Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
To
all reference t p doctrinal points which might offend the peculiar religious views of any Brother present . Our ^ French Brethren saw the uselessness of retaining a number of degrees in name , when not more than a quarter of them could be practised , and wisely reduced the rite into a reasonable compass .
In the construction of the Ancient and Accepted Bite there are some omissions which we cannot find explained ; why , for example , the Templar Degree was not distinctly by name incorporated as a part of it : that order was certainly in existence and practised , and it was attached to ancient Freemasonry . Again , the Mark degree , as well as the Holy Royal Arch , as they were practised at that time , contained matter far inore instructive than some retained in the rite
besides which they had and still have the merit of consistency . The Mark , indeed , ought never to have been separated from the Second Degree , and it must eventually be restored to its proper place . The Templar Degree might well be substituted in this rifce for the Knights of the East and the "West , and thus considerable . progress would be made towards consolidating the various ceremonies of Freemasonry as one English rite .
Our notice of the seventeenth degree was brief , in consequence of what we cannot but consider its objectionable features . But as somewhat more deference is paid by the Supreme Council to this degree than any which precede it , and as it is distinctly conferred by
an authoritative body , and forms a portion of the ceremonial of the eighteenth degree , it is necessary that we should give some explanation of it . The professed practice ( though we believe it is not always adopted ) in conferring the degree of Rose Croix , is to give , first , the degrees by name from the fourth to the fourteenth inclusive , in a Grrand Lodge of Perfection ; then to declare a Grand Lodge of Princes of Jerusalem opened , and confer the fifteenth and sixteenth
degrees , also by name ; having closed that , a G-rand Lodge of the Knights of the East and West is opened , and that degree is given in name , accompanied by secrets and password ; thus we perceive that some importance is attached to the degree by the Supreme Council . From the following description it will be seen that were this degree practised in accordance with the ritual , the grand council chamber of the Order would have a most gorgeous
appearance . It must be hung with red , spangled with golden stars in the east , under a canopy , is placed a throne elevated on seven steps , supported by the figures of four lions and four eagles , between which is placed an angel with six wings . On one side of the throne is displayed a transparency of the meridian sun , on the other , of the lustrous orb of night . In the east also are two vases , one containing water and the other perfume . On the south and north sides are canopies for the Ancients ; while in the west are two seats with canopies , raised five steps , for the Venerable Wardens , who , in conjunction with the Most Powerful , act as the Grand Council . Twentyfour Knights are necessary to form a full council . On a pedestal in the east is placed a large Bible , from which are suspended seven
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
To
all reference t p doctrinal points which might offend the peculiar religious views of any Brother present . Our ^ French Brethren saw the uselessness of retaining a number of degrees in name , when not more than a quarter of them could be practised , and wisely reduced the rite into a reasonable compass .
In the construction of the Ancient and Accepted Bite there are some omissions which we cannot find explained ; why , for example , the Templar Degree was not distinctly by name incorporated as a part of it : that order was certainly in existence and practised , and it was attached to ancient Freemasonry . Again , the Mark degree , as well as the Holy Royal Arch , as they were practised at that time , contained matter far inore instructive than some retained in the rite
besides which they had and still have the merit of consistency . The Mark , indeed , ought never to have been separated from the Second Degree , and it must eventually be restored to its proper place . The Templar Degree might well be substituted in this rifce for the Knights of the East and the "West , and thus considerable . progress would be made towards consolidating the various ceremonies of Freemasonry as one English rite .
Our notice of the seventeenth degree was brief , in consequence of what we cannot but consider its objectionable features . But as somewhat more deference is paid by the Supreme Council to this degree than any which precede it , and as it is distinctly conferred by
an authoritative body , and forms a portion of the ceremonial of the eighteenth degree , it is necessary that we should give some explanation of it . The professed practice ( though we believe it is not always adopted ) in conferring the degree of Rose Croix , is to give , first , the degrees by name from the fourth to the fourteenth inclusive , in a Grrand Lodge of Perfection ; then to declare a Grand Lodge of Princes of Jerusalem opened , and confer the fifteenth and sixteenth
degrees , also by name ; having closed that , a G-rand Lodge of the Knights of the East and West is opened , and that degree is given in name , accompanied by secrets and password ; thus we perceive that some importance is attached to the degree by the Supreme Council . From the following description it will be seen that were this degree practised in accordance with the ritual , the grand council chamber of the Order would have a most gorgeous
appearance . It must be hung with red , spangled with golden stars in the east , under a canopy , is placed a throne elevated on seven steps , supported by the figures of four lions and four eagles , between which is placed an angel with six wings . On one side of the throne is displayed a transparency of the meridian sun , on the other , of the lustrous orb of night . In the east also are two vases , one containing water and the other perfume . On the south and north sides are canopies for the Ancients ; while in the west are two seats with canopies , raised five steps , for the Venerable Wardens , who , in conjunction with the Most Powerful , act as the Grand Council . Twentyfour Knights are necessary to form a full council . On a pedestal in the east is placed a large Bible , from which are suspended seven