Obligation.—­I, A. B., do solemnly promise and swear, in the presence of Almighty God, the Great Architect of heaven and earth, and of these Valiant Princes of Jerusalem, that I will never reveal the mysteries of the degree of Prince of Jerusalem to any one of an inferior degree, or to any other person whatever.  I promise and swear, as a Prince of Jerusalem, to do justice to my brethren, and not to rule them tyranically, but in love.  I promise and swear that I will never, by word or deed, attack the honor of any Prince of Jerusalem; and that I will not assist in conferring this degree except in a lawful Grand Council of Princes of Jerusalem.  All this I promise and swear, under the penalty of being stripped naked, and having my heart pierced with a poniard.  So help me God.  Amen!  Amen!  Amen!

The Most Equitable raises the candidate, and gives him the following signs, tokens, and words:—­First sign—­Extend the right arm horizontally at the height of the shoulder.  This is termed the sign of command.  First token.—­Each places his left hand on his left hip, and the right hand on his brother’s left shoulder.  Second token.—­Join left hands, placing the thumb on the second joint of the little finger; with the thumb strike five times on that joint.  Pass-word.—­“Tebeth.”  The name of the Jewish month in which the Ambassadors entered Jerusalem.  Sacred word.—­“Adar.”  The name of the month in which thanks were given to God for the completion of the temple.  In some Councils the following sign is given, viz.:—­Present yourself before your brother with your sword advanced, and your left hand resting on your hip, as if to commence a combat.  He will answer the sign by extending his arm at the height of the shoulder, the right foot forming a square with the toe of the left.  The march.—­Five steps on the diagonal of the square towards the throne.  Age.—­The age of a Prince of Jerusalem, is 5 times 15.

Most Equitable.—­“I now appoint and constitute you, with your four companions, Princes and Governors of Jerusalem, that you may render justice to all the people.  I decorate you with a yellow sash, to which is attached a gold medal.  The ‘balance’ on it is to admonish you to make equity and justice your guides.  The ‘hand of justice’ is a mark of your authority over the people.  The ‘emblems’ of the ‘apron’ with which I now invest you, have reference to the works and virtues of Masons, and to your duty in the high office with which you are invested.  As Princes of Jerusalem, you will assemble in two chambers of the temple.  Be just, merciful, and wise.”

Lecture.—­Question—­Are you a Prince of Jerusalem?  Answer—­I know the road to Babylon.

Q. What were you formerly?  A. A Knight of the East.

Q. How did you arrive at the dignity of a Prince of Jerusalem?  A. By the favor of Zerubbabel, and the courage which I manifested in many conflicts.