Scottish Rite Masonry Illustrated - The Masonic Trowel

320 GRAND INSPECTOR INQUISITOR COMMANDER. OPENING CEREMONIES. 321
All—(Extending the right hand towards the coffer
~ontaining. the records.) We do solemnly promise and
swear.
Most Perfect President—And now my brel hren, let
us implore the ajd, the mercy and the protection pf him
who can alone give-us strength to perform our promises.
Order my brethren. On your knees! (All rise under
the sign of order as given on page 192. and then kneel.)
PRAYER.
Hear us with indulgence, 0 infinite Deity, whose attributes
are infinite yet infinitely harmonious! Thou of
whose essence are justice, equity and mercy, intermingled
into one infinite excellence. Thou of whom all
thoughts and all actions of men are known, and visible
as thine own! To whom the infinite past and infinite future
are one now, and the infinitudes of space in all
directions are here. Give us the wisdom and the will
tojudge justly, accurately and mercifully. Keep our feet
from going astray; lead us by the hand of truth, close
up to us all the paths and avenues of temptation.
Strengthen our good resolves and free us from the empire
of prejudice, partialfty, error and passion. Help us
to perform all our Masonic duties, to ourselves, to other
men, and to Thee. Let the great flood of Masonic light
flow in a perpetual current over the whole world and
make Masonry the creed of all mankind. Pardon us
when we offend. When we go astray, lead us back to
the true path and help our feeble efforts to advance th.~
cause of liberty and toleration; and when we come to
be finally judged by Thee, do not thou judge us as in
our feebleness and passion we may have judged others,
but forgive us, and take us home to Thee. Amen.
All—So mote it be.
Most Perfect President—(Rising.) Rise niy brethren.
.(AII rise under the sign of order.)
Most Perfect President—Most Enlightened Brethren
Grand Inspectors Inquisitors Commanders. Let us proceed
to our
1abors, that through our exertions our beloved
order may prosper and our solemn obligations be
complied with. Aid me my brethren and enlighten me
with your counsel. To order, Most Enlightened Brethren
I
FIRST SIGN.
Most Perfect President—(Making the
first sign.) By crossing both hands, bring
them to the navel, thumbs crossing each
other and says Justice.
ANSWERING SIGN.
All—(Make the answering sign.) Cross
both arms above your head, right outside,
palms outward, and say Equity.
Aaweziag Eg..