|
Before being initiated, the Royal Arch Purple candidate must answer a
number of questions.
Is this the first time you have stood within the precincts of a Royal
Arch Purple Chapter?
Have you received the Purple Order of the Loyal Orange Institution?
Do you now wish to receive the Royal Arch purple Degree?
Other questions are asked, although the nature of such depends totally
upon the individual examiner. Common questions asked are:-
Does anyone know you are coming to this meeting?
Has anyone told you anything about this initiation?
The candidate is then informed, "Before we can impart to you
any of the secrets or mysteries of the Royal Arch Purple Degree you will
be required to take upon yourself a solemn, sincere, binding, yet entirely
voluntary obligation, binding you to us, as we are bound to one another as
Royal Arch Purplemen."
Upon my assurance there is nothing in that obligation that may prove
detrimental to you in life, or hinder you in the duty you owe to God, your
country, or yourself, are you therefore willing to take upon yourself that
voluntary obligation?
Upon his positive affirmation the candidate is instructed, "Kneel
upon your right knee in token of your humility; place your right hand on
the Holy Bible in token of your sincerity.
Back to Top
The solemn obligation begins: "I ------- ------------ do most
voluntarily, solemnly and sincerely declare that I will never reveal
unlawfully, but will ever conceal, the proceedings of my brother Royal
Arch Purple men in Chapter assembled, nor will I disclose any matter or
thing therein communicated to me, unless to a brother Royal Arch Purple
man, well knowing him to be such, or until I have been duly authorised so
to do by the proper and legal authorities, they holding a Warrant for that
purpose under the Grand Royal Arch Purple Chapter of Ireland, or any other
authority, the same having legally transferred into their hands, nor shall
I be present at the initiation or raising of Purplemen to the Royal Arch
Purple Degree, unless in a duly authorised Chapter room, and then only in
the presence of at least seven members in good standing; nor will I confer
this degree, or permit it to be conferred on any candidate, for a less sum
than that authorised by the Grand Royal Arch Purple Chapter of Ireland,
namely, Seven shillings and sixpence, which I sum have paid - £2.00.
I will to the utmost of my power support and maintain the Protestant
religion, and glorious Constitution of 1688, against all foes, foreign and
domestic; I will aid and assist all true and faithful Royal Arch Purplemen
in all just and lawful actions, and I will not wrong, nor see any of them
wronged or defrauded, if in my power to prevent it.
And I further promise and declare never to marry a Papist, nor stand
sponsor for the child of a Roman Catholic or Papist when receiving baptism
from a Romish priest, nor allow a Papist to stand sponsor for my child
when being baptised.
And I will always obey, without scruple or reserve, in all things
lawful, the bye-laws of my Chapter, and the Rules and Regulations as drawn
up and published by the Grand Royal Arch Purple Chapter of Ireland.
And I furthermore do most solemnly and sincerely declare that I will
not write, nor indite, cut, carve, stamp, stain, emboss, or engrave upon
anything movable or immovable, whereby the secrets of this degree may
become unlawfully known through my unworthiness
I will not have any unlawful carnal knowledge of a brother Royal Arch
Purpleman’s wife, mother, daughter, sister, or any of his near or dear
female relatives.
I will not be at the making of Royal Arch Purplemen behind hedges or
ditches, or on the Queen’s highway, or in any other place except in a
legally constituted Royal Arch Purple Chapter meeting.
I will obey the five points of fellowship, and keep and conceal the
secrets of my Royal Arch Purple brethren within my breast, as well as my
own, murder and treason excepted.
The candidate is then asked, "Is there anything in that
obligation you could not keep?"
The candidate then affirms, "O help me, Almighty God, and keep
me steadfast in this my solemn vow, but voluntarily obligation, being that
of a Royal Arch Purpleman taken under this Warrant of Royal Arch purple
Chapter No ….. held under the jurisdiction of the Grand Royal Arch
Purple Chapter of Ireland."
Back to Top
The obligation candidate is taken to the Anteroom and prepared as
follows:
He is divested of his coat and vest, collar and tie, shoes and socks.
One shoe is then placed on candidate’s left bare foot, and the legs of
his trousers rolled up above the knee, his left breast being bare. The
candidate is then blindfolded, and a piece of purple ribbon is fastened to
the front of the candidate’s shirt or other garment.
After his oath-binding and preparation, the hoodwinked, semi-naked
candidate is led to the Chapter door by a conductor, who is assigned to
lead him through his travel. This specially selected guide will be at his
side for the duration of his initiation.
The Conductor will then give three loud and distinct knocks on the door
which are answered by three similar knocks from within.
The candidate is addressed as follows "What profane, or
unworthy person or persons are these, coming here to disturb the peace and
harmony of this, our Royal Arch Purple Chapter meeting dedicated by us
unto God, and Brother Joshua?"
The question is then answered on his behalf by his Conductor. The guide
replies: "They are not profane, nor unworthy at all, but friends
with a brother, and a brother with friends, seeking admission into this,
your Royal Arch Purple Chapter meeting, dedicated by you unto God and
Brother Joshua."
Candidate is then admitted on the point of a sword or spear to his left
breast, and on the entrance password.
Chaplain reads Exodus, Chapter 13, verses 15, 16, 17, 18.
Candidate receives three sharp pricks to his left breast, the meaning
of which is explained to him.
Chaplain reads Numbers, Chapter 14, verses 11, 12, 26, 27, 28, and 33.
The blindfolded candidate is further disturbed by a loud and unexpected
bang. This surprise can take many forms and often differs from area to
area. One Chapter may fire a blank round from a gun at the initiate,
another may smash a set of cymbals, another may simply drop the poles of
the lodge’s banner on the floor beside him and others use different
means.
Candidate hears " loud report ", representing the Lord
thundering down his wrath upon the Children of Israel, and is asked to
kneel down and pray for his deliverance by repeating the Lord’s Prayer.
Chaplain reads Joshua, Chapter 5, verses 13, 14, 15. Candidate is told
to cast off his shoe, and Conductor explains to him the meaning of being
led three times " round the wilderness ".
Chaplain reads Psalm 107, verses 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
The Royal Arch Purple candidate is led round the Chapter room, which is
strewn with branches and/or holly, three times. This practice is known as
‘circumambulation.’ During his three journeys round the Chapter room,
the candidate is violently whipped on his legs with brambles and branches
by the assembled brethren. This practice normally results in varying
amounts of cuts and bruises to the initiate, depending on the brethren
administering such, the candidate enduring a symbolic fall, each lap of
the hall.
The three journeys of the candidate round ‘the wilderness’ are
accompanied by three great falls symbolising the candidate’s victory
over death and the grave. As the candidate is led round the room the first
time he sustains a fall, and is raised up, on the words "O
death, where is thy sting?"
Chaplain reads Psalm 107, verses 12, 13, 14 and 15.
He is then led round again and receives the second fall, and is raised
up, on the words "O grave, where is thy victory?"
Chaplain reads Psalm 106, verses 43, 44, and 45.
On the third and final lap round the Chapter room, the initiate
sustains his third and final fall, which results the candidate being
raised from the floor by a lecturer or office bearer, who is assisted by
some of the assembled brethren. The ‘brother’ raising the candidate
then embraces him and acts out each individual point of fellowship; so as
to leave a deep impression upon the candidate.
As the candidate is raised he is taught:
"First - Foot to foot. That I would not be afraid nor ashamed to
go a foot or two out of my way to serve a brother Royal Arch Purple man in
his time of need.
Second - Knee to knee. That I would not bend my knee in prayer, without
remembering my Royal Arch Purple brethren in my prayers, as well as
myself.
Third - Hand in hand. That I would go hand in hand with my Royal Arch
Purple brethren in all just and lawful actions."
Fourth - Breast to breast, that I would keep and conceal the secrets of
my Royal Arch Purple brethren within my breast, as well as my own, murder
and treason excepted."
"Fifth and last - Left hand behind back. To testify that I would
be as true and faithful behind a Royal Arch Purple man’s back as I would
be before his face. I would allow no plots nor plans to be laid about him,
without giving him due and timely warning of all approaching danger, as
far as in my power lieth, so that, on the one hand, he can come manfully
forward to meet it, or, on the other hand, step aside and avoid it."
Candidate is placed in line facing the Worshipful Master.
Chaplain reads Genesis, Chapter 28, verses 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.
The blindfolded Royal Arch Purple candidate is led over to within four
or five feet of the front of a purpose-built ladder, symbolising
‘Jacob’s ladder’. The candidate then steps ‘two and a half’
paces forward towards the ladder, in an observance called ‘the
advancement’.
The blindfolded candidate stands nervously in front of the set of
steps, known as ‘Jacob’s ladder’. The initiate is then assisted in
climbing up this three stepped ladder (one step at a time), with the help
of his guide, whilst the Chaplain reads I Corinthians 13:13. Each rung of
the ladder being labelled as he progresses upward, "And now abideth
(1) Faith (2) Hope (3) Charity, these three; but the greatest of these is
Charity."
At the top of this ladder, the blindfolded Arch Purple candidate is
made to kneel upon a representation of a coffin. The Royal Arch Purple
lecturers then outline the importance and profound significance of this
solemn act to him: "With my knees upon a representation of a
coffin, my toes extended over the earth, to testify that I was duly
prepared to suffer death and all its penalties, before I would divulge
anything I had received, or was about to receive."
Chaplain reads 1st Corinthians, Chapter 15, verses 56, 57, and psalm
91, verses 1 and 2.
After the gravity of his obligation is further impressed upon the Arch
Purple candidate the assembled Chapter gather at the back of the steps
(‘Jacob’s ladder’) and unfold a large canvas blanket. The
blindfolded initiate, who has his back to the blanket is then told to
cross his arms whilst still kneeling upon a representation of a coffin.
He is then asked, by the lecturers, "In whom do you put your
trust?" The nervous candidate answers "God"
(normally with a little prompting from his guide) whereupon he
receives a violent push backward unto the blanket. Here he undergoes one
of the most painful and humiliating experiences within the Royal Arch
Purple ceremony, when he is brutally kicked and tossed upon the blanket by
the assembled Chapter for a number of minutes. This practice is known as
"riding the goat."
At the end of his "ride on the goat" the candidate is rolled
up in a bundle and carried in the canvas or sackcloth sheet to the
north-west corner of the Chapter room, where he is informed of the
consequences of disloyalty to the Royal Arch Purple. Here the Arch Purple
candidate subjects himself to one of the most blasphemous and grossly
repulsive forms of bondage imaginable, binding his conscience and spirit,
by a devilish blood curse, to this sinful counterfeit body.
Two lecturers converse to explain the penalties as
follows: "Can you explain to me the three great and solemn penalties of a Royal Arch Purpleman?
First - That I would suffer my throat cut across from ear to ear, my tongue torn out by its roots, and with my body buried in the rough sands of the sea, two and a half cable toe lengths from where the tide ebbs and flows, about twice in a natural day, before I would divulge.
Second - That I would suffer my left breast torn open, my heart and vitals taken therefrom, and with my body given to the vultures of the air, or the wild beasts of the field, as a prey, before I would divulge.
Third and last - That I would suffer no less a penalty than that of having my body severed in two, one part carried east, the other west, taken to the top of some high hill or mountain, the parts thereof burned to ashes, the ashes scattered to the four winds of heaven, so that not a vestige of such a vile or perjured wretch as I should remain amongst men, more especially Royal Arch Purplemen, should I divulge, part or parts, secret or sign, sign or token, of anything I had received, or was about to receive, or may hereafter be instructed in, unless to a brother Royal Archpurpleman, well knowing him to be such, after strict trial and due examination, or upon the word of a well-known brother
."
As the ceremony continues the Arch Purple candidate receives a cold and
hot test. This entails a very cold and a very hot instrument been forced
into his chest, this practice is obviously intended to shock the initiate,
keeping him in an unsettled state.
The Chaplain reads Genesis 1:14-18, where the Scriptures record the
creation of the TWO great natural lights to
illuminate the earth, the sun and moon. The sun, the greater light, is to
rule the day and, the moon, the lesser light, is to rule the night (V.16).
Then without introduction or explanation the Chaplain quotes John 1:5
stating, "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness
comprehended it not."
No exposition is made of these passages or the context in which they
are found, thus placing the light of Lord Jesus Christ, referred to in
John 1, in the same context as the natural light provided by the sun and
moon.
The lecturers then ask the blindfolded candidate: "What do
you stand most in need of?"
The blindfolded initiate, normally with the assistance of his guide,
answers, "Light." The candidate’s
blindfold is then removed by the ‘Worshipful Master’, or some of the
brethren present.
Blindfold is then removed from the Candidate’s eyes, and his
attention drawn to the "horrors of death." Three of the brethren
solemnly stand pointing dangerous weapons at him. "A spear to pierce my heart,
a sword to run me through, and a gun to shoot me, should I divulge."
(Many Chapters use real guns to impress the grave consequence of
betraying the Order. This custom has often involved the firing of a blank
round at the candidate to further instil fear in to him, thus securing
rigid loyalty to the Institution)
The candidate is then faced with a mystical three-branched candlestick
flickering before his eyes. He is told that it represents ‘the three
great lights’.
Candidate counts the Three Lights, which are explained to him: also the
W. Master standing in the midst, the Bible, the Book of Rules and
Regulations, and the Seal of the Chapter; all carried by the W. Master.
The Arch Purple lecture explains its meaning.
The candidate is told that the Three great lights in the east Represent -
Spiritually, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, co-equal and
co-eternal; but carnally, the Sun, Moon and Stars, and the Worshipful Master.
The Candidate’s attention is drawn to the Warrant of the Chapter,
which is supported by two brethren.
The Purple ribbon is then explained to the Candidate, and the Chain of
fellowship, and finally the Candidate is placed at one end of the chain.
Chaplain reads Exodus, Chapter 13, verses 21 and 22; and 1st
Corinthians, Chapter 15, verse 58, and concludes with Revelation, Chapter
22, verse 21.
At the conclusion of the Travel, the lecturer requests permission of
the Worshipful Master for the Candidate to retire to be re-clothed, before
proceeding with the Lecture and Address.
Back to Top
Q. Why do you wear that colour?
A. What colour?
Q. That chief Purple?
A. Because I am a Royal Arch Purpleman
Q. How do you know you are a Royal Arch Purpleman?
A. I was once tried, never denied, and willing to be tried again.
Q. Where were you first prepared?
A. In my heart.
Q. Where next?
A. In a small room or vestry adjoining my Lodge room.
Q. How were you prepared?
A. I was neither naked nor clothed, barefooted nor shod, deprived of
all moneys, means, and minerals, blindfolded, and led by the hand of a
friend to a door.
Q. What kind of a door?
A. A Lodge room door.
Q. How did you know it to be a Lodge room door?
A. By three loud and distinct knocks from without, answered by three
loud and distinct knocks from within.
Q. What did these three loud and distinct knocks signify?
A. Three portions of scripture.
Q. Can you explain them?
A. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and
it shall be opened opened unto you.
Q. Was it opened unto you?
A. It was.
Q. What did you hear?
A. A loud voice saying "What profane, or unworthy person or
persons are these, coming here to disturb the peace and harmony of this,
our Royal Arch Purple Chapter meeting dedicated by us unto God, and
Brother Joshua?"
Q. What was your reply?
A. "They are not profane, nor unworthy at all, but friends with a
brother, and a brother with friends, seeking admission into this, your
Royal Arch Purple Chapter meeting, dedicated by you unto God, and Brother
Joshua."
Q. Where are you from?
A. The outer Camp of Israel.
Q. Where are you going?
A. To the inner lines.
Q. How do you intend to get there?
A. By the benefit of a password.
Q. Have you that password?
A. I have.
Q. Will you give it to me?
A. I will, if you begin - Shib - Bo - Leth.
Q. Why do you take Shibboleth for your entrance password?
A. Because it closed the passages of the River Jordan against the
rebels of Israel.
Q. How were you admitted, or upon what?
A. On the point of a sword, spear, or some other warlike instrument
pointed to my naked left breast.
Q. Why to your naked left breast?
A. Because it was nearest my heart.
Q. Did you fell anything?
A. Three sharp pricks to my naked left breast.
Q. What did these three sharp pricks to your naked left breast signify?
A. As they were a prick to my flesh in the meantime, so may they be a
sting to my conscience hereafter if ever I should divulge anything I had
received or was about to receive.
Q. What did you hear?
A. A loud report, as of a cannon-gun, or some other small piece of
musketry.
Q. What did this loud report signify?
A. The Lord thundering down his wrath upon the children of Israel for
their disobedience unto him.
Q. What was then demanded of you?
A. To kneel down, and pray for my deliverance, which I afterwards did.
Q. What was further demanded of you?
A. To arise, and cast the shoe from off my foot, for the place whereon
I stood was holy ground.
Q. How were you the dealt with?
A. I was led three times around the wilderness, once across the Red
Sea, and the river Jordan, to testify that I was duly prepared to receive
the degree of a Royal Arch Purpleman.
Q. What befall you on the way?
A. I was beaten and torn by brier and bramble, bitten and stung by
fiery serpents, I received three great and mighty falls with my back to
the earth, and my face towards the heavens.
Q. What did these three great and mighty falls represent?
A. Three times the children of Israel fell in the wilderness for their
disobedience unto the Lord.
Q. Upon the third and last of these three great and mighty falls how
were you raised, or upon what?
A. Upon the five points of fellowship.
Q. Can you explain to me the five points of fellowship?
A. First - Foot to foot. That I would not be afraid nor ashamed to go a
foot or two out of my way to serve a brother Royal Arch Purpleman in his
time of need.
Second - Knee to knee. That I would not bend my knee in prayer, without
remembering my Royal Arch Purple brethren in my prayers, as well as
myself.
Third - Hand in hand. That I would go hand in hand with my Royal Arch
Purple brethren in all just and lawful actions.
Fourth - Breast to breast. That I would keep and conceal the secrets of
my Royal Arch Purple brethren within my breast, as well as my own, murder
and treason excepted.
Fifth and last - Left hand behind back. To testify that I would be as
true and faithful behind a Royal Archpurpleman’s back as I would be
before his face, I would allow no plots nor plans to be laid about him,
without giving him due and timely warning of all approaching danger, as
far as in my power lieth, so that, on the one hand, he can come manfully
forward to meet it, or, on the other hand, step aside and avoid it.
Q. How were you then advanced?
A. By two and a half, up three steps, better known as Jacob’s ladder.
Q. What did these three steps represent?
A. Three portions of Scripture.
Q. What are they?
A. Faith, hope, and charity.
Q. Why faith, hope, and charity?
A. By faith I am saved, by hope I am raised, and by charity brought
nearer to God.
Q. How were you placed, or upon what?
A. With my knees upon a representation of a coffin, my toes extended
over the earth, to testify that I
was duly prepared to suffer death and
all its penalties, before I would divulge anything I had received, or was
about to receive.
Q. How were you further dealt with?
A. I was tossed to and fro, between the heavens and the earth, rolled
up in sackcloth or canvas, carried to the north-west corner of my chapter
room; there I experienced a representation of the three great and solemn
penalties of a Royal Arch Purpleman.
Q. Can you explain to me the three great and solemn penalties of a
Royal Arch Purpleman?
A. First - That I would suffer my throat cut across from ear to ear, my
tongue torn out by its roots, and with my body buried in the rough sands
of the sea, two and a half cable toe lengths from where the tide ebbs and
flows, about twice in a natural day, before I would divulge.
Second - That I would suffer my left breast torn open, my heart and
vitals taken therefrom, and with my body given to the vultures of the air,
or the wild beasts of the field, as a prey, before I would divulge.
Third and last - That I would suffer no less a penalty than that of
having my body severed in two, one part carried east, the other west,
taken to the top of some high hill or mountain, the parts thereof burned
to ashes, the ashes scattered to the four winds of heaven, so that not a
vestige of such a vile or perjured wretch as I should remain amongst men,
more especially Royal Arch Purplemen, should I divulge, part or parts,
secret or sign, sign or token, of anything I had received, or was about to
receive, or may hereafter be instructed in, unless to a brother Royal
Archpurpleman, well knowing him to be such, after strict trial and due
examination, or upon the word of a well-known brother."
Q. What did you stand most in need of?
A. Light
Q. Did you get that light?
A. I did
Q. Who gave it to you?
A. The Worshipful Master, or some of the brethren present
Q. What did you first behold?
A. Death in all its horrors, staring me in the face, a spear to pierce
my heart, a sword to run me through, and a gun to shoot me, should I
divulge.
Q. What did you next behold?
A. Three great lights in the east
Q. What did these three great Lights represent?
A. Spiritually, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, coequal and co-eternal;
but carnally, the sun, moon, and stars, and the worshipful master.
Q. Why the sun, moon, and stars, and the worshipful master?
A. First - The sun, the greater light, to rule the day.
Second - The moon and stars, the lesser lights, to rule the night.
Third - The worshipful master standing in the midst with a drawn sword
in his hand. He also carried the Bible, and the book of rules and
regulations, and the seal of the Chapter placed thereon. The Bible to be
the rule and guide of his faith and practice. The book of rules and
regulations to enable him to rule and govern his Royal Arch Purple
Chapter, or, in his unavoidable absence, cause the same to be done by
unavoidable absence, cause the same to be done by some fit and qualified
brother. The seal teaches me that should I receive a summons or document
where on that seal is legally affixed, I am in duty bound to attend
thereto, as well as to keep the secrets of my Royal Arch Purple brethren
within my breast, as well as my own, murder and treason excepted.
Q. What did you further behold?
A. My warrant, uplifted and supported by two supporting pillars, right
and left.
Q. What were these two supporting pillars composed of? Wood or stone.
A. No, but of hu-man bone.
Q. Friend, I perceive you have received the degree of a Royal Arch
Purpleman. Have you the central password?
A. I have
Q. Will you give it to me?
A. I will, if you begin. The-Ark-of-God.
Q. Why do you take the Ark of God for your central password?
A. Because when the feet of the priests that bore the Ark touched the
waters of the river Jordan, the waters divided, hither and thither, and
the children of Israel passed over on dry ground.
Q. What was the Ark made of?
A. Staves of Shittim wood
Q. What length was the Ark?
A. Two cubits and a half
Q. What breadth?
A. A cubit and a half
Q. What height?
A. A cubit and a half
Q. How was it overlaid?
A. With pure gold, within and without, and a crown of gold round about.
Q. How was it adorned?
A. By Cherubim’s.
Q. How many?
A. Two
Q. How were they placed?
A. One on each end, with their wings extended on high, and . Will you sell it to me?
A. No
Q. What did the Ark contain?
A. Three great and mysterious things.
Q. What were they?
A. Aaron’s rod, that budded buds, bloomed blossoms, and yielded
almonds in the space of one night. Two tables of stone, whereon were
written the Ten Commandments, given by God unto Moses on Mount Sinai. The
golden pot that contained the manna, a representation of the manna that
fed the children of Israel during their forty years wandering in the
wilderness.
Q. Where was the resting place of the Ark?
A. In the Tabernacle
Q. How was it adorned?
A. With curtains
Q. How many?
A. Ten
Q. How were they placed?
A. Three on each side, and two on each end, which made the number ten,
of blue, purple, and scarlet, of fine twined linen curiously interwoven
with fine needlework.
Q. Of all these colours, which did you choose?
A. Purple
Q. Why purple?
A. Because I received it in darkness, and brought it forth to a
marvellous light.
Q. Have you a number?
Q. Practical, or mystical?
Q. Mystical?
A. Two, and a half
Q. What two and a half?
A. The two tribes and a half
Q. What two tribes and a half?
A. The tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad, and the half tribe of
Manasseh.
Q. What became of the two tribes and a half?
A. They were restored to their former inheritance on the other side of
Jordan in the land of Gilead.
Q. Have you the great and grant password of a Royal Arch Purpleman?
A. I have.
Q. Will you give it to me?
A. I did not so obtain it, neither will I give it, but finding you to
be a brother, I will word or divide it with you.
A. Divide it, and begin.
A. No - begin you. The-great-Jehovah-be our-guide.
Q. Why do you take the great Jehovah be our guide for your great and
grand password?
A. Because the Lord said unto Moses; I am the great Jehovah. I will go
before you in a pillar of cloud by day. I am the great Jehovah. I will go
before you in a pillar of fire by night.
Back to Top
The lessons we learn from this degree are chiefly taken from the
emblems you are entitled to wear you sash or collar, and they are as
follows: -
THE BIBLE which is God’s revealed will to man, a firm reliance upon
the truths therein contained will enable us to draw aside the sable
curtain of the tomb, and look towards the dawn of a glorious eternity.
When you entered this Royal Arch Purple Chapter meeting you did so on
the point of a hostile weapon pointed to your naked left breast, which
gives us the emblem of the SWORD POINTING to the HEART, and teaches us
that, sooner or later, justice will overtake us; for, although our lives
and actions may be hidden from the eyes of man, yet the ALLSEEING EYE WHOM
THE SUN, MOON, AND STARS obey, and, under those watchful care perform
their stupendous operations, looks to the innermost thoughts of the heart,
and I will reward us according to our actions.
You can wear an emblem of the Ark representing our central password,
THE ARK OF GOD. It reminds us of the divine Ark that shall bear us safely
over the troublous seas of time, and the ANCHOR that shall moor us safely
in that harbour where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at
rest.
You can wear an emblem of the FIVEPOINT STAR representing the five
points of fellowship:-
First is foot to foot.
Second is knee to knee.
Third is hand in hand.
Fourth is breast to breast.
Fifth and last is left hand behind back.
Which teaches us that as foot by foot we travel along the rugged paths
of life, and oftentimes bend the knee in submission to the Divine Will we
may extend the right hand of fellowship to all those who are worthy, and
learn to keep the secrets we have received within our breast, so that we
would not speak evil behind a brother’s back that we would not care to
speak before his face.
You can wear an emblem of the THREE-STEPPED LADDER representing Faith,
Hope, and Charity. By faith we are saved, by hope we are raised, and by
charity brought nearer to God. It is also emblematical of the three
principal stages in life - Youth, Manhood, and Age. In youth we should
industriously employ our minds in the attainment of useful knowledge. In
manhood we should apply that knowledge in the duty we owe to God, our
country, and ourselves; so that in old age we may have a happy reflection,
consequent upon a well-spent life, and die in the hope of a glorious
immortality.
Lastly, you can wear an emblem of the COFFIN a representation of which
you knelt upon, to take that part of your solemn obligation. It reminds us
of death which may come to everyone, break the brittle thread of life, and
launch us into eternity. At this very moment the Angel of death has
received the awful mandate to strike many of our brethren from the roll of
human existence. If perchance we have escaped the numerous evils incident
to childhood, and youth, and with health and vigour have arrived at
manhood, yet and withal we too shall be cut off and gathered to the land
where our fathers have gone before us. Whilst reflecting upon the solemn
thought of death, this degree teaches us that all must die; we follow our
brethren to the brink of the grave, and, standing on the shores of a vast
ocean, we gaze with exquisite anxiety until the last struggle is over; we
see them sink into its fathomless abyss, and feel our own feet sliding
from the precarious brink on which we stand, a few more suns, and we too
shall be whelmed heath death’s awful wave to rest in the stilly shades,
where darkness and silence shall for ever reign, around our melancholy
abode.
But this is not the end of man, nor the glorious aspirations of the
brethren of our Order, who, true to their principles, look for the
manifestations of the THREE GREAT LIGHTS IN THE EAST, representing Death,
Resurrection, and Ascension; and bid us turn our eyes with faith and
confidence beyond the silent grave towards the dawn of a glorious
eternity.
Finally, my brethren, by the careful regulation of our lives, pondering
well our words, and the cultivation of brotherly love and loyalty, we may
obtain our Great Grand Master’s approbation. Then, when the embers of
mortality are faintly glimmering in the sockets of existence, and death
does come, and we are ushered into the Grand Lodge above, there shall be
revealed to us the real secrets of the Ark of God; and we shall realise,
for all eternity that the Great Jehovah has been our Guide.
A Biblical Analysis of the Royal Arch Purple degree
Comparison between Freemasonry and the Royal Arch Purple degree
Back to Top
|
