, OR LOYAL ARCH DEGREE.-SECTION FIRST.

Question Are you a Royal Arch MasonF Answer * am that * am M How shall * know you to be a Royal Arch MasonF A ;y three t"mes three M Bhere were you e+alted to the most subl"me Degree o# a Royal Arch MasonF
! 755

A *n a regularly and duly const"tuted /ha!ter o# Royal Arch Masons assembled "n a !lace re!resent"ng a Tabernacle& erected by our anc"ent brethren near the ru"ns o# <"ng 'olomon6s tem!le M How many const"tute a /ha!ter o# Royal Arch MasonsF A :"ne Regular Royal Arch Masons%%cons"st"ng o# Most E+cellent H"gh 3r"est& E+cellent <"ng& and 'cr"be& /a!ta"n o# the Host& 3r"nc"!al 'o.ourner& Royal Arch /a!ta"n& and three Masters o# the ve"ls M Bho do the three #ormer re!resentF A Those o# our anc"ent brethren who #ormed the #"rst Most ?rand /ounc"l at 9erusalem& and held the"r meet"ngs "n a tabernacle M Bho d"d the three latter re!resentF A Those o# our anc"ent brethren& who d"rected and brought to l"ght the !r"nc"!al secrets o# th"s Degree& a#ter they had la"n bur"ed "n darkness #rom the death o# our ?rand Master H"ram Ab"##& unt"l the erect"on o# the second tem!le& and as a reward #or the"r 4eal& #ort"tude and attachment to Masonry& were e+alted to become the three ?rand Masters o# the ve"ls M How many ve"ls were theyF A $our M Bhat were the"r colorsF A ;lue& !ur!le& scarlet and wh"te M Bhat does blue denoteF A $r"endsh"!& and "s the !r"nc"!al color o# a Master Mason M Bhat does !ur!le denoteF A *t be"ng com!osed o# blue and scarlet& "t "s !laced be#ore the #"rst and th"rd ve"ls o# the colors& to denote the "nt"mate connect"on between th"s most subl"me degree& and anc"ent /ra#t Masonry M Bhat does scarlet denoteF A That #ervency and 4eal wh"ch should actuate all Royal Arch Masons& and "s the !ecul"ar color o# th"s Degree

M Bhat does wh"te denoteF A That !ur"ty o# l"#e and rect"tude o# conduct wh"ch should govern all those who seek to ga"n adm"ss"on "nto that 'anctum 'anctorum& or Holy o# Hol"es M To whom do the #our ve"ls alludeF A To the #our tr"bes o# the ch"ldren o# *srael& who bore the banners through the w"lderness& v"4 5 9udah& Reuben& E!hra"m and Dan& emblemat"cally re!resented by the strength o# the 0"on& the "ntell"gence o# the Man& the !at"ence o# the ,+ and the sw"#tness o# the Eagle M Bhere were the ve"ls !lacedF A At the outer courts o# the tabernacle
! 75D

M Bhy thereF A To serve as a cover"ng #or the tabernacle and stat"ons #or the guards M Bhy were guards stat"oned thereF A To take s!ec"al !a"ns that none !ass or re!ass& e+ce!t such as were duly 8ual"#"ed& as none were !erm"tted to enter the !resence o# the Most E+cellent H"gh 3r"est& E+cellent <"ng& and 'cr"be& e+ce!t the true descendants o# the twelve =17> tr"bes o# the ch"ldren o# *srael M How d"d the ch"ldren o# *srael make themselves known to the several guardsF A ;y the same words and s"gns g"ven by ?od to Moses He was commanded to conduct the ch"ldren o# *srael out o# the land o# Egy!t #rom the bands o# bondage

SECOND SECTION.
M Bhere were you !re!ared to be e+alted to the Most 'ubl"me degree o# a Royal Arch MasonF A *n a room ad.o"n"ng a regular and duly const"tuted /ha!ter o# Royal Arch Masons M How were you !re!ared A * was d"vested o# my outward a!!arel& "n a work"ng !osture& hoodw"nked& and a cable tow seven t"mes around my body& accom!an"ed by two =7> brethren !ossessed o# l"ke

8ual"#"cat"ons& "n wh"ch cond"t"on we were conducted to the door o# the /ha!ter& where a regular demand was made by seven =7> d"st"nct knocks M To what do the seven =7> d"st"nct knocks alludeF A To the seventh Degree o# Masonry& "t be"ng that u!on wh"ch * was about to enter M Bhat was sa"d to you #rom w"th"nF A Bho comes hereF M Gour answerF A Three worthy brothers =or brethren> who have been duly "n"t"ated& !assed to the Degree o# $ellow /ra#t& ra"sed to the 'ubl"me Degree o# Master Mason& advanced to the Degree o# Mark Master Mason& regularly !assed the /ha"r%%have been rece"ved and acknowledged as Most E+cellent Masters& and now w"sh #urther !romot"on "n Masonry& by be"ng e+alted to the Most 'ubl"me Degree o# a Royal Arch Mason M Bhat were you then askedF A *# "t was an act o# my own #ree w"ll and accord& "# * was worthy and well 8ual"#"ed& duly and truly !re!ared& "# * had made su"table !ro#"c"enc"es "n the !reced"ng Degree& and was !ro!erly vouched #or%%all o# wh"ch be"ng answered "n the a##"rmat"ve&
! 757

* was asked by what #urther r"ght or bene#"t * e+!ected to obta"n th"s "m!ortant !r"v"lege M Gour answerF A ;y the bene#"t o# the !ass M ?"ve the !assF A Rabbon" M Bhat does "t s"gn"#yF A ?ood Master& or Most E+cellent Master M Bhat was then sa"d to youF A Be were d"rected to wa"t unt"l the /a!ta"n o# the Host could be "n#ormed o# our re8uest& and h"s answer returned M Bhat was h"s answer when returnedF

A 0et the cand"dates enter and be rece"ved "n due and anc"ent #orm M How were you rece"ved "n a /ha!ter o# Royal Arch MasonsF A Inder a l"v"ng arch M Bhy under a l"v"ng archF A To "m!r"nt u!on my m"nd "n the most solemn manner that the !r"nc"!al secrets o# th"s Degree should be commun"cated only under a l"v"ng arch M How were you then d"s!osed o#F A Be were conducted once around the outer courts o# the tabernacle& there caused to kneel at the altar and "nvoke a bless"ng #rom De"ty M A#ter "nvok"ng a bless"ng #rom De"ty& how were you then d"s!osed o#F A Be were aga"n conducted around the outer courts o# the tabernacle& where we were met by the /a!ta"n o# the Host& who demanded o# us who comes here& and what were our "ntent"ons M Gour answerF A As at the door M ,# what d"d the /a!ta"n o# the Host "n#orm youF A Treat "n !ursu"ng our "ntent"ons& we should be under the d"sagreeable necess"ty o# travell"ng those rough and rugged !aths& wh"ch all Royal Arch Masons have done be#ore us& but be#ore !ursu"ng #urther "t would be necessary #or us to kneel at the altar "n due #orm& and take u!on ourselves the solemn oath or obl"gat"on o# a Royal Arch Mason M Bhat was that due #ormF A <neel"ng u!on both knees& both hands cover"ng the Holy ;"ble& s8uare and com!asses& "n wh"ch due #orm * took u!on mysel# the solemn oath or obl"gat"on o# a Royal Arch Mason M Have you that oathF
! 75(

A * have M B"ll you g"ve "tF

A * w"ll w"th your ass"stance M 3roceed =*& A ; & etc & etc > M A#ter the oath how were you then d"s!osed o#F A Be were aga"n conducted around the outer courts o# the tabernacle& where was e+h"b"ted the symbol o# the burn"ng bush M Bhy was the symbol o# the burn"ng bush e+h"b"ted to you at th"s !o"nt o# your e+altat"onF A To "m!ress u!on my m"nd "n the most solemn manner& that the words and s"gns #ollow"ng were o# d"v"ne or"g"n& and as such were regarded sacred by the ch"ldren o# *srael%%by them transm"tted to the"r !oster"ty& as words and s"gns by wh"ch they should make themselves known and be d"st"ngu"shed by each other #or ever a#ter M How were you then d"s!osed o#F A Be were aga"n conducted around the outer courts o# the tabernacle& where a re!resentat"on o# the destruct"on o# the tem!le took !lace M ;y whom was "t destroyedF A ;y :ebuchadne44ar& <"ng o# ;abylon& who "n the eleventh year o# 2edek"ah& <"ng o# 9erusalem& went u!& bese"ged and took the c"ty& se"4ed on all the holy vessels& together w"th the two bra4en !"llars- and the remnant o# the !eo!le who esca!ed the sword& he carr"ed away ca!t"ves to ;abylon M Bhat was the !er"od o# the"r ca!t"v"tyF A 'eventy =70> years M ;y whom were they del"veredF A ;y /yrus& <"ng o# 3ers"a& who "n the #"rst year o# h"s re"gn "ssued h"s yearly !roclamat"on say"ng5 1Thus says /yrus& <"ng o# 3ers"a&1 etc & etc ='ee Mon"tor > M Bho d"d you then re!resentF A Those o# our anc"ent brethren be"ng released #rom the"r ca!t"v"ty M *n that case what answer d"d you make /yrus& <"ng o# 3ers"aF A ;ut behold when * come unto the ch"ldren o# *srael& etc & etc =Mon"tor"al >

M Bhat answer d"d you rece"ve #rom the /a!ta"n o# the HostF A * am that * am& * am hath sent me unto you M D"d you !ursue your .ourneyF A Be d"d& the rough and rugged !aths M Bhat do the rough and rugged !aths denoteF
! 75A

A The so.ourn"ng o# the ch"ldren o# *srael through the w"lderness M D"d you meet w"th any obstruct"onsF A Be d"d& several M Bhere d"d you meet w"th the #"rst obstruct"onF A At the #"rst ve"l& where on mak"ng the regular demand& we heard the Master o# that ve"l e+cla"m& 1Bho dares a!!roach th"s #"rst ve"l o# our sacred tabernacleF1 and he& su!!os"ng an enemy to be a!!roach"ng& ha"led h"s com!an"ons& who on be"ng assembled demanded& 1Bho comes hereF1 M Gour answerF A Be are o# your own brethren and k"n%%ch"ldren o# the ca!t"v"ty%%descendants o# those noble ?"blem"tes& we were rece"ved and acknowledged Most E+cellent Masters at the com!let"on and ded"cat"on o# the #"rst tem!le%%were !resent at the destruct"on o# that tem!le by :ebuchadne44ar& by whom we were carr"ed ca!t"ves to ;abylon& where we rema"ned servants to h"m and h"s successors& unt"l the re"gn o# /yrus& <"ng o# 3ers"a& by whose order we have been l"berated& and have now come u! to hel!& a"d& and ass"st "n rebu"ld"ng the house o# the 0ord& w"thout the ho!e o# #ee or reward M Bhat were you then askedF A ;y what #urther reward or bene#"t we e+!ected to obta"n th"s "m!ortant !r"v"lege M Gour answerF A ;y the bene#"t o# the !ass M ?"ve "tF =* am that * am& * am hath sent me unto you > M D"d th"s g"ve you adm"ss"onF

A *t d"d w"th"n the #"rst ve"l M Bhat was then sa"d to youF A ?ood men and true you must have been& to have come thus #ar to !romote so noble and good an undertak"ng- but #urther you cannot go w"thout my word& s"gn& and word o# e+!lanat"on M Bhat was the word o# the Master o# the #"rst ve"lF A * am that * am& * am hath sent you unto us& 'hem& Ham& and 9a!heth M Bhat "s h"s s"gnF A *t "s "n "m"tat"on o# that g"ven by ?od to Moses when he was commanded to cast h"s rod u!on the ground& and "t be%came a ser!ent M Bhat was h"s word o# e+!lanat"onF A *t was e+!lanatory o# the s"gn as recorded by Moses& and "s as #ollows 1And Moses answered and sa"d& ;ut behold they w"ll not bel"eve me& nor hearken unto my vo"ce& #or they w"ll say&
! 7D0

The 0ord hath not a!!eared unto thee- and the 0ord sa"d unto h"m& Bhat "s that "n th"ne hand& and he sa"d& A rod- and He sa"d& /ast "t on the ground And he cast "t on the ground and "t became a ser!ent& and Moses #led #rom be#ore "t- and the 0ord sa"d& 3ut #orth th"ne hand and take "t by the ta"l- and he !ut #orth h"s hand and caught "t& and "t become a rod "n h"s hand& that they may bel"eve that the ?od o# the"r #athers& the ?od o# Abraham& the ?od o# *saac& and the ?od o# 9acob hath a!!eared unto thee
J!aragra!h cont"nuesK

M Bhere d"d you meet w"th the ne+t obstruct"onF A At the second ve"l& where& on mak"ng the regular demand& we heard the master o# that e+cla"m as be#ore M Gour answerF A As be#ore M Bhat were you then askedF A ;y what #urther r"ght or bene#"t we e+!ected to obta"n that "m!ortant !r"v"lege M Gour answerF

A ;y the word and s"gn g"ven us by the master o# the #"rst ve"l M D"d th"s ga"n you adm"ss"onF A *t d"d w"th"n the second ve"l M Bhat was then sa"d to youF A ?ood men and true you must have been& to have come thus #ar to engage "n so noble and glor"ous an undertak"ng& but #urther you cannot go w"thout my word and s"gn& and word o# e+!lanat"on M Bhat was the word o# the master o# the second ve"lF A * am that * am& * am hath sent me unto you& 'hem& Ham& and 9a!heth M Bhat "s h"s s"gnF A *t "s "n "m"tat"on o# that g"ven by ?od to Moses& when he commanded h"m to !ut h"s hand "nto h"s bosom& and when he took "t out& behold "t was as le!rous as snow M Bhat "s h"s word o# e+!lanat"onF A *t "s e+!lanatory o# that s"gn& "s recorded by Moses& and "s as #ollows5 And the 0ord sa"d unto Moses& 3ut now th"ne hand "nto thy bosom& and he !ut h"s hand "nto h"s bosom& and when he took "t out& behold& h"s hand was le!rous as snow And He sa"d& 3ut th"ne hand "nto thy bosom aga"n& and he !ut h"s hand "nto h"s bosom aga"n& and !lucked "t out o# h"s bosom& and behold "t was turned aga"n as h"s other #lesh And "t shall come to !ass "# they w"ll not bel"eve thee& ne"ther hearken to the vo"ce o# the #"rst s"gn& that they w"ll bel"eve the vo"ce o# the latter s"gn
! 7D1

M Bhere d"d you meet w"th the ne+t obstruct"onF A At the th"rd ve"l& where& on mak"ng the regular demand& we heard the master o# that ve"l e+cla"m as be#ore M Gour answerF A As be#ore M Bhat were you then askedF A ;y what #urther r"ght or bene#"t we e+!ected to obta"n th"s "m!ortant !r"v"lege M Gour answerF

A ;y the bene#"t o# the word and s"gn g"ven us by the masters o# the #"rst and second ve"ls M D"d they ga"n you adm"ss"onF A They d"d w"th"n the th"rd ve"l M Bhat was then sa"d to youF A ?ood men and true you must have been& to have come thus #ar to !romote so noble and good an undertak"ng& but #urther you cannot go w"thout my s"gn and word o# e+!lanat"on and s"gnet M Bhat was h"s s"gnF A *t "s "n "m"tat"on o# that g"ven by ?od to Moses& when he commanded h"m to take o# the water o# the r"ver and !our "t u!on the dry land M Bhat "s h"s word o# e+!lanat"onF A *t "s e+!lanatory o# that s"gn& "s recorded by Moses& and "s as #ollows5 And "t shall come to !ass "# they w"ll not bel"eve also these two s"gns& ne"ther hearken unto thy vo"ce& that thou shalt take o# the water o# the r"ver and !our "t u!on the dry land& and the water wh"ch thou takest out o# the r"ver shall become blood u!on the dry land M Bhere d"d you meet w"th the ne+t obstruct"onF A At the #ourth ve"l or sanctuary& where on mak"ng the regular demand& we heard the Royal Arch /a!ta"n e+cla"m& 1Bho dares a!!roach the #ourth ve"l or sanctuary& where "ncense burns u!on our holy altar both day and n"ghtF Bho comes hereF1 M Gour answerF A Three worthy so.ourners& who have come u! to hel!& a"d& and ass"st "n the rebu"ld"ng o# the house o# the 0ord& w"thout the ho!e o# #ee or reward M Bhat were you then askedF A Bhence came youF M Gour answerF A $rom ;abylon M ,# what were you then "n#ormed

A That by a decree o# the Grand Council& then "n sess"on&

! 7D7

made "n conse8uence o# d"##"cult"es hav"ng ar"sen by the "ntroduct"on o# strangers among the workmen& none are !erm"tted to enter the !resence o# the Most E+cellent H"gh 3r"est& E+cellent <"ng& and 'cr"be& wh"le s"tt"ng "n counc"l& e+ce!t"ng the true descendants o# the twelve tr"bes o# the ch"ldren o# *srael- "t was there#ore necessary that we be more !art"cular "n trac"ng our genealogy& and demanded who we were M Gour answerF A Be are o# your brethren and k"n%%ch"ldren o# the ca!t"v"ty%%we have been rece"ved as Most E+cellent Masters& and as such have made ourselves known to the several guards& and now wa"t !erm"ss"on to enter the !resence o# the ?rand /ounc"l M Bhat were you then askedF A ;y what #urther r"ght or bene#"t we e+!ected to obta"n th"s "m!ortant !r"v"lege M Gour answerF A ;y the bene#"t o# the words and s"gns g"ven us by the masters o# the #"rst& second and th"rd ve"ls& together w"th the s"gnet M Bhat was then sa"d to youF A Be were d"rected to wa"t unt"l the /a!ta"n o# the Host could be "n#ormed o# our re8uest and h"s answer returned M Bhat answer d"d he returnF A 0et them be adm"tted M ;y whom were you rece"vedF A ;y the /a!ta"n o# the Host& who conducted us "nto the !resence o# the ?rand /ounc"l& who e+am"ned us as to our !ro#"c"ency "n the !reced"ng degree& and e+!ressed sat"s#act"on at our meet"ng& a#ter wh"ch we were asked what !art o# the work we were w"ll"ng to undertake M Gour answerF A Any !art& even the most serv"le& to !romote so noble and glor"ous an undertak"ng M ,# what were you then "n#ormedF

A That #rom the s!ec"mens o# sk"ll wh"ch we had e+h"b"ted& the ?rand /ounc"l had con#"dence and bel"e# that we were able to undertake any !art& even the most d"##"cult& but that "t was necessary that some more o# the rubb"sh he removed #rom the northeast !art o# the ru"ns& and they "nstructed us to observe and !reserve everyth"ng that we m"ght d"scover o# value& #or they had no doubt that there were many valuable monuments o# art there wh"ch would be essent"al to the cra#t M Bhat #ollowedF A The /a!ta"n o# the Host #urn"shed us w"th the necessary work"ng tools& and we re!a"red to the !lace as d"rected& where
! 7D)

we wrought d"l"gently #our days w"thout d"scover"ng anyth"ng o# "nterest& e+ce!t"ng !ass"ng the ru"ns o# several columns o# the order o# arch"tecture- on the #"#th& st"ll !ursu"ng our labors& we e+!er"enced that wh"ch we at #"rst su!!osed to be an "m!enetrable rock& but on my com!an"on str"k"ng "t w"th h"s crow& "t reverberated a hollow sound& u!on wh"ch we redoubled our ass"du"ty& and remov"ng some more o# the rubb"sh& we #ound "t to resemble the to! o# an arch& "n the a!e+ o# wh"ch was a stone hav"ng on "t certa"n characters wh"ch by length o# t"me were nearly e##aced :"ght now draw"ng on& we re!a"red w"th "t to the ?rand /ounc"l M Bhat was the"r o!"n"on o# the stoneF A That "t was the keystone to the !r"nc"!al arch o# <"ng 'olomon6s Tem!le& and #rom the !lace "n wh"ch "t was #ound& they had no doubt "t would lead to "m!ortant d"scover"esu!on wh"ch we were asked "# we were w"ll"ng on the morrow to descend the arch "n search o# them M Gour answerF A That the task would be attended w"th d"##"cult"es and dangers& yet we were w"ll"ng even at the r"sk o# our l"ves to !romote so noble and glor"ous an undertak"ng M Bhat #ollowedF A Be re!a"red to the !lace as be#ore& and removed some more o# the rubb"sh& a#ter wh"ch we !laced a cable tow seven t"mes around the body o# one o# my com!an"ons to ass"st h"m "n descend"ng& and "t was agreed& should the !lace become o##ens"ve& e"ther to health or s"ght& he should sw"ng "t to the r"ght as a s"gnal to ascend- but should he w"sh to descend he should& sw"ng "t to the le#t *n th"s manner he descended and #ound three s8uares& wh"ch they had no doubt had long been concealed- he gave the s"gnal and ascended& and w"th them we re!a"red to the ?rand /ounc"l M Bhat was the"r o!"n"on o# the s8uaresF

A That they were masters6 .ewels& most !robably worn by our anc"ent ?rand Masters& 'olomon& <"ng o# *srael& H"ram& <"ng o# Tyre& and H"ram Ab"##& and #rom the !lace "n wh"ch they were #ound they had no doubt they would lead to st"ll #urther and more "m!ortant d"scover"es& u!on wh"ch we were asked "# w"ll"ng aga"n to descend the arch "n search o# the treasures M Gour answerF =As be#ore > M Bhat #ollowedF A Be re!a"red to the !lace as be#ore& wh"ch * descended as be#ore The sun shone #orth w"th such redoubled s!lendor that * was enabled to descend- "n the eastern%most !art thereo# was
! 7DC

a trunk o# cur"ous #orm& overla"d w"th gold& hav"ng on "ts to! and s"des certa"n myster"ous characters- ava"l"ng mysel# o# th"s * gave the s"gnal& and ascended- on arr"v"ng at the to! o# the arch * #ound my hands "nvoluntar"ly !laced "n th"s !os"t"on to guard my eyes #rom the "ntense l"ght and heat that arose there#rom above- w"th the trunk we re!a"red to the ?rand /ounc"l M Bhat was the"r o!"n"on o# the trunkF A That "t was the Ark o# the /ovenant M Bhat were "ts contentsF A A !ot& a rod& and a book M Bhat was the"r o!"n"on o# the !otF A That "t was the !ot o# manna& wh"ch Moses by d"v"ne command& la"d u! "n the s"de o# the ark as a memor"al o# the m"raculous manner "n wh"ch the ch"ldren o# *srael were su!!l"ed w"th that art"cle o# #ood #or #orty years "n the w"lderness M Bhat was the"r o!"n"on o# the rodF A That "t was Aaron6s rodN that budded and blossomed& and bore #ru"t "n a day& wh"ch Moses also& by d"v"ne command& la"d "n the s"de o# the ark as a test"mony& to be ke!t #or a token M Bhat was the"r o!"n"on o# the bookF A That "t was the book o# the law "n wh"ch "t "s wr"tten& * am the 0ord& * a!!eared unto Abraham& unto *saac and 9acob by the name o# ?od Alm"ghty& but by my great and sacred name was * not known unto them

M Bhat does "t conta"nF A A key to the myster"ous characters u!on "ts to! and s"des& by wh"ch they #ound those u!on "ts s"des to be the "n"t"als o# our three anc"ent ?rand Masters& ' < o# * & H < o# T & and H Ab"## Those u!on "ts to!& the ?rand ,mn"#"c or Royal Arch word& wh"ch we as Royal Arch Masons should never g"ve e+ce!t "n the !resence o# three Royal Arch Masons& we #"rst agree"ng by three t"mes three& and under a l"v"ng arch M How were your mer"ts rewardedF A The ?rand /ounc"l descended and "nvested us w"th the secrets o# the Degree M How were they commun"catedF A The ?rand ,mn"#"c Royal Arch word "n the !resence o# three regular Arch Masons& we #"rst agree"ng by three t"mes three& and under a l"v"ng arch M Have you a s"gn "n th"s DegreeF A * have several M 'how me a s"gnF =Hand to #orehead 'ee s"gn > M Bhat "s that calledF A The duegard
! 7D5

M To what does "t alludeF A To the way and manner "n wh"ch my hands were "nvoluntar"ly !laced on arr"v"ng at the arch& to guard my eyes #rom the "ntense l"ght and heat that arose there#rom above M 'how me another s"gnF =?"ve s"gn > M Bhat "s that calledF A The s"gn M To what does "t alludeF A To the !enalty o# my obl"gat"on& that * would sooner have my skull struck o## than d"vulge any o# the secrets o# th"s Degree unlaw#ully& M ?"ve me another s"gnF =?"ve s"gn >

M Bhat "s that calledF A The grand ha"l"ng s"gn& or s"gn o# d"stress o# a Royal Arch Mason M To what does "t alludeF A To the add"t"onal !ort"on o# the !enalty o# my obl"gat"on& that * would sooner have my skull clove o##& and have my bra"n e+!osed to the scorch"ngs rays o# a noonday sun& than d"vulge any o# the secrets o# th"s Degree unlaw#ully M Bhat are the work"ng tools o# a Royal Arch MasonF A The !"ck& s!ade& and crow M Bhat does the s!ade teach us as Royal Arch MasonsF =Mon"tor"al > M Bhat "s the use o# the crowF A *t "s used by o!erat"ve masons to descr"be c"rcles%%every !art o# the c"rcum#erence o# wh"ch "s e8ually near and e8ually d"stant #rom "ts centre- so "s every creature whom ?od hath made e8ually near and e8ually dear M Bhat "s the e8u"lateral or !er#ect tr"angle u!on wh"ch the word "s #ormed emblemat"cal o#F A The three certa"n attr"butes o# De"ty%%namely& ,mn"sc"ence& ,mn"!otence& and ,mn"!resence& #or as the three e8ual legs or angles #orm but one tr"angle& so the three attr"butes const"tute but one ?od

Footnotes
71(51 *n Amer"ca& we #"nd an essent"al var"at"on #rom any other system o# the Royal Arch The names o# the o##"cers vary mater"ally& as also do the ceremon"es As "n *reland& "t const"tutes the 'eventh Degree& although the "ntermed"ate ste!s are d"##erent *n *reland they are5 1 E A 3 - 7 $ / - ) M M - C 3 M - 5 E+cellent- D 'u!er%E+cellent5 7 Royal Arch5 wh"le "n Amer"ca the $ourth "s Mark Master- 5 3 M - D Most E+cellent Master- 7 Royal Arch %%,r"g"n o# the Engl"sh Royal Arch& ! 5( 71A51 The members o# th"s Degree are denom"nated companions& and are 1ent"tled to a #ull e+!lanat"on o# the mysteries o# the ,rder1- whereas "n the #ormer Degrees they are recogn"4ed by the common& #am"l"ar a!!ellat"on o# brothers& and ke!t "n a state o# !ro#ound "gnorance o# the sublime secret wh"ch "s d"sclosed "n th"s /ha!ter Th"s accords w"th the custom o# 3ythagoras& who thus d"st"ngu"shed h"s !u!"ls A#ter a !robat"on o# #"ve years& as be#ore stated& they were adm"tted "nto the !resence o# the !rece!tor& called h"s companions& and !erm"tted #reely to converse w"th h"m 3rev"ously to the e+!"rat"on

o# that term he del"vered h"s "nstruct"ons to them #rom beh"nd a screen %%Fellows's Inquiry into the ri!in" #istory" and $urport o% Freemasonry& ! )71 77C51 /ole ado!ts the #ollow"ng sent"ment o# a brother Mason5 1*n the R A =Royal Arch> Mason6s Degree * beheld mysel# e+alted to the to! o# $is!ah& an e+tens"ve scene o!ened to my v"ew o# the glory and goodness o# the M E H 3 =Most E+cellent H"gh 3r"est> o# our salvat"on * dug dee! #or h"dden treasures& #ound them& and re!ained the omni%ic word 1 1*# we !ass on to the Royal Arch&1 says the Rev ? ,l"ver& "n h"s ! 775 0ectures on $reemasonry& 1we rece"ve a wonder#ul access"on o# knowledge& and #"nd every th"ng made per%ect- #or th"s "s the ne plus ultra o# Masonry& and can never be e+ceeded by any human "nst"tut"on 1%%Fellows's Inquiry into the ri!in" #istory" and $urport o% Freemasonry& ! )77 A Degree "ndescr"bably more august& subl"me& and "m!ortant than any wh"ch !recede "t& and "s& "n #act& the summ"t and !er#ect"on o# anc"ent Masonry *t "m!resses on our m"nds a bel"e# "n the be"ng o# a ?od& w"thout beg"nn"ng o# days or end o# years& the great and "ncom!rehens"ble Al!ha and ,mega& and rem"nds us o# the reverence wh"ch "s due to H"s Holy :AME %%#istorical &andmar's& vol " ! (D 77D51 Th"s "ne##able name ="n *:D*A> was Aum& wh"ch& "n "ts tr"l"teral #orm& was s"gn"#"cant o# the creat"ve& !reservat"ve& and destroy"ng !ower& that "s& o# ;rahma& E"shnu& and '"va %%&exicon& ! 1CD 9EH,EAH ,# the var"et"es o# th"s sacred name "n use among the d"##erent nat"ons o# the earth& three !art"cularly mer"t the attent"on o# Royal Arch Masons5 1 9AH Th"s name o# ?od "s #ound "n the D(th 3salm& v C 7 ;AA0 ,R ;E0 Th"s word s"gn"#"es a lord& master& or possessor& and hence "t was a!!l"ed by many o# the nat"ons o# the East to denote the 0ord o# all th"ngs& and the Master o# the world ) ,: Th"s was the name by wh"ch 9EH,EAH was worsh"!!ed among the Egy!t"ans * have made these remarks on the three names o# God "n /halda"c& 'yr"ac and Egy!t"an& (aal& )ah& and n& "n the e+!ectat"on that my Royal Arch /om!an"ons w"ll read"ly recogn"4e them "n a corru!ted #orm %%&exicon 7C751 /and"dates at the !resent day usually descend the vault by means o# a ladder 7C)51 A cand"date "s sa"d to be EOA0TED when he rece"ves the Degree o# Holy Royal Arch& the 'eventh "n Gork Masonry E+alted means ele*ated or li%ted up& and "s a!!l"cable both to a !ecul"ar ceremony o# the Degree& and to the #act that th"s Degree& "n the r"te "n wh"ch "t "s !ract"sed& const"tutes the summ"t o# anc"ent Masonry %%&exicon

7CD51 The #oundat"ons o# the Tem!le were o!ened and cleared #rom the accumulat"on o# rubb"sh& that a level s"te m"ght be !rocured #or the commencement o# the bu"ld"ng Bh"le engaged "n e+cavat"ons #or th"s !ur!ose& three %ortunate so+ourners are sa"d to have d"scovered our anc"ent stone o# #oundat"on& wh"ch had been de!os"ted "n the secret cry!t by B"sdom& 'trength& and ;eauty& to !revent the commun"cat"on o# "ne##able secrets to !ro#ane or unworthy !ersons The d"scovery hav"ng been commun"cated to the !r"nce& !r"est& and !ro!het o# the 9ews& the stone was ado!ted as the ch"e# corner%stone o# the re% ed"#"ed bu"ld"ng- and thus became& "n a new and e+!ress"ve sense& the ty!e o# a more e+cellent d"s!ensat"on An avenue was also acc"dentally d"scovered& su!!orted by seven !a"rs o# !"llars& !er#ect and ent"re& wh"ch& #rom the"r s"tuat"on& had esca!ed the #ury o# the #lames that had consumed the Tem!le& and the desolat"on o# war wh"ch had destroyed the c"ty Th"s secret vault& wh"ch had been bu"lt by 'olomon as a secure de!os"tory #or certa"n valuable secrets& that would "nev"tably have been lost w"thout some such e+!ed"ent #or the"r !reservat"on& commun"cated by a subterranean avenue w"th the <"ng6s !alace- but at the destruct"on o# 9erusalem& the entrance hav"ng been closed by the rubb"sh o# #all"ng bu"ld"ngs& "t had been now d"scovered by the a!!earance o# a 'eystone amon! the %oundations o# the 'anctum 'anctorum A care#ul "ns!ect"on was then made& and the "nvaluable secrets were !laced "n sa#e custody %%#istorical &andmar's& vol "" ! C)C *n !re!ar"ng the #oundat"ons& as we are told by the 9ew"sh Rabb"ns& the workmen d"scovered a subterranean vault or cav"ty& su!!orted by seven !a"rs o# !"llars su!!ort"ng so many arches Th"s vault& at the destruct"on o# 9erusalem& hav"ng been #"lled w"th the rubb"sh o# the bu"ld"ng& esca!ed observat"on& and was "nd"cated at the !resent !er"od by the d"scovery o# a 'eystone amon! the %oundations The Rabb"ns add& that 9os"ah& #oresee"ng the destruct"on o# the Tem!le& commanded the 0ev"tes to de!os"t the Ark o# the /ovenant "n th"s vault& where "t was #ound by some o# 2erubbabel6s workmen ;ut there "s no ground #or th"s bel"e#- #or "# the secret o# the vault had been known to 9os"ah& "t must have been known also to h"s "dolatrous !redecessors who would doubtless have !lundered "t o# "ts valuable contents& and e+!osed them to the world& "n contem!t o# the true ?od to whom they re#erred& and whom these degenerate monarchs had wholly renounced *t "s much more !robable& that "n the latter years o# 'olomon& when he had almost #orgotten ?od& h"s v"s"ts to th"s vault were d"scont"nued& and the entrance be"ng cur"ously concealed among the caverns underneath h"s !alace the secret d"ed w"th h"m& and the commun"cat"on was #orever closed *t "s certa"n& however& "# the trad"t"on o# th"s vault be correct& that the Ar' o% the Co*enant was not %ound in it- ! 7C7 #or "t was one o# the "nvaluable g"#ts o# ?od wh"ch the second Tem!le d"d not conta"n& and conse8uently "t could not have been !reserved by 9os"ah %%#istorical &andmar's& vol "" ! C)D 7CA51 The author o# Ahiman Re,on has stated that he could convey h"s m"nd to an anc"ent Mason "n the !resence o# a modern Mason& w"thout the latter know"ng whether e"ther o# them were Masons He #urther asserted that he was able& w"th a #ew Mason"c "m!lements& i-e-& two s8uares and a common gavel or hammer& to convey any word or sentence o# h"s own& or the "mmed"ate d"ctat"ons o# a stranger& to a sk"l#ul and "ntell"gent $ree%mason o# the anc"ent order& w"thout s!eak"ng& wr"t"ng& or no"se- and that to any d"stance& when the !art"es can see each other& and at the same t"me be able to d"st"ngu"sh s8uares #rom

c"rcles Th"s Mason"c system o# c"!her%wr"t"ng "s now well understood %% ri!in o% the En!lish Royal Arch& ! C7 75051 The B,RD o# the Royal Arch Degree& as worked "n England& "s 9ao%;ul%,n Macrob"us& "n h"s 'aturnal"a =l"b " 1(>& says that "t was an adm"tted a+"om among the heathen& that the tr"l"teral 9AH& or rather PQR& was the sacred name o# the 'u!reme ?od And the /lar"an oracle& wh"ch was o# unknown ant"8u"ty& be"ng asked wh"ch o# the de"t"es was named PQR& answered "n these memorable words5 16The "n"t"ated are bound to conceal the myster"ous secrets 0earn thou& that PQR& "s the ?reat ?od 'u!reme& who ruleth over all 6 1:ow "t so ha!!ens& that "n the gems o# the early /hr"st"ans we #"nd these very letters& PQR& wh"ch are an abbrev"at"on o# the name o# 9EH,EAH& used as a monogram to e+!ress the name o# the 'av"our o# mank"nd& who was thus re!resented as e+"st"ng be#ore t"me was& and shall e+"st when t"me shall he no more *t was #"rst ado!ted by the Eastern /hurch& and s"gn"#"ed PSTUVW& QXYZ [\]^Z& 9esus& Al!ha ,mega& or "n other words5 9esus& the $"rst and the 0ast 1%%The Insi!nia o% the Royal Arch& ! )7 The Royal Arch Bord to have been !er#ectly "n kee!"ng w"th the Degree& and w"th the general construct"on o# Masonry& should have been a tr"ad& not only o# syllables& but also o# letters ,ur transatlant"c brethren have seen "t "n "ts true l"ght- but they have corrected the error unlearnedly *t ought to have been& "# the !r"nc"!le o# "ts construct"on be allowed& to be orthodo+5 .yriac _____ _____ _____ Chaldee _____ _____ _____ #indoo _____ _____ _____

The Insi!nia o% the Royal Arch& ! )C That "s to say& "nstead o# 9A,%;I0%,:& or 9AH% ;IH%0I:& Dr ,l"ver suggests5 .yriac 9A,& or 9AH Chaldee ;E0& or ;I0 #indoo AI:& or AIM

$or at !age 15 o# The Insi!nia& he wr"tes thus5

1;ut the Royal Arch Degree "s #ounded on the number three& and there#ore each member o# the word ought to have been tr"l"teral Among the 'yr"ans& the /haldeans& the 3h`n"c"ans and others& the "ne##able name o# the De"ty was ;el& ;al& ;ul& ;aal& or ;el"n Aga"n& the Egy!t"ans and H"ndoos reverenced ,n or ,m& i-e-& Aun& or Aum& as the name o# the"r ch"e# De"ty 1 And v"de #istorical &andmar's& vol "" ! 5CA5 1,ne says "t was 9au& another th"nks "t was 9aoth& a th"rd& 9ava- others& 9uba& 9ao& 9ah& 9ehovah& and 9ove *n a word& the letters o# the name are !er"shable& and the !ronunc"at"on o# l"ttle moment5 but the ;e"ng h"msel# "s "ne##able& "ncom!rehens"ble& and worthy o# our utmost venerat"on He was called by the Romans 9ove& or 9ah- by the /haldeans& the 3h`n"c"ans& and the /elta& ;el or ;ul- and by the *nd"ans& Egy!t"ans& and ?reeks& ,m or ,n 1 75151 The grand ha"l"ng s"gn "s made by lock"ng the #"ngers o# both hands together& and carry"ng them to the to! o# the head& the !alms u!ward Then let them dro! to the s"des 75)51 At my #"rst e+altat"on& * was taught to bel"eve "t an anc"ent degree- but * con#ess& that even at that !er"od * enterta"ned cons"derable doubts on the !o"nt The Degree "s too "ncongruous to be o# any great ant"8u"ty *t e+h"b"ts too many ev"dences o# modern construct"on to be rece"ved w"th "m!l"c"t credence as a ceremony !ract"sed by the anc"ent D"onys"acs& or even the more modern colleges o# $reemasons& or con#ratern"t"es o# the M"ddle Ages The earl"est ment"on o# "t "n England wh"ch * can #"nd& "s "n the year 17C0& .ust one year a#ter the tr"#l"ng alterat"on& sanct"oned by the modern ?rand 0odge& already ment"oned %% ri!in o% the En!lish Royal Arch& !! 1A& 70 75)57 The #act "s& the grand omn"#"c =all/creatin!> lost word& "t w"ll be seen "n the se8uel& was eventually #ound "n a vault under the ru"ns o# 'olomon6s Tem!le- and the d"##"culty was& rationally to account #or the manner "n wh"ch "t got there Th"s& there#ore& "s the grand ob.ect o# the .elect 0aster's 1e!ree- and& at the same t"me& so to locate the word as symbol"cally to re!resent "ts archety!e& the sun lost "n the "n#er"or hem"s!here $or th"s !ur!ose a h"story o# the order was manu#actured by "ts #ounders& o# wh"ch the #ollow"ng "s a sketch5 1The three ?rand Masters& at the bu"ld"ng o# the Tem!le& entered "nto a solemn agreement not to con#er the Master6s Degree unt"l the Tem!le should be com!leted- that all three must be !resent when "t should be con#erred& and "# e"ther should be taken away by death !r"or to the #"n"sh"ng o# the Tem!le& the Master6s Degree should be lost 1A#ter th"s wise arrangement& lest the knowledge o# the arts and sc"ences& together w"th the !atterns and valuable models wh"ch were conta"ned "n the Tem!le& should be lost& they agreed to bu"ld a secret *ault under ground& lead"ng #rom 'olomon6s most ret"red a!artment& a due west course& and end"ng under the sanctum sanctorum o# the Tem!le& to be d"v"ded "nto nine separate arches The n"nth arch was to be the !lace #or hold"ng the

grand counc"l& and also #or a de!os"t o# a true co!y o# all those th"ngs wh"ch were contained in the sanctum sanctorum abo*e 1A#ter the n"nth arch was com!leted& the three ?rand Masters de!os"ted there"n those th"ngs wh"ch were "m!ortant to the cra#t& such as the Ark o# the /ovenant& a !ot o# manna& the rod o# Aaron& the book o# the law& etc ! 75C 13r"or to the com!let"on o# the Tem!le& ?rand Master H"ram Ab"## was assass"nated& and by h"s death the Master6s Bord was lost The two k"ngs were w"ll"ng to do all "n the"r !ower to !reserve the .acred 2ord& and as they could not commun"cate "t to any& by reason o# the death o# H"ram& they agreed to !lace "t "n the secret *ault& that "# the other treasures were ever brought to l"ght& the Bord m"ght be #ound also 1%%Fellows's Inquiry into the ri!in" #istory" and $urport o% Freemasonry& !! )0(& )0A