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Article IN ROME. ← Page 2 of 2 Article Multum in Parbo, or Masonic Notes and Queries. Page 1 of 1 Article INFORMATION WANTED. Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
In Rome.
are p leased to have made—has rendered excellent service to the Craft upon many occasions , by the dispassionate and impartial tone of his criticisms ; and he may rest assured that his genial labours will ever meet with the
appreciation and approval of the Fraternity . In the preamble to his recent observations , allusion is made to the position which Freemasonry so honourably occupies in this country—a position of neutrality which enables the prince , the peer ,
and the representatives of every social grade to meet in fraternal communion . Freemasonry , as understood in England , cherishes as sacred and inviolable the principles of loyalty and attachment to the ancient institutions of the land .
Hence our reverence for law , our devotion to order , our distaste to anarchy , our abhorrence of violent change . We are proud to be able to record that another instance of this deep-seated feeling on the part of English Masons was
exhibited last week . By the special permission of tlie M . W . Grand Master , a Masonic demonstration , probably weak in numbers , but strong in zeal , took place at the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of the Green Coat Schools at
Camberwell . Unfortunately , although invited , we were unable to attend , but we have learned from those present that the proceedings were conducted with a dignity and decorum worthy of the reputation of the Craft . Brother Edward
Clark , W . M . 1319 , Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works for Middlesex , was entrusted with the direction of the Masonic programme , while the stone was actually laid by the Lord Bishop of Winchester .
It is so seldom that brethren in the metropolis have the opportunity of enacting a part in operative Masonry , that the efficient performance of a duty of this description becomes really important , and we have therefore the greater
reason to rejoice that the ceremony was worked to the entire satisfaction of the Bishop and of the numerous and respectable assemblage present in honour of the occasion . Indeed , we are informed that his Lordship emphatically
declared how pleased lie was to meet " the Masons , ' and that he directed his discourse more especially to them as men who could understand and enforce its practical allusions . We are tempted to write thus much because an
actual report of the meeting has not reached us , and may therefore add that a handsomel y engraved silver trowel was presented to Bishop Wilberforce by the Sphinx Lodge , as a memento of the auspicious event of the day . The
installation of the Heir Apparent as a W . M ., and the kindly participation of a Right Reverend Prelate in a Masonic ceremony , show more clearly than words can convey how thoroughly
engrafted in the minds of Englishmen are the peaceful , loyal , and religious tenets of the Craft . To use the old refrain , " There ' s nought but what ' s good to be understood , by a Free and an Accepted Mason . "
SIR WALTER SCOTT was recently made a Freemason in the St . David ' s Lodge , No . 36 , Edinburgh , holding of the Grand Lodge of Scotland . 'We have received a copy of thc Supplement to " Cook ' s Excursionist , " giving thc progress of the
K . Templars through Ireland and their visit to Enniskillen , and are highly pleased at the reception they met with , and thc manner they appear to have enjoyed themselves ; want of space precludes our
reproducing the account . Wc have also been favoured with a long report of their entertainment at Glasgow , which wc are compelled to reserve till next week .
Multum In Parbo, Or Masonic Notes And Queries.
Multum in Parbo , or Masonic Notes and Queries .
COWAN . My thanks are due , and are offered , to Bro . Hughan , for the trouble lie has taken to answer my question on the word COWAN . I submit , however , that what he has
adduced from Bro . D . Murray Lyon , though very interesting and useful as to the use of the word COWAN by the operative Masons of the 16 th and 17 th centuries , does not in any way answer my question as to the origin
and use of the word by speculative Masons . No doubt , it was a term employed by the operatives to denote a clandestine Mason , an illegitimate , who had not been initiated by a regular apprenticeship , as the craft
required that every Mason should be ; but ive cannot use the word in that sense . If we can , then there is no distinction between a cowan and an intruder , for an illegitimate or non-initiate would be an intruder if he
sought to enter a lodge . The operatives sometimes , as Bro . Hughan has shown from Bro . Lyon , admitted a cowan ; the speculative Masons , never . But , I repeat , my inquiry was as to the origin or derivation of
the word Cowan , and what it signifies amongst us . We know what an " intruder " is ; what is a " cowan ? " I suggested a
listener , and gave my reason . Will or can any brother help me to a better derivation or Masonic import of the word ? . WILL . CARPENTER .
THE CHARLESTON WARRANTS . One of your correspondents says : "The proof of the Charleston warrants and statutes not being a forgery is to be found in the 3 rd vol . of ' Histoire secrete de la Gourde Berlin , par
Mirabeau . " Another says that the same work "vol r , p . 215 , shows that Frederick was imbecile on the 1 st May , 1786 , and had been dying for five months . " Perhaps some correspondent will give an
extract from the 3 rd vol . ? If there is any allusion , however slight , in a book published in 17 S 9 , which has any bearing upon the subject , it is obvious that this could not be wholly an invention of 1802 . LUPUS .
THE ROYAL ORDER OF SCOTLAND AND ITS ANTIQUITY ( 409 ) . The simple declaration h y "X . Y . Z . " cannot
set aside what is known to have existed for so long a time . Let him give his name , and we will then be able to judge on what authority we are to rest for such a statement as he makes at
page 409 . AN EDINBURGH MEMIIER OF THE ROYAL ORDER .
VISIT TO BRITAIN OF AMERICAN KNIGHTS TEMPLAR ( p . 409 . ) A most serious question has now arisen affecting members of encampments in Britainin fact , now throughout the world . The question
is : Are the Knights Templar meeting at Glasgow , under the name of the Girvan Encampment , a spurious body , or arc they a legal body ? A member of the Girvan Encampment boasts
that they arc the only legal body in Scotland . The sooner some light is given on this important subject lo Knights Templar the better . A KNIGHT TEMPLAR .
Information Wanted.
INFORMATION WANTED .
Ihe friends of Bro . ADOLPHUS NOHL wish to learn his whereabouts . He is a German by birth , very tall and stout built , dark complexion , black hair and beard , slightly grey , and about 60 years of age . When last heard from he was in Liverpool , England , October , i 860 . Direct information to
Bishoh , Sherman aud Co ., Masonic Mirror oflicc , San Francisco , California . Thc press , generally , will confer a favor by copying the above . Will the London FREEMASON copy , also Masonic press throughout the world . —Masonic Mirror , San Francisco ,
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
¦»—The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by Correspondents . SUBORDINATION IN THE HIGHER DEGREES .
'To the Editor of the Freemason . ) DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Will you permit me the briefest reply possible to this anonymous correspondent ? 1 . I mentioned the Royal Order of Scotland as proving the connection of the Rosy Croix with the the Templar prior to the formation of the Rite of 25 ° . 2 . There is really little difference betwixt all the
K . H . degrees . 3 . After examining the matter for myself , I believe in Rajon and Thory as to the origin of the A . and A . Rite rather than in the very much interested Mackey .
4 . Your correspondent seems unable to see anything not expressed in the plainest language . I mentioned the trades of Pirlet and Lacorne as showing how ridiculous it was for a tailor and a dancing-master to invent a rite creating Emperors and Princes ! I can afford to treat with contempt
the ludicrous twist he has given to my businessone that employs all Lancashire , and in which , to make a bare living , I have had to turn over £ 50 to , £ 100 , 000 per annum . Nor am I " Head ofthe Council of Rites , " but a ' subordinate member thereof merely .
5 . Your readers must form their own conclusions as to the quibble about Mirabeau's " History ofthe Court of Berlin 6 . In regard to my treatment ofthe S . G . C , I can only say that I usually treat people as I am treated . That I have had no correspondence on matters
with the S . G . C . itself , but merely with one of their subordinates , who had insulted me , and for which I have as yet no apology , or remedy offered . 7 . In reply to the last paragraph , I can only say that my own certificate is from a plate much over 50 vears old , with a K . H . seal attached 100 years
old , signed by aged members of the Order , and containing , amongst dignatorial Commanderships of our Ancient Council , the degrees of " Grand Inspector and Grand Prince and Keeper of the Ancient Royal Secrets ; " and that I would not exchange this patent for those of all the other spurious
councils in the world . The [ London S . G . C . have never hitherto shown any disposition to meet brethren half way . When they agree to recognise all the privileges of all the time-immemorial conclaves , my hostility ceases . But when this arrives , I will withdraw from all Masonry in which the allied bodies are mixed up , confine myself to the
worthy old Craft , and recommend everybody else to do thc same . The London governing bodies above Master Mason are the very hotbeds of Masonic vice and Masonic schism , and arc simply contemptible . Fraternally yours , Manchester . JOHN YARKER .
THE AMERICAN KNIGHTS TEMPLAR AND THE GLASGOW GIRVAN ENCAMPMENT .
( To the Editor of The Freemason . ) DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Your correspondent , " Fratci + Carolus , " while professing to be anxious to secure a greeting for the American Knights Templar , at present in this country , takes a curious way of expressing that anxiety , namely , by finding
fault with 'them for accepting the first invitation they received on landing on our shores . Would it not have accorded better with " Brotherly Love " if " Frater t Carolus " had endeavonrcd to excuse their fault , if unwittingly they had committed one , by attributing it to their want of correct
information , rather than to invoke on their devoted heads the punishment of " exclusion from all other encampments or meetings of Knights Templar in England or Scotland " ? It would also have been more consistent with that " charity that should at all times characterise
a Mason , " as well as with truth , which should be another of our distinctive features , if he had made further enquiries before launching his invectives against thc Girvan Encampment . The " Cosmopolitan Calendar" is . 1 very valuable compilation , but it is a new doctrine that an
omission from its pages is to be taken as positive proof of illegality . It is true that the Girvan Encampment docs not hold under what is called thc Grand Priory of Scotland for the , to them , sufficient reason that they hold a charter of a date lone ; anterior to
the formation of that body ; and therefore they do not feel inclined to give it up in order to receive one from an authority younger than themselves . The Girvan Encampment , No . 32 , is a perfectly legal body , working under a perfectly warranted charter , and in strict conformity to its terms . If
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
In Rome.
are p leased to have made—has rendered excellent service to the Craft upon many occasions , by the dispassionate and impartial tone of his criticisms ; and he may rest assured that his genial labours will ever meet with the
appreciation and approval of the Fraternity . In the preamble to his recent observations , allusion is made to the position which Freemasonry so honourably occupies in this country—a position of neutrality which enables the prince , the peer ,
and the representatives of every social grade to meet in fraternal communion . Freemasonry , as understood in England , cherishes as sacred and inviolable the principles of loyalty and attachment to the ancient institutions of the land .
Hence our reverence for law , our devotion to order , our distaste to anarchy , our abhorrence of violent change . We are proud to be able to record that another instance of this deep-seated feeling on the part of English Masons was
exhibited last week . By the special permission of tlie M . W . Grand Master , a Masonic demonstration , probably weak in numbers , but strong in zeal , took place at the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of the Green Coat Schools at
Camberwell . Unfortunately , although invited , we were unable to attend , but we have learned from those present that the proceedings were conducted with a dignity and decorum worthy of the reputation of the Craft . Brother Edward
Clark , W . M . 1319 , Past Provincial Grand Superintendent of Works for Middlesex , was entrusted with the direction of the Masonic programme , while the stone was actually laid by the Lord Bishop of Winchester .
It is so seldom that brethren in the metropolis have the opportunity of enacting a part in operative Masonry , that the efficient performance of a duty of this description becomes really important , and we have therefore the greater
reason to rejoice that the ceremony was worked to the entire satisfaction of the Bishop and of the numerous and respectable assemblage present in honour of the occasion . Indeed , we are informed that his Lordship emphatically
declared how pleased lie was to meet " the Masons , ' and that he directed his discourse more especially to them as men who could understand and enforce its practical allusions . We are tempted to write thus much because an
actual report of the meeting has not reached us , and may therefore add that a handsomel y engraved silver trowel was presented to Bishop Wilberforce by the Sphinx Lodge , as a memento of the auspicious event of the day . The
installation of the Heir Apparent as a W . M ., and the kindly participation of a Right Reverend Prelate in a Masonic ceremony , show more clearly than words can convey how thoroughly
engrafted in the minds of Englishmen are the peaceful , loyal , and religious tenets of the Craft . To use the old refrain , " There ' s nought but what ' s good to be understood , by a Free and an Accepted Mason . "
SIR WALTER SCOTT was recently made a Freemason in the St . David ' s Lodge , No . 36 , Edinburgh , holding of the Grand Lodge of Scotland . 'We have received a copy of thc Supplement to " Cook ' s Excursionist , " giving thc progress of the
K . Templars through Ireland and their visit to Enniskillen , and are highly pleased at the reception they met with , and thc manner they appear to have enjoyed themselves ; want of space precludes our
reproducing the account . Wc have also been favoured with a long report of their entertainment at Glasgow , which wc are compelled to reserve till next week .
Multum In Parbo, Or Masonic Notes And Queries.
Multum in Parbo , or Masonic Notes and Queries .
COWAN . My thanks are due , and are offered , to Bro . Hughan , for the trouble lie has taken to answer my question on the word COWAN . I submit , however , that what he has
adduced from Bro . D . Murray Lyon , though very interesting and useful as to the use of the word COWAN by the operative Masons of the 16 th and 17 th centuries , does not in any way answer my question as to the origin
and use of the word by speculative Masons . No doubt , it was a term employed by the operatives to denote a clandestine Mason , an illegitimate , who had not been initiated by a regular apprenticeship , as the craft
required that every Mason should be ; but ive cannot use the word in that sense . If we can , then there is no distinction between a cowan and an intruder , for an illegitimate or non-initiate would be an intruder if he
sought to enter a lodge . The operatives sometimes , as Bro . Hughan has shown from Bro . Lyon , admitted a cowan ; the speculative Masons , never . But , I repeat , my inquiry was as to the origin or derivation of
the word Cowan , and what it signifies amongst us . We know what an " intruder " is ; what is a " cowan ? " I suggested a
listener , and gave my reason . Will or can any brother help me to a better derivation or Masonic import of the word ? . WILL . CARPENTER .
THE CHARLESTON WARRANTS . One of your correspondents says : "The proof of the Charleston warrants and statutes not being a forgery is to be found in the 3 rd vol . of ' Histoire secrete de la Gourde Berlin , par
Mirabeau . " Another says that the same work "vol r , p . 215 , shows that Frederick was imbecile on the 1 st May , 1786 , and had been dying for five months . " Perhaps some correspondent will give an
extract from the 3 rd vol . ? If there is any allusion , however slight , in a book published in 17 S 9 , which has any bearing upon the subject , it is obvious that this could not be wholly an invention of 1802 . LUPUS .
THE ROYAL ORDER OF SCOTLAND AND ITS ANTIQUITY ( 409 ) . The simple declaration h y "X . Y . Z . " cannot
set aside what is known to have existed for so long a time . Let him give his name , and we will then be able to judge on what authority we are to rest for such a statement as he makes at
page 409 . AN EDINBURGH MEMIIER OF THE ROYAL ORDER .
VISIT TO BRITAIN OF AMERICAN KNIGHTS TEMPLAR ( p . 409 . ) A most serious question has now arisen affecting members of encampments in Britainin fact , now throughout the world . The question
is : Are the Knights Templar meeting at Glasgow , under the name of the Girvan Encampment , a spurious body , or arc they a legal body ? A member of the Girvan Encampment boasts
that they arc the only legal body in Scotland . The sooner some light is given on this important subject lo Knights Templar the better . A KNIGHT TEMPLAR .
Information Wanted.
INFORMATION WANTED .
Ihe friends of Bro . ADOLPHUS NOHL wish to learn his whereabouts . He is a German by birth , very tall and stout built , dark complexion , black hair and beard , slightly grey , and about 60 years of age . When last heard from he was in Liverpool , England , October , i 860 . Direct information to
Bishoh , Sherman aud Co ., Masonic Mirror oflicc , San Francisco , California . Thc press , generally , will confer a favor by copying the above . Will the London FREEMASON copy , also Masonic press throughout the world . —Masonic Mirror , San Francisco ,
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
¦»—The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by Correspondents . SUBORDINATION IN THE HIGHER DEGREES .
'To the Editor of the Freemason . ) DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Will you permit me the briefest reply possible to this anonymous correspondent ? 1 . I mentioned the Royal Order of Scotland as proving the connection of the Rosy Croix with the the Templar prior to the formation of the Rite of 25 ° . 2 . There is really little difference betwixt all the
K . H . degrees . 3 . After examining the matter for myself , I believe in Rajon and Thory as to the origin of the A . and A . Rite rather than in the very much interested Mackey .
4 . Your correspondent seems unable to see anything not expressed in the plainest language . I mentioned the trades of Pirlet and Lacorne as showing how ridiculous it was for a tailor and a dancing-master to invent a rite creating Emperors and Princes ! I can afford to treat with contempt
the ludicrous twist he has given to my businessone that employs all Lancashire , and in which , to make a bare living , I have had to turn over £ 50 to , £ 100 , 000 per annum . Nor am I " Head ofthe Council of Rites , " but a ' subordinate member thereof merely .
5 . Your readers must form their own conclusions as to the quibble about Mirabeau's " History ofthe Court of Berlin 6 . In regard to my treatment ofthe S . G . C , I can only say that I usually treat people as I am treated . That I have had no correspondence on matters
with the S . G . C . itself , but merely with one of their subordinates , who had insulted me , and for which I have as yet no apology , or remedy offered . 7 . In reply to the last paragraph , I can only say that my own certificate is from a plate much over 50 vears old , with a K . H . seal attached 100 years
old , signed by aged members of the Order , and containing , amongst dignatorial Commanderships of our Ancient Council , the degrees of " Grand Inspector and Grand Prince and Keeper of the Ancient Royal Secrets ; " and that I would not exchange this patent for those of all the other spurious
councils in the world . The [ London S . G . C . have never hitherto shown any disposition to meet brethren half way . When they agree to recognise all the privileges of all the time-immemorial conclaves , my hostility ceases . But when this arrives , I will withdraw from all Masonry in which the allied bodies are mixed up , confine myself to the
worthy old Craft , and recommend everybody else to do thc same . The London governing bodies above Master Mason are the very hotbeds of Masonic vice and Masonic schism , and arc simply contemptible . Fraternally yours , Manchester . JOHN YARKER .
THE AMERICAN KNIGHTS TEMPLAR AND THE GLASGOW GIRVAN ENCAMPMENT .
( To the Editor of The Freemason . ) DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Your correspondent , " Fratci + Carolus , " while professing to be anxious to secure a greeting for the American Knights Templar , at present in this country , takes a curious way of expressing that anxiety , namely , by finding
fault with 'them for accepting the first invitation they received on landing on our shores . Would it not have accorded better with " Brotherly Love " if " Frater t Carolus " had endeavonrcd to excuse their fault , if unwittingly they had committed one , by attributing it to their want of correct
information , rather than to invoke on their devoted heads the punishment of " exclusion from all other encampments or meetings of Knights Templar in England or Scotland " ? It would also have been more consistent with that " charity that should at all times characterise
a Mason , " as well as with truth , which should be another of our distinctive features , if he had made further enquiries before launching his invectives against thc Girvan Encampment . The " Cosmopolitan Calendar" is . 1 very valuable compilation , but it is a new doctrine that an
omission from its pages is to be taken as positive proof of illegality . It is true that the Girvan Encampment docs not hold under what is called thc Grand Priory of Scotland for the , to them , sufficient reason that they hold a charter of a date lone ; anterior to
the formation of that body ; and therefore they do not feel inclined to give it up in order to receive one from an authority younger than themselves . The Girvan Encampment , No . 32 , is a perfectly legal body , working under a perfectly warranted charter , and in strict conformity to its terms . If