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TABLE OF CONTENTS
What's Going on in There? MS
About the Authors Pg. #1
Preface 75
Part 1
EXPLANATION AND COMMENTARY
Introduction
Why work for the Dead?
Mormon's Goal: To be a "Savior on Mount Zion" To Christians
and Other Lost Souls
All Temples Would Close Without Genealogical Research
Satan Always Trademarks His Wares
The Holy Melchizedek Priesthood: the Only Authority to Act for
God
The Mormon Bible Contradicts Their Priesthood Claims
Ordinances for the Living
Ordinances for the Dead
An Overview of the Mormon Temple Ceremonies
Pre-Initiatory Ordinances for the Dead
Baptism for the Dead
Confirmation as Mormons and the Holy Ghost
Ordination to the Mormon Holy Melchizedek Priesthood
Initiatory Ordinances for the Living and the Dead
Washing in Water
Anointing with Holy Oil
Clothing in the Mystical Temple Garment
The "New Name"
The Ultimate Heresy -- Eternal Sexism
Preparation for the Endowment
The Endowment Ceremony
The Creation Drama
The Garden of Eden Drama
The Lone and Dreary World Melodrama
The Christian Minister is Satan's Hireling Lackey
The Terrestrial World Presentation
The One and Only "True Order of Prayer"
The "True Order of Prayer" Resembles Ancient Rituals
The Veil of the Temple
The Veil Ceremony
The Five Points of Fellowship
The Celestial Room
Marriage for Time and Eternity
Sealing of Children to Parents
Proxy Sealing Sessions
Summary of the Secrets of the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood
Bestowed in the Endowment
The Five Laws
The Four Tokens (handclasps) - With Accompanying Names
The Four Signs and Three Penalties
The Oath of Vengeance Against the United States
The Garment of the Holy Priesthood - Four Marks
The Mormon Magic Talisman Protects From Evil Powers
The Historical Origins of the Endowment
The Faithful Must Be Buried in Their Temple Costume
The Significance of Jesus and Christianity in the Temple Rituals
Mormon Women Seek Glorious Joy in ETERNAL PREGNANCY
The Endowment Attacks and Ridicules Paid Christian Clergymen, BUT
Mormonism Has Paid Clergymen (and women) Too!!
Baptism for the Dead is From Twisting Scriptures
Freemasonry in the Mormon Temple
Masonic Symbols and Elements Used in the Temple Rituals
Immorality and Sexual Activity in the Temple Rituals
Half of Qualified Mormons Don't Participate
Moroni Tells the World That Mormons Have "A Different Gospel"
Poor Moroni -- He's Blowing the Wrong Tune
The Purpose of God: Mormon vs. Christian
Mormons Deserve to Know
PART II
THE TEMPLE CEREMONIES VERBATIM
The Pre-Initiatory Ordinances
Baptism for the Dead
Confirmation for the Dead
Ordination for the Dead
The Initiatory Ordinances
Preparation for Participation
The Washing and Anointing Room
Washing in Water
Confirmation of Washing
Anointing with Holy Oil
Confirmation of Anointing
Receiving the "Garment of the Holy Priesthood" and the "New
Name"
Preparation for the Endowment
Entering the Endowment Room
The Endowment Ceremony
Introduction and Instruction
The Creation
The First Day
The Second Day
The Third Day
The Fourth Day
The Fifth Day
The Sixth Day
The Garden of Eden
The Law of Obedience
The Law of Sacrifice
The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood
The Lone and Dreary World
Elohim Sends Down Messengers
Elohim Sends Down Peter, James & John in Their True Characters
Satan is Cast Out
The Law of the Gospel
The Robes of the Holy Priesthood
The Terrestrial World
The Law of Chastity
The First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or Sign of the
Nail
The Law of Consecration
The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the
Patriarchal Grip, of Sure Sign of the Nail
Lecture Before the Veil
The "True Order of Prayer"
The Veil of the Temple
The Instructions at the Veil
Moving to the Terrestrial Room
The Ceremony at the Veil
The Celestial Room
Marriage or Sealing for Time and Eternity
The Marriage Ceremony
Sealing of Children to Parents
Proxy Sealing Sessions
Conclusion
List of Figures
Acknowledgements
Dedication
WHAT'S GOING ON IN HERE?
This booklet has been prepared to inform the general public, including
most Mormons, and especially the Body of Christians, and to reveal to
them of exactly what transpires during the secret Mormon Temple
Ceremonies. Our purpose is not to ridicule, but to shed light on these
hidden things of darkness. We sincerely believe that Mormons and
non-Mormons alike cannot comprehend or accurately evaluate the complex
Mormon gospel without knowing what actually transpires inside of the
Temple, the place where the Keys of Knowledge necessary for exaltation
are imparted to LDS Gods in embryo. We pray earnestly that this
information will be especially helpful in encouraging Christians in
their witness of the true Lord Jesus Christ to those lost in the
deception and bondage Mormonism.
AUTHOR'S PREFACE
This booklet contains the entire series of Mormon Temple ceremonies,
called "Ordinances" and is 100% accurate in the essence of what is done,
and very nearly 100% accurate in the exact wording of what is said. This
is because this edition was transcribed from a tape recording made
inside the Temple at the actual Endowment ceremony*. Other ceremonies
have been verified by comparing them with copies of Temple Worker
Instruction Books
The tape recording of the Mormon Temple Endowment from which this
booklet was transcribed was recorded in the Los Angeles Mormon Temple.
The recording was made using a personal pocket size tape recorder
carried by one of the patrons during Endowment presentation.
The patron who made this recording entered the Temple using his own
personal Temple Recommend and carried his own Temple Veil Worker's
name tag and identification card during the ceremony. He was greeted by
several Temple Worker acquaintances who obviously did not know of his
excommunication from the Mormon Church, which had been at his own
request several months earlier.
One of the objectives of this foray was to test the well known Mormon
claim of Divinely aided Temple security. Another objective was to
provide and up-to-date and accurate text of the Endowment. (There have
been many revisions to the Endowment text in the past ten years, some of
them significant). Contrary to popular belief of Mormons, not one person
in the Temple appeared the slightest bit spiritually or supernaturally
alerted to the presence among them of one whom they classify as an
"apostate" and a "son of perdition". As he departed, the patron was
encouraged by a member of the Temple Presidency to return again soon or
similar authentic sources, making this the most accurate and up to date
rendition of these "secret" ceremonies ever published in the 120 year
history of Mormon Temple exposes. The ceremonies have been annotated and
explanatory information included to help the reader understand the
activities as they progress. Part one contains background information
and commentary, including a brief overview of all of the ceremonies in
sequence to prepare the reader to understand the dialogue of the
ceremonies.
Even though we know that the Authorities of the Mormon church, the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah, will
be highly offended at the publication of this work, we do not apologize
for doing it. As former Mormons and Temple Workers who are now born
again Christians, we acknowledge a great responsibility to the
unsuspecting world to expose and reprove with exactness and the light of
truth, precisely what activities transpire inside the Mormon temples
today.
We heed the admonition of the Apostle Paul to the Ephesian Saints, who
had previously participated in similar pagan and occultic rituals, "For
ye were sometimes (once) darkness, but now ye are light in the Lord,
walk as children of light ... and have no fellowship with the unfruitful
works of darkness, but rather reprove (expose) them ... for it is a
shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
But all things that are reproved (exposed) are made manifest by the
light." (Ephesians 5:8, 11-13) We recognize that this is not the first
such "expose", but it is the most accurate and current account of the
activities of the Mormon temple "Endowment"ever published. We wish to
bring it to the attention of concerned people everywhere so that they
may be knowledgable concerning this, the most sacred of all activities
and teachings to the modern Mormon (see John 18:20). Mormonism cannot be
fully understood by Mormons or non-Mormons alike without an
understanding these Temple rituals - the "Keystone" of modern Mormon
doctrine and theology.
Statistics released in January 1982, by qualified Mormon church
authorities indicated that at least three out of every four Mormons
(teenage and older) have never participated in these rituals. These
non-participating Mormons have been subjected to a variety of powerful
propaganda from their leaders, impressing upon them the sacred, holy,
and enlightning nature of their Temple "Ordinances", and the great
blessings to be obtained through them. This booklet is intended
especially for those non-participating Mormons, to enable them to
recognized the occultic, non-Christian nature of these rituals, and to
see them for themselves in the clear light of reality. We are confident
that those who will prayerfully evaluate these rites for themselves will
be able to see them as they truly are, rather than continuing in the
naive belief that they are the sacred vehicle essential to becoming a
polygamous god, destined to rule over a new planet for eternity.
Mormons who regularly attend the Temple should also be very interested
in this booklet. They will be "dying to find out" if it really contains
a "word perfect" rendition of all the Temple rituals, and anxious to
find a misplaced word so they can criticize its accuracy. We are pleased
to give them the opportunity, with a challenge to call to our attention
any errors they believe they detect. We also challenge them to listen
more attentatively while attending the Temple, and to compare what
they hear with the Bible or the Book of Mormon, which teach an entirely
different Gospel and plan of salvation from that presented in the Temple
Endowment.
Anyone who is familiar with the rite of Freemasonry will recognize them
as the primary source for the tokens, signs, and penalties used in the
Temple Endowment. Much of the mystical symbolism of Mormonism is also
borrowed from Masonry. The symbolism and practices of the ancient pagan
mystery religions associated with nimrod and Babylon are also richly
displayed in the Mormon temple and reflected in the doctrines presented
therein. Part one of this booklet contains commentary comparing these
Mormon rituals with those of other religions and theologies,
including Christianity.
PART ONE - EXPLANATION AND COMMENTARY INTRODUCTION
Mormon Temples are the most secret/sacred facet of Mormonism and are
completely different from neighborhood Mormon chapels. Once a new Temple
is dedicated, no non-Mormons are ever allowed inside. Most Mormons are
not permitted to enter the Temple either. Only Mormons who have passed
stringent requirements of worthiness determined by a penetrating private
interview with their Bishop, and then a second similar interview with
their Stake President, are issued a "Temple Recommend" which permits
them to enter the Temple (See figure 1). Temple Recommends are valid for
one year after which the entire interview process must be repeated to
receive a new Recommend. According to LDS church leaders, less than 20%
of adult Mormons have valid Temple Recommends and thus are qualified to
attend the temple. Less than 10% of adult Mormons regularly attend the
Temple.**
Before a Mormon is issued his first Temple Recommend, he is normally
required to attend a course of study intended to qualify him to "live
worthy" or to become qualified to live LDS standards of loyalty,
dedication, financial contributions and personal traits of worthiness.
Very little of the ceremonial aspects, and none of the promises or
penalties of the Temple rituals are included in the curriculum nor are
these ever discussed at any time outside or inside of the Temple. These
are still a mystery to the participants, who are acting on faith in
Joseph Smith and the Mormon church's divine authority.
During a member's first participation in the Temple ceremony, he
"receives his own endowments" which means he attends to his own personal
salvation requirements. In a special instruction session with all the
initiates he is asked by the Temple President to make a personal
commitment to return to the temple often, at least once per month, to
renew his own commitment and to remind him of his covenants while he is
serving as a proxy for a deceased person to provide that person with
Mormon salvation. He thus becomes a "Savior on Mount Zion" by acting in
behalf of someone who did not have this opportunity himself.
**See the Church News supplement to the Salt Lake City Deseret News,
week of January 16, 1982, page 10 for very interesting information on
Mormon dedication to this "Keystone of their religion."
WHY WORK FOR THE DEAD?
Mormons believe that everyone who lives and dies on this earth goes to a
place called the Spirit Prison, except faithful Mormons, who go to
Paradise. Mormon Spirit Missionaries go down from Paradise to the Spirit
Prison and teach the Gospel of Joseph Smith to the lost Christians and
others there. Those who accept Mormonism must remain in prison until a
worthy Mormon performs certain essential rituals, called "Ordinances"
for them in one of the Mormon Temples. Then they are released from
Spirit Prison to join the Mormons in Paradise. Since these rituals or
Ordinances require a physical body to be washed, anointed, baptised,
etc., they can only be performed by a living person in the place and
manner prescribed by Diety, acting under Universal (Mormon) cosmic laws.
MORMONS GOAL: TO BE A "SAVIOR ON MOUNT ZION" TO CHRISTIANS AND OTHER
LOST SOULS
The extent of the pressure upon worthy Mormons to return to the Temple
as often as possible to perform more of these proxy Temple rituals is
difficult to convey. They are continually reminded of their
responsibility to all of the multitude of dead persons waiting in
"Spirit Prison" for their "work" to be done. They believe they are
personally becoming "Saviors on Mount Zion" to each individual for whom
they perform these rites, and all of those who accepted Mormonism will
be waiting for them in Paradise, to greet them and heap thanks and
praise upon them for having done this work in their behalf, which
released them from the "Spirit Prison".
ALL TEMPLES WOULD CLOSE WITHOUT GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH
The operation of all Mormon Temples is totally dependent upon continuing
genealogical research. Mormons spend millions of hours and scores of
millions of dollars annually doing exhaustive personal genealogical
research to correctly identify their deceased progenitors so that these
secret ordinances can be performed for them in one of the Temples. Since
they do not provide enough names to keep the Temples busy, the church
has a massive "name extraction" program which provides the bulk of the
individuals for whom patrons serve as proxies. Mormons spent over
ten million man hours, at approximately two and one half hours per
person, performing these rituals for the dead last year. The investment
of the church in genealogical facilities, equipment, and manpower is
staggering to the imagination, employing several thousand persons, plus
even more volunteers, and hundreds of millions of dollars invested.
Christian churches kept nearly all of the early U.S. and European vital
records which are used for genealogical research. Therefore most Temple
work is being done to make dead Christians Mormons. If your Christian
ancestors were West European, or settled in the U.S. by the early
1800's, they probably have been or soon will be made Mormons in one of
these Temples. This unique doctrine and practice of Mormonism attracts
many converts to the church for the sake of their unsaved, departed
loved ones. Mormons are continually reminded that their own personal
exaltation, which is equivalent to a Christians salvation, is dependent
upon their "good works". One of these essential works is making certain
that all of the Temple Ordinances are performed for each one of their
dead ancestors which they are able, through all diligent effort, to
identify and thus qualify to receive them. They are also responsible for
doing this work for the world's departed masses. A lifetime of
diligent church service and good works is wasted if they neglect this
responsibility to provide these names, and perform these rituals for
their dead. Most mormons are not aware of the only New Testament
references to genealogy in Titus 3:9 and I Timothy 1:4, both of which
condemn it as foolishness and ungodly.
SATAN TRADEMARKS HIS WARES
In Anton LeVeh's Satanic Bible, under "Infernal Names", "Mormon" is
listed as "God of the ghouls", which are the living dead. His consort is
"Hecate - Goddess of the underworld and witchcraft"; his followers are
known as MORMONS. With the Mormon preoccupation with ancestor research
and work for the dead in their Temples, one has to question whether this
is an amazing coincidence, or one of Satan's brash signals to the wary.
Mormon Missionaries in Hong Kong must use caution because 'Mormon' means
"Gates of Hell" in Chinese, another amazing coincidence, or brash danger
signal. Satan, the supreme egotist, always trademarks his products; let
the proselyte beware.
THE HOLY MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD: THE ONLY AUTHORITY TO ACT FOR GOD
Mormons claim sole custody of the "Holy Melchizedek Priesthood"
described in the book of Hebrews. All activities of the Mormon church
function under the direction and authority of this supposed Priesthood.
Mormons claim theirs is the only authority to act for God in the entire
universe, and aggressively dispute Roman Catholic and Masonic claims to
this same Priesthood. The Temple Rituals are called the "Higher
Ordinances of the Malchizedek Priesthood, as do all the other church
auxilliary organizations. Mormons claim to trace their "Priesthood
Authority" directly to Jesus much like they trace their ancestry through
genealogy. Every Mormon Priesthood holder has his personal "Line of
Authority" documented, and when he performed an ordinance such as
baptism, it is customary for him to present a printed copy of this
"Priesthood Lineage" to the person receiving the ordinance. This
Priesthood is bestowed upon all male members over 18 years of age who
have shown their "worthiness" by good works and faithfulness to the
Mormon Church. They receive it by "Laying on of hands" by men who have
received their Priesthood in the same way, thus extending this "Line of
Authority". This line is always traced back through Brigham Young,
Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdry, and the Apostles Peter, James and John,
who supposedly brought it to Joseph and Oliver directly from Jesus
Christ.
THE MORMON BIBLE CONTRADICTS THEIR PRIESTHOOD CLAIMS
Mormons use only the authorized King James Version of the Bible in their
Missionary work and worship services. Joseph Smith's "Inspired Version",
which belongs to the Reorganized LDS church, contains many substantive
changes to the King James text. It is intentionally shielded by the Utah
Mormon church from public discussion and exposure, though it is used
selectively in their teachings. The Mormon church prints and widely uses
its own King James Version containing special Mormon study guides,
reference sections, and the official LDS church name and insignia.
Reading in this official Mormon King James Missionary Bible, 1968
edition, in Hebrews, concerning the resurrected Lord and these
Priesthoods, we find that it says Jesus in NOW the sole and only holder
of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and that the Aaronic Priesthood has been
forever abolished. It states, "But this man (Jesus), because he
continueth ever, hath and unchangeable priesthood." (Hebrews 7:24) The
footnote for 'unchangeable' states: "or, which passeth not from one to
another* (Author's emphasis). The original Greek word, aparabatos, used
here means "perpetually non-transferable" or "Untransferable forever."
How can Mormons continue passing it on anyway? By simply ignoring
their own Bible!! Since they believe it is only true as far as
translated correctly, and the Book of Mormon says it is full of
errors and ommission,they can easily ignore what they don't like. Please
read Hebrews chapters 7 and 8 to understand how completely defiant of
God's word the Mormon Priesthoods really are.
*This marginal note has been removed from the latest edition Missionary
Bible.
ORDINANCES FOR THE LIVING
The Ordinances for living Mormons include Washing, Anointing, Clothing
in the Garment of the Holy Priesthood, and the Endowment. Sealings are
performed for married couples, and minor children are then Sealed to
parents. Marriages are performed for time and eternity, and under
special circumstances, marriages for time only. These ceremonies account
for less than 2% of all Temple Ordinances performed.
ORDINANCES FOR THE DEAD
The ordinances for the deceased ancestors of members or names of
deceased persons provided by the temple from genealogical records
include Baptism, Confirmation of membership in the Mormon Church, and
Ordination to the Holy Melchizedek (Mormon) Priesthood for males. All
the ordinances described above for the living must also be performed for
each of the dead persons who are posthumously receiving their "Temple
Blessings". Over 98% if the Ordinances performed are for the dead by a
living Mormon proxy. The writer performed approximately 150 Endowments
for deceased relatives and many other identified persons known to the
writer, as part of over 1000 Ordinances performed in a nearly ten year
period.
AN OVERVIEW OF THE MORMON TEMPLE CEREMONY
This information is new to most of the readers of this booklet and may
be difficult to grasp at times, therefore, we have prepared the
following overview of these Temple Ceremonies to let you preview the
activities and to concisely present the important elements to you.
Mormons attending the Temple are called "patrons" by the Temple staff,
and will therefore be similarly designated hereafter in this
publication. Quotation marks enclose direct quotes from the ceremony.
THE PRE-INITIATORY ORDINANCES OR RITUAL
The "Pre-Initiatory Ordinances" or rituals are those that are performed
only for the dead in the Temple. Living Mormons receive these Ordinances
in their local Ward or Stake organizations.
BAPTISM
Baptism is the first ceremony performed in behalf of the dead in the
Temple. This is performed in the beautiful baptismal font mounted on the
statues of 12 full sized oxen, located in the Temple basement.*(See
figure 2) The Officiator and the patron are in the font dressed in heavy
white jump-suits. There are two or more Witnesses observing the
procedure. Often a closed circuit T.V. is used to project the names of
the deceased persons on a large T.V. screen. Typically 200-300 baptisms
are performed per hour, with LDS teenagers serving as proxies to
introduce them into the Temple rituals and vicarious Ordinance
work at an impressionable age. The baptismal pronouncement is recited in
full for each baptism, and the patron is completely immersed by the
Officiator as observed and approved by the two Witnesses.
CONFIRMATION AS MORMONS AND THE HOLY GHOST
The next ritual is Confirmation for the Dead. This makes the deceased
person a member of the Mormon church and gives him the Holy Ghost. This
is usually performed at or near the baptismal font, by the same persons
who performed the baptism ritual. Two or more Temple Workers place their
hands on the patron's head while one pronounces the confirmation.
ORDINATION TO THE MORMON HOLY MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD
The ordination of dead males to the Mormon "Holy Melchizedek Priesthood"
is usually (but not always) performed in the same area of the Temple by
the same proxy. A patron may not receive a proxy Ordinance which he has
not received for himself. Therefore LDS teenagers who have not yet
received this Ordination may not perform this Temple Ordinance, and
adult male patrons must receive this by proxy. This is often performed
in conjunction with the Initiatory Ordinances described next. Other
Temple Workers perform this Ordinance following the Baptism and Confir
mation. Two Temple Workers lay their hands upon the patron's head and
one of them pronounces the Ordination.
*All Mormon Temples from Nauvoo, Illinois in 1842 to the twenty
presently operating Temples have or had baptismal fonts as described,
always located below ground level, as Joseph Smith instructed (Doctrine
& Covenants 128:13). It appears that the new generation of Temples
presently under construction or planned, will abandon this "prophetic
directive". Plans for these Temples show baptismal fonts above ground
level with only six oxen in a semi-circle supporting them. See Church
News, January 16, 1982, page 14.
INITIATORY ORDINANCES OR RITUAL
WASHING IN WATER
Each patron is ceremonially washed so that he "may become clean from the
blood and sins of this generation." A Temple Worker wets his fingers in
running water and touches each member of the patrons body as he
pronounces a blessing upon it. Women Temple Workers wash female patrons,
and men wash men. The worker starts at the top of the patron's head and
works down to the feet, reaching under the shield to touch shoulders,
back, breast, vitals and bowels, and loins. The washing is sealed by two
workers laying their hands on the patron's head and pronouncing the
sealing.
ANOINTING WITH HOLY OIL
Each patron is then anointed with consecrated oil preparatory to
"becoming a King and a Priest (or a Queen and Priestess) unto the Most
High God, hereafter to rule and reign in the House of Israel forever." A
Temple Worker pours some drops of oil on the top of the patron's head
and moistens his fingers in oil and then touches each member of the
patron's body as he pronounces a blessing upon it, reaching under the
shield to anoint shoulders, back, breast, vitals and bowels, and loins.
Two workers then place their hands in the patron's head and one of them
pronounces a sealing of the anointing.
CLOTHING IN THE MYSTICAL TEMPLE GARMENT
The patron is then dressed in the "Garment of the Holy Priesthood" as a
Temple Worker gives him special instructions regarding the constant
wearing of it 24 hours per day throughout his life: "It will be a shield
and a protection to you from the power of the destroyer until you have
finished your work on the earth, providing you do not defile it, but are
true and faithful to your covenants." The worker also gives instructions
regarding the secret "New Name" and then whispers the "New Name" to the
patron.
THE "NEW NAME"
A Mormon's most secret and cherished possession should be his "new name"
which he receives during the Temple Rituals. This is the name by which
he "will be called forth on the morning of the First Resurrection" by
his God, and by which he will be known throughout Eternity. He receives
this from a Temple Worker, in a whisper, as he is being helped into his
new "magic underwear" for the first time, during his Temple initiation.
Each time he returns to do Temple work he will go through these same
rituals for a dead person, whose name he will carry through the entire
ceremony on a little slip of paper, which he surrenders to the
Introducer at the Temple Veil, before he enters the Celestial Room. On
these return visits he will normally by-pass the "Washing, Annointing,
and Clothing in the Garment of the Holy Priesthood" rituals, and just
receive the "New Name" in a little booth as he leaves the locker room on
his way to the theatre type Endowment Rooms. The "New Name" is usually
Biblical, such as Abraham, Moses, Seth, or Mary, Martha, Naomi, or they
come from the Book of Mormon. Many Mormons are not aware that every
person attending the Endowment on a particular day receives the same
male or female "new name", or its alternate. The alternate is
given when the first given name of the person receiving the Endowment,
deceased or alive, (not the proxy) is the same, or sounds very similar
to the "new name". My son and I share the same "new name" of Enoch with
the prophet Joseph Smith Jr. and probably millions of other living and
dead Mormons. I often wondered how we would know which "Enoch" was being
called forth, or if we would all be judged together enmasse.
THE ULTIMATE HERESY - ETERNAL SEXISM
A Mormon husband must know his wife's (or wives') "new name(s)". He
normally learns this by representing the Lord behind the Veil, and
taking his wife through the Veil Ceremony when she is receiving her own
Endowments. She is not allowed to know his "new name" under any
circumstances. This is because the Lord calls forth only the Priesthood
holder, and it is up to him to call forth his wives, if he wants them,
or leave them behind if he doesn't want some of them.
PREPARATION FOR THE ENDOWMENT
The patron returns to the locker room, removes the shield and dresses of
the Temple Garment, in the white Temple attire; pants, shirt, belt, tie,
socks and slippers, or slip, dress, hose and slippers. He then takes his
name slip and the package containing his robe, girdle (sash), hat (veil
for women), and bright green fig-leaf apron with him through the
beautiful foyer, up the magnificent circular staircase, and into the
theatre type Endowment Room. He is seated by the Officiator who
presides over the presentation, women on the left, men on the right, and
waits in profound silence for the ceremony to begin. Absolute silence is
maintained for up to 20 minutes while the company is assembling.
THE ENDOWMENT CEREMONY
The Endowment is a two hour drama-ritual-ceremony presented to groups of
patrons, rather than individually, as most of the other rituals are
done. It is performed in beautiful theatre type rooms, where walls are
covered with floor to ceiling murals depicting appropriate scenes. The
performance is a basic 19th century melodrama, with Lucifer as the
villian, Elohim as the hero, and Adam and Eve as the victims. Supporting
roles are played by the Apostles Peter, James and John, a Christian
Minister, Jehovah, and the arch-angel Michael (who becomes Adam). All of
the secret names, signs, tokens, penalties, the "True Order of Prayer",
and the Veil Ceremony are incorporated into the dramatic performance,
with some audience participation, and a "Witness Couple" participating
as representatives of the entire audience. The patrons are tested by the
Lord, and must individually demonstrate their knowledge of the secrets
in order to complete the ritual. For over a century, live actors played
the various roles with interesting props and costumes. Now all Temples
have changed to a motion picture and tape recording presentation in
which the Officiator, who presides over the presentation, rarely speaks.
Several Temple Workers are present during the performance to administer
the secret elements named above, and to help patrons don and change the
special robes and other attire, where needed. Before the movie version,
the patrons move enmasse to four differently muralled rooms to receive
the various portions of the rituals. Now they stay in one room for
approximately one and one-half hours, watching the film or the
Officiator as he pantomimes the tape recording. The Endowment can be
divided into four "acts" according to the four rooms previously used:
the Creation drama, the Garden of Eden drama, the Lone and Dreary World
drama, and the Terrestrial World presentation.
THE CREATION DRAMA
This can best be described as a consciousness lowering, mood altering
experience. The movie shows hypnotic type scenes of volcanoes and lava
flows, ocean, animal and flower scenes, as the dialog drones through a
very monotonous and repititious description of the first five creative
periods. Elohim, the head God, sends his agents, Jehovah and Michael
(the arch-angel) down to do all the creative work, but one day at a
time. He requires that they return each day and give him a report of
their activities, and receive further instructions, because he is a man
with a body, and cannot tell what they are doing, nor see or hear beyond
normal distances. Many patrons are asleep, and most are drowsy at the
completion of this act.
THE GARDEN OF EDEN DRAMA
Elohim actually comes down to earth with Jehovah to create bodies for
Michael, who becomes Adam, and Eve. Adam and Eve are placed in the
garden by Elohim, are tempted by Lucifer, and Eve secumbs and eats the
forbidden fruit. Eve convinces Adam to partake also, thenrecognizes who
Lucifer really is. Lucifer instructs Adam and Eve to make fig-leaf
aprons to cover their nakedness when they hear Elohim and Jehovah
coming. All the patrons don bright green fig-leaf aprons with Adam and
Eve, which they continue to wear over all of Elohim's Priesthood attire
throughout the remainder of the rituals. Elohim is outraged, and curses
Lucifer, who according to LDS doctrine will never have a body, to crawl
on his belly and eat dust forever. Lucifer defys him to his face, and
ignores his curse throughout the following scenes. He is cast out, then
Adam and Eve are cast out with him, to join him, but only after they
make a secret covenant with Elohim, and receive a secret token
(handgrip), with its name, sign and penalty (blood/death oath).
THE LONE AND DREARY WORLD MELODRAMA
Upon arrival in the lone and dreary world, which is the world in which
we now live, Adam "builds an altar and offers up prayer." Lucifer
answers, instead of Elohim, affirming that he is "the God of this
world," and the drama develops its conflicts, around this altar scene.
Lucifer's claim to be "the God of this world" is never challenged or
denied by Adam, Eve, or Elohim's agents.
THE CHRISTIAN MINISTER IS SATAN'S HIRELING LACKEY
Lucifer employs a Christian Minister as his hireling lackey to confuse,
deceive, and destroy all mankind along with Adam and Eve. He preaches to
them a comical perversion of the 3rd century Nicean Creed, which Adam
rejects, employing sarcasm and ridicule to develop audience contempt,
but without hissing or booing, as was done in prior decades. The
Apostles Peter, James and John are sent by Elohim to rescue Adam and
Eve, and the hireling Minister deserts Lucifer and joins them after
Peter discloses Lucifer's true identity. He embraces Mormonism with Adam
and Eve and is saved, along with the patrons in the audience, while
Lucifer is cast out. Jehovah, whom Mormons have told outside of the
Temple is really Jesus, has been relegated to the role of messenger boy
between Elohim and his new agent team of Peter, James and John.
THE TERRESTRIAL WORLD PRESENTATION
Adam, Eve, and the patrons advance to the Terrestrial World, where they
are put under covenant by Peter, James and John to obey several more
laws, and taught their accompanying Priesthood tokens, names,signs and
penalties, along with being clothed in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood
(see figures 8-10), and being taught "The True Order of Prayer."
THE ONE AND ONLY "TRUE ORDER OF PRAYER"
The only "live entertainment" in the Endowment is the True Order of
Prayer After all of the secrets have been received (except the one
learned only at the veil), all the temple clothing has been put on, then
taken off and put on again differently, and the ritual activities are
completed, the patrons enjoy sitting and watching something different.
(The patrons have stood up and sat down approaching 20 times since the
Endowment started). The Officiator calls the Witness Couple and seven or
eight other couples to come forward and form a circle around the altar.
Those in the circle then proceed to follow the Officiator in performing
all of the names, signs, and penalties of the tokens of the Priesthoods
which they have previously received. Then they form the "True Order of
Prayer". The sisters all veil their faces (in the audience also). Then
each couple in the circle joins right hands in the Patriarchal Grip and
everyone raises their left arms to the square and rests their left elbow
on the person next to them. The Officiator carefully checks everyone's
position ... then kneels at the altar and offers a prayer, which all
those in the circle repeat, one phrase at a time. (this is the first
time the patrons hear the Officiator's voice. He has been pantomiming
the tape recording during all of the prior twenty minutes of the
ceremony since the movie ended). The prayer is usually long and quite
involved, covering many subjects from the prophet's health to the
patron's safe return home. It opens, as all Mormon prayers do, addressed
to "Heavenly Father", and closes "in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
The patrons in the circle repeat the "Amen" and are instructed to return
to their seats.
THE "TRUE ORDER OF PRAYER" RESEMBLES ANCIENT RITUAL
Prayer circles around Altars, doing very much the same sort of
ritualistic activities, are described in the Egyptian Coptic Gnostic
writings recently first published in English. These were a continuation
of the ancient Egyptian pagan rituals performed for centuries before the
birth of Jesus. This most certainly was another Gospel, a very strange
occultic one, from that which the Apostles preached in the New Testament
(see Galatians 1:8,9). Dr. Hugh Nibley and other mormon scholars speak
of these pagan ceremonies as if they validated the Endowment, when they
actually demonstrate the pagan nature and foundation of the Temple
rituals.
THE VEIL OF THE TEMPLE
The climactic conclusion to the Endowment if the Veil Ceremony in which
each patron is tested by a Veil Worker, who represents the Lord behind
the Veil, for his knowledge of the four tokens and their names, which
were given to him during the Endowment. The Veil is a seven foot high by
three foot wide ivory colored fabric panel hung on a beautifully
finished hardwood framework (see figure 4). It has seven "Marks of the
Holy Priesthood" in it which correspond to the four marks in the
patron's Priesthood Temple undergarment. Three of these Veil marks are
sewn in the form of openings which are large enough for hands or arms to
pass through. Between each pair of Veil segments is a curtained opening
through which the patron is conducted after he successfully completes
the testing. The Veil is located at the front of the Terrestrial Room,
representing the Terrestrial (where almost all Christians and nearly all
Mormons will supposedly spend eternity), and separates it from the
Celestial Room, representing the Celestial Kingdom, where those who
successfully keep all of the Mormon commandments will go to become Gods
over their own planets. Thus the patron gains entrance to the Celestial
Room by passing the testing conducted by the Lord at the Veil.
Unfortunately for them, no Mormon is successfully keeping all of the
commandments required for entrance into their Celestial Kingdom. There
are approximately 60 Veil segments in the Los Angeles Temple, equally
divided between men and women. The Veil is perhaps the most important
object in the Temples, and was used over four million times last year
alone. The veil of the Hebrew Temple was rent in twain from top to
bottom at the time of Jesus' crucifixion, thus destroying its function
(Matthew 27:51). Jesus' atonement ended the need and purpose of the
Temple forever (Hebrews 9:11-17). The Veil of the Hebrew Temple had only
one opening and was only opened once each year by the one and only High
Priest to enter for a specific ritual performed on behalf of all Israel
and then to return through it (Hebrews 9:6-7). Over four million Mormon
Temple patrons, mostly women but including hundreds of thousands of High
Priests, WORKED their way through their Temple Veil to provide vicarious
exaltation for dead people. They did nothing on the other side, an did
not return through it as the Hebrew High Priesthood, yet Mormons speak
of their Temple as a restoration of the one in Solomon's Hebrew Temple.
They rarely mention any claims of specific similarities, or the
very many obvious differences.
THE VEIL CEREMONY
The Veil Ceremony is the Patron's principle opportunity to participate
in this two hour ritual. A Veil Worker represents the Lord behind the
Veil, and an Introducer presents the patron to the Lord and coaches him
through his lines and actions if necessary. The Lord reaches through and
opening in the Veil to take his hand in the various grips or tokens and
asks him specific questions through the Veil. His answers must be word
perfect. The culmination of this examination is the name of the Second
Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign
of the Nail, which is given to the patron only through the Veil, while
embracing the Lord in the Five Points of Fellowship.
THE FIVE POINTS OF FELLOWSHIP
"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 patron and the Veil Worker both reach their left arm through
the appropriate mark in the Veil, while holding right hands in the
Patriarchal Grip, and embracing each other, maintaining strong contact
at all the points indicated with the Veil separating them, while the
Veil Worker gives the name of the token to the patron and the patron
repeats it back vebatim. The name of the token is, "Health in the navel,
marrow in the bones, strength in the loins and sinews. Power in the
Priesthood be upon me, and upon my posterity through all generations of
time, and throughout all eternity." This is a form of incantation
similar to various Witchcraft, Voodoo, or Black Magic incantations in
use for centuries before Joseph Smith developed his Endowment. Many
women patrons are seriously agitated and disturbed by this procedure
through the Veil. Since the Veil Workers are all men, they tend to put
the blame on the men for being overly familiar or enthusiastic in this
embrace. Since the women tend to be more sensitive and perceptive, I
believe they are often spiritually disturbed by the overtly occultic
mystical demonic power that is being invoked in this incantation. This
probably significantly contributes to why less than ten percent of those
Mormons who are eligible actually attend the Temple regularly, while
nearly triple that number have been through this experience once. After
the patron repeats this incantation vebatim, calling these spiritist
powers down upon himself and his posterity for eternity, he is ushered
into the beautiful, etherial Celestial Room, as the climax and reward
for his perserverance and performance.
THE CELESTIAL ROOM
The Celestial Room is a very large, elegantly decorated and furnished
sitting room. It has no function or purpose except that patrons may
stand or sit for a few minutes to wait for spouse, friends, or
associates to come through the Veil. Conversation is permitted only in
quiet whispers. This is the only opportunity a Mormon ever has to ask a
question about the Temple ceremonies. It is supposed to be a place to
meditate, or seek answers to problems or inspiration. In actual
practice, however, patrons are not permitted to remain in the Celestial
room for more than a few minutes. Rarely is anyone available to answer
any questions or discuss a problem. It is very business like an
efficiently operated, like a production line. Patrons move from the
Celestial room out a side door and back downstairs to the locker room,
still wearing all the Temple clothing. There the patron removes his
Temple attire, puts on his normal clothing, and is free to leave at his
leisure. There is a comfortable waiting room near the entrance where he
may await spouse and friends.
TEMPLE MARRIAGE FOR TIME AND ETERNITY
A typical Temple contains from six to twenty Sealing Rooms where
marriages and Sealings are performed for the living and the dead.
Sealings are performed for couples already married, living or dead, to
extend their marriage to eternity. On a typical spring Saturday in Los
Angeles from 60 to 100 marriages and Sealings may be performed, mostly
for young couples. The Sealing Rooms are elegantly furnished and
decorated (See figure 5). The walls are lined with formal dining room
type chairs and a beautiful altar is in the center. Two opposing walls
are covered with solid mirrors so that one can seem to see "for
Eternity" in both directions. The Officiator for this ceremony is a
Temple Sealer, who is called to this position because he is considered
an especially "Spiritual" person. The room is often filled with many
friends and family of the wedding couple, who must also have valid
Temple Recommends, who have come to be with them, all dressed in white
Temple clothing. It is an impressive ceremony. There were approximately
40 dearly beloved friends at the Sealing of my wife and three teenage
children to myself one year and six days after our Baptism. (It is the
order of the Priesthood that wife (or wives) and children are sealed to
the Priesthood holder). Though we were dazed and perplexed by the rush
of confusing activities that had taken place during a period of sever
hours preceeding it, at the completion of that brief climaxing
ceremony we truly felt blessed. With this capacity crowd of joyful well
wishers encouraging us, we truly felt a wonderful bond of family
togetherness envelop us. It is an event I will never forget. We thought
we had achieved a wonderful goal through sustained sacrifice, dedication
and hard work. The promises bestowed were glorious beyond understanding,
and it felt worthwhile and rewarding. The support and fellowship
of all those beloved friends who were there just for us was a very
significant factor in the good feelings we had, for without them it
would all have been a mass of confusion and senseless rituals.
5 LAWS- All Temple patrons covenant and promise to keep and live by
these five laws of the Endowment.
1 - Law of Obedience- Wives agree to obey their husbands in
righteousness, and husbands, in turn agree to obey the law of Elohim and
keep his commandments.
2 - Law of Sacrifice- All agree to give everything they have, including
their lives, if necessary, to the building up of the Kingdom of God.
3 - Law of the Gospel- All agree to obey the Law of the Gospel, and to
avoid lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord's
annointed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and every other unholy
and impure practice.
4 - Law of Chastity- All agree that they shall have no sexual
intercourse except with their legal and lawful husband or wife (or
wives).
5 - Law of Consecration- All agree to consecrate their time, talents,
and everything with which the Lord has blessed them or will bless them
to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the building up
of the Kingdom of God and the establishment of Zion (the Mormon Church).
4 TOKENS (HANDCLASPS) - WITH ACCOMPANYING NAMES - Temple participants
each receive these four secret tokens or handclasps with accompanying
secret names, signs, and penalties.
1 - The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood: Is given by clasping the
right hands together and by placing the joint of the thumb over the
first knuckle of the hand. Its name is the NEW NAME you received in the
temple this day (The 'New Name' is usually Biblical, and is the same for
everyone on a given day, i.e., every male who goes to the temple on the
third of the month will receive the name "Abraham". The name of the
First Token of the A.P., then, would be "Abraham").
2 - The Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood: Is given by clasping
right hands together and by placing the joint of the thumb between the
first and second knuckles of the hand. The name of this token is your
given name (If you are Elmer Jones the name of the token would be
"Elmer", and if you were Sadie Jones it would be "Sadie").
3 - The First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail:
Is executed by bringing your right hand forward in a vertical position,
fingers close together, thumb extended, and the person giving the token
placing the tip of the forefinger in the center of the palm with the
thumb on the back of the hand. The name of this token in "The Son".
4 - The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal
Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail: Is given by clasping right hands and
interlocking little fingers, and placing the index finger of the right
hand on the center of the wrist. The name is "Health in the navel,
marrow in the bone, strength in the loins and in the sinews, power in
the priesthood be upon me and upon my posterity through all generation
of time and throughout all eternity".
4 SIGNS AND 3 PENALTIES
1 - The Sign and Penalty of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood Is
made by bringing the right arm to the square, the palm of the hand
forward, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended. The penalty
is executed by placing the right thumb under the left ear, palm down,
fingers close together. The thumb is drawn quickly across the throat to
the right ear and the hand dropped to the side. This signifies having
your throat slit from ear to ear and your tongue torn out by its roots.*
2 - The Sign and Penalty of the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood
Is made by bringing the right hand in front of you, the hand in cupping
shape, the right arm forming a square, and the left arm is raised to the
square. The penalty is executed by placing the right hand on the left
breast, and drawing the hand quickly across the chest, then dropping
both hands to the sides. This signifies having your chest ripped open
and your heart and vitals torn out and fed to the beasts of the field
and the fowls of the air.*
3 - The Sign and Penalty of the First Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood is made by bringing the left hand forward, the hand in
cupping shape, the left arm forming a square. The right hand is brought
forward, the palm down, fingers close together, and the thumb extended.
The thumb is placed over the left hip. The penalty is executed by
drawing the thumb quickly across the body and dropping both hands to the
sides. This signifies having your body cut asunder and your bowels gush
out upon the ground.*
4 - The Sign of the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood (no
penalty is mentioned) Is made by raising both hands high above the head,
palms forward, fingers close together, and lowering the hands to the
side three times while repeating aloud the words, 'PAY LAY ALE, PAY LAY
ALE, PAY LAY ALE.' They are told this means, "Oh God, hear the words of
my mouth" in the Adamic language.
*Up until the 1930's the penalties were plainly stated as indicated. The
patron was agreeing or covenanting that if he or she revealed these
secrets, the Mormon elders would very literally take them and execute
the penalties upon them. This is known as "blood atonement", and is
still a doctrine of the Church today.
*The significance of the penalties is no longer explained to the patrons
as plainly as it was in former days. Today it is described as "various
ways in which life may be taken." As the patron is executing the morbid
gesture of the penalty, he is affirming that rather than reveal the
secret token, name, sign and penalty, he would "suffer his life to be
taken."
IMMORALITY AND SEXUAL ACTIVITY IN THE TEMPLE RITUAL
Numerous stories have been circulated of all manner of sexual
activities, indecent exposure, polygamous marriages, marital
intercourse, etc., taking place as part of the Temple rituals. We want
to unequivically and emphatically state that none of these are true.
There is no overt sexual activity, immoral or otherwise, contained
within the rituals or otherwise conducted within the Mormon Temples,
although there are numerous similarities between ancient pagan
fertility rites and Mormon Temple rituals. We do not believe that
polygamous marriages are knowingly being performed within the Temples
today. Since polygamy is still an essential element of Mormon doctrine,
and still very much alive in Utah, we realize that some Mormon
dishonestly obtain polygamous marriage through Mormon Temples by
concealing the truth of their intentions.
THE GARMENT OF THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD
4 MARKS -
Every Mormon who "receives his Endowments" (including all Mormon
Missionaries) is dressed by a temple worker in the "garment of the holy
priesthood" which he is required to wear 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year, until he is buried in it. It is removed only to bathe and change
them, and for certain "public appearance" exceptions. Most of these have
the appearance of old-fashioned "long johns". Closer examination reveals
a pair of botton-holes over the right breast sewn in the form of a
square, reminding the Mormon of exactness and honor in living up
to his temple vows. Over the left breast a pair of botton-holes in the
form of a compass, remind the Mormon that all truth may be circumscribed
into one great whole, and that all appetites must be kept within
certain bounds. One button-type hole over the navel, recalls the need of
nourishment for body and soul, and an identical hole over the right
knee, signifies that every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that
Jesus is the Christ. In the early Mormon Temple ceremonies some of the
marks were cut into the garment with a small knife while on the patron's
body, thus knicking his flesh and shedding his blood into the garment.
See Leviticus 19:28, 21:5, Deuteronomy14:1, and Jeremiah 16:6. The same
four marks are on the veil of the temple in much larger
dimensions. The Temple Worker tells the patron, as he or she is being
dressed in this garment, that "it will be a shield and a protection to
you from the power of the destroyer until you have finished your work on
the earth, so long as you are true and faithful to the covenants you
make in the temple this day." The garment has thus become a magic
talisman to the Temple patron, and is to be his source of protection
from the power of Satan throughout his lifetime. The patron is
instructed that, when the garment is worn out, he must cut the
priesthood markings off of it and burn them. The garment then can be
used for rags or any other purpose. Thus we see that the magical "power"
in in the Priesthood markings. The Christian is taught that his
protection from Satan comes in a much different form from this
Priestcraft occultictalisman magic. Christians, in overcoming Satan's
attacks, are to put on something more substantial than magic underwear
with Masonic markings. It is fully explained in Ephesians 6:12-18, and
we highly recommend this form of protection to all readers.
MASONIC SYMBOLS AND RITES USED IN THE MORMON TEMPLE
In spite of vehement denials to the contrary, there is a direct link
between the rites, symbols, signs, handclasps and penalties of the
Masonic Lodge (Free and Accepted Masons or Free Masons) and those of the
temple Endowments of Mormonism. Joseph Smith received his first degree
in Masonry on March 15, 1842 and the very next day was elevated to 32nd
degree sublime Master of the Royal Secret. (See History of the Church (H.C.),
Volume 4, page 550, 552). Six weeks later, on May 2, 1842, Smith was
teaching these Masonic secrets as his own "revelations" to Mormon
leaders as the Temple Endowment (see H.C., Volume 15, Page 2). It was
from his association with the Masons that Joseph Smith derived the basic
ceremonies and symbols now known as the "Endowment". Into the fabric of
Free Masonry he wove his own peculiar brand of occultism, claiming it to
be "Revelation" from on high. We do not intend to do an exhaustive
comparison between Masonry and the Mormon Temple Endowment, but we would
like to draw your attention to a few of the more obvious similarities.
Please keep in mind as you look over the following list, that the
Masonic rituals and symbols pre-date the Mormon Church by several
hundred years:
All Seeing Eye
Anointing with oil
Apron
Beehive
Square and Compass
Earth Symbol
Emblem of the clasped hands
Solemn Assembly in the Temple
Five points of Fellowship
Special Garments applied to initiates
Garment Markings
Grips (Special handshakes)
The phrase: "Holiness to the Lord"
Moon symbol
New Name given
Special Prayer circle
Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods
Blood/death oaths of secrecy with morbid gestures and words
describing penalties agreed to if secrets are revealed.
Location (possession of) Throne of the "Holy of Holies"
Star symbols
Sun symbols
Tabernacles
Temples
THE TEMPLE CEREMONIES
Throughout the following account of the Temple ceremonies certain
explanatory notes have been added to help you understand the flow of
events. These sections are clearly distinguished by the bold face type
used. The temple ceremonies are set forth with no editorial commentary
on our part, for we feel that the words spoken and doctrines revealed
truly "Speak for themselves," and demonstrate that Mormonism is not in
any way Christian. The rituals, called "ordinances" or "temple work",
which are performed inside the temple are of two classes, work for the
living and work for the dead. Please refer to the introduction for an
explanation of these. Over 95% of the temple rituals are performed for
the dead by a patron acting as proxy for the dead person.
PRE-INITIATORY" RITUAL
The first ceremony for the dead in the Temple is that of Baptism. This
is performed in the beautiful baptismal font mounted on the backs of 12
full sized oxen, located in the Temple basement. The officiator and the
patron are dressed in heavy white jump-suits. There are two or more
witnesses observing the procedure. Usually a closed circuit T.V. is used
to project the names of the deceased persons on a large T.V. screen.
Typically 200-300 baptisms are performed per hour. The baptismal
pronouncement is recited in full for each baptism, and the patron is
completely immersed.
BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD
Brother (or Sister) ________, having authority, I baptize you, for and
in behalf of________, who is dead, in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost, amen.
Next comes the Confirmation for the Dead. This is usually performed at
or near the baptismal font, by the same persons who performed the
baptism ritual.
CONFIRMATION FOR THE DEAD
Brother (or Sister) ________, in the name of Jesus Christ, we lay our
hands upon your head for and in behalf of ________, who is dead, and
confirm you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
and say unto you: Receive the Holy Ghost. Amen.
After the Baptism and Confirmation for the Dead are done, the person who
is doing work for the dead is ready to be washed with water, anointed
with oil and clothed in the garment of the Holy Priesthood. This is the
beginning of the Endowment Ceremony.
The ordination of the dead males to the Mormon "Holy Melchizedek
Priesthood" is usually (but not always) performed in the same area of
the Temple by the same proxy. Other temple workers perform this
ordinance following the baptism and confirmation. Two workers lay their
hands upon the patron's head and one of them pronounces the ordination.
ORDINATION FOR THE DEAD
Brother ________, having authority we lay our hands upon your head and
confer upon you the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordain you an Elder in
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for and in behalf of
________, who is dead, and seal upon you every grace, gift and authority
appertaining to his office in the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood, for and
in his behalf, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
INITIATORY ORDINANCE
Following the pre-initiatory ordinances of baptism and confirmation and
ordination, other proxies will perform the next group of rituals for
these deceased parsons. These are called the "initiatory ordinances" or
rituals and are performed on the main floor level of the Temple,
adjacent to the men's and women's locker rooms. These include washing
with water, anointing with oil, and clothing in the Garment of the Holy
Priesthood.
PREPARATION FOR PARTICIPATION
As patrons enter the Temple, they present their "Temple Recommend" to a
doorkeeper immediately inside. They then proceed to a room with two
typists at counters, one for men and the other for women. Each patron
presents his recommend to the typist, she types his name, then tears off
a strip of the page approximately 1/2 inch wide by 2 1/2 inches long.
This contains the name and birthdate of the deceased person, and the
proxy's name. The patrons proceed to a room where Temple clothing may be
rented. Many patrons do not own their own Temple clothing but prefer to
rent it as a nominal charge. Each Temple has a large and busy laundry
and sewing facility to provide this service. The patrons separate at
this point to the men's and women's locker rooms, where each patron is
assigned a locker. The typical locker rooms are identical for men and
women with one exception, the bride's rooms. The locker rooms are
composed of rows of dressing booths with chest high partitions. The
booth contains three tall lockers with locks and keys. There is a
space on top of the lockers for suitcases in which most patrons carry
their own white temple clothing. Most patrons will remove their street
clothing and place it in the locker, leave their temple garment on, and
put on the white temple clothing - white dress, slip, stockings and
slippers, or white pants shirt, tie, belt, socks and slippers which they
either bought or rented. They will then lock their locker and proceed to
receive the "New Name" in a special booth, and then go to the theatre
like endowment room to receive the Endowment. These patrons who are
receiving the Washing, Anointing, and Clothing in the Garment of the
Holy Priesthood, either for themselves or for a dead person for whom
they are proxy, will proceed as follows
WASHING AND ANOINTING ROOM FOR MEN
The patron prepares for these rituals, called the initiatory ordinances,
by removing all clothing and placing it in the locker. The patron puts
on a devise called a shield. This strip of white sheeting approximately
three feet wide by 8 feet long with a head sized whole in the center. It
hangs open at the sides and covers the body front and back. The patron
then proceeds to the washing and anointing room, taking with him his
temple garment, name slip and locker key. Usually he joins group of
similarly attired patrons on a bench waiting their turn to enter. As
each patron enters, the temple worker takes the garment from the patron
and the patron enters the first section of the room to be washed with
water. The temple worker wets his right hand in running water and
proceeds to ceremonially wash the patron's body. As he recites the words
of the ceremony, the temple worker lightly touches each part of the
patron's body mentioned with his fingers or hand.
WASHING - OF MEN
Brother ________, having authority, I wash you preparatory to your
receiving your anointings (for and in behalf of ________, who is
dead), that you may become clean from the blood and sins of this
generation. I wash your head, that your brain and your intellect may be
clear and active; your ears, that you may hear the word of the Lord;
your eyes, that you may see clearly and discern between truth and error;
your nose, that you may smell; your lips, that you may never speak
guile; your neck, that it may bear up your head properly; your
shoulders, that they may bear the burdens that shall be placed thereon;
your back, that there may be marrow in the bones and in the spine; your
breast, that it may be the receptacle of pure and virtuous principles;
your vitals and bowels, that they may be healthy and strong and perform
their proper functions; your arms and hands, that they may be strong and
wield the sword of justice in defense of truth and virtue; your loins,
that you may be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth, that you
may have joy and rejoicing in your posterity; your legs and feet, that
you may run and not be weary, and walk and not faint. The washing is
then sealed by two temple workers placing their hands upon the patron's
head. One of them pronounces the
CONFIRMATION OF WASHING - OF MEN
Brother ________, having authority, we lay our hands upon your head (for
and in behalf of ________, who is dead), and seal upon you this washing,
that you may become clean from the blood and sins of this generation
through your faithfulness, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Next, the patron enters the second part of the room where he is seated
upon a sort of a tile covered throne chair. Another temple worker pours
some drops of oil from a large horn into his hand and proceeds to anoint
the patron's body, by dipping his fingers in the oil and touching each
part in turn.
ANOINTING - OF MEN
Brother ________, having authority, I pour this holy anointing oil upon
your head (for and in behalf of ________, who is dead), and anoint you
preparatory to your becoming a King and a Priest unto the Most High God,
hereafter to rule and reign in the House of Israel forever. I anoint
your head, that your brain and your intellect may be clear and active;
your ears, that you may hear the word of the Lord; your eyes, that you
may see clearly and discern between truth and error; your nose, that you
may smell; your lips, that you may never speak guile; your neck, that it
may bear up your head properly; your shoulders, that they may bear the
burdens that shall be placed thereon; your back, that there may be
marrow in the bones and in the spine; your breast, that it may be the
receptacle of pure and virtuous principles; your vitals and bowels, that
they may be healthy and strong and perform their proper functions; your
arms and hands, that they may be strong and wield the sword of justice
in defense of truth and virtue; your loins, that you may be fruitful and
multiply and replenish the earth, that you may have joy and rejoicing in
your posterity; your legs and feet, that you may run and not be
weary, and walk and not faint. The anointing is then sealed by two of
the temple workers laying their hands upon the patron's head and one of
them pronouncing the sealing.
CONFIRMATION OF ANOINTING - OF MEN
Brother ________, having authority we lay hands upon your head (for and
in behalf of ________, who is dead), and confirm upon you this
anointing, wherewith you have been anointed in the Temple of our God
preparatory to becoming a king and a priest unto the Most High God
hereafter to rule and reign in the House of Israel forever; and seal
upon you all the blessings hereunto appertaining, through your
faithfulness, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
The patron now enters the third section of the room to be clothed in the
garment that he brought with him to the washing and anointing room. A
temple worker holds the garment open for the patron, who is still
wearing the shield, to step into. He then helps the patron pull the
garment up and put his arms in as the worker is giving instructions and
"New Name".
RECEIVING THE "GARMENT OF THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD" AND THE "NEW NAME"
Brother ________, having authority, I place this garment upon you (for
and in behalf of ________, who is dead), which you must wear throughout
your life. It represents the garment given to Adam when he was found
naked in the Garden of Eden, and is called the Garment of the Holy
Priesthood. Inasmuch as you do not defile it, but are true and faithful
to your covenants, it will be a shield and a protection to you against
the power of the destroyer until you have finished your work here on
earth. With this garment I give you a new name, which you should always
remember, and which you must keep sacred, and never reveal except at a
certain place that will be shown you hereafter. The name is "________".
Each of the men and each of the women participating in the Endowment (on
a particular day) receive the same "New Name".. The "New Name" is
usually Biblical, such as Abraham, Joseph, Moses, etc. or Martha, Mary,
or Naomi. An alternate New Name is provided to those patrons who are
representing a dead person whose first name sounds like the New Name in
use. The patron then goes back to his locker, removes his shield, and
puts on his white clothing, which he either rented or brought with him.
This includes white shirt, trousers, belt, socks, tie and
mocassins. This is put over the garment. He then carries in his hand the
Temple Clothing which he will put on later in the ceremony. The women
patrons have been going through similar rituals in their identical area
of the Temple. Over the Temple garment they now dress in white slip,
long dress, hose and mocassins. Today it is common practice for the
Washing, Anointing and Clothing in the Garment of the Holy Priesthood to
be performed separately from the Endowment by other proxies. Those who
come to the Temple to perform only the Endowment dress in their white
Temple clothing and pass through a special booth where they receive the
"New Name" on their way to the Endowment rooms. The name slip containing
the name of the dead person is green or gold for these persons. The
patrons will usually pass through a beautiful foyer and climb an
impressive flight of stairs to reach the Endowment room where they will
be segregated by a temple worker, women to the left and men to the right
(entering always from the rear) and be seated on richly upholstered
theatre type seats. In the older Temples, patrons often still move from
room to room through the various stages of presentation of the
Endowment. In modern Temples, patrons remain in one room throughout the
first one and one half hours of the Endowment, which is presented in
motion picture form except for the secret tokens, names, signs,
penalties, prayer circle and veil explanation portion, which are on tape
recording. The Officiator, who is "in charge" of the presentation
pantomimes much of the taped portion, and rarely speaks.
CREATION ROOM
LECTURER #1 (tape recording 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 for your own Endowments and those
who have yellow or white family name slips should have been washed,
anointed, and clothed in the garment of the Holy Priesthood. The
brethren with the yellow name slips should also have been ordained. The
ordinances of washing, anointing, and clothing in the garment of the
Holy Priesthood, together with the ordaining on behalf of deceased
brethren, were performed previously by other proxies for those whose
names are on the green or gold nameslips. 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. 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.
LECTURER #2 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. PAUSE)
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. PAUSE)
Here begins a motion picture presentation which constitutes the major
portion of the Endowment. Originally it was done on stage with live
actors, but most all Temples are now using the filmed versions of the
Endowment ceremony. During the creation sequence a series of scenes and
animation or still art work are shown portraying the creation
activities. Only the voices of the characters are heard.
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
heretofore 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 the matter unorganized. We will organize
it into a world like unto the 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 of 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 our 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 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 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 been down as thou hast commanded, and have
gathered the waters together and have caused the dry land 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 you have formed.
Divide the light from the darkness. Call the light day and the darkness
night. Cause the lights in 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, to give light to the earth, the same as with the worlds
we have heretofore formed. When you have done this, call your labors the
Third Day, and return and report.
JEHOVAH It shall be done Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down.
MICHAEL We will go down, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH Michael, we will divide the light from the darkness. We will
call the light day, and the darkness night. We will cause the lights in
the firmaments to appear, the greater light to rule the day and the
lesser light to rule the night. We will cause the stars also to appear,
to give light to the earth, the same as with the worlds we have
heretofore formed. 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 We have been down as thou hast commanded, and divided the light
from the darkness. The light we have called day, and the darkness we
have called night. We have caused the firmament to appear. We have set
the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the
night. We have caused the stars to appear to give light to the earth,
and have called our labors the Third Day.
ELOHIM It is well.
FOURTH DAY
ELOHIM Jehovah, Michael, return again to the earth you have formed.
Plant seeds of all kinds in the earth ...
NOTE: Elohim continues the instructions for filling the earth with
vegetation, various forms of flora are specified. Jehovah and Michael
accept the instructions and the process is repeated as in the first
three days, with the instructions being put into action upon the earth.
Jehovah and Michael return and repeat the same instructions in the form
of a report, which Elohim accepts with, "It is well".
FIFTH DAY
ELOHIM Jehovah, Michael, go down again to the earth you have formed, and
place beasts and all forms of animal life thereon: the Elephant, the
Lion, the Tiger, the Bear, the Horse, Cattle in the fields and other
kinds of animals; fouls 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 fouls, 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 fulfill the
measure of its creation and have joy therein. Call your labors the Fifth
Day, and return 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 there on, we will place beasts upon the land:
the Elephant, the Lion, the Tiger, the Bear, the Horse, and all other
kinds of animals; fouls 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 fouls, 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 We will return and report our labors of the Fifth Day, Jehovah.
Jehovah and Michael then return and repeat the dialogue again to Elohim
in the form of a report.
ELOHIM It is well.
SIXTH DAY
ELOHIM Jehovah, is man found upon the earth?
JEHOVAH No, man is not found upon 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 counselled 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 exaltation. 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.
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.
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.
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 a helpmeet for him.
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 become like a little child. Brethren, close your eyes as if
you were asleep.
ELOHIM Adam, awake and arise.
NARRATOR All the brethren will please arise.
(Men all stand up)
ELOHIM Adam, here is a woman whom we have formed and whom we give unto
you to be a companion and an helpmeet for you. What will you call
her?
ADAM Eve.
Elohim and Jehovah are shown suspended in air against the garden
backdrop, as identical, brilliant, white, radiant personages with long
white beards, white hair, and long white robes. Adam and Eve are shown
shoulders and up behind garden foliage.)
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
please be seated.
THE GARDEN OF EDEN
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 Lord over the whole earth, and all things on
the face thereof. We now command you and Eve to multiply and replenish
the earth, that you may have joy and rejoicing in your posterity. We
have also planted for you this garden, wherein we have placed all manner
of fruits, flowers and vegetation. Of every tree of the garden thou
mayest freely eat, but of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil thou
shalt not eat, nevertheless thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is
given unto thee. But remember that I forbid it, for in the day thou
eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Adam, remember this commandment
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.
LUCIFER: (Wearing crimson velvet flowing robe with tunic and apron
underneath) 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 (walks to Tree
of Knowledge of Good and Evil and picks 2 ripe fruit, usually having a
appearance of an apple, then walks over to Adam and holds fruit out to
him. 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
that 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 ?(looks at Eve and expresses a wise grin Well,
we shall see. (walks over to where Eve is admiring the flowers
Eve, here is some of the fruit of that tree (hold fruit out to Eve. It
will make you wise. It is delicious to the taste and very desirable.
EVE (surprised) Who are you?
LUCIFER (tenderly) I am your brother.
EVE (Inquisitively) You, my brother, and have come here to persuade me
to disobey Father?
LUCIFER (expounding) LDS doctrine 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 (plaintively) Is there no other way?
LUCIFER (confidently) There is no other way.
EVE (resignedly) Then I will partake.
LUCIFER: (Expresses a smug, wise grin) There, now go and get Adam to
partake (places another fruit in Eve's hand, closes it,
and pats her hand.)
EVE: (Walks over to where Adam is - Sweetly and persuasively) Adam, here
is some of the fruit of that tree. It is delicious to the taste and very
desirable.
ADAM (surprised Eve, do you know what fruit that is?
EVE Yes, it is the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
ADAM I can not partake of it. Do you not know that Father commanded us
not to partake of the fruit of that tree?
EVE (searchingly Do you intend to obey all of Father's commandments?
ADAM (resolutely Yes, all of them.
EVE (pathetically 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 (resignedly Eve, I see that this must be so. I will partake that
man may be.
LUCIFER (walks into the scene That is right.
EVE (philosophically It is better for us to pass through sorrow that we
may know the good from the evil. (Eve turns to Lucifer - contemptuously.
I know thee now. Thou art Lucifer, he who was cast out of Father's
presence for rebellion.
LUCIFER: (wisely) Yes, you are beginning to see already.
ADAM (inquisitively What is that apron you have on?
LUCIFER (arrogantly) 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?
ELOHIM (voices from a distance 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 (excitedly) I hear their voices, they are coming.
LUCIFER (excitedly) and slyly See, you are naked. Take some fig leaves
and make you aprons. Father will see your nakedness. Quick! Hide!*
ADAM (alarmed) Come, let us hide.
NARRATOR Brethren and Sisters, put on your aprons (the movie
stops while the patrons in the audience remove the green fig-leaf
apron from their package of Temple clothing and tie it around
their waist.)
ELOHIM Adam (pause), Adam! (pause), Adam! Where art thou?
ADAM (cowering) I heard thy voice and hid myself, because I was naked.
ELOHIM (searchingly) Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou
partaken of the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, of
which we commanded thee not to partake?
ADAM (ashamedly) 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 (sternly) Eve, what is this thou hast done?
EVE (ashamedly) The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
ELOHIM (angrily) Lucifer, what hast thou been doing here?
LUCIFER (arrogantly) I have been doing that which has been done in other
worlds.
ELOHIM What is that?
LUCIFER (arrogantly) I have been giving some of the fruit of the Tree of
the Knowledge of Good and Evil to them.
ELOHIM (judgementally) 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.
LUCIFER (defiantly) If thou curseth 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 heel, but he shall have power to crush
thy head.
LUCIFER (vehemently) Then with that enmity I will take the treasures 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 this earth.
ELOHIM (authoritatively) Depart!
ELOHIM (turning to Jehovah) Jehovah, let cherubim and 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.
* Note how often Lucifer voices instructions and teaches doctrine
JEHOVAH It shall be done, Elohim. (Turns away and gives command) Let
cherubim an 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. (turns back to Elohim) It is done, Elohim.
ELOHIM (judgementally) 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. Never-the-less 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. 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.
THE LAW OF OBEDIENCE
ELOHIM (condescendingly) 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 harken unto your council as you
harken 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 (humbly) Adam, I now covenant to obey your law as you obey our
Father.
ADAM (humbly) Elohim, I now covenant with you that from this time forth
I will obey your law and keep your 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.
NARRATOR: Brethren and Sisters, the garment that was placed upon you in
the washing room is to cover your nakedness and represents the coat of
skins spoken of. Anciently it was made of skins. You have received the
garment, also your New Name. The Officiator will represent Elohim at the
altar. A couple will now come to the altar (a pre-selected "witness
couple"* seated front row center aisle come forward and kneel at the
altar facing forward. It is considered a very special experience to be
selected to be the "witness couple". As they represent all the patrons
at the altar, the Endowment takes on a very 'realistic' atmosphere for
his couple as they move back and forth to the altar to receive the
tokens and actually take part in the ceremony. Dolly and I were selected
twice in approximately 150 Endowment ceremonies in nine years, and I
remember the experience clearly. Brethren and Sisters, this couple at
the altar represent 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 (sisters all stand up). 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 husband, and abide by his
council in righteousness. Each of you bow your head and say yes.
SISTERS Yes.
ELOHIM That will do. (sisters sit down) Brethren, arise (brethren all
stand up). 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 obey the law of God and keep His commandments.
Each of you bow your head and say yes.
BRETHREN Yes.
ELOHIM That will do. (Brethren all sit down)
LAW OF SACRIFICE
ELOHIM You are now about to be put under covenant to obey and keep the
Law of Sacrifice, as contained in the Old and the 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 altar 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, who is full of grace and truth. Wherefore, thou
shalt do all that thou doest 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 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 (the Mormon Church is the Kingdom of God. All arise
(patrons all stand up. 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 Old and the New Testaments, as it has
been explained to you. Each of you bow your head and say yes.
BRETHREN AND SISTERS (all bow their head) Yes.
ELOHIM That will do (patrons all sit down).
FIRST TOKEN OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
ELOHIM We 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 takes the Brother kneeling at the altar by the right
hand and demonstrates the token to the audience. We give unto you the
First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood. We desire all to receive it....
All arise (The patrons all stand in place). The witness couple return to
their seats. Several temple workers circulate through the rows of
patrons giving each one the token. The patrons sit down after each
receives it. If any of you did not receive this token you will please
raise your hands. 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. (pause* 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 demonstrates the sign to the
audience This is the sign. (The Officiator continues to demonstrate the
instructions) If a patron stands up, indicating he has forgotten the New
Name, he is taken by a Temple Worker to the rear of the room where the
New Name is whispered in his ear. He then returns to his seat, and the
ceremony then resumes. This gives the false impression that there is
more than one New Name in use. Many patrons have attended the Temple for
years before the realized that everyone has the same New Name. 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 (he makes 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 (pause, places right thumb under left
ear my life (pause, draws thumb quickly across throat to right ear to be
taken (drops hands to side.
All arise (patrons all stand up).
Each of you make the sign of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood
by bringing your right arm to the squares, the palm of the hand to the
front, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended.
(Patrons all make the sign).
This is the sign.
Now, repeat in your minds 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 (patrons all place right thumb under left ear as
described above) my life (patrons all draw thumb across their throat to
the right ear to be taken) (Patrons all drop the hand to their side).
That will do (patrons all sit down).
(If any of the brethren or sisters make a mistake in the execution of
the penalty, the execution of the penalty is repeated by all of the
patrons together as instructed).
It is necessary to repeat the sign of the execution of the penalty. The
sign of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood 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
(patrons all make sign. It is not necessary to repeat again the words of
the covenant in representing the execution of the penalty, but let the
name of the token pass through your mind. Now represent the
execution of the penalty (patrons all execute the penalty.
That will do (patrons all 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.
THE LONE AND DREARY WORLD
NARRATOR: We will now go with Adam and Eve to the lone and dreary world.
Brethren and Sisters, this represents the Telestial Kingdom, or the
world in which we now live. Adam, upon finding himself in the lone and
dreary world, built an altar and offered prayer, and these are the words
he uttered:
ADAM (hands raised up and looking toward heaven)
Oh God, hear the words of my mouth!
Oh God, hear the words of my mouth!
Oh God, hear the words of my mouth!
LUCIFER (arrogant voice from off scene) I hear you. (Camera pans left to
show towering, arrogant, colorful Lucifer poised near Adam), Lucifer
walks over to Adam. What is it you want?
ADAM (surprised) Who are you?
LUCIFER (arrogantly) I am the God of this world.
ADAM (unsure), questioning You, the God of this world?
LUCIFER Yes, what do you want?
ADAM I am looking for messengers.
LUCIFER (expresses a smug, wise grin) Oh, you want someone to preach to
you. You want religion do you. I will have preachers here presently.
(Lucifer turns and looks left. Camera pans to approaching figure dressed
in dark blue ministerial robe and priest's collar until he walks up to
Lucifer. Good Morning Sir.
PREACHER (wisely) Good morning! (looking into the audience) A fine
congregation.
LUCIFER Yes, they are very good people. They are concerned about
religion. Are you a preacher?
PREACHER (proudly with emphasis) I am.
LUCIFER (searchingly) Have you been to college and received training for
the ministry?
PREACHER (proudly with emphasis) Certainly! A man cannot preach unless
he has been trained for the ministry!
LUCIFER Do you preach the orthodox religion?
PREACHER (proudly with emphasis) 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.
PREACHER I will do my best.
LUCIFER (looks and gestures toward Adam and Eve) Here is a man who
desires religion. He is very much exercised, and seems to be sincere
(Lucifer steps back as Preacher approaches Adam and Eve.
PREACHER (authoritatively) I understand you are inquiring after
religion.
ADAM (sincerely) I was calling upon Father.
PREACHER (dramatically, with gestures) I am glad to know that you were
calling upon Father. Do you believe in a God who is without body, parts
and 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 miriads of beings who have been saved by Grace, not by any act of
theirs, but by His good pleasure. Do you believe in this great Being?
ADAM (emphatically) I do not. I cannot comprehend such a Being.
PREACHER (wistfully) That is the beauty of it. (reproachfully) Perhaps
you do not believe in the 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 are never consumed?
ADAM (emphatically) I do not believe in any such place.
PREACHER (reproachfully) My dear friend, I am sorry for you.
LUCIFER (disgustedly) I am sorry! very, very sorry! (searchingly) What
is it you want?
ADAM (sincerely) I am looking for messengers from my Father.
ELOHIM (Scene fades to etheral view of magnificent, huge throne set -
with semi circle of towering Greecian columns, broad steps, Celestial
splendor). Elohim majestically towering above Jehovah, both appearing as
in Garden scene. 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 (reverently and submissively) It shall be done, Elohim.
(Jehovah turns and walk from the presence of Elohim to the edge of the
great columned set), there Peter, James and John reverently enter amid
rolling clouds [stage smoke] in an etherial view. Peter, James and John
are wearing long, full, shepherd type robes with colorful sashes.
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 (reverently and submissively) It shall be done, Jehovah. Come
James and John, let us go down.
JAMES (reverently and submissively) We will go down.
JOHN (reverently and submissively) We will go down.
(All turn and exit scene in single file, Peter leading). Scene fades
back to Lone and Dreary World. Peter, James and John file into scene,
Peter leading, approaches Lucifer, who turns toward him.
PETER Good morning.
LUCIFER Good morning.
PETER (intently) What are you doing here?
LUCIFER Teaching religion.
PETER (searchingly) What religion do you teach?
LUCIFER (proudly with emphasis) 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 & John turn from Lucifer and walk over
to Adam and Eve
PETER (intently) Good morning. What do you think of the preaching of
these gentlemen?
ADAM (intently) I cannot comprehend it.
PETER (searchingly) Can you give us some idea concerning it?
ADAM (expresses wonderment) They preach of a God who is without body,
parts or passions, who is so large he fills the universe and yet so
small that he can dwell in my heart, and of a hell without a bottom
where the wicked are continually burning but are never consumed. To me
it is a mass of confusion.
PETER (sympathetically) We do not wonder that you cannot comprehend such
doctrine. Have you any tokens or signs? (Lucifer enters the scene and
interrupts the conversation.
LUCIFER (dramatically), with gestures Do you have any money?
PETER We have sufficient for our needs.
LUCIFER (dramatically), with gestures You can buy anything in this world
for money.
PETER (turns back to Adam, searchingly) Do you sell your tokens or signs
for money? You have them, I presume.
ADAM (sincerely) 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.
(Peter, James and John turn and exit, single file, Peter leading, stop
at the edge of the set). We shall probably visit you again. (Peter,
James and John exit set. Camera pans to Lucifer who approaches camera
ominously and threateningly. Looks intently into the audience.
LUCIFER (vehemently) 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 afraid.
PREACHER (curiously) Shall we ever have any apostles or prophets?
LUCIFER (proudly) No. However there may be some who will profess
revelation or apostleship. If so, just test them by asking them to
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
come with power. (scene fades to Elohim's columned throne set). Peter,
James and John enter single file, Peter leading [amid stage smoke] and
approach Jehovah who has been awaiting their return.
PETER Jehovah, we have been to the man Adam in the Telestial World as
thou didst command. 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
to 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 ascends
the set width stairs to approach Elohim, standing majestically at the
top). 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 light mindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of
the Lord's anointed, the taking of the name of the 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. Then have them return and bring
me word.
JEHOVAH It shall be done, Elohim. (Jehovah turns, descends stairs,
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 light mindedness, loud
laughter, evil speaking of the Lord's anointed, the taking of the name
of God in vain, and even 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.
JAMES We will go down.
JOHN We will go down.
(Peter, James and John turn and exit scene as before). Scene fades to
Lone and Dreary World set. Everyone is idle as Peter, James and John
file into set, and approaches Lucifer as before.
PETER I am Peter.
JAMES I am James.
JOHN I am John.
LUCIFER (reproachfully) Yes, I thought I knew you. (turns to preacher,
who is listening, dramatically) Do you know who these men are? They
claim to be apostles. Try them!
(Lucifer backs away and Preacher steps up to Peter)
PREACHER (searchingly) Do you profess to be apostles of the Lord Jesus
Christ?
PETER (confidently) We do.
PREACHER (with sophistication) 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 then restore it, so that the people might know that they
came with power.
PETER (reproachfully) We do not satisfy man'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!
PREACHER (surprised) What! The Devil?
PETER That is one of his names.
PREACHER (sincerely) 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 hoof, and that when he speaks he has the
roar of a lion!
PETER (confidently) He has said this to deceive you, and I would advise
you to get out of his employ.
PREACHER (doubtfully) Your advice is good. But, if I leave his employ,
what will become of me?
PETER (wisely) We will preach the gospel unto you with the rest of
Adam's posterity.
PREACHER (with satisfaction) That is good. (turns to Lucifer who is
watching nearby) (deliberately) I would like to have a settlement. I
want you to pay me for preaching.
LUCIFER (Proudly with emphasis) I am ready to keep my word and fulfill
my part of the agreement. (reproachfully 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. (Preacher backs out of
scene as Lucifer approaches Peter - arrogantly Now, what are you going
to do?
PETER (reproachfully) We will dismiss you without further argument.
LUCIFER (dramatically), with gestures 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, approaches the camera,
eyes on, ominously, speaks sinisterly - with vehemence [high drama] 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 (voice from off camera, commandingly). Camera pans and zooms back
to include Peter, James and John Satan, we command you to depart.
LUCIFER (turns toward Peter, James and John - arrogantly) By what
authority?
PETER (Right arm to the square - judgementally) In the name of Jesus
Christ, our Master. (Satan very emotionally turns and departs scene,
Peter turns and approaches Adam and Eve 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 (searchingly) How shall I know that you are true messengers?
PETER (confidently) By our giving unto you the token and sign you
received in the Garden of Eden.
ADAM (taking Peter by the right hand, but out of view) 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 (right arm
elevated to the square). And this represents the execution of the
penalty (Thumb of right hand across throat).
Lucifer still giving forth doctrine
ADAM Now I know that you are true messengers sent down from Father.
(turns to audience) These are true messengers. I exhort you to give
strict heed to their counsel 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 motion picture presentation is concluded. The
remainder of the presentation is from tape recording.
THE LAW OF THE GOSPEL
PETER A couple will now come to the altar (the witness couple comes
forward and kneels at the altar). 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 that 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 light mindedness, 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 (patrons all stand up). Each
of you bring your right arm to the square (patrons all raise 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 the Gospel and this charge as it has been explained to
you. Each of you bow your head and say yes.
BRETHREN AND SISTERS (all bow their head) Yes.
PETER That will do (patrons all 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 the 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 on again as part of the Temple Clothing. You may now proceed to
clothe. The patrons all stand, and turn around to use their seat as a
dressing table. The remove the green fig-leaf apron and the slippers
from their feet, open their package of Temple clothing, and commence
dressing by placing the long white robe on their left shoulder and tie
it in at the waist on the right side. Next they put on the hat* (or veil
for women) with the bow over the right ear, and then tie the string from
the hat to the shoulder loop of the rope. Next they replace the green
apron at the waist, and then tie the long six inch wide sash in a large
bow at the right side of the waist. They then sit down and replace the
slippers on their feet
*The hat looks like a baker's hat without the wide band. It has a bow on
one side and a string on the opposite side.
SECOND TOKEN OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
PETER A couple will now come to the altar (the witness couple comes
forward and kneel at the altar). 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 (Officiator takes
brother at the altar in the grip and shows the audience). We desire all
to receive it. All arise. (The witness couple stand up and return to
their seats). All patrons stand up in place and receive the token from
one of the temple workers who circulate through the rows. Then they sit
down. If any of you have not received this token, will you 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.
PETER (the Officiator demonstrates the sign as the instructions are
given) 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, the left arm
being raised to the square. This is the sign. 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 hand to the
sides. I will now explain the covenant and obligation to secrecy which
are associated with this token, its name, sign and penalty, and which
you will be required totake upon yourself. If I were receiving my own
Endowement today, and if my first given name were David, I would repeat
in my mind these words, after making the sign, at the same time
representing the execution of the penalty (Officiator, still making the
sign, demonstrates 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
(pause, right hand to left breast my life (pause, draws hand across
chest to right breast to be taken (drops hands to side).
All arise (patrons all stand up).
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.
Patrons all make the sign
Now repeat in your minds after me the words of the covenant, at the same
time representing the execution 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 (patrons all place left hand on right breast
my life) (patrons all draw left hand quickly across the body to be taken
(patrons all drop both hands to the sides. That will do (patrons all sit
down). (If any one of the brethren or sisters makes a mistake in the
execution of the penalty, the execution of the penalty is repeated by
all patrons together, as before.
The tape resumes
PETER 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 light mindedness, 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. (Jehovah repeats the same
report to Elohim) - who is pleased - and gives Jehovah further
instructions for Peter, James and John to return again to Adam in the
Telestial World and to give unto Adam instructions to change his robe
tothe right shoulder preparatory to receiving the ordinances of
the Melchizedek Priesthood and to administer to Adam the Law of Chastity
and introduce him into the Terrestial World. Jehovah then instructs
Peter, James and John. They accept the instructions and depart)
PETER We are instructed to have you change your robe to the right
shoulder, preparatory to officiating in the ordinances of the
Melchizedek Priesthood, and to introduce you into the Terrestial World.
You may now make the change by removing the robe (the room light level
is increased to represent the change to the Terrestial World. The
patrons all stand, turn around to use their seat as a clothes stand, and
proceed to remove the hat, sash, apron, robe and slippers. They put the
robe on again, but on the right shoulder, then put all of the other
items on reversed, with the bow of the hat on the right ear and the sash
tied to the left side. They sit down an put on the slippers.
THE TERRESTIAL WORLD
Law of Chastity
PETER A couple will now come to the altar (the witness couple come
forward and kneel at the altar as before) . We are instructed to give
unto you the Law of Chastity. This I will explain to you. 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 (sisters all stand up). Each of you bring your right arm to
the square. You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels
and these witnesses at this altar that you will observe and keep the Law
of Chastity, as it has been explained to you. Each of you bow your head
and say yes.
SISTERS (all bow their head Yes.)
PETER That will do (sisters all sit down.)
Brethren, please arise (brethren all 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 (all bow their head Yes.)
PETER That will do (brethren all sit down).
FIRST TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD OR THE SIGN OF THE NAIL
PETER (the Officiator demonstrates the instructions before the audience
as the tape plays) We will now give unto you the first token of the
Melchizedek Priesthood or 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. The witness couple
stand up and return to their seats as the patrons all stand and receive
the token from one of the temple workers, then sit down.
PETER If any of you have not received this token, please you will please
raise your hand. The 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 cupped shape, the left arm forming a square, the right hand
isalso brought forward, the palm down, the fingers close together, thumb
extended, and the thumb is placed over the left hip (Officiator makes
the sign facing the audience as before). This is the sign. The execution
of the penalty is represented by drawing the thumb quickly across the
body and dropping the hands to the side (Officiator demonstrates
execution of the penalty). 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 (Officiator makes 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 that do so, I would suffer my life (pause, draws right
thumb across body to be taken) (drops hands to his sides).
All arise (patrons all stand up.)
Each of you make the sign of the first token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood or sign of the nail 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
and the thumb extended and the thumb is placed over the left hip.
(Patrons all make the sign This is the sign. Now repeat in your minds
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 (patrons all draw their right thumb quickly across their body to
be taken (patrons all drop both hands to their sides.
That will do (patrons all sit down.)
(If any of the bretheren or sisters makes a mistake in the execution of
the penalty, the execution of the penalty is repeated by all the patrons
as with previous penalties.)
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
Terrestial 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
Melchizidek 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 Terrestial 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
Terrestial 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 Pariarchial Grip or sure sign of the nail, with its
accompanying sign, and to teach them the order of prayer, and to 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 sign of the nail, with its accompanying
sign.Teach them the Order of Prayer and prepare them in all things to
receive further instruction at the veil. Then report at the veil.
PETER: It shall be done Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go down.
LAW OF CONSECRATION
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar (the witness couple come
forward and they kneel 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 (picks up Doctrine and Covenants from the altar,
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 every thing 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.
All Arise (patrons all stand up). Each of you bring your right arm to
the square.
You and each of you covenant before God, angels and these witnesses at
this altar that you will observe and keep the Law of Consecration as
contained in this the book of Doctrine and Covenants. It is 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 heads and say yes.
BRETHREN and SISTERS: (all bow their head Yes.)
PETER That will do (patrons all sit down)
SECOND TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD
The Patriarchal Grip or Sure Sign of the Nail
PETER: (the Officiator demonstrates the token with the Brother) at the
altar We will now give you the second token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip or Sure Sign of the Nail, with its
accompanying sign. This token is given by clasping the right hands
interlocking the little finger, and placing the tip of the forefinger on
the center of the wrist, in this manner (shows the audience the token).
We desire all to receive it. All arise. The witness couple stand up and
return to their seats as the patrons all stand and each one receives the
secret grip from on of the temple workers who circulate through the rows
of patrons. 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 have received in the
Temple this day. The name of this token will not be given to you at this
stage of the Endowment, but it will be given later on.
The Officiator demonstrates the sign.
The sign is made 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
The Officiator raises and lowers his hands three times in synchonysm
with the words.
When Adam was driven out of the Garden of Eden, he built an altar and
offered prayer, and these are the words he used, Which interpreted are:
"Oh God, hear the words of my mouth." repeated three times.* We desire
all to receive it. All arise (patrons all stand up). 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 by lowering your hands to your sides, while
repeating the words of the prayer.
BRETHREN and SISTERS: (Patrons all make the sign by raising and lowering
their hands three times while reciting the words in
unison Pay lay ale, Pay lay ale, Pay lay ale).
PETER: That will do (patrons all sit down.)
A lecture will next 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 Temple this day. 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 these walls, of the things you see
and hear in this sacred place.
LECTURE BEFORE THE VEIL
Lecturer: Brethren and sisters, these Endowments as herein administered,
long withheld from the children of men, pertain to the dispensation of
the fullness of times and have been revealed to prepare the people for
exaltation. (The Lecturer explains to the patrons what they have gone
through, from the Washing and Anointing Room to the time they receive
this lecture). He mentions that they have received the keys of the
Priesthood contained in the Endowments. These are what are termed the
mysteries of Godliness and they will enable you to understand the
expression of Jesus made prior to his betrayal - This is life eternal,
that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom
thou hast sent. May God bless you all. Amen.
Another translation of these words, from Biblical Hebrew, is "Wonderful
Lucifer" repeated three times. See Strong's Concordance, Hebrew
Dictionary section, words #6382 and #1966. Note that on page 27 it is
Lucifer who answers Adam's prayer
THE PRAYER CIRCLE
PETER: We will now teach you the "True Order of Prayer". The witness
couple will now come forward and stand at the head of the altar. Six or
seven other couples will come forward and form a circle around the altar
(the tape recording stops while the witness couple and several other
couples at random come forward and arrange themselves in a circle of
couples around the altar, men on the right of their partners..
tape resumes
John will instruct and lead in the prayer circle (the Officiator acts as
John, pantomiming the tape recording).
John: If any of you have unkind feelings towards any member of this
circle, you are invited to withdraw, that the Spirit of the Lord may be
unrestrained. In this circle, we are required to make all the signs and
penalties of the Holy Priesthood.
(The Officiator and patrons in the prayer circle all make the signs and
penalties as instructed).
We will begin by making the sign of the first token of the Aaronic
Priesthood, the sign is made by raising the right hand to the square,
the palm forward, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended.
This is the sign. The execution of the penalty is represented by placing
the right thumb under the left ear, drawing the thumb quickly across the
throat to the right ear, and dropping the hand to the side. The name of
this token is the "New Name". We will now make the sign of the second
token of the Aaronic Priesthood by bringing the right hand forward, with
the hand in cupping shape, the right arm forming a square. The left arm
being raised to the square. This is the sign. 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 hand to the
side. The name of this token is the first given name of the person for
whom you are officiating today. We will now make the sign of the first
token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or sign of the nail, by bringing
the left hand in front of you, 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 execution of the penalty is
represented by drawing the thumb quickly across the body and dropping
the hands to the sides. 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
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.
The sisters will please veil your faces. The brethren will each take the
sisters at your left by the right hand in the Patriarchial Grip. Each of
you will raise your left arm to the square and place your left elbow on
the shoulder or arm of the person on your left. You will please repeat
the words of the prayer.
(At this point the tape recording stops and the Officiator actually
speaks. He first carefully checks and adjusts the position of all
patrons in he prayer circle. Then he kneels at the Altar inside the
circle, facing forward and offers the prayer. The Officiator pauses
regularly to allow the patrons in the circle to repeat his words.
A typical prayer would be as follows:
Our Eternal Heavenly Father:
We thank Thee for the privilege of coming to the Temple this day and
participating in these sacred ordinances which are essential to these
deceased individuals. We ask you to bless our Prophet, Spencer W.
Kimball, to bless the Temple Presidency, and all those who serve with
them.... (Many other topics may be covered, especially the missionaries,
missionary programs and work, geneological work... We ask Thee Heavenly
Father to look with favor upon all those whose names are contained on
this altar* this day. We ask Thy healing blessing to manifest in all
their various needs, to restore health and strength to body,mind, and
spirit. We ask Thee to bless all those who are participating here
tonight and see them safely home to their destination. We ask you to
watch over their families and loved ones until they arrive home, in the
name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
(Tape recorder resumes, with Officiator and his aide standing front and
center facing the patrons).
PETER The Sisters will unveil their faces and the Brethren and Sisters
in the circle will return to their seats (patrons return to their
seats).
We will now uncover the Veil.
The Officiator and aide take appropriate action to expose a veil segment
to the audience. The Officiator continues to pantomime the tape, using a
pointer to identify the marks.
Brethren and Sisters, This is the veil of the Temple. We will now
explain to you the significance of the marks on the Veil. These four
marks are the marks of the Holy Priesthood, and corresponding marks are
found on your individual garments. This is the mark of the square. It is
located on the garment over the right breast, signifying exactness and
honor in living up to all of the covenants made in the Temple this day.
This is the mark of the compass. It is located in the garment over the
breast, signifying that desires, appetites and passions are to be kept
within the bounds the Lord has established, and that all truth can be
circumscribed into one great whole. This is the navel mark. It is placed
in the garment over the navel as a reminder of the constant need of
nourishment to body and spirit. This is the knee mark. It is placed in
the right leg of the garment over the knee, and indicates that every
knee shall bow and every tongue 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 his right hand to test
our knowledge of the tokens of the Holy priesthood; through this
one, he asks us certain questions, and through this one, we give our
answers. Since all of you will have to pass through the veil, we will
show you how this is done (the aide is now behind the veil to act as the
Lord. The Officiator, acting as both Peter and Adam, gives three taps
with the mallet against the door jam, as the tape recording continues.
LORD: What is wanted?
PETER: Adam, having been true and faithful, 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.
LORD: (Extends his right hand through the compass mark in the veil and
takes Peter by the right hand in the first token of the Aaronic
Priesthood). What is that?
PETER: (Acting as Adam) 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. You will now give the New Name to the
Lord through the Veil.
LORD: (breaks contact, then takes Peter by the right hand in the Second
Token of the Aaronic Priesthood). 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. You will each give your own first given
name if you are going through the Temple for your own Endowments, or the
first given name of the deceased for whom you are presiding today.
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 - the Son.
LORD: (breaks contact, then takes Peter by the right hand in the
Patriarchal grip) 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.
PETER:The five points of fellowship are: inside of right boot by the
side of right foot, knee to knee, breast to breast, hand to back and
mouth to ear. (Peter demonstrates the five points with the Lord. The
Lord now gives you the name of the token, You will then repeat it back
to him through the veil, whereupon, the Lord responds, "That is
correct." The worker will then give three raps with the mallet - like
this (Officiator taps with the mallet), and the Lord will ask:
LORD: What is wanted?
PETER: Adam, having conversed with the Lord through the veil, desires
now to enter his presence. The Lord then takes Adam by the right hand
through the opening in the veil and says:
LORD: Let him enter.
PETER: The Lord then admits Adam into the Celestial Kingdom. We desire
all to enter his presence.
(The Officiator, who until now has not spoken to the audience, now gives
instructions for orderly movement, row by row, of the patrons into the
Telestial Room, where the actual veil is located). The patrons then
proceed to move to the Telestial Room and take up seats there. Still
segregated, women on the left, men on the right. The entire front of
this room, plus extra space to both sides is filled with approximately
50 veil segments [Los Angels Temple]. Patrons are called from their
seats in groups of 8-10 by the Officiator [still segregated by sex] to
the veil area, where they are assigned to a veil section in turn
and then introduced at the veil. Three persons are involved at each veil
ceremony: the VEIL WORKER, who represents the Lord behind the
veil; the PATRON, who is going through the ceremony to obtain entrance
into the Celestial Room, representing the Celestial Kingdom, located
behind the veil; and the INTRODUCER who helps the patron and introduces
him to the Lord. All Veil Workers are men, but the veil segments are
divided between men and women patrons and women INTRODUCERS help women
Patrons.
CEREMONY AT THE VEIL
(As the Patron approaches the veil, the Introducer takes the Patron's
nameslip). The Introducer taps 3 times on the veil framework with a
small mallet.)
The Veil Worker parts the veil opening slightly with his right hand.
LORD: What is Wanted?
(The Introducer holds up the Patron's nameslip for the Veil Worker to
read while he is stating the introductions).
INTRODUCER: 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).
(The Veil Worker reads the nameslip and notes if the alternate New Name
has been given) [The name of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood],
and the first given name of the deceased [the name of the 2nd Token of
the Aaronic Priesthood]. No communication is permitted between the Veil
Worker and the Introducer or the Patron except the specified dialogue.
If the patron makes a mistake, the Introducer immediately corrects him,
and the patron restates the correction. If the Introducer misses the
mistake, the Veil Worker (Lord) stops, or breaks contact and repeats the
same question to indicate an error was made. The Veil Worker extends his
right hand through the compass mark on the veil, takes the patron by the
right hand in the first token of the Aaronic Priesthood described above.
LORD: Present him at the Veil and his request shall be granted.
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. (Gives the new name)
LORD: (breaks contact, then takes patron's hand in the Second Token of
the Aaronic Priesthood.) 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. (Gives the first given name)
LORD: (breaks contact, then takes patron's right hand in the First Token
of the Melchizedek Priesthood.) 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
LORD: (breaks contact, then takes the patron's hand in the Patriarchal
Grip) 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 (Patron and Veil Worker embrace in the five points of
fellowship through the veil. 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 a 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
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 patron and the Veil Worker break their embrace and withdraw their
arms. The Introducer gives three taps with the mallet on the framework).
LORD: What is wanted?
INTRODUCER: (parts the veil slightly with right hand) Adam, having
conversed with the Lord through the veil, desires now to enter his
presence.
(The Veil Worker parts the Veil, takes the Patron by the right hand with
his right hand, and while guiding the Patron through the Veil opening
says):
LORD: (Solemnly) Let him enter!
The Patron then passes by the Veil Worker, normally with a momentary
thank you - greeting, and moves on into the Celestial Room* - which
completes the Endowment Ceremony. The Celestial Room is an elegantly
furnished sitting room where patrons may stand or sit for a few minutes
to wait for spouses, friends or associates to come through the veil.
Conversation is permitted only in quiet whispers. This is the only
opportunity a Mormon ever has to ask a question about the Temple
ceremonies. It is supposed to be a place to meditate, or seek answers to
problems or inspiration. In actual practice patrons are not permitted to
remain in the Celestial room for more than a few minutes. Rarely is
anyone available to answer questions or discuss a problem. It is very
business like an efficiently operated, like a production line. Patrons
move from the Celestial room back downstairs to the locker room, still
wearing all the Temple clothing. There the patron removes his temple
clothing and puts on his normal clothing and is free to leave at his
leasure. There is a comfortable waiting room near the entrance where he
may await spouse and friends.
TEMPLE MARRIAGE FOR TIME AND ETERNITY
A typical Temple contains from six to ten or more Sealing Rooms where
marriages and sealings are performed for the living and the dead.
Sealings are performed for couples already married, living or dead, to
extend their marriage to eternity. On a typical Saturday in Los Angeles
anywhere from 60 to 90 marriages and sealings may be performed, mostly
for young couples. The Sealing Rooms are elegantly furnished and
decorated. The walls are lined with chairs and a beautiful altar is in
the center. The Officiator for this ceremony is a Temple Sealer, who is
supposed to be an especially spiritual person. The actual ritual or
"ordinance" takes approximately two or three minutes to recite. When
marriages or sealings for the living are performed they are normally
preceded by a discourse or instruction - especially for the wedding
couple, stressing the great significance of this ceremony to the eternal
destiny and earthly life of the family. The room is often filled with up
to 40 friends and family of the wedding couple who must also have Temple
Recommends, and who have come to be with them - all of them dressed in
white Temple attire. There were approximately 40 persons at the sealing
of my wife and children to myself (the order of the Priesthood is that
wife and children are sealed to the father). After the preliminary
message, two "witnesses" are seated in a special position of honor and
the bride and groom kneel on opposite sides of the elegantly upholstered
altar and join right hands in the Patriarchal grip previously described.
THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY
(The Sealer stands at the head to the altar and pronounces the
ceremony.)
SEALER Brother _____ (acting as proxy for ____ who is dead), do you take
Sister ____ [maiden name (acting as proxy for ____ who is dead) by the
right hand and receive her unto yourself to be your lawful and wedded
wife for time and for all eternity, with a covenant and promise that you
will observe and keep all the laws, rites and ordinances pertaining to
this Holy Order of Matrimony in the new and everlasting Covenant, and
this you do in the presence of God, angels and these witnesses of your
own free will and choice?
Brother: Yes.
SEALER Sister ____ [maiden name (acting as proxy for ____ who is dead),
do you take Brother _____ (acting as proxy for _____, who is dead) by
the right hand and give yourself to him to be his lawful and wedded
wife, and for him to be your lawful and wedded husband, for time and for
all eternity, with a covenant and promise that you will observe and keep
all the laws, rites and ordinances pertaining to this Holy Order of
Matrimony in the new and everlasting Covenant: and this you do in the
presence of God, angels and these witnesses of your own free will and
choice?
SEALER By virtue of the Holy Priesthood and the authority vested in me,
I pronounce you ______, and ______, legally and lawfully husband and
wife for time and for all eternity, and I seal upon you the blessings of
the holy resurrection with power to come forth in the morning of the
first resurrection clothed in glory, immortality and eternal lives, and
seal upon you the blessings of kingdoms, thrones, principalities,
powers, dominions, and exaltations, with all the blessings of
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and say unto you, be fruitful nd multiply an
replentish the earth, that you may have joy an rejoicing in the day of
the Lord Jesus Christ. All these blessings, together with all the
blessings appertaining unto new and everlasting covenant, and I seal
upon you by virtue of the Holy Priesthood, through your faithfulness, in
the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost,
Amen.
(The parties then kiss each other over the altar which ends the
ceremony). No exchange of rings is included in the ceremony, but
may be done after the ceremony. The couple is then congratulated by
their guests and the Sealer and the party leaves to change to street
clothing.
SEALING OF CHILDREN TO PARENTS CEREMONY
Married couples, usually converts, who are being sealed often have minor
children. These children are normally sealed to their parents
immediately following the Sealing ceremony of the parents to each other.
The children may not be present for the parent's sealing, but are
brought in, dressed in white, while the parents are still kneeling at
the altar. The parents are moved to the ends of the rectangular altar
and the children kneel along the sides where the parents were. The
parents join hands in the Patriarchal grip and the Children place their
right hand in the top of the parents hands, starting with the
oldest child. The Officiator then stands behind the father and
pronounces the ceremony
SEALER By the authority of the Holy Priesthood, I seal you _____ (acting
as proxy for and in behalf of ______), to your father _____ ant to your
mother _____, for time and all eternity, as an heir (or heirs) (with all
the children) as though you were born in the new and everlasting
covenant, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy
Ghost, Amen.
Other family sealings are performed in a similar manner on occasion. A
member of the wedding couple could be sealed to his or her parents at
this time, or have their parents sealed and act as proxy for the
appropriate parent.
"Sealing Sessions" are conducted nearly every evening in the Temple in
which a group of four couples and an Officiator will perform
approximately 200 to 300 proxy sealings in about two hours. These are
very business like and efficiently conducted working sessions, which
produce over stressed knees and barks among the participants.
CONCLUSION
The Mormon Temple ceremonies have been presented here almost in their
entirety and very nearly "word perfect" for the instruction and
information of honest investigators looking into the deepest teachings
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). Those
readers who are offended of disturbed by this objective and truthful
presentation of this information are asked to consider this: darkness
flees from light, error flees from truth, deceit and deception flees
from honesty and integrity. Perhaps you should re-evaluate your
commitment to light, truth, honesty and integrity as opposed to blind,
mindless obedience to the precepts of men. The Apostle Paul told the
saints in Ephesus, "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye
light in the Lord, walk as children of light ...proving what is
acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful
works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame to even
speak of those things which are done of them in secret, but all things
that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth
make manifest is light." (Ephesians 5:8,10-13)
Brethren and Sisters, we invite you to come out of secret works of
darkness into the wonderful light of Jesus, the Light of the World and
Savior of every soul who will abandon man made churchianity and come to
Him for Salvation and Redemption. Praise the Lord, He is faithful to His
Word - to SAVE all who will accept His matchless grace by faith in Him.
Chuck Sackett
The Apostle Paul told the saints in Ephesus, "For ye were sometimes
darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord, walk as children of light
...proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with
the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a
shame to even speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
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