17 Degree Knight of the East and West Prologue: The 17_ is intimately related to the Book of Revelations. The VSL will be opened at Revelations 22-1, which reads an appropriate introduction to this Degree is found Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end, for the Grace that is brought unto you, at the revelation of Jesus Christ@ The Degree is symbolical of the perpetual contest between good and evil and is not related to the preceding Degrees in any way. It is prophetic of the coming of the New Law, and you will recognise that much of the ritual comes from the Book of Revelation of St. John the Divine. This Degree has a very vital lesson for all of us, which can be applied in the daily scheme of our lives. I draw your attention to the words of the Junior Warden in the early part of the ceremony. A You are surrounded by a new symbolism and it is for you to define the meaning for yourself. Study carefully and reflect upon the significance of the Haikal Kadosh In the 16th Degree the Illustrious Scribe clarifies Haikal Kadosh as AHoly House@, but here it refers to the occupant of the House, that is A Christ the Holy One The preceding Intermediate Degrees show us that Truth will prevail and with the triumph of Truth, the road is made easy. But it is not until we need to rebuild that there can be little hope of erecting a permanent temple of peace. Until men of goodwill are found, not in theory, but in reality, Temple after Temple will be built and will crumble until goodwill is universal. And now, to those who refuse to give up the struggle, to those who will persist in seeking the Truth comes the teachings of the 17th Degree. The obligations it imposes, obligations we have all recognised and undertaken here are amplified into a whole, leave no doubt as to the urgent necessity for their observance. By the time the Candidate has attained the 16th Degree, he has completed his progress in earthly matters and has had some introduction to specific knowledge. He is now a full aspirant for full knowledge. The 17_ is one of Humility followed by Revelation. The aspirant wears the regalia of a Prince of Jerusalem, and over it the drab garment of humility. Having been examined as to his qualifications and his sincerity of purpose, he progresses toward the East, kneeling humbly at each stage. Having been anointed, robed and crowned, he is informed, quite surprisingly, that he has only reached the beginning. Here the wanderer and seeker after Truth - the Aspirant - finds himself traversing the desert of bygone hopes, surrounded by ruin and desolation, even as we do in the world today - truly the reign of the Evil One, Abaddon. But to the Aspirant comes the reminder, A The Lord is our help@ In the depths of despair, let it always be remembered that, how often and how much each man may fail, the Lord never fails: no matter how we may disregard and neglect Him, He is always ready to help, and He is Omnipotent. The dignity, reverence, even majesty of the ceremony cannot be adequately described, it must be felt. It has been said that one does not see the 17_, one lives it. You will note that there are six officers on the dais. While the Aspirant makes the seventh for a short time he does not remain there. He breaks the seals on the VSL in the alcove, but it is the Venerable Master who eventually opens the Book and reads 1 John 3-2. A And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the Book, neither to look thereon@
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I draw your attention to the words of the Junior Warden in the early part of the ceremony. A You are surrounded by a new symbolism and it is for you to define the meaning for yourself. Study carefully and reflect upon the significance of the Haikal Kadosh@ In the 16th Degree the Illustrious Scribe clarifies Haikal Kadosh as AHoly House@, but here it refers to the occupant of the House, that is A Christ the Holy One@ The preceding Intermediate Degrees show us that Truth will prevail and with the triumph of Truth, the road is made easy. But it is not until we need to rebuild that there can be little hope of erecting a permanent temple of peace. Until men of goodwill are found, not in theory, but in reality, Temple after Temple will be built and will crumble until goodwill is universal. And now, to those who refuse to give up the struggle, to those who will persist in seeking the Truth comes the teachings of the 17th Degree. The obligations it imposes, obligations we have all recognised and undertaken here are amplified into a whole, leave no doubt as to the urgent necessity for their observance. By the time the Candidate has attained the 16th Degree, he has completed his progress in earthly matters and has had some introduction to specific knowledge. He is now a full aspirant for full knowledge. The 17_ is one of Humility followed by Revelation. The aspirant wears the regalia of a Prince of Jerusalem, and over it the drab garment of humility. Having been examined as to his qualifications and his sincerity of purpose, he progresses toward the East, kneeling humbly at each stage. Having been anointed, robed and crowned, he is informed, quite surprisingly, that he has only reached the beginning. Here the wanderer and seeker after Truth - the Aspirant - finds himself traversing the desert of bygone hopes, surrounded by ruin and desolation, even as we do in the world today - truly the reign of the Evil One, Abaddon. But to the Aspirant comes the reminder, A The Lord is our help@ In the depths of despair, let it always be remembered that, how often and how much each man may fail, the Lord never fails: no matter how we may disregard and neglect Him, He is always ready to help, and He is Omnipotent. The dignity, reverence, even majesty of the ceremony cannot be adequately described, it must be felt. It has been said that one does not see the 17_, one lives it. You will note that there are six officers on the dais. While the Aspirant makes the seventh for a short time he does not remain there. He breaks the seals on the VSL in the alcove, but it is the Venerable Master who eventually opens the Book and reads 1 John 3-2. A And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the Book, neither to look thereon@ A For thou will not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt show me the Path of Life; in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.@ Epilogue: The final statement by the Venerable Master at the closing of the Lodge of Knights of the East and West is a very appropriate conclusion to the exemplification of the 17th degree.. In anticipation of the 18th Degree, this should suffice. Return to Home Page
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HOLDEN CHAPTER OF IMPROVEMENT
under
The Supreme Council 33̊
of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite
for Australia