inus dominorum.

Q. How do you translate it? A. King of kings, and Lord of Lords.

* * * * *

KNIGHTS OF THE CHRISTIAN MARK, AND GUARDS OF THE CONCLAVE.

This Conclave is governed by an Invincible Knight of the Order of St.
John of Jerusalem, a Senior and Junior Knight, six Grand Ministers,
Recorder, Treasurer, Conductor, and Guard.

OPENING.--"Sir Junior Knight, are all convened in a secret place, and
secured from the prying eye of the profane?"

"We are, Invincible."

"Sir Senior Knight, instruct the Sir Knights to assemble in form for
the purpose of opening this Invincible Order."

The members kneel on both knees in a circle, each with his right hand
on his heart, his left on his forehead.

PRAYER.--"Eternal source of life, of light, and perfection,
Supreme God and Governor of all things, liberal dispenser of every
blessing! We adore and magnify Thy holy name for the many
blessings we have received from Thy hands, and acknowledge our
unworthiness to appear before Thee; but for the sake, and in the
name of Thy atoning Son, we approach Thee as lost and undone
children of wrath; but through the blood of sprinkling, and the
sanctification of the Holy Ghost, we come imploring a continuation
of Thy favors, for thou hast said, that he who cometh to Thee
through faith in the Son of Thy love, Thou wilt in no wise cast
out; therefore, at the foot of the cross we come, supplicating
pardon for our past offences, that they may be blotted out from
the book of Thy remembrance and be seen no more, and that the
remainder of our days may be spent as becometh the followers of
the Holy One of Israel; and graciously grant that love, harmony,
peace, and unity may reign in this Council; that one spirit may
animate us--one God reign over us--and one heaven receive us,
there to dwell in Thine adorable presence forever and ever. Amen."

The Invincible Knight takes the Bible and waves it four times over his
head, saying, "Rex regnantium, et Dominus dominantium;" [that is, King
of kings, and Lord of Lords;] kisses it and passes it on his right; it
goes around until it comes again to the Invincible Knight, who opens
and reads, Matthew v. 3-12, 16.

Always interlace the fingers of the left hand, draw your sword and
present it to the heart, and say, "Tammuz Touliumeth, I pronounce this
Convention opened in ample form. Let us repair to our several
stations, and stric