The Mysteries of Free Masonry Part 34

In countries where there are no Grand Lodges, they have power to confer the blue degrees. They are the supreme judges of all transactions in the lower degrees; and no appeal can be made to the Supreme Councils of the upper degrees, until an opinion has been given by the Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, and the result of their opinion has been made known.

A Prince of Jerusalem who visits an inferior Lodge or Council, ought to present himself in the dress and ornaments of this degree. When his approach is announced, the presiding officer must send a Prince of Jerusalem to examine him, and if he reports in his favor, the arch of steel is to be formed, and he is conducted beneath it to his seat on the left of the presiding officer. An entry of his name and rank is made on the records, that he may henceforward receive our honors without any examination.

Five Princes are necessary to form a Grand Council.

DUTIES OF PRINCES.--They are carefully to observe the rules of justice and good order, and to maintain irreproachable lives. If guilty of unmasonic conduct, they are to be punished at the discretion of the Grand Council. Expulsions are to be notified to the Grand Councils of the upper degrees, and to all inferior Masonic bodies within the district.

If a Prince solicits a vote at an election, he is to be punished with perpetual exclusion.

The annual election is to take place on the twenty third day of the Jewish month Adar. The meetings of the Councils are termed Conventions.

APARTMENTS USED IN THIS DEGREE.--There are two apartments, connected by a long, narrow pa.s.sage. The western represents the court of Zerubbabel, at Jerusalem. The hangings are yellow. Over the throne is a yellow canopy. On a triangular pedestal, before the throne, are placed a naked sword, an arrow of justice, a balance, and a s.h.i.+eld on which is an equilateral triangle, a sceptre, a chandelier of five branches, which are all lighted in the latter part of the ceremony of reception. The eastern apartment represents the cabinet of Darius. It is hung with red; the canopy is red. Before the throne is a small square pedestal, and in it a drawn sword, a sceptre, paper, pens, etc.

The chief Minister of State sits near Darius.

OFFICERS OF THE GRAND COUNCIL.--The first officer is styled "Most Equitable Prince," and is on the throne. The Senior Warden and Junior Warden are styled "Most Enlightened;" seated in the West. The other officers and the members are styled "Valiant Princes."

DRESS.--The "Most Equitable" wears a yellow robe and turban. The ap.r.o.n is red; on it are painted the temple, a square, a buckler, a triangle, and a hand; the flap is yellow; on it a balance, and the letters D. Z. [Darius and Zerubbabel.] Gloves are red. Sash is yellow, edged with gold, embroidered by a balance, a hand, a poniard, five stars, and two crowns, it is worn from right to left.

JEWEL.--A golden medal; on one side a hand holding a balance in equilibris; on the other a two-edged sword, with five stars around the point, and the letters D. Z.

ALARM.--The alarm is three and two (!!! !!).

OPENING.--The "Most Equitable" strikes one, and says, "Valiant Grand Master of Ceremonies, what is the first business of a Grand Council of the Princes of Jerusalem?" Grand Master of Ceremonies. "To see that the guards are at their proper stations." M. E. "Attend to that duty, and inform," etc. G. M. C.--"It is done, Most Equitable." Most Equitable strikes two; the Junior Warden rises. M. E.--"Valiant Junior Warden, what is our next business?" J. W.--"To see that all present are Princes of Jerusalem." M. E.--"Attend to that duty." J. W.--"We are all Princes of Jerusalem." Most Equitable (striking thrice).--"Valiant Senior Warden, what is the hour?" Senior Warden.--"The rising of the sun." M. E.--"What duty remains to be done?" S. W.--"To arrange the Princes in two columns, for the proper discharge of their duties." M. E.--"Attend to that duty." S. W.--"Most Equitable, it is done." M. E.--"Valiant Junior and Senior Wardens, inform your respective columns that I am about to open this Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem, by three and two." (That is done.) M.

E.--"Attention, Valiant Princes! (The signs are given; the Most Equitable strikes three and two; this is repeated by the Wardens.) I declare this Grand Council duly opened and in order for business."

RECEPTION.--The candidate, being hoodwinked, is led by the Master of Ceremonies to the door--the alarm is given--the door is opened without any ceremony, and the candidate is led to the east, and thus addressed: Most Equitable.--"What is your desire?" Candidate.--"I come to prefer the complaints of the people of Israel against the Samaritans, who have refused to pay the tribute imposed on them for defraying the expense of the sacrifices offered to G.o.d in the temple."

M. E. (who represents Zerubbabel).--"I have no power over the Samaritans; they are subject to King Darius, who is at Babylon; it is to him that such complaints must be preferred; but as we are all interested in this thing, I will arm you, and cause you to be accompanied by four Knights, that you may more easily surmount any difficulty which may present itself in your journey to the court of the King of Persia." The bandage is now removed from the eyes of the candidate; he is armed with a sword and buckler, and decorated as a Knight of the East. The four Knights who accompany him are armed in a similar manner. They commence their journey, and are attacked by some armed ruffians, whom they repulse. They arrive at the door of the cabinet of Darius. The candidate enters with one of the Knights, and thus addresses the King:--"Mighty King! the Samaritans refuse to pay the tribute imposed on them by Cyrus, King of Persia, for defraying the expenses of the sacrifices which are offered in the temple which we have rebuilt; the people of Israel entreat that you will compel the Samaritans to perform their duty." Darius.--"Your request is just and equitable; I order that the Samaritans shall immediately pay the tribute imposed on them. My Chief Minister shall deliver to you my decree for this purpose. Go in Peace!" The candidate retires; the Chief Minister follows, and delivers the decree to him. After surmounting various obstacles, candidate is met on his return by the Knights with lighted torches, and is thus conducted with triumph into the presence of Zerubbabel, and says:--"I deliver to you the decree of Darius, King of Persia, which we have obtained after defeating our enemies, and encountering many dangers in our journey." Most Equitable reads the decree as follows:--"We, Darius, 'King of Kings!' willing to favor and protect our people at Jerusalem, after the example of our ill.u.s.trious predecessor, King Cyrus, do will and ordain that the Samaritans, against whom complaints have been made, shall punctually pay the tribute money which they owe for the sacrifices of the temple--otherwise they shall receive the punishment due to their disobedience. Given at Shushan, the palace, this fourth day of the second month, in the year 3534, and of our reign the third, under the seal of our faithful Darius. [L. S.]" M. E.--"The people of Jerusalem are under the greatest obligations to you for the zeal and courage displayed by you in surmounting the obstacles which you encountered in your journey; as a reward we shall confer on you the mysteries of the degree of Prince of Jerusalem. Are you willing to take an obligation, binding you to an exact observance of our laws, and a careful concealment of our mysteries?" Candidate.--"I am." M. E.--"Kneel before the altar for that purpose."

OBLIGATION.--I, A. B., do solemnly promise and swear, in the presence of Almighty G.o.d, the Great Architect of heaven and earth, and of these Valiant Princes of Jerusalem, that I will never reveal the mysteries of the degree of Prince of Jerusalem to any one of an inferior degree, or to any other person whatever. I promise and swear, as a Prince of Jerusalem, to do justice to my brethren, and not to rule them tyranically, but in love. I promise and swear that I will never, by word or deed, attack the honor of any Prince of Jerusalem; and that I will not a.s.sist in conferring this degree except in a lawful Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem. All this I promise and swear, under the penalty of being stripped naked, and having my heart pierced with a poniard. So help me G.o.d. Amen! Amen! Amen!

The Most Equitable raises the candidate, and gives him the following signs, tokens, and words:--FIRST SIGN--Extend the right arm horizontally at the height of the shoulder. This is termed the sign of command. FIRST TOKEN.--Each places his left hand on his left hip, and the right hand on his brother's left shoulder. SECOND TOKEN.--Join left hands, placing the thumb on the second joint of the little finger; with the thumb strike five times on that joint.

Pa.s.s-WORD.--"Tebeth." The name of the Jewish month in which the Amba.s.sadors entered Jerusalem. SACRED WORD.--"Adar." The name of the month in which thanks were given to G.o.d for the completion of the temple. In some Councils the following sign is given, viz.:--Present yourself before your brother with your sword advanced, and your left hand resting on your hip, as if to commence a combat. He will answer the sign by extending his arm at the height of the shoulder, the right foot forming a square with the toe of the left. THE MARCH.--Five steps on the diagonal of the square towards the throne. AGE.--The age of a Prince of Jerusalem, is 5 times 15.

Most Equitable.--"I now appoint and const.i.tute you, with your four companions, Princes and Governors of Jerusalem, that you may render justice to all the people. I decorate you with a yellow sash, to which is attached a gold medal. The 'balance' on it is to admonish you to make equity and justice your guides. The 'hand of justice' is a mark of your authority over the people. The 'emblems' of the 'ap.r.o.n' with which I now invest you, have reference to the works and virtues of Masons, and to your duty in the high office with which you are invested. As Princes of Jerusalem, you will a.s.semble in two chambers of the temple. Be just, merciful, and wise."

LECTURE.--Question--Are you a Prince of Jerusalem? Answer--I know the road to Babylon.

Q. What were you formerly? A. A Knight of the East.

Q. How did you arrive at the dignity of a Prince of Jerusalem? A. By the favor of Zerubbabel, and the courage which I manifested in many conflicts.

Q. Where did the Prince of Jerusalem travel? A. From Jerusalem to Babylon.

Q. Why? A. The Samaritans having refused to pay the tribute imposed on them for defraying the expense of the sacrifices offered to G.o.d in the temple, an emba.s.sy was dispatched to Babylon, to obtain justice of King Darius.

Q. How many Knights const.i.tuted this emba.s.sy? A. Five.

Q. Did they encounter any difficulty in their journey? A. They did.

The Samaritans, against whom they were to prefer a complaint, armed themselves and attacked the amba.s.sadors, but were defeated.

Q. What did they obtain from Darius? A. A decree ordering the Samaritans to pay the tribute, or suffer punishment.

Q. How were the amba.s.sadors received on their return to Jerusalem? A.

At some distance from the city they were met by the people, who accompanied them to the temple singing songs of joy. On reaching the temple and making their report, and presenting the decree of Darius, they were const.i.tuted Princes of Jerusalem.

Q. How were they habited as Princes of Jerusalem? A. In cloth of gold.

Q. What were their decorations? A. A yellow sash trimmed with gold from right to left; to which was attached a golden medal, on which was engraved a balance, a sword, five stars, and the letters D. Z.

Q. What is signified by the five stars on the sash? A. They are emblematic of the five Knights who journeyed from Jerusalem to Babylon.

Q. What is the age of a Prince of Jerusalem? A. Five times fifteen.

CLOSE.--Most Equitable. "Most Enlightened Junior and Senior Wardens, announce to your respective columns that I am about to close this Grand Council by five times fifteen." Each Warden strikes five; all rise and the notice is given. M. E. "Attention, Princes of Jerusalem?

(The signs are given. The Most Equitable strikes five times fifteen, which is repeated by the Wardens.) Be just, merciful and wise! I declare this Grand Council duly closed."

KNIGHTS OF THE EAST AND WEST.

FORM OF THE GRAND COUNCIL.--The Grand Council of Knights of the East and West, must be hung with red and sprinkled with gold stars. In the east of the Council Chamber must be a canopy, elevated by seven steps, supported by four lions and four eagles, and between them an angel, or seraphim, with six wings. On one side of the throne there must be a transparent painting of the sun, and, on the other side, one of the moon; below them is stretched a rainbow. In the east there must be a basin with perfume, and a basin of water, and a human skull. On the south side there must be six small canopies, and on the north side five, elevated by three steps, for the Venerable Ancients, and opposite the throne, in the west, are two canopies, elevated by five steps, for the two Venerable Wardens, who act in this Council as Grand Officers, or Wardens. A full Grand Council must be composed of twenty-four Knights. On the pedestal there must be a large Bible, with seven seals suspended therefrom.

The Venerable Master is called "Most Puissant;" the Wardens, and the twenty-one other brethren, are called "Respectable Ancients." If there are more brethren present, they are styled "Respectable Knights," and are placed north and south, behind the small canopies.

The first canopy, at the right side of the Puissant, is always vacant for the candidate. All the brethren are clothed in white, with a zone of gold 'round the waist, long white beards and golden crowns on their heads. The Knights, in their ordinary habits, wear a broad, white ribbon from the right shoulder to the left hip, with the jewel suspended thereto. They also wear a cross of the order, suspended by a black ribbon, 'round their necks. The Most Puissant has his right hand on the large Bible on the pedestal with seven seals. The draft (or carpet) of the Council, is an heptagon in a circle--over the angles are these letters, B. D. S. P. H. F. In the centre, a man clothed in a white robe, with a girdle of gold 'round his waist--his right hand extended and surrounded with seven stars--he has a long white beard, his head surrounded with a glory, and a two-edged sword in his mouth--with seven candlesticks 'round him, and over them the following letters: H. D. P. I. P. R. C.

The jewel is an heptagon of silver--at each angle, a star of gold and one of these letters B. D. S. P. H. G. S. in the centre. A lamb on a book with seven seals--on the reverse, the same letters in the angles, and in the centre, a two-edged sword between a balance.

The ap.r.o.n is white, lined with red, bordered with yellow, or gold; on the flap is painted a two-edged sword, surrounded with the seven holy letters--or the ap.r.o.n may have the plan of the draft painted on it.

TO OPEN THE COUNCIL.--The Most Puissant, with his right hand on the Bible sealed with seven seals, demands, "Venerable Knights Princes, what is your duty?" A. "To know if we are secure." Most Puissant. "See that we are so." A. "Most Puissant, we are in perfect security." The Most Puissant strikes seven times, and says, "Respectable Knights Princes, the Grand Council of Knights of the East and West is open; I claim your attention to the business thereof." A. "We promise obedience to the Most Puissant's commands." They rise and salute him, when he returns the compliment, and requests them to be seated.

RECEPTION.--The candidate must be in an antechamber, which must be hung with red, and lighted with seven lights, where he is clothed with a white robe, as an emblem of the purity of his life and manners. The Master of Ceremonies brings him barefooted to the Council Chamber door, on which he knocks seven times, which is answered by the Most Puissant, who desires the youngest Knight to go to the door, and demand who knocks. The master of Ceremonies answers, "It is a valiant brother and Most Excellent Prince of Jerusalem, who requests to be admitted to the Venerable and Most Puissant." The Knight reports the same answer to the Most Puissant, who desires the candidate to be introduced. The Most Ancient Respectable Senior Grand Warden then goes to the door, and takes the candidate by the hand, and says, "Come, my dear brother, I will show you mysteries worthy the contemplation of a sensible man. Give me the sign, token, and word of a prince of Jerusalem;" after which the candidate kneels on both knees, about six feet from the throne, when the Most Ancient Respectable Senior Grand Warden says to him, "Brother, you, no doubt, have always borne in memory the obligations of your former degrees, and that you have, as far as in the power of human nature, lived agreeably to them?"

Candidate. "I have ever made it my study, and, I trust, my actions and life will prove it." Q. "Have you particularly regarded your obligations as a 'Sublime Knight of Perfection,' 'Knight of the East and Prince of Jerusalem?' Do you recollect having injured a brother in any respect whatsoever? or have you seen or known of his being injured by others, without giving him timely notice, as far as was in your power? I pray you answer me with candor." Candidate. "I have in all respects done my duty, and acted with integrity to the best of my abilities." The Most Puissant says, "You will be pleased to recollect, my brother, that the questions which have now been put to you, are absolutely necessary for us to demand, in order that the purity of our Most Respectable Council may not be sullied; and it behooves you to be particular in your recollection, as the indispensable ties which we are going to lay you under, will, in case of your default, only increase your sins, and serve to hurl you sooner to destruction, should you have deviated from your duty: answer me, my dear brother."

Candidate. "I never have." The Most Puissant says, "We are happy, my brother, that your declaration coincides with our opinion, and are rejoiced to have it into our power to introduce you into our society.

Increase our joy by complying with our rules, and declare if you are willing to be united to us by taking a most solemn obligation."

Candidate. "I ardently wish to receive it, and to have the honor of being united to so respectable and virtuous a society." The Most Puissant orders one of the Knights to bring an ewer containing some perfume, a basin of water, and a clean white napkin to the candidate, who washes his hands. The Most Puissant repeats the six first verses of the 24th Psalm. Then the candidate is brought close to the foot of the throne, where he kneels on both knees, and placing his right hand on the Bible, his left hand between the hands of the Most Puissant, in which position he takes the following

OBLIGATION.--I, ----, do promise and solemnly swear, and declare, in the awful presence of the only One Most Holy Puissant Almighty and Most Merciful Grand Architect of heaven and earth, who created the universe and myself through his infinite goodness, and conducts it with wisdom and justice--and in the presence of the Most Excellent and upright Princes and Knights of the East and West, here present in convocation and Grand Council, on my sacred word of honor and under every tie, both moral and religious, that I never will reveal to any person whomsoever below me, or to whom the same may not belong, by being legally and lawfully initiated, the secrets of this degree which is now about to be communicated to me, under the penalty of not only being dishonored, but to consider my life as the immediate forfeiture, and that to be taken from me with all the tortures and pains to be inflicted in manner as I have consented to in my preceding degrees. I further promise and solemnly swear, that I never will fight or combat with my brother Knights, but will, at all times, when he has justice on his side, be ready to draw my sword in his defence, or against such of his enemies who seek the destruction of his person, his honor, peace, or prosperity; that I never will revile a brother, or suffer others to reflect on his character in his absence, without informing him thereof, or noticing it myself, at my option; that I will remember, on all occasions, to observe my former obligations, and be just, upright, and benevolent to all my fellow creatures, as far as in my power. I further solemnly promise and swear, that I will pay due obedience and submission to all the degrees of Masonry; and that I will do all in my power to support them in all justifiable measures for the good of the craft, and advantage thereof, agreeably to the Grand Const.i.tutions.--All this I solemnly swear and sincerely promise, upon my sacred word of honor, under the penalty of the severe wrath of the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth, and may He have mercy on my soul, on the great and awful day of judgment, agreeably to my conformity thereto. Amen. Amen. Amen.

The Most Puissant then takes the ewer filled with perfumed ointment, and anoints his head, eyes, mouth, heart, the tip of his right ear, hand, and foot, and says, "You are now, my dear brother, received a member of our society; you will recollect to live up to the precepts of it, and also remember that those parts of your body which have the greatest power of a.s.sisting you in good or evil, have this day been made holy!" The Master of Ceremonies then places the candidate between the two Wardens, with the craft before him. The Senior Warden says to him, "Examine with deliberation and attention everything which the Most Puissant is going to show you." After a short pause, he, the Senior Warden, says--"Is there mortal here worthy to open the book with the seven seals?" All the brethren cast their eyes down and sigh. The Senior Warden, hearing their sighs, says to them, "Venerable and respectable brethren, be not afflicted; here is a victim (pointing to the candidate), whose courage will give you content." Senior Warden to the candidate, "Do you know the reason why the ancients have a long white beard?" Candidate. "I do not, but I presume you do." S. W. "They are those who came here, after pa.s.sing through great tribulation, and having washed their robes in their own blood; will you purchase such robes at so great a price?" Candidate. "Yes; I am willing." The Wardens then conduct him to the basin, and bare both his arms--they place a ligature on each, the same as in performing the operation of blood-letting. Each Warden being armed with a lancet, makes an incision in each of his arms, just deep enough to draw a drop of blood, which is wiped on a napkin, and shown to the brethren. The Senior Warden then says, "See, my brethren, a man who has spilled his blood to acquire a knowledge of our mysteries, and shrunk not from the trial!" Then the Most Puissant opens the first Seal of the great book, and takes from thence a bone quiver, filled with arrows, and a crown, and gives them to one of the Ancients, and says to him, "Depart and continue the conquest." He opens the second Seal, and takes out a sword, and gives it to the next aged, and says, "Go, and destroy peace among the profane and wicked brethren, that they may never appear in our Council." He opens the third Seal, and takes a balance, and gives it to the next aged, and says, "Dispense rigid justice to the profane and wicked brethren." He opens the fourth Seal, and takes out a scull, and gives it to the next aged, and says, "Go, and endeavor to convince the wicked that death is the reward of their guilt." He opens the fifth Seal, and takes out a cloth, stained with blood, and gives it to the next aged, and says, "When is the time (or, the time will arrive,) that we shall revenge and punish the profane and wicked, who have destroyed so many of their brethren by false accusations." He opens the sixth Seal, and that moment the sun is darkened and the moon stained with blood! He opens the seventh Seal, and takes out incense, which he gives to a brother; and also a vase, with seven trumpets, and gives one to each of the seven aged brethren. After this, the four old men, in the four corners, show their inflated bladders (beeves' bladders, filled with wind under their arms), representing the four winds: when the Most Puissant says "Here is seen the fulfilment of a prophecy;" (Rev. vii.

3). Strike not, nor punish the profane and wicked of our order, until I have selected the true and worthy Masons! Then the four winds raise their bladders, and one of the trumpets sound, when the two Wardens cover the candidate's arms, and take from him his ap.r.o.n and jewel of the last degree. The second trumpet sounds, when the Junior Warden gives the candidate the ap.r.o.n and jewel of this degree. The third trumpet sounds, when the Senior Warden gives him a long white beard.

The fourth trumpet sounds, and the Junior Warden gives him a crown of gold. The fifth trumpet sounds, and the Senior Warden gives him a girdle of gold. The sixth trumpet sounds, and the Junior Warden gives him the sign, token and words, as follows:--SIGN.--Look at your right shoulder, it will be answered by looking at the left shoulder. One says, "Abaddon," the other "Jubulum." FIRST TOKEN.--Place your left hand in the right hand of your brother, who will cover it with his left; both at the same time look over their right shoulder. SECOND TOKEN.--Touch your brother's left shoulder with your left hand; he replies by touching your right shoulder with his right hand. SIGN FOR ENTERING THE LODGE.--Place your right hand on the brother's forehead (i.e., the Tyler's), he will do the same. Pa.s.s-WORD.--"Jubulum," or, according to some, "Perignan" and "Gadaon." SACRED WORD.--"Abaddon."

This name will be found in Rev. ix. 11. The seventh trumpet sounds, on which they all sound together, when the Senior Warden conducts the candidate to the vacant canopy.

ORIGIN OF THIS DEGREE.--When the Knights and Princes were embodied to conquer the Holy Land, they took a cross to distinguish them, as a mark of being under its banners; they also took an oath to spend the last drop of their blood to establish the true religion of the Most High G.o.d. Peace being made, they could not fulfil their vows, and, therefore, returning home to their respective countries, they resolved to do in theory what they could not do by practice, and determined never to admit, or initiate, any into their mystic ceremonies, but those who had given proofs of friends.h.i.+p, zeal, and discretion. They took the name of Knights of the East and West, in memory of their homes and the place where the order began; and they have ever since strictly adhered to their ancient customs and forms. In the year 1118, the first Knights, to the number of eleven, took their vows between the hands of Garimont, Patriarch and Prince of Jerusalem, from whence the custom is derived of taking the obligation in the same position.

LECTURE.--Question--Are you a Knight of the East and West? A. I am.