altation to the Degree of Royal Arch Mason 126 Particulars relative to K. Solomon's Temple 136 Chronology of Events, appertaining to the Ta- IV. Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts V. Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Rhode-Island VI. Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Connecticut VII. Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New.York Convention of Royal Arch Masons in Kentucky 190 XI. Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Vermont Constitution of the General Grand Encamp- ment of Knights Templars and the Append- ant Orders, for the United States of America 247 II. Grand Encampment of Knights Templars and Observations on the Degree of Secret Master 257 Address to a Candidate on Initiation On the Degree of Perfect Master III. On the Degree of Intimate Secretary THE FREEMASON'S MONITOR. PART FIRST. BOOK I. CHAPTER I. Origin of Masonry, and its General Advantages. FROM the commencement of the world we may trace the foundation of Masonry.* Ever since symmetry began, and harmony displayed her charms, our order has had a being. During many ages, and in many different countries, it has flourished. In the dark periods of antiquity, when literature was in a low state, and the rude manners of our forefathers withheld from them that knowledge we now so amply share, masonry diffused its influence. This science unveiled, arts arose, civilization took place, and the progress of knowledge and philosophy gradually dispelled the gloom of ignorance and barbarism. Government being settled, authority was given to laws, and the assemblies of the fraternity ac # Masonry and Geometry are sometimes used as synonimous terms. quired the patronage of the great and the good, while the tenets of the profession were attended with unbounded utility. Masonry is a science confined to no particular country, but diffused over the whole terrestrial globe. Whereever arts flourish, there it flourishes too. Add to this, that by secret and inviolable signs, carefully preserved among the fraternity throughout the world, masonry becomes an universal language. Hence many advantages are gained: the distant Chinese, the wild Arab, and the American savage, will embrace a brother Briton, Frank, or German; and will know, that beside the common ties of humanity there is still a stronger obligation to induce him to kind and friendly offices. The spirit of the fulminating priest will be tamed; and a moral brother, though of a different persuasion, engage his esteem. Thus, through the influence of masonry, which is reconcileable to the best policy, all those disputes, which embitter life, and sour the tempers of men, are avoided; while the common good, the general design of the craft, is zealously pursued. From this view of the system, its utility must be sufficiently obvious. The universal principles of the art unite men of the most opposite tenets, of the most distant countries, and of the most contradictory opinions, in one indissoluble bond of affection, so that in every · nation a mason finds a friend, and in every climate a home. |