Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstrait341879roya).pdf/27

 priest who ever received an official title, is buried; this spot belongs to the "Ang" family."

Before the Pavilion" doors on each side, are a piece of touchwood, and a "Jewelled Emperor" (90 玉皇) lamp. In front of these, is the "nine storied precious pagoda (91 九層寶塔).

Two charms are pasted on the front of the "Peck-measure," and the "Tau" is then elevated, and placed on the West side of the Altar, the Sien-Seng repeating the following stanza.


 * "We have newly established the City of Willows."
 * "And the heroes of 'Ang' are assembled to-night."
 * "Shields and Spears are piled up high."
 * "Overturn Chheng and then restore the Beng."—(Schlegel.)

On the Altar, in front, or to the East of the "Tau," are placed 5 cups of Tea, 5 cups of Wine, 5 bowls of Rice, 5 pairs of chop-sticks, the 3 sacrificial meats, Pork, fowl, and duck, 1 paper of tobacco, 1 paper of tea, 7 Lamps for the seven Stars, and 1 pair of large red candles. In front of these, is the "precious censer," (92 白定爐) in which are five stalks of grass,—and a purifying charm.

The Altar thus being arranged, the Sien-Seng goes outside the "Ang Gate," and calling over the names of the candidates, explains to them the origin and objects of the Society, by reciting the history of the subjugation of the Western Eleuths, as described in my last paper.

On the occasions on which I have been present at the meetings of Lodges, the master has further addressed his hearers, in the following manner:—

"Many of our oaths and ceremonies are needless, and obsolete, as under the British Government there is no necessity for some of the rules, and the laws of this country do not allow us to carry out others; the ritual is however retained for old custom's sake.

"The real benefits you will receive by joining our Society, are, that if outsiders oppress you, or in case you get into trouble, on application to the Headmen, they will in minor cases take you to the Registrars of Secret Societies, the Inspector General of Police, and the Protector of Chinese, who will certainly assist you to obtain redress; in serious cases, we will assist you towards procuring Legal advice."

Although this kind of address was no doubt intended