Masonie Antrquities, Records, And Bibliography.

Masonie Antrquities , Records , and Bibliography .

—?—SPECIMENS FROM A MASONIC QUARRY . By AVM . JAMES HUGHAN , P . M ., No . 131 TKCKO , SPECIMEN NO . 1 . —OPERATIVE MASONIC LODGES .

ST . JOHN'S , BANFF , SCOTLAND . Continued from No . 6 . In summarizing the Records of Banff , wc may state that before the new ritual of Freemasonry , founded by Bros . Desaguliers and Anderson had been promulgated , the Masons of Banff appear to have practised a simple

rite of one degree . Craftsmen being those who served their time as Apprentices , Master Masons meaning such brethren who were able to employ a number of the Craft to work in any locality . There were thus four classes , consisting of Apprentices , Craftsmen , Master Masons , and aristocratic Patrons . So far as

we know , the minutes of other lodges of same date or earlier where precise l y of the same nature . At Banff no mention ofthe Royal Arch occurs until A . D . 17 ( 51 , and the laws for thatdegreehavebecnprinted in the number of THE FiiEE . iiASO ** for March 20 th , enacted on St . John ' s Day , A . D . 17 G 5 .

AVe have thus transcribed and made known the earliest by-laws ofthe Royal Arch yet published . There does not seem to have been any restriction in these rules , as to Masons " passing the chair " before exaltation A . D . 17 G 5 . The degrees of Mark Mason , and Mark Master . Mason , worn worked as early as A . I > . 1778 ,

but the Templar and Alalia degrees are nowhere recorded before A . D . 1790 . The " Suph . Excellent , " however , was known some time before that date . "The St . James Lodge , " MeDuff , received the degrees of R . A ., K . T ., and M , from the St . John ' s Lodge , Banff , November 1794 . " St . Stephen ' s , " Portsey , was formed

from the latter lodge , A . D . 17 , 05 , and obtained tho high degrees for one pound . The " Fraserburgh , " erected by St . John ' s , A . . 1796 , received a similar distinction for double the sum , and individual brethren seem to have been exalted for the fee of half-a-crown , and " dubbed'' Knight Templar , and Knight of "Malta

for the large sum of twelve pence ! ! and if their means were not such as to warrant so great an outlay , they were either admitted for a smaller amount , or received gratuitously . As we believe the only way to know in what ancient Masonry really consisted is to examine and study the

constitutions and records ot the Craft anterior to revival of Freemasonry , A . D . 1717 , we have been at some little trouble to present some excerpts from the Minute Books ofthe lodges at Banff , before and since the revival . We think so far as regards their nature as operative records , there will not be notieedanydeviation

from the ordinary character of the Craft . All purely operativefraternitiesofCraftsmen preceding thelasteentury , wherever located , evidently were formed on a very simple basis , and supported mainly , in some cases exclusively , to preserve the secrets of the science and art of Masonry . Hence , Freemasonry of the eighteenth

century was built upon the exclusive foundation of an association of builders , which , though once a necessity , had become well-nigh extinct in the first decade cf the eighteenth century . Gentlemen were admitted members of the operative body long before 1717 , as thc records testify . ( Notwithstanding , it is declared

by several distinguished Masons that at the first meeting of the revived society the members decided " that the privileges of Masonry should not ho limited to architects and operative masons" Bro . Lyon , and other well-informed writers of late , have shown the error of such a statement . ) Still , the real aim of the

fraternity was a selfish one , nnd quite justified by the usages of the trades i ' or centuries , lt must be remembered that the Masons were not the onl y society that professed to have mysteries or secrets . All had them , and the members were termed Craftsmen , whether they were called Masons or not . " Deakons "

were also appointed for the various Crafts . We find that as early as March 12 th , 1424 ( during the reign of James I ., of Scotland ) , it was provided that , " like Craft suld have ane Deaken , " so that there is no evidence to lead us to suppose thc Masons of those days possessed more " secrets" than the other trades . The

only thing was , that Operative Masonry presented more features that were susceptible of symbolism than any other Craft j and hence it gradually acquired a superiority that caused it finally to be adopted by the world as the chief of all trade organizations , and , subsequently , a few members of " drooping lodges , " in

London , determined to still preserve its proud distinction by altering " landmarks , " so as to make it purely " a system of morality veiled in allegory , and illustrated by symbols . " In this century Freemasonry has multiplied so rapidly over the globe , and has be

come so vast an institution , that its history cannot be written , or its extent known . AVe cannot better conclude the first specimen from our "Masonic Quarry , " than by quoting the grand conclusion to thc article entitled " Lessons of Prosperity , " in THE FKEEMASON ( NO . 7 ) : " Sustained by

Masonie Antrquities, Records, And Bibliography.

the allegiance of true men , symbolised by deeds of benevolence and affection , and robed in the imperishable vestments of truth , Freemasonry shall yet acquire greater renown , and wider empire over the hearts of men ; standing forth to all ages as a teacher of faith in thc Great Architect of the Universe , of hope in immortal salvation , and of charity towards all mankind . " ( To be continued . )

Multum In Parbo, Or Masonic Notes And Queries.

Multum in Parbo , or Masonic Notes and Queries .

The ancient Druids had a most profound veneration for oak-trees , and the Gauls are said to have worshipped Jupiter , under the figure of a lofty oak :

" The sacred oaks , "Whose awful shades among thc Druids strayed To cut the hallowed mistletoe , and hold High converse with their gods . " Sir Humphrey Davy The oak is an appropriate emblem of strength . COSMOS .

Joppa . —According to Pliny , it was at Joppa in Judea that Andromeda was tied on a rock , to be exposed to the sea-monster . And in St . Jerome ' s time , namely , about the year 400 , were still shewn marks of the chain by which she was said to have

been fastened . Joppa is frequently mentioned in the scriptures , particularly in 2 Chronicles , ii ., 16 ; Acts ix ., 36 , oS , x ., 5 . It is now called Jaffa , and is celebrated as the scene of a fearful slaughter of prisoners by the French in 1799 . —COSMOS .

Triangulum . —There are two constellations known by the name of triangle—one iu the Northern hemisphere called Triangulum Cuilesti , the other in the Southern hemisphere denominated Triangulum Australis . This figure is used in various Masonic degrees with different . significations ANTIQUAIUUS .

The Ancient and Accepted Rite . —I must object to Brother Yarker passing over my remarks with scarcely a notice . If the readers of THE FREEMASON will examine the friendly correspondence between us , they will see of what I complain . I have tried to answer all Bro . Yarker ' s objections to my views ,

but although he has written much in his notes ol interest to Masons generally I do not cousider it has been in reply to my arguments : e . g ., { a ) The Baklwvn Encampment ' s claim to antiquity , which I disputed , he does not clear up at all , but merely states what the members say of it . ( 4 ) The Bel gian

Craft Constitution of 1722 , said to refer to Knight Kadosh , & c , is not alluded to in his reply , although I tlefy any one to produce the Book I ( c ) Then , as to the " Ancients" and their pretentions to "York " authority , we hear no more of that either . AVere it worth while I could say much more ou the subject ,

but will content myself with disposing of the presumed antiquity of the Baldwyn Encampment , by quoting an authority that Bro . Yarker will likely admit as better than either his or mine . The muchrespected and esteennd Bro . Dr . Henry Beaumont Leeson has declared that the Baldwyn Encampment

at Bristol was founded by French Masons , who had brought it from Canada , tow trds the close of thc last century , a fact of which he was certain as the ori ginal books were in his own possession . { Freemason ' s Magazine , August 2 , 1862 . ) I look upon Br . Yarker

as an enthusiastic Mason , who would do well to take his authorities first-hand , instead of through Dr . Anderson ' s questionable medium . For proof of this I would refer him to his quotation from the Harleiau MS . which Bro . Hughan corrected him in . —ROSE CROIX .

In closing the present correspondence , on my part , relative to some disputed points in Freemasonry , I would respectfully desire the readers of THE FREEMASON to again refer to the whole of the correspondence that has passed between us , and consider for themselves , and decide according lo the

evidence given . " Latliomus " does not support tho antiquity of tho " Knight Templar Priest , " neither docs he agree with the so-called quotation from the " Annual Assembly , " given by Bro . Yarker iu THE FREEMASON ( April 3 , p . 5 ); although , certainly , ho supports the interpretation about which we differ .

I am ol opinion that " Latliomus" is likely to object to all masonry , excepting the Craft , including tho Itoyal Arch ; of course I am not sure , but the style of his letter reminds me of a most accomplished Mason , witli whom I have the pleasure of corresponding , and reckon such acquaintances are of the

most fortunate friendships I have made through the happy medium of Freemasonry . I cannot close my note without expressing my hi gh opinion of the very friendly and gentlemanly manner iu which all Bro . Yarker ' s communications are made . I will write to his address relative to the " Cross-legged Masons . "—WILLIAM JAMES IltrauAN * .

Original Correspondence.

Original Correspondence .

[ The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed b-jr Correspondents . ] THE MASONIC CHARITIES .

( To the Editor of The Freemason . ' ) DEAU SIR AND BIIOTIIEK , —As a Mason interested in the welfare of the Masonic Charities , and moreover , as one who has especially worked hard for the Boys ' School , I desire to ask a few plain questions : — 1 . Is it true , as stated in the Era newspaper , that

the " governors" of the Boys' Institution havo awarded Bro . Binckes , the secretary , a salary and gratuityofwfilOOayear ? 2 . Is it true that in future he is to have a carte blanche for travelling expenses , in addition to his salary , which has thus been increased from £ 150 and

commission , to £ 400 ? 3 . Is it true that Bro . Binckes receives £ 500 commission this year on the sums announced at the last Festival ? 4 . Is ifc true that Bro . Binckes is not required to devote thc whole of his time to the secretarial duties

of tho Boy s Institution , and is also permitted to hold another appointment' ? 5 . Is it true that he is to be allowed £ 100 per annum for a clerk 1 6 . Is it the fact that the secretaries of the other charities are now placed in a disadvantageous position iu comparison with Bro . Binckes ?

7 . Is there any valid reason why the other secretaries should not receive £ 400 or £ 500 a year ; have a clerk each at £ 100 , with three collectors , as at present , on commission , averaging £ 160 to £ 200 each per annum ? Lastly . Arc the Freemasons of England expected to contribute their guineas in order to support the widows and orphans of their brethren , or merely the officials of the Masonic institutions ?

Commending these queries to thc attention of your readers , " I pause for a reply . " Yours fraternally , QUIDNUNC .

MASONIC MANUSCRIPTS .

{ To the Editor of the Freemason . ) DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Were THE FREKMASON carefully to copy word for word , from the originals , and publish in its columns , some of the ancient , or supposed ancient , Masonic manuscripts lying in the British Museum , it would confer a great boon on its

readers . At the same lime mentioning the date when each particular MS . was first deposited in tho museum , and from whom it was obtained ; in short , giving , so far as possible , a reliable history of each one , so far as is known , and so far as the existence of

each can , truly and reliably , be traced back . A beginning might be made with some of the shorter ones first , and I would hope that the great interest of tho subject would repay thc trouble . I am , yours fraternally , LEO .

CHAIR DEGREE .

( To thc Editor of Thc Freemason . ) DEAU SIR AND BROTHER , —In your issue of the 17 th inst . I notice a letter , signed " Ammi , " on thb subject , lour correspondent is quite right so far , as I believe that St . John ' s Masonry is the threo degrees only ; but " Leo" is quite right also , as the fact is there aro

few lodges in Scotland in which the chair degree is not given with St . John ' s Masonry . The Grand Lodge of Scotland ' s instructions arc quite distinct on thc subject , viz ., it recognises only three degrees of St . John ' s Masonry , and I believe if the Grand Lodgo were cither to recall or suspend lodge charters when

members were defaulters iu this matter , she would havo a small family around her . I was myself chaired when made , but of course did not at that time know it was wrong . So soon as I found out my error I objected to the performance of it , and univer .-ally leave if such a degree is to be given

under a St . Jehu's charter . I am , dear Sir and Brother , Your obedient servant , AVILL . SXODORASS , Sec . 153 , R . A 5 , Grecnbank-terrace , Pollokshaw , 22 nd April , 1869 .

( To the Editor of The Freemason . ) SIR AND BROTHER , —Will you please say , in your "Masonic Jurisprudence" column , by what authority a Provincial Grand Standard-bearer wears a purple apron with tbe badge of a standard within the

ordinary double circle of Prov . G . O . s , and whether it would not be infra-dig . for a W . M to accept that office when at tho same time other brethren who had not attained to tho chair were put over his head ? I am , Sir aud Brother , yours fraternally , A P . M .