Blanchard J (anti-masonic) - Scotch Rite Masonry Illustrated Part I

298 flRAND ELECT, PERFECT AND SUBLIME MASON.stone, within which is engraved an iron ring fastenedthereto.GIRDLE :—Of a Perfect Mason, is made of varionqcolored silk, arranged in the following combinafion:3-57-9.ORDER :—A crimson collar, with white and red rosetteat the bottom, from which is suspended the jewel.JEWEL :—A gold compass crowned and extcnded toninety (900) degrees. Between the arms of the\compaesis a medal, on one side of which is engraved a sun, onthe other a blazing star with the Delta in the centre; onthe quadrant are engraved the figures 3-5-7-9.Each Knight wears a wedding ring, in the interior ofwhich are engraved on one side the name of the Knightand the date of his reception and on the other thesewords: “Virtue unites what death cannot separate.”On the Table of Perfumes when an initiation, must bethe Hod and Trowel, with oil to anoint and a pan withburning coals for incense, and on the table of Shewbreadmust be the cup with wine for libation, also a goldring to present to the candidate, besides all the jewelsnecessary for the candidate.OPENING CEREMONIESGRAND ELECT, PERFECT AND SUBuXE MASON.Thrice Puissant—Brother Senior Grand Warden, arewe tyled in this Sacred Vault?Benior Grand Warden—Thrice Puissant Grand Mastsr,we are all tyled, and in security from cowans.Thrice Puissant—Since we are well tyled and insecurity from cowans, my most dearbrethren let us prayto the Great Architect of the Universe that he mayenlighten and inspire us; let us pray with one knee onthe ground. (All form a circle round the Altar andkneel on the left knee.)OPENING PRAYER.Almighty and Sovereign Architect of Heaven andEarth who by thy divine power dost ultimately searchthe most secret recesses of thought, purify our hearts bythe sacred fire of thy love, guide us by thy unerringhand in the path of virtue and cast out of thy adorablesanctuary all impiety and perverseness. We beseechthee that our thoughts may be engaged in the grandwork of our perfection, which when attained will be anample reward for our labor. Let peace and charity linkus together in a pleasing union and may this lodge exhibita faint resemblance of that happiness which theelect will enjoy in thy kingdom.Give us a spirit of holy discrimination by which wemay be able to refuse the evil and choose the good, andalso that we msy not be led astray by those who unworthilyassume the character of the Grand Elect. May