SECOND TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD

Discontinued Temple Penalties wrote:We agree that our throats be cut from ear to ear and our tongues torn out by their roots. As the last words are spoken the right hand is drawn swiftly across the throat and the hands dropped from the square to the sides.

We agree to have our breasts cut open and our hearts and vitals torn from our bodies and given to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field. The Sign is made by placing the left arm on the square at the level of the shoulder, placing the right hand across the chest with the thumb extended and then drawing it rapidly from left to right and dropping it to the side.

We agree that our bodies be cut asunder in the midst and all our bowels gush out. As the last words are spoken the hands are dropped till the thumbs are in the center of the stomach and drawn swiftly across the stomach to the hips, and then dropped to the sides.

Official Temple Penalty of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Pre-1990) wrote: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, the thumb extended and the thumb is placed over the left hip. (Officiator demonstrates the sign.) This is the sign.

The Execution of the Penalty is represented by drawing the thumb quickly across the body and dropping the hands by the sides (Officiator demonstrates).

I will now explain the covenant and obligation of secrecy which are associated with this token, it name, sign and penalty and which you will be required to take upon yourselves. If I were receiving my Endowment today, either 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 than do so I would suffer—(Brief pause. Officiator places the thumb of his right hand over the left hip)—my life—(Brief pause. Officiator draws his right hand across his waist to his right hip and brings his left hand to his left hip. Both elbows face outward from the body)—to be taken.

Mormon Temple (prior to 1990) The Angel Peter wrote:We will now give unto you the second token of the Melchizedek priesthood, the patriarchal grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying sign.

We desire all to receive it. All arise.

This token has a name and a sign, but no penalty is mentioned. However, you will be under just as sacred an 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.

Mormon Temple wrote:The name of this token will not be given unto you at this stage in the endowment, but it will be given later on.

Official Temple Penalty (Pre-1990) wrote: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.