It is used as a caution to a companion, when you wish him to keep silence.

The following extracts are from Cross's Masonic Chart. They will serve to cast some light on this degree. [See Chart, page 115.]

This degree cannot legally be conferred on any but royal arch Masons, who have taken all the preceding degrees; and it is preparatory to that of the select master. Although it is short, yet it contains some valuable information, and is intimately connected with the degree of select master. It also enables us with ease and facility to examine the privileges of others to this degree, while, at the same time, it proves ourselves.'

The following passages of scripture, &c. are considered to be appropriate to this degree. [See Chart, p. 116.]

Rev. xxii. 12-14. And behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.'

This degree is the summit and perfection of ancient Masonry: and without which, the history of the royal arch degree cannot be complete. It rationally accounts for the concealment and preservation of those essentials of the craft which were brought to light at the erection of the second temple, and which lay concealed from the Masonic eye, four hundred and seventy years. Many particulars relative to those few, who, for their superior skill, were selected to complete an important part of king Solomon's temple, are explained; and here too, is exemplified an instance of justice and mercy, by our ancient patron towards one of the craft, who was led to disobey his commands, by an overzealous attachment for the institution. It ends with a description of a particular circumstance, which characterizes the degree. [Cross's Chart, p. 118.].

For form of council, see plate 16.

The first officer is seated in the east, (council chamber,) under a rich canopy, dressed in royal purple robes, a golden crown on his head, and sceptre in his hand; and a gold triinmed collar on his neck, to which is suspended a gold trowel. He represents king Solomon, and is styled, thrice illustrious grand

master.

The second officer is on his right, with the same dress and decorations. He represents Hiram, king of Tyre, and is styled, deputy illustrious grand master.

The third is seated on the left of the first. He is dressed in yellow robes, trimmed with blue; a collar on his neck, and a gold hammer in his hand. He represents Hiram Abiff, and is called principal conductor of the work.

Before each of the three first officers is a triangular table, upon each angle of which is a burning taper; and in the cen tre, a triangular plate of gold. A veil or curtain separates

them from the rest of the officers and companions, as is represented in plate 16.

The next three officers in rank, are seated in the other part of the hall, so as to form a triangle, in the following order, viz. :

The secretary, who is the fourth officer, in the south.

The fifth, treasurer, in the north.

The sixth is seated in the west, with a drawn sword, representing Adoniram, and is styled Captain of the guards.

The seventh officer is called Ahishar, the grand steward. He acts as tyler, and is to guard the inside of the door.

The officers being seated, the veil or curtain is drawn aside, which brings them all into one apartment.

The presiding (or first) officer gives notice that he is about to open a council of select masters; and after the necessary precaution, to ascertain that there is none present but those of the degree, he proceeds as follows:

K. S. My worthy companion of Tyre, shall we resume our labors, and complete the secret work which has been so happily begun ?

Hiram, king of Tyre, replies, Thrice illustrious grand master, it is my most ardent wish to see it completed, and the sacred treasure therein safely deposited; that I may return to my own country with the satisfaction of having faithfully discharged my duty to the craft.

K. S. Companion conductor, are our numbers complete? H. A. Thrice illustrious grand master, I find the number of three times nine.

K. S. Companion conductor, you will see that the secret vault is made secure.

Hiram Abiff returns, and says, 'Thrice illustrious, all is in security.'

K. S. Illustrious deputy grand master, what is it o'clock? H. K. T. Nine at night, thrice illustrious, when all prying eyes are closed in sleep.

K. S. Such being the hour, it is my pleasure that a council of select masters be now opened for the dispatch of business. Companion conductor, you will therefore order the companions to their several stations, and after the regular alarm shall be given, let them proceed in their labors, according to the directions they have received.

H. A. Companions, it is our illustrious grand master's orders that a council of select masters be opened for the dispatch of business; and after the regular alarm of the mysterious numher nine is given, each will resume his labor.