Scottish Rite Masonry Illustrated - The Masonic Trowel

420 SIThLIME ThINOB 01 THU ROYAL SECRET.
by arms establish free institutions. When we widen too
much the circle of our exertions, we simply invite our
iaitiates to do nothing, because what we tell them they
are to do is impracticable. Our object on the contrary
is to effect some practical good, within the limits ~f that
circle in which our influences may be felt. When men
and nations are fitted to be free, they will be so, and
a great living example of freedom, based on law and
order, is, in its calm, silent dignity of strength and
peace, the mightiest antagonist of despotism, and arbitrary
power. We must take care that we do not make
the object of our order unreal and chimerical. (At this
moment a fourth gun is fired.)
Commander in Chief—The signal is given again. Depart
my brother, on your fourth campaign, while we
again pray in silence for your success over the enemy,
even baser than the former, against which you are now
to march. (The candidate is again conducted three
times around the camp, and halted, facing the Illustrious
Commander in Chief.)
Master of Ceremonies—Illustrious Commander in
Chief, the candidate has
7 retu~ned in safety from his
fourth campaign.
Commander in Chief—My brother, among the enemies
of true fraternity, one of the most potent is the
love of wealth and greediness for gain.
The desire for a competency and even for wealth, to
be liberally and generously used, is laudable and the
parent of many virtues, but carried ~oexcess and made
the sole object of a man’s life, it is hostile to the best
interest of humanity; closes the hand and heart and
sets self-interests in opposition to the large and benevolent
plans of Ma3onry, which it regards as visionary
exvensive and absurd; wherefore this inordinate longing
INITIATION. 421
after wealth is an enemy against which Masonry has to
contend. (At this momenL a fifth gun is fired.)
Commander in Chief—The last signal is now given,
you must make your fifth and last campaign against the
most obstinate enemy of all, after which, your struggles
being over, and victory having crowned you with its
laurels, their purity unstained by a single drop of
blood, you will take possession of your patrimony, reconquered
for yourself and your brethren, and God will
bless your labors, and through them advance the cause
of true Masonry.
We shall soon meet again, but before you set forth, I
will give you certain signs and words whereby we may
recognize each other, and whereby you will be enabled
todetect such traitors as, after their defeat, may attempt
to introduce themselves to you; and among your brethren
you must be cautious and prudent.
Commander i~ Chief—Sublime Prince Grand Master
of Ceremonies, give to the candidate the sign, pass-word
and sacred word of the 32nd degree. (It is done as
follows:)
5Ign Sublime
Prince of the
U’y11 SECWt.
SIGN.
Place the right hand open on the
heart; extend it forwara, the palm
downwards and then let it fall by the
right side.