The Web of Hiram |
Degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite14. Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Master Mason 15. Knight of the East or Sword 17. Knights of the East and West 18. Knight of the Rose-Croix de Heredom 20. Grand Master of all Symbolic Lodges 21. Noachite or Prussian Knight 25. Knight of the Brazen Serpent 29. Knight of St Andrew, or Patriarch of the Crusades |
KNIGHT OF THE ROSE CROIXorPERFECT PRINCE DE HEREDOM KNIGHT OF THE EAGLE AND PELICANThe Eighteenth Grade of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish rite and the Second Degree of the Philosophical Series
ARGUMENTThe Novice is still in search of the Truth and the lost Word he journeys for a period of years, learning the three virtues which are to guide him: from a place of horror and gloom, merges, at the appointed time, the sacred initials, giving glory to Masonry and light and life to the world. This degree, like the one preceding it, is philosophical. The end of all philosophy is to free the mind from those encumbrances which hinder its progress toward perfection and to raise it to the contemplation of Immutable Truth and the knowledge of divine and spiritual objects. This effect must be produced by easy steps, lest the mind, hitherto conversant only with sensible things, should revolt at the change. Knight of the Eagle and Pelican is one of the titles applied to a Rose-Croix H-R-D-M Freemason; yet that degree is not strictly an order of knighthood, in the commonly received sense of the term. In these degrees, it is readily perceivable that we have now fully entered upon a long course of instruction into all the mysteries of the esoteric doctrine. There are a number of Rose-Croix degrees differing in a measure from each other in the work and in their teachings. The Alchemical or Hermetic Masons taught a different degree in all respects from the so-called Christian, Rose - Croix; and they again a different one from the universal, tolerant, and more acceptable grade. The following words of one of the most eminent students of Masonry, and an ardent admirer of the A.: and A.: Rite, may be quoted here. If anywhere brethren of a particular religious belief have been excluded from this degree, it merely shows how gravely the plans and purposes of Masonry may be misunderstood; for whenever the door of any one degree is closed against him who believes in one God and the soul's immortality, on account of the other tenets of his faith, that degree is no longer Masonry, which is universal, but some other thing, that is exclusive, and accordingly Intolerant, Each degree erects a platform on which the Israelite, the Mahommedan, and the Christian may stand side by side and hand in hand, as brethren." Whatever your religion, your birth- place, or your language, you are among brethren. One language is spoken in common, the language of the Scottish Rite of Masonry, which speaks directly to the heart.
APARTMENTSThe ceremony of Reception of a Knight of the Eagle and Pelican requires properly four apartments, as follows. FIRST APARTMENTThe first apartment is hung in black, spread with white tears; and is lighted simply by the taper of the Most Wise, the two lights on the throne, and the dim light of three transparencies. Three columns, of the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders of architecture respectively, about five feet in height, are appropriately placed in the Chapter, and support on their capitals transparent inscriptions of the three virtues, one on each, which should be removed when the Chapter is closed. The canopy in the East is black, bordered with white fringe; on the platform below it is the irregular throne of the Chapter, surmounted by three crosses, the centre one most prominent, with a full-blown white rose upon it: on either side thereof is a candlestick with a yellow wax candle lighted. Both throne and crosses are to be concealed by two black curtains coming together before them, and which are opened at the appointed time. The Most Wise Master has before him a small low table covered with black, and on it, lighted, one wax candle, a Book of the Testimony, a compass and square, and a triple triangle; also the regalia for the candidate. By the table is a. low black seat or ottoman. The furniture and properties are in disorder. A ewer, with water and napkins, should be placed in the South. SECOND APARTMENTThe second apartment should represent two small apartments, the one leading imperceptibly into the other. The one labyrinthian, with ascending and descending steps, interlacing each other; the other. THIRD APARTMENTA small apartment draped or painted black, called the "Chamber of Reflection," in which if; a rude chair and table; on the latter, a skull and cross-bones and an ancient-shaped dim-burning lamp, also a Book of the Testimony. FOURTH APARTMENTWhich may very properly and advantageously be represented by a judicious rearrangement of the first apartment. All the furniture and properties are in order, perfect harmony and accord exist, for the Word is found; the room should therefore be decorated in an appropriate and dazzlingly magnificent manner. The thirty-three lights, composed of three candelabra of eleven branches each, with yellow wax candles, must now shine forth in their brilliancy, and the blazing star with six beams is seen in the East. The hangings are red.
OFFICERS, AND THEIR JEWELSMost Wise and Perfect Master, or Most Wise Tirshatha. Most Excellent and Perfect Knight Senior Warden. Most Excellent and Perfect Knight Junior Warden. Most Perfect Knight Orator. Most Perfect Knight Master of Ceremonies. Most Perfect Knight Secretary. Most Perfect Knight Treasurer. Most Perfect Knight Guardian of the Tower. All brethren are addressed as Respectable and Perfect Knights. The Most Wise wears on his breast a flaming star of silver, with seven points: in the centre the letter I, in gold; around it the initials F. H. C: his characteristic is -Wisdom. The Senior Warden wears a triangle: his characteristic is Strength. The Junior Warden wears a square and compass-the one fastened on the other: his characteristic is Beauty. These Jewels are used in addition to the Grand Jewel, which is worn by all the Knights.
CLOTHING AND DECORATIONSThe Knights should be dressed in black or dark clothes, and wear over the same a chasuble of white cloth bordered with black ribbon or wool, one inch wide The chasuble has a black cross both before and behind -extending its entire length-made of wide ribbon or other material; it is lined with white, and should be worn only in the first apartment. Over all is worn from right to left a black watered SASH, bordered with crimson, three inches wide, in the middle of which, and where it crosses the breast, is a small red ribbon cross; near the bottom, two inches from the rosette, is also a small red ribbon cross; at the bottom is a small red rosette and over it one smaller of a black color: from the lower rosette hangs a small gold cross. Apron - Of white leather or satin, bordered with red, as is also the flap. There are three red rosettes arranged in triangular form around the apron. On the area is a representation of a red passion cross, seven inches long; and on the flap a death's head and cross-bones, either painted or embroidered. Grand Jewel - Is an open compass, its points resting on a quarter circle. Between the legs of the compass is a cross, reaching from the head of the compass down to the quarter circle; on the cross is an opened rose; at the foot of the cross, on one side is an eagle with wings extended against the points of the compass, head down- wards; on the obverse side is a pelican, tearing its breast to feed with blood its young, seven in number, in a nest under it; on the head of the compass on each side of it is an antique crown with seven points; on the quarter circle, on one side is engraved the hieroglyphical characteristic of the Knight, and on the other side the cabalistic letters of the degree.
The compass and arc of the circle of the Jewel should be composed of gold, and the eagle and pelican of silver. This Jewel should be worn suspended to a black watered COLLAR, three inches wide, bordered with crimson; there should be three crimson ribbon crosses on it - one on each side, and one at the point above the crimson rosette at the bottom. All the jewels when worn in the first apartment should be covered with black crape. In the centre of this first apartment at a reception, there is a confused mass, representing the debris of an edifice in ruins, composed of broken columns, chapiters, and every species of Masonic emblems. If anything is placed upon the two side crosses in the East, it must be a human skull and two thigh-bones crossed. The Banner of the Rose-Croix, hanging in the East to the left of the M.: W.:, is a square piece of white satin, lightly sprinkled with crimson, edged with a gold fringe, upon which is embroidered or painted the side of the jewel representing the "Pelican," with the words " Lux E Tenebris" above the pelican, and the words "Faith, Hope, Charity" below, painted in gold on a ribbon. Visitors are expected to salute the M.: W.: and the two Wardens, with their swords; then facing the East, return their swords and give the sign of recognition to each of the same officers; again face the East and stand under the sign of G.: S.: -the Knights of the Chapter remaining standing at salute. At the close of the welcome by the M.: W.:, the swords will be sheathed, the Battery given, and with the sign the acclamation. A visitor may then respond to the M.: W.: Such visitors as are entitled may then be conducted to the East. The title "Perfect" is not used among the Knights in the first apartment. In the fourth apartment the collar and sash are turned, presenting the same appearance; except where it was black it should be crimson, and where it was crimson it should be black. When a candidate is admitted he is called a probationer or novice: when fully received he becomes a neophyte, or one newly born. The crux ansata in the East should be of gold. The labours are supposed never to close, and when a Chapter is about to work, it is said the labours are resumed. The labours begin when the Word is lost, and are suspended when the Word is recovered. A novice must be subjected to three ballots. Battery -******-* RECEPTIONThe stars have disappeared, the light of the sun and moon is obscured, and darkness has fallen upon the face of the earth. My brother, you are still engaged as a Mason in search of light and truth; of which search, the many journeys you have made in the different degrees are symbolical. But your search is not for the truth of any particular creed or religion-that search would be in vain, for what is truth to one is not truth to another: often by argument and evidence, but almost always by the accidents of birth, education, and circumstances, our religious belief is formed; and argument and testimony strike the mind of man, when arrived at his religious creed and faith, only to glance off and leave no impression. Our symbols and ceremonies envelop the great primitive truths, known to the first men that lived: with whatever particular meaning they may have- peculiar, or believed to be peculiar, to particular creeds, and differing, as the faith differs of those who receive them-we have nothing to do. We are about to conduct you through certain forms and ceremonies, to display to you certain symbols and emblems; we do not give you in advance their interpretation, but only indicate to you their general tendency; we place the thread in your hands that will guide you through the labyrinth; it is for you to apply and interpret the symbols and ceremonies of the degree in such manner as may seem to you truest and most appropriate. A vast multitude of men believe that the Redeemer of man has already appeared upon the earth: many believe he was a man; many, the Son of God; and many, the Deity incarnate: a vaster multitude still wait for the Redeemer: each will apply our symbols and ceremonies according, to his faith. PRAYERGreat and dread Being, Father, who wast, when beside thee there were time and space alone; a single thought of whom shaped itself into an universe of suns and worlds, and infinite myriads upon myriads of living creatures; eternal as time and infinite as space; to whom all the past and all the future now is and ever will be present; thou by whom no creature that lives is forgotten or unregarded, look with favor upon us and upon this our brother; deign to bless him, to protect him, and make his labours fortunate; watch over him; illuminate his mind with wisdom, that he may understand our symbols; and teach him to trust in thee. Amen! Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered his only-begotten son. By faith the children of Israel forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; by faith, they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, which the Egyptians essaying to do, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. Faith subdueth kingdoms, worketh righteousness, obtaineth promises, stoppeth the mouths of lions. By faith, a steady course we steer through ruffling storms and swelling seas; By faith, we pass the vale of tears safe and secure, though oft distressed; By faith, subdue the king of fears, And go rejoicing to our rest. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is : for he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river. She shall not wither when the heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and she shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall she cease from yielding fruit. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. The wicked is driven away in his wickedness, but the righteous hath hope in his death. The hope of heaven our spirits cheer; No more we grieve for sorrows past nor any future conflict fear, so we may safe arrive at last. O Lord, on thee our hopes we stay to lead us on to thine abode, asssured thy love will far o'erpay the hardest labours of the road. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind. Charity envieth not. Charity vaunteth not itself-is not puffed up. Charity never faileth. Blest is the man whose softening heart feels all another's pain, to whom the supplicating eye is never turned in vain. To him protection shall be shown, and mercy from above descend on those who thus fulfil the Mason's law of love. And now abideth Faith, Hope, and Charity, these three, but the greatest of these is Charity. Hosanna in the highest! on earth peace and good-will toward men. CHARGEBy virtue of the powers with which I am invested by the Supreme Council, and by the consent of these Knights, my brothers and equals, I do admit and receive and constitute you a Perfect Prince Freemason of H-R-D-M, Knight of the Eagle and Pelican, under the distinctive title of Rose-Croix, now and forever, henceforth, to enjoy all the prerogatives attached to this grade. My Brother, virtue and humility are the foundations of this degree; henceforward be you, therefore, virtuous, modest, and unpresuming; mark our guiding star of prudence, and so live that you may not disgrace or dishonor the name that you have earned, the characteristic to which you are entitled, and the jewel which you will hereafter wear. LECTUREMy Brother, each of us makes such application to his own faith and creed, of the symbols and ceremonies of this degree, as seems to him proper. With these special interpretations we have nothing to do, the the legend of our Grand Master Hiram, in which some see figured the condemnation and sufferings of Christ; others, those of the unfortunate Grand Master of the Templars; others, those of the first Charles; and others still, the annual descent of the sun at its winter solstice to the regions of darkness - the basis of many an ancient legend: in no other way could Masonry possess its universality - that character which has ever been peculiar to it from its origin, and which enabled two kings, worshippers of a different Deity, to sit together as Grand Masters while the walls of the first Temple arose; and the men of Gebal, who bowed down to the Phoenician gods, to work by the side of the Hebrews to whom those gods were an abomination. Pythagoras said: "God is neither the object of sense nor subject to passion, but invisible, only intelligible, and supremely intelligent. In his body he is like the light, and in his soul he resembles Truth. He is the universal Spirit that pervades and diffuses itself over all nature. All beings receive their life from him. There is but one only God, who is not, as some are apt to imagine, seated above the world, beyond the orb of the universe; but being himself all in all. He sees all the beings that fill his immensity: the only Principle, the Light of heaven, the Father of all. He produces everything, he orders and disposes everything; he is the Reason, the Life, and the Motion of all being !" The peculiar cipher of this degree is subject to your use. The Feast of Bread and Wine is to us the symbol of fraternity and affection, and of that perfect union which must ever exist among Knights of the Rose-Croix. Masonry has a mission to perform, with her traditions reaching to the earliest times, and her symbols dating further back than even the monumental history of Egypt extends. She invites all men of all religions to enlist under her banners, and to war against evil, ignorance, and wrong. You are now her knight, and to her service your sword is consecrated: may you prove a worthy soldier in a worthy cause, and may the great and Supreme Architect be always with you, and bless you with life ever-lasting. ANTHEMThe Royal Craft, in days of old, On Mount Moriah's brow did raise a Temple roofed with glowing gold! Where Israel sang Jehovah's praise. Nature and Reason here unite another House of God to rear, in which a God of love and light, is worshipped without fear. Our Father, Friend and Lord divine, rend thou the veil of passion's night, in all our souls truth and love enshrine! Robe every child of earth in light! That all of Adam's erring seed may cease from strife, and fruitful toil. To every clime and every creed bring peace and plenty, wine and oil! And when these Temples, framed by thee - our bodies - open their portals wide, and our imprisoned spirits flee to seek what thou dost wisely hide. Free and Accepted may we prove, when angels bring us near to thee, prepared, in thy Grand Lodge above, to take our last Sublime Degree. ORDINARYCEREMONY OF THE TABLETo the glory of the Grand Architect of the Universe; in the name and under the auspices of the Supreme Council and Sovereign Chiefs of Exalted Masonry, and by virtue of the authority on me conferred, I call this Chapter from labour to refreshment. This Chapter is now called to refreshment. Before we part, let us eat together the bread earned by our labours, and thank our heavenly Father for furnishing us with the means. for sustaining life. Brother Master of Ceremonies, visit the avenues. Sovereign Creator of all things and source of light and life, who providest for all our necessities, bless the nourishment for the body we are about to take, and make it to give us strength to labour for thy glory and the advancement of all the great interests of humanity. Amen. Take; eat, and give to the hungry ! Take; drink, and give to the thirsty ! Peace be with you, my brethren, and remain with you always. Remember that your duty is, not to be better than your brethren, but to be better than yourselves; that the more you have, the more you owe to those who -need assistance. The Peace of our Master be with you always. NOTE - This Ceremony is a manifestation of fraternal love, as inculcated by Masonic philosophy. Rose-Crolx Knights after the benediction silently disperse, and the Chapter remains at refreshment until regularly convened or called by the Most Wise. Thus a Rose-Crolx Chapter is seldom if ever closed, as the Table Ceremony is indispensable whenever there is a call to refresh ment, which should be at every assembling. HOLY THURSDAY, OR MAUNDAY THURSDAYDECORATIONS, ETC.A stated meeting of all Chapters Rose-Croix is held on Thursday before Easter: this meeting is indispensable. If a Rose-Croix Knight be necessarily alone, he must, in spirit at least, feast that day with his brethren. A wreath must be placed upon the cross in the East. The Pelican feeding its young should be prominently displayed in the Chapter-room upon a white column. Two additional yellow wax candles should be burning on the irregular throne in the East. The three columns, Faith, Hope, and Charity, should be displayed in Position. The silver salver with Passover-bread and goblet of whitewine should also be provided. The altar should be plain and hung with black, with the Book of Constitutions, and a square, compass, and Crux ansata of gold upon it. On the Crux ansata should be enamelled the letters. A little in front of the Master, on his right and left, are two triangular columns, draped in white, five feet in height. Upon each is a triangular transparency, on one side of which is a word. This word, on the column on his right, is I.: on that on his left I.: In the West, a little in front of the Wardens, on the right and left, are two columns, precisely alike, each with a similar transparency. On that upon the right is the word R.:, and on that upon the left, the word N.:. Each transparency turns upon a pivot, so that the words (until then concealed) may be displayed at the proper moment, which will not transpire until Easter Sunday. On this most solemn festival, a young lamb, roasted, is to be eaten at the feast. It must be white, without spot or blemish, and killed with a single blow of a knife. One of the brethren must prepare it; and the head and feet must be cut oft, and burned as an offering. At the repast, each must eat a piece. If a brother be travelling, and meet another brother on the road, they are obliged to go to some convenient place to perform this duty. This particular repast is styled the Mystic Banquet. On Holy Thursday, in the rear of the East will be depicted the following scene. The Celestial Vault studded with stars; the sun absent, and the moon obscured with clouds. In the extreme East, among the clouds, an Eagle hovers. In the centre of the scene is the representation of a mountain, on the summit of which is a cubical stone, and on that a crimson rose. Around the mountain, below, hang clouds and darkness; and further to the West, at its base, are all the ancient working-tools of Masonry, in fragments, with the two mystic columns prostrated, and each broken in two. The words Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty will be displayed on a ribbon over this scene. The above general arrangement of the Chapter-room will remain until Easter Sunday. CEREMONY-HOLY THURSDAYM.: W.: This Chapter is now called to refreshment. Before we part, let us eat together the bread earned by our labours, and thank our Heavenly Father for furnishing us with the means for sustaining life. B.: M.: of Cer.:, Visit the avenues, and see if there be any brother, or even any of the profane, who suffer from hunger or thirst: if there be, bring him in, for whoever he may be, he is our brother, and we will freely divide with him our bread and wine. Brothers and Knights, let us assemble around the altar of fraternal love, joyfully strengthening the tie which binds our hearts together. (In silence and order, the Knights follow the M.: W.: to table.) INVOCATIONSovereign Creator of all things, and source of life and light, who providest for all our necessities, bless the nourishment for the body we are about to take, and make it to give us strength to labor for thy glory and the advancement of all the great interests of humanity. Amen! BRIEF OF ADDRESSFrom time immemorial, man has plighted his faith and confidence in his fellow-man by drinking from the same cup and eating from the same loaf. Among Eastern nations at the present day has this method of solemnizing a pledge been retained. We learn from history, and our fathers of the Masonic faith, that in the ancient mysteries of Judea and Egypt, the newly initiated were presented with bread and wine as a symbol of the new life they were about entering upon, and that they were henceforth to be devoted to the laws of truth, and knowledge of their rights and duties. This ceremony is noted as having been practised in the mysteries of Judea and Eleusis, in their initiation to what they called the degree of Perfection. The Hebrews acquired the custom from the Egyptians, and celebrated their feasts of the Spring full moon, with bread and wine. With us it is simply a manifestation of fraternal love, as inculcated by Charity and Masonic philosophy. The solemn feast of the Rose-Croix Knights is held this day, and commemorates the feast of the Passover, observed by the Jews. Respectable and Perfect Knights, the feast of which we are about to partake is thus ordered: "On the 10th of the month of Nisan, they shall take to them every man a lamb, a lamb for a house; and if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbors next unto his house take it, according to the number of the souls. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year and ye shall keep it up until the 14th day of the same month, and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening: and they shall eat the flesh in that night, roasted with fire, and ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning, nor break any bone of it; and that which remaineth of it until the morning, ye shall burn with fire and thus shall ye eat it: with your loins girded, your shoes upon your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat in haste; it is the Lord's Passover. And this day shall be unto you for a memorial, and ye shall. keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations, a feast by an ordinance forever." This feast, and the bread and wine of which we partake, are to us symbols of fraternity and brotherly affection, and of that perfect union that must ever subsist among Brother Knights of the Rose- Croix. Thus, Brother Knights, are we assembled, solemnly and fraternally pledging ourselves one to another in brotherly love, in the presence of the angels and of that great Intelligence that surrounds us in our every action. We belong to no creed or school, but to universality, where Truth is the base and Morality the handmaid: we are Knights of Masonry, and to her service our swords are consecrated: may we prove worthy soldiers in a worthy cause. The Most Wise then takes two cakes whole of the Passover-bread, and a broken one, in his hand together, and breaks the upper cake; but he must not eat thereof till he breaks a piece off the broken one; then saying the correct word gives a piece of each to every one at the table. Both pieces are eaten together. After this commences the general feast of the lamb and white wine. The Ceremony of Extinguishing the Lights will then proceed. CEREMONY OF EXTINGUISHING THE LIGHTSThis ceremony takes place on every Thursday before Easter, after the Table Ceremony, and begins the moment the "Word" is returned to the Most Wise, and when all have resumed their positions. At the West end of the table is a candelabra with seven branches of unequal size, so as to form a triangle, the middle branch making the top of the triangle. In each a yellow wax candle must be burning. All being around the table, at a sign from the Most Wise, the officers in reverse order proceed to perform their allotted tasks. Behold, the Emancipator of mankind, the friend of the poor and destitute, the comforter, who, covering with the mantle of his word the nakedness of the lowest among the low, has introduced them into the Banquet-room of Immortality, there to enjoy the seat which has been from all eternity prepared for them by the Father. Guests of one day, and disinherited the next! the friend is dead, the benefactor is no more! Woe unto us! Woe unto us! Woe unto us! Error, Error triumphs, Truth has disappeared, ignorance has extinguished the light of philosophy. Thy fate is sealed, thou must die! and thy Knights will not be there to defend thee. Pray unto our Father to guide us in the arduous path of life, so that, when the last hour shall have come, we may rise to the bosom of our only friend, contemplate his beaming countenance, and enjoy forever the sublime lessons which he, no doubt, delivers to the pure beings who surround him. "Love ye each other." Close, as in the Table Ceremony, with the Benediction. EASTER SUNDAYDECORATIONS, ETCOn Easter Sunday the altar will be splendidly decorated, and hung with white and crimson, and strewed with flowers and garlands, as in fact should be the entire room; the altar should also have upon it the Book of Constitutions, etc., as on the occasion of Holy Thursday; the words on the columns should be displayed; and the representation in the East should be changed to the following:- The whole East represents the sun and moon shining in a clear sky, glittering with stars. In the extreme East is seen in the sky a cross surrounded by a glory, and by a bright cloud, in which appear the heads of seven angels; on the cross is a white rose in full bloom, and in its centre a letter. In the centre of the scene is the representation of a mountain, on the summit of which is a blazing star, with seven luminous points, and in the centre of that is also the letter. In the north is an eagle, hovering in the air; the square, compasses, trowel, and other Masonic emblems are scattered about, as also the cubical stone. The words Faith, Hope, Charity, and Truth will be displayed on a ribbon over this scene. CEREMONY-EASTER SUNDAYProceed as on Holy Thursday till the time for the THE ADDRESS, which may be delivered by the Most Wise, Orator, or such Brother Knight as may be selected for the special occasion. The Address should be brief, and explanatory of the joyful feast about to be partaken of, and at which greater license is given than on the Feast of Holy Thursday. The feast is not confined to any particular class of food, nor to white wine. The following hymn of praise may succeed the Address: HYMN. O God we lift our hearts to thee, and grateful voices raise; We thank thee for this festive night, accept our humble praise. Here may our souls delight to bless the God of truth and grace, who crowns our labours with success, among the rising race! May each unholy passion cease, each evil thought be crushed, each anxious care that mars our peace in Faith and Love be hushed. Oh! may we all in Truth abound, and Charity pursue; thus shall we be with glory crowned, and love as angels do.
All being in readiness, the following ceremony must transpire: CEREMONY OF RE-LIGHTING ON EASTER SUNDAYThis ceremony takes place immediately after the Ceremony of the Table. As in the Ceremony of Extinguishing the Lights, it begins as soon as the "Word" has been returned to the Most Wise. Each Knight is then at his post, and the music has stopped. The table is arranged as in the Ceremony of Extinguishing the Lights; the yellow wax candles have remained unlit since the previous Thursday. The Knights being round the table, at a signal from the Most Wise, the officers in reverse order discharge their several duties. We have at last re-entered the Banquet-room, and we resume therein the seat which our Father had provided for us. Immortal guests, no power can henceforth deprive us of our inheritance! Glory unto our Father! Glory unto our Father! Glory unto our Father! Love and Liberty give light and life to philosophy. Truth reappears. Proceed then, my brethren; think and act upon your own responsibility. You are now of age! Now you are redeemed! You have your own life in charge, now and forever! The Master shall ever follow you on the way! He will be your witness, your helper! He will aid your weakness and extend his hand to you in the hour of peril! The doors of the Infinite are opened unto you. Close as in the Table Ceremony, with the Benediction FUNERAL CEREMONY
DECORATIONS OF THE CHAPTER-ROSE-CROIX.The throne, altar, and seat of the officers must be hung with black. In the place formerly occupied by the deceased, there must be a chair covered with black cloth, strewed with tears, and an escutcheon of the Scottish Rite colours, upon which is written the name of the deceased. The escutcheon is surmounted with a death's head resting on two thigh-bones crossed. The collar of the highest degree possessed by the deceased, surrounds the escutcheon. At the lower extremity of the escutcheon hangs the jewel of the order, and behind it is a sword across its scabbard, the point downward. The walls of the Chapter are strewed with black garlands. The coffin is placed in the centre, and upon it the regalia of the deceased, whose feet shall be turned toward the west. The candlesticks, three in number, are black, surrounded with black crape, and bearing eleven lights each. Between the coffin and the West there must be a triangular pyramid. On the first side is the All-seeing eye of Providence, within the circle formed by a serpent biting its tail; on the second, a death's head, over which is a butterfly; and on the third, a Genius, holding in the right hand a torch reversed and extinguished, and in the left, a torch erect, burning. Before the Altar is an antique tripod surrounded with black crape, on which is a vessel containing perfumed alcohol; on each side, a basket of flowers on a truncated column; on the opposite side, the banner of the Chapter, with a knot of black crape. Above the coffin is a sepulchral lamp; and near the tripod, pans of incense and perfumes. There should be an organ in the West: a vessel filled with water, another filled with wine, and a third one filled with milk, are located respectively in the east, west, and south of the coffin; a vessel for ablutions in the north; and in the hands of the Master of Ceremonies, a torch for the Most Wise. At the East end of the Chapter there should be a kind of representation of the Elysian Fields, with abundance of flowers, verdure, and light, all of which are concealed by a thick black curtain, which is drawn aside at the moment of departure for the last resting place. CEREMONYThe labours of the Chapter are resumed in the usual manner, observing to make the mourning battery. The Most Wise will then address the Chapter on the ceeremony of the day, and the merits of the deceased. W.: Sir Knight Mas.: of Cer.:, engrave on the columns of this Sovereign Chapter, that on the - day of -, in the vulgar era, the soul of our beloved brother, Sir Knight - -, has returned to his Father, and that we have intrusted his mortal coil to the earth. PRAYERM.: W.: O Grand Architect of the Universe! Almighty God! All live and breathe in thee! For thee, light and darkness are but one! Thou seest us at our death as thou hast seen us at our birth, and, like the manifestations of life, the secrets of the grave are known to thee; in both states we are in thy presence. May our beloved brother forever dwell with thee as he has dwelt with us . May his death teach us how to die, and be unto us a preparation for that immortality which we hope to enjoy in thy bosom. Amen. INVOCATIONM.: W.: O thou merciful Father, whose supreme wisdom has put an end to our present life, and who, by the admirable providence of thy designs, hast decreed the cessation of the pangs and sorrows of suffering virtue, the deliverance of the oppressed and the terror of the iniquitous; thy infinite power has combined all things with a view that nothing should perish, and that our bodies, like our souls, should escape annihilation. Oh! thanks to thee for the feeling with which this consoling idea inspires us; for it soothes the regret which the sight of this coffin awakens within our hearts! May the immortal soul of our brother enjoy peace and happiness, and those pure ecstasies to which his assiduous labours in the cause of light and truth have entitled him.
Perfect Knight, our Brother ---- hears not our call. As this torch, he once lived and gave light, and he was a guide unto all seeking for light; but like it, a breath has extinguished his life and sunk him into the dark bosom of death. It is in vain that we call his name in these precincts. He is no more . No more shall we hear his voice . Let us then pay the last tribute of our respect to his memory, and from the eternal bourne wherein he now travels, may he be conscious of our sorrow. Knights, the gloomy colours covering these walls, and our attributes, the dull silence which dwells in that coffin, the sorrow which prevails in our hearts, and these dismal trophies of death, may remind us that from the very bosom of corruption arise the perfumes and joys of life! Death is but the initiation of eternal life; a pure conscience fears it not. HYMNCease, ye mourners, cease to languish, O'er the graves of those ye love; Pain and death, and night and anguish, Enter not the world above. While in darkness ye are straying, Lonely in the deepening shade, Glory's brightest beams are playing round the immortal spirit's head. Cease, ye mourners, cease to languish, O'er the graves of those ye love: Far removed from pain and anguish, They are chanting hymns above. Light and grace at once deriving from the hand of God on high, In his glorious presence shining, They shall never, never die. *** Let the strength which for thee was once derived from the vegetable kingdom, return to its source, and with thy mortal remains, to that material life which so beautifully expounds the wise designs of our Almighty Father. May death purify thee! May the waters of charity wash off all thy faults; and, in presence of this grave wherein thou restest, may we remember thy virtues only. Oh! thou, who art now freed from all the snares of duplicity, flattery, intolerance, hypocrisy, and falsehood, may truth shine for thee in all its glory, and to the errors and falterings of humanity reconcile thee May the soul of our brother return to its celestial abode, as the perfume of this incense rises toward heaven! May the Grand Architect receive it in his Eternal Chapter, and bestow upon it the reward in store for the righteous. M.: W.: My brothers, it is now the hour to carry our brother to his grave: let us follow, in silence, his coffin to the last resting-place. Weep ye not as those who have not Hope, for when, according to the laws of nature, our last hour shall have chimed, we shall follow him to meet beyond the grave, and rise from darkness to light. HYMNOn thy bosom, mighty Lord, gently may we fall asleep trusting in thy sacred word, Keep us, O our Father keep from the terror of the grave. Save us, Judah's Lion save. As we pass the vale of death, Round us throw the arm of love: When we yield this fleeting breath, Bear us to thy Lodge above, In the "house not made with hands," Compassed round with angel bands In the resurrection morn, Raise us with thine own right hand. Freed from envy and from scorn, Bring us to the better land, Where from labour brethren cease, Share refreshment, dwell in peace. |
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