Chapter 52
M. P. Sov. — Eminent and Perfect Princes, our labours
being concluded, in the name of the Everlasting and In-
carnate Word I close this Senate.
(Knocks 8—1.)
-:o: —
GENEEAL GEAND CONCLAVE.
DEILL.
Grand Marshal. — Attention, Sir Knights. Form line.
(Knights form line, and the G. S. G. on the right, and
the G. J. G. on the left, S. G. then takes command.)
152 THE RED CROSS OF ROME AND CONSTANTINE DEGREE.
S. G. — Attention, Sir Knights. Handle swords; draw
swords; carry swords. Count yourselves into first and
second divisions, commencing on your right.
(The first Knight on the right says, "first," the second
"second," the third "first," the fourth "second," and so
on through the whole line.)
S. G. — Attention first division. Advance three paces;
forward — march ; halt ; to the right about face !
(The lines being thus formed for review.)
S. G. — First division, return swords !
J. G. — Second division, return swords !
(The arrival of the Grand Sov. being announced, the
Generals gives the words of command to their respective
divisions.)
S. G. and J. G. — Attention Sir Knights. Handle swords;
draw swords ; carry swords !
Grand Marshal. — Eecover swords !
(The Organ then plays a Slow March while the Sove-
reign reviews the Hnes.)
Grand Marshal to S. G. — Sir Knight G. S. G. advance
and communicate the Pass Words.
(Both Knights bring their swords to a "recover," ad-
vance upon the right foot, give three cuts, and over the
arch of steel ; seize each other with left hand by the right
shoulder, at the same time bringing up the left feet side
by side.)
Grand Marshal.—*' C."
S. G.— "M."
(Gr. Sov. and Gr. Officers during this time form in line
from the right of the second to the left of the first division.
The "Words" are then passed down the whole line of first
division.)
Grand Marshal. — Attention, Sir Knights Junior
THE RED CROSS OF ROME AND CONSTANTINE DEGREE. 153
General! advance, and communicate the Latin counter-
eign!
(This is given by four cuts. First, cross front — above
the head; secondly, cross back — above the head; third,
cross front — below knee; fourth, cross front — above the
head. Therefore under an arch of steel the Latin words
are shared: '*I. H. S. V.," and afterwards passed down
the second division.)
Grand Marshal. — Attention, first division. Advance,
and communicate to the second division the Greek coun-
tersign !
(First division advances upon the right foot. Give in
the first place two cuts — i.e., first, cross front above the
head; second, cross back — above the head. Next cut be-
low, drawing the edges of the swords sharply upon each
other to make a sound ; and bring the points against the
left sides, as if to thrust in through, at the same time pro-
nouncing the Words : —
cv TovTw vLKYj. ("Li this is victory"),
or
€v TovTio vLKa. (" In thls conquer").
(The second division all say:) —
"Eight."
Grand Marshal (to first division). — As you were!
(All step back to their former position.)
Grand Marshal. — Attention, second division. Advance
and communicate to the first the Sign, Grip, and Grand
Word of a Bed Cross Knight !
(The Sign is given with sword to the right eyebrow;
fingers on lips. Swords are then crossed in the centre,
and the word is given.)
First division. — "Bight."
Grand Marshal. — Attention, Sir Knights! You will
now give the Fraternal Salute.
154 THE RED CROSS OF ROME AND CONST ANTINE DEGREE.
(This is given by advancing upon the right foot as
before, bringing the left feet side by side, introducing
fingers of left hands, and under the Arch of Steel repeat-
ing, " Unity joins — two hearts — two souls — and Friend-
ship makes us (both say) one." The sentiment is divided
between the divisions, excepting the last word, which is
repeated simultaneously by both.)
Grand Marshal. — Sir Knights, form round the Altar for
the purpose of opening this General Grand Conclave !
(The Gr. Sov. is now seated on the Throne, and the
Generals form the Knights in a circle round the Altar.)
Grand Marshal. — Attention, Sir Knights! To the
right-about-face, deposit swords (all deposit swords). To
the right- about- face; to your devotions!
(All are then again facing the Altar, and each other.
Each Knight kneels without further orders upon left
knee; c;:oss arms and form fraternal chain, including the
Prelate, who repeats the opening prayer ad voluntatem.)
Grand Marshal. — Attention, Sir Knights! Eight-
about-face ; recover swords ; your division in Hne ; to your
posts — march !
(The S. and J. G.'s march with them respectively, and
afterwards take their stations in the Conclave.)
END OF THE RED CROSS OF ROME AND CONSTANTINE DEGREE.
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INTEODUCTORY REMARKS.
-:o:-
It appears that there is not the slightest doubt that the
Institution of Knight Templar possessed some features
identical with Freemasonry. In a work written by M.
Bosetti it is asserted that the Templars where a branch
of the Masonic Institution, whose object was the over throw
of the Papal Power, this assertion is much to be doubted.
Bro. J, Howe, in his excellent work entitled *'The Free-
masons Manual," gives a full historical account of the Tem-
plar Degree, to which work we are indebted for the follow-
ing quotations relating to their history, &c. ' ' The wonder-
ful Architectural and Engineering works which, both in Asia
and Europe, were constructed under the direction of the
Templars and Hospittallers — more particularly the former
—-are, it seems to us, very striking evidence of the Masonic
origin of the Knights. Gervase of Canterbury, who wrote
in the 12th century, speaks of both French and English
artificers skilful to work in stone and wood, who travelled
in guilds or societies for the purpose of proffering their
services wherever the Architects and Builders Art required
to be exercised.
These were the only men who possessed the requisite
knowledge, and from their ranks Kings and Princes fre-
quently impressed by violence workmen whom they
required to construct their palaces or fortresses, they were
the operative Freemasons to whose surpassing skiU and
knowledge of the laws of beauty and just proportion, we are
158 THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAK DEGREE.
indebted for the magnificent Cathedrals which adorn this
country and the Continent. They met in Lodges close
tiled from the vulgar gaze, and persued the practice of
their mystic rites under the sanction of the Throne and the
Church. During the first Crusade we have no record of
any building constructed by the warrior pilgrims ; but at
a later date, after the institution of the Orders of the
Temple and St. John, castles, churches, palaces, and
hospitals speedily arose on all sides. Their fortresses
were of wondrous strength, and showed great skill in
engineering, but supposing the mysteries of the Templars
might not have been wholly connected with those of
Freemasonry still there can be little doubt that many of
the Templar Order were Freemasons and initiated into-
the secrets of occult philosophy or the Kosicrucian Order.
The Illustrious Order of the Temple has through many
vicissitudes survived to our time, and indeed of late years
a great and we may say astonishing influence has been
exercised in the Masonic Craft by this brotherhood in Eng-
land, on the Continent of Europe, and in the United States.
Notwithstanding the persecution the Order was subjected
to, consequent upon the macinations of PhiHp Le Bel and
Pope Clement, it continued to exist if not to flourish.
Jaques de Molay, the martyred Grand Master, in antici-
pation of his fate, appointed his successor to rule the
Fraternity, and from that time to the present there has
been an uninterrupted succession of Grand Masters. In
the Preceptories of the Order in England the secrets
imparted to the newly installed brother of the Temple
included for many years the degrees known as Knight of
St. John and Knight of Malta. With these were also
conferred the "Kose-Croix of Heredom," one of the higher
degrees, which it is said was originally brought into this
Country from Scotland, and the "Kadosh," or ne phis ultra
THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DfiGREE. 169
of Masonry. Of the Kadosli there are said to be six
degrees, and however worked, we are at hberty to say that
there is Httle doubt that they are intimately connected
with the ancient ceremonies of the Order of the Temple.
The influence of this Noble Order has been widely
exercised on the Continent. In France and Italy chap-
ters of the chivalric degrees have always been held, and
batterly under the sanction of the Church. At Sonnen-
berg, in Germany, there was a Grand Encampment of the
Knights of St. John early in the present century, where
several German princes were elevated to the privileges of
the Order; in Prussia the Military Orders flourish, and
there is good ground for tracing their preservation up to
the Teutonic Order, the Knights of which were the origin-
al Founders of the power of the Prussian Monarchy. It is
not unreasonable to conclude that a portion of the perse-
cuted brotherhood of the Temple sought refuge with their
more prosperous fellow- soldiers of the Teutonic Order, and
that their Secrets and ceremonies may have been thus
perpetuated in the North of Europe, while the Knights of
St. John preserved them in the South.
*'The Templar Degree derived its origin in this country
from two sources — France and Germany, the Cross of Xt.
Encampment held at Clerkenwell was of French origin;
the ^^ Observance'' was from Germany."
"The Knights Templar Degree is highly valued in aU
countries, and its rituaHs, we beheve, are identical. The
Candidate for its honours in England must be a Koyal
Arch Mason, and as such he presents himself at the
Encampment — as the meetings are called — in the char-
acter and garb of a pilgrim or palmer, as they were
designated in the Holy Land ; he figuratively undergoes
seven years' travel, and then seven years' warfare, when,
having conducted himself courgaeously through his trials.
160
THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DEGREE.
he is finally admitted into the Order. It need hardly be
said that it is entirely a Xtian Degree, and into it none
but such as are professors of Xtianity can be admitted.
There is not a vestige of Freemasonry as such in the
degree, save the absolute necessity of Candidates having
been admitted into the Koyal Brch. The New Testa-
is, except one slight extract, exclusively used for illustra-
tion ; and the three great lights represent Peter, James,
and John. The object of this Degree is similar to that of
the "Eose-Croix," but whereas that deals with the event
of man's redemption in an allegory, this celebrates the
fact."
The officers of a Grand Conclave are : —
1. The Most Eminent and|16. Grand Provost.
Supreme Grand Master.
2. The Very Eminent Deputy
Grand Master.
8. Grand Seneschal.
The following ofiicers are
chosen annually —
4. The Grand Prior.
5. The Sub Prior.
6. The Grand Prelate.
7 & 8. First and Second
Grand Captains.
9 & 10. Grand Chancellor
and Vice Chancellor.
11. Grand Eegistrar.
12. Grand Treasurer.
13. Grand Chamberlain.
14. Grand Hospittallee.
15. Grand Constable or
Mareschal.
17 & 18. First and Second
Grand Experts.
19 & 20. First and Second
Grand Standard Bearers.
21. Grand Almoner.
22. Grand Director of Cere-
monies.
23. First and Second Grand
Aide-de-camp.
24. & 25. First and Second
Grand Captain of Lines.
26. Grand Sword-bearer.
27 & 28. Two Grand Heralds.
29. Grand Superintendent of
Works.
30. Grand Organist.
31. Grand Banner-bearers.
32 & 33. Two Grand Es-
quires.
THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DEGREE. 161
The installation Fees are never less than three guineas
except to a serving Brother^ for whom a dispensation is.
necessary.
The costume of the Degree is a Badge of white Kid
Skin, bordered with black watered ribbon, the ribbon ta
be four inches broad. In the centre of the badge is a red
Cross pattee in velvet or embroidery. A belt of black
silk velvet five inches broad in the front is worn attached
to the badge; the belt has on the front emblems of"
mortality in a triangle of Silver. Grand ofticers have
three white stripes intersected on the black ribbon. A
Sash of black watered ribbon four inches wide is worn
over the right shoulder. Commanders have gold fringe
and button at the ends. The Sashes of the Grand Ofiicers
have three white stripes.
The Members of Grand Conclave are all Present and
Past Grand Officers, all present and Past Commanders,,
and the Present Captains of Private Encampments.
The Grand Conclave is held on the Second Friday ioi
May, at Freemasons' Hall, London.
Encampments must be constituted by a warrant or
patent, with the great Teal of the Order affixed under the
sign manual of the Grand Master, and witnessed by the-
Deputy Grd. Master, and the Grd. Chancellor.,
Every Encampment must consist of an Eminent
Commander, a Prelate, Two Captains, a Eegistrar (who-
is also Secretary), a Treasurer, an Almoner, an Expert,,
Two Standard Bearers, a Captain of the Lines, Twa
Heralds, and an Equerry.
The Emblem of the Order is a Cross Pattee. Com-
manders and Past Commanders wear the Patriarchal
Cross, suspended by a white watered and sometimes &,
Syrian ribbon,
ML
162
THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DEGREE.
The Grd. Master is distinguished by the Triple Cross of
Salem. The Star of the Order is Silver, with Seven
Points, and has a Passion Cross in the centre, and the
motto around it, " Li Jwc signo vinces.'" The Cloak is of
White Camlet with a Hood, and on the left shoulder is
the Cross, to which each wearer is entitled, in Red Silk.
THIB I^ITTJ^IL,
OF
as0nu Pnigl^ts Si^^mplar.
-;o: —
OPENING OF THE ENCAMPMENT.
E. C. — Sir Knights, assist me to open the Encamp-
ment.
(Sir Knights all rise. Swords drawn, and in Eight
Hands.)
E. C. — Sir Knight Second Captain, what is the first
care of a Knight Templar ?
Second Captain. — To see the Encampment properly
guarded.
E. C. — Direct that duty to be done.
Second Captain. — Sir Knight Captain of the Lines, see
that the Encampment is properly guarded.
Captain of Lines raps
Equerry without raps
m2
164 THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAE DEGEEE.
Captain of Lines. — Sir Kniglit Second Captain, tlie
Encampment is properly guarded.
Second Captain. — Eminent Commander, all is secure.
E. C. — Sir Knight First Captain, what is the next
care ?
First Captain. — To see that none but Knights Templar
are present.
E. C. — To order. Sir Knights (which is done).
(Swords drawn in right hands, and the points in the
left, with the swords diagonally across the body.)
E. C. — Sir Knight Eegistrar, call the Muster Koll.
(Eegistrar reads over the names of all present; each
Knight answers to his name.)
E. C. — Sir Knights, let us now deposit our Arms at the
foot of the Cross, and implore the blessing and protection
of the Holy Trinity.
Prelate. — Let us pray.
PKAYEE.
Merciful Redeemer of perishing mankind, who hast pro-
mised that Thou would'st be in the midst of those who
assemble in Thy Holy Name, look down upon us Thy
servants with an eye of tender compassion, and so direct
us this day that all our labours may be begun, continued,
and ended in love to Thee, affection to our Companions,
protection to the distressed, and obedience to our Order.
— Amen.
E. C. — Sir Knight Second Captain, what is the situa-
tion of the Captain of the Lines ?
Second Captain. — Within the Entrance of the Encamp-
ment.
E. C— His duty?
Second Captain. — To see that the Sentinels are regu-
larly placed at the outposts, that the Encampment may
be safely guarded without as well as within.
I
1HE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DEGREE. 165
E. C. — Let him resume his Arms and duty. — Done.
E. C. — Sir Knight First Captain, the situation of the
Expert ?
First Captain. — In the West.
E. C— His duty?
First Captain. — To assist the Eminent Commander and
the First and Second Captains in the performance of our
rites and ceremonies.
E. C. — Let him resume his Arms and duty. — Done.
E. C. — Sir Knight Second Captain, your situation in
the Encampment?
Second Captain. — In the North-west Angle of the
Encampment.
E. C— Your duty?
Second Captain. — To see that all commands from the
Eminent Commander to the First Captain are obeyed in
the North Column.
E. C. — Eesume your Arms and duty. — Done.
E. C. — Sir Knight First Captain, your situation in the
Encampment?
First Captain. — In the South-west Angle of the
Encampment.
E. C— Your duty?
First Captain. — To receive reports from the Second
Captain, to forward them without delay to the Eminent
Commander, and to see that all the Knights are arranged
under their respective Banners.
E. C. — Are they so arranged?
First Captain. — To the best of my knowledge Eminent
Commander.
E. C. — Eesume your Arms and duty. — Done.
E. C. — What is the situation of the Eminent Com-
mander ?
First Captain. — At head- quarters in the East.
166 THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAE DEGREE.
E. C.~Hisduty?
First Captain. — To open the Encampment in form; to
issue his commands for its regulation; and to close it
when he may deem it convenient.
E. C. — Sir Knights, resume your Arms and duty. —
Done.
E. C. — Our Encampment being thus duly formed^ I, in
the name of the Three Scriptural Officers of
t Christ our Priest ;
t Christ our Prophet ; and
t Christ our King;
declare it duly opened for the despatch of such business as
may come regularly before us.
(As the E. C. i^ronounces each of these words all the
Sir Knights salute.)
END OF OPENING.
— :o: —
CLOSING OF THE ENCAMPMENT.
E. C. — Sir Knights, assist me to close the Encamp-
ment.
(Sir Knights all rise.)
E. C. — Sir Knight Second C, what is the constant care
of a Knight Templar ?
Second C. — To see that the Encampment is properly
guarded.
E. C. — See that duty done?
THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DEGREE. 107
Second C. — Sir Kniglit Captain of Lines, see that the
Encampment is properly guarded.
Captain of Lines raps
Equerry without raps
Captain of Lines. — Sir Knight Second Captain, the
Encampment is properly guarded.
E. C. — Sir Knight First Captain, what is the next
care?
First C. — To see that the Sir Knights appear to order
as Knights Templar.
E. C. — To order. Sir Knights. — Done.
E. C. — Let us depo&it our Arms at the foot of the Cross,,
and implore the blessing of the Holy Trinity.
Prelate. — Let us pray.
PEAYER.
Prelate. — Oh, Merciful God! grant Thy holy protection'
and salutary blessing to this Encampment, enhghten its
rulers with the rays of Thy brightness, that they may
always see the just ways of our Heavenly Captain, and.
may, by their example, induce the Companions committed
to their charge so to follow them through this wilderness
of temptation, that having overcome the enemies of Thy
Holy Name, they may arrive at the Heavenly Jerusalem
armed with the Shield of Faith, and the Breastplate of
Righteousness; tlirough Jesus Christ Our Saviour. —
Amen.
E. C. — Sir Knights, resume your Arms. — ^Done.
E. C. — Our labours being finished, I, in the name of
the three Scriptural Officers of
f Christ our Priest;
t Christ our Prophet; and
f Christ our King;
declare this Encampment duly closed.
168 THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DEGEEE.
(A.S tlie Eminent Commander pronounces each of these
words-, all tlie Sir Knights salute.)
END OF CLOSING,
-:o: —
INSTALLATION.
PAET 1st.
PREPARATION OF THE CANDIDATE.
He is habited as a Pilgrim, with sandals, mantle, a belt
<or cord round the waist, a staff with a cross, scrip and
wallet, with bread and a bottle of water, having been
elected by ballot or otherwise, according to tlie custom of
the Encampment, the candidate is conducted to the
entrance of the Encampment.
On the approach an alarm is sounded without.
Captain of Lines. — Sir Knight Second Captain, there is
an alarm at the outpost.
Second C. — Ascertain the cause of the alarm.
Captain of Lines. — Sir Knight Second Captain, a
stranger is endeavouring to penetrate our lines.
E. C. — Be cautious and see who is the intruder.
Second Captain. — See who comes.
Captain of Lines. — Who comes here?
Equerry without. — Companion A. B., a Pilgrim on his
travels, weary and fatigued, having heard of this Encamp-
ment of Knights Templar, is anxious to take refuge
THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DEGREE. 169
therein, and if possible to be admitted to the privileges of
the Order.
Captain of Lines. — What recommendation does he
bring ?
Equerry without. — The Sign and Word of a E. A.
Mason.
Captain of Lines. — Shew me the Sign, and communi-
cate the Word.
(Candidate gives the Eeverential Sign and the Word
by wliich R. A. Masons reveal themselves to Compan-
ions.)
Captain of Lines. — Wait while I report you to our E. C.
(Captain of Lines returns from the door, and salutes
the E. C, and says:)
Captain of Lines. — E. C, beyond the outposts is Com-
panion A. B., a Pilgrim on his travels, weary and
fatigued, who, having heard of this Encampment of
Knights Templar, is anxious to take refuge therein, and
if possible to be admitted to the privileges of the Order.
E. C. — What recommendation does he bring?
Captain of Lines. — The Sign and Word of a E. A.
Mason.
E. C. — Let him be admitted with caution.
Second Captain. — Eminent Commander, all is secure.
(The Candidate is admitted; Sir Knights stand to
order; Expert receives the Candidate, habited as a Pil-
grim, and conducts him to the Second Captain, who, pre-
senting his sword to the breast of the Candidate, thus
addresses him:)
Second Captain. — Who a»e you that dare to penetrate
thus far into our Encampment ?
Expert. — Companion A. B., a Pilgrim on his travels,
weary and fatigued, who, having heard of this Encamp-
ment of Knights Templar, is anxious to take refuge there-
/
170 THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DEGREE.
in, and if possible to be admitted to the privileges of the
Order.
Sex?ond Captain. — What recommendation do you bring?
Cand. — The Sign and Word of a E. A. Mason.
Second C. — Shew me the Sign, and communicate the
Word.
(Cand. gives the Eeverential Sign and Word by which
E. A. Masons reveal themselves to Companions. Expert
then conducts him to the First Captain, who challenges
him in the same words, and receives the same answers.
After this the Expert conducts the Candidate near to the
foot of the Sepulchre, and directs him to salute the E.G.
with the Sign and the Word.)
E. C. — Welcome, in the name of Jehovah; rest yourself
and partake of bread and water, the staff of life, and the
only refreshment we can at present afford you.
(The Pilgrim is seated in the West ; and refreshed with
bread and water, the Sir Knights are all seated ; after the
Pilgrim has partaken of bread and water he rises, and the
Eminent Com. thus addresses him:)
E. C. — Pilgrim, you have sought refuge in our
Encampment, and desire to be admitted to the privileges
of our Order ; let me therefore demand of you on whom,
in the hour of danger, do you rely ?
Pilgrim. — On God.
E. C. — And in whom do you put your trust for Eternal
Salvation ?
Pilgrim. — In our blessed Saviour Jesus Christ.
E. C. — Can you give me any proof of your sincerity?
Pilgrim. — I am ready to undertake any task, however
perilous, which may entitle me to admission under the
banner as a Soldier of the Cross.
E. C. — Then as a proof of yoiu: faith, I enjoin you a
THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DEGREE. 171
seven years pilgrimage ; this you will figuratively perform
by proceeding round the Encampment seven times.
E. C. — Sir Knights, guard the Encampment.
(The Eminent Com. and the two Captains remain at
their respective stations, but the other Knights stand
round the Sepulchre, facing outwards with drawn swords
and stand to order. Expert conducts the Candidate
round the Encampment, preceeding him with a drawn
sword. After the third round he halts in the West,
Expert near him, and the Eminent Com. is asked by the
Second Captain to remit the remainder of the term.)
Second Captain. — E. C, the Pilgrim having performed
three years of his pilgrimage, and having evinced great
zeal and fidelity, I have to request you will remit the
remainder of the term.
E. C. — Sir Knight Second C, I readily attend to your
request, and remit the remainder of the term.
E. C. — Sir Knights, resume your Stalls.
(The Sir Knights resume their Stalls.)
E. C. — To order Sir Knights. — Done.
E. C. — Let us pray.
The Prelate reads or repeats one of the following
Prayers.
PEAYEE.
Merciful Lord of Heaven and Earth, who hast protected
this Thy servant through a long and dangerous pilgrimage,
and hast inchned his heart to dedicate the remainder of
his hfe to Thy Holy Service, grant, we beseech Thee, that
he may constantly adhere to those pious resolutions, that
he may heartily detest all the sins of his former life, and
may henceforward, with a firm resolution, shun all occa-
sions of offending Thee, Oh, Great Emanuel ! and may at
last arrive at the Conclave of the Heavenly Jerusalem. —
Amen.
172 THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR .DEGREE.
Or this Prayer.
Oil Emanuel, our Great and Heavenly Captain! look
down, we beseech Thee, on this Encampment of Thy
devoted servants, and impart Thy Holy Spirit to the
Candidate before Thee, that he may become a good and
faithful Soldier in Thy Holy service, and may be worthy
of Thy acceptance and salvation. — Amen.
Or this prayer.
Grant, Oh Lord ! that this Candidate for the mysteries
of our Lord and Saviour's Birth, Life, Death, Resurrec-
tion, and Ascension, may ever hold fast the profession of
a Christian, may boldly fight under the Banner of the
Cross as a faithful Soldier of our blessed Master, and may
become a true Companion amongst us. This we beg in
the name of Thine only Son our Lord and Redeemer. —
Amen.
(Or the passage of Scripture may be read of St. Paul's
Epistle to the Hebrews, chapter 2nd, verses 1 to 16 in-
clusive.)
E. C. — Let the Pilgrim now approach the Holy
Sepulchre, and, bended on both knees, enter into a solemn
engagement, placing both hands on the Holy Gospel.
[The Candidate is directed to kneel (by the Expert) at
the foot of the Sepulchre, and place both hands on the
open volume of the New Testament.]
The First and Second Captains leave their stations, and
hold their drawn swords crossed on his hands.
OBLIGATION.
I, A. B., in the name of the Holy Trinity, and in the
presence of the Knights here assembled, do hereby and
hereon most solemnly promise and swear never to reveal
the secrets of a Knight Templar to anyone beneath that
degree, unless it be to a Candidate for the same in a law-
THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DEGREE. 173
ful Encampment of Knights Templar, and then only
whilst acting as a regularly-installed Commander.
I furthermore solemnly promise that I will faithfully
defend and maintain the Holy Xtian Faith against all
unprovoked attacks of its enemies.
That I will not shed the blood of a Knight Templar in
wrath, unless it be in the just wars of Sovereign Princes
or States. But, on the contrary, will defend him, even at
the risk of my life, when or whensoever his life, or his
honour may be in danger.
Thaffc I will, to the utmost of my power, protect the
near and dear relations and connexions of Knights
Templar, and if possible prevent all harm, danger, or
violence to which they may be exposed.
Lastly, I do most sincerely promise to be obedient to
the Supreme Authorities of the Country in which I do or
may reside, and strictly to observe and maintain the
Ancient Laws and Eegulations of the Order, and the
Statutes of the Grand Conclave of England and Wales,
and to answer and obey, so far as lies in my power, all
summons sent to me, the same being properly marked.
To all these points I swear fidelity, without evasion,
equivocation, or mental reservation of any kind, under no
less penalty than the loss of life, by having my h — d
struck off and placed upon a pinacle or spire, my S —
sawn asunder, and my b — exposed to the scorcliing rays
of the sun, as a warning to all infidels and traitors. So
help me, Christ: and keep me steadfast in this my solemn
obligation.
E. C. — You will seal that Solemn Obligation seven
times on the Holy Gospel.
(Candidate seals seven times.)
E. C. — Arise a Novice of our Order,
(Candidate rises.)
174 THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DEGREE.
E. C. — Let the Novice be divested of his Pilgrim'is
habit, and assume the garb of a Soldier of the Cross.
(Expert takes off the Pilgrim's habit, and puts on the
Armour progressively, as the Eeverend Prelate reads from
St. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians, chap. 6, ver. 10 to 17
nclusive.)
E. C — The Novice will now pay attention while the
Eeverend Prelate reads a certain portion of Scripture.
E. C. — Being now armed as a Soldier of Christ, you are
jH-epared to enter on a warfare of seven years, but I must
request you first to make those professions which your
sainted predecessors have made ; you will repeat after me,
suiting the action to the words.
E. C. — '*! draw my Sword in defence of the Holy
Christian Faith."
E. C. — "I draw my Sword in defence of all Knights
Templar."
E. C. — "I draw my Sword in defence of the near
Eelations and Connection of Knights Templar."
E. C. — You are now about to proceed on a seven years
warfare, and as you may be occasionally stopped and
subjected to an examination as a Soldier, enrolled under
the Banner of the Cross, I shall now entrust you with
the Sign and Word of a Crusader, whereby you will gain
confidence and support.
(E. C. gives the Sign and Word of a Crusader.)
E. C. — Thus prepared you may proceed on your
Crusade, which you will figuratively perform by proceed-
ing round the Encampment, and be prepared to defend
yourself with your Sword.
E. C. — Sir Knights, to order. — Done.
(Sir Knights stand to order under their respective
Banners, the Expert conducts the Novice round the
Encampment, going up the North Side.
THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DEGREE. 175
At each round the Candidate is stopped and challenged
in the East, the South-west, and the North-west, by a
Past Eminent Commander, the First and Second Captains
respectively, to whom he gives the Sign and Word of a
Crusader.
After he has been challenged for the third time, the
Eminent Commander is asked by the First Captain to
remit the remainder of the term.)
First Captain. — Eminent Commander, the Novice has
zealously prosecuted the Campaign up to the present time ;
is it your pleasure to remit the remaining portion.
E. C. — Mos willingly I remit the remaining four years
of Probation as a Crusader.
(Expert conducts the Novice to the foot of the Sepulchre,
and the E. C. address him as follows :)
E. C. — With the point of your Sword you will assist the
Sir Knight Expert to unveil the Cross, and you will notice
the Scroll at its foot.
(The Candidate unveils the Cross on the Sepulchre with
his Sword, and reads the Scroll.)
E. C. — Whenever that mark, which is formed from the
Initials of the Latin inscription placed over our Saviour
at his Crucifixion, be on your summons, it will be your
imperative duty, in accordance with your obligation, to
obey it; if unavoidable circumstances render your per-
sonal attendance impossible, you will then by letter
explain the cause of such inability to the Eminent Com-
mander by whom the Summons has been issued.
The following charge may be given or omitted at dis-
cretion.
CHAEGE.
E. C. — Pilgrim, now a Novice of our Order, the
Ceremonies in which you are now engaged are calculated
176 THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DEGREE.
deeply to impress your mind, and I trust they will have
a long and happy effect upon your future character.
You were first, as a trial of your faith and humility,
enjoined to perform a seven years' pilgrimage; it repre-
sented the Pilgrimage of Life, through which we are all
passing: — ^we are all weary Pilgrims looking forward to
that Asylum where we shall rest from our labours and
be at rest for ever
You were then directed, as a trial of your courage and
constancy, to perform seven years of warfare; it repre-
sented to you the constant warfare with the lying vanities
and deceits of this world, in which it is necessary for us
to be always engaged. You are now about to perform a
year of penance, as a further trial of your humihty; it is
also a trial of that faith which will conduct you safely
over the Dark Gulph of everlasting Death, and land your
enfranchised Spirit in that peaceful abode of the blessed.
Pilgrim, keep ever in your memory this awful truth^
you know not how soon you may be called upon to render
an account to that Supreme Judge, from whom not even
the most minute act of your life is hidden, for although
you now stand erect in all the strength of manhood and
pride of beauty, in a few short moments you may become
a pale and lifeless corpse.
Let these considerations induce you to receive, with
cheerfulness of gratitude, every calamity, which may be-
fall you. Prosperity is but a fading flower, and though
to-day you may have health, and friends, and riches, and
honours, to-morrow your friends may prove false, your
health may be changed into sickness, and your riches and
honours may vanish like a dream. Such is man in every
station of life, whether crowned with a royal diadem, or
enduring the lot of a scourged slave ; but the time will
come when all will be on a level, death will destroy all
THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DEGREE. . 177
distinctions, and the dust of the rich and poor shall be
blended in one indiscriminate mass. The superiority of
an after state will be that of Virtue.
Let us then endeavour, while on this side of the grave,
to copy that bright pattern of every excellence which is set
before us in the Gospels, and as far as we are able let us
act according to the dictates of right reason, and cultivate
harmony, maintain charity, and live in unity and brotherly
love.
Let the emblems of Life and Death, which lie befora
you, also remind you of your earthly existence, and teach
you to be prepared for the closing hour of your mortal
life; and, rest assured, that a firm faith in the truths
revealed to us, will afford you consolation in the gloomy
hours of dissolution, and ensure your ineffable and eternal
happiness in the world to come.
E. G. — ^You are now to undergo a year of penance and
mortification ; you will therefore take that skull in your
left hand, and one of those small lighted tapers in your
right ; and banishing all worldly thoughts, and mentally-
invoking the blessing of Heaven on your undertaking,,
you will figuratively perform a year of penance by walk-
ing slowly round the Encampment, and keeping your eyes-
fixed on those Emblems of Light and mortahty.
E. C. — To order, Sir Knights. — ^Done.
(The Sir Knights stand to order, the Novice takes the^
Skull and lighted taper as directed, and proceeds slowly
by himself once round the Encampment ; while the Novice
is performing the year of penance a solemn dirge may be
played; when the Novice has returned to the West he-
faces the Eminent Commander, who addresses him as.
follows : —
E. C. — ^You will now repeat after me the following;
imprecations.
N
178 , THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DEGREE.
E. C. — May the Spirit that once inhabited this Skull
rise up and testify against me if ever I wilfully betray my
Obligation of a Knight Templar.
E. C. — Seal it with your lips seven times on the skull.
(The Novice raises the skull to his lips, and kisses it
seven times, which is then replaced on the Sepulchre,)
E. C. — May my light also be extinguished among men
as that of Judas Iscariot was for betraying his Lord and
Master, and as I now extinguish this light.
(The Novice blows out the light, the taper is replaced,
but not lighted.)
E. C. — You will now retire to meditate on the ceremony
you have first passed through, and prepare yourself for the
honour of Knighthood, but in order to enable you to gain
re-admission I will entrust you with the Casual Sign and
Orand Pass-word of the Order.
E.G. — The Eev. Prelate will now read portion of the
Holy Scripture.
(The Eev. Prelate reads Isaiah, chap. 8, verse 1 to 3
inclusive.)
E. C. — The Sign is given thus (gives the Sign), the
Grand Pass-word is contained in the portion of Scripture
which has just been read to you by the Eev. Prelate, it is
considered a Type of the Eedeemer, and in the Hebrew
language it signifies, "In making speed to the spoil he
hastens the prey."
E. C. — There is also another sign, and is given thus
(gives it), it is contained in the 60th chap., and part of
the 6 verse.
(The Novice salutes and retires.
END OF INSTALLATION. — PART FIRST.
THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DEGREE. 179
INSTALLATION.