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MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN ROSENCREUTZ. 193
us to the ensuing purpose :
That
his Eoyal Majesty had
not yet committed to oblivion the service we had done him,
and therefore by way of retribution had elected each of us
Knights of the Golden Stone. That it was, therefore,
further necessary not only once again to oblige ourselves
towards his Royal Majesty, but to vow upon the following
articles, and then His Eoyal Highness would likewise
know how to behave himself towards his high people.
Upon which he caused the Page
articles :
to read over these
I. You, my Lords the Knights, shall swear that you will
at no time ascribe your order either unto any Devil or
Spirit, but only to God, your Creator,
Nature.
and His hand-maid
II. That you will abominate all whoredom, incontinency,
and uncleanness, and not defile your order with such
vices.
III. That you, through your talents, will be ready to
assist all that are worthy and have need of them.
IV. That you desire not to employ this honour to worldly
pride and high authority.
V. That you shall not be willing to live longer than God
will have you.
At this last article we could not choose but laugh, and it
may well have been placed there for a conceit. Now, being
sworn them all by the. King's scepter, we were afterwards,
with the usual ceremonies, installed Knights, and, amongst
other privileges, set over ignorance, poverty, and sickness,
to handle them at our pleasure. This was afterwards ratified
*
*
in a little chappel, whither we were conducted in proces-
sion, and thanks returned to God for it. There I also at
that time, to the honour of God, hung up my golden fleece