by a
black ribbon, 'round their necks. The Most Puissant has his right hand
on the large Bible on the pedestal with seven seals. The draft (or
carpet) of the Council, is an heptagon in a circle--over the angles
are these letters, B. D. S. P. H. F. In the centre, a man clothed in a
white robe, with a girdle of gold 'round his waist--his right hand
extended and surrounded with seven stars--he has a long white beard,
his head surrounded with a glory, and a two-edged sword in his
mouth--with seven candlesticks 'round him, and over them the following
letters: H. D. P. I. P. R. C.

The jewel is an heptagon of silver--at each angle, a star of gold and
one of these letters B. D. S. P. H. G. S. in the centre. A lamb on a
book with seven seals--on the reverse, the same letters in the angles,
and in the centre, a two-edged sword between a balance.

The apron is white, lined with red, bordered with yellow, or gold; on
the flap is painted a two-edged sword, surrounded with the seven holy
letters--or the apron may have the plan of the draft painted on it.

TO OPEN THE COUNCIL.--The Most Puissant, with his right hand on the
Bible sealed with seven seals, demands, "Venerable Knights Princes,
what is your duty?" A. "To know if we are secure." Most Puissant. "See
that we are so." A. "Most Puissant, we are in perfect security." The
Most Puissant strikes seven times, and says, "Respectable Knights
Princes, the Grand Council of Knights of the East and West is open; I
claim your attention to the business thereof." A. "We promise
obedience to the Most Puissant's commands." They rise and salute him,
when he returns the compliment, and requests them to be seated.

RECEPTION.--The candidate must be in an antechamber, which must be
hung with red, and lighted with seven lights, where he is clothed with
a white robe, as an emblem of the purity of his life and manners. The
Master of Ceremonies brings him barefooted to the Council Chamber
door, on which he knocks seven times, which is answered by the Most
Puissant, who desires the youngest Knight to go to the door, and
demand who knocks. The master of Ceremonies answers, "It is a valiant
brother and Most Excellent Prince of Jerusalem, who requests to be
admitted to the Venerable and Most Puissant." The Knight reports the
same answer to the Most Puissant, who desires the candidate to be
introduced. The Most Ancient Respectable Senior Grand Warden then goes
to the door, and takes the candidate by