M. W. S. — The Candidate may now depart and

meditate on the New Law, and by the practice of Faith,
Hope, and Charity prepare to enter again on his travels
in search of the lost WOED, but before he does so let
him be presented with a Black Apron, for by that Badge
we distinguish those amongst us who are engaged in that
Holy work !

(Candidate retkes.)

-:o: —

SECOND POINT.

The Candidate now enters the Black Eoom, clothed in
his highest Masonic Costume, a procession is formed of all
present, first the M. W. S., the Prelate, the 1st and 2nd
Generals, the other Officers, then the Princes, the Grd.
Marshal and the Candidate, they walked round the room ;
solemn music playing, and all bow on passing the Cross.
At the third round the M. W. S. passes to the Bed Eoom,
at the fourth round the Sovereigns of the Order and the
Prelate pass out, at the fifth round the Princes of the
Order, and at the seventh round the door is shut against
the Candidate and the Grand Marshal as they attempt to
enter, they give the knocks and the Captain of the Guard
replies from within.

Captain of the Guard. — You cannot enter here unless
you give me the Word!

216 THE EOSE CEOIX DE HEEEDOM DEGEEE.

Cand. — We cannot ! we are travelling in search thereof,
and which, by the practice of Faith, Hope, and Charity,
and by the help of the New and Better Covenant, we hope
to obtain.

(The Captain of the Guard opens the door a little,
examines their dress, and says — )

Captain of the Guard. — This attire is not compatible
with that humility which is necessary for those who wish
to recover the lost WOED ; retire and clothe yourself in
dust and ashes, and I will sent Raphael to your assis-
tance.

They retire to the Reception Room, where the Jewels
are taken off and Crape is placed on their heads ; in the
meantime, if there is no Chamber of Death, the Black
Room has been thrown into confusion and darkness, a
Lamp of Spirits of Wine and Salt is burning on the floor,
dead men in winding sheets lie around, and bones and
skulls are strewed about. The Candidate is introduced by
the Grd. Marshal, who steps out and leaves him alone.
After a short period Raphael comes forward and says —

Raphael. — I come to conduct you through the depths of
darkness, and the valley of death, to the Mansions of
Bhss, but first you must undergo danger, difficulties, and
afflictions, but be of good cheer, armed with the virtues
you have already obtained ; Faith will support you when
tempted to despair, Hope will cheer you on the road, and
Charity will sustain you in every trial, 'till, having travel-
led through the Abyss of Darkness, you may finally arrive
at the Mansions of BHss, whither our Heavenly Sovereign
has gone before ! Approach and follow me.

Music; plays *' The Dead March," in 'Saul,' and then
changes to the more joyful air of *' Sound the loud timbrel
o'er Egypt's dark sea."

THE KOSE CROIX DE HEREDOM DEGREE. 217

Kaphael takes the Candidate into the Eed Eoom, round
which they march three times, when he says —

Eaphael. — Most Wise Sovereign ! I bring with me this
worthy Knight, who, having travelled through darkness*
difficulties, and the Valley of the Shadow of Death, in
search of the lost WOKD, and having fortified himself
with the three cardinal virtues of Faith, Hope, and
Charity, now suppHcates to be rewarded for his labours.