Scottish Rite Masonry Illustrated - The Masonic Trowel

470 SOVEREIGN GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL.
I furthermore solemnly swear that I will hold true
allegiance to the Supreme Council of the United States
of America, its territories and dependencies. And that
I will never aeknowledge any body or bodies of men as
belonging to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite,
claiming to be s~ich, except such as hold allegiance to
this Supreme Council, or
those who recognize this
Council. To all these I
do most solemnly swear,
calling upon the Most
High God to ratify my
oath. And should I
knowingly or willfully
violate the same, may
this wine I now drink,
~, 1~fl become a deadly poison
~ to me, as the hemlock
juice drank by Socrates.
(Drinks wine out of
skull.) And may these
‘cold arms forever encir-
V
dc me. Amen. (Skeleton’s arms enfold him.)
Most Puissant Say. Grand Com.—Your third journey
reminds you, that in the high office you are now about
to fulfill, you must never fail to fulfill your duty to God,
your brethren and our order. Even now, though you
know it not, you need the aid of your brethren, as others
in time will require your assistanee.
That toreb which a brother holds before you, you will
be called upon to bear for the benefit of others who
seek light.
Your head is uncovered—your feet bare, to remind
you that you must ever be prepared to assist brethren
INITIATION. 471
in need, and free them from the yoke of oppression,
which is symbolized by the black cabletow around your
neck.
Most Puissaid Soy. Grand Com.—Kneel! Once again
I crown you; now with this wreath of cypress, emblem
of death and or immortality.
Most Puissant Soy. Grand Com..—Conduct the brother
upon his third journey. (Candidate is led once
around.)
Most Puissant Soy. Grand Com.—The object of all
the degrees of the Ancient and Aecepted Scottish Rite,
is light, wisdom, tolerance, freedom, courage. As a
proof that you possess that courage which you may be
called upon to exert against your enemies; and that you
hold danger and even death in contempt, we now call
upon you, as a proof that you will never hesitate to
obey the orders of those who have sworn that “Justice”
shall rule the world, to plunge your hand into this vase
of molten lead and pluck forth this golden ring. (The
Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander drops the
ring into the vase of mercury and the candidate snatches
it out.)
Most Puissant Soy. Grand Com.—~Tis well! No harm
awaited you. You knew it. But remember, all the
ceremonies of Masonry are but faithful representations
of the realities of life; and that you may be ever ready
to lay down your life for the triumph of the principles
of our Rite. Illustrious Grand Master General of
Ceremonies, let the brother make the last journey.
(Candidate is led twice around the room.)
Most Puissant Soy. Grand Com.—The object of this
last trial was to teach you that no consideration; no
danger must stop you, when justice and the rights of
your brethren require your assistance. Your Masonic