C. moves to a position at end of altar opposite G., and

then all three leave altar simultaneously, C. and G. on parallel lines, and resume stations; G. returns applica- tion to Sec. Then Eegent:)
Eegent — Guide, you will now retire, prepare the ap- plicant, conduct him to the threshold of this Council Chamber, and thence as you are bidden.
(If more than one applicant, E. should appoint Assist. G. to accompany each of the others in Part I.)
(Guide retires to the ante-room, and then advances to
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the inner door Avith the applicant or applicants, hood- winked, and gives XX-XX-X.)
Warden (opening the door slightly) — Who knocks?
Guide — A friend.
AVarden — Vice Ecgent, a friend awaits without.
Vice Eegent — Admit him.
(Guide enters with applicant or applicants, the door being closed behind them. Guide leaves applicant at the threshold — each Asst. G. remains with his appli- cant— and advances to the altar alone, under sign of Duty.)
Guide — Eegent, a stranger stands upon the threshold of our secret Council Chamber.
Eegent — Who is the stranger ?
Guide — One who is a friend and would be more.
Eegent — What are his desires ?
Guide — 1^0 know, for himself, the Mysteries of the Eoyal Arcanum, and to secure for those dear to him, the benefits which our Order bestows.
Regent — Let the friend advance.
(Guide returns to applicant and leads him to the altar. When all applicants stand at altar, each Asst. G. steps to the rear of the one he conducts, the G. at left of line and applicants.)
Eegent — Friend, thus far you have chosen well, but you are as yet unacquainted with your duties and your privileges. Listen attentively to words which will en- lighten you.
Chaplain (advancing to the altar, facing applicant) — Our Order requires that you should now give a solemn promise. Witholding it, you can go no farther. I As- sure you that this promise will not conflict with either
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your religious belief or your duties as a citizen. Are you willing to proceed?
(The Applicant must reply in the affirmative.)
Regent — Guide, place the applicant in position to re- ceive the Obligation o o o.
(The Council may require the applicant to repeat the Obligation, or give his assent thereto after it has been read to him.)
(The Guide shall instruct -applicant as to his position ; each Asst. G. places his applicant in position to receive the Obligation, and at proper time relieves him of that position, etc.)
Chaplain — Friend you will now give your attention while I read the Obligation of this Order:
In the presence of Almighty God and these witnesses, I do, of my own free will and accord, most solemnly promise that I will strictly comply with all laws, rules and usages of this Fraternity, established by the Su- preme Council of the Eoyal Arcanum. I will hold alle- giance to said Supreme Council and be loyal thereunto, on the supreme authority of the entire Order. I will obey all orders emanating from the Supreme or Grand Councils, or from the Subordinate Council, of which 1 am a member, so long as they do not conflict with my civil or religious libert3\ T will not defraud or wrong any department of this Order, or any member thereof, or suffer it to be done by others, if it be in my power to pre- vent, I will never introduce anything of a political or sectarian character at any meeting of, or in any way bearing reproach upon, this Order. I will keep forever stcret all that may transpire during my initiation and will never im.properly communicate to any person any
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of the words, signs or tokens, and should I be expelled or leave the Order, I will consider this Obligation as binding out of it, as it is in it. I will assist a distressed brother or his family when in distress, as far as is in my power, without material injury to myself or family. I will answer all proper signs of the fraternity and use all proper means to protect a brother from defamation.
And, should I violate this, my solemn promise, I here- by consent to be expelled from the Fraternity, and may God aid me to keep and perform all of these obligations..
My Friend — You have heard this solemn obligation. Do you^ in the presence of the officers and the members of this Council, promise faithfully to abide by it?
(The Applicant must answer in the affirmative, after which the Guide quietly relieves him from the position he had assumed while taking the Obligation.)
Regent — Friend, you will now retire with the Guide to the ante-room, whence you will soon return, to have thrown open to you the portals of the Royal Secret.
(Guide retires Avith Applicant to the ante-room, re- moves the hoodwink, and there prepares him by placing upon him the Sash, resting upon the right shoulder and passing across the body and under the left arm, and by baring his right arm for an inch or two above the wrist. )
(As soon as applicant has retired and Regent o, then