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us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busy-bodies. Now them that are such, we command and exhort, that with quietness they work and eat their own bread,' &c.

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The high priest, king and scribe, then take their places in the circle, kneeling on the right knee, each companion crosses his arms and gives his right hand to his left hand companion, and his left hand to his right hand companion. In this position they all give the pass-word, RABONI,' commencing with the king on the right of the high-priest, who whispers in his ear, the word, 'Raboni;' the king receives it from his right hand companion, and he from the next; in like manner the word goes round to the scribe, and from him to the high priest, who says, 'the word is right;' all balance three times three,' with their hands joined, bringing them down on their knees, nine times, making a pause between each three; they then rise and give the signs from the entered apprentice degree, to the royal arch, inclusive, after which the companions join in squads of three, for the purpose of giving the grand omnific royal arch word. [See plate 13, fig. 6.] This is done as follows: Each of the three companions with his right hand takes hold of the right wrist of the left hand companion, and with his left hand takes hold of the left wrist of the right hand companion, and places their right feet in front, with the hollow to the centre, so that the toe of each one touches the heel of the right hand man; this is called, three times three,' that is, three right feet, forming a triangle; three left hands forming a triangle, and three right hands forming a triangle. In this position each repeats as follows:

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As we three did agree,
In peace, love, and unity,
The sacred word to keep,
So we three do agree
In peace, love, and unity,
The sacred word to search;

Until we three,

Or three such as we, shall agree

To close this royal arch.

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They then balance three times three,'

hand with some violence down upon the left.

are then raised above their heads, and the

bringing the right

The right hands word, Jah-buh-lun

Je-ho-vah, G-o-d, are given at low breath, each companion pronouncing each syllable or letter as follows:

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After the word,' is thus given, the high priest inquires if the word is right?' each squad replies 'the word is right.'

The officers and companions resume their seats. The high priest raps three times with his gavel, the king repeats it, as also the scribe; this is done three times. The high priest rising, says, 'I now declare this chapter of royal arch Masons opened in due and ancient form; and I hereby forbid all improper conduct whereby the peace and harmony of this chapter may be disturbed, under no less penalties than the by-laws, or a majority of the chapter may see fit to inflict.' He directs the captain of the host to inform the guard that the chapter is open, which being done, the chapter is ready for business.

The secretary reads the minutes of the last meeting, and if there were candidates proposed, they are generally balloted for, as in the preceding degrees. The principal sojourner then repairs to the preparation room, prepares them for the degree, and makes the alarm at the door.*

* A clause in the oath of a royal arch Mason runs thus: 'I furthermore promise and swear, that I will not be at the exaltation of more or less than three candidates, at one and the same time.' In case there is not that number to take the degree, the deficiency is made up by volunteers from the chapter. The candidates are prepared by taking their coats off, tying a bandage round the eyes, and coiling a rope seven times around the body of each, which unites them together, with about three feet of slack rope between them. As they enter the living arches,' groping one after the other, it reminds one of the economical manner of fattening hogs in Westphalia, as described by Hudibras.

The captain of the host rises and says, 'There is an alarm at the door, most excellent.'

H. P. Attend to the cause of that alarm, and see who comes there.

The captain of the host repairs to the door, and raps nine times, and the principal sojourner once, which the captain of the host answers, and opens the door, inquiring 'Who comes there?'

P. S. Three worthy brothers, who have been initiated, passed, and raised to the sublime degree of master Masons, advanced to the honorary degree of mark master, presided as master in the chair; and at the completion and dedication of the temple, were received and acknowledged most excellent masters; and now wish for further light in Masonry, by being exalted to the august sublime degree of holy royal arch.

C. H. [To candidates.] Is it of your own free will and accord, you make this request?

Can. [Prompted] It is.

C. H. Are they duly and truly prepared?
They are.

P. S.

C. H. degrees?

Have they made suitable proficiency in the preceding

P. S. They have.

C. H. By what further right, or benefit, do they expect to gain admission to this chapter of royal arch Masons?

P. S. By the benefit of a pass.

C. H.

Have they that pass?

P. S. They have it not; but I have it for them.
C. H. Advance, and give it.

The principal sojourner whispers in his ear the word RABONI.

C. H. The word is right; you will wait a time, until the most excellent high priest be informed of their request, and his answer returned.

The captain of the host closes the door, and returns to his place in the chapter, gives the alarm, which is answered by the high priest, who asks the same questions, and receives the same answers from the captain of the host, as were asked and given at the door.

H. P. Since this is the case, you will let them enter this chapter of royal arch Masons, and be received under a living arch.

The captain of the host repairs to the door, opens it and says, It is our most excellent high priest's order, that the can

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