“In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God, the same was in the beginning with God, all things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.  In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.”

That this Logos or word was anciently written only in these sacred characters, and thus preserved from one generation to another.  That this was the true Masonic word, which was lost in the death of Hiram Abiff, and was restored at the rebuilding of the temple, in the manner we had at that time assisted to represent.

Q. What followed?  A. We were reminded of the manner in which we were sworn to give the Royal Arch word, were instructed in the manner, and finally invested with the all important word in due form.

Q. What is the Grand Royal Arch word?  A. Jah BUH LUN.

Q. How is it to be given?  A. Under a living arch by three times three, in low breath (see description of opening a Chapter).

Q. What followed?  A. We were presented with the signs belonging to this degree.

Q. Will you give me those signs?  Answered by giving the signs thus:  Raise the right hand to the forehead, the hand and arm horizontal; thumb towards the forehead, draw it briskly across the forehead, and drop it perpendicularly by the side.  This constitutes the due-guard of this degree, and refers to the penalty of the obligation.  The grand sign is made by locking the fingers of both hands together, and carrying them to the top of the head, the palms upward, alluding to the manner in which the brother who descended into the vault and found the ark, found his hands involuntarily placed to protect his head from the potent rays of the meridian sun.

Q. What followed.  A. The High Priest then placed crowns upon our heads, and told us that we were now invested with all the important secrets of this degree, and crowned and received as worthy companions, Royal Arch Masons.  He then gives the charge.

The second section of the Lecture on this degree states minutely the ceremonies and forms of exaltation (as the conferring of this degree is styled), but there seems to be some parts which require explanation.  The Principal Sojourner conducts the candidate, and is considered as representing Moses conducting the children of Israel through the wilderness.  He is usually dressed to represent an old man, bowed with age, with a mask on his face, and long beard hanging down upon his breast; is introduced to the candidate in the preparation room by the name of Moses.  On entering the Chapter, the candidates are received under a “living arch;” that is, the companions arrange themselves in a line on each side of the door, and each joins hands with the one opposite to himself.  The candidates entering, the conductor says, “Stoop low, brothers! we are about to enter the arches; remember