p. 167Royal Arcanum

This secret society was founded by members of the Masonic Order and prominent people in and around Boston in 1877, and incorporated as the Supreme Council of the Royal Arcanum under the laws of the State of Massachusetts. The Order succeeds in keeping its Royal Secrets, but by accidental circumstances I have a copy of the ritual, and I will quote from it to show the religious character of this Order. A large number of the Order claim to belong to the Catholic Church. Its chief emblem is a royal crown within a circle, on the circumference of which are ten small maltese crosses without notches. Among the objects of the Order we read: “To educate its members socially, morally and intellectually.” In the by-laws we read that “Fraternal orders are a national blessing. They promote thrift, economy, sobriety, without freezing the soul into selfishness, as is apt to be the case in the usual struggle for wealth or high social position. They bring men into closer social relations and cherish those feelings that thrive and put forth blossoms in each other’s welfare. They make men thoughtful and helpful, expanding the sentiments of Virtue, Mercy and Charity. They teach us the religion that breaks bread to the hungry, gives a cup of water to the thirsty, watches at the bed of the sick, visits the imprisoned, the fatherless, and the widowed, duties that are sadly neglected, and for a long time were supposed to be confined to the church.”

On page 1 of the Book of Duties, as corrected January 1, 1898 (Ritual), we read: Sec. 601. “The Book of Duties must be adhered to in all respects, unless special authority to use substitutes for portions thereof is granted by the Supreme Council or the Supreme Regent.”

On page 2: “Any initiatory ceremony not provided for in the Book of Duties is strictly prohibited, except in cases where the Supreme Regent shall, by dispensation, authorize definite changes in Part II., etc.”

From page 5: “There are ten stations in a Council Chamber, corresponding to the ten points upon the crown, the emblem of the Royal Arcanum. The eleventh station, at the entrance 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. … The interior of the Station … shall be of sufficient depth to hold the Protective Badge, the Royal Secret, the Jewels, the Sash, the Books of Duties; and these must be kept therein when the Council is not occupied with its duties.”

“The Protective Badge is a tablet of metal, on which shall be distinctly engraved the letters V. M. C.”

“The Royal Secret is a tablet of metal, on which, in distinct figures, shall be the mystical number. This shall always remain in the Secret Station or Cabinet, except for the brief period when used in conferring the Degree.”

“The V-shaped 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 basin fitting it.”

“The ‘M’ screen and its furniture: A folding screen with four wings all light blue. Two inner wings six feet three inches high, two feet ten inches wide; outer wings same height, 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 (page 6) 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 table with a decanter and one or more glasses.”

“The Sash: A blue cashmere sash without ends, four inches wide and fifty-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 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’ printed at top in gold, scarlet symbol in center, and mystic number in gold at the bottom. Cross pole of black walnut with gilt ball at ends. Banner hung to pole by gilt lace loops, and pole to have cord and tassel at each end of cord.”

From page 9: “… The Guide, satisfied that all present are members of the Royal Arcanum, and that the Council chamber is prepared for duty, standing at altar and facing it and Regent (shall say): ‘Regent, the outer and inner door are securely guarded, the secret symbol is properly displayed, the officers are at their stations, properly clothed, and all present are entitled to sit with us.’” (Guide will then occupy his station.)

Regent: “Brothers, let us now assemble around 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 towards their respective stations.) All except the Chaplain give the sign of the Order, and remain so during prayer.

(Chaplain inside the circle near the altar and facing it and Regent):

“Our Father, who art in heaven, as we assemble around this altar, we humbly ask Thine aid in performing the duties of this hour. As members of this beneficent Order, with a due sense of our responsibility, may we do to others as we would have them do to us, by practicing Virtue ourselves, by showing Mercy to others, and by exercising Charity for all. Amen.”

All: “Amen.”

Regent: “Give the sign.” All do so.

(Page 10.) 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 may be sung the Opening Ode.

Tune, “Rock of Ages.”

Part I of the Mysteries

(From page 13, ff. of the Book of Duties.)

Regent: “Guide, are there applicants in waiting?”

Guide: “I find in waiting Mr.——————, who desires membership in our Order and instruction in the Mysteries.”

Regent: “Have more than sixty days elapsed since the date of approval of the applicant’s medical examination?”

(Secretary refers to the papers and answers Yes or No. If the answer is Yes, the applicant must be re-examined and approved before he can receive the Degree.)

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 Past Regent, Collector and Guide rise at their stations. Guide receives from the Secretary the application. Then the three advance in parallel lines to the altar, all reaching it at the same time. Guide delivers the application to the Past Regent. Regent gives three raps with the gavel, all remain standing until the Past Regent and the Collector have saluted, and led by the Past Regent, have retired and the door has been closed.)

Regent gives two raps and may declare a recess until the return of the Past Regent and Collector.

(In the ante-room the Past Regent shall see that the application, the Medical Examiner’s inquiries, and the obligation are properly signed by the applicant and duly certified.)

Past Regent: “Friend, are these your signatures?”

(The applicant must acknowledge them to be such.)

Past Regent: “Have you made the statement in the 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 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 you through the Mysteries.”

(Past Regent gives XX-XX-X.)

Regent: “Warden, what alarm is that at the inner door?”

Warden (having opened the wicket): “Who knocks?”

Past 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 (the P. R. preceding Col.) and salute. The Guide shall proceed to the altar and reach it simultaneously with P. R. and Col.).

Past Regent: “Regent, the way is clear for Mr.——to be instructed in the Mysteries of this Order.”

(P. R. hands application with his left hand to G., who receives it with his right hand.)

Regent: “Resume your stations.”

(P. R. and Guide face to the left and C. to the right. C. moves to a position at end of altar opposite G., and then all three leave altar simultaneously, C. and G. on parallel lines, and resume stations; G. returns application to Sec. Then Regent):

Regent: “Guide, you will now retire, prepare the applicant, conduct him to the threshold of this Council Chamber, and thence as you are bidden.”

(If more than one applicant, R. should appoint Assist. G. to accompany each of the others in Part I.)

(Guide retires to the ante-room, and then advances to the inner door with the applicant or applicants, hoodwinked, and gives XX-XX-X.)

Warden (opening the door slightly): “Who knocks?”

Guide: “A friend.”

Warden: “Vice Regent, a friend awaits without.”

Vice Regent: “Admit him.”

(Guide enters with applicant or applicants, the door being closed behind them. Guide leaves applicant at the threshold—each Asst. G. remains with his applicant—and advances to the altar alone, under sign of Duty.)

Guide: “Regent, a stranger stands upon the threshold 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 which our Order bestows.”

Regent: “Let the friend advance.”

(Guide returns to applicant and leads him to the altar. When all applicants stand at altar, each Asst. G. steps to the rear of the one he conducts, the G. at left of line and applicants.)

Regent: “Friend, thus far you have chosen well, but you are as yet unacquainted with your duties and your privileges. Listen attentively to words which will enlighten you.”

Chaplain (advancing to the altar, facing applicant): “Our Order requires that you should now give a solemn promise. Withholding it, you can go no farther. 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?”

(The applicant must reply in the affirmative.)

Regent: “Guide, place the applicant in position to receive the Obligation.” (o o o.)

(The Council may require the applicant to repeat the Obligation, or give his assent thereto after it has been read to him.)

(The guide shall instruct applicant as to his position; each Asst. G. places his applicant in position to receive the Obligation, and at proper time relieves him of that position, etc.)

Chaplain: “Friend you will now give your attention while I read the Obligation of this Order:”

“In the presence of Almighty God and these witnesses, 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 thereunto, 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. I will not defraud or wrong any department of this order, or any member thereof, or suffer it to be done by others, if it be in my power to prevent, I will never introduce anything of a political or sectarian character at any meeting of, or in any way bearing reproach upon, this Order. I will keep forever secret all that may transpire during my initiation and will never improperly communicate to any person any of the words, signs or tokens, and should I be expelled 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 in distress, as far as is 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 the 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 had assumed while taking the Obligation.)

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, 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.)

(As soon as applicant has retired, and Regent o, then V. R. and C. rise at their stations simultaneously, advance to the altar, give sign of Duty, and proceed, V. R. receding, to perform their Duty, and after it is finished they return to altar in the same order, give sign of Duty, and then resume their stations.)

Part II of the Mysteries

(From page 19 ff. of the Book of Duties.)

Vice Regent: “Regent, the Council Chamber is ready for the reception of the applicant.”

Regent: “Admit him.”

(If more than one applicant, all except one previously selected by R. and by him named to G. may be, in single file, and slowly, with accompaniment of music, if practicable, conducted by G. past V-screen, then between it and M-screen, so each may see the contents of both screens and then seated apart from members of Council, in front of either stations of the P. R. or C., and so remain until the other applicant has duly passed through the Courts of V. and M. and the inner Court, to the point designated for the removal of Sash, and then all applicants being placed at altar, proceed in due form. The foregoing instructions does not prohibit a Council from conducting more than one applicant through the entire ceremony. When the applicant who is now to receive the full Degree, is seated, the Regent will say:)

“A few words to the friend (or friends) who has (or have) been seated in our midst, in explanation of his (or their) position would be well at this moment. You have readily assented to the obligation of the Royal Arcanum as rehearsed by our Chaplain, and the ceremonies you are about to witness consist of conferring the full degree of the Royal Arcanum. Our laws provide that when two or more persons are to be initiated, all candidates except one previously chosen, may be conducted to seats in our Council Chamber, affording a full view of the exemplification of our ritualistic work upon the remaining applicant. It will be your duty to pay strict attention to these proceedings and to apply to yourself the great principles and attributes of the Royal Arcanum, as if the full Degree had been conferred upon you personally.”

(The Warden gives XX-XX-X answered by the Guide in the same manner. Guide enters with applicant hoodwinked, and places him on the V-screen facing the center.)

Guide: “The applicant is waiting.”

Guide raises hoodwink so that applicant can see what is before him.

Vice Regent: “Friend, you stand within the outer Court of the Royal Secret. It is constructed to represent 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 should be one of purity.”

“Virtue in this Order, 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 receive 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 Guide, if necessary, the applicant must immerse his right hand in the water.)

Guide: “The applicant has obeyed.”

(Guide again hoodwinks Applicant.)

Vice Regent: “As one about to enter upon a difficult journey, in pursuit of important benefits, invites success by careful preparation, so have you, by this rite, been prepared to advance with pure hands towards the inner Court, there to win the mystic emblem and the privileges which our Order confers.”

(Here the Guide shall suspend from the Sash, under the Applicant’s left arm, the Protective Badge.)

(Here may be sung o o o after the air “Auld Lang Syne.”)

Regent: “Friend, having been obedient to the instructions of the outer Court, you are entitled to be called a Brother in Virtue, and have earned the right to proceed.”

Members (in union, led by the 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 removes hoodwink as soon as applicant is in the M-screen.)

Guide: “The applicant stands in the second Court.”

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 double Court, showing that which it represents 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 instructions.”

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 him, 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 bar your progress through the second work of the Order.”

(If applicant hesitates, the Guide quietly directs him to remove the burden from k--g brother, and assists him to assume it.)

Guide: “He has lifted the burden.”

Regent: “Brother, you have well borne this test. You have been taught concerning the burdens and responsibilities which our Order bravely and mercifully carries, and which you must help to bear. They are symbolized by the burden which you have just assumed. Without assistance all our burdens are heavy and grievous, as you find this, yet with a strong heart and with brotherly sympathy and help, they become light and are easily borne. Having shown yourself worthy, you are entitled to stand within the inner court, and to advance towards the Mysteries of the Royal Secret.”

(The guide on the left of the applicant shall then lead him bearing the burden, from the M-screen past the Orator around the Council room to the altar, while Guide repeats:)

Guide: “Mercy moves around 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 live when the weapons of victorious battle have been broken, 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 in heaven.”

(K--g brother emerges from M-screen, and standing in front of the Past Regent, or Orator says:)

“Regent, when a weary, way-worn traveller, I sank exhausted beneath my heavy load, this Brother in Virtue 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 and Council: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

Regent: “Guide, remove the burden.”

(Here may be sung o o o:)

Regent: “Brother in Virtue having safely accomplished the journey through the second court, you are entitled to be called a Brother in Mercy.”

Members (in union led by Past Regent): “Brother in Mercy, in all relations to our Order may you prove this title to be worthily bestowed.”

Regent: “Brother in Virtue and Mercy, you now stand within the inner court, at the center 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 Virtue’s court, you have shown by a wise choice that Mercy dwells in your heart, and you have received with attention 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 enjoyment, 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 Royal Secret. 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, prompted by the Guide, must raise the cover and take out the tablet. The Guide closes the cover.)

Regent: “What have you discovered?”

(The applicant, prompted by the Guide, shall answer: “This Tablet.”)

“What characters are inscribed thereon?”

(The applicant, prompted by the Guide, shall answer: “—M—”)

Regent: “—M—The Royal Mystery. Do you find the Key by which this mystic number may be read and explained?”

(Applicant prompted by Guide replies: “I find nothing more.”)

Regent: “Guide, where is the Key to this Mystery?”

Guide (raising the cover): “Regent, the Key is not within the sacred station.”

Regent—o o o—“Brothers, our secret station has been despoiled of the Key to the Royal Mystery. It is the Protective Badge of this Order, and without it the mystic number can not 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 Virtue and Mercy may become 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 got the Key to the Mystery?”

Chaplain: “Regent, I can find the Key to our Mystic number.”

Regent: “Brothers, be seated. Guide repair to the altar. Chaplain you will obtain the Key, and explain the use to the applicant.”

(If there is more than one candidate, the Asst. Guides should at this point request those seated to rise, and should conduct them to the altar, ranging them in line with the candidate already there, so that all may face the Chaplain and hear and understand the explanation.

Chaplain advances to altar, passes around its end to rear of candidate, and removes the badge from the applicant, not stealthy, but in such a manner that all the applicants’ attention is attracted, and each can himself witness the removal of the Key, and understand the explanation. The Chaplain then 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, then:)

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 burden 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 are 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.”

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.”

(Guide conducts all applicants to Regent’s station.)

Regent (holding the key and mystic number before applicant): “Brother, you see before you the Royal Mystery, the Royal Secret, the Royal Arcanum, the mystic number of the Order. (Regent placing Key on station and pointing to Banner:) Now, as you are in full possession of the knowledge of the Royal Secret, I declare you a Brother in Virtue, Mercy and Charity, and invest you with the regalia, which combines with the mystic symbol, our emblem, the crown.”

Members (in union led by the Past Regent): “May you never prove unworthy of it.”

(The sash will here be removed. Here may be sung:)

Regent—“I will now instruct you in the signs, signals and passwords. This is the sign of Duty (A). It is used in the Council 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); this is the sign of Mercy (C); this is the sign of Charity and the sign of the Order (D).”

“In order to 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 give him the Semi-Annual Password, which is changed on the first meeting in January and July of each year, and must be procured by you only of the Regent, no other person can give it to you, and he only while you are in good standing in the Order. For the present term the 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 Password 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 of 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).”

“In 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 in connection with a signature, you know that it has reference to the Royal Arcanum. The work, or business, done in the Council is called its Duties. In these Duties, one rap of the gavel calls the Council to order or seats it, o; two raps call up the officers, o o, and three raps call up the Council, o o o.”

“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 obligations and privileges, your rights and duties, as a member of the Order. Its welfare depends upon the prosperity of the Subordinate Councils. Your duty is not fully discharged by the payments of dues and assessments. You should give a reasonable amount of service 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.”

“I will now present you to your brethren and request that, as your name is called, you (or each of you), will move forward one step, and give the sign of Duty, in order that the brethren may know you by name.”

(Here Guide faces applicant towards altar and as the names are called by Regent, each will move forward one step, and give the sign of Duty.)

Regent—“Brothers of——Council, I introduce to you Brother——, who is now entitled to all the benefits and privileges of our beneficent Order. You will unite with me in the hopes that, in the enjoyment of them he will remain faithful to his obligation, so that, when the summons come to him 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):

(The Regent will here declare a brief recess, during which the Orator, Warden and Guide shall restore the Council room to its ordinary condition. Guide will conduct member just admitted to the Secretary’s desk, where he will sign the By-Laws and examine his application to see that his beneficiary is properly named, in accordance with the laws of the Order.)

Closing the Duties of the Council

(From page 20, ff. of Book of Duties.)

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 and for the W. and O. B. 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 receipted therefor?”

Collector: “He has.”

Regent: “The Secretary will so record it. Has the last assessment laid been forwarded to the Supreme Treasurer, and has a receipt been received therefor?”

(Treasurer responds and Secretary records the answer.)

Regent: “Has the Monthly Report been prepared ready to be mailed to the Grand Secretary?” (Secretary responds.)

Note—If not, the Regent should see that this is done before closing the Council, as the prompt forwarding of such a report is important.

Regent: “o o o Brothers, let us gather 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 benevolence, Thou art the Father of all our mercies, and the God of all grace. In closing the service of this Council, 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 hopes, and personal consciousness of the Divine approval. Amen.”

All: “Amen.”

(Here may be sung):

Closing Ode

Tune, “Greenville.”

Regent (at his station): “Brothers,——Council, No.—, Royal Arcanum, will next be opened for Duty on the—of——, 19—, at—o’clock. The Guide will see that the Royal Secret, Protective Badge, Sash, Jewels, and Book of Duties are safely deposited and securely locked within the secret station. Brothers, the Duties of this session are fully performed, and I declare this Council closed” o.

The Final Duty—the Burial of a Brother

(From page 40, ff. Book of Duties.)

“Note—The use of the following form of Final Duty, or any part of it, is optional with each Subordinate Council, and other passages of Scripture may be introduced in place of, or in addition to, those quoted in the ceremony.”

“At the funeral of a brother, his Council shall be represented, if desirable, by seven members selected by the Regent, six of whom 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, shall be provided.”

“In passing to the grave, the pall bearers shall form about hearse, the Regent at the right, the Past Regent at his left, and the Chaplain bearing the emblem at the rear. Should the 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 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 in mercy.”

“He will not always chide, neither will He keep his anger forever.”

“He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded 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 hath He removed our transgressions from us.”

“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.”

“For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.”

“As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.”

“For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.”

“But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him.”

“Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.”

“He cometh up like a flower and is cut down; he fleeth as a shadow, and continueth not.”

“Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with Thee. Thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass.”

“For I know that my Redeemer liveth and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.”

“And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.”

“Whom I shall see for myself and mine eyes shall behold, and not another, though my veins be consumed with me.”

Regent: “Brothers, we stand in the presence of death! One of our members has passed into the sublimest Court of all, solved the dread Royal Secret, and fathomed Mysteries, the portals of which 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 his 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, Supreme Ruler of the Universe and Governor of all things, we know that without Thee not even a sparrow falleth to the ground, and we may, therefore, trust with Thee the soul of our dead brother, as we return his body 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 consolation. Bless them and us with Thy care and protection. Unite us all again in Thine own good time, and be to us now and ever, our Father and our God. Amen.”

All: “Amen.”