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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 →
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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 .
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 .