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DEGREES OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE
NORTHERN JURISDICTION IN THE
-[ Council Princes of Jerusalem ]-

The two Historical Degrees conferred in a Council of Princes of Jerusalem cover the period from 538 to B.C. 516. They deal with persons and events connected with the end of the Babylonian Captivity of Israel, the return of some of the captives of Jerusalem, and the rebuilding of the Temple.

In the 15th Degree, KNIGHT OF THE EAST OR SWORD, Zerubbabel, a Jewish captive, wins the favor of King Cyrus and the release of the Jews from captivity. Years later, in the 16th Degree, PRINCE OF JERUSALEM, Zerubbabel returns to Babylon to plead with King Darius for military protection against the enemies of Israel and for more generous assistance in the rebuilding of the Temple. His skill in debate and his courage and integrity inspire Darius to grant his petitions. These degrees teach loyalty to conviction in the face of temptation, fidelity to duty in spite of hardships, and a devotion to Truth which is mighty above all things and which ultimately must prevail in the councils of mankind.


15°   Knight of the East
Fidelity to obligations and perseverance of purpose under difficulties and discouragement are the lessons of this degree.
The striking crimson velvet apron of this degree is edged with green, having a bleeding head above two crossed swords and a triangle (top point to the left) with three interlaced triangles inside it.
The jewel is three golden concentric triangles encompassing two crossed swords. The duty is to rebuild the Masonic Temple of liberty, equality and fraternity in the souls of men.

16°   Prince of Jerusalem
We learn of heroism of patience, the nobility of self-sacrifice and compassionate judgment; along with charity, fidelity and brotherhood.
The crimson apron is edged in gold and aurora-color, with a square, shield, Delta with three YODs, balance and a hand of justice.
The jewel is a mother-of-pearl lozenge with a hand holding a balance in equipoise; under it a sword with five stars surrounding the point. On the left is a Hebrew D, on the right is a Hebrew Z.
The duties are to aid those who labor to build the Symbolic Temple; to judge equitably and fairly; to keep faith in the justice and beneficence of God and to press forward with hope for the persecuted and oppressed.

Continue your journey onto the
CHAPTER OF ROSE CROIX DEGREES

Special Note: Thanks goes out to the Valley of Dayton who created the original document.

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Valley of Columbus - Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite