The members being assembled, the High Priest calls to order, and demands of the Royal Arch Captain if all present are Royal Arch Masons.  The Royal Arch Captain ascertains and answers in the affirmative.  The High Priest then directs him to cause the Tyler to be stationed, which, being done, the High Priest says, “Companions, Royal Arch Masons, you will please to clothe, and arrange yourselves for the purpose of opening the Chapter.”  The furniture of the Chapter is then arranged, the companions clothed with scarlet sashes and aprons, and the officers invested with the proper insignia of their respective offices, and repair to their proper stations.  The High Priest then demands whether the Chapter is tyled, and is answered the same as in the Lodge.  The stations and duties of the officers are then recited (see Lecture, First Section).  After the duties of the officers are recited, the High Priest directs the Captain of the Host to assemble the companions of the altar.  The companions form a circle about the altar, all kneeling on the right knee, with their arms crossed, right arm uppermost and hands joined, leaving a space for the High Priest, who reads the following passage of Scripture: 

2 Thess. iii. 6-18.  “Now, we command you, brethren, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly and not after the tradition that ye have received of us, for yourselves know how ye ought to follow us, for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you, neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought, but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you; not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any man would not work, neither should he eat.  For we hear that there are some, which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.  Now them that are such, we command and exhort, that with quietness they work and eat their own bread.  But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.  And if any man obey not our word, note that man and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.  Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.  Now the Lord of peace Himself, give you peace always.  The salutation of Paul, with mine own hand, which is the token, so I write.”

[The reader is requested to compare this with Scripture—­he will observe that the name of the Savior is intentionally left out.] The High Priest then takes his place in the circle.  The whole circle then balance with their arms three times three, that is, they raise their arms and let them fall upon their knees three times in concert, after a short pause three times more, and after another pause three times more.  Then all break into squads of three and raise the living arch.  This is done by each companion taking his left wrist in his right hand, and with their left