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Great Priory Of Canada, 1877
substantiate no claim to be considered aa perpetuating the true Order of the Temple . It is most unwarrantable and ridiculous to say that because the adoption of the correct titles and nomenclature is advocated that there is any desire for separation , or that by dropping the prefix Masonio it separates the two bodies and makes us an illegal society ,
or that the Order has lost one particle of the claims ifc ever had to be considered an ally of Freo Masonry . In fact , tho Masonio connection has been drawn closer , and the Craft is still tho vital pre-requisit . o to admission into tho United Orders of the Temple and Hospital . Tho whole object sought for was that of dispelling and clearing away palpable errors that had no historical foundation .
It was never disputed that onr Templar body is now , to a certain extent , Masonic , its qualification being entirely so , but to say that its origin was Masonic is altogether erroneous—it was Chivalric . By some it is contended that it has no such claim , being merely a modern Masonio invention . If this is tho case , why make any allusion to the old military order at all ? Still , if we be only ad imitationem , let us bo so iu reality , and use proper historical terms and practices , and
not continue to promulgate false and erroneous ones that have nofc even antiquity to commend them . Tho original purposes for which the old religious military Orders were created no longer existing , they wero gradually altced to suit the purposes of modern civilisation . This will account for the numerous changes they have undergone , and the differences that are seen in the various countries where they still survive ; in some a mere remnant , but still sufficient to preserve
their memory from total obliviou . Prior to the revival in England of symbolic Masonry during the early part of the last century , there are no records to show that the Order had any connection with the Craft , but some time after that period we hear of it as tho " Petit Elu Herodem Kadosh , " Templars , meaning " Elector Chosen , and Consecrated or Holy Order of Templars "
attached to Craft Lodges . No doubt this very peculiar designation was introduced from tho continent of Europe , where the great political Order of tho Templo had flourished , and never entirely lost its vitality . The attempts made at different times to restore its former independence amongst tho knightly Orders proved that ifc continued to
exist in secret , and we know it became afterwards incorporated under the name of the " Kadosh" with tho " Hants Gradea , " a foreign system of Freemasonry , which embracing many of the old military and secret societies of the Middle Ages , was much sought after , and looked upon as more select than the pure and simple " Craft " degrees .
The " Kadosh " rehearsed the martyrdom of " De Molai , " tbe last Chivalric Grand Master , and the sufferings of the Order ; the doctrines inculcated being that tho persecutors of the Templars did not wholly extinguish the Order , which still continued to exist under the forms of Freemasonry ; whilst tbe " Rose Croix "taught the truths of Christianity by symbolising the Crucifixion and Ascension of our
Lord . These two grades , * the " Rose Croix" aud the " Kadosh , " being an admirable synopsis of the faith aud sufferings of the great Order of the Temple , which , on very probable grounds of popular belief , they represented , having just as much claim to be considered tho legitimate descendants of the old chivalric Knights as that of the " Ordre du Templo" of France , or any other branch ; and I much
question if they wero not moro characteristic of tho true Templars than their authenticated successors , the " Knights of Christ" in Portugal , who became a mere honorary papal order , the crown alone having the right to nominate its members . Writers of tho last century and a prior period consider the two titles of " Knights Templar" and " Knights of St . John"
synonymous , probably from tho absorption of the Templar Order , on its dissolution , into that of tbe latter ; this may also account in some measure for the confusion of names by which it became known * and the too common practice of taking for granted and copying without investigation , the statement of superficial observers . There is no clearer proof of this than what we have in tho old Templar warrant
at Kingston , Ontario , of date 12 th February 1824 , in which the Order is called " Knights Templar of Malta , " and obedience directed to the " Supreme General Grand Conclave at Malta , " whereas no such body existed there , and the Templar body was unknown in Malta until introduced by myself many years afterwards . The term Masonic was evidently added , to distinguish it from other branches
of the Order , non-Masonic , then existing . Influential Masons established in England on tho 4 th of June 1791 tho first Grand Governing Body for the Templar system , and who , " adopting a short ritual for that of St . John , " commemorated and accounted for tho union with their old . enemies the Templars , but seeking an alliance with the Soverign Order then in possession of the
island of Malta . We learn by the records of the Jerusalem Conclave , Manchester , in 1786 , that this grade waa distinguished from the Temple by a red tunic with slashed sleeves , black cloak , and slouched Spanish hat , all bearing the white eight-pointed cross of Malta , in imitation of the red uniform and white cross worn by the military class of the Knights of Malta .
This Graud Body issued its own warrants to form Encampments , as they wero called ( a name nofc previously known by the Chivalric Orders ) , in connection with Craft Lidges and Royal Arch Chapters . Those Lodges that had already the Templar system had no date assigned them , being called " Immemorial Encampments , "
and until the "Rose Croix " and " Kadosh " were surrendered to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite , theso degrees were always given in Encampments and under tbe Templar warrants . Tho United Orders as now practised in our English system are purely intended to represent the Christian doctrines , discarding all philosophical theories and dogmas introduced by Masonic enthusiasts ,
Great Priory Of Canada, 1877
and it is probably bettor that it should be so , aa we can now convey more clearly in our ceremonies the practice of tho early chivalric founders . The " Roae Croix " and " Kadosh " are , however , in my opinion , quite unmeaning—detached from the Templar grade . From what haa been adduced , I submit that we have a right to infer , and are entitled to consider ourselves the descendants of the
true Templar Order , revived and perpetuated by its adoption into tho good old peaceful Craft . The princi plea and teachings of the Order harmonising with that of Freemasonry , which so nearly approaches Christianity in theory and spirit , having the Supreme Being for tho object of its worship ; mankind , without distinction of class , for its subjects ; and the universe for its temple , placing all men ou the
same footing of fraternity . In my address last year , I alluded to the Order in Ireland , where , I have since learned , it was introduced from Scotland , and tho original warrant is still extant from the Royal Mother Kilwinning Lodge , signecl in October 1779 by the then Grand Master , the Earl of Eglinton , which has beeu always acknowledged and acted upon .
This is a direct contradiction to the statement implying that the modern Templar system was first brought to Scotland in 1798 , by some non-commissioned officers of an English militia regiment quartered in Edinburgh : evidently a mistake . They very probably did revive the Order on its falling into abeyance , aa a warrant was shortly after that date obtained from the
"Early Grand Encampment" in Dublin , the offspring of the Mother Kilwinning Lodge . The former close intercourse between Scotland and France , and subsequently through the Stuart party , points to the direction from whence the Masonic adoption of the Chivalrio Orders originated there . On the 19 th June 1811 the Duke of Kent , aa patron of the Order in North Britain , granted them a charter
creating them into a regular Conclave of Knighta Templar and Knights of St . John of Jerusalem . The report issued by the Ritual Commission will have made you conversant with the object in revising the one in use , which haa been under consideration for several yeara . A copy of this Ritual haa been in my possession , and I find it all that can be required for a
body of intelligent men , being more in conformity with the nature of the traditions , true history of the Order , and arrangement of the different parts of a reception , than our present one ; at the same time , it does nofc advocate any material change . I consider it , with a few explanations and local alterations , to be admirably adapted for the Standard Ritual of this Great Priory , and
strongly recommend its adoption . I purpose , afc our present assembly , having ifc exemplified and explained , and arrangements can be made with regard to the issue of copies of it , as may be deemed advisable . By the terms of the treaty of alliance it has already become law on the signature of the Commissioners , and the Great Priory of Ireland is now using ifc , although England seems to hold back , and does not
consider the treaty binding . It was shown by the evidence given during the persecutions in Paris , A . D . 1310 , on the great enquiry into the Templar Order , that they had a secret reception . The ceremonies took place at night , in the chapel , and none but Knights were present . Ifc consisted of
repeated entreaties for admission , exhortations to reflect , warn i ngs as to fatigues , dangers and privations , sending back to solitary refieo tion , summoning three times . This secret ceremonial was taken , most probably from the Guilds , and added to their original simple rule as a test of doctrine .
I have had an opportunity of examining several rituals from time to time , and know that the old English Templar ceremony differs very much from our present one , claiming a derivation from tho ancient mysteries , as also a " Rosycrucian " origin . Ifc was expressed in obscure language , evidently to disguise the design of the secret societies , entertained before tho Reformation , to upset the
Papal power . Such forms of ritual have been long very properly dismissed as unreliable and unnecessary legends . Wo now confine ourselves to the simple historical form of reception , in which the duties of tho Christian faith are inculcated . Much depends on the manner the celebrant conducts these beautiful ceremonies ; for when they fall
into the hands of those who do not appreciate them , they lose all their effect , and become a mere mechanical repetition of words that fail to impress the aspirant . The terms "Marshal , " " Very High , " and "Eminent , " are all ancient titles of the Chivalric Orders . " Sir , " before tho name , denotes the person to be a Knight , but the title in ancient timea
was quite distinct from Knighthood , and was a common one amongst the inferior ecclesiastics , being the regular translation for "Dominus . " Shakespeare makes this plain , where , in " Twelfth Night , " Viola says , " I am one that would rather with ' Sir Priest ' than' Sir Knight . '" Correctly speaking , " Sir" should never be used as a prefix to the surname itself ; the Christian name should always be added .
We do not use the title before the Christian name without the addi . tion " Knight , " because it would appear too much like an assumption of Courtly Knighthood , which the Crown alone has tbe authority to confer j but we address our members officially as " Sir Knight , " " Prater , " or " Brother . "
" Knight" derived from the Saxon—" an attendant , " anciently the king ' s attendants or guards , is almost peculiar to England . Other nations apply it in connection with horses , " mounted soldiers . " Tho French , " Chevalier ; " Italian , " Cavalieri ; " Spanish , " Cabellero ;" German , " Ruyters , " & c . In Latin , " Eques , " ( from equus a borae ) is a
Knight—ono mounted . " Miles" is a foot ; soldier . A Knight is always naid to be " dubbed , " not created , but it means the same thing , for ' dub " in English , and " douber" in French , are said to be derived from the Saxon " dubbun "—to gird . " Dub " also signifies a blow , which carries us back to the moat ancient ceremony—the cuff on the neck ur ear , and the " thwack " on the shoulder .
" Accolade" has the same meaning in the ancient ceremony of conferriug Knighthood , by the King laying his arms about the Knight ' s iivo- aail embracing liimt This appears IQ have been exchanged for
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Great Priory Of Canada, 1877
substantiate no claim to be considered aa perpetuating the true Order of the Temple . It is most unwarrantable and ridiculous to say that because the adoption of the correct titles and nomenclature is advocated that there is any desire for separation , or that by dropping the prefix Masonio it separates the two bodies and makes us an illegal society ,
or that the Order has lost one particle of the claims ifc ever had to be considered an ally of Freo Masonry . In fact , tho Masonio connection has been drawn closer , and the Craft is still tho vital pre-requisit . o to admission into tho United Orders of the Temple and Hospital . Tho whole object sought for was that of dispelling and clearing away palpable errors that had no historical foundation .
It was never disputed that onr Templar body is now , to a certain extent , Masonic , its qualification being entirely so , but to say that its origin was Masonic is altogether erroneous—it was Chivalric . By some it is contended that it has no such claim , being merely a modern Masonio invention . If this is tho case , why make any allusion to the old military order at all ? Still , if we be only ad imitationem , let us bo so iu reality , and use proper historical terms and practices , and
not continue to promulgate false and erroneous ones that have nofc even antiquity to commend them . Tho original purposes for which the old religious military Orders were created no longer existing , they wero gradually altced to suit the purposes of modern civilisation . This will account for the numerous changes they have undergone , and the differences that are seen in the various countries where they still survive ; in some a mere remnant , but still sufficient to preserve
their memory from total obliviou . Prior to the revival in England of symbolic Masonry during the early part of the last century , there are no records to show that the Order had any connection with the Craft , but some time after that period we hear of it as tho " Petit Elu Herodem Kadosh , " Templars , meaning " Elector Chosen , and Consecrated or Holy Order of Templars "
attached to Craft Lodges . No doubt this very peculiar designation was introduced from tho continent of Europe , where the great political Order of tho Templo had flourished , and never entirely lost its vitality . The attempts made at different times to restore its former independence amongst tho knightly Orders proved that ifc continued to
exist in secret , and we know it became afterwards incorporated under the name of the " Kadosh" with tho " Hants Gradea , " a foreign system of Freemasonry , which embracing many of the old military and secret societies of the Middle Ages , was much sought after , and looked upon as more select than the pure and simple " Craft " degrees .
The " Kadosh " rehearsed the martyrdom of " De Molai , " tbe last Chivalric Grand Master , and the sufferings of the Order ; the doctrines inculcated being that tho persecutors of the Templars did not wholly extinguish the Order , which still continued to exist under the forms of Freemasonry ; whilst tbe " Rose Croix "taught the truths of Christianity by symbolising the Crucifixion and Ascension of our
Lord . These two grades , * the " Rose Croix" aud the " Kadosh , " being an admirable synopsis of the faith aud sufferings of the great Order of the Temple , which , on very probable grounds of popular belief , they represented , having just as much claim to be considered tho legitimate descendants of the old chivalric Knights as that of the " Ordre du Templo" of France , or any other branch ; and I much
question if they wero not moro characteristic of tho true Templars than their authenticated successors , the " Knights of Christ" in Portugal , who became a mere honorary papal order , the crown alone having the right to nominate its members . Writers of tho last century and a prior period consider the two titles of " Knights Templar" and " Knights of St . John"
synonymous , probably from tho absorption of the Templar Order , on its dissolution , into that of tbe latter ; this may also account in some measure for the confusion of names by which it became known * and the too common practice of taking for granted and copying without investigation , the statement of superficial observers . There is no clearer proof of this than what we have in tho old Templar warrant
at Kingston , Ontario , of date 12 th February 1824 , in which the Order is called " Knights Templar of Malta , " and obedience directed to the " Supreme General Grand Conclave at Malta , " whereas no such body existed there , and the Templar body was unknown in Malta until introduced by myself many years afterwards . The term Masonic was evidently added , to distinguish it from other branches
of the Order , non-Masonic , then existing . Influential Masons established in England on tho 4 th of June 1791 tho first Grand Governing Body for the Templar system , and who , " adopting a short ritual for that of St . John , " commemorated and accounted for tho union with their old . enemies the Templars , but seeking an alliance with the Soverign Order then in possession of the
island of Malta . We learn by the records of the Jerusalem Conclave , Manchester , in 1786 , that this grade waa distinguished from the Temple by a red tunic with slashed sleeves , black cloak , and slouched Spanish hat , all bearing the white eight-pointed cross of Malta , in imitation of the red uniform and white cross worn by the military class of the Knights of Malta .
This Graud Body issued its own warrants to form Encampments , as they wero called ( a name nofc previously known by the Chivalric Orders ) , in connection with Craft Lidges and Royal Arch Chapters . Those Lodges that had already the Templar system had no date assigned them , being called " Immemorial Encampments , "
and until the "Rose Croix " and " Kadosh " were surrendered to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite , theso degrees were always given in Encampments and under tbe Templar warrants . Tho United Orders as now practised in our English system are purely intended to represent the Christian doctrines , discarding all philosophical theories and dogmas introduced by Masonic enthusiasts ,
Great Priory Of Canada, 1877
and it is probably bettor that it should be so , aa we can now convey more clearly in our ceremonies the practice of tho early chivalric founders . The " Roae Croix " and " Kadosh " are , however , in my opinion , quite unmeaning—detached from the Templar grade . From what haa been adduced , I submit that we have a right to infer , and are entitled to consider ourselves the descendants of the
true Templar Order , revived and perpetuated by its adoption into tho good old peaceful Craft . The princi plea and teachings of the Order harmonising with that of Freemasonry , which so nearly approaches Christianity in theory and spirit , having the Supreme Being for tho object of its worship ; mankind , without distinction of class , for its subjects ; and the universe for its temple , placing all men ou the
same footing of fraternity . In my address last year , I alluded to the Order in Ireland , where , I have since learned , it was introduced from Scotland , and tho original warrant is still extant from the Royal Mother Kilwinning Lodge , signecl in October 1779 by the then Grand Master , the Earl of Eglinton , which has beeu always acknowledged and acted upon .
This is a direct contradiction to the statement implying that the modern Templar system was first brought to Scotland in 1798 , by some non-commissioned officers of an English militia regiment quartered in Edinburgh : evidently a mistake . They very probably did revive the Order on its falling into abeyance , aa a warrant was shortly after that date obtained from the
"Early Grand Encampment" in Dublin , the offspring of the Mother Kilwinning Lodge . The former close intercourse between Scotland and France , and subsequently through the Stuart party , points to the direction from whence the Masonic adoption of the Chivalrio Orders originated there . On the 19 th June 1811 the Duke of Kent , aa patron of the Order in North Britain , granted them a charter
creating them into a regular Conclave of Knighta Templar and Knights of St . John of Jerusalem . The report issued by the Ritual Commission will have made you conversant with the object in revising the one in use , which haa been under consideration for several yeara . A copy of this Ritual haa been in my possession , and I find it all that can be required for a
body of intelligent men , being more in conformity with the nature of the traditions , true history of the Order , and arrangement of the different parts of a reception , than our present one ; at the same time , it does nofc advocate any material change . I consider it , with a few explanations and local alterations , to be admirably adapted for the Standard Ritual of this Great Priory , and
strongly recommend its adoption . I purpose , afc our present assembly , having ifc exemplified and explained , and arrangements can be made with regard to the issue of copies of it , as may be deemed advisable . By the terms of the treaty of alliance it has already become law on the signature of the Commissioners , and the Great Priory of Ireland is now using ifc , although England seems to hold back , and does not
consider the treaty binding . It was shown by the evidence given during the persecutions in Paris , A . D . 1310 , on the great enquiry into the Templar Order , that they had a secret reception . The ceremonies took place at night , in the chapel , and none but Knights were present . Ifc consisted of
repeated entreaties for admission , exhortations to reflect , warn i ngs as to fatigues , dangers and privations , sending back to solitary refieo tion , summoning three times . This secret ceremonial was taken , most probably from the Guilds , and added to their original simple rule as a test of doctrine .
I have had an opportunity of examining several rituals from time to time , and know that the old English Templar ceremony differs very much from our present one , claiming a derivation from tho ancient mysteries , as also a " Rosycrucian " origin . Ifc was expressed in obscure language , evidently to disguise the design of the secret societies , entertained before tho Reformation , to upset the
Papal power . Such forms of ritual have been long very properly dismissed as unreliable and unnecessary legends . Wo now confine ourselves to the simple historical form of reception , in which the duties of tho Christian faith are inculcated . Much depends on the manner the celebrant conducts these beautiful ceremonies ; for when they fall
into the hands of those who do not appreciate them , they lose all their effect , and become a mere mechanical repetition of words that fail to impress the aspirant . The terms "Marshal , " " Very High , " and "Eminent , " are all ancient titles of the Chivalric Orders . " Sir , " before tho name , denotes the person to be a Knight , but the title in ancient timea
was quite distinct from Knighthood , and was a common one amongst the inferior ecclesiastics , being the regular translation for "Dominus . " Shakespeare makes this plain , where , in " Twelfth Night , " Viola says , " I am one that would rather with ' Sir Priest ' than' Sir Knight . '" Correctly speaking , " Sir" should never be used as a prefix to the surname itself ; the Christian name should always be added .
We do not use the title before the Christian name without the addi . tion " Knight , " because it would appear too much like an assumption of Courtly Knighthood , which the Crown alone has tbe authority to confer j but we address our members officially as " Sir Knight , " " Prater , " or " Brother . "
" Knight" derived from the Saxon—" an attendant , " anciently the king ' s attendants or guards , is almost peculiar to England . Other nations apply it in connection with horses , " mounted soldiers . " Tho French , " Chevalier ; " Italian , " Cavalieri ; " Spanish , " Cabellero ;" German , " Ruyters , " & c . In Latin , " Eques , " ( from equus a borae ) is a
Knight—ono mounted . " Miles" is a foot ; soldier . A Knight is always naid to be " dubbed , " not created , but it means the same thing , for ' dub " in English , and " douber" in French , are said to be derived from the Saxon " dubbun "—to gird . " Dub " also signifies a blow , which carries us back to the moat ancient ceremony—the cuff on the neck ur ear , and the " thwack " on the shoulder .
" Accolade" has the same meaning in the ancient ceremony of conferriug Knighthood , by the King laying his arms about the Knight ' s iivo- aail embracing liimt This appears IQ have been exchanged for