did the Grand Commander then observe? A. Pilgrim, the fifth
libation is taken in the most solemn and impressive manner; we cannot
be too often reminded that we are born to die; and the fifth libation
is an emblem of that bitter cup of death, of which we must all sooner
or later partake, and from which even the Saviour of the world,
notwithstanding his ardent prayers and solicitations, was not exempt.

Q. What was then said to you? A. The Grand Commander asked me if I had
any repugnance to participate in the fifth libation.

Q. Your answer? A. I am willing to conform to the requirements of the
Order.

Q. What followed? A. I then took the cup (the upper part of the human
skull) in my hand, and repeated after the Grand Commander the
following obligation:

"This pure wine I now take in testimony of my belief in the
mortality of the body and the immortality of the soul, and may
this libation appear as a witness against me, both here and
hereafter, and as the sins of the world were laid upon the head of
the Saviour, so may all the sins committed by the person whose
scull this was be heaped upon my head, in addition to my own,
should I ever knowingly or wilfully violate or transgress any
obligation that I have heretofore taken, take at this time, or
shall at any future period take, in relation to any degree of
Masonry, or Order of Knighthood. So help me God."

Q. What was this obligation called? A. The sealed obligation.

Q. Why so? A. Because any obligation entered into, or promise made in
reference to this obligation, is considered by Knight Templars as more
binding and serious than any other special obligation could be.

Q. What followed? A. The Most Excellent Prelate then read the sixth
lesson, relative to the election of Matthias. (See Chart.)

Q. What followed? A. The Generalissimo thus addressed the Grand
Commander: "Most Eminent, by the extinguished taper on the triangle, I
perceive there is a vacancy in our Encampment, which I propose should
be filled by a choice from among those valiant Knights who have
sustained the trials and performed the ceremonies required by our
Order."[18]

Q. What followed? A. The Grand Commander then ordered the lots to be
given forth, which being done, I was elected, and the Grand Commander
thus addressed me: "In testimony of your election as a companion among
us, and of your acceptance of that honor, you will relight that
extinguished taper; and may the Almi