D. C. places him on the left side of the Presiding

Officer.

P. 0. — Is it your unanimous wish that Bro. A. B.
should be installed Commander of this Lodge ?

The Brethren signif}^ their assent.

P. 0. — Do you agree to hold in veneration the Rulers
of Ark Masonry and their regular successors, supreme and
subordinate according to their stations, and to submit to
the awards and resolutions of the Grand Lodge of Royal
Ark Mariners in every respect consistent with its consti-
tutions. You promise to respect true or genuine Royal
Ark Mariners, and to discountenance imposters. You
agree to promote the general good of the Order, and to
propagate the knowledge of Ark Masonry as far as your
influence and abihty can extend. Y^ou promise to pay
homage to the Grand Commander, for the time being, and
to his officers when duly installed, and strictly to conform

26 THE ROYAL ARK MARINERS' DEGREE.

to the edicts of the Grand Commander, and the Grand
Lodge of Eoyal Ark Mariners. You promise a regular
attendance at all its meetings, upon receiving proper
notice thereof. You admit that no new Eoyal Ark Lodge
ean be formed without the pennission of the Grand Com-
mander of the Order, and that no countenance shall be
given to any irregular Ark Lodge, or to any person
elevated therein. Do you submit and promise to uphold
these regulations as your j)redecessors have done in all
ages ?

The New Commander gives liis. assent.

All except Past N's. now leave the Lodge.

P. 0. — I will now proceed with your instalation ; you
will therefore repeat after me: — I, A. B., do hereb^r agree
to accept the office of Commander N. of this Lodge No.—
pn the Eoll of the Antient and Honourable Fraternity of
Eoyal Ark Mariners, and solemnly promise, to the best of
my ability, to dischargee faithfully, zealously, and con-
scientiously its duties (until the period of next annual
election, unless a sucpessor shall be previously appointed
and installed in my stfead), and that I will do my utmogt
to forward the interests of Eoyal Ark Masonry, whenever
and wherever it may be possible, and supi^ort the officers
in their respective duties, and further, fhat I will not
divulge the Secrets of this Chair to any but those duly
qualified to receive them. So help me, the Grand Com-
mander of the Universe.

PEAYEE.

Most glorious Commander of Heaven and Earth, whose
eyes pervade the Universe ; who see'st every minute cir-
cumstance therein — our intentions being perfectly known
to Thee — fulfil now our request according to the riches of
Thy mercy. Cause a double portion of Thy Spirit to
descend on this Brother, set apart as a representative of

♦rJlE ROYAL A*IK mariners' PEGREE. %1

i'^ighteous Noali, to rule ami govern these Brethren. May
his rule he regulated hy true wisdom, tluit they may have
unity of spirit in the hond of peace, and that all our works
may tend to Thy Glory,

So mote it be.

The W. C. N. here takes a vessfil of salt, sai/hui: — Whe^
the wild Arab of the desert has tasted salt with his guest,
that guest is sacred to him, even if his hands are red witli
the blood of the fath-er or son of his host. Let us in the
same ma,nne,r seal our vow of fidelity to Ark Masonry.

W. C. N, then pldces sonis Salt on his tongue, j)assing the
I'essel of salt to his brother on the left, tvho passes it on agaiui
<£'c., if'c, saging :—^'Wiih this salt I confirm my vow, and
whenever ajiy of my Bro, Commander^ who have tasted
this ^alt of inviolable faith, or any one on their behalf,
ehall call upoij me to aid them in distress, need, or
danger, and with the mark of the Triangle this solemn,
pledge shall be redeemed.

P. 0. — The Grrip is > and the Word is A — t.

The "W- C, N. is then placed on the Throne,

P. 0. — I now deliver to you this Sceptre, which shows
your authority to the Brethren. Secondly, I invest you
with this Collar and J"ewel> the insignia of your office as
Commander of this Lodge. Thirdly, I render to you th0
♦Sacred Law, which contains the rules by which all Ark
Masons should regulate their actions. Fourthly, I give
to you the Constitutions of Ark Masonry, by which you
will govern those under you, also the Bye4aws of th^
Lodge, which you will cause to be read once i?i your year
pf Office, in order that every member may have an oppor-
tunity of being acquainted therewith. And, lastly, I
present you with the Warrant or Dispensation for thi^
Lodge, being the authority under which its meetings aro
held. I also call your attention to the following exposi-

28 THE ROYAL ARK MARINERS' DEGREE,

tion . Now, God commanded Noah to make an Ark

of Gopher, instructing him how to fashion it, denoting
the length, breadth, and height thereof, with first, second,
and third stories, door and window. Noah took 100
years to complete it, he was 500 years old when he
commenced it, and consequently was 600 when it was
finished. He entered into it with his wife, three sons,
their wives, and two and two of all flesh wherein was the
breath of life. His father Lamech having died a short
time before at the age of 777, there were no ancient
patriarchs at the time of the flood with the exception of
Methuselah, who attained the age of 961), and no mention
is made in Holy Writ of his death, he is supposed to have
perished in the flood which took place in the year of the
world 1856, and destroyed most of the monuments of
antiquity. Enoch, the son of Jared, sixth son in descent
from Adam, had been instucted in the History of Man
since the creation, also in the liberal Arts and Sciences,
with which we may be certain the first inhabitants of this
world were well acquainted, perceiving that this know-
ledge was likely to be lost in the general destruction
foretold by Adam, and being desirous of preserving the
principles of the sciences for the posterity of those whom
God should be pleased to spare, made two pillars, one of
brass and the other of marble, with hieroglyphics on
each. The brass pillar having been placed securely in a
cavern, was not discovered for a very long p>eriod after-
wards, as we hear from tradition, when the hieroglyphics
upon it signifying that it was the depository of the liberal
Arts, and of the history of the world to his period, were
written for the first time and handed down. Thus was
this pillar allowed to withstand the fury of the over-
whelming waters, and its contents providentially pre-
served for the benefit of future generations.

THE KOYAL ARK MAEINERs' DEGREE. 29

ADDRESS.

Bro. A. B. — According to the powers delegated and
vested in me by the Grand Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners,
I Jiave had the honour to enthrone you as Commander of

the Lodge, No. — on the Roll of the Antient

and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners. You
need not be informed that it is an office of the highest
trust and confidence, such a one as your great predecessor
Noah filled v/ith uprightness and joy. We have the
highest opinion of your integrity and honour, and make
no doubt this Lodge will flourish under your rule, and be
evergreen like the Fir Tree, whose leaves fade not.

So mote it be.

P. 0. declares the Assembly of Commanders closed.

The Brethren are now re-admitted,

P. 0. — Bro. Royal Ark Masons, during your absence
Bro. A. B. has been enthroned. I therefore proclaim

him Commander of this Lodge, No. ■ — on the

Roll of the Antient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal
Ark Mariners, until a successor has been duly elected,
appointed, and enthroned in his stead. I call on you,
therefore, to salute him with three, taking the time from
me, with right hand to the left.

The Brethren now march round, and salute with the Hail*
ing Sign.

P. 0. — You will now please appoint your Officers.

The newly enthroned Commander closes down his Lodge,

BATTERY. . . .

N.B. — For the charges to be given on the investiture
of Officers see the Ceremony of Inauguration and Dedica*
tion of a Royal Ark Lodge.

END OF THE CEREMONY OF ENTHRONEMENT,

RITUAL OF THE

^ClilREMONlAL OF INAUGURATION AND DEDI-
CATION

OF A LODGE ^F THfi

ANTIENT AND HCNOUEABLE FRATERNITY OF
ROYAL ARK MARINERS.

-:o:-

Tlie Brethren assemble in the Anti-room to the Lodge
Chamber, and all being properly clothed a procession is
formed in the following order: —

The Grand Superintendent of Works, with his Staff of

Office.

Two Junior Royal Ark Mariners.

A Past Commander with Vessel containing Corn.

Ark Mariners two abreast.

A Past Commander with Oil.

Ark Mariners two abreast.

A Past Commander with Wine.

The Grand Scribe and Grand Regijstrar, with Charter and

Statutes.

THE ROYAL ARK MARINERS' DEGREE. 81

■the Grand Superintendent of Ceremonies with Vessel of

Salt.

Two Deputy Inspectors-General.

The Grand Sword Bearer.

Two Inspectors- General,

The Grand Standard Bearer.

The Deputy Grand Commander.

The Grand Commander.

Two Grand Torch Bearers, or Presiding Commanders,

Grand Officers.

The Grand Guardian.

Eoyal Ark Mariners.

After entering the Lodge Koom, they walk round the

form of the Lodge, and the Presiding Commander ascends

the Throne, and opens the Lodge in due form, appointing

his Warders.

P. 0. — Worthy Ark Mariners, we have met to-day for
the purpose of Inaugurating and Dedicating a Eoyal Ark
Lodge, for the celebration of the Mysteries of our Antient
and Honourable Fraternity, and on these occasions it is
our first duty to invoke the assistance of the Grand Com-
mander of the Universe.
All arise,

THE PRAYER.

Almighty and Supreme Grand and Eternal Commander
of the Universe, who is there that can stand in competi-
tion against Thee ? Thy Omniscience, Omnipotence, and
Omnipresence pervade the secret recesses of every heart,
Thy boundless benificence supplies us with every comfort
and enjoyment. We invoke Thy benediction upon the
services of this assembly. Let this Lodge be inaugurated
to Thy Glory in faith, hope, and love. Let its officers be
endowed with wisdom and fidelity. Let its members be
ever mindful of the duty they owe to Thee, the obedience

32 THE ROYAL ARK MARINERS' DEGREE.

they owe to their superiors, the love they owe to their
equals, and the good will they owe to all mankind.
So mote it be.

ORATION ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE INSTITUTION.

In early ages necessity taught the use of Society, and
by the rapid progress made in Art and Sciences they were
led to mark and contemplate the nature and properties of
lines, figures, superficies, and solids, and thus by degress
formed the sciences of Geometry and Architecture,
sciences v/hich have proved to be of the greatest utihty in
preserving the human race and animal creation on the
face of the earth. These arts being coeval with the rest of
the sciences were carefully handed down by Methuselah,
who lived 255 years with Adam, by whom he was in-
structed in all the mysteries of these sublime sciences,
and faithfully communicated them to his grandson Noah.
After the flood the possessors of the arts, according to
antient tradition, were first distinguished by the name of
Noachida3, or sons of Noah, afterwards sages or wise men,
"who had understanding in their time and knew what
ought to be done, such were those who were instructed by
Moses in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and Chaldeans
— for this kind of learning was a tribe set apart, the
children of Issacher, who were " Masters in Israel."
These in more modern times were called Philosophers,
and were venerated as sacred persons of the brightest
parts and genius ; such men as these in all ages have been
looked upon by the judicious as the greatest blessing to
the communities where they dwelt, and the Art they were
in possession of esteemed "Eoyal," as practised by Kings
and Princes.

Noah, finding the superiority of Geometry and Architec-

THE KOYAI. ARK MAEINERS' DEGREE. 83

ture over the rest of the Sciences, sent Shem to Asia and
Japhet to Europe, while he continued in the City he built
at the foot of Mount Ararat, and convened Lodges under
them, with full powers and instructions in all the degrees
of Masonry. The officers of the first Eoyal Ark Lodge
having expelled Ham to Africa, who carried his curse and
mark with him, at this time considered how a permanent
Ark Lodge ought to be established, when immediately were
presented to their view brotherly love, and unimpeach-
able fidelity, as the most proper basis for so glorious an
institution, whose aim it was to establish unity among its
members. They no sooner set to work than the Grand
Commander of the Universe instantly inspired men of
similar opinions and manners to unite, while secrecy,
prudence, morality, and every social and religious duty was
cultivated amongst them. Thus, while they attended on
Geometry and Architecture on one side, and the precepts
of Wisdom and Ethics on the other, every wish and tem-
poral blessing has attended the fraternity, and in this
manner it has been providentially preserved to the
present era.

It is true that Ark Masonry, Hke every other part of
the sublime science, has met with calumny and slander,
easier hit off than praise, but unmoved by envy or by
lucre, the champions of Eoyal Ark Masonry still pre-
serve in keeping their laudable institution, and hve in an
affection and friendship with each other, rarely to be met
with even amongst those whom the ties of consanguinity
ought to bind in the strongest manner.

(The following address may be left out at pleasure.)

ADDEESS.

[This particular intercourse, by uniting under the en<
dearing name of Brother, a name given not as an idk
compliment or as a mere parade of words, but in a

D

34 THE KOYAL AEK MAEINERS' DEGREE.

manner which holds out the most intimate union, and
diffuses a pleasure which no other institution can hoast
of, having in its possession all the valuable requisites of a
true Brotherhood. It is in an Ark Lodge that merit and
ability secure to their possessors honourable regard and
respectable distinction. This every one receives with un-
affected complacency and delight. Each exerts h'mself
for the general good without vanity and without fear.
No one contends for superiority, emulation is only with a
view to please. The man of shining abilities and those
unblessed with such ornaments are equally admitted, all
may perform their parts suitable to the distinguishing
test, and a social familiarity runs through the whole.
Their pleasures are never embittered by ungrateful re-
flexions, but produce a serene and lasting composure of
mind, their conversation being such during their assem-
blies as is conducted with perfect decency, for they hold
an universal maxim — that in all their meetings they are
never to s^Deak of an absent Brother but with respect,
consequently ill-nature is excluded and all satire is for-
bidden, by which rules decency never runs any risk, and
in the most mirthful times the conversation of a Eoyal
Ark Mariner may be said to be only wisdom in good
humour, for although a Brother may mistake as a man
(for no one is perfect) yet he has time, courage, and
opportunity to recover himself.

Thus, Brethren, has the antiquity of our excellent
institution, the universality of its plan with the moral
rectitude and purity of its design claimed a decided pre-
eminence over every bond of union, and may the noble-
ness of soul which first suggested its institution and the
benevolence of heart, which has ever prevailed amongst
its members, prompt and inspire you with the same
virtues, so that under the auspices of the Grand Com-

THE EOYAL AKK MAEINERS' DEGREE. 35

mander of the Universe you may fiourisli and j)rosper,
remaining the subjects of lasting admiration.]

P. 0. — I now call on the Grand Scribe to read the
Petition and the Charter, which has been granted by the
Grand Lodge, authorising the Eoyal Ark Mariners named
therein to form and hold a Lodge of the Fraternity.

The Scribe reads as directed.

P. 0. — Brothers Eoyal Ark Mariners, I must inquire
whether you approve of Bro. as your first Com-
mander.

(The Members of the Lodge rise, and placing their right
hands out, respond — We do.)

MUSIC.

(The Deputy Commander then present the Commander
designate to the Presiding Officer.)