-
Articles/Ads
Article CHARITY FESTIVALS OUT OF LONDON. ← Page 2 of 2 Article PRIMAL ORIGIN OF FREEMASONRY. Page 1 of 2 Article PRIMAL ORIGIN OF FREEMASONRY. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Charity Festivals Out Of London.
the executive or officials of the Boys' School would have no need to worry themselves . The arrangements on the spot would be as perfect as they ever have been in years gone by , whether the Festival
hasbeen held at Brighton , at either of the London Palaces , or in the heart of the Metropolis itself . As to the journey to the North , it would simply bo reversing the general order of things ; the Stewards of the South would have to travel , instead of those of
the North , as is now the case ; but if a strict account could be kept we think it would be found that a Festival at , say Liverpool , would necessitate a smaller total mileage of journeying than one in London . We have devoted thus much of our space to this
question because we recognise that something special will have to be done in the future—we do not mean next year in particular—to keep up the present position of the Masonic Educational Institutions , to say nothing of any desire to extend them . Local funds and
associations are growing up on all sides , and if the Central Charities are to keep up their position it will be as a result of increased activity on their part . We do not say that the activity must of necessity be exercised in long journeyings , but be it remembered
it was by that course that the Institutions were raised to their present high standard , only that the past records of the Craft in this direction show the actions of one or two men only . It may be politic for the masses of the future to work on the same lines , with the hope of securing similar results .
Primal Origin Of Freemasonry.
PRIMAL ORIGIN OF FREEMASONRY .
WHATEVER may be the primal origin of Freemasonry , there was a time in the not remote past , and of which tbere exist authentic records , when there was no Grand Lodge and no Grand Master of Masons , as we understand the terms . The earliest records show fche existence of bodies of Masons , united in more or less perfect
organization—called Lodges—each independent of the other , and many authorizing , or , at all events , sanctioning , colonies of their membera in the formation of new Lodges . The esoteric teachings in these Masonic bodies ( Lodges ) , were , in all probability , the same as taught in our Lodges ; the
form and manner of teaching , manifestly , so far as present knowledge goes , not very much different . The spirit of Freemasonry pervaded all ; a belief in God our Father , in the immortality of the soul , in the brotherhood of man , and in the necessary practice of all the moral and social virtues ,
were the essentials ; ' - our duty to God , our country , our neighbour , and ourselves , " were every where and universally inculcated . These we take to be of the landmarks of the Order . If there are any others , they are in those other elements that make the Brotherhood universal , namely ( as
years ago proclaimed by our Grand Lodge ) : the means of recognition , and the tie which binds us together . That these are landmarks the , early manuscripts , called " Constitutions , " clearly show , and they do not clearly show that
there are any others . All other so-called landmarks , under the rule that landmarks , cannot be changed or violated , are legislative enactments , and which , in the usual or required form , any Grand Lodge , or convention of Masons , can add to , alter or change .
The First Grand Lodge of Freemasons that ever existed , was that created by the delegates of the four old Lodges in London , in 1717 . There may , and in all probability had been , conventions or general assemblies of Masons , when , on some feast day , the Masons assembled , the oldest master
presiding , for mutual encouragement and social intercourse . But that was all ; such assemblies had , and exercised no power other than that of advice , and the oldest master ceased to have any powers after the feasting was over and the assembly adjourned . Right here wo may add , that
there were Grand Masters appointed by the political rulers , but these were to regulate , in the interest of the State , the craftsmen , who were actual labourers at their trade , and
whatever powers these governors of tho Craft may have exercised over Freemasons , if any , is unknown . They certainly had nothing to do wifch Freemasonry as a speculative or moral institntion ,
Primal Origin Of Freemasonry.
The powers of the first Grand Lodge , then , that of Eng . land , or rather of London , formed by the delegates of the four old Lodges , are such as these delegates gave it , and as were approved by the four old Lodges , as established in the regulations then adopted , and the same remarks and
limitations applied to the office of Grand Master then , for the first time in history , known and created . It necessarily follows , that thero are , and can be no inherent powers or privileges in Grand Lodges or Grand Masters , but that all •luch powers and privileges ara the result of special grants
in Constitutions and Regulations , either expressly , or by necessary implication , from time to time , enacted by the delegates of the Masonic people , appointed and commissioned by their respective Lodges . But those four old Lodges were not the only ones in
England or the rest of the world , or even m London , in 1717 . Proof of the existence of other Lodges , even in London , has been found , and many in other parts of Eng . land , notably in and near York , in Scotland and Ireland . There is frequent mention made of brethren hailing from a
" Sts . John Lodge , " or Lodge of the " Holy Saints John . " Though the facts are sadly wanting as fco the particular features of these Saints John Lodges , enough is known to
show that suoh organizations of Freemasons existed , though under no Grand Lodge "jurisdiction , and wero recognized as regular Masons by those who were under such jurisdiction .
Shortly after 1717 Grand Lodges were formed in Scotland and Ireland , following the example of the four old Lodges of London , and another in the North of England , at York . None of the Lodges had what is known as charters , but each recognized the other as
holding by immemorial usage , and thus holding , organized their respective Grand Lodges , for the future general government of the Graft . lb is only necessary to allnde to but one other Grand Lodge , that of the " Ancients , " called " Schismatics , " by the adherents of
the Grand Lodge of 1717—as that Grand Lodge was in turn called the " Moderns , " by the newly formed Grand Lodge . This was created in London , in 1752 , and it is now pretty generally conceded was formed mostly by Masons of tbe " Saints John Lodges , " with others , made under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland .
From these five Grand Lodges have originated all recognized Lodges or bodies of Freemasons in the civilized world . What there may be of Masonry among the American Indians , the Arabs , or Chinese , wo know not , have no
definite or authentic proof , further than that among all these people , there were , and are , secret societies , but that they have any semblance to Freemasonry , other than their secrecy , is wholly unknown .
As every Freemason we can or ever have recognized traces his origin back by a regular chain of progenitors to the Lodges which formed these five Grand Lodges , they are bound by the landmarks , as we have laid them down in the foregoing , and to follow as far as may be the general
principles of the Order as appear in the Regulations and customs of those original Grand Lodges . Of those five , the Grand Lodge at York ceased to exist in the latter part of the last century , and the " Ancients " and " Moderns "
became the United Grand Lodge of England in 1813 * hence we , and all other Freemasons , may say we trace our origin to the Four Grand Lodges ( now three ) existing in the last century in the British Dominions—England ,
Scotland , and Ireland . We may , also , right here remark , that the terms " Ancient" and "Modern" were never applied to the two respective Grand Lodges , as indicative of the date of their origin , but as to the esoteric work in their respective and
Lodges . The " Ancients" claimed that they had ^ practised the ancient work , and that the " Moderns " had changed and modernized the ritual . It is believed that the latest investigations show that the claim of the " Ancients" was well founded . Ifc is certain that the
esoteric ( secret ) work in the Irish , Scotch and xorK Lodges was almost , if not quite , identical with tbat of the Ancients , and thafc that work was the fcrne ancient work ot the Order . This is confirmed by the term " Schismatics applied to the " Ancients " by the " Moderns , " based upon
the charge that they became dissatisfied with cercam changes , and seceded from the London Grand bodge-This is probably true , as to many of them , but we thinK it equally certain and susceptible of proof that the larg majority of those who formed the " Ancient" organization , as heretofore stated , were from the Lodges tinder tn
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Charity Festivals Out Of London.
the executive or officials of the Boys' School would have no need to worry themselves . The arrangements on the spot would be as perfect as they ever have been in years gone by , whether the Festival
hasbeen held at Brighton , at either of the London Palaces , or in the heart of the Metropolis itself . As to the journey to the North , it would simply bo reversing the general order of things ; the Stewards of the South would have to travel , instead of those of
the North , as is now the case ; but if a strict account could be kept we think it would be found that a Festival at , say Liverpool , would necessitate a smaller total mileage of journeying than one in London . We have devoted thus much of our space to this
question because we recognise that something special will have to be done in the future—we do not mean next year in particular—to keep up the present position of the Masonic Educational Institutions , to say nothing of any desire to extend them . Local funds and
associations are growing up on all sides , and if the Central Charities are to keep up their position it will be as a result of increased activity on their part . We do not say that the activity must of necessity be exercised in long journeyings , but be it remembered
it was by that course that the Institutions were raised to their present high standard , only that the past records of the Craft in this direction show the actions of one or two men only . It may be politic for the masses of the future to work on the same lines , with the hope of securing similar results .
Primal Origin Of Freemasonry.
PRIMAL ORIGIN OF FREEMASONRY .
WHATEVER may be the primal origin of Freemasonry , there was a time in the not remote past , and of which tbere exist authentic records , when there was no Grand Lodge and no Grand Master of Masons , as we understand the terms . The earliest records show fche existence of bodies of Masons , united in more or less perfect
organization—called Lodges—each independent of the other , and many authorizing , or , at all events , sanctioning , colonies of their membera in the formation of new Lodges . The esoteric teachings in these Masonic bodies ( Lodges ) , were , in all probability , the same as taught in our Lodges ; the
form and manner of teaching , manifestly , so far as present knowledge goes , not very much different . The spirit of Freemasonry pervaded all ; a belief in God our Father , in the immortality of the soul , in the brotherhood of man , and in the necessary practice of all the moral and social virtues ,
were the essentials ; ' - our duty to God , our country , our neighbour , and ourselves , " were every where and universally inculcated . These we take to be of the landmarks of the Order . If there are any others , they are in those other elements that make the Brotherhood universal , namely ( as
years ago proclaimed by our Grand Lodge ) : the means of recognition , and the tie which binds us together . That these are landmarks the , early manuscripts , called " Constitutions , " clearly show , and they do not clearly show that
there are any others . All other so-called landmarks , under the rule that landmarks , cannot be changed or violated , are legislative enactments , and which , in the usual or required form , any Grand Lodge , or convention of Masons , can add to , alter or change .
The First Grand Lodge of Freemasons that ever existed , was that created by the delegates of the four old Lodges in London , in 1717 . There may , and in all probability had been , conventions or general assemblies of Masons , when , on some feast day , the Masons assembled , the oldest master
presiding , for mutual encouragement and social intercourse . But that was all ; such assemblies had , and exercised no power other than that of advice , and the oldest master ceased to have any powers after the feasting was over and the assembly adjourned . Right here wo may add , that
there were Grand Masters appointed by the political rulers , but these were to regulate , in the interest of the State , the craftsmen , who were actual labourers at their trade , and
whatever powers these governors of tho Craft may have exercised over Freemasons , if any , is unknown . They certainly had nothing to do wifch Freemasonry as a speculative or moral institntion ,
Primal Origin Of Freemasonry.
The powers of the first Grand Lodge , then , that of Eng . land , or rather of London , formed by the delegates of the four old Lodges , are such as these delegates gave it , and as were approved by the four old Lodges , as established in the regulations then adopted , and the same remarks and
limitations applied to the office of Grand Master then , for the first time in history , known and created . It necessarily follows , that thero are , and can be no inherent powers or privileges in Grand Lodges or Grand Masters , but that all •luch powers and privileges ara the result of special grants
in Constitutions and Regulations , either expressly , or by necessary implication , from time to time , enacted by the delegates of the Masonic people , appointed and commissioned by their respective Lodges . But those four old Lodges were not the only ones in
England or the rest of the world , or even m London , in 1717 . Proof of the existence of other Lodges , even in London , has been found , and many in other parts of Eng . land , notably in and near York , in Scotland and Ireland . There is frequent mention made of brethren hailing from a
" Sts . John Lodge , " or Lodge of the " Holy Saints John . " Though the facts are sadly wanting as fco the particular features of these Saints John Lodges , enough is known to
show that suoh organizations of Freemasons existed , though under no Grand Lodge "jurisdiction , and wero recognized as regular Masons by those who were under such jurisdiction .
Shortly after 1717 Grand Lodges were formed in Scotland and Ireland , following the example of the four old Lodges of London , and another in the North of England , at York . None of the Lodges had what is known as charters , but each recognized the other as
holding by immemorial usage , and thus holding , organized their respective Grand Lodges , for the future general government of the Graft . lb is only necessary to allnde to but one other Grand Lodge , that of the " Ancients , " called " Schismatics , " by the adherents of
the Grand Lodge of 1717—as that Grand Lodge was in turn called the " Moderns , " by the newly formed Grand Lodge . This was created in London , in 1752 , and it is now pretty generally conceded was formed mostly by Masons of tbe " Saints John Lodges , " with others , made under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland .
From these five Grand Lodges have originated all recognized Lodges or bodies of Freemasons in the civilized world . What there may be of Masonry among the American Indians , the Arabs , or Chinese , wo know not , have no
definite or authentic proof , further than that among all these people , there were , and are , secret societies , but that they have any semblance to Freemasonry , other than their secrecy , is wholly unknown .
As every Freemason we can or ever have recognized traces his origin back by a regular chain of progenitors to the Lodges which formed these five Grand Lodges , they are bound by the landmarks , as we have laid them down in the foregoing , and to follow as far as may be the general
principles of the Order as appear in the Regulations and customs of those original Grand Lodges . Of those five , the Grand Lodge at York ceased to exist in the latter part of the last century , and the " Ancients " and " Moderns "
became the United Grand Lodge of England in 1813 * hence we , and all other Freemasons , may say we trace our origin to the Four Grand Lodges ( now three ) existing in the last century in the British Dominions—England ,
Scotland , and Ireland . We may , also , right here remark , that the terms " Ancient" and "Modern" were never applied to the two respective Grand Lodges , as indicative of the date of their origin , but as to the esoteric work in their respective and
Lodges . The " Ancients" claimed that they had ^ practised the ancient work , and that the " Moderns " had changed and modernized the ritual . It is believed that the latest investigations show that the claim of the " Ancients" was well founded . Ifc is certain that the
esoteric ( secret ) work in the Irish , Scotch and xorK Lodges was almost , if not quite , identical with tbat of the Ancients , and thafc that work was the fcrne ancient work ot the Order . This is confirmed by the term " Schismatics applied to the " Ancients " by the " Moderns , " based upon
the charge that they became dissatisfied with cercam changes , and seceded from the London Grand bodge-This is probably true , as to many of them , but we thinK it equally certain and susceptible of proof that the larg majority of those who formed the " Ancient" organization , as heretofore stated , were from the Lodges tinder tn