Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
SCOTLAND .
WE had prepared an article on the general state of the order in this country , which we shall postpone until after next St . Andrew ' s-day , by which time there will probably be demonstrated—at least , we most sincerely hope there will—some approach to a bestirring activity . It is evident that an examination into the resources , mental as well as physical , of the order are needed . In what does the controlling power of Scottish Masonry consist ? Where are its funds to aid in the cause of charity ?
Why does not the master-mind call the workmen to labour ? There are spirits at work to explore the hidden mysteries of Palestine—would they would boldly commence the goodly work of re-animating the Grand Lodge in its essentials;—and that object effected , they would find many willing to aid them in their fondly cherished object . GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND . —Charters of erection have been recently granted to the Australasian Kilwinning Lod in Australia Felixthe
ge , , Royal Isle of Man Lodge , Isle of Man , and the St . Mary ' s Caledonia Operative Lodge , in Inverness . KNIGHTS TEMPLARS OF SCOTLAND—July 26- —The Edinburgh Priory held a Chapter , at which two novices were received into the Order . As usual , the aspirants were put to the test , and gave proofs of their faith and fortitude .
Ordeals are not unknown , it may be remarked , even in Masonry , and are in accordance with ancient use and practice among the Templars , if we may believe the testimony of a witness when the order was persecuted in England . A certain Brother Chaplain ( John de Stoke ) being in fear of the inquisitors , then avowed— " that a year and fifteen days after his reception , being at the Preceptory of Garwy , in the diocese of Hereford , he was called into the chamber of Brother James de Molay , the Grand Master of the Order ; whoin presence of two other
Tem-, plars , of foreign extraction , informed him that he wished to make proof of his obedience , and commanded him to take a seat at the foot of the couch , and he did so . The Grand Master then sent into the church for the crucifix ; and two serving Brothers , with naked swords in their hands , stationed themselves on either side of the doorway . As soon as the crucifix ; made its appearance , the Grand Master , pointing to the figure of our Saviour nailed thereonasked the deponent whose image
, it was ; and he answered , ' The image of Jesus Christ , who suffered on the cross for the redemption of mankind , ' but the Grancl Master exclaimed , ' Thou sayest wrong , and art much mistaken ! for he was the son of a certain woman , and was crucified because he called himself the Son of God ; and I myself have been in the place where he was born and crucified , and thou must now deny him , whom this image represents . ' The deponent cried , ' Far be it from me to deny my
Saviour ! ' but the Grand Master told him he must do it , or he would be put into a sack , and be carried to a place which he would find by no means agreeable , and that there were swords in the room , and Brethren ready to draw them , & c . And the deponent asked if such was the custom in the order , and if all the Brethren did the same ; and being answered in the affirmative , he—through fear of immediate death—¦ denied Christ with his tongue , but not with his lips . " ( Vide Wilkin ' s Concil . Mag . Brit . )
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Scotland.
SCOTLAND .
WE had prepared an article on the general state of the order in this country , which we shall postpone until after next St . Andrew ' s-day , by which time there will probably be demonstrated—at least , we most sincerely hope there will—some approach to a bestirring activity . It is evident that an examination into the resources , mental as well as physical , of the order are needed . In what does the controlling power of Scottish Masonry consist ? Where are its funds to aid in the cause of charity ?
Why does not the master-mind call the workmen to labour ? There are spirits at work to explore the hidden mysteries of Palestine—would they would boldly commence the goodly work of re-animating the Grand Lodge in its essentials;—and that object effected , they would find many willing to aid them in their fondly cherished object . GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND . —Charters of erection have been recently granted to the Australasian Kilwinning Lod in Australia Felixthe
ge , , Royal Isle of Man Lodge , Isle of Man , and the St . Mary ' s Caledonia Operative Lodge , in Inverness . KNIGHTS TEMPLARS OF SCOTLAND—July 26- —The Edinburgh Priory held a Chapter , at which two novices were received into the Order . As usual , the aspirants were put to the test , and gave proofs of their faith and fortitude .
Ordeals are not unknown , it may be remarked , even in Masonry , and are in accordance with ancient use and practice among the Templars , if we may believe the testimony of a witness when the order was persecuted in England . A certain Brother Chaplain ( John de Stoke ) being in fear of the inquisitors , then avowed— " that a year and fifteen days after his reception , being at the Preceptory of Garwy , in the diocese of Hereford , he was called into the chamber of Brother James de Molay , the Grand Master of the Order ; whoin presence of two other
Tem-, plars , of foreign extraction , informed him that he wished to make proof of his obedience , and commanded him to take a seat at the foot of the couch , and he did so . The Grand Master then sent into the church for the crucifix ; and two serving Brothers , with naked swords in their hands , stationed themselves on either side of the doorway . As soon as the crucifix ; made its appearance , the Grand Master , pointing to the figure of our Saviour nailed thereonasked the deponent whose image
, it was ; and he answered , ' The image of Jesus Christ , who suffered on the cross for the redemption of mankind , ' but the Grancl Master exclaimed , ' Thou sayest wrong , and art much mistaken ! for he was the son of a certain woman , and was crucified because he called himself the Son of God ; and I myself have been in the place where he was born and crucified , and thou must now deny him , whom this image represents . ' The deponent cried , ' Far be it from me to deny my
Saviour ! ' but the Grand Master told him he must do it , or he would be put into a sack , and be carried to a place which he would find by no means agreeable , and that there were swords in the room , and Brethren ready to draw them , & c . And the deponent asked if such was the custom in the order , and if all the Brethren did the same ; and being answered in the affirmative , he—through fear of immediate death—¦ denied Christ with his tongue , but not with his lips . " ( Vide Wilkin ' s Concil . Mag . Brit . )