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ARGUMENT.
The Sixteenth Degree, or Prince of Jerusalem, being a contin-
uation of the fifteenth grade, represents historically the troubles
and trials of the ancient Masons, in their endeavors to rebuild
the Temple ; their obtaining permission, and their final success,
under the authority and will of Darius, the successor of King
Cyrus, in the completion of that noble edifice, in the sixth year
of his reign,—which Temple was like unto, if not more magnifi-
cent than, the first, built by the great King Solomon. This
Temple covered the same ground as the one destroyed by Nebu-
zaradan, and was furnished with the same precious vessels re-
turned by King Darius from Babylon to the Jews.
The grade of Prince was conferred by King Darius, and ratified
and confirmed by the Knight Masons at Jerusalem, as a Masonic
acknowledgment to Zerubbabel and his companions for their
preservation, and frank averment of Masonic virtues, despite the
highest honors tendered by the king.
Formerly, Princes of Jerusalem were entitled to many privi-
leges and prerogatives by virtue of their rank. They had exclu-
sive control over Subbme Freemasonry, from the 4th to the 15th
Degree inclusive. Grand Councils of this Grade granted Charters
to Lodges of Perfection, and also governed and controlled the
symbolic grades of the Scotch Rite, in all countries where no
regular Grand Lodge was established. According to the G. Con-
stitutions of 1786, Art. 6, it was provided, " That the power of
the Supreme Council shall not interfere with any grade under the
17th," or K. of the E. and W. This power is now exercised by
the Supreme Council.