An Analysis Of Ancient And Modern Freemasonry.

the constitution and symbols in Freemasonry , and the Sect , called the Essenes . Whoever should give this as a reason for asserting that the Essenes had by successive transitions been incorporated into the society of Freemasons , would greatly err by

coming too hastily to a conclusion . " Bro . J . G . Findel in agreeing with the foregoing , observes "That we may not be led astray in these our inquiries into the history of the society of Freemasons , we need only bear in mind what the

English Grand Lodge , the mother of all lodges , happened to meet with in the year 1717 and immediately appropriated . This was the bequest of some ancient lodge of architecture , a simple rite , the three fundamental laws of brotherly love ,

Relief and Truth , and the so called ancient Gothic constitutions , still existing as documents , all of which bear no remoter date than that of the 12 th century . " When we lose sight of the fact , that all the

grand lodges of speculative Freemasonry in the universe , have all one common origin either directly or indirectly , and that , the grand lodge held at London under the Grand Mastership of Anthony Sayer , it is impossible to say what Masons will not

believe and fancy , as the most riduculous narratives have been accepted as true and faithful accounts of the commencemet of our Institution .

Fortunately the zeal of a few devoted enthusiasts has shed light upon the chaws of contradictory statements concerning our origin , and we now have pure and ancient free and accepted Masonry presented to us in somthing like its original purity

and dignity . Considering the many enlightened men who have been admitted into our mysteries , it seems strange that for years , Masons otherwise liberal and broad hearted , should have had strong

objections to Masonic literature , yet our records testify that there have not been wanting members to support the exploded doctrine , that it were better to burn all our histories , and return again to our primeval state in Masonry . Notwithstanding a

book of constitution was published within six years after modern Masonry arose as a phoenix from the ashes of the operative society , ( A . D . 1723 ) by authority of the Grand Master , it was long after that date before other works of a similar nature

enjoyed a like favour . Captain George Smith for publishing " use and abuse of Masonry , " A . D . 1783 was publicly decried by the Grand Sec . Bro . Heseltine , and even Bro . William Preston , the

An Analysis Of Ancient And Modern Freemasonry.

popular historian was opposed in his useful labours by Bro . Northoouck , compiler of constitutions , A . D . 1784 . Thanks be , the mists clouding our horizon are now being dispelled , and a Masonic student is recognized as a benefacter to the society

at large . To aid in unfolding the literary character of our order , and in educating Masons to understand Masonry , the FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE of London , has for many years been a " Beacon " to the Institution , and still continues its valuable

exertions for the welfare of the Craft , in company with similar journals published in France , Germany , the United States , and other countries . It is to be regretted that the circulation of these Magazines are not at all commensurate with their importance ,

and especially so in England . It is interesting to trace our progress from A . D . 1717 to 1868 . In A . D . 1723 , when the constitutions were first printed there were but 20 lodges in and about London , and not a dozen else of any kind in the world . When the second edition was published A . D . 1738 , the

number had increased to 160 , and various lodges besides away from England . About this date the lodges were beseiged with applicants , and the Eastern and Western hemispheres , alike participated in the benefits of our honourable society .

A . D . 1767 there were 240 lodges under the Grand Lodge of England , but the seceeders were also gaining strength at that date , and numerous grand lodges had been formed abroad on a most enduring and cosmopolitan basis , Prov . Grand

Lodges as well were then in activity , and everything was suggestive of energy and enthusiasm . In A . D . 1783 a noted writer thus states his own observations as an eye witness . " Use and abuse of Masonry page 303 . " There are now no less than

1 , 247 regular lodges in Europe , 187 in America , 76 in Asia , and 13 in Africa , 1 , 523 lodges in all , that now exists in the world , which on estimating them one with another at 30 members each , make 45 , 690 Masons in all . " But in 1863 , what is the result ? In Great Britain alone there are now

more lodges and Masons , than were to be found in all the world in the year 1780 . In fact the membership is extraordinary , and the progress the various grand lodges has made , seems almost fabulous .

In Europe there are upwards of twenty-five Grand Lodges , and in America nearl y fifty . There are none however in either Asia , Africa , or Australia , as these countries are mostly under the authority of England and France . The Grand