The Origin of Freemasonry and Knights Templar ... - Lodge Prudentia

SUPPLEMENTAL ENCYCLOPEDIAbetween ancient magnificence and present desolation greaterthanhere.BethanyA village on the eastern slope of Mount Olivet,about two miles east-southeast of Jerusalem, and onthe road to Jericho. It was often visited by Christ. HereMartha and Mary dwelt. It was from the midst of Hisdisciples, near this village which he loved, that Christascended to heavenBethlehem A celebrated city in the tribe of Judah, sixmiles south of Jerusalem. It was beautifully situated onan oblong ridge, twenty-seven hundred feetabove the levelof the sea, and affording a fine view in every direction.Thehills around it were terraced, and clothed with vines, figtrees, and almonds ;and the valleys around it bore richcrops of grain. Its memory is delightfully associated withthe names of Boaz and Ruth ;it is celebrated as the birthplaceand city of David ; but, above all, it is hallowed as theplace where the Redeemer was born. Over that lonelyspot the guiding star hovered; there the eastern sagesworshiped the King of kings, and there, where Davidwatched his flock and praised God, were heard the songs ofthe angelichost at the Saviour's birth.Birthright The privilege of the first-born son. Amongthe Hebrews, as indeed among most other nations, thefirst-born enjoyed particular privileges and wherever polygamywas tolerated, it was highly necessary to fix them.;Besides the father's chief blessing, the first-born son of apriest succeeded his father in the priestly office.Amongthe sons of Jacob, Reuben, the first-born, forfeited the rightof the first-born and it was given to Levi. The first-bornwas entitled to a share of his father's estate twice as largeas any of the other brethren received, and succeeded to theofficial dignities and rights of his father.Briton A native or citizen of ancient Britain or Britannia;a name given to the aboriginal or ancient inhabitants169