First Lecturer:
Brethren and sisters, we welcome you to the temple, and hope you will
find joy in serving in the house of the Lord this day. Those of you
who are here to receive your own Endowments should have been washed,
anointed, and clothed in the Garment of the Holy Priesthood.
The ordinances of washing, anointing, and clothing in the Garment
of the Holy Priesthood, together with the ordaining in behalf of
the deceased brethren were preformed previously for those deceased
persons whom you are representing.
Each of you should have received a New Name in connection with
this company. If any of you have forgotten the New Name, or have
not received these ordinances as explained, please stand. (pause)
Please be alert, attentive and refrain from whispering during
the presentation of the Endowment. As you are asked to proceed to
the Veil, please do so in an orderly manner, row by row, as directed.
After passing through the Veil into the Celestial Room, and in
other areas in the Temple, if you need to communicate, please whisper,
thus helping us maintain the quiet reverence that should prevail
in the House of the Lord. We will now proceed with the presentation
of the Endowment.
Second Lecturer:
Brethren, you have been washed and pronounced clean, or that through
your faithfulness, you may become clean from the blood and sins of
this generation. You have been anointed to become hereafter Kings
and Priests unto the Most High God, to rule and reign in the House
of Israel forever.
Sisters, you have been washed and anointed to become Queens and
Priestesses to your husbands. Brethren and Sisters, if you are true
and faithful, the day will come when you will be chosen, called
up, and anointed Kings and Queens, Priests and Priestesses, whereas
you are now anointed only to become such. The realization of these
blessings depends upon your faithfulness.
You have had a Garment placed upon you, which you were informed
represents the garment given to Adam when he was found naked in
the garden of Eden, and which is called the "Garment of the Holy
Priesthood." This you were instructed to wear throughout your life.
You were informed that it will be a shield and a protection to you
if you are true and faithful to your covenants.
You have had a New Name given unto you, which you were told never
to divulge, nor forget. This New Name is a keyword which you will
be required to give at a certain place in the temple today.
The Endowment is to prepare you for exaltation in the Celestial
Kingdom. If you proceed and receive your full endowment, you will
be required to take upon yourselves sacred obligations, the violation
of which will bring upon you the judgment of God; for God will not
be mocked.
If any of you desire to withdraw rather than accept these obligations
of your own free will and choice, you may now make it known by raising
your hand.
Brethren and sisters, as you sit here, you will hear the voices
of three persons who represent Elohim, Jehovah, and Michael. Elohim
will command Jehovah and Michael to go down and organize a world.
The work of the six creative periods will be represented. They will
organize man in their own likeness and image, male and female. This,
however, is simply figurative so far as the man and woman are concerned.
The Creation
FIRST DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, see: yonder is matter unorganized, go
ye down and organize it into a world like unto the worlds that we
have hereunto formed. Call your labors the First Day, and bring
me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down.
MICHAEL: We will go down, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, see: here is matter unorganized. We will organize
it into a world like unto the worlds that we have heretofore formed.
We will call our labors the First Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors on the First Day,
Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have been down as thou hast commanded, and have
organized a world like unto the worlds that we have heretofore formed,
and we have called out labors the First Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
SECOND DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, go down again. Gather the waters together
and cause the dry land to appear. The great waters call ye seas,
and the dry land call ye earth. Form mountains and hills, great
rivers and small streams, to beautify and give variety to the face
of the earth. When you have done this, call your labors the Second
Day, and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down.
MICHAEL: We will go down, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, we will gather the waters together and cause the
dry land to appear. The great waters we will call seas, and the
dry land we will call earth. We will form mountains and hills, great
rivers and small streams to beautify and give variety to the face
of the earth. We will call our labors the Second Day, and return
and report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors on the Second Day,
Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have been down as thou hast commanded, and have
gathered the waters together, and have caused the dry land to appear.
The great waters we have called seas, and the dry land we have called
earth. We have formed mountains and hills, great rivers, and small
streams, to beautify and give variety to the face of the earth;
and we have called our labors the Second Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
THIRD DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, return again to the earth that you have
organized. Divide the light from the darkness. Call the light "day",
and the darkness "night." Cause the lights on the firmament to appear;
the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule
the night. Cause the stars also to appear and give light to the
earth, the same as with other worlds heretofore created. Call your
labors the Third Day, and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Come Michael, let us return again
to the earth that we have organized.
MICHAEL: We will return again, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, we will divide the light from the darkness, and
we will call the light "day," and the darkness "night". We will
cause the lights in the firmament to appear, the greater light to
rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. We will cause
the stars also to appear and give light to the earth; the same as
with worlds heretofore created. We will call our labors the Third
Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors of the Third Day,
Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have been down as thou hast commanded, and have
divided the light from the darkness, and have called the light "day"
and the darkness "night". We have caused the lights in the firmament
to appear; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light
to rule the night. We have caused the stars also to appear and give
light to the earth, the same as with worlds heretofore created.
We have called our labors the Third Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
FOURTH DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, return again. Place seeds of all kinds
in the earth that they may spring forth as grass, flowers, shrubbery,
trees, and all manner of vegetation; each bearing seed in itself
after its own kind, as on the world we have heretofore created.
Call your labors the Fourth day, and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down.
MICHAEL: We will go down, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, we will place seeds of all kinds in the earth
that they may spring forth as grass flowers, shrubbery, trees, and
all manner of vegetation; each bearing seed in itself after its
own kind, as on the worlds we have heretofore created. We will call
our labors the Fourth Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors of the Fourth Day,
Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have been down as thou hast commanded, and have
placed seeds of all kinds in the earth that they may spring forth
as grass, flowers, shrubbery, trees, and all manner of vegetation;
each bearing seed in itself, after its own kind, as on the worlds
we have heretofore created; and we have called our labors the Fourth
Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
FIFTH DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, now that the earth is formed, divided
and beautified, and vegetation is growing thereon, return and place
beasts upon the land: the elephant, the lion, the tiger, the bear,
the horse, and all other kinds of animals; fowls in the air in all
their varieties, fishes of all kinds in the waters, and insects
and all manner of animal life upon the earth. Command the beasts,
the fowls, the fishes, the insects, all creeping things, and other
forms of animal life to multiply in their respective elements, each
after its kind, and every kind of vegetation to multiply in it its
sphere, that every form of life may fill the measure of its creation,
and have joy therein. Call your labors the Fifth Day, and bring
me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down.
MICHAEL: We will go down, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, now that the earth is formed, divided and beautified,
and vegetation is growing thereon, we will place beasts upon the
land: the elephant, the lion, the tiger, the bear, the horse, and
all other kinds of animals; fowls in the air in all their varieties,
fishes of all kinds in the waters, and insects and all manner of
animal life upon the earth. We will command the beasts, the fowls,
the fishes, the insects, all creeping things, and other forms of
animal life to multiply in their respective elements, each after
its kind, and every kind of vegetation to multiply in its sphere,
that every form of life may fill the measure of its creation, and
have joy therein. We will call our labors the Fifth Day, and return
and report.
MICHAEL: It is well, Jehovah. Now that the earth is formed, divided
and beautified with vegetation growing thereon, and provided with
animal life, it is glorious and beautiful.
JEHOVAH: It is, Michael.
MICHAEL: Let us return and report our labors of the Fifth Day, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have been down as thou hast commanded; we have
placed beasts upon the land: the elephant, the lion, the tiger,
the bear, the horse, and all other kinds of animals; fowls in the
air in all their varieties, fishes of all kinds in the waters, and
insects, and all manner of animal life upon the earth. We have commanded
the beasts, the fowls, the fishes, the insects, all creeping things,
and other forms of animal life to multiply in their respective elements,
each after its kind, and every kind of vegetation to multiply in
its sphere, that every form of life may fill the measure of its
creation, and have joy therein. We have called our labors the Fifth
Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
SIXTH DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, is man found on the earth?
JEHOVAH: Man is not found on the earth, Elohim.
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, then let us go down and form man in our
own likeness and in our own image, male and female, and put into
him his spirit, and let us give him dominion over the beasts, the
fishes, and the birds, and make him lord over the earth, and over
all things on the face of the earth. We will plant for him a garden,
eastward in Eden, and place him in it to tend and cultivate it,
that he may be happy, and have joy therein. We will command him
to multiply and replenish the earth, that he may have joy in his
posterity. We will place before him the Tree of Knowledge of Good
and Evil, and we will allow Lucifer, our common enemy, whom we have
thrust out to tempt him, and to try him, that he may know by his
own experience the good from the evil. If he yields to temptation
we will give unto him The Law of Sacrifice, and we will provide
a savior for him, as we counseled in the beginning, that man may
be brought forth by the power of the redemption and the resurrection,
and come again into our presence, and with us partake of the Eternal
Life and exultation. We will call this the sixth day, and we will
rest from our labors for a season. Come, let us go down.
JEHOVAH: We will go down, Elohim.
(The film now shows a scene of a lush, tropical area. A thick mist
rises from the earth.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, see the earth that we have formed. There is no
man to till and take care of it. We are here to form man in our
own likeness and in our own image.
JEHOVAH: We will do so, Elohim.
(The youthful body of Adam who lies in a comatose state, is shown
from the shoulders up.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, man is now organized, and we will put into him
his spirit, the breath of life, that he may become a living soul.
(Light shines on Adam's face, and his chest expands as he begins
to breathe. He stirs, as if awakening.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, is it good for man to be alone?
JEHOVAH: It is not good for man to be alone, Elohim.
ELOHIM: We will cause a deep sleep to come upon this man whom we
have formed, and we will take from his side a rib from which we
will form a woman to be a companion and helpmeet for him.
(Adam lays his head upon the ground as he looses consciousness.)
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, this is Michael, who helped form
the earth. When he awakens from the sleep which Elohim and Jehovah
have caused to come upon him, he will be known as Adam, and having
forgotten all, will have become a little child. Brethren, close
your eyes as if you were asleep. (All male patrons in the room close
their eyes.)
ELOHIM: Adam, awake and arise.
(Adam obeys the command, and is shown with foliage in front of him
which conceals his body from view. The youthful Adam appears to
be in his 20's, is in good physical condition, and is clean shaven.)
NARRATOR: All the brethren will please arise. (The male patrons
open their eyes and rise from their seats. An attractive, youthful
Eve enters the scene and stands beside Adam. They are both shown
from the shoulders up.)
ELOHIM: Adam, here is a woman whom we have formed and whom we give
unto you to be a companion and helpmeet for you. What will you call
her?
ADAM: Eve.
(For the first time, the Gods, Elohim and Jehovah, are shown. They
are two bearded, luminescent, glorious personages, clothed in flowing
white robes. They appear standing in mid air above and in front
of Adam and Eve, and are surrounded by a radiant aura of silvery-white
light.)
ELOHIM: Why will you call her Eve?
ADAM: Because she is the mother of all living.
ELOHIM: That is right, Adam; because she is the mother of all living.
Adam, we have organized for you this earth, and have planted a garden,
eastward in Eden. We will place you in the garden and will there
command you and Eve to multiply and replenish the earth, that you
may have joy and rejoicing in your posterity. Jehovah, introduce
Adam into the garden which we have prepared for him.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
NARRATOR: We now go with Adam and Eve into the garden. The brethren
will now be seated. (As the male patrons sit down Adam and Eve are
shown turning to follow Jehovah into the garden. The scene quickly
changes to the garden.)
ELOHIM: Adam, we have created for you this earth, and have placed
upon it all kinds of vegetation and animal life. We have commanded
all these to multiply in their own sphere and element. We give you
dominion over all these things, and make you, Adam, Lord over the
whole earth, and all things on the face thereof. We now command
you to multiply and replenish the earth, that you may have joy and
rejoicing in your posterity. We have also planted for you this garden,
wherein we have placed all manner of fruits, flowers, and vegetation.
Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat, but of the Tree
of Knowledge of Good and Evil thou shalt not eat; nevertheless,
thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee. But,
remember that I forbid it, for in the day thou eatest thereof thou
shalt surely die. Adam, remember this commandment which we have
given unto you. Now go to, dress this garden, take good care of
it, be happy and have joy therein. We shall go away, but we shall
visit you again and give you further instructions.
(The scene changes, and it is understood that the Gods have again
ascended. The following scene occurs in the garden, and no indication
is given as to how much time has passed since the Gods' departure.
Lucifer, the devil, is shown standing nonchalantly observing Adam,
and is clad in black and red robes; also wearing a square black
apron tied to his waist. Though youthful, Lucifer appears perhaps
a few years older than Adam, and wears a beard and mustache, His
speech is fluid, persuasive, and without hesitation.)
LUCIFER: Well, Adam, you have a new world here.
ADAM: A new world?
LUCIFER: Yes, a new world, patterned after the old one where we
used to live.
ADAM: I know nothing about any other world.
LUCIFER: Oh, I see, your eyes are not yet opened. You have forgotten
everything. You must eat some of the fruit of this tree. (Lucifer
plucks two pieces of fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and
Evil, and presents it to Adam.)
LUCIFER: Adam, here is some of the fruit of that tree. It will make
you wise.
ADAM: I will not partake of that fruit. Father told me that in the
day I should partake of it I should surely die.
LUCIFER: You shall not surely die but shall be as the Gods, knowing
good and evil.
ADAM: I will not partake of it.
LUCIFER: Oh you will not? Well, we shall see. (Adam leaves, and
Lucifer walks over to Eve, who is tending flowers.)
LUCIFER: Eve, here is some of the fruit of that tree. It will make
you wise. It is delicious to the taste and very desirable.
EVE: Who are you?
LUCIFER: I am your brother.
EVE: You, my brother, and come here to persuade me to disobey Father?
LUCIFER: I have said nothing about Father. I want you to eat of
the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, that your eyes
may be opened, for that is the way Father gained his knowledge.
You must eat of this fruit so as to comprehend that everything has
its opposite: good and evil, virtue and vice, light and darkness,
health and sickness, pleasure and pain; and thus your eyes will
be opened and you will have knowledge.
EVE: Is there no other way?
LUCIFER: There is no other way.
EVE: Then I will partake. (Eve takes the fruit from Lucifer, and
bites it. Lucifer approves and places the other piece in her hand,
which he closes around it and pats gently.)
LUCIFER; There, now go and get Adam to partake. (Eve approaches
Adam, fruit in hand, and presents it to him with a persuasive tone
of voice.)
EVE: Adam, here is some of the fruit of that tree. It is delicious
to the taste and very desirable.
ADAM: Eve, do you know what fruit that is?
EVE: Yes, it is the fruit Of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
ADAM: I cannot partake of it. Do you not know that Father commanded
us not to partake of the fruit of that tree?
EVE: Do you intend to obey all of Father's commandments?
ADAM: Yes, all of them.
EVE: Do you not recollect that Father commanded us to multiply and
replenish the earth? I have partaken of this fruit and by so doing
shall be cast out, and you will be left a lone man in the garden
of Eden.
ADAM: Eve, I see that this must be so. I will partake that man may
be. (Adam takes a bite, and Lucifer walks to their side with a look
of approval.)
LUCIFER: That is right.
EVE: It is better for us to pass through sorrow that we may know
the good from the evil.
EVE: I know thee now. Thou art Lucifer, he who was cast out of Father's
presence for rebellion.
LUCIFER: Yes, you are beginning to see already.
ADAM: What is that apron you have on?
LUCIFER: It is an emblem of my power and Priesthoods.
ADAM: Priesthoods?
LUCIFER: Yes, Priesthoods.
ADAM: I am looking for Father to come down to give us further instructions.
LUCIFER: Oh, you are looking for Father to come down, are you?
(The Gods' voices are suddenly heard in the garden, reverberating
through the air.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, we promised Adam that we would visit him and give
him further instructions. Come, let us go down.
JEHOVAH: We will go down, Elohim.
ADAM: I hear their voices, they are coming.
LUCIFER: See, you are naked. Take some fig leaves and make you aprons.
Father will see your nakedness. Quick! Hide!
ADAM: Come, let us hide.
NARRATOR:
Brethren and sisters, put on your aprons. (The film pauses temporarily
while the patrons remove their fig-leaf aprons from the bundles
which have been resting on their laps. All patrons tie the aprons
on around their waists. When the film resumes, the Gods have once
again descended, represented as before.)
ELOHIM: Adam ... Adam! ... Adam!! Where art thou?
ADAM: I heard thy voice and hid myself, because I was naked.
ELOHIM: Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou partaken of
the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, of which we
commanded thee not to partake?
ADAM: The woman thou gavest me, and commanded that she should remain
with me, she gave me of the fruit of the tree, and I did eat.
ELOHIM: Eve, what is this that thou hast done?
EVE: The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
ELOHIM: Lucifer, what hast thou been doing here?
LUCIFER: I have been doing that which has been done in other worlds.
ELOHIM: What is that?
LUCIFER: I have been giving some of the fruit of the Tree of the
Knowledge of Good and Evil to them.
ELOHIM: Lucifer, because thou hast done this, thou shalt be cursed
above all the beasts of the field. Upon thy belly shalt thou go,
and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life.
LUCIFER: If thou cursest me for doing the same thing which has been
done in other worlds, I will take the spirits that follow me, and
they shall possess the bodies thou createst for Adam and Eve!
ELOHIM: I will place enmity between thee and the seed of the woman.
Thou mayest have power to bruise his heal, but he shall have power
to crush thy head.
LUCIFER: Then with that enmity I will take the treasures of the
earth, and with gold and silver I will buy up armies and navies,
Popes and priests, and reign with blood and horror on the earth!
ELOHIM: Depart!
(Lucifer looks defiantly at Elohim; he then turns and walks away.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, let cherubim and a flaming sword be placed to
guard the way of the Tree of Life, lest Adam put forth his hand,
and partake of the fruit thereof, and live forever in his sins.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
(Jehovah turns to the side, and stretches his arm toward the tree.)
JEHOVAH: Let cherubim and a flaming sword be placed to guard the
way of the Tree of Life, lest Adam put forth his hand and partake
of the fruit thereof, and live forever in his sins. It is done,
Elohim.
ELOHIM: Eve, because thou hast hearkened to the voice of Satan and
hast partaken of the forbidden fruit, and given unto Adam, I will
greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow shalt
thou bring forth children. Nevertheless, thou mayest be preserved
in child-bearing. Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall
rule over thee in righteousness. Adam, because thou hast hearkened
unto the voice of thy wife and hast partaken of the forbidden fruit,
the earth shall be cursed for thy sake. Instead of producing fruits
and flowers spontaneously, it shall bring forth thorns, thistles,
briars, and noxious weeds to afflict and torment man. And by the
sweat of thy face halt thou eat thy bread all the days of thy life,
for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
THE LAW OF OBEDIENCE
ELOHIM: Inasmuch as Eve was the first to eat of the forbidden fruit,
if she will covenant that from this time forth she will obey your
law in the Lord, and will hearken unto your counsel as you hearken
unto mine, and if you will covenant that from this time forth you
will obey the Law of Elohim, we will give unto you the Law of Obedience
and Sacrifice, and we will provide a Savior for you, whereby you
may come back into our presence, and with us partake of Eternal
Life and exaltation.
EVE: Adam, I now covenant to obey your law as you obey our Father.
ADAM: Elohim, I now covenant with thee that from this time forth
I will obey thy law and keep thy commandments.
ELOHIM: It is well, Adam. Jehovah, inasmuch as Adam and Eve have
discovered their nakedness, make coats of skins as a covering for
them.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
(At this point the film pauses and the lights come on.)
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, the garment which was placed upon
you in the washing room is to cover your nakedness and represents
the coat of skins spoken of. Anciently it was made of skins. You
have received the garment, also your New Name. The officiator will
represent Elohim at the Altar. A couple will now come to the altar.
(A pre-selected "Witness Couple" now come forward and kneel at the
altar, resting their hands upon it as they face the Officiator.
The Officiator pantomimes all movements and gestures as a model
for the patrons to follow when directed.)
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, this couple at the altar represents
all of you as if at the altar. You must consider yourselves as if
you were respectively Adam and Eve.
ELOHIM: We will put the sisters under covenant to obey the law of
their husbands. Sisters, arise. (Female patrons stand as instructed.)
ELOHIM: Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and
each of you solemnly covenant and promise before God, angels, and
these witnesses at this altar that you will each observe and keep
the law of your husbands, and abide by his counsel in righteousness.
Each of you bow your head and say "Yes."
WOMEN: Yes.
ELOHIM: That will do. (The female patrons now resume their seats.)
ELOHIM: Brethren, arise. (Male patrons stand as instructed.)
ELOHIM: Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and
each of you solemnly covenant and promise before God, angles, and
these witnesses at this altar that you will obey the law of God,
and keep his commandants. Each of you bow your head and say "yes".
MEN: Yes.
ELOHIM: That will do. (Male patrons resume their seats.)
THE LAW OF SACRIFICE
ELOHIM: Brethren and sisters, you are now about to be put under
covenant to obey and keep the Law of Sacrifice, as contained in
the Old and New Testament. This Law of Sacrifice was given to Adam
in the garden of Eden, who, when he was driven out of the garden,
built an altar on which he offered sacrifices; and after many days,
an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: "Why dost thou
offer sacrifice unto the Lord?"
And Adam said unto him: "I know not, save the Lord commanded me."
And then the angel spake saying: "This thing is a similitude of
the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, who is full of
grace and truth. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou dost in
the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent, and call upon God in
the name of the Son forevermore."
The posterity of Adam down to Moses, and from Moses to Jesus Christ
offered up the first fruits of the field, and the firstlings of
the flock, which continued until the death of Jesus Christ, which
ended sacrifice by the shedding of blood.
And as Jesus Christ has laid down his life for the redemption of
mankind, so we should covenant to sacrifice all that we possess,
even our own lives if necessary, in sustaining and defending the
Kingdom of God.
All arise. Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and
each of you solemnly covenant and promise before God, angels, and
these witnesses at this altar that you will observe and keep the
Law of Sacrifice, as contained in the Old and New Testament, as
it has been explained to you. Each of you bow your head and say
"yes."
PATRONS: Yes.
ELOHIM: That will do.
(Patrons resume their seats.)
THE FIRST TOKEN OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
ELOHIM: We will now give unto you the First Token of the Aaronic
Priesthood with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. Before
doing this, however, we desire to impress upon your minds the sacred
character of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its
accompanying name, sign, and penalty, as well as that of all the
other tokens of the Holy Priesthood, with their names, signs, and
penalties, which you will receive in the temple this day.
They are most sacred, and are guarded by solemn covenants and obligations
of secrecy to the effect that under no condition, even at the peril
of your life, will you ever divulge them, except at a certain place
that will be shown you hereafter.
The representation of the execution of the penalties indicates different
ways in which life may be taken.
The
First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood is given by clasping the right
hands and placing the joint of the thumb directly over the first
knuckle of the hand, in this manner.
(The Officiator, representing Elohim, takes the right hand of the
male witness, who represents Adam at the altar, and demonstrates
the token. The male witness, who remains kneeling, is obliged to
raise his hand above his head while receiving the grip, thus enabling
the patrons to view the manner in which the token is to be given.)
ELOHIM: We give unto you the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
We desire all to receive it. All arise.
(As the patrons stand, the Witness Couple returns to their seats.
The Officiator and several other temple workers circulate around
the room and administer the token to the patrons as they stand at
their seats. Male workers attend to the male patrons, female workers
to the females. The Witness couple also receives the token at this
time. Each patron sits after receiving the token.)
ELOHIM:
If any of you have not received this token, you will please raise
your hand. The name of this token is the New Name that you received
in the temple today. If any of you have forgotten the New Name,
please stand.
The sign is made by bringing the right arm to the square, the palm
of the hand to the front, the fingers close together, and the thumb
extended.
(The Officiator, again at the altar, demonstrates the sign and penalty
as the descriptions are given.)
ELOHIM: This is the sign. The execution of the Penalty is represented
by placing the thumb under the left ear, the palm of the hand down,
and by drawing the thumb quickly across the throat to the right
ear, and dropping the hand to the side.
I will now explain the covenant and obligation of secrecy which
are associated with this token, its name, sign and penalty, and
which you will be required to take upon yourselves.
If I were receiving my own Endowment today, and had been given the
name of "John" as my New Name, I would repeat in my mind these words,
after making the sign at the same time representing the execution
of the penalty:
I, John, covenant that I will never reveal the First Token of the
Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty.
Rather than do so, I would suffer my life to be taken.
(The Officiator demonstrates the execution of the penalty.)
ELOHIM: All arise. (All patrons stand.) Each of you make the sign
of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, by bringing your right
arm to the square, the palm of the hand to the front, the fingers
together, and the thumb extended. This is the sign.
Now, repeat in your mind after me the words of the covenant, at
the same time representing the execution of the penalty.
I ________, think of the new name, covenant that I will never reveal
the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying
name, sign, and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer my life
to be taken. That will do.
(Patrons sit down.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, see that Adam is driven out of this beautiful garden
into the lone and dreary world, where he may learn from his own
experience to distinguish good from evil.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
(As the lights are turned down the film presentation continues.)
The Lone and Dreary World
THE TELESTIAL KINGDOM
(Adam and Eve are shown full view for the first time. They are clad
in animal skins which cover their bodies to their knees. The lone
and dreary world is represented by desert scenery. Adam kneels at
his stone altar, spreads his hands to heaven, and piously invokes
the Lord.)
NARRATOR: We now go with Adam and Eve into the lone and dreary world.
Brethren and sisters, this represents the Telestial kingdom, or
the world in which we now live. Adam, on finding himself in the
lone and dreary world, built an altar and offered prayer, and these
are the words he uttered:
ADAM: Oh God, hear the words of my mouth. Oh God, hear the words
of my mouth. Oh God, hear the words of my mouth.
(As Adam prays, Lucifer approaches from behind out of the shadows.)
LUCIFER: I hear you; what is it you want?
(Although Adam has already encountered Lucifer in the Garden of
Eden, he fails to recognize him at this appearance.)
ADAM: Who are you?
LUCIFER: I am the God of this world.
ADAM: You, the God of this world?
LUCIFER: Yes, what do you want?
ADAM: I am looking for messengers.
LUCIFER: Oh, you want someone to preach to you. You want religion,
do you? I will have preachers here presently. (Lucifer turns his
head as a sectarian minister approaches.) Good Morning sir!
SECTARIAN MINISTER: Good morning! (The preacher turns and looks
into the camera.) A fine congregation!
LUCIFER: Yes, they are a very good people. They are concerned about
religion. Are you a preacher?
SECTARIAN MINISTER: I am.
LUCIFER: Have you been to college and received training for the
ministry?
SECTARIAN MINISTER: Certainly! A man cannot preach unless he has
been trained for the ministry.
LUCIFER: Do you preach the orthodox religion?
SECTARIAN MINISTER: Yes, that is what I preach.
LUCIFER: If you will preach your orthodox religion to these people,
and convert them, I will pay you well.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: I will do my best.
(Lucifer guides the preacher to Adam and Eve, who stand nearby.)
LUCIFER: Here is a man who desires religion. He is very much exercised,
and seems to be sincere.
(As Lucifer presents the preacher to Adam and Eve he steps back
and observes the ensuing conversation. The preacher is made to sound
sincere, although misguided and credulous. Adam appears humble,
faithful and immovable in his determination to serve God. He is
not swayed by the preacher, and is astounded by the doctrines espoused
by the preacher.)
SECTARIAN MINISTER: I understand that you are inquiring after religion.
ADAM: I was calling upon Father.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: I am glad to know that you were calling upon
Father. Do you believe in a God who is without body, parts, or passions;
who sits on the top of a topless throne; whose center is everywhere
and whose circumference is nowhere; who fills the universe, and
yet is so small that he can dwell in your heart; who is surrounded
by myriads of beings who have been saved by grace, not for any act
of theirs, but by His good pleasure. Do you believe in this great
Being?
ADAM: I do not. I cannot comprehend such a being.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: That is the beauty of it. Perhaps you do not
believe in a devil, and in that great hell, the bottomless pit,
where there is a lake of fire and brimstone into which the wicked
are cast, and where they are continually burning, but none never
consumed?
ADAM: I do not believe in any such place.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: My dear friend, I am sorry for you.
LUCIFER: I am sorry, very very sorry! What is it you want?
ADAM: I am looking for messengers from my Father.
(The scene changes to a view of the Celestial Kingdom, where Elohim
reigns from a white throne afront tall white pillars. He is radiant
as before, and his voice resonates as he speaks with Jehovah, who
stands before him.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, send down Peter, James and John to visit the man
Adam in the Telestial World, without disclosing their identity.
Have them observe conditions generally, see if Satan is there, and
learn whether Adam has been true to the token and sign given to
him in the garden of Eden. Have them then return and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. (Jehovah turns from Elohim and
walks to the edge of the platform upon which he stands. He there
meets Peter, James and John, who await His command. They are dressed
as the Jews were at the time of Christ.) Peter, James and John,
go down and visit the man Adam in the Telestial World, without disclosing
your identity. Observe conditions generally. See if Satan is there,
and learn whether Adam has been true to the token and sign given
to him in the Garden of Eden. Then return and bring us word.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go
down.
JAMES: We will go down.
JOHN: We will go down.
(The three turn and leave, and the scene turns to the lone and dreary
world. Peter steps out from behind a large rock, followed by James
and John; they approach Adam, Eve, et al.)
PETER: Good morning.
LUCIFER: Good morning gentlemen.
PETER: What are you doing here?
LUCIFER: Teaching religion.
PETER: What religion do you teach?
LUCIFER: We teach a religion made of the philosophies of men, mingled
with scripture.
PETER: How is your religion received by this community?
LUCIFER: Very well--excepting this man. He does not seem to believe
anything we preach.
(Peter, James and John approach Adam and Eve.)
PETER: Good morning. What do you think of the preaching of these
gentlemen?
ADAM: I cannot comprehend it.
PETER: Can you give us some idea concerning it?
ADAM: They preach of a God who is without body, parts, or passions;
who is so large that he fills the universe, and yet is so small
that he can dwell in my heart; and of a hell, without a bottom,
where the wicked are continually burned but are never consumed.
To me, it is a mass of confusion.
PETER: We do not wonder that you cannot comprehend such doctrine.
Have you any tokens or signs?
(Lucifer steps up to the side of Peter and interjects his query.)
LUCIFER: Do you have any money?
PETER: We have sufficient for our needs.
LUCIFER: You can buy anything in this world for money.
PETER: Do you sell your tokens or signs for money? You have them,
I presume.
ADAM: I have them, but I do not sell them for money. I hold them
sacred. I am looking for the further light and knowledge Father
promised to send me.
PETER: That is right. We commend you for your integrity. Good day.
We shall probably visit you again.
(Peter, James and John exit; Lucifer stares into the camera.)
LUCIFER: Now is the great day of my power. I reign from the rivers
to the ends of the earth. There is none who dares to molest, or
make me afraid.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: Shall we ever have any apostles or prophets?
LUCIFER: No. However, there may be some who will profess revelation
or apostleship. If so, just test them by asking that they perform
a great miracle, such as cutting off an arm or some other member
of the body, and restoring it, so that the people may know that
they have come with power.
(The scene changes to the Celestial Kingdom. Peter, James, and John
approach Jehovah with their report.)
PETER: Jehovah, we have visited the man Adam in the Telestial World
as thou didst command us. We found Satan there, with his ministers,
preaching all manner of false doctrine, and striving to lead the
posterity of Adam astray. But Adam has been true and faithful to
the token and sign given him in the Garden of Eden, and is waiting
for the further light and knowledge you promised to send him. This
is our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter, James and John (Jehovah turns and approaches
Elohim) Elohim--Peter, James and John have been down to the man
Adam in the Telestial World. They found Satan there, with his ministers
preaching all manner of false doctrine, and striving to lead the
posterity of Adam astray. But Adam has been true and faithful to
the token and sign given him in the Garden of Eden, and he is waiting
for the further light and knowledge you promised to send him. This
is their report.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, instruct Peter, James and John to go
down in their true character as Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ,
to the man Adam and his posterity in the Telestial World, and to
cast Satan out of their midst.
Instruct them to give unto Adam and his posterity the Law of the
Gospel as contained in the Book of Mormon and the Bible; also a
charge to avoid all lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking
of the Lord's anointed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and
every other unholy and impure practice; and cause these to be received
by covenant.
Instruct Peter, James, and John further to clothe Adam and his posterity
in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood, with the robe on the left shoulder,
and to give unto them the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood,
with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. Then have them return
and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. (Jehovah turns, and approaches
Peter, James and John.) Peter, James and John, go down in your true
character as Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ to the man Adam and
his posterity in the Telestial World. Cast Satan out of their midst.
Give unto them the Law of the Gospel as contained in the Book of
Mormon and the Bible; also a charge to avoid all lightmindedness,
loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord's anointed, the taking
of the name of God in vain, and every other unholy and impure practice.
Cause them to receive these by covenant.
Clothe them in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood, with the robe on
the left shoulder, and give unto them the Second Token of the Aaronic
priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. Then
return and bring us word.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go
down.
(The scene changes again to the lone and dreary world. The three
Apostles boldly approach Lucifer.)
PETER: I am Peter.
JAMES: I am James.
JOHN: I am John.
LUCIFER: Yes, I thought I knew you. (He turns to the Preacher.)
Do you know who these men are? They claim to be apostles. Try them!
(The Preacher approaches Peter.)
SECTARIAN MINISTER: Do you profess to be Apostles of the Lord Jesus
Christ?
PETER: We do.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: This man told me that we should never have any
revelation or apostles, but if any should come professing to be
apostles, I was to ask them to cut off an arm or some other member
of the body and the restore it, so that the people might know that
they came with power.
PETER: We do not satisfy men's curiosity in that manner. It is a
wicked and an adulterous generation that seeks for a sign. Do you
know who that man is? He is Satan!
SECTARIAN MINISTER: What? The Devil?
PETER: That is one of his names.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: He is quite a different person from what he
told me the devil is. He said the devil has claws like a bear's
on his hands, horns on his head, and a cloven foot, and that when
he speaks he has the roar of a lion!
PETER: He has said this to deceive you, and I would advise you to
get out of his employ.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: Your advise is good; but, if I leave his employ,
what will become of me?
PETER: We will preach the gospel unto you, with the rest of Adam's
posterity.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: That is good. (He turns to Lucifer) I would
like to have a settlement. I want you to pay me for preaching.
LUCIFER: I am ready to keep my word and fulfill my part of the agreement.
I promised to pay you if you would convert these people, and they
have nearly converted you! You can get out of my kingdom, I want
no such men in it! (As the preacher turns sadly and leaves, Lucifer
approaches Peter:) Now, what are you going to do?
PETER: We will dismiss you without further argument.
LUCIFER: Aah! You have looked over my kingdom, and my greatness
and glory. Now you want to take possession of the whole of it. (Lucifer
turns, and stares into the camera). I have a word to say concerning
these people. If they do not walk up to every covenant they make
at these altars in this temple this day, they will be in my power!
PETER: Satan, we command you to depart!
LUCIFER: By what authority?
PETER: (With his right arm raised to the square.) In the name of
Jesus Christ, our Master. (Lucifer is visibly shaken as he turns
and leaves. Peter waits until he has left, and then approaches Adam)
Adam, we are true messengers from the Father, and have come down
to give unto you the further light and knowledge He promised to
send you.
ADAM: How shall I know that you are true messengers?
PETER: By our giving unto you the token and sign you received in
the Garden of Eden.
ADAM: (Grasps Peter by the right hand.) What is that?
PETER: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
ADAM: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
ADAM: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I cannot, for it is the New Name, but this is the sign (The
right arm to square); and this represent the Execution of the Penalty
(Thumb of right hand drawn across the throat).
ADAM: Now I know that you are true messengers sent down from Father.
(To audience) These are true messengers, I exhort you to give strict
heed to their counsels and teachings, and they will lead you in
the way of life and salvation.
NARRATOR: The Officiator will represent Peter at the altar.
(At this point the film is concluded. The remainder of the Endowment
is conducted from an audio recording.)
THE LAW OF THE GOSPEL
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar. (Witness couple comes
to altar as before.) Brethren and sisters, this couple at the altar
represent all of you as if at the altar, and you will be under the
same obligations as they will be.
We are required to give unto you the Law of the Gospel as contained
in the Book of Mormon and the Bible; to give unto you also a charge
to avoid all lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the
Lord's anointed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and every
other unholy and impure practice, and to cause you to receive these
by covenant.
All arise. (All patrons stand.)
Each of you bring your right arm to the square. (This is done.)
You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and
these witnesses at this altar, that you will observe and keep the
Law of the Gospel and this charge as it has been explained to you.
Each of you bow your head and say "yes."
PATRONS: Yes.
PETER: That will do.
(All patrons sit down.)
THE ROBES OF THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD
PETER: We are instructed to clothe you in the Robes of the Holy
Priesthood. Place the robe on your left shoulder. Place the cap
on your head with the bow over the right ear, replace the apron,
tie the girdle with the bow on the right side, remove the slippers
from your feet, and put them in again as part of the temple clothing.
You may now proceed to clothe. (Patrons open their clothing envelopes
and dress as instructed.)
Voit myös kuunnella loput seremoniasta nauhalta 2
SECOND TOKEN OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar.
(The witness couple kneels at the altar as before.)
With the robe on the left shoulder, you are prepared to officiate
in the ordinances of the Aaronic Priesthood. We will now give unto
you the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood with its accompanying
name, sign, and penalty.
This
Token is given by clasping the right hands and placing the joint
of the thumb between the first and second knuckles of the hand,
in this manner.
(The Officiator and the male witness joins hands in the token, and
slightly raise their hands to demonstrate in to the patrons.)
PETER: We desire all to receive it. All arise.
(As the Patrons stand, the witness couple returns to their seats,
and various temple workers circulate about the room administering
this token as they did the former.)
PETER: If any of you have not received this token, you will please
raise your hand. The name of this token is your own first given
name if you are going through the temple for your own Endowment,
or, if you are going through for the dead, it is the first given
name of the person for whom you are officiating.
The sign is made by bringing the right hand in front of you, with
the hand in cupping shape, the right arm forming a square, and the
left arm being raised to the square. This is the sign. (The officiator
demonstrates.)
The Execution of the Penalty is represented by placing the right
hand on the left breast, drawing the hand quickly across the body,
and dropping the hands to the sides.
I will now explain the covenant and obligation of secrecy which
are associated with this token, its name, sign, and penalty, and
which you will be required to take upon yourselves.
If I were receiving my own endowment today, and if my first given
name were "David," I would repeat in my mind these words, after
making the sign, at the same time representing the Execution of
the Penalty:
I, David, covenant, that I will never reveal the Second Token of
the Aaronic priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty.
Rather than do so I would suffer my life to be taken. All arise.
(All Patrons stand.)
Each of you make the sign of the Second Token of the Aaronic priesthood
by bringing the right hand in front of you, with the hand in cupping
shape, the right arm forming a square, and the left arm being raised
to the square. This is the sign.
Now, repeat in your mind after me the words of the covenant, at
the same time representing the Executing of the Penalty. I, _________,
think of the first given name, covenant, that I will never reveal
the second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying
name, sign, and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer my life
to be taken. That will do.
(All patrons sit down.)
PETER: We will return and report. Jehovah, we have been down to
the man Adam and his posterity in the Telestial World, and have
cast Satan out of their midst.
We have given unto them the Law of the Gospel as contained in the
Book of Mormon and the Bible; also a charge to avoid all lightmindedness,
loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord's anointed, the taking
of the name of God in vain, and every other unholy and impure practice,
and have caused them to receive these by covenant.
We have also clothed them in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood and
have given unto them the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood,
with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. This is our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter, James and John. Elohim--Peter James
and John have been down to the man Adam and his posterity in the
Telestial World, have cast Satan out of their midst, and have done
all else that they were commanded to do.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, send down Peter, James and John again
to the Telestial World.
Have Adam and his posterity change their robes to their right shoulder,
preparatory to officiating in the ordinances of the Melchizedek
Priesthood; and introduce them into the Terrestrial World.
Instruct Peter, James and John further, to give unto Adam and his
posterity the Law of Chastity, and to put them under covenant to
obey this law, which is, that the daughters of Eve, and the sons
of Adam shall have no sexual intercourse except with their husbands
or wives to whom they are legally and lawfully wedded, and to give
unto them the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or the
Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty.
Have them return, and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter, James and John, go down
again to the Telestial World; instruct Adam and his posterity to
change their robes to the right shoulder, preparatory to officiating
in the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood; and introduce them
into the Terrestrial World. Give unto Adam and his posterity the
Law of Chastity, and put them under covenant to obey this law, which
is, that the daughters of Eve, and the sons of Adam shall have no
sexual intercourse except with their husbands or wives, to whom
they are legally and lawfully wedded. Give unto them the First Token
of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or the Sign of the Nail, with its
accompanying name, sign, and penalty; and return and bring us word.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go
down. We are instructed to have you change the robe to the right
shoulder, preparatory to officiating in the ordinances of the Melchizedek
Priesthood, and to introduce you into the Terrestrial World. You
may now make the change by removing the robe.
(The patrons stand, and remove their robes, replacing them on their
right shoulders. The male patrons now turn their cap, so that the
bow is now placed over the left ear, and the girdle is tied on the
left side. The patrons then sit.)
[Loput nauhoituksesta on toisesta istunnosta, minkä vuoksi
äänissä on pientä katkosta tässä vaiheessa
ja henkilöt vaihtuvat. Teksti on kuitenkin sama.]
THE TERRESTRIAL WORLD
NARRATOR: We now enter the Terrestrial World. (Additional lights
are switched on.)
THE LAW OF CHASTITY
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar. (Witness Couple comes
as before.) We are instructed to give unto you the law of Chastity;
this I will explain. To the sisters it is, that no one of you will
have sexual intercourse except with your husband to whom you are
legally and lawfully wedded. To the brethren it is that no one of
you will have sexual intercourse except with your wife to whom you
are legally and lawfully wedded. Sisters please arise. (All women
stand up.)
Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and each of
you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses
at this altar that you will observe and keep the Law of Chastity,
as it has been explained to you. Each of you bow your head and say
"yes."
SISTERS: Yes.
PETER: That will do. (All women sit down.) Brethren, please arise.
(All men stand up.)
Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and each of
you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses
at this altar that you will observe and keep the Law of Chastity,
as it has been explained to you. Each of you bow your head and say
"yes."
BRETHREN: Yes.
PETER: That will do.
(All men sit down.)
FIRST TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD OR SIGN OF THE NAIL
PETER: We will now give unto you the First Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood, or the Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name,
sign, and penalty.
This
token is received by bringing the right hand into this position:
the hand vertical, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended;
and the person giving the token placing the tip of the forefinger
of his right hand in the center of the palm, and the thumb opposite
on the back of the hand of the one receiving it, in this manner.
We desire all to receive it. All arise.
(After Officiator and male witness demonstrate token at the altar,
temple workers circulate around room to administer this token to
the patrons.)
PETER: If any of you have not received this token, you will please
raise your hand. The name of this token is "the Son", meaning the
Son of God. The sign is made by bringing the left hand in front
of you with the hand in cupping shape, the left arm forming a square;
the right hand is also brought forward, the palm down, the fingers
close together, the thumb extended, and the thumb is placed over
the left hip.
(The Officiator makes the sign.)
This is the sign. The execution of the penalty is represented by
drawing the thumb quickly across the body and dropping the hands
to the sides.
(Officiator completes the action.)
I will now explain the covenant and obligation of secrecy which
are associated with this token, its name, sign and penalty, and
which you will be required to take upon yourselves.
If I were receiving the Endowment today, either for myself or for
the dead, I would repeat in my mind these words, after making the
sign, at the same time representing the execution of the Penalty:
I covenant in the name of the Son that I will never reveal the First
Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with its
accompanying name, sign and penalty. Rather than do so, I would
suffer my life to be taken.
All arise (All patrons stand.)
Each of you make the sign of the First Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood or Sign of the Nail by brining the left hand in front
of you with the hand in cupping shape, the left arm forming a square;
also by bringing the right hand forward, the palm down, the fingers
close together, the thumb extended, and by placing the thumb over
the left hip.
This is the sign. Now repeat in your mind after me the words of
the covenant, at the same time representing the Execution of the
Penalty:
I covenant in the name of the Son that I will never reveal the First
Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with its
accompanying name, sign and penalty. Rather than do so, I would
suffer my life to be taken.
(Patrons perform the action as the Officiator guides them.)
That will do.
(All patrons sit down.)
PETER: We will return and report. Jehovah, we have been down to
the man Adam and his posterity, have placed the robe on the right
shoulder and have introduced them into the Terrestrial World. We
have put them under covenant to observe and keep the Law of Chastity.
We have also given them the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood
or Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty.
This is our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter James and John. Elohim--Peter, James
and John have been down to the man Adam and his posterity, have
placed the robe on the right shoulder, and have introduced them
into the Terrestrial World. They have also put them under covenant
to observe and keep the Law of Chastity. They have given unto them
the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail,
with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. This is their report.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, send down Peter, James and John and
instruct them to give to the man Adam and his posterity in the Terrestrial
world the Law of Consecration in connection with the law of the
Gospel and the Law of Sacrifice, and to cause them to receive it
by covenant; to give unto them the Second Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, with
its accompanying sign, and to teach them the Order of Prayer, and
to prepare them in all things to receive further instructions at
the Veil. Then have them report at the Veil.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter, James and John, go down
to the man Adam and his posterity in the Terrestrial World, and
give unto them the Law of Consecration, in connection with the Law
of the Gospel, and the Law of Sacrifice, and cause them to receive
it by covenant. Give unto them the Second Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sing of the Nail, with
its accompanying sign. Teach them the Order of Prayer and prepare
them in all things to receive further instructions at the Veil.
Then report at the Veil.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come, James and John, let us go
down.
THE LAW OF CONSECRATION
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar.
(The Witness couple comes forward, and kneels at the altar as before.)
We are instructed to give unto you the Law of Consecration as contained
in the book of Doctrine and Covenants (The Officiator picks up a
copy of the Doctrine and Covenants from the altar, and holds it
up in view of all patrons.), in connection with the Law of the Gospel
and the Law of Sacrifice which you have already received. It is
that you do consecrate yourselves, your time, talents and everything
with which the Lord has blessed you, or with which he may bless
you, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint, for the
building up of the Kingdom of God on the earth and for the establishment
of Zion.
All arise. (All patrons stand.)
Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and each of
you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses
at this altar, that you do accept the Law of Consecration as contained
in this, (The Officiator holds up a copy of the Doctrine and Covenants
again.), the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, in that you do consecrate
yourselves, your time, talents, and everything with which the Lord
has blessed you, or with which he may bless you, to the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the building up of the Kingdom
of God on the earth and for the establishment of Zion. Each of you
bow your head and say "yes."
PATRONS: Yes.
PETER: That will do.
(All patrons sit down.)
SECOND TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD, THE PATRIARCHAL
GRIP, OR SURE SIGN OF THE NAIL
PETER: We will now give unto you the Second Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or the Sure Sign of the Nail,
with its accompanying sign.
This
token is given by clasping the right hands, interlocking the little
fingers, and placing the tip of the forefinger upon the center of
the wrist, in this manner.
(The Officiator demonstrates this token with male witness.)
We desire all to receive it. All arise.
(As the witness couple returns to their seats various temple workers
administer the token as before, and each patron sits after receiving
it.)
If any of you have not received this token, you will please raise
your hand. This token has a name and a sign, but no penalty is mentioned.
However, you will be under just as sacred obligation of secrecy
in connection with this token and sign as you are with the other
tokens and signs of the Holy Priesthood which you received in the
temple this day.
The name of this token will not be given unto you at this stage
in the Endowment, but it will be given later on. The sign is made
by raising both hands high above the head (The officiator demonstrates.),
and while lowering the hands repeating aloud the words:
Pay Lay Ale Pay Lay Ale Pay Lay Ale (The hands are lowered in three
distinct movements, one move for each word. [1] Pay--hands above
head, [2] Lay--both arms dropped to the square, [3] Ale--both hands
lowered to the height of chest.)
PETER: When Adam was driven out of the Garden of Eden, he built
an altar and offered prayer, and these are the words that he used,
which interpreted are: "Oh God, Hear the words of my mouth!", repeated
three times. All arise. (All patrons stand.)
Each of you make the sign of the Second Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail, by raising
both hands high above the head, and while lowering the hands repeating
aloud the words: Pay Lay Ale Pay Lay Ale Pay Lay Ale
(As the patrons make the sign they repeat words with recording as
described before.)
PETER: That will do. (all patrons sit down.) Brethren and sisters,
with the robe on the right shoulder you are prepared to be taught
the True Order of Prayer; and to be introduced at the Veil.
THE PRAYER CIRCLE AND THE TRUE ORDER OF PRAYER
PETER: A few couples, will please come forward and form a circle
around the altar.
(The audio recording stops and the Officiator says in his own words
a statement to the following effect.)
OFFICIATOR: We would like to invite the witness couple, any receiving
their own personal Endowment, and any who are about to be married
to join us in the Prayer Circle at this time.
(The tape recording again resumes.)
NARRATOR: Only the best of feelings should exist in the Circle.
If any of you have unkind feelings toward any member of this Circle,
you are invited to withdraw so that the Spirit of the Lord may be
unrestrained. In the Circle we make the signs of all the tokens
of the Holy Priesthood.
(Patrons make each sign as they are mentioned by the Narrator.)
We will begin by making the Sign of the First Token of the Aaronic
Priesthood. This is done by brining the right arm to the square,
the palm of the hand to the front, the fingers close together, and
the thumb extended. This is the sign. The name of this token is
the New Name received in the temple today. The Execution of the
Penalty is represented by placing the thumb under the left ear,
the palm of the hand down, and by drawing the thumb quickly across
the throat to the right ear, and dropping the hand to the side.
We will now make the Sign of the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
This is done by bringing the right hand in front of you with the
hand in cupping shape, the right hand forming a square, and the
left arm being raised to the square. This is the sign. The name
of this token is your first given name if you are going through
the temple for your own Endowment, or if you are going through for
the dead, it is the first given name of the person for whom you
are officiating. The Execution of the penalty is represented by
placing the right hand on the left breast, drawing the hand quickly
across the body, and dropping the hands to the sides.
We will now make the sign of the First Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood or Sign of the Nail. This is done by bringing the left
hand in front of you with the hand in cupping shape, the left arm
forming a square. The right hand is also brought forward, the palm
down, the fingers close together, the thumb extended, and the thumb
is placed over the left hip. This is the sign. The name of this
Token is "the Son", meaning the Son of God. The Execution of the
penalty is represented by drawing the thumb quickly across the body,
and dropping the hands to the sides.
We
will now make the Sign of the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood,
the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail. This is done by
raising both hands high above the head, and while lowering the hands
repeating aloud the words: Pay Lay Ale Pay Lay Ale Pay Lay Ale signifying,
"Oh God, Hear the words of my mouth!"
We have here a list of names of persons who are sick, or otherwise
afflicted, whom we are requested to remember in our prayer. We will
place the list upon the altar, and request the faith of those present
in behalf of these persons.
The sisters in the room will please veil their faces.
Each brother in the circle will take the sister at his left, by
the right hand in the Patriarchal Grip.
Each of you bring your left arm to the square, and rest it upon
the shoulder or arm of the person at your left.
The brethren and sisters in the Circle will repeat the words of
the prayer.
OFFICIATOR: (the officiator kneels at the altar, and makes the
sign of the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood by bringing his
right hand forward, with the hand in cupping shape, resting it upon
the altar. His left arm is raised to the square.
The prayer is spoken by the Officiator, who decides its form and
content. He speaks a few sentences at a time, which are repeated
in unison by the patrons in the circle.
After the prayer, the patrons in the circle release the grip, the
Officiator rises, and the audio tape resumes.)
PETER: The sisters will unveil their faces, and the brethren and
sisters in the circle will return to their seats. (All patrons sit.)
We will now uncover the Veil.
THE VEIL OF THE TEMPLE
(A Veil segment is now displayed from behind the curtain which is
in the front of the Endowment room. The Officiator takes a pointer
in and, prepares to draw attention to the marks on the Veil as they
are explained.)
PETER: Brethren and sisters, I will now explain the marks on the
Veil. These four marks are the marks of the Holy Priesthood, and
corresponding marks are found in your individual Garment.
This one on the right is the mark of the square. It is placed in
the Garment over the right breast, suggesting to the mind exactness
and honor in keeping the covenants entered into this day.
This one on the left is the mark of the compass. It is placed in
the Garment over the left breast, suggesting to the mind an undeviating
course leading to Eternal Life, a constant reminder that the desires,
appetites and passions are to be kept within the bounds the Lord
has set, and that all truth may be circumscribed into one great
whole.
This is the navel mark. It is placed in the Garment over the navel,
suggesting to the mind the need of constant nourishment to the body
and spirit.
This is the knee mark. It is placed in the right leg of the garment,
so as to be over the knee cap, suggesting that every knee shall
bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is the Christ.
These other three marks are for convenience in working at the Veil.
Through this one, the person representing the Lord puts forth his
right hand, to test our knowledge of the tokens of the Holy Priesthood.
Through the one on our right, he asks us certain questions, through
the one on the left, we give our answers.
(As the Officiator, who now represents Peter, steps to the front
of the Veil another male worker steps behind it to represent the
Lord. A small mallet hangs on the metal frame which supports the
Veil.)
PETER: As all of you will have to pass through the Veil, we will
show you how this is to be done. The person is brought to this point,
and the worker gives three distinct taps with the mallet. (The officiator
raps the mallet three times.) Whereupon, The Lord parts the Veil,
and asks:
LORD:
What is wanted?
PETER: Adam, having been true and faithful in all things, desires
further light and knowledge, by conversing with the Lord, through
the Veil.
LORD: Present him at the Veil, and his request shall be granted.
PETER: The person is then brought to this point, whereupon the Lord
puts forth his right hand, gives the First Token of the Aaronic
Priesthood, and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, through the Veil.
The person then gives, through the Veil, the name of this token,
which is the New Name received in the temple today. The Lord then
gives the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, through the Veil.
The person then gives the name of this token, which is his first
given name, if he is going through the temple for his own Endowment,
or if he is going through for the dead, it is the first given name
of the person for whom he is officiating. The Lord then gives the
First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or Sign of the Nail,
and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or Sign of
the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, through the Veil.
The person then gives the name of this token, which is "the Son,"
meaning, the Son of God. The Lord then gives the Second Token of
he Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of
the Nail, and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal
Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I cannot. I have not yet received it. For this purpose I
have come to converse with the Lord through the Veil.
LORD: You shall receive it upon the Five Points of Fellowship, through
the Veil.
(The officiator demonstrates the Five Points of Fellowship through
the Veil with the temple worker who represents the Lord, as each
point is mentioned.)
PETER: The Five Points of Fellowship are "inside of right foot by
the side of right foot, knee to knee, breast to breast, hand to
back, and mouth to ear." The Lord then gives the name of this token,
and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal
Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, upon the Five Points of Fellowship, through the Veil.
The person then repeats back to the Lord the name of this token,
as he receives it, whereupon the Lord says:
LORD: That is correct.
PETER: The person is again brought to this point, and the worker
gives three distinct taps with the mallet. The Lord parts the Veil
and asks:
LORD: What is wanted?
PETER: Adam, having conversed with the Lord through the Veil desires
now to enter his presence.
The Lord puts forth his right hand, takes the person by the right
hand, and says:
LORD: Let him enter.
PETER: He is admitted into the presence of the Lord. We will now
report. Jehovah, we have been down to the man Adam and his posterity
in the Terrestrial World, and have given unto them the Law of Consecration,
and have caused them to receive it by covenant.
We have given unto them the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood,
the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying
sign, and have taught them the Order of Prayer.
They are now ready to converse with the Lord through the Veil. This
is our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter, James, and John. Elohim--Peter, James
and John have been down to the man Adam and his posterity in the
Terrestrial World, and have done all that they were commanded to
do.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, instruct Peter, James, and John to
introduce the man Adam and his posterity at the Veil, where we will
give unto them the name of the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood,
the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, preparatory to their
entering into our presence.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter, James, and John you will
introduce Adam and his posterity at the Veil, where we will give
unto them, the name of the Second Token of the Melchizedek priesthood,
the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, preparatory to their
entering into our presence.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, we will introduce
them at the Veil. Brethren and sisters, we are instructed to introduce
you at the Veil, where you will receive the name of the Second Token
of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or the Sure
Sign of the Nail, preparatory to your entering into the presence
of the Lord.
LECTURE AT THE VEIL
(The following lecture is only given when there are patrons present
who are receiving their own Endowments, or when the Endowment room
is full, and additional time is needed to present the patron at
the Veil.)
PETER: A lecture will now be given which summarizes the instructions,
ordinances and covenants, and also the tokens, with their key words,
signs and penalties, pertaining to the Endowment, which you, have
thus far received.
You should try to remember and keep in mind all that you have heard
and seen and may yet hear and see in this house. The purpose of
this lecture is to assist you to remember that which has been taught
you this day.
You must keep in mind that you are under a solemn obligation never
to speak outside of the temple of the Lord of the things you see
and hear in this sacred place.
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, the ordinances of the Endowment
as here administered, long withheld from the children of men pertain
to the Dispensation of the Fullness of Time and have been revealed
to prepare the people for exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom, where
God and Christ dwell.
The deep meaning of the Eternal Truths constituting the Endowment,
has been set forth in brief instructions, and by symbolic representation.
If you give prayerful and earnest thought to the Holy Endowment,
you will obtain the understanding and spirit of the work done in
the temples of the Lord.
The privilege of laboring here for the dead permits us to enter
the temple frequently, and to refresh our memories, and to enlarge
our understanding of the Endowment.
You were first washed and anointed, a Garment was placed upon
you, and a New Name was given you. This name you should always remember;
but you must never reveal it to any person, except at the Veil.
You then entered this room. Here you heard voices of persons representing
a council of the Gods, Elohim, Jehovah, and Michael. Elohim said:
"See, yonder is matter unorganized, go ye down and organize it into
a world, like unto the other worlds that we have heretofore formed."
As the creation of the earth progressed, you heard the commands
and the reports of the persons representing the Gods.
If we are faithful, we shall enter the Celestial Kingdom, and there
hear and know the Gods of heaven. They are perfect, we are imperfect,
they are exalted, we may attain exaltation. Our spirits at one time
lived with the Gods, but each of us was given the privilege of coming
upon this earth to take upon himself a body, so that the spirit
might have a house, in which to dwell.
Michael, one of the council of the Gods, became the man Adam, to
whom was given the woman Eve. However, as Adam, he did not remember
his life and labors in the council. It is so with us all. We come
into the world with no memory of our previous existence.
We then followed Adam and Eve into the garden, where Elohim provided
that they might eat freely of all the fruit of the garden, except
the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. He forbade
them to partake of this fruit, saying that in the day they did so,
they should surely die. When Adam and Eve were left alone in the
garden, Satan appeared, and tempted them. Eve yielded to the temptation,
partook of the fruit, and offered it to Adam. Adam had resisted
the temptation of Satan, but when Eve offered him the forbidden
fruit he partook of it, that they might continue together, and perpetuate
the human race.
Adam and Eve now understood that it was Lucifer who had tempted
them. They became self-conscious. Discovering their nakedness, and
hearing the voice of the Lord, they made aprons of fig leaves and
hid themselves. They had learned that everything has its opposite,
such as good and evil, light and darkness, pleasure and pain. The
Lord again entered the garden, Adam and Eve confessed their disobedience.
The Lord cursed Satan, and cast him out of the Garden of Eden, Adam
and Eve also were driven out of the garden, and the Lord commanded:
"Let cherubim, and a flaming sword be placed to guard the way of
the Tree of Life, lest Adam put forth his hand, and partake of the
fruit thereof, and live forever in his sins." Before their departure
however, instructions were given them. Addressing Eve, the Lord
said: "Because thou hast hearkened to the voice of Satan, and hast
partaken of the forbidden fruit, and given unto Adam, I will greatly
multiply thy sorrow and thy conception. In sorrow shalt thou bring
forth children, nevertheless, thou mayest be preserved in childbearing.
Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee,
in righteousness." To Adam, the Lord said: "Because thou hast hearkened
to the voice of thy wife, and hast partaken of the forbidden fruit,
the earth shall be cursed for thy sake. Instead of producing fruits
and flowers spontaneously, it shall bring forth thorns, thistles,
briars, and noxious weeds, to afflict and torment man. And by the
sweat of thy face shalt thou eat thy bread all the days of thy life,
for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
Having been commanded, Jehovah provided Adam and Eve with coats
of skins for a covering. The Garment which was placed upon you after
you had been washed and anointed, represents the coat of skins or
covering of Adam and Eve. They were also promised that further light
and knowledge would be given them.
The Law of Obedience was then taught Adam and Eve, and accepted
by them. Eve covenanted with Adam that thence forth she would obey
the law of her husband, and abide by his counsel in righteousness;
and Adam covenanted with the Lord that he would obey the Lord, and
keep his commandments.
You likewise covenanted to comply with the Law of Obedience. The
Law of Sacrifice, accompanying the Law of Obedience, as contained
in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, was next presented to
Adam; and you were all placed under covenant to observe it. The
Law of Obedience and Sacrifice includes the promise of the Savior,
the Only Begotten of the Father, who is full of grace and truth,
and who by His sacrifice has become the Redeemer of Mankind.
All things should be done in the Name of the Son. An angel of the
Lord explained this to Adam, who was given the privilege of showing
his Obedience by offering sacrifices to the Lord, in similitude
of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Later, the people of Israel lived
under this law, which continued in force until the death of Jesus
Christ.
The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying
name, sign, and penalty was given you; and you were told that the
name of this token is your New Name or the New Name of the dead,
if officiating for the dead. The sacred nature of the tokens of
the Priesthood was carefully explained at this time. You were placed
under solemn covenant never to reveal these tokens, with their accompanying
names, signs, an penalties, even at the peril of your life.
You were told that the execution of the penalties indicate different
ways in which life may be taken; then, Adam and Eve were driven
out of the garden into the Telestial Kingdom, or the lone and dreary
world, the world in which we are now living. There, Adam offered
a prayer saying "Oh God, hear the words of my mouth!", repeating
it three times. Satan entered, and claiming to be the god of this
world, asked Adam what he desired. Adam replied that he was waiting
for messengers from his Father. Satan declared that a preacher would
soon arrive. A man representing a sectarian minister entered and
preached doctrine which Adam did not accept.
Peter, James and John were sent down by the Lord, to learn, without
disclosing their identity, if the man Adam had been faithful to
his covenants. They found that he had been faithful and so reported.
They were sent down again, this time in their true character as
Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, to visit and to instruct Adam
and his posterity in the Telestial World. Before so teaching the
people, they cast Satan out.
The Law of the Gospel, as contained in the Book of Mormon and the
Bible was then given Adam and his posterity. You were placed under
covenant to obey the Law of the Gospel, and to avoid all lightmindedness,
loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord's anointed, and taking
the name of the Lord in vain. The Robe of the Holy Priesthood was
placed upon your left shoulder, according to the order of the Aaronic
Priesthood.
The Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood was given you, with its
name, sign, and penalty; and you were informed that the name of
this token is your first given name, or the first given name of
the person for whom you are officiating. The Robe of the Holy Priesthood
was then changed to the right shoulder, as was done anciently, when
officiating in the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood. With
the robe on the right shoulder, you have authority also if called
to the Bishopric, to act in the Aaronic Priesthood. You were then
introduced with the Robe of the Holy Priesthood on the right shoulder
into the Terrestrial Kingdom. The Law of Chastity was there explained
to you in plainness, and you were placed under covenant to obey
this law.
The First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or Sign of the Nail,
with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty was next given you.
You were told that the name of the First Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood is "the Son'" meaning the Son of God. The Book of Doctrine
and Covenants, in connection with the Book of Mormon and the Bible
was presented to you; and the Law of Consecration as contained in
the book of Doctrine and Covenants was explained to you, and you
received this law by covenant.
The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal
Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, or the Nail in the Sure Place was
given you, together with its sign. The name of this token will be
given you at the veil. This token has reference to the crucifixion
of the Savior. When he was placed upon the cross, the crucifiers
drove nails through the palms of his hands, then fearing that the
weight of his body would cause the nails to tear through the flesh
of his hands, they drove nails through his wrists. Hence, in the
palm is the Sign of the Nail, and in the wrist is the Sure Sign
of the Nail, or the Nail in the Sure Place.
You have now progressed so far in the Endowment that you are ready
to receive the name of the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood,
and to pass through the Veil, into the Celestial Kingdom.
The sisters in this company who are to be married and sealed for
time and eternity should be taken through the Veil by their intended
husband. Others will be taken through the Veil by the regular temple
workers.
Brethren and sisters, you will have received this day, the sacred
ordinances of the Endowment, the Eternal Plan of Salvation for man
as he journeys from his pre-existent state, to his future high place
in the Celestial Kingdom, has been presented to you.
[Seuraavien kappaleiden kohdalla on nauhassa jotain pientä
sotkua.]
You have covenanted to obey all the laws of the gospel, including
the laws of Obedience, Sacrifice, Chastity, and Consecration, which
make possible an exaltation with the Gods; and you have received
the First and Second Tokens of the Aaronic Priesthood, and the First
and Second Tokens of the Melchizedek Priesthood, with the names,
signs, and penalties of these tokens, except the name of the Second
Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which will be given you at
the Veil.
All this is done for the glory, honor and endowment of the children
of Zion.
Brethren and sisters, strive to comprehend the glorious things presented
to you this day. No other people on earth have ever had this privilege,
except as they have received the keys of the Priesthood, given in
the Endowment. These are what are termed "the Mysteries of Godliness,"
that which will enable you to understand the expression of the Saviour,
made just prior to his betrayal: "This is life Eternal, that they
might know thee, the Only True God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou
has sent." May God bless you all, amen.
CEREMONY AT THE VEIL
(At this point, a temple worker motions to the patrons, row by row,
directing them to the various Veil segments. A worker stands at
each segment to introduce the patron to "the Lord" who is on the
other side of the Veil. The worker gives three distinct taps with
the mallet.)
LORD: What is wanted?
WORKER: Adam, having been true and faithful in all things, desires
further light and knowledge, by conversing with the Lord, through
the Veil [for and in behalf of _____, who is dead].
LORD: Present him at the Veil, and his request shall be granted.
(The Lord gives the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood through
the opening in the Veil.)
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I will, through the Veil. (The patron gives the New Name).
(The Lord gives the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.)
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I will, through the Veil (The patron gives the first given
name of the person for whom the temple work is being done).
(The Lord gives the First Token of the Melchizedeck Priesthood.)
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or Sign of
the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I will, through the Veil--the Son.
(The Lord gives the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood.)
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal
Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I cannot. I have not yet received it. For this purpose I
have come to converse with the Lord through the Veil.
LORD: You shall receive it upon the Five Points of Fellowship through
the Veil.
(The Lord and the patron, still holding the grip, embrace upon the
Five points of Fellowship by placing their left arms through the
marks of the compass and square, which are cut through the Veil.
The patron's left arm goes through the mark of the compass, and
the Lord's left arm goes through the mark of the square.)
LORD: This is the name of the Token--"Health in the navel, marrow
in the bones, strength in the loins and in the sinews, power in
the Priesthood be upon me, and upon my posterity through all generations
of time, and throughout all eternity."
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal
Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I will, upon the Five Points of Fellowship through the Veil.--Health
in the navel, marrow in the bones, strength in the loins and in
the sinews, power in the Priesthood be upon me, and upon my posterity
through all generations of time, and throughout all eternity.
LORD: That is correct.
(The Lord and patron break the ceremonial embrace, and the temple
worker gives three taps with the mallet.)
LORD: What is wanted?
WORKER: Adam, having conversed with the Lord through the Veil, desires
now to enter his presence.
LORD: Let him enter.
(The Veil is now parted and the Lord takes the patron by the right
hand, and pulls him gently through the Veil into the Celestial Room.)
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