IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 1.25 u lis 2.0 I.I i'^i 1.8 U IIIIII.6 "m ^ A A *: "^ >^ ??' r PhotDgmphic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 .. ^. V 4- CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHIVI/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques The Institute has attemptvid to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographicaiiy unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. D D D Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur I I Covers damaged/ Couverture endommagde Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaurie et/ou pelliculie Cover title missing/ Le titre de couverture manque Coloured maps/ Cartes yiographiques en couleur Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Re\\6 avec d'autres documents D Tight binding may cause shadows or distoition along interior margin/ La re liure serr6e peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distortion le long de la marge intdrieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajout6es lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mats, lorsque cela dtait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 6t6 filmdes. Additional comments:/ Commentaires suppldmentaires: L'Institut a microfilm6 le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a 6x6 possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-dtre uniques du point da vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la mdthode normale de filmage sont indiquis ci-dessous. I I Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur Pages damaged/ Pages endommagdes Pages restored and/oi Pages rpstauries et/ou pelliculdes Pages discoloured, stained or foxei Pages ddcolor^es, tacheties ou piqu6es Pages detached/ Pages ddtachees Shcwthrough/ Transparence Quality of prir Qualitd indgale de I'impression Includes supplementary materia Cumprend du materiel supplementaire Only edition svailabie/ Seule Edition disponible I I Pages damaged/ I I Pages restored and/or laminated/ r~/\ Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ I I Pages detached/ r~7| Shcwthrough/ I I Quality of print varies/ I I Includes supplementary material/ I I Only edition svailabie/ n Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuiliet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont 6t6 filmies 6 nouveau de facon d obtenir la meilleure image possible. This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est film^ au taux de reduction ind'qud ci-dessous. 10X 14X 18X 22X J 12X 16X 20X ^SX 30X 24X 28X 32X Th« copy filmed h«re has b««n reproduced thanks to the generosity of: D. B. Weldon Library University of Western Ontario (Regional History Room) The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and endihg on the last page with a printed or illustratnd impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, und ending on the last page :vith a printed or illustratttd impression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol —»>( meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol V {meaning "END"), whichever applies. IMaps. plates, charts, etc.. may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: L'exemplaire film* fut reproduit grdce d la ginirositA de: D. B. Weldon Library University of Western Ontario (Regional History Room) Lee images suivantes ont AtA reproduites avec le plus grand soin. compte tenu de la condition et de la nettet* de l'exemplaire film*, et en conformity avec las conditions du contrat de fllmage. Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture on papier est imprimte sont filmis en commen^ant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la dernlAre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, salon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaJres originaux sont fiim^s en commenqant par la premiere page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernlAre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un dee symboles suivants apparaftra sur la derniAre image de cheque microfiche, selon le caa: le symbols — *>signifie 'A SUIVRE ', le symbols V signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc.. peuvent dtre filmte A dee taux do rMuction diff4rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clichA, il est film« d partir do Tangle supArieur gauche, de gauche h droite. et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images n^cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 ,^ n K OF UUTIES. ROYAL ARCANUM. k\^xv^\^a a • • A. Altar. B. Banner. C. Collector. Ch. Chaplain. G. Guide. M. Screen. X. See Key. S. Sentry.* s Sy. Secretary, 'f. Treasurer. v. Screen. VV, Warden. 8 FORJI OF ANNOUNCING THE OPENING OF A COUNCIL FOB DUTY, EITHER ORALLY OR IN PRINT. 110.">. k Oas\ > )rtW Council, Number Roy til Arcanum, will be opened for regular duty on — day, the day of 18 — , at .^1 o'clock M. Secretary. FOR OCCASIONAL DUTY. 1105. -^ Council, Number- Royal Arcanum, will be opened for occasional duty— on day, the day of -. 18—, at o'clock M. Secretary. FOR THE FINAL DUTY. 1105. fN % -Council, Number- Royal Arcanum, will meet at— day, the day of -on 18—, at o'clock M. to proceed to pay the Final Duty to our deceased Brother . Secretary. THE sT^Tionsrs. There are ten stations in a Council Chamber, corre- sponding to the ten points upon the crown, the emblem of the Royal Arcanum. The eleventh station, at the centre of the room, is known as the "Altar, or Secret Station.'* This shall be of such dimensions as shall be necessary for the proper exemplification of the degree ; it shall have a hinged cover provided with a secure lock, having three keys, one of which shall be in the keeping of the Regent, one in that of the Vice- Regent, and the third in that of the Guide. A Coun- cil already provided with an Altar may use thereon a cabinet with a hinged cover, lock and keys as above. The interior of the station or cabinet shall be of sufficient depth to hold the Pi'otective Badge, the Royal Secret, the Jewels, the Sash, and the Books of Duties ; and these must be kept therein when the Council is not occupied with its duties. THE PROTECTIVE BADGE. A tablet of metal, on which shall be distinctly en- graved the letters V. M. C. THE ROYAL SECRET. -^ A tablet of metal, on which, in distinct figures, shall be the mystic number. This shall always remain in the secret station or cabinet, except for the brief period when used in conferring the degree. THE V-SCREEN AND ITS FURNITURE. A folding screen of two wings, white on both sides. Each wing six feet three inches in height, and three feet ten inches wide. A white stand, tripod or bracket and a basm fitting it. THE M-SCREliN AND ITS FURNITURE. A folding screen with four wings, all light blue. Two inner wings, six feet three inches high, two feet eight inches wide; outer wings same Jieight, five feet wide. A knapsack sixteen inches by eighteen inches, so made as to be easily weighted with from twenty to one hundred pounds, and supplied with hooks of hoop iron to suspend it from the shoulders, and with a hook at the lower end for quick attachment of additional weight if desired. A small stand or table, with a decanter and one or more wine glasses. THE SASH. A blue, cashmere sash without ends, four inches wide and finy-six inches long to top of crossing, lined with cambric, and having a row of half-inch yellow metal lace on each edge, and a hook at the hip for the Protective Badge. THE BANNER. The Banner is to be of fawn-colored silk, eighteen by twenty-seven inches, cut swallow-tailed at bottom, and trimmed all around with half-inch gilt lace, and one and a quarter-inch fringe at bottom. "Royal Arcanum" painted at top in gold, secret symbol in centre, and mystic number in gold at bottom. Cross- pole of black walnut with gilt balls at ends. Banner hung to pole by gilt lace loops, and pcle to have cord and tassel at each end of cord. 6 OI^IDEI^ OF Regular and Occasional Council Dnlics. Duty I. Opening of the Council for Duty. Duty II. Calling the Roll of Officers. (Occasional duty a. Welcoming visiting brothers.) Duty III. Reading Record of Preceding Meet- ing OR Meetings. Duty IV. Communications from the Supreme, Grand, or Subordinate Councils. Duty V. Applications for Membership. (Occasional duty b. Receiving application for re-instatement of suspended brother, with the required examiners' certificates.) (Occasional duty c. Balloting for re-instate- ment of suspended brother. ) Duty VI. Reading Medical Examin)u1s' Cer- tificates. Duty VII. Reports of Investigating Commit- tees. Duty VIII. Balloting for Applicant. Duty IX. The Mysteries. Duty X. Is Any Brother Known to be Sick or IN Need? (Occasional duty d. Death of a brother. e. Report after payment of a benefit.) Duty XI. Communications and Bills. Duty XII. Reports of Standing Committees. Duty XIII. Reports of Special Committees. Duty XIV. Reports of Officers. (Occasional duty/. Suspending a brother.) Duty XV. Unfinished Business. Duty XVI. New Business. (Occasional duty (j. Appointment of Auditing Committee. li. Preferring cliarges or hearincr them. ?*. Issuing withdrawal or traveling card. j. Expelling a member. A:. Approving bonds of offi- cers. I. Directing the drawing of an order for per capita tax. m. Election of officers. n. Election to fill a vacant station. 0. Installation of officers. Good of the Order. Closing the Duties of the Council. [The Regular Duties are indicated by Roman numerals, and are to be called through at every regular meeting. Tlie- Occasional Duties are only to be called as required.] Duty XVII. Duty XVIII. X V, 8 DUTY I. Opening of the Council for Duty. [The Regent having clothed himself with appropriate re- galia and assumed his station : ♦] Regent. — Guide, you will see that the outer and inner doors are properly guarded ; that the secret sym- bol is displayed ; that the official stations are occupied ; and that all within the Council Chamber are entitled to seats therein. [If any offlcial station is not occupied, the" Kegent shall designate some member to occupy it temporarily. The several stations l)eing duly occupied, tlie Guide shall give the S. and P. passwords to the Regent, and moving from the right of the Regent around the Council Chamber, —visiting the Sentry's station on his way— shall receive them from each brother present, who must stand erect and give them in a whisper, accompanied with the grip. Any member of the Council without passwords must be sent to the Regent to procure them. The Guide, satisfied that all present are members of the Royal Arcanum, and that the Council Chamber is prepared for duty, standing at altar, facing it and the Regent :] Guide. — Regent, the outer and inner doors are securely guarded ; the secret symbol is properly dis- played ; the officers are at their stations, properly clothed, and all present are entitled to sit with us. [Guide shall then occupy his station.] Regent. — * * * Brothers, let us now assemble about the altar. [Then shall all, except the Warden and the Sentry, form in a circle about the altar. The four principal officers shall stand inside the circle, facing the altar, with their backs toward their respective stations. •; , , ' " ,. , /- n - 1 1 .-- ^ -I ^ \ v.] ^' \ vsaA^ ^ 9 '>Uou*.dl All (except Chaplain) give the Sign of the Order, an I so remain during prayer.] Chaplain. — {Inside the circle near the altar ^ facinrf it and Regent.) Our Father, who art in Heaven, as we nssemble around this altar, we humbly ask Thine aid in performincr the duties of this liour. As members of this beneficent Order, with a due sense of our respon- sibility, may we do to others as we would have them do to us, by [)racticing A^irtue ourselves, by showing Mercy to others, and by exercising Charity for all. Amen. All. — Amen I ^ Regent. — Brothers, give the SignsW^^ ^oVvV WJ^U \ [All do so, led by Regent.] Y /\ Regent. — The governing principles of the Royal Arcanum are : All. — Virtue, Mercy, Charity. Regent.— And the greatest of these is Charity. Past Regent.— May Virtue lead, Mercy guide, and Charity control us in every thought, word and action. .[Here n,ay bo s„„g ^.^ ^^ \^.^ ,^^^;^^ V. OPENING ODE. Tune. -"Rock of Ages.' Band of Brothers I Let us be Bound by cords of "Charity ;" "Meucy" lend us from above, Olive-branch of peace; 0, Love I Pla^in all thc^^ hearts of ours, "Virtue's" ever- blooming flowers. 10 7<. Friendship! Spread thy shelt'ring wing; Let the social joys that spring From our Council meetings, start Quicker pulses through the heart ; May we by our "work" be brought Up to higher realms of thought. By the wisdom of these plans, By the joining of our hands, Hope's strong anchor here is laid In unselfish vows we've made That our loved ones, when we fall, Share the fostering care of all. Regent («i his station) . — I now declare -^^ Coun- cil, No, — , Royal Arcanum, opened in proper form and ready for its duties. * DUTY II. Calling the Boll of Officers. [When the Regent announces this duty, the Guide shall rise iu his place. As the Secretary calls the titles, the Guide shall answer "present" or "absent," as the case may be. The name of a brother temporarily occupying a station shall be recorded by the Secretary. The Guide shall say: ] Guide. — Absent. Station occupied by Brother [An opportunity may here be given for the admission of members from the ante-room.] OCCASIONAL DI:TY "a," va Welcoming Visiting Brothers. X 11 n- 'm DUTY III. Reading Records of Preceding Meeting or Meetings. Regent. — The Council will now listen to the reading of the minutes of the preceding meeting {or meeting?, as tlie case may be.) [After the reading has been completed :] Regent. If there are no errors or omissions dis- covered, or changes to be made, the records will stand api)roved, and the Secretary will so enter it upon the records of the Council. [If errors or omissions are discovered, or changes are de- manded by a member, the Regent may direct such demands to be complied with, if there is no objection. If there is objection, the matter mast be decided by vote.*] all ide DC. all ler of y' DUTY IV. Communications from the Supreme, Grand, or Subor- dinate Councils. Regent. — The Council will now listen to the reading of communications from the Supreme Council; from the Grand Council ; from Subordinate Councils. [After the reading of each, presented in the above order, if no special action is required :] Regent. — The Secretary will place the (riaming the paper read) on file. [Or as to any communications, whose reading is not le- quired :] Regent. — The Secretary will place the (naming the paper) on file, that any one interested toay examine it at his leisure. 12 DUTY V. Applications for Membership. \/ Regent. — The Council will listen to the reading of applications for membership. [The Secretary shall give name, age, occupation and resi- dence of applicant, his beneficiary, and names of brothers recommending him. After the reading :] v/ Regent. — Have the fees for the Degree and the Medical Examiners been paid ? Secretary.— They have. ^ Regent. — Has this person made a similar applica- tion to this or any other Council within six months past, and been rejected or declared ineligible ? Secretary. — He has not. [Unless these questions can be properly answered, the application cannot be received, and the Keg'ent must so declare.] y Regent. — I appoint (naming three members of the Council) as an Investigating Committee in the matter of this application, and the Secretary will make the proper entries thereof upon the records of this Council. ; OCCASIONAL DUTY "b. Beceiving Application for Be-instatement of Suspended Brother, vcith the required Examiners' certificates. A OCCASIONAL DUTY '«c." Balloting for Be-instatement of Suspended Brother, 13 of si- irs he ia- hs ;be so lie Ler he lis > < DUTY VI. Reading Medical Examiners' Certijkates. Regent.— The Council will listen to the readiuir of the Medical Examiners' Certificates upon the applica- tion of . [The Secretary will say: "This applicant has been duly examined, and his application approved by Subordinate and Supervising Examiners." If the reading shows that the applicant has been rejected :] Regent. — Brothers, the application of to become a member of this Order has been disapproved, by the Medical Examiner-in-Chief, {or other officer^ naming him) and I declare him ineligible. The Secre- tary will so enter it upon the records of this Council. He will also immediately communicate *he fact to the Supreme Secretary, and enter upon the black-book the statements required by law. He will further see that such fees are returned as are required by law to be re- turned in such cases. DUTY VII. Reports of Investigating Committees. Regent.— The Council will listen to ' o report of the Investigating Committee on the application of — — to become a member of this Order. [If the report should be unfavorable :J Regent. — The Council has heard that the report of the Investigating Committee on the application of to become a member of this Order is unfavorable. I therefore declare the applicant rejected. The Secre- tary will so enter it upon the records of this Counoil, and will also immediately commjinicate the fact to the Supreme Secretary, and enter upon the black-book 14 I* 4 ft! '^ the statements required by law. He will further see that such fees are returned as the law requires to be returned in such cases. Regent. - DUTY VIII. Balloting for Applicant. -Brothers, has offered himself an applicant for the benefits und privileges of the Royal Arcanum. Secretary, has he been recommended by the Investigating Committee and approved by the Medical Examiners, and have the fees been paid? Secretary. — Yes. ^ Regent. — The way is now clear to ballot for this applicant. White balls elect, black balls, or cubes, reject ; be careful and make no mistake. [The Guide shall then bear the box containing the ballots to the Vice Regent and Regent, who will see that it is in proper condition for the voting. The Guide shall then deposit his vote, a white ball if favorable, a black ball or cube if unfavorable. He shall then proceed around the Council chamber, beginning at the right of the Regent, giving all an opportunity to vote. The Regent shall vote last, and, with the Guide, shall ascertain the result. If the applicant has been rejected in manner prescribed by law :] J(^ Regent. — Brothers, the application of to become a member of the Royal Arcanum, has been rejected. The Secretary will make the proper en- tries upon the records of this Council, immediately inform the Supreme Secretary of the rejection, and return the fee for the degree as required by law. [If the ballot has been favorable :] jy Regent. — Brothers, has been elected to become a member of this Council. ' n > 15 DUTY IX. Tfie Mysteries. PART I. ^ Regent. — Guide, are there applicants in waiting? [If the Guide knows there is no applicant, he need not retire. Otherwise he retires, and if there is none, returning, at altar :] Guide. — Regent, there is no applicant in waiting. [But if there is an applicant, on returning :] Guide. — I find in waiting Mr. , who desires membership in our Order and instruction in its Mysteries. [The Guide will occupy his station.] )(, Regent. — Brothers, we are about to receive another member into our circle. Let the ceremony of initiation be conducted in an orderly and dignified manner. The Past Regent and the Collector will now retire, examine the applicant and qualify him for admission to the Council. [The Guide receives from the Secretary the application, and delivers the same to the Past Regent, who, with the Collector, ^ advances to the altar.— Regent, * * * All remain standing until the Past Regent and the Collector, led by the Past Re- gent, have retired and the door has been closed.] w Regent * or he may declare a brief recess until the return of the Past Regent and the Collector. In the ante-room, the Past Regent shall see that the ap- plication, the Medical Examiner's inquiries, and the obliga- tion are properlj' signed by the applicant and duly certified. Past Regent. — P>iend, nre these your signatures ? [The applicant must acknovv idge them to be such.] Past Regent. — Have you made the statements in V'- m i l,t' ■ II 10 tliis application and answered the questions in this medical examination truthfully and without reservation ? [The applicant must answer in the affirmative.] Past Regent. — Do you still desire to secure the benefits and privileges of the Royal Arcanum, and to be instructed in the mysteries of the Order ? [The applicant must reply in the affirmative.] Collector. — Our rules prescribe that the applicant shall now pay one dollar for his benefit certificate, one assessment in advance, and the dues for the current quarter, all of which amount to $ — . [The Collector, after receiving the amount stated, shall give a receipt therefor.] Past Regent. — Await, my friend, the coming of one who will guide j'ou through the IVIysteries. [Past Regent gives— K—.] Regent. — * * * Warden, what alarm is that at the inner door? Warden. — (Having opened the imcket) Who knocks? Past Regent. — The returning officers. Warden. — Regent, the returning officers. ')^ Regent. — Admit them. [The Past Regent and the Collector shall then enter,— the door being closed after them, — and advance to the altar.] Past Regent. — Regent, the way is clear for X to be Instructed in the mysteries of this Order. Regent — Resume your stations. ; (1 [The Guide shall receive the application and deliver it to the Secretary, while the Past Regent and the Collector resume their stations.] * -i\ Regent. — Guide, you will now retire, prepare the applicant, conduct him to the threshold of this Coun- -- cil Chamber, and thence as you are bidden. X > -f -v 3( X -r K 17 [Guide retires to the ante-room, and then advances to the inner door with the applicant, or applicants, hood- winked, and gives — K — ,] Warden. — {Opening the doov slightly) Who knocks ? Guide. — A friend. Warden. — Vice Regent, a friend awaits without. Vice Regent. — Admit him. [Guide enters with the applicant or applicants, the door being closed behind them. Guide leaves applicant at the threshold, and advances to the altar alone, under sign of duty.] Guide. — Regent, a stranger stands upon the thresh- old of our secret Council Chamber. — ^Regent. — Who is the stranger? Guide. — One who is a friend and would be more. —-Regent. — What are his desires ? Guide. — To know, for himself, the mysteries of the Royal Arcanum, and to secure, for those dear to him, the benefits and privileges which our Order bestows. Regent. — Let the friend advance. [Guide returns to applicant and leads him to the altar. If more than one applicant the Regent may appoint one or more brothers to assist the Guide in this duty.] Regent. — Friend, thus far you have chosen well, but you are yet unacquainted with your duties and your privileges. Listen attentively to words which will en- lighten you. Chaplain. — (Advancing to the cdtar, facing appli- cant) . Our Order requires that you shall now give a solemn promise. Withholding it, you can go no far- ther. I assure you that this promise will not conflict with either your religious belief or your duties as a citizen. Are you willing to proceed ? 18 i'- .! [The applicant must reply in the affirmative.] S Regent. — Guide, place the applicant in position to receive the obligation. * * * [The Guide shall instruct the applicant as to his position -L~.] Chaplain. — Friend, you will now give your attention while I read the Obligation of this Order : "In the presence of Almighty God and these wit- nesses, I do, of my own free will and accord, most solemnly promise that I will strictly comply with all laws, rules and usages of this fraternity established by the Supreme Council of the Royal Arcanum. I will hold allegiance to said Supreme Council and be loyal thereto, as the supreme authority of the entire order. I will obey all orders emanating from the Supreme or Grand Councils, or from the Subordinate Council of which I am a member, so long as they do not conflict with my civil or religious liberty. 1 will not defraud or wrong any department of this Order, or any member thereof, or suffer it to be done by others if in my power to prevent. I will never introduce anything of a political or sec- tarian character at any meeting of, or in any way bring reproach upon this Order. I will keep forever secret all that may transpire dur- ing my initiation, and will never improperly commu- nicate to any person any of the words, signs or tokens, and should I be expelled from or leave the Order, I will consider this obligation as binding out of it, as it is in it. I will assist a distressed brother or his family when '^ ^ 19 in distress, as far as in my power, without material injury to myself or family. I will answer all proper signs of the fraternity, and use all proper means to protect a brother from defamation. And should I violate this my solemn promise, I, hereby consent to be expelled from this fraternity ; and may God aid me to keep and perform all of these obligations." My Friend, You have heard this solemn obligation. Do you, in the presence of the officers and the members of this Council, promise faithfully to abide by it? [The applicant must answer in the affirmative, after which the Guide quietly relieves him from the position he has as- sumed while taking the obligation.] -J-' Regent. — Friend, you will now retire with the Guide to the ante-room, whence you will soon return, to have thrown open to you the portals of the Royal Secret. [Guide retires with applicant to the ante-room, (Regent *) removes the hoodwink, and there prepares him by placing upon him the sash, resting upon the right shoulder and passing across the body and under the left arm, and by baring his right arm for an inch or two above the wrist. Each applicant must now be introduced separately.] 20 PART IT. ii [After due preparations (See Diagram, M, N and V,) have been made by Vice Regent, Warden and Orator :] Vice-Regknt. — Rogcnt, tlie Council Chamber is ready for the reception of the applicant. "Regent. — Admit him. The Warden gives — K — answered by the Guide in the same manner. Guide enters with applicant and places him in the V-screen. Guide. — The applicant is in waiting. Vice-Regent. — Friend, von stand within the outer court of the Royal Secret. It is constructed to repre- sent the initial letter, or sign, of the first of the three great principles of the Royal Arcanum, Virtue. It is hung in white, indicating that the first step into the Mysteries sliould be one of purity. Virtue in this Or- der, however, means more than this. It stands for purity of soul and for a courage not to be daunted. Your right arm is bared, indicating a readiness to re- ceive the benefits and favors of the Order. You see water before you. Bathe your hand in it, to signify that you wash yourself from the impurities of the outer world. [Prompted by the Guide, if necessary, the applicant must immerse his right hand in the water.] ^ Guide. — The applicant has obeyed. Vice-Regent. — As one about to enter upon a difldcult journey in pursuit of important benefits, invites success by careful preparation, so have you, by this rite, been prepared to advance with pure hands toward the inner -r 21 court, tlicre to win tlie mystic emblem and the privileges which our Order confers. [Here the Guide shall suspend from the sash, under the applicant's left ami, the protective badge.] [Here Past Regent shall repeat, or * ♦ * may be sung :] Airi,~"Auld Lang Syne." How sweet the thought that Virtue dwells In every Inunan breast That God sends forth to mortal world. To make his children blest; Then, brothers, strive through life to keep That spark alive and bright, That it may burn till Heav'n's own flame Shall make our pathway light. '^ Regknt. — Friend, having been obedient to the in- structions of the outer court, you are entitled to be called a Brother in Virtue, and have earned the right to proceed. Members. — {In unison^ led by Past Regent^) — Brother in Virtue, in all your relations to our Order, may you prove this title worthily bestowed.* [While the members thus speak, the Guide shall lead the applicant into the M-screen, in which — N— .] Guide. — The applicant stands in the second court. *X Regent. — Brother in Virtue, you are now advanced to the second court of the Royal Arcanum, and stand before the second symbol of the Order. In its form it represents the initial letter of the second great principle of our Order, Mercy. Its color is blue, signifying that Mercy is an attribute of heaven itself. It is a I ! I 22 double court, showing that which it represents to be twice blessed, blessing him that gives and him that takes. You stand at its central point, which suggests that the quality symbolized is an attribute of the heart, the source of all noble actions. To pass this court a test is required. Listen to further instruction. Orator.— Life is like the double court in which you stand. There are always two paths lying before you, only one of which you can pursue. In the one, you help mercifully to lift from your brother and those dear to him, the burdens, sorrows and responsibilities which may rest heavily upon them ; in the other, you increase the burdens of life, and bring to home and friends a sorrow which neither regrets nor remorse can ever remove. You now have the opportunity of proving yourself merciful, and thus worthy'of companionship in the Royal Arcanum. Of the two courts before you enter either, as you may select. May the promptings of your heart be merciful and wisely direct your choice, that no obstacle may here bar your progress through the second court of the Order. [The Guide quietly directs the applicant to remove the burden from k g brother, and assists him to assume it.] Guide.— He has lifted the burden. JK" Regent. — Brother, you have well borne the test. Y^ou have been taught concerning the burdens and r3- sponsibilities which our Order bravely and mercifully carries and which 3'ou must help to bear. They are symbolized by the bii :!eu which you have just assumed. Without assista.ujL- lU our burdens are heavy and grievous, as you (iud this, yet with a strong heart and ^ ^ i 28 ^ 1^ with brotherly sympathy and help, they become light, and are easily borne. Having shown yourself worthy, you are ontitled to stand within the inner court, and to advance towards the mysteries of the Royal Secret. [The Guide, on the luft of applicant, shall then lead him bearing the burden, from the M-Screen [Regent * ♦ * ] past the Orator around the Council room to the altar, while Guide repeats :] Guide. — Mercy moves among the desolate homes of men, amidst the poor and neglected, an angel whose wings are bright with hues of paradise. Its trophies are immortal ; they will lira when the weapons of vic- torious battle have been V.roken, and the sound of the poet's lyre is hushed forever. When green wreaths have faded, when the glorious monuments of human skill have perished, and when the stars themselves have ceased to burn, they will be remembered among the jewels worn in heaven. [K g brother emerges from M-Screen, and standing in front of tlie Past Regent or Orator, says :] Regent, when a weary, way-worn traveller 1 sank exhausted beneath my heavy load, this Brother in Vir- tue mercifully relieved me of my burden, and has nobly borne it. Brothers, extend to him that Mercy which he has so freely shown to me. Regent axd Council. — Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Regent. — Guide, remove the burden. [Tlie Past Regent shall repeat or may be sung :] As we bcspeali God's Mercy, may We ever mercy show, To cheer a brother's saddened heart. Crushed by its weight of woe ; — ■^^ 0, 24 For who can tell what he may need Upon this changeful earth? Be merciful to friend and foe, And thus prove human worth. ^ Regent. — Brother in Virtue, having safely accom- plished the journey through the second court, you a^'e . entitled to be called Brother in Mccy. Members. — {In unison., led by Past Regent,,) — Brother in Mercy, in all your relations to our Order, may j^ou prove this title worthily bestowed. /K Regent.* — Brother *u Virtue and Mercy, you now stand within the inner court, at the centre of our mystic circle. One step more and the last obstacle will be removed from your pathway. You have successfully passed the ordeals thus far presented ; you have been purified in Vn-tue's court ; you have shown by a wise choice that Mercy dwells in your heart ; and you have received with attentive ear all our instructions. My brother, the altar before you is the symbol of the third and great, underlying principle of our Order — Charity. This is the source and origin, the purpose and end of this fraternity. This symbol teaches the duty of self- sacrifice, the surrender of our own pleasure and enjoy- ment, and the charitable offering of our possessions, our service, and our sympathy for our brethren when in need. Within the sacred recesses of this altar are concealed the Ro3^al Secret, and the Protective Badge of our Order. Before you can become with us a Brother in Charity, you must discover this Secret and learn its mystic meaning. Search and find it. [The applicant, proraptcii by the Guide, must then raise the cover and take out the tablet. The Guide closes the cover.] 25 & i t f # Regent. — What have you discovered? [The applicant, prompted by the Guide, shall answer : This tablet.^ ^ Regent. — What characters are inscribed thereou? [The applicant, prompted by the Guide, shall answer, — M-.] ^j Regent. — M — The Royal Mystery. Do you find ' the Key by which this mystic number may be read and explained ? [Applicant, prompted by the Guide, again raises the cover, makes farther search, and replies, I find nothing more-l Regent. — Guide, where is the Key to this Mystery? Guide. — (Raising the cover) — Regent, the Key is not within the secret station. Regent. — * * * Brothers, our secret station has been despoiled of the Key to the Royal Mystery. It is the Protective Badge of this Order, and without /i; the mystic number cannot be explained to this applicant. Guide, you are responsible for the safe-keeping of the mysteries. Seek and find the Key, that this Brother in Vh'tue and Mercy mav btcome also, with us, a Brother in Charity. [Guide, taking the tablet and assuming his station in the Council :] Guide. — Brothers, has any one of you the Key to the Mystery ? Members. — (In unison) I have not the Key. Chaplain. — Regent, / can find the Key to our mys- tic number. Regent. — * Brothers, be seated. Guide, repair to the altar. Cliaplain, you will obtain the Key, and ex- plain its use to the applicant. 26 1,1 ■ I [Chaplain advances, removes the badge from the appli- cant, assumes a position on the opposite side of the altar, facing applicant, and holding the badge in his right hand, and taking with his left hand the tablet from the Guide, thus holding them.] , Chaplain.— Brother, this is the Key to the mystic number. It is the Protective Badge of the Order. While you lawfully wear this badge, you are entitled to the benefits and honors of the Royal Arcanum. Some brother took this Badge from its secret station and placed it on your person to secure for you its protective influence. As soon as you began to bear the burdens which the Order imposes, you were unconsciously placed under its care and became entitled to share in all its benefits, privileges and promises. The burdens ara light and the benefits come to us in the hour of greatest need, even though we ourselves are unconscious of them. Cherish, then, this truth in your memory, that as long as you help to bear the . burdens of the Order, you will be protected by its great and important privileges. i^ Regent.— Chaplain, you will deposit at my station the Mystic Number and its Key. [The Chaplain will then resume his station.] -^ Regent.— Guide, you will present the Brother for Instruction and investment. {Holding the Key and Mystic Number before the applicant.) Brother, you see before you the Royal Mystery, the Royal Secret, the Royal Arcanum, the mystic numbei of the Order. X — {Regent, placing Key on station and pointing to banner, explaining.) Y. Novy, as j^ou are in full pos- session of the knowledge of the Royal Secret, I declare 27 I; you Brother in Virtue, Mercy and Charity, and invest you with the regalia, which combines with the mystic symbol our emblem, the crown. Members. — {In unison^ led by Past Regent,) — May you never prove unworthy of it. [The sash will here be removed, and if there are other ap- plicants, the one progressed thus far shall be seated until all have arrived atithis point. Then all applicants standing at altar, Past Regent shall repeat, ♦ * * may be sung :] •' Greatest of these is Charity.?' Oh ! learn this lesson well, And oft forgive your fellow-man — Who can his weakness tell? With Virtue, Mercy, Charity, Let brothers' hands be bound, Till Love's pure flame shall closely weld Brave hearts the whole world round. [The Guide will present all the applicants for final instruc- tion.] Regent.* — I will now instruct you in the signs, sig- nals and passwords. This is the sign of Duty. (A.) It is used in the Council in addressing the Regent, upon entering or retiring from the Council, whenever you rise to speak, and in crossing the Council chamber. Its answer is (A.) which should always be given in response to a member entering or retiring. „ This is the sign of Virtue. (B.7 This is the sign of Mercy. (C.y This is the sign of Charity and the sign of the Order. (D.; ' In order \& enter a Council while it is occupied with its duties, you will give three raps on the outer door. The Sentry will open the wicket. You will then g ive him the serai-annual password, wliich is changed .?-! 28 ■.(I » hi ? !t /.I on the first meeting in January and July of each year, and must be procured by you only of the Regent, no other person being autuorized to give it to you, and he only while you are in good standing in the Order. For the present term this password is . You will then be admitted to the ante-room, where you will clothe yourself with the proper regalia, advance to the inner, or Council-room, door, and give one distinct rap. The wicket will then be opened by the Warden, to whom you will give your name, rank in the Order, and the name and number of the Council to which you belong. This information will be conveyed to the Vice Regent, who will instruct the Warden to admit you, if correct. You will then give him the permanent pass- word of the Order, which is . This will admit you to the Council-room. You will advance to the altar, face the Regent, and give the sign of Duty. After he responds you will be at liberty to be seated. Should you wish to retire during a session of the Council, you will advance to the altar, give the same sign, and having been recognized, you will be at liberty to retire. All movements of officers and members on the Council-room floor during a session should be, as far as possible, on lines at right angles with each other. In order to make yourself known to a brother outside of the Council chamber, the signals and answers in which you have been instructed may be used. Besides these, this grip may be used, (E.) or this word (F.), its answer being (G.) I 29 la communicating with a brother you are entitled to use the initials V. M. C, in signing your name. You have also the right to the use of the mystic number on all proper occasions. It may be used by you in connection with your signature, to indicate that you are a member of this order, and whenever you see this mystic number, you may know that it has refer- ence to the Roval Arcanum. The work, or business, done in the Council ir5 envied its duties. In these duties one rap of the gavel calls the Council to order or seats it * ; two raps call up the officers * * ; and three raps call up the Council * * *. Brother in Virtue, Mercy and Charity, I greet you as a member of the Royal Arcanum, and now present you with a copy of the constitution and laws of the Order. It is your duty to thoroughly acquaint yourself with their requirements, that you may know your obliga- tions and privileges, your rights and duties, as a mem- ber of the Order. Its welfare depends upon the pros- perity of the Subordinate Councils. Your duty is not fully discharged by the payment of dues and assess- ments. You should give a reasonable amount of ser- vice to the Council by developing its fraternal and social features, by attending its regular meetings, by inducing acceptable persons to apply for membership, and by discharging with fidelity every duty assigned you either as officer or member. [Here Guide faces applicant towards altar.] Brothers of Council, I introduce to you Brother , who is now entitled to all the benefits and privileges of our beneficent Order. You will all unite 30 I'll ,1 if;! i ,1 1' ft'!. with me in the hope that in the eujoyment of them, he will remain faithful to his obligation, so that, when the summons comes to iiim which must come to all, he will pass away confident that the protecting arm of the Royal Arcanum will shield those dear to him. [Here may be sung :] WELCOME ODE. Welcome stranger ! Royal Brother ! We fraternally unite Hearts and hands with cordial greeting, In our Council here to-night. Welcome to our new-made brother Who has asked us if we would Add by mystic rites another, To our Royal Brotherhood. [The Regent will here declare a brief recess, during which the Orator, Warden and Guide shall restore the Council room to its ordinary condition. The member just admitted will sign the By-Laws and with the Secretary examine his appli- cation to see that his beneficiary is properly named, in accor- dance with the laws of the Order.] - — -^ 81 L, he DUTYX. I the ^y- Is any Brother Known to he Sick or in Need? will [Under this duty, should notice be given of the siclcness the or distress of a brother, th ? Regent shall make such arrange- ments as may be necessary to secure the proper attention from the Relief Committee or odch other committee as may be provided for in the By-Laws. OCCASIONAL DUTY "d." Death of a Brother. [In case of a death the Regent may call a meeting of the Council to make such arrangements as may be deemed necessary.] OCCASIONAL DUTY "e." Beport After Payment of a Benefit. '^hich room will ppli- ccor- DUTY XI. Communications and Bills. DUTY XII. Reports of Standing Committees. > DUTY XIII. Reports of Special Committees. DUTY' XIV. Reports of Officers. [The Collector shall have previously provided the Regent with the names of those who are in arrears to the amount of six months' dues, or suspended for non-payment of assess- ment, and if, during the i eading of the Collector's report, it shall appear that these dues have not been paid :] 32 il OCCASIONAL DUTY "f." Suspending a Brother. Regent. — Brothers, Brother is six months in arrears for dues, and, in accordance with the laws of tlie Order, I declare him suspended from all the benefits and privileges of .the Royal Arcanum. The Secretary will so enter it upon the records of this Council, and notify the Supreme Secretary. [Or, if it shall appear that a brother stands suspended for non-payment of assessment :] Regent. — Brothers, Brother havino: failed to pay assessment No. — on the — day of — , stood suspended from the Order and all benefits thereof. The Secretary will enter the suspension upon the records of the Council and immediately notify the Supreme Secretary. DUTY XV. Unfinished Business. DUTY XVI. JSfe lu B u s i ness. OCCASIONAL DUTY "g." Appointment of Auditing Committee. OCCASIONAL DUTY "h." Preferring Charges or Hearing Them. OCCASIONAL DUTY "i." Issuing Withdrawal or Traveling Cards, •^. 33 OCCASIONAL DUTY "j." Expellinfj a Member. OCCASIONAL DUTY "k." Approving Bonds of Officers. OCCASIONAL DUTY "1." Directing the Drawing of an Order for Per Capita Tax. OCCASIONAL DUTY "m." Election of Officers. OCCASIONAL DUTY "n." Election to Fill a Vacant Station. -/- OCCASIONAL DUTY "o. Installation of Officers. DUTY XVII. Good of the Order. Regent. — Orator, in accordance with our laws, the Council will now give attention to such entertainment f*'^ vou have prepared. , . mber, besides the Orator, may offer, under this duty. suggestions as he may deem for the good of the Order, . uo new business shall be transacted under this head.] -'/.. DUTY XVIII. Closing the Duties of the Council. Regent. — Brothers, the duties appointed for this Council meeting are now nearly completed. Collector, what have been the cash receipts since the last meeting? [Collector will name the amounts for the General Fund 84 I ¥, m lip 7^ V- and for the \V. and O. JJ. Fund separately and then the total of both, which the Secretary will repeat.] Regent. — The Secretary will so enter them upon the records of this Council. Has the Treasurer re- ceipted therefor ? . Collector. — lie has. Regent. — The Secretary will so record it. * * * Brothers, let us grther about our altar. [The same position will be assumed in this as in the opening duty.] Regent. — Brothers, give the Signs. [All do so, led by Regent.] Chaplain. — Let us pray. O God of infinite benevo- lence, Thou art the Father of all our mercies, and the God of all grace. In closing the service of this Coun- cil, we devoutly seek Thy benediction, and ask Thy blessing to rest upon us ; and as we go forth to the active duties and responsibilities of life, may it be to fill the measure of our days with usefulness,* with purer motives, brighter liopes, and a personal con- sciousness of the Divine approval. Amen. All. — Amen. [Here may be sung :] CLOSING ODE. Tune— "Greenville." 1 ; Brethren of our social Order, Each his heart w^ith care inspect ; Succor all within our border. The hungry feed, the poor protect; As you leave these sacred portals, Mingling with the outer world, Kaise the standard, bear it proudly, Let your banner be unfurled. . ^ 35 Heaven guide us as we journey 'Mid the scenes of pain and woe; May our hearts with love and pity, Shower sunshine where we go ; Bless our parting, and our slumbers, Fill our basket and our store ; Peace abound in all our numbers, 'Till we meet to part no more. >C Regent {at his station).— Brothers, - — Council, No. — , Royul Arcauum, will next be opened for duty, on the — of , 18—, at — o'clock. Please notify absent brothers and invite them to attend. The Guide will see that the Royal Secret, Protective Badge, Sash, Jewels and Books of Duties are safely deposited and securely locked within the secret station. Brothers, the duties of this session are fully per- formed, and I now declare this Council closed. * 86 INSTALLATION. [The Grand Regent and Grand Guide, or persons dnly authorized to fill their phices, shall constitute the Installing Otllcers. When Duty XVI (New Business) is called, the Grand Officers should be in, or retire to, the anteroom. Grand Guide advances to inner door and gives signal; Is admitted; and advancing to altar :] Grand Guide. — Regent, the Grand Officers are in waiting to install the Officers of this Council, — are you ready ? Regent. — Grand Guide, yon will please inform the Grand Officers that we are ready. The Senior Past Regent will retire and introduce them. [Gr'-nd Guide and Senior Past Regent retire. The Grand Guide, followed by Grand Regent and Senior Past Regent, advances to the inner door and gives ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Warden opens wicket; Grand Guide reports Grand Officers; Warden opens the door and announces the Grand Officers. Regent ♦ ♦ ♦ Grand Officers advance to altar, facing the Regent, with Grand Guide on their left and Senior Past Regent on their right. Regent and all officers and members give the sign of duty which will be answered by Grand Officers.] Senior Past Regent. — Regent, I have the honor to introduce to you the Grand Officers. Regent. — Grand Officers, in behalf of our Council, I tender you a hearty welcome. (All respond^ Welcome !) Grand Regent, — Regent, we are present to perform the rites of installation. Are your Officers elected? Regent. — Grand Regent, they are ; you will please take the chair ; the Grand Guide will please take his place at the right and in front of the Guide. * [Regent delivers to the Installing Officer the serai-annual reports and the dues for the term just ended. The Installing Officer will examiuc the seuii-aunual reports to the Supreme 87 flnly and Grand Councils, and the bonds of the officers, and to enable liim to do this, he may declare a recess of the Coun- cil. ♦ The Installing Ofilcer should retain the report to the Grand Council and forward it to the Grand Secretary ; the report to the Supreme Council should be returned to the retiring Secretary with instructions to mail it to the Supreme Secretary immediately.] Grand Guide. — The Grand Oflicors are present to install the Officers of Council, No. , Royal Arcanum. The Secretary will furnish me with a list of the officers elect. Grand Regent. — The Officers of this Council will vacate the chairs and resign to the Grand Guide their jewels, books. Books of Duties, and other property of office, beginning with the Regent. [The Grand Guide collects and places them on the desk near the Grand Regent.] Grand Regent. — The Grand Officers will now take their positions in the Council. The Grand Guide will call the roll of officers elect, commencing with the Regent, who, as they are called, will take their places. [The Grand Guide rises and calls the names of the officers elect ; sees that each officer takes his respective position in a semi-circle in front of, and facing the Grand Regent, the Regent elect on his left, and reports if all are present. The Past Regent comes after the Orator. The installing ofllcer will ascertain if any of the officers elect are in arrears for dues. No officer can be installed who is in arrears ] Grand Regent. — Officers elect will please rise. Do you each accept the office to which you have been elected ? Officers. — I do. Grand Regent. — * * * Members of Council, these are the officers whom you have elected ; if any one present has any objection to offer to the installation 33 I p fl' U' Li. of any of them, let him now prefer it, or else forever after hold his peace. [No objection being made, Grand Regent * will say :] Regent elect, please rise. My brother, it has pleased the members of this Council to elect you to the office of Regent, but before your installation, it is necessary that you should siff- nify your assent to these charges and regulations, which define your duties. Listen, therefore, and respond. You agree to be impartial and upright, and to obey the laws, rules and usages of the Royal Arcanum. You promise not to engage in any plot or conspiracy against the government ; to submit peacefully to the will of the majority ; and to act with honor and gen- erosity toward all men. You promise to avoid disputes aEcl quarrels ; to be modest in your behavior ; courteous to all ; faithful to your Council and brethren ; and carefully to refrain from intemperance and excess. You promise hospitably to treat, and courteously to receive all brethren, and to discouutenance imposters and all who seek to disturb the harmony of the Royal Arcanum. You agree to disseminate the principles of our Order ; to pay due homage to the Grand and Supreme Councils, and to strictly conform to all edicts emanat- ing therefrom that are not subversive of the principles and government of the Order. You promise that you will attend regularly the meet- ings of your Council, and instnmt nnH nrlvJeo fhp members ; that you will faithfully and punctually per- 39 form your duties as Regent ; and that you will never close your Council without going through the Order of Regular Council Duties. These are the charges and regulations of this Order ; do you subscribe to and promise to support them? [Regent elect, I do.] Grand Regent. — My brother, your ready assent to these charges and regulations, justifies the confidence which your brethren have reposed in you, and author- izes me to proceed with your installation. You can- not have advanced to your present position without understanding the qualifications necessary for an ef- ficient Regent of a Council of the Royal Arcanum, the duties that devolve upon him, and the serious responsibility he assumes. The honor, reputation, and usefulness of your Coun- cil will chiefly depend upon the manner- in which you discharge the duties of your oflSce. If you should be satisfied with merely knowing by rote the formulae, the phrases and ceremonies of the work, and end with that, you may maintain good order 9ud conduct the work with regularity, but you will soon see indifference succeed to zeal, neglect to vigilance, lassitude to inter- est, and immobility to activity. You are to arouse the indolent, encourage the de- sponding and incite the unreflecting brother to do some- thing, the influence of which shall be felt beyond the limits of the Council, — something for society, some- thing for humanity. Admonish all of the duty that rests upon them so to act as to bring no discredit or reproach upon the Orde^'. 40 i I Charge them to practice out of the Council the duties taught in it ; and by their forbearance, frankness, dis- cretion, and profound regard for truth and honor, to convince all who know them of the excellence of our institution. I hope your example will remain as the best and brightest of lessons for your successors, to show them how to work and act to deserve well of the Order, to secure its gratitude and to win for then .elves honor and reputation. — Be seated. Vice Regent elect, please rise. My Brother, it has pleased the members of this Council to elect you to the office of Vice Regent, to take the place of the Regent in case of his absence. The duties which, in that case, you are to perform, are known to you and need not be repeated. When he is present you are to assist him in main- taining ^he dignity and authority of his office and the peace and harmony of the Council. You have charge of the inner door. You will see that no stranger is received into your Council without due examination and proof of his title to be admitted, and perform such other duties as are laid down in the Book of Duties. I congratulate you on being thought worthy, by your brethren, of this honorable station, and earnestly hope you may give them no reason to regret the choice they have made. — Be seated. Orator elect, please rise. My Brother, as Orator of this Council it will be your duty to educate the members, by delivering a lect- ure, reading a scientific paper or essay, or present- at each ing something instructive or entertaining 41 nieetiDg of the Council. You should make yourself familiar with the objects, principles and laws of the Order, so that j^ou may be able to instruct and en- lighten your brethren. I trust that the duties of your office will be so performed that your name will be here- after identified with the prosperity of the Council, and mentioned with honor and respect by all who love our Order. — Be seated. Past Regent, please rise. My Brother, you have so faithfully performed the duties of each office to which you have been elected, that I deem it as great an honor to the Council as it is to yourself, that you should occupy the most honorable station of Past Regent for the present term.— Be seated. Secretary elect, please rise. My Brother, as Secretary of this Council, it is your duty to keep a correct and impartial record of its pro- ceedings. "Nothing extenuate, naught set down in malice." Conduct all its correspondence, notify all applicants of election, perform such other duties as the laws, rules and usages of the Order enjoin, and have charge of the seal and records. I earnestly hope you will so perform your duties as to merit the approval of your brethren. — Be seated. Collector elect, please rise. My Brother, you have been elected to the responsible position of Collector of this Council. It is your duty to receive all moneys due this Council and pay the same over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt therefor ; to notify all members of assessments and when in^ arrears for dues ; to have charge of the bonds of the 42 Trustees, and perform such other duties as the laws, rules and usages of the Order require. 1 trust you will be able to perform your duties with satisfaction to yourself and brethren. — Be seated. Treasurer elect, please rise. My brother, it is your duty to receive all moneys from the Collector, giving your receipt therefor, and making due entry of the same. You will pay out the funds of this Council only upon the order of the Regent, attested by the Secretary, rendering account thereof at, the proper season ; and perform ail other lawful duties. The requirements of this position are responsible and important, and your faithful perform- ance of them will entitle you to the good opinion and gratitude of your brethren. — Be seated. Chaplain elect, please rise. My Brother, as Chaplain, it is your duty to conduct the devotional exercises of this Council ; to offer comfort and consolation to the afflicted in body or mind ; to officiate at funerals ; and perform such other duties as may lawfully be required of you. May you act with such courtesy, kindness and zeal, as to win the regard of vour brethren. — Be seated. Guide elect, please rise. My Brother, as Guide, it is your duty to have charge of the jewels, regalia and other property of this Coun- cil entrusted to your care ; to examine and introduce visiting brethren ; to prepare, introduce and accom- pany all applicants ; to arrange all processions and act as marshal *^^hereof ; and to comply with all other just requirements. I trust you will perform your duties to Uj iSi, 43 the complete satisfaction of the Regent and Council. — Be seated. Warden elect, please rise. My Brother, as Warden of this Council, you are to guard well the inner door, and permit no one not a member of our Order to enter. You will allow no one to disturb the Council, by entering or retiring during the calling of the roll of oflicers, reading report of last meeting, conferring the degree or during the opening or closing exercises. I do not doubt that you will perform your duties faithfully, and keep due watch and ward over the entrance to the Council. — Be seated. Sentry elect, please rise. My Brother, you have been elected Sentry of this Council. After you have taken the obligation of office, you will be conducted to your station, there to guard well the first door, and see that no eavesdropper or imposter introduces himself among us. Grand ^'^GENT. — * * * Attention, members of the Council, and witness this declaration of your officers. Officers, do you, and each of you, solemnly and sincerely promise that you will faithfully and impar- tially perform, to the utmost of your ability, the duties of the office to which you have been elected, and ever strive to sustain and practice the principles of our Order ? Officers. — I do. Members (intaiison). — Whoso doeth these things shall never fall. Grand Regent. — Grand Guide, commencing with the Sentry, you will now invest the officers of the 44 Council with their appropriate jewels and regalia, and conduct them to their stations, and let the ofiicers occupying the stations yield them up. [The officers being so placed ;] Segent, your officers are at their respective stations, and nothing remains but for you to assume yours ; be pleased to do so. Receive, my brother, the charter of yc , ./ouncil ; prize it for the privileges it confers, and keep it in view of the members at every session. May your Council continue to prosper, and may its name be ever honored. I entrust to your care the Books of Duties, for the safe keeping of which you are personally responsible. I also present you a copy of the Constitution, which you will study with care, and use as a guide in your decisions. Last, I give to you this gavel — symbol of authority. Assume the government of your Council and rule it with urbanity, impartiality and firmness. [Installing Officer here communicates the semi-annual password to the Regent, who shall at this time give the same to members of the Council, beginning with the officers in the order of their rank.] Now by the power in me vested by the Grand Coun- cil of the Royal Arcanum, I hereby declare {if a newly instituled Council) Council, No. , Royal Arcanum, legally instituted and possessing the powers of a Subordinate Council, and the officers of Council, No. , Royal Arcanum, legally installed and authorized to enter upon their several duties, for the term ending 18 , or until their suc- cessors are elected and installed. ill 45 THE FINAL DUTY. The Burial of a Brother, [At the funeral of a brother his Council shall be repre- sented, if desirable, by seven members selected by the Regent, six of Avhom shall act as pall bearers, if desired. In the number shall be the Regent, the Past Regent, and the Chaplain, or persons appointed to represent them. An emblem of immortelles, ivy or laurel leaves, or evergreen, In the form of the letter C, should be provided. In passing to the grave, the pall bearers shall form about the hearse, the Regent at the right, the Past Regent at the left, and the Chaplain bearing the emblem at the rear. Should tlie Council attend in a body, they shall precede the hearse. After the pall bearers have removed the casket to the grave they shall form about it in the shape of the letter V, the Chaplain being the apex at the head.] Chaplain. — The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous iu mercy. He will not always chide ; neither will he keep his anger forever. He bath not dealt with us after our sins, nor re- warded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far bath be removed our transgressions from us. ' Like as a father pitietb bis children, so the Lord pitietb them tbf?t fear him. For be knowetb our frame ; be rememberetb that we are dust. As for man, bis days are as grass ; as a flower of the field, so be flourisbeth. For the wind passetb over it, and it is gone ; and the place thereof shall know it no more. 40 r>ut tlie mercv of tlie Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, iny brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus said unto her, thv l)rother shall rise as^ain. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus saith unto her, I am the resurrection and the life ; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live : And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Regent. — Brothers, we stand in the presence of death ! One of our number has passed into the sub- limest Court of all, solved the dread royal secret, and fathomed mysteries, the portals to \7hich are opened only by the grim warden, Death. This is but the mortal part of our brother which lies before us, so familiar, so beloved. It was cast aside when his spirit put on immortal garments. Our brother lives, a life only just begun. He has preceded us but a little, and awaits, in a better land, the coming of those he loves. With tender sympathy and reverent love we place upon this casket (here the Regent shall receive the emblem from the Chaplain and place it upon the casket) the emblem of our trust, that it is well with our brother forever, and well with all the dear ones he has left behind. [After the lowering of the casket :] Chaplain. — Let us pray. O God, our Father, Su- 47 preme Ruler of the Univer&o and Governor of all things, we know that without Thee not even a s]iarrow fallcth to the ground, and we may, therefore, trust with Thee, the soul of our dead brother, as we return his ]}ody to its kindred dust. Thou art a God of mercy and loving kindness, and lookest upon us all as a father upon the children whom he loves. Teach us by this lesson of mortality how frail and weak we are ; how slight our hold upon this world, and how sure, with Thy grace, we may make our anchorage in the ocean of eternal love. We commend unto Thee these sorrowing ones. Minister unto them divine consola- tion. Bless them and us with Thy care and protec- tion. Unite us all again in Thine own good time, and be to us now and ever, our Father and our God. Amen. All. — Amen.