~~ First Token of the
Melchizedek Priesthood ~~
or the
~~ 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. 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.
PETER:
If any of you have not received this token, 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 cupping shape,
the left arm forming a square; the right hand is also brought forward, the palm down, the
fingers close together with the thumb extended. This is the sign.
I will now explain the
covenant and obligation which are associated with this token, its name and sign and which
you will be required to take upon yourselves. If I were receiving the Endowment today,
either for myself or for the dead, I would repeat in my mind these words, after making the
sign:
I solemnly covenant before God, angels, and these witnesses, in the name of the Son that I
will never reveal the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with
its accompanying name and sign.
All arise. 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 with the thumb extended. This is the sign.
Now repeat in your mind after me the words of the covenant. I solemnly covenant before
God, angels, and these witnesses, in the name of the Son that I will never reveal the
First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name
and sign.
That will do.
PETER:
Jehovah, we have been down to Adam and Eve and their posterity, 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 and
sign. This is our report.
JEHOVAH:
It is well, Peter, James, and John. Elohim--Peter, James, and John have been down to Adam
and Eve and their posterity, and have done all that they were commanded to do.
ELOHIM:
It is well. Jehovah, send down Peter, James and John and instruct them to give to Adam and
Eve and their posterity in the Terrestrial world the Law of Consecration in connection
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 Adam and Eve and 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 Sign 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.