Royal Arch And Some Other Questions.

Hands a short time since , I find the following prayers , lecture , and charge , relating to the R . A . degree . On consideration I think there is nothing in them that may not properly be published , but if you think otherwise , pray exercise your

discretion in the matter . I give the lecture exactly as I find it in the book , mis-spelling and all . * From a skeleton form of the O . B . in the same book it appears that a candidate could not be exalted " with any less number than 7 ye can-te included , and not then without two of the principals are present or consenting thereto .

PRAYER ON OPENING CHAPTER . " 0 thou Great Jehovah , whose tender mercies are over all thy servants , impress us with a proper sense of thy omnipresence , and may that reflection guard our thoughts and actions this night , and

stimulate us at all times to pursue the straight line of earthly labour within the compass of an approving conscience , that we may safelypass through the Arch of Redemption into the mansion of everlasting bliss and glory , aud there enjoy the refreshment of thy glorious presence through all eternity . Amen , Amen , Amen .

PRAYER ON CLOSING CHAPTEE . " 0 God of our spirits and preserver of our souls and bodies , blessed be thy glorious name for permitting us once more to call to mind thy wonders of old ; if our thoughts have this night wandered

from thee 0 pardon our wanderings ancl renew a right spirit within us ; may we from henceforth flee every wicked design and shun everything displeasing in thy sight , so that the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts may be

new , and for evermore acceptable in thy sight , 0 God our strength and Redeemer . Amen , Amen , Amen .

" CHARGE TO YE NEWLY ELECTED . " " Companions , you have with the unanimous consent of this chapter been this evening exalted to the degree of R . A . Masonry , it being of so sublime a nature that none can be admitted but men

of the best characters and respectability , open , generous , and liberal in their sentiments , totally devoid of all superstition , bigotry , and false persuasions . And as the sublime degree of speculative Masonry was intended for the cultivation of every art and science which the human mind in this sublimary state is capable of , and to form some

idea of that great Being who is the sole author of our existence , and hold the utmost veneration for His most sacred Name , which the Omnipotent is pleased to reveal , and that to all who profess themselves students of this great science of Masonry .

May we be so guided by its precepts , and governed by its maxims as never to deviate from the paths of honour and virtue , but become shining ornaments of all that is great and good . The most learned Rabbis of the Hebrews Z . H . I . not only

telling us the word was lost , but the time when and where , bow and by what means it was found , which is now reserved for those only of this most sublime and exalted degree of a Royal Arch Mason . May we as R . A . Masons ever abide by the precepts

of this most holy , sublime , and exalted degree of R . A . Masonry , and keep it undefiled until time shall be no more . " Passing onward from R . A . to " some other questions , " I find Bro . F . G . Findel in his

communication under this heading , which appeared in your number of last week , thought fit to tax me with "the pride of a Pharisee" because in my recent contribution to your pages , I expressed my conviction " that no man can become a true Mason

unless he be a Christian , " I have not the pleasure of knowing whether Bro . Findel is a Christian . From his remarks I conclude that he is not , and I can readily understand that his pride is wounded by an inference that one wbo has written a history

of Masonry can be shut out from understanding and appreciating its true beauty sed , magna est Veritas et prevaleMt . Bro . Findel ' s imputation is most offensive , but if , to maintain that Christianit y is truth , and Freemasonry , having truth for one

of its leading principles , must necessarily be founded on Christianity , is to possess " the pride of a Pharisee , " then I am content to labour under

the imputation . Bro . Findel is mistaken if he supposes that I would exclude from all the advantages of Masonry those brethren who are not Christians , I believe that the non-Christian Mason , although the "true

corner-stone" is hid from him , and the key-stone of the Arch wanting , may yet by the imperfect light of nature and of science , and especially bv the light of brotherly love , perceive and enjoy many of the beauties of Masonry , but I maintain that its

sublimest truths and beauties can only be realised and appreciated by those , who needing not other light , are blessed by the guidance of him who is the light of the world and the glorv of his Father .