Blanchard J (anti-masonic) - Scotch Rite Masonry Illustrated Part I

OPENING CEREMONIESROYAL ARC H’’ DEGREE.Thrice Puissant—Brother Inspector, what place e.rewe in?Inspector—Thrice Puissant, we are in the most sacredplace in the earth.Thrice Puissant—How came you in this sacred place?Inspector—By an effect of providence.Thrice Puissant—Explain this to me.AInspector—I dug in the ancient ruins of Enoch.penetrated through nine arches 155underground, and in the end I foundthe Delta which God had promisedthe Holy Patriarchs should befound in fullness of time.Delta.Thrice Puissant—What is the Delta?Note 112.—”The history of the degree has been a subject of much die.pute. but all agree that it is the birth of the 18th century. The bestsubetautiated theory is tbat to~ the learning and talent of ChevalierRamsey, tutor to James the Second. the germ of the degree is due. andthat its origin must he set at about the year A. D. 1740. The peculiarform of the degree differs~greatiy in different countries, we hove thesutberity of tbe masonic traveler. K. 0 Cooke, that the English RoyalArch system has no other resemblance to the American form th~zi theone word which conatitutes the mystic key to the whole; that in bbstor~.purposes, order of succession, terms, paraphernalia and obligations thetwo are radically different In all countries it is esteemed as the oem.piement of the Master Masons degree.—Morrbs Masonlo Dictionary.Article Royal Arch Mason.Note 114.—”Enocb. The degeneracy Of uankind became so great beforethe flood, end their perveralons cE pert antediluvian Masonry angrievous, that. s~cording to our tradlth,ns. gijoch feared the geaulnesecrets would be lost and awaliosued • in the predicted deluge. Toprevent which he hid ibe grand secret. engraven on a uhite orientalporphyry stone. in the bowels oS the earth; end being apprehcnaiee thatthe morality end science wbich had been embodied in Freemasonry withinch care would be absorbed in the gensfal destruction, to preserve theprinciples of the science. he huilt two puller. near the spot where theywere concealed, with an inscription in hieroglyphics. importing that nenr itwas a precious treasure, which had been dedicntcd to Ond “—MaccysZaoyelopeedla sad Distisnazy of Vreemae~av, Article Enoch.OPENING CEREMONIES. 259Inspector—A golden triangle, replenished with agreat light, on which was engraved by Enoch, the greatand mysterious name of the Great Architect of theUnii erse.Thrice Puissant—Who are you.Inspector—I am what I am, my name is—.Thrice Puissant—Do you know the true pronunciationof the name of the Great Architect of the Universe?Inspector—It is a sacred name only known by theGrand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Masons.Thrice Puissant—What is your quality?Inspector—A Knight of the Royal Arch.Thrice Puissant—how were you received in this degree?Inspector—Solomon in company of hiram King ofTyre, to recompense my zeal and constancy, created meinto this degree, ~ith Joahert and Stolkin my companions.Thrice Puissant—Have you anything else to desire?Inspector—Yes, the Sublime Masonry known by thename of Perfection.Thrice Puissant—God may perhaps permit one daythat your wishes may be accomplished, and recompenseyou according to your deserts.Thrice Puissant—(Strikes five; 00 000. All rise andform a circle round the Ark.)Thrice Puissant—Let us pray.PUAYER.Great Architect of the Universe, adorable God in all,be so kiuid and exact our desires in this moment whenwe beg thy divine goodness. In thyself is the true wisdomto which we aspire, and by the strength of thy