V. R. and C. rise at their stations simultaneously, ad-

vance to the altar, give sign of Duty, and proceed, V. R. receeding, to perform their Duty, and after it is fin- ished they return to altar in the same order, give sign of Duty, and then resume their stations.)
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Tart IT. of the Mysteries. (From page 10, ft', of the Book of Duties.)
A^ice Ecgcnt — Eegent the Council Chamber is ready for the reception of the applicant.
Eogent — Admit him.
(If more than one applicant, all except one previously selected by E. and by him named to G. may be, in single file, and slowh^, with accompaniment of music, if prac- ticable, conducted by G. past V-screen, then between it and M-screcn, so each may see the contents of both screens and then seated apart from members of Council, in front of either stations of the P. R. or C, and so remain until the other applicant has duly passed through the Courts of V. and M. and the inner Court, to the point designated for the removal of Sash, and then all applicants being placed at altar, proceed in due form. The foregoing instruction does not prohibit a Council from conducting more than one Applicant through the entire ceremony. When the applicant, who is now to receive the full Degree, is seated, the Regent will say:)
A few words to the friend (or friends) who has (or have) been seated in our midst, in explanation of his (or their) position would be well at this moment. You have readily assented to the Obligation of the Royal Arcanum as rehearsed by our Chaplain, and the cere- monies you are about to witness consist of conferring the full Degree of the Royal Arcanum. Our laws pro- vide that when two or more persons are to be initiated, all candidates except one previously chosen, may be con- ducted to seats in out Council Chamber, affording a full view of the exemplification of our ritualistic work
255
upon the remaining applicant. It will be your duty to pay strict attention to these proceedings, and to apply to yourself the great principles and attributes of the Eoyal Arcanum, as if the full Degree had been con- ferred upon you personally.
(The Warden gives XX-XX-X. answered by the Guide in the same manner. Guide enters with applicant hood- winked, and places him on the V-screen facing the cen- ter.)
Guide — The applicant is waiting.
(Guide raises hoodwink, so that applicant can see what is before him.)
Vice Eegent — Friend, you stand within the outer Court of the Eoyal Secret. It is constructed to repre- sent the initial letter, or sign, of the first of the three great principles of the Eoyal Arcanum, Virtue. It is hung in white, indicating that the first step into the Mysteries should be one of purity.
Virtue in this Order, however, means more than this. It stands for purity of soul and for a courage not to be daunted. Your right arm is bared, indicating a readi- ness to receive the benefits and favors of the Order. You see water before you. Bathe your hand in it, to signify that you wash yourself from the impurities of the outer world.
(Prompted by Guide, if necessar}^, the applicant must immerse his right hand in the water.)
Guide — The applicant has obeyed.
(Guide again hoodwinks Applicant.)
Vice Eegent — As one about to enter upon a difficult journey, in pursuit of important benefits, invites success by careful preparation, so have you, by this rite, been
256
prepared to advance with pure hands toward the inner Court, there to win the mystic emblem and the privi- leges which our Order confers.
(Here the Guide shall suspend from the Sash, under the Applicants left arm, the Protective Badge.)
(Here may be sung o o o after the air "Auld Lang Syne."
How sweet the thought that Virtue dwells
In every human breast, That God sends forth to mortal world
To make his children blest. Then brothers, strive through life to keep
That spark alive and bright. That it may burn till heaven's own flame
Shall make our pathway light.
Hegent — Friend, having rbeen obedient to the instruc- tions of the outer Court, you are entitled to be called a Brother in Virtue, and have earned the right to proceed.
Members (in union led by the Past Regent) — Brother in Virtue, in all your relations to our Order, may you prove this title worthily bestowed.
(While the members thus speak, the Guide shall lead the applicant into the M-screen, in which — X — Guide removes hoodwink as soon as applicant is in the M- screen.)
Guide — The applicant stands in the second Court.
Regent — Brother in Virtue, you are now advanced to the second Court of the Royal Arcanum, and stand before the second symbol of the Order. In its form, it repres- ents the initial letter of the second great principle of T)ur Order, Mercy. Its color is blue, signifying that Mercy is an attribute of heaven itself. It is a double Court, showing that which it represents twice blessed; blessing him that gives and him that takes. You stand
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at its central point, which suggests that the quality sym- bolized is an attribute of the heart, the source of all noble actions. To pass this Court a test is required, listen to further instructions.
Orator — life is like the double Court in which you stand. There are always two paths lying before you, only one of which you can pursue. In the one you help mercifully to lift from your brother and those dear to him, the burdens, sorrows and responsibilities which may rest heavily upon him, in the other, you increase the bur- dens of life, and bring to home and friends a sorrow which neither regrets nor remorse can ever remove. You now have the opportunity of proving yourself merciful, and thus worthy of companionship in the Eoyal Arc- anum. Of the two courts before you, enter either, as you may select. May the promptings of your heart be merciful and wisely direct your choice, that no obstacle may bar your progress through the second work of the Order.
(If applicant hesitates, the Guide quietly directs him to remove the burden from k~g brother, and assists him to assume it.)
Guide — He has lifted the burden.
llegent — Brother, you have well borne this 'test. You have been taught concerning the burdens and responsi- bilities which our Order bravely and mercifully carries, and which you must heip to bear. They are symbolized by the burden which you have just assumed. Without assistance all our burdens are heavy and grievous, as you find this, yet with a strong heart and with brotherly sym- pathy and help, they become light, and are easily borne. Having shown yourself worthy, you are entitled to stand
within the inner court, and to advance toward the Mys- teries of the Royal Secret.
(The Guide on the left of the applicant shall then lead him bearing the burden, from the M-screen past the Orator around the Council room to the altar, while Guide repeats : )
Guide — Mercy moves among the desolate homes of men, amidst the poor and neglected, an angel whose "^vings are bright with hues of paradise. Its trophies are immortal, they will live when the weapons of victorious battle have been broken, and the sound of the poet^s lyre is hushed forever. When green wreaths have faded, when the glorious monuments of human skill have perished, and when the stars themselves have ceased to burn, they will be remembered among the jewels in heaven.
(K— g brother emerges from M-screen, and standing in front of the Past Eegent, or Orator says:)
Eegent, when a weary, way-worn traveller, I sank ex- hausted beneath my heavy load, this Brother in Virtue mercifully relieved me of my burden, and has nobly borne it. Brothers, extend to him that Mercy which he has so freely shown to me.
Regent and Council — Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Imogen t — Guide, remove the burden.
(Here may be sung o o o:)
As we bespeak God's !Mercy, may
We ever Mercy show, To cheer a brother's saddened heart,
Crushed by its weight of woe. For who can tell what he may need
Lpon this changeful earth? Be merciful to friend and foe,
And thus prove human worth. '
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Regent— Brother in Virtue having safely accomplished the journey through the second court, you are entitled to be called a Brother in Mercy.
Members (in union led by Past Regent) — Brother in Mercy, in all relations to our Order may you prove this title to be worthily bestowed.
Regent— Brother in Virtue and Mercy, you now stand within the inner court, at the center of pur mystic circle. One step more and the last obstacle will be removed from your pathway. You have successfully passed the ordeals thus far presented, you have been purified in Virtue's court, you have shown by a wise choice that Mercy dwells in your heart, and you have received with attention all our instructions. My brother, the altar before you is the symbol of the third and great underlying principle of our Order — Charity. This is the source and origin, the purpose and end of this fraternity. This symbol teaches the duty of self-sacrifice, the surrender of our own pleas- ure and enjoyment, and the charitable offering of our possessions, our service, and our sympathy for our breth- ren when in need. Within the sacred recesses of this altar are concealed the Royal Secret. Before you can become with us a Brother in Charity, you must discover this Secret, and learn its mystic meaning. Search and find it.
(The applicant prompted by the Guide, must raise the cover and take out the tablet. The Guide closes the cover.)
Regent — What have you discovered?
(The applicant prompted bv the Guide, shall answer: This tablet.)
What characters are inscribed thereon?
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(The applicant prompted by the Guide, shall answer — M— )
Regent — ^I — The Royal Mystery. Do you find the Key by which this mystic number may be read and ex- plained ?
(Applicant prompted by Guide replies: I find noth- ing more.)
Regent — Guide, where is the Key to this Mystery?
Guide (raising the cover) — Regent, the Key is not within the sacred station.
Regent-— 0 o o — Brothers, our secret station has been despoiled of the Key to the Royal Mystery. It is the I^rotective Badge of this Order, and without it the mys- tic number can not be explained to this applicant. Guide, you are responsible for the safe-keeping of the Mysteries. Seek and find the Key, that this Brother in Virtue may become also, with us, a Brother in Charity.
(Guide, taking the tablet and assuming his station in the Council:)
Guide — Brothers, has any one of you the Key to the !Mystery ?
Chaplain — Regent, I can find the Key to our Mystic number.
Regent — Brothers, be seated. Guide repair to the altar. Chaplain, you will obtain the Key, and explain the use to the applicant.
(If there is more than one candidate, the Asst. Guides should at this point request those seated to rise, and should conduct them to the altar, ranging them in line with the candidate already there, so that all may face the Chaplain and hear and understand the explanation.
Chaplain advances to altar, passes around its end to rear of candidate, and removes the badge from the appli-
261
cant, not stealthy, but in such a manner that all the applicants' attention is attracted, and each can himself witness the removal of the Key, and understand the explanation. The Chaplain then assumes a position on the opposite side of the altar, facing applicant, and hold- ing the badge in his right hand, and taking with his left hand the tablet from the Guide, thus holding, then :) Chaplain — Brother, this is the Key to the mystic num- ber. It is the Protective Badge of the Order. While you lawfully wear this badge, you are entitled to the benefits and honors of the Eoyal Arcanum. Some brother took this Badge from its secret station, and placed it on your person, to secure for you its protec- tive influence. As soon as you began to bear the burden Avhich the Order imposes, you were unconsciously placed under its care and became entitled to share in all its benefits, privileges and promises. The burdens are light and the benefits come to us in the hour of greatest need, even though we ourselves are unconscious of them. Cherish, then, this truth in your memory, that as long as you help to bear the burdens of the Order, you will be protected by its great and important privileges.
Regent — Chaplain, you will deposit at my station the mystic number and its Key.
(The Chaplain will then resume his station.) Regent — Guide, you will present the Brother for in- struction and investment.
(Guide conducts all applicants to Regent's station.) Regent (holding the key and mystic number before applicant) : Brother, you see before you the Royal Mys- tery, the Royal Secret, the Royal Arcanum, the mystic number of the Order. X. (Regent placing Key on sta-
262
tion and pointing to Banner:) Y. Xow, as you are in full possession of the knowledge of the Eoyal Secret, I declare you a Brother in Virtue, Mercy and Charity, and invest you with the regalia, which combines with the mystic symbol, our emblem, the crown.
Members (in union led by the Past Eegent) : May you never prove unworthy of it.
(The sash will here be removed. Here may be sung :)
"Greatest of these is Charity."
Oh, learn this lesson well, And oft forgive your fellowman —
Who can his weakness tell? With Virtue, Mercy, Charity,
Let brothers' hands be bound. Till Love's pure flame shall closely weld
Brave hearts the whole world around.
Regent — I will now instruct you in the signs, signals and passwords. This is the sign of Duty (A). It is used in the Council addressing the Eegent, upon enter- ing or retiring from the Council, whenever you rise to speak, and in crossing the Council chamber. Its answer is (A) which should always be given in response to a member entering or retiring.
This is the sign of A^irtue (B) ; this is the sign of Mercy (C) ; this is the sign of Charity and the sign of the Order (D).
In order to enter a Council while it is occupied with its Duties, you will give three raps on the outer door. The Sentry will open the wicket. You will then give him the Semi- Annual Password, which is changed on the first meeting in January and July of each year, and must be procured by you only of the Eegent, no other person can give it to you, and he only while you are in
2G3
good standing in the Order. For the present term the
password is . You will then be admitted to the
ante-room, where you will clothe yourself with the proper regalia, advance to the inner, or Council-room door, and give one distinct rap. The wicket will then be opened by the Warden, to whom you will give your name, rank in the Order, and the name and number of the Council to which you belong. This information will be con- veyed to the Vice Eegent, who will instruct the Warden to admit you, if correct. You w^ill then give him the
Permanent Password of the Order, which is
Til is will admit you to the Council room. You will advance to the altar, face the Regent and give the sign of Duty. After he responds, you will be at liberty to be seated. Should you wish to retire during a session of the Council, you will advance to the altar, give the same sign, and having been recognized, you will be at liberty to retire.
All movements of officers and members on the Coun- cil-room floor during a session should be, as far as pos- sible, on lines of right angles with each other.
In order to make yourself known to a brother outside of the Council chamber, the signals and answers in which you have been instructed may be used. Besides these, this grip may be used, (E), or this word (F), its answer being (G).
In communicating with a brother, you are entitled to use the initials V. M. C, in signing your name. You have also the right to the use of the mystic number on all proper occasions. It may be used by you in connec- tion with your signature, to indicate that you are a mem- ber of this Order, and whenever you see this mystic
264
number in connection with a signature, you know that it has reference to the Eoyal Arcanum. The work, or business, done in the Council is called its Duties. In these Duties, one rap of the gavel calls the Council to order or seats it, o ; two raps call up the officers, o o, and three raps call up the Council, o o o.
Brother in Virtue, Mercy and Charity, I greet you as a member of the Eoyal Arcanum, and now present you with a copy of the constitution and laws of the Order. It is your duty to thoroughly acquaint yourself with their requirements, that you may know your obliga- tions and privileges, your rights and duties, as a member of the Order. Its welfare depends upon the prosperity of the Subordinate Councils. Your duty is not fully discharged by the payments of dues and assessments. You should give a reasonable amount of service to the Council by developing its fraternal and social features, by attending its regular meetings, by inducing accept- iible persons to apply for membership, and by discharg- ing with fidelity every duty assigned you, either as of- ficer or member.
I will now present you to your brethren and request that, as your name is called, you (or each of you), will move forward one step, and give the sign of Duty, in order that the brethren may know you by name.
(Here Guide faces applicant towards altar and as the names are called by Eegent, each will move forward one step^ and give the sign of Duty.)
Regent — Brothers of Council, I introduce to
you Brother , who is now entitled to all the
benefits and privileges of our beneficient Order. You will unite with me in the hopes that, in the enjoyment
263
of them he will remain faithful to his obligation, so that, when the summons come to him which must come to all, he will pass awa}^ confident that the protecting arm of the Eoyal Arcanum will shield those dear to him. (Here may be sung:)
Welcome, stranger! Royal Brother!
We fraternally unite Hearts and hands with cordial greeting,
In our Council here to-night. Welcome to our new-made brother
Who has asked us if we would Add by mystic rites another
To our Royal Brotherhood.
(The Regent will here declare a brief recess, during which the Orator, Warden and Guide shall restore the Council room to its ordinary condition. Guide will con- duct member just admitted to the Secretary's desk, where he will sign the By-T.aws and examine his application to see that his beneficiary is properly named, in accord- ance with the laws of the Order.)
From page 20, ff. of Book of Duties. *-' -'-■
DUTY XVIII. „ ^
Closing the Duties of the Council.
Eegent — Brothers, the Duties appointed for this Council meeting are now nearly completed. Collector, what have been the cash receipts since the last meeting?
(Collector will name the amounts for the General Fund and for the W. and 0. B. Fund separately, and then the total of both, which the Secretary will repeat.)
Kegent — The Secretary will so enter them upon the records of this Council. Has the Treasurer receipted therefor ?
Collector — He has.
Eegent — The Secretary will so record it. Has the last assessment laid been forwarded to the Supreme Treasurer, and has a receipt been received therefor ?
(Treasurer responds and Secretary records the an- swer. )
Regent — Has the Monthly Eeport been prepared ready to be mailed to the Grand Secretary? (Secretary re- sponds.)
Note — If not, the Eegent should see that this is done before closing the Council, as the prompt forwarding of such a report is important.
Eegent — o o o Brothers, let us gather about our altar.
(The same position will be assumed in this as in the opening Duty.)
Eegent — Brothers, give the signs.
(All do so led by Eegent.)
267
Chaplain — Let us pray. 0 God of infinite benevo- lence, Thou art the Father of all our mercies, and the God of all grace. In closing the service of this Council, we devoutedly seek Thy benediction, and ask Thy bless- ing to rest upon us, and as v^e go forth to the active duties and responsibilities of life, may it be to fill the measure of our days with usefulness, with purer motives, brighter hopes, and personal consciousness of the Divine approval. Amen.
All — Amen. • ..
(Here may be sung:) , , ;
Closing Ode. I ■ '' ■
Tune, "Greenville." • ,-
Brethren of our social Order, ''"-'l
^ - Each his heart with care inspect;
Succor all within our border,
The hungry feed, the poor protect. •' -' As you leave those sacred portals, ■
Mingling with the outer world. Raise the standard, bear it proudly, '-
Let your banner be unfurled. ]
Heaven guide us as we journey . ^.. 'Mid the scenes of pain and woe, u.
May our hearts with love and. pity, , , Shower sunshine where we go.
Bless our parting, and our slumbers.
Fill our baskets and our store, , . : ,.
Peace a^bound in all our members,
TTff^wet .meet to part no more. ■^- ^'■
Regent (at his station) — Brothers, — Council,
No. — Royal Arcanum, will next be opened for Duty,
on the — of — , 19 — , at — o'clock. The Guide
will see that the Royal Secret, Protective Badge, Sash, Jewels, and Book of Duties are safely deposited and se-
26S
curely locked within the secret station. Brothers, the Duties of this session are fully performed, and I declare this Council closed o.
From Page 40, Book of Duties.
THE FIXAL DUTY.
The Burial of a Brother.
Note — The use of the following form of Final Duty, or of any part of it, is optional with each Subordinate Council, and other passages of Scripture may be intro- duced in place of, or in addition to those quoted in the ceremony.
At the funeral of a brother, his Council shall be rep- resented, if desirable, by seven members selected by the Kegent, six of whom shall act as pall bearers, if desired. In the number shall be the Regent, the Past Regent, and tlie Chaplain, or persons appointed to represent them.
An emblem of immortelles, ivy or laurel leaves, or evergreen, in the form of the letter C, shall be provided.
In passing to the grave, the pall bearers shall form about hearse, the Regent at the right, the Past Regent at his left, and the Chaplain bearing the emblem at the rear. Should the Council attend in a body, they shall precede the hearse. After the pall beareres have re- moved the casket to the grave, they shall form about in the shape of the letter V, the Chaplain being the apex at the head.
Chaplain — The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy.
He will not always chide, neither will he keep his anger forever.
He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor re- warded us according to our iniquities.
For as tjie heaven is high above the earth, so great is liis mercy toward them that fear him.
As far as the east is from the w^est, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pit- ieth them that fear him.
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone ; and the place thereof shall ]
But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to-ever- lasting upon them that fear him.
Man that is bom of woman is of few days and full of trouble.
He cometh up like a flower and is cut down ; he fleeth as a shadow, and continueth not.
Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with Thee. Thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass.
For I know that my Redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.
And though after my skin worms destroy this body,, yet in my flesh shall I see God.
Whom I shall see for myself and mine eyes shall behold, and not another, though my veins be consumed with me.
Regent — Brothers, we stand in the presence of death ! One of our members has passed into the sublimest Court
%10
of all, solved the dread Royal Secret, and fathomed Mys- teries, the portals of which are opened only by the grim Warden, Death. This is but the mortal part of our brother which lies before us, so familiar, so beloved. It was cast aside when his spirit put on immortal garments. Our brother lives, a life only just begun. He has pre- ceeded us but a little, and awaits in a better land the coming of those he loves. With tender sympathy dnd reverent love, we place upon his casket (here the Regent shall receive the emblem from the Chaplain and place it upon the casket) the emblem of our trust, that it is \\'ell with our brother forever, and well with all the dear ones he has left behind.
(After the lowering of the casket:)
Chaplain — Let us pray : 0 God, our Father, Supreme Ruler of the Universe and Governor of all things, we know that without Thee not even a sparrow falleth to the ground, and we may, therefore trust with Thee the soul of our dead brother, as we return his body to its kindred dust. Thou art a God of mercy and loving kindness, and lookest upon us all as a father upon the children whom he loves. Teach us by this lesson of mortality how frail and weak we are; how slight our liold upon this world; and how sure, with Thy grace, we may make our anchorage in the ocean of eternal love. We commend unto Thee these sorrowing ones. Minis- ter unto them divine consolation. Bless them and us with Thy care and protection. Unite us all again in thine own good time, and be to us now and ever, our Father and our God. Amen.
All — Amen."