The Rose Croix.

THE ROSE CROIX .

By DNALXO . While earnestly deprecating any attempt to limit the universal application of Freemasonry , from a firm conviction that it is now a cosmopolitan institution , we cannot overlook the fact that

this universality is the result of the changes that have been effected in the theory and practice of the Order , since its revival in the early part of the eighteenth century . The benefits arising from these changes , to

the Craft and society in general , cannot be overrated , and the highest honour is due to those , who at a period of bitter political and religious intolerance , boldly proclaimed their free and generous opinion , that all just and upright men are

brethren . While ascribing due honour to the promoters of universality in the Craft , we cannot forget that a christian element preexisted , which by the elevation of Freemasonry from a sectarian to an universal institution , was diverted into another channel—that of the so called

High Degrees . Though from political and other sinister motives , pseudo Masonic degrees have been invented of intolerant and pernicious principles , yet there are many of the hih degrees against which no such

g objection can be sustained , and of one of these , the Rose Croix , we purpose giving a brief sketch , deeming it will be of interest from the universality of its diffusion ( which is inferior to that of the Craft degrees alone ) and from the fact , that many

of our most talented and influential brethren are enrolled in its ranks . The Rose Croix is one of the most important

and generally diffused of the historical and chivalric degrees , and viewed not as an innovation on pure symbolic Masonry , but as a christian illustration thereof , the degree undoubtedly merits the high esteem in which it is now held .

"Various authors have attempted to- prove the date when , the place where , and the individual by whom the Rose Croix was organised as a Masonic grade ; but their efforts have been fruitless , and unless by some happy chance additional light is

thrown on the subject , the origin of the degree must ever remain as at present , veiled in the obscurity of the past .

The Rose Croix is undoubtedly the most ancient of the high degrees , and notwithstanding the obscurity of its origin , the degree or its counterpart is to be found in nearly all the principal rites now in existence , being in many of them the ne

plus ultra of the ritual . From a resemblance in the sound of names , the Masonic degree of Rose Croix has frequently been confounded with the alchemistical sect of

Rosicrucians , or " Brethren of the Rosy Cross , " but the signification of the two names is totally different , the former being derived from the emblems of the Rose and Cross , the latter from the Latin ros—dew , the supposed universal

solventand crux- — -the cross , a hierogram of light ; and to this slight similarity of names , must be attributed much of the confusion that now exist in relation to the history ofthe Rose Croix . The initials I . N . R . I ., which in the Rose Croix represent the sentence

Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judceorum , are also used by the Rosicrucians as the initials of one of their hermetic secrets Igne Natura Renovantur Integra , " by fire nature is perfectly renewed , " these letters are also supposed to be a key to the elementary jurinciples expressed in the sentence Ig-ne Nitrum Roris JSTovenitur .

In the exquisite mysteries of the Rose Croix , the christian is shewn the last great lesson of his faith he figuratively passes through the dark valley of the shadow of death , and beholds from afar thebright abode of peace and immortality , wherein

by the blessing of the Great Emanuel , it shall be his happy lot to dwell , when his soul has quitted , its tenement of clay . The solemn and impressive ceremonies of thedegree represent to his view , a sublime and

inimitable lesson of charity ; he beholds the cubical stone sweating blood and water ; the blazing star eclipsed ; the pillars of Masonry overthrown ; and the world plunged into darkness and confusion . After the lapse of three days of gloom and

consternation the true word is suddenly found , the cubical stone changes into the mystic rose , and the blazing star shines forth again with redoubled splendour , dispelling darkness , restoring the true light , and making visible the new law that is

henceforth to govern his works . In the Rose Croix , to the Temples of Solomon , and Zerubbabel is added a third and most holy , that to which the Messiah alluded when he said destroy this temple , and in three days I will raise it up . The great pillars of this new temple are .-