Skip to main content
Museum of Freemasonry

Masonic Periodicals Online

  • Explore
  • Advanced Search
  • Home
  • Explore
  • The Freemason's Chronicle
  • May 12, 1877
  • Page 6
  • REVIEW OF AN OLD PAMPHLET.
Current:

The Freemason's Chronicle, May 12, 1877: Page 6

  • Back to The Freemason's Chronicle, May 12, 1877
  • Print image
  • Articles/Ads
    Article REVIEW OF AN OLD PAMPHLET. ← Page 2 of 2
    Article REVIEW OF AN OLD PAMPHLET. Page 2 of 2
    Article CORRESPONDENCE. Page 1 of 2 →
Page 6

Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Review Of An Old Pamphlet.

worthy opponent maintained that she was partly active until between 1734 and 1750 , but the evidence furnished by him seemed insufficient , and , hence , we are still of Bro . Findel's opinion , that York went to sleep in 1730 . Assuming this to be the case , we need not feel surprised that Dr . James Anderson knew not , in 1738 , that the York Grand Lodge had been dormant about eight years , when wo see here , in 1796 ,

a similrr ignorance on the part of the author of our pamphlet . The Lodge of Antiquity , which was the Deputy Grand Lodge of York in London , referred to by tho pamphlet , was reconciled to the Grand Lodge of England in 1790 ; and the Grand Lodge of York itself finally gave np the ghost in 1792 , and yet , in 1796 , the writer of the pamphlet pitched into the poor defunct Grand Lodge of York , as if it

was still living and sinning . Next , we have an account of the Ancient Masons , to whom our author was very lenient . " To their credit be it recorded , " says he , " that they have attempted no subterfuge to delude , no imposition to entice , no pretension to superiority of information , " and gave a wish for tho speedy union of the two Grand Lodges under one head .

Our author next animadverts severely against the Rosicrucians , to whom he applies the terms impiety and stupidity , and adds : — "To tho credit of the Grand Lodge of England ( be it said ) , it permits no mummery to be practised in any of the Lodges that derive their constitution from it . " " The attention in the next place , ho continues , should bo turned

to the Knight Templars , which , by a few manoeuvres—to use a military phrase—is attaohed to Freemasonry , but with what propriety remains to bo determined . At present it will suffice to assert that it is a glaring imposition , " and the writer reserves his rod in pickle for the Templars to a subsequent pago in the pamphlet . His remarks on Harodin are not of any importance to the Craft , but the

paragraph on th Royal Arch is worth quoting at length . " That Craft Masonry is in an imperfect state as to knowledge , is an axiom which every well-informed member of the Society must accede I to ; from whence the vacuum is to be supplied , remains to be ascertained with precision . Tho lloyal Arch is named , and upon that account alone it hath been promoted by the most eminent , zealous ,

and distinguished characters in Craft Masonry , who have held for many years the highest offices in the Grand Lodge in their individual capacity , and it hath been sanctioned by the Grand Lodgo of England in a general point of view , by its recognition in their annual almanack , and with singular propriety , as that , when considered as an UNIVERSAL Lodge could not admit brethren as Eoyal Arch Masons as part thereof ,

by reason of certain characters being proscribed from tho one degree which are admissible in tho other . The protection that the one hath given to the other , arises from tho indirect and imperfect state in which the third degree concludes , as well as from certain , knowledge that the necessary information to complete the soienco in all its parts is to be attained by those who are qualified , and who

merit the admittance into the Eoyal Arch , which is the copestone of the edifice , and has ever been considered as a continuation and completion of Freemasonry . The anachronisms indulged in by the Royal Arch manufacturer , Chevalier Ramsay , and tho American Royal Arch tinker , Bro . Webb , are somewhat remarkable . The plot of tho degree is laid

during the period of the building of tho second Temple at Jerusalem , some centuries before the New Testament existed ; bnt nevertheless in the course of the ceremony of that degree in America a Chapter of the New Testament is read by tho principal officer . Now , would it not appear ridiculous if our modern artillery wero brought on the stage , and used there during tho performance of the " Siege of

Troy ? The recital of a chapter from the Gospels in a drama in which Zorubbabol figures is equally ridiculous . And so is tho introduction of the Triune dogma into the English Royal Arch ; for we all know that Jews in Zerubbabel's day believed no more in a Trinity than they believe in it to-day . Now , it seems that the phrase in the above paragraph— " could not admit as Eoyal Arch Masons * * * by

reason of certain characters being proscribed from the one degree , which aie admissible in the other , " must refer to the then exclusion of Jews from the Royal Arch on account of the sectarian dogma therein , to which Jews could not subscribe . If it does not mean this , what does it mean ? And if so , as Jews are now admitted into the Eoyal Arch , why then does not the Grand Chapter expunge that

dogma from its ritual . Surely , no one can deny the inconsistency . There was a time when all the legends were believed , and when the rituals of all the degrees were supposed to have descended from the alleged period of the commencement of the degree ; then these kind of Masonic anomalies were defended on the plea of ancient landmarks , but we know better now ; and we also know that after the It . A . degree was conferred in a London Chapter on a highly respectable

Israelite , that he not only expressed his disappointment , at what he very probably conceived to be a Jesuitical trick , but also stated , there and then , thrtt he would never again enter a Chapter ; and it seems still more strange , that while English Masons are concentrating their indignation against a Grand Lodge in Berlin , that they suffer this Masonic inconsistency in the Eoyal Arch to remain intact . It seems that the beam should bo removed at home , ere they demand its removal abroad .

The pamphlet suggests also the settlement of another question . Dr . Oliver states , somewhpre , that Bro . Dnnckerloy had mutilated the third degree , and worked that part of the third degree into the Rojal Arch . Now , this allegation always seemed to us as absurd ; for , in the first place , we all know that the Royal Arch degree was practised before Dunckerley became a Mason ; second , we have positive evidence that in 1730-1750 , & c , the third degree was communicated

essentially as it is now , and , consequently , Dunckerley could not have tampered with it ; third , had the Grand Lodge suffered Dunckerley , in 1777 or thereabouts , to make such an alteration , then it would not merely have tolerated the advertising of the night of meeting of a R . A . Chapter in its almanac , but it would there and then havo acknowledged the Chapter degree as part of its system ; and , fourth , the language of the paragraph above quoted shows , conclusively , that owing to the third degree being in an imperfect state , " upon that

Review Of An Old Pamphlet.

account alone , " tho Royal Arch " hath been promoted by the most eminent , zealous , and distinguished members of Craft Masonry . " The remainder of the pamphlet is devoted to specimens of the rituals and catechisms of the degrees enumerated on the title page , to which is added a ritual of Ladies Freemasonry . As we havo not been honoured with the illuminations of those degrees , we shall

transcribe only one specimen from tho Rosicrucian degree : — " Q . Worthy Knight , from whence came you ? A . Judea . Q . By whence have you passed ? A . Nazareth . Q . Who has conducted you ? A . Raphael . Q . Of what tribe are you ? Judah . Q . Collect the initials of these names . A . J . N . R . J . "

The author further insinuates that unique MSS . in some foreign language were purchased by English brethren , which were translated into nngrammatical English . The seller got a good price for them , but he might have got more if he had been a little sharper . These MSS . which were rituals , enabled the purchasers to organise the high degree Chapters , Commandaries , etc But , be this as it may , the pamphlet ought to be examined by those who are illumined with

moonshine . We advisedly say" moonshine , " because moonshine figures in the scenery and machinery of some of these degrees . Those , therefore , who have been thus illumined , may derive from it advantage and instruction by being enabled to judge and compare as to what it was , and what it is . As far as wo ourselves are concerned , we have given all which we deemed would be interesting to tho general reader , and shall at present say no more about it . Boston U . S ., 27 th April 1877 .

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Correspondents . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications . All Letters must bear the name and address of the Writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith .

« MAGE FUND . " \ To the Editor of THE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . 33 Golden-square , W . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —We have much pleasure in announcing that our appeal on behalf of the above fund has been so far successful as to have enabled Mr . Mace to study at Queen ' s College ,

Cambridge , for tho last six months . He has passed his preliminary examination , and will be sufficiently prepared by a few months further study to undergo his final examination prior to presenting for ordination . We feel that , having gone thus far , the brethren will not allow the

fund to lack support for so worthy an object a 3 assisting one of our Masonic Boys , who having carried off the silver medal , and Maybury prize at our school , pursued his studies at his own expense , after his day ' s work was over , in the evening olasses of King ' s College ,

London , and there , by hard work , gained the Divinity prize , several first class certificates and the Associateship of that College . We feel , therefore , justified in appealing for further subscriptions , which we hope to receive early , as the fund at present is entirely exhausted .

Yours very truly and fraternally , W . PORTLOCK DADSON , Treasurer . F . BINCKES , Sec . R . M . I , for Boys .

14 th May 1877 . THE TREDEGAR LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1625 .

To the Editor of THE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , — "Litera Scripta Manet" is informed that Bro . Barnes is not " labouring under " a misapprehension of " the circumstances " referred to , nor is our highly esteemed Bro . Terry , * inasmuch as Bro . Barnes put Bro . Terry in possession ( verbally ) " of tho facts of the case as mentioned in the report of the proceedings of

the Tredegar Lodge of Instruction in your issue of the 28 th ult . Tho Easter Star Lodge of Instruction has not ceased to exist , but only changed its patronymic , and instead of continuing to work under the authority of the Eastern Star . Lodge , it now works under that of the Tredegar Lodge . All tho members of the E . S . L . I . are members of the T . L . I . The Treasurer of the former is Treasurer of the latter ; the

books , balance of cash in the hands of the Treasurer , the furniture and other offects of the one were transferred to the other ; and I cannot see why , in justice , the proxies should bo forfeited merely because the Lodge has changed its name . Bro . L . S . M . has started the supposition that at some future time a new Lodge of Instruction

may be formed , which will work uuder the name and authority of the Eastern Star Lodge , and then a difficulty might arise about the proxies . Now , if things should turn out as surmised , and such a result is not improbable , would such newly formed Lodge be entitled to claim the funds , furniture , & c . of the Lodge that formerly bore the name ? I think not ; and if it has not that right , upon what principle

* I disclaim all intention of imputing blame to Bro . Terry for his share in this matter . Bro . T . is not the maker of the law , but only its expositor , when personally applied to b y any of the brethren upon any question relating to the Institution of which he is the Secretary .

“The Freemason's Chronicle: 1877-05-12, Page 6” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 26 June 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fcn/issues/fcn_12051877/page/6/.
  • List
  • Grid
Title Category Page
THE ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Article 1
NON-MASONS AT OUR BANQUETS. Article 2
GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND. Article 2
TREDEGAR LODGE OF INSTRUCTION, No. 1625. Article 3
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS. Article 4
REVIEW OF AN OLD PAMPHLET. Article 5
CORRESPONDENCE. Article 6
THE DRAMA. Article 7
Untitled Ad 7
Untitled Ad 8
Untitled Ad 8
Untitled Article 8
OUR WEEKLY BUDGET. Article 8
OPERA COMIQUE. Article 10
DIARY FOR THE WEEK. Article 11
NOTICES OF MEETINGS. Article 11
THE POPE AND MEDIAEVAL FREEMASONS. Article 14
Untitled Ad 15
Untitled Ad 15
Untitled Ad 15
Untitled Ad 15
Untitled Ad 15
Untitled Ad 15
Untitled Ad 15
Untitled Ad 15
Untitled Ad 15
Untitled Ad 15
Untitled Ad 15
Untitled Ad 15
Untitled Ad 15
Untitled Ad 15
Untitled Ad 15
Untitled Ad 16
Untitled Ad 16
Untitled Ad 16
Untitled Ad 16
Untitled Ad 16
Untitled Ad 16
Untitled Ad 16
Untitled Ad 16
Untitled Ad 16
Untitled Ad 16
Untitled Ad 16
Untitled Ad 16
Untitled Ad 16
Untitled Ad 16
Untitled Ad 16
Untitled Ad 16
Untitled Ad 16
Page 1

Page 1

2 Articles
Page 2

Page 2

3 Articles
Page 3

Page 3

3 Articles
Page 4

Page 4

1 Article
Page 5

Page 5

3 Articles
Page 6

Page 6

3 Articles
Page 7

Page 7

4 Articles
Page 8

Page 8

5 Articles
Page 9

Page 9

2 Articles
Page 10

Page 10

2 Articles
Page 11

Page 11

3 Articles
Page 12

Page 12

2 Articles
Page 13

Page 13

2 Articles
Page 14

Page 14

2 Articles
Page 15

Page 15

15 Articles
Page 16

Page 16

17 Articles
Page 6

Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Review Of An Old Pamphlet.

worthy opponent maintained that she was partly active until between 1734 and 1750 , but the evidence furnished by him seemed insufficient , and , hence , we are still of Bro . Findel's opinion , that York went to sleep in 1730 . Assuming this to be the case , we need not feel surprised that Dr . James Anderson knew not , in 1738 , that the York Grand Lodge had been dormant about eight years , when wo see here , in 1796 ,

a similrr ignorance on the part of the author of our pamphlet . The Lodge of Antiquity , which was the Deputy Grand Lodge of York in London , referred to by tho pamphlet , was reconciled to the Grand Lodge of England in 1790 ; and the Grand Lodge of York itself finally gave np the ghost in 1792 , and yet , in 1796 , the writer of the pamphlet pitched into the poor defunct Grand Lodge of York , as if it

was still living and sinning . Next , we have an account of the Ancient Masons , to whom our author was very lenient . " To their credit be it recorded , " says he , " that they have attempted no subterfuge to delude , no imposition to entice , no pretension to superiority of information , " and gave a wish for tho speedy union of the two Grand Lodges under one head .

Our author next animadverts severely against the Rosicrucians , to whom he applies the terms impiety and stupidity , and adds : — "To tho credit of the Grand Lodge of England ( be it said ) , it permits no mummery to be practised in any of the Lodges that derive their constitution from it . " " The attention in the next place , ho continues , should bo turned

to the Knight Templars , which , by a few manoeuvres—to use a military phrase—is attaohed to Freemasonry , but with what propriety remains to bo determined . At present it will suffice to assert that it is a glaring imposition , " and the writer reserves his rod in pickle for the Templars to a subsequent pago in the pamphlet . His remarks on Harodin are not of any importance to the Craft , but the

paragraph on th Royal Arch is worth quoting at length . " That Craft Masonry is in an imperfect state as to knowledge , is an axiom which every well-informed member of the Society must accede I to ; from whence the vacuum is to be supplied , remains to be ascertained with precision . Tho lloyal Arch is named , and upon that account alone it hath been promoted by the most eminent , zealous ,

and distinguished characters in Craft Masonry , who have held for many years the highest offices in the Grand Lodge in their individual capacity , and it hath been sanctioned by the Grand Lodgo of England in a general point of view , by its recognition in their annual almanack , and with singular propriety , as that , when considered as an UNIVERSAL Lodge could not admit brethren as Eoyal Arch Masons as part thereof ,

by reason of certain characters being proscribed from tho one degree which are admissible in tho other . The protection that the one hath given to the other , arises from tho indirect and imperfect state in which the third degree concludes , as well as from certain , knowledge that the necessary information to complete the soienco in all its parts is to be attained by those who are qualified , and who

merit the admittance into the Eoyal Arch , which is the copestone of the edifice , and has ever been considered as a continuation and completion of Freemasonry . The anachronisms indulged in by the Royal Arch manufacturer , Chevalier Ramsay , and tho American Royal Arch tinker , Bro . Webb , are somewhat remarkable . The plot of tho degree is laid

during the period of the building of tho second Temple at Jerusalem , some centuries before the New Testament existed ; bnt nevertheless in the course of the ceremony of that degree in America a Chapter of the New Testament is read by tho principal officer . Now , would it not appear ridiculous if our modern artillery wero brought on the stage , and used there during tho performance of the " Siege of

Troy ? The recital of a chapter from the Gospels in a drama in which Zorubbabol figures is equally ridiculous . And so is tho introduction of the Triune dogma into the English Royal Arch ; for we all know that Jews in Zerubbabel's day believed no more in a Trinity than they believe in it to-day . Now , it seems that the phrase in the above paragraph— " could not admit as Eoyal Arch Masons * * * by

reason of certain characters being proscribed from the one degree , which aie admissible in the other , " must refer to the then exclusion of Jews from the Royal Arch on account of the sectarian dogma therein , to which Jews could not subscribe . If it does not mean this , what does it mean ? And if so , as Jews are now admitted into the Eoyal Arch , why then does not the Grand Chapter expunge that

dogma from its ritual . Surely , no one can deny the inconsistency . There was a time when all the legends were believed , and when the rituals of all the degrees were supposed to have descended from the alleged period of the commencement of the degree ; then these kind of Masonic anomalies were defended on the plea of ancient landmarks , but we know better now ; and we also know that after the It . A . degree was conferred in a London Chapter on a highly respectable

Israelite , that he not only expressed his disappointment , at what he very probably conceived to be a Jesuitical trick , but also stated , there and then , thrtt he would never again enter a Chapter ; and it seems still more strange , that while English Masons are concentrating their indignation against a Grand Lodge in Berlin , that they suffer this Masonic inconsistency in the Eoyal Arch to remain intact . It seems that the beam should bo removed at home , ere they demand its removal abroad .

The pamphlet suggests also the settlement of another question . Dr . Oliver states , somewhpre , that Bro . Dnnckerloy had mutilated the third degree , and worked that part of the third degree into the Rojal Arch . Now , this allegation always seemed to us as absurd ; for , in the first place , we all know that the Royal Arch degree was practised before Dunckerley became a Mason ; second , we have positive evidence that in 1730-1750 , & c , the third degree was communicated

essentially as it is now , and , consequently , Dunckerley could not have tampered with it ; third , had the Grand Lodge suffered Dunckerley , in 1777 or thereabouts , to make such an alteration , then it would not merely have tolerated the advertising of the night of meeting of a R . A . Chapter in its almanac , but it would there and then havo acknowledged the Chapter degree as part of its system ; and , fourth , the language of the paragraph above quoted shows , conclusively , that owing to the third degree being in an imperfect state , " upon that

Review Of An Old Pamphlet.

account alone , " tho Royal Arch " hath been promoted by the most eminent , zealous , and distinguished members of Craft Masonry . " The remainder of the pamphlet is devoted to specimens of the rituals and catechisms of the degrees enumerated on the title page , to which is added a ritual of Ladies Freemasonry . As we havo not been honoured with the illuminations of those degrees , we shall

transcribe only one specimen from tho Rosicrucian degree : — " Q . Worthy Knight , from whence came you ? A . Judea . Q . By whence have you passed ? A . Nazareth . Q . Who has conducted you ? A . Raphael . Q . Of what tribe are you ? Judah . Q . Collect the initials of these names . A . J . N . R . J . "

The author further insinuates that unique MSS . in some foreign language were purchased by English brethren , which were translated into nngrammatical English . The seller got a good price for them , but he might have got more if he had been a little sharper . These MSS . which were rituals , enabled the purchasers to organise the high degree Chapters , Commandaries , etc But , be this as it may , the pamphlet ought to be examined by those who are illumined with

moonshine . We advisedly say" moonshine , " because moonshine figures in the scenery and machinery of some of these degrees . Those , therefore , who have been thus illumined , may derive from it advantage and instruction by being enabled to judge and compare as to what it was , and what it is . As far as wo ourselves are concerned , we have given all which we deemed would be interesting to tho general reader , and shall at present say no more about it . Boston U . S ., 27 th April 1877 .

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Correspondents . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications . All Letters must bear the name and address of the Writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith .

« MAGE FUND . " \ To the Editor of THE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . 33 Golden-square , W . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —We have much pleasure in announcing that our appeal on behalf of the above fund has been so far successful as to have enabled Mr . Mace to study at Queen ' s College ,

Cambridge , for tho last six months . He has passed his preliminary examination , and will be sufficiently prepared by a few months further study to undergo his final examination prior to presenting for ordination . We feel that , having gone thus far , the brethren will not allow the

fund to lack support for so worthy an object a 3 assisting one of our Masonic Boys , who having carried off the silver medal , and Maybury prize at our school , pursued his studies at his own expense , after his day ' s work was over , in the evening olasses of King ' s College ,

London , and there , by hard work , gained the Divinity prize , several first class certificates and the Associateship of that College . We feel , therefore , justified in appealing for further subscriptions , which we hope to receive early , as the fund at present is entirely exhausted .

Yours very truly and fraternally , W . PORTLOCK DADSON , Treasurer . F . BINCKES , Sec . R . M . I , for Boys .

14 th May 1877 . THE TREDEGAR LODGE OF INSTRUCTION , No . 1625 .

To the Editor of THE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , — "Litera Scripta Manet" is informed that Bro . Barnes is not " labouring under " a misapprehension of " the circumstances " referred to , nor is our highly esteemed Bro . Terry , * inasmuch as Bro . Barnes put Bro . Terry in possession ( verbally ) " of tho facts of the case as mentioned in the report of the proceedings of

the Tredegar Lodge of Instruction in your issue of the 28 th ult . Tho Easter Star Lodge of Instruction has not ceased to exist , but only changed its patronymic , and instead of continuing to work under the authority of the Eastern Star . Lodge , it now works under that of the Tredegar Lodge . All tho members of the E . S . L . I . are members of the T . L . I . The Treasurer of the former is Treasurer of the latter ; the

books , balance of cash in the hands of the Treasurer , the furniture and other offects of the one were transferred to the other ; and I cannot see why , in justice , the proxies should bo forfeited merely because the Lodge has changed its name . Bro . L . S . M . has started the supposition that at some future time a new Lodge of Instruction

may be formed , which will work uuder the name and authority of the Eastern Star Lodge , and then a difficulty might arise about the proxies . Now , if things should turn out as surmised , and such a result is not improbable , would such newly formed Lodge be entitled to claim the funds , furniture , & c . of the Lodge that formerly bore the name ? I think not ; and if it has not that right , upon what principle

* I disclaim all intention of imputing blame to Bro . Terry for his share in this matter . Bro . T . is not the maker of the law , but only its expositor , when personally applied to b y any of the brethren upon any question relating to the Institution of which he is the Secretary .

  • Prev page
  • 1
  • 5
  • You're on page6
  • 7
  • 16
  • Next page
  • Accredited Museum Designated Outstanding Collection
  • LIBRARY AND MUSEUM CHARITABLE TRUST OF THE UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1058497 / ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2025

  • Accessibility statement

  • Designed, developed, and maintained by King's Digital Lab

We use cookies to track usage and preferences.

Privacy & cookie policy