fies
that the orders of this respectable council should be executed with as
much quickness as the arrow flies from the bow, and be received with
as much submission as if it came from a crowned head, or the chief of
a nation. The sword, that the Council is always armed to punish the
guilty. The balance is a symbol of justice. The skull is the image of
a brother who is excluded from a Lodge or Council. This idea must make
all tremble when they recollect the penalties they have imposed on
themselves under the most solemn obligations! The cloth stained with
blood, that we should not hesitate to spill ours for the good of
Masonry. The power of obscuring the sun and tinging the moon with
blood, is the representation of the power of the Superior Councils--in
interdicting their works, if they are irregular, until they have
acknowledged their error, and submitted to the rules and regulations
of the craft established by the Grand Constitutions. The seven
trumpets, signify that Masonry is extended over the surface of the
earth, on the wings of fame, and supports itself with honor. The
perfumes denote that the life of a good Mason should be, and is free
from all reproach, and is perfumed by means of good report.

Q. What age are you? A. Very ancient.

Q. Who are you? A. I am a Patmian: (i.e., of Patmos.)

Q. Whence came you? A. From Patmos. End of the lecture.

TO CLOSE.--Q. What is the o'clock? Ans. There is no more time. The
Most Puissant strikes seven, and says, "Venerable Knights Princes, the
Council is closed." The two Wardens repeat the same, and the Council
is closed.

* * * * *

SOVEREIGN PRINCES, MASTERS ADVITIAM, OR VENERABLE GRAND MASTERS OF ALL
SYMBOLIC LODGES.

DECORATIONS, ETC.--This Lodge must be decorated with blue and yellow.
The Grand Master sits on a throne elevated by nine steps, under a
canopy before it is an altar, on which is a sword, bible, compass,
square, mallet, etc., as in the Symbolic Lodges. Between the altar and
the south is a candlestick with nine branches, which is always lighted
in this Lodge. There are two Wardens in the west. The Grand Master
represents Cyrus Artaxerxes (the Masonic name of Cambyses), wearing
his royal ornaments, and a large blue and yellow ribbon crossing each
other.

TO OPEN.--Grand Master: "I desire to open the Lodge." He then descends
to the lowest step of the throne, and when he is assured that the
Lodge is tyled, he knocks one and