R. W. Bro. Don Hamilton London Masonic Conference

November 9, 2013

The aspect of congresses and such meetings generally to which I attach

the greatest importance is the discussion.

That is why people assemble: to hear different opinions,

rather than to pass resolutions.

Fredrik Bajer

Don Hamilton is a Member and Past Master of Trillium Lodge No. 724 A.F. & A.M. in Guelph, Ontario. Master 1989-90, and Junior Warden (2013). Founding Member & Past Master of Royal City Daylight Lodge No. 742, Guelph, 2003. Member of Heritage Lodge No.730.

District Deputy Grand Master, Wellington District 2006

Past TPGM, Royal City Lodge of Perfection, Guelph Valley 2000; Past MWS, Guelph Chapter Rose Croix, Guelph Valley, 2004, 2012; Honourary Inspector-General 33˚, 2009.

Past Member of Committee on Lodge Resources and the Committee on Masonic Education.

2 THE ANCIENT LANDMARKS TALK

I intend to explore THE ANCIENT LANDMARKS. Often mentioned, alluded to and reverenced; but almost never described or quoted except in the most abstract terms.

Before we can get to that material, I need to define the word REGULAR, which shows up in the application of, and definition of the ancient landmarks.

In the Entered Apprentice degree a lodge is defined as being JUST, PERFECT AND REGULAR. That combination of words in this definition is unchanging, they are always presented together. Just, perfect and regular; forms a definition of a operating according to all the accepted traditions.

The first reference is of course, in the EA Obligation.

The next, is one of the questions in EX. B. P. That is, of course, Examination Before Passing.

3 Where were you made a Mason? In the body of a lodge, just, perfect, and regular. That phrase has been with us since William Preston’s time, about 1775. Before that, from say 1696, the answer to the same question was either: “In a true and perfect lodge”, or “a just and perfect lodge”. The change to our present text came about during the creation of the United Grand Lodge in England.

What makes a lodge just? In archaic usage, the word just is a reference to justice, and to the laws. No laws are more important than God’s laws, so the reference is to the Holy Book. The Sacred Law unfolded. Because it is understood to contain the dictates of an unerring Being; it must therefore be considered the standard of truth and justice.

What makes a lodge perfect? The number seven. This oblique reference is to explain the liberal arts and sciences...."three form a lodge, five hold a lodge, and seven of more make it perfect". This reference is to our interest in extending our learning beyond what is merely required for our job. A Mason is directed to explore the liberal

4 arts and sciences. The well-rounded mind is encouraged.

What makes a lodge regular? The Charter, Warrant and Constitution. These elements reflect our participation in Masonic Lodges supported by and supporting the system of Grand Lodge, Lodges, and the rules of conduct of Lodges and Grand Lodges.

If you get nothing else from this address: understand this – these three little words form the guidelines for our conduct in life; also the proper formation and operation of a Masonic Lodge and the guidance we are given to make ourselves well- rounded individuals who are educated in all the arts and sciences; and also the form and structure not only of lodges but Grand Lodges as well.

And now for the work of the address.

This talk concerns a principle first introduced in the Fellowcraft degree, and while you were then cautioned not to try to discover any of the secrets of a superior degree, this material does not constitute any part of the secrets of the Fellowcraft degree and in this setting, it is quite proper that

5 you should now and hereafter try to discover the secrets of Masonry. It is a very curious thing, but while forming the foundation of the entire craft throughout every recognized Grand Lodge in every country, these founding principles are very poorly communicated and rarely presented.

This new concept, first communicated in the Fellowcraft degree, is the contained within, and linked to the word landmark. This word is contained in the last paragraphs of the final charge.

An experienced master will guard the landmarks against encroachment. Page 168.

We might look at the secular definition of landmark.

Noun: Definition 1. An object or feature of a landscape or town that enables someone to establish their location. Synonym – milestone. This definition could be described as a prominent or well-known object in or feature of a particular landscape.

This definition presents and contributes to the definition of a landmark as having physical presence. 6

Fair enough. In the modern sense, most of us don’t live in the This definition presents and contributes to the definition of a landmark as having physical presence.

Fair enough. In the modern sense, most of us don’t live in the countryside where a landmark might be a corner-post at the boundary of our farm and the neighbors. We may not live near a mountain, or some other unchanging natural feature. It must be obvious to you that a landmark must be permanent. No point in telling your friend to find your house by looking for a light in the window. Too many variables in that one.

Interesting qualification, landmarks must be unchanging.

Definition 2. An event, discovery, or change marking an important stage or turning point in something. This definition would support the understanding that this is an important or unique decision, event, fact, discovery, etc.

This definition presents the consideration of landmarks in an intellectual sense.

7

In a physical sense then, or perhaps even in an intellectual sense, a landmark can define a boundary.

So now we think of landmarks as identifiers of a place, as guideposts for our travels and even limitations or boundaries. The traditional use of landmarks is then, to be a limitation in a physical sense. You could certainly walk beyond the landmark defining the limit of your property, but you would understand that you are not on the land that is yours. In a sporting sense, you could be out-of-bounds. Your land or your playing-field may have corner-posts.

Landmarks can be defined in an educational sense. The Romans did not have the 0 that we understand a being 1 less than 1. The concept of 0 was first understood by the Indian Brahmagupta, around 650 AD, and was further refined by Fibonacci, Descartes, Newton and Leibniz. For a time, use of the 0 in calculations was illegal. In that mathematical and liberal sense, the discovery of 0 must be a landmark.

8 Since education is primarily a cognitive exercise, there must be a cerebral component to the creation and recognition of those landmarks.

That cerebral exercise invites the creation of a list of what constitutes a landmark.

I have shown you that the word landmark appears in our rituals and thereby, the Book of the Work. The new Worshipful Master also promises in the Ceremony of Installation to abide by, and never change the ancient landmarks.

Most of the ritual found in the Book of the Work is governed by the rubrics, those little italic comments found as you read the work. There are a couple of references in the Constitution providing rules for the conduct of the work; such as the place in the work for a second candidate to be brought in if two candidates are doing the same degree together.

Generally, the Book of the Work and the Constitution are quite separate. Even more removed from the conduct of the Work, and the normal operation of lodges, is the publication - Proceedings of Grand Lodge.

9

I shall now tie them all together.

In a Masonic sense, notwithstanding the foregoing, there is no definition of what a landmark might be, nor a list of what we consider or are allowed to consider to be Masonic landmarks in the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario.

However, should you break a landmark, expect to hear about it very soon.

Landmarks are not defined in the Book of Constitution. They are referred to in The Work, and Landmarks are frequently referred to in Grand Lodge proceedings, reports, and manuals.

One might be wondering what application there is for the ideas and principles contained in the Ancient Landmarks. From the Proceedings of The Grand Lodge of Canada, we clearly see that these principles, although unspecified and undocumented; represent our most fundamental values.

The Grand Lodge Committee on Fraternal Relations receives requests for Recognition of Grand Lodges. These requests are

10 considered and recommendations made, based on three criteria. They are: 1. Legitimacy of Origin 2. Territorial Sovereignty 3. Adherence to The Ancient Landmarks The recommendation from the committee is generally accepted by Grand Lodge, and will lead to formal recognition being granted or withheld for any new Grand Lodge that has been created.

It is generally agreed that The Ancient Landmarks must have existed since time immemorial. That is like forever. In English law and its derivatives, time immemorial means the same as time out of mind, "a time before legal history and beyond legal memory." In 1275, by the first Statute of Westminster, the time of memory was limited to the reign of Richard I (Richard the Lionheart), beginning 6 July 1189, the date of the King's accession. In 1832, time immemorial was re-defined as "Time whereof the Memory of Man runneth not to the contrary."

M. W. Bro. Ray Daniels often refers to an opinion offered by R. W. Bro. Harry Carr, who went very far out on a limb, and

11 defined what landmarks are. Not to be confused with what the landmarks are, but what landmarks are and must be.

He wrote – “A landmark is that which if changed, would make a material change in ”.

Has anyone made a list of the landmarks? Oh yes, and I will start with none less than .

The Landmarks of Freemasonry, as compiled by Albert Mackey in 1858, are not universally accepted; to some they are not really landmarks at all. According to Albert Mackey, the Landmarks of Freemasonry are: 1. The modes of RECOGNITION. 2. THE DIVISION OF SYMBOLIC MASONRY INTO THREE DEGREES. Some would argue that the system of "three" degrees of Craft Freemasonry isn't a landmark. The Third Degree didn't exist at the time of the formation of the first Grand Lodge in England. 3. The Legend of the THIRD DEGREE. 4. THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FRATERNITY BY A PRESIDING OFFICER called a Grand Master.

12 5. The prerogative of the Grand Master to preside over every assembly of the craft. 6. The prerogative of the Grand Master to grant Dispensations for conferring degrees at irregular times. 7. The prerogative of the Grand Master to give dispensations for opening and holding Lodges. 8. The prerogative of the Grand Master to make masons at sight. Landmark 8 is also a controversial item in some jurisdictions. 9. The necessity of masons to congregate in lodges. 10. The government of the craft, when so congregated in a Lodge by a Master and two Wardens. 11. The necessity that every lodge, when congregated, should be duly tiled. 12. The right of every mason to be represented in all general meetings of the craft and to instruct his representatives. 13. The Right of every mason to appeal from the decision of his brethren in Lodge convened, to the Grand Lodge or General Assembly of Masons. 14. THE RIGHT OF EVERY MASON TO VISIT and sit in every regular Lodge. Landmark 14 is noteworthy since in some jurisdictions, visiting is considered a privilege.

13 15. No visitor, unknown as a Mason, can enter a Lodge without first passing an examination according to ancient usage 16. No Lodge can interfere in the business of another Lodge, nor give degrees to brethren who are members of other Lodges 17. Every freemason is Amenable to the Laws and Regulations of the Masonic jurisdiction in which he resides. 18. Qualifications of a candidate: that he shall be a man, un- mutilated, free born, and of mature age. 19. A belief in the existence of God. 20. Subsidiary to this belief in God, is the belief in a resurrection to a future life. (Reference to E.A. degree, J.W. lecture – Jacob’s Ladder – Faith, Hope, Charity. Hope in Salvation. Landmark 20, regarding resurrection, raises theological questions which some jurisdictions feel unqualified to address. 21. A "Book of the Law" shall constitute an indispensable part of the furniture of every Lodge. 22. THE EQUALITY OF ALL MASONS. 23. The secrecy of the institution.

14 24. The foundation of a Speculative Science, for purposes of religious or moral teaching. 25. These Landmarks can never be changed.

I shall now review the Ancient Landmarks as observed across Canada. The Grand Lodge of British Columbia has Mackey’s list of the Ancient Landmarks published on their website, but they also have a strong disclaimer on the same pages which points out the editor’s views of what is wrong with each of the 25 landmarks.

The Grand Lodge of Alberta seems to follow a similar view to our own, in that they clearly reference the existence of a list of 25 Ancient Landmarks, and require the recognition of those landmarks without either defining them or adopting the list to their Constitution.

The Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan has a very similar view, but it’s importance is expanded and is included on the list of Masonic Offences: Any violation of the particular injunctions of the Esoteric work or any of the landmarks of Masonry.

15 In the annals of the (1885), from their very earliest days, we find: Most of you will doubtless remember that at the last meeting of Grand Lodge notice of motion as follows was given by R. W. Bro. J. W. H. Wilson: “That the revised Constitution as submitted by the Committee on Constitution be adopted in the place and stead of the present Constitution, which is hereby repealed.” This will now have to be considered by you, and let me here express the hope that you will so legislate (ever keeping in view our ancient Landmarks) as to present to the whole Masonic world a Constitution second to none, and one which will meet the requirements of our jurisdiction for many, many years. May the G. A. O. T. U. so guide you in your deliberations in this matter that this happy result may be attained at this session of Grand Lodge.

The Grand Lodge of Quebec website article on their origin and formation as The Grand Lodge of Quebec concludes with the biblical exhortation – “Remove not the ancient landmark which thy fathers have set”. The Grand Lodge of Quebec recognizes 25 Ancient Landmarks.

16 The Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia has posted on their website the following: Principles of Masonic Law

This is from an edited paper given in 1963 at The Inter- Provincial Conference of the Senior Officers of the Four Western [Canadian] Jurisdictions. Banff, Alberta.

SOME PRINCIPLES OF THE MASONIC LAW by M.W. Bro. B. Stuart Parker, PGM Grand Lodge of Manitoba

It is axiomatic that every man is presumed to know the law. And so ignorance of Masonic law is no excuse for any of us if we make a wrong decision in this field. Knowledge of the law should help to guide us away from wrong decisions, and so as we cherish our fraternity and as we are conscious of the responsibilities of our offices, we should inform ourselves of the law of Masonry.

It is difficult to keep a subject such as this confined within due bounds. As Bro. Roscoe Pound said, "In the house of jurisprudence there are many mansions. Bro. Albert Mackey wrote in the Preface to his Principles of Masonic Law that it would make too unwieldy a volume if he were to prepare an encyclopedia of Masonic jurisprudence so he decided to present the principles only, in an "elementary treatise." He then produced a book of 355 pages. Lawrence's Masonic jurisprudence is a simple commentary on the Book of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of England and it runs to 316 pages.

First let us define a term and fix a boundary. Law is the application of a man-made system of maintaining order within a group. And jurisprudence is the theoretical study of the

17 science of law; in other words the "principles of law." This paper will serve its purpose if it adds to our understanding of the principles of Masonic law and order rather than be concerned about knowledge of the details of our rules and regulations.

Next let us place our subject in proper perspective. The principles of ethics are vitally important to Freemasons. But the law is not ethics; it does not stand on so high a level. Ethics is a study of the supreme good in an attempt to discover those rules which should be obeyed because they are good in themselves. The law is concerned only with what is convenient and acceptable at a particular time and place.

Ethics is concerned with motives and with the long range excellence of the individual character. Law has little interest in motives and is concerned more with broad rules that govern the conduct of groups of people in their day by day activities. If the standards of ethics prevailed the standards of law would be unnecessary. In marriage, so long as love prevails, there is little need of law to govern the relations between husband and wife. When love flies out the window the lawyer comes in the door.

We hear that Masonic law is either esoteric or exoteric. Esoteric law is made up of those principles of Freemasonry that are inculcated by our ceremonials. This may well be the unwritten law of the fraternity in its best sense. Exoteric law begins with the Ancient Charges and includes all of the additions and amendments made later by the Constitutions and Bylaws of sovereign Grand Lodges.

Masonic law has been divided into lex scripta and lex non- scripta written law and unwritten law. In this sense unwritten

18 law does not mean law that is never found in written form. It means law that was established by ancient usage and custom rather than by legislation. It is the law of Freemasonry prior to 1717. Written law defines the laws created by enactment after 1717.

We also hear of the division into changeable law and unchangeable law. Certain Masonic laws are beyond the power of any man or body of men to change. These are the Ancient Landmarks. All the rest of our laws are subject to change.

I would remind you that this very fine definition and explanation was written in 1963 by M.W. Bro. B. Stuart Parker, PGM Grand Lodge of Manitoba.

We are not to regard the variation and potential confusion in the diversity of the list, whatever number of landmarks there may be; but the necessity of observing the existence of The Ancient Landmarks as a foundation-stone of our institution.

Even in the most fundamental elements of our institution there is room for further study, and what I have learned, and I hope you share this viewpoint; that the Ancient Landmarks are as fundamental and important to Freemasons everywhere as English Common Law is to our laws and system of governance.

19 ADDENDUM – Mackey’s List of 25 Ancient Landmarks – October 1858

LANDMARK FIRST The modes of RECOGNITION are, of all the Landmarks, the most legitimate and unquestioned. They admit of no variation; and if ever they have suffered alteration or addition, the evil of such a violation of the ancient law has always made itself subsequently manifest. [An admission of this is to be found in the proceedings of the Masonic Congress at Paris, where a proposition was presented to render these modes of recognition once more universal - a proposition which never would have been necessary, if the integrity of this important Landmark had been rigorously preserved.]

LANDMARK SECOND THE DIVISION OF SYMBOLIC MASONRY INTO THREE DEGREES is a Landmark that has been better preserved than almost any other, although even here the mischievous spirit of innovation has left its traces, and by the disruption of its concluding portion from the Third Degree, a want of uniformity has been created in respect to the final teaching of the Master’s order, and the Royal Arch of England, Scotland, Ireland, and America, and the "high degrees" of France and Germany, are all made to differ in the mode in which they lead the neophyte to the great consummation of all symbolic masonry. In 1813, the Grand Lodge of England vindicated the ancient Landmark, by solemnly enacting that ancient craft Masonry consisted of the three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, including the ; but the disruption has never been healed, and the Landmark, although acknowledged in its integrity by all, still continues to be violated. Vindicate: obsolete - to set free, or to be set free

20 LANDMARK THIRD The Legend of the THIRD DEGREE is an important Landmark, the integrity of which has been well preserved. There is no rite of Masonry, practiced in any country or language, in which the essential elements of this legend are not taught. The lectures may vary, and indeed are constantly changing, but the legend has ever remained substantially the same; and it is necessary that it should be so, for the legend of the Temple Builder constitutes the very essence and identity of Masonry; any rite which should exclude it, or materially alter it, would at once, by that exclusion or alteration, cease to be a Masonic rite. An example of a significant variation in the legend is the inclusion of the names Jubela, Jubelo, Jubelum in the , to cite an example.

LANDMARK FOURTH THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FRATERNITY BY A PRESIDING OFFICER called a Grand Master, who is elected from the body of the craft, is a Fourth Landmark of the Order. Many persons [ignorantly] suppose that the election of the Grand Master is held in consequence of a law or regulation of the Grand Lodge. Such, however, is not the case. The office is indebted for its existence to a Landmark of the Order. Grand Masters, or persons performing the functions under a different but equivalent title,* are to be found in the records of the institution long before Grand Lodges were established; and if the present system of legislative government by Grand Lodges were to be abolished, a Grand Master would be necessary. [In fact, although there has been a period within the records of history, and indeed of very recent date, when a Grand Lodge was unknown, there never has been a time when the craft did not have their Grand Master.] Sec. 81, Book of Constitution

LANDMARK FIFTH The prerogative of the Grand Master to preside over every assembly of the craft, wheresoever and whensoever held, is a fifth Landmark. It is in consequence of this law, derived from ancient usage, and not from any special enactment, that the Grand Master assumes the chair, or as it is called in England, "the throne," at every

21 communication of the Grand Lodge; and that he is also entitled to preside at the communication of every Subordinate Lodge, where he may happen to be present. Sec. 82, Book of Constitution

LANDMARK SIXTH The prerogative of the Grand Master to grant Dispensations for conferring degrees at irregular times, is another and a very important Landmark. The statutory law of Masonry requires a month, or other determinate period, to elapse between the presentation of a petition and the election of a candidate. But the Grand Master has the power to set aside or dispense with this probation, and allow a candidate to be initiated at once. This prerogative he possessed [in common with all Masters,] before the enactment of the law requiring a probation, and as no statute can impair his prerogative, he still retains the power, although the Masters of Lodges no longer possess it.

LANDMARK SEVENTH The prerogative of the Grand Master to give dispensations for opening and holding Lodges is another Landmark. He may grant, in virtue of this, to a sufficient number of Masons, the privilege of meeting together and conferring degrees. The Lodges thus established are called "Lodges under Dispensation." [They are strictly creatures of the Grand Master, created by his authority, existing only during his will and pleasure, and liable at any moment to be dissolved at his command. They may he continued for a day, a month, or six months; but whatever be the period of their existence, they are indebted for that existence solely to the grace of the Grand Master.]

LANDMARK EIGHTH The prerogative of the Grand Master to make masons masons at sight, is a Landmark which is closely connected with the preceding one. There has been much misapprehension in relation to this Landmark, which misapprehension has sometimes led to a denial of its existence in jurisdictions where the Grand Master

22 was perhaps at the very time substantially exercising the prerogative, without the slightest remark or opposition. [It is not to be supposed that the Grand Master can retire with a profane into a private room, and there, without assistance, confer the degrees of Freemasonry upon him. No such prerogative exists, and yet many believe that this is the so much talked of right of "making Masons at sight". The real mode and the only mode of exercising the prerogative is this: The Grand Master summons to his assistance not less than six other masons, convenes a Lodge, and without any previous probation, but in sight of the candidate, confers the degrees upon him, after which he dissolves the Lodge and dismisses the brethren. Lodges thus convened for special purposes are called occasional lodges. This is the only way in which any Grand Master within the records of the institution has ever been known to "make a ". The prerogative is dependent upon that of granting dispensations to open and hold Lodges. If the Grand Master has the power of granting to any other Mason the privilege of presiding over Lodges working by his dispensation, he may assume this privilege of presiding to himself; and as no one can deny his right to revoke his dispensation granted to a number of brethren at a distance, and to dissolve the Lodge at his pleasure, it will scarcely be contended that he may not revoke his dispensation for a Lodge over which he himself has been presiding, within a day, and dissolve the Lodge as soon as the business for which he had assembled it is accomplished. The making of Masons at sight is only the conferring of the degrees by the Grand Master, at once, in an occasional Lodge, constituted by his dispensing power for the purpose, and over which he presides in person.

LANDMARK NINTH The necessity [of] |for| masons to congregate in lodges is another Landmark. It is not to be understood by this that any ancient Landmark has directed that permanent organization of subordinate Lodges which constitutes one of the features of the Masonic system as it now prevails, but the landmarks of the Order always prescribed that Masons should from time to time congregate together, for the purpose of either operative or speculative labor, and that these congregations

23 should be called Lodges. Formerly these were extemporary meetings called together for special purposes, and then dissolved, the brethren departing to meet again at other times and other places, according to the necessity of circumstances. But warrants of constitution, by-laws, permanent officers and annual arrears, are modern innovations wholly outside [of] the Landmarks, and dependent entirely on the special enactments of a comparatively recent period. Sec. 173 Book of Constitution.

LANDMARK TENTH The government of the craft, when so congregated in a Lodge by a Master and two Wardens, is also a Landmark. [To show the influence of this ancient law, it may be observed by the way, that] a congregation of Masons meeting together under any other government, as that for instance of a president and vice-president, or a chairman and subchairman, would not be recognized as a Lodge. The presence of a Master and two Wardens is as essential to the valid organization of a Lodge as a warrant of constitution is at the present day. The names, of course, vary in different languages, [the Master, for instance, being called "Venerable" in French Masonry, and the Wardens "Surveillants,"] but the officers, their number, prerogatives and duties, are everywhere identical. Sec. 217 Book of Constitution

LANDMARK ELEVENTH The necessity that every lodge, when congregated, should be duly tiled, is an important Landmark of the institution, which is never neglected. The necessity of this law arises from the esoteric character of Masonry. [As a secret institution, its portals must of course be guarded from the intrusion of the profane, and such a law must therefore always have been in force from the very beginning of the Order. It is therefore properly classed among the most ancient Landmarks. The office of Tiler is wholly independent of any special enactment of Grand or Subordinate Lodges, although these may and do prescribe for him additional duties, which vary in different jurisdictions. But, the duty of guarding the door, and keeping off cowans

24 and eavesdroppers, is an ancient one, which constitutes a Landmark [for the government]. Sec. 217 Book of Constitution

LANDMARK TWELFTH The right of every mason to be represented in all general meetings of the craft and to instruct his representatives, is a twelfth Landmark. Formerly, these general meetings, which were usually held once a year, were called "General Assemblies," and all the fraternity, even to the youngest Entered Apprentice, were permitted to be present. Now they are called "Grand Lodges," and only the Masters and Wardens of the Subordinate Lodges are summoned. But this is simply as the representatives of their members. Originally, each Mason represented himself; now he is represented by his officers. [This was a concession granted by the fraternity about 1717, and of course does not affect the integrity of the Landmark, for the principle of representation is still preserved. The concession was only made for purposes of convenience.]

LANDMARK THIRTEEN The Right of every mason to appeal from the decision of his brethren in Lodge convened, to the Grand Lodge or General Assembly of Masons, is a Landmark highly essential to the preservation of justice, and the prevention of oppression. A few modern Grand Lodges, in adopting a regulation that the decision of Subordinate Lodges, in cases of expulsion, cannot be wholly set aside upon an appeal, have violated this unquestioned Landmark, as well as the principles of just government. {Sec. 28 Book of Constitution}

LANDMARK FOURTEENTH THE RIGHT OF EVERY MASON TO VISIT and sit in every regular Lodge is an unquestionable Landmark of the Order. This is called "the right of visitation." This right of visitation has always been recognized as an inherent right, which inures to every Mason as he travels through the world. And this is because

25 Lodges are justly considered as only divisions for convenience of the universal Masonic family. This right may, of course be impaired or forfeited on special occasions by various circumstances; but when admission is refused to a Mason in good standing, who knocks at the door of a Lodge as a visitor, it is to be expected that some good and sufficient reason shall be furnished for this violation, of what is in general a Masonic right, founded on the Landmarks of the Order.

LANDMARK FIFTEENTH It is a Landmark of the Order, that no visitor, unknown to the brethren present, or to some one of them as a Mason, can enter a Lodge without first passing an examination according to ancient usage. Of course, if the visitor is known to any brother present to be a Mason in good standing, and if that brother will vouch for his qualifications, the examination may be dispensed with, as the Landmark refers only to the cases of strangers, who are not to be recognized unless after strict trial, due examination, or lawful information. Sec. 15 Book of Constitution

LANDMARK SIXTEENTH No Lodge can interfere in the business of another Lodge, nor give degrees to brethren who are members of other Lodges. This is undoubtedly an ancient Landmark, founded on the great principles of courtesy and fraternal kindness, which are at the very foundation of our institution. It has been repeatedly recognized by subsequent statutory enactments of all Grand Lodges.

LANDMARK SEVENTEENTH It is a Landmark that every freemason is Amenable to the Laws and Regulations of the Masonic jurisdiction in which he resides, and this although he may not be a member of any Lodge. Non-affiliation, which is, in fact in itself a Masonic offense, does not exempt a Mason from Masonic Jurisdiction. Sec. 4, Book of Constitution, also Sec. 67. *** reference to Ancient Landmarks.

26 LANDMARK EIGHTEENTH Certain qualifications of candidates for initiation are derived from a Landmark of the Order. These qualifications are that he shall be a man, shall be unmultilated, free born, and of mature age. That is to say, a woman, a cripple, or a slave, or one born in slavery, is disqualified for initiation into the rites of Masonry. Statutes, it is true, have from time to time been enacted, enforcing or explaining these principles; but the qualifications really arise from the very nature of the Masonic institution, and from its symbolic teachings, and have always existed as landmarks.

LANDMARK NINETEENTH A belief in the existence of God as the GRAND ARCHITECT of the universe, is one of the most important Landmarks of the Order. It has been always deemed essential that a denial of the existence of a Supreme and Superintending Power, is an absolute disqualification for initiation. The annals of the Order never yet have furnished or could furnish an instance in which an avowed atheist was ever made a Mason. The very Initiatory ceremonies of the first degree forbid and prevent the possibility of so monstrous an occurrence.

LANDMARK TWENTIETH Subsidiary to this belief in God, as a Landmark of the Order, is the belief in a resurrection to a future life. This Landmark is not so positively impressed on the candidate by exact words as the preceding; but the doctrine is taught by very plain implication, and runs through the whole symbolism of the Order. To believe in Masonry, and not to believe in a resurrection, would be an absurd anomaly, which could only be excused by the reflection, that he who thus confounded his belief and his skepticism, was so ignorant of the meaning of both theories as to have no rational foundation for his knowledge of either.

27 LANDMARK TWENTY-FIRST It is a Landmark, that a "Book of the Law" shall constitute an indispensable part of the furniture of every Lodge. I say advisedly, a Book of the Law, because it is not absolutely required that everywhere the Old and New Testaments shall be used. The "Book of the Law" is that volume which, by the religion of the country, is believed to contain the revealed will of the Grand Architect of the universe. Hence, in all Lodges in Christian countries, the Book of the Law is composed of the Old and New Testaments; in a country where Judaism was the prevailing faith, the Old Testament alone would be sufficient; and in Mohammedan countries, and among Mohammedan Masons the Koran might be substituted. Masonry does not attempt to interfere with the peculiar religious faith of its disciples, except so far as relates to the belief in the existence of God, and what necessarily results from that belief. The Book of the Law is to the speculative Mason his spiritual Trestle-board; without this he cannot labor; whatever he believes to be the revealed will of the Grand Architect constitutes for him this spiritual Trestle|- |board, and must ever be before him in his hours of speculative labor, to be the rule and guide of his conduct The Landmark, therefore, requires that a |"|Book of the Law,|"| a religious code of some kind, purporting to be an exemplar of the revealed will of God, shall form in essential part of the furniture of every Lodge.

LANDMARK TWENTY-SECOND THE EQUALITY OF ALL MASONS is another Landmark of the Order. This equality has no reference to any subversion of those gradations of rank which have been instituted by the usages of society. The monarch, the nobleman or the gentleman is entitled to all the influence, and receives all the respect which rightly belong to his exalted position. But the doctrine of Masonic equality implies that, as children of one great Father, we meet in the Lodge upon the level-that on that level we are all traveling to one predestined goal, that in the Lodge genuine merit shall receive more respect than boundless wealth, and that virtue and knowledge alone should be the basis of all Masonic honors, and be rewarded with preferment. When the labors of the Lodge are over, and the brethren have retired

28 from their peaceful retreat, to mingle once more with the world, each will then again resume that social position, and exercise the privileges of that rank, to which the customs of society entitle him.

LANDMARK TWENTY-THIRD The secrecy of the institution is another and a most important Landmark. [There is some difficulty in precisely defining what is meant by a "secret society," If the term refers, as perhaps in strictly logical language it should, to those associations whose designs are concealed from the public eye, and whose members are unknowing which produce their results in darkness, and whose operations are carefully hidden from the public gaze - a definition which will be appropriate to many political clubs and revolutionary combinations in despotic countries, where reform, if it is at all to be effected, must be effected by stealth - then clearly Freemasonry is not a secret society. Its design is not only publicly proclaimed, but is vaunted by its disciples as something to be venerated; its disciples are known, for its membership is considered an honor to be coveted; it works for a result of which it boasts, the civilization, and reformation of his manners. But if by a Secret society is meant, and this is the most popular understanding of the term, a society in which there is a certain amount of knowledge, whether it be of methods of recognition, or of legendary and traditional learning, which is imparted to those only who have passed through an established form of initiation, the form itself being also concealed or esoteric, then in this sense is Freemasonry undoubtedly a secret society. Now this form of secrecy is a form inherent in it, existing with it from its very foundation, and secured to it by its ancient Landmarks.] The form of secrecy is a form inherent in it, existing with it from its very foundation, and secured to it by its ancient landmarks. If divested of its secret character, it would lose its identity, and would cease to be Freemasonry. Whatever objections may, therefore, be made to the institution, on account of its secrecy, and however much some unskillful brethren have been willing in times of trial, for the sake of expediency, to divest it of its secret character, it will be ever impossible to do so, even were the Landmark not standing before us as an insurmountable obstacle; because such change of its character

29 would be social suicide, and the death of the Order would follow its legalized exposure. Freemasonry, as a secret association, has lived unchanged for centuries; as an open society it would not last for as many years.

LANDMARK TWENTY-FOURTH The foundation of a Speculative Science upon an Operative Art, and the symbolic use and explanation of the terms of that art, for purposes of religious or moral teaching, constitute another Landmark of the Order. The Temple of Solomon was the symbolic cradle of the institution, and, therefore, the reference to the operative Masonry, which constructed that magnificent edifice, to the materials and implements which were employed in its construction, and to the artists who were engaged in the building, are all component and essential parts of the body of Freemasonry, which could not be subtracted from it without an entire destruction of the whole identity of the Order. Hence, all the comparatively modern rites of Masonry, however they may differ in other respects, religiously preserve this temple history and these operative elements, as the substratum of all their modifications of the Masonic system.

LANDMARK TWENTY-FIFTH The last and crowning Landmark of all is, that these Landmarks can never be changed. Nothing can be subtracted from them-nothing can be added to them-not the slightest modification can be made in them. As they were received from our predecessors, we are bound by the most solemn obligations of duty to transmit them to our successors. Not one jot or one tittle of these unwritten laws can be repealed; for in respect to them, we are not only willing but compelled to adopt the language of the sturdy old barons of England - "Nolumus leges mutari." Let the laws abide. These Landmarks, compiled by Albert G. Mackey, first appeared in the October 1858 edition of American Quarterly Review of Freemasonry, (vol. ii., p. 230.) and were incorporated into his A Text Book of Masonic Jurisprudence. [Robt Macoy, New York: 1859].

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