Summary of Material - David M Peter (terrehaute19@earthlink.net)
Who is a Knight? Historically, a knight was an honorable military rank
which was bestowed upon a noble who had served as a page and squire
by the king. And within the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry,
Knights are emblematical of the qualities they possess. This degree emphasizes
the Masonic teachings of equality and toleration. We are reminded that no one
man, no one Church, no one religion has a monopoly of truth; that while we must
be true and faithful to our own convictions, we must respect the opinions of
others.
Humility, Patience, and Self-denial are the three essential qualities of a Knight of St. Andrew of Scotland. The Cross ... is an unmistakable and eloquent symbol of these three virtues. ...[Jesus'] life was one of Humility, Patience, and Self-denial.[Note 1]
Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. Proverbs 16:19, King James Version
By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour and life. Proverbs 22:4, King James Version
A man's pride shall bring him low, but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Proverbs 29:23, King James Version
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15, King James Version
Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecclesiastes 7:8, King James Version
The Knights of St. Andrew vowed to defend all orphans, maidens, and widows of good family, and wherever they heard of murderers, robbers, or masterful thieves who opposed the people, to bring them to the laws, to the best of their power. [Note 2]
"If fortune fail you," so ran the vows of Rouge-Croix, "in diverse lands or countries ... that you find any gentleman of name and arms, which hath lost goods, in worship and Knighthood ... and is fallen into poverty, you shall aid, and support, and succor him, in that you may; and he ask of you your goods to his sustenance, you shall give him part of such goods as God hath sent to your power, and as you may bear." [Note 3]
[Clemency] is a mark of a noble nature to spare the conquered. Valor is then best tempered, when it can turn out a stern fortitude into the mild strains of pity, which never shines more brightly than when she is clad in steel. ... The most famed men in the world have had in them both courage and compassion. An enemy reconciled hath a greater value than the long train of captives of a Roman triumph. [Note 4]
The law hath not power to strike the virtuous, nor can fortune subvert the wise. Virtue and Wisdom, only, perfect and defend man. ...[Virtue] protects us when we are unarmed; and is an armor that we cannot lose, unless we be false to ourselves. It is the tenure by which we hold of Heaven, without which we are but outlaws, that cannot claim protection. Nor is there wisdom without virtue, but only a cunning way of procuring our own undoing. [Note 5]
The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. Psalms 119:72, King James Version
Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. Proverbs 23:23, King James Version
Give unto the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Psalms 29:2, King James Version
O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. Isaiah 25:1, King James Version
[1] Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Washington, DC, The Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction, 1950, pages 801-802.
[2] Pike, page 802
[3] Pike, pages 802-803
[4] Pike, page 803
[5] Pike, page 803