cations.[13]
Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that a companion Royal Arch
Mason's secrets, given to me in charge as such, and I knowing them
to be such, shall remain as secure and inviolable in my breast as
in his own, MURDER AND TREASON NOT EXCEPTED.[14] Furthermore, do I
promise and swear, that I will be aiding and assisting all poor
and indigent Royal Arch Masons, their widows and orphans, wherever
dispersed around the globe, so far as in my power, without
material injury to myself or family. All which, I do most solemnly
and sincerely promise and swear, with a firm and steadfast
resolution to perform the same, without any equivocation, mental
reservation, or self-evasion of mind in me whatever; binding
myself under no less penalty than that of having my skull smote
off, and my brains exposed to the scorching rays of the sun,
should I ever knowingly or wilfully violate or transgress any part
of this my solemn oath or obligation of a Royal Arch Mason. So
help me God, and keep me steadfast in the performance of the
same."

Q. After receiving the obligation, what was said to you? A. We were
told that we were now obligated and received as Royal Arch Masons, but
as this degree was infinitely more important than any of the
preceding, it was necessary for us to pass through many trials, and to
travel in rough and rugged ways to prove our fidelity, before we could
be entrusted with the more important secrets of this degree. We were
further told that, though we could not discover the path we were to
travel, we were under the direction of a faithful guide, who would
"bring the blind by a way they knew not, and lead them in paths they
had not known; who would make darkness light before them, and crooked
things straight; who would do these things, and not forsake them."
(See Isa. xlii. 16.)

Q. What followed? A. We were caused to travel three times around the
room, when we were again conducted to the altar, caused to kneel, and
attend to the following prayer:

Supreme Architect of universal nature, who, by Thine Almighty
Word, didst speak into being the stupendous arch of heaven! And
for the instruction and pleasure of Thy rational creatures, didst
adorn us with greater and lesser lights, thereby magnifying Thy
power, and endearing Thy goodness unto the sons of men. We humbly
adore and worship Thine unspeakable perfection! We bless Thee,
that when man had fallen from his i