THE DIVISION OF SYMBOLIC FREEMASONRY INTO THREE DEGREES’s is a Landmark that has been better preserved than almost any other, although even here the mischievous spirit of innovation has left its traces, and by the disruption of its concluding portion from the Third Degrece, a want of uniformity has been created in respect to the final teaching of the Master’s order; and the Royal Arch of England, Scotland, Ireland, and America, and the “high degrees” of France and Germany, are all made to differ in the mode in which they lead the neophyte to the great consummation of all symbolic Freemasonry.  In 1813, the Grand Lodge of England vindicated the ancient Landmark, by solemnly enacting that Ancient Craft Masonry consisted of the three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, including the Holy Royal Arch.”  But the disruption has never been healed, and the Landmark, although acknowledged in its integrity by all, still continues to be violated.

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