Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor - Rose Croix

A. That the task would be attended with difficulties and dangers, yet we were willing
even at the risk of our lives to promote so noble and glorious an undertaking.
Q. What followed?
A. We repaired to the place as before, and removed some more of the rubbish, after
which we placed a cable tow seven times around the body of one of my companions to
assist him in descending, and it was agreed, should the place become offensive, either to
health or sight, he should swing it to the right as a signal to ascend; but should he wish to
descend he should, swing it to the left. In this manner he descended and found three
squares, which they had no doubt had long been concealed; he gave the signal and
ascended, and with them we repaired to the Grand Council.
Q. What was their opinion of the squares?
A. That they were masters' jewels, most probably worn by our ancient Grand Masters,
Solomon, King of Israel, Hiram, King of Tyre, and Hiram Abiff, and from the place in
which they were found they had no doubt they would lead to still further and more
important discoveries, upon which we were asked if willing again to descend the arch in
search of the treasures.
Q. Your answer? (As before.)
Q. What followed?
A. We repaired to the place as before, which I descended as before. The sun shone forth
with such redoubled splendor that I was enabled to descend; in the eastern-most part
thereof was
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a trunk of curious form, overlaid with gold, having on its top and sides certain mysterious
characters; availing myself of this I gave the signal, and ascended; on arriving at the top
of the arch I found my hands involuntarily placed in this position to guard my eyes from
the intense light and heat that arose therefrom above; with the trunk we repaired to the
Grand Council.
Q. What was their opinion of the trunk?
A. That it was the Ark of the Covenant.
Q. What were its contents?
A. A pot, a rod, and a book.
Q. What was their opinion of the pot?