Scottish Rite Masonry Illustrated - The Masonic Trowel

310 SHAM PREtENSE OP A UNIvERSAL RELIGION.
post!) Those were Christian bishops, and their crime
waa Christianity. And the fierce and savage denunciations
of “sectarians,” who teach men religion to enslave
them, mean Christians. If not, whom do they mean?
Even their sha~n pretence of a universal religion is
violated by their hatred of Christ CHAPTER LVII
THIRTY-FIRST DEGREE, OR GRAND INSPECTOR iNQuIRE-
TOE COMMANDER.”’
DECORATIONS :—Hangings are white; as also the canopy
under which is the throne of the President. There
are ten gilded columns; one on each side of the President
in the East; one on each side of the Councilors or
Inspectors in the West; three on the south side of the
room and three on the north, equi-distmnt from each
other.
On the column on the right of the President is inscribed
in large letters the word “Justitia” and the attributes
of the first and third degrees. On that upon
his left the word “Equitas” and the attributes of the
eighteenth and thirtieth degrees, from the two columns
springs a Gothic Arch, from the apex thereof is sus-
Not. ~6l.—”Gmnd Inquhaito? Commander. The 31st degree of the
Ancient and Accepted rite. it is not an historical degree, but is simply
administrative in its character; the duties of the members being to
examine and regulate the proceedings of the subordioute lodges and chapt’rs.
The meeting is dealgsated a Sovereign Tribunal.’ and is composed
of nine officers vii,’ A Most Perfect President. a Chancellor. a Tressnrer.
and six inqulaitors—oue being eiected to perform the functions of
inspecting Inquisitor The decoration of the Lodge is white. wiih eight
oiden columns6ere on is thealso daisanabove altar the covered presidio wlt~ ofiiter’s white drapery. throne are In the
iCast, etterson I a K ~ow t seat, is placed a case containing the sr.hives of the
F
order, covered with blue drapery, having on us front a large red cross;
,.n the right of the sitar is the table of the Chancellor. on ibe left that
of the Treasurer. The door of the Sovereign Tribunal is covered by a
~,einiing. the centre of which represents a cross, encompassing all the
attributes of Masonry. There is no apron: the members wear a white
collar, on which is embroidered a triangle with rays, having in its center
the figures 31. to Which is suspended the jewel—a silver Teutonic cross.
In France the regulations direct a white a~u. with aura,. (yeliow) flap,
embroidered with the attributes of the degree.“—Macoy’s Xaoyelopin4~
and Diotianaxy of 1reemasoiu~’. Litiel. Ovand I.guhsltev Oammaaier.