ORDER. Lexicographers thus define this word, "a regular government; a society of dignified perrons, distinguished by marks of honor; a religions fraternity." The military orders are societies, the members of which are bound by certain vows and rules, and distinguished by particular badges. They originated from the institutions of chivalry and the ecclesiastical. corporations, and were in the beginning frater nities of men, who, in addition to particular duties enjoined by the law of honor, united for the performance of patriotic, charitable, or religious purposes. The oldest Christian orders of which history speaks are the order Sancta ampullm, which Clovis founded in the year 499; the Order of the Oak, which Crarcias Ximenes, King of Navarre, founded in 722, and the Order of the Genet, the date of whose origin is uncertain. The first orders after these arose during the time of the crusades, and were an example for all future orders. From societies, established under certain rules, for the cure of sick persons as well as the diffusion of the Christian religion, first proceeded the religious military orders, of which the oldest is the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Their rules are similar to the laws of the monastic orders. The celebrated Order of Templars arose at this period, and distinguished itself by its zeal and bravery through the whole duration of the crusades. The Orders of St. John and of the Knights of the Temple are reproduced in the orders of Masonic Knighthood. The name, order, is applied to a vast number of societies, secular and religious, and also to a considerable number in which the secular and religious are united. Oi these Freemasonry is the most ancient and most distinguished.
In the Manuel du Franc Macon we find the following reasons why Freemasonry is entitled to be called an order: "An order is a body whose character is known, its practices observable, its rules fixed, its purposes declared, its utility proved, and whose credit is found in the protection of the government. It enters not into the principles of Masonry to unvail its mysteries to the public; but the kings -who are members of the order attest that 'its mysteries would be honored if they were revealed. Its rules are fixed. No one is received into its circle who is not well-born and of good reputation. Its purpose is plain to all; to love God, serve the country, and do good to all. Its utility is proved by its excellent precepts, and the services it renders to humanity. Its credit is not doubtful, since it is protected by sovereigns, and everywhere the title of Freemason is powerful recommendation. Freemasonry is, therefore, an Order. Religion is a virtue which moves us to render to God the worship that is his due. Freemasons adore the Grand Architect of the universe, therefore, the Order of Freemasonry is religious in its teach ings and practice. Freemasonry is an art, since it draws. historically, its origin and illustration from the building of the Temple of Solomon. The art is royal, since Solomon was the conductor of the labors and the chief of the work men, and the princes and kings who are Masons, are, as Masons, simple artisans. Freemasonry is a society, for its members are elected and are brothers. This society is perfect; for it has existed from time immemorial, and its principles are immutable."