Duncan's Ritual of Freemasonry.pdf - FatimaMovement

It is generally conceded by Masonic writers, that
ancient Masonry closes with the Royal Arch. In
an edition of "The Illustrations of Masonry," by
Mr. Preston, published in London, 1829, the
editor, Mr. Oliver, observes:
"All Degrees beyond the Royal Arch ought to be
carefully separated from genuine Masonry, as
they are mostly founded on vague and uncertain
traditions, which possess not the shadow of
authority to recommend them to our notice." 2
p. 254
The additional Degrees, including those
considered legitimate, amount to upward of fifty.
These are founded partly upon astronomical
principles, agreeing with the ancient worship of
the Egyptians, and partly upon the Hebrew and
Christian doctrines.
It may be remarked in general, that many of the
degrees of knights are founded on the Christian
knighthoods got up in the time of the Crusades, in
the twelfth century; and that the ceremonies
thereof are an imitation of those superstitious
establishments. A former Grand High Priest of
the Chapters in the State of New York informs
me, that he initiated a French gentleman into the
Degree of Knight of Malta, who told him he was
a member of the ancient order of that name, and
that the ceremonies were very similar.
At the time those old knighthoods were founded,
"superstition mingled in every public and private
action of life; in the holy wars it sanctified the
profession of arms; and the order of chivalry was
assimilated in its rights and privileges to the
sacred orders of priesthood. The bath and the
white garment of the novice were an Indecent