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Article FREEMASONRY—PAST AND PRESENT. ← Page 2 of 2 Article FREEMASONRY—PAST AND PRESENT. Page 2 of 2
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Freemasonry—Past And Present.
contribution to Masonic history , it is yet- necessary to remark that in everything pertaining to social institutions , the Germans were always much in advance of England . This feature is strongly illustrated in those distinctive forms assumed by trade and Craft corporations and guilds , even at this early period of mediioval history . In the absence of positive data there is still abundant evideuce to justify us in believing that the fraternities
of the steinmetzen , or stonemasons of Germany , existed in the 11 th century . At this time the magnificent cathedrals of Hildesbeim , Naumherg , and Spier , were founded and in process . These undertakings , drawing together great assemblies of the Craft , the long terms of engagement the buildings entailed , must have brought them closely in contact and rendered necessary the observance of principles of unity , affecting the common interest , apart from sentiments of piety . Although from the earliest date
foreign artizans were introduced , it must have been at this stage of architectural history , that the greatest stimulus was given to Craft association , embracing elements however conformable to German institutions , as yet unsuited and inconsistent with priestly government and English civilization , with its oppressive and prevailing laws of feudalism . Notwithstanding the arrivals from the schools of Albertus Magnus , of Cologne , and other celebrated Artists and Architects or Patrons , it was long ere the
Craft-bodies acquired position and influence sufficiently independent to carry out in all its details , organization according to foreign models , whose Bauhntten or lodge system the travelling Freemasons represented . It must he remembered , that the societies of Mason and Free-Mason though practically associated , remained distinct , and did not amalgamate till somewhere about the year 1376 . Although as we have seenRomanFrankishand German
, , , Masons were imported by Priestly Patrons from the earliest date , it was not until the Normans became masters ef the country that they literally usurped the skilled work in crafts and trades . From the commencement of the Pointed or Early English style , this peculiarity became even more marked , as there are strong grounds for concluding that this style itself was originally of German design . In addition to the German workmen , it is also certain , many principal architects were
likewise German Masons . Bro . Findel produces in evidence the constant recurrence of such names as Schaw , Swalwe , Lote , Ambler , Bald , Beyst , Brekling , Derlyng , and others . Furnishing testimony of the fact , that in ecclesiastical buildings erected under the authority of the Bishops , the real Architects themselves played a A-ery subordinate part , thus ceding their renown to their patrons , which , accounts for their names being so seldom mentioned . Such societies as were under the immediate
direction of the priesthood , or became the property of the Barons , were known as fraternities favonred by the Church , by having conferred on them the honour of Patron Saints . Even the original company ol Architects , at Strasburg , prior to the year 1440 , bore the name of Brethren of St . John . The term " Freemason " is not to be met with anterior to the reign of Edward III ( 1350 ) . This occurs in a State document relating to labour industries and privileges connected with
them . Subsequent State Acts show the protection and exactions applying to Freemasons and other similar trade and craft guilds . These were defined by statute regulation and the rate of wages fixed ; and as they were vassal or feudal property their liberty was limited , legislative prohibitions being in force as to change of residence without the consent of the liege lord or civic authorities . This state of things explains the difficulties rising industries experienced in shaking themselves free of
restrictive fetters , and the impossibility of combining for secret purposes so much in advance of the policy of tho ruling powers to which they were directly opposed . That attempts were being made from time to time ill this direction must be admitted ; for as early as 1360 these combinations , with their constitutions , as imparted by their monkish founders had awakened the suspicions of the State . Congregations , chapters , regulations , and oaths were forbidden thema measure which was subsequentl
among , y renewed and stringently enforced . Thus in the eyes of British law , such as it then was , they were considered as trades-unions , having , having- for their object the protection of the interests of the crafr . II ' any esoteric teaching found a place in thensystem , it either remained unknown , or no exact significance Avas attached to it . That this movement shortly became an accomplished fact , is no more than the progress of events determined by political and social interests rendered necessary , conse-
Freemasonry—Past And Present.
quently we find that architecture and all appertaining to it , was in the course of time reduced to what might be considered afgovernment department and entrusted to the supervision of a duly appointed officer of State , termed the King ' s Freemason or General-Surveyor of his buildings . The first so nominated , so far as has been ascertained , was Henry Yevele , who in the year 1226 , during the reign of Henry III , was employed in
conducting the building of several abbeys and the chapel of St . Stephen , at AVestminster . Apropos of such particulars , it is curious to observe that social science and political economy , if little conceived by the rulers or their subjects , soon began to present principles for solution which at this day call for legislative interference , and continue to acquire increasing importance and attention . The struggle between capital and labour had already set in . That labour now possessed claims to merit
would imply that the Masonic brethren and other crafts were in some measure emancipated from the rigorous control of feudalism . In the time of Henry VI . the Craft , by confederacies and other forms of opposition , exhibited from time to time , ineffectual resistance to the statutes of labour previously enacted , in refusing to work except at theirown price and wages . In consequence of such movements being supposed to emanate from the General Lodges , termed by the Act "Chapters" and
" Congregations of Masons" it was deemed expedient to level the said Act against such congregations . The Act of Parliament . " Tertii Henrici Sexti , cap . 1 , A . D ., 1425 , " is then quoted . "Itis ordained that such chapters and congregatiens shall not hereafter be holden , and if auy such be made , them that cause such chapter and congregation to be assembled and holden , if they thereof be convict , shall be judged for felons , and that the other masons that come to such chapter and congregations be punished by imprisonment of their bodies and make
fine and ransom at the King ' s will . It appear that submissive observance was not invariably shown to legal authority , and it is amusing to find that the Freemasons of the period were by no means more manageable than they sometimes prove themselves to be at the present day . Laws during 13 S 9 enact that in cases of resistance the Justices of the Peace might call in the assistance of the Sheriff of the County , or Mayor , or Aldermen of the city or town , showing
that convocations of a stormy kind wore by no means unknown to the Order . Although their exclusive and peculiar working and observances were comparatively little known , it yet appears certain that the steinmetzen had imported into England and Scotland the practices peculiar to this system with the established usages and customs of observance of their lodges , so that , at this very early periodthe members of these fraternities or associations
, recognized each other by secret signs and tokens . In England there was less freedom , and being constantly under surveillance of the ruling powers or government , they generally possessed the privilege of holding assemblies , levying contributions on the members , selecting their masters and wardens and such like . It would seem that meetings were held very regularly by the brethren engaged on any building iu process of erection . The lodges or assemblies wore opened at sunrise , the master
occupying his station in the east , and the brethren forming a half circle round him . After prayer , each craftsman received instructions as to the daily task appointed to him . After labour , at sunset they again assembled , when prayer was offered up and their wages were paid to them . In stormy weather the craftsmen conducted the meetings in a convenient building or sheltered retreat ; but in fine weather these assemblies were held in the open air and sometimes on the hill tops the better to protect themselves from the attacks of the cowan or listener .
"T HE INTERNAL AND NOT THE EXTERNAL QUALIFICATIONS . " —These are what Masonry regards as essential by Ma-ouic preferment . Not so is it with the world , which first judges of a mau by his apparel . As illustrative of this latter fact , there is the story of the celebrated painter and poet , liuchin , who , walking out one day in very shabby clothes , became more an object of derision than regard . He was mortifiedaud went homeand
, , , arraying himself in his best , again walked out , to receive on every hand , obsequious attention . His mortification turned to anger , and , going home , he threw his gold-laced coat on the fioor , and , stamping on it , exclaimed : "Art thou Buchiu , or am I ? "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry—Past And Present.
contribution to Masonic history , it is yet- necessary to remark that in everything pertaining to social institutions , the Germans were always much in advance of England . This feature is strongly illustrated in those distinctive forms assumed by trade and Craft corporations and guilds , even at this early period of mediioval history . In the absence of positive data there is still abundant evideuce to justify us in believing that the fraternities
of the steinmetzen , or stonemasons of Germany , existed in the 11 th century . At this time the magnificent cathedrals of Hildesbeim , Naumherg , and Spier , were founded and in process . These undertakings , drawing together great assemblies of the Craft , the long terms of engagement the buildings entailed , must have brought them closely in contact and rendered necessary the observance of principles of unity , affecting the common interest , apart from sentiments of piety . Although from the earliest date
foreign artizans were introduced , it must have been at this stage of architectural history , that the greatest stimulus was given to Craft association , embracing elements however conformable to German institutions , as yet unsuited and inconsistent with priestly government and English civilization , with its oppressive and prevailing laws of feudalism . Notwithstanding the arrivals from the schools of Albertus Magnus , of Cologne , and other celebrated Artists and Architects or Patrons , it was long ere the
Craft-bodies acquired position and influence sufficiently independent to carry out in all its details , organization according to foreign models , whose Bauhntten or lodge system the travelling Freemasons represented . It must he remembered , that the societies of Mason and Free-Mason though practically associated , remained distinct , and did not amalgamate till somewhere about the year 1376 . Although as we have seenRomanFrankishand German
, , , Masons were imported by Priestly Patrons from the earliest date , it was not until the Normans became masters ef the country that they literally usurped the skilled work in crafts and trades . From the commencement of the Pointed or Early English style , this peculiarity became even more marked , as there are strong grounds for concluding that this style itself was originally of German design . In addition to the German workmen , it is also certain , many principal architects were
likewise German Masons . Bro . Findel produces in evidence the constant recurrence of such names as Schaw , Swalwe , Lote , Ambler , Bald , Beyst , Brekling , Derlyng , and others . Furnishing testimony of the fact , that in ecclesiastical buildings erected under the authority of the Bishops , the real Architects themselves played a A-ery subordinate part , thus ceding their renown to their patrons , which , accounts for their names being so seldom mentioned . Such societies as were under the immediate
direction of the priesthood , or became the property of the Barons , were known as fraternities favonred by the Church , by having conferred on them the honour of Patron Saints . Even the original company ol Architects , at Strasburg , prior to the year 1440 , bore the name of Brethren of St . John . The term " Freemason " is not to be met with anterior to the reign of Edward III ( 1350 ) . This occurs in a State document relating to labour industries and privileges connected with
them . Subsequent State Acts show the protection and exactions applying to Freemasons and other similar trade and craft guilds . These were defined by statute regulation and the rate of wages fixed ; and as they were vassal or feudal property their liberty was limited , legislative prohibitions being in force as to change of residence without the consent of the liege lord or civic authorities . This state of things explains the difficulties rising industries experienced in shaking themselves free of
restrictive fetters , and the impossibility of combining for secret purposes so much in advance of the policy of tho ruling powers to which they were directly opposed . That attempts were being made from time to time ill this direction must be admitted ; for as early as 1360 these combinations , with their constitutions , as imparted by their monkish founders had awakened the suspicions of the State . Congregations , chapters , regulations , and oaths were forbidden thema measure which was subsequentl
among , y renewed and stringently enforced . Thus in the eyes of British law , such as it then was , they were considered as trades-unions , having , having- for their object the protection of the interests of the crafr . II ' any esoteric teaching found a place in thensystem , it either remained unknown , or no exact significance Avas attached to it . That this movement shortly became an accomplished fact , is no more than the progress of events determined by political and social interests rendered necessary , conse-
Freemasonry—Past And Present.
quently we find that architecture and all appertaining to it , was in the course of time reduced to what might be considered afgovernment department and entrusted to the supervision of a duly appointed officer of State , termed the King ' s Freemason or General-Surveyor of his buildings . The first so nominated , so far as has been ascertained , was Henry Yevele , who in the year 1226 , during the reign of Henry III , was employed in
conducting the building of several abbeys and the chapel of St . Stephen , at AVestminster . Apropos of such particulars , it is curious to observe that social science and political economy , if little conceived by the rulers or their subjects , soon began to present principles for solution which at this day call for legislative interference , and continue to acquire increasing importance and attention . The struggle between capital and labour had already set in . That labour now possessed claims to merit
would imply that the Masonic brethren and other crafts were in some measure emancipated from the rigorous control of feudalism . In the time of Henry VI . the Craft , by confederacies and other forms of opposition , exhibited from time to time , ineffectual resistance to the statutes of labour previously enacted , in refusing to work except at theirown price and wages . In consequence of such movements being supposed to emanate from the General Lodges , termed by the Act "Chapters" and
" Congregations of Masons" it was deemed expedient to level the said Act against such congregations . The Act of Parliament . " Tertii Henrici Sexti , cap . 1 , A . D ., 1425 , " is then quoted . "Itis ordained that such chapters and congregatiens shall not hereafter be holden , and if auy such be made , them that cause such chapter and congregation to be assembled and holden , if they thereof be convict , shall be judged for felons , and that the other masons that come to such chapter and congregations be punished by imprisonment of their bodies and make
fine and ransom at the King ' s will . It appear that submissive observance was not invariably shown to legal authority , and it is amusing to find that the Freemasons of the period were by no means more manageable than they sometimes prove themselves to be at the present day . Laws during 13 S 9 enact that in cases of resistance the Justices of the Peace might call in the assistance of the Sheriff of the County , or Mayor , or Aldermen of the city or town , showing
that convocations of a stormy kind wore by no means unknown to the Order . Although their exclusive and peculiar working and observances were comparatively little known , it yet appears certain that the steinmetzen had imported into England and Scotland the practices peculiar to this system with the established usages and customs of observance of their lodges , so that , at this very early periodthe members of these fraternities or associations
, recognized each other by secret signs and tokens . In England there was less freedom , and being constantly under surveillance of the ruling powers or government , they generally possessed the privilege of holding assemblies , levying contributions on the members , selecting their masters and wardens and such like . It would seem that meetings were held very regularly by the brethren engaged on any building iu process of erection . The lodges or assemblies wore opened at sunrise , the master
occupying his station in the east , and the brethren forming a half circle round him . After prayer , each craftsman received instructions as to the daily task appointed to him . After labour , at sunset they again assembled , when prayer was offered up and their wages were paid to them . In stormy weather the craftsmen conducted the meetings in a convenient building or sheltered retreat ; but in fine weather these assemblies were held in the open air and sometimes on the hill tops the better to protect themselves from the attacks of the cowan or listener .
"T HE INTERNAL AND NOT THE EXTERNAL QUALIFICATIONS . " —These are what Masonry regards as essential by Ma-ouic preferment . Not so is it with the world , which first judges of a mau by his apparel . As illustrative of this latter fact , there is the story of the celebrated painter and poet , liuchin , who , walking out one day in very shabby clothes , became more an object of derision than regard . He was mortifiedaud went homeand
, , , arraying himself in his best , again walked out , to receive on every hand , obsequious attention . His mortification turned to anger , and , going home , he threw his gold-laced coat on the fioor , and , stamping on it , exclaimed : "Art thou Buchiu , or am I ? "