Scottish Rite Masonry Illustrated - The Masonic Trowel

OPENiNG CEREMONIES
KN’IGHTS OF THE SUN.”
Father Adam—Brother Truth, what time is it on
earth?
Rrother Truth—Father Adam, it is midnight among
the profane or cowans, but the Sun
3t’ is in its meridian
in this lodge.
Father Adam—My children, profit by the favor of
this austere, luminary at present showing its light to us,
Rots filO.—”Knigbt of the finn. or Prinee Adapt. Sometimes known
by the names Tbs Philosephinel Lodga.’ •Prtnos of tha Inn.’ Kay te
Masonry. It is the 25th degree of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, and is
strictly philosophical and scientific. The ceremonIes and lecture, which
are of great length, furnish a history of all the preceding degrees end
explain in the fullest manner the vnrloua kiasonic emblems. The great
object of the degree is to inspire men with the knowledge of Heavenly
Truib. which is the pure source of all perfection, end as ibis virtue is
one of the three great teneis of kiasonry it deserves commendation. The
body is styled a Council, and consists of fbi less than ten membefa.
Meoojs Enoyclopadie end Diotlonary ef 5re.masonry, datlole KnIght af
Note 317.—The Master, tberefore’ in the East is a symbol of the
rising sun; the Junior warden Lb the South. of the Ideridlan Sun: end
the Senior Warden In the West, of the 5etting 5un. So in the mysteries
of India. the chief officers were placed In the east, the west. end the
south, respectively, to represent Brahms. or the risIng; vishnu. or the
setting, and Siva. or the meridan sun And In the Druidical rites, the
Archdrnld. seated in the east. was assisted by two other officers—the one
in the west renre..enting the moon, and the other. In the south. representina
the meridian sun.
This triple division of the government of a Lodge by three officers, rep.
resentatlycs of the sun in his ibree manifesistions in the east, sooth.
and weal will remind us sif almilar ideas in the symbolism of antiquity
tn the OrDilic mysteelsa. it was taught ibat the sun generated from an
era, burst forth with power to triplicate himself by his own unassisted
energy Snurelue Power seems always to have been associated in the
ancient mind with a threefold division. Thus the sign of authorIty was
lndicatd hr the ihree•forked lightning of Jove, the trident of !leptunc..
and tiwee-headed Cerberus of l5iuto. The oyerument of the (7nlverae
was divided hetaeen these three acne of Isturn. The chaste goddess
ruled the earth as Diana. the heavens as Lone. and the infernal regions
es Hecite. whenco her rlt,s were only performed In a place where three
roads met
The so;. s then presented to us In Mascury first as a symbol of it~ht.
but then more empbati~’sliy as n symbol s.f .sovereign authority.
Macksy’s Encyolop.sita af Freemasonry, Article Eu..
OPENING CEREN[ONIES. 207
which will conduct us in the path of virtue and to follow
.that law which is eternally to be engraved on our hearts,
and the only law by which we cannot fail to come to
the knowledge of pure truth. My children, let us pray.
(All kneel on the right knee, raise the right hand, and
Father Adam repeata the following prayer:)
OPENING PRAYER KNIGHTS OF THE SUN.
Bless, 0 our Father, those of us who are now here
assembled, by giving us those most inestimable of all
blessings, far above himors and dignities, the priceless
jewels of charity, friendship, love, justice and truth.
Aid us in the keeping a perfect observance of all the
duties which we have in any wise assumed to perform.
Enable us to abide by the promises which we have made
to one another, and to thee Eternal, omnipotent and
merciful Deity, and to thy ineffable name be all praise
for ever more. Amen. (All rise.)
Fatlit’r Adam—(aives the sign:)
SIGN.
Place the right hand fiat up-
on the heart, the thumb separ-
ate, so as to form a square.
All—(Give the answer:)
ANSwER.
Raise the right hand, and
with the index, point to heaven.
Fatker Adam—I declare this Council of
the Sun opened.
Answer.
Knight. of