-
Articles/Ads
Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CHESHIRE. ← Page 2 of 2 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF CHESHIRE. Page 2 of 2 Article THE CONSTITUTIONS OF THE FREEMASONS. Page 1 of 1 Article THE CONSTITUTIONS OF THE FREEMASONS. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
had distinguished them in times past . ( Hear , hear . i He was happy to say that during the past year the peace of , ne province had been undisturbed ; no dispute of any sort had been brought under his notice , and he was glad to know that the vitality of the province vvas shown hy the fact that there was now a total membership ot 1731 in connection with the lodges . iSH . touut it was very
satisfactory to find that Ma-nnry h id so greatly increased in that portion of the kingdom , > u t ' "re was one circumstance upon which he wished to make a few remaiks . "from the returns of the various lodges he found that out of the 1731 members there were no fewer than 114 defaulters in the way of subscription . That was a very serious matter , and he accordingly wished to call the
attention of the brethren , especially the W . M . ' s of the various lodges , to the fact . Those brethren who were behind in their subscriptions ought to be struck off the roll of the lodge —( hear , hear ";—as each lodge had to pay a certain amount to the Grand Lodge in fees , even for those who did not meet their subscriptions . This was a very serious matter , and hc ( Lord de Tabley ) vvas
sure he had only to mention it to secure immediate attention and a speedy remedy . The Cheshire Educational Institution , under the chairmanship of Bro . J . P . Piatt , had also flourished greatly during the year , and there was now a very considerable number of children supported through its instrumentality . The mention of this Charity vididly called to his memory the Io « s which their Order
had sustained by the death of Bro . Thomas Piatt during the year , whose exertions and energy were so conspicuous in the cause of Masonry and the Educational Institution of Cheshire—an example which they might all very worthily follow . He ( the P . G . M . ) hatl only to express , in . conclusion , his deep responsibility of the position which he held as the head of that province , and he could assure the
brethren that his great anxiety was to tlo the duty which the Grand Master had placed upon him fairly and impartially . ( Hear , heir . ) He had hitherto great reason t > thank the brethren for their cordial support , and he could only hope that he would continue to merit that in the future . ( Loud cheers . ) Bro . F . Jackson , Prov . Grand Treasurer , then submitted
his annual financial statement , from which it appeared that there was a balance to the creiiit of the Prov . Grantl Lodge * amounting to £ 537 15 s . yd ., and tothe Fund of B ; nevo ! ence of £ 713 17 s . 41 ! . The Prov . Grand Treasurer congratulatetl the brethren upon the fact that the province was now out of debt , and he trusted that they would te able next year to vote a sum of money in charity . Lord de Tabley said it was most satisfactory to find this
state of things , especial . y after the munificent subscription of 1000 guineas which had been voted a few years ago to secure a perpetual presentation to the Boys' School . The financial statement was passed ; and on the motion of the P . G . M ., secondeil by Bro . Latham , acting D . P . G . M ., Bro . F . Jackson was re-elected Prov . G . Treasurer . His lordship then appointed the fallowing brethren as his officers for the ensuing year : — Bro . the Hon . Wilbraham Egerton ,
M . P Prov . G . D . M . „ John Wood ... ... Prov . G . S . W . „ Francis Arthur Dickson ... Prov . G . J . W . „ the Rev . R . Hodgson , M . A .,
( re-appointed ) ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ the Rev . George Frederick Dean Prov . G . A . C „ F . Jackson ( re-elected ) ... Prov . G . Treas . „ John Hibbeit ... ... Piov . G . Reg . ,, E . H . Griffiths ( re-appointed ) Prov . G . Sec . „ W . Harrison ' ... ... Prov . G . S . O .
„ W . Hickton ... ... Prov . G . J . D . „ Stanhope Bull ... ... Prov . G . S . of W . „ Herbert Finch ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ T . Brooke ... ... ... Prov . G . A . D . C . „ G . H . Holden ... ... Prov . G . S . B . „ Edwartl Cuzner ( re-appointed ) Prov . G . Org .
„ W . Nicholls ... ... Prov . G . P . „ W . Booth , J . K . Green , J . ** ) Leigh , E . Stevens , losiali > Prov . G . Stewards Hill , and W . H . Brown ) M J . H . Holtaway ... ... Prov . G . Tyler . The P . G . M . re-appointeel Bro . J . P . Piatt as the Chair
man of the Fund of Benevolence , and invested him with a clasp in recognition of services again given as Steward to the GiiJs' School . The P . G . M . also presented and investeel the following brethren with charity jewels , to which they had entitled themselves by twice serving the office of Steward to the London Charities : —Bros . Simcock , 13 S 7 * , J . J . Cunnah ,
721 ; Harrison , W . M . 104 ; Kirk , I . P . M . 104 ; T . Burrows , J . W . 104 ; H . Finch , P . M . 104 ; and J . Stafford , 104 . The P . G . M . announced that he would hold the nex meeting of the Prov . Grand Lodge at Runcorn ; and a vote of thanks having been given to thc Rev . Matthew Pugh , M . A ., rector of St . Thomas ' s Church , for the use
of that building for Divine service , the Prov . G . Lodge was closed in solemn form . The brethren subsequently formed in procession and proceeded to St . Thomas ' s Church , where a special service was held . The musical portion was under the direction of Bro . E . Cuzner , P . G . O ., assisted by Master W . E . Cuzner , Misses Florence , Alice , and Essie Cuzner , Bros .
Edmondson , Humphries , and T . Knowles , and Mr . R . H . Williams . The anthem was Sternilalc Bennett ' s " God is ^ Spirit , " which was sung with true devotional spirit , fhe sermon was preached by the Rev . R . Hodgson , M . A ., P . G . Chaplain , from the words rf St . Peter , " Honour all men ; love the brethren . " A collection was made on behalf of the Provincial Fund of Benevolence and the Stock port Infirmarywhich realised a substantial
, sum . the brethren subsequently banqueted at the Armoury speciall y decorated for thc occasion ) , under the presidency
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
of Bro . the Right Hon . Lord de Tabley . During thc dinner the band of the 4 th C . R . V . played a choice selection of music , conducted by Mr . T . M'Ardle . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed by Bro . Lord de Tabley , " The Health of the Grand Officers " being acknowledged by Bro . H . Bulley . Hro . G . W . Latham , acting D . P . G . M ., gave the toast
of " Lend de Tabley , " and in doing so referred to the great progress which Masonry had made in that province during his lordship's fourteen years' Mastership . The P . G . M ., in response , spoke vvith the hig hest satisfaction of the thorough harmony which prevailed in every lotlge in
the province . All . his hopes and expectations had been realised , and he trusted that so long as his heart continued to beat he would be able to show the same interest as he had done in their noble Order . An excellent musical programme was given by the " voices " which gave the choral portion of the church
-. liro , Herbert Finch , the newly-appointetl P . G . D . C , fulfilled his duties in a manner which excited the admiration of all who were present at business and banquet .
The Constitutions Of The Freemasons.
THE CONSTITUTIONS OF THE FREEMASONS .
SECOND ARTICLE . BRO . WH . HA . XI J AMES HUGHAN . From the Vol e of Masonry . Brethren should always be most careful to distinguish between the Constitutions printed and published by
Roberts , in 1722 , and the volume issued by the Grand Lodge of England , in 1723 , as the first mentioned is simply an exact reproduction of an Operative Manuscript , ot which there are many versions extant from the 14 th century . It was claimed that the 1722 work contained an account of the ' * Hautes Grades , " and the report was accepted by many until Bro . Richard Spencer , the noted Masonic
Bibliographer , allowed me to peruse the only copy known , which was in his collection , and was subsequently purchased for Bro . Robert Farmer Bower ' s grand Masonic Library . Roberts' manuscript makes no mention of any Masonic degrees whatever , and is in no sense of any value as a Book of Constitutions , though as lhe unique copy of the first printed transcript of the Operative " Old
Charges , " the value of the pamphlet cannot be over-esumated . Bro . Spencer has had it carefully printed , and it forms one of the four Constitutions issued by hiin in one handsome volume . The rights and privileges of the " Four Old Lodges , " which formed the Graud Loelge in 1717 , have been most ably considered , of late , by Bro . Robert Freke Gould , who
in a lar * . e volume , with that title for his work , has done ample justice to the subject , as well as accumulated a vast amount of most interesting and curious information , both historical ami statistical , on the subject , the like of which has never been attempted before , and is not likely ever to be again , now that Bro . Gould has so ably presented the subject .
The Constitutions of 1723 were the foundation of all others of the kind , such as those issued in Ireland , A . D . 1730 , and elsewhere . The subsequent alterations , however , of the Regulations made it ine'ispensable for a new edition 10 be issued , and so , in 173 8 , was published " The new Book of Constitutions of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons , containing their
Histoty , Charges , Regulations , etc . " The volume was dedicated by Dr . Anderson to H . R . H . Frederick , Prince of VIiCles , who was the first of the " Royal Blood , " in England , to join ; he Grand Lodge . Since then fourteen members of the " Royal Family " U ivc been initiated , the 23 rd Prince of Wales , H . R . H . Albert Edward , being the present Grand Master of the English branch of the
widespread Fraternity . As . Bro . Carson observed , it is scarcer tnan tne fust edition , anil th : same work , only with another titlc-pag-: introduced ( the first being removed ) , is rarer still . It would appear that several remained unsold , or a number of copies came into the hands of a printer , for in 1746 we find that they were issued with a different title-page , and bearing that year instead of 173 8 ,
atlded tu which another printer's name appears . The 173 8 edition was printed and sold by " Brother Ca-sar Ward and Richard Chandl-r , Booksellers , at the Ship without Temple Bar , etc ., " but the new title-page has the name , ol J . Robinson , who , though he dec . ared himself the printer of the book , simply printed the following : The History and Constitutions of the Most Ancient
and Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons ; containing an account of Masonry . ¦ 1 . From the Creation , throughout the known earth , till true architecture was demolished by the Goths , and at last revived in Italy . 2 . From Julius Ca-sar to the first arrival of the Saxons in Britain . 3 . From the union of the crowns of England and Scotland , in the person of King James the
1- irst to the present time . To which are added : 1 . A list of the Grand Masters or Patrons of the Freemasons in England , from the coming in of the Anglo-Saxons to these times , who are mentioned in this work . 2 . The old Charges of the Masons , collected from their earliest records , at the command of his Grace the Duke of Montague .
3 . The manner of constituting a lodge . ' 4 . The general regulations of the Free and Accepted Masons , loth ancient and modern , in distinct columns . 5 . ' 1 he constitution of the Committee of their Charity . 6 . A list of lodges in and about London and Westminster ; with the deputations ot several Grand Masters for the forming of lodges in Wales , the remote parts of Eng ' and , and in foreign realms .
The Constitutions Of The Freemasons.
7 . The songs sung at the lodges . 8 . A defence of Masonry , occasioned by a pamphlet called Masonry Dissected ; with Bro . Euclid ' s letter to the author against unjust cavils . By James Anderson , D . D ., London , printed and sold by J . Robinson , at the Golden Lion , in Ludgat--street . In the vulgar year of Masonry , 3746 .
The frontispiece in the editions of 1723 and 1738 is about the only bond of agreement , for there is a vast difference in the two works . The compiler styles the latter " about twice as large as the former , having many proper additions , especially the principal transactions of the Grand Lotlge ever since . " The account of the Grand LeitUe thus mentioned from 1717 is indeed a specially
attractive feature ct the 173 8 edition , as also the continuations in subsequent issues tlown lo 1784 . The " History of Masonry " is divided into three parts : r . The Creation to the Revival of Masonry in Italy . 2 . Julius Caesar to Queen Elizabeth , A . L ) . 1603 . 3 . From A . D . 1603 to the Marquis of Carnarvon , A . D . 1738 . The third part , it will be seen , is the one of value , the others possessing little
to entitle them to the consideration of the Craft . Thc second edition was ordered under the Grand Mastership of the Eail of Damley , January 25 th , 1737-8 , and sanctioned as published by the Marquis of Carnarvon , Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , Grand Wardens , & c . Tne brethren were e-aurioned against using any other book , in any lodge , as a lodge book , as they shall be answerable
to the Granel Lotlge , doubtless owing to the circulation of " Peicket Companions , " which contained the laws of the fraternity of 1723 , & c . Prefacing the front page of the history is the plate of arms , & c , of the Grand Master , as in Pine ' s engraved lists of lodges of the period , and evidently printed from the sam ; p late as the latter , being of the narrow anil long form peculiar to such lists ,
commenced to be published in 1723 . A list rf the Grand Masters or Patrons cf the Freemasons in England is furnished , commencing with the first Archbishop of Canterbury , and ending with the orand Master of 1738 , the majority of the names before the last century being mainly an imaginary arrangement by the author . The ' * Old Charges of the Freemasons "
are given as in 1723 , save the first , which is altered but not improved . In it , for the first time , mention is made of a Mason as a "true Noachida , " and also of the "Three great articles of Noah , " & c . These were never again printed , and so much the better . Bro . Leon Hyneman is the only Freemason thb . t I know of who has published another edition of this 173 8 Constitutions , which he did in Vol II . of his " Masonic Library . " In a notice of his
reprint Bro . Hyneman states , " There is a mystery involved in the charges of a Freemason , which differ from the 1723 edition . " Tne mystery to me is how such an able brother as the Rev . James Anderson , D . D ., could sanction such a change 1 He evidently for a time forgot the last sentence in his address to the reader , November 4 th , 173 8 , " lt is good to know what not to say 1 " page x ., Constitutions , «' / . ** 8 .
The history of the Grand Lodge from 1717 , which adorns the work , is a most useful compilation and must always tend to make such works of special value to the Craft . Each successive edition to 1784 contained the histoty to period of publication , after which date the information has been omitted from the Books of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of England .
The general regulations of 1723 and 1 738 are given side by side , and the tlates of the changes from thc old to the new laws . At this period white leather aprons alone were worn hy the Craft , save the present and past Grand Officers , who were allowed the addition of blue silk . Masters antl Wardens were only allowed white ribbons from which to suspend the lodge jewels . Evidently
simplicity was then the ortler of the day . In 1729 two guineas was the charge fur a warrant , now it is fifteen in London and ten in the country . Originally a brother could not be a member of more than one lodge , but that has long been otherwise in England . A year ' s ceasing to meet as a lodge obtained erasure de facto . This , however , did not refer to the lodges constituted abroad . All the degrees were allowed
generally to be given in lodges according to the laws after 1725 . The Grand Secretary was always appointed by the Grant ! Master after the Grand Lodge made choice of the first in 1723 . Grand Stewards were first allowed red ribbons for the jiwels , 1731 , antl aprons lined with red silk . In 1735 , they were formed into a lodge , and have since so continued , only without any authority to do
Masonic work . The Tylers at the Grand Lodge were appointed by the Grand Stewards . These changes are sufficient to indicate the fact that the members ot the Grand Lodge did not accept the regulations of 1723 as final , added to which , June 24 th , 1723 , it was agreed that " It is not in the power of any man , or body of men , to make any alteration or innovation in the body of Masonry ,
without the consent first obtained of the Grand Lodge . " The laws of the Committee of Charity , first proposed ia 1724 , with subsequent alterations , are presented in full . Then follows a list of the lodges ir . and about London and Westminster , and for thc country and abroad , to which Bro . Gould does ample justice in his " Four Old Lodges . "
A variety of songs and a remarkable ' Defence of Masonry , published A . D . 1730 , occasioned by a pamphlet , by Samuel Prichatd , called Masonry Dissected" ( supposed to be by Dr . Anderson ) , as also a letter to the author of the able defence by "Euclid , " & c , concludes the volume of 231 pages .
An intimation has been received by Mr . Mark Fitth that Court arrangements prevent Prince Leopold from vis ' ting Sheffield to open Firth College on the date fixed . His Royal Hig hness ' s visit has been postponed until Saturday , October 18 th , and he will be the guest of Mr . Firth until the 24 th .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
had distinguished them in times past . ( Hear , hear . i He was happy to say that during the past year the peace of , ne province had been undisturbed ; no dispute of any sort had been brought under his notice , and he was glad to know that the vitality of the province vvas shown hy the fact that there was now a total membership ot 1731 in connection with the lodges . iSH . touut it was very
satisfactory to find that Ma-nnry h id so greatly increased in that portion of the kingdom , > u t ' "re was one circumstance upon which he wished to make a few remaiks . "from the returns of the various lodges he found that out of the 1731 members there were no fewer than 114 defaulters in the way of subscription . That was a very serious matter , and he accordingly wished to call the
attention of the brethren , especially the W . M . ' s of the various lodges , to the fact . Those brethren who were behind in their subscriptions ought to be struck off the roll of the lodge —( hear , hear ";—as each lodge had to pay a certain amount to the Grand Lodge in fees , even for those who did not meet their subscriptions . This was a very serious matter , and hc ( Lord de Tabley ) vvas
sure he had only to mention it to secure immediate attention and a speedy remedy . The Cheshire Educational Institution , under the chairmanship of Bro . J . P . Piatt , had also flourished greatly during the year , and there was now a very considerable number of children supported through its instrumentality . The mention of this Charity vididly called to his memory the Io « s which their Order
had sustained by the death of Bro . Thomas Piatt during the year , whose exertions and energy were so conspicuous in the cause of Masonry and the Educational Institution of Cheshire—an example which they might all very worthily follow . He ( the P . G . M . ) hatl only to express , in . conclusion , his deep responsibility of the position which he held as the head of that province , and he could assure the
brethren that his great anxiety was to tlo the duty which the Grand Master had placed upon him fairly and impartially . ( Hear , heir . ) He had hitherto great reason t > thank the brethren for their cordial support , and he could only hope that he would continue to merit that in the future . ( Loud cheers . ) Bro . F . Jackson , Prov . Grand Treasurer , then submitted
his annual financial statement , from which it appeared that there was a balance to the creiiit of the Prov . Grantl Lodge * amounting to £ 537 15 s . yd ., and tothe Fund of B ; nevo ! ence of £ 713 17 s . 41 ! . The Prov . Grand Treasurer congratulatetl the brethren upon the fact that the province was now out of debt , and he trusted that they would te able next year to vote a sum of money in charity . Lord de Tabley said it was most satisfactory to find this
state of things , especial . y after the munificent subscription of 1000 guineas which had been voted a few years ago to secure a perpetual presentation to the Boys' School . The financial statement was passed ; and on the motion of the P . G . M ., secondeil by Bro . Latham , acting D . P . G . M ., Bro . F . Jackson was re-elected Prov . G . Treasurer . His lordship then appointed the fallowing brethren as his officers for the ensuing year : — Bro . the Hon . Wilbraham Egerton ,
M . P Prov . G . D . M . „ John Wood ... ... Prov . G . S . W . „ Francis Arthur Dickson ... Prov . G . J . W . „ the Rev . R . Hodgson , M . A .,
( re-appointed ) ... ... Prov . G . Chap . „ the Rev . George Frederick Dean Prov . G . A . C „ F . Jackson ( re-elected ) ... Prov . G . Treas . „ John Hibbeit ... ... Piov . G . Reg . ,, E . H . Griffiths ( re-appointed ) Prov . G . Sec . „ W . Harrison ' ... ... Prov . G . S . O .
„ W . Hickton ... ... Prov . G . J . D . „ Stanhope Bull ... ... Prov . G . S . of W . „ Herbert Finch ... ... Prov . G . D . C . „ T . Brooke ... ... ... Prov . G . A . D . C . „ G . H . Holden ... ... Prov . G . S . B . „ Edwartl Cuzner ( re-appointed ) Prov . G . Org .
„ W . Nicholls ... ... Prov . G . P . „ W . Booth , J . K . Green , J . ** ) Leigh , E . Stevens , losiali > Prov . G . Stewards Hill , and W . H . Brown ) M J . H . Holtaway ... ... Prov . G . Tyler . The P . G . M . re-appointeel Bro . J . P . Piatt as the Chair
man of the Fund of Benevolence , and invested him with a clasp in recognition of services again given as Steward to the GiiJs' School . The P . G . M . also presented and investeel the following brethren with charity jewels , to which they had entitled themselves by twice serving the office of Steward to the London Charities : —Bros . Simcock , 13 S 7 * , J . J . Cunnah ,
721 ; Harrison , W . M . 104 ; Kirk , I . P . M . 104 ; T . Burrows , J . W . 104 ; H . Finch , P . M . 104 ; and J . Stafford , 104 . The P . G . M . announced that he would hold the nex meeting of the Prov . Grand Lodge at Runcorn ; and a vote of thanks having been given to thc Rev . Matthew Pugh , M . A ., rector of St . Thomas ' s Church , for the use
of that building for Divine service , the Prov . G . Lodge was closed in solemn form . The brethren subsequently formed in procession and proceeded to St . Thomas ' s Church , where a special service was held . The musical portion was under the direction of Bro . E . Cuzner , P . G . O ., assisted by Master W . E . Cuzner , Misses Florence , Alice , and Essie Cuzner , Bros .
Edmondson , Humphries , and T . Knowles , and Mr . R . H . Williams . The anthem was Sternilalc Bennett ' s " God is ^ Spirit , " which was sung with true devotional spirit , fhe sermon was preached by the Rev . R . Hodgson , M . A ., P . G . Chaplain , from the words rf St . Peter , " Honour all men ; love the brethren . " A collection was made on behalf of the Provincial Fund of Benevolence and the Stock port Infirmarywhich realised a substantial
, sum . the brethren subsequently banqueted at the Armoury speciall y decorated for thc occasion ) , under the presidency
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Cheshire.
of Bro . the Right Hon . Lord de Tabley . During thc dinner the band of the 4 th C . R . V . played a choice selection of music , conducted by Mr . T . M'Ardle . The usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed by Bro . Lord de Tabley , " The Health of the Grand Officers " being acknowledged by Bro . H . Bulley . Hro . G . W . Latham , acting D . P . G . M ., gave the toast
of " Lend de Tabley , " and in doing so referred to the great progress which Masonry had made in that province during his lordship's fourteen years' Mastership . The P . G . M ., in response , spoke vvith the hig hest satisfaction of the thorough harmony which prevailed in every lotlge in
the province . All . his hopes and expectations had been realised , and he trusted that so long as his heart continued to beat he would be able to show the same interest as he had done in their noble Order . An excellent musical programme was given by the " voices " which gave the choral portion of the church
-. liro , Herbert Finch , the newly-appointetl P . G . D . C , fulfilled his duties in a manner which excited the admiration of all who were present at business and banquet .
The Constitutions Of The Freemasons.
THE CONSTITUTIONS OF THE FREEMASONS .
SECOND ARTICLE . BRO . WH . HA . XI J AMES HUGHAN . From the Vol e of Masonry . Brethren should always be most careful to distinguish between the Constitutions printed and published by
Roberts , in 1722 , and the volume issued by the Grand Lodge of England , in 1723 , as the first mentioned is simply an exact reproduction of an Operative Manuscript , ot which there are many versions extant from the 14 th century . It was claimed that the 1722 work contained an account of the ' * Hautes Grades , " and the report was accepted by many until Bro . Richard Spencer , the noted Masonic
Bibliographer , allowed me to peruse the only copy known , which was in his collection , and was subsequently purchased for Bro . Robert Farmer Bower ' s grand Masonic Library . Roberts' manuscript makes no mention of any Masonic degrees whatever , and is in no sense of any value as a Book of Constitutions , though as lhe unique copy of the first printed transcript of the Operative " Old
Charges , " the value of the pamphlet cannot be over-esumated . Bro . Spencer has had it carefully printed , and it forms one of the four Constitutions issued by hiin in one handsome volume . The rights and privileges of the " Four Old Lodges , " which formed the Graud Loelge in 1717 , have been most ably considered , of late , by Bro . Robert Freke Gould , who
in a lar * . e volume , with that title for his work , has done ample justice to the subject , as well as accumulated a vast amount of most interesting and curious information , both historical ami statistical , on the subject , the like of which has never been attempted before , and is not likely ever to be again , now that Bro . Gould has so ably presented the subject .
The Constitutions of 1723 were the foundation of all others of the kind , such as those issued in Ireland , A . D . 1730 , and elsewhere . The subsequent alterations , however , of the Regulations made it ine'ispensable for a new edition 10 be issued , and so , in 173 8 , was published " The new Book of Constitutions of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons , containing their
Histoty , Charges , Regulations , etc . " The volume was dedicated by Dr . Anderson to H . R . H . Frederick , Prince of VIiCles , who was the first of the " Royal Blood , " in England , to join ; he Grand Lodge . Since then fourteen members of the " Royal Family " U ivc been initiated , the 23 rd Prince of Wales , H . R . H . Albert Edward , being the present Grand Master of the English branch of the
widespread Fraternity . As . Bro . Carson observed , it is scarcer tnan tne fust edition , anil th : same work , only with another titlc-pag-: introduced ( the first being removed ) , is rarer still . It would appear that several remained unsold , or a number of copies came into the hands of a printer , for in 1746 we find that they were issued with a different title-page , and bearing that year instead of 173 8 ,
atlded tu which another printer's name appears . The 173 8 edition was printed and sold by " Brother Ca-sar Ward and Richard Chandl-r , Booksellers , at the Ship without Temple Bar , etc ., " but the new title-page has the name , ol J . Robinson , who , though he dec . ared himself the printer of the book , simply printed the following : The History and Constitutions of the Most Ancient
and Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons ; containing an account of Masonry . ¦ 1 . From the Creation , throughout the known earth , till true architecture was demolished by the Goths , and at last revived in Italy . 2 . From Julius Ca-sar to the first arrival of the Saxons in Britain . 3 . From the union of the crowns of England and Scotland , in the person of King James the
1- irst to the present time . To which are added : 1 . A list of the Grand Masters or Patrons of the Freemasons in England , from the coming in of the Anglo-Saxons to these times , who are mentioned in this work . 2 . The old Charges of the Masons , collected from their earliest records , at the command of his Grace the Duke of Montague .
3 . The manner of constituting a lodge . ' 4 . The general regulations of the Free and Accepted Masons , loth ancient and modern , in distinct columns . 5 . ' 1 he constitution of the Committee of their Charity . 6 . A list of lodges in and about London and Westminster ; with the deputations ot several Grand Masters for the forming of lodges in Wales , the remote parts of Eng ' and , and in foreign realms .
The Constitutions Of The Freemasons.
7 . The songs sung at the lodges . 8 . A defence of Masonry , occasioned by a pamphlet called Masonry Dissected ; with Bro . Euclid ' s letter to the author against unjust cavils . By James Anderson , D . D ., London , printed and sold by J . Robinson , at the Golden Lion , in Ludgat--street . In the vulgar year of Masonry , 3746 .
The frontispiece in the editions of 1723 and 1738 is about the only bond of agreement , for there is a vast difference in the two works . The compiler styles the latter " about twice as large as the former , having many proper additions , especially the principal transactions of the Grand Lotlge ever since . " The account of the Grand LeitUe thus mentioned from 1717 is indeed a specially
attractive feature ct the 173 8 edition , as also the continuations in subsequent issues tlown lo 1784 . The " History of Masonry " is divided into three parts : r . The Creation to the Revival of Masonry in Italy . 2 . Julius Caesar to Queen Elizabeth , A . L ) . 1603 . 3 . From A . D . 1603 to the Marquis of Carnarvon , A . D . 1738 . The third part , it will be seen , is the one of value , the others possessing little
to entitle them to the consideration of the Craft . Thc second edition was ordered under the Grand Mastership of the Eail of Damley , January 25 th , 1737-8 , and sanctioned as published by the Marquis of Carnarvon , Grand Master , the Deputy Grand Master , Grand Wardens , & c . Tne brethren were e-aurioned against using any other book , in any lodge , as a lodge book , as they shall be answerable
to the Granel Lotlge , doubtless owing to the circulation of " Peicket Companions , " which contained the laws of the fraternity of 1723 , & c . Prefacing the front page of the history is the plate of arms , & c , of the Grand Master , as in Pine ' s engraved lists of lodges of the period , and evidently printed from the sam ; p late as the latter , being of the narrow anil long form peculiar to such lists ,
commenced to be published in 1723 . A list rf the Grand Masters or Patrons cf the Freemasons in England is furnished , commencing with the first Archbishop of Canterbury , and ending with the orand Master of 1738 , the majority of the names before the last century being mainly an imaginary arrangement by the author . The ' * Old Charges of the Freemasons "
are given as in 1723 , save the first , which is altered but not improved . In it , for the first time , mention is made of a Mason as a "true Noachida , " and also of the "Three great articles of Noah , " & c . These were never again printed , and so much the better . Bro . Leon Hyneman is the only Freemason thb . t I know of who has published another edition of this 173 8 Constitutions , which he did in Vol II . of his " Masonic Library . " In a notice of his
reprint Bro . Hyneman states , " There is a mystery involved in the charges of a Freemason , which differ from the 1723 edition . " Tne mystery to me is how such an able brother as the Rev . James Anderson , D . D ., could sanction such a change 1 He evidently for a time forgot the last sentence in his address to the reader , November 4 th , 173 8 , " lt is good to know what not to say 1 " page x ., Constitutions , «' / . ** 8 .
The history of the Grand Lodge from 1717 , which adorns the work , is a most useful compilation and must always tend to make such works of special value to the Craft . Each successive edition to 1784 contained the histoty to period of publication , after which date the information has been omitted from the Books of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of England .
The general regulations of 1723 and 1 738 are given side by side , and the tlates of the changes from thc old to the new laws . At this period white leather aprons alone were worn hy the Craft , save the present and past Grand Officers , who were allowed the addition of blue silk . Masters antl Wardens were only allowed white ribbons from which to suspend the lodge jewels . Evidently
simplicity was then the ortler of the day . In 1729 two guineas was the charge fur a warrant , now it is fifteen in London and ten in the country . Originally a brother could not be a member of more than one lodge , but that has long been otherwise in England . A year ' s ceasing to meet as a lodge obtained erasure de facto . This , however , did not refer to the lodges constituted abroad . All the degrees were allowed
generally to be given in lodges according to the laws after 1725 . The Grand Secretary was always appointed by the Grant ! Master after the Grand Lodge made choice of the first in 1723 . Grand Stewards were first allowed red ribbons for the jiwels , 1731 , antl aprons lined with red silk . In 1735 , they were formed into a lodge , and have since so continued , only without any authority to do
Masonic work . The Tylers at the Grand Lodge were appointed by the Grand Stewards . These changes are sufficient to indicate the fact that the members ot the Grand Lodge did not accept the regulations of 1723 as final , added to which , June 24 th , 1723 , it was agreed that " It is not in the power of any man , or body of men , to make any alteration or innovation in the body of Masonry ,
without the consent first obtained of the Grand Lodge . " The laws of the Committee of Charity , first proposed ia 1724 , with subsequent alterations , are presented in full . Then follows a list of the lodges ir . and about London and Westminster , and for thc country and abroad , to which Bro . Gould does ample justice in his " Four Old Lodges . "
A variety of songs and a remarkable ' Defence of Masonry , published A . D . 1730 , occasioned by a pamphlet , by Samuel Prichatd , called Masonry Dissected" ( supposed to be by Dr . Anderson ) , as also a letter to the author of the able defence by "Euclid , " & c , concludes the volume of 231 pages .
An intimation has been received by Mr . Mark Fitth that Court arrangements prevent Prince Leopold from vis ' ting Sheffield to open Firth College on the date fixed . His Royal Hig hness ' s visit has been postponed until Saturday , October 18 th , and he will be the guest of Mr . Firth until the 24 th .