alem, to assist in rebuilding the temple. The
candidates, still hoodwinked, are brought into the Chapter, and
commence their journey over the rugged and rough paths. They are
literally rough paths, sticks of timber framed across the path the
candidate must travel, some inches from the floor, make no comfortable
traveling for a person blindfolded. But this is not always the way it
is prepared; billets of wood singly, or in heaps, ladders, nets of
cord, etc., etc., are all put in requisition to form the rough and
rugged paths, which are intended as a trial of the FIDELITY of the
candidates. If they escape with nothing more than bruised shins they
do well. They have been known to faint away under the severity of the
discipline, and occasion the WORTHY companions much alarm. After
traveling the rugged paths till all are satisfied, they arrive at the
first Veil of the Tabernacle, give the pass-word, and pass on to the
second, give the pass-words, and present the sign. This, it will be
recollected, is in imitation of the sign which Moses was directed to
make to the children of Israel. He threw his rod upon the ground and
it became a serpent; he put forth his hand and took it by the tail,
and it became a rod in his hand. The conductor is provided with a rod,
made in the form of a snake, and painted to resemble one. This he
drops upon the floor, and takes it up again. They then pass on to the
next Veil, give the pass-word and make the sign (put the right hand in
the bosom and pluck it out again); pass on to the next, give the
pass-words and make the sign (pour water upon the ground), and are
ushered into the presence of the GRAND COUNCIL. The Veils are four in
number, and of the same color as the banners of the three Grand
Masters of the Veils, and that of the Royal Arch Captain, blue,
purple, scarlet and white, and have the same references and
explanations. [See Lecture.] The Grand Council consists of the Most
Excellent High Priest, King and Scribe. The High Priest is dressed in
a white robe, with a breastplate of cut-glass, consisting of twelve
pieces, to represent the twelve tribes of Israel; an apron, and a
mitre. The King wears a scarlet robe, apron, and crown. The mitre and
crown are generally made of pasteboard: sometimes they have them of
the most splendid materials, gold and silk velvet; but these are kept
for public occasions. The mitre has the words, "HOLINESS TO THE LORD"
in gold letters across the forehead. The Scri