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Article THE LANDMARKS OF FREEMASONRY. ← Page 2 of 3 Article THE LANDMARKS OF FREEMASONRY. Page 2 of 3 →
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The Landmarks Of Freemasonry.
8 . The prerogative of the ( 7 . 3 / . to make Masons at sight is , like the last , an undoubted Landmark . Tho function has scarcoly ever been exercised , and never within modern times . Tho last time was in 1787 , when the Prince of Walos wa 3 mado a Mason by tho Duke of Cumberland . By some writers this Landmark has been questioned , but thero can bo no doubt about its existence , and consequently of its importance .
9 . The necessity for Masons to congregate in Lodges . Tho most Ancient Charges laid it down very distinctly that the brethren should meet from time to timo in " Lodges . " In old days thero were no warranted numbered Lodges , as in these times , and a , sufficient number of Masons meeting anywhere held a Lodge and then dispersed . The modern system of Warrants is of course a necessity , and , although not an ancient Landmark , is stringently enforced for tho welfare of tho Order .
10 . The Government of a Lodge by a Master and Wardens is an ancient Landmark , and is frequently referred to in the Old Charges and Regulations . 11 . The necessity for the proper tiling of every Lodge is also a very old Landmark . In tho old MSS . mention is often mndo of tho necessity for keeping off all " cowans , " tho punishment for whom Avhen
causht listening was to make them stand under tho eave 3 until tho droppings from tho tiles running down their nocks ran into their shoos . Wo are very careful in guarding tho entrances to our modern Lodges , as tho first questions at opening and closing clearly prove . 12 . The right of every Mason to he represented in Grand Lodge by the Master and Wardens of his Lodge is a most important Landmark .
In olden times every Mason was entitled to be present at every G . L . Commnnication . Since the Craft has become so numerous that has become impossible , and now he is represented by his Master and Wardens ; but he ha 3 tho right to instruct his representatives as to any matter in which he is personally interested . 13 . The rigid of every Mason to appeal to Grand Lodge . This is a
very notable Landmark , since ifc ensures to evory brother strict justice . As I have said before , the W . M . of a Lodge is an absolute sovereign , and his decision is final , in all cases , in his Lodge . No member of a Lodge may resist or object to tho Master ' s decision ; but if any Brother considers such decision illegal or unjust , or that he himself is aggrieved by it , he has it in his power to appeal against
it to Grand Lodge , or in other words to the Grand Master , to whom , or to his representative , the W . M . is alone accountable . 14 . The right of every ilfasou to visit and sit in every regular Lodge is a great Landmark . On this subject you have often heard my oxpressed opinions . I am quite snre that amongst country Lodges in England there is not half enough visiting , and brethren are apt to
get into a selfish groove and forget that they are not a convivial club , but merely n fraction , a tiny segment , of a lingo organisation extending itself over tho whole Avorkl . The working of the ceremonies moreover is apt to deteriorate where brethren havo no opportunities of seeing tho inside of any Lodge save their own . I have met more than one brother in York Avho laboured under tho delusion that only
ono visit in tho year could legally bo paid to a strange Lodge , but this is a groat error . So long as a brother is an actnal subscribing member of any Lodge of Freemasons he may visit and sit in any othor Lodgo as often as ho pleases and nothing can deprive him of this right savo his own misconduct or ceasing to subscribe to any Lodge at all . Lodges are merely convenient divisions of the
Fraternity , and only form portions of one great whole , so that if a brother is a member of one Lodge , ho is a member of tho Avhole Masonic Body , nor does membership of any particular Lodgo really give any brother superiority over a brother of any other Lodge . On this point I feel inclined to enlarge , because I have very frequently noticed a disposition amongst some brethren to assert their superiority as
being members of an older or wealthier Lodge . Now this is a complete delnsion that could only exist in tho mind of a brother who wa 3 ignorant of the first principles of Freemasonry . In case of a Masonic procession , & c , the older Lodges have precedence of the younger , bnt this has no significance , and is merely a convenient arrangement to preserve necessary order .
15 . The examination of unknown Visitors is a Landmark which should be very strictly maintained , and unless a visitor can be properly vouched for by some known brother present , he should under no circumstances be admitted into a Lodge without strict examination and inspection of his credentials . In these days this is if possible more important than ever , when we hear of spurious Lodges
working in several parts of the country . lonngbrethren , moreover , cannot be too careful amongst strangers in replying to signs . Unless there be manifest necessity it is " bad form , " to say the least of it , to throw onfc Masonic signs , and to do so at random , and for the sake of amusement , is highly reprehensible . 16 . No Lodge can interfere in the business of another Lodge , nor give
degrees to brethren belonging to another Lodge . This is manifestly necessary to preserve that harmony which should always characterise Freemasonry . At the same time it ia always competent for a Lodge at the courteous request of another Lodge to confer a degree on a brother not a member . Wo ourselves are making a trial of this in the case of one of our brethren now in the Colonies , who we expect
will receivo his Third Degree , if he has not already dono so , at tho hands of my own mother Lodge in New Zealand . 17 . Every Freemason is amenable to the laivs and regulations of the Masonic jurisdiction in which he resides , and this although he may not be a member of any Lodge . The fact of a Mason not being a member of a Lodge does not free him , because the very circumstance of his ¦ not being affiliated is contrary to the whole spirit of Masonry , and
indeed is really a Masonic offence . If a brother lives up to the spirit of his obligations he must , if his circumstances enable him , be a subscribing member of some Lodge . 18 . The next Landmark is one of great antiquity , but is not now regarded in the same light as formerly . It is this . Tiiat a candidate for the Order shall be perfect in all hia bodily organisation . ID addition to the definition that a man must be free by birth , of mature age , sound judgment , and strict morals , it was provided that he
The Landmarks Of Freemasonry.
should bo unmutilated in any Avay . No doubt this took its rise from the Levitical Laws , and would seem to point to a Jewish origin . Ia tho days when our brethren were almost all operatives ifc is easy to soo that this was a very necessary provision , but iu tho case of speculative Masonry it is not at all apparent why such a condition should bo imposed , and therefore , ifc is omitted . The crippled man
could not , of course , work as an oporativo Mason , aud even now a man might bo so mutilated as not to bo able to make our sign 3 of re . cognition . Now , in this last case , I confess to a belief that ifc would not be right to initiate such a man . If a brother after being made becomes so disabled as to deprive him of tho power of standing to order , it is his misfortune ; but once a Mason always a Mason ; on
tho other hand , to introduce a candidate AA-IIO at the ontsofc would bo unablo to perform the elementary part of our exoteric working would hardly bo according to tho spirit of our Landmarks . 19 . A belief in the existence of a God is a most important Landmark , so important , that as you aro doubtless aware , the removal of this Landmark by tho Grand Orient of Franco has caused a breach
between Irish and French Masons , and will go far , if not replaced , to occasion an entire break rip cf the Craft in Franco . French Masonry has over been in a confused condition . In that conutry Masonic irregularities havo been more frequent and objectionable than in any other ; but all tho weaknesses and follies of tho past have been thrown into tho shado by this last mad freak . If tho
fundamental belief in a Supremo Architect bo dono away with , what guaranteo havo we left that a man will carry out his obligations ? Tho entiro system of Freemasonry may bo briefly comprehended in the saying— " Thon shalt love tho Lord thy God with all thy heart and thy neighbour as thyself . " But if wo do away with God , we do away with all our responsibilities . Every man will do what he deems
right in Lis own eyes and thero will bo an end to truo charity . For what is charity but tho great law of God ? And if thero bo no God there i 3 no charity—no right or wrong—no such thing as morality or tho reverso . Wo revert in short to—chaos . 20 . Tho next Landmark may be said to be nearly linked Avith tho last . It is the belief in a future state . If wo believe in God we must
believo in immortality . The legend of tho Ordor and all its teachings poiut to this , and , indeed , our inner consciousness assnvo 3 ns of our responsibilities and of tho certainty of a future of rewards or punishments . 21 . The Volume of the Sacred Law is the Twenty-fir 3 fc Landmark of the Order . Wo care not what book so lone : as it be the Divine Code
recognised by us . With ns it is the Law and the Prophets as derived from tho Jewish nation . In Turkish Lodges ifc 13 the Koran . In India it may bo tho Vedas ; in Persia the Book of Shaster , and so on . But the Divine Law as promulgated must bo present as part of tho furniture of every Lodge , and without it tho Lodge cannot be legally opened or worked .
22 . The Equality of Masons is ono of tho most beautiful of our Landmarks . I often think that a well-worked and harmonious Lodgo must approach in many respects to tho hig hest ideas of Utopia . Ontsido we leavj our troubles , our trials , our struggles after wealth , our olbowings with the ( wo may almost say ) hostile world , and in our closely tiled Lodgo we meet nothing but kind faces , friendly hands ,
and a mutual desire to aid and assisfc ono another . " Wo meet on tho level and part on the square , " i 3 a hacknej'ed expression , but what a depth of meaning does it convey . And do yon not think that theso pleasant re-unions , when wo meet on tho level , do much to smooth away tho acerbities of life—that we go forth once move to breast tho hill with reneAved energy and vigour , revived , if it be only
from tho knowledgo that ; wo each form one of a united band of worthy fellow-labourers , who do indeed prize honour aud virtue above the external advantages of rank aud fortune . 23 . Our Secrecy is another of onr great Landmarks , and one on which it is scarcely necessary for me to dilate . Did Freemasonry cease to bo secret it would necessarily ceaso to exist afc all . As a
secret Fraternity we have flonrished through many centuries , and as such we shall continue to flourish until time shall be no more . 24 . The Symbolic Teachings of the Order form another Landmark . The Temple of Solomon having been selected by onr ancient brethren as tho peg whereon to hang the moral lessons inculcated ; being indeed , as it were , the symbolic cradle of tho Order , it is now a Landmark , and could not bo lost sight of without the loss at the
same time of our raison d etre , and consequently of the Order itself . 25 . Tho last and twenty-fifth Landmark is thai ; which teaches that no change can be made in any of them . That it is not in the power of any man or body of men to make alterations in our Landmarks i 3 the creed which must be professed by every ruler in the Craft before he can be entrusted with the government of a Lodge . Our laws are as those of the Medes and Persians , and must be kept sacred and
intact . And now , Brethren , I have tried to give you in a brief form , what appears to be tho pith of the researches of some of tho ablest of Masonic writers , Preston , Oliver , Hughan , Findel , Fort , Mackay , Mackenzie , and others . I hope that Avhat I havo read will convey to the younger brethren something new . I am myself , comparatively
speaking , but a young Mason , nevertheless I have never forgotten that the Charges toll ns that " each day we are called upon to make some progress in Masonic knowledge . " I fear that too often little attention is paid to the intelligent side of Masonry , but I trust such a charge will never be brought against this Lodge . The realities of Masonry aro , I assure you , not to be discovered in the mere ritual of tho three degrees . The Lodgo workings are only the outer shell or
elemental part of Masonic study , and although a thorough acquaintance with them at the ontset is indispensablo to every brother who hopes to do credit to himself and to Masonry , I hope you will never make the tremendous error of imagining that a clever Masonic ritualist is uece = sarily a good Mason . An old Masonic writer of tho last century , William Hutchinson , of Barnard Castle , says : " You are well convinced that there are some amongst ns who take the shadow for the substance , who are acquainted with tho ceremonies , but catch
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Landmarks Of Freemasonry.
8 . The prerogative of the ( 7 . 3 / . to make Masons at sight is , like the last , an undoubted Landmark . Tho function has scarcoly ever been exercised , and never within modern times . Tho last time was in 1787 , when the Prince of Walos wa 3 mado a Mason by tho Duke of Cumberland . By some writers this Landmark has been questioned , but thero can bo no doubt about its existence , and consequently of its importance .
9 . The necessity for Masons to congregate in Lodges . Tho most Ancient Charges laid it down very distinctly that the brethren should meet from time to timo in " Lodges . " In old days thero were no warranted numbered Lodges , as in these times , and a , sufficient number of Masons meeting anywhere held a Lodge and then dispersed . The modern system of Warrants is of course a necessity , and , although not an ancient Landmark , is stringently enforced for tho welfare of tho Order .
10 . The Government of a Lodge by a Master and Wardens is an ancient Landmark , and is frequently referred to in the Old Charges and Regulations . 11 . The necessity for the proper tiling of every Lodge is also a very old Landmark . In tho old MSS . mention is often mndo of tho necessity for keeping off all " cowans , " tho punishment for whom Avhen
causht listening was to make them stand under tho eave 3 until tho droppings from tho tiles running down their nocks ran into their shoos . Wo are very careful in guarding tho entrances to our modern Lodges , as tho first questions at opening and closing clearly prove . 12 . The right of every Mason to he represented in Grand Lodge by the Master and Wardens of his Lodge is a most important Landmark .
In olden times every Mason was entitled to be present at every G . L . Commnnication . Since the Craft has become so numerous that has become impossible , and now he is represented by his Master and Wardens ; but he ha 3 tho right to instruct his representatives as to any matter in which he is personally interested . 13 . The rigid of every Mason to appeal to Grand Lodge . This is a
very notable Landmark , since ifc ensures to evory brother strict justice . As I have said before , the W . M . of a Lodge is an absolute sovereign , and his decision is final , in all cases , in his Lodge . No member of a Lodge may resist or object to tho Master ' s decision ; but if any Brother considers such decision illegal or unjust , or that he himself is aggrieved by it , he has it in his power to appeal against
it to Grand Lodge , or in other words to the Grand Master , to whom , or to his representative , the W . M . is alone accountable . 14 . The right of every ilfasou to visit and sit in every regular Lodge is a great Landmark . On this subject you have often heard my oxpressed opinions . I am quite snre that amongst country Lodges in England there is not half enough visiting , and brethren are apt to
get into a selfish groove and forget that they are not a convivial club , but merely n fraction , a tiny segment , of a lingo organisation extending itself over tho whole Avorkl . The working of the ceremonies moreover is apt to deteriorate where brethren havo no opportunities of seeing tho inside of any Lodge save their own . I have met more than one brother in York Avho laboured under tho delusion that only
ono visit in tho year could legally bo paid to a strange Lodge , but this is a groat error . So long as a brother is an actnal subscribing member of any Lodge of Freemasons he may visit and sit in any othor Lodgo as often as ho pleases and nothing can deprive him of this right savo his own misconduct or ceasing to subscribe to any Lodge at all . Lodges are merely convenient divisions of the
Fraternity , and only form portions of one great whole , so that if a brother is a member of one Lodge , ho is a member of tho Avhole Masonic Body , nor does membership of any particular Lodgo really give any brother superiority over a brother of any other Lodge . On this point I feel inclined to enlarge , because I have very frequently noticed a disposition amongst some brethren to assert their superiority as
being members of an older or wealthier Lodge . Now this is a complete delnsion that could only exist in tho mind of a brother who wa 3 ignorant of the first principles of Freemasonry . In case of a Masonic procession , & c , the older Lodges have precedence of the younger , bnt this has no significance , and is merely a convenient arrangement to preserve necessary order .
15 . The examination of unknown Visitors is a Landmark which should be very strictly maintained , and unless a visitor can be properly vouched for by some known brother present , he should under no circumstances be admitted into a Lodge without strict examination and inspection of his credentials . In these days this is if possible more important than ever , when we hear of spurious Lodges
working in several parts of the country . lonngbrethren , moreover , cannot be too careful amongst strangers in replying to signs . Unless there be manifest necessity it is " bad form , " to say the least of it , to throw onfc Masonic signs , and to do so at random , and for the sake of amusement , is highly reprehensible . 16 . No Lodge can interfere in the business of another Lodge , nor give
degrees to brethren belonging to another Lodge . This is manifestly necessary to preserve that harmony which should always characterise Freemasonry . At the same time it ia always competent for a Lodge at the courteous request of another Lodge to confer a degree on a brother not a member . Wo ourselves are making a trial of this in the case of one of our brethren now in the Colonies , who we expect
will receivo his Third Degree , if he has not already dono so , at tho hands of my own mother Lodge in New Zealand . 17 . Every Freemason is amenable to the laivs and regulations of the Masonic jurisdiction in which he resides , and this although he may not be a member of any Lodge . The fact of a Mason not being a member of a Lodge does not free him , because the very circumstance of his ¦ not being affiliated is contrary to the whole spirit of Masonry , and
indeed is really a Masonic offence . If a brother lives up to the spirit of his obligations he must , if his circumstances enable him , be a subscribing member of some Lodge . 18 . The next Landmark is one of great antiquity , but is not now regarded in the same light as formerly . It is this . Tiiat a candidate for the Order shall be perfect in all hia bodily organisation . ID addition to the definition that a man must be free by birth , of mature age , sound judgment , and strict morals , it was provided that he
The Landmarks Of Freemasonry.
should bo unmutilated in any Avay . No doubt this took its rise from the Levitical Laws , and would seem to point to a Jewish origin . Ia tho days when our brethren were almost all operatives ifc is easy to soo that this was a very necessary provision , but iu tho case of speculative Masonry it is not at all apparent why such a condition should bo imposed , and therefore , ifc is omitted . The crippled man
could not , of course , work as an oporativo Mason , aud even now a man might bo so mutilated as not to bo able to make our sign 3 of re . cognition . Now , in this last case , I confess to a belief that ifc would not be right to initiate such a man . If a brother after being made becomes so disabled as to deprive him of tho power of standing to order , it is his misfortune ; but once a Mason always a Mason ; on
tho other hand , to introduce a candidate AA-IIO at the ontsofc would bo unablo to perform the elementary part of our exoteric working would hardly bo according to tho spirit of our Landmarks . 19 . A belief in the existence of a God is a most important Landmark , so important , that as you aro doubtless aware , the removal of this Landmark by tho Grand Orient of Franco has caused a breach
between Irish and French Masons , and will go far , if not replaced , to occasion an entire break rip cf the Craft in Franco . French Masonry has over been in a confused condition . In that conutry Masonic irregularities havo been more frequent and objectionable than in any other ; but all tho weaknesses and follies of tho past have been thrown into tho shado by this last mad freak . If tho
fundamental belief in a Supremo Architect bo dono away with , what guaranteo havo we left that a man will carry out his obligations ? Tho entiro system of Freemasonry may bo briefly comprehended in the saying— " Thon shalt love tho Lord thy God with all thy heart and thy neighbour as thyself . " But if wo do away with God , we do away with all our responsibilities . Every man will do what he deems
right in Lis own eyes and thero will bo an end to truo charity . For what is charity but tho great law of God ? And if thero bo no God there i 3 no charity—no right or wrong—no such thing as morality or tho reverso . Wo revert in short to—chaos . 20 . Tho next Landmark may be said to be nearly linked Avith tho last . It is the belief in a future state . If wo believe in God we must
believo in immortality . The legend of tho Ordor and all its teachings poiut to this , and , indeed , our inner consciousness assnvo 3 ns of our responsibilities and of tho certainty of a future of rewards or punishments . 21 . The Volume of the Sacred Law is the Twenty-fir 3 fc Landmark of the Order . Wo care not what book so lone : as it be the Divine Code
recognised by us . With ns it is the Law and the Prophets as derived from tho Jewish nation . In Turkish Lodges ifc 13 the Koran . In India it may bo tho Vedas ; in Persia the Book of Shaster , and so on . But the Divine Law as promulgated must bo present as part of tho furniture of every Lodge , and without it tho Lodge cannot be legally opened or worked .
22 . The Equality of Masons is ono of tho most beautiful of our Landmarks . I often think that a well-worked and harmonious Lodgo must approach in many respects to tho hig hest ideas of Utopia . Ontsido we leavj our troubles , our trials , our struggles after wealth , our olbowings with the ( wo may almost say ) hostile world , and in our closely tiled Lodgo we meet nothing but kind faces , friendly hands ,
and a mutual desire to aid and assisfc ono another . " Wo meet on tho level and part on the square , " i 3 a hacknej'ed expression , but what a depth of meaning does it convey . And do yon not think that theso pleasant re-unions , when wo meet on tho level , do much to smooth away tho acerbities of life—that we go forth once move to breast tho hill with reneAved energy and vigour , revived , if it be only
from tho knowledgo that ; wo each form one of a united band of worthy fellow-labourers , who do indeed prize honour aud virtue above the external advantages of rank aud fortune . 23 . Our Secrecy is another of onr great Landmarks , and one on which it is scarcely necessary for me to dilate . Did Freemasonry cease to bo secret it would necessarily ceaso to exist afc all . As a
secret Fraternity we have flonrished through many centuries , and as such we shall continue to flourish until time shall be no more . 24 . The Symbolic Teachings of the Order form another Landmark . The Temple of Solomon having been selected by onr ancient brethren as tho peg whereon to hang the moral lessons inculcated ; being indeed , as it were , the symbolic cradle of tho Order , it is now a Landmark , and could not bo lost sight of without the loss at the
same time of our raison d etre , and consequently of the Order itself . 25 . Tho last and twenty-fifth Landmark is thai ; which teaches that no change can be made in any of them . That it is not in the power of any man or body of men to make alterations in our Landmarks i 3 the creed which must be professed by every ruler in the Craft before he can be entrusted with the government of a Lodge . Our laws are as those of the Medes and Persians , and must be kept sacred and
intact . And now , Brethren , I have tried to give you in a brief form , what appears to be tho pith of the researches of some of tho ablest of Masonic writers , Preston , Oliver , Hughan , Findel , Fort , Mackay , Mackenzie , and others . I hope that Avhat I havo read will convey to the younger brethren something new . I am myself , comparatively
speaking , but a young Mason , nevertheless I have never forgotten that the Charges toll ns that " each day we are called upon to make some progress in Masonic knowledge . " I fear that too often little attention is paid to the intelligent side of Masonry , but I trust such a charge will never be brought against this Lodge . The realities of Masonry aro , I assure you , not to be discovered in the mere ritual of tho three degrees . The Lodgo workings are only the outer shell or
elemental part of Masonic study , and although a thorough acquaintance with them at the ontset is indispensablo to every brother who hopes to do credit to himself and to Masonry , I hope you will never make the tremendous error of imagining that a clever Masonic ritualist is uece = sarily a good Mason . An old Masonic writer of tho last century , William Hutchinson , of Barnard Castle , says : " You are well convinced that there are some amongst ns who take the shadow for the substance , who are acquainted with tho ceremonies , but catch