1990 LDS Endowment
The Mormon Temple Endowment Ceremony Part 3
ADAM:: How shall I know that you are true messengers?
PETER: By our giving unto you the token and sign you received in the Garden of Eden.
ADAM:: (Grasps Peter by the right hand.) What is that?
PETER: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
ADAM:: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
ADAM:: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I cannot, for it is the New Name, and I have made a covenant not to disclose it, but this is the sign (The right arm to square); and this represent the Execution of the Penalty (Thumb of right hand drawn across the throat).
ADAM:: Now I know that you are true messengers sent down from Father. (To audience) These are true messengers, I exhort you to give strict heed to their counsels counsil and teachings teaching, and they will lead you in the way of life and salvation.
NARRATOR: The Officiator will represent Peter at the altar.
(At this point the film is concluded. The remainder of the Endowment is conducted from an audio recording.)
THE LAW OF THE GOSPEL
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar. (Witness couple comes to altar as before.) Brethren and sisters, this couple at the altar represent all of you as if at the altar, and you will be under the same obligations as they will be. We are required to give unto you the Law of the Gospel as contained in the Book of Mormon and the Bible Holy Scriptures; to give unto you also a charge to avoid all lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord’s anointed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and every other unholy and impure practice, and to cause you to receive these by covenant.
All arise. (All patrons stand.) Each of you bring your right arm to the square. (this is done.)
You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar, that you will observe and keep the Law of the Gospel and this charge as it has been explained to you. Each of you bow your head and say “yes.”
PATRONS: Yes.
PETER: That will do. (All patrons sit down.)
THE ROBES OF THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD
PETER: We are instructed to clothe you in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood. Place the robe on your left shoulder. Place the cap on your head with the bow over the right ear, replace the apron, tie the girdle with the bow on the right side, remove the slippers from your feet, and put them in again as part of the temple clothing. You may now proceed to clothe.
(Patrons open their clothing envelopes dress as instructed.)
SECOND TOKEN OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar. (The witness couple kneels at the altar as before.) With the robe on the left shoulder, you are prepared to officiate in the ordinances of the Aaronic Priesthood. We will now give unto you the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood with its accompanying name, and sign, and penalty. This Token is given by clasping the right hands and placing the joint of the thumb between the first and second knuckles of the hand, in this manner.
(The Officiator and the male witness joins hands in the token, and slightly raise their hands to demonstrate in to the patrons.)
PETER: We desire all to receive it. All arise.
(As the Patrons stand, the witness couple returns to their seats, and various temple workers circulate about the room administering this token as they did the former.)
PETER: If any of you have not received this token, you will please raise your hand. The name of this token is your own first given name if you are going through the temple for your own Endowment, or, if you are going through for the dead, it is the first given name of the person for whom you are officiating.
The sign is made by bringing the right hand in front of you, with the hand in cupping shape, the right arm forming a square, and the left arm being raised to the square. This is the sign. (The officiator demonstrates.) The Execution of the Penalty is represented by placing the right hand on the left breast, drawing the hand quickly across the body, and dropping the hands to the sides. I will now explain the covenant and obligation of secrecy which are associated with this token, its name, and sign, and penalty, and which you will be required to take upon yourselves.
If I were receiving my own endowment today, and if my first given name were “David,” I would repeat in my mind those words, after making the sign, at the same time representing the Execution of the Penalty:
I, David, covenant before God, angels and these witnesses , that I will never reveal the Second Token of the Aaronic priesthood, with its accompanying name, and sign, and penalty. Rather than do so I would suffer my life to be taken.
All arise. (All Patrons stand.) Each of you make the sign of the Second Token of the Aaronic priesthood by bringing the right hand in front of you, with the hand in cupping shape, the right arm forming a square, and the left arm being raised to the square. This is the sign.
Now, repeat in your mind after me the words of the covenant, at the same time representing the Executing of the Penalty.
I, _________, think of the first given name, solemnly covenant, before God, angels, and these witnesses that I will never reveal the second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, and sign, and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer my life to be taken. That will do.
(All patrons sit down.)
PETER: We will return and report. Jehovah, we have been down to the man Adam and Eve and his their posterity in the Telestial World, and have cast Satan out of their midst. We have given unto them the Law of the Gospel as contained in the Book of Mormon and the Bible Holy Scriptures; also a charge to avoid all lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord’s anointed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and every other unholy and impure practice, and have caused them to receive these by covenant. We have also clothed them in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood and have given unto them the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, and sign, 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 Eve and his their posterity in the Telestial World, have cast Satan out of their midst, and have done all else that they were commanded to do.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, send down Peter, James and John again to the Telestial World. Have Adam and Eve and his their posterity change their robes to their right shoulder, preparatory to officiating in the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood; and introduce them into the Terrestrial World. Instruct Peter, James and John further, to give unto Adam and his posterity them the Law of Chastity, and to put them under covenant to obey this law, which is, that the daughters of Eve, and the sons of Adam shall have no sexual intercourse relations except with their husbands or wives to whom they are legally and lawfully wedded, and to give unto them the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or the Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, and sign, and penalty. Have them return, and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter, James and John, go down again to the Telestial World; instruct Adam and Eve and their his posterity to change their robes to the right shoulder, preparatory to officiating in the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood; and introduce them into the Terrestrial World. Give to them unto Adam and his posterity the Law of Chastity, and put them under covenant to obey this law, which is, that the daughters of Eve, and the sons of Adam shall have no sexual intercourse relations except with their husbands or wives, to whom they are legally and lawfully wedded. Give unto them the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or the Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, and sign, and penalty; and return and bring us word.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go down. We are instructed to have you change remove the robe and change it to the right shoulder, preparatory to officiating in the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and introduce you into the Terrestrial World. You may now make the change by removing remove the robe.
(The patrons stand, and remove their robes, replacing them on their right shoulders. The male patrons now turn their cap, so that the bow is now placed over the left ear, and the girdle is tied on the left side. The patrons then sit.)
THE TERRESTRIAL WORLD
NARRATOR: We now enter the Terrestrial World. (Additional lights are switched on.)
THE LAW OF CHASTITY
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar. (Witness Couple comes as before.) We are instructed to give unto you the law of Chastity;which this I will explain. To the sisters it is, that no one of you will shall have no sexual intercourse relations 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 All please arise. (All women stand up.) Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar that you will observe and keep the Law of Chastity, as it has been explained to you. Each of you bow your head and say “yes.”
SISTERS ALL:Yes.
PETER: That will Do. (All women sit down.) Brethren, please arise. (All men stand up.) Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar that you will observe and keep the Law of Chastity, as it has been explained to you. Each of you bow your head and say “yes.”
BRETHREN: Yes.
PETER: That will do. (All men sit down.)
FIRST TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD OR SIGN OF THE NAIL
PETER: We will now give unto you the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or the sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, and sign, and penalty. This token is received by bringing the right hand into this position: the hand vertical, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended; and the person giving the token placing the tip of the forefinger of his right hand in the center of the palm, and the thumb opposite on the back of the hand of the one receiving it, in this manner. We desire all to receive it. All arise.
(After Officiator and male witness demonstrate token at the altar, temple workers circulate around room to administer this token to the patrons.)
PETER: If any of you have not received this token, you will please raise your hand. Then name of this token is “the Son”, meaning the Son of God.
The sign is made by bringing the left hand in front of you with the hand in cupping shape, the left arm forming a square; the right hand is also brought forward, the palm down, the fingers close together, with the thumb extended, and the thumb is placed over the left hip. (The Officiator makes the sign.) This is the sign. The penalty is represented by drawing the thumb quickly across the body and dropping the hands to the sides. (Officiator completes the action.)
I will now explain the covenant and obligation of secrecy which are associated with this token, its name, and sign and penalty, and which you will be required to take upon yourselves. If I were receiving the Endowment today, either for myself or for the dead, I would repeat in my mind these words, after making the sign, at the same time representing the execution of the Penalty:
I solemnly covenant before God, angels and these witnesses in the name of the Son that I will never reveal the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, and sign and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer my life to be taken.
All arise (All patrons stand.) Each of you make the sign of the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail by brining the left hand in front of you with the hand in cupping shape, the left arm forming a square; also by bringing the right hand is also brought forward, the palm down, the fingers close together, the thumb extended, and by placing the thumb over the left hip. This is the sign.
Now repeat in your mind after me the words of the covenant, at the same time representing the Execution of the Penalty:
I solemnly 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,and sign and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer my life to be taken.
(Patrons perform the action as the Officiator guides them.)
That will do. (All patrons sit down.)
PETER: We will return and report. Jehovah, we have been down to the man Adam and Eve and his their posterity, and have done all that they were commanded to do have placed the robe on the right shoulder and have introduced them into the Terrestrial World. We have put them under covenant to observe and keep the Law of Chastity. We have also given them the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. This is our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter James and John. Elohim–Peter, James and John have been down to the man Adam and his posterity, have placed the robe on the right shoulder, and have introduced them into the Terrestrial World. They have also put them under covenant to observe and keep the Law of Chastity. They have given unto them the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, and 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 Eve and his their posterity in the Terrestrial world the Law of Consecration in connection with the law of the Gospel and the Law of Sacrifice, and to cause them to receive it by covenant; to give unto them the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying sign, and to teach them the Order of Prayer, and prepare them in all things to receive further instructions at the Veil. Then have them report at the Veil.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter, James and John, go down to the man Adam and Eve and his their posterity in the Terrestrial World, and give unto them the Law of Consecration, in connection with the Law of the Gospel, and the Law of Sacrifice, and cause them to receive it by covenant. Give unto them the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sing of the Nail, with its accompanying sign. Teach them the Order of Prayer and prepare them in all things to receive further instructions at the Veil. Then report at the Veil.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come, James and John, let us go down.
THE LAW OF CONSECRATION.
PETER: A couple will now come to the alter. (The Witness couple comes forward, and kneels at the altar as before.) We are instructed to give unto you the Law of Consecration as contained in the book of Doctrine and Covenants (The Officiator picks up a copy of the Doctrine and Covenants from the altar, and holds it up in view of all patrons.), in connection with the Law of the Gospel and the Law of Sacrifice which you have already received. It is that you do consecrate yourselves, your time, talents and everything which the Lord has blessed you, or with which he may bless you, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint, for the building up of the Kingdom of God on the earth and for the establishment of Zion.
All arise. (All patrons stand.) Each of you bring your right arm to the square.
You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar, that you do accept the Law of Consecration as contained in this, (The Officiator holds up a copy of the Doctrine and Covenants again.), the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, in that you do consecrate yourselves, your time, talents, and everything with which the Lord has blessed you, or with which he may bless you, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the building up of the Kingdom of God on the earth and for the establishment of Zion.
Each of you bow your head and say “yes.”
PATRONS: Yes.
PETER: That will do. (All patrons sit down.)
SECOND TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD, THE PATRIARCHAL GRIP, OR SURE SIGN OF THE NAIL
PETER: We will now give unto you the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or the Sure Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying sign. This token has reference to the crucifixtion of the Savior. When he was placed upon the cross, the crucifiers drove nails through the palms of his handsm then feering that the weight of his body would cause the nails to tear through the flesh of the hands, they drove nails through his wrists. Hence, in the palm is the sign of the nail, and in the wrist, is the Sure Sign of the Nail, or the Nail in the Sure Place. This token is given by clasping the right hands, interlocking the little fingers, and placing the tip of the forefinger upon the center of the wrist, in this manner (The Officiator demonstrates this token with male witness.). We desire all to receive it. All arise.
(As the witness couple returns to their seats various temple workers administer the token as before, and each patron sits after receiving it.)
If any of you have not received this token, You will please raise your hand.
This token has a name and a sign, but no penalty is mentioned. However, you will be under just as the same 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 unto to you at this stage in the Endowment, but it will be given later on.
The sign is made by raising both hands high above the head (The officiator demonstrates.), and while lowering the hands repeating aloud the words:
Pay Lay Ale
Pay Lay Ale
Pay Lay Ale
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
(The hands are lowered in three distinct movements, one move for each word. [1] Pay–hands above head, [2] Lay–both arms dropped to the square, [3] Ale–both hands lowered to the height of chest.)
PETER: When Adam was driven out of the Garden of Eden, he built an altar and offered prayer, and these are the words that he uttered used, which interpreted are: “Oh God, Hear the words of my mouth!”, repeated three times.
All arise. (All patrons stand.) Each of you make the sign of the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail, by raising both hands high above the head, and while lowering the hands repeating aloud three times the words:
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
(As the patrons make the sign they repeat words with recording as described before.)
PETER: That will do (All patrons sit down.) Brethren and sisters, with the robe on the right shoulder you are prepared to be taught the True Order of Prayer; and to be introduced at the Veil.
THE PRAYER CIRCLE AND THE TRUE ORDER OF PRAYER
PETER: A few of you, including couples, will please come forward and form a circle around the altar.
(The audio recording stops and the Officiator says in his own words a statement to the following effect.)
OFFICIATOR: We would like to invite the witness couple, to take their place at the head of the altar, and an equal number of Brothers and Sisters to join us in the circle. any receiving their own personal Endowment, and any who are about to be married are especially invited to join us in the Prayer Circle at this time.
(The tape recording again resumes.)
NARRATOR: Only the best of feelings should exist in the Circle. If any of you have unkind feelings toward any member of this Circle, you are invited to withdraw so that the Spirit of the Lord may be unrestrained.
In the Circle we make the signs of all the tokens of the Holy Priesthood.
(Patrons make each sign as they are mentioned by the Narrator.)
We will begin by making the Sign of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood. This is done by brining the right arm to the square, the palm of the hand to the front, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended. This is the sign. The name of this token is the New Name received in the temple today. The Execution of the Penalty is represented by placing the thumb under the left ear, the palm of the hand down, and by drawing the thumb quickly across the throat to the right ear, and dropping the hand to the side.
We will now make the Sign of the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood. This sign is done by bringing the right hand in front of you with the hand in cupping shape, the right hand forming a square, and the left arm being raised to the square. This is the sign. The name of this token is your first given name if you are going through the temple for your own Endowment, or if you are going through for the dead, it is the first given name of the person for whom you are officiating. The Execution of the penalty is represented by placing the right hand on the left breast, drawing the hand quickly across the body, and dropping the hands to the sides.
We will now make the sign of the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail. This is done by bringing the left hand in front of you with the hand in cupping shape, the left arm forming a square. The right hand is also brought forward, the palm down, the fingers close together, with the thumb extended, and the thumb is placed over the left hip. This is the sign. The name of this Token is “the Son”, meaning the Son of God. The Execution of the penalty is represented by drawing the thumb quickly across the body, and dropping the hands to the sides.
We will now make the Sign of the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail. This is done by raising both hands high above the head, and while lowering the hands repeating aloud three times the words:
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
signifying, “Oh God, Hear the words of my mouth!”
We have here a list of names of persons who are sick, or otherwise afflicted, whom we are requested to remember in our prayer. We will place the this list upon the altar, and request the faith of those present in behalf of these persons.
The sisters in the room will please veil their faces. Each brother in the circle will take the sister at his left, by the right hand in the Patriarchal Grip. Each of you bring your left arm to the square, and rest it upon the shoulder or arm of the person at your left. The brethren and sisters Those in the Circle will repeat the words of the prayer.
OFFICIATOR: (the officiator kneels at the altar, and makes the sign of the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood by bringing his right hand forward, with the hand in cupping shape, resting it upon the altar. His left arm is raised to the square. The prayer is spoken by the Officiator, who decides its form and content. He speaks a few sentences at a time, which are repeated in unison by the patrons in the circle. After the prayer, the patrons in the circle release the grip, the Officiator rises, and the audio tape resumes.)
PETER: The sisters will unveil their faces, and the brethren and sisters in the circle will return to their seats. (All patrons sit.) We will now uncover the Veil.
THE VEIL OF THE TEMPLE
(A Veil segment is now displayed from behind the curtain which is in the front of the Endowment room. The Officiator takes a pointer in and, prepares to draw attention to the marks on the Veil as they are explained.)
PETER: Brethren and sisters, this is the Veil of the Temple. I will now explain the marks on the Veil. These four marks are the marks of the Holy Priesthood, and corresponding marks are found in your individual Garment.
This one on the right is the mark of the square. It is placed in the Garment over the right breast, suggesting to the mind exactness and honor in keeping the covenants entered into this day.
This one on the left is the mark of the compass. It is placed in the Garment over the left breast, suggesting to the mind an undeviating course leading to Eternal Life, a constant reminder that the desires, appetites and passions are to be kept within the bounds the Lord has set, and that all truth may be circumscribed into one great whole.
This is the navel mark. It is placed in the Garment over the navel, suggesting to the mind the need of constant nourishment to the body and spirit.
This is the knee mark. It is placed in the right leg of the garment, so as to be over the knee cap, suggesting that every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is the Christ.
These other three marks are for convenience in working at the Veil. Through this one, the person representing the Lord puts forth his right hand, to test our knowledge of the tokens of the Holy Priesthood. Through the one on our right, he asks us certain questions, through the one on the left, we give our answers.
(As the Officiator, who now represents Peter, steps to the front of the Veil another male worker steps behind it to represent the Lord. A small mallet hangs on the metal frame which supports the Veil.)
PETER: As all of you will have to pass through the Veil, we will show you how this is to be done. The person is brought to this point, and the worker gives three distinct taps with the mallet. (The officiator raps the mallet three times.) Whereupon, The Lord parts the Veil, and asks:
LORD: What is wanted?
PETER: Adam, having been true and faithful in all things, desires further light and knowledge, by conversing with the Lord, through the Veil.
LORD: Present him at the Veil, and his request shall be granted.
PETER: The person is then brought to this point, whereupon the Lord puts forth his right hand, gives the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, through the Veil.
PETER: The person then gives, through the Veil, the name of this token, which is the New Name received in the temple today. The Lord then gives the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, through the Veil.
PETER: The person then gives the name of this token, which is his first given name, if he is going through the temple for his own Endowment, or if he is going through for the dead, it is the first given name of the person for whom he is officiating. The Lord then gives the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or Sign of the Nail, and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or Sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, through the Veil.
PETER: The person then gives the name of this token, which is “the Son,” meaning, the Son of God. The Lord then gives the Second Token of he Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I cannot. I have not yet received it. For this purpose I have come to converse with the Lord through the Veil.
LORD: You shall receive it upon the Five Points of Fellowship, through the Veil.
PETER: It is received as left arms are placed upon right shoulders through the veil.
(The officiator demonstrates the Five Points of Fellowship through the Veil with the temple worker who represents the Lord, as each point is mentioned.)
PETER: The Five Points of Fellowship are “inside of right foot by the side of right foot, knee to knee, breast to breast, hand to back, and mouth to ear.” The Lord then gives the name of this token, and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, upon the Five Points of Fellowship, through the Veil.
PETER: The person then repeats back to the Lord the name of this token, as he receives it, whereupon the Lord says:
LORD: That is correct.
PETER: The person is again brought to this point, and the worker gives three distinct taps with the mallet. The Lord parts the Veil and asks:
LORD: What is wanted?
PETER: Adam, having conversed with the Lord through the Veil desires now to enter his presence.
PETER: The Lord puts forth his right hand, takes the person by the right hand, and says:
LORD: Let him enter.
PETER: He is admitted into the presence of the Lord. We will now report. Jehovah, we have been down to the man Adam and Eve and his their posterity in the Terrestrial World, and have given unto them the Law of Consecration, and have caused them to receive it by covenant. We have given unto them the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying sign, and have taught them the Order of Prayer. They are now ready to converse with the Lord through the Veil. This is our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter, James, and John. Elohim–Peter, James and John have been down to the man Adam and his posterity in the Terrestrial World, and have done all that they were commanded to do.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, instruct Peter, James, and John to introduce the man Adam and his posterity at the Veil, where we will give unto them the name of the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, preparatory to their entering into our presence.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter, James, and John you will introduce the man Adam and Eve and his their posterity at the Veil, where we will give unto them, the name of the Second Token of the Melchizedek priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, preparatory to their entering into our presence.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, we will introduce them at the Veil.
Brethren and sisters, we are instructed to introduce you at the Veil, where you will receive the name of the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or the Sure Sign of the Nail, preparatory to your entering into the presence of the Lord.
LECTURE AT THE VEIL
(The following lecture is only given when there are patrons present who are receiving their own Endowments, or when the Endowment room is full, and additional time is needed to present the patron at the Veil.)
PETER: A lecture will now be given which summarizes the instructions, ordinances and covenants, and also the tokens, with their key words, signs and penalties, pertaining to the Endowment, which you, have thus far received. You should try to remember and keep in mind all that you have heard and seen and may yet hear and see in this house. The purpose of this lecture is to assist you to remember that which has been taught you this day.
You must keep in mind that you are under a solemn obligation never to speak outside of the temple of the Lord of the things you see and hear in this sacred place.
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, the ordinances of the Endowment as here administered, long withheld from the children of men pertain to the Dispensation of the Fullness of Time and have been revealed to prepare the people for exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom, where God and Christ dwell. The deep meaning of the Eternal Truths constituting the Endowment, has been set forth in brief instructions, and by symbolic representation. If you give prayerful and earnest thought to the Holy Endowment, you will obtain the understanding and spirit of the work done in the temples of the Lord. The privilege of laboring here for the dead permits us to enter the temple frequently, and to refresh our memories, and to enlarge our understanding of the Endowment.
You were first washed and anointed, a Garment was placed upon you, and a New Name was given you. This name you should always remember; but you must never reveal it to any person, except at the Veil. You then enter entered this room. Here you heard voices of persons representing a council of the Gods, Elohim, Jehovah, and Michael. Elohim said: “See, yonder is matter unorganized, go ye down and organize it into a world, like unto the other worlds that we have heretofore formed.” As the creation of the earth progressed, you heard the commands and the reports of the persons representing the Gods.
If we are faithful, we shall enter the Celestial Kingdom, and there hear and know the Gods of heaven. They are perfect, we are imperfect, The are exalted, we may attain exaltation.
Our spirits at one time lived with the Gods, but each of us was given the privilege of coming upon this earth to take upon himself a body, so that the spirit might have a house, in which to dwell.
Michael, one of the council of the Gods, became the man Adam, to whom was given the woman Eve. However, as Adam, he did not remember his life and labors in the council. It is so with us all. We came into the world with no memory of our previous existence.
We then followed Adam and Eve into the garden, where Elohim provided that they might eat freely of all kinds of fruit of the garden, except the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. He forbade them to partake of this fruit, saying that in the day they did so, the should surely die. When Adam and Eve were left alone in the garden, Satan appeared, and tempted them. Eve yielded to the temptation, partook of the fruit, and offered it to Adam. Adam had resisted the temptation of Satan, but when Eve offered him the forbidden fruit he partook of it, that they might continue together, and perpetuate the human race. Adam and Eve now understood that it was Lucifer who had tempted them. They became self-conscious. Discovering their nakedness, and hearing the voice of the Lord, they made aprons of fig leaves and hid themselves. They had learned that everything has its opposite, such as good and evil, light and darkness, pleasure and pain. The Lord again entered the garden, Adam and Eve confessed their disobedience. The Lord cursed Satan, and cast him out of the Garden of Eden, and the Lord commanded: “Let cherubim, and a flaming sword be placed to guard the way of the Tree of Life, lest Adam put forth his hand, and partake of the fruit thereof, and live forever in his sins.”
Before their departure however, instructions were given them. Addressing Eve, the Lord said: “Because thou hast hearkened to the voice of Satan, and hast partaken of the forbidden fruit, and given unto Adam, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception. In sorrow shalt thou bring forth children, nevertheless, thou mayest be preserved in childbearing. Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee, in righteousness.” To Adam, the Lord said: “Because thou hast hearkened to the voice of thy wife, and hast partaken of the forbidden fruit, the earth shall be cursed for thy sake. Instead of producing fruits and flowers spontaneously, it shall bring forth thorns, thistles, briars, and noxious weeds, to afflict and torment man. And by the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat thy bread all the days of thy life, for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
Having been commanded, Jehovah provided Adam and Eve with coats of skins for a covering. The Garment which was placed upon you after you had been washed and anointed, represents the coat of skins or covering of Adam and Eve. They were also promised that further light and knowledge would be given them.
The Law of Obedience was then taught Adam and Eve, and accepted by them. Eve covenanted with Adam that thence forth she would obey the law of her husband, and abide by his counsel in righteousness; and Adam covenanted with the Lord that he would obey the Lord, and keep his commandments. You, likewise covenanted to comply with the Law of Obedience. The Law of Sacrifice, accompanying the Law of Obedience, as contained in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, was next presented to Adam; and you were all placed under covenant to observe it. The Law of Obedience and Sacrifice includes the promise of the Savior, the Only Begotten of the Father, who is full of grace and truth, and who by His sacrifice has become the Redeemer of Mankind. All things should be done in the Name of the Son. An angel of the Lord explained this to Adam, who was given the privilege of showing his Obedience by offering sacrifices to the Lord, in similitude of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Later, the people of Israel lived under this law, which continued in force until the death of Jesus Christ.
The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty was given you; and you were told that the name of this token is your New Name or the New Name of the dead, if officiating for the dead. The sacred nature of the tokens of the Priesthood was carefully explained at this time. You were placed under solemn covenant never to reveal these tokens, with their accompanying names, signs, an penalties, even at the peril of your life. You were told that the execution of the penalties indicate different ways in which life may be taken; then, Adam and Eve were driven out of the garden into the Telestial Kingdom, or the lone and dreary world, the world in which we are now living. There, Adam offered a prayer saying “Oh God, hear the words of my mouth!”, repeating it three times. Satan entered, and claiming to be the god of this world, asked Adam what he desired. Adam replied that he was waiting for messengers from his Father. Satan declared that a preacher would soon arrive. A man representing a sectarian minister entered and preached doctrine which Adam did not accept.
Peter, James and John were sent down by the Lord, to learn, without disclosing their identity, if the man Adam had been faithful to his covenants. They found that he had been faithful and so reported. They were sent down again, this time in their true character as Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, to visit and to instruct Adam and his posterity in the Telestial World. Before so teaching the people, they cast Satan out. The Law of the Gospel, as contained in the Book of Mormon and the Bible was then given Adam and his posterity. You were placed under covenant to obey the Law of the Gospel, and to avoid all lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord’s anointed, and taking the name of the Lord in vain. The Robe of the Holy Priesthood was placed upon your left shoulder, according to the order of the Aaronic Priesthood. The Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood was given you, with its name, sign, and penalty; and you were informed that the name of this token is your first given name, or the first given name of the person for whom you are officiating. The Robe of the Holy Priesthood was then changed to the right shoulder, as was done anciently, when officiating in the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood. With the robe on the right shoulder, you have authority also if called to the Bishopric, to act in the Aaronic Priesthood. You were then introduced with the Robe of the Holy Priesthood on the right shoulder into the Terrestrial Kingdom. The Law of Chastity was there explained to you in plainness, and you were placed under covenant to obey this law. The First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty was next given you. You were told that the name of the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood is “the Son'” meaning the Son of God.
The Book of Doctrine and Covenants, in connection with the Book of Mormon and the Bible was presented to you; and the Law of Consecration as contained in the book of Doctrine and Covenants was explained to you, and you received this law by covenant.
The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, or the Nail in the Sure Place was given you, together with its sign. The name of this token will be given you at the veil. This token has reference to the crucifixion of the Savior. When he was placed upon the cross, the crucifiers drove nails through the palms of his hands, then fearing that the weight of his body would cause the nails to tear through the flesh of his hands, they drive nails through his wrists. Hence, in the palm is the Sign of the Nail, and in the wrist is the Sure Sign of the Nail, or the Nail in the Sure Place. You have now progressed so far in the Endowment that you are ready to receive the name of the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and to pass through the Veil, into the Celestial Kingdom.
The sisters in this company who are to be married and sealed for time and eternity should be taken through the Veil by their intended husband. Others will be taken through the Veil by the regular temple workers.
Brethren and sisters, you will have received this day, the sacred ordinances of the Endowment, the Eternal Plan of Salvation for man as he journeys from his pre-existenant state, to his future high place in the Celestial Kingdom, has been presented to you. You have covenanted to obey all the laws of the gospel, including the laws of Obedience, Sacrifice, Chastity, and Consecration, which make possible an exaltation with the Gods; and you have received the First and Second Tokens of the Aaronic Priesthood, and the First and Second Tokens of the Melchizedek Priesthood, wit the names, signs, and penalties of these tokens, except the name of the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which will be given you at the Veil. All this is done for the glory, honor and endowment of the children of Zion.
Brethren and sisters, strive to comprehend the glorious things presented to you this day. No other people on earth have ever had this privilege, except as they have received the keys of the Priesthood, given in the Endowment.
These are what are termed “the Mysteries of Godliness,” that which will enable you to understand the expression of the Saviour, made just prior to his betrayal: “This is life Eternal, that they might know the Only True God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent.” May God bless you all, amen.
CEREMONY AT THE VEIL.
(At this point, a temple worker motions to the patrons, row by row, directing them to the various Veil segments. A worker stands at each segment to introduce the patron to “the Lord” who is on the other side of the Veil. The worker gives three distinct taps with the mallet.)
LORD: What is wanted?
WORKER: Adam, having been true and faithful in all things, desires further light and knowledge, by conversing with the Lord, through the Veil [for and in behalf of _____, who is dead].
LORD: Present him at the Veil, and his request shall be granted.
(The Lord gives the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood through the opening in the Veil.)
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I will, through the Veil. (The patron gives the New Name).
(The Lord gives the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.)
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I will, through the Veil (The patron gives the first given name of the person for whom the temple work is being done).
(The Lord gives the First Token of the Melchizedeck Priesthood.)
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or Sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I will, through the Veil–the Son.
(The Lord gives the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood.)
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I cannot. I have not yet received it. For this purpose I have come to converse with the Lord through the Veil.
LORD: You shall receive it upon the Five Points of Fellowship through the Veil.
(The Lord and the patron, still holding the grip, embrace upon the Five points of Fellowship by placing their left arms through the marks of the compass and square, which are cut through the Veil. The patron’s left arm goes through the mark of the compass, and the Lord’s left arm goes through the mark of the square.)
LORD: This is the name of the Token–“Health in the navel, marrow in the bones, strength in the loins and in the sinews, power in the Priesthood be upon me, and upon my posterity through all generations of time, and throughout all eternity.”
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it an name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I will, upon the Five Points of Fellowship through the Veil.- Health in the navel, marrow in the bones, strength in the loins and in the sinews, power in the Priesthood be upon me, and upon my posterity through all generations of time, and throughout all eternity.
LORD: That is correct.
(The Lord and patron break the ceremonial embrace, and the temple worker gives three taps with the mallet.)
LORD: What is wanted?
WORKER: Adam, having conversed with the Lord through the Veil, desires now to enter his presence.
LORD: Let him enter.
(The Veil is now parted and the Lord takes the patron by the right hand, and pulls him gently through the Veil into the Celestial Room.)