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Topical Studies
THE MORMON TEMPLE ENDOWMENT CEREMONY
Comparison between the pre and post 1990 versions
From http://www.lds-mormon.com/compare1.shtml
The following is the 1984 transcript of the endowment with the appropriate
changes marked to indicate where differences between this version and the
current endowment. Strikethroughs are used to indicate deleted
passages, bold typewriter font is used to indicate added text.
In passages where the wording was changed, the old text is marked as deleted and
the new text is marked as added. Original version of this can be found here.
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. For those
who are representing deceased persons, 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 hereafter 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 and Eve when he was they
were 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 inasmuch as you do not defile it and 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 Your
Endowment is to prepare you for exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom.
receive all those ordiances in the House if the Lord, wich are neccessary
for you to enable you to walk back to the prescence of the Father, passing the
angels who stand as sentinels, being able to givem them the key words, the signs
amd tokens, pertaining to the Holy Priesthood, and gain your eternal exaltation.
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 yourown 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 also 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 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 done 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, 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 of
the Second Day, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have been down done
as thou hast commanded, and have gathered the waters together, and have
caused the dry lands 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 to rule the day, and
the lesser to rule the night. We will cause the stars also to appear and give
light to the earth; the same as with other 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 done
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. and
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 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 all 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
an beautified with vegetation growing thereon, and provided with animal
all manner of 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 done
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; 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 and have called our labors the Fifth Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
SIXTH DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, is man found upon 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, them their spirits and let us give him
them 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 them a
garden, eastward in Eden, and place him them in
it to tend and cultivate it, that he they may
be happy, and have joy therein. We will command him them
to multiply and replenish the earth, that he they may
have joy in his their posterity. We will place
before him them the Tree of Knowledge of Good
and Evil, and we will allow Lucifer,
our common enemy, whom we have thrust out to tempt him them,
and to try him them, that he they
may know by his their own experience
the good from the evil. If he yields they yield
to temptation we will give unto him them The
Law of Sacrifice, and we will provide a savior for him them,
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 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 we 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 and Eve
into the garden which we have prepared for him them.
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, Eve 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 and
Eve 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 these
comandments 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 speach 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 that 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 this
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 if 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 remember
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 and Eve that we
would visit him them and give him
them 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-leave aprons from the bundles whch 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 thou shalt go, and dust shalt
thou thou shalt 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 treasure of the earth,
and with gold and silver I will buy up armies and navies, Popes and
false priests who oppress, and tyrants who destroy,
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 and Eve put forth his
their hand, hands, and partake
of the fruit thereof, and live forever in his their
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. Any 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
the law in of 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 the
law of the Lord and to hearken to your counsel as you obey
our hearken unto 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 that
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 ELOHIM: We will put (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 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, 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 alter that you will observe and keep the Law of Sacrifice, as contained in
the 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, and sign 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 alter, 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: Adam, we 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 ELOHIM: This is the sign. I will now explain the covenant and obligation I, John, covenant before God, angels and these witnesses that
I will never reveal the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its
accompanying name, ELOHIM: All arise.
(All patrons stand.)
ELOHIM: 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, I ________, think of the new name, covenant before God, angels and
these witnesses that I will never reveal the First Token of the Aaronic
Priesthood, with its accompanying name and sign, That will do. (Patrons sit down.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, see that Adam 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. (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? ADAM:: But 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.)
JEHOVAH: Peter, James and John, go down and visit the man Adam in the
Telestial World, without disclosing your identity. Observe conditions PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, let us 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:: PETER: What LUCIFER:: PETER: How is your religion received by this community?
LUCIFER:: Very well-- (Peter, James and John approach Adam and Eve.)
PETER ADAM: I am looking for messengers from my Father to teach me.
PETER: That is good.
PETER: (Lucifer steps up to the side of Peter and interjects his query.)
LUCIFER:: 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.
(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 Sat 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 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 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 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. What are you going to do
now? 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 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, and I have made a
covenant not to disclose it, but this is the sign (The right arm to
square); 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 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 All arise. (All patrons stand.) Each of you bring your right arm to
the square. (this is done.) 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 dress as instructed.) 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, and sign, (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, 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.) If I were receiving my own endowment today, and if my first given name were
"David," I would repeat in my mind those words, after making the sign,
I, David, covenant before God, angels and these witnesses ,
that I will never reveal the Second Token of the Aaronic priesthood, with its
accompanying name, and sign, 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, I, _________, think of the first given name, solemnly covenant,
before God, angels, and these witnesses that I will never reveal
the second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, and
sign, (All patrons sit down.) PETER: JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter, James and John. Elohim--Peter James and
John have been down to ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, send down Peter, James and John again to
the Telestial World. Have Adam and Eve and JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter, James and John, go down
again to the Telestial World; instruct Adam and Eve and their PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go down.
We are instructed to have you (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.) 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;
which PETER: That will Do. 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, and sign,
(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. Then 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, with the
thumb extended, I will now explain the covenant and obligation I solemnly covenant before God, angels and these
witnesses 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, and sign 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; Now repeat in your mind after me the words of the covenant, I solemnly 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,and sign (Patrons perform the action as the Officiator guides them.) That will do. (All patrons sit down.) PETER: 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, and sign ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, send down Peter, James and John and
instruct them to give to JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter, James and John, go down to 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 alter. (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 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 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 has reference to the crucifixtion of the
Savior. When he was placed upon the cross, the crucifiers drove nails through
the palms of his handsm then feering that the weight of his body would cause the
nails to tear through the flesh of the 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. 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, The sign is made by raising both hands high above the head (The officiator
demonstrates.), and while lowering the hands repeating aloud the words: O God, hear the words of my mouth! 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 uttered
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 O God, hear the words of my mouth! (As the patrons make the sign they repeat words with recording as
described before.) PETER: That will do (All patrons sit down.) THE PRAYER CIRCLE AND THE TRUE ORDER OF PRAYER PETER: A few of you, including 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, to take
their place at the head of the altar, and an equal number of Brothers and
Sisters to join us in the circle. any receiving their own personal
Endowment, and any who are about to be married are especially invited
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. We will now make the Sign of the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood. This
sign 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. 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, with
the thumb extended, 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 O 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 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. 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, this is the Veil of the Temple.
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 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. PETER: 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. PETER: 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. PETER: 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 at the altar
represents all of you as if at the altar. You must consider yourselves as if you
were respectively Adam and Eve.
the sisters each sister
under covenant to obey the law of their husbands the
Lord and to hearken to the counsel of her husband, as her husband hearkens unto
the counsel of the Father. Sisters, arise.
your husbands,
the Lord and abide by his hearken unto
the counsel in righteousness of your husband as
he hearkens unto the counsel of the Father. Each of you bow your head
and say "Yes."
you are about to be we
will now put you under covenant to obey and keep the
Law of Sacrifice, as contained in the Old and New Testament. Holy
Scriptures. This Law of Sacrifice was given to Adam in the garden of
Eden, who, when he was driven out of the garden, built an alter on which he
offered sacrifices; and after many days, an angel of the Lord appeared unto
Adam, saying: "Why dost thou offer sacrifice sacrifices
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, which 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."
Old and New Testament Holy Scriptures, as
it has been explained to you. Each of you bow your head and say "yes."
, 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 and sign, and penalty, as
well as that of all the other tokens of the Holy Priesthood, with their names, and
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 made in the
prescense of God, Angels and these witnesses to hold them sacred and under
no condition, even at the peril of your life, will you ever divulge them, except
at a certain place in the temple that will be shown you
hereafter. The representation of the execution of the penalties
indicates different ways in which life may be taken.
and
penalty as the descriptions are given.)
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.
of secrecy which
are associated with this token, its name, and 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:
and sign, and penalty. Rather than
do so, I would suffer my life to be taken.
(The Officiator demonstrates the execution of the penalty.)
at the same time
representing the execution of the penalty.
and
penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer my life to be taken.
is and Eve are driven
out of this beautiful garden into the lone and dreary world, where he
they may learn from his their own
experience to distinguish good from evil.
Oh God, hear the words of my mouth.
Oh God, hear the words of my mouth.
I will have preachers here presently. There will be
many willing to preach to you the philosophies of men mingled with scripture.
(Lucifer turns his head as a sectarian minister approaches.)
LUCIFER:: Good Morning sir!
SECTARIAN MINISTER: Good morning!
(The preacher turns and looks into the camera.)
SECTARIAN MINISTER: 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 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 such a 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?
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.
JAMES: We will go down.
JOHN: We will go down.
Teaching religion. Observing the
teachings of these people.
religion do you teach? is being
taught?
We teach a religion made of the
philosophies of men, mingled with scripture.
excepting except this
man. He does not seem to believe anything we preach.
what is being taught.
: Good morning. What do you think of the preaching
of these gentlemen? what is being taught?
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 your 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.
We do not wonder that you cannot comprehend such
doctrine. Have you any tokens or signs?
Do you have you any money?
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.
an there, with his ministers,
preaching all manner of false doctrine, and striving to lead the
posterity of Adam astray with all manner of false doctrine. 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.
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.the man
Adam and Eve and his their
posterity in the Telestial World, and to cast Satan out of their midst. Instruct
them to give unto Adam and Eve and his their
posterity the Law of the Gospel as contained in the Book of Mormon and
the Bible Holly Scriptures ; also give unto them 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 Eve and his
their 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, and sign, and
penalty. The have them return and bring me word.
the man Adam and
Eve and his their 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 Holy
Scriptures; 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, and sign, and penalty.
Then return and bring us word.
(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 an Apostle 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?
down to give
unto you the further light and knowledge He promised to send
you.
and this represent the Execution of the Penalty (Thumb
of right hand drawn across the throat).counsels counsil and teachings
teaching, and they will lead you in the way of life and
salvation.Book of Mormon and the Bible Holy
Scriptures; 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.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."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.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
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, and
sign, and penalty, and which you will be required to take upon
yourselves.at the same time representing the Execution of the Penalty:and penalty. Rather
than do so I would suffer my life to be taken.at the
same time representing the Executing of the Penalty.and penalty. Rather than do so, I would
suffer my life to be taken. That will do.We will return and report. Jehovah, we have
been down to the man Adam and Eve and his
their 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 Holy Scriptures; 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, and sign,
and penalty. This is our report.the man Adam and Eve and
his their posterity in the Telestial World,
have cast Satan out of their midst, and have done all else that they were
commanded to do.his their
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 them 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
relations 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,
and sign, and penalty. Have them return, and
bring me word.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 to them 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 relations 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, and sign, and penalty;
and return and bring us word.change remove the
robe and change it to the right shoulder, preparatory to
officiating in the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and introduce you
into the Terrestrial World. You may now make the change by removing
remove the robe.this I will explain. To the sisters it is, that no
one of you will shall have no
sexual intercourse relations 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 All 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 ALL:Yes.(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.)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.and the thumb is placed over the left hip. (The
Officiator makes the sign.) This is the sign. The penalty is
represented by drawing the thumb quickly across the body and dropping the hands
to the sides. (Officiator completes the action.)of secrecy
which are associated with this token, its name, and 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:and penalty. Rather than do so, I would
suffer my life to be taken.also
by bringing the right hand is also brought forward, the
palm down, the fingers close together, the thumb extended, and by
placing the thumb over the left hip. This is the sign.at the
same time representing the Execution of the Penalty:and penalty. Rather than
do so, I would suffer my life to be taken.We will return and report. Jehovah, we have
been down to the man Adam and Eve and his
their posterity, and have done all that they were
commanded to do 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., and penalty.
This is their report.the man Adam and Eve
and his their 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 prepare them in all things to receive further instructions at the
Veil. Then have them report at the Veil.the
man Adam and Eve and his their
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.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.but no penalty is mentioned.
However, you will be under just as the same 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 have
received in the temple this day. The name of this token will not be given unto
to you at this stage in the Endowment, but it will be given
later on.Pay Lay Ale
Pay Lay Ale
Pay Lay Ale
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
(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.)used, which interpreted are: "Oh God, Hear the words of my
mouth!", repeated three times.aloud three times the words:
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
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 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. 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.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.aloud
three times the words:
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
signifying, "Oh God, Hear the words of my mouth!"the
this list upon the altar, and request the faith of those present
in behalf of these persons.The brethren and sisters
Those in the Circle will repeat the words of the prayer.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.upon the Five
Points of Fellowship, through the Veil.
PETER: It is received as left arms are placed upon right shoulders 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.
PETER: 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.
PETER: 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
Eve and his their 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 the man Adam and Eve and his
their 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 enter 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, The 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 came 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 kinds of 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, the 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, 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 drive 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-existenant state, to his future high place in the
Celestial Kingdom, has been presented to you. 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, wit 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 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 an 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.)