[14. The Grand Marshal will then form the officers and members of the new Chapter in front of the Grand Officers; after which, the Grand High Priest directs the Grand Secretary to read the warrant.]

[15. The Grand High Priest then rises and says,

By virtue of the high powers in me vested, I do form you, my respected Companions, into a regular Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. From henceforth you are authorized and empowered to open and hold a Lodge of Mark Masters, Past Masters, and Most Excellent Masters, and a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons; and to do and perform all such things as thereunto may appertain; conforming, in all your doings, to the General Grand Royal Arch Constitution, and the general regulations of the State Grand Chapter. And may the God of your fathers be with you, guide and direct you in all your doings."]

16. The furniture, clothing, jewels, implements, utensils, &c. belonging to the Chapter, (having been previously placed in the centre, in front of the Grand Officers, covered,) are now uncovered, and the new Chapter is dedicated in due and ancient form.

17. The Dedication then follows: the Grand Chaplain saying,

"To our Most Excellent Patron ZERUBBABEL, we solemnly dedicate this Chapter. May the blessing of our Heavenly High Priest descend and rest upon its members, and may their felicity be immortal. "Glory be to God on high."

[Response by the Companions.]

"As it was in the beginning, is now,

and ever

"So motę it be."

shall

18. The Grand Marshal then says, "I am directed to proclaim, and I do hereby proclaim this Chapter, by Chapter, duly consecrated, consti

the name of

tuted and dedicated. This," &c. &c.

19. An Ode.

20. The Deputy Grand High Priest will then present the first officer of the new Chapter to the Grand High Priest, saying,

MOST EXCELLENT GRAND HIGH PRIEST,

I present you my worthy Companion

nominated in the warrant, to be installed High Priest of this [new] Chapter. I find him to be skilful in the royal art, and attentive to the moral precepts of our forefathers, and have therefore no doubt but he will discharge the duties of his office with fidelity.

The Grand High Priest then addresses him as follows:

MOST EXCELLENT,

I feel much satisfaction in performing my duty on the present occasion, by installing you into the office of High Priest of this [new] Chapter. It is an office highly honourable to all those who diligently perform the important duties annexed to it. Your reputed masonic knowledge, however, preeludes the necessity of a particular enumeration of those duties. I shall therefore only observe, that by a frequent recurrence to the constitution, and general regulations, and constant practice of the several sublime lectures and charges, you wil

be best able to fulfil them; and I am confident that the Companions who are chosen to preside with you, will give strength to your endeavours, and support to your exertions. I shall now propose certain questions to you, relative to the duties of your office, and to which I must request your unequivocal answer.

1. Do you solemnly promise that you will redouble your endeavours to correct the vices, purify the morals, and promote the happiness of those of your Companions, who have attained this sublime degree?

2. That you will never suffer your Chapter to be opened, unless there be present nine regular Royal Arch Masons?

3. That you will never suffer either more or less than three brethren to be exalted in your Chapter at one and the same time?

4. That you will not exalt any one to this degree, who has not shown a charitable and humane disposition; or who has not made a considerable proficiency in the foregoing degrees?

5. That you will promote the general good of our order, and, on all proper occasions, be ready to give and receive instructions, and particularly from the General and State Grand Officers?

6. That, to the utmost of your power, you will preserve the solemnities of our ceremonies, and behave, in open Chapter, with the most profound

respect and reverence, as an example to your Companions?

7. That you will not acknowledge or have intercourse with any Chapter that does not work under a constitutional warrant or dispensation?

any

visitor into your

8. That will not admit you Chapter, who has not been exalted in a Chapter legally constituted, without his being first formally healed?

9. That you will observe and support such byelaws as may be made by your Chapter, in conformity to the General Grand Royal Arch Constitution, and the general regulations of the Grand Chapter?

10. That you will pay respect and due obedience to the instructions of the General and State Grand Officers, particularly relating to the several Lectures and Charges, and will resign the chair to them, severally, when they may visit your Chapter?

11. That you will support and observe the General Grand Royal Arch Constitution, and the General Regulations of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter, under whose authority you act?

Do you submit to all these things, and do you promise to observe and practice them faithfully?

These questions being answered in the affirmative the Companions all kneel in due form, and the Grand High Priest or Grand Chaplain repeats the following, or some other suitable prayer.

"Most holy and glorious Lord God, the Great High Priest of Heaven and Earth,

"We approach thee with reverence, and implore thy blessing on the Companion, appointed to preside over this new assembly, and now prostrate before thee ;— fill his heart with thy fear, that his tongue and actions may pronounce thy glory. Make him stedfast in thy service; grant him firmness of mind; animate his heart, and strengthen his endeavours; may he teach thy judgments and thy laws; and may the incense he shall put before thee, upon thine altar, prove an acceptable sacrifice unto thee. Bless him, O Lord, and bless the work of his hands.-Accept us in mercy; hear thou from Heaven thy dwelling-place, and forgive our transgressions.

Glory be to God the Father; as it was in the beginning," &c.

21. The Grand High Priest will then cause the High Priest elect to be invested with his clothing, badges, &c.; after which he will address him as follows, viz. MOST EXCELLENT,

In consequence of your cheerful acquiescence with the charges, which you have heard recited, you are qualified for installation as the High Priest of this Royal Arch Chapter; and it is incumbent upon me, on this occasion, to point out some of the particulars appertaining to your office, duty, and dignity.

All legally constituted bodies of Royal Arch Masons, are called Chapters; as regular bodies of masons of the preceding degrees, are called