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Article NOTES ON OUR ENGLISH RITUAL ← Page 2 of 2 Article THE GRAND LODGE LIBRARY. Page 1 of 1 Article THE GRAND LODGE LIBRARY. Page 1 of 1 Article THE GRAND LODGE LIBRARY. Page 1 of 1 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND. Page 1 of 2 →
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Notes On Our English Ritual
some difference of verbiage , iszc , in our new working" in some lodges which has been assumed , perhaps too hastily , to be the remains of " Antient working . " Indeed , knowing the hostility of our" Antient " and older brethren to MSS ! evidence of all kinds , especially in this respect , 1 am not surprised that so few exist , and to say the truth , " when found , " though I make a note of them , 1 consider that they deserve careful scrutiny , and are not to
be accepted as irrefragable evidences without some hesitation . 1 have known instances of modern and manipulated rituals , and we all can tell in the history of Masonrv of a fraus pin , that all such MSS . demand the most critical handling , and the close investigation of " experts . " The creation of , the Royal Arch grade is a matter we cannot overlook . So far the earliest actual notice of it occurs ,
thanks lo Bro . Hughan , in 17 . ( 4 , though of the fact that a High Grade existed in London , some twenty years before , we also have proof , by the publication by Bro . Mackeyof a curious old book , " Long Livers . " I do not myself consider that Dermott ever actively promulgated the new arrangement of the old ritual , under this new and attractive name , until somewhat later than is often assumed , and I do not think that wc can safely assert
that the antient ritual , with its Royal Arch developement , was in full working much before 1 753 or 1754 . If Ramsay had anything to do with this re-arrangement of the English ritual , it would take place before 1743 , as in that year he died . But his influence in English Masonry , and even his visit to London , are , in my opinion , and 1 think Bro . Hughan concurs with me , more than doubtful . Findel talks of the " antient and the modern catechism , "
but , to say the truth , 1 do not know to what he alludes . Bro . Gould mentions the fact in " The Four Old Lodges , " I also see , as implying in 1 'indel ' s opinion that that of the moderns was the more antient , and that of the antients more modern , but I do not know on what he bases his statement or to what "Catechism" he alludes , as 1 said just now . I have thus brought these my imperfect " Notes " to a conclusion , in the hope that they may perhaps lend to a fuller discussion of the subject , from an nrclweological
point of view . It clearly has not yet received the attention it deserves , and we are still lying under the disadvantage of having to deal with a question of which wc have but imperfect knowledge . If others more fortunate than myself , though after many long years of study and research , can throw more positive "light" on the subject , 1 shall most heartily rejoice , and these my " humble notes" will not have been transcribed or put in order in vain .
The Grand Lodge Library.
THE GRAND LODGE LIBRARY .
BY UKO . JACOB NORTON . "Tell me what company you keep ( says the adage ) and 1 will tell you what you are . " In a like manner we can judge of a man's characteristics by the books inhis library ; thus a law library , a theological library , a scientific library , will denote that the owner is a lawyer , a theologian , or a
scientist ; the mediieval fossil will fill his shelves with monkish chronicles , musty sermons , and old missals ; and a miscellaneous library indicates Ihe owner to be a man of general information . We can jndi ; c of n man's taste , & c , by the books in his library , providing , however , that the books were collected by himself . But if the hooks were inherited from a grandfather , lo which the owner made no
addition , then we might come to the conclusion that either the man does not read books at all , or that he is satisfied to confine his knowledge and information to that of his grandfather , that he has no faith in human progress , and he will consequently do nothing towards leaving the world a little wiser than it was in the days of his grandfather . Such a man may be amiable , hospitable , charitable , etc ., hut he
will nevertheless be known as an old fogey . We have all heard about Masonry being a science , an art , a royal art , & c but if the Grand Lodge library was an index of our scientific knowledge , we would be pronounced as a body utterly ignorant of the meaning of the word science . The bookcase which holds the Grand Lodge library is about a yard-and-a-half wide , containing about
six or seven shelves . ' 1 hese books were not collected by the present generation of Masons . It seems that the majority of the books were collected in the last century , and within this century the Grand Lodge donated ten pounds for the library , and a few books were presented by brethren . There are a few rare books and pamphlets in the said bookcase , but it is simply absurd to call it a
" library . " Such being the case , it is no wonder that English Masons were , and are , woefully ignorant of Masonic history ; that English . Masonic authors and writers filled the Masonic press for so many years with sheer stuff ; that the late Dr . Oliver was regarded a ;; a Masonic oracle ; that within forty ycarsmus / iroom . Degrees it ml Orders , such as Scotch
witticism , Templarism , Constanlinism , Markism , Arkism , and other isms , have taken root on English soil ; that the Grand Lodge dignitaries , who superintend annually the publication of the " Freemasons'Calendar , " still believe in the so-called "Remarkable Occurrences in Masonry , " viz ., that "St . Alban formed the first Grand Lodge in Britain , A . l ) . 2 S 7 , " & c . ; that Grand Lodge dignitaries still believe in ancient
landmarks and other exploded notions ; that lecturers and Preceptors of English lodges and of lodges of instruction are so ignorant of . Masonic history as to suffer themselves to repeat lictitious fables as historic facts ; and il is no wonder that the Grand Lodge of England would appoint no committee to examine into the suitableness or unsuitablelless of the Masonic ritual .
bpon examining our Anglo-Saxon Masonic literature ( with but few recent exceptions ) , we may pronounce the mass of writers as still more or less tinctured with erroneous notions . For instance , our American Bro . G . I '' . Fort is undeniably a _ man of talent and an elegant writer , but , nevertheless , his Masonic history is filled with so many fanciful notion . 1 as to make it utterly unreliable for historic : consultation . "Twenty years ago" ( said Bro . A . F . A .
Woodford in my presence ) " not a solitary English Mason was aware that in the last century we had four independent Grand Lodges in England . " The rev . brother could have added , "Nor did asolitary Englishman then know eitherabout the rise or 1 be final dissolution of the Grand Lodgeof York , " & c . But to whom are we indebted for Ibis new Masonic light ? Not to English Masonic writers , but to the industry and intelligence of our German brethren . The Germans
The Grand Lodge Library.
were in advance in the art of historic criticism , which leu them to condemn our English histories of Freemasonry . Masonic history , like other histories , must be compiled , not from imagination , but from authentic sources . Hence Bro . Findel went to England for the special purpose of examining our Masonic records and MSS . When his history appeared in an English garb in iS 66 , the eyes of our Anglo-Saxon writers were opened to their utter ignorance
of English Masonic history . But that is not all . Our High Grade gentry were terribly offended with Bro . Findel . These have paid large sums for being dubbed " Sir Knights , " "Thrice Illustrious , " and what not , and Bro . Findel assured them that they were neither Sir Knights nor Illustrious , but were merely humbugged by interested parties to believe so ; and hence , both in England and in America , these interested parties abused Bro . Findel in
regular Billingsgate style . True , some English and Scotch Masons not only defended Bro . Findel from the said attacks , but have also since then contributed valuable historic information . But , nevertheless , the fact cannot be denied that Germans had to teach English Masons the history of English Freemasonry . This humiliation might have been obviated if the Grand Lodge of England had been alive to the necessity of supplying English Masonic students with a
Masonic library . We have here in Boston special libraries on history , theology , natural history , law , antiquarian , & c . Similar libraries have existed in England for many years . But the Grand Lodgeof England , the " mother Grand Lodge of the world , " is content to go on without a Masonic library ; for the few books 1 saw there certainly deserve not the name of library . The Masonic library in Boston outnumbers
the English Masonic library at least six to one , and so do the Masonic libraries of New York and in Pennsylvania . And be it known that these Masonic libraries were not inherited from their Masonic predecessors , but the books were collected within twenty years or less . As an English Mason I am proud to boast of the high respectability and deeds of charity by which the Grand Lodge of England is distinguished , and she ought to be foremost also as a promoter
of Masonic light . But 1 am very sorry to see that in that respect she is behind the age , and will , consequently , lose the respect due to her from the fraternity at large . Nor am I the first to find fault with her shortcoming in that respect , as the following' extracts from the " Freemason ' s Quarterly Review " will show : — " Bro . Scarborough addressed the G . I .. upon the subject of his motion for granting twenty poinds annually in
support of a Masonic library , and expressed his supnse that so vital a subject , which had occupied ihe attention of that highly educated and talented brother , the late Bro . Harrison , should have been suffered to drop . After a lapse of so many years there was nothing but empty shelves , and no prospect of any books ; this was discreditable to the Grand Lodge , and a disgrace to those to whom the collection was intrusted . He hoped the subject would elicit opinions from
those better qualified than himself . " Bro . Crucefix seconded the motion , and intimated that the original projector of the library was not the late Bro . Harrison , but the living Bro . Henderson , P . G . Registrar , a brother to whom the Craft was greatly indebted , but for nothing more so than for the zeal and spirit he infused at the time into the brethren in support of the library . He ( Bro . C . ) was among the first contributors , and he
remembered lo have heard the Jate Lord Monson state Ins admiration of the proposition . * * * Dr . Oliver and others had sent contributions . But for some untoward circumstance which damped the ardour for intelligence at the time , the library would have been by this time extensive ; it was not too late to make it so , and not suffer a libel on the Craft that it was behind every Mechanic Institution in the world . " Bro . Mullen said it was impossible to form a library ,
that some time since £ 100 was voted by the G . I .., and could not be expended , that few or no persons called to examine the books that were collected , and that if they went into the subject to the extent required the sum moved for was to small for any useful purpose . When the £ 100 was expended , the Board could apply for another grant . " Bro . Eliott spoke in favour of the grant , ami was
satisfied , if there were a proper library , he for one should be glad to avail himself of it , and that many persons to his knowledge had tailed without being able lo lind the necessary accommodation . " Bro . Dobie enquired of the Grand Secretary how much of the £ 100 had been expended , and was informed about ten , certainly not more that twelve , lie observed that the hours would be inconvenient , and the remuneration
insufficient . ' Some other brethren . stated ( hat fo their knowledge ( lie want of accommodation alone bad prevented them from taking advantage of the present library . " Bro . Scarborough , in reply , observed , that having hardly expected to be seconded , he could but rejoice at the discussion . * * * It was curious to look at the inconsistencies of some who had addressed the G . L . Some argued
as if a library could not be procured , yet if they looked at page 124 of the 'Calendar , ' they would find not only that between two and three hundred works have been collected , but thai the G . L . had determined ( hat general works of history and science should be procured ; yet , strange to say , the Board suspended their labours and kept £ < jo unemployed . He did not advocate so much Masonic as general
literature . The Masonic works , even those of Preston , Oliver , and others , were , in his opinion , all trash , and he called on the veteran Bro . Gohlsworthy lo say what books on Masonry he had read . Bro . Gohlsworthy said : 'I have never read any Masonic works but the " Ahiinan Re / . on " and Ihe " Book of Constitutions . "' " Bro . Scarborough ' s motion was of collide negatived .
"Search with a steady honesty of soul , " said Dr . Watts , " and a sincere impartiality to lind truth . Watch every temptation that mi g ht bribe your judgment , or warp it aside from truth . Do no indulge yourself to wish any proposition were true or false-a wish which often perverts the judgment , and tempts the mind strongly to believe upon slight evidence whatsoever we wish to be true or false . " This paragraph should be inscribed , framed , anil hung up
in every library , lint unfortunately , Masonic writers have acted in direct opposition to the above rules . Take for instance the writings of Anderson , Hutchinson , Preston , Oliver , and their disciples : what are they but 11 monument of Masonic prejudice mid credulity ' : It is no wonder , therefore , that even Bro . Scarborough did not want Masonic books for the G . L . library , that Bro . Gohlsworthy was proud to confess in the Grand Lodge , that his Masonic read-
The Grand Lodge Library.
ing was confined to the Ahimari Rezon and Book of Constitutions , and that the then Grand Lodge , despairing of any good ever emanating from Masonic writings , voted as it did . But nevertheless , it cannot be denied that it is discreditable to tlie Grand Lodge of England to be minus of a library . We need a history of English Masonry deserving the name of history . Such a history must be compiled from the records and MSS . in possession of the Grand Lodge
and her subordinate lodges . But the Masonic student must also have access to all publications relating to English Masonry , from its incipiency to the present time . He must consult all that was published , for as well as against Masonry : foolish or wise , good or bad , if Masonry is mixed up with it , it forms a connecting link in Masonic history , and such publications must form part of a Masonic library . Books on history , science , & c , are certainly valuable , but
not immediately necessary for the study of Masonic history . These kind of books will doubtless eventually find their way into the desired Grand Lodge library ; at present , however , it needs only such books which may tend to throw light on the origin and progress of English Freemasonry . To do this effectively , proper men must be appointed for the proper place . These should be empowered to purchase the required works , and make the library as complete as
possible . To the head of such a board discretionary powers should be given to lend books for a limited time , to responsible brethren . The said board should also be empowered by a law passed by the Grand Lodge , to examine the records of any or all subordinate lodges , and to make such extracts from these as they may deem proper . These extracts will open new fields of inquiry , and will thus lay the foundation of a kind of Masonic , literature that Masons will
nof have to be ashamed of . A reading room suitably furnished must be attached to the said library , open for Masonic visitors during the hours in which kindred libraries are open ; and as to the expense which it would curtail on the Grand Lodge , in the first place if the plan here indicated was carried out in a liberal spirit , thousands of volumes would be donated to the Grand Lodge , not only treating * on Masonry , but also of all other
departments of learning ami science . The Grand Lodge of Enggland would not only possess the best Masonic library in the world , but a great library in other departments worthy of its dignity . And second , the benefit which would therefrom accrue to the Craft at large , and the lustre it would shed upon the Grand Lodge of England , would more than compensate the expense of maintaining the new Masonic Institution .
Let the Grand Lodge then supply necessary books for the study of Masonic history and kindred Masonic topics , and I have no doubt that an English historian will arise who will discard legendary fables , and ridiculous inferences , which , tend to make Freemasonry a laughing- stock to outsiders , and to thoitirhtfiil Masons too . He will give us a history of
English Freemasonry , that will be an honour to himself , and to the Craft in general . Then charlatanism , httmbugism , and sectarianism—the offspring of ignorance combined with credulity—will disappear from our midst . And Masons will then unite their energies in advancing the true Masonic mission of enlightenment , charity , and of " cementing true brotherly love amongst those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance . "
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Leicestershire And Rutland.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND .
The half yearly meeting of this Provincial Grand Lodge was held at Freemasons' Hall , Leicester on Thursday the 13 th inst . The principal business being the installation of W . Bro . George Toller , jun ., Past Grand Sword-bearer of England ,
as Deputy Provincial Grand Master , the meeting was held under the banner of that worthy brother ' s mother lodge , the John of Gaunt , No . 523 , when a good muster of the members of that and the other lodges in the province testified to the high esteem in which he is held and their satisfaction at the choice which the Provincial Grand Master had made .
1 he Craft Lodge having been opened in due form by the W . M ., Bro . G . Odell and his officers , the K . W . Provincial Grand Master and the officers of Provincial Grand Lodge were received in due form , the R . W . P . G . M ., being saluted with honours due to his rank , after which the Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in due form . Amongst those present were the following officers and
members of Provincial Grand Lodge : Bros , the Right lion , the ; Karl Ferrers , Prov . G . M . ' ; W . Kellv . F . S . A ., P . P . G . M . ; K . K . Mainmatt , Prov . S . G . W . ; J . T . Thorp , Prov . J . G . W . ; the Rev . C . tt . Dauby , Prov . G . Chaplain ; G . T . Willan , M . D ., Prov . G . Reg . ; S . S . Partridge , Prov . G . Sec ; J . L ) . Bennett , Prov . G . D . ; S . Cleaver , acting Prov . G . D . of C . ; W . T . Rowlett , acting Prov . G . Org . " ;
M . H . Lewin , acting Prov . G . S . B . ; G . Odell , Prov . G . Std . Br . ; T . Coltman , J . Young , W . A . Musson , and J . D . Harris , Prov . G . Stewards ; J . Dunn and J . Tanser , Prov . G . Tylers ; G . Toller , jun ., C . Stretton , and | . C . Duncombe , P . P . G . W . 's ; Rev . F . H . Richardson , P . V . G . Chap .: Rev . f . Bird , P . P . G . Chap . Norths and Hunts ; T . A . Wykes , P . P . G . Treas . ; T . Worthington , P . P . G . D . ;
C . E . Stretton and R . Taylor , P . P . G . Supls . of Wks . ; Dr . Hunt , P . P . G . A . D . C ; A . Balmforth , P . M . 779 ; I . Vaughan , P . M . , S 6 ; and J , Read , J . W . 1391 . After the opening of Provincial Grand Lodge , the roll of lodges was called , and all were duly represented , except the Howe and Charnwood Lodge , No . 1007 , Loughborough , and the St . Peter ' s Lodge , No . 1130 , Market
1 larborough . The roll of Provincial Grand Officers was then called , after which the minutes of the previous meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge , held at Leicester on the 22 nd of October , 1 S 79 , were read and confirmed . The next business was the installation of W . Bro . George Toller , P . G . S . B . of England , as Deputy Grand Master of
the province , m the place of W . Bro . Sir Henry St . John Halford . Bart ., who had resigned the office . 'The Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . S . S . Partridge , having read the patent of appointment , Bro . 'Toller was duly obligated , invested , and installed as D . P . G . M ., the
ceremony being performed by the R . W . Provincial Grand Master , after ' which the newly-installed D . P . G . M . was saluted with grand honours . Bro . TOLLER , in thanking the brethren for the hearty reception they had given him , said : Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , officers , and brethren , I feel that my
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Notes On Our English Ritual
some difference of verbiage , iszc , in our new working" in some lodges which has been assumed , perhaps too hastily , to be the remains of " Antient working . " Indeed , knowing the hostility of our" Antient " and older brethren to MSS ! evidence of all kinds , especially in this respect , 1 am not surprised that so few exist , and to say the truth , " when found , " though I make a note of them , 1 consider that they deserve careful scrutiny , and are not to
be accepted as irrefragable evidences without some hesitation . 1 have known instances of modern and manipulated rituals , and we all can tell in the history of Masonrv of a fraus pin , that all such MSS . demand the most critical handling , and the close investigation of " experts . " The creation of , the Royal Arch grade is a matter we cannot overlook . So far the earliest actual notice of it occurs ,
thanks lo Bro . Hughan , in 17 . ( 4 , though of the fact that a High Grade existed in London , some twenty years before , we also have proof , by the publication by Bro . Mackeyof a curious old book , " Long Livers . " I do not myself consider that Dermott ever actively promulgated the new arrangement of the old ritual , under this new and attractive name , until somewhat later than is often assumed , and I do not think that wc can safely assert
that the antient ritual , with its Royal Arch developement , was in full working much before 1 753 or 1754 . If Ramsay had anything to do with this re-arrangement of the English ritual , it would take place before 1743 , as in that year he died . But his influence in English Masonry , and even his visit to London , are , in my opinion , and 1 think Bro . Hughan concurs with me , more than doubtful . Findel talks of the " antient and the modern catechism , "
but , to say the truth , 1 do not know to what he alludes . Bro . Gould mentions the fact in " The Four Old Lodges , " I also see , as implying in 1 'indel ' s opinion that that of the moderns was the more antient , and that of the antients more modern , but I do not know on what he bases his statement or to what "Catechism" he alludes , as 1 said just now . I have thus brought these my imperfect " Notes " to a conclusion , in the hope that they may perhaps lend to a fuller discussion of the subject , from an nrclweological
point of view . It clearly has not yet received the attention it deserves , and we are still lying under the disadvantage of having to deal with a question of which wc have but imperfect knowledge . If others more fortunate than myself , though after many long years of study and research , can throw more positive "light" on the subject , 1 shall most heartily rejoice , and these my " humble notes" will not have been transcribed or put in order in vain .
The Grand Lodge Library.
THE GRAND LODGE LIBRARY .
BY UKO . JACOB NORTON . "Tell me what company you keep ( says the adage ) and 1 will tell you what you are . " In a like manner we can judge of a man's characteristics by the books inhis library ; thus a law library , a theological library , a scientific library , will denote that the owner is a lawyer , a theologian , or a
scientist ; the mediieval fossil will fill his shelves with monkish chronicles , musty sermons , and old missals ; and a miscellaneous library indicates Ihe owner to be a man of general information . We can jndi ; c of n man's taste , & c , by the books in his library , providing , however , that the books were collected by himself . But if the hooks were inherited from a grandfather , lo which the owner made no
addition , then we might come to the conclusion that either the man does not read books at all , or that he is satisfied to confine his knowledge and information to that of his grandfather , that he has no faith in human progress , and he will consequently do nothing towards leaving the world a little wiser than it was in the days of his grandfather . Such a man may be amiable , hospitable , charitable , etc ., hut he
will nevertheless be known as an old fogey . We have all heard about Masonry being a science , an art , a royal art , & c but if the Grand Lodge library was an index of our scientific knowledge , we would be pronounced as a body utterly ignorant of the meaning of the word science . The bookcase which holds the Grand Lodge library is about a yard-and-a-half wide , containing about
six or seven shelves . ' 1 hese books were not collected by the present generation of Masons . It seems that the majority of the books were collected in the last century , and within this century the Grand Lodge donated ten pounds for the library , and a few books were presented by brethren . There are a few rare books and pamphlets in the said bookcase , but it is simply absurd to call it a
" library . " Such being the case , it is no wonder that English Masons were , and are , woefully ignorant of Masonic history ; that English . Masonic authors and writers filled the Masonic press for so many years with sheer stuff ; that the late Dr . Oliver was regarded a ;; a Masonic oracle ; that within forty ycarsmus / iroom . Degrees it ml Orders , such as Scotch
witticism , Templarism , Constanlinism , Markism , Arkism , and other isms , have taken root on English soil ; that the Grand Lodge dignitaries , who superintend annually the publication of the " Freemasons'Calendar , " still believe in the so-called "Remarkable Occurrences in Masonry , " viz ., that "St . Alban formed the first Grand Lodge in Britain , A . l ) . 2 S 7 , " & c . ; that Grand Lodge dignitaries still believe in ancient
landmarks and other exploded notions ; that lecturers and Preceptors of English lodges and of lodges of instruction are so ignorant of . Masonic history as to suffer themselves to repeat lictitious fables as historic facts ; and il is no wonder that the Grand Lodge of England would appoint no committee to examine into the suitableness or unsuitablelless of the Masonic ritual .
bpon examining our Anglo-Saxon Masonic literature ( with but few recent exceptions ) , we may pronounce the mass of writers as still more or less tinctured with erroneous notions . For instance , our American Bro . G . I '' . Fort is undeniably a _ man of talent and an elegant writer , but , nevertheless , his Masonic history is filled with so many fanciful notion . 1 as to make it utterly unreliable for historic : consultation . "Twenty years ago" ( said Bro . A . F . A .
Woodford in my presence ) " not a solitary English Mason was aware that in the last century we had four independent Grand Lodges in England . " The rev . brother could have added , "Nor did asolitary Englishman then know eitherabout the rise or 1 be final dissolution of the Grand Lodgeof York , " & c . But to whom are we indebted for Ibis new Masonic light ? Not to English Masonic writers , but to the industry and intelligence of our German brethren . The Germans
The Grand Lodge Library.
were in advance in the art of historic criticism , which leu them to condemn our English histories of Freemasonry . Masonic history , like other histories , must be compiled , not from imagination , but from authentic sources . Hence Bro . Findel went to England for the special purpose of examining our Masonic records and MSS . When his history appeared in an English garb in iS 66 , the eyes of our Anglo-Saxon writers were opened to their utter ignorance
of English Masonic history . But that is not all . Our High Grade gentry were terribly offended with Bro . Findel . These have paid large sums for being dubbed " Sir Knights , " "Thrice Illustrious , " and what not , and Bro . Findel assured them that they were neither Sir Knights nor Illustrious , but were merely humbugged by interested parties to believe so ; and hence , both in England and in America , these interested parties abused Bro . Findel in
regular Billingsgate style . True , some English and Scotch Masons not only defended Bro . Findel from the said attacks , but have also since then contributed valuable historic information . But , nevertheless , the fact cannot be denied that Germans had to teach English Masons the history of English Freemasonry . This humiliation might have been obviated if the Grand Lodge of England had been alive to the necessity of supplying English Masonic students with a
Masonic library . We have here in Boston special libraries on history , theology , natural history , law , antiquarian , & c . Similar libraries have existed in England for many years . But the Grand Lodgeof England , the " mother Grand Lodge of the world , " is content to go on without a Masonic library ; for the few books 1 saw there certainly deserve not the name of library . The Masonic library in Boston outnumbers
the English Masonic library at least six to one , and so do the Masonic libraries of New York and in Pennsylvania . And be it known that these Masonic libraries were not inherited from their Masonic predecessors , but the books were collected within twenty years or less . As an English Mason I am proud to boast of the high respectability and deeds of charity by which the Grand Lodge of England is distinguished , and she ought to be foremost also as a promoter
of Masonic light . But 1 am very sorry to see that in that respect she is behind the age , and will , consequently , lose the respect due to her from the fraternity at large . Nor am I the first to find fault with her shortcoming in that respect , as the following' extracts from the " Freemason ' s Quarterly Review " will show : — " Bro . Scarborough addressed the G . I .. upon the subject of his motion for granting twenty poinds annually in
support of a Masonic library , and expressed his supnse that so vital a subject , which had occupied ihe attention of that highly educated and talented brother , the late Bro . Harrison , should have been suffered to drop . After a lapse of so many years there was nothing but empty shelves , and no prospect of any books ; this was discreditable to the Grand Lodge , and a disgrace to those to whom the collection was intrusted . He hoped the subject would elicit opinions from
those better qualified than himself . " Bro . Crucefix seconded the motion , and intimated that the original projector of the library was not the late Bro . Harrison , but the living Bro . Henderson , P . G . Registrar , a brother to whom the Craft was greatly indebted , but for nothing more so than for the zeal and spirit he infused at the time into the brethren in support of the library . He ( Bro . C . ) was among the first contributors , and he
remembered lo have heard the Jate Lord Monson state Ins admiration of the proposition . * * * Dr . Oliver and others had sent contributions . But for some untoward circumstance which damped the ardour for intelligence at the time , the library would have been by this time extensive ; it was not too late to make it so , and not suffer a libel on the Craft that it was behind every Mechanic Institution in the world . " Bro . Mullen said it was impossible to form a library ,
that some time since £ 100 was voted by the G . I .., and could not be expended , that few or no persons called to examine the books that were collected , and that if they went into the subject to the extent required the sum moved for was to small for any useful purpose . When the £ 100 was expended , the Board could apply for another grant . " Bro . Eliott spoke in favour of the grant , ami was
satisfied , if there were a proper library , he for one should be glad to avail himself of it , and that many persons to his knowledge had tailed without being able lo lind the necessary accommodation . " Bro . Dobie enquired of the Grand Secretary how much of the £ 100 had been expended , and was informed about ten , certainly not more that twelve , lie observed that the hours would be inconvenient , and the remuneration
insufficient . ' Some other brethren . stated ( hat fo their knowledge ( lie want of accommodation alone bad prevented them from taking advantage of the present library . " Bro . Scarborough , in reply , observed , that having hardly expected to be seconded , he could but rejoice at the discussion . * * * It was curious to look at the inconsistencies of some who had addressed the G . L . Some argued
as if a library could not be procured , yet if they looked at page 124 of the 'Calendar , ' they would find not only that between two and three hundred works have been collected , but thai the G . L . had determined ( hat general works of history and science should be procured ; yet , strange to say , the Board suspended their labours and kept £ < jo unemployed . He did not advocate so much Masonic as general
literature . The Masonic works , even those of Preston , Oliver , and others , were , in his opinion , all trash , and he called on the veteran Bro . Gohlsworthy lo say what books on Masonry he had read . Bro . Gohlsworthy said : 'I have never read any Masonic works but the " Ahiinan Re / . on " and Ihe " Book of Constitutions . "' " Bro . Scarborough ' s motion was of collide negatived .
"Search with a steady honesty of soul , " said Dr . Watts , " and a sincere impartiality to lind truth . Watch every temptation that mi g ht bribe your judgment , or warp it aside from truth . Do no indulge yourself to wish any proposition were true or false-a wish which often perverts the judgment , and tempts the mind strongly to believe upon slight evidence whatsoever we wish to be true or false . " This paragraph should be inscribed , framed , anil hung up
in every library , lint unfortunately , Masonic writers have acted in direct opposition to the above rules . Take for instance the writings of Anderson , Hutchinson , Preston , Oliver , and their disciples : what are they but 11 monument of Masonic prejudice mid credulity ' : It is no wonder , therefore , that even Bro . Scarborough did not want Masonic books for the G . L . library , that Bro . Gohlsworthy was proud to confess in the Grand Lodge , that his Masonic read-
The Grand Lodge Library.
ing was confined to the Ahimari Rezon and Book of Constitutions , and that the then Grand Lodge , despairing of any good ever emanating from Masonic writings , voted as it did . But nevertheless , it cannot be denied that it is discreditable to tlie Grand Lodge of England to be minus of a library . We need a history of English Masonry deserving the name of history . Such a history must be compiled from the records and MSS . in possession of the Grand Lodge
and her subordinate lodges . But the Masonic student must also have access to all publications relating to English Masonry , from its incipiency to the present time . He must consult all that was published , for as well as against Masonry : foolish or wise , good or bad , if Masonry is mixed up with it , it forms a connecting link in Masonic history , and such publications must form part of a Masonic library . Books on history , science , & c , are certainly valuable , but
not immediately necessary for the study of Masonic history . These kind of books will doubtless eventually find their way into the desired Grand Lodge library ; at present , however , it needs only such books which may tend to throw light on the origin and progress of English Freemasonry . To do this effectively , proper men must be appointed for the proper place . These should be empowered to purchase the required works , and make the library as complete as
possible . To the head of such a board discretionary powers should be given to lend books for a limited time , to responsible brethren . The said board should also be empowered by a law passed by the Grand Lodge , to examine the records of any or all subordinate lodges , and to make such extracts from these as they may deem proper . These extracts will open new fields of inquiry , and will thus lay the foundation of a kind of Masonic , literature that Masons will
nof have to be ashamed of . A reading room suitably furnished must be attached to the said library , open for Masonic visitors during the hours in which kindred libraries are open ; and as to the expense which it would curtail on the Grand Lodge , in the first place if the plan here indicated was carried out in a liberal spirit , thousands of volumes would be donated to the Grand Lodge , not only treating * on Masonry , but also of all other
departments of learning ami science . The Grand Lodge of Enggland would not only possess the best Masonic library in the world , but a great library in other departments worthy of its dignity . And second , the benefit which would therefrom accrue to the Craft at large , and the lustre it would shed upon the Grand Lodge of England , would more than compensate the expense of maintaining the new Masonic Institution .
Let the Grand Lodge then supply necessary books for the study of Masonic history and kindred Masonic topics , and I have no doubt that an English historian will arise who will discard legendary fables , and ridiculous inferences , which , tend to make Freemasonry a laughing- stock to outsiders , and to thoitirhtfiil Masons too . He will give us a history of
English Freemasonry , that will be an honour to himself , and to the Craft in general . Then charlatanism , httmbugism , and sectarianism—the offspring of ignorance combined with credulity—will disappear from our midst . And Masons will then unite their energies in advancing the true Masonic mission of enlightenment , charity , and of " cementing true brotherly love amongst those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance . "
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Leicestershire And Rutland.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND .
The half yearly meeting of this Provincial Grand Lodge was held at Freemasons' Hall , Leicester on Thursday the 13 th inst . The principal business being the installation of W . Bro . George Toller , jun ., Past Grand Sword-bearer of England ,
as Deputy Provincial Grand Master , the meeting was held under the banner of that worthy brother ' s mother lodge , the John of Gaunt , No . 523 , when a good muster of the members of that and the other lodges in the province testified to the high esteem in which he is held and their satisfaction at the choice which the Provincial Grand Master had made .
1 he Craft Lodge having been opened in due form by the W . M ., Bro . G . Odell and his officers , the K . W . Provincial Grand Master and the officers of Provincial Grand Lodge were received in due form , the R . W . P . G . M ., being saluted with honours due to his rank , after which the Provincial Grand Lodge was opened in due form . Amongst those present were the following officers and
members of Provincial Grand Lodge : Bros , the Right lion , the ; Karl Ferrers , Prov . G . M . ' ; W . Kellv . F . S . A ., P . P . G . M . ; K . K . Mainmatt , Prov . S . G . W . ; J . T . Thorp , Prov . J . G . W . ; the Rev . C . tt . Dauby , Prov . G . Chaplain ; G . T . Willan , M . D ., Prov . G . Reg . ; S . S . Partridge , Prov . G . Sec ; J . L ) . Bennett , Prov . G . D . ; S . Cleaver , acting Prov . G . D . of C . ; W . T . Rowlett , acting Prov . G . Org . " ;
M . H . Lewin , acting Prov . G . S . B . ; G . Odell , Prov . G . Std . Br . ; T . Coltman , J . Young , W . A . Musson , and J . D . Harris , Prov . G . Stewards ; J . Dunn and J . Tanser , Prov . G . Tylers ; G . Toller , jun ., C . Stretton , and | . C . Duncombe , P . P . G . W . 's ; Rev . F . H . Richardson , P . V . G . Chap .: Rev . f . Bird , P . P . G . Chap . Norths and Hunts ; T . A . Wykes , P . P . G . Treas . ; T . Worthington , P . P . G . D . ;
C . E . Stretton and R . Taylor , P . P . G . Supls . of Wks . ; Dr . Hunt , P . P . G . A . D . C ; A . Balmforth , P . M . 779 ; I . Vaughan , P . M . , S 6 ; and J , Read , J . W . 1391 . After the opening of Provincial Grand Lodge , the roll of lodges was called , and all were duly represented , except the Howe and Charnwood Lodge , No . 1007 , Loughborough , and the St . Peter ' s Lodge , No . 1130 , Market
1 larborough . The roll of Provincial Grand Officers was then called , after which the minutes of the previous meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge , held at Leicester on the 22 nd of October , 1 S 79 , were read and confirmed . The next business was the installation of W . Bro . George Toller , P . G . S . B . of England , as Deputy Grand Master of
the province , m the place of W . Bro . Sir Henry St . John Halford . Bart ., who had resigned the office . 'The Provincial Grand Secretary , Bro . S . S . Partridge , having read the patent of appointment , Bro . 'Toller was duly obligated , invested , and installed as D . P . G . M ., the
ceremony being performed by the R . W . Provincial Grand Master , after ' which the newly-installed D . P . G . M . was saluted with grand honours . Bro . TOLLER , in thanking the brethren for the hearty reception they had given him , said : Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master , officers , and brethren , I feel that my