Scottish Rite Masonry Illustrated - The Masonic Trowel

468 SOVEREIGN GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL. INITI ~TroN. 409
the first of all. The great uncreated creator; origin of
nature. Be not proud of thy exaltation, for misfortune
can most easily attack the great. Brother, being assured
that you are devoted to your country, behold its flag.
Are you prepared to take an obligation to proteet and
ilefend this embiem of your nation?
Candidate—( Answers.)
Most Puissant Soy. Grand Com.—Then, with your
right hand upon this sword and your left holding this
flag, repeat after me your
FIRST OBLIGATION.
SOVEREIGN GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL.
In the name of God our Heavenly Father; in his presence
and that of these Illustrious Princes of Exalted
Masonry, I do solemnly promise and vow to be true and
faithful to my country and its flag, and that I will defend
both with my purse, my sword and with my life!
So help me God. Amen.
Most Puissant Soy. Grand Comb—As a token of your
fidelity, salute with a kiss this emblem of knightly
honour. (Candidate kisses sword.)
Most Puissant Soy. Grand Co’m.—Kneel my brother.
You have proved your right to the crown I now place
upon your brow, True %tis but a wreath of oak leaves,
but it is to a Mason~more priceless than the diadems of
kings. It is the civic crown of the Roman Republie,
Note 8B6.—’The feller is of white-watered ribbon fringed with gold.
baying the rayed triangle at its point and the aworde at the aidee By
a regulation of the Southern Supreme Council of tbe United States the
collar is worn by the active. and the sash by the hoaorary members of
the Council.
‘~The Jewel is a black double-heeded eagle, with golden beaks and
taiona. holding in the latter a sword of gold, and crowned with the
golden crown of Prusala.
‘The red Teutonic cross is affixed to the left aide of the breast.
‘~The decoration rests Upon a Teutonic cross it is a nine pointed
,tar, namely, one formed by three triangles of gold one upon the other.
and lateriaced from the lower part of the left side 10 the ,Ipper part
of the right a s~sord extends snd in the opposite direction Ia a hand
of isa it is called) Justice. in th~ center is the shield of T’,e Ordar.
azure charged with an eagle like that on the banner, having ott the
dealer side a Balance or. and on the sinister aide a Compass of ihe
second, united with a Sq,,are of the second. —Mackay’s Enoyciopandia
of Freemmacary. Article So~ereigui Grand Inspector General.
~vhich was only a’~ tirded tat tho~..c who had saved tl,~
life of a fellow creature. B~ beeoiii~ng a Mason, yatti
have al~o become a benefactor of mankind.
host Piti~.t~ni Sot. Grand (Jont.—(To Grand Master
General of, Cercnioiiie~.. ) I.et tIle seeoiid joiirnc~ be
made. (The Grand Master General of Cerernonie~ coliduets
him thrice around, while the Most Puissant Sovertiga
Grand Commander repeats:)
Most Puissant Soy. Grand (oii.—Let us worship, iii
.111 hum I ity .1 od enerat mu the divine wisdom, of lii iii
who so bountifully regulates the universe. We iiiii4
ever glorify labor; for by its means only can you obtain
that true light which you foresaw in the doctrine of him
u ho gave his life for the glory of his father and the
emancipation of his brethren.
Behold the banner of our beloved order! Are you
prepared to swear fidelity to this banner and our order?
Candidate—I am. (Musie plays. The Grand Master
of Ceremonies leads him to the North, where a skeleton
with a u reatli of cypress in one hand and the banner of
the order in the other and a skull with wine in are now
unveiled and the taper is taken from candidate.
Most Puissant Soy. Grand Com.—Then take in one
hand this skull, from this emblem of mortality, while
with the other you support the flag of our beloved order
and repeat after me. (Candidate obeys).
SECOND OBLIGATION.
In presence of the Supreme Architect of the World
and calling on these Illustrious brethren present as
witnesses, I—do solemnly and sincerely swear.
without prcvarieation or mental reservation, that I will
be for ever faithful to the hairner of the order, will
follow it wherever it leads and will always defend it;
allowing no (hanger to deter me therefrom.