Four Times Respectable College of Saint Andrew of Scotland

Q:.. Give me the touch or to your neighbor?
A:.. It is given.
Q:.. Give me the word?
A:.. It is in the sacred degree. Note: if outside the College a Scotsman demands one from another here is the response:
= I compose = the other says = I assemble: NIASLL.
Q:.. At what hour do the Architects assemble?
A:.. At the beginning of the day.
Q:.. What time is it?
A:.. The sun is shining.
Then the Grand Master strikes a blow which is equally answered by the Grand Inspector, the Sovereign Inspector, and the Master of Ceremonies. If the College is complete the 8 secondary officers answer one after the other and the Grand Master strikes another blow which completes the number of 9. Then he says:
Q:.. What is the vow of the Scotsmen?
A:.. Obedience.
Q:.. What is their goal?
A:.. Union.
The Grand Master says = Let us therefore be united my brothers, let us work in concert, the College is open.

The Recipient, led by a Scottish Servant who will have had him uncover his knee and put the right shoe in a slipper, strikes 3 apprentice blows at the door of this first chamber. A Brother Ancient Scotsman who is on guard inside, naked sword in hand, responds with 3 similar blows, opens, and asks for the Apprentice Password and introduces the Recipient. He questions him on the Apprentice Order and makes him perform the steps, after which, having him kneel before the Bible, he makes him renew his obligation in the following form.

= On this sacred book, deposit of the faith of the Christian, I renew and I confirm without any reservation and of my own free will all the engagements that I have contracted towards masonry at the time of my first initiations; I submit myself to all the penalties contained therein and devote myself in advance to disgrace if ever I am capable of failing my promises; so help me God and his Holy Gospel =
He is made to rise, he is made to be dressed, then the brothers, by giving him the charities likely referring to the secret grip or recognition sign on the chest, lead him to the door of the second chamber where he strikes as a Companion, by five.

The blows by five are answered by the brother who is on guard inside holding a Chisel and a mallet in his hand. He asks him for the Companion Password; the Companion having satisfied this request is introduced and examined on the perfect points, which being found correct, he gives the Companion steps, after which the Brother on Guard presents him the mallet and the Chisel with which the said Companion strikes five blows in this manner !!...!!...!!... on the Cubic Stone, then he is asked if he remembers his engagements. When he has answered = Yes = the brother opens his shirt precipitously on the chest, places his hand bare on the heart and says to him:
Q:.. What do you keep there?
A:.. The Secret of the Masons and of Masonry.
Q:.. What have you consented to?
A:.. To have the heart pierced through and through if I fail my promises.
He is then told = Repeat your obligation on your knees facing the Great Architect of the Universe who is everywhere and who sees everything. =

= I swear and promise to keep the secret of the Companions towards the apprentices as the apprentices keep it towards the Profane; may the sun hide forever from my sight if I contravene my promises and may the Grand Master of all things deploy his just vengeances upon me. =
Then he is raised, he is buttoned back up, and the brothers lead him to the door of the 3rd chamber where he strikes 7 blows.