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Article FREEMASONRY IN ENGLAND. ← Page 6 of 7 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In England.
been the immemorial custom , whenever a sufficient number of Masons met together within a certain district , with the consent of the sheriff , or chief magistrate of the place , they were- empowered to make Masons , and practise the rites of Masonry , without warrant of Constitution . The privilege was inherent in themselves as individuals , and this privilege is still enjoyed by two old Lodges now extant , which act by immemorial constitution .
In consequence of this regulation , several new Lodges were soon after founded in different parts of London and its environs , and the Masters and Wardens of these Lodges were commanded to attend the meetings of the Grand Lodge , make a regular report of their proceedings , and forward to the Grand Master , from time to time , a copy of any byelaws they might form for their own government ; in order that no laws
established among them should be contrary to or subversive of the general regulations by which the Fraternity had been so long governed , and which had been so long governed , and which had been sanctioned by the four Lodges convened as Grand Loc ' sie , in 1717 .
In order to shew due consideration and respect to four old Lodges by which the Grand Lodge was originated , it was resolved , " That every privilege which they collectively enjoyed , by virtue of their immemorial rights , they should still continue to enjoy ; and that no law , rule , or regulation , to be hereafter made or passed in Grand Lodge , should ever deprive them of such privilege , or encroach on any landmark which was
at that time established as the standard of Masonic government . " This motion having been confirmed , the old Masons in the metropolis , agreeably to the resolutions of the brethren at large , vested all their inherent privileges , as individuals , in the four old Lodges in trust , that they would never suffer the old charges and ancient landmarks to be infringed . The four old Lodges then agreed to extend their patronage to every
Lodge which the Grand Lodge should hereafter constitute according to the new regulations , and while such Lodges conformed to the ancient constitutions of the Order , to admit then- Masters and Wardens to share with them all the privileges of Grand Lodge , excepting precedence of rank .
Thus we arrive at a most interesting and important period in the history of Masonry , and from henceforth it assumes a still greater importance . The method of carrying on the ivork and the tools employed in imitating the beautiful harmony of the Great Architect of the "Universe , from this time became the emblems of workino- the eternal salvation of mankind .
The truly speculative Mason sees in every line a communication with Divine wisdom ; from every working tool he derives a moral lesson . By the beautiful harmony of the creation , he is taught to regard all mankind as one family , however distinguished by country or religious opinion , all worshipping the same Almighty Parent from whom all good works do proceed , and to whom all look up with reverence and gratitude , whatever
their sect or peculiar forms of worship may be . That this feeling of universal love is approved by the Creator and Preserver of all mankind , is amply evinced by the peace and happiness , whicli , with his assistance ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In England.
been the immemorial custom , whenever a sufficient number of Masons met together within a certain district , with the consent of the sheriff , or chief magistrate of the place , they were- empowered to make Masons , and practise the rites of Masonry , without warrant of Constitution . The privilege was inherent in themselves as individuals , and this privilege is still enjoyed by two old Lodges now extant , which act by immemorial constitution .
In consequence of this regulation , several new Lodges were soon after founded in different parts of London and its environs , and the Masters and Wardens of these Lodges were commanded to attend the meetings of the Grand Lodge , make a regular report of their proceedings , and forward to the Grand Master , from time to time , a copy of any byelaws they might form for their own government ; in order that no laws
established among them should be contrary to or subversive of the general regulations by which the Fraternity had been so long governed , and which had been so long governed , and which had been sanctioned by the four Lodges convened as Grand Loc ' sie , in 1717 .
In order to shew due consideration and respect to four old Lodges by which the Grand Lodge was originated , it was resolved , " That every privilege which they collectively enjoyed , by virtue of their immemorial rights , they should still continue to enjoy ; and that no law , rule , or regulation , to be hereafter made or passed in Grand Lodge , should ever deprive them of such privilege , or encroach on any landmark which was
at that time established as the standard of Masonic government . " This motion having been confirmed , the old Masons in the metropolis , agreeably to the resolutions of the brethren at large , vested all their inherent privileges , as individuals , in the four old Lodges in trust , that they would never suffer the old charges and ancient landmarks to be infringed . The four old Lodges then agreed to extend their patronage to every
Lodge which the Grand Lodge should hereafter constitute according to the new regulations , and while such Lodges conformed to the ancient constitutions of the Order , to admit then- Masters and Wardens to share with them all the privileges of Grand Lodge , excepting precedence of rank .
Thus we arrive at a most interesting and important period in the history of Masonry , and from henceforth it assumes a still greater importance . The method of carrying on the ivork and the tools employed in imitating the beautiful harmony of the Great Architect of the "Universe , from this time became the emblems of workino- the eternal salvation of mankind .
The truly speculative Mason sees in every line a communication with Divine wisdom ; from every working tool he derives a moral lesson . By the beautiful harmony of the creation , he is taught to regard all mankind as one family , however distinguished by country or religious opinion , all worshipping the same Almighty Parent from whom all good works do proceed , and to whom all look up with reverence and gratitude , whatever
their sect or peculiar forms of worship may be . That this feeling of universal love is approved by the Creator and Preserver of all mankind , is amply evinced by the peace and happiness , whicli , with his assistance ,