Ritual , Secrecy , and Civil Society - Volume 2 - Number 2 - Winter 2014
The Nec plus ultra Or 25 th degree called The Royal Secret or the knights of St . Andrews , and the Faithful guardians of the Sacred Treasurer
Francken Ms , 1783 copy
Preparations and decorations for fitting out the apartment necessary for holding of a gr d chapter , or council of the sovereign prince of the Royal Secret .
This gr d chapt r must be held somewhere in an open country on a rising ground , and in a building of at least two stories high . On the 2 d floor of which must be 3 apartments , where in the grand chapter is to be held , & such a meeting in day time , & not at night . 1 st the 2 Tilers , are to be on the first floor or ground , one to tile Every where , and the other on the stairs . The first chamber up stairs is for the guards ; the 2 d apartment for preparing the cand te and the 3 d is that for the chapter , or reception .
This apartment is to be hung with black Sattin bestrewed with silver Tears . Skeletons , Thigh bones across and dead heads . 2 dly There must be a Throne Erected , in the East , under which is a chair of State , for the Sovereign of Sovereigns & gr d Ill . Prince who is the commander in chief – This Throne is to be ascended by 5 steps , and lined also with black satin , with firy flames instead of Tears ; and before the sovereign is a table , cover ’ d with black satin with Tears ; and on the forepart of the cloth a dead head on 2 bones across with the initials IM , the I over the head , and the M under the Bones – 3 dly The Sovereign gr d Commander is to be armed with a bucler and a naked sword , the sceptre and a balance on the table before him , without any books excepted our laws . 4 thly In the west facing the gr d Commander are placed the 2 gr d wardens by the title of Lieutnt commd rs . They are to wear buclers , and their hats on as well as the gr d commd r , their sword across on a table before them ; and this table cover ’ d with a crimson satin border ’ d with black ditto , bestrew ’ d with silver Tears ; and on the forepart of said table , these initials NKMK , embroidered in golden Letters – 5 thly The Minister of State stands on the right hand of the Sovereign , and acts as gr d orator – 6 thly The gr d chancellor , on the left of the sovereign 7 thly Next the minister of state stands the Gr d Secretary 8 thly Next the chancellor , stands the gr d Treasurer 9 thly below them on one side is placed the Ensigneur [ for “ Enseigneur ”, standard bearer ?] who at the same time is the gr d M r architect – and opposite him on the other side , the captain of the guards - & 10 thly Six member stands below these , dressed in red , without aprons ; but all of them wearing the jewel of the order on theit breast , suspended to a large broad black ribbon in a triangular form .
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