VI. The 14th degree in the Ancient Scotch rite, the 20th in

the rite of Misraim. In the Scotch rite, as practised in this country, the degree receives the name we have given it, as well as that of " Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason," but in France it is called " Grand Scotch Mason of the sacred vault of James VI." This is one of the evidences of the influence ex- erted by the Pretender and his adherent, Ramsay, over the or- ganization of this rite. This degree is called by its possessors the ultimate degree of ancient masonry, and it is indeed the last of the ineffable degrees that refer to the first 'temple. Its officers are a Most Perfect Master, representing Solomon, two Grand Wardens, a Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary. The follow- ing history is connected with this degree.
When the temple was finished, the Masons who had been em- ployed in constructing it, acquired immortal honour. Their order became more uniformly established and regulated than it had been before. Their caution and reserve in admitting new members, produced respect, and merit alone was required of the candidate. With these principles instilled into their minds, many of the Grand Elect left the Temple after its dedication^ and dispersing themselves among the neighbouring nations, in- structed all who applied and were found worthy in the sublime degrees of ancient craft masonry.
The temple was completed in the year of the world, 8000. Thus far, the wise King of Israel had behaved worthy of him- self, and gained universal admiration; but in process of time, when he had advanced in years, his understanding became im- paired; he grew deaf to the voice of the Lord, and was strangely
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irregular in his conduci. Proud of having erected an edifice to his Maker, and intoxicated with his great power, he plunged into all manner of licentiousness and debauchery, and profaned the temple, by offering to the idol Moloch, that incense which should have been offered only to the living God.
The Grand Elect and Perfect Masons saw this, and were sorely grieved, afraid that his apostacy would end in some dreadful con- sequences, and bring upon them those enemies whom Solomon had vain-gloriously and wantonly defied. The people, copying the vices and follies of their king, became proud and idolatrous, and neglected the worship of the true God, for that of idols.
As an adequate punishment for this defection, God inspired the heart of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, to take ven- geance on the kingdom of Israel. This prince sent an army with Nebuzaradan, Captain of the Guards, who entered Judah with fire and sword, took and sacked the city of Jerusalem, razed its walls, and destroyed the temple. The people were car- ried captive to Babylon, and the conquerors took with them all the vessels of silver and gold. This happened four hundred and seventy years, six months and ten days after its dedication.
When, in after times, the princes of Christendom entered into a league to free the Holy Land from the oppression of the infi- dels, the good and virtuous Masons, anxious for the success of so pious an undertaking, voluntarily offered their services to the confederates, on condition that they should be permitted a chief of their own election, which was granted ; they accordingly ral- lied under their standard and departed.
The valour and fortitude of these elected knights was such, that they were admired by, and took the lead of, all the princes of Jerusalem ; who, believing that their mysteries inspired them with courage and fidelity in the cause of virtue and religion, be- came desirous of being initiated. Upon being found worthy, their desires wer3 complied with, and thus, the royal art, meet- ing the approbation of great and good men, became popular and honourable, was diffused through their various dominions, and
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has continued to spread through a succession of ages to the pre- sent day.
The symbolic order of this degree is red, emblematic of fer- vour, constancy, and assiduity.
The jewel of the degree is a pair of compasses extended on an arc of 90 degrees, surmounted by a crown, and with a sun in the centre.
The apron is white with red flames, bordered with blue, and having the jewel painted on the flap.
PERFECTION, RITE OF. In 1754, the Chevalier de Bonneville established a chapter of the high degrees, which he called the chapter of Clermont, in honour of Louis of Bourbon, Prince of Clermont, at that time Grand Master of the fraternity in France. The system of masonry he there practised received the name of the rite of Perfection, or rite of Heredom. It con- sists of twenty-five degrees, most of which are the same as those of the Ancient Scotch rite. The degrees are as follows : — 1, Apprentice; 2, Fellow Craft; 3, Master; 4, Secret Master; 5, Perfect Master; 6, Intimate Secretary; 7, Intendant of the Buildings; 8, Provost and Judge; 9, Elect of nine; 10, Elect of fifteen ; 11, Illustrious elect, Chief of the twelve tribes ; 12, Grand Master Architect ; 13, Royal Arch ; 14, Grand, Elect, Ancient, Perfect Master ; 15, Knight of the Sword ; 16, Prince of Jerusalem ; 17, Knight of the East and West ; 18, Rose Croix Knight; 19, Grand Pontiff; 20, Grand Patriarch; 21, Grand Master of the Key of Masonry; 22, Prince of Libanus ; 23, Sovereign Prince Adept, Chief of the Grand Consistory ; 24, Illustrious Knight, Commander of the Black and White Eagle ; 25, Most Illustrious Sovereign Prince of Masonry, Grand Knight, Sublime Commander of the Royal Secret.
The distinguishing principle of this rite is, that Freemasonry was derived from Templarism, and that consequently every Free- mason was a Knight Templar. It is still practised, or was a few years since, in a single lodge in Paris.
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PERFECT MASTER. MaUre Par/ait The fifth degree in the Aicient Scotch rite. The ceremonies of this degree were originally established as a grateful tribute of respect to a worthy departed brother. The officers of the lodge are a Right Wor- shipful Master, who represents the Noble Adoniram, the inspec- tor of the works at Mount Libanus, and a Warden, who is called Inspector. The conductor represents Zerbal, the Captain of the Guards. The symbolic colour of the degree is green, to remind the Perfect Master that, being dead in vice, he must hope to re- vive in virtue. His jewel is a compass extended 60 degrees, to teach him that he should act within measure, and ever pay due regard to justice and equity.
The apron is white, with a green flap, and in the middle of the apron must be embroidered or painted, within three circles, a square stone, in the centre of which the letter J is inscribed.
PERFECT UNION, LODGE OF. A lodge at Rennes in France, which, in the last century, created a new modification of masonry, under the name of the rite of the Elect of Truth. It consisted of fourteen degrees, divided into three classes, taken with slight alterations from the rite of perfection. The degrees were as follows :