Q. What in the third? A. A balance.
Q. What in the fourth? A. Death's head.
Q. What in the fifth? A. A cloth stained with blood.
Q. What in the sixth? A. The power to darken the sun, and tinge the moon with blood.
Q. What in the seventh? A. Seven trumpets and perfumes.
Q. Explain these things to me? A. The bow, arrow, and crown, signifies that the orders of this respectable council should be executed with as much quickness as the arrow flies from the bow, and be received with as much submission as if it came from a crowned head, or the chief of a nation. The sword, that the Council is always armed to punish the guilty. The balance is a symbol of justice. The skull is the image of a brother who is excluded from a Lodge or Council. This idea must make all tremble when they recollect the penalties they have imposed on themselves under the most solemn obligations! The cloth stained with blood, that we should not hesitate to spill ours for the good of Masonry. The power of obscuring the sun and tinging the moon with blood, is the representation of the power of the Superior Councils—in interdicting their works, if they are irregular, until they have acknowledged their error, and submitted to the rules and regulations of the craft established by the Grand Constitutions. The seven trumpets, signify that Masonry is extended over the surface of the earth, on the wings of fame, and supports itself with honor. The perfumes denote that the life of a good Mason should be, and is free from all reproach, and is perfumed by means of good report.
Q. What age are you? A. Very ancient.
Q. Who are you? A. I am a Patmian: (i.e., of Patmos.)
Q. Whence came you? A. From Patmos. End of the lecture.
To Close.—Q. What is the o'clock? Ans. There is no more time. The Most Puissant strikes seven, and says, "Venerable Knights Princes, the Council is closed." The two Wardens repeat the same, and the Council is closed.