by AElius Adrian, Emperor of Rome, and given to the
Christians in 120. The Persians took it from them in 637, and in
1008 it fell into the hands of the Turks, under whose oppressions
it long groaned, until Peter the Holy steered the western princes
to release the distressed church, and in 1096 Godfrey and Baldwin
unfurled the banner of the cross and expelled the Turks. He was
invested with a crown of laurel, and suffered himself to be called
the King of Palestine.

DESCRIPTION, ETC.--The Council must represent a Cathedral Church, the
altar covered with black, upon which must be placed three large
candles, a cross, and in the centre a skull and cross-bones. The
Principal stands on the right side of the altar, with a Bible in one
hand, and a staff in the other; soft music plays, and the veil is
drawn up, and discovers the altar; the choir say:

Hush, hush, the heavenly choir,
They cleave the air in bright attire;
See, see, the lute each angel brings,
And hark divinely thus they sing.

To the power divine,
All glory be given,
By man upon earth,
And angels in heaven.

The priest steps before the altar and says, "Kyrie Elieson; Christe
Elieson; Kyrie Elieson; [that is, O Lord, have mercy; O Christ, have
mercy; O Lord, have mercy.] Amen. Gloria Sibi Domino! [i.e., Glory to
the Lord himself.] I declare this Grand Council opened and ready to
proceed to business." The Priests and Ministers take their several
stations and observe order. The candidates being prepared, he alarms
at the door by seven raps, and the Prelate says to Verger, "See the
cause of that alarm and report." Verger goes to the door and reports,
"Right Reverend Prelate, there are seven brethren who solicit
admission to this Grand Council." Prelate says, "On what is their
desire founded?" Verger--"On a true Christian principle, to serve the
church and its members by performing the seven corporeal works of
mercy, and to protect and guard the Holy Sepulchre from the destroying
hands of our enemies." Prelate--"Admit them, that we may know them, if
you please." They are then admitted. Prelate says to them, "Are you
followers of the Captain of our salvation?" Verger says, "We are,
Right Reverend Prelate." P.--"Attend, then, to the sayings of our
Master, Jesus Christ." Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, with all thy mind, with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
This is the first great commandment