behind closed doors

160 Pages·2006·1.16 MB·English

behind closed doors
by W.P. Malcomson
This electronic version of the 1999 paperback book
maintains the pagination of the original for the purposes
of consistency and ease of reference. A copyright
statement relating to this version is given on page 4.
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ISBN 0 9535873 0 4
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behind closed doors
the hidden structure within the Orange camp
[ the Royal Arch Purple Order]
examined from an evangelical perspective
by W.P. Malcomson
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Published by:
EVANGELICAL TRUTH
PO Box 69
BANBRIDGE
BT32 4RS
All Scriptural quotations are taken from the King James Version of
the Holy Bible
©
Copyright 1999 by W.P. Malcomson
Downloading and printing of this electronic publication for personal
use is permitted. Permission is also granted for brief quotations for
the purpose of review or comment without the prior approval of the
publisher. All other rights are reserved.
All proceeds from this book will go directly to Christian Outreach.
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contents
page
dedication and acknowledgement 7
preface 9
introduction 11
Chapter
1. The source of the degree 15
2. The binding of the candidate 25
3. A degrading inauguration 35
4. A hostile reception 45
5. A humiliating travel 53
6. A mysterious ascent 65
7. The consequences of disloyalty 77
8. A mystical enlightenment 83
9. A false hope 97
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10. symbolism 107
conclusion 117
appendices
A what should a Royal Arch Purple man do? 139
B unsaved reader 143
C a specimen letter 145
D Wiccan Witchcraft revealed & compared to Freemasonry 147
E the Royal Arch Purple compared to Freemasonry 151
F the Mormon link 151
G the greatest opinion poll within Orangeism on the Arch Purple 153
postscript 159
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dedication
Dedicated to my late father Will Malcomson who brought me up in the fear
and admonition of God. And having faithfully preached the Word of God
for many years taught me by example that I was saved to serve.
acknowledgements
My most humble thanks to all those who have helped and encouraged me
in the preparation of this book. For all those who have assisted me in the
furtherance of the message whether in meetings or in one to one
encounters. For all those who have practically and unselfishly assisted
me in researching, proofing, publishing and distributing the book, whether
inside or outside the Loyal Orders. For all those who have faithfully prayed
for me through the good and the bad times. To God be the glory.
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preface
Whilst most people today are aware of the existence of the Loyal Orange
Institution and the Royal Black Institution, few have heard anything about the
existence of a highly secretive institution that is sandwiched between the
aforementioned bodies - the Royal Arch Purple Order. This institution, which
has tens of thousands of members in Ireland, in Britain, and throughout the
British Commonwealth, has succeeded, where other secret societies have
failed, in concealing its secrets and mysteries from outside scrutiny
The purpose of this research has been to break through the veil of mystery
and secrecy surrounding the Royal Arch Purple Order and to examine it from
an evangelical perspective. In doing so we are primarily directing this
publication at fellow believers, especially those within the Royal Arch Purple,
enabling fair, open and informed analysis of the subject. The Lord Jesus
Christ said, “For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested;
neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad”
(Mark 4:22).
In addressing such a sensitive matter we are aware that some may question
our actions or even misunderstand our motives, but it is our simple desire to
lift up the name of our beloved Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ and to “earnestly
contend for the faith” (Jude v3).
We take the Word of God as our guide in this endeavour, believing it to be the
inerrant, infallible, fully inspired Word of Truth. We look upon the Scriptures
alone as the unadulterated source of our argument and say in the words of
evangelical author Vance Havner, “The Word of God is either absolute or
obsolete.” We look upon this precious book, as the final authority on all
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matters of faith and practice. As Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God”
(Matthew 4:4).
In addressing this subject we are primarily trying to establish whether the
origins, practices, teaching and symbolism of the Royal Arch Purple are
compatible with the infallible truth of God’s Word or whether, as some
evangelicals claim, the Order is nothing better than veiled Freemasonry
embodying much unbiblical error, and therefore worthy of condemnation.
The Royal Arch Purple Order has always portrayed itself as a bastion of the
Protestant Faith, which is firmly committed to scriptural practices and principles.
It is therefore our aim to examine the strength and validity of such claims in
light of the material before us. The Bible declares: “Prove all things; hold
fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil”
(1Thessalonians 5:21-22).
This book is not an attack upon Protestantism nor is it designed to undermine
the traditional Unionist/Loyalist position. We have no axe to grind with any
individual within the Royal Arch Purple, nor is it our intention to embarrass
anyone by the publication of this book.
Lorraine Boettner in his book ‘Roman Catholicism’ ably outlines the evangelical
Protestant position on traditionalism when he affirms, “We do not reject all
tradition, but rather make judicious use of it in so far as it accords with Scripture
and is founded on truth.” Any time there has been a measure of true reform
within the Church, there is nothing held valid simply because of antiquity or
tradition. Men have submitted themselves to the instruction of God’s Word,
abandoning the objectionable teachings and inventions of man.
God commands in His Word, “What thing soever I command you, observe
to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it” (Deuteronomy
12:32). We clearly see that no rite or practice other than that which is expressly
commanded in Scripture, should be found among God’s people. The great
Charles H. Spurgeon puts it very succinctly, “The Bible, the whole Bible and
nothing but the Bible.”
It is our great hope that through reading this publication many people will
come to a real understanding of the true character and workings of the Royal
Arch Purple and that those believers within the Order will prayerfully consider
the material outlined. Jesus said, “when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,
he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).
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