Free Masonry - The Masonic Trowel

1LLUMIN1SM. 373
u The scrutators of Mount Tabor tiled the visiters, and
examined their letters of invitation, and their costume.
" CEREMONY BEFORE THE CELEBRATION OP THE FUNERAL.
" The sister dames (with the exception of those to be
received into the lodge) were first arranged, having with
them only the officers of their chapter, and those of the
temple of Tabor. Madam the grand mistress, attired in
the apron of a novice. [They are about receiving some
apprentice Masons.]
" One grand mistress of ceremonies, and one grand
mistress of the secret, went to conduct in the candidates
for admission. (The music took their station.) Having
kneeled, they took the oath of the first degree, and were
received by madam, the grand mistress, and seated in the
front row of elevated seats in Europe and Africa.
" This finished, the two grand mistresses of ceremonies
went into the inner room, and called thus: The Commanders
of Mount Tabor\ with the Ecossais of the order.
u The two mistresses of ceremonies entered with them,
and seated them. They then returned to the outer apartment,
and called with a loud voice. The respectable presidents
of the elements of the order, with the master of the
mother lodge of France at their head.
" At their entry all the chapter rose, the grand mistresses
of ceremonies conducted them to their plaoes, and these
illustrious Masons being seated, the chapter also sat down.
" The mistresses of ceremonies returned to the outer
apartment, and cried, with a loud voice, " The brothers
visiters, Masons, whatever may be their creed or ritual."
The mistress of ceremonies allowed to enter only the number
necessary to fill the empty places, without interruption
to the ceremonies; the rest were placed in the gallery.
" DISCOURSE OF MADAM THE GRAND MISTRESS.
" My dear Sisters—A funeral garb, a deep obscurity, and
continued groanings! What misfortune, then, threatens