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Article THE ANTLQUITY OF FREEMASONRY. Page 1 of 1 Article THE ANTLQUITY OF FREEMASONRY. Page 1 of 1 Article PRESENTATION OF MASONIC TESTIMONIAL AT HANLEY. Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Antlquity Of Freemasonry.
THE ANTLQUITY OF FREEMASONRY .
No one ought to disbelieve any dogma that may be advanced of the antiquity of Freemasonry without well weighing its merits with a fair and tolerant criticism ; but Bros . Buchan , Leo , " and Co "— " Duo junda en uno " I assume , and if so , decidedly unmasonic—are so
intolerant in the advocacy of their theory as even to make me doubt whether they actually believe in it themselves . That any such evidence as they insist upon having will ever , in all probability , be forthcoming Bro . Buchan knows full well : because , for any one to have
retained such evidence in his possession during theperiod of intolerance that existed for so many years prior to 1717 , would have been little more or less than its owner ' s signing his own death warrant . It was not until 1714 ( the commencement of the Georgian era ) that the reign
of toleration could be fairly said to have been inaugurated ; but the moment Masons dared avow themselves , a very considerable revival of Freemasonry took place , and this few , except Bro . Buchan , will doubt ¦ but even he does not deny that there were some of an
ancient class living at that date besides " Desaguiliers , Anderson , & Co ., " as they have been irreverently termed , and it can scarcely be supposed that these ancient members of the Craft would have quietly sat down and consented to all their own forms and ceremonies being turned
inside out , and a new regime and ritual substituted , withoutleaving some evidences of remonstrances or objections to this new order of things , but we do not find any such thing ; everything quietly worked into the alleged new order , and whilst looking at the extreme jealousy with which
Masons through , all time and under the most adverse , circumstances , have guarded their traditions , forms and landmarks . I contend that the peace which reigned in 1717 is strong internal evidence that the changes could not have , been of the revolutionary character the 1717 theory
would have us believe . Again I wonld ask , does the character of our historians go-for nothing ? One at least of them wrote at the period when the alleged " manufactory " ( fraud would have been a more candid term ) took place , but not a word is said by Anderson to give the
slightest impression that any such radical change did take place . Hutchison , Preston and Oliver , all good men and true , have followed , but neither they nor any of the Masons of the earlier period could discover this wonderful "invention " of their own age , and I feel assured that every
real lover of the Craft of the present clay will be equally unable to discover it . The theory is nevertheless not of Bro . Buchan ' s creating , but I do not recollect having ever seen it in print , until the publication of " Partington ' s Cyclopedia *; " of 1834 , at which time , I well
recollect , it was freelly discussed by the Craft , and as freely ignored . I believe also that about the same time , or a little earlier , it was propounded by one or two dissatisfied or disappointed members of our Order , with no other result ; and I believe that the present attempt to revive it will
be equally unsuccessful . Bro . C . Paton has however completely exploded the theory , and for his able letters deserves thc thanks of the Craft , but in the letter published in your last number , he speaks of an article " Masonry , Free , " in " Chambers'
Encyclopedia ; , " as having been written by one who does not believe in the antiquity of our system , but he does not quote the edition . I think , therefore , it must be a more recent one than that in my possession , which is the fifth edition folio published in 1743 , only twenty-six years
after the alleged maiuifactury of our Order . In it the article , " Free or Accepted Masons , " commences by calling them " A very ancient society or body of men , " and adds " they are now very considerable , both for numbers and character , being found in every country in Europe , and
consisting principally of persons of merit ancl consideration . " The article I have quoted was evidently not written by a Mason , but can it be believed , that the wrtier of it , or the publisher of a book of such a character could have thus spoken of Masonry , if its antiquity was only of
The Antlquity Of Freemasonry.
twenty-six years' standing ¦ or that any person of even very ordinary intelligence , could have been so deceived , if the 1717 theory was true ? What would be said or thought of a writer in the | present day , calling the Odd Fellows or Foresters " a very ancient society ?" C . GOODAVYN .
Presentation Of Masonic Testimonial At Hanley.
PRESENTATION OF MASONIC TESTIMONIAL AT HANLEY .
The brethren of the Masonic Lodge Menturia , held at Hanley , on Tuesday , through their AV . M . Bro . Piercy , presented a Masonic jewel to Bro . \ V . H . Hales , P . P . G . A . D . C , who has long been a valued , because ever-useful , member of the lodge . The duties proper of the lodge on Tuesday preceded the presentation , and we only say this that we may take the opportunity of noting
that Bro . Piercy s Mastership is conducted on the principle that what is worth doing at all is worth doing well . The brethren having adjourned from labour to refreshment , partook at the Saracen ' s Head Hotel of a meal most excellently prepared by Mrs . Halsey , and subsequently , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been disposed of ,
The AV . M . said it devolved on him , on behalf of the brethren of the lodge , to present to Bro . AV . H . Hales a P . P . A . G . D . C . Jewel ( Masonic honours ) . In doing so he had to remark that in the getting up of the testimonial there had been a unanimous expression of feeling on the part of the Menturia Lodge in behalf of Bro . Hales . Every brother he had asked to give had cheerfully done
so , and much more might have been obtained but for a limitation of the subscription . He had great pleasure in presenting the jewel for the acceptance of Bro . Hales as a small token of the respect in which that brother was held , trusting that he would wear it many years , that for a long time he would continue to come amongst them , and that when it should please the G . A . U . to summon him from
that lower lodge to the lodge above , his name would be perpetuated m Menturia , and his example followed by those who were now young Masons . The AV . M . concluded , amid a demonstration of Masonic honours , by handing to Bro . Hales the jewel indicated , which bears an appropriate inscription . The SECRETARY ( Bro . Diggory ) read the following
letter from Bro . George Gough , P . D . P . G . M . : " My Dear Bro . Hales , —Hearty congratulations upon the closing line of your lodge circular . It is scarcely possible to imagine a more merited compliment . In recognising your long and valuable services , the brethren not only honour you , but do honour to themselves . I heartily regret that inevitable engagements will preclude my
coming , as I should very much like to have spoken thus much and more on so pleasing an occasion , as well as to have once more enjoyed , though for too brief a season , the company of brethren whose friendship must ever remain dear to me . AVith heartiest wishes for the prosperity and happiness of your lodge , and that you may live long in the enjoyment of your present and such
further honours as our Craft can afford . The S . AV ., Bro . TAYLOR , said it had afforded him real pleasure to be connected with the demonstration in honour of Bro . Hales , to whom he had been indebted for his initiation into Masonry and for much ofthe satisfaction he derived from his association with Menturia Lodge . He believed that , but for Bro . Hales , that lodge would not
now be what it is , for he had taken an interest in it from the first , and had been its most useful member . ( Masonic applause . ) Bro . TURNER , P . P . S . G . D ., remarked that one thing especially had endeared Menturia Lodge to him ; that was the energy of Bro . Hales . He had been fifteen years a Mason , and he must say that he had never met with a brother possessing more Masonic zeal than had been
displayed by Bro . Hales . Bro . CRAPPER , P . P . G . A . D . C , remarked that the zeal of Bro . I laics had not been expended alone on Menturia Lodge , for he had visited many lodges , and wherever he had gone he made himself useful . Bro . HALES , after avowing the difficulty he experienced in acknowledging the kindness ofthe brethren , said that ,
hadhebcen consulted in the outset , he should have thrown cold water on lhe movement , as he had never had the least desire for reward . He had worked for Menturia Lodge because he had taken a pride in it from the moment he had joined il . And not he alone , for he had been zealously assisted by Bro . Hultcrworth , up to the time of that brother ' s death , and by Bro . Hall . At one lime it
had been evident that a strong effort to keep the lodge from ^ decadence must be made . An effort had been made , the roll had been cleared of lhe names of many who never contributed lo the funds , economy in some respects had been cultivated , and the lodge had been reestablished on a firmer , though nominally smaller , basis . It had progressed satisfactorily , and it was now in a better
position than ever . ( Masonic cheers . ) 1 hey were clear of liabilities , ancl had been able to contribute to the funds of , not only the Masonic Charities , but also other charities . They had now a good list of members , good not only in respect of numbers , but also in respect of Masonic zeal . Tliey had , too , a most excellent Master in Bro . Piercy —( applause)—who seemed never to tire of working for the lodge , and who , it must have been evident to the
visiting brethren , went through his work i : i a most able manner . ( Applause . ) He ( lire . Hales ) begged to thank the brethren , not only for thc present they had made him , but also for the confidence that had been placed in him ; of their present he should ever feel proud , and their confidence he should endeavour to repay by continued effort in ancl for thc lodge . ( Applause . ) Other toasts followed .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
( To the Editor of The Freemason . ) DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I had no intention of replying to the remarks of Bro . Sp ., ( page 332 ) , but to-night having a little time to spare , it may please , if it does not benefit , my brother by doing '
so : and I will endeavour to make the " Doric dialect " as plain as possible for his comprehension . All creatures have something in them peculiar to their several Sp-ecies , and it may be a peculiarity of Bro . Sp ., that he cannot " quite comprehend facts when briefly stated , such as , that which persons
cannot comprehend , they do not understand , and what they do not understand , they cannot explain . " What Bro . Sp . refers to in his first paragraph , are separate and distinct statements , and no inference made from the one to the other , that the " secrets of nature" may be explored by those who cannot boast a college education , " though they may be so
by a diligent student who has intellect and " genius for such studies . " 2 nd . If Bro . Yarker does not refer to " secrets of nature" in his letter , all I can say is that I have mistaken the meaning of the word philosophy , and I also have yet to learn that any secrets of nature have been or are discoverable by a Masonic
initiation . 3 rd . We are told what he believes Bro . Yarker meant , and I will agree with him , that no person should enter the arena of metaphysical and theological discussions without some knowledge of the ancient religions of the world . I also agree that
ordinary common-sense , unaided by study will not suffice for the discussion of questions , " & c . In conclusion , and " without attempting to emulate the fame " of any one , living or dead , I will say that ambition has no bounds but what the God of
Nature prescribes for the good of man . And that there is nothing so insignificant as to be wholly de spised—not even a " cruise" in a fishing-boat , or royal yacht . As for " Grand Noah" or his ark . I can say nothing about them , or their Board of Admiralty . Yours fraternally ,
W . G . DORIC . IS FREEMASONRY SECTARIAN ?
( To the Editor of The Freemason . ) DKAR SIR AND BROTHER , —As a Freemason , I beg most respectfully to to take exception to certain assumptions ancl remarks of our R . W . Brother Charles John Martyn , G . C . ( e . g . ) , he says , " and all of whom he may fairly presume , by their presence in that sacred building , to be members of the
Church of England , or , at all all events , not strongly opposed to her doctrines . " Now I by no means can take this view of the case , for the brethren present / would presume went there as Masons and expecting to hear a Masonic sermon , given by a Masonic Office Bearer , and I would also expect that one who is a Freemason himself would
understand this and perform his work accordingly , if not he should never have accepted of such a post as a Masonic Chaplain . Instead of " presuming " that his hearers were " members of the Church of Eng land , " he as a Mason , was entitled to presume that many of his brethren might not be so . There might have been Unitarians , Jews , or even Mahommedans
present—brethren who had come to worship The Great Architect of thc Universe—consequently they would be perfectly justified in protesting against sectarian remarks and doctrines being intro duced and expounded in what should have simply been a pure and sensible Masonic discourse . Although I happen to be a Scottish Presbyterian ,
I yet consider that a Unitarian , Jew , or Mahommedan is just as well qualified to be a good and honest Freemason as any Scottish Presbyterian , more as a Freemason , ancl while in a Masonic lodge , or engaged on Masonic work . I consider that I should
do nothing to praise up and expound my own religious views , for by so doing I would not only be throwing cold water on theirs , but also be guilty of infringment of true Masonic courtesy . I am ready at this moment to vote for thc disestablishment and disendowment of the Church of
England , ancl of the so-called Church of Scotland also ,, because I consider that thc members of every church ought to support it themselves . Yet , I wonder how Bro . Martyn would take it if he heard these views expounded at a Masonic meeting ? Bro . Martyn also alludes to thc Bible . Now , that is a subject for serious consideration , whether or not the Bible is the proper book to place upon
the altar of a Masonic lodge ? I am not sure but that it may yet come to be that the Book of Constitutions will lie where the Bible now does—said Book of Constitutions containing a preamble of our Masonic faith . I highly reverence the Bible , and I question if the altar of a Masonic lodge is the proper place for it . Freemasonry , it must be remembered , is not , and never was intended to be , a religion , or our religion . I am vours fraternally , W . P . BUCHAN .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Antlquity Of Freemasonry.
THE ANTLQUITY OF FREEMASONRY .
No one ought to disbelieve any dogma that may be advanced of the antiquity of Freemasonry without well weighing its merits with a fair and tolerant criticism ; but Bros . Buchan , Leo , " and Co "— " Duo junda en uno " I assume , and if so , decidedly unmasonic—are so
intolerant in the advocacy of their theory as even to make me doubt whether they actually believe in it themselves . That any such evidence as they insist upon having will ever , in all probability , be forthcoming Bro . Buchan knows full well : because , for any one to have
retained such evidence in his possession during theperiod of intolerance that existed for so many years prior to 1717 , would have been little more or less than its owner ' s signing his own death warrant . It was not until 1714 ( the commencement of the Georgian era ) that the reign
of toleration could be fairly said to have been inaugurated ; but the moment Masons dared avow themselves , a very considerable revival of Freemasonry took place , and this few , except Bro . Buchan , will doubt ¦ but even he does not deny that there were some of an
ancient class living at that date besides " Desaguiliers , Anderson , & Co ., " as they have been irreverently termed , and it can scarcely be supposed that these ancient members of the Craft would have quietly sat down and consented to all their own forms and ceremonies being turned
inside out , and a new regime and ritual substituted , withoutleaving some evidences of remonstrances or objections to this new order of things , but we do not find any such thing ; everything quietly worked into the alleged new order , and whilst looking at the extreme jealousy with which
Masons through , all time and under the most adverse , circumstances , have guarded their traditions , forms and landmarks . I contend that the peace which reigned in 1717 is strong internal evidence that the changes could not have , been of the revolutionary character the 1717 theory
would have us believe . Again I wonld ask , does the character of our historians go-for nothing ? One at least of them wrote at the period when the alleged " manufactory " ( fraud would have been a more candid term ) took place , but not a word is said by Anderson to give the
slightest impression that any such radical change did take place . Hutchison , Preston and Oliver , all good men and true , have followed , but neither they nor any of the Masons of the earlier period could discover this wonderful "invention " of their own age , and I feel assured that every
real lover of the Craft of the present clay will be equally unable to discover it . The theory is nevertheless not of Bro . Buchan ' s creating , but I do not recollect having ever seen it in print , until the publication of " Partington ' s Cyclopedia *; " of 1834 , at which time , I well
recollect , it was freelly discussed by the Craft , and as freely ignored . I believe also that about the same time , or a little earlier , it was propounded by one or two dissatisfied or disappointed members of our Order , with no other result ; and I believe that the present attempt to revive it will
be equally unsuccessful . Bro . C . Paton has however completely exploded the theory , and for his able letters deserves thc thanks of the Craft , but in the letter published in your last number , he speaks of an article " Masonry , Free , " in " Chambers'
Encyclopedia ; , " as having been written by one who does not believe in the antiquity of our system , but he does not quote the edition . I think , therefore , it must be a more recent one than that in my possession , which is the fifth edition folio published in 1743 , only twenty-six years
after the alleged maiuifactury of our Order . In it the article , " Free or Accepted Masons , " commences by calling them " A very ancient society or body of men , " and adds " they are now very considerable , both for numbers and character , being found in every country in Europe , and
consisting principally of persons of merit ancl consideration . " The article I have quoted was evidently not written by a Mason , but can it be believed , that the wrtier of it , or the publisher of a book of such a character could have thus spoken of Masonry , if its antiquity was only of
The Antlquity Of Freemasonry.
twenty-six years' standing ¦ or that any person of even very ordinary intelligence , could have been so deceived , if the 1717 theory was true ? What would be said or thought of a writer in the | present day , calling the Odd Fellows or Foresters " a very ancient society ?" C . GOODAVYN .
Presentation Of Masonic Testimonial At Hanley.
PRESENTATION OF MASONIC TESTIMONIAL AT HANLEY .
The brethren of the Masonic Lodge Menturia , held at Hanley , on Tuesday , through their AV . M . Bro . Piercy , presented a Masonic jewel to Bro . \ V . H . Hales , P . P . G . A . D . C , who has long been a valued , because ever-useful , member of the lodge . The duties proper of the lodge on Tuesday preceded the presentation , and we only say this that we may take the opportunity of noting
that Bro . Piercy s Mastership is conducted on the principle that what is worth doing at all is worth doing well . The brethren having adjourned from labour to refreshment , partook at the Saracen ' s Head Hotel of a meal most excellently prepared by Mrs . Halsey , and subsequently , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts having been disposed of ,
The AV . M . said it devolved on him , on behalf of the brethren of the lodge , to present to Bro . AV . H . Hales a P . P . A . G . D . C . Jewel ( Masonic honours ) . In doing so he had to remark that in the getting up of the testimonial there had been a unanimous expression of feeling on the part of the Menturia Lodge in behalf of Bro . Hales . Every brother he had asked to give had cheerfully done
so , and much more might have been obtained but for a limitation of the subscription . He had great pleasure in presenting the jewel for the acceptance of Bro . Hales as a small token of the respect in which that brother was held , trusting that he would wear it many years , that for a long time he would continue to come amongst them , and that when it should please the G . A . U . to summon him from
that lower lodge to the lodge above , his name would be perpetuated m Menturia , and his example followed by those who were now young Masons . The AV . M . concluded , amid a demonstration of Masonic honours , by handing to Bro . Hales the jewel indicated , which bears an appropriate inscription . The SECRETARY ( Bro . Diggory ) read the following
letter from Bro . George Gough , P . D . P . G . M . : " My Dear Bro . Hales , —Hearty congratulations upon the closing line of your lodge circular . It is scarcely possible to imagine a more merited compliment . In recognising your long and valuable services , the brethren not only honour you , but do honour to themselves . I heartily regret that inevitable engagements will preclude my
coming , as I should very much like to have spoken thus much and more on so pleasing an occasion , as well as to have once more enjoyed , though for too brief a season , the company of brethren whose friendship must ever remain dear to me . AVith heartiest wishes for the prosperity and happiness of your lodge , and that you may live long in the enjoyment of your present and such
further honours as our Craft can afford . The S . AV ., Bro . TAYLOR , said it had afforded him real pleasure to be connected with the demonstration in honour of Bro . Hales , to whom he had been indebted for his initiation into Masonry and for much ofthe satisfaction he derived from his association with Menturia Lodge . He believed that , but for Bro . Hales , that lodge would not
now be what it is , for he had taken an interest in it from the first , and had been its most useful member . ( Masonic applause . ) Bro . TURNER , P . P . S . G . D ., remarked that one thing especially had endeared Menturia Lodge to him ; that was the energy of Bro . Hales . He had been fifteen years a Mason , and he must say that he had never met with a brother possessing more Masonic zeal than had been
displayed by Bro . Hales . Bro . CRAPPER , P . P . G . A . D . C , remarked that the zeal of Bro . I laics had not been expended alone on Menturia Lodge , for he had visited many lodges , and wherever he had gone he made himself useful . Bro . HALES , after avowing the difficulty he experienced in acknowledging the kindness ofthe brethren , said that ,
hadhebcen consulted in the outset , he should have thrown cold water on lhe movement , as he had never had the least desire for reward . He had worked for Menturia Lodge because he had taken a pride in it from the moment he had joined il . And not he alone , for he had been zealously assisted by Bro . Hultcrworth , up to the time of that brother ' s death , and by Bro . Hall . At one lime it
had been evident that a strong effort to keep the lodge from ^ decadence must be made . An effort had been made , the roll had been cleared of lhe names of many who never contributed lo the funds , economy in some respects had been cultivated , and the lodge had been reestablished on a firmer , though nominally smaller , basis . It had progressed satisfactorily , and it was now in a better
position than ever . ( Masonic cheers . ) 1 hey were clear of liabilities , ancl had been able to contribute to the funds of , not only the Masonic Charities , but also other charities . They had now a good list of members , good not only in respect of numbers , but also in respect of Masonic zeal . Tliey had , too , a most excellent Master in Bro . Piercy —( applause)—who seemed never to tire of working for the lodge , and who , it must have been evident to the
visiting brethren , went through his work i : i a most able manner . ( Applause . ) He ( lire . Hales ) begged to thank the brethren , not only for thc present they had made him , but also for the confidence that had been placed in him ; of their present he should ever feel proud , and their confidence he should endeavour to repay by continued effort in ancl for thc lodge . ( Applause . ) Other toasts followed .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
( To the Editor of The Freemason . ) DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —I had no intention of replying to the remarks of Bro . Sp ., ( page 332 ) , but to-night having a little time to spare , it may please , if it does not benefit , my brother by doing '
so : and I will endeavour to make the " Doric dialect " as plain as possible for his comprehension . All creatures have something in them peculiar to their several Sp-ecies , and it may be a peculiarity of Bro . Sp ., that he cannot " quite comprehend facts when briefly stated , such as , that which persons
cannot comprehend , they do not understand , and what they do not understand , they cannot explain . " What Bro . Sp . refers to in his first paragraph , are separate and distinct statements , and no inference made from the one to the other , that the " secrets of nature" may be explored by those who cannot boast a college education , " though they may be so
by a diligent student who has intellect and " genius for such studies . " 2 nd . If Bro . Yarker does not refer to " secrets of nature" in his letter , all I can say is that I have mistaken the meaning of the word philosophy , and I also have yet to learn that any secrets of nature have been or are discoverable by a Masonic
initiation . 3 rd . We are told what he believes Bro . Yarker meant , and I will agree with him , that no person should enter the arena of metaphysical and theological discussions without some knowledge of the ancient religions of the world . I also agree that
ordinary common-sense , unaided by study will not suffice for the discussion of questions , " & c . In conclusion , and " without attempting to emulate the fame " of any one , living or dead , I will say that ambition has no bounds but what the God of
Nature prescribes for the good of man . And that there is nothing so insignificant as to be wholly de spised—not even a " cruise" in a fishing-boat , or royal yacht . As for " Grand Noah" or his ark . I can say nothing about them , or their Board of Admiralty . Yours fraternally ,
W . G . DORIC . IS FREEMASONRY SECTARIAN ?
( To the Editor of The Freemason . ) DKAR SIR AND BROTHER , —As a Freemason , I beg most respectfully to to take exception to certain assumptions ancl remarks of our R . W . Brother Charles John Martyn , G . C . ( e . g . ) , he says , " and all of whom he may fairly presume , by their presence in that sacred building , to be members of the
Church of England , or , at all all events , not strongly opposed to her doctrines . " Now I by no means can take this view of the case , for the brethren present / would presume went there as Masons and expecting to hear a Masonic sermon , given by a Masonic Office Bearer , and I would also expect that one who is a Freemason himself would
understand this and perform his work accordingly , if not he should never have accepted of such a post as a Masonic Chaplain . Instead of " presuming " that his hearers were " members of the Church of Eng land , " he as a Mason , was entitled to presume that many of his brethren might not be so . There might have been Unitarians , Jews , or even Mahommedans
present—brethren who had come to worship The Great Architect of thc Universe—consequently they would be perfectly justified in protesting against sectarian remarks and doctrines being intro duced and expounded in what should have simply been a pure and sensible Masonic discourse . Although I happen to be a Scottish Presbyterian ,
I yet consider that a Unitarian , Jew , or Mahommedan is just as well qualified to be a good and honest Freemason as any Scottish Presbyterian , more as a Freemason , ancl while in a Masonic lodge , or engaged on Masonic work . I consider that I should
do nothing to praise up and expound my own religious views , for by so doing I would not only be throwing cold water on theirs , but also be guilty of infringment of true Masonic courtesy . I am ready at this moment to vote for thc disestablishment and disendowment of the Church of
England , ancl of the so-called Church of Scotland also ,, because I consider that thc members of every church ought to support it themselves . Yet , I wonder how Bro . Martyn would take it if he heard these views expounded at a Masonic meeting ? Bro . Martyn also alludes to thc Bible . Now , that is a subject for serious consideration , whether or not the Bible is the proper book to place upon
the altar of a Masonic lodge ? I am not sure but that it may yet come to be that the Book of Constitutions will lie where the Bible now does—said Book of Constitutions containing a preamble of our Masonic faith . I highly reverence the Bible , and I question if the altar of a Masonic lodge is the proper place for it . Freemasonry , it must be remembered , is not , and never was intended to be , a religion , or our religion . I am vours fraternally , W . P . BUCHAN .