Fratres Lucis
Fratres Lucis is een afsplitsing van de vrijmetselaarsorde
Order of the Rosy Cross. Er is nagenoeg niets over gepubliceerd. Het is
onwaarschijnlijk dat deze orde nog bestaat.
De orde kent een vijftal graden:
Knight Novice of the Third Year
Knight Novice of the Fifth Year
Knight Novice of the Seventh Year
Knight Levite
Knight Priest.
Part One
To the
Seven Wise Fathers, Heads of the Seven Churches of Asia; Health, Happiness and
Peace by the Holy Numbers.
As Peace,
both Inward and Outward, depends in all Societies on their Outward and Inward
Organization, certain Laws are necessary to effect this, and to maintain a
regular activity. For this reason We (the Preceptorial Chapter) command;
Section
One
That the
whole system of the Knights and Brothers of Light be divided into Five Sections
and Degrees, as follows:
1.
Knight Novice of the Third Year.
2.
Knight Novice of the Fifth Year.
3.
Knight Novice of the Seventh Year.
4.
Knight Levite.
5.
Knight Priest.
Each
Assembly shall be presided over by a Preceptor of Novices and termed a Chapter,
adding the title of the age, as The Chapter of Knights Novices of the Third Year;
and so of the others, the Chapter of Levites and finally the Chapter of Priests.
Section
Two
The
Perfected Chapters in Europe shall take rank according to their strength, power
and date of Constitution.
In each
Province the number of Novices shall not exceed those of Third Year, 5 x 27 =
135. Of the fifth Year, 4 x 27 = 108. Of the Seventh Year, 3 x 27= 81. Of Knight
Levites, 2 x 27 = 54, and of the Priests 27 only.
Each
Chapter shall consist of 19 Active Members; and promising Novices of the Third
Year, whilst awaiting a vacancy, shall study only the theory of Physics.
All
Chapters and All Provincial Chapters shall be governed by the Preceptorial
Chapter of Europe.
Section
Three
1. It is
ordered that, at the Election of Officers, no Novice whether of the Third, Fifth
or Seventh Year can hold a seat or have a vote upon any matter.
2. No
Levite by himself alone can hold a sitting or vote, but when assembled together
each has one vote.
3. Every
Priest may hold a seat and have a vote in the Chapter in which he happens to be,
whether that of Novices, Levites or his own.
Section
Four
1. The
building in which the Knights and Brethren assemble must be
sufficiently spacious and isolated and suitable for the business; i.e.,
it shall have at least four chambers of which the first serves as an
ante-chamber.
2. The
walls shall be hung with red stuff, having a green stripe at the edges; On each
wall shall be seven lustres with three lights each.
3. In
the middle of the Hall shall be a candelabrum with seven golden candlesticks.
4. The
Altar shall be approached by Steps of the Mystic Number. It is curtained off and
made to represent the Holy of Holies
The
Election.
1.
Election shall take place not later than seven o’clock.
2. The
Novices remain in the Outer Chamber, but are armed with drawn swords and act as
Guards.
3. The
Chapter is opened in Due ‘Form.
4. The
Provincial Administrator, presiding, rings the bell seven times and thus
addresses the Chapter; Our Assembly, Revd. and Mighty Brethren, has for its
cause a serious matter, which has already been explained to you.
Your
choice is to fill the post with a Potent and Revd. Brother who may, as head of
our Province, take right good care of it, and of the whole of our Sublime Order
in general. Try so to make this choice that you may fearlessly give account of
it to fhe Supreme and Infinite Being.
The
votes are now taken in a dignified manner and the newly Elected Brother is led
to the Altar to be installed.
Chancellor
reads Psalm 2, “Why do the heathen rage”, etc., through down to the end,
“Trust in Him.”
The
Knight Chancellor, Assessor and Sword Bearer then uncover the Chest and Head of
the new Elect. Other appropriate Ritual is introduced and the Provincial
Administrator addresses him thus;
Q.:
Reverend Brother, dost thou promise to believe to the end of thy life in the
good Author of all Creatures?
A.:
I promise.
Q.:
Reverend Brother, dost thou promise to observe duly the statutes of the Orders
of Knights and Brothers of Light, and never to try to diminish or change them,
and in accordance with these laws to leave to each one his rights and never
forsake them?
A.:
I promise.
Q.:
Reverend Brother, dost thou promise to love the Knights and Brothers of Light
and all fellow members even as thyself, and to render to everyone such service
as may be expected from thee?
A.:
I promise.
Having
accepted these Vows, the Chancellor takes up the Golden Cup in which the
Priest’s Oil is kept and anoints the Crown of the Head of the Elect, in the
pattern of two pieces of a tree bent in the shape of a Cross, saying: (Chancellor)
God elects you as the Chief of the Elect. He then anoints Left Hand, Heart and
Right Hand, saying: David said to the Philistine, thou dost threaten me with thy
sword, thy spear and shield, but I draw near to thee in the Name of the Lord,
the God of Israel whom thou hast defied.
Chancellor
then places Cap on the Head of the Elect and Robes him, saying: He who is the
Chief Priest amongst his Brothers on whose
Head has
been poured the Holy Chrism and whose Hand has been touched should be clothed
with the Sacerdotal Robe, and let him not uncover his head nor rend his robe.
The
Newly Installed is then suitably extolled upon the grave responsibilities of his
office and the following Invocation given; (Rev. ii, 7,8 & 17; iv, 5.)
“He
that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him
that overcometh will I give to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of
the Paradise of God. And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; these
things saith the first and the last, which was dead and is alive. He that hath
an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; to him that
overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white
stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that
receiveth it. And out of the Throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and
voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are
the seven Spirits of God.” And may God bless you and keep you, may God
instruct you and be gracious unto you, may God turn his countenance upon you and
give you peace.
Section
Five
On
Disability for Election: Disobedience to rule is one and punishable by the
Chapter.
Section
Six
Crimes
in general, and their Punishment: Revolutionists, Slanderers, Infidels and
Immoral Persons shall be excluded.
Section
Seven
Must
provide how Complaints are to be made.
Section
Eight
Must
provide how Right Order is to be maintained.
Section
Nine
1. The
Poor are to be assisted with Alms.
2. The
Sick are to be provided for.
Section
Ten
Imposts
and Dues fixed by the Chapter shall be paid yearly on the Feast of St. John the
Evangelist.
Section
Eleven
Chronology
of the Order. Era begins with Reform of St. John the Evangelist, A.D. 40. Thus
1781=1741.
Section
Twelve
Conduct
of Correspondence to be duly regulated.
Section
Thirteen
Business
details provided for.
Part Two
Section
One
First Degree
Reception
1. The
Knight Novice must be a legal Freemason.
2. He
must be without moral or physical defect.
3. He
must belong to no secret society opposed to us.
4. He
must be 27 years old and 7 years a Freemason.
5. He
must be a friend to the poor and no persecutor.
6. He
must not be disputatious or quarrelsome.
Section
Two
Of the
Chevalier and Ceremony of Reception
7. He is
led into separate room and met by Introductor.
8. He
has three Admonishments to him to turn back.
9. If he
does not cease to entreat, put on Masonic dress.
10. He
is asked his age and how long a Freemason.
11. In
what Lodge admitted.
12. Is
requested to give Sign of the Degree, and then prepared.
13. He
is led forward into Chamber of Reception and placed at end of table.
14.
Secretary orders him to give Sign of Master.
15.
Chapter gives assent by bending the head.
16.
Secretary now explains: This worthy Master Mason claims to be admitted into the
Chapter of Knights of the Third Year and Brothers of Light who are responsible
for him; he is therefore accepted by the choice of the Province, therefore let
him be called upon to sign an Obligation.
17. I,
..., A Master Mason, do sincerely promise before God and as an honest man, that
I will conform myself to all the mysteries and all the articles that shall be
read to me by the Revd. Wise and Worthy Chapter of the Knights and Brothers of
Light and Novices of the Third Year, even if they shall seem to be unheard of
and troublesome to follow, and that I will regard them as the revelation of the
Ultimate Forces of Nature.
18. When
the Obligation has to be taken, the following is read: The general articles on
the duties of the Very Reverend and Most Worshipful Seven Fathers, the Heads of
the Seven Churches of Asia.
1. The
Mason who wishes to be received as a Knight and Brother of Light as a Novice of
the Third Year, must promise to attempt nothing generally or singularly, under
any pretext, against all or any who are or who may be in future members of the
Sublime Order of the Very Reverend Potent and Wise Knights and Brothers of Light,
or against any of the Degrees wherewith he may be connected in the different
Chapters; nor attempt anything against the Community, but on the contrary he
will, as far as in him lies, dispel and divert every danger and injustice.
2. He
must promise complete submission and obedience to the Laws of the Order.
3. Since
all mysteries of this Sublime Order are derived from the True Light, he must
promise to follow them to his life’s end, and neither asking by whom they were
given nor from whence taken or may be taken. “Whoso seeth the Light clearly
must be indifferent as to its source.” The history of all times will more than
justify this necessity.
4. He
must promise to protect as far as possible the Third Degree of Freemasonry as
the Elementary School of our Sublime Order and render every service which he can
to its enlargement.
5. He
must promise to protect the Revd., Potent and Wise Order of Knights and Brothers
of Light with all his power, to contribute in an honest and active way to its
enlargement, to defend its members in true, sincere and fraternal love, to help
them, to recognize their claims, and to love each severely and in all sincerity
with such a love as all Nature implants in brothers for each other.
6. Q. Do
you sincerely promise to conform to the Rules?
A. I
promise it.
A Hymn
Is Sung
Procession
is formed and all enter Chapter Room
Preceptor
of Novices questions Candidate on various points: His Name? Birthplace? When
born? Age? Where wert thou initiated into Freemasonry? What Master admitted
thee?
When
didst thou become a Master Mason? Who received thee a Master Mason? How long
hast thou been a Free Mason? How long hast thou been a Master?
When all
these Questions have been answered and entered in the Register, and it has been
notified that the Novice has been Seven Years a Mason, the document is read over
by the Secretary.
For a
time a Solemn Silence reigns in the Chapter.
Revd.
Preceptor of Novices rings Bell 3 times repeated 3 times, then reads Psalm 8, v.
3, also Revelations 2, vs.7-8; then says: Pray, my Brother, that the Grand
Elements of all Creation, the 1, 3, 5 & 7 may be with us that they may lead
thee on the Path thou are entering.
(Novice
is now divested of Master Mason’s apron and is clothed with that of the First
Degree of Brother of Light.)
A Psalm
Is Read
Preceptor
of Novices. Thou hast been brought hither, my son, in order to study the Laws of
God’s Eternal Wisdom. His Justice, His Mercy and His Omnipotence. Our desire
is that thou come amongst us with a pure heart, in a spirit of good will, of
obedience, submission, and with ardor and love to study the True Wisdom. If, my
son, thou givest thyself with good will and with sincere heart to embrace the
pure Light, we will freely teach thee our mysteries with a light sincerity of
heart and still greater desire, and by gradual steps according to thy strength
of mind we will lead thee to where thou canst thyself enter into Light. (A pause.)
Now, my
dear Brother, to aid the beginning of our trust in thee, give us a final token
of obedience. Pronounce the Oath which I now require of thee; the Infinite
Justice will judge of the quality of mind and will reward or punish thee
accordingly.
The
Curtain or Veil of the Holy of Holies is raised.
Preceptor
of Novices: Pray to God in your heart that He may bless the Oath of the Brother
Novice, in his heart, who hath just entered himself.
Obligation
I, ...,
swear by the only Law of the True and Unknown Being, that I will continue
faithful all my life to the duties of a Knight and Brother of Light. If I
violate a single one of them, may my Superiors, by the miraculous powers of
magic, make me the most pitiable of creatures; may the powers of evil rise up
against me for ever; those cruel spirits which hide themselves from the Light;
may the Mighty Princes of Darkness assemble all the terrors of night around me
like a dark cloud, and withdraw all the Light from my Spirit, from my Soul and
from my Body, and may the Spirit of Good, which is One in Three, shut me out for
ever from mercy.
He is
then entrusted with the S. T. & W.
Second
Master of Novices. From remote times, my Brother Knight Novice, there have been
certain persons, united in mysterious and indissoluble bonds, who have
endeavoured by uniting their power to probe the occult forces of Being and to
prove them. Such societies have gone under many and varied names. They have
hidden their Science, Studies and Mysteries in hieroglyphics which none could
understand except their Disciples; they acted thus with great prudence, in order
to increase the sanctity and make them less common, and in truth it would be
dangerous to the world to make known powers which the welfare of the world
requires should be kept secret. These various societies were seated at this or
that place according to their leaders, but their center was always in Asia.
Some of
the Knights who took part in the wars against the Saracens were initiated by
these societies, and from all sorts of error come hatred, jealousy, persecution,
greed, calumny, false witness, and lastly, death; so a portion of this Society
that has learned many occult Mysteries in Asia, perished by a thousand
tortures,
in bloody ruin, to the great disgrace of humanhy. Three wicked men made among
themselves an inhuman compact, and carried it into execution. In political
history they are known as Clement V., Pope of Rome; Philip le Bel, King of
France, and Nogaret, his Chancellor. These men were distinguished by a thousand
atrocities and crimes, especially against an unfortunate society known by the
name of Knights of the Temple. A few of them escaped from the hands of the
executioners and from the tortures intended for them, by leaving for Asia. From
the ruins of this Order arose the Knights of St. John, the Teutonic Order and
the Golden Fleece, who all shared in what was known of the Mysteries of the
Knights of the Temple, as far as the means were left for attaining them. But
more ancient than these is the Society of Freemasons, a body which, though
remodelled and new in many respects, has yet preserved the hieroglyphics and
ideographs of the Templars, which the others changed by a hundred absurd
ceremonies. As the Temple of Solomon is looked upon as the greatest miracle of
the Human Power and Wisdom of that day, it appeared to the Brothers as the
grandest of hieroglyphics; a fact the more agreeable to them, as they had found
amongst the ancient records which the Templars had collected with great pains in
various places, that these Knights had similarly used it, and that they also had
divided the Temple of Solomon into hieroglyphics, to which they gave a moral
interpretation as they did also to the Sacraments.
The
chief objects, my Worthy Brother, which on the one hand were ill understood by
the Freemasons, but which, on the other hand, they were always seeking, were
Alchemy, Theosophy and Magic.
Their
searches were always in vain, for if not totally ignorant of these lofty
sciences, they knew but little of them.
Our duty
now, Worthy Brother, is to instruct thee in all matters, so far as thou shalt
deserve, and this clearly and distinctly, in order that thy Reason may be
thoroughly enlightened; hence we will give thee a true explanation of the First
Degree of Freemasonry, that of Disciple;
1.
Before receiving thee into the Order they took thee into a darkened room, this
teaches thee that our Matter is found in a black state: our Earth.
2. We
also took away all the Metals thou hadst upon thee; this shows that our Matter
is not found where Metals grow.
3. They
tookest away thy clothing; it shows that our Matter is stripped of the Veil with
which Nature has clothed it, for it can be drawn as from the breast of a Mother.
4. They
removed thy shoe, and uncovered thy left arm; this removal and uncovering,
though it may relate to another branch of the meaning, in the removal of the
shoe signifies the mysterious severance, and is one of the most ancient
hieroglyphics known to the Israelites. When one of them desired to accuse the
wife of his deceased brother, he took off his shoe; in like manner when one
renounced an inheritante, or a ploughed field which he had bought, he did the
same thing. But this sign of renunciation has always a mysterious signification.
5. Thine
eyes were blindfolded; which teaches that though our Matter is luminous, and in
itself shining and clear, yet that it is only to be found in the darkest
dwelling.
6. A
Cable Tow was round thy neck, by which the body was led; it teaches, (Hosea,
Chapter 11, verse 4.), and also the drawing of our Matter.
7. The
noise that was made on the floor in sign of affirmation and consent to the
reception of the Candidate signifies that we procure our Matter from its
dwelling in the volcano, and that dur Order has for its chief object the
Physical Mysteries wrought by Fire.
8. The
Three laborious Journies made by thee, the discourse with the Worshipful Master,
and the other ceremonies connected therewith, signify the Obedience, Fidelity
and Silence necessary towards thy Chiefs. They also teach thee that great pains,
application, reflection, an upright heart and an open soul are needed to enable
thee to raise thy soul up to us; and finally it shows thee that the Path can
only be found in Silence and Secrecy, that great trials have to be surmounted
and firm and fearless constancy shown before we can attain thereto.
9. The
point of a Poniard was applied to thy breast to warn thee to beware of it. It
should remind thee that no double edged weapon must ever be used to slay our
Hiram and procure his precious blood, which is shown afterwards by a feeble
Brother and his bloody handkerchief, as is explained to a Knight Novice of the
Seventh Year.
10. The
inner Silence signifies that our Matter, when it is prepared, dissolves all
Metals noiselessly.
11. In
touching thee with the Compasses (held over a plate with blood thereon), the
plate of blood held up, signifies that we have another P. beside the one that
was shown to thee, and which we thrust into the bosom of our Matter until it
pours forth blood.
12. The
order which the Worshipful Master gives to take care of the sick is the same as
the Master gives in our Workshop, not to injure the body. The Knight Novice of
the Seventh Year receives a fuller explanation.
13. All
that which is repeated to thee three times, signifies that our Matter is Animal,
Vegetable and Mineral, as the Brethren of Novice of Seven Years know.
14. The
name of Tubal Cain was given to thee, to show that our Matter lies where the
volcano has its fire and its dwelling place.
15. Thy
Insignia, the administration of an Oath, and the religious equalities in the
relate to our Theosophical and political statutes, which thou wilt know when
attaining our Fifth Degree.
16. And
finally, thou hast been asked to say, as far as thou couldst remember them, thy
name, birthplace, etc. This is useful to our Chiefs from their Kabalistic
knowledge, to guide them in tracing the most secret windings of thy heart and
character.
Explanation of Floor Cloth
1. The
Four Corners represent the Four Quarters of the Globe, and point out that God
has given to our Chiefs such wisdom that, by this privilege, they are raised
above all other mortals from East to West and from South to North, so that, for
them, it matters not what lies outside the entire system, for there is nothing
unknown to them. They hold the same relation to the Four Principal Winds of
which our Father Hermes speaks —The Wind bears it in its bosom— that is to
say, they bear the Matter, for it is the source and end of all things.
2. The
Border and Fringe denote our unchangeableness.
3. The
Mosaic Pavement shows to the Chiefs the wellknown Magic Squares.
4. The:
is the Aesh Major or the Watery Flame, or Flaming Water, which we can procure
for ourselves.
5. The
Sun and Moon denote the Masculine and Feminine Elements, or that which is Active
and that which is Passive. The same thing is signified by the Two Pillars J and
B, which however, have their signification in divine measure, for they are the
Pillars of the Ten Sephiroth and of the Sacred Divine Chariot.
(After
this, the Theosophical and Divine Science, and the Chemical Work of the Degree
are given in due order, and the Chapter then closed.)
Second
Degree
Introductory
Part is similar to that of First Degree.
Candidate
is questioned upon the progress he has made in the Sciences, after the manner of
the Hermetic Degrees of other Rites. Only One Demand is made as to Reception.
Secretary
presents him in his rank.
Preceptor
of Novices. (Addressing Candidate.)
1. In
former times it was the duty of the Workmen to dip our Matter out of the Earth,
and in fact, the Workmen of old performed this task for the Adepts, until it was
found that the knowledge thus acquired led to frequent abuses, so that it was
made the duty of the Masters in Freemasonry themselves, as is explained to the
Knight Novice of Seven Years.
2. By
the manner of Entrance in this Degree is signified the approaching Union of the
Three Principles, but which we sep.. arate in themselves. The other preparation
which thou didst undergo was made so light, because there was nothing new to
teach thee; and they were therefore but a repetition of what thou hast learnt in
thy pupil’s Degree. So also in … of the workmen, these doctrines only will
be repeated which are somewhat known to the pupil.
3. The
letter F in a Blazing Star (Force and Strength) signifies the active principle
of the Creative Elohim, which is dearly explained in our Theosophy, as known to
the Brothers of Light alone; and from which follows the reason why a Freemason
adds to his name or signature a Square containing a Central Point.
4. The
Seven Degrees signify the Seven Metals which have to be perfected by our Work.
They also signify the smallest number of the true Hebrew name of our Matter.
Thus Zachariah saw a Stone which had upon it Seven Eyes, and after it Seven
Wheels, which represent our last Workmen by which we rise to perfection. Finally,
they signify Seven Stars, the power of which is found explained in our
Kabalistical Science, for Natural Magic is useful, and very necessary to our
Chiefs in the Work.
Third
Degree
Candidate
is Received in a manner similar to that of the previous Degrees.
Preceptor.
The Temple of Solomon, Revd. Brother, was in a general way the synthesis of our
Art, and it moreover included the symbolism of all the Mysteries —Theosophical,
Magical, Alchemical— and was in the time of Solomon an allegory of our Order (Kabalistically)
which replaced or superceded the hieroglyphical symbolism of the Egyptians,
which, with the exception of a few, are not used in our Order. But as it was
necessary to have some subject of study in the present Three Degrees of Masonry,
an allegorical account was introduced of the history of Hiram, King of Tyre, who
had assisted King Solomon in the building of the Temple, and from this account
some doctrines of importance may be adduced; so we must at once teach that the
true origin of thi, legend, and then the true sense of the allegory which arises
out if it. In the book of the Prophet Ezekiel one may see more clearly that
“Hiram” had a universal meaning: Nephesh Urim Thummim (Soul, Light, Truth) (Truth
or Perfection) and that he did not die of illness but was killed. In the
Chaldean book fal kot the following is related of this King, which is considered
a clear and historical explanation of. the denunciation made in Ezekiel 28.
“Hiram, King of Tyre who had assisted Solomon in the building of the Temple,
had, by his wisdom, gained immense riches and reached the age of 800 years. He
afterwards grew proud of his wisdom and thought himself equal with God; he
fashioned by his art two beings (Pillars) and built upon them Seven Heavens, and
in these Seven Heavens hc caused an Altar to he built, which was to be like the
Altar of God. When God was wroth with this great sin and error he sent to him
his Prophet Ezekiel to declare his sins and pronounce his punishment. Then
Jehovah destroyed with thunder the Seven Heavens of Hiram, and he fell from his
height and was slain by the hands of man.
As our
Theosophical – Magical - Chemical school began to multiply in the world, our
Supreme Wise, Enlightened Masters and Chiefs ‘found it necessary to regulate
it in all things. Hence are Signs and Passwords for each separate Degree, so
that when the Workmen, or the Disciples, came to seek their reward, their
Apprenticeship being taken for granted, each one could be recognized by his
Words and Signs so as to know to what Degree he belonged.
The
Secret Meaning of the allegory of Hiram is as follows;
Hiram,
which word signifies our Matter, has been killed by Three Workmen, in order that
they might procure the Word, which is JEHOVAH, i.e., the Central Fire. These
traitors buried him and have already his Caf’ut Mortuum. They make a hillock
and the dead head appears, as if the Spirits excited it with rage, this is shown
by the Branch of Acacia.
The
nature of our Matter is shown in the Master Mason’s Degree by a Touchstone
which is Mineral; by a Death’s head, or Animal Matter; by the Acacia or
Vegetable Matter. That is to say, our Matter is not divided, but contains the
Three Kingdoms of Nature. The symbol of Jehovah, seen in the center of …
indicates the perfecting of the Work; it symbolizes the Central Fire or Great
Light. Our Matter, Revd. Brother, is represented in this our Book, which is now
shown to thee and which, on close study, thou wilt find is adorned with all
these qualities.
Fourth
Degree
Carpets
ceased to be used. The Degree has none. It renders the Levite eligible for minor
offices. There is a short Introduction and a few questions. Then the Obligation,
Investiture and Secrets.
Lecture
Q.: What
is Perfection?
A.: 1,
2, 3 & 4.
Q.: What
is the Perfect Plane?
A.: That
which Flames, gives Light, but destroys not.
Q.: What
is it that must not be spoken, whilst the purest Stones of Marble are being
procured?
A.:
Majim; Majim.
Q.: What
are the Elohim?
A.: Elih
and Ki, the Light without Will, and the Light with Will; the Light without Color
and the Light with Color.
Q.: What
gives the Color.
A.: The
Will.
Q.: How
many of these (Elohim) are together, and when did they begin?
A.: They
are altogether One and the Same, now and forever.
Q.: What
is the Serpent that flies in the air and burns?
A.: The
Ant (Asp or Scorpion?) found on its scales represents it.
Q.: How
long was Moses with Schamajim (Aesch Maijm?)?
A.:
Forty days.
Q.: What
did he bring with him?
A.: The
natural Law, set forth on Stone.
Q.: What
was he amongst the people of Israel?
A.:
Lawgiver, Levite, Protector and the Great Captain.
After
many such Questions, Preceptor says: I receive you among the Levites; I beseech
Thee, O Lord, to grant us two favors, and to deny us not these so long as we
shall live; remove from us vanity and lies, give us neither poverty nor riches,
feed us with food convenient for us, lest we be full and deny thee and say
‘Who is the Lord?’ Or lest we be poor and steal and take the Name of our God
in vain. (Proverbs xxx, 8-9.)
There is
no symbolic instruction, but an Address which lays great stress on Ethics.
Opening:
The Hour when we come to Sacrifice.
Closing:
The Hour when Sacrifice is Consummated.
Fifth
Degree
Opening:
First Hour of the Day.
Neophytes
introduced, and after some preliminary Questions they are informed that the Rank
they seek entitles them to fill the highest offices of the Order, and that they
have in their care the Statutes of the Order which were given them previously.
The
Preceptor of Levites, or Provincial Administrator, says: “Now, Revd. Brothers,
ye are nearing the last of the explanations we have to give you before taking
the Oath. You draw near to the last barrier, which ye, yourselves, will have to
pass, if God permits ye to be enlightened by His Light. Now ye have reached the
end of the Secret Mysteries of our Royal and Priestly Order. These, as well as
those which may hereafter be given ye, are of such a nature that only in the
Light can they be sought and found.
They
take the Oath, and Invested and Entrusted. The Sacred Fire is lighted at which
the Priests officiate and are anointed and robed.
Provincial
Administrator: I anoint thy right ear, thy right eye and thy right thumb with
the Holy Oil, in token of thy separation from the follies of the world and to
set thee apart from them amongst the well-doers to be raised at the last day as
a Monument of God’s glory.
Thou art
a Priest forever after the Order of Melchizedeck.
Closing: Last hour of Life and Safety.
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