The Holy and Thrice Illustrious Order of the Cross, Called a Council
St. Albert, to every Knight Companion of the Holy and Thrice Illustrious Order of the Cross: Be it known unto you, that with regard to unquestionable vouchers, we have confirmed the Induction of the Knight Templar Mason into the Councils of the said Order of Knighthood, and herein do warrant him as a worthy and Illustrious Companion, thereof; and hoping and confiding that he will ever so demean himself as to conduct to the glory of I. H. S., the Most Holy and Almighty God, and to the honor of his Mark, we do recommend and submit him to the confidence of all those throughout the world, who can truly and deservedly say, “I am a Christian;” and that no unwarrantable benefits shall arise from this Diploma, and we charge all concerned cautiously and prudently to mark the bearer on the mystic letters therein contained, and to regard only the result, in its application and privileges.
Done out of Council, at ——, in the county of ——, and State of ——, on this —— day of ——.
Sir ————
Sovereign Prefect.
Sir ————
Acting Pref.
Commendations,
Sir Knights Comp’ns.
The officers and council all in their places. The Most Illustrious Prefect addresses the Most Worthy Provost thus: “Most Worshipful Provost, what is the o’clock?” Most Worshipful Provost says, rising and facing the east, at the same time raising his mark in his right hand, “Most Illustrious Prefect, it is now the first hour of the day, the time when our Lord suffered and the veil of the temple was rent asunder, when darkness and consternation was spread over the earth, when the confusion of the old covenant was made light in the new in the temple of the cross. It is, Most Illustrious Prefect, the third watch, when the implements of Masonry were broken—when the flame, which led the wise men of the east, reappeared—when the cubic stone was broken, and the word was given.” Most Illustrious Prefect says to Worthy Herald, “It is my will that this house of God be closed, and the remembrance of those solemn and sacred events, be here commemorated: make this; Worthy Herald, known to the Most Worshipful Provost, in due and ancient form.” The Worthy Herald bows and approaches the Most Worshipful Provost, where he bows thrice, faces about and gives a blast with his horn, and after the Knights have filed out by threes without the door, except the worthy Senior Inductor, he does his errand, viz.:—“Most Worshipful Provost, it is the sovereign will of Count Albertus, of Pergamus, that this house of God be closed, and that those solemn and sacred events in the new covenant be here commemorated: you will observe this.” The Worthy Herald bows, and the Most Worshipful Provost rises and addresses the Worthy Senior Inductor thus: “It is the will of the Most Illustrious Prefect that here now be opened a Council of Knights of the Cross: what therein becomes your duty?” Worthy Senior Inductor says, “To receive the commands of my superiors in the order, and pay obedience thereto—to conduct and instruct my ignorant pass-brethren; and to revere, and inculcate reverence in others, for the Most Holy and Almighty God.” The Most Worshipful Provost rises fiercely and says, “By what right do you claim this duty?” Worthy S. Inductor says, “By the right of a sign, and the mark of a sign.” Most Worshipful Provost says, “Will you give me a sign?” Worthy Sen. “I could if I should.” The Most Worshipful Provost then partly extends both arms, pointing downwards to an angle of 39°, with the palms open, and upwards, to show they are not sullied with iniquity and oppression, and says, “Worthy Sen. Inductor, you may give it.” The Worthy Sen. Inductor then looks him full in the face, and with his forefinger touches his right temple, and lets fall his hand, and says, “This is a sign.” Most Worshipful Provost says, “A sign of what?” Worthy Senior Inductor says, “Aye, a sign of what?” Most Worshipful Provost says, “A penal sign.” Worthy Senior Inductor says, “Your sign is ——.” Most Worshipf. Pro. says, “The last sign of my induction. But you have the mark of a sign.” Worthy S. Inductor says, “The sign whereof my mark is a mark, I hope is in the Council above.” Most Worshipf. Pro. says, “But the mark ——.” Worthy S. Inductor says, “Is in my bosom.” Thereupon he produces his mark in his left hand, and with the forefinger of his right on the letter S, on the cross, asks, “What’s that?” Most Wor. Pro. says, “Lisha.” Wor. Pro. puts his finger on the letter H, and asks, “What is this?” Worthy S. Inductor says, “Sha.” Worthy S. Inductor then puts his finger on the letter I, and asks, “What is this?” Most Worshipf. Pro. says, “Baal.” “What, then, is your mark?” Worthy S. Inductor says, “Baal, Sha-Lisha; [‘Lord of the three’] I am the Lord.” The Most Worshipful Provost then says, “You are my brother, and the duty is yours of ancient right; please announce the Council open.” The Worthy Senior Inductor steps to the door and gives three raps, and is answered by some Knight from without, who is then admitted, and the Worthy S. Inductor gives the CONDITIONAL sign (which is by partly extending both arms, as before described), the Knight answering by putting his finger to his right temple, as before. The Worthy S. Inductor then addresses the chair, thus:—“Most Illustrious Prefect, a professing brother is within the Council by virtue of a sign.” Most Illustrious Prefect says to Worthy Herald, “Go to this professing brother, and see him marked before the chair of the Most Worshipful Provost; conduct him thither, Worthy Herald.” The Worthy Herald says to the Knight, “Worthy Sir, know you the sacred cross of our Council?” Knight says, “I am a Christian.” The Worthy Herald then says, “Follow me.” When arrived before the Most Wor. Pro. the Worthy Herald says, “Most Worthy Provost, by order of the Most Illustrious Prefect, I here bring you to be marked a professing brother of the cross.” The Most Worthy Provost says, “Worthy Sir, know you the cross of our Council; and can you, without fear or favor, support and bear that cross?” Knight says, “I am a Christian.” The Most Worthy Provost says. “Worthy Sir, know you the cross of our Council; and can you, without fear or favor, support and bear that cross?” Knight says, “I am a Christian.” The Most Worthy Provost says, “No more.”