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Article ORIGIN OF THE ENGLISH ROYAL ARCH. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Origin Of The English Royal Arch.
ORIGIN OF THE ENGLISH ROYAL ARCH .
TO THE EDITOR OP THE FREEMASONS QUARTERLY REVIEW . SIR , —The well-known schism amongst the Masons of the last century , has been incidentally noticed by Preston , Laurie and other writers ; but they have left some material points untouched , which lead to very important results , and place it in a new and interesting light .
No impartial account of this disruption of Masonic interests has been hitherto given to the public . Those who have entered upon it could scarcely divest themselves of partiality , because when they wrote the contest was at its climax ; but now , when hostile feelings have subsided , and ancient prejudices are softened down , the conduct of both parties
may be viewed through a correct medium ; exaggerations may be modified , and doubtful assertions tested by the touchstone of truth . Such a process , if judiciously pursued , will furnish the fraternity with a valuable portion of Masonic history ; and by thus illustrating what has hitherto appeared obscure , and opening new sources of knowledge to the enquiring Brother , will afford a delightful recreation to his mind . The origin of the English Royal Arch is one of the problems sub
judiee which has engaged the attention of many intelligent Brethren of the present day ; but hitherto the enquiry has been unattended with success . I have received numerous letters on the subject , and have been urged , for a considerable period of time , to give attention to it ; but my entire leisure having for several years been devoted to the illustration of the Landmarks of Masonry , I could not conveniently engage in new
investigations until its final completion . The enquiries and researches incidental to that comprehensive work , have placed a vast amount of resources at my disposal , and in the minute examination of them , I
flatter myself to have found a series of evidences which demonstrate the origin of the Royal Arch . If success should fortunately have crowned my labours , and the sentiments of the fraternity in general be embodied in the language of a recent correspondent to this periodical ( 1844 , p . 37 ) , such a discovery will afford great satisfaction to the Masonic
archaeologist . He says , " some of your correspondents will , I am certain , receive the thanks of all Royal Arch Masons if they will turn their attention to the history of that degree , as connected with Great Britain and Ireland .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Origin Of The English Royal Arch.
ORIGIN OF THE ENGLISH ROYAL ARCH .
TO THE EDITOR OP THE FREEMASONS QUARTERLY REVIEW . SIR , —The well-known schism amongst the Masons of the last century , has been incidentally noticed by Preston , Laurie and other writers ; but they have left some material points untouched , which lead to very important results , and place it in a new and interesting light .
No impartial account of this disruption of Masonic interests has been hitherto given to the public . Those who have entered upon it could scarcely divest themselves of partiality , because when they wrote the contest was at its climax ; but now , when hostile feelings have subsided , and ancient prejudices are softened down , the conduct of both parties
may be viewed through a correct medium ; exaggerations may be modified , and doubtful assertions tested by the touchstone of truth . Such a process , if judiciously pursued , will furnish the fraternity with a valuable portion of Masonic history ; and by thus illustrating what has hitherto appeared obscure , and opening new sources of knowledge to the enquiring Brother , will afford a delightful recreation to his mind . The origin of the English Royal Arch is one of the problems sub
judiee which has engaged the attention of many intelligent Brethren of the present day ; but hitherto the enquiry has been unattended with success . I have received numerous letters on the subject , and have been urged , for a considerable period of time , to give attention to it ; but my entire leisure having for several years been devoted to the illustration of the Landmarks of Masonry , I could not conveniently engage in new
investigations until its final completion . The enquiries and researches incidental to that comprehensive work , have placed a vast amount of resources at my disposal , and in the minute examination of them , I
flatter myself to have found a series of evidences which demonstrate the origin of the Royal Arch . If success should fortunately have crowned my labours , and the sentiments of the fraternity in general be embodied in the language of a recent correspondent to this periodical ( 1844 , p . 37 ) , such a discovery will afford great satisfaction to the Masonic
archaeologist . He says , " some of your correspondents will , I am certain , receive the thanks of all Royal Arch Masons if they will turn their attention to the history of that degree , as connected with Great Britain and Ireland .