Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor - Rose Croix

symbolic Degrees and the companions of the sublime Degrees, which should ever
distinguish the members
p. 223
of a society founded upon the principles of everlasting truth and universal philanthropy.
Of the first, blue; the peculiar color of the three ancient, or symbolical Degrees. It is an
emblem of universal friendship and benevolence, and instructs us that in the mind of a
Mason those virtues should be as expansive as the blue arch of heaven itself.
High Priest--The Treasurer's station and duty?
Captain--Station, at the right hand in rear of the Captain of the Host; his duty, to keep a
just and regular account of all the property and funds of the Chapter placed in his hands,
and exhibit them to the Chapter when called upon for that purpose.
High Priest--The Secretary's place in the Chapter?
Captain--Station, at the left in rear of the Principal Sojourner; his duty, to issue the orders
and notifications of his superior officers, record the proceedings of the Chapter proper to
be written, to receive all moneys due the Chapter, and pay them over to the Treasurer.
High Priest--Guard's place and duty?
Captain--His station is at the outer avenue of the Chapter; his duty, to guard against the
approach of cowans and eaves-droppers, and suffer none to pass or repass, but such as are
duly qualified.
High Priest (addressing the Chapter.)--Companions, you will assemble round the altar,
for the purpose of assisting me in opening a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.
All the members present (except the Grand Council) approach the altar, and, forming a
circle, kneel, each upon his right knee. An opening in the circle is left for the High Priest,
the King, and the Scribe. The High Priest rises and reads from the Second Epistle of Paul
to the Thessalonians, chap. iii., vs. 6 to 18:--
"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw
yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which
ye have received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us; for we behaved
not ourselves disorderly among you; neither did we eat any man's bread for naught; but
wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of
you; not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an example unto you to
follow us," &c.
After the reading, the High Priest, the King, and the Scribe approach the altar and take
their places in the circle, kneeling with the rest, the King on the right, and the Scribe on
the left of the High Priest. Each one now crosses his arms and gives his right hand to his