Enoch fell in the general destruction; but by divine permission, the* other withstood the water, by which means the ancient state of the liberal arts, particularly masonry, has been handed down to us. We learn from holy writ, the history of succeeding times, till the Israelites became slaves to the Egyptians; from which bondage they were freed under the conduct of Moses. The same sacred book informs us, that Moses was beloved of God, and that the Most High talked with him on Mount Sinai. Here God delivered to him the tables of stone, containing the deca dwell in a fixed temple at Jerusa lem, and promised that his name would be there. Accordingly, Solomon began to build in the fourth year of his reign, agreeably to a plan given him by David, his father, upon the ark of alliance. He chose a spot for this purpose the most beautiful and healthy in all Jerusalem. You have been already informed that the temple of Solomon was constructed by the craft; but there are some particulars respecting it, with which you are not yet acquainted. Information respecting certain discoveries that were made logue; with many promises of a re-in digging for a foundation, the conThe emblems of this degree are, on the reverse, a blazing star, ena representation of nine arches un-closing a triangle, hung to a broad der ground, and a golden delta on a triangular pedestal. newed alliance. He alsot revealed his name to Moses, and gave kim a strict command not to pronounce it, so that, in process of time, the true pronunciation was lost. From the corruption of this sacred name, sprang the JUHA of the Moors, the JUPITER of the Romans, and others of a like nature. The same divine history particularly informs us, of the different movements of the Israelites until they became possessed of the land of promise, and of the succeeding events, until the Divine Providence was pleased to give the sceptre to David, who though fully determined to build a temple to the Most High, could never begin it; that honour being reserved for his son. Solomon, being the wisest of princes, had fully in remembrance the promise of God to Moses, that in fulness of time his holy name should be discovered. And his wisdom inspired him to believe, that this could not be accomplished until he had erected and consecrated a temple to the living God, in which he might deposit the precious treasures. The Almighty had of old declared, that it was his will to * Josephus says, that one of these pillars was standing in his time. Lib. 1 ch. 2. + Exod. iii, 14. struction of the secret vault, and pillar of beauty, and several interesting particulars relative to nine arches of a temple, you, as "knight of the ninth arch," are entitled to receive. *. The secret vault was afterwards called the "sacred vault;" a place known only to the grand elect and sublime masters, which degree was in due time conferred on the knights of the ninth arch, as a reward for their zeal, constancy, and fidelity. The number of the grand elect and sublime masters was at first three, and was afterwards increased to five, and so continued until the temple was completed and dedicated. King Solomon then, as a reward for their faithful services, admitted to this degree the twelve grand masters, who had faithfully presided over the twelve tribes; also one other grand master architect. Nine ancient grand masters, eminent for their virtue, were chosen knights of the ninth arch (afterwards called royal arch) and shortly after were admitted to the sublime degree of perfection. In this manner the number of the grand elect was augmented to twenty-seven, which is the cube of three. *** * Deut. xii, 11-1 Kingsviii, 29. Closed as opened. "It is no secret, that the appropriate name of God, has been preserved in this masonic institution, in every country where masonry existed, while the rest of the world was literally sunk in heathenism."S. TOWN. XI. PERFECTION, OR PERFECT GRAND AND SUBLIME ELECT (OR SELECT) MASONS. flame coloured ribbon, of a triangular form, round the neck; and also, a gold ring with this motto, " Virtue unites what death cannot part." The apron must be flamed with red, a dark blue ribbon round the edge, and the jewel painted on the flap. The brethren must be dressed in black, with swords in their hands. Opened by four mystic numbers. The following passages from the Psalms, may be read at opening: "Sing unto the Lord, sing praises unto his name: extol him that ri deth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him."-Ps. Ixviii, 4. "The Lord reigneth, let the people tremble: he sitteth between the The lodge of perfection, should represent a subterraneous vault, painted red, and adorned with many colours, and columns of a flame colour. Behind the master must be a light to shine through a triangular sun; and before him |cherubims, let the earth be moved. there must be a pedestal appearing to be broken. There ought to be several other lights, arranged numerically, according to the different stages of masonry. The most perfect, grand elect and sublime master, in this degree, is to represent Solomon, seated in the east, dressed in royal robes, and having a crown and sceptre placed on a pedestal before him. The two grand wardens are seated in the west. On the right hand of the most perfect sits the grand treasurer, having a table before him, upon which must be placed some perfumes, with a small silver hod, and a trowel of gold. On his left hand sits the grand secretary, with a table also before him, on which must be seven loaves of shew bread, with a cup of red wine for libation, and also jewels for the candidates at their reception. The jewels appertaining to this degree are a crowned compass, extended to ninety degrees; or, a quadrant, a sun in the centre; and The Lord is great in Zion, and he is high above all people. Let them praise thy great and terrible name, for it is holy."-Ps, xcix, 1-3. "I will sing of mercy and judg ment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing. I will behave myself wisely in a per fect way. O! when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes; I hate the work of them that turn aside, it shall not cleave to me. A froward heart shall depart from me; I will not know a wicked per son. Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house; he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. I will early destroy all the wicked of the land, that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord."Psalm ci. PRAYER to be used after the introduction of the candidate: beard, that went down to the skirts of his garment." Ps. cxxxiii, 1, 2. "Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart, so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel." Prov. xxvii, 9. "Almighty and sovereign architect "Let him reprove me, it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head." Ps. cxli, 5. ring hand in the path of virtue, and cast out of thine adorable sanctuary all impiety and perverseness. May the "mysterious inscription" settle in our minds a true notion of thine unspeakable essence and power; and as we preserve the memorials of the revelation of thy holy name, so may we preserve the memorials of thy fear, and the indelible characters of thine unutterable essence upon our hearts. We beseech thee, that our thoughts may be engaged in the grand work of our perfection, which, when attained, will be an ample reward for our labour; let peace and charity link us together in a pleasing union, and may this lodge exhibit a faint resemblance of that happiness which the elect will enjoy in thy kingdom. Give us a spirit of holy discrimination, by which we may be able to refuse the evil and choose the good; and also that we may not be led astray by those who unworthily assume the character of the grand elect. Finally, be pleased to grant, that all our proceedings may tend to thy glory, and our advancement in righteousness. Bless us and prosper our works, O Lord! Amen." The passages of scripture which follow, are appropriate to this degree, and may be introduced during the ceremony of initiation. "Behold how good and pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell together in unity. It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's After certain solemn forms, the "I impress you, my brother, with an ardent zeal for the honour of the Grand Architect of the Universe; to the end that you may live always in his adorable presence, with a heart disposed to every thing that is pleasing to him." The most perfect then presents the candidate with the bread and wine, saying, "Eat of this bread with me, and drink of the same cup, that we may learn thereby to succour each other in time of need by a mutual love, and participation of what we possess." He then presents to him a gold ring, saying, "Receive this ring, and let it be remembered by you as a symbol of the alliance you have now contracted with virtue, and the virtuous. You are never, my dear brother, to part with it whilst you live; nor to bequeath it at your death, except to your wife, your eldest son, or your nearest friend." When this part of the ceremony is ended, the brethren make a libation, according to ancient usage.. The most perfect then decorates the candidate according to the ornaments of the order, saying, "I now with the greatest pleasure salute you, my brother, as a grand elect, perfect, and sublime mason, which title I now confer on you, and grace you with the symbols thereof. Receive this ribbon, the triangular figure of which is emblematical of the divine triangle. The crown upon your jewel is a symbol of the royal origin of this degree. The compass, extended to ninety degrees, denotes the extensive I must earnestly recommend to you the strictest care and circumspection in all your conduct, that the sublime mysteries of this degree be not pro-fied. The people, copying the fol knowledge of the grand elect. These jewels, suspended on your breast, should make you attentive to your duty and station." Charge. Thus, my venerable brother, by your unblamable conduct, assiduity, constancy, and integrity, you have at last attained the title of grand elect, perfect, and sublime mason, which is the summit of ancient masonry, and upon your arrival to which, I most sincerely congratulate you. strangely irregular in his conduct. Proud of having erected an edifice to his Maker, and much intoxicated with his great power, he plunged into all manner of licentiousness and debauchery, and profaned the temple, by offering that incense to the idol Moloch, which only should have been offered to the living God. The grand elect and perfect masons saw this, and were sorely grieved; being fearful that his apostacy would end in some dreadful consequences, and perhaps bring upon them their enemies, whom Solomon had vainly and wantonly de faned or disgraced. As to what remains of completing your knowledge in the ancient state of masonry, you will find it by attending to the following History. When the temple of Jerusalem was finished, the masons who were employed in constructing that stately edifice, acquired immortal honour. Their order became more uniformly established and regulated than it had been before. Their delicacy in admitting new members of their order, brought it to a degree of respect; as the merit of the candidate was the only thing they then paid attention to. With these principles instilled into their minds, many of the grand elect left the temple after its dedication, and dispersed themselves among the neighbouring kingdoms, instructing all who applied, and were found worthy, in the sublime degrees of ancient craft masonry. The temple was finished in the year of the world 3000. Thus far the wise king of Israel behaved worthy of himself, and gained universal admiration; but, in process of time, when he had ad vanced in years, his understanding became impaired; he grew deaf to the voice of the Lord, and was lies and vices of their king, became proud and idolatrous, neglecting the true worship of God, for that of idols. This As an adequate punishment for this defection, God inspired the heart of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, to take vengeance on the kingdom of Israel.- This prince sent an army, with Nebuzaradan, captain of the guards, who entered Judah with fire and sword, took and sacked the city of Jerusalem, razed its walls, and destroyed that superb model of excellence, the temple. The people were carried captive to Babylon, and the conquerors carried with them all the vessels of gold and silver, &c. This happened 470 years, 6 months and 10 days after its dedication. When the time arrived that the Christian princes entered into a league to free the holy land from the oppression of the infidels, the good and virtuous masons, anxious for so pious an undertaking, volun tarily offered their services to the confederates, on condition that they should have a chief of their own election, which was granted; ac cordingly they accepted their standard, and departed. The valour and fortitude of those elected knights was such, that they A happy, lasting influence shed; Long as I live this ring I'll wear, To every brother's heart; were admired by, and took the lead of, all the princes of Jerusalem, who, believing that their mysteries inspired them with courage and fidelity to the cause of virtue and religion, became desirous of being initiated; upon being found worthy, their desires were complied with, and thus the royal art, meeting the approbation of great and good men, became popular and honourable, and was diffused to the worthy, throughout their various dominions, ing a connection with the ineffable and has continued to spread, far degrees. and wide, through a succession of ages, to the present day. ODE, For a P. G. E. and S. Mason. No solar beam, nor lunar ray, I prov'd myself a Knight," and then By mystic numbers four. 'Twas there impress'd with holy awe, A gold engraven plate I saw With dazzling splendour shine. This precious treasure long conceal'd, Fulfill'd was then the promise made; Their ardent zeal, fidelity, Honours like those, we all shall prove May all who friendship's feast partake, Knight of the Ninth-Arch. Closed as opened. THIRD. Detached degrees hav 1. GRAND PATRIARCH. The following passages of scripture are illustrative of this degree: "And Esau hated Jacob, because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand, then will I slay my brother Jacob. And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah. And she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee. Now, therefore, my son, obey my voice; and arise, flee thou to Laban my brother, to Haran; And tarry with him a few days, until thy brother's fury turn away." Gen. xxvii. 41-44. "And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set: and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and, behold, a ladder set upon the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and, behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord |