OPENING.--Most Potent knocks seven. (Grand Marshal rises.) Most Potent
says, "Are we all Knights of the Ninth Arch?" Ans. We are, Most
Potent.--Q. Your place? etc., etc. Most Potent Knocks eight. Junior
Warden rises. Q. What is the hour? A. The rising of the sun. Most
Potent knocks three times three.--Companions rise. Most Potent says,
"If it is the rising of the sun, it is time to commence our labors.
Give notice," etc. Signs of former degrees. Then two kings kneel at
the pedestal, as in the first sign, and raise each other by the token.
Companions do the same. Most Potent knocks three times three, Senior
Warden same, Junior Warden same, and Companions same, and Most Potent
says, "I declare this Chapter open."
LECTURE.--Question--Are you a Knight of the Ninth Arch? Answer--I have
penetrated the bowels of the earth, through nine arches, and have seen
the brilliant triangle.
Q. In what place were you admitted? A. In the audience chamber of King
Solomon.
Q. How did you gain admittance there? A. In company with some
Intendants of the Building, Illustrious Knights, and Grand Master
Architects. I was conducted by the Master of Ceremonies to the door of
the audience chamber, where he gave three times three distinct knocks.
Q. To what did they allude? A. To the nine arches which led from the
palace of Solomon to the secret vault, and the nine arches of the
temple of Enoch.
Q.--How were they answered? A. By three times three from within.