download PDF version - Global Grey

172 BOOK OF THE A. AND A. RITE.
cated, King Solomon conferred this sublime degree
on the twenty-five brethren we have mentioned, and
in the form you have but now witnessed.
And when the singers and trumpeters were to
make one sound in praise and thanks to the Lord,
saying, " Praise the Lord, for he is good : his mercy
endureth forever ;" that the Temple was filled with a
cloud, and the name was fully pronounced.
On the second day, an audience was given to aD
Masons, from the degree of Master to the Royal
Arch, and all vacancies were filled.
On the third day, King Solomon devoted his time
to advancing and raising Fellow Crafts and Entered
Apprentices.
Thus far the wise King of Israel behaved worthy
< ii himself, and gained universal admiration ; but in
process of time, when he had advanced in years, his
understanding became impaired ; he grew deaf to
the voice of the Lord, and was strangely irregular in
his conduct. Proud of having erected an edifice to
his Maker, and much intoxicated with his great
power, he plunged into all manner of licentiousness
and debauchery, and profaned the Temple by offer-
ing incense to the idol Moloch, which only should
have been offered to the living God. The Grand Elect
Masons saw this, and were sorely grieved, being fearful
that his apostasy would end in some dreadful conse-
quences, and perhaps bring upon them those enemies
whom Solomon had vainly and wantonly defied. The
people, copying the follies and vices of their king,