HERODEM, ROYAL ORDER OF. Dr. Oliver claims that this Order was instituted by Robert Bruce, after the battle of Bannockburn, which took place on St. John's day, 1314. He says: "The Royal Order of H. R.. D. M.—Herodem—had formerly its seat at Kilwinning, and there is reason to think that it and St. John's Masonry were then governed by the same Grand Lodge. But during the 16th and 17th centuries Masonry was at a very low ebb in Scotland, and it was with the greatest difficulty that St. John's Masonry was preserved. The Grand Chapter of H. R. D. M. resumed its functions about the middle of the last century, at Edinburg; and in order to preserve a marked distinction between the Royal Order and Craft Masonry, which had formed a Grand Lodge there in 1736, the former confined itself solely to the two degrees of H. R. D. M. and R. S. Y. C. S., i. e., Herodem and Rosycross." It is more probable, however, that Chevalica Ramsay had more to do with the creation of this Order than Robert Bruce. This appears to be the opinion of Ragon. Something of the nature of this Rite may be gathered from the following extracts, taken from the lectures: Ques. In what place was the Grand and Holy Order of H. R. D. M. first established? Ans. Upon the holy summit of Mt. Moriah, in the kingdom of Judea Ques. What qualifications are requisite for admission into this sublim Order? Ans. Patience, prudence, firmness, justices Ques. Where was it afterward reestablished? Ans At I-colrn-kill, and afterward at Kilwinning, where the King Scotland presided in person as Grand Master.
Ques. Why was it and why were changes made? Ans. To reform the abuses and correct the errors which had been introduced among the brethren of the first three degrees.
In the third section we find the following: Ques. What symbol in Masonry represents the Son of Man? Ans. The corner-stone.
Ques. What is the corner-stone? Ans. It is the stone which the builders rejected. and which is now become the principal stone of the corner, or the most perfect model by which the workmen can fashion their moral jewels.
Ques. How do you know it to be the most perfect model? Ans. By three grand principles of Masonry.
Ques. Will you name them? .Ans. Fraternal love, assistance, and truth.
Ques. Why fraternal love? Ans. Because no person can show more love for his brethren than he who is ready to sacrifice himself for them.
Ques. Why the second? Ans. Because he has come to deliver us from slavery and sin. Ques. Why the truth? Ans. Because he is himself the truth in his own essence.
Ques. What is his name? Ans. Immanuel.
Ques. What does it signify? Ans. God with us.
These extracts afford a very clear view of the tone and spirit of the entire ritual of the Royal Order of H. R. D. M. There is no reason for believing that this Order has any con nection with that of the Culdees, notwithstanding that monastic society once had an establishment at