So Called Ancient Landmarks

SO CALLED ANCIENT LANDMARKS

I have read Bro . Norton s long communication in The Freemason of the 16 th ult ., but have failed to discover the slightest ground for his sweeping and mistaken charges against Anderson . I admit that the actual term , " Ancient Landmarks , ' is not to be found in any of the early

MSS ., and supposing that its use may be limited to the beginning of the 18 th century in our Masonic Parlance , there is in this fact no real innovation in the nomenclature and phraseology of Freemasonry . Words often arise , " ex necessitate rci , " as it is

said , and it is just possible that this very convenient and appropriate expression may have been most frequently and extensively used by Anderson I do not say that this is so , but even supposing it were so , how can it possibly affect Anderson ' s character for veracity and trustworthiness as a

Masonic historian , or how does it support the charge that he " revolutionised Freemasonry ?" As regards the changes generally in the Constitutions , they are only suJi as the lapse of time and altered circumstances rendered necessary ; above all , the necessary prevalence of the

speculative element , and what wc should , in truth , expect when we remember that in their main features , at any rate , those prose Constitutions are derived from the Poetic Formulary . Bro . Norton bases a portion of his argument

against the reality apparently of the Poetic , as well as Matthew Cooke ' s Constitutions , on the alleged illegitimacy of Athelstan . Now , modern researches and later study do not accept it as historically proved that Athelstan was

illegitimate . At least , a great deal may be said in favour of his legitimacy . I am aware that Hume and Millar , and other writers say so , and , therefore , Bro . Norton is in very good company , but William of Malvnesbury does not say so , and the " Anglo-Saxon Chronicle" does not relate it as a certain truth .

On the contrary , William of Malmesbury , from whom our later historians all derive their account , gives us the names of Edward ' s three wives , namely , Egwina , Elfleda , and Edgiva , with , the names of all their children , but he places them all on the same level .

He mentions , indeed , that there was a popular belief to the contrary , and relates a very peculiar story , but he nowhere himself either assumes or asserts the fact . On the contrary , he mentions that Alfred the Great made Athelstan a knight , and had him educated at the court of his daughter Ethelfled , in the expectation of succeeding to the kingdom .

He records the opposition which arose on this very ground by some at his succession , but asserts that he had the unanimous assent of the nobility ! As much , therefore , may be said in favour of his legitimacy as against it , and I am inclined to think that the story is a popular

error . But if it were so , it would not affect the customs of the guilds or their ancient regulations . Bro . Norton alludes to the " morals" of our earlier brethren , a matter which has really

nothing to do with the discussion , the more so when we call to mind the date at which these regulations were in force . Bro . Norton "harks back" to " Freeborn . " I think that our operative Masonic forefathers gave a very sensible reason for the law .

Unless a sen was " manumitted in those days , his children were born " serfs" too , and the Lord had the same claim on the children that he had on the father . Had the guilds received " serf members , or " serf" apprentices , the consequence would have

been that the Lord would have intervened at any moment , even in the midst of the most important works , and taken the " serf" away . And hence the law , universal as far as Masonic Guilds were concerned , that no one should be admitted who was not " freeborn , " and that no

one should be taken as an "apprentice" who was not the son of free , emancipated parents . Whatever reason may have induced the English Grand Lodge , in this , our epoch , to substitute " freemen" for " freeborn , " it is quite clear that historically and Masonically " freeborn" is the

So Called Ancient Landmarks

universal law of the Craft , and Bro . Norton cannot produce the slightest trustworthy evidence to the contrary . With regard to Dr . Oliver , I think that it is a great pity that Bro . Norton uses such derogatory language in respect of one who was an able

writer , a good Mason , and a painstaking historian of our Order . It is impossible not to remark , and still more not to regret , Bro . Norton ' s wonderful proficiency in , and copiousness of , unworthy personalities , which are quite opposed to the genuine teachings of Freemasonry .

To call brethren "dreamers , " and " credulous , " and " ignorant , " and " mendacious , " and to employ constantly many other choice epithets to those who stand in the way of a fantastic hobby , is not to improve our Masonic literature , or advance the cause of Masonic inquiry ! Neither

does it even subserve the particular view Bro . Norton seems so anxious to put forward and proclaim . Angry vituperation , and puerile aspersions on the motives and character of others , never yet helped any good cause in the world , or advanced in any wav the great claims of truth ,

qua truth . If Bro . Norton really wishes to give an impetus to archaeological studies and historical accuracy , let him eschew anything henceforth like those hopeless and unreasoning personalities which have reduced his essays to the low level

of partizan theories and angry assertions . I am , like Bro . Norton , a simple " Craftsman , " that is to say , I accept , " c . r imo airde , " the Universality of Freemasonry , and therefore adhere solely to the three degrees and the Royal Arch . But , though I cannot see my way clear to accept , either

Masonically or historically , what are technically termed the " High Grades , " I feel bound to p-otest once for all against Bro . Norton ' s violent and unjustifiable attack , especial !} ' on the Masonic Knights Templar . I know many very worthy men and most excellent Freemasons who do see

their way , though , as I say , I do not , to accept the claims and thc position of the " Christian Degrees , " and they have as much right to their opinion as I have to mine . At the proper time and in the proper place I shall always be

prepared to uphold what I deem to be the unchanging landmarks and "universal" principles of Ancient Free and Accepted Masonry , but I utterly repudiate Bro . Norton ' s unwise complaints and unfounded assertions .

Indeed , Bro . Norton s communications ton p lainly evince that , while he is complaining of the intolerance of others , he has only seen the " mote " in their eyes and forgotten the " beam " that is in his own , and that tie has got a good deal to learn , alike in courtesy of language and correctness of statement , before he can priness to

become a teacher of our Order , or above all to level to the ground , with a sort of " Happy Despatch , " the fair character and historical accuracy of our best writers , offering us nothing in their stead , as he seemingly does , but untenable assertions , illogical conclusions , and idle personalities . A MASONIC . STUOEXT . Dec . 2 , 1 S 72 .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cumberland And Westmoreland.

PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORELAND .

On Friday , the 20 th ult ., a Provincial Grand Lodge was held of the Auticnt Free and Accepted Masons of Cumberland and Westmoreland , at Wigton , under the auspices of St . John ' s Lodge ,

No 327 . From the fact that nearly thirty years have elapsed since such an occurrence took place in Wigton , it may be imagined thai no little interest was excited in the neighbourhood . The

Province of which the Right 1 Ion . the liar ! ol Beelive , M . l- \ , is the Provincial Grand Maslei comprises fifteen lodges , all of which are in ; : flourishing condition , and it speaks well for the progress of Masonry in the " sister counties ' when we state that another lodge will shortl y be opened at Harrington .

The Provincial Grand Lodge was opened 111 the large room of the Mechanics' Institute , the whole of the spacious building having been kindly lent to the brethren for the occasion .

Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cumberland And Westmoreland.

The Right Hon . the Earl of Bective , Prov . G . M ., presided , and he was supported by numerous influential brethren of the Province , amongst whom were the following Past and Present Provincial Grand Officers : —

Bros . John Whitwell , M . P ., D . Prov . G . M . ; E . Busher , Prov . G . S . B . England , and Prov . G . Sec ; John Lemon , Prov . G . T . ; John Gate , 327 , Prov . G . R . ; W . Kirkbride , P . M . 339 , P . Prov . G . S . ; Thomas Richardson , Prov . G . A . D . C , 327 ; T . B . Arnison , P . M . 339 , P . Prov . G . S . B . ; S . W . Rowland , P . M . . 339 , P . Prov .

G . O . ; Aaron Routledge , P . M . 1 , 220 P . Prov G . T . ; J . Porter , P . M . 327 , 343 , 1 , 256 , P . Prov A . G . Sec ; John Pearson , W . M ., Prov . G . S . D 1 , 002 ; I . Nicholson , P . Prov . G . S . W . ; E Fearon , P . M . 119 . P . G . S . B . ; F . Hayward , P Prov . G . S . W . ; Martin , W . M . 872 , 1267 , P Prov . S . G . W .

A vote of condolence , moved by Bro . Col . Whitwell , M . P ., D . Prov . G . M . and seconded by Bro . the Rev . W . Williams , Prov . G . Chap ., was passed to Bro . Busher , P . G . S . B . England , Prov . G . Sec , on the death of his father .

The following is a list of the Grand Officers for the ensuing year : — - Earl of Bective , M . P ., 1074 Prov . G . M . J ohn Whitwell , M . P ., 12 9 . 1074 Prov . D . G . M . Lieut . A . C . ~ Mott , R . N . P . N . Prov . G . S . W .

E . W . Henry , M . D ., P . M . 119 Prov . G . J . W . Rev . A . Curwen , M . A ., P . M . 9 62 Prov . G . Chaplain . R . Rntherwood Prov . G . Asst . Chap .

John Lemon , P . M . 327 ... Prov . G . Treasurer . Right Hon . Lord Muncaster , M . P ., 119 Prov . G . Registrar . Edward Busher , P . M . 129 , 962 , 1074 , Prov . G . S . B .

England Prov . G . Secretary . James Porter , P . M . 327 , 343 , H 0 ' ..... Prov . G . S . D . Jno . R . Tickle , P . M . 371 Prov . G . J . D . W . Tattersall Prov . G . S . of W .

II . Fearon , P . M . 119 Prov . G . D . of C . P . de E . Collin , 371 Prov . G . A . D . C . Roger Dodgson , 1 390 Prov . G . Swd . B . John Wood Prov . G . Organist . Geo . Brookcr , P . M . 9 62 ... Prov . G . Purst .

A . laylor , 310 Prov . G . Steward . H . Bcwes , 327 „ „ G . Shannon , M . D ., 327 ... „ „ „ George Carriek , 327 „ „ John Mil ' s , 1390 „ „ J . Norman Hodgson , 327 „ „ „

On the closing of the Provincial Grand Lodge , the brethren met in proper form on the bowling green adjoining , and , headed by the excellent band of the Wi gton Volunteer Rifle Corps , marched down West-street , through the Market

Place and along King-street , turning at the Market Hill , and back to the Parish Church , along King-street , the whole way being lined with crowds of spectators , ' and the windows of the houses were well filled .

Ihe Church was much crowded , the arrangement being that the brethren were to sit below and others in the galleries . The service was a full choral one , and was intoned b y Canon Whitmore , of Carlisle Cathedral . Thc first lesson was read by Bro . Canon Porteus , and the second

lesson by Bro . Rev . A . Curwen , of Harrington . The ,, musical service was more than good ; it was most impressive and effective , and Mr . Metcalfe , who presided at the organ , was much extolled for the very efficient style in which he played . The beautiful and appropriate anthem , by Clarke

Whitfield , " Behold how good and joyful a thing it is for brethren to dwelLtogether in unity , " was capitally sung by the choir , and seemed to make a great impression on the 'brethren assembled . The' sermon was preached by Bro . Rev . W . Williams , of Cockermouth , P . G . Chaplain , from

the text Mark , chapter 13 , verse 3 S , " And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom , " from which he preached a most appropriate and Masonic address , inculcating upon the brethren that they must be both material and spiritual builders .

The brethren , to the number of about 1 So , sat down to a very excellent banquet at about 4 o ' clock . It was prepared by Bro . Martin , of the Lion and Lamb , and from the style in which it