This is a sequel to my blog Common Man’s Views on Free Masons”
I have compiled some interesting information and videos.
Your views are welcome.
“THE Knights of St. John, or Hospitallers of St. John, afterward known as Knights of Rhodes, and finally called Knights of Malta, was a military religious Order, established at about the commencement of the Crusades. As early as 1018, some merchants from Amalfi, in Naples, being struck with the misery to which the pilgrims were exposed on their road to the Holy Land, obtained permission of the Caliph of Egypt, to erect a church and build a monastery near the site of the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem, which they dedicated to St. John the Baptist. They entertained all pilgrims that came for devotion, and cure, the diseased among them. They became eminent for their devotion, charity, and hospitality. St. John the Baptist, being their patron, they were called Brethren Hospitallers of St. John.
the Baptist of Jerusalem, to distinguish them from the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. They took the black habit of the Hermits of St. Augustine, and on the left breast wore a cross of eight points. “In war they wore crimson, with a white cross, but in their monasteries, and on the day of their profession, the black garment only.” *)
The following passages of Scripture are rehearsed in Encampments of Knights of Malta:
* * * * * * * *
LESSON I.
And when they were escaped, then they knew that the Island was called Melita. And the barbarous people showed us no litle kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped”
http://www.internetloge.de/masmanu/masman15.htm#a
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THIS degree is the summit and perfection of ancient Masonry; and without which the history of the Royal Arch Degree can hardly be aid to be complete. It rationally accounts for the concealment and preservation of those essentials of the craft, which were brought to light at the erection of the second temple; and which lay con-
pealed from the Masonic eye for four hundred and seventy years. Many particulars relative to those few who were selected, for their superior skill, to complete an important part of king Solomon’s temple, are explained. And here, too, is exemplified an instance of justice and mercy by our ancient patron, towards one of the craft, who was led to disobey his commands by an over-zealous attachment for the institution. It ends with a description of a particular circumstance, which characterizes the degree.
PRAYER AT OPENING A COUNCIL.
May the Supreme Grand Master graciously preside over all our counsels, and direct us in all such things as he will be pleased to approve and bless. May our profession as Masons be the rule of our conduct as men. May our secret retreat ever continue to be the resort of the just and merciful; the seat of the moral virtues, and the home of the select.”
http://www.internetloge.de/masmanu/masman11.htm#a
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