Mormon Temple Ceremony
Chris Walker
community, that this information become public. This is an
extract from the book "Evolution of the Mormon temple ceremony:
1842-1990" by Gerald & Sandra Tanner. I encourage all interested
parties to contact the Tanners at:
Utah Lighthouse Ministries
1350 South West Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
(801)-485-8894
The 1990 revised version of the Temple ceremony
Introduction
(by the Tanners)
The following is a transcription of the new 1990 version of
the Mormon temple "endowment ceremony." As we explained in the
Preface, it was transcribed by a man from a tape recording made
in a Mormon temple by a member of the LDS Church in July, 1990.
We have carefully compared the transcript with a copy of the
tape and have made some minor corrections in the text. Our re
search has verified that the transcript is an accurate copy of
the tape. As we indicated earlier, this transcript was used to
mark the changes made in the ritual printed in Appendix A.
While the volume was low on the tape recording we listened
to, the wording was generally very clear and easy to understand.
One exception, however, was the "Ceremony at the Veil" - the
very last portion of the endowment ritual. At this part of the
ritual a number of people are talking at the same tin in a low
tone of voice. Although we could clearly hear the tapping of the
mallet and words being exchanged, we could not follow the conver-
sation. (The tape of the 1984 version is relatively good at this
portion of the ceremony. The difference between the two record-
ings probably relates to where the tape recorders were located
and the quality of the machines.)
Fortunately, the wording of the "Ceremony at the Veil" in
the 19990 ceremony can be accurately reconstructed from the
instructions Peter gives to those who are about to pass through
the veil. Peter tells those who are receiving their endowments
exactly what the "Lord" will ask them and the response they are
to give. With the exception of the "name" of the Second Token of
the Melchizedek Priesthood (which is kept secret until the very
last part of the ritual), the wording would have to be the same
in both places. In other words the wording which follows is
already given. This wording is clear on the tape recording.
The man who made the transcript informed us that he checked
with the Mormon who made the tape recording and was told that
this wording, including the "name" of the Second Token of the
Melchizedek Priesthood, is exactly the same as it was before the
Mormon leaders changes the temple ceremony in 1990.
THE MORMON TEMPLE ENDOWMENT CEREMONY
(1990 VERSION)
INTRODUCTORY ANNOUNCEMENT: Before beginning the Endowment serv
ice, we present the following statement from the First Presiden-
cy.
FIRST PRESIDENCY'S STATEMENT: Since the temple Endowment was
first administered in this dispensation, minor changes have been
made from time to time by the First Presidency and Council of the
Twelve, acting unitedly in their capacity as Prophets, Seers and
Revelators.
After an exacting and extensive review, and following solemn
prayer on many occasions in the Upper Room of the Salt Lake
Temple, modifications in the Endowment ceremony have been recent
ly made by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve.
Those of you who are familiar with the ceremony will recognize
these changes which do not affect the substance of the teachings
of the Endowment, nor the covenants associated therewith.
As with the other aspects of the Endowment, you are under
solemn obligation not to discuss these sacred matters outside of
the temple.
May you be blessed of the Lord in the selfless service which
you give in His holy house. Sincerely, the First Presidency.
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 if the Holy Priesthood. For those who are representing
deceased persons, the ordinances if washing, anointing, and
clothing in the Garment of the Holy Priesthood, together with the
ordaining in behalf of the deceased brethren were preformed
previously. Each of you should have received a New Name in con
nection 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 reverent during the presenta
tion 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 presenta-
tion of the Endowment.
(The lights are dimmed at this point).
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 anoint
ed 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 hereaf
ter Queens and Priestesses to your husbands.
Brethren and Sisters, if you are true and faithful, the day
will come when you will be chosen, called up, and anointed Kings
and Queens, Priests and Priestesses, whereas you are now anointed
only to become such. The realization of these blessings depends
upon your faithfulness.
You have had a Garment placed upon you, which you were
informed represents the garment given to Adam and Eve when they
were found naked in the garden of Eden, and which is called the
"Garment of the Holy Priesthood." This you were instructed to
wear throughout your life. You were informed that it will be a
shield and a protection to you inasmuch as you do not defile it,
and if you are true and faithful to your covenants.
You have had a New Name given unto you, which you were told
never to divulge, nor forget. This New Name is a keyword which
you will be required to give at a certain place in the temple
today.
Your Endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the
House of the Lord, which are necessary for you, to enable you to
walk back to the presence of the Father, passing the angels who
stand as sentinels, being enables to give them the key words, the
signs and the tokens, pertaining to the Holy priesthood, and gain
your eternal exaltation.
If you proceed and receive your full endowment, you will be
required to take upon yourselves sacred obligations, the viola
tion 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
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 Mi
chael. Elohim will command Jehovah and Michael to go down and
organize a world. The work of the six creative periods will be
represented. They will also organize man in their own likeness
and image, male and female.
(The lights are now turned down completely and the curtain as the
front of the endowment room are drawn open, revealing a wall onto
which the film is projected. The filmed presentation commences
with the scene of several asteroids drifting in black space
amidst the start. Women's and then men's voices are heard sing
ing, as if part of an angelic choir. As the Gods speak their
voices are sonorous and reverberating.)
THE CREATION - FIRST DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, see: yonder is matter unorganized, go
ye down and organize it into a world like unto the other worlds
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 organ
ize it into a world like unto other worlds we have heretofore
formed. We will call our labors the First Day, and return and
report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors of the First Day,
Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have done as thou hast commanded, and have
called out labors the First Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
SECOND DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, go down again. Gather the waters to
gether 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. 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 of the Second Day,
Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have done as thou hast commanded, and 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 here
tofore 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, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, we will divide the light from the darkness,
and call the light "day," and the darkness "night." We will cause
the lights in the firmament to appear, the greater to rule the
day, and the lesser to rule the night. We will cause the stars
also to appear and give light to the earth; the same as with
other worlds heretofore created. We will call our labors the
Third Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors of the Third Day,
Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have done as thou hast commanded, and have
called our labors the Third Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
FOURTH DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, return and place seeds of all kinds in
the earth that they may spring forth as grass, flowers shrub
bery, trees, and all manner of vegetation; each bearing seed in
itself after its own kind. 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. 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.
FIFTH DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, now that the earth is formed, divided
and beautified, and vegetation is growing thereon, return and
place all manner of 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: Michael, now that the earth is formed, divided and
beautified, and vegetation is growing thereon, we will place all
beast 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 it its sphere, that every form of life may
fill the measure of its creation, and have joy therein. We will
call your labors the Fifth Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: It is well, Jehovah. Now that the earth is formed with
vegetation growing thereon, and provided wit all manner of life,
it is glorious and beautiful.
JEHOVAH: It is, Michael.
MICHAEL: Let us return and report our labors of the Fifth Day,
Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have done as thou hast commanded, and have
called our labors the Fifth Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
SIXTH DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, is man found upon the earth?
JEHOVAH : Man is not found on the earth, Elohim.
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, the let us go down and form man in our
own likeness and in our own image, male and female, and put into
them their spirits, and let us give them dominion over all things
on the face of the earth. We will plant for them a garden, east
ward in Eden, and place them in it to tend and cultivate it, that
they may be happy, and have joy therein. We will command them to
multiply and replenish the earth, that they may have joy in their
prosperity. We will place before them the Tree of Knowledge of
Good and Evil, and we will allow Lucifer, our common enemy, whom
we have thrust out to tempt them, and to try them, that they may
know by their own experience the good from the evil. If they
yield to temptation we will give unto them The Law of Sacrifice,
and we will provide a savior for them, as we counseled in the
beginning, that they 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.)
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 appears to be sleeping, 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.
(Adam stirs, and begins to sit up.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, is it good fir 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 form 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 Jeho
vah 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 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. We have organized for you this earth, and have planted a
garden, eastward in Eden. We will place you in the garden and we
will there command you to multiply and replenish the earth, that
you may have joy and rejoicing in your posterity. Jehovah, intro
duce Adam and Eve into the garden which we have prepared for
them.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim
NARRATOR: We now go with Adam and Eve into the garden. The
brethren will now be seated.
(Adam and Eve joins hands, and are introduced into the garden as
the male patrons are seated. The scene changes to the garden.)
ELOHIM: Adam, Eve, we have created this earth, and have placed
upon it all kinds of vegetation and animal life. We have command
ed 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, fir
it is given unto thee. But, remember that I forbid it, for in the
day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Remember these commandments 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.
(Adam and Eve surveys the garden, examining the plant and animal
life. Adam peers over a hedge of bushes and smiles as he watches
a loin lazily stretching on the ground. As Lucifer introduces
himself in the following scene, he stands in the shadows as he
begins to speak and then steps forward into the light. Lucifer
wears black and gray clothing with a cloak. He is also clean
shaven)
LUCIFER: Well, Adam, you have a new world here.
ADAM: A new world?
LUCIFER: Yes, a new world, patterned after the old one where you
used to live.
ADAM: I know nothing about any other world.
LUCIFER: Oh, I see, your eyes are not yet opened. You have for
gotten everything. You must eat some of the fruit of that tree.
(Lucifer plucks fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and
Evil, and presents it to Adam.)
LUCIFER: Adam, here is some of the fruit of this tree. It will
make you wise.
ADAM: I will not partake of that fruit. Father told me that in
the day I should partake of it I should surely die.
LUCIFER: You shall not surely die but shall be as the Gods,
knowing good and evil.
ADAM: I will not partake of it.
LUCIFER: Oh you will not? Well, we shall see.
(Lucifer goes in search of Eve and hears a lamb bleating. He
turns his head and finds Eve carrying a small lamb.)
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 knowl
edge. You must eat of this fruit so as to comprehend that every
thing has its opposite: good and evil, virtue and vice, light and
darkness, health and sickness, pleasure and pain - 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.)
LUCIFER; There, now go and get Adam to partake.
(Eve turns, and seeks Adam, fruit in hand. She finds him knelling
by a brook dipping his hand into the water. Fish are seen swim
ming below the surface, and white doves fly nearby. As Eve
speaks to Adam, he stands and smiles as he sees her.)
EVE: Adam, here is some of the fruit of that tree. It is deli
cious 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 com
manded 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 remember that Father commanded us to multiply and
replenish the earth? I have partaken of this fruit and by so
doing shall be cast out, and you will be left a lone man in the
garden of Eden.
ADAM: Eve, I see that this must be. 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 draws his cloak up to reveal a black apron.)
LUCIFER: It is an emblem of my power and 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.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, we promised Adam and Eve that we would visit
them and give them further instructions. Come, let us go down.
JEHOVAH: We will go down, Elohim.
ADAM: I hear their voices, they are coming.
LUCIFER: See, you are naked. Take some fig leaves and make you
aprons. Father will see your nakedness. Quick! Hide!
ADAM: Come, let us hide.
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, put on your aprons.
(The film pauses temporarily and the lights are turned up while
the patrons remove their fig-leave aprons from the bundles. All
patrons tie the aprons on around their waists. The lights are
again turned down and the film resumes. The camera pans down and
presents the God's perspective as they descend. Adam hides behind
foliage.)
ELOHIM: Adam ... Adam! ... Adam! Where art thou?
ADAM: I heard thy voice and hid myself, because I was naked.
ELOHIM: Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou partaken of
the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, of which we
commanded thee not to partake?
ADAM: The woman thou gavest me, and commanded that she should
remain with me, she gave me of the fruit of the tree, and I did
eat.
ELOHIM: Eve, what is this that thou hast done?
EVE: The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
ELOHIM: Lucifer, what hast thou been doing here?
LUCIFER: I have been doing that which has been done in other
worlds.
ELOHIM: What is that?
LUCIFER: I have been giving some of the fruit of the Tree of the
Knowledge of Good and Evil to them.
ELOHIM: Lucifer, because thou hast done this, thou shalt be
cursed above all the beasts of the field. Upon thy belly shalt
thou go, and dust thou shalt eat all the days of thy life.
(As Lucifer speaks he becomes angry and a storm begins to well up
and the winds blow.)
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,
false priests who oppress, and tyrants who destroy, and reign
with blood and horror on the earth!
ELOHIM: Depart!
(Thunder cracks and the storm ceases as Lucifer looks defiantly
at Elohim; he then turns and walks away.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, let cherubim and a flaming sword be places to
guard the way of the Tree of Life, lest Adam and Eve put forth
their hands, and partake of the fruit thereof, and live forever
in their sins.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
(Jehovah commands, and light is shown shining through the tree.)
JEHOVAH: Let cherubim and a flaming sword be places to guard the
way of the Tree of Life, lest Adam and Eve put forth their hands
and partake of the fruit thereof, and live forever in their sins.
It is done, Elohim.
ELOHIM: Adam, because thou 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 seat of thy face halt thou eat thy bread all the days
of thy life, fur 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 the Lao of the Lord, and will hearken unto your counsel as
you hearken unto mine, and if you will covenant that from this
time forth you will obey the Law of Elohim, we will give unto you
the Law of Obedience and Sacrifice, and we will provide a Savior
for you, whereby you may come back into our presence, and with us
partake of Eternal Life and exaltation.
EVE: Adam, I now covenant to obey the Law of the Lord, and to
hearken to your counsel as you hearken unto Father.
ADAM: Elohim, I now covenant with thee that from this time forth
I will obey thy law and keep thy commandments.
ELOHIM: It is well. 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 that was places upon
you in the washing room is to cover your nakedness and represents
the coat of skins spoken of. The officiator will represent Elohim
at the Altar. A couple will now come to the altar.
(A pre-selected "Witness Couple" now comes forward and kneel at
the altar, resting their hands upon it as they face the Officia
tor. The Officiator pantomimes all movements and gestures as a
model for the patrons to follow when directed.)
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, this couple 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 each sister under covenant to obey the Law of
the Lord, and to hearken to the counsel of her husband, as her
husband hearkens unto the counsel of the Father. 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 the Lord, and hearken to the counsel of your
husband as he hearkens to the counsel of the Father. 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. 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 will 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, we will now put you under covenant
to obey and keep the Law of Sacrifice, as contained in the Holy
Scriptures. This Law of Sacrifice was given to Adam in the garden
of Eden, who, when he was driven out of the garden, built an
altar on which he offered sacrifices; and after many days, an
angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: "Why dost thou
offer sacrifices unto the Lord?" Adam said: "I know not, save the
Lord commanded me." And then the angel spake saying: "This 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 firs
tlings 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 man
kind, so we should covenant to sacrifice all that we possess,
even our own lives if necessary, in sustaining and defending the
Kingdom of God.
All arise. Each of you bring your right arm to the square.
You and each of you solemnly covenant and promise before God,
angels, and these witnesses at this altar that you will observe
and keep the Law of Sacrifice, as contained in the Holy Scrip
tures, 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 and sign. Before doing this
we desire to impress upon your minds the sacred character of the
First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its name and sign, as
well as that of all the other tokens of the Holy Priesthood, with
their names and signs, which you will receive in the temple this
day. They are most sacred, and are guarded by solemn covenants
and obligations made in the presence of God, angels and these
witnesses to hold them sacred and under no condition will you
ever divulge them, except at a certain place in the temple that
will be shown you.
The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood is given by clasp
ing the right hands and placing the joint of the thumb directly
over the first knuckle of the hand, in this manner.
(The Officiator, representing Elohim, takes the right hand of the
male witness, who represents Adam at the altar, and demonstrates
the token. The male witness, who remains kneeling, is obliged to
raise his hand above his head while receiving the grip, thus
enabling the patrons to view the manner in which the token is to
be given.)
ELOHIM: Adam, 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.
Tee 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. This is the sign.
(The Officiator, again at the altar, demonstrates the sign as the
description is given.)
ELOHIM: I will now explain the covenant and obligation which are
associated with this token, its name and sign 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:
I, John, covenant before God, angels and these witnesses,
that I will never reveal the First Token of the Aaronic Priest
hood, with its accompanying name and sign.
(The Officiator demonstrates the sign and drops his hands after
the words of the covenant are completed.)
ELOHIM: All arise.
(All patrons stand.)
ELOHIM: Each of you make the sign of the First Token of the
Aaronic Priesthood, by bringing your right arm to the square, the
palm of the hand to the front, the fingers together, and the
thumb extended. This is the sign. Now, repeat in your mind after
me the words of the covenant.
I ________, think of the new name, covenant before God,
angels, and these witnesses, that I will never reveal the First
Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name and
sign.
That will do. (Patrons sit down.)
(As the lights are turned down the film presentation continues.
Adam and Eve, both clad in animal skins, are shown hurriedly
exiting the garden of Eden amidst a storm. Various animals scamp
er about on the ground. The lone and dreary world reveals animals
in their natural habitats, and in a carnivorous state.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, see that Adam and Eve are driven out of this
beautiful garden into the lone and dreary world, where they may
learn from their own experience to distinguish good from evil.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
THE LONE AND DREARY WORLD: THE TELESTIAL KINGDOM
(The scene changes to a view of Adam and Eve kneeling across from
one another at an altar. The altar is made from a pile of stones
with two large, flat stones making the top. Adam raises his hands
above his head as he prays.)
NARRATOR: We go now with Adam and Eve into the lone and dreary
world. Brethren and sisters, this represents the Telestial king
dom, 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 worlds of my mouth.
Oh God, hear the worlds of my mouth.
Oh God, hear the worlds of my mouth.
(As Adam prays, Lucifer approaches from behind out of the shad
ows.)
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 reli
gion, do you? There will be many willing to preach to you the
philosophies of men, mingled with scripture.
ADAM: But I am looking for messengers from my Father.
(Adam and Eve turn, and walk past Lucifer, who follows behind.
The scene changes to a view of the Celestial Kingdom, where
Elohim and Jehovah stand, conversing amid tall white pillars.
They are radiant as before, and their voices resonate as they
speak.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, send down Peter, James and John to visit the
man Adam in the telestial world, without disclosing their identi
ty. Have them observe conditions generally, see if Satan is
there, and learn whether Adam has been true to the token and sign
given 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 between two pillars to the
edge of the platform where 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
his condition 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.
(The three turn and leave, and the scene turns to the lone and
dreary world. Adam and Eve are shown walking through a forested
area with Lucifer following them. Peter, followed by James and
John approach Adam, Eve, and Lucifer.)
PETER: Good morning.
LUCIFER: Good morning gentlemen.
PETER: what are you doing here?
LUCIFER: Observing the teachings of these people.
PETER: what is being taught?
LUCIFER: The philosophies of men, mingled with scripture.
PETER: How is this teaching received?
LUCIFER: Very well! Except this man does not seem to believe
what is being taught.
(Peter approaches Adam and shakes his hand.)
PETER: Good morning. What do you think of this teaching?
ADAM: I am looking for messengers from my Father to teach me.
PETER: That is good.
PETER: Have you any tokens or signs?
(Lucifer steps up to Peter and interjects his query.)
LUCIFER: Have you 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 steps aside, and boasts
aloud.)
LUCIFER: Now is the great day of my power. I reign from the
rivers to the ends of the earth. There is none who dares to
molest, or make me afraid.
(The scene changes to the Celestial Kingdom. Peter, James, and
John approach Jehovah with their report.)
PETER: Jehovah, we have visited the man Adam in the Telestial
World as thou didst command us. We found Satan there, 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. The found Satan there,
striving to lead the posterity of Adam astray wit all manner of
false doctrine. But Adam has been true and faithful to the token
and sign given him in the garden of Eden, and 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 Adam and Eve and their posterity in the Telestial
World, and to cast Satan out of their midst Instruct them in the
Gospel as contained in the Holy Scriptures; also give unto them
a charge to avoid all lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speak-
ing of the Lord's anointed, the taking of the name of God in
vain, and every other unholy and impure practice; and cause these
to be received by covenant. Instruct Peter, James, and John further
to clothe Adam and Eve and their posterity in the Robes of the
Holy Priesthood, with the robe on the Left shoulder, and to give
unto them the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its
accompanying name and sign. 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 Adam and
Eve and their posterity in the Telestial World. Cast Satan out of
their midst. Give unto them the Law of the Gospel as contained in
the Holy Scriptures; also a charge to avoid all lightmindedness,
loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord's anointed, the taking
of the name of God in vain, and every other unholy and impure
practice. Cause them to receive those by covenant. CLothe them in
the Robes of the Holy Priesthood, wit the robe on the left shoul
der, and give unto them the Second Token of the Aaronic priest
hood, with its accompanying name and sign. 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. What are you going to do now?
PETER: We will dismiss you without further argument.
LUCIFER: Aah! You have looked over my kingdom, and my greatness
and glory. Now you want to take possession of the whole of if.
(Lucifer turns, and stares into the camera). I have a word to say
concerning these people. If the 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 steps into a dark crevice. Peter waits until he has left, and
then approaches Adam.) Adam, we are true messengers fro the
Father, and have come to give you the further light and knowledge
He promised to send you.
ADAM: How shall I know that you are true messengers?
PETER: By our gibing unto you the token and sign you received in
the garden of Eden.
ADAM: (grasping Peter by the right had.) What is that?
PETER: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
ADAM: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
ADAM: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I cannot, for it is the New Name, and I have made a cove
nant not to disclose it, but this is the sign (Peter raises his
right arm to square.)
ADAM: Now I know that you are true messengers send down from
Father. (Adam turns and looks into the camera, addressing the
patrons, while Eve stand smiling at his side). These are true
messengers, I exhort you to give strict heed to their counsel and
teaching, and they will lead you in the way of life and salva
tion.
(At this point the film presentation is concluded. The remainder
of the Endowment is conducted from an audio recording.)
NARRATOR: The Officiator will represent Peter at the Altar.
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 represents 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 Holy
Scriptures; to give unto you also a charge to avoid all light
mindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord's anoint
ed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and every other unholy
and impure practice, and to cause you to receive these by cove
nant.
All arise. (All patrons stand.) Each of you bring your right
arm to the square. (this is done.)
Each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and
these witnesses, 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 heads 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 slip
pers 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 shoul
der, you are prepared to officiate in the ordinances of the
Aaronic Priesthood. We will now give unto you the Second Token of
the Aaronic Priesthood with its accompanying name and sign. 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, 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 raises to the square. This is the sign.
(The officiator demonstrates the sign.) I will now explain the
covenant and obligation which are associated with this token, its
name and sign, which you will be required to take upon your
selves.
If I were receiving my own endowment today, and if my first
given name were "David," I would repeat in my mind those words,
after making the sign:
I, David, solemnly covenant before God, angels and these
witnesses, that I will never reveal the Second Token of the
Aaronic priesthood, with its accompanying name and sign.
All arise. (All Patrons stand.) Each of you make the sign of
the Second Token of the Aaronic priesthood by bringing the right
hand in front of you, with the hand in cupping shape, the right
arm forming a square, and the left arm being raised to the
square. This is the sign.
Now, repeat in your mind after me the words of the covenant:
I, _________,, thins of the first given name, solemnly cove
nant before God, angels, and these witnesses, that I will never
reveal the second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, wit its accom
panying name and sign. That will do. (Patrons drop their hands by
their sides.)
(All patrons sit down.)
PETER: Jehovah, we have been down to Adam and Eve and their
posterity in the Telestial World, and have cast Satan out of
their midst. We have given unto them the Law of the Gospel as
contained in the Holy Scriptures; also a charge to avoid all
lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord's
anointed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and every other
unholy and impure practice, and have caused them to receive these
by covenant. We have also clothed them in the Robes of the Holy
Priesthood and have given unto them the Second Token of the
Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name and sign. This is
our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter, James and John. Elohim - Peter James
and John have been down to Adam and Eve and their 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 Eve and their poster
ity change their robes from their robes to their right shoulder,
preparatory to officiating in the ordinances of the Melchizedek
Priesthood; and introduce them into the Terrestrial World. In
struct Peter, James and John further, to give unto them 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 relations except with their husbands or wives to whom they
are legally and lawfully wedded. Give unto them the First Token
of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or the Sign of the Nail, with its
accompanying name and sign. 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 Eve and
their posterity change their robes from their robes to their
right shoulder, preparatory to officiating in the ordinances of
the Melchizedek Priesthood; and introduce them into the Terres
trial World. Give to them 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 relations except with
their husbands or wives to whom they are legally and lawfully
wedded. Give unto them the First Token of the Melchizedek Priest
hood, or the Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name and
sign; 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 remove the robe and change
it to the right shoulder preparatory to officiating in the ordi
nances of the Melchizedek Priesthood; and introduce you into the
Terrestrial World. You may now remove 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 over the apron at the left hip. 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 Chasti
ty; which his, that each of you shall have no sexual relations
except with your husband or wife to whom you are legally and
lawfully wedded.
All please arise. (All patrons stand up.) Each of you bring
your right arm to the square. You and each of you covenant and
promise before God, angles, and these witnesses 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."
PATRONS: Yes.
PETER: That will Do. (All patrons 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 Melchize
dek Priesthood, or the sign of the Nail, with its accompanying
name and sign. This token is received by bringing the right hand
into this position: the hand vertical, the fingers close togeth
er, and the thumb extended; and the person giving the token
placing the tip of the forefinger of his right had 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 fin
gers close together with the thumb extended. (The Officiator
makes the sign.) This is the sign.
I will now explain the covenant and obligation which are
associated with this token, its name and sign 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:
I solemnly covenant before God, angels, and these witnesses,
in the name of the Son that I will never reveal the First Token
of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with its
accompanying name and sign.
All arise (All patrons stand.) Each of you make the sign of
the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail
by brining the left hand in front of you wit the hand in cupping
shape, the left arm forming a square; the right hand is also
brought forward, the palm down, the fingers close together with
the thumb extended. This is the sign.
Now repeat in your mind after me the words of the covenant.
I solemnly covenant before God, angels, and these witnesses,
in the name of the Son that I will never reveal the First Token
of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with its
accompanying name and sign.
(The Patrons drop their hands at their sided.)
That Will do. (all patrons sit down.)
PETER: Jehovah, we have been down to Adam and Eve annd their
posterity, have placed reh robe on the right shoulder and have
introduceted them intro the Terrestrial World. We have put them
under covenant to observe andkeep the Law of Chastity. We have
also given them the First Token of the Melchizidek Priesthood of
Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name and sign. This is
our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter james and John. Elohim -- Peter, James
and John have been down to Adam and Eve and their posterity, and
have done all that they were commanded to do.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, send down Peter James and John and
instruct them to give to Adam and Eve and their posterity in the
Terrestrial world the Law of Consecration in connection wit the
law ofthe Gospel and the Law of Sacrifice, and to cause them to
recieve it by covenant; to give unto them the Second Token of the
Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sing of the
Nail, with its accomanying sign, and to teach them the Order of
Prayer and prepare them in all things to receive furhter instruc
tions at the Veil. Then Have tme report at the Veil.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter James and John go down
to Adam and Eve and their posterity in the Terrestrial world the
Law of Consecration in connection wit the law of the Gospel and
the Law of Sacrifice, and to cause them to recieve it by cove
nant; to give unto them the Second Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sing of the Nail, with
its accomanying sign, and to teach them the Order of Prayer and
prepare them in all things to receive furhter instructions at the
Veil. Then report at the Veil.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come, James and Johm let us go
down.
THE LAW OF CONSECRATION.
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar (The Witness couple
comes forward, and kneels at the altar as before.) We are in
structed 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 thye Law of the
Gosple and the Law of Sacrifice which you have already received.
It is that you do consecrate yourselves, your time, talnetns and
everyhting which the Lord has blessed you, or with which he may
bedd you, to the Curhch 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 aquare.
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 the Doctrine and Covenants, in that
you do consecrate yourselves, your time, talnets, 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 estab
lishment of Zion.
Each of you bow yoru head and say "yes."
PATRONS: Yes.
PETER: That will do. (all patrons sit down.)
SECOND TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD,
THE PATRIARCHAL GRIP, OR THE SURE SIGN OF THE NAIL
PETER: We will now give unto you hte Second Token ofthe Melchize
dek Pristhood, the Patriarchal Grip, or the sure sign of the
Nail, with its accompanying sign.
This token has reference to the crucifizion of the Savior.
When he was placed upon the cross, the crucifiers drove nails
thruigh the palms of his hand, then fearing that the wieght of
his body would cause the nails to tear through the flesh of the
hands they drove nails trhough his wrists. Henve, in the paln is
the Sign of the Nail, and in the wrist is the Sure Sign of the
Nail, or the Nail in the Sure Place.
This token is given by clasping the right hands, interlock
ing the little fingers, and placing the tip of the forefinger
upon the center of the wrist, in this manner (The Officiator
demonstaates this token with male witness.). We desire all to
receive it. All arise.
(As the witness ciple returns to ther seats various temple work
ers 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 yoru hand.
This token has a name and a sign. You will be under the same
sacred obligation in conection with this token and sign as you
are with the other tokens and signs of the Holy Priesthood which
you have received in the temple this day. The name of this token
will not be given to you at this stage in the Endowment, but it
will 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: "oh God, hear the words of my mouth!"
repeated three times.
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 ut
tered "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 Patriar
chal Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail, by raising both hands high
above the head, and while lowering the hands repeating thee times
the words:
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 the patrons make the sign they repeat words with the record
ing as described before.)
PETER: That will do (all patrons sit down.) 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 of you, including couples, will please come forward
and form a circle around the altar.
(The audio recording stops and the Officiator says in his own
words a statement to the following effect.)
OFFICIATOR: We would like to invite the witness couple to take
their place at the head of the altar, and an equal number of
brothers and sisters to join us in the circle. Any receiving
their own personal Endowment, and any who are about to be married
are especially invited to join us in the Prayer Circle as this
time.
(The tape again resumes.)
NARRATOR: Only the best of feelings should exist in the Circle.
If any of you have unkind feelings toward any member of this
circle, you are invited to withdraw so that the Spirit of the
Lord may be unrestrained.
In the Circle we make the signs of all the tokens of the
Holy Priesthood.
(Patrons make each sign as they are mentioned by the Narrator.)
We will begin by making the Sign of the First Token of the
Aaronic Priesthood. This is done by brining the right arm to the
square, the palm of the hand to the front, the fingers close
together, and the thumb extended. This is the sign. The name of
this token is the New Name received in the temple today.
We will now make the Sign of the Second Token of the Aaronic
Priesthood. This sign is done by bringing the right hand in front
of you with the hand in cupping shape, the right hand forming a
square, and the left arm being raised to the square. This is the
sign. The name of this token is your first given name if you are
going through the temple for your own Endowment, or if you are going
through for the dead, it is the first given name if the person
for whom you are officiating.
We will now make the sign of the First Token of the Mel
chizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail. This is done by bringing
the left had in front of you with the hand in cupping shape, the
left arm forming a square. The right hand is also brought for
ward, the palm down, the fingers close together with the thumb
extended. This is the sign. The name of this Token is "the Son",
meaning the Son of God.
We will now make the Sign of the Second Token of the Mel
chizedek 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 three times the words:
Oh God, hear the words of my mouth!
Oh God, hear the words of my mouth!
Oh God, hear the words of my mouth!
(The Officiator now hold a small white cloth pouch in view of the
patrons, and sets it upon the altar.)
We have here a list of names of persons who are sick, or
otherwise afflicted, who we are requested to remember in our
prayer. We will place this 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 in upon the shoulders or arm of the
person at your left. Those 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, wit the hand in cupping shape, resting it
upon the altar. His left arm is raised t the square. The prayer
is spoken by the Officiator, who decides its for 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 sears. (All patrons
sit.) We will now uncover the Veil.
THE VEIL OF THE TEMPLE:
ENTRANCE TO THE CELESTIAL KINGDOM
(The curtain at the front of the endowment room is now drawn
aside to reveal the Veil. Several segments can be seen by the
patrons, and the Officiator approaches one of them wit a pointer
in ho hand and prepares to draw attention to the marks on the
veil as they are explained.)
PETER: Brethren and Sisters, this is the Veil of the temple. I
will now explain the marks on the Veil. These four marks are the
marks of the Holy Priesthood, and corresponding marks are found
in your individual garment.
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.
On the left is the mark of the compass. It is places in the
Garment over the left breast, suggesting to the mind an undeviat
ing 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 stat all truth may be circumscribed unto
one great whole.
This is the navel mark. It is places 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 us 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 had, 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 stand behind t to represent the
Lord. A 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. Thee person is brought to this
point, and the worker gives three distinct taps wit the mallet.
(The officiator raps the mallets 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 the brought to this point, whereupon the
Lord puts forth his right hand, gives the First Token of the
Aaronic Priesthood, and ask:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
PETER: It has
LORD : will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, through the Veil.
PETER : The person the n 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: ThHe First Token of the Melchizedek Pristhood, 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 Patri
archal 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 through the Veil.
PETER: It is received as left arms are placed upon right shoul
ders through the Veil.
(The Officiator places his left arm through the mark of the
compass and rests his had on the right shoulder of the Lord, as
the Lord places His left arm through the marl of the square and
rests his hand on the right shoulder of the Officiator. The right
hands remained clasped in the Patriarchal Grip.)
PETER: The Lord then gives the name of this token, and asks:
LORD: What is tat?
PETER: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patri
archal 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, 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 pats the Veil
and asks:
LORD: What is wanted?
PETER: Adam, having conversed wit 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 o the Lord. We will now
report. Jehovah, we have been down to Adam and Eve and their
posterity in the Terrestrial World, and have given unto them the
Law of Consecration, and have caused them to receive it by cove
nant. 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 Adam and Eve and their 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 Adam and Eve and their posterity at the Veil, where we
will give unto them the name of the Second Token of the Melchize
dek 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 Eve and their posterity at the Veil, where we
will give unto them the name of the Second Token of the Melchize
dek 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 God.
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, de
sires 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 VeilL - 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 Patri
archal 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 through the Veil.
(The Lord and the patron, still holding the grip, place 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. They rest their left hands on each other's right
shoulders.)
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 tat?
PATRON: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patri
archal Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I will, 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 wit 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 Celes
tial Room.)
Crisper Than Thou
Even more boringly typical than "The Last Temptation of Christ". Sheesh.
As a formerly devout Mormon boy, I'm really disappointed.
--The Elder Dan
(devoutly crisper)
Bakayaroo Banzai
>
>
>As a formerly devout Mormon boy, I'm really disappointed.
>
Does this mean you're finished with your specially blessed temple undies?
Can I have them?
-BB
Hanes Linen Ephod Underoos with Brigham Young Action Scenes
Bakayaroo Banzai
"I've got my finger firmly up the nose of America"
Bakayaroo Banzai
"What to Do When the Drummer Drops Dead"
St Theresa of the Net
>
>"I've got my finger firmly up the nose of America"
I've got my finger on the pulse of america
I've got my hand up Europe's dress.
And my mind is somewhere in china,
At the place where east meets west
i've got my finger on the pulse of america
and my head up in outer space
And my sex is somewhere in texas
and my heart's in a safer place....
--
A little bit of uh huh and a whole lot of oh yeah. \ (414)CRUSH-13
T. Flynn's Casa de Interesting: 1755 N Cambridge Ave #306 Milwaukee WI 53202