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

114 A GOVERNMENT OF WOLVES OVER SHEEP.rest. But why should this Sixth degree be marked withthe sign of the Vtr~qin instead of Aries, the Ram? Andthe next following with that of Libra, or the balanee.instead of Taurus, the Bull? We know no reason andnone is given to the initiate. Doubtless there ia nonebut the whim of the inventor, whose sole object is impostureand cheat. “Cursed be he that maketh theblind to wander out of the way; and all the people shailsay, Am.en.”—Deut. ~27,18.Thirty years after the invention of this degree in theJesuit College Rite of Perfection, Thos. Jefferson wasour minister to France (1784). These Bites had thenoverrun France, and Jefferson said: “A government ofpriests and nobles for a people, is like a government ofwolves over sheep.”The meanness of the thief who misdirects and leads ablind man out of his road into the woods to filch moneyfrom his pockets, is a poor crime beside that of the impostorwho misdirects wanderers into eternity who havelost their road. And such were the manufacturers of~this degree. Such, too, are The manufacturers ofall false religions. They cause their fellow travelers to“wander out of the way of understanding and renjain inthe congregation of the dead.” The only mitigationwhich can be plead for such false teachers, is, that theycome to believe their own teachings. But that no moreexcuses them than suicide juslifies murder.CHAPTER IXSEVENTH DEGREE OR PROVOST AND JUDGE.”This grade was originally instituted by King Solo.mon to aid in preserving peace and order” axrong theworkmen engaged in the erection of the temple, it bt’ingthe especial duty of a Provost and Judge to settle difficultiesand disputes that might arise among the workmen.LINRA ORDALANCE.DECORATIONS :“—The ~ (lodge) of Provost and•Judge must be hung with red and illuminated by fivegreat lights; one in each corner and one in the centre.The Master is in the East, under a blue canopy, surroundedby gold stars; and is styled Thrice Illustrious;Note N.—”Proyoet and Judge. tScotoh Masonryl—The fOuWth degreeconferred in the Lodge of Perfection. Scotch Muanory, and tbe seventh uponthe catalogue of that agate,. There isa master, styled Thrice IllustrIousWho represents Tito. Princ, of tbe ijarodim, tbe First Grand warden antiInspector ~f the 800 Architects, and a chief Inspector. representingAdonirem. “—Morris’s Maaonio ma~Icmq, Lotiole Provost and Judge.Not. 57.—”Proycet and Judge. The seventh degree of the Ancient andAccepted rite. Tbd legend of this degree is founded upon tbe princ.ipleeof Impartiality and Justice. After the death of the Grand Master work.man of the temple. King Solomon. fot the purpose of strengthening hismeans of preserving order among the vast number of craftsmen engagedin the construction of the temple, appointed seven Provost, and Judges, inorder that all complaints amnn~ the workmen might be heard, disputee set.tied and justice odminiatered.’ —Maceye Eneyelopaedis and Dictionary ci1seemaaear~. hUcle Provost and Judge.Note 58.—lbs degree was instituted hy Solomon. to sushi. him to pie.serve order among the workmen. The hangings are red. The number oflights is five. The apron is white, lined with red, and furnished with asocket; below the pocket, the cross keys. The Jewel is a gold key. Thelesson is Justice to all men. Age 4z16. Hours of work. break of dayeight, two and seven.“—Needs’s Masonic Dictionary, Article Provost anAJudge