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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00604
TO SUBSCRIBERS . GOOP ~ FRIDAY . THE FREEMASON for the week ending April 16 will be published on THURSDAY Morning , the 14 th . Advertisements for that number must reach the office before Noon on WEDNESDAY , the 13 th .
Ar00605
itrijrs , Pamirs , auir §* aifrs . —* —¦ DEA TH . MOORE . —On the 1 st inst ., at the Glohe Tavern , Royal hill , Greenwich , Bro . James Moore ( P . M . 140 , P . Z . 13 ) , well respected by all who knew him .
Ar00606
TheFreemason, SATURDAY , APRIL 9 , 1870 .
Ar00607
THE FREEMASON is published on Saturday Mornings in time for the early trains . The price of THE F REEMASON IS Twopence per week ; quarterly subscription ( including postage ) 3 s . 3 d . _ Annual Subscription , 12 s . Subscriptions payable in advance . All communications , letters , & c , to be addressed to the EDITOR , 2 , 3 , and 4 , Little Britain , E . C . The Editor will pay careful attention to all MSS . entrusted to him bnt cannot undertake to return them unless accompanied by postage stamps .
Masonic Instruction.
MASONIC INSTRUCTION .
THE science of Freemasonry has never been better exemplified , nor the wealth of meaning veiled in its symbolism more clearly displayed than it was upon the last day in
March , when several Companions ofthe Royal Arch Degree unfolded the hidden mysteries of the Order at Freemasons' Hall , to the largest assembly of Royal Arch Masons
probably ever witnessed in England . We confess that we were rather incredulous as to the numbers expected by some more sanguine brethren , but the result must have
surpassed even their anticipations , and we are certain it reflected great credit upon the promoters of the movement , by whose exertions so important a success was ' achieved .
For the benefit of those of our readers who reside at a distance from the metropolis , it may be necessary to state that we allude to the "Public Night" of the
" Chapter of Prudent Brethren , " No . 145 , when the lectures , addresses , and ceremonies of Royal Arch Masonry were rehearsed with a degree of perfection which
commanded the approbation and applause of all present on the occasion . Some years ago , such a demonstrationfor in point of numbers , and talent it may
fairly be so considered—would have been deemed simply impossible even in London . The apathy which then prevailed amongst the Craft generally was more especially
observable in the Royal Arch Degree ; the work was practically in the hands of a few members who installed Principals and exalted Companions after a very antiquated
fashion , resting perfectly satisfied provided there was no perceptible hitch , and leaving quite unsounded the hidden depths of Masonic philosophy . Wc are , however
far from denying a due meed of praise even to those brethren , for if it had not been for their agency the ceremony itself mi ght
have been handed down to posterity so mutilated and deformed as to have borne little trace of its pristine beauty . But how much greater is the merit of those earnest
Masonic Instruction.
men by whose unceasing efforts a real revival has been effected ! The ceremonies of Royal Arch Masonry are now not only better worked , but better understood ;
while the lectures , which develop such a series of important truths , have been rescued from positive neglect and oblivion solely by the perseverance and industry of a band of brethren at the head of whom
must undoubtedly be placed Comp . JAMES BRETT . It must have been truly gratifying to that estimable brother to find that the good seed which he has sown has not fallen upon
the waste and barren places , and if ever a thrillof pride be pardonable , it was assuredly so in his case , when he found himself supported by so many eminent Masons ,
assembled under the auspices of the Chapter of Prudent Brethren . Nor can the courtesy , the ability , and zeal of the First Principal
of the Chapter , Comp . John Boyd , and his worthy officers be readily forgotten by those who had the pleasure of hearing the illustrations of Masonic science which were
provided under their presidency . However , the unexampled success of the experiment is in itself a reward , and we must now look forward to the practical results which ought assuredly to follow .
In the first place , the Order requires a Chapterof Instruction which shall be as much an exemplar to Royal Arch Masons as the
" Emulation Lodge of Improvement" is to the Craft . Why not have an " Emulation Chapter of Improvement , " and hold it at Freemasons' Hall ? There can be no
difficulty now . We have , fortunately , in Comp . Brett , a Preceptor whose knowledge of the R . A . lectures is so comprehensive and complete that no better instructor can be found , or indeed desired . Let all who are interested
in this question consider the benefit that must accrue to the Order from the promulgation of an orthodox ritual for the Royal Arch Degree , under the authority of the
Supreme Grand Chapter of England , for every brother will readily admit that the vitality which now so powerfully pervades the English Craft must not only be
maintained but strengthened and extended to the remotest limits of our Masonic empire . The interest in the history and ceremonial observances of Freemasonry which
is now so widely felt must be stimulated and nourished , by imparting a reality to our mystic rites , and by thoroughly interpreting both what they suggest and what they
signify . It is more peculiarly the province of Royal Arch Masons to persevere in the elucidation of truth , as within the sacred precincts of the Chapter they preserve
memorials of Him who is the Father of Wisdom , Truth , and Knowledge . A thoroughstudyof the arcana of Freemasonry
will prove not merely a task but a pleasure , and will well repay the time and attention it requires .
Symbols have ever been used by mankind as the visible expressions of intangible ideas and abstract principles , so that the man who is comparatively unacquainted
with symbolism , is ignorant of many pages in the great book of the world ' s history . The mythologies of ancient Egypt , Persia , India , and Greece teem with countless ex-
Masonic Instruction.
amples of this occult science , which are incomprehensible to the uninitiated . But we have said enough to show the necessity for the immediate formation of an authoritative
Chapter of Instruction , and we invite our readers to co-operate in the movement which has been so auspiciously inaugurated by the Companions of the " Prudent Brethren " Chapter .
The result is no longer doubtful , as the great meeting on Thursday week amply demonstrated . Let us therefore strengthen the hands of those zealous workmen by whose exquisite skill the temple has been
restored to its original glory . All honour to the true sons of light , by whom the pall of darkness has been removed , never again , we hope , to overshadow the labours of
English Royal Arch Masons , or to veil the splendour of a sublime institution which is founded upon the Knowledge of God , and cemented by deeds of charity and kindness to all mankind .
Multum In Parbo, Or Masonic Notes And Queries.
Multum in Parbo , or Masonic Notes and Queries .
THE " RED CROSS" ORDER . It seems to me very clear that the above Order has produced quite as unequivocal evidence of its connection with Freemasonry during the latter part of the last century as any other ofthe
chivalric degrees that claim protection under the wing of the Craft . It also is certain that H . R . H . the Duke of Sussex was chief of this Order , and that its meetings were held subsequent to the " Union " by virtue ofthe " Articles of 1813 . "
The present " Red Cross of Rome and Constantine " is the revived original Masonic Order of the last century , consisting at its revival of one or more ofthe members of the old body and others created by such as " Knights Grand Cross . " W . T . HUGHAN .
I should not have again presented myself to your readers until you had been able to favour us with a perusal of the report alluded to by R . W . L . at page 151 , but his communication at
page 163 induces me to submit a few remarks upon the evidences there offered in reply to my enquiry whether there are any documents of more than a few years age , which ally the Masonic Red Cross Order with the name of
Constantine ? What is the first proof offered ? The Histoire des Francs-Macons , published in 1838 . This book , which has attained the venerable age of 32 years , probably refers to the same , or a
similar , Masonic Order of Red Cross , and at once raises a doubt whether the Order is not one of those many French masonic inventions to which the name of "Ecossais" was so freely given . We know that Scotland was at one time
regarded by Continental brethren as a kind of masonic fairy-land , and that the Scottish system became , as a well-known writer significantly observes , " the foundation of those innumerable ramifications into which an excellent and
naturally simple institution has been very uselessly extended . " R . W . L . says the Order has been conferred from " time immemorial" in Scottish encampments of Templars . How can this be true ,
when it is pretty conclusively shown that there was no encampment in Scotland before 1800 ? And if it belonged to Scotland of time immemorial , would not this be strong evidence that it was not founded in England by Giustiniani ?
The learned Abbe , however , could not found it anywhere . We have his own testimony , only , that he was a Grand Cross of the original Order , and it may be worth enquiry whether his assertion is in any way corroborated . It may be
interesting to those who take an antiquarian view of the subject to learn that the Roll of Grand Crosses , for something like six centuries , is said to be still in existence . If every Grand Cross could , and did , found a branch of the Order , knights would indeed be " as plenty as black-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00604
TO SUBSCRIBERS . GOOP ~ FRIDAY . THE FREEMASON for the week ending April 16 will be published on THURSDAY Morning , the 14 th . Advertisements for that number must reach the office before Noon on WEDNESDAY , the 13 th .
Ar00605
itrijrs , Pamirs , auir §* aifrs . —* —¦ DEA TH . MOORE . —On the 1 st inst ., at the Glohe Tavern , Royal hill , Greenwich , Bro . James Moore ( P . M . 140 , P . Z . 13 ) , well respected by all who knew him .
Ar00606
TheFreemason, SATURDAY , APRIL 9 , 1870 .
Ar00607
THE FREEMASON is published on Saturday Mornings in time for the early trains . The price of THE F REEMASON IS Twopence per week ; quarterly subscription ( including postage ) 3 s . 3 d . _ Annual Subscription , 12 s . Subscriptions payable in advance . All communications , letters , & c , to be addressed to the EDITOR , 2 , 3 , and 4 , Little Britain , E . C . The Editor will pay careful attention to all MSS . entrusted to him bnt cannot undertake to return them unless accompanied by postage stamps .
Masonic Instruction.
MASONIC INSTRUCTION .
THE science of Freemasonry has never been better exemplified , nor the wealth of meaning veiled in its symbolism more clearly displayed than it was upon the last day in
March , when several Companions ofthe Royal Arch Degree unfolded the hidden mysteries of the Order at Freemasons' Hall , to the largest assembly of Royal Arch Masons
probably ever witnessed in England . We confess that we were rather incredulous as to the numbers expected by some more sanguine brethren , but the result must have
surpassed even their anticipations , and we are certain it reflected great credit upon the promoters of the movement , by whose exertions so important a success was ' achieved .
For the benefit of those of our readers who reside at a distance from the metropolis , it may be necessary to state that we allude to the "Public Night" of the
" Chapter of Prudent Brethren , " No . 145 , when the lectures , addresses , and ceremonies of Royal Arch Masonry were rehearsed with a degree of perfection which
commanded the approbation and applause of all present on the occasion . Some years ago , such a demonstrationfor in point of numbers , and talent it may
fairly be so considered—would have been deemed simply impossible even in London . The apathy which then prevailed amongst the Craft generally was more especially
observable in the Royal Arch Degree ; the work was practically in the hands of a few members who installed Principals and exalted Companions after a very antiquated
fashion , resting perfectly satisfied provided there was no perceptible hitch , and leaving quite unsounded the hidden depths of Masonic philosophy . Wc are , however
far from denying a due meed of praise even to those brethren , for if it had not been for their agency the ceremony itself mi ght
have been handed down to posterity so mutilated and deformed as to have borne little trace of its pristine beauty . But how much greater is the merit of those earnest
Masonic Instruction.
men by whose unceasing efforts a real revival has been effected ! The ceremonies of Royal Arch Masonry are now not only better worked , but better understood ;
while the lectures , which develop such a series of important truths , have been rescued from positive neglect and oblivion solely by the perseverance and industry of a band of brethren at the head of whom
must undoubtedly be placed Comp . JAMES BRETT . It must have been truly gratifying to that estimable brother to find that the good seed which he has sown has not fallen upon
the waste and barren places , and if ever a thrillof pride be pardonable , it was assuredly so in his case , when he found himself supported by so many eminent Masons ,
assembled under the auspices of the Chapter of Prudent Brethren . Nor can the courtesy , the ability , and zeal of the First Principal
of the Chapter , Comp . John Boyd , and his worthy officers be readily forgotten by those who had the pleasure of hearing the illustrations of Masonic science which were
provided under their presidency . However , the unexampled success of the experiment is in itself a reward , and we must now look forward to the practical results which ought assuredly to follow .
In the first place , the Order requires a Chapterof Instruction which shall be as much an exemplar to Royal Arch Masons as the
" Emulation Lodge of Improvement" is to the Craft . Why not have an " Emulation Chapter of Improvement , " and hold it at Freemasons' Hall ? There can be no
difficulty now . We have , fortunately , in Comp . Brett , a Preceptor whose knowledge of the R . A . lectures is so comprehensive and complete that no better instructor can be found , or indeed desired . Let all who are interested
in this question consider the benefit that must accrue to the Order from the promulgation of an orthodox ritual for the Royal Arch Degree , under the authority of the
Supreme Grand Chapter of England , for every brother will readily admit that the vitality which now so powerfully pervades the English Craft must not only be
maintained but strengthened and extended to the remotest limits of our Masonic empire . The interest in the history and ceremonial observances of Freemasonry which
is now so widely felt must be stimulated and nourished , by imparting a reality to our mystic rites , and by thoroughly interpreting both what they suggest and what they
signify . It is more peculiarly the province of Royal Arch Masons to persevere in the elucidation of truth , as within the sacred precincts of the Chapter they preserve
memorials of Him who is the Father of Wisdom , Truth , and Knowledge . A thoroughstudyof the arcana of Freemasonry
will prove not merely a task but a pleasure , and will well repay the time and attention it requires .
Symbols have ever been used by mankind as the visible expressions of intangible ideas and abstract principles , so that the man who is comparatively unacquainted
with symbolism , is ignorant of many pages in the great book of the world ' s history . The mythologies of ancient Egypt , Persia , India , and Greece teem with countless ex-
Masonic Instruction.
amples of this occult science , which are incomprehensible to the uninitiated . But we have said enough to show the necessity for the immediate formation of an authoritative
Chapter of Instruction , and we invite our readers to co-operate in the movement which has been so auspiciously inaugurated by the Companions of the " Prudent Brethren " Chapter .
The result is no longer doubtful , as the great meeting on Thursday week amply demonstrated . Let us therefore strengthen the hands of those zealous workmen by whose exquisite skill the temple has been
restored to its original glory . All honour to the true sons of light , by whom the pall of darkness has been removed , never again , we hope , to overshadow the labours of
English Royal Arch Masons , or to veil the splendour of a sublime institution which is founded upon the Knowledge of God , and cemented by deeds of charity and kindness to all mankind .
Multum In Parbo, Or Masonic Notes And Queries.
Multum in Parbo , or Masonic Notes and Queries .
THE " RED CROSS" ORDER . It seems to me very clear that the above Order has produced quite as unequivocal evidence of its connection with Freemasonry during the latter part of the last century as any other ofthe
chivalric degrees that claim protection under the wing of the Craft . It also is certain that H . R . H . the Duke of Sussex was chief of this Order , and that its meetings were held subsequent to the " Union " by virtue ofthe " Articles of 1813 . "
The present " Red Cross of Rome and Constantine " is the revived original Masonic Order of the last century , consisting at its revival of one or more ofthe members of the old body and others created by such as " Knights Grand Cross . " W . T . HUGHAN .
I should not have again presented myself to your readers until you had been able to favour us with a perusal of the report alluded to by R . W . L . at page 151 , but his communication at
page 163 induces me to submit a few remarks upon the evidences there offered in reply to my enquiry whether there are any documents of more than a few years age , which ally the Masonic Red Cross Order with the name of
Constantine ? What is the first proof offered ? The Histoire des Francs-Macons , published in 1838 . This book , which has attained the venerable age of 32 years , probably refers to the same , or a
similar , Masonic Order of Red Cross , and at once raises a doubt whether the Order is not one of those many French masonic inventions to which the name of "Ecossais" was so freely given . We know that Scotland was at one time
regarded by Continental brethren as a kind of masonic fairy-land , and that the Scottish system became , as a well-known writer significantly observes , " the foundation of those innumerable ramifications into which an excellent and
naturally simple institution has been very uselessly extended . " R . W . L . says the Order has been conferred from " time immemorial" in Scottish encampments of Templars . How can this be true ,
when it is pretty conclusively shown that there was no encampment in Scotland before 1800 ? And if it belonged to Scotland of time immemorial , would not this be strong evidence that it was not founded in England by Giustiniani ?
The learned Abbe , however , could not found it anywhere . We have his own testimony , only , that he was a Grand Cross of the original Order , and it may be worth enquiry whether his assertion is in any way corroborated . It may be
interesting to those who take an antiquarian view of the subject to learn that the Roll of Grand Crosses , for something like six centuries , is said to be still in existence . If every Grand Cross could , and did , found a branch of the Order , knights would indeed be " as plenty as black-