[Illustration: (the key, as described in the text)]
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The outside lines represent the dimensions of the paper; the inside ones are the key, and the dotted ones, the section that is made of the whole for the purpose of keeping it secret, should any GRACELESS COWAN ever get possession of the sacred ark, and attempt to rummage its contents. The other part of the key x is made on the back of the same piece of paper, so that on putting them together, it shows equally plain. It is said that these characters were used by Aaron Burr, in carrying on his treasonable practices, and by that means made public; since which time they have been written and read from left to right. After the ceremonies are ended, the High Priest informs the candidates, in many or few words, according to his ability, that this degree owes its origin to Zerrubbabel and his associates, who rebuilt the temple by order of Cyrus, King of Persia. He informs them that the discovery of the secret vault and the inestimable treasures, with the long lost WORD, actually took place in the manner represented in conferring this degree, and that it is the circumstance upon which the degree is principally founded. The ceremony of closing a Chapter is precisely the same as at opening, to the raising of the living arch. The companions join hands by threes, in the same manner, and say in concert, "As we three did agree the sacred word to keep, as we three did agree the sacred word to search, so we three do agree to close this royal arch." They then break without giving the word, as the High Priest reads the following prayer:
"By the wisdom of the Supreme High Priest may we be directed, by His strength may we be enabled, and by the beauty of virtue may we be incited to perform the obligations here enjoined upon us; to keep inviolable the mysteries here unfolded to us, and invariably to practice all those duties out of the Chapter, which are inculcated in it. (Response.) So mote it be. Amen."
The High Priest then declares the Chapter closed in due form.
At the sound of the trumpet the line is formed. Master of Calvary to the Sir Knight Warden, "When a Council of Knights of the Red Cross is about to be formed and opened, what is the first care?" Warden--"To see the Council chamber duly guarded." M. C.--"Please to attend to that part of your duty, see that the sentinels are at their respective posts, and inform the Captain of the Guards that we are about to open a Council of Knights of the Red Cross for the dispatch of business." W.--"The sentinels are at their respective posts, and the Council chamber duly guarded." M. C.--"Are all present Knights of the Red Cross?" W.--"They are." M. C.--"Attention, Sir Knights, count yourselves from right to left--right files handle sword--draw sword--carry sword--right files to the left double--second division forward, march, halt--right about face!" Sir Knight Master of Infantry, accompanied by the sword-bearer and Warden--"Please inform the Sovereign Master that the lines are formed waiting his pleasure." At the approach of the Council the trumpet sounds. M. C.--"Form avenue (the Council pass); the Sovereign Master passes uncovered; recover arms, poise arms!" Sovereign Master--"Attention, Sir Knights; give your attention to the several signs of Masonry; as I do, so do you." [The Sir Knights give the signs from the first to the seventh degree.] S. M.--"Draw swords, and take care to advance and give the Jewish countersign--recover arms; take care to advance and give the Persian countersign--recover arms." S.M. to Sir Knight Master of the Palace--"Advance and give me the word of a Knight of the Red Cross; the word is right--receive it on your left." The word is then passed around; when it arrives at the Chancellor he says, "Sovereign Master of the Red Cross, word has arrived." S. M.--"Pass it on to me [he gives it to the Sovereign Master]. Sir Knight, the word is right." S. M. to Sir Knight Chancellor--"Advance and give me the grand sign, grip, and word of a Knight of the Red Cross; it is right--receive it on your left." The word passes around as before, as will hereafter be explained, and when arrived at the Master of the Palace, he says, "Sovereign Master, the grand sign, grip and word have arrived." S. M.--"Pass them on to me; Sir Knight, they are right. Left face--deposit helmets--centre face--reverse arms--to your devotions [the Sir Knights all kneel and repeat the Lord's prayer]--recover arms--left face--recover helmets--centre face--right about face--to your posts--march!"