etary, and as many members as may be found
convenient for working to advantage. In the Lodges for conferring the
preparatory degrees, the High Priest presides as Master, the King as
Senior Warden, the Scribe as Junior Warden, the Captain of the Host as
Marshal, or Master of Ceremonies, the Principal Sojourner as Senior
Deacon, the Royal Arch Captain as Junior Deacon, the Master of the
First, Second, and Third Veils as Junior, Senior, and Master
Overseers; the Treasurer, Secretary and Tyler as officers of
corresponding rank. The Chapter is authorized to confer the degrees by
a charter, or warrant from some Grand Chapter.

The members being assembled, the High Priest calls to order, and
demands of the Royal Arch Captain if all present are Royal Arch
Masons. The Royal Arch Captain ascertains and answers in the
affirmative. The High Priest then directs him to cause the Tyler to be
stationed, which, being done, the High Priest says, "Companions, Royal
Arch Masons, you will please to clothe, and arrange yourselves for the
purpose of opening the Chapter." The furniture of the Chapter is then
arranged, the companions clothed with scarlet sashes and aprons, and
the officers invested with the proper insignia of their respective
offices, and repair to their proper stations. The High Priest then
demands whether the Chapter is tyled, and is answered the same as in
the Lodge. The stations and duties of the officers are then recited
(see Lecture, First Section). After the duties of the officers are
recited, the High Priest directs the Captain of the Host to assemble
the companions of the altar. The companions form a circle about the
altar, all kneeling on the right knee, with their arms crossed, right
arm uppermost and hands joined, leaving a space for the High Priest,
who reads the following passage of Scripture:

2 Thess. iii. 6-18. "Now, we command you, brethren, that you
withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly and
not after the tradition that ye have received of us, for
yourselves know how ye ought to follow us, for we behaved not
ourselves disorderly among you, neither did we eat any man's bread
for nought, but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that
we might not be chargeable to any of you; not because we have not
power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any
man would not work, neither sho