Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor - Rose Croix

"In that day will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the
Lord, and will make thee a signet: for I have chosen thee."
High Priest (to King, showing him the signet.)--Companion, are you satisfied that this is
the signet of Zerubbabel?
King (taking the signet, and scrutinizing it.)--I am satisfied. Most Excellent, that it is.
High Priest (showing signet to Scribe.)--Companion Scribe, think you this is the true
signet of Zerubbabel?
Scribe (looking shrewdly at it.)--I am satisfied that it is. Most Excellent.
High Priest (drawing signet across his forehead, in imitation of the penalty, see Fig. 36.)--
Signet of Truth, and Holiness to the Lord!
The King and the Scribe, each in turn, puts his hand to his forehead, repeating--Holiness
to the Lord.
High Priest (to candidates.)--It is the opinion of the Grand
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Council, that you have presented the true signet of Zerubbabel. But, owing to difficulties
having arisen from the introduction of strangers among the workmen, none are allowed to
undertake in the noble and glorious work, but the true descendants of the twelve tribes. It
is necessary you should be very particular in tracing your genealogy. Who are you, and
what are your intentions?
Principal Sojourner--We are your own kindred, the descendants of those noble families of
Giblemites, who wrought so hard at the building of the first Temple. We have been
regularly initiated as Entered Apprentice Masons, passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft,
raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason, advanced to the honorary Degree of Mark
Master, presided as Master in the chair, and at the completion and dedication of the
Temple were acknowledged as Most Excellent Masters. We were present at its
destruction by Nebuchadnezzar, and by him were carried away captives to Babylon;
where we remained servants to him and his successors until the reign of Cyrus, King of
Persia, by whose proclamation we were liberated, and have come up thus far to aid and
assist in the noble and glorious work of rebuilding the house of the Lord, without the
hope of fee or reward.
High Priest--Let the captives be unbound, and brought to light. Companion King, I think
we had better employ these sojourners. They look like good hardy men; just such men as
we want about the building. What say you?
King--It is my opinion, Most Excellent, that they are very expert workmen. I wish they
might be examined.