THE ORDER OF MALTA,

Shibboleth: A Templar Monitor, by George Cooper Connor, [1894], at sacred-texts.com

p. 131

OR

OF THE ORDER OF

Saint John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta.

______________________

According to the Ritual Adopted by Grand Encampment in 1883.

______________________

TO OPEN A PRIORY.

All being suitably equipped, and the Priory suitably arrayed, the necessary precautionary steps will be taken. This is the array:

Click to enlarge

p. 132

KNIGHT OF SAINT PAUL.

PAUL AT MELITA (MALTA).

And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. Acts xxviii: 1-6.

PAUL'S EXHORTATION.

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cæsar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Acts xxvii: 22-25.

F N. P.

p. 133

KNIGHT HOSPITALER.

B. L. D. R. A.

VOW.

Admitted.                Raised.

THE BEATITUDES.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their’s is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for their’s is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Matt. v: 3-11.

DOUBTING THOMAS.

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then

p. 134

came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. John xx: 24-28.

THE INSCRIPTION.

And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews. John xix: 19.

Here endeth the third lesson.

RECOGNITION.

Note.—As a new Order of Malta will (D. V.) be submitted to the Grand Encampment, at its Triennial, Boston, 1893, the above will be sufficient for the Commanderies at present.

p. 135

FLOOR PLAN

OF THE PROPOSED REVISED RITUAL OF THE ORDER OF MALTA.

Click to enlarge

Stations same as in K. T. at Opening. The dotted lines show course of second entrance.

This plan contemplates the use of a single Hall, which is most desirable. The Bulwarks are Cyprus, Rhodes, and Malta. Meditations at these are on the Birth, Life, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of our Saviour.