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Article Masonic AntIquities, Records, and Bibliography. Page 1 of 1 Article Masonic AntIquities, Records, and Bibliography. Page 1 of 1 Article Poetry. Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 2 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Antiquities, Records, And Bibliography.
Masonic AntIquities , Records , and Bibliography .
—?—SPECIMENS FROM A MASONIC QUARRY . BY WM . JAMES HUGHAN , P . M ., No . 131 Tnurto , Author of "History of Freemasonry in Cornwall . " "Sparkt from a Mason ' s Anvil , " < tc ; Masonic Correspondent of" The Voice of Freemasonry , " for England ; Corresponding Member of "German Masonic Union , " etc . SPECIMEN WO . 1 . —OPERATIVE MASONIC LODGES
ST . JOHN'S , BANFF . SCOTLAND . ( Continued from- last meek . ) Some of the foregoing laws of A . D . 1765 are certainly singular , while others seem framed with due regard to order and sobriety . It will be seen that at that date , as well as subsequently , the lodge was still of an operative character , and was iu reality
a Benefit Society , only of a secret nature . It continues so even to this day , although of course now , the BENEFITS are separated from the lodge Masonically . But more of this hereafter . The method of admission by petition , mentioned in Law 6 th prevails in Scotland , and cannot be highly commended . The Petitioner has to sign the following
declaration , addressed to the Master for the time being . SIR , —Having a desire to be initiated into the Mysteries of . freemasonry , in connection with the Lodge over which you preside , if agreeable to that body , I shall feel obliged by your appointing a suitable time for that purpose , and I hereby bind myself to conform to their Rules and Regulations . My age at last birthday was I am yours , & c .,
Name Designation Address This petition has to be signed in addition by two members to the following effect : — " We , the
undersigned , do recommend Mr . , as a candidate for admission into Membership , and hereby vouch for him accordingly . " But we will again introduce a few more records to our readers , believing them to be equally valuable with the last : —
" Resolved that hence forward a Meeting shall be called ten days or so Before the Annual General Meeting to Settle a Dinner , and that all the Members iu a Publick way shall have it by Rotation , beginning at . the First whose name stands in our Books . ' ¦ That no Geometrical mason shall be Entered , Passed , or Raised without Rcadic-monev .
" That an Operative master s Apprentice shall nave Credit untill St John ' s day first after ther entry upon good Security , But that all the Members in Itanlf and Down shall be called , so that If any Objections shall hapen the Petioner shall lie rejected . " That John Stewart is to get Five Pounds Ster . for this year in mouthly proportions .
" That William Laurence shall Ten Shillings Ster . as was usewally given befor , but it is not to be Continued for the future . Hut if the Deput Master of Aberdeen Shall be put to extraordinary expenses in attending this meeting he has still acess to apply . " Every member who ' s name is not Tnroled in the Grand
Lodge Books shall be Searched out and Inroled . " That no master of the Lodge of Banlt shall employ any Coivoas , unless he make it appear it was a Case of Necessity . Otherwise he his liable to the Cognisance of the next General . Meeting . " J . ROHKI ' . TSON , Master . "
" Att a Meeting held in the Operative Lodge of Banff , upon the 14 th day of December , one Thousand seven Hundred and Bevcnty-three years . It is Resolved to have two new Hearses , and the Master inipoured to give dereetions about them , as likewise to have three Sashes , and William Stephen was appointed to make a Cushon for the Bible
" As also agreeable to the Resolution of last St , Joint ' s Jay , Robert I > aing is appointed to provide a Denner for the Brethren against St . John ' s day next , and the number agreed upon to be Sixty , and in ease of a deficiency of that number Robert Laing to be indeinnelicd out of the fund . "JA . RomcnrsoN , Master . "
"Att the Anuuall Meeting of the Operative Lodge of Banll 7 January , 177-1 , Resolved that as George Faith had mismanaged the Deputation Bearing date at Banff , 5 th October , 1773 , Deputing him to Enter Alex Grant and WillmFarskin at TurrilT . He is hereby deserned by the meeting to pay in Five Shillings to the fund by way of Fine . "It is Resolved bv the Lodge that after that date no Bills
to be taken for Entering , Passing , or liaising butt all readiemoney . " It is Item ] veil that no Brother that is not Raised to the degree of a Master Mason is not to undertake or Carrie on work . " Resolved that there is to be a I'rocession at founding some of the Peirs of the Bridge of Banll ' , and that a Guinea
shall be given to the Workmen out of the Fund , but that the Expence of the Meeting shall not all'ect the fund , but Ihe persons present shall Defray the Charges thereof . " Resolved that every person Entered lo our Lodge , and Every Brother passed a Fellow Craft , or Raised to the Degree of Master shall at their Enlrv . Passing , or Raising , treat the Brethren present lo the rate of Three Shillings Ster . " _ " Resolutions of the Annual livening meeting , 8 th January
Masonic Antiquities, Records, And Bibliography.
" Resolved That for the Future that there should be a Clearance of the Books of the Operative Lodge every year , the night before St . John's day . " Resolved that every Member who enters to this Lodge shall have a receipt for their Entry money , likewise them that is Passed or Reased .
" Resolved that George Smith and Andrew Wilson , shall be Stewards for the ensuing year , aud was elected unanimus at St . John ' s days evening meeting , to provide a denner for the Members at the Expence of the Lodge and each Member is to pay eight pence for his denner , at he paying of his Quarter pennice . " Jons RHIND , Master . "
"Att at Meeting held in the Operative Lodge of Banffj 7 May , 1776 . It was unanimusly agreed that the Office Bearers should employ Quariers and Carters , in order to lay in materials for building an addition to the Lodge , the whole length of the Front to the West , and to be built tho hight of the present Lodge , and that the Office Bearers shall borrow what sum of monev they think will be wanted for that
purpose . "JOHX RIIISD , Master . " "Atta Meeting of the Operative Lodge of Banff , 27 th May , 177 t > . In Consequence of the Above Resolution to build a Front House on our Few on the Seatown , have now Agreed with John Marshall , on the Following terms , viz .: — That he is to build each rood of Scunseou measure at Fourteen pound scot and to furnish himselfe with water casks
spaids , Barrows , Iroacks , Clear the foundations , take down the old . Gave ] , and sour the lime . And to Execute the mason work fully and sufBcently , according to a plan given him by the Master . And James Robertson is to furnish all the Freestone wanted for tho house at five pence halfpennie pr foot , exclusive of the stair , likewise , it is agreed upon byjthe meeting to borrow Twenty Pound Ster ., more besides the Twenty six pound formerly Borrowed . "Jons RUIND , Master . "
Poetry.
Poetry .
THE RAISING OF THE BEAUSEANT . BY PROFESSOR AYTOUN , A nd recited at a Festival of the Knights Templars of the Metropolitan Priory of Scotland . FliiiL' out the Temple banner as of old I
Age hath not stained the whiteness of its fold , Nor marred the ruddy cross , Salvation ' s sign . Once more , we lift the sacred standard up—Companions , fill the cup—We pledge the Beauseant in this sparkling wine !
Ob ! what , a valiant host have fought and bled Beneath that banner to the wind outspread , Since first it moved against the infidel I Who knows not bow it waved on Salem ' s towers , When Acre , Ramla , . Nazareth were ours , And at Tiberias fell ?
Fell with the Knights who bore it to the field , When foulest treason broke the Christian shield , And bade the Turkish crescent-sign advance!—Fell but to rise again with triple pride , AVhen , bounding o ' er the tide , The armies came of England and of France !
And who is he , the leader of that band , Who lirst sets foot upon the Hol y Laud ? Move on , unrivall'd champion that thou art ! Shout , Brethren , shout ! aloft your banners fling"Pis he , the Christian ' s hope , the island king—Richard , the Lion-heart !
Then Aero fell—the Moslem foe went back , And still oar brethren followed on their track , Anil ever in the van of battle flew Tim sacred Beauseant , like a meteor star Shedding its wrath afar Upon the foul and unbelieving crew .
Unvanquished still—till fraud , not force , combined With basest envy in a despot ' s mind , Dragged from its staff that glorious emblem down Anil poured , like water , forth the guiltless blood , When Jacques Molay , the valiant and the good , lleeeived his martyr-crown .
then perished all—Yet no ; on Scottish ground Some remnant of the Templars still was found , Whom even treason did not dare to quell . Walter de Clifton ! honoured be thy name ! Who , braving death and shame , Didst vindicate thine Order ' s truth so well .
Years passed away , ere yet the warring . world Beheld again the Templar ' s Hag unfurled ; Hut England saw the Rosy Cross return Once more to light , and scattering dismay Within their ranks upon that glorious day When Bruce won Bannoekbum !
Then raise it up , Companions , once again , Though now it wave not in the battle plain ; True hearts are hen ; to guard its spotless fold , Fur ever honoured ha the Templar ' s name , For ever dear their fame-Fling out the Beauseant banner as of old 1
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by Correspondents . ] PAST MASTERS AS PRECEPTORS .
"Perhaps a defect of the Order may be some day found in the exuberant wealth of human material at its disposal . There are so many good and active spirits ready to give up time and money to the cause , that its principal honours are almost necessarily confined to those immediately known to the Grand Master and his advisers . The result is that the energetic Mason finds his circle of usefulness and distinction
confined to the lodge or coterie in which he works ; and that he , as a rule , becomes less actively zealous when the highest honours of his lodge have been earned . A Past Master who has filled the chair satisfactorily will , as a rule , fold his robe and fall with decency - in other words , content himself with the passive performance of the almost nominal duties left him . As a permanent member of Grand Lodge—the
Parliament of the Craft—he may , it is true , mingle in debate four times a year , but the chances of obtaining rank or position there are far more remote than they would be to an energetic member of St . Stephen's . This is , as it seems , unavoidable , but the effect is that the men who are the most energetic up to the time of their passing the chairs of their respective lodges become comparatively supine when that
honour has been achieved . Their career terminates then and there , and as they have all subscribed to the charities , there is no Masonic opening to them , except to subscribe again . This , to do them justice , they generally do , but the man who hits upon a method of keeping alive in the great body of Masonic Past Masters the zeal which has given them their rank will deserve better of the Order than any dignitary since King Solomon . "
( To the Editor of The Freemason . ) SIR , —The above remarks are to be found iu an article which lately appeared in the Daily News , under the heading of " The Prince of Wales a Freemason . " They are worthy of the earnest consideration of every lover of Freemasonry , and it is' not unlikely that a full discussion of the means whereby the active
energies of those Past Masters who have the welfare of the Craft at heart may be continued , will result beneficially . It may be presumptuous in me to think that any suggestions I mig ht offer would avail to that end , as I can have but little , if any , inlluence . Nevertheless , I have a desire to ascertain whether my ideas on the subject are in accord with those of other
brethren , and with that view ask from you the favour of a space in THE FREEMASON . If 1 intrude a brief history of my Masonic career , it is not in any spirit of self-laudation . The objection to the personal pronoun first person singular is shared by me in common with many others . The editorial " wc " is far preferable . But desiring to show that at least 1
write with some knowledge of the Masonic science , 1 think it rig ht to state that in the course of eleven years ! havebeenasubscribing member of three lodges , have served the various olliees from I . G . to W . M ., and a three years' subsequent secretaryship in one ; have founded one metropolitan lodge of increasing repute ; have founded , and passed the principal chairs in , a
chapter ; have taken degrees beyond those denominated Craft ; and am still as enthusiastic in the cause of Freemasonry as at any period during those eleven years . Hence my present letter . It has struck ine that a very wide , field for the exercise of the unused-lip energies of well- informed Masons ini"Iit be opened by the establishment of a lodge having
for its members those only who tire skilled in the working of Craft Masonry , who should be recognised throughout the Order ' its duly qualified authorities , and form in their collective capacity a Court or Lodge of Appeal , to whom all questions of working and ritual should be relerred . There is no doubt that at present a very great
diversity in the mode of working the ceremonies exists , and that in many cases the ritual is very imperfectly observed . Although it may be admitted that the opinion of the then M . W . Grand Master at the Quarterly Communication in December , 181 !) , "That so long as tho Master of any lodge observed exactly the landmarks of the Craft , he was tit liberty to give
the lectures in the language best , suited to the character of the lodge over which he presided , " cannot be objected to ; " still it will certainl y be conceded that if perfect uniformity could be attained , it would not only enhance the impressiveiiess of the several ceremonies , but would greatly conduce to the more correct transmission of the ritual lo those who have to follow us .
It is by no means unusual to find that a zealous brother , anxious to make himself acquainted with the beautifully figurative and expressive language of our lectures and sections , has at considerable expenditure of time and attention committed to his memory the teachings of an able instructor , and when desirous of transmitting such instruction to others learns , to his
dismay , that he has been taught according to " Soand-so ' s" system , whereas his new associates practice the system of another equally celebrated pastor present member of the Order . To unlearn is more difficult than lo learn , and consequently doubts as to what is really correct , and what is probably otherwise , arise to disturb his mind , ami instead of becoming himself a
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Antiquities, Records, And Bibliography.
Masonic AntIquities , Records , and Bibliography .
—?—SPECIMENS FROM A MASONIC QUARRY . BY WM . JAMES HUGHAN , P . M ., No . 131 Tnurto , Author of "History of Freemasonry in Cornwall . " "Sparkt from a Mason ' s Anvil , " < tc ; Masonic Correspondent of" The Voice of Freemasonry , " for England ; Corresponding Member of "German Masonic Union , " etc . SPECIMEN WO . 1 . —OPERATIVE MASONIC LODGES
ST . JOHN'S , BANFF . SCOTLAND . ( Continued from- last meek . ) Some of the foregoing laws of A . D . 1765 are certainly singular , while others seem framed with due regard to order and sobriety . It will be seen that at that date , as well as subsequently , the lodge was still of an operative character , and was iu reality
a Benefit Society , only of a secret nature . It continues so even to this day , although of course now , the BENEFITS are separated from the lodge Masonically . But more of this hereafter . The method of admission by petition , mentioned in Law 6 th prevails in Scotland , and cannot be highly commended . The Petitioner has to sign the following
declaration , addressed to the Master for the time being . SIR , —Having a desire to be initiated into the Mysteries of . freemasonry , in connection with the Lodge over which you preside , if agreeable to that body , I shall feel obliged by your appointing a suitable time for that purpose , and I hereby bind myself to conform to their Rules and Regulations . My age at last birthday was I am yours , & c .,
Name Designation Address This petition has to be signed in addition by two members to the following effect : — " We , the
undersigned , do recommend Mr . , as a candidate for admission into Membership , and hereby vouch for him accordingly . " But we will again introduce a few more records to our readers , believing them to be equally valuable with the last : —
" Resolved that hence forward a Meeting shall be called ten days or so Before the Annual General Meeting to Settle a Dinner , and that all the Members iu a Publick way shall have it by Rotation , beginning at . the First whose name stands in our Books . ' ¦ That no Geometrical mason shall be Entered , Passed , or Raised without Rcadic-monev .
" That an Operative master s Apprentice shall nave Credit untill St John ' s day first after ther entry upon good Security , But that all the Members in Itanlf and Down shall be called , so that If any Objections shall hapen the Petioner shall lie rejected . " That John Stewart is to get Five Pounds Ster . for this year in mouthly proportions .
" That William Laurence shall Ten Shillings Ster . as was usewally given befor , but it is not to be Continued for the future . Hut if the Deput Master of Aberdeen Shall be put to extraordinary expenses in attending this meeting he has still acess to apply . " Every member who ' s name is not Tnroled in the Grand
Lodge Books shall be Searched out and Inroled . " That no master of the Lodge of Banlt shall employ any Coivoas , unless he make it appear it was a Case of Necessity . Otherwise he his liable to the Cognisance of the next General . Meeting . " J . ROHKI ' . TSON , Master . "
" Att a Meeting held in the Operative Lodge of Banff , upon the 14 th day of December , one Thousand seven Hundred and Bevcnty-three years . It is Resolved to have two new Hearses , and the Master inipoured to give dereetions about them , as likewise to have three Sashes , and William Stephen was appointed to make a Cushon for the Bible
" As also agreeable to the Resolution of last St , Joint ' s Jay , Robert I > aing is appointed to provide a Denner for the Brethren against St . John ' s day next , and the number agreed upon to be Sixty , and in ease of a deficiency of that number Robert Laing to be indeinnelicd out of the fund . "JA . RomcnrsoN , Master . "
"Att the Anuuall Meeting of the Operative Lodge of Banll 7 January , 177-1 , Resolved that as George Faith had mismanaged the Deputation Bearing date at Banff , 5 th October , 1773 , Deputing him to Enter Alex Grant and WillmFarskin at TurrilT . He is hereby deserned by the meeting to pay in Five Shillings to the fund by way of Fine . "It is Resolved bv the Lodge that after that date no Bills
to be taken for Entering , Passing , or liaising butt all readiemoney . " It is Item ] veil that no Brother that is not Raised to the degree of a Master Mason is not to undertake or Carrie on work . " Resolved that there is to be a I'rocession at founding some of the Peirs of the Bridge of Banll ' , and that a Guinea
shall be given to the Workmen out of the Fund , but that the Expence of the Meeting shall not all'ect the fund , but Ihe persons present shall Defray the Charges thereof . " Resolved that every person Entered lo our Lodge , and Every Brother passed a Fellow Craft , or Raised to the Degree of Master shall at their Enlrv . Passing , or Raising , treat the Brethren present lo the rate of Three Shillings Ster . " _ " Resolutions of the Annual livening meeting , 8 th January
Masonic Antiquities, Records, And Bibliography.
" Resolved That for the Future that there should be a Clearance of the Books of the Operative Lodge every year , the night before St . John's day . " Resolved that every Member who enters to this Lodge shall have a receipt for their Entry money , likewise them that is Passed or Reased .
" Resolved that George Smith and Andrew Wilson , shall be Stewards for the ensuing year , aud was elected unanimus at St . John ' s days evening meeting , to provide a denner for the Members at the Expence of the Lodge and each Member is to pay eight pence for his denner , at he paying of his Quarter pennice . " Jons RHIND , Master . "
"Att at Meeting held in the Operative Lodge of Banffj 7 May , 1776 . It was unanimusly agreed that the Office Bearers should employ Quariers and Carters , in order to lay in materials for building an addition to the Lodge , the whole length of the Front to the West , and to be built tho hight of the present Lodge , and that the Office Bearers shall borrow what sum of monev they think will be wanted for that
purpose . "JOHX RIIISD , Master . " "Atta Meeting of the Operative Lodge of Banff , 27 th May , 177 t > . In Consequence of the Above Resolution to build a Front House on our Few on the Seatown , have now Agreed with John Marshall , on the Following terms , viz .: — That he is to build each rood of Scunseou measure at Fourteen pound scot and to furnish himselfe with water casks
spaids , Barrows , Iroacks , Clear the foundations , take down the old . Gave ] , and sour the lime . And to Execute the mason work fully and sufBcently , according to a plan given him by the Master . And James Robertson is to furnish all the Freestone wanted for tho house at five pence halfpennie pr foot , exclusive of the stair , likewise , it is agreed upon byjthe meeting to borrow Twenty Pound Ster ., more besides the Twenty six pound formerly Borrowed . "Jons RUIND , Master . "
Poetry.
Poetry .
THE RAISING OF THE BEAUSEANT . BY PROFESSOR AYTOUN , A nd recited at a Festival of the Knights Templars of the Metropolitan Priory of Scotland . FliiiL' out the Temple banner as of old I
Age hath not stained the whiteness of its fold , Nor marred the ruddy cross , Salvation ' s sign . Once more , we lift the sacred standard up—Companions , fill the cup—We pledge the Beauseant in this sparkling wine !
Ob ! what , a valiant host have fought and bled Beneath that banner to the wind outspread , Since first it moved against the infidel I Who knows not bow it waved on Salem ' s towers , When Acre , Ramla , . Nazareth were ours , And at Tiberias fell ?
Fell with the Knights who bore it to the field , When foulest treason broke the Christian shield , And bade the Turkish crescent-sign advance!—Fell but to rise again with triple pride , AVhen , bounding o ' er the tide , The armies came of England and of France !
And who is he , the leader of that band , Who lirst sets foot upon the Hol y Laud ? Move on , unrivall'd champion that thou art ! Shout , Brethren , shout ! aloft your banners fling"Pis he , the Christian ' s hope , the island king—Richard , the Lion-heart !
Then Aero fell—the Moslem foe went back , And still oar brethren followed on their track , Anil ever in the van of battle flew Tim sacred Beauseant , like a meteor star Shedding its wrath afar Upon the foul and unbelieving crew .
Unvanquished still—till fraud , not force , combined With basest envy in a despot ' s mind , Dragged from its staff that glorious emblem down Anil poured , like water , forth the guiltless blood , When Jacques Molay , the valiant and the good , lleeeived his martyr-crown .
then perished all—Yet no ; on Scottish ground Some remnant of the Templars still was found , Whom even treason did not dare to quell . Walter de Clifton ! honoured be thy name ! Who , braving death and shame , Didst vindicate thine Order ' s truth so well .
Years passed away , ere yet the warring . world Beheld again the Templar ' s Hag unfurled ; Hut England saw the Rosy Cross return Once more to light , and scattering dismay Within their ranks upon that glorious day When Bruce won Bannoekbum !
Then raise it up , Companions , once again , Though now it wave not in the battle plain ; True hearts are hen ; to guard its spotless fold , Fur ever honoured ha the Templar ' s name , For ever dear their fame-Fling out the Beauseant banner as of old 1
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
[ The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by Correspondents . ] PAST MASTERS AS PRECEPTORS .
"Perhaps a defect of the Order may be some day found in the exuberant wealth of human material at its disposal . There are so many good and active spirits ready to give up time and money to the cause , that its principal honours are almost necessarily confined to those immediately known to the Grand Master and his advisers . The result is that the energetic Mason finds his circle of usefulness and distinction
confined to the lodge or coterie in which he works ; and that he , as a rule , becomes less actively zealous when the highest honours of his lodge have been earned . A Past Master who has filled the chair satisfactorily will , as a rule , fold his robe and fall with decency - in other words , content himself with the passive performance of the almost nominal duties left him . As a permanent member of Grand Lodge—the
Parliament of the Craft—he may , it is true , mingle in debate four times a year , but the chances of obtaining rank or position there are far more remote than they would be to an energetic member of St . Stephen's . This is , as it seems , unavoidable , but the effect is that the men who are the most energetic up to the time of their passing the chairs of their respective lodges become comparatively supine when that
honour has been achieved . Their career terminates then and there , and as they have all subscribed to the charities , there is no Masonic opening to them , except to subscribe again . This , to do them justice , they generally do , but the man who hits upon a method of keeping alive in the great body of Masonic Past Masters the zeal which has given them their rank will deserve better of the Order than any dignitary since King Solomon . "
( To the Editor of The Freemason . ) SIR , —The above remarks are to be found iu an article which lately appeared in the Daily News , under the heading of " The Prince of Wales a Freemason . " They are worthy of the earnest consideration of every lover of Freemasonry , and it is' not unlikely that a full discussion of the means whereby the active
energies of those Past Masters who have the welfare of the Craft at heart may be continued , will result beneficially . It may be presumptuous in me to think that any suggestions I mig ht offer would avail to that end , as I can have but little , if any , inlluence . Nevertheless , I have a desire to ascertain whether my ideas on the subject are in accord with those of other
brethren , and with that view ask from you the favour of a space in THE FREEMASON . If 1 intrude a brief history of my Masonic career , it is not in any spirit of self-laudation . The objection to the personal pronoun first person singular is shared by me in common with many others . The editorial " wc " is far preferable . But desiring to show that at least 1
write with some knowledge of the Masonic science , 1 think it rig ht to state that in the course of eleven years ! havebeenasubscribing member of three lodges , have served the various olliees from I . G . to W . M ., and a three years' subsequent secretaryship in one ; have founded one metropolitan lodge of increasing repute ; have founded , and passed the principal chairs in , a
chapter ; have taken degrees beyond those denominated Craft ; and am still as enthusiastic in the cause of Freemasonry as at any period during those eleven years . Hence my present letter . It has struck ine that a very wide , field for the exercise of the unused-lip energies of well- informed Masons ini"Iit be opened by the establishment of a lodge having
for its members those only who tire skilled in the working of Craft Masonry , who should be recognised throughout the Order ' its duly qualified authorities , and form in their collective capacity a Court or Lodge of Appeal , to whom all questions of working and ritual should be relerred . There is no doubt that at present a very great
diversity in the mode of working the ceremonies exists , and that in many cases the ritual is very imperfectly observed . Although it may be admitted that the opinion of the then M . W . Grand Master at the Quarterly Communication in December , 181 !) , "That so long as tho Master of any lodge observed exactly the landmarks of the Craft , he was tit liberty to give
the lectures in the language best , suited to the character of the lodge over which he presided , " cannot be objected to ; " still it will certainl y be conceded that if perfect uniformity could be attained , it would not only enhance the impressiveiiess of the several ceremonies , but would greatly conduce to the more correct transmission of the ritual lo those who have to follow us .
It is by no means unusual to find that a zealous brother , anxious to make himself acquainted with the beautifully figurative and expressive language of our lectures and sections , has at considerable expenditure of time and attention committed to his memory the teachings of an able instructor , and when desirous of transmitting such instruction to others learns , to his
dismay , that he has been taught according to " Soand-so ' s" system , whereas his new associates practice the system of another equally celebrated pastor present member of the Order . To unlearn is more difficult than lo learn , and consequently doubts as to what is really correct , and what is probably otherwise , arise to disturb his mind , ami instead of becoming himself a