(Contents. tated. A few of the conventual chaplains remained'' PAGE. The Templars and Freemasonry—By Lupus 81 in Malta, as also did two or three Knights, the A Public Order of Merit— By Lupus 83 last of whom . died there about 1854. The main The Lodge of Glasgow St. John—By Bro. W. P. Buchan 83 How I Spent my Five Weeks' Leave 85 number of the Order settled in several kingdoms Masonic Jottings—No. 6 88 The Rise and Purposes of Speculative Masonry 88 and states, preserved their original constitution, The Origin of the Lodge St. Ayles, Anstruther 89 Masonic Notes and Queries 89 and can all be readily accounted for at this moment. Correspondence 91 Many Englishmen received the decoration of the Masonic Moms 94' Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Festival 94 Order shortly before aud after the capitulation of CRAFT LODGE MEETINGS :— Metropolitan 94 Malta, amongst whom may be enumerated Lord Provincial 95 Malta 98 Nelson, Sir James Lawrence, Sir Home Riggs Royal Arch 99 Popham, Admiral Sir William S dney Smith Reviews 99 y , Professor Anderson and the Freem asons of Dundee 99 Yice Admiral Sir William Johnstone Hope, Sir List of Lodge, &c, Meetings for ensuing week 100 To Correspondents 100 Joshua Colles Meredith, Bart., and Sir Warwick H. Tonkin. Several of these Knights were well known to persons now living who are friends of LONDON, SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 1870. mine, but much older than myself, and from whom I have derived information which thus becomes almost direct evidence. I have had the opportu- THE TEMPLARS AND FREEMASONRY. nity, too, to. peruse the original autograph letters By LUPUS . of an officer employed on staff service two or three After the recent statement of "A Masonic years before the loss of Malta, giving descriptions Student," I cau have no doubt that the late Mr. of the ceremonials of the Order at a time when Winthrop did publish the letter alluded to : but I he was enjoy ing the personal civilties of the 69th should think the assertion that no one excepting Grand Master. George IV., William IV., and Freemasons could understand the records at Malta, Prince Albert each held the decorations of the must be in some measure qualified. I am aware Order of St. John. that Mr. Winthrop was a Mason and a Masonic The Masonic Order of St. John appears to have Templar ; and that he was well acquainted with been always combined with that of the Templars the Maltese records is proved by the complimentary until 1853, aud in this form only does it seem mention of his name in the preface to Colonel possible it could have any connection with Free- Porter's history of the Order ; still it is somewhat masons, and then only through Scotland, where past the limits of belief that the records of auy the Orders did no doubt amalgamate, whilst all fraternity could be only understood by the members the other branches of the original Order of St. of another and antagonistic brotherhood. I think John are yet alive to claim their own. Mr. Winthrop jejined the Templars subsequently But even as regards Scotland, we must not to the period referred to by " Student." I may forget the interests of truth, and remembering add that I believe Colonel Porter is not a Mason. this, there remains much to be reconciled if the I agree that the evidence of a secret reception claims of the present Masonic Orders are to find by the Templars is reasonably satisfactory ; but footing. with reference to the Order of St. John, I go In consequence of the general persecution of farther than " Student " appears at present inclined the Order (1307), it is recorded that the to do. It seems to me clear, from the evidence Templars of Scotland amalgamated with the Order in our hands, that there was, and is (here I speak of St. John, and by a Charter of James IV. (who positively), a ceremonial of installation in the died in 1513), they appear to be then treated as latter Order, but no secret reception. The ancient amalgamated Orders. It may be fairly assumed establishment ofthe Order at Malta was not broken that they so continued to the time of the last Pre- up until 1798, in which year, on the 14th of June, ceptor (Tovphichen) of the Order of St. John in its capitulation by the Knights was signed. It Scotland, Sir James Sandilands, who, iu 1553, became then distributed iu various fragments ; abandoned the Roman Catholic faith by the per- individual members took service with foreign suasion of his intimate friend, John Knox, the powers , or settled in places of residence as their Reformer. He still for some time retained his inclination , and perhaps their opportunities dic- office j but ultimately, owing to his dissatisfaction with circumstances which arose out of his religious M. Thory says, that Sir John Mitchell Ramsay, renunciation, he, subsequently to 1560, resigned the well-known author of Cyrus, appeared in all the property of the Fraternity to Queen Mary, London, about 1728, with a system of Scottish aud on the 24th. of January, 1563-4, he received a Masonry, up to that date perfectly unknown in ¦re-gran t of certain baronies from that Queen, which the metropolis, tracing its origin from the Crusades, were erected into a temporal lordship, and he was and consisting of three degrees, the Ecossais, created Lord Torphichen, in the peerage of Scot- the N'ovice, and the Knig ht Templar. This system land. We then read, " Upon the loss of their the Grand Lodge of England rejected. It has possessions the knights are said to have drawn off been asserted, and stress has been laid upon the in a body with the Grand Prior, David Seton, at assertion, that Prince Charles Edward was in- their head." stalled a Templar during his short stay at Holy- Colonel Porter says that David Seton " is said rood : but whether this be the fact, or not, there to have been the last Prior of Scotland, and to seems nothing to connect the system of Ramsay have retired to Germany with the greater part of with the Orders whose records cease 156 years •Ms Scottish brethren, about 1752-3." before Ramsay's advent. Nor does there at appear to be any This appears to be the last positive information present proof of connection between the Scottish Masonic ¦of the combined Orders. Templars and the Ramsay period. It has been said that Lord Dundee (Graham of Morison, whose correspondence (1845-6), with Claverhouse) was Grand Prior at the time of the the Secretary of the Scottish Templar Order has Battle of Killiecrankie (1689) ; but as the three been published , asserts, of his own knowledge, that Grand Priors who occupied the office during that the Order was introduced in St. Stephen's Lodge, century were the Baillis Zambeccari and Lomelino Edinburgh, in 1798, by certain non-commissioned and Henry Fitz-James, Duke of Albemarle (the officers and men of the Nottingham Militia, then latter visiting Malta in 1687, and going to Rome in quartered in the Castle, and that his own diploma 1703 as Ambassador Extraordinary), the statement from that lodge as a Knight of the Temple was requires strong confirmation. Dundee may for dated the 19th August, 1800. some reasons have received the Grand Cross of the It is said that the earliest Grand Encampment Order , and he may have worn it at Killiecrankie ; of England, as it appears to have been then but this is a very different thing to his being Grand called, was held in 1780 at Carisbrook, Isle of Prior. Wight. The oldest Encampment record I have In 1782 the Grand Master de Rohan revived the met with is preserved at the Baldwin, Bristol ; it English langue of the Order of St. John, com- is dated 20th December, 1780, and refers to a bined it with that of Bavaria, and the succession previously existing document called a " Charter of of Grand Priors is well known. This combination Compact." would appear to have included Scotland, as the I trust that some more competent brother, full, Pretender, James, wrote a letter to the Grand not only of zeal, but of leisure also, will earn the Master at Malta on the 14th of September, 1725, gratitude of the whole Fraternity by devoting his stating that he had then recently requested the energies to unravelling these difficulties. Pope not to dispose of the Grand Priories of his I do not know when the MAGAZINE was firs t (James's) kingdom, " nor to grant coadjutors to published, but perhaps a search of its earlier num- the present Grand Prior," without previously bers may afford information. I do know that in hearing what he (James) had to represent on that October, 1793, it styles Sir Thomas Dunckerly iiead ; aud he goes on to request that he " he may " Most Eminent and Supreme Grand Master of be treated with the same consideration as is shewn Knights of Rosa Crucis, Templars, Kadosh, &c, towa rds other princes on similar occasions." Here of England, under his Royal Highness Prince we have historic evidence in the complaint of Edward, Patron of the Order.'' a-Scottish Prince that the Grand Prior in 1725 Have the Grand Lodge Records been thoroughly liad been appointed by Papal brief. examined ? And have the earliest records of the oldest encampments been searched out ? Three years after the letter of the Pretender, [N OTE .—I should like Bro. Yarker to understan d that and 155 years after the exodus of David Seton, this article was written a fortnight since, and was there- we hear of the Templars, in a new phase. fore not intended to provok e discussion.—L.] A PUBLIC ORDER OF MERIT. to be men of fortune—have received titles ; a scientific authority has even been rewarded by an By LUPUS . inferior place at court ; but the state has in no way I beg a few lines to say a word in favour of properly recognised the valour by which it ha& the establishment of a public Order of Merit in maintained its reputation, nor the genius which this country. The only decoration within reach has shed a marvellous light upon the living- of persons of even good social position is the Bath, generations." and this is restricted to the army and the civil I feel that I am occupying too much space, let service. The subject has been agitated more than me therefore conclude in the words of an eloquent once, and has been as often under consideration of friend of my own, when he says that such honours the government only to be abandoned. should be assigned " not only to the learned There is a hypocritical fashion in this country historian, the erudite philologist, the accomplished of professing to deride, in civilians, those outward linguist, the profound natural philosopher, the marks of personal worth which in all States, and refined poet, but to the professors or representa- at all times, have proved incentives to noble tives of the kindred arts, to the skilful painter, deeds, skilful enterprises, and useful inventions : the expert engraver, the talented sculptor, the and which, whether they be exemplified in the able musician, the ingenious mechanist, the humble Cross of Merit or the Legion of Honour deservin g discoverer or inventor, or, in brief, to of France, form alike the reward of some good, the whole united body of eminent civilians who virtuous, or beneficial action. But notwithstand- have most conspicuously devoted their gifts and ing this professed contempt for what they are energies to the welfare and enjoyment of their pleased to call " playthings " (the first Napoleon fellow-men." said, " playthings, if you like, but suppose the people like them ?") I venture to assert that there is no greater desire in any country under THE LODGE OF GLASGOW ST. JOHN. the sun, to possess these marks of honourable dis- By Bro. W. P. B UCHAN, P.S.W. NO . 3 bis, and' tinction, than in our own fair land. Nearly every Grand Steward, Grand Lodge of Scotland. State, great and small, in Europe, has its cross, or {No 6, Continued from Page 44) decoration, of merit, open to literary genius, in- Ou 27th Dec. 1852. Election of Office^ ventive skill, or other talent of all classes. Why Bearers, Bro. Robert Craig, R.W.M. then should England stand alone ; not only On 27th January, 1853. A meeting was held refusing to give, but declining permission to where 13 brethren passed the chair as " Chair receive. Masters." Bro. Rev. Doctor John Graham was The learned and accomplished antiquai'y, made an honorary member. Nicholas Carlisle, wrote in 1839, " I may safely On 3rd March, 1853, " The lodge agree, and predict that the institution of a civil Order, would authorise the secretary to order a copy of the obtain the unanimous approbation of the Bz-itish FEEEMASON 'S QUAETEELY REVIEW AND MAGAZIHI people, and that every national expression of for the use of the lodge." gratitude would be offered at the foot of the " On 17th March, 1853. Agreed to give Bro- Throne, for such an act of wise and liberal policy, Pollock, Tyler, 3s., for each candidate initiated. an act the more auspicious, as gracefully marking On 8th December, 1853. "Agree that the the commencement of the reign of a young and Architectural Institute shall be allowed the use erf lovely Queen." the lod ge room for four nights in the year, on Is it not much to be regretted that Carlisle's the understanding that a weeks' previous no tics- prediction should have had no opportunity of ful- shall be given. filment ? An entry occurs here of £12 10s. that was col- Blanchard Jerrold , in his excellent little " Story lected for Dr. Rattray's funeral expenses, &c. of the Legion of Honour," says, " We want an On 27th December, 1853. Election and fes- Order of Merit in England, because we want to tival. Bro. David Manwell, R.W.M. see a state recognition of hundreds of men who On 22nd March, 1854. David Manwell, his have never received the least token of public J.W. and two others were made Chair Mas onSj gratitude. A few men of genius—who happened after which Bro. Dunett gave a lecture. In November, 1854. Committee appointed to broth er Masons, from time to time, for the in- see about aiding the Patriotic Fund in aid of the struction ofthe lodge.* Wives &c, of Soldiers &c, now serving in the " It was suggested by the R.W.M., that this East. lodge and St. Mark's should agree to hire or pur- On 27th December, 1854, Election , when chase a piano or harmonium for the amusement of Robert Orr.ickshank, is R.W.M. their respective lodges. On 20th March, 1S55. Gavin Park, mea- In December, 1856. The R.W.M. intimated surer', is initiated. Also Bro. Memro, as an- that he and others attended the late G.L. festival, nounced in last minute, presented a bust of the and were cordially received ; thereafter visited the late R.W.M"., David Hamilton,* and Bro. David Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary 's Chapel), No. 1., and Winton presented a handsome bracket for sup- were there welcomed iu a similar manner. "Itwas porting the bust, &c. agreed to hold a Lodge of Instruction on Tuesday On 3rd April, 1855. Robert Neilson affili- first aud every alternate Tuesday this month." ated from St. Mark's. Had this been followed by due application, much good mi ht have resulted. " On 11 th September, 1855. James B. Walker, g On December Oth , 1856. Painter, aged 29, admitted. " A number of the Ou 27Ui November, 1855, James Noble brethren were instructed m the initiating of new Sutherland , elected an honorary member. members. The R.W.M. intimated that he had, along with Brother D. Campbell, ofthe St. Mark's On 4th December, 1835, Robert McCord and Lod ge, been successful in gettin g a piano for the James Watson admitted. use of the two lodges, further that he had got Ou 27th December 1S55. Installation and , Bro. David Greenshields to promise to be present festival James Cruickshauk R.W.M. ; , at our meetings, and assist in giving us all the as- On 22nd January, 1856. Rev. Dr. Graham sistance in his power, for tbispm-pose the R.W.M. gave a lecture on Egyptian Architecture. proposed Bro. Greenshields for affiliation as an Ou 5th February, 1856. Brother Taylor honor-ary member at next meeting." lectured on Architecture. On December, 16th. " The treasurer was au- On 29th April, 1856. " The R.W.M. men- thorised to pay one guinea to the Provincial Fes- tioned some matters that carae before the last tival Committee, should it be found necessary, in meeting of the P.G.L., regarding a Benevolent order to defray expenses, in consequence of the Fund about to be established by the several low price of the tickets." Bro. Robert Ramage lodges. In reference to the above, Bro. proposed as Proxy Master. McCulIoch proposed , seconded by Bro. Jas. Wat- On December, 30th, 1856. The " 799th anni- son, that the Lodge St. John vote £2 2s. for this versary" celebrated , when Bro. James York pre- years' contribution , and 2s. Gd. for each candidate sented an old chisel taken from the foundation of admitted." Stockwell St. Bridge, which chisel be supposed On 13th May, 1856. Thomas Ramsay, Pain- to have been imbedded there several hundred ter, initiated. years, and " he had no doubt that it belonged to a On 27th May, 1856. Moved by the R.W.M. former member of our mother lodge." ff to present from the St. John's Lodge a suitable Bro, James Cruickshank is still E.W.M. testimonial to Brother Donald Campbell, for the On February, 3rd, 1857. Bye-laws of the zealous-', laborious, and unwearied exertions on his lodge ordered to be strictly enforced in regard to part on behalf of the promotion of Freemasonry, the admission of new candidates. W. G. Lennox and in particular to the St. John's Lodge." " was solemnly initiated to the entered apprentice He often worked tlie ceremonies for them. degree iu a most efficient manner by Bro. D. Or. 7th October, 1856. Bro. D. Campbell Winton, S.W. ; " then follows a " memorial gave a lecture on tracing-board. sent to Sir A. Alison, Bart., P.G.M., praying him C1 The R.W.M. intimated that he would be most not to appoint BrosJ Rowand and Rochead, of St. happy to furnish this lodge with lectures by Mark's No. 102, as his P.G-L. Wardens seeing
* I am not ns yet nware of what foundation there is for cail- * That was good, only ho should have done something him- ng him "the lute K .W.M ," hut 1 intend to see at out it. self, except being better than precep t. that several of the higher offices were already held have some very old sashes and a very handsome by brethren of that lodge, and further, undue carved box belonging to the lodge dated 1634. favour to that lodge would bear against " that 3rd We have no historical records or any others Masonic equality which is a prominent landmark as already stated belonging to the lodge. There vfor the guidance of br ethren, and one of the in- is some notice taken of it I think in McOres herent principles of the Craft which has been of history and Cleland's Annals of Glasgow, also m the greatest value in the preservation and diffu- Pagan's small work on our Cathedral, and James sion of Freemasonry." This document was signed Miller on Masonry* Bro. Laurie should see these by the Masters and Wardens of 10 lod ges, lead- works. Mr. Miller could give him the last two ing off with James Cruickshauk, E.W.M., No. 3. mentioned. ' We formerly gave the Mark and ¦Us, then John Binnie, R.W.M., No. 4 ; D. Suther- Chair degrees iu the lodge but have no documents land, do. of No. 27; R. Black, 219 ; N. B- Dal- connected with Mark Masonry. Mr. Laurie can veen, 333 ; J. Davidson, 360 ; Hugh Mair, 362. take a copy of the charter and return it to me, W. Whitesmith, 73 ; John Miller, 87 ; R. Walker, and if I can give him any other information I 117. shall be very glad.'' In February 17th-57. Bro. Ramage, the Proxy (" Signed) JAS. CEUICKSHANK. Master, desired information for the purpose of On June, 23rd 57. " Brother James Hamilton assisting with Bro. Laurie's proposed new History after being-duly prepared was passed by Bro. of Freemasonry, and received the following answer Winton to that degree." So this proves that from Bro. James Cruickshauk, E.W.M. "In Bro. Winton worked the Fellow-Craft degree as answer to the firs t query I may state that the well as the Apprentice. Lodge St. Johns and the Incorporation of Masons Ou 29th Deer., 1857. The Sth centenary or were one and the same originally* This you will "800th anniversary " of the lodge was held, Bro. see from the old charter a copy of the translation James Craig of Middleton the new R.W.M. in of which I enclose. The Incorporation must have the chair. Invitations had been sent to Bros. been a split off the lodge I think, as the lodge Lord James Murray, Lord Loughborough, Sir retains the original charter* and the Incorpora- Archibald Alison and others, to grace with their tion took a separate charter from the town presence this Sth centenary, but they all sent ¦council or corporation of Glasgow in the year 1551, letters of apology ! That was rather curious and another in 1667, and we find that up to the seeing an " Sth centenary " does not happen period at which we joined the Grand Lodge, that every day. However the members present the Deacon of the Incorporation was also Master enjoyed themselves, and "in the course of the of the lodge, and so filled both offices at the same evening Bro. James Cruickshauk, P.M., read a timej Aud no members were admitted to the paper on the antiquity of this lodge, which it is lodge who were not members of the Incorporation. intended to print along with the Bye-laws as a pre- Such is not, of course, the case now since the face." This " paper " appeared in Glasgow- exclusive privileges of Incorporations were done Herald ofthe time. The upshot of the " memorial " away by Act of Parliament we admit others. sent to Sir A. Alison last February, partly appears " 2nd I cannot tell when the separation took from minnte of 19th January 1858, when "Bro. place§ as the records of the lodge have been lost Cruickshauk reported that he had been elected except those of the present century ; aud although Senior Warden of the P.G. Lod ge of Glasgow, we have the records of the Incorporation as far as per commission from B. Sir Archibald Alison, back as 168111 we find no notice as to this. We P.G. Master." (To be continued.) * That is a, mistake, anel a Masons' lodge probably existed in Glasgow very long before the Masons became an "Incorpora- tion." THE new scientific journal , " Nature," quoting:i letter from f The lodge does not retain this pretended " ori ginal Father Secch i , says the meteors of the 1 lth November wore charter " now, for so fer back as I can remember the " Incor- splendidly seen at Kome during hall' tm hour when tho sky was poration " has kept it, anil koeps it still, perhaps Bro. Cruiek- quite clear. Although this luiU'-leour was not tho time for the shank could explain this ? maximum display, no less than 183 meteors were observed. On to % See pages 23 anil 503. AVhen the loelge did not meet for the evening of the 13th. the meteors hud already commenced years, so a, man might be Deacon of the Incorporation and yet be visible in greater numbers than ordinary. never sit as Master of the loelge. § See page -162. || || As far hack as 1600. See page 461. # All of which mislead the render as regards tho lodge, &c HOW I SPENT MY FIVE WEEKS' LEAVE. in the court yard an immense myrtle tree, sup- Bang a Journal kep t during an Excursion to Syria and ported by a sort of framework built round it. Palestin e in the ¦month of May, 1868. This is the largest myrtle in Damascus, and' perhaps in the world, being some thirty feet, {Concluded from page 66) . high! DAMASCUS—BEXEOUT —EHODES—MALTA. We return to camp, smoke narghilies, and sip* We next pass into the Carpenters' Bazaar, where coffee, when we are driven wild by a Turkish- men are making wooden clogs, inlaid with mother- ban d, (which plays one bar of a monotonous tune,, o'-pearl . They squat up working, using their without variation, for hours,) to distraction . We- toes as a vice to hold the piece of wood they are commence next day our three days' ride, back to cutting. Beyrout, following nearly all the way the beautiful Next day we all to go visit the great Mosqu e, French road. We have a charming ride for some- which was doubtless originally a Christian church . hours along the banks of the Abana, which are It is a large building with a transept, thus forming prettily wooded, and from either side of the valley a cross. Some part of the ceiling is fine, and the sparklin g rills come leaping down to join it, often.. columns are old. At one end of the transept forming graceful cascades, amid grottoes of fern. there is some fresco or inlaid work, representing We stop for lunch at an Arab village, when to a temple, palm trees, etc. This is very old and our surprise we find a very clean whitewashed curious ; the greater part, however, is gone. The interior to a mud hut. Rugs are spread on the marble floor is covered with carpets. Children floor, and large cushions provided by the good play about, and men sleep comfortably where they woman ; so we sleep away the hottest hours of the wish. We all have to take off and carry our day. boots. Crossing the large, open court, we ascend Towards evening we pass through the fine rocky- one of the minarets, from which we have a fine pass of Wady-el-Kurn, formerly noted for its' view of the city and environs. After lunch, a robberies and murders. There are numerous caves brother Freemason, Mr. Meshakah, calls to take along its rocky sides, on emerging from which us to see his father, who is a retired doctor, and we encamp, and being at so great an elevation- has a very handsome house, gorgeously, though near the snowy heights—we have a bitterly cold' not very tastefully ornamented. He is a Christian, night, which, after the hot day's ride, is very and under British protection . He is a capital old trying. I unpack my carpet bag and put all my fellow ; regales us with coffee, narghilies ; pre- clothes over me, in the vain endeavour to get sents me with his carte de visite, done by our warm . amateur friend, for which I promise to exchange We resume our journey in the morning over mine. Dr. Meshakah had a narrow escape at the the heights of Anti-Lebanon, and descending to massacre of the Christians in 1860, when six the plain of Bukaa (up which we rode to Baalbek), thousand Christians were massacred in cold blood we come on the site of the ancient Chalcis, of by the Maliommedans. He only escaped by which nothing is now left but slight traces of the carrying with him a quantity of gold and silver foundations of part of the ancient walls. Yet this coins, and scattering tliem as he ran, to delay his was once a royal city, and no one would then, pursuers ! Severely wounded, at last he was have believed it could ever thus utterly disappear. rescued by Abd-el-Kadir, who also saved a large Wavy corn covers the whole site. So it is with number of Christians, Avomen and children in- Tyre and Sidon, Jericho, and other cities, Avhich cluded. I Avent to see the hero, who received me have vanished like snow in spring time, and left kindly, and gave me coffee. He asked through antiquaries to quarrel over their very sites. One the interpreter numbers of questions about France, cannot help Avondering whether in course of time Prussia, Russia, and England; seems Avell up in a similar fate is in store for the cities of England- European politics, and has the papers read to him. Is the day to come when London shall cease to He is a Freemason, and gave me a most fraternal be, and learned treatises shall be composed to embrace. However, he is obliged to keep that prove that the ruin sketched by the New Zealander dark, as the Mahommedan s think Masonry is a and supposed to be St. Paul's, was not such, but separate religion, and would persecute any known a comparatively modern temple, erected on the. Mason . At the house of Dr. Meshakah, we saw site of Westminster Abbey, by the King of" Abyssinia when he conquered the island and sub- air ! This reads like romance, but it is simple dued the natives A.D. 4868 ? We push on, and fact. Many people were killed or injured, and one encamp on the heights of Lebanon, within three young lady was buried beneath fragments, which, hours' ride of Beyrout, and next day (27th), ride however, formed a sort of arch over her, and though down, thoroughly enjoy ing the magnificent view. thus shut up for three days, yet she recovered," We dine at the hotel, aud bidding adieu to our Rhodes looks very pretty from the sea ; the queer Dragoman, and giving bakshish to our attendants, old fortifications and towers, the cluster of wind- with all of whom we part on excellent terms, I mills on the extreme right, the hill at the back of sally forth to refresh myself after my labours with the town rising to a considerable elevation above it, a Turkish bath. This is very nice, but I must covered with fruit trees, etc. ; the bright blue sky, say the baths, here and at Damascus, are not and the beautiful clear sea,—all combine to form nearly so good as the Turkish bath in Jermyn- a most attractive picture. It is a pity that the street, which is the best I ever was in. Bidding most elegant and conspicuous of the towers, the a hasty farewell to the Consul, Mr. Rodgers, whom Arab tower, has within the last few years fallen I found extremely kind aud polite, we all go on down. The " Street of the Knights " is most in- board the Cupid, and are off at 8 p.m. to join the teresting, where numerous shields, coats of arms, fleet at Rhodes. etc., carved in marble, are built into the walls, and We coast along Cyprus, but do not stop, and over the 'doors, very much as they are at Malta. arrive at Rhodes on Friday, the 29th of May. The site of the explosion is curious ; it lo oks like The fleet has not arrived yet, so we anchor, and I the crater of a volcano, and allround are fragments go ashore to see the place. " Stare super vias of the church ; here an entire wall of the building, antiquas/ ' to stare at old Rhodes ! This place is laid upon its side, pillars and all ; there an arch very interesting to one well acquainted with Malta, still standing, though its centre part, keystone, ¦on account of having so long been the stronghold etc., are blown out. Good masonry to hold to- ¦of the Knights, whose two memorable sieges there gether like this ! We visit the site of the breach will never be forgotten . It is said that they only in the old walls, which was so nobly defended, and gave iu at last when their stock of gunpowder was through which Solyman at last entered. I do not exhausted. think in the annals of military achievement there The Consul told me the following curious story : is a more splendid defence on record than that of —" While the Knights held Rhodes an election of the Knights of Rhodes. Two places are shown as their Grand Master took place, and a Knight who the spot where the Colossus stood ; the Consul was the unsuccessful candidate organised a con- supporting one theory and the Vice-Consul the spiracy to make himself Grand Master by force of other. A beautiful little figure of Somnus, repre- arms. Being joined by some discontented and sented as a sleeping boy, ivas shown us by the turbulent Knights, they began to lay in great Consul. It was dug up somewhere on the opposite stores of arms and amunition, and a large qu antity coast, aud has been purchased for the British of gunpowder was secretly stored in the vaults Museum. under St. John's Church. The conspiracy was On Monday evening, June 1, Ave leave for Malta, discovered, and the would-be Grand Master hung; coasting along Crete. We make a splendid run the other conspirators were banished, and no one to Malta, where we arrive early on Thursday "knew that the vaults were full of powder. The morning, June 4. So bidding farewell to our kind siege was past, and the place had surrendered for and hospitable captain, I hurry ashore to report want of powder, whilst had the Knights but known myself to the " big wigs " and my adventures to of the twenty tons beneath their feet, they might my friends, who all agree that I have made good perhaps have held out successfully. As it was the use of my time, and seen a good deal during Turks took possession,and for 350years the posvder MY FIVE AVEEKS' TOUK. lay unsuspected. Then came the earthquake and split the tower from top to bottom, the rent extend- ing to the foundations and the vaults. Some months MASONIC MUSIC.—The choir of Lodges Concord and Emula- afterwards came a thunderstorm ; the lightning tion at Bornhay have heen united , and will hereafter assist iu the vocal part of the ritual at the meeting* of hot.!) lodges. struck the tower, ran down the huge rock, fired Meetings for singing practice are helel weekly at the Masonic the magazine, and sent the whole thing into the I Hall, JAazagon. MASONIC JOTTINGS.—No. 5, THE RISE AND PURPOSES OF SPECU- BY A PAST PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTEE. LATIVE MASONRY. Clima. THE TWO QUESTIONS. By BEO. HEXKY MTJEEAY, District G.M., The two questions—who were the authors of An Address delivered to the Brethren of Zetland Lodge (No. 525), Kong Kong. Speculative Masonry, and who were the authors (Continued from page 63). of our English organisation, are as different as are the two questions—who were the inventors of an Thus, to quote at some length from Bro= ancient doctrine, and who were the builders of Findel, " the most important step had now been the church in which it is now preached. taken for the due conservation of the institution. RISE OP MASONRY. Then it was that Freemasonry, as it is under- stood at the present day, dawned into existence. For the rise of Operative Masonry you may go Retaining the spirit of the antient brotherhood, to the Troglodites, new from their caves, but for its fundamental laws, as well as its traditional the rise of Speculative Masonry you must go customs, all yet united in resigning architecture to the Hindoos, to the Chaldams, to the Egyptians, and operative masonry to the station to which to the Jews, to the Greeks and to the Romans. Old MS. they belonged. The customary technical expres- sions, which were excellently well-suited to the SPECULATIVE MASONRY NOT ALAVAYS TRUE FREE.AIASONRY. symbolic architecture of a temple, were retained, In our times, Speculative Masonry is not but in a figurative sense, and withal bearing a always true Freemasonry. In ancient times it higher signification. The Fraternity of Freemasons formed could very rarely indeed be true Freemasonry. was now separated from architecture ; and, into an association having purely social aims, and LODGES OE GERMANY AND SCOTLAND. therefore capable of spreading itself to all quarters A Polish brother asks, if there is not satisfactory of the globe, it became the common property of. evidence, that at a remote period in the lodges of all mankind. The moral edifice to be erecterl Germany and Scotland there were associated with should, like to the m aterial edifices of Masons, Masonic Science the princi les of reli p gion, of have the general good of all mankind in view ; the fraternity and of charity, rinci p ples infused by the improvement of the members of the Fraternity Great Architect of the Universe iu the breast of should manifest itself by their growth in self- man when he was created. knowledge, voluntary activity, self-government, ENTIRELY NEW ORGANISATION. as well as in the practice of all the virtues ; the An organisation has some times been called society should make men of all conditions better " entirely new " when , upon examination it has citizens, better husbands, fathers, and friends. And turned out , that a change in the names of some of here it must be remarked that Freemasonry looks the parts composing it, was its principal novelty. upon free will as an absolute faculty of mankind j LODGE-UNI ACERBITY. for freedom from great vices, passions, and preju- The more extensive cultivation of Speculative dices, is assm-edly requitite to render a man Masonry, begun in the year 1717, in strictness, capable of cultivation, or of the gradual attain- rendered necessary no greater changes in the ment of perfection." " A Mason," say the Antient organisation of the lod ge, than are the changes Charges, is obliged, by his tenure, to obey the which the addition of new sciences and languages moral law ; and if he rightly understan d the art to those already taught, raiders necessary in the he will never be a stupid atheist nor an irrel i gious organisation of a Un i versity. libertine. He, of all men, should best understand There were probably reasons with which we are that God seeth not as man seeth, for man looketh unacquainted, that made it expedient not to limit at the outward appearance, but God looketh to the changes to those which were, in strictness, the heart. A Mason is, therefore, particularly necessary. bound never to act against the dictates of his con- A DEFINITION. science. Let a man's religion or mode of worship A definition—a constant reader of the FKEE - be what it may, he is not excluded from the Order, HASONS' MAGAZINE , defines non-Masonic language provided he believe in the glorious Architect of as " the language commonly used by Masons in heaven and earth, and practise the sacred duties Masonic Controversy." of morality. Masons unite with the virtuous of every persuasion in the firm and pleasing bond of THE OEIGnT OF THE LODGE ST. AYLES, fraternal love ; they are taught to view the errors EAST ArJSTPJJTHER, of mankind with compassion, and to strive, by The following particulars of tho history of Freemasonry the purity of their own conduct, to demonstrate in Anstruther will bo read with interest at this time. the superior excellence of the faith they may The first effort to form a lodge here was in 1762—or 108 years ago—when a body of thirteen Masons met, and profess. Thus Masonry is the centre of union in consideration of the inconvenience of being so far from between good men and true, and the happy means their respective mother lodges, resolved to form St. Ayles, of conciliating friendshi p amongst those who must which they proceeded to do, by electing the following otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.'" interim office-bearers, viz. :—Bros. Gabriel Halliday ' Thus the idea of Freemasonry is as sublime and schoolmaster and professor of mathematics, as he desig- nated in West Anstruther, B.W.M. ; James Wirkie, S.W. ; magnificent, as it is rooted and grounded in the George Peebles, J.AY. -, Patrick Brown, D.M. ; Andrew b of man. Such an universal associa- very eing Barnsay, Sec. ; and Samuel limes, Steward. The lodgo tion was most essentially necessary. Amongst all was opened, as in the present ease, under the powers of men of generous minds, capable of practising self- a working letter, and it continued until St. John's night denial, and wishing to promote the general good of that year, when a charter was granted by the Grand of mankind, there is a secret affinity; they resist Lodge of Scotland, and office-bearers were then elected in regular form, Bro. Alexander Young, stationer, at the all exclusiveness, and desire to enter into a bond same time being elected E.W.M'. In 1764, Bro. Philip of love with any one having the like inclination. Anstruther was appointed to that office , and in the fol- All associations which depend upon similarity of lowing year no less a personage than Sir John Anstruther, calling or of rank, upon poli tical opinions, patriotic the Superior of the burgh, aspired to the honour, which sentiments, or religious creeds, suffer more or less lie filled for three consecutive years. from exclusiveness. Against all such partition The year 1765 appears to have been the most brilliant Avails is a society required, which shall possess a period in the history of the lodge, as in that year she numbered amongst her " sons " Brothers Islay Campbell code of laws embracing as wide a range as possi- and George Wright, advocates in Edinburgh, John ble, and having regard alone to the inward worth Lnmsdane, of Blunorue, Benjamin Plenderlcafch , Admiral of the individual ; a society which shall stand above Substitute, and most of the leading merchants in all others, removing or ameliorating all that is Anstruther', Pifcfcemueem , and St. AToiranee. On the Sfc. preju dicial, and guarding itself from becoming an John's day of that year the brethren had an out-door demonstration by walking to the ruins of the ancient object of hatred, contempt, and persecution. This chapel of St. Ayles, which they encircled by takin g hold union of unions which unites all good men into of one another's hands, after which they proceeded iu a one family, in which the princi ples of equality and body to West Anstruther Port, when they then returned brotherly love (i.e. love of the human race) are to ther lodge-room , where, as the records tell us, " they the predominant ones, and the end and aim of all passed tho evening in jovial mirth, and with that social its efforts, this is Freemasonry. Its unity does and free liapiness which distinguishes this honourable and frea society, when the meeting was closed at eight not depend upon the mere binding by oath ; no ! o'clock in the evening."— The Weelil-yNews. an alliance voluntarily entered into is one of pure love and friendship. A warm loving heart, and a steadfast purpose to strive after what is good and ©ASCITIC NOTES AND WESIES- right, are the only solid possessions of her sons,
whereon Masonry founds happiness ; these alone 1IASONT.C EEI-OB.M. constitute the firm neutral basis on which every As the Master's degree is worked in Scotland , we variety and difference of opinion are made to hav e a password and the M.M.'s word, which , with the accommodate themselves, in the struggle after the ceremonies connected , I consider to be the ne p lus ultra of Craft Masonry . As for any pretended knowledge of the truth the cultivation of , the discovery of the lost word , I look upon as a beautiful, and the practice of virtue. In this fallacy, and as the first opening of the door association, which unites all parties and denomi- for the the admission of the legion of so-called nations, and reconciles all opposing interests, can " hig h degrees." We might as well pretend to call irit from the tomb to tell us the secrets of the man fulfil those duties imposed by all religions. up a sp grave! No ; the Scottish Craft Masons were wise in The zealous activity of the Grand Lod ge caused their generation when they refused to have any con- Masonry to develop itself rapidl in y England, and nection with the Eoyal Arch or any other Royal pre- it immediatel met with a favourable y reception in tensions ; and it would be well for England to copy Europe, and in all other parts of the world." Scotland in this respect, just as it would be well for {To be continued.) Scotland to copy England in many others.—Prcxus. SPECULATIVE PEEEMASONEY AND ITS OEIGIN time, from the Latin writings of Robertus de Flue- (pn. 67, 691. tibus (Robert Flood, or Fludd). " Our Freemasonry, or Speculative Masonry, was a THE GUILDS. new institution, manufactured or brought into being in A.D . 1717. It was made up of quotations from The following appeared in " Notes and Queries," of Jan. 22nd :— operative documents—Rosicrucian ideas, principles " Important as has been the influence of •and doctrines stirred up by the Reformation , ideas guilds upon the social and municipal institutions of England their it would seem is destined to taken from the study of ancient history, &c, all mixed , history, , be written by foreign scholars. Wilda published in together with such suitable seasoning as the brains r of Drs. Desaguliers and Anderson judged best for 1831 a book upon the subject , TJeber das Gildewesen the purpose. There being a few old Masonic lod des Mittelalters, and now we learn that the late la- ges ' in London, the Doctors gave each a dose of the new mented Mr. Touhnin Smith's 'English G-uilds is to be accompanied ¦compound, which so tickled their fan cy, pleased, and by a review of the whole history and development of intoxicated them, that, inirabile d-ictu, they immediately guilds, from the pen of a learned Ger- lost all remembrance of past events ! Yea, verily, such man scholar, Dr. L. Brentane."—PICTTJS . was the curious action of this new compound , that if MASONEY IN JEETJSALEM. ¦a Masou only took one si p, he was ever after ready At the conversazione of the London Institution on to swear that lie had been drinking it continuall y and Wednesday, the 19th inst. Bro. the Rev. H. B. habitually all his life. A dose being also sent to the Tristram one of the Palestine iving an Scottish lodges, they tasted were , explorers, in g , quite satisfied, and address on Jerusalem made distinct reference to its immediately adopted the recipe and , , , as quickly as Masonic interest speaking as a Freemason. He par- the new compound could be manufactured in that , cold ticularly referred to the masons' marks on the walls climate, dispensed it. It was soon found however , , ofthe Harem, defined by Bro. Deutsch as Phoenician ¦that the old lodges, or " old bottles , ," were neither and which Bro. Tristram therefore decides to be those sufficient in capacity nor numbers to contain anything of the workmen of Hiram. It must however, be like the necessary amount of material, nor were they , observed that as yet the identification is incomplete, able to dispense the intended good in a manner com- because it does not follow as assumed by Bro. Tris- mensurate with the good intended ; consequentl , y the tram, that in the next construction ofthe Temple Doctors had to set about manufacturing more " hot Phoenician masons may not have been employed as ties," which they of course did in a dignified manner , before.—A MASONIC ATJDITOE . and in accordance with the demand. So much for the manufacture of Speculative Masonry about A.D. 1717. ONE OP BEO. HUGHAN'S LETTEES. 'The Masons before 1717 depicted the compasses and han s letter square and others of their tools upon their flags Bro. Hug ' , respecting which a West of , &c. ; Eng but so also did the Wrights, who also used the land correspondent enquires, is one with which com- most readers of the Freemasons ^ passes and square, &c; aud other trades had also their Magazine must be familiar. It is inserted in Ho. 536 9th Oct., 1869. tools depicted. But although that was done, it does , not follow that they served any other purpose with I recommend to my correspondent's attention the following passage :— pecula- them than merely as trade marks ; and much less does " Our present system of S tive Freemasonry it follow that our degrees and rituals &c., existed arose out of the mediaeval and early , operative guilds or fraternities before 1717 ; as yet, I have seen no evidence to , when the latter were prove languishing, after a long so, but a good deal against it.—W. P. BUCHAN. existence of many centuries, and these in their turn were but a copy of still earlier THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED EITE. secret organisations."— CHAELES PUETON COOPEE. I think we may fairl y presume that this rite origi- THE LODGE 01? GLASGOW ST. JOHN AND THE MAEK nated about the year 1730. We know that Ramsay (page 68) . and others were busy with a " new system" some years earlier, and it is probable that the Royal Arch Allow me to inform your esteemed correspondent, established 1740, was arranged from the degrees of Bro. W. J. Hughan, that in my next article, and at this rite relating to Zerubbabel's Temple. All the date April, 1858, there occurs notice of contest with Cross degrees, viz., the Rose Croix of Prance, Rosy the Glasgow Prov. Grand Lodge upon this matter, Cross of Scotland, Eouge Croix of Sweden, and the which will be alluded to.—W. P. BUCHAN. Templar of England appear to have arisen about the year 1750. Of course the Ancient and Accepted Rite EECOGNITION OP THE HIGH DEGEEES BY GEAND was not established in its present entirety till many LODGE. vears later."-—Lx. W. L. I think " Yerha Nbn Res" has misunderstood my THE EOSICEUCIANS. remarks in the Magazine, page 49. I stated that the Act of Union " declares what we know to be but a Anew work, " The Rosicrucians," by Mr. Hargrave form of high grade Masonry {i.e., the B.A.), to be Jennings, author of " Indian Religions ,- or, Results part of the Antient system." I did not mention the -of the Mysterious Bhuddism," will be immediately Ancient and Accepted Rite, but its degrees were in published by Mr. Hotteu, of Piccadilly. This book operation (abroad) A.D . 1813. He admits that its two will contain upwards of 300 engravings of Hermetic principal degrees had already been incorporated with subjects, expressly collected for this publication. The English high grade Masonry. I am not an advocate book will give a serious view of the occult system of of the Ancient and Accepted or any other form of the renowned brothers of the Eosy Cross, otherwise high grade Freemasonry, but I think I state facts.— the Alchemists and " Illuminati," drawn, for the first HOLZ. BEO. H„ MUEEAY'S ADDEESS (page 61) AND ABEOAD of right enabled me to bear, from those whom it was AND AT HOME (page 47). my personal interest to conciliate. I trust that " P.M." will ive me credit for truthfulness in saying It seems to me that page 61 shows that "' abroad" g that my letter to you was written before I saw his, there is a great deal yet to be learnt as well as " at lines of comment, home. after perusing which I added a few " To assert that Scotland " maintained the intention of answering the first of his Craft for many without any centuries upon a wider and more fit- which will be best deal t with by the com- tingl land questions, y oi'ganised basis than it ever attained in Eng mittee about to be appointed for revision ofthe rituals, prior to 1717' is, I consider, purely imaginary. And ' to which body it will, doubtless, be well for him to as to the nobility and gentry joining so largel Scot- y express his opinion ; and with that object, if my advice tish lodges in the 15th and 16th centuries I was not , be not intrusive and impertinent, I would recommend statements aware of it before. Then as to many other him to send his name to Bro. James Stevens, the pro- of Bro. Murray's they form a curious sort of hotch- , moter of the Revision Committee, and thus have an potch, which I have not the time to go into ; they, opportunity of becoming a member of it, and of however, serve to show that a speaker may say a good bringing forward the view taken by himself and" Fiat deal, and yet fall very far short of the truth. It is Lux." not the amount said that is the true criterion but the , Because I wrote independently of " P.M." on what amount of truth contained in what is said that makes , I considered a manifest omission, felt by others as it valuable. We shall admit the Magazine to be be- well as myself in the rituals of the Board of Installed hind other papers regarding Craft , the history of the , Masters and of the Royal Arch Chapter, which are whenever proof is iven.—W. P. B. g supplied in some districts, but not in others, it does BEO. BUCHAN'S NATIVE CITY. not follow that I was bound to express an opinion on board, ques- "Bos Albus," at page 48 writes as if Glasgow were the propriety of the existence of such a , he raised his (Bro. Buchan's) native cit but that is a mis- tioned by your correspondent. The point y ; more take—Glasgow has not that honour. He hails from is new to me, and requires much consideration, conduct of installation ceremonies the auld toun o' " Aberdeen awa," or at least from especially as the Masters is universally recog- the shire of that name, the particular locality being by a Board of Installed Fraserburgh, in the north-east corner thereof, and the nised in this country at least. - " Fiat era when he first saw the light of the " neutral world" On page 49 of your journal, another brother " on the sub- December 7th, A.D. 1836. However, Bro. B. has now Lux," has endorsed the views of " P.M. ht be well for these been in Glasgow above twenty years, where he served ject under consideration. It mig the presence his apprenticeship, worked journev m an for a short brethren to attempt to instal a W.M. in whether or not time, and has been established for the last ten years ofthe whole lodge, then we should see Grand Master. in business for himself ; consequently, although Glas- they would be censured by their Prov. pursue such a course, gow may not be " his native city," yet the binding tie I full y believe that were I to the next post would bring me a letter of reprehension may be otherwise pretty strong.—MOEE LIGHT. from the head of this district. DEP. G.M. MANNINGHAM 'S LETTEE (page 67). Tours fraternally, In view of evidence which contradicts it, I consider Jan. 24th, 1870. H. H. ¦that this letter does not " afford sufficient evidence, historically aud legally, that lohat our Freemasonry was in 1757 that it was in the seventeenth century;" MASONIC REFORM. —W. P. B. TO THE EDITOE OF THE FEEEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIKEOB. Dear Sir and Brother,—I can full y appreciate the CORRESPONDENCE. feelings of " Res E~on "Verba ," in his manifest unwil- lingness to throw aside the poetic Masonic fictions to The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by Correspondent which we have all been so long accustomed , for the prosaic reality of fact. There are times when even THE "DEGREE " OF INSTALLED MASTER truth is distasteful, especially when it interferes with the enchanting romance of preconceived opinions and IO IDE EDITOR 01? IB ' EEEEMASONS .MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIBEOIt. associations. Notions, however vague and unhistoric, Dear Sir and Brother,—I find in your last number acquire a kind of sanctity by repetition , and in time a second letter from a brother signing himself " P.M." the very absurdity of a doctrine confirms the votary Were I as well acquained with his name as he appears in his belief. to be with mine I should send him a private note, Out of a long catalogue of inconsistencies, my re- instead of making use of your columns to communicate spected brother only champions the connection of the with him. After some compliments, he endeavours Royal Arch and Craft Masonry ; and if I do not to make me appear ridiculous, by alluding to my want of greatly err, the part he has undertaken to defend is "bravery," and to my exercise of "discretion the better more than sufficient. He advances with the dictum part of valour," in transferring to some one else a that " unless the word of the third degree, as also the discussion on the point he has raised. I much ques- ceremonies belonging thereto, which were worked and tion whether, in his Masonic career, he has been so acknowledged before, say, 1740, were again placed in often called upon to display moral courage as I have the Master Mason's degree (and thus now taken from and with as much success in the issue, at the same the Royal Arch), I cannot see the wisdom of sepa- time, on. several occasions exposing myself temporarily rating the Royal Arch fro m Craft Masonry, as it is to much obloquy, which nothing but a consciousness evidently, under the present arrangement, the com- pletion ofthe third." Now this theorem demands, as however, sure to come. The continued subserviency postulate, that the present word and ceremonies of of those who are willing to make a tame surrender of the Royal Arch were, in 1740, part of the third de- our remaining liberties, will ultimately work out its own gree ; also that the Royal Arch is this identical com- remedy, as well as its own destruction, and, like the pletion ; and, as corollaries, that the Royal Arch was blind fury of Samson, pull dow the pillars which sup- in existence in 1740 ; and that the present third either port the edifice. formed part of the other two degrees below it, or that Tours fraternally, it has since been manufactured. These I am not FIAT LUX. prepared to concede, although, in the absence of evi- dence, they are said to be evident. I need not remind ' my friend that it will be necessary for him to prove OUR BRO. BUCHAN. the truth of these statements before he can demonstrate TO THE EDITOE OF THE FEEEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIMOB. that my suggestion to abolish the connection between Dear Sir and Brother,—Letters of numerous cor- Craft and Eoyal Arch Masonry is " wrong." He respondents reach me full of remarks of all kinds ought to have established the truth of his premises respecting our Bro. Buchan. These lettei s differ from before he allowed his favourite bias to hurry him to that of a distinguished Mason, which, being forwarded a conclusion, and to have shown, by at least one well- by a Past Provincial Grand Master, was in the exer- authenticated example, the place where and the time cise of your discretion , inserted in our periodical , vol. when the " Holy" Royal Arch was ever a part of xxi., page 391. One only of the letters referred to Ancient Masonry prior ' to the manifesto of 1813. A seems to need notice at present. It comes from a very superficial acquaintance with the legends and Cambridge Fellow Craft, and complains—first, that ceremonials of the Royal Arch demonstrate the ab- Bro. Buchan marvellously disregardsthe rule, although surdity of its pretensions. Like the intruder who had there was, not long ago, occasion to quote it (ibid. not on the wedding garment, it is found self-convicted page 272, letter signed " J. A- H.") that our traditions' and speechless within the sanctuarv of Craft Masonry. to be rejected must not merely be denied, but must be As to the date of 1740, "Res Nem Yerbum" cannot proved to be false. Next, that Bro. Buchan delibe- prove that the Eoyal Arch was then in existence, nor rately turns his eyes (ibid., page 410) from evidence till long after. He is silent as to the separate con- which every Court of Law and Equity sitting in stitution, the different clothing, the chapter instead of Westminster Hall would consider conclusive on the the lodge, the different titles, aud the extra fee re- question of the existence of Speculative Masonry at quired—all of which are, in his opinion at least, the close of the ].7th century. necessarily separate, in order to secure unity and Tours fraternally, " comp letion. " No proof's are given, and iu this respect, CHAELES PUETON COOPEE. at least, he is consisten t, for his own few remarks contain the bitterest reflections upon the union he he advocates, to which his facts, his illustrations , aud his suppositious are alike unfavourable. After showing THE GRAND LODGE OF MARK MASTERS us that he has been obli ged to leave the precincts of AND TEE S.G.E.A. CHAPTER OF SCOT- the oldest constitution in order to defend its princi- LAND. ples, be finds that a different usage " in some parts of TO Tier. EmToi: or Tin; FII E SM ASONS MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIEE OE . Germany " is a striking proof of the w isdom and pro- Dear Sir and Brother,—As you have inserted the priety of our own—that a coincidence in one respect correspondence , with accompanying extracts from exhibits the details of a " system " —and because there minutes, &c, between Comp. Mackersey and myself, are imperfections in other constitutions , that reform at the request of the former, will you do me the in this is thereb y rendered unnecessary. favour to insert my reply to Comp. Mackersey 's last As one ofthe workers in English Masonry, I trust letter to me. that we shall prove our own work good aud square, I make this request lest it should be thought by and just such work as the builders require, before we brethren who take an interest in the subjects uuder attract the criticism of all others ; aud without in- discussion , that I am content to allow judgment to dulging in any self-conceited ideas of perfection, labour go by default, or that Comp. Mackersey's position is on zealously to make it so complete, as not only to unassailable, and his arguments unanswerable. The invite comparison , but to defy amendment. A fc pre- main question, however, has been treated so often at sent, however, there is sufficient cause for humility in length , that I see no advantage in further dilating the presence of all other constitutions. Gnu even upon it, aud I hope to be spared any such necessity. imprudence itself forget that we have lately p laced on Tours fraternally, record a precedent—the abolition of a Provincial Grand Lod ge—alarming enough to excite the dullest FEEDEEICK BINCKES. apprehension , and one at which ice ought to turn pale? London, Is there anyone so lost to every sense of honour as to 21st January, 1870. look upon this sacrifice of our mutual liberty and of the di gnity of so many excellent brethren with indif- To L. R, MAOK EESEX ference ? Dare we presume to talk boastfully of such ' , Esq. fruits ? Oh , shame and indi gnity ! Such au event is Dear Sir and Brother,—The delay in my reply to calculated to arouse the callous indifference of the yours of the Sth inst. has not arisen from any want of most ignorant and careless—in fact, all but the enemies courtesy, but from a combination of causes (which of our Oreler—and to make them unite to preserve the need not be particularly defined) entirely preventing forms, at least, of Masonic government. Relief is, the devotion of time necessary for a proper considera- tion of the subjects embraced in your communication. and the Ancient and Accepted Rite " unrecognised ?" At the outset, however, £ must observe, without No; you say here is the difference. There are in wishing or intending to indulge in language tending other countries Grand Conclaves and Grand Councils, to an interruption of that friendly feeling which has but in no other country, save England, will you find a always distinguished our personal, as separate from Grand Lodge of Mark Masters. True again ; and our official, intercourse—that I claim just grounds for more fortunate for those Orders, the more unfortunate complaint of the tone and style of your letter, more for this degree. especially as it is but too evident that it was penned This, however, being the case, and all attempts to with a view to publicity. Tou justify this publicity induce the Graud Lodge of England to combine the on the ground that " your (my) proceedings have Mark Degree with its system, having failed, what been published. " Now, let me observe that no " pro- more proper or Masonic course than to provide an ceedings" of mine have been published, but merely an organisation for the protection and preservation of a account of the proceedings at the last meeting of the degree valued everywhere else, and what more natural Grand Lodge of Mark Masters, which, as the report expectation than that the authorities of other juris- of what look place at a meeting of a,public body, may dictions by whom the Degree is held to be of impor- fairly be taken and treated as public property ; whereas tance would have encouraged, assisted, and sustained your letter to me is described by yourself as written a legitimately constituted government in its praise- " not officiall y, nor by authority, but merely as a worthy attempt. Again, I do know as well as you member of the Order." On receipt of yours, with that the Grand Lodge of Mark Masters is " self- announcement of your determination to publish, I did constituted," in this we are no better and no worse not object to or in any way deprecate your purpose, than other supreme bodies which can boast of an because I would not take any step which might lead " origin ," and amongst them, I apprehend, is included you or others to fear I shrank from a public discussion the Supreme Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland. That of the question at issue, but I nevertheless reserve to this Grand Lodge is a " spurious " body, I do not myself the right of entertaining my own opinion as know as well as you, but am prepared to prove its to the propriety of the course you have thought proper constitutional and legal status against any assail- to pursue. The strong point evidently sought to be ant. maintained in your letter is the " illegality" of the Tou further complain of " my rushing into print " body on whose behalf I have written to you, and " instead of writing to you privately, asking for hardly less prominently, to evidence your condescen- explanation which in that way I would have received." sion in consenting to hold communication with that On this I simply observe that your memorandum to body, which, indeed, you say you consent to do, only Sydney was brought under my notice officiall y, sub- from the " great respect you entertain for me perso- mitted by me to our General Board officiall y, and by nally." Now the existence of your views on both them made known to Grand Lodge officially—that these matters I. have been previously acquainted with, I wrote you officiall y, and that you have acknowledged and I do not hesitate to say that your manifestation my communication officiall y, and that I do not under- of hostility to this Mark Grand Lodge somewhat stand writing to anyone privately for information diminishes the pleasure I feel at the possession of which he could only afford from official knowledge. your personal regard, while the fact of the latter con- On the serious and important subject of the issue siderably enhances the regret I have for the former. of Mark warrants for Scotland and Ireland by this But on what; do you base your ever-recurring state- Grand Lodge, I would prefer to say as little as ments as to the " spurious," " illegal," " unrecognised'' possible. No " threat " of the kind lias been made, body " styling- itself the Grand Lodge of Mark but discretionary powers have been conferred. Masters ?" Simply on your own ideas, and because Bitterly shall I regret the arrival of the day when a you will persist in ignoring precedent , disregarding lamentable want of proper understanding shall cul- analogy, and despising the teachings of historv. One minate in unconcealed animosity, and should such a would really believe that the Masonic degree worked time arrive, I. do not think this Grand Lodge will under this Grand Lodge was itself a " spurious," an prove to be the aggressor. But advocate as I am for " illegal" degree, and it may be so regarded by the peace—determined to do all in my humble power to Masonic authorities in this' country with whose hos- maintain it, even at personal sacrifice—I cannot but tility to this Grand Lodge I find fault on very different feel that a body so numerously and iufkientially com- grounds to those of my complaints against the Scottish posed as this, has to maintain its dignity, to uphold ' authorities. In this country the degree itself is its reputation , and to support its members in the unacknowledged , just as in Scotland the Grand Lodgo exercise of their constitutional functions. No more does not acknowled ge the Royal Arch degree—a bitter attacks could have been directed against us had degree, by the way, of modern ori gin as compared we asserted our right to initiate the outside world, with the M ark, and really having no connection with than those we have been subjected to in our honest ' genuine Craft Masonry. But in Scotland , the Mark efforts in the cause of legitimate Masonry. If per- degree is universall y recognised ; and by what logical sisted in, the consequences will not be chargeable or legal process you arrive at the conclusion that it upon us. is the duty of the head of the Mark degree in Scotland Remember, in all I have here written, I am only to maintain a position of antagonism to the head of expressing myself as au individual , not as one holding the Mark degree in England is to me a Masonic official position or charged with official instructions. mystery infinitel y more perplexing than those consi- In justice to myself, after the course you have dered " celestial" by Bro. Melville. Because, you say, adopted, I send copy of this letter for publication. " you are unrecognised. " This I admit I do know as Tours fraternally, Avell as you. Well, are not the Knights Templar FEEDEEICK; BINCKES. MIRROR. Craft Jlascniu TEE MASONIC ENGLISH CONSTITUTION.
*s* AH communications to be addressed to the EDITOR, at No. Id, Salisbury-street, Straael, London, W.C. METROPOLITAN. MOUNT LEBANON LODGE (NO . 73).—The regular meeting of this prosperous lodge was held on Tuesday last at thc Bridge MASONIC MEMS- House Hotel, London Brid ge. The W.M. Pro. David Rose opened the loelge. punctually at 5 p.m., aud iu consequence of Eso. W. W. B. BEACH, M.F ., Prov. G. Master of Hampshire this being the night of installation, the lod ge was well and both b members and visitors. The and t-k.e Isle of Wight, will, [It is announced , preside at tlie numerously attended, y members present were—Pros. David Hose, W.M.: F. H. Ebs- Festival of the Girls' School, to be held on the 11th May . worth, S.W. and W.M. elect ; M.A. Loewenstark , J.W. ; George A Grt.OTB Masonic Ball will lie given on Friday of tire Free, S.D. ; G. X Grace, I.G. ; X Stevens, D.C; E. Harris, P.M., Donkin Dussek S.W. ; D. J. Assize wreck, under the patronage of Lord Dunboyne, Prov. G. Treas.; J. , P.M., Sec ; A. L. , Dixon, P.M., Freelk. Walters, P.M., T. J. Sabine, P.M. The Master of Limerick, and other distinguished brethren , at the minutes of thc last lodge having been read aud confirmed , several ivew Freemasons' Hall, Limerick, iu aid of thc Masonic Charities candidates were balloteel for, anel Mr. Whittaker was initiated of the province. into Freemasonry hy the W.M. in his usual impressive manner. ' As is usual in this loelge, no other business but initiation Is eloue TFLEKS of Loelges, Janitors of Chapters, Equerries of Encamp- on installation ni gh t.' Bro. F. H. Ebsivorth , S.W. and W.M. ments, &-.C, in England, Scotland , and Ireland, are requested to elect, having been duly presented, Bro, David Rose, W.M., ably .forward their names anel addresses to the Publisher of THE and impressively iustallcel him as W.M. for the ensuing year. The Board of Installed Masters must have numbered nearly ¦F BEEKASOSS'S MAGAZINE, so that a complete Register and twenty. The brethren hoving been admitted, the W.M. was Directory may be compiled. proclaiincel anel saluted , anel then appointed his officers as fol- lows :—Hro. M. A. Loewenstark, S.W. ; G. Free, J.W. ; D. Rose, I. P.M. ; J. Donkin, P.M. Sec ; E. Han-is, P.M., Tre.is- ; G. J. Grace, S.D. ; A. L. Dussek , J.D. ; G. Loe, I.G. ; S. Harman, ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION FOR D.C.; II. Williams, W.S. The Installing Master was received AGED FREEMASONS AND THEIR WIDOWS. with a perfect ovation , after he had delivered the usual addresses, The annual festival of the above institution was held on so perfectly and beautifull y were they rendered. The lod ge being called off, the brethren aeljourncd to the hanquetting room , when Wednesday, the 2Gth inst., the R.W. Bro. Sir Daniel Gooch , over seventy brethren enjoyed the good things of this world, gable manager. After M.F., Prov. G.M. for Berks and Bucks in the chai r provided by Bro. It. Spencer, the indefati Sart, , , the usual toasts had been disposed of, the W.M. in asking the supported by the following Vice-Presidents and Stewards, most brethren to drink to the health of the retiring P.M., Bro. David Rose, presented bim in the name of the loelge with one of the of whom, were present.— most chaste and beautifull y designed P.M. jewels it has been Bro. Thomas Fenn , V.P., Prov. Assist. G. Dir of Cirs., W.M- our good fortune to have a view of. It was manufactured en- 259 (President). Bros. Rov. Charles John Martyn, G. Chap - tirely of 18 carat gold, anel hall-marked, and valued at £6 6s., and coming from the atelier of Bros. Loewenstark and Sons, no 838, 900, l'.M. 82 ; Rev. Sir John Warren Hayes, P.G. Chap., doubt they will be much gratified at bearing bow their work Dep. Prov. G.M. Barks and Bucks, P.M. -IU; William A. F. was admired by the brethren. Bro. Rose returned bis sincere Powell, S.G.D., Dep. Prov. G.M. Bristol ; Captain R. Cope. thanks for the handsome present, not for its intrinsic value, but P.G.S.B., Prov. G.W. Cheshire, P.M. 321; George P. Partitt, as a token that what he had elone bad met with the approval of his brethren. The lod ge was th en resumed, anel nothing P. Prov. GM. Somerset, Prov. G. Dir of Cirs. Wilts., W.M. further being offered for the gooel of Freemasonry, the brethren 626'; Edward Benham, P. Prov. G. W. Wilts., P. M. G31, P.M. separated , afce'r having spent a thoroughly comfortable and 1-13; Eev. Joseph Horelorn Jukes, P. Prov. G. Chap, Hei-eford- instructive evening. Amongst a large number of visitors we ¦fordshire, WM. 120 ; Rev. W. Bramwell Smith , Prov. G. Chap. noticed Bros. J. W. Avery, W.M., 1,078 ; H. Massey, P.M., 619 ; G. Roebuck, P.M.; G. Farnfield , P.M., Sec. IUI.B.I. for Aged Warwickshire, P.M. 438; William Birch , P. Prov. G.D. E. Lau., Freemasons, the W.M. of No. 45 ; Bartlett, Barnard , 700; J. J. P.M. 152 ; Wakefield Simpson , P. Prov. G. Supt. of Works Wilts West, P.M. 518 ; and others, whose names we did not gather. S.W. 626 ; J. Daniel Moore, M.I)., F.L.S., Prov. G. Supt. of ST. PAUL'S LODGE (NO.191.) —The regular meeting of this loelge Work •; W. Dan., P.M. 1051; Ferdinanelo Jackson , jun., Prov , was held at the Terminus Hotel, Cannon-street, on Tuesday, the