Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
existence of something very like our system of s ^ ecalativo Masonry . We gave as reasons for the caution we felt it incumbent on us to exercise , that while , on the ono hand , there were people who laughed to scorn the idea thnt Freemasonry conld point to a respectable antiquity , such as has been claimed for it by some of its most enthnsiastic and ablest snpporters . there wero , on tho other hand , those who bnt
too readily accepted every sign or symbol they ehancod to find on an ancient stone or monument as evidence that Freemasonry had had a home in the country whore it was erected . Hardly anv country is richer in its monumental or architectural remains than Egypt , and , as our readers aro aware , to Egypt is assigned a conspicuous place in the old Masonic legends , and also in our Lodgo work . Hero , then ,
would be a splendid field for tho exerciso cither of sound judgment or the wildest imagination . To the knowledge wo had already of these allegorical Masonic symbols , Dr . Weisse cannot bo said to havo added very largely . His work has been ono of compilation , and thongh the matter ho has brought together is , in part , most interesting , we cannot say wo feel
much better able to judge of Commander Gorringo ' s discoveries . The argument in the Preface , " that an Institution similar to Freemasonry existed in Egypt before pyramids and obelisks , because tho Masonic tools—perpendicular , square , compass , plummet , & c . —wero required to construct Egypt ' s architectural wonders , and must , therefore , havo antedated these wonders ; " and that , moreovor ,
these implements must have boon nsed in building Babel , Nineveh , and Babel ' s Tower in the valley of the Euphrates , " must bo taken for what it is worth . Neither these nor any other buildings conld have been erected without somo kind of Masonic implements , bnt that only proves the indispntablo fact that Egypt , liko other conntrios , had hor operativo masons as well as her architects , not that " an
Institution similar to Freemasonry existed in Egypt before pyramids and obelisks . " We havo moro than once explained the senso in whioh we use the word " antiqnity" in connection with Freemasonry , but , with all deference to Dr . Woisse's opinion , we must hesitate before adopting his conclusion from the data ho furnishes . Wo allow that
the statemont of opinion as to the five stones discovered at the base of this obelisk being correctly placed Masonically is interesting , but even on the supposition they aro so placed , it is not necessarily a point of any great significance , and merely proves that in the erection of monuments and buildings an architect observed certain general rules then as now .
We have said the information collected in these pages is mostly interesting . Chapter I . contains a description of the obelisk and its dimensions , together with the opinions of Past Grand Master Zola , Dr . Fanton , Mariette Pacha , and the American Consul-General in Egypt Farman . But hero again wo must begin by taking exception to some of Dr . Weisse ' s assertions . At p 27 is given tho inscription
on a certain claw in which it is recorded that in tho year eight of Augustus Ceesar , Barbaras , Prefect of Egypt , erected ( this monument ) , Pontius ^ being tho architect . Of this Dr . Weisse remarks , " Tho inscription on the crab ' s claw is of great importance , fixing as it doss the timo of the obelisk ' s erection at Alexandria , and giving the name of the architect , Pontius , who must have been a Mason . " Wo
see no objection to the former part of the statement , bnt why , wo ask , must Pontius have been a Mason because he is mentioned as tho architect ? Thero is no such sequitur in the case . And even if he were a Mason , as well as tho architect of tho obelisk , what then ? What connection does this point to between tho Freemasonry of fcheso days aud the architecture and Masonry of the days of Augustus
Crosar , when Barbaras was Prefect of Egypt and erected a certain obelisk with Pontius for his architect ? The chapters that follow , with the coloured illustrations , and the descriptions of the aprons and mystery chambers , & c ., & c , so illustrated , aro well worth reading , and may have that greater significance which many have shown themzelves inclined to attach to
them ; and the same may be said of that in which are recorded tho author ' s account of his recollections of Madame Belzoni . From this last we quote the following . Thongh it has no reference to the main subject of the book , it is one of those strange inexplicable mysteries , which we havo occasionally met with elsewhere . Dr . Weisse gives the anecdote as nearly as possible in the words of Madame Belzoni :
In 1823 I was in Paris ; I went to bed and fell asleep , but was suddenly awakened by two or three very strong knocks at the headboard of my bed . It immediately flashed upon me , that something must have happened to my husband , who was in Africa , and on his way to Timbuctoo . I saw the curtain of my bed move ; I jumped out of bed , thinking I perceived a human figure ; I felt as thongh
something were gliding by me . The moon was shining very bright ; I searched the room , walked all round the bed , and looked under it , but saw nothing . I looked at my watch , it was two o ' clock . I did not feel like going to sleep again , so I dressed myself , feeling much agitated , and suro that Belzoni was dead . I sat down , wrote the day and hour , tho circumstances under which I awoke , together with my
feelings and impressions . Several months after I received the sad news that my beloved husband had expired tho very night and hour ho had so decidedly manifested himself to me in Paris . This was bnt a confimation of what I knew . Twenty-six years have elapsed since that heart-rending event , but I recollect it as vividly as if it had occurred last night . I shall never forget it . "
We next come to a quantity of matter in which occur several lists of names of "Antediluvian Alumni , " " Postdiluvian Alumni , " Grand Masters of Masonry in England , and other worthies , together W i * . ^ ' . ' * particulars of Elensinian Mysteries , Dionysiau Architects , which , in a future edition , shonld the work be so fortunate as to need a second issue , Dr . Weisse will do well to excise mercilessly and without
benefit of clergy . It is impossible to condemn too seriously the practice which finds favour with some writers of describing all the distinguished people of all nations as Masons , if not Grand Masters of Masons . What , for instance , did the unfortunate Emperor Angustus do that he shonld be written down as a member of the Masonic Craft ? Yet because his name and thoso of the Prefect Barbaras and Architect Pontius occur in the inscription already alluded to ,
Reviews.
the ant hor gravely writes , "Hence we conclude that tho Emperor prelect , and architect , wero all of tho Craft and knew about it , which clearly proves that theoretic and operative Masonry of somo kind existed in the very beginning of our era . " And later on , " Therefore let ns henceforth honour Angustus , Barbaras , and Pontius , as high Masons of thoir epoch . Thus did Masonry flourish in tho Nile under
Rameses tho Great , hero of Kadish , about 1500 n . c , and under tho great Augustus , hero of Actinm 31 n . c . " We should prefer , if Dr . Weisse intends this for a joke , that , he should havo forbearance enongh to keep Masons outside the reach of his elephantine gambols . At p 101 , too , we aro told of Pope Boniface IV . A . D . 614 , " Wo read that this liberal Pontiff granted to tho Masonic guilds and corporations a
diploma , giving them exclusive privilogo to erect all religions buildings aud monuments , and , by the same authority , made them freo from all local , royal or municipal statutes . " Instead of tho query as to whether Boniface was a Mason or not , we should very much like to be furnished with chapter and verse for this statement . Where did Dr . Weisse read this , which is as silly as his inference that Augustus
was a Mason because his name appears in an old inscription in connection with the namo of an architect , or the assertion that tho Masonio apron is derived from the figleaves which Adam and Eve adopted in the Garden of Edon . Again , at pp 107 and 112 occur two very similar passages . At tho former wo read " After such a chain of revered names invoked from Tubalcain to Joseph and Solomon ,
ami of great men elected from Hiram Abiff to Sir Christopher Wren ;" at tho latter , " with snch a galaxy of great intellects from Tubalcain to Sir Christopher Wren and from Rameses tho Great to Washington . " Does Dr . Woisso take all Masons for nincompoops , or is he again practising some joke at our expense ? Many brethren will bo as much edified by tho chapter in which the various Egyptian obelisks remaining are described as they will be
disgusted by such passages as wo havo quoted above , and whether Dr . Weisse is a Mason or not , wo cannot help expressing our regret that he should havo introduced so much matter which is both utterly irrelevant and cannot fail to give pain to many worthy and discreet men , whose only fault is that they have been initiated into Freemasonry . Moreover , the parts we have condemned must very seriously detract from the merits of what the earliest and concluding chapters and of the compilation are worth reading .
Unity Lodge , No . 1637 . —This lodge met afc its new quarters , Bro . T . Veal ' s , " Abercorn Arms , " Gt . Stanmore , Middlesex , on Saturday , 14 th August . The Lodge was called foT two o ' clock , and shortly after was opened by the W . M . Bro . C . J . W . Davis P . M . Prov . A . G . D . Ceremonies , assisted by his Officers . The Prov . Grand Master Bro . Col . Sir Francis Bnrdett having honoured the W . M . by accepting his
invitation , a deputation of the brethren was sent to meet him , and he was received in the usual Masonic manner and saluted according to his rank . He requested Bro . Davis to retain tho gavel , and tho ordinary busincs of the Lodge was then proceeded with . Tho I . P . M . Bro . W . Stephens announced , with great regret , that Bro . Grist the S . W . was still unable to attend the Lodgo , owing to long continued
illness , and suggested to tho brethren that as this was tho annual period of election within the Lodge , that they should at the proper timo elect tho J . W . as W . M . for tho ensuing year . Bro . Larkin was then passed to the second degree , and Bro . C . Hickling of Lodge Tolorauce , No . 53 S , was unanimously elected a joining member . Tho election of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with , and
tho Lodgo , acting on the advice of Bro . Stephens , unanimously elected for its W . M . Bro . S . A . Cooper J . W ., who will prove a worthy successor to Bro . Davis . Bro . Wm . Stephens I . P . M . P . P . G . D . C . Middlesex was eleoted Treasnrer , find Bro . Middleton Tyler . A vote of thanks was ordered to bo recorded to Bro . King Hon . Sec . for representing the Lodgo at the Festival for Aged Freemasons , and also to Bros . Stephens
and Penn for alike service at the Festival for Boys . The Lodge was then closed and adjourned to refreshment , in which , according to a resolution of tho members at their last meeting , they were joined by the ladies . The usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed by the W . M ., and responded to by the following : —Bros . Cnbitt , for tho Grand Officers , S . A . Cooper for the Officers of this Lodge , Bristow for
the Ladies , Cantlo for the Visitors . The musical programme , carried out by Bros . Knight-Smith and Cantle , added in no small degree to the enjoyment of the assembled company . We must also not forget to mention the W . M . ' s " Jolly Waggoner . " After dinner the room was cleared and dancing engaged in , in a hearty manner , to music by Bro .
Knight-Smith . In addition to the Prov . G . M ., the visitors included Bros . Cantle P . M . 1257 , Knight-Smith I . P . M . 1441 , T . Cnbitt P . G . P . P . P . G . D . C . Middlesex , J . Hnrdell J . D . 1348 , Mrs ., Miss , and Mr . Davis , Mrs . Cantle , Mr . and the Misses Cooper . The company , who were favoured with very fine weather , separated at about 9 o ' clock , having enjoyed themselves in every way .
The freemason ' s P ^ cpository very trnthfully says : " an intelligent and loyal membership is tho most essential element of strength iu any socioty . The Masonic Institution need have no fear of decay or death so loug as it i 3 sustained by a devoted constituency . What we want is not so much a gain in numbers , or an increase of means , as tho deepening of a stedfast love for Masonry in the hearts of all its upholders . Snch true loyalty always gives power . "
It is a g . * eat and noble thing to excuse the failings of a friend ; to draw the veil before his defects , and to display his perfections ; to bury his weakness in silence , and to proclaim his virtues upon tho house-top .
A Fraternity of St . George was established by Act of Parliament in the reign of Edward IV ., for the defence of tho " English Pale " in Ireland , and a force of two hundred horse and foot was maintained for that service , a subsidy of poundage on all merchandise imported and exported—except hides , and the goods of France , of Dabliu , and Droghcda—bal-ig etitablbhed for their pay aud ma ' atenaace .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
existence of something very like our system of s ^ ecalativo Masonry . We gave as reasons for the caution we felt it incumbent on us to exercise , that while , on the ono hand , there were people who laughed to scorn the idea thnt Freemasonry conld point to a respectable antiquity , such as has been claimed for it by some of its most enthnsiastic and ablest snpporters . there wero , on tho other hand , those who bnt
too readily accepted every sign or symbol they ehancod to find on an ancient stone or monument as evidence that Freemasonry had had a home in the country whore it was erected . Hardly anv country is richer in its monumental or architectural remains than Egypt , and , as our readers aro aware , to Egypt is assigned a conspicuous place in the old Masonic legends , and also in our Lodgo work . Hero , then ,
would be a splendid field for tho exerciso cither of sound judgment or the wildest imagination . To the knowledge wo had already of these allegorical Masonic symbols , Dr . Weisse cannot bo said to havo added very largely . His work has been ono of compilation , and thongh the matter ho has brought together is , in part , most interesting , we cannot say wo feel
much better able to judge of Commander Gorringo ' s discoveries . The argument in the Preface , " that an Institution similar to Freemasonry existed in Egypt before pyramids and obelisks , because tho Masonic tools—perpendicular , square , compass , plummet , & c . —wero required to construct Egypt ' s architectural wonders , and must , therefore , havo antedated these wonders ; " and that , moreovor ,
these implements must have boon nsed in building Babel , Nineveh , and Babel ' s Tower in the valley of the Euphrates , " must bo taken for what it is worth . Neither these nor any other buildings conld have been erected without somo kind of Masonic implements , bnt that only proves the indispntablo fact that Egypt , liko other conntrios , had hor operativo masons as well as her architects , not that " an
Institution similar to Freemasonry existed in Egypt before pyramids and obelisks . " We havo moro than once explained the senso in whioh we use the word " antiqnity" in connection with Freemasonry , but , with all deference to Dr . Woisse's opinion , we must hesitate before adopting his conclusion from the data ho furnishes . Wo allow that
the statemont of opinion as to the five stones discovered at the base of this obelisk being correctly placed Masonically is interesting , but even on the supposition they aro so placed , it is not necessarily a point of any great significance , and merely proves that in the erection of monuments and buildings an architect observed certain general rules then as now .
We have said the information collected in these pages is mostly interesting . Chapter I . contains a description of the obelisk and its dimensions , together with the opinions of Past Grand Master Zola , Dr . Fanton , Mariette Pacha , and the American Consul-General in Egypt Farman . But hero again wo must begin by taking exception to some of Dr . Weisse ' s assertions . At p 27 is given tho inscription
on a certain claw in which it is recorded that in tho year eight of Augustus Ceesar , Barbaras , Prefect of Egypt , erected ( this monument ) , Pontius ^ being tho architect . Of this Dr . Weisse remarks , " Tho inscription on the crab ' s claw is of great importance , fixing as it doss the timo of the obelisk ' s erection at Alexandria , and giving the name of the architect , Pontius , who must have been a Mason . " Wo
see no objection to the former part of the statement , bnt why , wo ask , must Pontius have been a Mason because he is mentioned as tho architect ? Thero is no such sequitur in the case . And even if he were a Mason , as well as tho architect of tho obelisk , what then ? What connection does this point to between tho Freemasonry of fcheso days aud the architecture and Masonry of the days of Augustus
Crosar , when Barbaras was Prefect of Egypt and erected a certain obelisk with Pontius for his architect ? The chapters that follow , with the coloured illustrations , and the descriptions of the aprons and mystery chambers , & c ., & c , so illustrated , aro well worth reading , and may have that greater significance which many have shown themzelves inclined to attach to
them ; and the same may be said of that in which are recorded tho author ' s account of his recollections of Madame Belzoni . From this last we quote the following . Thongh it has no reference to the main subject of the book , it is one of those strange inexplicable mysteries , which we havo occasionally met with elsewhere . Dr . Weisse gives the anecdote as nearly as possible in the words of Madame Belzoni :
In 1823 I was in Paris ; I went to bed and fell asleep , but was suddenly awakened by two or three very strong knocks at the headboard of my bed . It immediately flashed upon me , that something must have happened to my husband , who was in Africa , and on his way to Timbuctoo . I saw the curtain of my bed move ; I jumped out of bed , thinking I perceived a human figure ; I felt as thongh
something were gliding by me . The moon was shining very bright ; I searched the room , walked all round the bed , and looked under it , but saw nothing . I looked at my watch , it was two o ' clock . I did not feel like going to sleep again , so I dressed myself , feeling much agitated , and suro that Belzoni was dead . I sat down , wrote the day and hour , tho circumstances under which I awoke , together with my
feelings and impressions . Several months after I received the sad news that my beloved husband had expired tho very night and hour ho had so decidedly manifested himself to me in Paris . This was bnt a confimation of what I knew . Twenty-six years have elapsed since that heart-rending event , but I recollect it as vividly as if it had occurred last night . I shall never forget it . "
We next come to a quantity of matter in which occur several lists of names of "Antediluvian Alumni , " " Postdiluvian Alumni , " Grand Masters of Masonry in England , and other worthies , together W i * . ^ ' . ' * particulars of Elensinian Mysteries , Dionysiau Architects , which , in a future edition , shonld the work be so fortunate as to need a second issue , Dr . Weisse will do well to excise mercilessly and without
benefit of clergy . It is impossible to condemn too seriously the practice which finds favour with some writers of describing all the distinguished people of all nations as Masons , if not Grand Masters of Masons . What , for instance , did the unfortunate Emperor Angustus do that he shonld be written down as a member of the Masonic Craft ? Yet because his name and thoso of the Prefect Barbaras and Architect Pontius occur in the inscription already alluded to ,
Reviews.
the ant hor gravely writes , "Hence we conclude that tho Emperor prelect , and architect , wero all of tho Craft and knew about it , which clearly proves that theoretic and operative Masonry of somo kind existed in the very beginning of our era . " And later on , " Therefore let ns henceforth honour Angustus , Barbaras , and Pontius , as high Masons of thoir epoch . Thus did Masonry flourish in tho Nile under
Rameses tho Great , hero of Kadish , about 1500 n . c , and under tho great Augustus , hero of Actinm 31 n . c . " We should prefer , if Dr . Weisse intends this for a joke , that , he should havo forbearance enongh to keep Masons outside the reach of his elephantine gambols . At p 101 , too , we aro told of Pope Boniface IV . A . D . 614 , " Wo read that this liberal Pontiff granted to tho Masonic guilds and corporations a
diploma , giving them exclusive privilogo to erect all religions buildings aud monuments , and , by the same authority , made them freo from all local , royal or municipal statutes . " Instead of tho query as to whether Boniface was a Mason or not , we should very much like to be furnished with chapter and verse for this statement . Where did Dr . Weisse read this , which is as silly as his inference that Augustus
was a Mason because his name appears in an old inscription in connection with the namo of an architect , or the assertion that tho Masonio apron is derived from the figleaves which Adam and Eve adopted in the Garden of Edon . Again , at pp 107 and 112 occur two very similar passages . At tho former wo read " After such a chain of revered names invoked from Tubalcain to Joseph and Solomon ,
ami of great men elected from Hiram Abiff to Sir Christopher Wren ;" at tho latter , " with snch a galaxy of great intellects from Tubalcain to Sir Christopher Wren and from Rameses tho Great to Washington . " Does Dr . Woisso take all Masons for nincompoops , or is he again practising some joke at our expense ? Many brethren will bo as much edified by tho chapter in which the various Egyptian obelisks remaining are described as they will be
disgusted by such passages as wo havo quoted above , and whether Dr . Weisse is a Mason or not , wo cannot help expressing our regret that he should havo introduced so much matter which is both utterly irrelevant and cannot fail to give pain to many worthy and discreet men , whose only fault is that they have been initiated into Freemasonry . Moreover , the parts we have condemned must very seriously detract from the merits of what the earliest and concluding chapters and of the compilation are worth reading .
Unity Lodge , No . 1637 . —This lodge met afc its new quarters , Bro . T . Veal ' s , " Abercorn Arms , " Gt . Stanmore , Middlesex , on Saturday , 14 th August . The Lodge was called foT two o ' clock , and shortly after was opened by the W . M . Bro . C . J . W . Davis P . M . Prov . A . G . D . Ceremonies , assisted by his Officers . The Prov . Grand Master Bro . Col . Sir Francis Bnrdett having honoured the W . M . by accepting his
invitation , a deputation of the brethren was sent to meet him , and he was received in the usual Masonic manner and saluted according to his rank . He requested Bro . Davis to retain tho gavel , and tho ordinary busincs of the Lodge was then proceeded with . Tho I . P . M . Bro . W . Stephens announced , with great regret , that Bro . Grist the S . W . was still unable to attend the Lodgo , owing to long continued
illness , and suggested to tho brethren that as this was tho annual period of election within the Lodge , that they should at the proper timo elect tho J . W . as W . M . for tho ensuing year . Bro . Larkin was then passed to the second degree , and Bro . C . Hickling of Lodge Tolorauce , No . 53 S , was unanimously elected a joining member . Tho election of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with , and
tho Lodgo , acting on the advice of Bro . Stephens , unanimously elected for its W . M . Bro . S . A . Cooper J . W ., who will prove a worthy successor to Bro . Davis . Bro . Wm . Stephens I . P . M . P . P . G . D . C . Middlesex was eleoted Treasnrer , find Bro . Middleton Tyler . A vote of thanks was ordered to bo recorded to Bro . King Hon . Sec . for representing the Lodgo at the Festival for Aged Freemasons , and also to Bros . Stephens
and Penn for alike service at the Festival for Boys . The Lodge was then closed and adjourned to refreshment , in which , according to a resolution of tho members at their last meeting , they were joined by the ladies . The usual Loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed by the W . M ., and responded to by the following : —Bros . Cnbitt , for tho Grand Officers , S . A . Cooper for the Officers of this Lodge , Bristow for
the Ladies , Cantlo for the Visitors . The musical programme , carried out by Bros . Knight-Smith and Cantle , added in no small degree to the enjoyment of the assembled company . We must also not forget to mention the W . M . ' s " Jolly Waggoner . " After dinner the room was cleared and dancing engaged in , in a hearty manner , to music by Bro .
Knight-Smith . In addition to the Prov . G . M ., the visitors included Bros . Cantle P . M . 1257 , Knight-Smith I . P . M . 1441 , T . Cnbitt P . G . P . P . P . G . D . C . Middlesex , J . Hnrdell J . D . 1348 , Mrs ., Miss , and Mr . Davis , Mrs . Cantle , Mr . and the Misses Cooper . The company , who were favoured with very fine weather , separated at about 9 o ' clock , having enjoyed themselves in every way .
The freemason ' s P ^ cpository very trnthfully says : " an intelligent and loyal membership is tho most essential element of strength iu any socioty . The Masonic Institution need have no fear of decay or death so loug as it i 3 sustained by a devoted constituency . What we want is not so much a gain in numbers , or an increase of means , as tho deepening of a stedfast love for Masonry in the hearts of all its upholders . Snch true loyalty always gives power . "
It is a g . * eat and noble thing to excuse the failings of a friend ; to draw the veil before his defects , and to display his perfections ; to bury his weakness in silence , and to proclaim his virtues upon tho house-top .
A Fraternity of St . George was established by Act of Parliament in the reign of Edward IV ., for the defence of tho " English Pale " in Ireland , and a force of two hundred horse and foot was maintained for that service , a subsidy of poundage on all merchandise imported and exported—except hides , and the goods of France , of Dabliu , and Droghcda—bal-ig etitablbhed for their pay aud ma ' atenaace .