Knight Templar Notes.

KNIGHT TEMPLAR NOTES .

The following memoranda were given to me by a very distinguished Freemason when I was compiling my "Notes on the United Oiders , " and as I think they may be of interest to my brother Sir Knights , I have decided to publish them in the pages of the Freemason . By EMRA H OLMES , K . C . T ., P . G . C ., Past Grand Provost , Order of the Temple , etc .

YORK WARRANT . In the name of the Most Glorious Self-existing Lord God . " We for the time being , the G . G . C . of the G . R . E . of all England , held at York , do by the power and authority vested in us fiom the earliest ages of C . K ., and derived to us from the successors of that worthy S . K . T . ; S . G . B .

The first C . K . of Jersualem , in our great love to the Order of S . K . T . and in compliance with the humble petition of Sir John Hassal , Sir Joseph Carter , and Sir James Ashton , and others , all S . K . T ., praying our authority , constitution , and warrant , to hold a R . K . of S . K . T . in Manchester , in the County Palatine of Lancaster , or elsewhere , do grant this our warrant for holding such R . E . in any

convenient place in Manchester aforesaid , cr elsewhere m the same county , according to the ancient usages and customs of all legal R . E . and they and their successors , always observing due subordination and acknowledgements ; arc hereby authorised and empowered to hold a R . E . of S . K . T . and to continue it by succession to peipetual ages , and by the authority so vested in us , we do hereby

nominate and constitute our I and W . B . B . all S . K . T ., John Hassal , Joseph Carter , and James Ashton , to be present G . C . thereof , each in order as named , and wc do hereby invest them with lull power to nominate and instal their succeeding G . C , and those , their succeeding G . C , and so on in perpetual succession ; and such G . C from time to time , are hereby empowered and authorised by

their known and secret methods , to make and admit such worthy brethren , S . K . ' 1 " ., as are regularly and properly qualified to receive such Order , and dignity , and also to receive into their R . E ., such as were worthy and regular S . K . T . before , and to expel from their R . E . such as by their dishonourable behaviour un-knight themselves , or merit expulsion , and also to convene the K . of

the R . E . at their pleasure , when right shall require it , and likewise to deliver ce-rlific itcs to all worthy S . K . T . and we the G . G . C . aforesaid by this our warrants and constitution , tatifying and confirn ing all our legal acts , do hereby reserve to ourselves and our successors of this G . R . E . full power anj authority to

abrogate and recall this constitution whenever by indefensible actions or neglect the R . E . to b ; held in pursuance hereof , becomes irregular or obnoxious to the Ancient Order of C . K . Given in our G . R . E . uneler our bands , and the seal thereof , this loth day of October , A . D . 17 86 , A . C . K .

1754 , A . D . 5786 . Signed—Wm . Blanchard , G . S . ; John Parker , S . G . A . C . George Kitson , J . G . A . C . It is doubtful whether the college of Heredom Templars ever met at York after 1791 , 111 which year Dunckerley organised a Grand Conclave in London ; and Oct . 12 th , 17114 . It was unanimously agreed that this R . E . shall

come uneler Royal Grand Encampment of London , held under His Royal Highness , Prince Edward . Bro . Dunckerley , Acting Grand Master , and Bro . Torr was ordered to consult Bro . Burlow on the action , and if he thinks proper , to order a warrant as soon as possible . January 4 th 1705 . —Bro . S . Torr and Bro . Lithgre

having given in their report , it was ordered that Bro . Torr should write to Bro . Dunckctley on the subject . March 15 th , 1795 . —Bro . Sir David Torr having received a letter from our R . W . Grand Commaiielcr , which was very satisfactory to the Encampment , it was unaniaiously agreed that Bro . Torr should write by the next post to Bro . Dunkerlcy , for a warrant of Constitution .

LONDON WARRANT . Thomas Dunckerley . Initium Sapiente Amor Domine . Jn the name ot the Grand Architect of the Universe . In the East of Loneion , a place full of Light , whcre reigncth Silence and Peace , but the darkness comprehendeth it

not . To all whom it may concern greeting : — Know ye that we , Thomas Dunckerley , of Hampton Court Palace , in the county of Mieldlescx , Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master of the Royal Exalted , Religious , and Military Orders of H . K . U . M . K . O . D . S . H ., Grand Elected Knights Templars of St . John of

Jerusalem , & c , under the patronage of His Royal Highness , Prince Edward , having received a petition from Sir David Torr , and seveeal noble Knights , residing at anel near the town of Manchester , humbly requesting a patent of constitution to open a Conclave or Chapter of Encampment under our s mctions at the Grapes Inn , Manchester , aforesaid . We do hereby constitute anil appoint the said sir

David Torr of Manchester , our Deputy for opening and conducting the saiel Conclave or Chapter of Encampment at the Grapes New Matkct Inn at Manchester , and do hereby grant to the said Sir David Torr and the other nable Knights petitioners and their successors full power and authority to assemble on the second Sunday in January , April , July , and October , to

install Knights Templars , & c , at their field of encampment aforesaid , or at such other lime and \ lace as they and their successors with the consent of us and our successors for the time being shall appoint With such power and privileges , prerogative , and immunities , as do from •' ncient usageand of right l . eloiig to regularly e-tablished Conclives and Chapters , and to noble Knights of the Order , subject nevertheless to the Ancient Statute-- and

Knight Templar Notes.

Ordnances of our predecessors , or that may hereafter be enacted by -us and our successors in a Grand and Royal Conclave . ( Signed ) CHARLES COLLINS , Grand Scribe , pro tempore . Given at London aforesaid , in our Grand ! Field of Encampment , this 20 th day of May , Anno Lucis 5709 ,

Anno Domini 1795 , Anno Ordinis 677 , Anno Ccedis 481 . ( Signed ) WILLIAM HANNEM , Acting Grand Master . The first warrant was granted by a petition addressed on the 1 ith June , 1786 , to the Rig ht Worshipful , the Grand Master of all England , the Grand Wardens and the rest

of the brethren of the Grand Lodge , and is styled " The humble petition of John Hassall , Joseph Carter , and John Watson , Knight Templars . " The system of degrees followed in this encampment is said to have been as follows : — 1 , E . A . ; 2 , F . C . ; 3 , M . M . ; 4 , P . M . ; 5 , R . A . ; 6 , K . T . ( six months between ) •7 , K . of M . P . ( six months ) ; 8 , Kt . of Malta ( six months ) ; 9 , Rosa ? Crucis . Knight

Templar Priest . The latter could be taken as the 7 th degree at once ( at any rate under a revised system adopted in 1815 ) , and gave the recipient the right of occupying the chair in preference to other Knights , in the absence of the E . C . Some encampments gave also the Red Cross degree under the authority of York , as it is said they have warrants . I always look upon this degree as the origin of

the Athol Royal Arch . There can be very little doubt that the oldest teaching under this system was that the Order represented St . John and the Temple , and the six months between the degrees represented periods in the History of the Order of Malta . The York warrants appear to have been separated for everything in the foregoing system , but those of Dunckerley appear to have included everything above the Templar .

Address Delivered At The Dedication Of Roger "Williams' Monument, U.S.

ADDRESS DELIVERED AT THE DEDICATION OF ROGER "WILLIAMS ' MONUMENT , U . S .

The following address was delivered by the Rev . and W . Henry W . Rugg , Grand Chaplain , at the dedication of Roger Williams , Monument , Providence ' , R . I ., on Tuesday , Oct . 16 th ,

1877-The Institution here represented , and for which I speak to-day , has no apology to offer for its participation in the services of this occasion . It makes its appearance , displays its cherished symbols , which are of such deep significance to the discerning mind , and enacts its solemn ce-emonial about this memorial shaft , simply because its ancient character and a long line of precedents seem to

render fitting and proper this day ' s work . Not m the spirit of rivalry with any other society , certainly not in the mood of ambitious self-seeking nor any poor desire for display and notoriety , does the Masonic organisation of this jurisdiction answer the call made upon it by the civic authorities to assist in these dedicatory exercises . As true Masons , faithful to the traditions of the past and obedient

to the powers that be , we could not do otherwise than respond with willing alacrity to the invitation extended . But ours is more than a perfunctory rendering of rites and ceremonies marked out by the ritual as appropriate to such occasion . We are no less citizens than we are Masons . We share the common feeling of satisfaction and pride in whatever makes our City and State

illustrious— in whatever promotes the public good , the primal admonitions of the Institution commend patriotism and inculcate the most profound respect for the constituted authorities . The faithful Mason cannot be otherwise than a quiet and loyal citizen , interested in everything that ennobles the State . Naturally therefore we are in sympathy with this occasion . We have part with our fellow citizens

in the associations and hallowed memories which are signified by the erection of this monumental pillar . We rejoice with them that the day has dawned for the setting up of so noble a memorial to the founder of this City and State , —that thenceforth there shall be another vis ble reminder of the great apostle of religious and civil liberty whose abundant labours and fidelities have borne such glorious fruit .

The community docs veil to attest its appreciation of the character of this uncompromising moral hero , whose life illustrated so many of the most commanding qualities of true manhood , and whose unfaltering advocacy of freedom of conscience and spiritual liberty has rcflccteel upon Rhode Island a glory that Can never be effaced . It is no waste to build monuments and fashion statues

for such deserving heroes . It is only following the same divine prompting which Joshua obeyed when he set up the twelve stones in the midst of Jordan , and said " These stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever . " Gathered here thus willingly to assist in the services of dedicating this monument—about to engage in a ceremony which however meaningless to

some is to others most solemnly significant , it belongs to my place to preface such ceremony by a brief audress touching the genius of the Masonic Institution . I shall attempt no careful formulating of the principles of Masonry , 1 shall pass by the inviting fields of its ancient life and widely varied work , only pausing to say that its roots run broadly and deeply into distant lands anil ages , and that it has made an enduring record of

itself in almost every part of the civilised world . Its continuance in the face of not ; i little misrepresentation and opposition , its persistent hold upon the confidence of men , show that it must have had some happy adaptation to human needs thus to have lived , and afford at least a fair intimation that it is justly entitled to hold an honoured place among the moral lorce-s of the world . M . i' -i"g no pffe-evt ( hen to ; mv complete setting forth of

Address Delivered At The Dedication Of Roger "Williams' Monument, U.S.

the character and work of the Masonic Institution , I shall but endeavour to touch upon two or three salient points that in my thought seem to bring our present gathering and ceremony into happy accord with the general features of this day ' s commemorative service . Three things among others the Masonic Institution stands for :

I . Religion . —I do not assert that Masonry is religion , but I do claim that it is deeply rooted in religion . Making no attempt to fix the tenets of sectarian relief , it yet demands of every candidate for its mysteries that he shall have faith in the existence of a personal Deity , the Supreme Creator and Ruler of the Universe—even the one living and true God , whose name is Jehovah I The Masonry

of the fathers—certainly the only Masonry that is known to English speaking communities , is that which shuts out the atheist and the irreligious libertine from its membership . Masonry calls for this recognition of God at every step . The All-Seeing Eye is one of the most hallowed symbols of the Craft . The Holy writings form an essential part of the furniture of every lodge , and not being

present no Masonic work can be done nor information given . More than this , whilst there is not a single obligation , promise , teaching , emblem , or sign of Masonry that is in conflict with a proper reference and faith towards God , line upon line and precept upon precept are given , admonishing the true Mason that he must square his life according to the . volume of the Sacred Law if he would

fit himself as a living stone for that Temple not made with hands eternal in the Heavens . It is the plan of Masonry that its roots run thus deeply into religion—that it puts men into a devout attitude before Jehovah , and bids them in the strongest manner to obey the law of God . It does not assume to fill the place of the Church—to do its work , to answer the spiritual needs

of sinful humanity—those needs which can only be fully met by accepting the salvation that is in Christ , but ir does give recognition to the one eternal and uncreated God , the Father of lights , who is over all and blessed for evermore . II . Toleration . —I make no empty boast when I say Masonry stands for more than an average amount of intellectual and moial liberty . The very fibre of its life is

drawn out from a broad catholicity . of sentiment that makes it impossible that its followers should be moulded into the pattern of Pharisees . Essential Masonry is of very necessity saturated by the spirit of toleration . It can never be true to itself while adopting any policy of hatred and abuse , of misrepresentation and obloquy , such as we sometimes see even the Church disposed to adopt

towards those whom it arraigns as heretics and demons . The rights of individual opinion and the grand principle of religious liberty , for the maintainance of which Roger Williams gained his crown of glorious reputation , are the primary axioms among all well informed members of our fraternity . It is the very keynote of Masonry—the proclamation that men are not to be interfered with , are

not to suffer themselves to become despisers of one another because they do not agree—because they honestly entertain different opinions respecting important questions . If American Freemasonry stands for anything , it stands for that great principle of complete liberty , both civil and religious , which has made the name of him for whom this memorial is reared generally illustrious all the world

over ! III . Charity . —Masonry is charity ; not merely that charity recognised in alms giving and the generous bestowal of benefactions to the poor and needy , but that charity horn out of the great loving heart of God Himself , which links soul to soul all the woild over and brings Heaven down to earth . Masonry seeks to bring together

men of every political faith , and of every religious creed , winning them from their issolation , their selfishness , and their sins , and uniting them in work for the general good . It emphasises the statement of an apostle , " no man livcth to himself , " and calls its members to be helpers of each otherhelpers of all men—animated and filled by that charity

" which sufferelh long and is kind , " that charity which never failtth , well declared to be the fulfilment of the law . I make no Assertion that the membership of our organisation have all been baptised into this spirit , and thus brought to noblest toil and duty . The ideal is always in advance of the actual , and whilst human nature bears its present infirmities we can hardly expect the full

realisation of our largest aspirations . But it counts as something for an Institution to have so grand an ieleal , to be established on principles so divine and glorious . Ii is the crowning glory of the Masonic Institution that above all the din and confusion of earth it so clearly sounds forth the watchword of human brotherhood and flies the white banner of love .

" Ours are the ample views , that , unconfined , Stretch to the utmost walks ot human kind : Ours the spirit , that , with wildest plan , Brother to brother binds , and man to man . When the fleet vanities of life ' s brief elay

Oblivion ' s hurrying wings shall sweep away , Each act by charity and mercy done . High o ' er the wrecks of time , shall live alone . Immortal as the heavens , and beauteous bloom In other worlds and realms beyond the tomb . "

As it is written in our ancient chronicles , so would I repeat the sentiment as a fitting legend for this occasion : " Love to God , sweet peace and charity to all men . " Brethren , behold your high calling and vocation as

Masons ! So walk ye , reverently toward God and lovingly toward men , thus reflecting the true glory of our ancient Institution ! so walk ye , making this world something the brighter and better by your having lived in it , meriting thus when you shall depart this earthly life that