then with his 1. h. presents the N. T. to the eight officers, who advance towards him, and place their eight swords on the B., kneeling on their l. k. Each set of officers rise and return to their seats, so soon as they have saluted the H. B. The rest of the Knights stand to order the while the E. P. then returns to his seat, and says :)

E. P. By virtue of the power vested in me, I declare this Priory of the Knights of Malta duly closed, to remain so until it is my will and pleasure, or the will and pleasure of some other duly authorised person, to open the same again.

P.-Let us pray.

PRAYER.

Merciful Redeemer of perishing mankind, who hast promised that Thou wouldst be in the midst of those who assemble in Thy holy name, look upon us with an eye of tender compassion; and so direct us

be begun, continued, and ended in
love to Thee, affection to our com-
panions, and obedience to our Order.
Amen.

(Each of the five officers give five
knocks on the table with the pommels of
their swords; the eight officers give one
knock on the table, and the Priory is
closed.)

END OF CLOSING THE PRIORY, AND
OF THE RITUAL OF THE KNIGHT
OF MALTA.

ROSE CROIX, 18°,