The Mormon Temple Endowment Ceremony
1984 Version
The following transcript is from a tape made in 1984 by Larry Cozad Jr.,
in the Provo, Utah temple in February 1984. Copies of the tape are
available from the following address:
Bob Witte
Ex-Mormons for Jesus
P.O. Box 2403
Brockton, MA 02403
A printed, bound, copy of both the pre- and post-1990 versions can be
ordered from Jerald and Sandra Tanner. The cost is 5$ + P&H. It is
titled: "Evolution of the Mormon temple ceremony: 1842-1990".
Utah Lighthouse Ministries
1350 South West Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
(801) 485-8894
www.utlm.org
THE MORMON TEMPLE ENDOWMENT CEREMONY
(1984 VERSION)
FIRST LECTURER: Brethren and sisters, we welcome you to the temple, and
hope you will find joy in serving in the house of the Lord this day.
Those of you who are here to receive your own Endowments should have
been washed, anointed, and clothed in the Garment of the Holy
Priesthood. The ordinances of washing, anointing, and clothing in the
Garment of the Holy Priesthood, together with the ordaining in behalf of
the deceased brethren were preformed previously for those deceased
persons whom you are representing. Each of you should have received a
New Name in connection with this company. If any of you have forgotten
the New Name, or have not received these ordinances as explained, please
stand. (pause)
Please be alert, attentive and refrain from whispering during
the presentation of the Endowment. As you are asked to proceed to the
Veil, please do so in an orderly manner, row by row, as directed. After
passing through the Veil into the Celestial Room, and in other areas in
the Temple, if you need to communicate, please whisper, thus helping us
maintain the quiet reverence that should prevail in the House of the
Lord. We will now proceed with the presentation of the Endowment.
SECOND LECTURER: Brethren, you have been washed and pronounced clean, or
that through your faithfulness, you may become clean from the blood and
sins of this generation. You have been anointed to become hereafter
Kings and Priests unto the Most High God, to rule and reign in the House
of Israel forever.
Sisters, you have been washed and anointed to become Queens and
Priestesses to your husbands.
Brethren and Sisters, if you are true and faithful, the day will
come when you will be chosen, called up, and anointed Kings and Queens,
Priests and Priestesses, whereas you are now anointed only to become
such. The realization of these blessings depends upon your faithfulness.
You have had a Garment placed upon you, which you were informed
represents the garment given to Adam when he was found naked in the
garden of Eden, and which is called the "Garment of the Holy
Priesthood." This you were instructed to wear throughout your life. You
were informed that it will be a shield and a protection to you if you
are true and faithful to your covenants.
You have had a New Name given unto you, which you were told
never to divulge, nor forget. This New Name is a keyword which you will
be required to give at a certain place in the temple today. The
Endowment is to prepare you for exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom.
If you proceed and receive your full endowment, you will be
required to take upon yourselves sacred obligations, the violation of
which will bring upon you the judgment of God; for God will not be
mocked. If any of you desire to withdraw rather than accept these
obligations of your own free will and choice, you may now make it known
by raising your hand.
Brethren and sisters, as you sit here, you will hear the voices
of three persons who represent Elohim, Jehovah, and Michael. Elohim will
command Jehovah and Michael to go down and organize a world. The work of
the six creative periods will be represented. They will organize man in
their own likeness and image, male and female. This, however, is simply
figurative so far as the man and woman are concerned.
THE CREATION--FIRST DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, see: yonder is matter unorganized, go ye down
and organize it into a world like unto the worlds that we have hereunto
formed. Call your labors the First Day, and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down.
MICHAEL: We will go down, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, see: here is matter unorganized. We will organize it
into a world like unto worlds that we have heretofore formed. We will
call our labors the First Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors on the First Day, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have been down as thou hast commanded, and have
organized a world like unto the worlds that we have heretofore formed,
and we have called out labors the First Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
SECOND DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, go down again. Gather the waters together and
cause the dry land to appear. The great waters call ye seas, and the dry
land call ye earth. Form mountains and hills, great rivers and small
streams, to beautify and give variety to the face of the earth. When you
have done this, call your labors the Second Day, bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down.
MICHAEL: We will go down, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, we will gather the waters together and cause the dry
land to appear. The great waters we will call seas, and the dry land we
will call earth. We will form mountains and hills, great rivers and
small streams to beautify and give variety to the face of the earth. We
will call our labors the Second Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors on the Second Day,
Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have been down as thou hast commanded, and have
gathered the waters together, and have caused the dry 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 worlds heretofore created. We
will call our labors the Third Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors of the Third Day, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have been down as thou hast commanded, and have
divided the light from the darkness, and have called the light "day" and
the darkness "night". We have caused the lights in the firmament to
appear; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule
the night. We have caused the stars also to appear and give light to the
earth, the same as with worlds heretofore created. We have called our
labors the Third Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
FOURTH DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, return again. Place seeds of all kinds in the
earth that they may spring forth as grass, flowers, shrubbery, trees,
and all manner of vegetation; each bearing seed in itself after its own
kind, as on the world we have heretofore created. Call your labors the
Fourth day, and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down.
MICHAEL: We will go down, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, we will place seeds of all kinds in the earth that
they may spring forth as grass flowers, shrubbery, trees, and all manner
of vegetation; each bearing seed in itself after its own kind, as on the
worlds we have heretofore created. We will call our labors the Fourth
Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors of the Fourth Day,
Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have been down as thou hast commanded, and have
placed seeds of all kinds in the earth that they may spring forth as
grass, flowers, shrubbery, trees, and all manner of vegetation; each
bearing seed in itself, after its own kind, as on the worlds we have
heretofore created; and we have called our labors the Fourth Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
FIFTH DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, now that the earth is formed, divided and
beautified, and vegetation is growing thereon, return and place beasts
upon the land: the elephant, the lion, the tiger, the bear, the horse,
and all other kinds of animals; fowls in the air in all their varieties,
fishes of all kinds in the waters, and insects and all manner of animal
life upon the earth. Command the beasts, the fowls, the fishes, the
insects, all creeping things, and other forms of animal life to multiply
in their respective elements, each after its kind, and every kind of
vegetation to multiply 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
life, it is glorious and beautiful.
JEHOVAH: It is, Michael.
MICHAEL: Let us return and report our labors of the Fifth Day, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have been down as thou hast commanded; we have
placed beasts upon the land: the elephant, the lion, the tiger, the
bear, the horse, and all other kinds of animals; in the waters, and
insects, and all manner of animal life upon the earth. We have commanded
the beasts, the fowls, the fishes, the insects, all creeping things, and
other forms of animal life to multiply in their respective elements,
each after its kind, and every kind of vegetation to multiply in its
sphere, that every form of life may fill the measure of its creation,
and have joy therein. We have called our labors the Fifth Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
SIXTH DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, is man found 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, and let us give him dominion over the beasts, the fishes, and
the birds, and make him lord over the earth, and over all things on the
face of the earth. We will plant for him a garden, eastward in Eden, and
place him in it to tend and cultivate it, that he may be happy, and have
joy therein. We will command him to multiply and replenish the earth,
that he may have joy in his posterity. We will place before him the Tree
of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and we will allow Lucifer, our common
enemy, whom we have thrust out to tempt him, and to try him, that he may
know by his own experience the good from the evil. If he yields to
temptation we will give unto him The Law of Sacrifice, and we will
provide a savior for him, as we counseled in the beginning, that man may
be brought forth by the power of the redemption and the resurrection,
and come again into our presence, and with us partake of Eternal Life
and exultation. We will call this the sixth day, and we will rest from
our labors for a season. Come, let us go down.
JEHOVAH: We will go down, Elohim.
(The film now shows a scene of a lush, tropical area. A thick mist rises
from the earth.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, see the earth that we have formed. There is no man to
till and take care of it. We are here to form man in our own likeness
and in our own image.
JEHOVAH: We will do so, Elohim.
(The youthful body of Adam who lies in a comatose state, is shown from
the shoulders up.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, man is now organized, and we will put into him his
spirit, the breath of life, that he may become a living soul.
(Light shines on Adam's face, and his chest expands as he begins to
breathe. He stirs, as if awakening.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, is it good for man to be alone?
JEHOVAH: It is not good for man to be alone, Elohim.
ELOHIM: We will cause a deep sleep to come upon this man whom we have
formed, and we will take from his side a rib from which we will form a
woman to be a companion and helpmeet for him.
(Adam lays his head upon the ground as he looses consciousness.)
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, this is Michael, who helped form the
earth. When he awakens from the sleep which Elohim and Jehovah have
caused to come upon him, he will be known as Adam, and having forgotten
all, will have become a little child. Brethren, close your eyes as if
you were asleep.
(All male patrons in the room close their eyes.)
ELOHIM: Adam, awake and arise.
(Adam obeys the command, and is shown with foliage in front of him which
conceals his body from view. The youthful Adam appears to be in his
20's, is in good physical condition, and is clean shaven.)
NARRATOR: All the brethren will please arise.
(The male patrons open their eyes and rise from their seats. An
attractive, youthful Eve enters the scene and stands beside Adam. They
are both shown from the shoulders up.)
ELOHIM: Adam, here is a woman whom we have formed and whom we give unto
you to be a companion and helpmeet for you. What will you call her?
ADAM: Eve.
(For the first time, the Gods, Elohim and Jehovah, are shown. They are
two bearded, luminescent, glorious personages, clothed in flowing white
robes. They appear standing in mid air above and in front of Adam and
Eve, and are surrounded by a radiant aura of silvery-white light.)
ELOHIM: Why will you call her Eve?
ADAM: Because she is the mother of all living.
ELOHIM: That is right, Adam; because she is the mother of all living.
Adam, we have organized for you this earth, and have planted a garden,
eastward in Eden. We will place you in the garden and will there command
you and Eve to multiply and replenish the earth, that you may have joy
and rejoicing in your posterity. Jehovah, introduce Adam into the garden
which we have prepared for him.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
NARRATOR: We now go with Adam and Eve into the garden. The brethren will
now be seated.
(As the male patrons sit down Adam and Eve are shown turning to follow
Jehovah into the garden. The scene quickly changes to the garden.)
ELOHIM: Adam, we have created for you this earth, and have placed upon
it all kinds of vegetation and animal life. We have commanded all these
to multiply in their own sphere and element. We give you dominion over
all these things, and make you, Adam, Lord over the whole earth, and all
things on the face thereof. We now command you to multiply and replenish
the earth, that you may have joy and rejoicing in your posterity. We
have also planted for you this garden, wherein we have placed all manner
of fruits, flowers, and vegetation. Of every tree of the garden thou
mayest freely eat, but of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil thou
shalt not eat; nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is
given unto thee. But, remember that I forbid it, for in the day thou
eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Adam, remember this commandment which we have given unto you.
Now go to, dress this garden, take good care of it, be happy and have
joy therein. We shall go away, but we shall visit you again and give you
further instructions.
(The scene changes, and it is understood that the Gods have again
ascended. The following scene occurs in the garden, and no indication
is given as to how much time has passed since the Gods' departure.
Lucifer, the devil, is shown standing nonchalantly observing Adam, and
is clad in black and red robes; also wearing a square black apron tied
to his waist. Though youthful, Lucifer appears perhaps a few years
older than Adam, and wears a beard and mustache, His 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 tree.
(Lucifer plucks two pieces of fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good
and Evil, and presents it to Adam.)
LUCIFER: Adam, here is some of the fruit of that tree. It will make you
wise.
ADAM: I will not partake of that fruit. Father told me that in the day I
should partake of it I should surely die.
LUCIFER: You shall not surely die but shall be as the Gods, knowing good
and evil.
ADAM: I will not partake of it.
LUCIFER: Oh you will not? Well, we shall see.
(Adam leaves, and Lucifer walks over to Eve, who is tending flowers.)
LUCIFER: Eve, here is some of the fruit of that tree. It will make you
wise. It is delicious to the taste and very desirable.
EVE: Who are you?
LUCIFER: I am your brother.
EVE: You, my brother, and come here to persuade me to disobey Father?
LUCIFER: I have said nothing about Father. I want you to eat of the
fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, that your eyes may be
opened, for that is the way Father gained his knowledge. You must eat of
this fruit so as to comprehend that everything has its opposite: good
and evil, virtue and vice, light and darkness, health and sickness,
pleasure and pain; and thus your eyes will be opened and you will have
knowledge.
EVE: Is there no other way?
LUCIFER: There is no other way.
EVE: Then I will partake.
(Eve takes the fruit from Lucifer, and bites it. Lucifer approves and
places the other piece in her hand, which he closes around it and pats
gently.)
LUCIFER; There, now go and get Adam to partake.
(Eve approaches Adam, fruit in hand, and presents it to him with a
persuasive tone of voice.)
EVE: Adam, here is some of the fruit of that tree. It is delicious to
the taste and very desirable.
ADAM: Eve, do you know what fruit that is?
EVE: Yes, it is the fruit 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 that Father commanded us to multiply and
replenish the earth? I have partaken of this fruit and by so doing shall
be cast out, and you will be left a lone man in the garden of Eden.
ADAM: Eve, I see that this must be so. I will partake that man may be.
(Adam takes a bite, and Lucifer walks to their side with a look of
approval.)
LUCIFER: That is right.
EVE: It is better for us to pass through sorrow that we may know the
good from the evil.
EVE: I know thee now. Thou art Lucifer, he who was cast out of Father's
presence for rebellion.
LUCIFER: Yes, you are beginning to see already.
ADAM: What is that apron you have on?
LUCIFER: It is an emblem of my power and Priesthoods.
ADAM: Priesthoods?
LUCIFER: Yes, Priesthoods.
ADAM: I am looking for Father to come down to give us further
instructions.
LUCIFER: Oh, you are looking for Father to come down, are you?
(The Gods' voices are suddenly heard in the garden, reverberating
through the air.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, we promised Adam that we would visit him and give him
further instructions. Come, let us go down.
JEHOVAH: We will go down, Elohim.
ADAM: I hear their voices, they are coming.
LUCIFER: See, you are naked. Take some fig leaves and make you aprons.
Father will see your nakedness. Quick! Hide!
ADAM: Come, let us hide.
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, put on your aprons.
(The film pauses temporarily while the patrons remove their fig-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 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
priests, and reign with blood and horror on the earth!
ELOHIM: Depart!
(Lucifer looks defiantly at Elohim; he then turns and walks away.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, let cherubim and a flaming sword be placed to guard the
way of the Tree of Life, lest Adam put forth his hand, and partake of
the fruit thereof, and live forever in his sins.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
(Jehovah turns to the side, and stretches his arm toward the tree.)
JEHOVAH: Let cherubim and a flaming sword be placed to guard the way of
the Tree of Life, lest Adam put forth his hand and partake of the fruit
thereof, and live forever in his sins. It is done, Elohim.
ELOHIM: Eve, because thou hast hearkened to the voice of Satan and hast
partaken of the forbidden fruit, and given unto Adam, I will greatly
multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow shalt thou bring forth
children. Nevertheless, thou mayest be preserved in child-bearing. Thy
desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee in
righteousness.
Adam, because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife and
hast partaken of the forbidden fruit, the earth shall be cursed for thy
sake. Instead of producing fruits and flowers spontaneously, it shall
bring forth thorns, thistles, briars, and noxious weeds to afflict and
torment man. 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 law in
the Lord, and will hearken unto your counsel as you hearken unto mine,
and if you will covenant that from this time forth you will obey the Law
of Elohim, we will give unto you the Law of Obedience and Sacrifice, and
we will provide a Savior for you, whereby you may come back into our
presence, and with us partake of Eternal Life and exaltation.
EVE: Adam, I now covenant to obey your law as you obey our Father.
ADAM: Elohim, I now covenant with thee that from this time forth I will
obey thy law and keep thy commandments.
ELOHIM: It is well, Adam. Jehovah, inasmuch as Adam and Eve have
discovered their nakedness, make coats of skins as a covering for them.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
(At this point the film pauses and the lights come on.)
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters the garment which was placed upon you in
the washing room is to cover your nakedness and represents the coat of
skins spoken of. Anciently it was made of skins. You have received the
garment, also your New Name. The officiator will represent Elohim at the
Altar. A couple will now come to the altar.
(A pre-selected "Witness Couple" now come forward and kneel at the
altar, resting their hands upon it as they face the Officiator. The
Officiator pantomimes all movements and gestures as a model for the
patrons to follow when directed.)
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, this couple at the altar represents all
of you as if at the altar. You must consider yourselves as if you were
respectively Adam and Eve.
ELOHIM: We will put the sisters under covenant to obey the law of their
husbands. Sisters, arise.
(Female patrons stand as instructed.)
ELOHIM: Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and each of
you solemnly covenant and promise before God, angels, and these
witnesses at this altar that you will each observe and keep the law of
your husbands, and abide by his counsel in righteousness. Each of you
bow your head and say "Yes."
WOMEN: Yes.
ELOHIM: That will do.
(The female patrons now resume their seats.)
ELOHIM: Brethren, Arise.
(Male patrons stand as instructed.)
ELOHIM: Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and each of
you solemnly covenant and promise before God, angles, and these
witnesses at this altar that you will obey the law of God, and keep his
commandants. Each of you bow your head and say "yes".
Men: Yes.
Elohim: That will do.
(Male patrons resume their seats.)
THE LAW OF SACRIFICE
ELOHIM: Brethren and sisters, you are about to be put under covenant to
obey and keep the Law of Sacrifice, as contained in the Old and New
Testament. This Law of Sacrifice was given to Adam in the garden of
Eden, who, when he was driven out of the garden, built an alter on which
he offered sacrifices; and after many days, an angel of the Lord
appeared unto Adam, saying: "Why dost thou offer sacrifice unto the
Lord?" And Adam said unto him: "I know not, save the Lord commanded me."
And then the angel spake saying: "This thing is a similitude of the
sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, 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."
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 Old and New Testament, as it has been
explained to you. Each of you bow your head and say "yes."
PATRONS: Yes.
ELOHIM: That will do.
(patrons resume their seats.)
THE FIRST TOKEN OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
ELOHIM: We will now give unto you the First Token of the Aaronic
Priesthood with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. Before doing
this, however, we desire to impress upon your minds the sacred character
of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying
name, sign, and penalty, as well as that of all the other tokens of the
Holy Priesthood, with their names, signs, and penalties, which you will
receive in the temple this day. They are most sacred, and are guarded by
solemn covenants and obligations of secrecy to the effect that under no
condition, even at the peril of your life, will you ever divulge them,
except at a certain place that will be shown you hereafter. The
representation of the execution of the penalties indicates different
ways in which life may be taken.
The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood is given by clasping
the right hands and placing the joint of the thumb directly over the
first knuckle of the hand, in this manner.
(The Officiator, representing Elohim, takes the right hand of the male
witness, who represents Adam at the 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: We give unto you the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood. We
desire all to receive it. All arise.
(As the patrons stand, the Witness Couple returns to their seats. The
Officiator and several other temple workers circulate around the room
and administer the token to the patrons as they stand at their seats.
Male workers attend to the male patrons, female workers to the females.
The Witness couple also receives the token at this time. Each patron
sits after receiving the token.)
ELOHIM: If any of you have not received this token, you will please
raise your hand.
The name of this token is the New Name that you received in the
temple today. If any of you have forgotten the New Name, please stand.
The sign is made by bringing the right arm to the square, the
palm of the hand to the front, the fingers close together, and the thumb
extended.
(The Officiator, again at the altar, demonstrates the sign and penalty
as the descriptions are given.)
ELOHIM: This is the sign. The execution of the Penalty is represented by
placing the thumb under the left ear, the palm of the hand down, and by
drawing the thumb quickly across the throat to the right ear, and
dropping the hand to the side.
I will now explain the covenant and obligation of secrecy which
are associated with this token, its name, sign and penalty, and which
you will be required to take upon yourselves. If I were receiving my own
Endowment today, and had been given the name of "John" as my New Name, I
would repeat in my mind these words, after making the sign at the same
time representing the execution of the penalty:
I, John, covenant that I will never reveal the First Token of
the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty.
Rather than do so, I would suffer my life to be taken.
(The Officiator demonstrates the execution of the penalty.)
ELOHIM: All arise.
(All patrons stand.)
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,
at the same time representing the execution of the penalty.
I ________, think of the new name, covenant that I will never
reveal the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying
name, sign, and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer my life to be
taken.
That will do. (Patrons sit down.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, see that Adam is driven out of this beautiful garden
into the lone and dreary world, where he may learn from his own
experience to distinguish good from evil.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
(As the lights are turned down the film presentation continues.)
THE LONE AND DREARY WORLD: THE TELESTIAL KINGDOM
(Adam and Eve are shown full view for the first time. They are clad in
animal skins which cover their bodies to their knees. The lone and
dreary world is represented by desert scenery. Adam kneels at his stone
altar, spreads his hands to heaven, and piously invokes the Lord.)
NARRATOR: We now go with Adam and Eve into the lone and dreary world.
Brethren and sisters, this represents the Telestial kingdom, or the
world in which we now live. Adam, on finding himself in the lone and
dreary world, built an altar and offered prayer, and these are the words
he uttered:
ADAM: Oh God, hear the words of my mouth.
Oh God, hear the words of my mouth.
Oh God, hear the words of my mouth.
(As Adam prays, Lucifer approaches from behind out of the shadows.)
LUCIFER: I hear you; what is it you want?
(Although Adam has already encountered Lucifer in the Garden of Eden, he
fails to recognize him at this appearance.)
ADAM: Who are you?
LUCIFER: I am the God of this world.
ADAM: You, the God of this world?
LUCIFER: Yes, what do you want?
ADAM: I am looking for messengers.
LUCIFER: Oh, you want someone to preach to you. You want religion, do
you? I will have preachers here presently.
(Lucifer turns his head as a sectarian minister approaches.)
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?
ADAM: I am looking for messengers from my Father.
(The scene changes to a view of the Celestial Kingdom, where Elohim
reigns from a white throne afront tall white pillars. He is radiant as
before, and his voice resonates as he speaks with Jehovah, who stands
before him.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, send down Peter, James and John to visit the man Adam
in the Telestial World, without disclosing their identity. Have them
observe conditions generally, see if Satan is there, and learn whether
Adam has been true to the token and sign given to him in the garden of
Eden. Have them then return and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
(Jehovah turns from Elohim and walks to the edge of the platform upon
which he stands. He there meets Peter, James and John, who await His
command. They are dressed as the Jews were at the time of Christ.)
JEHOVAH: Peter, James and John, go down and visit the man Adam in the
Telestial World, without disclosing your identity. Observe conditions
generally. See if Satan is there, and learn whether Adam has been true
to the token and sign given to him in the Garden of Eden. Then return
and bring us word.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go down.
JAMES: We will go down.
JOHN: We will go down.
(The three turn and leave, and the scene turns to the lone and dreary
world. Peter steps out from behind a large rock, followed by James and
John; they approach Adam, Eve, et al.)
PETER: Good morning.
LUCIFER: Good morning gentlemen.
PETER: What are you doing here?
LUCIFER: Teaching religion.
PETER: What religion do you teach?
LUCIFER: We teach a religion made of the philosophies of men, mingled
with scripture.
PETER: How is your religion received by this community?
LUCIFER: Very well--excepting this man. He does not seem to believe
anything we preach.
(Peter, James and John approach Adam and Eve.)
PETER: Good morning. What do you think of the preaching of these
gentlemen?
ADAM: I cannot comprehend it.
PETER: Can you give us some idea concerning it?
ADAM: They preach of a God who is without body, parts, or passions; who
is so large that he fills the universe, and yet is so small that he can
dwell in 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.
PETER: We do not wonder that you cannot comprehend such doctrine. Have
you any tokens or signs?
(Lucifer steps up to the side of Peter and interjects his query.)
LUCIFER: Do you have any money?
PETER: We have sufficient for our needs.
LUCIFER: You can buy anything in this world for money.
PETER: Do you sell your tokens or signs for money? You have them, I
presume.
ADAM: I have them, but I do not sell them for money. I hold them sacred.
I am looking for the further light and knowledge Father promised to send
me.
PETER: That is right. We commend you for your integrity. Good day. We
shall probably visit you again.
(Peter, James and John exit; Lucifer stares into the camera.)
LUCIFER: Now is the great day of my power. I reign from the rivers to
the ends of the earth. There is none who dares to molest, or make me
afraid.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: Shall we ever have any apostles or prophets?
LUCIFER: No. However, there may be some who will profess revelation or
apostleship. If so, just test them by asking that they perform a great
miracle, such as cutting off an arm or some other member of the body,
and restoring it, so that the people may know that they have come with
power.
(The scene changes to the Celestial Kingdom. Peter, James, and John
approach Jehovah with their report.)
PETER: Jehovah, we have visited the man Adam in the Telestial World as
thou didst command us. We found Satan there, with his ministers,
preaching all manner of false doctrine, and striving to lead the
posterity of Adam astray. But Adam has been true and faithful to the
token and sign given him in the Garden of Eden, and is waiting for the
further light and knowledge you promised to send him. This is our
report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter, James and John (Jehovah turns and approaches
Elohim) Elohim--Peter, James and John have been down to the man Adam in
the Telestial World. They found Satan there, with his ministers
preaching all manner of false doctrine, and striving to lead the
posterity of Adam astray. But Adam has been true and faithful to the
token and sign given him in the Garden of Eden, and he is waiting for
the further light and knowledge you promised to send him. This is their
report.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, instruct Peter, James and John to go down
in their true character as Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the man
Adam and his posterity in the Telestial World, and to cast Satan out of
their midst. Instruct them to give unto Adam and his posterity the Law
of the Gospel as contained in the Book of Mormon and the Bible; also a
charge to avoid all lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the
Lord's anointed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and every other
unholy and impure practice; and cause these to be received by covenant.
Instruct Peter, James, and John further to clothe Adam and his posterity
in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood, with the robe on the left shoulder,
and to give unto them the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with
its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. The have them return and bring
me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. (Jehovah turns, and approaches Peter,
James and John.) Peter, James and John, go down in your true character
as Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ to the man Adam and his posterity
in the Telestial World. Cast Satan out of their midst. Give unto them
the Law of the Gospel as contained in the Book of Mormon and the Bible;
also a charge to avoid all lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking
of the Lord's anointed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and every
other unholy and impure practice. Cause them to receive these by
covenant. Clothe them in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood, with the robe
on the left shoulder, and give unto them the Second Token of the Aaronic
priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. Then return
and bring us word.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go down.
(The scene changes again to the lone and dreary world. The three
Apostles boldly approach Lucifer.)
PETER: I am Peter.
JAMES: I am James.
JOHN: I am John.
LUCIFER: Yes, I thought I knew you. (He turns to the Preacher.) DO you
know who these men are? They claim to be apostles. Try them!
(The Preacher approaches Peter.)
SECTARIAN MINISTER: Do you profess to be 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?
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, out Master. (Lucifer is visibly shaken as he turns and leaves.
Peter waits until he has left, and then approaches Adam) Adam, we are
true messengers from the Father, and have come down to give unto you the
further light and knowledge He promised to send you.
ADAM: How shall I know that you are true messengers?
PETER: By our giving unto you the token and sign you received in the
Garden of Eden.
ADAM: (Grasps Peter by the right hand.) What is that?
PETER: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
ADAM: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
ADAM: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I cannot, for it is the New Name, but this is the sign (The right
arm to square); and this represent the Execution of the Penalty (Thumb
of right hand drawn across the throat).
ADAM: Now I know that you are true messengers sent down from Father. (To
audience) These are true messengers, I exhort you to give strict heed to
their counsels and teachings, and they will lead you in the way of life
and salvation.
NARRATOR: The Officiator will represent Peter at the altar.
(At this point the film is concluded. The remainder of the Endowment is
conducted from an audio recording.)
THE LAW OF THE GOSPEL
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar. (Witness couple comes to
altar as before.) Brethren and sisters, this couple at the altar
represent all of you as if at the altar, and you will be under the same
obligations as they will be. We are required to give unto you the Law of
the Gospel as contained in the Book of Mormon and the Bible; to give
unto you also a charge to avoid all lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil
speaking of the Lord's anointed, the taking of the name of God in vain,
and every other unholy and impure practice, and to cause you to receive
these by covenant.
All arise. (All patrons stand.) Each of you bring your right arm
to the square. (this is done.)
You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and
these witnesses at this altar, that you will observe and keep the Law of
the Gospel and this charge as it has been explained to you. Each of you
bow your head and say "yes."
PATRONS: Yes.
PETER: That will do. (All patrons sit down.)
THE ROBES OF THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD
PETER: We are instructed to clothe you in the Robes of the Holy
Priesthood. Place the robe on your left shoulder. Place the cap on your
head with the bow over the right ear, replace the apron, tie the girdle
with the bow on the right side, remove the slippers from your feet, and
put them in again as part of the temple clothing. You may now proceed to
clothe.
(Patrons open their clothing envelopes 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, sign, and penalty. This Token is given by
clasping the right hands and placing the joint of the thumb between the
first and second knuckles of the hand, in this manner.
(The Officiator and the male witness joins hands in the token, and
slightly raise their hands to demonstrate in to the patrons.)
PETER: We desire all to receive it. All arise.
(As the Patrons stand, the witness couple returns to their seats, and
various temple workers circulate about the room administering this token
as they did the former.)
PETER: If any of you have not received this token, you will please raise
your hand. The name of this token is your own first given name if you
are going through the temple for your own Endowment, or, if you are
going through for the dead, it is the first given name of the person for
whom you are officiating.
The sign is made by bringing the right hand in front of you,
with the hand in cupping shape, the right arm forming a square, and the
left arm being raised to the square. This is the sign. (The officiator
demonstrates.) The Execution of the Penalty is represented by placing
the right hand on the left breast, drawing the hand quickly across the
body, and dropping the hands to the sides. I will now explain the
covenant and obligation of secrecy which are associated with this token,
its name, sign, and penalty, and which you will be required to take upon
yourselves.
If I were receiving my own endowment today, and if my first
given name were "David," I would repeat in my mind those words, after
making the sign, at the same time representing the Execution of the
Penalty:
I, David, covenant, that I will never reveal the Second Token of
the Aaronic priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty.
Rather than do so I would suffer my life to be taken.
All arise. (All Patrons stand.) Each of you make the sign of the
Second Token of the Aaronic priesthood by bringing the right hand in
front of you, with the hand in cupping shape, the right arm forming a
square, and the left arm being raised to the square. This is the sign.
Now, repeat in your mind after me the words of the covenant, at
the same time representing the Executing of the Penalty.
I, _________, think of the first given name, covenant, that I
will never reveal the second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its
accompanying name, sign, and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer
my life to be taken. That will do.
(All patrons sit down.)
PETER: We will return and report. Jehovah, we have been down to the man
Adam and his posterity in the Telestial World, and have cast Satan out
of their midst. We have given unto them the Law of the Gospel as
contained in the Book of Mormon and the Bible; also a charge to avoid
all lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord's
anointed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and every other unholy
and impure practice, and have caused them to receive these by covenant.
We have also clothed them in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood and have
given unto them the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its
accompanying name, sign, and penalty. This is our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter, James and John. Elohim--Peter James and John
have been down to the man Adam and his posterity in the Telestial World,
have cast Satan out of their midst, and have done all else that they
were commanded to do.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, send down Peter, James and John again to
the Telestial World. Have Adam and his posterity change their robes to
their right shoulder, preparatory to officiating in the ordinances of
the Melchizedek Priesthood; and introduce them into the Terrestrial
World. Instruct Peter, James and John further, to give unto Adam and his
posterity the Law of Chastity, and to put them under covenant to obey
this law, which is, that the daughters of Eve, and the sons of Adam
shall have no sexual intercourse except with their husbands or wives to
whom they are legally and lawfully wedded, and to give unto them the
First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or the Sign of the Nail, with
its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. Have them return, and bring me
word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter, James and John, go down again
to the Telestial World; instruct Adam and his posterity to change their
robes to the right shoulder, preparatory to officiating in the
ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood; and introduce them into the
Terrestrial World. Give unto Adam and his posterity the Law of Chastity,
and put them under covenant to obey this law, which is, that the
daughters of Eve, and the sons of Adam shall have no sexual intercourse
except with their husbands or wives, to whom they are legally and
lawfully wedded. Give unto them the First Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood, or the Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, sign,
and penalty; and return and bring us word.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go down.
We are instructed to have you change the robe to the right shoulder,
preparatory to officiating in the ordinances of the Melchizedek
Priesthood, and introduce you into the Terrestrial World. You may now
make the change by removing the robe.
(The patrons stand, and remove their robes, replacing them on their
right shoulders. The male patrons now turn their cap, so that the bow is
now placed over the left ear, and the girdle is tied on the left side.
The patrons then sit.)
THE TERRESTRIAL WORLD
NARRATOR: We now enter the Terrestrial World. (Additional lights are
switched on.)
THE LAW OF CHASTITY
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar. (Witness Couple comes as
before.) We are instructed to give unto you the law of Chastity; this I
will explain. To the sisters it is, that no one of you will have sexual
intercourse except with your husband to whom you are legally and
lawfully wedded. To the brethren it is that no one of you will have
sexual intercourse except with your wife to whom you are legally and
lawfully wedded.
Sisters please arise. (All women stand up.) Each of you bring
your right arm to the square. You and each of you covenant and promise
before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar that you will
observe and keep the Law of Chastity, as it has been explained to you.
Each of you bow your head and say "yes."
SISTERS: Yes.
PETER: That will Do. (All women sit down.) Brethren, please arise. (All
men stand up.) Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and
each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses
at this altar that you will observe and keep the Law of Chastity, as it
has been explained to you. Each of you bow your head and say "yes."
BRETHREN: Yes.
PETER: That will do. (All men sit down.)
FIRST TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD
OR SIGN OF THE NAIL
PETER: We will now give unto you the First Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood, or the sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, sign,
and penalty. This token is received by bringing the right hand into this
position: the hand vertical, the fingers close together, and the thumb
extended; and the person giving the token placing the tip of the
forefinger of his right hand in the center of the palm, and the thumb
opposite on the back of the hand of the one receiving it, in this
manner. We desire all to receive it. All arise.
(After Officiator and male witness demonstrate token at the altar,
temple workers circulate around room to administer this token to the
patrons.)
PETER: If any of you have not received this token, you will please raise
your hand. 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, the
thumb extended, 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.)
I will now explain the covenant and obligation of secrecy which
are associated with this token, its name, sign and penalty, and which
you will be required to take upon yourselves. If I were receiving the
Endowment today, either for myself or for the dead, I would repeat in my
mind these words, after making the sign, at the same time representing
the execution of the Penalty:
I covenant in the name of the Son that I will never reveal the
First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with its
accompanying name, sign and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer
my life to be taken.
All arise (All patrons stand.) Each of you make the sign of the
First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail by brining
the left hand in front of you with the hand in cupping shape, the left
arm forming a square; also by bringing the right hand forward, the palm
down, the fingers close together, the thumb extended, and by placing the
thumb over the left hip. This is the sign.
Now repeat in your mind after me the words of the covenant, at
the same time representing the Execution of the Penalty:
I covenant in the name of the Son that I will never reveal the
First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with its
accompanying name, sign and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer
my life to be taken.
(Patrons perform the action as the Officiator guides them.)
That will do. (All patrons sit down.)
PETER: We will return and report. Jehovah, we have been down to the man
Adam and his posterity, have placed the robe on the right shoulder and
have introduced them into the Terrestrial World. We have put them under
covenant to observe and keep the Law of Chastity. We have also given
them the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail,
with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. This is our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter James and John. Elohim--Peter, James and John
have been down to the man Adam and his posterity, have placed the robe
on the right shoulder, and have introduced them into the Terrestrial
World. They have also put them under covenant to observe and keep the
Law of Chastity. They have given unto them the First Token of the
Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name,
sign, and penalty. This is their report.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, send down Peter, James and John and
instruct them to give to the man Adam and his posterity in the
Terrestrial world the Law of Consecration in connection with the law of
the Gospel and the Law of Sacrifice, and to cause them to receive it by
covenant; to give unto them the Second Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, with its
accompanying sign, and to teach them the Order of Prayer, and prepare
them in all things to receive further instructions at the Veil. Then
have them report at the Veil.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter, James and John, go down to the
man Adam and his posterity in the Terrestrial World, and give unto them
the Law of Consecration, in connection with the Law of the Gospel, and
the Law of Sacrifice, and cause them to receive it by covenant. Give
unto them the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the
Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sing of the Nail, with its accompanying sign.
Teach them the Order of Prayer and prepare them in all things to receive
further instructions at the Veil. Then report at the Veil.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come, James and John, let us go down.
THE LAW OF CONSECRATION.
PETER: A couple will now come to the 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 this, (The Officiator holds up a copy of
the Doctrine and Covenants again.), the Book of Doctrine and Covenants,
in that you do consecrate yourselves, your time, talents, and everything
with which the Lord has blessed you, or with which he may bless you, to
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the building up of
the Kingdom of God on the earth and for the establishment of Zion.
Each of you bow your head and say "yes."
PATRONS: Yes.
PETER: That will do. (All patrons sit down.)
SECOND TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD,
THE PATRIARCHAL GRIP, OR SURE SIGN OF THE NAIL
PETER: We will now give unto you the Second Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or the Sure Sign of the Nail, with its
accompanying sign. This token is given by clasping the right hands,
interlocking the little fingers, and placing the tip of the forefinger
upon the center of the wrist, in this manner (The Officiator
demonstrates this token with male witness.). We desire all to receive
it. All arise.
(As the witness couple returns to their seats various temple workers
administer the token as before, and each patron sits after receiving
it.)
If any of you have not received this token, You will please
raise your hand.
This token has a name and a sign, but no penalty is mentioned.
However, you will be under just as sacred obligation of secrecy in
connection with this token and sign as you are with the other tokens and
signs of the Holy Priesthood which you received in the temple this day.
The name of this token will not be given unto you at this stage in the
Endowment, but it will be given later on.
The sign is made by raising both hands high above the head (The
officiator demonstrates.), and while lowering the hands repeating aloud
the words:
Pay Lay Ale
Pay Lay Ale
Pay Lay Ale
(The hands are lowered in three distinct movements, one move for each
word. [1] Pay--hands above head, [2] Lay--both arms dropped to the
square, [3] Ale--both hands lowered to the height of chest.)
PETER: When Adam was driven out of the Garden of Eden, he built an altar
and offered prayer, and these are the words that he used, which
interpreted are: "Oh God, Hear the words of my mouth!", repeated three
times.
All arise. (All patrons stand.) Each of you make the sign of the
Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or
Sure sign of the Nail, by raising both hands high above the head, and
while lowering the hands repeating aloud the words:
Pay Lay Ale
Pay Lay Ale
Pay Lay Ale
(As the patrons make the sign they repeat words with recording as
described before.)
PETER: That will do. (all patrons sit down.) Brethren and sisters, with
the robe on the right shoulder you are prepared to be taught the True
Order of Prayer; and to be introduced at the Veil.
THE PRAYER CIRCLE
AND THE TRUE ORDER OF PRAYER
PETER: A few couples, will please come forward and form a circle around
the altar.
(The audio recording stops and the Officiator says in his own words a
statement to the following effect.)
OFFICIATOR: We would like to invite the witness couple, any receiving
their own personal Endowment, and any who are about to be married to
join us in the Prayer Circle at this time.
(The tape recording again resumes.)
NARRATOR: Only the best of feelings should exist in the Circle. If any
of you have unkind feelings toward any member of this Circle, you are
invited to withdraw so that the Spirit of the Lord may be unrestrained.
In the Circle we make the signs of all the tokens of the Holy
Priesthood.
(Patrons make each sign as they are mentioned by the Narrator.)
We will begin by making the Sign of the First Token of the
Aaronic Priesthood. This is done by brining the right arm to the square,
the palm of the hand to the front, the fingers close together, and the
thumb extended. This is the sign. The name of this token is the New Name
received in the temple today. The Execution of the Penalty is
represented by placing the thumb under the left ear, the palm of the
hand down, and by drawing the thumb quickly across the throat to the
right ear, and dropping the hand to the side.
We will now make the Sign of the Second Token of the Aaronic
Priesthood. This 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. The
Execution of the penalty is represented by placing the right hand on the
left breast, drawing the hand quickly across the body, and dropping the
hands to the sides.
We will now make the sign of the First Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood or Sign of the Nail. This is done by bringing the left hand
in front of you with the hand in cupping shape, the left arm forming a
square. The right hand is also brought forward, the palm down, the
fingers close together, the thumb extended, and the thumb is placed over
the left hip. This is the sign. The name of this Token is "the Son",
meaning the Son of God. The Execution of the penalty is represented by
drawing the thumb quickly across the body, and dropping the hands to the
sides.
We will now make the Sign of the Second Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail. This is done
by raising both hands high above the head, and while lowering the hands
repeating aloud the words:
Pay Lay Ale
Pay Lay Ale
Pay Lay Ale
signifying, "Oh God, Hear the words of my mouth!"
We have here a list of names of persons who are sick, or
otherwise afflicted, whom we are requested to remember in our prayer. We
will place the list upon the altar, and request the faith of those
present in behalf of these persons.
The sisters in the room will please veil their faces. Each
brother in the circle will take the sister at his left, by the right
hand in the Patriarchal Grip. Each of you bring your left arm to the
square, and rest it upon the shoulder or arm of the person at your left.
The brethren and sisters in the Circle will repeat the words of the
prayer.
OFFICIATOR: (the officiator kneels at the altar, and makes the sign of
the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood by bringing his right hand
forward, with the hand in cupping shape, resting it upon the altar. His
left arm is raised to the square. The prayer is spoken by the
Officiator, who decides its form and content. He speaks a few sentences
at a time, which are repeated in unison by the patrons in the circle.
After the prayer, the patrons in the circle release the grip, the
Officiator rises, and the audio tape resumes.)
PETER: The sisters will unveil their faces, and the brethren and sisters
in the circle will return to their seats. (All patrons sit.) We will now
uncover the Veil.
THE VEIL OF THE TEMPLE
(A Veil segment is now displayed from behind the curtain which is in the
front of the Endowment room. The Officiator takes a pointer in and,
prepares to draw attention to the marks on the Veil as they are
explained.)
PETER: Brethren and sisters, I will now explain the marks on the Veil.
These four marks are the marks of the Holy Priesthood, and corresponding
marks are found in your individual Garment.
This one on the right is the mark of the square. It is placed in
the Garment over the right breast, suggesting to the mind exactness and
honor in keeping the covenants entered into this day.
This one on the left is the mark of the compass. It is placed in
the Garment over the left breast, suggesting to the mind an undeviating
course leading to Eternal Life, a constant reminder that the desires,
appetites and passions are to be kept within the bounds the Lord has
set, and that all truth may be circumscribed into one great whole.
This is the navel mark. It is placed in the Garment over the
navel, suggesting to the mind the need of constant nourishment to the
body and spirit.
This is the knee mark. It is placed in the right leg of the
garment, so as to be over the knee cap, suggesting that every knee shall
bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is the Christ.
These other three marks are for convenience in working at the
Veil. Through this one, the person representing the Lord puts forth his
right hand, to test our knowledge of the tokens of the Holy Priesthood.
Through the one on our right, he asks us certain questions, through the
one on the left, we give our answers.
(As the Officiator, who now represents Peter, steps to the front of the
Veil another male worker steps behind it to represent the Lord. A small
mallet hangs on the metal frame which supports the Veil.)
PETER: As all of you will have to pass through the Veil, we will show
you how this is to be done. The person is brought to this point, and the
worker gives three distinct taps with the mallet. (The officiator raps
the mallet three times.) Whereupon, The Lord parts the Veil, and asks:
LORD: What is wanted?
PETER: Adam, having been true and faithful in all things, desires
further light and knowledge, by conversing with the Lord, through the
Veil.
LORD: Present him at the Veil, and his request shall be granted.
PETER: The person is then brought to this point, whereupon the Lord puts
forth his right hand, gives the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood,
and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, through the Veil.
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 upon the Five Points of Fellowship, through
the Veil.
(The officiator demonstrates the Five Points of Fellowship through the
Veil with the temple worker who represents the Lord, as each point is
mentioned.)
PETER: The Five Points of Fellowship are "inside of right foot by the
side of right foot, knee to knee, breast to breast, hand to back, and
mouth to ear." The Lord then gives the name of this token, and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal
Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, upon the Five Points of Fellowship, through the Veil.
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 his posterity in the
Terrestrial World, and have given unto them the Law of Consecration, and
have caused them to receive it by covenant. We have given unto them the
Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or
Sure Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying sign, and have taught them
the Order of Prayer. They are now ready to converse with the Lord
through the Veil. This is our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter, James, and John. Elohim--Peter, James and
John have been down to the man Adam and his posterity in the Terrestrial
World, and have done all that they were commanded to do.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, instruct Peter, James, and John to
introduce the man Adam and his posterity at the Veil, where we will give
unto them the name of the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood,
the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, preparatory to their
entering into our presence.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter, James, and John you will
introduce Adam and his posterity at the Veil, where we will give unto
them, the name of the Second Token of the Melchizedek priesthood, the
Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, preparatory to their
entering into our presence.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, we will introduce
them at the Veil.
Brethren and sisters, we are instructed to introduce you at the
Veil, where you will receive the name of the Second Token of the
Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or the Sure Sign of the
Nail, preparatory to your entering into the presence of the Lord.
LECTURE AT THE VEIL
(The following lecture is only given when there are patrons present who
are receiving their own Endowments, or when the Endowment room is full,
and additional time is needed to present the patron at the Veil.)
PETER: A lecture will now be given which summarizes the instructions,
ordinances and covenants, and also the tokens, with their key words,
signs and penalties, pertaining to the Endowment, which you, have thus
far received. You should try to remember and keep in mind all that you
have heard and seen and may yet hear and see in this house. The purpose
of this lecture is to assist you to remember that which has been taught
you this day.
You must keep in mind that you are under a solemn obligation
never to speak outside of the temple of the Lord of the things you see
and hear in this sacred place.
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, the ordinances of the Endowment as here
administered, long withheld from the children of men pertain to the
Dispensation of the Fullness of Time and have been revealed to prepare
the people for exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom, where God and Christ
dwell. The deep meaning of the Eternal Truths constituting the
Endowment, has been set forth in brief instructions, and by symbolic
representation. If you give prayerful and earnest thought to the Holy
Endowment, you will obtain the understanding and spirit of the work done
in the temples of the Lord. The privilege of laboring here for the dead
permits us to enter the temple frequently, and to refresh our memories,
and to enlarge our understanding of the Endowment.
You were first washed and anointed, a Garment was placed upon
you, and a New Name was given you. This name you should always remember;
but you must never reveal it to any person, except at the Veil. You then
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.)
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