f the Ninth Arch? A. I have
penetrated through the bowels of the earth, through nine arches, and
have seen the brilliant triangle.

Q. Give me, etc. What then followed? A. The Most Perfect inquired of
the brethren whether they consented that I should be exalted to the
sublime and mysterious degree of Perfection, whereupon one of the
brethren rose and said, "I have objections to this candidate." The
Most Perfect inquired what these objections were, to which this
brother answered, "I will communicate them if the candidate retires."
I was then ordered to retire, which I did.

Q. What then followed? A. Shortly after, the Master of Ceremonies
conducted me again into the Lodge, and placing me in the west, I was
asked the following questions, viz.:--1st, Have you never wilfully
revealed any of the secrets of Masonry? 2d, Have you always been
charitable towards your brethren? 3d, Have you never defrauded a
brother? 4th, Are you in the habit of using the name of God profanely?
5th, Does your conscience accuse you of having committed any offence
against your brethren, which ought to debar you from receiving this
degree? Be sincere, and answer me. Which questions being answered, the
Most Perfect said, "Brethren, do you consent that this candidate be
admitted among us? If you do, raise your right hands." Which being
done, I was directed to approach the altar, by three, five, seven and
nine steps, which I did, and took upon me the obligation of a Perfect
Grand Elect and Sublime Mason.

Q. Repeat that obligation? A. (Same as Perfect Master.) I further
promise that I will aid all my worthy brethren in distress and
sickness, as far, etc., with my counsel as well as my purse. I further
promise, etc. that I will not be concerned in conferring this degree
upon any Mason whose character and knowledge I disapprove, nor unless
he has been elected and installed as an officer in some regular Lodge,
Chapter, Encampment, or Council. I further promise that I will never
fully pronounce more than once in my life the mysterious word of this
degree, under penalty of having my body cut in twain. So help, etc.
Amen, Amen, Amen.

Q. What followed? A. While I was still in a kneeling posture, the Most
Most Perfect said, "Let us pray," which was done, and the Master of
Ceremonies then presented the hod and trowel to the Most Perfect, who
said, "My brother, I shall now proceed to anoint you with the holy oil
wherewith Aaron, David, and the wise Solomon