Scottish Rite Masonry Illustrated - The Masonic Trowel

472 SOVEREIGN GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL. INiTIATION. 473
labors; the liberal ideas you entertain; your devotedness
and zeal for the propagation of our doctrines, entitle
you to the high dignity with which we are about to
invest you. (Candidate stops in the West.)
Most Puissan/ Soy. Grand Com.—Sublime Prince, the
Ancient and Aceepted Rite recognizes and adopts none
of the religions of the world. We respect the creeds of
all men, because God alone is the Supreme Judge of his
children. Each of our brethren has full right to maintain
his own faith and worship our Heavenly Father,
according to the dictates of his own conscience. What
is your religion?
Candidate—( Answers.)
Most Puissant ~Sov. Grand Com.—Sovereign Grand
Inspector Grand Orator, place upon the altar of Masonry
the sacred book of our brother’s religion. (This
is done.)
Most Puissant Soy. Grand Com.—And now, if of
your own free will you voluntarily assume the last and
most serious obligation of our order, advanee and kneel
at the sacred altar of Masonry, resting your hands upon
the book of your religion. (This is done
Most Puissant Soy. Grand Corn.—To order Sovereign
Grand Inspectors! Draw Swords!
Lieutenant Grand Com.—(Repeats order All form
around altar pointing swords at candidate~s breast.)
Most Pu-issant Soy. Grand Corn—Sublime Prince,
repeat after me and the brethren.
OBLIGATIOIa sOVEREIGN GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL.
In the pre.ienee of Almighty God and of the Illustrious
members of this Supreme Council 33rd degree for
the United States of Ameriea, its territories and dependencies
I , a Sublime Prince of the Royal
Secret, do hsweby solemnly promise and swear, on the
holy book of any religion, never directly, or indirectly
to reveal the secrets and mysteries of the 33rd and last
degree of the Aneicat and Aecepted Scottish Rite to
any but a brother, legally and lawfully possessed of this
(lignity; and to obey and cause to be obeyed, the constitution,
statutes and regulations of the order.
I furthermore soleninlv promise and swear to be true
and faithful to God, our common parent; to the holy
order of which I have the honor of being a member, and
to my beloved country.
I furthermore ~.oheinnlypromise and swear, faithfully
and punctually to fulfill ,ilh the obligations which I have
tatken in each of the degrees I have received, and strictly
to comply with the duties imposed upon me as a
Sovereign (hand Inspector General of the .33rd degree.
Unceasingly to protect and defend the rights of my
fellow beings, even at the peril of my life, and to use
the authority in me vested with charity and equity, and
for the glory of God and our order.
I furthermore solemnly promise and swear, faithfully
to comply with my present obligation, waiving all
equivoeation or mental reservation, and the hope of being
at any time relieved of the same, by any power
whatsoever, under the penalties which I , of
my own free will and accord impose upon myself; namely
that of being disgraced among my fellow beings, to
suffer the most cruel remorse of the soul. And may
God heap upon my head the punishment in store for
perjurers and all such as may violate their sacred obligations
toward him. So help mc God. Amen. Amen I
Amen!
Most Puissant Soy. Grand Com.—Now my brother,
salute with a kiss the sacred book of your religion. (He
obeys.) Take this sword and remember to use it only
against the enemies of our order and your country, and