Page:Book of the Dead.djvu/47

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
RITUAL.
43

representing the class, is seated on the Throne of Rameses and the mystical teachings of the Order are explained. In theory, each of you has been seated, through your representative, so that in the Order of Rameses each Egyptian is an equal to his fellow, and no distinction can exist except such as stand out through sterling individual worth, and such as are temporarily decreed for the proper government of the Order.

As an Egyptian and member of the Order of Rameses, you have become bound to us by a solemn obligation to support and maintain the laws of the Order; to keep concealed its secrets, and have promised never to be present nor assist at the conferment of the Order unless the same shall be within a Council of the Order legally constituted by the Supreme Council of the Order of Rameses.

Finally, Egyptians, remember the high ideals of the Order and the great principles it endeavors to establish, and be ever ready to check the slightest departure from established rules and forms. I am happy to greet each of you as a member in good standing in Council of ..................., of the Order of Rameses.

Egyptian Rek-Mara, Messenger of Abydos, conduct these Egyptians, newly crowned as Rulers of Egypt, to seats within the Secret Council of Rameses.