being Knights Templar, may appear in the costume of Knights Templar. THE GUARD ROOM, In this apartment must be an altar, covered with black cloth, on which is placed a crucifix, a Bible opened, when the ceremony is being performed, at the 27th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, and a drawn sword. A faldstool for the Candidate to kneel on should be placed before the altar. In this chamber the Mediterranean Pass is to be given. THE CHAPTER HOUSE. According to an ancient Ritual, three veils are drawn to represent the passage of the Mediterranean Sea, and Sentinels are placed as Guards, and to receive the proper pass words. For the "veils" the word "banners," hereinafter described (and five instead of three), is substituted. From the door, and at intervals towards the seat of the Prior, five ban ners must be placed in rests. Nearest the door should be a rest to hold the White Banner, with the word "Palestine, 1099," written on it; next that, a rest with a Red Banner, with the word "Cyprus, 1287," written on it; next that, a rest with a Black Banner, with the word "Rhodes, 1310," written on it; next that, a rest with a Purple Banner, with the word "Candia, 1523," written on it; and somewhere near to the Prior's seat, a rest with a Gold-coloured Banner, with the word "Malta, 1530," written on it. These banners, during the Installation, are to be guarded by five Knights, or by the Chancellor, the two Lieutenants, the Lieut.-General, and the Captain-General, who must stand in a line, and opposite to each banner. At the eastern or upper end of the Chapter House, must be placed a table with red cover, in the centre of which must be worked or painted a white level or figure, with lines drawn on it meeting in the centre of the upper portion of a cross, &c. When the Priory is opened, the five following officers must be seated at this table, viz. : 1. The Eminent Prior. At the west of the Chapter House there must be a table with a red cover, in the centre of which must be worked or painted a white Octagon, or eightsided figure (the Maltese Cross), having a centre circle divided into four equal portions, with, in each compartment, the figures of-I. an ancient galley; 2. a ladder of five rounds, with letters on each round corresponding to the five banners, and a speaking trumpet; 3. a hand and viper; 4. a skull with a spear and a sword. At this table the eight following officers are placed, viz. :— I. The Mareschal. 2. The Hospitaller. 6. The Turcopolier. These eight officers represent the Knights Grand Cross of the respective langues of which the Order consists, viz. :— I. Provence. 5. Arragon. 2. Auvergne. 6. Germany. 8. Anglo-Bavaria. The Prelate is to have a seat in the east of the Chapter House. The Captain of the outposts is to be seated in the west, near the door. The rest of the Knights are seated in two rows in the north and south sides of the Priory. The two Banners of the Order are the “Standard of St John" and the "Standard of "Malta." These are to be placed one on either side of the Prior in the east, and other Banners of the Knights attending are to lie about the north and south sides of the Chapter House. END OF PRELIMINARY DIRECTIONS. Ceremony of Opening the Priory. E. P.-Worthy Captain-General, what is the first and most essential care of a Knight of Malta? C.-GENL.-To see that our brethren in arms are properly protected from all opposers of the Gospel of the Saviour of fallen man. E. P.-Worthy Lieut.-Genl., do your duty, and see that the Priory is properly guarded. (The Lieut.-Gen. goes to door, gives 13 knocks, then returns, and reports-) L. G.-Eminent Prior, all is properly guarded without. E. P.-Worthy Captain-General, what is our next duty? C. G. To see that every Warrior present proves himself a legitimate son in arms, and brother of our Priory. E. P. See that they be so. (The Captn.-Genl. and Lieut.-Genl. prove each and all by the W. and S.) ΤΟ |