The Grand Masonic Allegory.

it may be well that we should first bestow some notice upon the thirty-three degrees ofthe Ancient and Accepted Rite , as , except in Sweden , where a rite peculiar to that country prevails , and in some parts of France and Belgium , where one termed

the Scottish Rite still lingers , the Ancient and Accepted Rite is the only form of Masonry , other than the York Rite , sow found throughout the world . The thirty-three degrees ofthe Ancient and Accepted Rite bear reference to the years passed

upon earth by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ , for although founded upon pure ancient Masonry , and precisely similar to the York P . ite in the three first degrees , the Ancient and Accepted Rite is esssentially Christian in its tendencies , and is

designed to teach its neophytes that not until that awful day upon which the veil of the temple was rent in twain , and the graves around Jerusalem gave up their dead , was the lost word restored . The keystone of the Ancient and Accepted Rite

is its eighteenth , or Sovereign Prince of Rose Croix , degree , which is simply an emendation from the Royal Order of Scotland , an institution well

known to have been founded by King Robert Bruce , immediately after his victory at Bannockburn . The Ancient and Accepted Rite is but the consequence of symbolic architecture , and has been compiled from similar systems in vogue at

various times within the last four centuries , The doctrines set forth in its higher grades do battle with ignorance , oppression , want , and error , whereever these are met with ; they proclaim aloud the glory of Revelation , and the precious merits

of Redemption ; they inculcate the divine philosophy which is derived from contemplation ofthe ineffable love , mercy , and wisdom ofthe Supreme Being , and from study of the right uses to which

should be applied the wondrous faculties bestowed by Him on man ; yet they fall altogether short of the universality aimed at by Speculative Craftsmen . With these observations we may here cease to discuss the Ancient and Accepted Rite , and as

the Royal , Exalted , Religious , and Military Order of Masonic Knights Templar is represented in China by the Celestial and Victoria Encampments , a few words descriptive of that illustrious body may not be out of place , before proceeding with

the immediate subject of this address . The order of Masonic Knights Templar , which is largely represented in France , Amerina , Sweden , England , Ireland , Scotland , and other pars of the world , is lineally descended from the original

The Grand Masonic Allegory.

Nine poor Fellow-Soldiers of Ghrist , who previous to 1118 banded themselves together for the purpose of clearing the highways of Syria of infidels and robbers , and of protecting pilgrims to the Holy City through the passes and defiles o £

the mountains . These nine expanded into the Order of Knights of the Temple and of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem , which after two hundredyears of prosperity was fouly crushed by the united efforts Pope Clement V . and King

Philipthe Fair . Those two potentates fondly believed that they had succeeded in exterminating all Knights of the Temple , but under the blessing of Divine Providence the order was not annihilated . Some of its members found refuge in Sweden , a

few remained concealed in France , and others fled to Scotland . It has been from these last that Templary , as now practised in the British Isles and in America , has descended . The Scottish monarch protected the Sir Knights who sought an

asylum within his dominions ,, and allowed them to perpetuate their Orderander the cover of Masonry , which at that time everywhere enjoyed the

fostering care of its now bitterest enemy , the church of Rome . As the centuries rolled away , the Order of the Temple once more flourished and raised its head amongst men ; but , ever mindful of their obligations to the royal Craft , the descendants of

those knights who sought and found refuge upon Scottish soil , have since permitted none to serve under the banner of the Cross who have not previously proved their fidelity as Arch Masons . The Knights Templar of the present day are not the

less soldiers of religion that in the field they now war not against Auti-christ . They march humbly and unrecognised in the sight of the world , cherishing ' in their hearts , rather than displaying garishly aloft , the emblems of their hope and service ; but

they do not forget the constant objects of their ancient Order ; for armed with the shield of faith , with the breastplate of righteousness , and with the sword of the spirit , which is the the word of Godj they strive without ceasing to overcome the enemies

of their Great Captain , to confound the infidel , and to make straight the path before the glad tidings of salvation . ( To be continued . )

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THE Old Concord Lodg-e Ball is announced to take place at Freemasons' Hall . We have no doubt that the Stewards will , as usual , spare no exertion to secure the comtbit and . enjoyment of the brethren and their friends who attend .