the Seal of Perfection. (Applies a signet or seal, with a crown for device, to the forehead of each Candidate.) Be careful, by the exercise of Faith, Hope, and Charity, to continue to deserve these emblems, which are symbols of hidden truths known only to the perfect Mason.

I will now communicate to you the signs and words of this Degree. The first sign is called the Sign of A......n. It consists in r...g the e...s to H...n, and at the same time c...g the h...s turned p...so...w...s, and f...s i...rl...d upon the f...eh...d, from thence letting them d...p upon the b...y.

The second sign is given thus:L...t your r...t h...d to your f...eh...d, with f...s c...d, except the i...x f...r, which is r...d,-thus indicating that there is but one God in heaven, Creator and Sovereign of all things.*

The third is called the Sign of the Good Shepherd or Pastor, and is given by c...g the a...s with the l...t upper

*Also, in some Chapters, c...s the r...t l... b...d the l...t c...

most on the b...t, giving the word S. N. E. I. R. O.; which is answered in the same way, and by replying M. U. C. S. I. B. O. V. X. A. P.; the h...d of one is then r...d with f...r p...g to H...n, saying, E. H. D. E. D. N. E. C. S. A.; and the other, p...g d...nw...s, says, E. H. D. E. D. Ñ. E. C. S. E. D.*

Here let me observe, that when the Chapter is called to Order, or whenever the M. W. S. is addressed, all c...s their h...s on their b...s, as in the foregoing sign, which is also used on entering or leaving a Chapter. Excellent and Perfect Grand Marshal, you will place the newly-perfected Princes Rose Croix between the Pillars in the West, and let them be duly proclaimed.

*In some Chapters the secrets are thus given :Approach each other, and place reciprocally your h...s on each other's b...s, forming a d...e c...s ; then in the e...r one says, I. and N., R. and I.; then one says, "I...1," the other, P...x V...m. The h...d of one is then r...d, with the i...x f...r p...g u...s, saying, the other with the f...r p...g d...s says

......

G. M. OR HERALD.-By command of the M. W. S., I proclaim A. B. and C. D. Knights of the Pelican and Eagle and Perfect and Puissant Princes of Rose Croix, and I summon them accordingly to take their seats in this Princely Chapter.

(Trumpet sounds, or music plays.)

(The Princes enter two and two, in solemn silence; the Grand Marshal and the youngest Candidate first, then the other Candidates, and so on, the eldest last, finishing with the M. W. S. All have white wands in their hands. They pass round the room seven times, the Choir performing, "Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" They then place themselves round the table.)

M. W. S.-Excellent and Perfect Princes, we have now arrived at the culminating point, or Perfection of Masonry; let us then unite in admitting to the living circle of our hearts those who have this day been received into our Princely Order. Let us invite them, according to oriental custom, to break bread and eat salt with us, pledging to each other our fidelity

and our friendship in the goblet of fraternal affection; invoking thereon the blessing of Him who is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley, by whose assistance we hope to progress here on earth towards that perfection which shall be consummated, when, bursting from the tomb, we rise to join our Great Immanuel in the skies, and are united for ever in a happy eternity.

(The M. W. S. then takes a biscuit, breaks off a piece, and presents it to the Prelate or highest Brother present, who breaks off a piece and presents it to his neighbour, and so on. The first two then dip the broken pieces at the same time in the salt and eat it, and pass the salt cellar. They then take the goblet, and exchanging "P...x V...sc...m, drink and pass it on. When all have participated, the M. W. S. proceeds, if any is left, to pass it round again, till all is consumed.

M. W. S.-All is consumed.

(They then form the living Circle.) M. W. S.-Gloria in Excelsis Deo,