[2] In many Lodges this is put in the form of a question, thus: "Are you willing to take an obligation upon you that does not affect your politics or religion?" The promise "to conform," made before entering the Lodge, the "assurance that the oath is not to interfere with their political or religious principles" and the manner the obligation is administered, only two or three words being repeated at a time, consequently not fully understood, are among the reasons which have led many great and good men to take oaths incompatible with the laws of God and our country. [3] Literally a rope several yards in length, but mystically three miles; so that a Master Mason must go on a brother Master Mason's errand whenever required, the distance of three miles, should he have to go barefoot and bareheaded. In the degrees of knighthood the distance is forty miles. [4] In some Lodges the Master takes the candidate by the Master's grip and says, "Brother, you will please rise," assisting him. [5] There is much diversity of opinion among Masons respecting this word; some insist that GIBLEM is the right word; others, that GIBELUM is the right word; the latter word was rejected, because it was used by "Jachin and Boaz." [6] This charge is frequently omitted when conferring the degree on a candidate, but never when really installing a Master of a Lodge. [7] Here the brethren divest themselves of their jewels, sashes, aprons, etc. [8] The ark, which had been carried by two brethren in the procession, is here placed on the altar. [9] At these words the candidate is received into the procession. [10] Here all kneel in a circle around the altar. [11] At the words, "For He is good," the Most Excellent Master, who is High Priest of the Chapter, kneels and joins hands with the rest; they all then repeat in concert the words, "For He is good, for His mercy endureth forever" six times, each time bowing their heads low towards the floor. [12] There is a great difference in the manner of giving the Royal Arch word in the different Chapters. Sometimes it is given at the opening, as above stated; sometimes they commence with the word GOD, each one pronouncing a letter of it in succession, until they have each pronounced every letter of the word, then the word JEHOVAH, a syllable at a time, and then the word JAHBUHLUN as described. There are also Chapters in which the latter word is not known, and there are others in which the word is not given at all at opening. [13] This clause is sometimes made a distinct point in the obligation in the following form, viz.: Furthermore, do I promise and swear, that I will vote for a companion Royal Arch Mason before any other of equal qualifications; and in some Chapters both are left out of the obligation. [14] In some Chapters this is administered: All the secrets of a companion without exception.