An Analysis Of Ancient And Modern Freemasonry.

doubt it has for centuries been a custom with operative Masons to choose their marks , and in the first part of our analysis we gave as an illustration of that ancient method . We could give many such , but take it for granted that the

antiquity of the custom itself will not be disputed , the only question being as to whether there was any ceremony observed at the time . We know of neither record nor tradition connecting ceremony with choosing Marks before the revival of A . D .

1717 , although the minutes of lodges at Ayr , Edinburgh , Glasgow , Aberdeen , & c , before that date abound with copies of the marks chosen by the Fellow Crafts . These marks are to be found in old buildings in nearly every country , and are

both an interesting and profitable study in an archaeological point of view . For intelligence on this head we would refer the reader to Dr . Mackay's lexicon , Bro . Laurie ' s History of Freemasonry , besides other works in preparation that

contain much valuable information relative to the subject . In Scotland several of the lodges continue to work the Mark degree from 1736 down

to the present time , including the St . Mary ' s Chapel , Journeymen , and St . John's Lodges , and it is to them we are chiefly indebted for the preservation of the ritual , as also the latter lodge for its recognition by the Grand Lodge of Scotland .

If it cannot be proved that there was ceremony observed in conferring the Mark before 1736 , it is quite clear a mark was chosen , hence in England we have departed from the ancient custom , even if we are right in disregarding the mark

degree itself , which we very much doubt . Fortunately the mark degree is still preserved in this country by the formation of an independent Grand Lodge of Mark Masters , which has been

largely and most influentially supported ever since its formation . We may also state that the degree has very intelligent advocates wherever the English language is spoken . " The vast proportions which , this society has assumed , the mysteries

involved in its origin and early development , the ¦ different forms it has adopted in different countries , not only with regard to its constitution , but also to the customs incorporated with it , the destruction of manuscripts , together with other

circumstances , have rendered an investigation aud reliable history " exceedingly difficult . For an analysis of Freemasonry to be complete , the whole of the records of the Craft , together with all the historical connections , would have to

An Analysis Of Ancient And Modern Freemasonry.

be carefully examined , so that their nature may be correctly and fully investigated , and especially such evidences as relate to the period when purely operative Masonry as a secret institution existed . We , however , must rest satisfied with the efforts to weave our notes into something like methodical

arrangement , and then to leave the subject almost as unfinished as before , trusting that intelligent Masons , who have opportunity and means , will continue the researches , and eventually complete the grand design of uniting the scattered records of ancient and modern Freemasonry into one haumonions whole .

We forbear entering ( beyond the threshhold ) on the vexed subject of the antiquity of the "hautes grades . " Suffice it to say , that all such degrees of a Masonic character have been instituted since A . D . 1720 , and most of them are of

less antiquity than the Royal Arch , so far as the period of their revival is concerned and strictly Masonic character . Certainly the Masonic Knights Templars' degree cannot be traced until several years subsequent to A . D . 1740 , and the same may

be said of the Masonic Knights of Malta , Red Cross of Rome and Constantine , and most of the chivalric ^ 'degrees , no minutes of which exist of an earlier date than A . D . 1770 . It is quite possible to be a thorough Mason without venturing beyond the York rite , although we must acknowledge that several have been much instructed after admission

into the ineffable degrees of the ancient and accepted rite . Then , however , it has not been so much through the information conveyed in the degrees , as from intercourse with the many learned and illustrious brethren who are to be found in the ranks of the rite itself . Whilst we are anxious

to exalt the English rite as much as possible , we most cheerfully admit that the chief members of what is called the " higher degrees , " are favourably known everwhere for J their zealous attachment to the Masonic science , and we know they have

contributed much to the rapid progress the Craft has made of late years . It is the opinion of several distinguished Masons , that the multiplicity of rituals , clothing , jewels , and ceremonials of so many rites and degrees tends to clog the

advancement of genuine ancient Freemasonry . Much has been written on this subject pro and con . It is not for us to solve the doubts . We simply announce them , that we may endeavour to eliminate pure Masonry from the dross of modern innovation . The votaries of the high degrees contend , that