The secrets and ceremonies of this degree have become extensively known in the state of New-York, and in most of the states of New-England, among royal arch Masons, their wives and widows. It was introduced into Connecticut in 1827; and although it was brought by one of the grand dignitaries of the order, it met at first with rather a cold reception; but since that time it has been conferred on many who probably had no connexion directly with the Morgan outrage.

KNIGHTS OF THREE KINGS.

This degree is generally conferred in a lodge or chapter after other business is finished; all master Masons are entitled to it, if they are considered worthy. It is generally conferred by our grand lecturers, as an honorary degree upon their pupils.

Soon after the candidate enters, some brother, best qualified to perform the part, retires from the room, and those that remain proceed to give the degree as follows:

The candidate kneels at the altar, and some one commences administering the following obligations:

'I, A. B., of my own free will and accord, in the presence of Almighty God, and these witnesses, do hereby and hereon solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, that I will not confer the degree of knights of three kings upon any person except it be a worthy master Mason.

'I furthermore promise and swear, that I will not be offended at any of the ceremonies of this degree.

'I furthermore promise and swear, that I will not confer this degree, unless by the unanimous consent of all present.'

Here an interruption of the ceremonies takes place. The brother who left the lodge, returns in a great rage, and very abruptly inquires the cause of conferring the degree, without his consent.

The person administering the oath replies. I did not expect that you had any objection to the candidate, and therefore I commenced giving the oath. You should have made your objection known before you left the room.'

The objecting brother replies very vehemently, 'I did make my objection known before I left the room! I stated to you and the rest of the brethren that there was difficulty existing of a very serious nature between the candidate and myself, and unless he gave me satisfaction, I should oppose him.'

All the brethren now interpose in order to settle this affair. They say they are very sorry that two brother Masons should quarrel, especially at this time; it is very wrong to carry their prejudices into the lodge.

The candidate rises from the altar apparently much surprised, says he was not aware until the present moment that brother was offended at him; he wishes he would tell wherein he had done him any injury, and if it is in his power he will give him satisfaction.

The offended brother then very gravely relates his aggriev

ances; he accuses the candidate of slandering him in various ways. You have reported, says he, that I am a common drunkard,* [or that I quarrel with my wife, that I am dishonest in deal, that I speak disrespectfully of Masonry, &c. &c.]

The candidate generally promptly denies ever making any such statements, and demands the name of the author.

He is told it came from brother (naming some respectable Mason who is not present.)

The candidate says, it is an absolute falsehood, a malicious report circulated to injure him. (Gets in a passion.)

The objecting brother says he believes the candidate has reported the story; it is just like him, he is always meddling with other men's affairs.

A general war of words now ensues, and not unfrequently hard names are called. The candidate by this time being nearly worked up into a passion, and the other brother feigning himself so.

Some brother now makes a proposition that all shall leave the room, and leave them alone to settle their difficulty.

The candidate and his antagonist being left alone, they commence walking the room with rapid strides, and loud and boisterous invectives are exchanged in abundance, each contending with much zeal that he has been misrepresented and abused.

In the course of five or ten minutes one of the brethren returns from the other room and inquires, Have you agreed?' The offending or objecting brother replies, 'The difficulty is not settled, neither is it likely to be.'

They are again left alone for about the same space of time, and the conversation becomes louder and more personal. It is not unfrequent on these occasions that the candidate is worked up to complete madness.

The brother returns to them again and inquires, 'Have you agreed?' being informed they have not, he retires a third time.

* I once saw this degree conferred when the candidate assumed quite different ground from what was anticipated. He was one of those candid, prudent men, that never make assertions without satisfactory evidence of their truth.

The brother who made the objection, was a bright Mason of the higher order. He was a man of pretty fair character, yet it was apparent that he had contracted some habits which are characteristic of the art, labor and refreshment. He objected to the candidate on the ground that he had reported stories detrimental to his character, &c., to wit: That he was a dissipated character.'

The candidate very honestly replied that he had made such a statement, but he did not recollect who it was to, and he sincerely lamented that he had any occasion for saying or thinking so.

The objecting brother now proposes to the candidate that they submit their case to a third person, and to abide his decision which being acceded to on the part of the candidate, the rest of the brethren return to the hall and inquire if they have agreed; on being informed they have chosen a referee to settle their differences, the umpire says, 'If you can agree in the dark, you can in the light.' He then takes his seat, and directs the candidate to kneel at the altar and receive the remaining part of the obligation. The candidate kneels again at the altar, and repeats as follows:

'I furthermore promise and swear, that I will not confer this degree upon any person without the hope of fee or reward.*

To all of which do I solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, with a firm and steady resolution to keep and perform the same, binding myself under no less penalty thant

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So help me God and keep me stedfast.' Kisses the book once. After the candidate has taken the obligation, the person who was chosen judge gives his opinion as follows: The candidate and the brother who opposed his taking the degree shall approach each other upon the five points of fellowship, and give the master Mason's word, which balances all difficulties.

HISTORY.

Masonic tradition informs us that the circumstances upon which this degree was founded are briefly these. At the dedication of the Temple, king Solomon invited all the eastern Kings and Princes to attend and assist in the ceremonies. It happened, however, that two of the kings were at war. Solomon repeatedly attempted to effect a reconciliation between them, but to no purpose; they still persisted in their inveteracy.

Solomon being anxious that all nations should be at peace, determined to effect by force, what he could not by agreement.

* It is believed that this degree was invented by some of our grand Lecturers, who make it their business to travel from lodge to lodge and instruct men in the mysteries of ancient Freemasonry.

They have incorporated in the oath a clause which prohibits them from conferring the degree without pay, and by this means they often replenish the small change.

After they have conferred the degree, they gravely say, "You see, sir that I must receive some trifling compensation, just to save the oath." (!!)

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How much is customary?" inquires the brother.

'Oh any trifling sum, 25 or 50 cents, just to save the oath, mere matter of form."

+ The precise terms of the penalty of this degree have escaped my recollec tion; yet I have often assisted (some years since) in conferring it.