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 * THE

* * CONSTITUTION
x- OF -

FREEMASONRY,
OR

2übiman i3850n, |

- - CoNTAINING, -

Auoxg other USEFUL INFORMATION,

- THE LAWS, CHARGES, & REGULATIONS,
- - OF THE 1 - >

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.

According to The old INSTITUTIONs;
- To which is added,
A SELECTION OF MASONIC SONGS,
&c. &c. &c.

*
* .

REVISED AND contRECTED WITH CONSIDERABLE ADDITIONs, BROUGHT

Dow N To THE PRESENT TIME, FROM THE or 1GINAL of THE LATE

LAURENCE DERMOTT, ESQ.

->

/ BY

THOMAS HARPER, D. G. M.
--

E1GHT H EDITION.

- - -
-
\
\

jLöllholl:
PRINTED BY BRat HER T. HARPER, Jun.
Crane Court, Fleet Street,
For tile Editor, No. 207, Fleet Street. -

1813. -
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 EXPLANATION OF THE FRONTISPIECE.

The design is a prostyle Temple of the Doric Order, and

alludes to an historical view of Ancient Masonry; by this
is to be understood, that which is universally received and
acknowledged in all Lodges of the old constitution. -

Upon the dome are exhibited, whole length figures of .

the three Grand Masters of the Tabernacle of the Wilder
ness. The two crowned figures, with that on their right,
represent the three Grand Masters of the Holy Lodge;
And the figures on their left, the three Grand Masters of
the second Temple, or Grand and Royal Lodge, at Jeru
salem. -

This fabricis supported by three Noble Columns, bearing

Masonic badges, with the Arms of England, Ireland and
Scotland, depicted thereon; denoting the triple union,
which in the year 1772 was formed by those three Grand
Lodges, thereby to promote the honour and dignity of the
whole communion of Ancient Masonry.
The ascent to the building, alludes to the five Orders in
Architecture, and also to the summit and perfection of
Ancient
Upon Masonry.
the pediment above, are the Armorial Bearings of w

the Fraternity, taken from Holy Writ: viz.

ARMs. Quarterly per squares, counterchanged vert;
First quarter, azure, a Lion rampant, or: second, or, an
Ox passant sable: third, or, a Man with hands uplifted
proper, robed in crimson and ermine: fourth, azure, an
Eagle displayed or CREST. The Holy Ark of the Cove
, nant proper. SUPPORTERs. Two Cherubims with wings
extended. MoTTo... n.) T 9 wnp signifying Holiness to
the Lord. -

\
*

*
*
 CONTENTS,
-

Page
INTRoDucTron, tending to shew that Freemasonry has existed
from the Creation, though perhaps, not under that name I

On Histories of Masonry, none can be depended upon ..... iv.

Origin of the Society of Modern Masons ................ vii

The Moderns censure one of their own Lodges, for practising

Ancient Masonry ...... .. ... .... .. .. .. .
• e o e - © - - - - xii
Further information respecting that Society .............. xiii

Address to the Fraternity, by the late Laurence Dermott, on

the difference between Ancient and Modern . . . . . . . . ... xvii
Principles of Masonry explained, in a letter from the learned
Mr. John Locke, and his remarks thereon ............ xxxii
Resolutions of alliance and brotherly connexion between the
Grand Lodges of England, Ireland and Scotland........ xlvii
General R*ks ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ." 1

On the excellency of Secrecy, being the distinguishing cha

racteristic of every real Mason ...................... 2

Story of Papyrus, a noble youth of Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Additional instances of the great veneration in which silence

and secrecy were held by the Ancients................ 8
Character of a just and upright man.......... • • e - - - - - - - 11

Freemasons superior to other men in concealing Secrets .... 12

The cause or motive of the first Institution of Freemasonry 13

Its leading principles explained, a due observance of which .

must be for the general benefit of mankind............ 16

Necessary qualifications to become a true Mason.........." 18

Those that are not to be countenanced by Masonry........ 24

Form necessary on being proposed .................... 25
Description of Masons fit to govern Lodges.............. 27
Behaviour to be observed in the Lodge............ 28 • * * * * *

Hints necessary for Masons when out of the Lodge. . . . . . . . 30

d
 ii CONTENTS,

Page
ANCIENT CHARGEs op FREEMASON5.

I. Concerning God and Religion ................ 31

II. Of Government supreme and subordinate........ 32
* - III. Concerning a Lodge, and the qualities requisite to
become a Mason . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
: IV Of Masters, Wardens, Fellows and Apprentices.. .35
*- V . Of the Management of the Craft in working ..... 36
i: , VI. Concerning Masons behaviour. - - -

1. In the Lodge before closing.............. 38

; : . . . . . 2. After the Lodge is closed and before the Bre-,
i... . . . . . . . . thren depart .......................... 39
... 3. When meeting without Strangers, and not in
... a formed Lodge........................ 39
4. In the presence of Strangers, not Masons . . . 40
i. 5. At home, and in your neighbourhood...... - 40
6. Towards a Foreign Brother or Stranger.... .40
7. Behind a Brother's back, as well as before :
- his face ............................ 41
VII. Concerning differences aud law-suits, if any such
should unhappily arise among Brethren ...... .42
A Charge delivered to every person on Initiation ...... .. 44
Mode of application to obtain a Warrant, and the Ancient. -

Manner of constituting a Lodge, and installing the Officers 4s

- PRAYERS. - ". . . . . . . . . .

At opening, used by Jewish Freemasons................ , 55

Another, which is most general at making or opening...... 57
One that was used by the Primitive Christians............ 58
The Royal Arch Prayer.............................. 58
| THE GENERAL REGULATIONs of FREE AND AccEPTED Masons. .
' ' . I. Shewing the Grand Master's power in all Lodges... 60
II. Who ought to preside in the absence of the Master "
- of a private Lodge ........................ 61
III. Transactions fit to be written to be kept on record... 62
No Lodge to be removed from the stated place of
*
 CONTENTS. iii
- Page
meeting, without previous notice to the Grand Se
Cretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • - - - -- . . . . .. . . .. .. 62

IV. No Lodge to make more than five at one meeting,

nor any person under the age of maturity ... . . . . 62
W. No person can be admitted without one month's
previous notice............................ 63
VI. Visitors not to be admitted into a Lodge, unless per
. . . . . sonally known. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , 63
VII. Concerning admission of new Members.......... 64
VIII. Of clandestine makings ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
IX. The manner of removing Lodges ........... . . . . 67
X. Lodges when congregated have a power to instruct :
their Officers, when going to the Grand Lodge. . . 69
XI. All Lodges are to observe one mode of working.... 69
XII. What forms a Grand Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
XIII. Business of the Grand Lodge .................. 71.
" The Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary, mem
bers of the Grand Lodge by virtue of their Office 75
XIV. Who is to preside in the Grand Master's absence .. 77
XV. Who is to preside in the Grand Warden's absence... 79
XVI. All applications upon Masonry to be made through
his Deputy .............................. So
XVII. A former Grand Officer being an Officer of a private -

Lodge, may depute another to act for him .... 81

XVIII. Who shall supply the Deputy's absence, and how ,
- the Grand Wardens are to be chosen .......... 82
XIX. The Grand Master abusing his authority, how he is
to be treated ............ • * * * * * * . . . . . . . . . 82
XX. Grand Visitation of Lodges, and Constitution of
new Lodges.............................. 83
XXI. Mode to be pursued on the death of a Grand
Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 84
e e e e o e • • e a e - * * * *

XXII. Of the business on St. John's Day, and election of

Grand Officers. . . . . . © e. e. e. * ~ * ~ * . . ....... .. .. 85
XXIII. Choice and Installation of Grand Master ........ 86
-
iv - CONTENTs,
- Page
YXIV. Concerning the same ........................ 87
XXV. The Grand Master has power to choose his Deputy,
the Grand Lodge to elect Wardens............ 89
XXVI. Installation of Grand Master by proxy .......... 89
XXVII. Power of making new Regulations in the Grand
Lodge .................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
ADDITIONAL Laws AND ReGuLATIONs
‘Which are ordered to be observed...................... 92
Fee of Initiation raised ........a............. . . . . . . . . 99
Additional fee to be paid upon the registering every new
made Mason, to go in aid of the Masonic Charity........ 100
Masonic Charity for cloathing and educating the sons of in
digent Brethren, instituted.......................... 101
Regulations for the government of the Grand Lodge during
the time of public business.......................... 103
Regulations for the Steward's Lodge, or Committee of
Charity ..... • * • • • • • ................ 107
• * * * * *- - - - - -

Laws and Regulations for the Holy Royal Arch .......... 113
Extracts from the Proceedings relating to the general Con
cerns of the Craft . . . . . . - - -- - - - - - - - - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Act of Parliament passed regarding Societies.............. 125
Address of the Ancient Fraternity to His Majesty on his pro
vidential escape from assassination.................... 126
An Address delivered by a Noble Brother to his Son, on his
Initiation into Masonry............................. 129
The Freemason's Memento. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
* *
t
 * -
-

contENTs. y
MASONIC SONGS. 1 -

Adieu, a heart warm fond adieu................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

A health to our Sisters let's drink ................................ 159
A Mason's daughter fair and young .............................. 158
Arise and blow thy trumpet, Fame .............................. 205
As long as our Coast does with whiteness appear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
As Masons once on Shinar's plain ...................... ......... 180
As Poverty late, in a fit of despair .............................. 206
A system more pure, ne'er was modell’d by man .................. 207
Antend, attend the strain ........................................ 184
By Masons Art th'aspiring domes ................................ 148
Come are you prepared .................................... ... 161
"Come, come my brethren dear................................... 167
Come, fill up a bumper, and let it go round........................ 190
Come, let us prepare . . . . . . . . . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - -- - - - - - - .... 145
Come ye elves that be ........................................ 200
Divine Eurania, virgin ".................................... 176
E’er God the universe began............................... ...... 148
E’er since the Temple first was rear'd ............................ 175
Father Adam created, beheld the light shine ...................... 178
Fidelity once had a fancy to rove ......... 155
• * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** -

- - a .
From henceforth ever sing .............. ........................ 143
Genius of Masonry descend...................................... 141
Glorious Craft which fires the mind .... ......................... 166
Grant me kind Heav'n what I request ......................... ... 140
Grave bus'ness being closed and a call from the South ................ 208
Guardian genius of our Art divine .......... • * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * ** * 17.3
Hail Masonry divine ...... ................................... 192
Hail Masonry, thou source divine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Hail Masonry! thou craft divine ................................ 144
Hail Masonry, thou sacred Art “................................ 208
Hail, sacred Art, by Heav'd design'd ............................. 186
Hail, secret Art, by Heav'n design'd ..... ............. ... ....... 160
How bless'd are we, from igu'ronee free .................... -..... 187
How happy a Mason, whose bosom still flows ............... 194
If unity be good in ev'ry degree .. • * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * -...-e • - - - -
-
194
King Solomon, that wise projector ...... • * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 169
Let Masonry be how my theme - - - -- - -- - -- ---- - --- - --- --- -- - 188
-
Let Masons be merry each night when they meet ...... ... 193 • • - - - - - - - - - - - -

Let Mason's fame resound ...................................... 208

No sectin the world can with Masons compare .................... 153
of all institutions for forming the mind .......................... 171
on, on, my dear Brethren, pursue your great lecture .............. 137
On you, who Masonry despise * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 147
 ==

vi - CONTENTS. "

See in the East, the Master placed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

Sing to the honour of those . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Some folks have with curious impertinence strove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157.
The curious vulgar, could never devise • - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 162

Tho' millions’gainst the Craft unite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

Thus mighty Eastern Kings and some . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
'Tis Masonry unites mankind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
To Masonry, that gem divine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
To Masonry your voices raise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Unite,unite, your voices raise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
We Brethren Freemasons, let's mark the great name ................ 163
What though they call us Masons fools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
When a Lodge of Freemasons are cloth’d in their aprons . . . . . . . . . . . ., 196
when Earth's foundation first was laid ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
When the Deity's word . . . . . . . . • • • • • • • • • * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * • - - - - - - - 204
When the Sun from the East first salutes mortal eyes . . . . . . • * - - - - - - - - 154

Whoever wants wisdom must with some delight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199

With plumb, level and squre, to work let's prepare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Ye ancient Sons of Tyre ....... . . . . . . . . . . ... ... • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Ye Brethren of the Ancient Craft '......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • - 140
Ye dull stupid mortals, give o'er your conjectures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Ye sons of great science, impatient to learn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Ye thrice happy few . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
- - - ANTHEMS.
Grant us, kind heav'n, what we request. . . . . . . . . . . . . . • • • • - - - - - - - - 21 I

Let there be light, th' Almighty spoke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210

Oh, Masonry our hearts inspire .................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
... • * oDEs. . - -

Bless'd be the day that gave to me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

Long hath the curious world with prying eye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2K6
Wake the lute and quiv'ring strings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
With grateful hearts your voices raise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
- ProLoGUEs. -

As a wild rake that courts a virgin fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218 *

... .
As some crack’d Chymist with projecting brain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
If to delight and humanize the mind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
... While others sing of wars and martial feats........................ 221
You've seen me oft in gold and ermine dress'd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
". EPILOGUES.
Oh! pray pardon my hurry, -indeed I’m so heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .224
Where are these hydras ? let me vent my spleen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
With what malicious joy, e'er I knew better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222
SoLoMon’s TEMPLE, an Oratorio, * * * * • * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 227
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*
 * *

* *

INTRODUCTION.

THE antiquity and utility of Freemasonry being

universally acknowledged in most parts of the habi
table globe, it will be as absurd to conceive it re
quired new aids for its support, as for the man who
has the use of sight, to demand a proof of the rising
and setting of the sun.

If our first parents and their offspring had con

tinued in Paradise, they would have had no occasion
for mechanic arts, or any of the sciences now in use;
Adam being created with all those perfections and
blessings, which could either add to his dignity, or
be conducive to his real welfare. In that happy
period he had no propensity to evil, no perverseness
in his heart, no darkness or obscurity in his under

standing; for had he laboured under these defects

he would not have been a perfect man, nor would
there be any difference between man in a state of
innocence, and in a state of degeneracy and corrup
b
ii. INTRODUCTION.

tion. It was therefore in consequence of his wilful

transgression that any evils came upon him; and
having lost his innocence, he in that dreadful mo
ment forfeited likewise his supernatural lights and
infused knowledge, whereby every science (as far
as human nature is capable of) was rendered fami
liar without going through the regular gradation of
obtaining such knowledge, requisite to men even of
the greatest abilities, whose ideas, after all, remain
weak and imperfect.

From this remarkable and fatal aera, we date the

reign of the sciences. First arose Divinity, whereby
was pointed out to fallen man, the ways and will of
God, the and mercy of an offended
omnipotence
Creator: then Law, as directing us to distribute
justice to our neighbour, and relieve those who are
oppressed or suffer wrong. The Royal Art was
beyond all doubt coeval with the above sciences, and
was carefully handed down by Methuselah, who
died but a few days before the general deluge, and
who had lived two hundred and forty-five years with
Adam, by whom he was instructed in all the mys
teries of this sublime science, which he faithfully
communicated to his grandson Noah, who transmit
ted it to posterity. And it has ever been preserved
 INTRODUCTION. iii.

with a veneration and prudence suitable to its great

importance, being always confined to the knowledge
of the worthy only. This is confirmed by many
instances, which men of reading and speculation (es
pecially such as are of this society), cannot suffer to
escape them.

At first mankind adhered to the lessons of nature;

she used necessity for the means, urged them to
invention, and assisted them in the operation. Our
primitive fathers seeing that the natural face of the
earth was not sufficient for the sustenance of the ani

mal creation, had recourse to their faithful tutoress,

who taught them how to give it an artificial face, by
creating habitations and cultivating the ground, and
these operations, among other valuable effects, led
them to search into and contemplate upon the nature
and properties of lines, figures, superfices and solids;
and by degrees to form the sciences of Geometry
and Architecture, which have been of the greatest
utility to the human species. Hence we were first
taught the means whereby we might attain practice,
and by practice introduce speculation. r

From the flood to the days of King Solomon,

the liberal arts and sciences gradually spread them
 1V INTRODUCTION.

selves over different parts of the globe; every nation

having had some share in their propagation; but
according to the different manners, some have cul
tivated them with more accuracy, perseverance and
success than others, and though the secrets of the
Royal Art, have not been indiscriminately revealed,
they have nevertheless, been communicated in every
age, to such as were worthy to receive them. -

It has been the custom of most writers on the

subject to give us an elaborate history of Masonry
from the creation to their own time, viz. from Adam
to Noah, from Noah to Nimrod, from Nimrod to
Solomon, from Solomon to Cyrus, from Cyrus to Se
leucus Nicator, from Seleucus Nicator to Augustus
Caesar, from Augustus Caesar to the havock of the
Goths, and so on, until the revival of the Augustan
style, &c. &c. Wherein they give us an account of
the drawing, scheming, planning, designing, erect
ing and building of temples, towers, cities, castles,
palaces, theatres, pyramids, monuments, bridges,
walls, pillars, courts, halls, fortifications, and laby
rinths, with the famous light-house of Pharos and
the Colossus at Rhodes, and many other wonderful
works performed by the Architects, to the great
satisfaction of the readers, and edification of Free
 INTRODUCTION: V

masons. However entertaining

these details may
be to the general reader, they do not contain any
necessary information, and could only tend to swell
the size of this work. -

Nothing is hereby intended to impeach the

veracity, or to offend writers of historical truths.
Our intention being only to expose ridiculous inno
vations, and fabulous accounts of Grand Masters,
whose masonical authorities never existed.

It is certain that Freemasonry has existed from

the creation, though probably not under that name;
that it was a divine gift from God; that Cain and
the builders of the city were strangers to the secret
mystery of Masonry: that there were but four
Masons in the world when the deluge happened:
that one of the four even the second son of Noah,
was not master of the art; that neither Nimrod nor
his Craftsmen, knew any thing of the matter; and
that there were but very few masters of the art even
at Solomon's temple; whereby it plainly appears
that the whole mystery was communicated to very
few at that time: that at Solomon's temple, and
not before, it received the name of Freemasonry,
because the Masons at Jerusalem and Tyre were the
 •

y1 INTRODUCTION.

greatest cabalists then in the world; that the mys

tery has been, for the most part, practised amongst
builders since Solomon's time; that there were some
hundreds mentioned in histories of Masonry under
the titles of Grand Masters, &c. for no other reason
than that of their having given directions for the build
ing of a house, tower, castle, or some other edifice, or
perhaps for suffering the Masons to erect such in
their territories; while the memories of as many
thousands of the faithful Craft are buried in oblivion:
from whence we may understand, that such his
tories are of no use to the society at present: and
that the manner of constituting lodges, the old and
new regulations, &c. are the most useful and ne

cessary things concerning Freemasonry that can be

written.

What man, conversant with real Freemasonry

and history, can give credit to the legendary stories
of the Grand Masterships of the Monks St. Austin,
St. Swithin, St. Dunstan, and other monkish Saints,
Confessors, Cardinals, &c. &c.? Is it not more pro
bable, that those legendary Grand Masters, instead
of patronizing and protecting a society that was then
supposed to raise and converse with familiar spirits,
would have renounced them.
 INTRODUCTION. . vii
But to come nearer to the present time: let us
look into the origin of the present Society of
Modern Masons, who, not satisfied with the old
title of Right Worshipful Grand Lodge, did in their
Calendar for 1777, assume the title of the Supreme
Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honourable,
&c. &c. Upon enquiry it appears that all their
boasted supremacy is derived from an obscure per
son, who lived about ninety years ago, as will be
seen by the following Extract 'from their own Book
of Constitutions, published anno 1784.

“King George I arrived at London on Sept.

“20, 1714, and the few Lodges at London wanting
“an active patron, by reason of Sir Christopher
“Wren's disability (for the new King was not a
“Freemason, and was moreover unacquainted with
“the language of the Country), thought fit to cement
“under a new Grand Master, the centre of union
“and harmony. For this purpose the Lodges:
No. 1. At the Goose and Gridiron, St. Paul's Church Yard ;
No. 2. At the Crown, in Parker's Lane, Drury Lane; -

No. 3. At the Apple Tree Tavern, Charles Street, Covent

Garden; - - -

No. 4. At the Rummer and Grapes Tavern, Channel Row,

Westminster; . . . -
viii INTRODUCTION.
*

“with some other old Brothers, met at the said

“Apple Tree, and having put into the chair the
“oldest Master Mason, being the Master of a
“Lodge, they constituted themselves a Grand
“Lodge, pro tempore, in due form. They re
“solved to revive the quarterly communication of
“the Officers of Lodges, to hold the annual Assem
“bly and Feast, and then to choose a Grand Mas
“ter from among themselves, until they should
“have the honour of a Noble Brother at their
* head.”

Such are the words of the most authentic his

tory amongst modern Masons, which beyond contra
diction prove the origin of their supremacy to be
a self-created assembly.

Nor was a self-creation the only defect; they

were defective in numbers. To form what Masons
mean by a Grand Lodge, there should have been
the Masters and Wardens of five regular Lodges;
that is to say, five Masters and ten Wardens, ma
king the number of installed Officers fifteen. This
is so well known to every man conversant with the
ancient laws, usages, customs, and, ceremonies of
Master-Masons, that it is needless to say more, than
 * INTRODUCTION. ... ix

that the foundation was defective in number, conse

quently defective in form and capacity.

It cannot be urged, that such defection, or irre

gular formation, was owing to necessity, as there
were at that time numbers of old Masons in, and
adjacent to London, from whom the present Grand
Lodge of Ancient Masons received the old system,
free from innovation.

Under such defections as above mentioned, Mr.

Anthony Sayer, the first Grand Master of Modern
Masons found on record, assumed the chair upon
the 24th day of June 1717.

The moderns (I mean their writers) plausibly

call those transactions a revival of the Grand Lodge. .
Feasible as this story of a supposed revival may ap
pear, one minute's reflection will show an Ancient
Mason the fallacy of this part of their history.

This will be done by considering, that had it

been a revival of the Ancient Craft only, without in
novations or alterations of any kind, the Free and
Accepted Masons in Ireland, Scotland, the East and
C - -
X * INTRODUCTION.

West Indies, and America, where no change has

yet happened, nay, Freemasons in general, would
agree in secret language and ceremonies with the
members of the Modern Lodges. But daily expe
rience points out the contrary; and this is an in
controvertible proof of the falsehood of the sup
posed revival. -

Indeed this is acknowledged by the Moderns

themselves, in their Calendar for 1777, page 31,
where, speaking of the Old Masons, we find
these words:—“The Ancient York Constitution,
“which was entirely dropped at the revival of the
“Grand Lodge in 1717.” It is plain, therefore
that instead of a revival, a discontinuance of Ancient
Masonry then took place,

To put this matter out of the reach of contra

diction, take the testimony of Mr. Spencer, one of
their Grand Secretaries.
 INTRODUCTION. xi

Copy of an Answer, in Writing, given to Brother

IV. C—ll, a certified Petitioner from
Ireland." - - -

“Your being an Ancient Mason, you are not

“entitled to any of our charity. The Ancient
“Masons have a Lodge at the Five Bells, in the
“Strand, and their Secretary's name is Dermott.
“Our Society is neither Arch, Royal Arch, or
“Ancient; so that you have no right to partake of
“our charity.” -

Such was the character given of themselves by

their own Grand Secretary about thirty years ago.
In the above-mentioned Book of Constitutions,
amongst other things which we are to suppose were
extracted from the records of Modern Masons, we
observe a censure passed, in the year 1755, on per
sons for calling themselves Ancient Masons.

The compiler of that Book appears to have

been unacquainted with the masonical proceedings

* The original is in the Author's possession.

xii INTRODUCTION.

of that time, otherwise he would have known that

the persons were censured, not for assembling under
the denomination of Ancient Masons, but for
practising Ancient Masonry, having their Con
stitution from the Modern Grand Lodge. The
case was briefly thus: — A Lodge at the Ben
Johnson's Head in Pelham Street, Spitalfields,
was composed mostly of Ancient Masons, though
ander the Modern Constitution. Some of them
had been abroad. and received extraordinary bene
fits on account of Ancient Masonry: therefore
they agreed to practise Ancient Masonry on every
third Lodge-night. Upon one of these nights, some
Modern Masons attempted to visit them, but were
refused admittance: the persons so refused laid a
formal complaint before the Modern Grand Lodge,
then held at the Devil Tavern, near Temple Bar.
The said Grand Lodge, though incapable of judg
ing the propriety or impropriety of such refusal,
not being Ancient Masons, ordered that the Ben
Johnson's Lodge should admit all sorts of Masons,
without distinction, and upon non-compliance to
that order, they were censured.

The persons thus censured, drew up, printed,

and p"blished, a Manifesto, and Mason's Creed,
 INTRODUCTION. xiii

sold by Owen, in Fleet Street, which did honour

to their heads and hearts. The following lines were
copied from the Preface to their pamphlet:
.* * *
* ~* * *

“Whereas the genuine spirit of Masonry

&g
seems to be so greatly on the decline, that the
64
Craft is in imminent danger from false brethren;
66
and whereas, its very fundamentals have of late
go.
been attacked, and a revolution from its ancient
gg
principles, &c.; it has been thought necessary by
4 g.
certain persons who have the welfare of the Craft
46
at heart, to publish the following little pamphlet,
go
by means of which it is hoped the ignorant may
Q&
be instructed, the luke-warm inspirited, and the
s&
irregular reformed.” r -

Every real, that is, every Ancient Mason, who

had read those publications, was convinced of the
injustice done to the Ben Johnson's Lodge, in cen
suring them for having done their duty; a duty
which they owed to God and to themselves, and a
business with which their Judges, the then Modern
Grand Lodge, were totally unacquainted.

Nevertheless censure was passed, and a minute

thereof preserved in the archives, from whence it
xiv ..INTRODUCTION.

is now published as one of the legislative orders on

their records. -- - *

The brethren censured had their constitution

from the Modern Grand Lodge, they had not any
connexion with the Ancient Grand Lodge at the
time; nevertheless, I do affirm, not only from pub
lic report, but from personal knowledge, that they
were persons of most amiable characters as men and
Masons; and the names of the ingenious Mariegot,
Cheetham, Cornish, &c. &c. will long be remem
bered with esteem and veneration amongst the faith
ful and legitimate heirs of old Hiram.

In justice to another person, I am under the

necessity of taking notice of a plagiarism in the re
cords before alluded to. The compiler, or author,
in describing the ceremonies at laying the founda
tion and dedication of the Modern Masons' Hall,
says, “A Grand Anthem, written by H. D. Esq.
“ was sung,” &c.-In the same page is written the
words of the anthem, beginning,

“To heaven's high Architect all praise,

“All praise, all gratitude, be given.”
 INTRODUCTION. XV

This anthem was not written by H. D. Esq. nor by

any member of the Modern Society: It was taken
from the oratorio of Solomon's Temple, annexed to
the prologues in this book, and was written by Mr.
James Eyre Weeks, an Ancient Mason of the city
of Dublin.

I should not have taken so much notice of this

publication, were it not that the title-page says, that
it is “published under the sanction of the Grand
Lodge of England.”

As there are some of the most respectable gen

tlemen (and I am willing to believe their present
Grand Officers such) belonging to the Modern
Grand Lodge, I am sorry to find they have acted so
incautiously as to give sanction to falsehoods.

Although falsehood found admittance into that

book, yet a true and memorable transaction is omit
ted, viz. That the Modern Masons petitioned Par
liament to grant them a charter of incorporation, in
order to give them the power and pleasure of punish
ing every Freemason in England that did not pay
quarterage to them. Had they obtained the char
xvi INTRODUCTION.

ter, it would have shut out all Masons of the neigh

bouring kingdoms, as they could receive no manner
of benefit therefrom. The Petition was presented
on the first of April, 1770, and the wisdom of Par
liament treated it with that contempt which it justly
merited.

Having given an idea of the origin of Modern

Masonry, by extracts from their own records, we
next present to our readers the Address of our late
worthy and respected Brother Laurence Dermott,
Esq. Deputy Grand Master, as tending to show the
opinions and proceedings of his time. *
 :::::::

. . . .. . . . .. . .. . * . .';;d
* ** * ** . * *- - *- ... . . . . : * •*

> .
ADDRESS, , , * * * *
, .. . . . * * * * *
*

. . . . .. .
| To *: . * -

GENTLEMEN OF THE FRATERNITY,

- Originally prefixed ** Third Edition." ' * .
* * * ****

By LAURENCE DERMoTT, Esq. D. G.M. “”

SEVERAL eminent Craftsmen residing in

Scotland, Ireland America, and other parts, as well
abroad as at home, have greatly importuned me,
to give them some account of what...is called
Modern Masonry, in London. I cannot be dis
pleased with such importunities, because I had the
like curiosity myself in 1748, when I was first in
troduced into the Society. However, before I
proceed any farther concerning the difference be
tween Ancient and Modern, I think it my duty to
declare solemnly that I have not the least antipathy
to the gentlemen, members of the Modern Society";
-**
-

- - - - - - f

* Such was my declaration in the second edition of this

book; nevertheless, some of the Modern Society have been exs
tremely warm of late. Notsatisfied with saying that the Ancient
Masons in England hadno Grand Master, some of them descended
D
xviii ADDRESS TO

but, on the contrary, love and respect many of them,

because I have found them generally to be worthy
of receiving every blessing that good men can ask,
or Heaven bestow. I hope that this declaration
will acquit me of any design to give offence, espe
cially if the following queries and answers be rightly
considered: ... . -

Quere 1st. Whether Freemasonry, as prae

tised in ancient Lodges, is universal?
Answer.: Yes. . . . . . . . . . . .
*
*
* . . |
* * * ** *

... 2d. Whether what is called IModern Masonry

is universal?','!'. - - - -

--.” Ahs. No.

;: . . . .…. ~~~ : . “. . .

... 3d. Whether there is any material difference

between the Ancient and Modern ? - , *.

... Ans. ... A great deal; because an Ancient Ma

son can not only make himself known to his brother,
but in case of necessity can discover his very thoughts
- *... : :

so far as to assert that the author had forged the Grand Mas
ter's hand writing to the Masonic Warrants, &c. Upon applica
tion to the late Duke of Atholl, our then Grand Master, His
Grace boldly stood forward, avowed himself the Patron and
supporter of the Ancient Craft, and vindicated the Author in
the public newspapers. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .
 THE FRATERNITY. xix.
to him in the presence of a Modern, without being *

able to distinguish that either of them are Free

- masons". *

4th. Whether a Modern Mason may, with

safety, communicate all his secrets to an Ancient
Mason : -

, Ans. Yes.

5th. Whether an Ancient Mason may, with

the like safety, communicate all his secrets to a
Modern Mason, without farther ceremony ? .
Ans. No: for, as a science comprehends an
art, though an art cannot comprehend a science,
even so Ancient Masonry contains every thing valu
able anongst the Moderns, as well as many other
things, that cannot be revealed without additional
ceremonies.

6th. Whether a person made in a Modern

manner, and not after the ancient custom of the
Craft, has a right to be called free and accepted,
according to the intent and meaning of the words? .
Ans. His being unqualified to appear in a

* See Lotke's letter, with notes, annexed to this book,

KX ADDRESS TO

master's Lodge, according to the universal system

of Masonry, renders the appellation improper.

7th. Whether it is possible to initiate or in

troduce a Modern Mason into the Royal Arch
Lodge (the very essence of Masonry) without
making him go through the Ancient ceremonies.
Ans. No.

8th. Whether the present members of Mo

dern Lodges are blameable for deviating so much
from the old land-marks : -

Ans. No.: because the innovation was made

in the reign of King George the First *, and the
new form was delivered as orthodox, to the present
members.
* . "

9th. Therefore, as it is natural for each party

to maintain the orthodoxy of their masonic pre
ceptors, how shall we distinguish the original and
most useful system? • *
* . :

Ans. The number of Ancient Masons abroad,

compared with the Moderns, prove the universality
* Anthony Sayer, the first Grand Master of Modera
Masons, assumed the Grand Mastership on the 24th of June,
1717, - - -
 THE FRATERNITY. xxi.

of the Old Order, and the utility thereof appears,

by the love and respect shown to the Brethren, in
consequence of their superior abilities in conversing
with, and distinguishing the Masons of all countries
and denominations; a circumstance peculiar to An
cient Masons. -

I am so well acquainted with the truth of what

I have just now asserted, that I am not in the least
apprehensive of being contradicted. But if any per
son should hereafter labour under the spirit of oppo
sition, . I shall even then be contented, as I am
sure of having the majority on my side..

Therefore, in order to satisfy the importunity

of my good Brethren, particularly the Right Wor
shipful and very worthy Freemasons of America,
who, for their charitable disposition, prudent choice
of members, and good conduct in general, deserve
the unanimous thanks and applause of the Masonic
world;—be it known that the innovatian already
mentioned, originated on the defection of the GRAND
MASTER, Sir Christopher Wren, who, as Dr. Ander
son says, neglected the Lodges. The Doctor's asser
tion is certainly true, and I will endeavour to do
justice to the memory of Sir Christopher, by relating
 xxii ADDRESS T6

the real cause of such neglect. The famous

Sir Christopher, Wren, Knight, Master of Arts
formerly of Wadham College, Professor of Astrono
my at Gresham and Oxford, Doctor of the Civil
Law, President of the Royal Society, Grand Mas
ter of the most Ancient and Honourable Fraternity,
of Free and Accepted Masons, Architect to the
Crown, who built most of the churches in London,
laid the first stone of the glorious cathedral of St.
Paul, and lived to finish it, having served the
Crown upwards of fifty years, was, at the age of
ninety, displaced from employment, in favour of
Mr. William Benson, who was made Surveyor of
the buildings, &c. to his Majesty King George the
First. The first specimen of Mr. Benson's skill in
architecture, was a report made to the House of
Lords, that their House and the Painted Chamber
adjoining where in immediate danger of falling;
whereupon the Lords met in a Committee, to ap
point some other place to sit in, while the House
should be taken down; but it being proposed to
cause some other builders first to inspect it, they
found it in very good condition. The Lords, upon:
this, were going upon an address to the Kings
against the modern architect, for such a misrepre
sentation; but the Earl of Sunderland, then Seere
 THE FRATERNITY. xxiii

tary of State, gave them an assurance that His Ma

jesty would remove him. . . .. .. . .

such usage, added to Sir Christophet's great

age, was more than enough to make him decline
all public assemblies; and the Master Masons then
in London were so disgusted at the treatment of
their old and excellent Grand Master, that they
would not meet, nor hold any communication under
the sanetion of His successor, Mr. Benson; in short,
the Brethren were struck with a lethargy which
seemed to threaten the London Lodges with a final
dissolution. . ". . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
* * r
. .';..."
-
- -
*** ** *
*** * * * * * * .** * . -

Notwithstanding this state of inactivity in Lon

don, the Lodges in the country, particularly in
Scotland, and at York, as well as those in Ireland,
kept up their ancient formalities, customs, and
usages, without altering, adding or diminishing,
to this hour, from whence they may justly be called
the Most Ancient, &c. . . . . " , , , ,,

About the year 1717, some joyous compa

nions", who had passed the degree of a Craft,
• Brother Thomas Grinsell, a man of great veracity (elder
Brother of the celebrated James Quin, Esq.), informed his Lodge.
 xxiv. ADDRESS TO

though very, rusty, resolved to form a Lodge for

themselves, in order, by conversation, to recollect
what had been formerly dictated to them; or if that
should be found impracticable, to substitute some
thing new, which might for the future pass for
Masonry amongst themselves. . . At this meeting
the question was asked, whether any person in
the assembly knew the Master's part; and being
answered in the negative, it was resolved, that the
deficiency should be made up with a new compo
sition, and what fragments of the old order could be
found amongst them, should be immediately re
formed, and made more pliable to the humours of
the people. It was thought expedient to abolish the
old custom of studying geometry in the Lodge, and .
some of the young brethren made it appear, that a
good knife and fork in the hands of a dextrous bro

No. 3, in London, in 1753, that eight persons, whose names

were Desaguliers, Gofton, King, Calvert, Lumley, Madden,
De Noyer, and Vraden, were the geniuses to whom the world
is indebted for the memorable invention of Modern Masonry.
Mr. Grinsell often told the author, that he (Grinsell) was a
Freemason before Modern Masonry was known. Nor is this to
be doubted, when we consider that Mr. Grinsell was an appren
tice to a weaver in Dublin, that his mother was married to Mr.
Quin's father, and that Mr. Quin himself was seventy-three years
old when he died in 1766. ,
 THE FRATERNITY. XXV

ther, over proper materials, would give greater sa

tisfaction, and add more to the conviviality of the
Lodge, than the best scale and compass in Europe.
There was another old custom that gave umbrage
to the young architects; which was, the wearing Of
aprons, which made the gentlemen look like so
many mechanics; therefore it was proposed that no
brother, for the future, should wear an apron. This
proposal was rejected by the oldest members, who
declared, that the aprons were the only signs of Ma
sonry then remaining amongst them, and for that
reason they would keep and wear them.

Several whimsical modes were proposed, some

of which were adopted: the absurdity of them being
such, I shall decline inserting them here. After .
many years observation, a form of walking was
adopted, actually ridiculous. I conceive, that the
first was invented by a man grievously afflicted
with the sciatica. The second by a sailor, much
accustomed to the rolling of a ship. And the
third by a man, who, for recreation, or through ex
cess of strong liquors, was wont to dance the
drunken peasant. Amongst other things they
seized on the Stone-masons Arms, which that good
E
 xxvi ADDRESS TO

natured company has permitted them to use to

this day. *

I have the greatest veneration for implements

truly emblematical or useful in refining our moral
notions, and I am well convinced that the custom and
use of them in Lodges are both ancient and instruc
tive, but at the same time, I abhor and detest the
unconstitutional fopperies of cunning, avaricious
tradesmen, invented and introduced amongst the
Moderns with no other design, than to extract large
sums of money, which ought to be applied to more
noble and charitable uses. There is now in Wap
ping a large piece of iron scrole-work, ornamented
with foilage, painted and gilt, the whole at an in
credible expense, and placed before the Master's
chair, with a gigantic sword fixed therein, during

* The operative Masons are the 30th company in London;

they have a hall in Basinghall Street; their number of liverymen
about 70; admission fine #1 16s. and livery fine sé5. They
were originally incorporated in the year 1410, by the name and
style of the Society of Freemasons; and William Hankstow, or
Hanktow, Clarenceux King at Arms, in the year 1477, granted
them their Arms. Modern Masons have assumed their title.
The said company is the only society in the kingdom who have a
right to the name of Freemasons of England. Nor did the Ac
cepted Masons of old ever claim such a title; all they assumed
was, that of Free and Accepted Masons.
 THE FRATERNITY. xxvii

the communication of the members; a thing con

trary to all the private and public rules of Masonry,
all implements of war and bloodshed being confined
to the Lodge-door, from the day that the flaming
sword was placed in the East end of the garden of
Eden, to the day that the sagacious modern placed
his grand sword of state in the midst of his Lodge.
Nor is it uncommon for a tyler to receive ten or
twelve shillings for drawing two sign-posts with
chalk, charcoal, &c. and writing Jamaica (rum)
upon one, and Barbadoes (rum) upon the other;
and all this, I suppose, for no other use, than to
distinguish where these liquors are to be placed in
the Lodge.
*
*

There are many other unconstitutional, and

perhaps unprecedented proceedings, which to avoid
giving more offence, I pass over in silence, and shall
content myself with showing the apparent state of
Ancient and Modern Masonry in England at the
time of this present writing, i.e. 1778,

Butlet us first consider, that although the laws

do not expressly protect Free and Accepted Ma
sonry, yet neither are Freemasons nor any other
supposed innocent or chearful society prohibited
• *
xxviii ADDRESS TO

thereby. This lenity has given birth to a great

number of what may be called tippling clubs or so
cieties in London, whose chief practice consists in
eating, drinking, singing, smoaking, &c.

Several of those clubs or societies have, in

imitation of the Freemasons, called their club by
the name of Lodge, and their presidents by the title
of Grand Master, or Noble Grand.

Hence the meanest club think they have a

right to the freedom of communication among them
selves equal to any unchartered society, though com
posed of the most respectable persons. Nor is the
custom or constitution of the country unfavourable
to this opinion. -

And whereas a great number of those clubs or

societies, without Scripture or law to recommend
them, have existed and multiplied for several years
past, no wonder Freemasonry should meet with
encouragement, as being the only society in the
universe which unites men of all professions believ
ing in the Almighty Creator of all things, in one
sacred band. And at the same time carrying, in
itself, evident marks of its being not only coeval
 THE FRATERNITY. xxix
e

with the Scriptures, but in all probability prior

thereto. . . . . . ." , ,

.. . . *

Yet after all this, strange as it may appear, we

have no true history of the origin of Freemasonry in
this or any other kingdom in Europe, whatever
people may pretend to. " . . . :

J.

I conceive this defect is owing to the bigotry

and superstition of former times, when Freemasons
were supposed to have a power of raising the devil,
and with him tempestuous storms, &c. and conse
quently were forbidden by the clergy to use the
black art, as it was often called.

In such cases, it was natural, prudent, and ne

cessary for the brethren to conceal their knowledge
and meetings. And that this was the case about
three hundred and fifty years ago, will clearly ap
pear by reading the great philosopher Locke's letter
and copy of an old manuscript in the Bodleian li
brary, which letter and copy are annexed.

From what has been said, it is evident that all

unehartered societies in England are upon equal foot
ing in respect to the legality of association.
XXX. AD OR ESS TO

In this we are to view the Fraternities of An

cient and Modern Freemasons, who are now be
come the two greatest communities in the universe:
The Ancients, under the name of Free and
Accepted Masons, according to the old Institutions:
the Moderns, under the name of Freemasons of
England. And though under similar denomina
tions, yet they differ exceedingly in makings, cere
monies, knowledge, masonic language, and instal
lations; so much that they always have been, and
still continue to be, two distinct societies, totally
independent of each other.

The Moderns have an undoubted right to choose

a chief from amongst themselves: accordingly they
have chosen His Grace the Most Noble Duke of
Manchester to be their Grand Master, and have
all the appearance of a Grand Lodge. With equal
right the Ancients have unanimously chosen for
their Grand Master His Grace the most Noble Duke
of Atholl, an Ancient Mason, and Past Master of a
regular Lodge, and then Grand Master elect for
Scotland; His Grace was personally installed in a
general Grand Lodge, at the Half-Moon Tavern,
Cheapside, London, in the presence, and with the
concurrence and assistance of His Grace the Most
 THE FRATERNITY. xxxi

Noble Duke of Leinster, Grand Master of Ireland;

and the Honourable Sir James Adolphus Oughton,
Grand Master of Scotland; with several others of the
most eminent Brethren in the three Kingdoms,
with whom we are in the strictest bond of union,
and hold a regular correspondence.

These are sterling truths, from whence the im

partial reader will draw the natural inference.

I shall conclude this, as I did in the former

editions, with saying, that I hope I shall live to see
a general conformity, and universal unity, between
the worthy Masons of all denominations.

These are the most earnest wishes, and ardent

prayers of, Gentlemen and Brethren, .

Your sincere friend,

And most obedient servant,

And faithful brother,

- LAURENCE DERMOTT.

1778. * .
 THE

PRINCIPLES OF MASONRY

EXPLAINED,

In a Letter from the learned Mr. JoHN Locke, to

the Right Hon. THOMAs, EARL of PEMBROKE,
with an old Manuscript, in which the Principles
of Masonry are explained.

May 6, 1696.

MY LORD,

I HAVE at length, by the help of Mr. Collins,

procured a copy of that manuscript in the Bodleian
Library, which you were so curious to see: and, in
obedience to your Lordship's commands, I herewith
send it to you. Most of the notes annexed to it are
what I made yesterday for the reading of my Lady
MASHAM*, who is become so fond of Masonry, as

* This letter seems to have been written at Oates, the

conntry seat of Sir Francis Masham, in Essex, where Mr. Locke
died Oct. 28, 1704, in the 73d year of his age.
 ON MASONRY. xxxiii.

to say, that she now more than ever wishes her

self a man, that she might be capable of admission
into the fraternity.

The manuscript of which this is a copy, ap

pears to be about a hundred and sixty years old;
yet as your Lordship will observe by the title, it is
itself a copy of one yet more ancient by about one
hundred years; for the original is said to have been
the hand-writing of King Henry VI: where that
prince had it, is at present an uncertainty: but it

seems to me to be an examination (taken, perhaps,

before the king) of some one of the brotherhood of
Masons; among whom he entered himself, as it is
said, when he came out of his minority, and thence
forth put a stop to the persecution that had been
raised against them: but I must not detain your
Lordship longer by my prefaces from the thing
itself.

I know not what effect the sight of this old pa

per may have upon your Lordship; but, for my
own part, I cannot deny, that it has so much raised
my curiosity, as to induce me to enter myself into
the Fraternity, which I am determined to (if I may
F *
xxxiv MR. LocKE's LETTER

be admitted) the next time I go to London, and

that will be shortly.
I am, My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient,
and most humble Servant,
JOHN LOCKE.

Certaine Questyons, with Answeres to the same,

concernynge the Mystery of Maçonrye. Wryt
tenne by the hande of Kynge Henrye the Sivthe
of the name, and faythfullye copyed by me (1)
JoHAN LEYLANDE, Antiquarius, by the commande
of his (2) Highnesse.

They be as followethe.

Quest. What mote ytt be; (3)

(1) John Leylande was appointed by King Henry the Eighth

at the dissolution of monasteries, to search for, and save such
books and records as were valuable among them. He was a
man of great labour and industry. -

(2) His Highnesse, meaning the said King Henry the

Eighth. Our Kings had not then the title of Majesty.

(3) What mote ytt be? that is, what may this mystery of
Masonry be 3–The answer imports that it consists in natural,
mathematical, and mechanical knowledge; some part of which,
as appears by what follows, the Masons pretend to have taught
the rest of mankind, and some part they still conceal.
 ON MASONRY. .xxxv .

Ans. It beeth the skylle of Nature the under

stondynge of the myghte that ys hereynne, and its
sondrye werckynges; sonderlyche, the skylle of
rectenyngs, of waightes, and metynges, and the .
treu manere of façonnynge althynges for mannes
use, headlye, dwellyngs, and buyldyngs of alle
kindes, and al odher thynges that make gude to
manne. - **

Quest. Where dyd ytt begyne? -

Ans. Ytt dyd begynne with the (4) fyrste

menne yn the Este, which were before the (5)
fyrste menne of the Weste, and comynge westye,
ytt hathe broughte herwyth alle comfortes to the
wylde and comfortlesse.

Quest. Who dyd brynge ytt westlye?

Ans. The (6) Venetians, whoo beynge grate

(4, 5) Fyrste menne yn the Este, &c.—It should seem by

this that Masous believe there were men in the East before Adam,
who is called the fyrste manne of the Weste; and that arts and
ciences began in the East. Some authors, of great note for
learning, have been of the same opinion; and it is certain that
JEurope and Africa (which in respect to Asia may be called wes
fern countries) were wild and savage, long after arts and polite
ness of manners were in great perfection in China and the Indies.

(6) The Venetians, &c.—In the times of Monkish ignorance

 xxxvi MR. LocKE's LETTER

merchaundes, comed fyrste fromme the Esteynn

Venetia, for the commodytye of marchaundysynge
beithe Este and Weste, bey the redde and Myddle
londe sees. -

Quest. How comede yttyn Engelonde?

Ans. Peter Gower (7) a Grecian, journey
edde for kunnynge yn Egypt, and yn Syria, and

it is no wonder that the Phenicians should be mistaken for the

Venetians. Or perhaps, if the people were not taken one for the
other, similitude of sound might deceive the clerk who first took
down the examination. The Phoenicians were the greatest
voyagers among the Ancients, and were in Europe thought to be
the inventors of letters, which perhaps they brought from the
East with other arts. - -

(7) Peter Gower.—This must be another mistake of the

writer; I was puzzled at first to guess who Peter Gower should
be, the name being perfectly English; or how a Greek should
come by such a name; but as soon as I thought of Pythagoras, I
could scarce forbear smiling to find that Philosopher had under
gone a metempsychosis he never dreamt of We need only con
sider the French pronunciation of his name Pythagore (that is,
Petagore) to conceive how easy such a mistake might be made
by an unlearned clerk. That Pythagoras travelled for knowledge
into Egypt, &c. is known to all the learned, and that he was
initiated into several different orders of priests, who in those days
kept all their learning secret from the vulgar, is as well known.
-Pythagoras also made every geometrical theorem a secret; and
admitted only such to the knowledge of them, as had first under
gone a five years' silence. He is supposed to be the inventor of
 ON MASONRY. xxxvii

yn everyche londe whereas the Venetians hadde

plauntedde Maconrye wynnynge entrance yn al
Lodges of Maçonnes, he lerned muche, and retour
medde, and woned yn Grecia Magna (8) wachsynge,
and becommynge a myghtye (9) Hyseacre, and
gratelyche renowned, and her he framed a grate
Lodge at Groton (10) and maked many Maçonnes,
some whereoffe dyd journeye yn Fraunce, and
maked many Maçonnes, wherefromme, yn procese
of tyme, the arte, passed yn Englonde.

the XLVII Proposition of the first book of Euclid for which

in the joy of his heart, it is said he sacrificed a Hecatomb. He
also knew the true system of the world, lately revived by Coper
nicus; and was certainly a most wonderful man. See his life by
Dion. Hal. . -

(8) Grecia Magna.—A part of Italy formerly so called, in

which the Greeks had settled a large colony. |

(9) Wyseacre.—This word, at present, signifies simpleton,

but formerly had a quite contrary meaning. Weisagor, in the
old Saxon, is philosopher, wise man, or wizard; and having been
frequently used ironically, at length came to have a direct mean
ing in the ironical sense. Thus, Duns Scotus, a man famed for
the subtilty and acuteness of his understanding, has, by the same
method of irony, given a general name to modern dunces.

(10) Groton.–Groton is the name of a place in England,

The place here meant is Crotona, a city of Grecia Magna, which,
in the time of Pythagoras was very populous.
xxxviii MR. LocKE's LETTER

Quest. Dothe Maçonnes descouer here Artes

unto odhers? -
Ans. Peter Gower, whenne he journedde to
lernne, was fyrste (11) made, and annone techedde;
evennesoe shulde all odhers beyn recht. Netheless
(12) Maçonnes hauthe alweys yn everyche tyme
from tyme to tyme communycatedde to Mannkynde
soche of her secrettes as generallyche myghte be use
fulle; they haueth keped backesoch allein as shulde
be harmefulleyff they commed yn euylle haundes,
oder soche as me myghte be holpynge wythouten the
techynges to be joynedde herwythe in the Lodge,
eder soche as dobynde the Freres more strongelyche
togedert bey the profiytte, and commodytye com
ynge to the Confrerie herfromme.

Qucst. Whattes Artes haueth the Maçonnes

techedde mankynde 2 - - - -

* -.

(11) Fyrste made.—The word made I suppose has a parti

cular meaning among the Masons, perhaps it signifies initiated.

(12) Maçonnes hauthe communycatedde, &c.—This para

graph hath something remarkable in it. It contains a justifica
tion of the secrecy so much boasted of by Masons, and so much
blamed by others; asserting that they have in all ages discovered
such things as might be useful, and that they conceal such only
as would be hurtful either to the world or themselves. What
these secrets are, we see afterwards. - -
 ON MASONRY. xxxix

Ans. The arts, (13) AGRICULTURA, ARCHI

TECTURA, ASTRONOMIA, GEOMETRIA, NUMEREs,
Musica, PoESIE, KYMISTRYE, GovKRNMENTE, and
RELYGYoNE.

Quest. Howe commethe Maçonnes more

teachers than odher menne. * -

Ans. They hemselfe haueth allein the (14).

Arte of fyndyng eneue artes, whyche arte the flyrste
Maçonnes receaued from Godde; by the whyche
arte they fyndethe whatte artes hem plesethe, and
the true way of techyinge the same. Whatt odher
Menne doethe fynde out, ys qnelyche bey chance,
and herfore but lytel I tro.

(13) The Arts, Agriculture, &c.—It seems a bold pretence

this, of the Masons, that they have taught mankind all these arts.
They have their own authority for it; and I know not how
we shall disprove them. But what appears most odd is, that
they reckon religion among the arts.

(14) Arte of fynding new Artes—The art of inventing

arts, must certainly be a most useful art. My Lord Bacon's
Novum Organum is an attempt towards somewhat of the same
kind. But I much doubt, that if ever the Masons had it, they
have now lost it; since so few new arts have been lately invented,
and so many are wanted. The idea I have of such an art is, that
it must be something proper to be applied in all the sciences ge
nerally as Algebra is in numbers, by the help of which, new
rules of arithmetic are and may be found.
 xl MR. LoCKE's LETTER

Guest. Whatt dothe the Maçonnes concele

and hyde :
Ans. Thay concelethe the arte of fyndynge.
neue artes, and thatys for here owne proffytte, and
(15) preise: they concelethe the arteof kepynge (16)
secrettes, that soe the worlde mayeth nothinge con
cele from them. Thay concelethe the art of Wun
derwerckynge, and of fore sayinge thynges to comme,
that soe thay same artes may not be usedde of the
wyckedde to an euylle ende; thay also concelethe.
the (17) ayte of chaunges, the wey of wynnynge the
Facultye (18) of Abrac, the skylle of becom

(15) Preise.—It seems the Masons have a great regard to

the reputation as well as the profit of their Order; since they
make it one reason for not divulging an art in common, that it
do honour to the professors of it. I think in this particular they
shew too much regard for their own society, and two little for the
rest of Mankind.

(16) Arte of kepynge secrettes.—What kind of art this is, H.

can by no means imagine. But certainly such an art the Masons
must have; for though, as some people suppose, they should
have no secret at all; even that must be a secret which being
discovered would expose them to the highest ridicule; and there
fore it requires the utmost caution to conceal it.

(17)) Arte of chaunges.—I know not what this means, un

less it be the transmutation of metals.

(18) Facultye of Abrac.—Here I am utterly in the dark.

 ON MASONRY. - - - xli

mynge gude and parfyghte wythouten the hol

pynges of fere and hope; and the universelle
longage of Maçonnes. (19)

(19) Universalle longage of Maçonnes.—An universal lan

guage has been much desired by the learned of many ages. It is
a thing rather to be wished than hoped for. But it seems the
Masons pretend to have such a thing among them. If it be
true, I guess it must be something like the language of Panto
mimes among the aucient Romans, who are said to be able, by
signs only, to express and deliver any oration intelligibly to men
of all nations and languages. A man who has all these arts and
advantages, is certainly to be envied: but we are told that this
is not the case with all Masons; for though these arts are among
them, and all have a right and an opportunity to know them,
yet some want capacity, and others industry to acquire them".
However, of all their arts aud secrets, that which l most desire
to know is, The skylle of becommynge gude and parfyghte; and I.
wish it were communicated to all mankind, since there is nothing
more true than the beautiful sentence contained in the last
answer, that “the better men are, the more they love one.
another.” Virtue having in itself something so amiable as to
charm the hearts of all that behold it.

• In the queries relative to Ancient and Modern Masonry (page

xviii) the Author of Ahiman Rezon has stated, that he could convey his
mind to an Ancient Mason in the presence of a Modern Mason, without
the latter knowing whether either of them were Masons. He further
asserted that he was able, with a few masonic implements (i.e.) two
squares and a common gavil or hammer, to convey any word or sentence
of his own, or the immediate dictations of a stranger, to a skilful or intelli.
gent Freemason of the Ancient Order, without speaking, writing,for noise;
and that to any distance where the parties can see each other, and at the
same time be able to distinguish squares from circles. But, as Mr. Locke
observed, this is not the case with all Masons (there were no Modern Ma
sons in his time): few of them are acquainted with this secret. The
writer of this note had known it upwards of forty years and never taught
it to more than six persons, of which number our late very worthy Deputy
Grand Master William Dickey Esq. was one.
G
xlii MR. LocKE's LETTER

Quest. Wylle he teche me thay same artes?

Ans. Ye shalle be techedeyff ye be werthye,
and able to lerne. -

Quest. Dothe alle Maçonnes kunne more then

odher menne? -

Ans. Not so. They onlyche haueth recht,

and occasyonne more than odher menne to kunne,
butt many doeth fale yn capacity, and many more
doth want industrye, thatty's pernecessarye for the
ganynge all kunninge.

Quest. Are Maçonnes gudder menne then

odhers? -

Ans. Some Maçonnes are nott so vertuous as

some odher menn; but yn the moste parte; they
be more gude than thay woulde be yf thay war not
Maçonnes.

Quest. Dothe Maçonnes love eidther odher

myghtyly as beeth sayde 2
Ans. Yea verylyche, and yt may not od
herwyse be; for gude menne, and true, kunninge.
eidher odher to be soche, doeth always love the
more as they be more gude.

[Here endethe the questyonnes and awnsweres.]

 A GLOSSARY
To explain the Words printed in Italic Characters.
-

Allien, only Occasyonne, opportunit

Alweys, always Odher, or -

Beithe, both Onelyche, only

Commodytye, conveniency Pernecessarye, absolutely ne
Confrerie, Fraternity cessary
Façonnynge, forming Preise, honour
Foresayinge, prophecying Recht, right
Freres, Brethren Reckenynges, numbers
Headlye, chiefly Sonderlyche, particularly
Hemplesethe, they please Skylle, knowledge
Hemselfe, themselves Wacksynge, growing
Her, there, their Werck, operation
Hereynne, therein Wey, way
Herwyth, with it Whereas, were
Holpynge, beneficial Woned, dwelt
Kunne, know Wunderwerckynge, workin
Kunnynge, knowledge miracles -

Make gudde, are beneficial Wylde, savage

Metynges, measures Wynnynge, gaming
Mete, may Wyseacre, learned
Myddlelonde, Mediterranean Ynn, into
Myghte, power
 xliv MR. LOCKE's LETTER

The foregoing dialogue possesses a more than

common interest, from the various claims it has to
our especial regard: first for its antiquity; secondly
for the addition made to it in the notes by Mr.
Locke, and thirdly, by reason of the various ene
mies, by whom the Order has been reviled, having
never thought proper to attack the principles therein
laid down. a W.

The conjecture of the learned annotator, con

cerning its being an examination of one of the
Fraternity of Masons, taken before King Henry, is
accurate. The severe edict passed at that time
against the society, and the discouragement given
to the Masons by the bishop of Winchester and his
- party, induced that Prince, in his riper years, to
make a strict scrutiny into the nature of the ma
sonic institution; which was attended with the
happy circumstance of gaining his favour, and pa
tronage. Had not the civil commotions in the king
dom, during his reign, attracted the notice of go
vernment, this act would probably have been re
pealed, through the intercession of the Duke of
Gloucester, whose attachment to the Fraternity was
conspicuous.
 ON MASONRY. xlv.

Those who in different publications have en

deavoured to raise objections against Masonry,
are completely refuted by the answers to the three
last questions in the foregoing manuscript... The
excellency of the institution is clearly manifest,
and every censure against it, on account of the
irregularity of its members, is totally removed.
Should any one whose character will not bear in
vestigation, inadvertently be admitted, our endea
vour is then to reform him; and by being intro
duced into our Fraternity, he is more likely to
become a better subject, a more valuable man,
and a more useful member to society at large,
than if he had not been initiated. It has been
justly remarked, that “Those of our Society who
“may be pointed out as exceptions, in compa-
“rison of the general mass, no more affect the
“high estimation or intrinsic worth of Masonry,
“than specks can tarnish the lustre of the sun,
** Or hypocrites degrade the religion of a sincere
“professor.”

But it is scarcely necessary to call the

Reader's particular attention to Mr. Locke's valu
able remarks upon this curious piece of antiquity:
the opinions of so great a Philosopher will at all
 xlvi MR. LocKE's LETTER

times secure to themselves that interest which they

so justly merit. We find by his letter to the Earl
of Pembroke, introducing the subject, that he
was not at that time a Member of the Society; it
cannot therefore be suspected that his sentiments
were prejudiced or his motives interested: his com
prehensive and enlightened mind could not fail to
observe the value and importance of the system
which he endeavoured to illustrate; and he imme
diately became desirous of entering himself into
the Fraternity. This is no less a proof of his won
derful capacity and intuitive acuteness of intellect,
than it is a compliment to the Order itself; and it
must ever continue to be a convincing evidence of
the truth of our doctrines—the most convincing
that the uninitiated can possibly have. How grati
fying must it be to the Brotherhood, to reflect that
the high opinion Mr. Locke had formed of Ma
sonry, was not disappointed after his admission
amongst us!
EXTRACTS FROM THE RESOLUTIONS

OF THE

G.R.A.ND LODGES
oF

ENGLAND, IRELAND, Asp scorLAND.

At a GRAND Loboe of the Most Ancient and Honourable

Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, the Half-Moon
Tavern, Cheapside, LoNDoN, Sept. 2, 1772.

THE Most NoPLE JOHN DUKE of ATHOLL, GRAND MASTER.

LAURENCE DERMoTT, Esq. DEPUTY GRAND MAsTER, in the Chair.

Heard a letter from Brother Thomas Corker,

Deputy Grand Secretary of Ireland, addressed to
Laurence Dermott, Esq. as Deputy Grand Master
of this Grand Lodge; setting forth the state of the
Craft in that kingdom, and other masonic informa
tion: having taken the same into consideration,

Resolved, “That it is the opinion of the Grand

“Lodge, that a Brotherly connexion and corres
xlviii ExTRACTS FROM THE REsoLUTIONs

“pondence with the Right Worshipful Grand

“Lodge of Ireland, have been, and will always be
“found, productive of honour and advantage to
“the Craft in both kingdoms.”

Ordered, “That the Grand Secretary shall trans

“mit the names of the Officers of this Grand
“Lodge to the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of
“Ireland yearly, or as often as any new choice
“is made, together with such informations as
“may tend to the honour and interest of the
“Ancient Craft: And that all such informations,
“or correspondence, shall be conveyed in the
“most respectful terms, such as may suit the
“honour and dignity of both Grand Lodges.”

“That no Mason who has been made under the

“sanction of the Grand Lodge of Ireland shall

“be admitted a member, nor partake of the ge
“neral fund of charity, without having first
“produced a certificate of his good behaviour
“from the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of
“Ireland; but, upon producing such certifi
“cate, he shall receive all the honours due to
“a faithful Brother of the same household with
“ourselves." s
 . OF THE GRAND LODGEs. . . xlix

It was further Resolved and Ordered, “That a

“correspondence be opened by this Grand
“Lodge, with the Grand Lodge of Scotland;
“communicating similar Resolutions to those
“for the Grand Lodge of Ireland.”

:=

GRAND Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honourable Fra

termity of Free and Accepted Masons, DUBLIN, Nov. 5,
1772. - .

The Right Honourable WILLIAM LORD VISCOUNT DUNLUCE,

- - - GRAND MASTER.
-

- -- -
*

ARCHIBALD RICHARDSON, Esq. DEPUTY GRAND MAsTER,

in the Chair.

Received and read the Resolutions of the Grand

Lodge of England, transmitted by their Grand Se
cretary, Brother William Dickey, and, having
taken the same into consideration, came to the fol
lowing Resolutions: . . . . . "

Resolved, “That this Grand Lodge do entirely

“ agree with the Grand Lodge of England, that
“ a Brotherly connexion and correspondence,
“between the Grand Lodge of England, and
“ the Grand Lodge of Ireland, have been, and
H
1 EXTRACTS FROM THE RESOLUTIONS

“will be, found productive of honour and ad

“vantage to the Craft in both kingdoms.”

Ordered, “That the Grand Secretary shall conti

“nue to transmit, from time to time, the par
“ticular occurrences of the Grand Lodge to the
“Grand Secretary of England; and that here
“after no English Mason shall be considered
“worthy of our charity, without producing a.
“certificate from the Grand Lodge of England;
“and, that we shall always consider such Bre
“thren as may be recommended to us from the

“Grand Lodge of England, equally objects of

“our attention with those of the Fraternity in
“Ireland: Nor can the Grand Lodge of Ireland
“ omit this opportunity of testifying their high
“sense of the honour they have received in this
“invitation of a mutual and friendly inter
“course, which they shall study to preserve and
“strengthen by every act of good offices and
“Brotherly Love.” - -

(By Order) FIELDING OULD, Jun.

- - - Grand Secretary.
To the Most Noble Prince John
Duke of Atholl, Grand Master - *

of England. . . .
 OF THE GRAND LODGES, . . . . . li

GRAND LoD C E of the Most Ancient and Honourable

Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons in Scotland,
held in the City of EDINBURGH, Nov. 30, 1772.

The Rt Hon. and Most Worshipful PATRICK EARL or DUMFR1Es,

GRAND MASTER.

The Rt Hon. and Most Worshipful GEORGE EARL of DALHoUSIE,

late GRAND MASTER, in the Chair. -

It was reported to the Brethren, that the Grand

Lodge of England, according to the old Institutions,
had, on the 2d of September last, passed a Resolu
tion and Order, relative to a constant correspon
dence betwixt them and the Grand Lodge of Scot
land, a copy of which had been lately transmitted
by their Secretary, along with a letter containing
the names of their officers, to the Secretary of this
Grand Lodge.

The Resolution and letter being read, the

Grand Lodge were of opinion, that the brotherly
intercourse and correspondence, which the Right
Worshipful the Grand Lodge of England were de
sirous to establish, would be serviceable to both
Grand Lodges, and productive of honour and ad
*
lii ExTRACTS FROM THE RESOLUTIONS

vantage to the Fraternity in general, and in order

to promote this benefieial purpose : -

Ordered, “That the Grand Secretary do transmit

“to the Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Eng
“land, the names of the Officers of the Grand
“Lodge of Scotland, elected this day; and
“shall henceforth transmit the names of the
“Grand Officers yearly, or as often as any new
“change is made; and shall lay such letters,
“orders, or informations, as he may, from time
“to time, receive from the Grand Lodge of
“England, before the Grand Lodge, their
“Quarterly Communications, or standing Com
“mittee: And also shall transmit such infor
“mations as may tend to the honour and ad
“vantage of the Craft, according as he shall be
“ by them directed, and that he assures the
“Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of England,
“in the most respectful Manner, the desire the
“Grand Lodge of Scotland have to cultivate a
“connexion with them, by a regular corres
“pondence for the interest of the Ancient Craft,
“ suitable to the honour and dignity of both
“Grand Lodges.” - | -

*
-
 ** OF THE GRAND LODGES. lit
Ordered, “That no Mason made under the sanc
“tion of the Grand Lodge of England, accord
“ing to the old institutions, shall be admitted
“a member of the Grand Lodge of Scotland,
“nor partake of the general charity, without
“having first produced a certificate of his good
“character from the Secretary of the Grand
“Lodge of England; but upon producing such
“ certificate, he shall receive all the honours and
“bounty due to a faithful brother of the same
“household with us.” -

By Order of the Grand Lodge of Scotland,

Alex. M‘DoUGAL,
Grand Secretary.
To the Right Worshipful the
Grand Lodge of England.

Upon this compact, and unalterable bond of

union, the united Grand Lodges have continued to
reciprocate the most friendly communications of
masonic intercourse, true benevolence, and kind
offices of philanthrophy and brotherly affection,
From that time to the present day, the Resolutions
have been constantly acted upon. To these may be
added, that we are joined by the same friendly
liv EXTRAT FROM THE RESOLUTIONS.

connexions with all the Grand Lodges of America,

and the East and West Indies, which have ever
subsisted amongst us. And it may be said, that the
Order of Ancient Masonry is now established to
an extent of communication far exceeding any thing
it has ever before attained. May the eternal Ar
chitect of the Universe preserve the edifice entire to
the latest posterity!
 f: . - * * * * * ** * * f

constituTION ... *
- ** ***
OF

FREEMA so NRY,
** on - * f.

i - "; --" 'i, f.

AHI.M.A.N.REZO.N., a
* * * * * * * *

3: ". . . . * * ,

BEFORE we enter into the cause or motives of

the first institution of Freemasonry, it is necessary,
in some measure, to show the excellency of secrecy,
and with what great care it is to be kept,

One of the principal parts that makes a man

be deemed wise, is his intelligent strength and abi
lity to cover and conceal such honest secrets as are
committed to him, as well as his own se ious affairs.
Whoever peruses history, both sacred and profane,
will find a great number of virtuous attempts, in
peace and war, that never reached their designed
2 CONSTITUTION

ends, for want of union and secrecy; and infinite

evils have thereby ensued. But before all other
examples, let us consider that which excels all the
vest, derived even from God himself, who so espe
cially preserves his own secrets to himself, never
letting any man know what should happen on the
morrow; nor could the wise men in ages past de
vine what would befal us in this age; whereby we
may readily discern that God himself is well pleased
with secrecy. And although, for man's good, the
Almighty has been pleased to reveal some things,
yet it is impossible at any time to change or alter
his determination; in regard whereof, the reverend
wise men of ancient times, evermore affected to per
from their intentions secretly.

We read that Cato, the Censor, often said to

his friends, that of three things he had good reason
to repent, if ever he negelcted the true performance
of them; the first, if ever he divulged any secret;
the second, if he adventured on the water when he
might stay on dry land; and thirdly, if he should
let any day negligently escape him without doing
some good action. The two latter are well worthy
of observation, but the first more immediately con
cerns our present undertaking-Alexander having
 OF FREEMASONRY. 3.3

received divers letters, of great importance from his

mother, after he had read them, in the presence of
none but his dear friend Hephestion and himself,
drew forth his signet which sealed his most private
letters, and without speaking, set it upon Hephes
tion's lips, intimating thereby, that he, in whose
bosom a man buries his secrets, should have his lips
closed from revealing them.

Among the rest, it may not be disagreeable to

the Reader to peruse the following story, as told by
Aulus Gellius in his Attic Nights, and by Macro
bius in his Saturnals. ... . .. .. . . .

. . . . . .. .

The Senators of Rome had ordained that, du

ring their consultations in the Senate House, each
Senator who had a Son should be permitted to bring
him with him, who was to depart if occasion re
quired ; but this favour was not general, being re
stricted only to Noblemen's Sons, who were tutored
from their infancy in the virtue of secrecy, and
thereby qualified in their riper years to discharge
the most important offices of Government with fide
lity and wisdom. About this time, it happened
that the Senators met on a very important case,
and the affair requiring very mature deliberation,
I
4 CONSTITUTION

they were detained longer than usual in the Senate

House, and the conclusion of their determinations
adjourned to the following day; each member en
gaging, in the mean time, to keep secret the tran
saetions of the Meeting. Among other Noblemen's
sons who had attended on the occasion, was the son
of the grave Papyrus; a family of great renown and
splendour. The young Papyrus was no less remark
able for his genius, than for the prudence of his
deportment. On his return home, his mother,
anxious to know what important case had been
debated in the Senate on that day, which had de
tained the Senators so long beyond the usual hour,
entreated him to relate the particulars. The noble
and virtuous youth told her it was a business not in
his power to reveal, he being solemnly enjoined to
silence. On hearing this, her importunities were
more earnest and her enquiries more minute. In
telligence she must have; all evasions were vain.
By fair speeches and entreaties, with liberal pro
mises she endeavoured to break open the little casket
of secrecy: but these means proving ineffectual, she
adopted rigorous measures, and had recourse to
violent threats; firmly persuaded that force would
extort what lenity could not effect.
*...", * * * ** . . . . .
 OF. FREEMASONRY. g

The noble youth, finding his mother's threats

to be very harsh, but her stripes more severe; com
paring his love to her as his mother, with the duty
he owed to his father; the one mighty, but the
other impulsive; lays her and her fond conceit in
one scale; his father, his own honour, and the so
lemn injunctions to secrecy, in the other; and
finding the latter greatly preponderate, whetting
his tender wit upon the sandy stone of her edging
importunity, to appease her and preserve his own
honour by remaining faithful, he thus resolved
her:

“Madam, and dear mother, you may well

blame the Senate for their long sitting, at least for
presuming to call in question a case so truly imper
tinent; except the wives of the senators be admitted
to consult on it, there can be no hope of a conclu
sion. I speak this only from my own opinion; I
know their gravity may easily confound my juvenile
apprehensions ; yet, whether nature or duty in
structs me to do so I cannot tell. It seems necessary
to them, for the increase of people, and the public
good, that every Senator should be allowed two
wives; or otherwise, their wives two husbands. I
shall hardly incline, under one roof, to call two
 S CONSTITUTION

men by the name of father: I had rather, with

cheerfulness salute two women by the name of
mother. This is the question, Madam, and to
morrow it is to be determined.”

His mother hearing this, and he seeming un

willing to reveal it, she took it for an infallible
truth. Her blood was quickly fired, and rage en
sued. Without enquiring farther into the merits of
the case, she quickly dispatched messengers to all
the other ladies and matrons of Rome, to acquaint
them of this weighty affair now under deliberation
in the Senate, in which the peace and welfare of
their whole lives were so nearly concerned. The
- melancholy news soon spread a general alarm, and
a thousand conjectures were formed. The ladies
being resolved to give their assistance in the decision
of this weighty point, immediately assembled.
Headed by young Papyrus's mother, on the next
morning they proceeded to the Senate House.
Though it is remarked, that a parliament of women
are seldom governed by one speaker, yet the affair
being urgent, the haste pertinent, and the case on
their behalf of the utmost consequence, the revealing
woman must speak for all the rest. It was agreed,
that she should insist on the necessity of the concur
 OF FREEMASONRY. 7

rence of the Senators' wives to the determination of

a law, in which they were so particularly interested.
When they came to the door of the Senate House,
such a noise was made for admission to sit with
their husbands, in the grand consultation, that all
-
Rome seemed to be in an uproar. Their business,
however, must be known before they eould gain an
audience. This being complied with and their ad
mission granted, such an elaborate.oration was made
by the female speaker on the occasion, in behalf of
her sex, as astonished the whole assembly. She re
quested that the matter might be seriously canvassed,
according to justice, and equity; and expressed the
determined resolution of all her sisters, to oppose a
measure so unconstitutional, as that of permitting a
husband to have two wives, who could scarcely
please one. She proposed, in the name of her sis
ters, as the most effectual way of peopling the state,
that if any alteration were made in the established
custom of Rome, women might be permitted to
have two husbands. The Senators were soon in
formed of Papyrus's scheme to preserve his reputa
tion, and the riddle being solved, the ladies were
greatly confounded, and departed with blushing
cheeks. The noble youth who had thus proved
himself worthy of his trust, was highly commended
8 CONSTITUTION

for his fidelity; but in order to avoid a like tumult

in future, it was resolved, that the custom of in
troducing the sons of the senators, should be abo
lished. Papyrus however, on account of his attach
ment to his word, and his discreet policy, was ex
cepted from this prohibition, and ever afterwards
freely admitted into the Senate, where numerous
honours were bestowed upon him.

The faithful Anaxarchus (as related by Pliny,

in his seventh book, and twenty-third chapter), who
was imprisoned in order to force his secrets from
him, bit his tongue in the middle, and threw it in
the face of Nicocreon the tyrant. The Athenians
had a statue of brass, which they bowed to; the
figure was made without a tongue, thereby denoting
secrecy. The Egyptians, in like manner worshipped
Harpocrates, as the god of silence; for which he is
always depicted holding his finger on his mouth.
The Romans too, had a goddess of silence named
Angerona, which was represented aS Harpocrates,
holding her finger on her mouth, in token of se
crecy. Hence, linguam digito compesce. -

The servants of Plancus are much commended,

because no torment could make them confess the
 OF. FREEMAsoNRY. 9

secret with which their master had intrusted them;

with fortitude they encountered every pain, and
strenuously supported their fidelity, till death put
a period to their sufferings. Likewise the servant
of Cato, the orator, was cruelly tormented, but
nothing could make him reveal the secrets of his
master.

Quintus Curtius tells us, that the Persians held

it as an inviolable law to punish most severely (and
much more than any other trespass) him that dis
covered any secret; in confirmation thereof, we
read, that King Darius, being vanquished by Alex
ander, had made his escape so far as to hide himself
where he thought he might rest secure; no tortures
whatsoever, or liberal promise of recompence, could
prevail with the faithful brethrea that knew it, or
compel them to disclose it to any person: and far
thermore says, that no man ought to commit any
matter of consequence to him that cannot truly keep
a Secret. . . . .

Lycurgus, the celebrated lawgiver, would have

every man keep secret whatsoever was done or said.
For this reason, the Athenians were accustomed,
when they met at any feast, that the most ancient
10 CoNSTITUTION

among them should show every brother the

door at which they entered, intimating thereby:
“Take heed, that not so much as one word pass
“from hence, of whatsoever shall here be acted or
“ spoken.”

The first thing that Pythagoras taught his

scholars was, to be silent; for a certain time, he
kept them without speaking, to the end that they
might the better learn to preserve the valuable se
crets he had to communicate, and never to speak
but when time required, expressing thereby, that
secrecy was the rarest virtue.

Aristotle was asked, what thing appeared to

him most difficult; he answered, to be secret and
silent. To this purpose St. Ambrose, in his offices,
placed among the principal foundations of virtue
the patient gift of silence.

The wise King Solomon says in his proverbs,

that a king ought not to drink wine, because drun
kenness is an enemy to secrecy; and in his opinion,
he is not worthy to reign that cannot keep his own
secrets; he also says, that he who discovers secrets is
a traitor, and he that conceals them is a faithful
 OF FREEMASONRY. 1|

brother: furthermore, he that refraineth his tongue

is wise, and he that keeps his tongue, keeps his
soul. To these may be added, the words of another
wise Ecclesiasticus, chap. xxvii, 16th verse;
man,
“Whoso discovereth secrets loses his credit, and
“shall never find a friend to his mind. Love thy
“friend, and be faithful unto him: but if thou be
“wrayest his secrets, follow no more after him : for
“as a man hath destroyed his enemy, hast thou so
“lost the love of thy neighbour. As one that let
“teth a bird go out of his hand, so hast thou let thy
“ neighbour go, and shalt not get him again. Fol
“.. low after him no more, for he is too far off; he is
“, as a roe escaped out of a snare. As for a wound, it
“may be bound up; and after reviling there may be
“reconcilement; but he that bewrayeth Secrets is
“without hope.” . . .. . .. . . . . .

Many other circumstances might be men

tioned of the excellence of secrecy; and we venture,
to say, that the greatest honour, justice, truth, and
fidelity, always have been found amongst those who,
could keep their own and others' secrets ; this is.
prettily described by Horace, who says: -->

- The man resolv’d and steady to his trust, | - *

Inflexible to ill, and obstimately just, . . . . . .

K
 12 • CONSTITUTION--, -

May the rude rabble's insolence despise, . . . . :

Their senseless clamours and tumultuous cries;
The tyrant's fierceness he beguiles,
And the stern brow and the harsh voice defies, *...*

And with superior greatness smiles:

Nor the rough whirlwind that deforms &
" . Adria's black gulph, and vexes it with storms:
. . . . The stubborn virtue of his soul can move;
Not the red arm of angry Jove, ,
That flings the thunder from the sky,
". . . . And gives it rage to roar and strength to fly.
#, C.
Should the whole frame of nature round him
• * • -
break,
In ruin and confusion hurl’d;
"... He unconcern'd would hear the mighty crack,
: , . And stand secure amidst a falling world.

Therefore, if secrecy and silence be duly con

sidered, they will be found most necessary to qua
lify a man for any business of importance: if this
be granted, we may be confident that no man will
dare dispute, that Freemasons are superior to all
other men. in concealing their secrets, from time
immemorial; which neither the power of gold, that
has often betrayed kings and princes, and some
times overwhelmed whole empires, nor the most
cruel punishments, could ever extort the secret
even from the weakest member of our Fraternity.
*: - -

It will consequently be granted, that the wel

fare and good of mankind was the cause or motive
 OF FREEMASONRY. 13

of so grand an institution as Freemasonry, which

not only tends to protect its members from external
injuries, but to polish the rusty dispositions of ini
quitous minds, and keep them within the bounds
of religion, morality, and virtue; for such are the
precepts of the Royal Art, that if those who have
the honour of being members thereof would but live
according to the true principles of the Ancient Craft,
every man who carefully listens to the dictates of
reason, may arrive at a clear persuasion of the ne
cessity and beauty of virtue, both public and private,
and will of course approve their actions, and conse
quently endeavour to follow their steps. Although
very few or none of the Brethren arrive to the sub
limity and beautiful contrivance of Hiram Abif,
yet it is generally submitted, that Freemasonry is
**
the most moral, useful, and extensive society that -

has ever been instituted and publickly encouraged

by any people or nation in the known world. The
following description of the Royal Art will demon
strate its utility to mankind':
Hail mighty ART! gracious gift of heaven,
To aid mankind by our Creator given;
'Twas you alone that gave the ark its form,
Which sav'd the faithful from impending storm;
When sinful Cowans were grov'ling in the tide,
The Mason's aik triumphantly did ride
 ...reoNSTITUTION:

o'er mighty waves, nor cared they where it steer'd : > -

Till floods abated anddry land appeared;

On Araret's Mount after the dreadful storm,
There stood their ark, and open'd Lodge in form;
There the good Mason of his own accord,
An altar built to serve the heavenly Lord;
Returned thanks with off'ring sacrifice, ... . . . . ...,
Which pleased Jove: and to himself he cries,
For sake of man I’ll curse the ground no more,
Nor smite the living as I’ve done before;
While earth remain the blessing l’ll bestow,
A proper time when you your seeds may sow;
The harvest-time to bless the labring swain,
with fruitful crops for all his care and pain: -. -

Nights, days, and seasons, shall surround this ball,

Nor shall they cease until the end of all:
And to confirm my promise unto thee,
Amidst the clouds my bow a wituess be:
A heav'nly arch shews how God sav'd the lives ...
Of Mason's four, likewise their happy wives.
Such are the blessings of each time and season,
Which God has promis'd to that Master-mason, . . . . . .
By which we see that mighty things were done -

By this great Art, since first the world began.

What mortal living, whether far or near, -

Around the globe within the heav'nly sphere,

Can name one art so much by God approv’d,
As Masonry in David whom he lov’d;
Witness Moriah, where God appeared to man,
"And gave the Prince the holy temple's plan;
Which charge Solomon after did fulfil,
By aid from Tyre and Hiram's mighty skill.
This is the art that did the world excel.
And pleas'd the Lord of Hosts to come and dwell
Amongst the men who did the temple frame,
To worship God and keep his sacred name. .
 OR FREEMASONRY. i5

By Masons' Art aspiring domes appear, . . . . . . .

Where God is worshipped still in truth and fear:
By Masons Art the greedy miser's breast, . . ;

(Tho' iron-bound, much closer than his chest) . . . . . . :

Compassion feels, values not his store, -

And freely gives what he ne'er thought before: .. . . .

By Masons Art the busy tongue doth fall
Before the throne, when awful silence call:
By Mason's Art the wings of loose desire
Are clipped short, prevents their soaring higher; 3
The vicious mind the aucient Craft restrain
-
-
*

From immodest bents, unlawful and profane:

By Masons' Art the puny foppish ass, - ..
(Mankind's disgrace, and sport of ev'ry lass):
Soon quits his folly, and more wiser grown,
Looks on himself as one before unknown: -

By Mason's Art, the proud ensigns of state, . . .

(Ambition's nursery, and her lofty seat)

Are deemed vain and useless toys,
Freemasons prize more solid joys.

It may perhaps be contended, that if Free

masonry be such as is here represented, the Bro
therhood most certainly are the worthiest men
living; and yet, on the contrary, we sometimes see
base and unworthy men amongst them : depend
upon it the fault is not in the institution, but in
themselves. They have deviated from the princi
ples of the Craft: they have swerved from their
profession, and are as bad Masons, as they are men.
The greatest precautions are used to prevent the
admission. of unworthy characters; but if from
16 - CONSTITUTION

want of proper information, or from a too charitable

construction of mankind in general, such are in
troduced, we deeply regret the mistake, and use
every proper method to remedy the evil.

Nothing can be more unfair or unjust, than to

depreciate or condemn any institution, good in
itself, on account of the faults of those who pretend
to adhere to it. The abuse of a thing is no valid
objection to its inherent goodness. Worthless cha
racters are occasionally to be found in the best in
stitutions upon earth. “If the unworthiness of a
professor casts a reflexion upon the profession, it may
be inferred by parity of reasoning, that the miscon
duct of a Christian is an argument against Christi
anity. But this is a conclusion which I presume no
man will allow; and yet it is no more than what he
must subscribe to, who is so unreasonable as to insist
on the other.” Nor is it any evidence, that civil laws
and political institutions are hurtful or unservice
able, because there are corrupt citizens and disor
derly members of a community. In fine, the best
things may be abused: the bread of heaven grew.
corrupt when , used indiscreetly: the common
blessings of. life are turned into curses, if misapplied.
It must however be acknowledged, that the pri
 OF FREEMASONRY. 17

vileges of Masonry have of late become too com

mon, and have often been prostituted for unworthy
considerations: hence their good effects have been
less conspicuous. Some have enrolled their names
in our records for the mere purpose of conviviality,
without inquiring into the nature of those engage
ments, to which they are subjected by becoming
Masons. Others have been prompted by motives
of interest, and many introduced to gratify an
idle curiosity. A general odium or at least a care
less indifference must result from such a conduct.
When we contemplate the extent and number of
persons of which the Fraternity consists, and the
comparatively small proportion of those, who are
thoroughly conversant in the principles of the in
stitution, it is not to be wondered that few should
be distinguished for exemplary conduct. It is to
be regretted, that there are persons, who being well -

versed in the mystic art, are too often induced to

violate the rules, a pretended conformity to which
may have gained them some applause. If, however
some do transgress, no wise man will thereby argue
against the institution, or rashly condemn the So
ciety in general for the errors of a few misguided
or interested individuals. It may safely be averred,
that none but strangers to the Order, and unge
 18 “constrrurion
nerous enemies to good society will doubt what
is here asserted. "And for further satisfaction of
those who have not the honour of being initiated
into the mystery, we beg leave to treat of the
principles of the Craft; which it is hoped will
meet with a just admiration, because they are
founded upon religion, morality, brotherly-love,

and good-fellowship. , -
* * * ** *
1.3 : , , -
- * * **

* A Mason is obliged by his tenure to believe

firmly in the true worship of the eternal God, as
well as in all those sacred records which the dignita
ries and fathers of the Church have compiled and
published for the use of good men: so that no one
who rightly understands the Art, can possibly tread
in the irreligious path of the unhappy libertine, or
be induced to follow the arrogant professors of
Atheism or Deism; neither is he to be stained by
the gross errors of blind superstition, but may have
the liberty of embracing what faith he shall think
proper, provided at all times he pays a due reverence
to the Creator, and by the world deals with honour,
and honesty, ever making that golden precept the
standing rule of his actions, which engages, To do
unto all men as he would they should do unto him: .
for the Craft, instead of entering into idle and un
 of FREEMASONRY. 19

necessary disputes concerning the different opinions

and persuasions of men, admits into the Fraternity
all that are good and true; whereby it hath brought
about the means of reconciliation amongst persons
who, without that assistance, would have remained
at Perpetual distance. . . . . . .. .. .
. . .... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . e.

Whoever would be a true Mason, is farther to

know, that by our privileges his obligations, as a
subject and a citizen, will not be relaxed, but en
forced. He must be a lover of peace, and obedient
to the Government which yields him protection. It
was never yet known, that a real Craftsman was
concerned in any dark plot, designs, or contrivances
against the State, because the welfare of his country.
is his great duty.
But as Masonry hath at several times felt the
injurious effects of war, bloodshed, and devastation,
it was a stronger engagement to the Craftsmen to
act agreeably to the rules of peace and loyalty,
the many proofs of which had occasioned the an
cient kings and powers to protect and defend them.
If a Brother should so far forget his duty as
to rebel against the State, or trespass against the
laws of the country in which he lives, he would
L -
20 consTITUTION

meet with no countenance from his fellows; nor

would they keep any private converse with him
whereby the government might have cause to be
jealo", or have the least umbrage.
* * - . . .

A Mason, in regard to himself, is carefully to

avoid intemperance or excess, which might obstruct
him in the performance of the necessary duties of
his laudable profession, or lead him into any crimes
which would reflect dishonour upon the Order.
He is to treat his inferiors as he would have his
superiors deal with him, wisely considering that the
origin of mankind is the same; and though Masonry
divests no man of his honour, yet does the Craft
admit, that strictly to pursue the paths of virtue,
whereby a clear conscience may be preserved, is the
only method to make any man justly intitled to the
*
privileges of our Order.

A Mason is to be sofar benevolent, as never un

kindly to shuthis ear to the complaints of wretched
poverty; when any brother is oppressed by want,
he is in a peculiar manner to listen to his sufferings
with attention; in consequence of which, pity must
flow from his breast, and relief, without prejudice,
accompany the feelings of the heart.
*
 of FREEMAsoNRY. 21

A Mason is to pay due obedience to the autho

rity of his Master and presiding officers, and behave
himself meekly amongst his brethren; neither ne
glecting his usual occupation for thesake of company,
in running from one Lodge to another; nor quarrel
with the ignorant, for their ridiculous aspersions
concerning it: but, at his leisure hours, he is re
quired to study the arts and sciences with a diligent
mind, that he may not only perform his duty to his
Great Creator, but also to his neighbour and himself.
To walk humbly in the sight of God, to do justice,
and love mercy, are the certain characteristics of a
real free and accepted Ancient Mason: these qua
lifications it is humbly to be hoped they will possess
to the end of time. The benefits, arising from a
strict observance of its principles, are so apparent,
that every good man would be fond to profess and
practice them; because those principles tend to
promote the happiness of life, as they are founded
on the basis of wisdom and virtue.

In the first place, our privileges and instructions,

when rightly considered, are not only productive
of welfare on this side the grave: but, we hope, our
eternal happiness hereafter.
22 cöNSTITUrion

The Craft is founded on so solid a basis, that

it will never admit blasphemy, lewdness, swearing,
evil-plotting, or controversy, and though its Mem
bers may not all be of the same opinión in matters
of faith, yet they are ever in one mind in matters of
Masonry; that is, to labour justly, not to eat any
man's bread for nought, but to the utmost of our
capacity to love and serve each other, as brethren of
the same household ought to do; wisely judging,
that it is as great an absurdity in one man to quarrel
with another because he will not believe as he does,
as it would be in him to be angry, because he was
not exactly of the same size and counteriance.

"To afford succour to the distressed, to divide

our bread with the industrious poor, and to put the
misguided traveller into his way, are the funda
mental principles and line of conduct to be pursued
by the Craft. To feed the hungry, to clothe the
naked, to visit those who are in prison, are dis
tinguishing characteristics, that must convince the
world at large, that the appellation of ‘Brother
amongst Masons, is not merely a name. - -

These and similar benefits, arising from a strict

 OF"FREEMASONRY. £3

Ubservance of the principles of the Craftas numbers

of brethren can daily testify, will be found not
bnly to equal, but to excel every other society in
the universe. . . ... ." . . . . . .. . . .
- - * - 2. '
* -
- - **, *
- .. .
- ** * *
- * * **

Hence it is obvious, we can never be too care

ful, in the selection of Members, as to a thorough
knowledge of the character and circumstances of a
candidate desirous of being initiated into the mys
tery of Freemasonry. Upon this depends the wel
fare or destruction of the Craft; for as regularity,
virtue, and concord, are the only ornaments of hu
man nature (which is too often prone to act in dif
ferent capacities), so the happiness of life depends,
in a great measure, on our own election, and a pru
dent choice of those whom we introduce as our com
panions. Human society cannot subsist without
concord, and the maintenance of mutual good offices;
for, like the working of an arch, it would fall to
the ground, provided one piece did not properly
support another. Union and harmony constitute
the chief essence of our Order; while we continue
to act under that banner, Masonry must prosper,
and private animosities give place to brotherly love
and good fellowship.
24 ... CONSTITUTION. :)

Informer times, every man was not admitted

into the Craft, merely at his own request, though
perhaps of a good and moral reputation; nor allowed
to share the benefits of our ancient and noble insti
tution, unless he was endowed with such skill in
the liberal arts, as he might thereby be able to
improve, either in plan or workmanship; or had
such an affluence of fortune as should enable him
to employ, honour, and protect the Craftsmen.
f, - " . .. - *

.. We would not be understood by this to mean

that a reputable tradesman should not receive any
of our benefits; on the contrary, they may be con
sidered as valuable members of the community,
and have often proved themselves real ornaments to
the Society. *

Those alluded to, are persons in low life,

introduced by excluded men”, some of whom

# * Men excluded from their Lodges for transgressing the

general laws, who, being deemed unworthy of so noble a society,
endeavour to make the rest of mankind believe that they are
good and true, and have full power and authority to make Free
masons, when and where they please. These traders, though
but few in number, associate together, and for any mean con
sideration admit any person to what little they know of the
Craft. Little, I say, for I honestly assure my readers, that no
 or "FREEMAsoNRY. 25
can neither read nor write; and when, by the

assistance of Masonry, they are admitted into the

company of their superiors, they too often act
beyond their capacities; and under pretence of
searching for knowledge, fall into gluttony or
drunkenness, and thereby neglect their necessary
occupation, and injure their families, who imagine'
they have a just cause to pour out all their invec
tives against the whole body of Freemasons, with
out considering or knowing that our constitutions
and principles are quite opposite to such base pro

ceedings. Such men are totally unfit to be admit

ted Freemasons, as they cannot fulfil many of the
duties of a Lodge, and if men are not of fortune or
property, they should be persons of science. Surely
a person who cannot write his name, can have no
pretence to suppose himself qualified to become a.
member of our Order. -
-

-,
-

s" - . - y

necessary to put in a word of

Here it may be
advice to those who have an inclination to become
members of this ancient and honourable Society. ':
-
-

f
: - - -
-

- -

– - - - - - - - - - * * --

man who rightly understands the Craft, can be so blind as

to trample upon its ancient land-marks; therefore all victuallers,
&c. ought to be very cautious of entertaining such, from whom.
neither benefit nor credit can be expected. See New Regu
lation VIII. - -
26 constitution
. . Every person desirous of being made a Free
mason in any Lodge, must be proposed by a mem
her thereof, who shall give an account of the candi
date's name, age, title, trade or occupation, Place
of residence, and description of his person; it is
also required that such proposal be seconded by
one of the members, and that it be made in
Lodge hours, at least one night before initiation;
in order that the Brethren may have sufficient time,
and opportunity to make a strict enquiry into the
morals, character, and circumstances of the Candi
date; for this purpose, in most Lodges, a special
Committee is appointed. The Brother who pro
poses a candidate must at the same time deposit
such a sum of money for him, as the rules or bye
laws of the Lodge may require (not less than one
Crown, in some Lodges a Guiuea), which is forfeited
to the Lodge, if the candidate.should not come for:
ward according to the proposal. And if the Lodge
approve his person and character, and therefore ini
tiate him into the mystery, he shall pay, in addi
tion to his deposit, such farther sum as the laws of
the Lodge may require (not less than three Guineas),
and clothe the Lodge if required. But should the
Lodge. not approve his character, and refuse to ad
mit him, then his Money shall be faithfully returned:
to him.
 OF FREEMASONRY. 27

And it is further ordered and declared that no

person is capable of becoming a member of our Or
der, but such as are of mature age, upright in body
and limbs, free from bondage, have the senses of
a man, and are endowed with an estate, office, trade,
occupation, or some visible way of acquiring an
honest and reputable livelihood. This has been the
general custom of the Masons in all ages and ma
tions, throughout the known world.

The next thing to be considered is the choice

of officers to rule and govern a Lodge, according to
the ancient and wholesome laws of our constitution;
this is a matter of great concern, for the officers of
al Lodge are not only bound to advance and promote
the welfare of their own particular Lodge, but
whatever may tend to the good of the Fraternity in
general. Therefore no man ought to be put in such
election, but such as by his own skill and merit is
deemed worthy of performance: he must be well
acquainted with all the private and public rules and
orders of the Craft; he ought to be strictly honest,
naturally humane, patient in injuries, discreet in
conversation, grave in counsel, constant in amity,
and above all, faithful in secrecy. *
* A man may possess all these good qualifications, and yet
M
-
28 CONSTITUTION

Such candidates well deserve to be chosen

rulers and governors of their respective Lodges, to
whom the members are to be courteous and obe
dient, and from whom they may learn to despise the
over-covetous, impatient, contentious, presump
tuous, arrogant and conceited prattlers, the bane of
all society.

Here we cannot forbear saying, that men whose

intentions are very honest, and without evil de
sign, commit great errors, and sometimes have been
the destruction of good Lodges; and this occasioned
by their brethren hurrying them indiscreetly into
offices, wherein their slender knowledge of Masonry
rendered them incapable of executing the business
committed to their charge, to the great detriment
of the Craft, and their own dishonour.

Amongst the qualities and principles of the

Craft, we have given a hint concerning the beha
viour of a Mason in the Lodge, to which may be
added the following observations. He is to pay due
respect, and to be obedient, in all reasonable mat

if in low circumstances, be incapable of filling his office with

credit to the Lodge or himself: and this is recommended as a
matter well worth the consideration of all Members of this
Society. -
 OF. FREEMASONRY. 29

ters to the Master and presiding officers: He must

not curse, swear, nor offer to lay wagers; nor use
any lewd or unbecoming language, in derogation of
GoD's NAME, and corruption of good manners;
nor behave himself ludicrously, norjestingly, while
the Lodge is engaged in what is serious and solemn:
neither is he to introduce, support, or maintain any
dispute or controversy about religion or politics;
nor force any brother to eat, drink, or stay against
his inclination; nor do or say any thing that may
be offensive, or hinder a free and innocent conver
sation, lest he should interrupt the good harmony,
and defeat the laudable designs and purposes of the
ancient and honourable Fraternity.

And we earnestly recommend Freemasonry, as

the most sovereign remedy to purge out these, or
such other vices: and regular Lodges, as the only
seminaries where men, in the most pleasant and
clearest manner, may hear, understand, and learn
their duty to God, and to their neighbours. And
this without the multiplicity of spiteful and mali
cious words, long arguments, or fierce debates,
which have been made use of, among mistaken mor-
tals, upwards of a thousand years past: and instead
of uniting men in one sacred band, as the servants
3O CONSTITUTION,

of God, and brethren of the same household, have

divided them into as many different opinions as
there were not only languages, but even men, at the
confusion of Babel.

As to the behaviour of the brethren when out

of Lodge, it is to be hoped the short space between
each Lodge-night will not admit of forgetfulness of
the decency and decorum to be observed in the
Lodge, which may serve them as an unerring rule
for their behaviour and conduct in all other compa
nies and places; and like the worshipful discreet
Master of a Lodge, rule, govern, and instruct their
families at home in the fear of God, loyalty to their
King, and love to their neighbours, while they
themselves imitate the members obedience, &c. in
* - -

paying respect to their superiors.

These few hints may serve to put the brethren

in mind of the duty incumbent on them as Free
masons; and likewise, how to behave themselves
in such a manner as may be acceptable to God,
agreeable to the principles of Masonry, and much
to their own honour: but for farther satisfaction to
'our readers in general, we here insert the several
old charges of Free and Accepted Masons. -
 THE

ANCIENT CHARGES

• OF THE

FREE & . A CCEPTED .M.A.S.O.W.S.

--

CHARGE I.

Concerning God and Religion. .

A Mason is obliged by his tenure to observe the

moral law as a true NoACHIDA*; and if he rightly
understands the Craft, he will never be a stupid
Atheist, nor an irreligious libertine, nor act against
the dictates of his own conscience. .

In ancient times, the Christian Masons were

charged to comply with the general usage of each
country, where they travelled or worked; being
found in all nations, of divers religions.

They are generally charged to adhere to that

religion in which all men agree, leaving each bro
ther to his own particular opinion, that is, to be

* Sons of Noah, the first name of Freemasons.

32 CONSTITUTION

good and true, men of honour and honesty, by

whatever names, religions or persuasions, they may
be distinguished; for they all agree in the three
great articles of Noah, enough to preserve the
cement of a Lodge. Thus Masonry is the centre
of their union, and the happy means of conciliating
persons that might otherwise have remained at per
petual distance.

CHARGE II.

Of the Civil Magistrate, supreme and subordinate.

“, A Mason must be a peaceable subject, never to

be concerned in plots against the State, nor disres
pectful to inferior magistrates; conforming cheer
fully to the government under which he lives, be
cause the welfare of his country is his peculiar care.
From the earliest ages, kings, princes, and poten
tates encouraged the Fraternity, for their firm in
tegrity and unshaken loyalty; Masonry having pros
pered most, in the flourishing and peaceful times of
every country; the Craftsmen are therefore the
more strongly engaged to act agreeably to the rules
of their art, in following peace and love with all
*
mankind.
 OF FREEMASONRY. 33

CHARGE III.

Concerning a Lodge.

A Lodge is a place in which Masons meet to

work ; hence the assembly, or organized body of
Freemasons is called a Lodge; so the word Church
is expressive both of the congregation and the
place of worship.

Every Brother should belong to some particu

lar Lodge, and if not necessarily prevented, cannot
be absent without incurring censure.

The men made Masons must be free-born, no

bondmen, of mature and direct age, of good re
port; hale and sound, not deformed or dismem
bered, at the time of their making; but no woman,
no eunuch.

When men of quality, eminence, wealth, and

learning apply to be made, they are to be respect.
fully accepted, after due examination: for such of
ten prove good lords, or founders of works, and will
not employ Cowans, when true Masons can be had;
they also make the best officers of Lodges, and the
34 CONSTITUTION

best designers, to the honour and strength of the

Lodge; from amongst them also the Fraternity can
have a noble GRAND MASTER, and other Grand
Officers; but still those Brethren are equally sub
ject to all the charges and regulations, except in
what more immediately concerns operative Masons.

No Lodge shall make more than Five Brethren

at one time, unless by dispensation from the Grand
Master or his Deputy; nor shall any person be
made or admitted a member of a Lodge, without
being proposed one Lodge-night before, that due
notice may be given to all the members, to make
the necessary enquiries into the candidate's cha
racter; and that there may be such unanimity in
the election of members as the laws require; nor
can there be any dispensation in this case, because
unanimity is essential to the being of every Lodge,
and its own members are the best judges in this
matter; for if it were allowed, that any other, even
a superior jurisdiction might impose a factious or
disagreeable member upon them, it might detroy
their harmony, to the great injury, if not total dis
solution of such Lodge.
 OF FREEMASONRY. - 35

CHARGE IV.

Of Masters, IPardens, Fellows and Apprentices.

All preferments among Masons are grounded
upon real worth and personal merit only, not upon
seniority. No Master shall take an Apprentice
that is not the son of honest parents, a perfect
youth, without maim or defect in his body, and ca
pable of learning the mysteries of the art; that so
the lords or founders, may be well served, and the
Craft not despised; and that when of age and ex
pert, he may become an entered Apprentice, or a
Freemason of the lowest degree; and upon his im
provement, a Fellow craft and a master-mason, ca
pable to undertake the lord's work.

The Wardens are chosen from among the

Master-masons, and no Brother can be a Master of
a Lodge, till he has acted as Warden somewhere,
except in extraordinary cases; or when a new Lodge
is to be formed, and none such to be had, for then
three Master-masons, though never Masters nor
Wardens of Lodges before, may by consent of
the Grand Master, be constituted Master and
Wardens of that new Lodge.
*

But no number, without three Master-masons,

N
36 CONSTITUTION

can form a Lodge; none can be Grand Master,

or a Grand Warden, who has not acted as Master
of a particular Lodge, for at least six months.

CHARGE. V.

Qf the Management of the Craft in Working.

All Masons should work honestly and faith

fully, that they may live reputably, and appear in
a decent and becoming manner on holidays; the
working hours appointed by law, or confirmed by
custom, shall be observed. The hours of working
are—“from seven o'clock till ten, between the 25th
March, and the 29th September: and from six
till nine o'clock between 29th September and 25th
March.” -

A Master-mason only, must be the surveyor or

master of the work, who shall undertake the lord's
work reasonably, and shall truly dispend his goods,
as if they were his own, and shall not give more
wages than just, to any Fellow or Apprentice.

The Wardens shall be true both to Masters and

Fellows, taking care of all things both within and
without the Lodge, especially in the Master's ab
sence; and their Brethren shall obey them.
 OF FREEMASONRY. 37

The Master and the Masons shall faithfully

finish their work, whether task or journey;
nor shall they take the work at task, which hath
been accustomed to be performed by journey.

None shall envy a Brother's prosperity; nor

supplant him, nor put him out of his work, if
capable to finish it, for he who is not skilled in the
original design, cannot with credit or advantage to
the Master, finish the work, begun by another.

All Masons shall meekly receive their wages

without murmuring or mutiny, and not desert the
master till their work be finished; they must avoid
ill language, calling each other brother, both within
and without the Lodge; they shall instruct the
younger brethren to become bright and expert
workmen.

But free and accepted Masons shall not allow

Cowans to work with them, nor shall they be em
ployed by Cowans without an urgent necessity;
and even in that case, they must not teach Cowans,
but must have a separate communication; no la
bourer shall be employed in the proper work of
Freemasons.
38 CONSTITUTION .

CHARGE VI.
Concerning Masons' Behaviour.
1. Of Behaviour in the Lodge.
You must not hold any private committees or
separate conversation, without leave from the Mas
ter; nor talk of any thing impertinent, nor inter
rupt the Master or Wardens, or any other Brother
addressing the chair; nor act ludicrously while the
Lodge is engaged in what is serions or solemn;
but you are to pay due reverence to the Master,
Wardens, and all his Fellows.

Every Brother found guilty of a fault, shall

stand to the award of the Lodge, unless he appeals
to the Grand Lodge,

No private piques, or quarrels about nations,

families, religion, or politics, must be brought
within the doors of the Lodge; for as Masons, we
are of the oldest catholic religion, and of all na
tions, bound to live upon the square, level, and
plumb with each other; following the steps of our
predecessors in all ages, we are resolved against po
litical disputes, as contrary to the peace and welfare
of the Lodge. -
 OF FREEMASONRY. 39

2. Qf Behaviour after the Lodge is closed, and

; before the Brethren depart. . .

When the Lodge is closed, and the labour

finished, you may enjoy yourselves with innocent
mirth, treating one another according to ability, but
avoiding all excess; not forcing a Brother to eat or
drink beyond his own inclination, according to the
old regulation of King Ahasuerus, nor hinder him
from going home when he pleases; for though after
Lodge-hours you are like other men, yet the blame
of your excess may be thrown upon the Fraternity,
though unjustly.

3. Of Behaviour at meeting, without Strangers, not

in a formed Lodge.
You are to salute one another in a courteous
manner, as you have been, or shall be, instructed;
freely communicating hints of knowledge, but with
out disclosing secrets, unless to those that have given
long proof of their taciturnity and honour, and with
out derogating from the respect due to any other
Brother, were he not a Mason; for though all Bro
thers and Fellows are upon the level, yet Masonry
divests no man of the honour that was due to him
before he was made a Mason, or that shall become
his due afterwards; nay, it rather adds to his re
spect, teaching us to give honour to whom it is due,
40 CONSTITUTION

especially to a noble and eminent Brother, whom we

should distinguish from all of his rank and station,
and serve him readily, according to our ability.

4. Behaviour in the presence of Strangers, not

AMasons. -

You must be cautious in your words and

carriage; so that the most penetrating stranger
may not be able to discover what is not proper to be
intimated: the impertinent or ensnaring ques
tions, or ignorant and idle discourse of strangers,
must be prudently answered and managed, and the
discourse wisely diverted to another subject, as your
discretion and duty shall direct.
5. Behaviour at Home, and in your Neighbourhood.
Masons ought to be moral men, and fully qua
lified, as is required in the foregoing charges; con
sequently good husbands, good parents, good sons,
and good neighbours; avoiding all excess; and wise
as to all affairs, both of their own household and of
the Lodge, for certain reasons known to themselves.

6. Behaviour to a Foreign Brother, or Stranger.

You are cautiously to examine him, as pru
dence and the Rules of the Craft shall direct, that
you may not be imposed on by a false pretender, and
 OF FREEMASONRY. 41

if you discover any one to be such, you are to reject

him with contempt *, and beware of giving him any
secret hints of knowledge; but such as are found to
be true and faithful, you are to respect as Brothers;
relieving them, if in want, to your utmost power,
or directing them in what manner and where to ap
ply for relief. You are to employ such, if you can,
or recommend them to employment: however, you
are never charged to do beyond your ability; but
to prefer a poor Brother, who is a good man and
true, before any other person in a similar situation.

7. Behaviour behind a Brother's back, as well as

before his face.
Free and accepted Masons have ever been
charged to avoid all slandering and backbiting of
true and faithful Brethren, or talking disrespectfully
of a Brother's person or performance, and all malice
or unjust resentment; nor must they suffer others
to spread unjust reproaches or calumnies behind his
back, nor to injure him in his fortune, occupation

* This may at first sight appear harsh and uncharitable: but

when it is considered that the secrets of our Order, are open
to all men of good character, making due application for the
same, and that any designing man who would wish to obtain ,
that, to which he has no claim, and thereby deprive the charity
fund, of his admission fee, can deserve no other reception.
42 conSTITUTION .

or character; but they shall defend such a Brother,

and give him notice of any danger or injury where
with he may be threatened; to enable him to es
cape the same, as far as may be consistent with
honour, prudence, and the safety of religion, mo
rality, and the State, but no further.

CHARGE VII.

Concerning Differences and Law-suits, if any such

should unhappily, arise among Brethren.
If a Brother do you injury, or if you have any
difference with him, about any worldly or temporal
concerns of interest, apply first to your own or his
Lodge, to have the matter in dispute adjusted by
Brethren. And if either party be not satisfied with
the determination of the Lodge, an appeal may be
made to the Grand Lodge; and you are never to
enter into a law-suit, unless the matter cannot be
decided as above stated. And should it be a mat
ter that wholly concerns Masonry, law-suits are
to be entirely avoided, and the good advice of pru
dent Brethren is to be followed, as they are the best
references on such occasions.

But when references are either impracticable

or unsuccessful, and courts of law or equity must
 OF FREEMASONRY. 43

at length be resorted to, you must still follow the

general rules of Masonry, avoiding all wrath, malice,
and personal rancour, in carrying on the suit; uei
ther saying nor doing any thing that may prevent
the continuance of that brotherly love and friend
ship, which are the glory and cement of this
ancient Fraternity.

Thus shall we show to all the world the benign

influences of Masonry, as wise, true, and faithful
brethren have done, from the beginning of time;
and as all who shall follow us, will continue to do,
till architecture shall be dissolved with the great
fabric of the world, in the last general conflagration! .
*:

These CHARGEs, and such others as shal be

given you, in a way that cannot be written, you
are enjoined most strictly and conscientiously to ob
serve, and that they may be better impressed upon
the mind, they should be read or made known to
new Brethren at their making; and at such other
times as the Master may direct.

AMEN! So MoTE IT se!

O
44 CONSTITUTION

A SHORT CHARGE delivered to every Person at his

Initiation. *

BROTHER,
You are now admitted, by the unanimous con
sent of our Lodge, a fellow of our most ancient and
honourable Society;—ancient, as having subsisted
from time immemorial; and honourable, as tend
ing in every particular, to render all men so, who
will be conformable to its glorious precepts. The
greatest Monarchs, and exalted Characters of all
ages, as well of Asia, Africa, Europe and America,
have been encouragers of the Royal Art; and have
presided as Grand Masters over the Masons in their
respective territories; not thinking it derogatory to
their exalted stations to level themselves with their
brethren in Masonry, and to act upon the square
as they did. -

The World's GREATARcHITECT is our Supreme

Master; and the unerring rule he has given us, is
that by which we work. Religious disputes are
never suffered within the Lodge; for as Masons, we

* This very old charge is continued with very trifling al

terations; and is in general use throughout the ancient Craft.
To alter it therefore, would lessen its value. -
 OF FREEMASONRY. 45

6nly pursue the universal religion, or the religion

of nature. This is the centre which unites the most
different principles in one sacred band, and brings
together those, who were the most distant from one
another.

There are three general heads of duty which

Masons ought always to inculcate to GoD, our
NEIGHBOUR, and ouRSELVEs’: to GoD, in never
mentioning his NAME, but with that reverential
awe, which a creature ought to bear to his CREA
roR, and to look upon him always as the summum
bonum, which we came into the world to enjoy, and
according to that view, to regulate all our pursuits:
to our NEIGHBoUR, by acting upon the square, or
doing as we would be done by; and to ourselves,
in avoiding all intemperance and excesses, whereby
we may be rendered incapable of following our work,
of be led into behaviour, unbecoming our laudable
profession, always taking care to keep within due
bounds, and free from all pollution.

In the State, a Mason is to behave as a peace

able and dutiful subject, true to his Sovereign, and
just to his country, conforming chearfully to the
government under which he lives,
46 CONSTITUTION

He is to pay a due deference to his superiors;

and from his inferiors he is rather to receive honour,
with some reluctance, than to extort it. He ought
to be a man of benevolence and charity, not sitting
down contented, while his fellow-creatures, but
much more his brethren, are in want, when it is in

his power, without prejudicing himself or family to

relieve them.

In the Lodge, he is to behave with all due de

corum, lest the beauty and harmony thereof, should
be distributed or broken in upon: he is to be obe
dient to the Master and presiding officers, and dili
gently apply himself to the business of Masonry:
that he may the sooner become a proficient therein,
as well for his own credit, as the honour of the
Lodge to which he may belong,

He is not to neglect his own necessary avoca

tions * for the sake of Masonry, nor involve himself

* Here you are to understand, that a Mason ought not to

belong to a number of Lodges at one time, nor run from Lodge
to Lodge; or otherwise, after Masons or Masonry, whereby
his business or family may be neglected: but yet every Mason
is subject to all the bye-laws of the Lodge, which he is strictly
and constantly to obey; for the attendance and dues of one
Lodge can never prejudice him or his family.
 or. FREEMASONRY. 47

in disputes with those who, through ignorance,

may speak evil of, or ridicule it.

He is earnestly recommended to be a lover of

the Arts and Sciences, and is to take all opportuni
ties of improving himself therein.

If he recommends a friend to be made a Mason,

he must vouch him to be such, as he really believes
will be conformable to the aforesaid duties, lest, by
his misconduct at any time, the Lodge should pass
under some evil imputations.

Nothing can prove more shocking to all faith

ful Masons, than to see any of the Brethren pro
fane or break through the sacred rules of our Order;
and such as can do it, they wish had never been ad
mitted.

From the attention you have paid to the recital

of this charge, we are led to hope you will form a
proper estimate of the real value of Freemasonry,
and imprint on your mind the dictates of truth,
honour, and justice, which it so forcibly enjoins.
48 CONSTITUTION

The Ancient Manner of constituting a Lodge, and

installing the Officers.
To constitute what is meant by a perfect
Lodge, it is necessary to apply by petition addressed
to the Grand Master or his deputy, subscribed by
not less than seven Master Masons, who must be
registered in the Grand Lodge books"; setting
forth: “That they are regular and registered
“Masons as will appear by their Grand Lodge cer
“tificates of which they are, or have been mem
“bers; that having the extension and prosperity
“ of the Fraternity at heart, they are willing to
“exert their best endeavours to promote and dif
“fuse the genuine principles of Masonry: That
“for the convenience of their respective dwellings,
“and other good reasons, they have agreed to form
“ themselves into a Lodge. That in consequence
“of this Resolution, they pray for a warrant of
“constitution to empower them to assemble, for
“the purposes of Masonry, aecording to the cus
“tom of the ancient Craft? That the prayer of
“their Petition being granted, they promise strict
“conformity to all the edicts and commands of the
* Either in the Grand Lodge of Masons according to the old
constitutions, in London; or of some other Grand Lodge in
connexion and correspondence with it.
 OF FREEMASONRY. 49

“Grand Master, as well as a thorough compliance,

“ with all the Laws and Regulations of the Grand
“Lodge. In that case, they beg leave to nomi
“nate and do recommend Brother A. B. to be
“ their first Master; Brother C. D. their Senior
“Warden, and Brother E. F. Junior Warden; to
“ be held at the in the town of
G6 upon the
“ of every month!”

This Petition being properly signed, must be

recommended by the Lodge most contiguous to
the place where the new Lodge is to be formed;
and upon its being transmitted to the Grand Secre
tary in London, accompanied by the usual fees it
will be duly attended to. If the application be
approved, and authority given accordingly, a
Warrant* is issued, together with a book of Con

* The Warrant is an instrument printed on vellum or

parchment, signed by some Nobleman as Grand Master, his
Deputy, the Grand Wardens, and Grand Secretary: to which
the seal of the Grand Lodge as well as that of the Grand
Master, is affixed: constituting certain persons, therein named,
as Master and Wardens, with full power to congregate and
hold a Lodge, at such a place, and therein “to make and
admit Freemasons, according to the most ancient and honor
able custom of the Royal Craft. Without such an instrument,
50 - CONSTITUTION

stitutions and a Bye-Law Book filled up in a proper

Inanner".

When the Grand Master and all his Officers

attend, the Grand Lodge is said to be in AMPLE
FoRM; if the Deputy Grand Master only, with the
other Grand Officers attend, it is said to be IN DUE
FoRM: but if the power is delegated to a Past-.
master of a private Lodge, it is then said to be
constituted IN FoRM.

The Grand Lodge being opened, and the can

didates or new Master and Wardens being yet.
among their Fellows, the Grand Master shall ask
his Deputy if he has examined them, and whether
he finds the Master well skilled in the noble science,
and the Royal Art, and duly instructed in our
mysteries, &c, ; the Deputy answering in the af
firmative shall, by the Grand Master's order, take
the candidate from amongst his fellows, and present
him to the Grand Master, saying: Right Wor
shipful Grand Master, the Brethren here, desire to
be formed into a regular Lodge; and I present my
worthy Brother A. B. to be the Master, whom I

no set of Masons are legally authorized to hold meetings for the

purposes of Freemasonry.
 OF FREEMASONRY. 51

know to be of good morals and great skill, true and

trusty, and a lover of the whole Fraternity, where.
soever dispersed.

Then the Grand Master, placing the candi

date on his left hand, and having obtained the una
nimous consent of the brethren, shall say, after some
other ceremonies and expressions that cannot be
written: I constitute and form these good brethren
into a new and regular Lodge, and appoint you,
Brother A. B. the Master of it, not doubting your
capacity, and care, to preserve the cement of the
Lodge, and to support the honour and dignity of
the Craft.

Then the Deputy Grand Master, or some -*

other brother, shall rehearse the charge of a Master;

and the Grand Master shall ask the candidate, say
ing: Do you submit to these charges as Masters
have done in all ages * And the new Master signi
fying his cordial submission thereto, the Grand
Master shall, by certain significant ceremonies and
ancient usages, instal and present him with his
warrant, the book of constitutions, the bye-law
book, and the emblems of his office; and each of
them, the Grand Master, or his Deputy, or per
P
 52 CONSTITUTION

son acting for him, shall rehearse a short charge

that may be suitable to the occasion.

Next the members of this new Lodge, saluting

the Grand Master, shall return his worship their
thanks (according to the custom of Masters) and
shall immediately do homage to their new Master,
and (as faithful Craftsmen) signify their promise
of subjection and obedience to him by the usual
congratulations. -

The Deputy and Grand Wardens, and such

- other Brethren as are not members of this new

Lodge, shall next congratulate the new Master, and

he shall return his becoming acknowledgments, as
a Master-mason, first to the Grand Master and Grand
Officers, and afterwards to the rest in due form.

Then the Grand Master orders the new Master

to enter upon the excercise of his office, and calling
forth the Senior Warden, a Fellow-Craft" (Master
Mason) presents him to the Grand Master for his

* They were formerly called Fellow-Crafts, because the

Masons, of old, never gave any man the title of Master-Mason,
until he had first passed the chair.
*
 oF FREEMAsoNRY. 53

approbation, and to the new Lodge for their consent;

upon which the Senior or Junior Grand Warden,
or some other brother, shall rehearse the charge of
a Warden, of a private Lodge; and he signifying
his cordial submission thereto, the new Master shall
present him severally with the instruments of his
office, and, in an ancient manner and due forfii,
instal him in his proper place. * , • * * **,

In like manner the new Master shall call forth

his Junior Warden, who shall be a Master-mason,
and presented as above, to the Junior Grand War
den, or some brother acting in his stead, and shall
in like manner, be installed in his proper place; and
the brethren of this new Lodge shall signify their
obedience to these
congratulations new
due to Wardens,
Officers by rank.
of their their usual w

The Grand Master then gives all the brethren

joy of their Master and Wardens, and recommends
harmony, hoping their only contention will be a
laudable emulation in cultivating the Royal Art, and
the social virtues.

• The Grand Wardens generally install the Wardens at new

constitutions; as being best qualified for tiansacting such bu
siness.
54 CONSTITUTION.

Then the Grand Secretary, or some Brother

for him (by the Grand Master's order), in the name
of the Grand Lodge, declares and proclaims this
new Lodge duly constituted No. &c. -

::, . The Members of the new Lodge shall then,

after the custom of Master-Masons, return their
sincere thanks, for the honour of this constitution.

… The Grand Master orders the Grand Secretary

to register this new Lodge in the Grand Lodge
book, and to notify the same to all Lodges round
the globe; and, after some other ancient customs
and demonstrations of joy and satisfaction, the
Deputy Grand Master closes the Grand Lodge.
 OF FREEMASQNRY. 55
*
*** * . . .. . . . .. . . . . * , a
** * •
.
, , s: . . . .. ..

A PRAYER used at Opening the Lodge, or Making

a new Brother; used by Jewish Freemasons.

O Lord, excellent art thou in thy truth, and there

is nothing great in comparison to thee; for thine is
the praise, from all the works of thine hands, for
* : **
eVern Ore. - *- - - - - - - .. .. . .;

Enlighten us, beseech thee, in the true

- We

knowledge of Masonry: by the sorrows of Adam, -

thy first made man; by the blood of Abel, the holy

one; by the righteousness of Seth, in whom thod
art well pleased, and by thy cavenant with Noah,
in whose architecture thou wast, pleased to save the
seed of thy beloved; number us not among those
that know not thy statutes, nor the divine mystery
of the secret Cabala. . . . . . . .

But grant, we beseech thee, that the ruler of

this Lodge may be endued with knowledge and
wisdom, to instruct us and explain his secret myss
teries, as our holy Brother Moses * did (in his
* In the preface to the Mishna, we find this tradition of
the Jews explained as follows:
God not only delivered the law to Moses on Mount Sinai,
but the explanation of it likewise: when Moses came down from
 56 CoNSTITUTION

Lodge) to Aaron, to Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons

of Aaron, and the seventy elders of Israel.

...And grant that we may understand, learn, and

keep all the statutes and commandments of the
Lord, and this holy mystery, pure and undefiled
unto our live's end. Amen. *

* *
*

the unmot, and entered into his tent, Aaron went to visit him;
and Moses acquainted Aaron of the laws he received from God, .
together with the explanation of them. After this, Aaron placed
himself at the right hand of Moses, and Eleazor and Ithamar,
the sons of Aaron, were admitted, to whom Moses repeated what
he had just before told Aaron: these being seated, the one on the
right hand, the other on the left hand of Moses; the seventy
elders of Israel, who composed the Sanhedrim, came in; and
Moses again declared the same laws to them, with the interpre
tation of them, as he had done before to Aaron and his sons.
Lastly, all who pleased of the common people were invited to
enter, and Moses instructed them likewise in the same manner
as the rest; so that Aaron heard four times what Moses had been
taught of God upon Mount Sinai, Eleazar and Ithamar three
times, the seventy elders twice, and the people once. Moses
afterwards reduced the laws which he had received into writing,
but not the explanations of them; these he thought it sufficient
to trust to the memories of the above-mentioned persons, who,
being perfectly instructed in them, delivered them to their chil
dren, and they again to theirs from age to age.
 QF FREEMASONRY. 57

A PRAYER which is most general at Making or

Opening.

MOST holy and glorious Lord God, thou great

Architect of heaven and earth, who art the giver of
all good gifts and graces, and hath promised that
when two or three are gathered together in thy

Name, thou wilt be in the midst of them: in thy

Name we assemble and meet together, most humbly
beseeching thee to bless us in all our undertakings,
that we may know and serve thee aright, that all
our doings may tend to thy glory and the salvation
of our souls.

And we beseech thee, O Lord God, to bless

this our present undertaking, and grant that this
our new brother may dedicate his life to thy service,
and be a true and faithful brother among us. En
due him with a competency of thy divine wisdom,
that he may with the secrets of Freemasonry, be
able to unfold the mysteries of godliness and Chris
tianity. This we most humbly beg, in the Name,
and for the sake, of Jesus Christ, our Lord and
Saviour. Amen.
 58 CONSTITUTION

A PRAYER that was used amongst the Primitive

Christian Masons.

THE might of the Father of Heaven, and the

wisdom of his glorious Son, through the grace and
goodness of the Holy Ghost, being three persons in
one Godhead, be with as at our beginning, and give
us grace so to govern us here in out living, that
we hay eone to his bliss that never shall have end.
Artień. - •

+:

AHABATH OLAM. *

A PRAYER repeated in the Royal Arch Lodge at

Jérusalem. * *

THOU hast loved us, o Lord our God, with eter

mal love: thou hast spared us with great and ex
ceeding patienee, our Father and our King, for thy
great Name's sake, and for our father's sake who
trusted in thee, to whom thou didst teach the sta
tutes of life, that they might do after the statutes of
thy good pleasure with a perfect heart: so be thou

* See Dr. Wooton on the Mishna.

 OF FREEMASONRY. 59

merciful unto us, O our Father, merciful Father,

that sheweth mercy, have mercy upon us we be
seech thee, and put understanding into our hearts,
that we may understand, be wise, hear, learn,
teach, keep, do and perform, all the words of the
doctrine of thy law in love, and enlighten our eyes
in thy commandments, and cause our hearts to
cleave to thy law, and unite them in the love and
fear of thy NAME; we will not be ashamed, nor con
founded, nor stumble, for ever and ever.

Because we have trusted in thy HoLY, GREAT,

MIGHTY, and TERRIBLE NAME, we will rejoice
and be glad in thy salvation, and in thy mercies, Q
Lord our God: and the multitude of thy mercies
shall not forsake us for ever; Selah. And now
make haste and bring upon us ablessing, and peace
from the four corners of the earth: for thou art a
God that worketh salvation, and hast chosen us out of
every people and language; and thou, our King,
hast caused us to cleave to thy GREAT NAME, in
love to praise thee and to be united to thee, and to
love thy Name: blessed art thou, O Lord God, who
hast chosen thy people Israel in love,
60 CONSTITUTION .

GENERAL REGULATIONS
of THE

FREE & 4CCEPTED.M.A.S.O.V.S.

Old Regulations. New Regulations.

I. THE Grand Master I. THAT is, only when
or Deputy has full autho the Grand Wardens are
rity and right, not only absent, - for the Grand
to be present, but also to Master cannot deprive
preside in every Lodge them of their office with
with the Master of the out showing cause, fairly
Lodge on the left hand; appearing to the Grand
and to order his Grand Lodge, according to the
Wardens to attend him old regulation XVIII. So
who are not to act as that if they are present
Wardens of particular in a particular Lodge with
Lodges, but in his pre the Grand Master, they
sence, and at his com must act as Wardens
mand; for the Grand there. -

Master, while in a parti . Some Grand Lodges

 OF FREEMASONRY. 61

cular Lodge, may com have ordered that none

mand, the Wardens of but the Grand Master,
that Lodge, or any other his Deputy, and War
Master-mason, to act as dens (who are the only
his Wardens, pro-tem Grand . Officers) should
pore. wear their jewels in gold,
pendant to blue ribbands*
about their necks, and
white leather aprons with
blue silk; which cloath
* -

ing may also be worn by

former Grand Officers.
II. The Master of a II. If the Master of
particular Lodge, has the a particular Lodge is
right and authorityof con deposed, or should die,
gregating the Members of the Senior Warden shall
his Lodge into a Chapter, forthwith fill, the Mas- . .
upon any emergency or ter's chair till the next
occurrence, as well as to election of officers, and
appoint the time - and in all cases in the Mas
place of their usual form ter's absence he fills the
ing; and in case of death, chair, even though a for
or sickness, or necessary mer Master be present;
absence of the Master, except he has a mind to
the Senior Warden shall honour, a more skilful

* Grand Officers only should be distinguished by gold

jewels, and them according to their proper order; who
have also an undoubted right to wear purple, blue, white, or
crimsoil.
 62 CONSTITUTION

act as Master, pro tem Past Master; which is

Pore, if no brother is pre frequently the ease.
sent who has been Mas
ter of that Lodge before;
for the absent Master's
authority revertstothelast
Master present, though
he cannot act till the Se
nior Warden congregates
the Lodge.
III. The Master of each III. No Lodge shall be
private Lodge, or one moved from their stated
of the Wardens, or some place of meeting, to ano
other brother by appoint ther house, without giv
ment of the Master, shall ing previous notice to the
keep a book containing Grand Secretary (con
their bye-laws, the names taining reasons for the
of their members, and a removal) under the for
list of all the Lodges in feiture of one guinea to
town, with the usual the Grand Charity.*
times and places of their
forming, and also the
transactions of their own
Lodge, that are proper ||
to be written.

IV. No Lodge shall IV. Full and mature

make more than five new age has been long con
- brothers at one Meeting; sidered at twenty-one;
• For the method of removing, see Regulation IX.
 OF FREEMASONRY. 63

nor any man under the therefore persons having

age of twenty-five years, attained that age, and
who must then be his otherwise qualified are
own master: unless by eligible to become Mem
a dispensation from the bers of the Order.
Grand Master, or his
Deputy.
V. No man can be V. The Grand Secre
accepted a member of tary can direct the peti
any Lodge, without one tioners in the form of a
month's previous notice dispensation, if required:
being given; in order to this regulation cannot be
make due enquiry into dispensed with, but upon
the reputation and capa the mosturgent necessity.
eity of the candidate; un
less by a dispensation.
VI. No man can be en VI. No visitor, how
tered a brotherin any par ever skilled in Masonry,
ticular Lodge, or admitted shall be admitted into a
a member thereof, with Lodge, unless he is per
out the unanimous con sonally known to, or well
sent of the members pre vouched and recommen
sent, when the candidate ded by one of that Lodge
is proposed; and when then present.*
* The cause of the above new regulation being made, we
need not mention; but certain it is, that real Freemasons have
no occasion for any such regulation, they being able to distin
guish a true brother, let his country or language be ever so re
mote or obscure; nor is it in the power of false pretenders to
deceive them.
 64 CONSTITUTION

that consent is formally But it was found in

asked by the Master, they convenient to insist upon
are to give it in their own unanimity in several cases,
prudent way; either vir and therefore the Grand
tually, or in form; but Masters have allowed the

with unanimity: Nor is Lodges to admit a mem

this inherent privilege ber if there are not more
subject to a dispensation, than three ballots against
because the members of him; though some Lodges
a particular Lodge are the desire no such allowance.
best judges of it; for The local laws of each
should a turbulent mem Lodge must guide them
ber be imposed on them, in... this respect, some
it might spoil their har Lodges admit of one black
mony, or hinder the free ball only against, others
dom of their communica. two, but if three, no can
tion, and even break or didate can be admitted
- disperse the Lodge. on any pretence whatever
VII. Every new Bro under the authority of
ther, at his entry, is de this Grand Lodge.
centlyto clothe the Lodge,
that is, all the brethren VII. See this explan
present, and make some ed in the account of the
donation for the relief of constitution of general
indigent and decayed charity; Lodges are not
brethren, over and above limited as to their private
the allowance that may fund, but may take their
be stated in the bye-laws own method for distri
of that particular Lodge 5 buting it in charity.
 OF FREEMASONRY, 65

which charity shall be

kept by the Treasurer;
the candidate shall also
solemnly promise to sub
mit to the Constitutions,
and other good usages,
that shall be intimated to
him in time and place
convenient. .
VIII. No set or number VIII. Every Brother
of Brethren shall with concerned in making Ma
draw or separate them sons clandestinely, shall
selves from the Lodge in not be allowed to visit any
which they were made, Lodge till he has made
or were afterwards admit due submission even
ted members, unless the though the Brother so
Lodge become too mu admitted may be allowed.
merous; nor even then, None who make a stated
without a dispensation Lodge without the Grand
from the Grand Master Master's warrant, shall be
or Deputy; and when admitted into regular
thus separated, they must Lodges, till they make
either immediately join due submission and ob
themselves to such other tain grace.
Lodges as they shall like If any Brethren form
best (who are willing to a Lodge without leave,
receive them), or else ob and shall irregularly make
tain the Grand Master's (that is, without the
warrant to join informing Master's warrant) new
66 CONSTITUTION

a new Lodge, to be re Brothers, they shall not

gularly constituted in be admitted into any re
good time. gular Lodge, not even as
If any set or number visitors, till they render
of Masons shall take upon a good reason, or make
themselves to form a due submission.

Lodge without the Grand If any Lodge within

Master's warrant, the re London and its suburbs,
gular Lodges are not to shall cease to meet regu
countenance them, nor larly, during twelve suc
own them as fair brethren cessive months, and not
duly formed, nor approve keep up to the rules and
of their acts and deeds; orders of theGrand Lodge,
but must treat them as its number and place
rebels, until they humble shall be erased and dis
themselves as the Grand continued in the Grand
Master shall in his pru Lodge books; and if they
dence direct, and until petition to be inserted
he approve of them by or owned as a regular
his warrant signified to Lodge, it must lose its
the other Lodges, as is former place and prece
the custom when a new dency, and submit to a
Lodge is to be registered new Constitution.
in the Grand Lodge book. Whereas some extra
neous brothers have been
lately made in a clandes
tine manner; that is in
no regular Lodge, nor by
any authority or dispen
 OF FREEMASONRY. 67.
*** * *
sation from the Grand
Master, and for smalland
unworthy considerations:
... [to the dishonour of the:
... [Craft. - * * * **, .

The Grand Lodge de

creed, that no person so
made, nor any concerned
* in making him, shall be
: a Grand Officer, nor any
|officer of any private
Lodge; nor shall any
s"|such, partake of the ge
neral charity.
: IX. But if any brother IX. Whereas several
so far misbehave himself, disputes have arisen about
as to render his Lodge the removal of Lodges
uneasy, he shall be thrice from one house to ano
duly admonished by the ther, and it has been
Master and Wardens: in questioned in whom that

that Lodge formed; and power is invested, it is

if he will not refrain his hereby declared: That no
imprudence, nor obé Lodge be removed with
diently submit to the ad out the Master's know.
vice of his brethren, he ledge, that no motion be
shall be dealt with accord made for removing it in
ing to the bye-laws of that the Master's absence, and
particular Lodge; or else. that if the motion be se
in such a manner as the conded, and thirded, the
R
6s CONSTITUTION

Grand Lodge shall, in Master shall order sum

their prudence, think fit, monses to every individual
for which a new regu member, at least ten days
lation may be afterwards Previous, specifying the
made. business, and appointing
; , ; ;
a day for hearing and de
termining the question,
... and the determination
* .. . "
-
shall be made by the
majority; but if he be of
the minority against re
moving, the Lodge shall
not be removed unless the
majority consists of full
two thirds of the members
present.
But if the Master re
fuse to direct such sum
mons, either of the War.
dens may do it; and if
the Master neglect to
lattend on the day fixed,
the Warden may preside
in determining the said
question in the manner
prescribed, but they shall
not, in the Master's ab
sence, enter upon any
lother business but what is
 OF. FREEMASONRY. 69

particularly mentioned in
the summons. -

And if the Lodge is

thus regularly ordered to
be removed, the Master
or Warden shall send no
tice to the Grand Secre:
tary for the publishing
the same at the next
|Grand Lodge.
X. The majority of X. Upon a sudden
every particular Lodge, emergency, the Grand
when duly congregated, Lodge has allowed a pri
have the privilege of giv vate brother to be present,
ing instructions to their leave being asked and
IMaster and Wardens, be given, to signify his mind,
fore the meeting of the if it was about Masonry,
Grand Lodge, the said but not to vote. . . . .
'officers being their repre
sentatives, and supposed
to speak the sentiments
of their brethren, at the * * * * *

said Grand Lodge. ' ' ' '... . *. . . . * * * * *

- -
*
* ** -
| : .

XI. All particular Lodges XI. The same usages,

are to observe the like for substance, are actually
usages as much as pos observed in every regular
sible; in order to which, Lodge of real free and ac
and also for cultivating cepted Masons, which is
a good understanding much owing to visiting
po ... CONSTITUTION

among Freemasons, some Brethren, who compare

members of every Lodge the usage.*
shall be deputed to visit
other Lodges, as often
as shall be convenient,
- XII. The Grand Lodge XII. There must be no
consists of, and is formed less than the Masters and
by, the Masters and War Wardens of five regular
dens of all the particular Lodges, together with one
Lodges upon record, with or all the Grand Officers
the Grand Mater at their at their head, to form a
head; the Deputy on his Grand Lodge.”
right, and the Grand No new Lodge is owned,
Wardens in their places. nor their officers admitted
!, These must have their into the Grand Lodge, un
quarterly 'communica less it be regularly consti
tions or monthly meet tuted and registered.
ings and adjournments, as * ...All who have been or
often as occasion requires, shall be. Grand Masters,
in some convenient place, shall be members of, and
as the Grand Master shall vote in all Grand Lodges.
appoint, where none shall ... All who have been or
be present but its own shall be Teputy Grand
T

It is a truth beyond contradiction, that the Free and Ac

cepted Masons in Ireland and Scotland, and the Ancient Masons
of England, have one and the same customs, usages, and ceremo
nies; but this is not the case with the Modern Masons in Eng
land, who differ materially, not only from the above, but from
most Masons in all parts of the world. . . .. "
 OF - FREEMASONRY. 7k

proper members, without Masters, shall be mem:

leave; and while such a bers of and vote in all
stranger (though a bro Grand Lodges.**
ther) stays, he is not al *All who have been or
lowed to vote, nor (even shall be Grand Wardens,
to speak to any question, shall be members of, and
without leave of the Grand votein all Grand Lodges.
Lodge, or 'unless he is ..., Masters or Wardens of
desired to, give his opi: particular Lodges, shall
nion. ...: 3 +... ." . In never attend the Grand
All matters : in the Lodge without theirjewels
Grand Lodge are deter: and proper clothing "g
mined by a majority of at If any officer of a pri"
votes, each member hav vate Lodge cannot attend
ing one vote, and the any Grand or Steward's
Grand Master two votes, Lodge, he may, depute
unless the Grand Lodge arbrother of: his Lodge
leave any particular thing that has served in that on
to the determination of a higher office to attend
the Grand Master, for the in his stead, with his
sake of expedition. -- jewel and clothing, and
- .. . . . support the honour of
* |his Lodge." "
XIII. At the Grand XIII What business
Lodge meeting, all mat cannot be transacted at
ters that concern the Fra any Grand Lodge, may
• ** *

* Past Masters of warranted Lodges on record, are allowed

this privilege, whilst they continue to be members of any regular
lodge.
72 CONSTITUTION

termity in general or par be referred to the com:

tieular Lodges, or single mittee of charity, and by
brothers, are sedately and them reported to the next
imaturely to be discoursed Grand Lodge. ."
***
ef. : : * : * ~ * -
*** ** *
The Master of a Lodge
... ... gods.” . . . . . . with his Wardens and a
1*"Apprentices must competent number of the
be admitted Fellow-crafts Lodge assembled in due
and Masters' only here, form, can make Masters
unless by a dispensation and Fellows at the meet
from the Grand Master." ings of their private
2” Here also all differ Lodges, when duly con
rences that cannot bemade gregated. -
*

up, or aceommodated ~. It was agreed in the

privately, nor by a parti Grand Lodge that no
cular Lodge, are to be petitions or appeals shall
seriously considered and be heard on the annual
decided; and if any bro Grand Lodge or Feast
ther thinks himself ag day; nor shall any busi
grieved by the decision, ness be transacted that
T-I-T- *-*=
* ---..

* This is a very ancient regulation, new Masons being ge

nerally made at private Lodges; however, the Right Worshipful
Grand Master has full power and authority to make (or cause to
be made in his Worship's presence) Free and Accepted Masons
at sight, and such making is good. But they cannot be made
out of his Worship's presence, without a written dispensation for
that purpose. Nor can his Worship oblige any warranted Lodge
to receive the persons so made if the Members should declare
against him or them; but, in such case, the Right Worshipful
Grand Master may grant them a warrant and form them into a
new Lodge. - . .
 OF FREEMASONRY. 73.

he may appeal to the tends to interrupt the

Grand Lodge next en harmony of the assem
suing, and leave his ap bly, but all shall be re
peal in writing, with the ferred to the next Grand
Grand Master, the De or Stewards' Lodge.
puty, or Grand War
dens. *
3° Hither also all theof These lists are brought
ficers of particular Lodges to the Grand Lodge every
shall bring a list of such quarter, viz. on the first
members as have been Wednesdays in March,
made, or even admitted June, September, and
by them since the last December. . .. . . .
Grand Lodge. |
4” There shall be a
book kept by the Grand
Master or Deputy, or
rather by some other bro
ther appointed Secretary
of the Grand Lodge,
wherein shall be recorded
all the Lodges, with the
usual times and places of
t

their forming, and the

* This was the custom of old; but ever since the institution
of the office of Grand Secretary, all writings in the nature of
appeals and petitions, must be left with him, three days prior to
the meeting, at which it is intended to be taken into consi.
deration.

-------- - - -
74. CONSTITUTION * *

names of all the members 1 a * * * .. . ..

* ,
f -
of each Lodge; also all
the affairs of the Grand *

Lodge that are proper to | *

be written. ** * * . .

5° The Grand Lodge #: - • *

shall consider of the most ||

* *

prudent - and effectuall , , ,, , . .." :

; :" .. ......
means of collecting and -> s

& ! :: *: ;
disposing of what money || “.
r
shall be lodged with them | *

on charity, towards the

relief only, of any true - Y
*/ * * *
brother, fallen into po * *
-

i:---> ** * *
verty and decay; but *

* *
* -

none else. • ** * #* **

6° Each particular See Regulations for

Lodge may dispose of Charity," which are in:
their own charity for poor serted at the end of the
s - •* * f. - -

brothers, according to New Regulations. i. 9

1. , , ,,, ," ... 3", ... '"
their own bye-laws, until || * . . . . . .
{* . . . . .. . s C ...
it be agreed by all Lodges
‘.
(in a new regulation") to y *
*
* *: * ** *

... .‘. . ;. . . . . . ..."

carry in the charity col ** * * * • *

- -- - --

lected by them to the

“. . . . . . . .'; ; ; ; < *
Grand Lodge at their . .
*/ " .. . **** * *

quarterly or annual com-l. .*.*.*.** - i.

** - a -i

* See this explained in the regulation for charity. ...-e

 OF FREEMASONRY, 75

munication, in order to
make a common stock for
the more handsome re
lief of poor brethren.
7°. They shall appoint
a Treasurer, a brother of
worldly substance, who
shall be a member of the
Grand Lodge by virtue
of his office, and shall be
always present and have|:
power to move to the
Grand Lodge any thing
that concerns his office.
8°. To him shall bel
committed all money
raised for the general cha
rity, or for any other use
of the Grand Lodge,
which he shall write down
in a book, with the res-|
pective ends and uses for
which the several sums
are intended, and shall
expend or disburse the
same by such a certain
order signed, as the
Grand Lodge shall here
after agree to, in a new
regulation.
76 CONSTITUTION

But by virtue of his |

office, as Treasurer, with-|
out any other qualifica-|
tion, he shall not vote in ||
choosing a new Grand |
Master and Grand War
dens, though in every||
other transaction.
9°. In like manner the
Secretary shall be a mem.
ber of the Grand Lodge,
by virtue of his office,
and shall vote in every||
thing, except in choosing|
Grand Officers.
10°. The Treasurer and

Secretary may have each

a clerk or assistant if they
think fit, who must be a]
brother and a Master-ma
son, but must never be a -

member of the Grand!

Lodge, nor speak without
being allowed or com
manded.
11°. The Grand Mas
ter, or Deputy, has au
thority always to com
mand the Treasurer and!'
 oF FREEMAsONRY.

Secretary to attend him,

with their clerks and
'books, in order to see
how matters go on, and
to know what is expe
dient to be done upon
any emergency.
12°. Another Brother Another Brother and
and Master-mason should Master-mason is appoin
-be appointed the tyler, to ted pursuivant and sta
look after the door; but tioned at the inward door
he must be no member of of the Grand Lodge; his
the Grand Lodge. business is to report the
13°. But these offices names and titles of all that
may be farther explained want admittance; and he
by a new regulation, when |is to go upon messages,
the necessity or expe &c. but is not a member
diency of them may more of the Grand Lodge,
appear than at present to nor allowed to speak,
the Fraternity. -|without permission from
- | the Grand Master.
XIV. If at any Grand XIV. The right of
Lodge, stated or occa Grand Wardens was for

sional, monthly or annual, merly omitted in this re

the Grand Master and gulation; it has been since
Deputy, should both be found, that the old Lodges
absent, then the present never put into the chair,
Master of a Lodge that the Master of any private
has been longest a Free |Lodge, but when there
78 CONSTITUTION.

mason, shall take the was no present or past

chair and preside as Grand Grand Warden in com
Master, pro tempore, and pany; and that in such
shall be vested with all case, a Grand Officer al

the honour and power for ways took place of any

the time being, provided Master of a Lodge that
there is no Brother pre has not been a Grand
sent that has been Grand Officer.
Master or Deputy for Therefore, in the ab
merly; for the last Grand sence of the Grand Mas
Master or Deputy in com ter and his Deputy, the
pany, takes precedence present Senior Grand
of right in the absence of Warden fills the chair;
the Grand Master or De in his absence, the Junior
puty. Grand Warden; and in
his absence, the eldest
former Grand Warden
in company; and should
no former Grand Officer
be present, then the oldest
Freemason who may be
the Master of a Lodge.*
But, to avoid disputes,
when the Deputy Grand
Master is not in town,
the Grand Master usually

* The preference is generally given to the Master of the

Senior Lodge, without regard to the age of the Masters.
 OF FREEMASONRY. 79

|gives an especial commis

sion, under his hand and
seal of office, counter
signed by the Grand Se
cretary; to the Senior
Grand Warden, or some
other Brother duly quali
fied, to act as Deputy
Grand Master. .

XV. In the Grand XV. Soon after the

Lodge none can act as original edition of these
Grand Wardens but the Constitutions, the Grand
present Grand Wardens, Lodge, finding it had al
if in company; and if ways been the ancient
absent, the Grand Mas usage, that the oldest Past
ter shall order private Grand Warden, acted in
Wardens to act as Grand the absence of either
Wardens, pro tempore, Grand Wardens, for the
whose places are to be current year: The Grand
supplied by two Master Masters have ordered the
masons of the sameLodge, same practice to be ob
called forth to act, or sent served; except when
thither by the Master they may wave their pri
thereof; or if by him vilege in compliment to
omitted, the Grand Mas some other Brother, that
ter, or he that presides, may be duly qualified.
shall call them forth to But in case no present
act: so that the Grand or former Grand Wardens
Lodge may be always are in company, the
Complete. Grand Master, or pre
 CONSTITUTION:

siding Grand Officer may

| appoint whom he pleases,
| to act as Grand Wardens,
|pro tempore.
, XVI. 1". The Grand XVI. 1°. This was in
Wardens, or any others, tended for the ease of the
are first to advise with the Grand Master, and the
Deputy about the affairs honour of the Deputy,
of the Lodges, or of pri which continues to be the
vate Brothers, and are practice.
not to apply to the Grand
Master without the know
ledge of the Deputy, un
less he refuse his concur
£enCe.

2°. In which case, or 2". No such case has

in case of any difference happened in our time; all
of sentiment between the Grand Masters having go
Teputy and Grand War verned more by love than
dens, or other Brothers, power.
both parties are by mu
tual consent, to appeal to
-the Grand Master, who,
by virtue of his great au
thority and power can de
cide and make up the dif

ference.
3° The Grand Master 3". No irregular appli
should not receive any cations have been made,
private intimations of bu in our time, to the Grand
 OF FREEMASONRY. SI:

siness concerning Masons, Master, and we hope,

*

or of Masonry, but from never will. ... ." ""

- -

- A. -

his Deputy: except in . .. . . . "

*
such cases as his Worship A.

can easily judge of; and

if the application to the
Grand Master be irregu
lar, he can order the
Grand Wardens, or any
so applying, to wait upon
the Deputy, who is to
prepare the business, and!
lay it regularly before his
worship.
XVII. No Grand Mas XVII. Former Grand,
ter, Deputy Grand Mas Officers may some of them.
ter, Grand Warden, Trea be Officers of particular.
surer, or Secretary, or Lodges, they are not
whoever acts for them, thereby deprived of their
pro tempore, can at the privilege in the Grand
same time act as the Mas Lodge, to sit and vote as
ter or Warden of a parti old Grand Officers; such
cular Lodge: but as soon Brothers may depute a
as such an one may have past Officer of their own.
discharged his public of: Lodge, to act pro tempore,
fice, he returns to that as the Officer of that
post or station in his pri Lodge, at any general
vate Lodge, from which Meeting of the Grand
he was called to officiate. | Lodge. -
82 CONSTITUTION

XVIII. 1". If the De XVIII.1°. The Senior

puty be sick, or necessa Grand Warden now, ever
rily absent, the Grand supplies the Deputy's
Master can choose any place:* the Junior acts
brother he pleases to act as the Senior; the oldest
as his Deputy, pro tem former Grand Warden,
pore. as the Junior; and the
oldest Mason, as formerl
|stated.
2". But he that is chosen || 2". This was never done
Deputy at the installa in our time, . See new re
tion, as also Grand War gulation I.
dens, cannot be dis- | . . . . .. . ..

charged, unless the cause

shall fairly appear to the
Grand Lodge. -

3°. For the Grand Mas 3°. Should this case

ter, if he is uneasy, may ever happen the Grand
call a Grand Lodge, Oil
Master appoints his De
purpose to lay the cause puty; and the Grand
before them, for their ad Lodge, the other Grand
vice and concurrence. Officers.
XIX. If the Grand But if the Grand Lodge
Lodge cannot reconcile want to get rid of the
the Grand Master with Deputy they must choose
his Deputy or Wardens, a new Grand Master, by

* This is done by courtesey, the Grand Master only, having

power to appoint and discharge his Deputy, at pleasure.
*
 OF FREEMASONRY. 83

they are to allow the which means the Deputy's

Grand Master todischarge chair becomes vacant.

his Deputy or Wardens, The Freemasons firm

and to choose another ly hope, that there never
Deputy immediately; and will be occasion for such
the Grand Lodge, in that a regulation.
case, shall elect other
Grand Wardens; so that
harmony and peace may
be preserved.
XX. The Grand Mas XX. Or else he shall
ter, with his Deputy, send his Grand Officers to
Grand Wardens, and Se visit the Lodges; this old
cretary, shall once at least, and laudable practice it
during his mastership, is that renders a Deputy
visit all the Lodges in and necessary. When he vi
about London. . sits a private Lodge, and
having assumed the chair,
the Senior Grand War
i den acts as Deputy, the
Junior as the Senior, as
above; and if both, or
either of them be absent,
the Deputy, or presiding
Grand Officer, may ap
point whom he pleases in
their stead.*
---

* The brother appointed must be a Master or Past Master

of a Lodge. -*

- T.
84 CONSTITUTION:

For when both the

Grand Masters are absent
! the Senior or Junior
Grand Warden may pre
side as Deputy in visiting
the Lodges or in consti
tuting a new Lodge; nei
! ther of which can be done
without at least one of
the present Grand Offi
cers; except in places at
too great distance from
the Grand Lodge, and in
such case some faithful

brother, who has passed

the chair, &c. shall have
a proper deputation under
the Grand Lodge Seal",
for constituting such new
Lodge or Lodges, in dis
* .
tant parts, where the
** * e Grand Officers cannot

conveniently attend.
xxi. If hegrandMas XXI. Upon such a va
ter should die, during his cancy, if no former Grand
Mastership, or be other Master, nor former De
:

* The Grand Master or his Deputy may use their private

seals; but if the order is made in their absence, the Grand
Lodge Seal must be affixed thereto.
 OF. FREEMASONRY. 85

wise incapable of dischar puty be found, the pre

ging his office, the Depu sent Senior Grand War
ty, or in his absence, the den shall fill the chair, or
Senior or Junior Grand in his absence the Junior,

Warden, or in their ab till a new Grand Master is

sence any three Masters chosen; and if no present
of Lodges, shall assemble nor former Grand War
at the Grand Lodge, in den be found, then the
order to advise together oldest Freemason who is
upon the emergency, and now the Master of a
to send two of their num Lodge. This privilege is
ber to invite the last generally given up to the
Grand Master to resume Master of the oldest
his office, which of course Lodge, without regard to
reverts to him ; and if he the age of the man, or the
declines to act, then the time he was made.
one preceding, and so
backward, is invited: but
if no former Grand Mas
ter be found, the present
Deputy shall act as prin
cipal till a new Grand
Master be chosen.
XXII. The Brethren XXII. Or any Brethren
of all the regular Lodges who are true and faithful
in and near London, shall members of the Ancient
meet in some convenient Craft, are to meet at the
place on every St. John's place appointed, and none
day; and when business but members of the Grand.
86. coSSTITUTION

is over, they may repair Lodge areadmitted within

to their festival dinners, the doors during the elec
as they shall think most tion of Grand Officers.
convenient; and when It is the general custom
St. John's day happens to choose the Grand Offi
to
be on a Sunday, then the cers a considerable time
public meeting shall be before St. John's day, viz.
on the next Monday. on the first Wednesday
The Grand Lodge must in December or sooner,
meet in some convenient but for many years past
place on St. John the the election has taken
Evangelist's day, in every place on the first Wed
year, in order to proclaim nesday in September,
the new, or recognize the there being a law for that
old Grand Master, De purpose.
puty, and Grand War.
den.
XXIII. If the present XXIII. Application
Grand Master shall con shall be made to the
sent to contine a second Grand Master, by the
year, then one of the Deputy, or such Brother
Grand Lodge, deputed whom the Grand Lodge
for that purpose shall re. shall appoint, in case of
present to the Brethren, his failure, at least one
his Worship's good go month before St. John
vernment, &c. and turn the Evangelist's day, in
ing to him shall in the order to enquire whether
name of the Grand Lodge his worship will do the
humble request him to do Fraternity the great ho
 OF FREEMASONRY. 87

the Fraternity the great nour (or kindness) of con

honour (if nobly born, if tinuing in his office ano
otherwise, the great kind. ther year, or of nomina
ness) of continuing to be ting his successor; and if
their Grand Master for his worship should at that
the year ensuing; and his time happen to be out of
worship declaring his as town, or the person whom
sent thereto, in manner he shall think proper to
he thinks proper, the succeed him ; then the
Grand Secretary shall Deputy Grand Master
thrice proclaim him aloud, shall write to either, or
* GRAND MASTER both, concerning the
oR

MASONS : same, copies of which

All the members of the letters shall be transcribed
Grand Lodge shall salute in the transaction-book of
him in due form, accord the Grand Lodge, toge
ing to the ancient and ther with the answers re
laudable custom of Free ceived.
InaSOnS.

XXIV. The present XXIV. This is the ge

Grand Master shall nomi neral practice of Grand
nate his successor for the Lodges, for they seldom
year ensuing; who, if or never disapprove the
unanimously approved by choice.
the Grand Lodge, and The present Grand Mas
there present, shall be ter may order any Bro
proclaimed, saluted, and ther, well skilled in the

*The Masons of old addressed their Grand Masters by the

title of Right Worshipful,
 88 CONSTITUTION

congratulated as the new ceremony, to assist him

Grand Master, and im in installing the new
mediately installed by the Grand Master.
last Grand Master, ac
cording to ancient usage.*
But if that nomination There has been no oc

is not unanimously ap casion for this old regula

proved, the new Grand tion in our time, the
Mastershall be chosen im Grand Lodge having con
mediately by ballot, viz. stantly approved the
every Master and War Grand Master's choice.

den writing the name of

his choice, and the last
Grand Master writing the
Brother's name whom he

would approve, and the

papercontaining the name
the Grand Master shall

first take out of a glass,

shall be GRAND MASTER
of MAsoNs for the year en
suing: and if present he
shall be proclaimed, sa
luted, and congratulated,
and forthwith installed by
the last Grand Master, ac
cording to ancient usage.

* This is a most noble and grand ceremony, and cannot be

described in writing, nor ever known to any but Master Masons.
 OF FREEMASONRY.

XXV. 1°. The last XXV. 1". A Deputy

Grand Master being con was always needful when
tinued, or the new Grand the Grand Master ... was
Master thus installed shall nobly born, and this old
next, as his inherent right regulation has been al
nominate and appoint his ways practised in our
Deputy Grand Master, time. - :

who shall also be pro * t

claimed, saluted, and con

gratulated in due form. -

2°. The new Grand 2". This old regulation

Master shall also nomi has been sometimes found
nate his Grand Wardens; inconvenient; therefore
and if unanimously ap the Grand Lodge reserve
proved by the Grand to themselves the elec
Lodge, they shall also be tion of Grand Wardens;
forthwith proclaimed, sa where any member has a
luted, and congratulated right to nominate one,
in due form.
and the two persons who
may have the majority of -

votes (still preserving due

harmony) are declared
duly elected, - - -

XXVI. That if the Bro XXVI. The proxy

ther whom the present must be either the last, or
Grand Master shall nomi a former Grand Master,
nate for his successor, or or else a very reputable
whom the Grand Lodge Brother. -

shall choose by ballot (as Nor is the new Deputy,

90 CONSTITUTION

above) be out of town, or the Grand Wardens,

and has returned his an allowed proxies when ap

swer, that he will accept pointed. -

of the office of Grand

Master, he shall be pro

claimed as before in old

regulation XXIII, and

may be installed by proxy,
who must be the present
or former Grand Master,
and shall act in his name,
end receive the usual ho-l
nours, homage, and con
gratulations.
XXVII. Every Grand XXVII. All the alte
Lodge has an inherent rations, or new regula
power and authority to tions above written, are
make new regulations, or only for amending or ex
to alter these for the real plaining the old regula
benefit of the ancient Fra tions for the good of Ma
ternity, provided always, sonry, without breaking
that the old land marks be in upon the ancient rules
carefully preserved; and of the Fraternity, still
that such new regulations preserving the old land ,
and alterations be pro marks, and were made
posed and agreed to, by at several times (as occa
the Grand Lodge, and sion offered) by the Grand
that they be offered to the Lodge, who have an in
perusal of all the Bre herent power of amending
 OF FREEMASONRY. 91

thren in writing, whose what may be thought in

approbation and consent convenient, and ample
(or the majority thereof) authority of making new
is absolutely necessary to regulations for the good
make the same binding of Freemasonry, which
and obligatory; which has not been disputed;
must therefore, after the for the members of the
new Grand Master is in Grand Lodge are truly
stalled, be solemnly de the representatives of all
sired and obtained from the Fraternity, according
the Grand Lodge, as it to old regulation X.
was for these old regula.
tions by a great number
of Brethren.
92 CONSTITUTION

ADDITIONAL REGULATIONS,
Extracted from the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge, which are ordered
to be observed.

The Right IIon. EARL of BLESSINTON, Grand

Master, June 1, 1757.
UNANIMOUSLY ORDERED,

That if any Master, Wardens, or presiding

Officer, or any other Person whose Business it may
be to admit Members or Visitors, shall admit, or
entertain in his or their Lodge, during Lodge hours,
or the time of transacting the proper Business of
Freemasonry, any Member or Visitor not strictly an
Ancient Mason, conformable to the Grand Lodge
Rules and Orders, such Lodge so transgressing, shall
forfeit their Warrant, and the same may be disposed
of by the Grand Lodge.

The Right Hon. THOMAS EARL of KELLIE, &c.

Grand Master, September 2, 1761.
ORDERED,
That every person made a Mason, shall pay a
sum not less than two guineas.”
* In Grand Lodge, March 4th, 1812, the fee of Initiation
was raised to three guineas. See page 100.
 OF FREEMASONRY. 93

It was also orDERED,

That the whole sum usually charged for Ini
tiation in any Lodge, shall be paid on the night of
entrance, and upon conviction of any Lodge, giving
credit for the whole, or any part thereof, the said
Lodge shall forfeit to the Fund of Charity the sum
-

of one guinea; such forfeit to be levied on the

warrant; and in case of non-payment, within six
calendar months, the warrant to be cancelled.

His Grace JoHN (the 3d) DUK E of ATHo LL, Grand

Master, Sept. 2d, 1772.
It having been represented to the Grand Lodge,
that several Brethren had lately appeared in public
with gold lace and fringe, together with many de
vices on their aprons, &c. which was thought in
consistent with the dignity, propriety and ancient
custom of the Craft.

RESOLVED AND ORDERED,

That for the futnre, no Brethren, Grand Offi

cers excepted, shall appear with gold lace, gold
fringe, gold embroidery, or any thing resembling
gold, on their Masonic clothing or ornaments. s
94 CONSTITUTION

His Grace JoHN (the 4th) DUKE of ATHoll, &c. &c.

Grand Master, Sept. 2d, 1778.
RESOLVED AND ORDERED,
That the Grand Master, and rest of the Grand
Officers, be nominated on the first Wednesday of *

every September.
The Right Honourable RAND ALL WILLIAM, EARL of
AN TRIM, &c. &c. Grand Master, Sept. 29th, 1785.
ORDERED, -

That the Grand Secretary, together with his

Deputy, shall attend and regulate all masonic pro
cessions, at which the Grand Officers may be
present.
That the Grand Secretary, or his Deputy,
shall attend and regulate all funeral processions, or
dered by the Grand Master, or his Deputy, accord
ing to the regulations of July 13th, 1753.
That the Grand Secretary shall be subject to
all and every the private and general regulations as
Grand Secretaries and their Deputies have been
from time immemorial.
That the Grand Secretary, and his Deputy hav
ing well and truly executed and performed the du
ties of the Grand Secretary's Office, shall be en
titled to receive all such fees, emoluments, and pri
 OF FREEMASONRY, 95

vileges as have been legally taken and received by

any of the former Grand Secretaries of this Right
Worshipful Grand Lodge. - * * ** * ,

* That the Grand Secretaries shall be free of all

expense at their visitiug the Lodges, as other Secre
taries' privileges have been. .

March 7th, 1787. . .. . . .

REsolved AND ORDERED,
That no business of any sort be entered upon,
at any meeting of the Grand Lodge, after eleven
o'clock; and that the Grand Secretary do attend
early, for the purpose of collecting the dues and
contributions of the different Lodges as the Bre
thren enter. -

*
*

His Grace the DUKE of ATHoLL, Grand Master,

March 7th, 1792.
Upon reading the Report and Regulations of
the last General Grand Chapter,
RESOLVED AND ORDERED,
That a general uniformity of the practice and
ceremonies of the Ancient Craft, may be preserved
and handed down unchanged to posterity. The
Lodges in London and Westminster, shall be re
quired to recommend a Brother from each Lodge,
*
96 * CONSTITUTION ...)

who must be a Master or Past Master and otherwise

well skilled in the Craft, to be put in nomination at
the Grand Chapter, in October of each year, to be
elected one of the nine Excellent Masters; who are
allowed to visit the Lodges: and should occasion
require, they are to report thereon to the Grand
Chapter, or the Right Worshipful Deputy Grand
Master, who will act as he shall deem necessary.

t September 5, 1792.
f REsolved AND or DERED,
That the Right Worshipful Grand Master or
his Deputy be requested to grant such Warrants
as are vacant, to such Lodges as apply for the same,
giving the preference or choice to the senior
Lodges respectively; And that the Sum of Five
Guineas to be paid into the Fund of Charity, shall
be the established fees on taking out a senior
Warrant.
Q

December 5, 1792.
ORDERED,

That the sum of three Shillings be in future

paid to the Grand Secretary for a Master Mason's
Grand Lodge Certificate; he paying the expense of
parchment and printing the same. -
 OF FREEMASONRY, 97

December 11, 1793.

oRDERED, -

That immediately after the quarterly commu

nication of December in every year, the Grand
Secretary, shall summon a Meeting of the Grand
Officers and the Masters of the Town Lodges, to
meet within one week for the purpose of inspecting
and auditing the Accounts of the current year; and
report thereon to the next meeting of the Grand
Lodge.

March 5, 1794.
RESOLVED AND ORDERED,

That the Country, Foreign, and Military,

Lodges, holding warrants under the Ancient Grand
Lodge of England (where no Grand Lodge is held),
shall pay to the Grand Fund of Charity, the sum of
Five Shillings upon the registry of every new-made
Mason, independent of, and with the Grand Secre
tary's Fee of one Shilling, as usual. And they are
requested to make a return of all such new-made
Masons to be registered on or near every St. John's
Day, viz. in June and December. - -

The Lodges in and adjacent to London to pay

as heretofore,—Ten Shillings and Sixpence for every
98 CONSTITUTION

new-made Mason; exclusive of one Shilling to the

Grand Secretary,—and one Shilling per quarter for
each contributing member to the Lodge.

March 7, 1798.
RESOLVED AND ORDERED,
That the Stewards' Lodge be in future em
powered to relieve distressed Brethren with any sum,
according to their discretion, not exceeding Ten
Pounds. ... - _

oRDERED, . . .

That no Sum of Money granted by the Stew

ards' Lodge to any petitioning Brother, shall be
paid to any person but the petitioner himself, who
if prevented to attend the Committee by indisposi
tion or other cause; it shall be left in the hands of
the Grand Secretary or his Deputy; who is to see
that the relief intended, shall reach the hands of
the party so applying.

June 1st, 1803.

ORDERED,

That in order to prevent the intrusion of impro

per persons into the Grand Lodge, and for the bet
ter conducting the business thereof during that time,
none but the immediate members be permitted to
 OF FREEMASON RY. 99

enter the Grand Lodge without leave from the

Grand Master or presiding Grand Officer, and that
each member shall sign his name and rank in his
Lodge, in a book provided for that purpose, in the
outer porch. And the Excellent Masters for the
time being, shall be required, in rotation, to attend
early, and carry the same into effect.
ORDERED,
That the Grand Secretary or his Deputy shall
attend the Steward's Lodge, with the Books, punc
tually at seven o'clock, in default whereof, to be
subject to a fine of Two Shillings and Sixpence.

STEwARD's Lo DCE, April 16th, 1806.

It was recommended to the Grand Lodge, that
the Grand Secretary shall not be allowed to receive
partial quarterage from individual Members, on any
pretence whatever; which being read in Grand
Lodge, 4th June following—was unanimously con
firmed, and ordered accordingly.

GRAND Lo DC E, 4th March, 1812.

RESOLVED AND ORDERED,

That from and after the next quarterly meet

ing of the Grand Lodge in September next, no
person shall be made a Mason in any warranted -

X
100 CONSTITUTION

Lodge, under the Constitution, for a less sum than

THREE Pounds THREE SHILLINGs, upon any pre
tence whatsoever, under no less a penalty than that
of forfeiting their warrant, and the same shall be
cancelled and disposed of, as all other dormant war
rants have been renewed in times past.

June 3, 1812.
RESOLVED AND ORDERED, -

That every Lodge in and adjacent to the cities

of London and Westminster, upon the Registering
of every new-made Mason, shall contribute and pay
the Sum of Five Shillings; and that every Country,
Foreign, and Military Lodge, upon the Registering
of every new-made Mason, shall in like manner pay
the Sum of Two Shillings and Sir Pence; which
Sums shall go, and be paid in aid of the “Institu
tion for Clothing and Educating the Sons of De
ceased and Indigent Ancient Freemasons.”
 OF FREEMASONRY. - 101

|MASONIC CHARITY.

July 3, 1798.

A meeting took place for the purpose of

establishing a Masonic Charity, for educating and
clothing the Sons of indigent Freemasons. A sub
scription was opened to carry this object into execu
tion, and six children were immediately put upon
the establishment. Since that period the Charity
has been gradually approaching to its present
flourishing state. Aided by the very liberal con
tributions of the Masonic Craft, in all parts of the
world, of the Grand Lodge in particular, the Right
Worshipful the Grand Master, His Grace the
Duke of Atholl, the several Grand Officers indivi
dually, as well as of many others not of the Fra
termity, but who have felt proud to assist so laud
able an institution ; its funds have generally in- |

creased, and the establishment has been extended.

The number of children, who partake of the bene
fits of this Charity, which was originally only six,
has been gradually enlarged; and at the celebration .
102 constituTION

of the jubilee, when all ranks of society joined in

joyful commemoration of our gracious Sovereign's
long and happy reign, the establishment was in
creased to fifty, that being the number of years
during which his Majesty had then held the do
minion of these realms.
The children admitted on this Charity are
elothed, and put out to school, in the neigh
bourhood of their residence, at the expense of
the Institution, the funds not being yet extensive
enough for the erection of a School-house; which
object, however, by the aid of future voluntary
contributions, the Directors of the establishment
hope hereafter to accomplish. The more especially
as, at the present period, all classes of subjects
are striving who shall be foremost in giving edu
cation to the poor of all denominations. Upon such
an occasion, the Masonic Body, it is hoped, will
not be backward in contributing to so good a work,
The impulse of Charity is universal; when there
fore every other class of the community is distri
buting, with a liberal hand, enlightenment and edu
cation to the poor, the principles of Masonry de
mand that Freemasons should not neglect theirs.
 OF - FREEMASONRY. 103

REGULATIONs
GOVERNMENT OF THE GRAND LODGE
- * THE TIME OF * *

1°. That no Brothers be admitted into the Grand

Lodge, but the immediate members thereof, viz.
the four present and all former Grand Officers, the
Treasurer and Secretary, the Masters, Wardens,
and Past Masters, of all regular Lodges; except a
Brother who is a petitioner or witness in some
case, or one called in by motion. s:

2°. That at the third stroke of the Grand Mas

ter's gavel, there shall be a general silence; and
that he who breaks silence, without leave from
the chair shall be publicly reprimanded. . . . . . .”

3". That under the same penalty every Bro

ther shall keep his seat, and keep strict silence
164 CONSTITUTION:

whenever the Grand Master or Deputy shall think

fit to rise from the chair, and call to order.
4°. That in the Grand Lodge every member
shall keep in his seat (according to the number of
his Lodge) and not move about from place to place
during the communication, except the Grand War.
dens, as having more immediately the care of the
Grand Lodge. -

5°. That no Brother is to speak more than once

to the same affair, unless to explain himself, or when
called upon by the chair. - -

6. Every one that speaks shall rise and keep

standing, addressing himself in a proper manner to
the chair; nor shall any presume to interrupt him,
under the aforesaid penalty; unless the Grand Mas
ter find him wandering from the point in hand,
shall think fit to reduce him to order; for then the
said speaker shall sit down; but after he has been
set right, he may again proceed if he observes due
order and decorum. * * -

7". If in the Grand Lodge any member is twice

called to order at any one assembly, for transgres
sing these rules, and is guilty of a third offence of
the same nature, the Grand Master or Deputy, in
 OF FREEMASONRY. 105

the chair, shall peremptorily order him to quit the

Lodge-room for that night. -

8°. That whoever shall be so rude as to hiss at

any Brother, or at what another says or has said, he
shall be forthwith solemnly excluded the communi
cation, and declared incapable of ever being a mem
ber of the Grand Lodge for. the future, till another
time he publicly own his fault, and his grace be
granted. - - - -

9°. No motion for a new regulation, or for the

continuance or alteration of an old one, shall be
made, till it be first handed up in writing to the
chair; and, after it has been perused by the Grand
Master, at least ten minutes, the thing may be pub
lickly moved it shall then be audibly read by the
Secretary; and if seconded it must be immediately
committed to the consideration of the whole assem

bly, that their sense may be fully taken upon it;

after which the question shall be put.
10°. The opinion or votes of the members are
to be signified by holding up of hands; that is, one
hand each member; which uplifted hands the
Grand Wardens are to count, unless the number of
hands be so unequal, as to render the counting them
useless. "
106 CONSTITUTION

Nor should any other kind of division ever be

admitted among Freemasons.
In order to preserve harmony, it was thought
necessary to use counters and a balloting box, when
occasion required.

My Son, forget not my law; but let thine

heart keep my commandments; and remove not the
ancient land-mark which thy fathers have set.
SOLOMON.
 OF FIREEMASONRY. 107

REGULATIONS
FOR THE

STEm.ARDS: Lo DC E.

COMMITTEE OF CHARITY.

I. THIs Committee shall be and consist of, all

present and former Grand Officers, Secretary, and
Treasurer, with the Masters of ten regular Lodges,
who shall be summoned and obliged to attend in
rotation: that is to say, five from the oldest Lodges,
and five from the youngest, to meet" upon the
third Wednesday in every calendar month, to hear
all petitions, and to order such relief to be given

* The Stewards for distributing the charity, meet at the

Crown and Anchor Tavern, Sirand, at seven o'clock in the
evening.
Y
108 CONSTITUTION,

to distressed petitioners, as their necessity may ap

pear, and prudence may direct.
II. That all collections, contributions, and
other charitable sum or sums of money, of what
nature or kind soever, that shall at one time be
brought into the Grand Lodge, shall be deposited
in the hands of the Treasurer (or such other per
sons as the Grand Lodge shall appoint) who is not
to disburse or expend the same, or any part thereof,
on any account whatever, without an order from the
said Committee, which order shall be signed by the
presiding Officer, and countersigned by the Grand
Secretary or his Deputy.
III. That neither the Grand Officers, Secretary,
nor any other person whatever, shall sign any order
on the Treasurer, for any sum or sums of money,
until the same be first approved of by a majority of
-the Committee (or Stewards) then present, and en
tered in their transaction-book, together with the
name of the person or persons to whom the same
is given.
IV. That no anonymous letter, petition, or re
commendation, by or from any person, or on any
account or pretence whatsoever, be introduced or
read in this Committee. - *
 . OF FREEMASONRY. 109

V. That all petitions to the Right Worshipful

the Steward's Lodge, from Brethren belonging to
Lodges in and adjacent to the cities of London and
Westminster, be left with the Grand Secretary, at
least three days before the monthly meeting or every
Steward's Lodge, upon which the petitioners are to
be heard and considered of respectively. Sojourners
and travelling Brothers, at the discretion of the
Steward's Lodge, as heretofore. . . . . . .

VI. That no Masons shall be considered

and relieved, but such as are clear on the Grand
Lodge books, they must have contributed not
less than twelve months, to the Grand Fund, and
have been members of a warranted Lodge during
that time. That sojourners, or travelling Masons

may be relieved by private contribution, or out of

the fund, as the majority shall think proper, if
properly certified; viz. if under the government
of any other Ancient Grand Lodge than this in
London, the certificate must be from the Grand
Lodge under which they act, or it cannot be received.
VII. That all petitions or recommendations
shall be signed by the Master and Wardens of the
petitioner's Lodge, who shall attend the Stewards'
Lodge (or Committee) and attest the truth of the
 110 CONSTITUTION

petition. The petitioner shall also attend, if in or

adjacent to London, except in case of sickness,
lameness, or imprisonment, and prove to the satis
faction of the Stewards, that he or they have been
formerly in reputable circumstances.
VIII. That any Brother may send in a peti
tion or recommendation, but none shall be admit
ted to sit or hear the debates, but the Grand Officers,
Secretaries, and Treasurer, with the ten Masters
summoned for that purpose.
IX. That it shall be the inherent power of
this Committee, or Stewards' Lodge, to dispose of
the fund of charity, to charitable use, and no other,
(and that only to such persons who shall appear by
their petitions aforesaid, to be deserving and in real
want of charitable and brotherly assistance), and
that, either by weekly support, or, as they shall
judge most prudent and necessary.
- x. That no extraneous Brother, that is, not
made in a regular Lodge, but made in a clandestine
* manner (without the Grand Master's warrant), or
only with a view to partake of the charity; nor any
assisting at such irregular makings, shall be qualified
to receive any assistance therefrom according to
the sixth and seventh regulations for charity.
 of FREEMAson RY. 1.1

XI. That this Committee shall have full power

and authority to hear and adjust all matters con
cerning Freemasons and Freemasonry, that shall be
laid before them.* (except making new regulations,
which power is wholly vested in the Grand Lodge);
- and their determinations shall be final, except when
an appeal shall be made to the Quarterly Commu
nication. - " . . . . . . .

XII. That for the speedy relief of distressed

petitioners, any three of the Masters, duly sum
moned, with or without the Grand Officers, the
Secretary or Deputy, and books always present,
shall be a quorum, and may proceed to business as
prudence and brotherly love shall direct.
XII. That all the transactions of this Stewards'
Lodge, or Committee of Charity, shall be audibly
read by the Grand Secretary, at every Meeting of
the Grand Lodge, upon the first Wednesday in
March, June, September, and December.
XIV. This Committee being fully empowered
to hear complaints of a Masonic nature (as ap

* The regular mode of making such complaint is by giving

notice to the Grand Secretary at least three days previous to
such meeting in order that he may summon all parties con
cerned if requisite.
1 12 CONSTITUTION >

pears by Regulation XI) and to punish delin

qents according to the laws of the Craft; for that
reason they shall most religiously adhere to the old
Hebrew regulation, viz. If a complaint be made
against a Brother by another Brother, and he be
found guilty, he shall stand to the determination of
this, or the Grand Lodge: But if a complaint be
made against a Brother, wherein the accuser cannot
support his complaint to conviction, the said ac
cuser shall suffer such penalty as the person so ac
cused might have been subject to, had he been really
convicted on such complaint.
*

:
 oF FREEMASONRY. 1 13

LAW S AND REGULATIONS

For TIIE

INSTRUCTION AND GOVERNMENT

of THE

HOLY ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS,

Under Sanction w the Grand Lodge of England,

His Grace the DUKE of ATHOLL, Grand Master.

==

Revised, amended, and approved in General Grand Chapter, at the Crown

and Anchor Tavern, Strand, London, 1st April, 1807.

- ANCIENT MASONRY consists of four De

grees—The three first of which are, that of the
APPRENTICE, the FELLow CRAFT, and the sublime
degree of MASTER, and a Brother, being well versed
in these degrees, and otherwise qualified, as here
after will be expressed, is eligible to be admitted to
the fourth degree, the Holy Roy Al ARCH.
This degree is certainly more august, sublime,
and important than those which precede it, and is
the summit and perfection of Ancient Masonry.
It impresses on our minds a more firm belief of the
existence of a Supreme Deity, without beginning of
114 CONSTITUTION

days, or end of years, and justly reminds us of the

respect and veneration due to that Holy Name.
Until within these few years, this degree was not
conferred upon any, but those who had been a con
siderable time enrolled in the Fraternity; and
could, beside, give the most unequivocal proofs of
their skill and proficiency in the Craft.
It must of consequence, be allowed, that every
regular and warranted Lodge possesses the power of
forming and holding Meetings in each of these
several degrees, the last of which, from its pre-emi
mence, is denominated, among Masons, a CHAPTER.
That this Supreme Degree may be conducted with
that regularity, order and solemnity, becoming the
sublime intention with which it has from time im
memorial been held, as an essential and compo
nent part of Ancient Masonry, and that which is
the perfection and end of the beautiful system; the
Excellent Masons of the Grand Lodge of England,
according to the old Constitutions, duly assembled
and constitutionally convened in General Grand
Chapter, have carefully collected and revised the
regulations which have long been in use for the go
vernment thereof; and have adopted them in man
ner following; that under the sanction of the Grand
Lodge, they may be transmitted to every warranted
 OF FREEMASONRY. 115
*

Lodge on the register, and be solemnly and finally

made a part of the Laws and Regulations, for the
government of the Craft. Such Lodges as do not
strictly conform thereto, will be subject to the cen
sure of the Grand Lodge, and liable to have their
Warrant cancelled. -

I. There shall be a General Grand Chapter of

the Holy Royal Arch, held half yearly, at the
Crown and Anchor Tavern, Strand, on the first
Wednesday in the months of April and October.
That, agreeably to established custom, the Offi
cers of the Grand Lodge, for the time being, are
considered as the Grand Chiefs, and are to preside
at all Grand Chapters, according to seniority; they
usually appoint the most expert R. A. Companions
to the other Offices; and none but Excellent Ma
sons, being Members of warranted Lodges, in and
near the Metropolis, shall be members thereof.
Certified sojourners may be admitted as visitors

only. *

II. That General Grand Chapters may be held

more frequently, if occasion requires: application
for that purpose being made to the Grand Chiefs,
by at least six Excellent Masons; but at such Grand
Chapters of emergency, any established law shall
not be altered, nor shall any new law that may be
Z
116 constitution
made, be binding, until ratified and confirmed by
a regular half-yearly General Grand Chapter.
III. That register books shall be kept by the
Grand Scribe for the insertion of every Brother's
name, as well as all other transactions, relating to
this most excellent degree; and for the better se
curity against all improper admissions to the Holy
Royal Arch, the return of Brothers so admitted, by
the private Chapter of their own or other Lodge,
together with the Certificate of their qualification
(as in Art. VI) shall be presented at such Grand
Chapter as aforesaid, to be then examined, previous
to their names being recorded in the register books
of the Grand Chapter.
IV. That no Chapter of Holy Royal Arch
shall be held, or considered acting under the autho
rity of this Grand Chapter, unless the party com
posing such Chapter, shall possess a regular subsist
ing Warrant of Craft Masonry, granted by this
Grand Lodge, or a Charter of Constitution, speci
fically granted for that purpose, and which Warrant
(or Constitution) must be produced at every meet
ing of said Chapter. -- * -

V. That no Chapter shall be convened and

held for the purpose of exalting any person to the
degree of Holy Royal Arch Mason, unless six regular
and registered Royal Arch Masons be present,
 OF • FREEMASONRY. 117

VI. That no person shall be admitted to this

Supreme Degree, but he who hath regularly and
faithfully attained the three progressive degrees, and
hath passed the Chair, nor until he hath been re
gistered in the Grand Lodge books, as a Master
Mason, for twelve months at least, prior to his ap
plication for that purpose; he must also be approved .
on examination by some one of the Grand Chiefs or
Grand Scribes, to ascertain which, a certificate to
the following purport must be given, and signed in
open Lodge, and further attested by the Grand Se
cretary. -

To the Presiding Chiefs of the Chapter of Excellent

Royal Arch Masons, under sanction of Lodge No.
Whereas our trusty and well-beloved Brother
a Geometrical Master Mason
and Member of our Lodge, has solicited us to recom
mend him as a Master Mason, every way qualified
jor passing the Holy Royal Arch: We do herety
certify, that so far as we are judges of the necessary
qualifications, the said Brother has obtained the
unanimous consent of our Lodge for this Recom
mendation. -

Given under our Hands this day of

A. L. 581 A. D. 181 *

- W. M.
Secretary S. W.
J. W.
VII. But in the Country Foreign and Military
Lodges, a Brother being qualified, as is specified in
 118 consriTUTION

the foregoing regulation, where the Grand Lodge

Books cannot be so readily examined, the form of
Certificate to be in manner following.
. . Whereas our trusty and well beloved Brother
- a Geometrical Master Mason, and
Registered in the Grand Lodge Books for more than
twelve months past, as appears by his Certificate from
the Lodge No. under sanction of the G. L.
. . . . of * ; hath solicited us to recommend him
as a Master Mason, every way qualified for passing
the Royal Arch; and the said Brother having passed
the Chair, we do hereby certify, that so far as we are
judges of the necessary qualifications, the said Brother
hath obtained the unanimous consent of our Lodge for
this Recommeudation. -

Given under our Hands, this 'day of .

A. L. 581 A. D. 181 *

W. M.
Secretary - S. W.
- - - J. W.

VIII. That on application for being registered

in the Grand Chapter Books, the form of the return
to the Grand Scribe shall be in manner following,
accompanied by the foregoing Recommendation.
We the three Chiefs and Scribe, whose Names are here.
unto subscribed, do certify, that in a Chapter of
Holy Royal Arch, convened and held under sanction
and authority of the Warrant of the Worshipful
, ,, -
-

... " England, Scotland, Ireland, either of the United States

of America, or the East or West Indies, &c. must be here inserted
as the case may be. . . -
 OF FREEMASONRY, 119 |

Lodge No. Our beloved Brother

- having delivered to us the recommendation
of the Lodge hereunto subjoined, and proved himself
by due examination, to be well qualified in the several
degrees of Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master
Mason, and having passed the Chair, was by as ad
mitted to the supreme degree of Excellent Royal
Arch Mason.
Given under our Hands and Masonic Mark in
Chapter, this day of ... . . in the
Year of Masonry, 581 A. D. 181 . * *

- - - Z.
Scribe E. H.
J.

IX. That in the Country or Foreign Lodges,

a Brother producing the requisite testimonials of
his qualification, as required in Art. VII, and being
approved on examination by the three Chiefs of the
Chapter to whom the Brother is so recommended,
is entitled to be admitted to this Sublime Degree,
and be immediately registered in the Grand Chapter
-Pooks, and receive a Certificate, if required. -

X. That from and after the 7th of October,

1807, no Chapter of H. R. A. shall exalt any per
son to this Supreme Degree for a less sum than ONE
GUINEA; out of which, the Chapter shall account
for, and pay to the Grand Scribe, Three Shillings, as
the fee for registering each name in the Grand Chap
ter Books; of which Two Shillings shall be applied
120 CONSTITUTION

to the general Fund of the Grand Lodge, the re

maining Shilling as a perquisite to the Grand Scribe
for his trouble, &c.
XI. That every registered Royal Arch Brother
shall be entitled to a Grand R. A. Certificate, either
On paper or parchment, on paying three Shillings
for the same.

XII. Every Chapter, either in town, coun

try, or abroad, held under sanction of this Supreme
Grand Chapter, shall, as often as any exaltations
may take place, make a return of such proceedings
to the Grand Scribe, containing the name of every
Brother who may have been exalted to this Supreme
Degree; and shall continue, at least, once in every
half year to make such return, containing the names
of those, who from time to time may be exalted;
as well of those who may join such Chapter, men
tioning the time when, and the Chapter at which,
such Brother may have been originally exalted:
together with the registering fees for the same, at
three Shillings each. Of all which the Grand
Scribe shall make his report at every General Grand
Chapter.
XIII. That a general uniformity of the prac
tice and ceremonies of Ancient Masonry may be
preserved and handed down unchanged to pos
 OF FREEMASONRY. 12 l

terity—The Grand Chapter shall elect annually in

October, NINE SKILFUL RoyAL ARCH MAsoNs, who
must be approved by the Grand Lodge. They shall
assist the Grand Officers in visiting the Lodges. At
the same time, they are not to be considered as
Members, or in virtue of their Office, to have a
voice in the internal affairs of a Lodge; otherwise,
than by a reference upon any point of the general
Laws of the Order, upon which, the Members them
selves may not be able to determine : and if occa
sion should require, they are to report their pro
ceedings to this Grand Chapter, or to the R. W.
Deputy Grand Master, who will act as may be
deemed necessary.
These Laws and Regulations are to be con
sidered as part of the Rules and Orders of the Grand
Lodge, a due attention to which is strictly enjoined
to be observed. And it is hereby ordered, that they
be inserted in the Book of Bye-Laws of every
Lodge, in order to refer to, whenever wanted.

*." Upon all matters relating to this Sublime Degree, appli

cation must be made to the Grand Scribe, Brother Edwards
Harper, No. 207, Fleet Street, London. -
1221 constitution

EXTRACTS :

From the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge.

--

December 27, 1791.

THE Deputy Grand Master having ordered

the Grand Secretary to communicate, as usual,
with the Grand Lodges, on the election of the Duke
of Atholl, and the other Grand Officers, the 7th.
of September last, and installed this day, the Grand
Lodge of Scotland was pleased to return a very cor
dial and favourable answer; and as it breathes the

true and genuine spirit of Freemasonry, and also

proves the good understanding that has hitherto,
and we trust ever will subsist between the Grand
Lodges of the whole Ancient communication, it
may not be unpleasing to the Brethren of the An
cient Craft to insert it. -

“Edinburgh, 10th Dec. 1791. -

“Right Worshipful Sir and Brother, *

“Your obliging favour of the 4th ult. came

duly to hand. The Grand Lodge of Scotland re
ceive, with pleasure, the information you give of
 OF FRESMASONRY. 123

the election of the Most Noble and Puissant Prince

John, Duke of Atholl, to be your Grand Master.

The repeated proofs which have already been given

of His Grace's attachment to the Craft, both in
England and Scotland", afford sufficient evidence'
upon which to hope, that he will persevere in his
exertions, to render it more and more prosperous
and respectable; while His Grace's virtues and abi
lities qualify him in an eminent degree, to promote
these valuable purposes, the choice reflects the
highest honour upon the discernment, zeal, and
taste of the Brethren of England, in placing him
again in so dignified a situation. The Grand Lodge
of Scotland, therefore, most heartily congratulate
you upon the happy choice you have made, and
earnestly wish, that every masonic virtue may
'flourish during his Grace's administration; for the
stability of the Craft has sufficiently demonstrated
the power and the virtue of its principles, and their
perfect conformity to sound reason, and the best
dictates of the human heart. -

“ Its long and uninterrupted existence in the

world is a circumstance which cannot escape the ob
servation of the contemplative, nor fail to excite

* His Grace having been Grand Master of Scotland.

2 A -
 124 CONSTITUTION

some degree of wonder in those at least who under

stand not its pure and well-formed system. It has
stood the waste of time through many revolving
ages, amidst the successsive revolutions of states and
empires, of human laws and customs. It has re
mained without any change in its principles, and
without any material alteration in its original form.
Placed on the immovable basis of the best natural
principles of the human heart, its pillars have re
mained unshaken amidst the rage of every varied
storm, and to this hour have suffered no decay.
“While such are the principles and such the
stability of the Craft, let us unite in our exertions
to disseminate the knowledge of those principles,
not only among the Lodges immediately under our
charge, but in distant parts which have not been
blessed with their influence. -

“I have the honour to be, &c. &c.

“WM. Mason, Grand Secretary. .
“RoBERT LEs LIE, Eso.
“Secretary to the Grand Lodge of England.”

The same cordial zeal and brotherly affection

subsist with us and the sister Grand Lodge in Ire
land, as also with the Grand Lodges of Canada,
Pensylvania, Maryland, South Carolina, New
* .
 OF FREEMASONRY. 125

York, New England, Nova Scotia, and Massa

chusetts, at Gibraltar, and most of the Provinces
and Islands in the East and West Indies: and from
whom the most friendly communications are con
stantly and regularly received. -

At the particular request of the Ancient Masons

in Canada, a Grand Warrant was granted on the 7th
of March, 1792, constituting and appointing his
Royal Highness Prince Edward (now Duke of
Kent) Grand Master of Canada; to His Royal
Highness's persevering zeal and condescending man
ners, the Fraternity in that quarter are particularly
indebted, for much of their present strength and
respectability.

On the 12th of July, 1799, an Act of Parlia

ment was passed “for the more effectual suppres
“sion of Societies established for seditious and
“ treasonable purposes, and for preventing trea
“sonable and seditious practices.”—The Society
of Freemasons in general, are most particularly
indebted to our Noble Grand Master, His Grace
the Duke of Atholl, for his very kind attention and

anxious zeal, manifested towards the Order on that

occasion, in obtaining the insertion of sundry clauses,
thereby exempting generally, Masons Lodges under
126 CONSTITUTION

certain restrictions and regulations, from the penal

ties of the act. On our conforming to the rules laid
down in this act, which we are assured every Mason
under the Ancient Constitution will chearfully do,
we may, in defiance of the false charges and insinua
tions that have been brought against the Society, rest
secure in our Lodges, and continue to derive those
blessings, under sanction of the best Constitution
and the mildest Government on Earth.

In this place, we shall be excused in recording

a circumstance, which is too important to pass un
noticed. . - -

On the 15th of May, 1800—His Majesty

having been fired at with a loaded pistol, by a da
ring assassin, from the Pit of Drury-Lane Theatre,
nothing could equal the indignation which was uni
versally felt by the nation at large in this bold at
tempt on the life of a Sovereign, who justly reigns
in the hearts of his people, and who never by one
act of his life provoked their resentment.
The happy escape of his Majesty from so daring
an attempt on his sacred person, produced addresses
from every part of the kingdom: in such general
testimonies of loyalty and affection, the Ancient
Fraternity were desirous of being foremost in ex
 {)F FREEMASONRY. 127

pressing those sentiments of devotion and peculiar

attachment to their Sovereign, and which, as Men
and Masons, they so powerfully felt. Accordingly,
at a Grand Lodge, called for the especial purpose,
on the 24th June, the following appropriate Address
was proposed by our late worthy and much respected
Deputy Grand Master, Wm. Dickey, Esq., and
passed unanimously: it was afterwards presented
to his Majesty at the Levee.

TO THE

KING's MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.

The humble Address of the Most Ancient and

Honourable Fraternity of FREE and AccEPTED
MAsoNs of ENGLAND, according to the Old In
stitutions, under the Grand Mastership of the
AMost Noble Prince, John Duke of ATHoLL.
WE, your Majesty's most dutiful subjects,
the Grand Officers, with the Masters and Wardens
of the Warranted Lodges of Free and Accepted
Masons in Grand Lodge assembled, beg leave to
offer our sincere congratulations, on your late provi
dential escape from the atrocious attempt of a daring
assassin. We, in common with our Fellow-Citi
zens, know how to estimate the value of a life dis
 128 CONSTITUTION

tinguished no less by private virtue, than by an

uniform concern for the welfare of your people; and
we join with them in gratitude to the Supreme
Being for its preservation. But we have an addi
tional motive for expresssing our joy. Honourably
exempt from that suspicion which has attached to
Societies in foreign countries, constituted with forms
similar to our own, we do not forget that amidst
the restraints which the vigilance of your Govern
ment has found necessary to impose, we are per
mitted to hold our regular assemblies. We assure

your Majesty, that no class of your Subjects enter

tains a more sincere attachment to your Person, and
to the Constitution, or will show a greater zeal in
their support. May the life, so justly dear to us,
be long preserved, and may the Great Architect of
the Universe continue to protect it from the machi
nations both of public and private Enemies.

Signed, by Order of the Grand Lodge, in Lon

don, the 24th Day of June, in the Year of our
Lord, 1800, and in the Year of Masonry, 5800.

WM. Dickey, Deputy Grand Master.

 OF FREEMASONRY. 129

AN ADDRESS,
ADelivered by a Noble Brother to his Son, on his first Initiation
* into Freemasonry.
-

I congratulate you on your admission into the

mostancient,and perhaps the most respectable society
in the universe. To you the mysteries of Masonry
are about to be revealed, and so bright a Sun never
shewed lustre on your eyes. In this awful moment,
when prostrate at this holy altar, do you not shud
der at every crime, and have you not confidence in
every virtue?—May this reflexion inspire you with
noble sentiments; may you be penetrated with a
religious abhorrence of every vice that degrades hu
man nature; and may you feel the elevation of
soul which scorns a dishonourable action, and ever
invites to the practice of piety and virtue!
These are the wishes of a Father and a Brother
conjoined. Of you the greatest hopes are raised: let
not our expectation be deceived. You are the SoN
oF AMAsoN, who glories in the profession: and for
your zeal and attachment, your silence and good
conduct, your Father has already pledged his honour.
You are now, as a member of this illustrious
Order, introduced a subject of a new country,
whose extent is boundless. Pictures are open to
130 constitution

your view, wherein true patriotism is exemplified

in glaring colours, and a series of transactions re.
corded, which the rude hand of time can never
erase. The obligation which influenced the first
BRUTUs and MANLIUs to sacrifice their ehildren to
the love of their country, are not more sacred than
those which bind me to support the honour and re
putation of this venerable Order.
This moment, my Son, you owe to me a se
cond birth; should your conduct in life correspond
with the principles of Masonry, my remaining
years will pass away with pleasure and satisfaction.
Observe the great example of our ancient Masters,
peruse our history and our consitutions. The best,
the most humane, the bravest, the most civilized of
men, have been our patrons. Though the vulgar
are strangers to our works, the greatest geniuses
have sprung from our Order. The most illustrious
characters on the earth have aided the foundation of
their most amiable qualities in Masonry. The wisest
of Princes, SolomoN, promoted and brought to per
fection our noble Institution, and raised a Temple to
the Eternal and Supreme Ruler of the Universe.
Swear, my Son, that you will be a true and
faithful Mason. Know, from this moment, I centre
the affection of a Parent in the name of a Brother
and a Friend. May your heart be susceptible of
 of FREEMAsoNRY. 131

love and esteem, and may you burn with the same
zeal your father possesses. Convince the world by
your new alliance you are deserving our favours, and
never forget the ties which bind you to honour and
to justice.
View not with indifference the extensive con
nexions you have formed, but let universal bene
volence regulate your conduct. Exert your abilities
in the service of your King and your Country, and
deem the knowledge you have this day attained, the
happiest acquisition of your life.
Recall to your memory the ceremony of your
initiation; learn to bridle your tongue and govern
your passions; and ere long you will have occasion
to say: “In becoming a Mason I truly became the
man; and while I breathe will never disgrace a jewel
that Kings may prize.” -

If I live, my Son, to reap the fruits of this

day's labour, my happiness will be complete. I
will meet death without terror, close my eyes in
peace, and expire without a groan, in the arms of a
virtuous and a worthy FREEMAsoN. -

“Fathers alone a Father's heart can know

“What secret tides of still enjoyment flow, .
“When Brothers love, but if their hate succeeds,
“They wage the war, but 'tis the Father bleeds”
YoUNG.
-" 2 B
 13 2

THE

FREEMAsoN's MEMENTo,
By Brother T. M. of Southton.
->
-

Magnitude, Moderation, Magnanimity.

Affability, Affection, Attention.
Silence, Secrecy, Security.

Masonry,
i Obedience, Order, CEconomy.
Noble, Natural, Neighbouriy.
— Rational, Reciprocative, Receptive.
— Yielding, Ypight, Yare.

of things, teaches how to attain

their just . . . Magnitude.
to inordinate affections the art of Moderation.
it inspires the soul with true •
Magnanimily.
It also teaches us . . . . . •
Affability.
to love each other with true Affection.
and to pay to things sacred a just Attention.
It instructs us how to keep . Silence.
to maintain . . . . . . Secrecy.
and preserve . . . . . Security.
Also to whom it is due . . Obedience.
to observe good . Order.
and a commendable . •
CEconomy.
It likewise teaches us how to be worthily Noble.
truly . . . . . Natural.
and without reserve . . Neighbourly.
It instils principles indisputably Rational.
and forms in us a disposition Reciprocrative,
and • • * * * • • •
Receptive.
It makes us to things indifferent Yielding.
to what is absolutely necessary perfectly. Ypight.”
and to do all that is truly good most willingly Yare.f.

* Fixed. - t Ready. Wide Johnson's Dictionary.

 133

CHARITY OR LovE,
A Principle necessary to every Freemason,

Blest is the Man whose soft'ning heart

Feels all another's pain:
To whom the supplicating eye
Was never raised in vain :

Whose breast expands with generous warmth,

A stranger's woes to feel;
And bleeds in pity o'er the wound
IIe wants the pow'r to heal.

He spreads his kind supporting arms

To every child of grief;
His secret bounty largely flows,
And brings unasked relief. -

To gentle offices of love

His feet are never slow;
He views, through Mercy's melting eye,
A brother in a foe.

To him protection shall be shown;

And mercy from above
Descend on those who thus fulfil
The perfect law of love.

My passions still, my purer breast inflame,

To sing that God, from whom existence came;
Till heav'n and nature in the concert join,
And own the author of their birth divine.
Bo Ys E.
 A.

SELECTION

oF

MASONIC SONGS,
WITH SEVERAL INGENIOUS
-

PROLOGUES AND EPILOGUES;

To WHICH Is ADDED

SOLOMON’S TEMPLE,
AN ORATORIO.
 -
: t

**
*
 A

SELECTION
of

JMASONIC SONGS.

I. THE GRAND MASTER’s song. . .

THUS mighty Eastern kings, and some
Of Abram's race, and monarchs good
Of Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome,
True ARCHITECTURE understood; . .

No wonder then if Masons join

To celebrate those Mason kings;
With solemn note and flowing wine,
Whilst ev'ry Brother jointly sings.
CIn OR US,

Who can unfold the Royal Art,

Or show its secrets in a song;
They're safely kept in Mason's heart, ,
And to the ancient Lodge belong.

II. THE DEPUTY GRAND MASTER’s SONG.

N.B. The two last lines of each verse is the Chorus.

On, on, my dear brethren, pursue your great lecture,

And refine on the rules of old Architecture;
High honour to Masons the Craft daily brings,
To those Brothers of Princes and Fellows of Kings.
 138 |MASONIC SONGS.

We've drove the rude Vandals and Goths off the stage,
Reviving the Arts of Augustus' fam'd age; *

Vespasian destroy'd the vast Temple in vain,

Since so many now rise in Great George's mild reign.

The noble five Orders, compos'd with such art,

Will amaze the fix'd eye and engage the whole heart;
Proportion's sweet harmony gracing the whole,
Gives our work, like the glorious creation, a soul.

Then Master and Brethren preserve your great name,

This Lodge so majestic will purchase your fame;
Rever'd it shall stand till all Nature expire,
And its glories ne'er fade, till the World is on fire.
See, see behold here what rewards all our toil,
, Enlivens our genius, and bids labour smile;
To our noble Grand Master let a bumper be crown'd,
To all Masons a bumper, so let it go round.
Again, my lov’d Brethren, again let it pass,
Our ancient firm union cements with the glass;
And all the contentions 'mongst Masons shall be,
Who better can work or who best can agree. -

To the Right Worshipful the Grand Master.

III. GRAND WARDEN's song.

Let Masonry be now my theme,
Throughout the globe to spread its fame,
And eternize each worthy Brother's name:
Your praise shall to the skies resound,
In lasting happiness abound,
And with sweet union all your deeds be crown'd.
 MASONIC SONGS. 139

- cito RUs, -

Sing then my Muse to Mason's glory,

Your names are so rever'd in story :
That all th’ admiring world do now admire ye.
Let harmony divihe inspire . . .

Your souls with love and gen'rous fire,

To copy well wise Solomon, your sire;
Knowledge sublime shall fill each heart,
The rules of geometry't inhpart;
While wisdom, strength; and beauty, crown the Royal Art.
Chorus. Sing then my Muse, &c. : :

Let ancient Masoils healths go round, - .

In swelling cups all cares be drown'd,
All hearts united 'mongst the Craft be found;
May everlastifig scenes of joy; -

Our peaceful hours of bliss employ,

Which Time's all-conq'ring halid shall ne'er destroy.
Chorus. Sing then my Muse, &c., is

My Brethren, thus all cares resign, ... . .

Your hearts let glow with thoughts divine;
And veneration show to Solomon's shrine; . . .
Our annual tribute thus we'll pay,
That late posterity shall say -

... We've crown'd with joy this happy, happy, day.

Chorùs. Sing then my Muse, &e. . . . .
To all those Noble Lords, and Right Worshipfü Brethren,
who have been Grand Masters. -

2c
14O MASONIC, SONGS,

IV. THE SECRETARY's SONG.

Ye Brethren of the ancient Craft,
Ye fav'rite sons of fame,
Let bumpers chearfully be quaff’d,
To each good Mason's name;
Happy, long happy may he be,
Who loves and honours Masonry.
With fal, la, la, la, &c.

In vain would D'Anvers with his wit,

Our slow resentment raise;
What he and all mankind have writ,
But celebrates our praise.
His wit this only truth imparts,
That Masons have firm faithful hearts.

Ye British fair, for beauty fam'd,

Your slaves we wish to be;
Let none for charms like yours be nam’d,
That loves not Masonry;
This maxim D'Anvers proves full well,
That Masons never kiss and tell.

Freemasons! no offences give,

Let fame your worth declare;
Within your compass wisely live,
And act upon the square;
May peace and friendship e'er abound,
And every Mason's health go round.

V. THE TREASURER's SONG.

TUNE. Near some cool shade.

Grant me kind Heav'n what I request,

In Masonry let me be blest;
 MASONIC SONGs. 141

Direct me to that happy place,

Where friendship smiles in every face;
Where freedom and sweet innocence
Enlarge the mind and chear the sense. '

Where scepter'd reason from her throne,

Surveys the Lodge and makes us one;
And Harmony's delightful sway, ... . .
For ever sheds ambrosial day! . *

Where we blest Eden's pleasures taste,

While balmy joys are our repast.

Our Lodge the social virtues grace,

And Wisdom's rules we fondly trace;
Whole nature open to our view,
Points out the paths we should pursue;
Let us subsist in lasting peace,
And may our happiness increase.

No prying eye can view us here,

No fool or knave disturb our chear;
Our well-form'd laws set mankind free,
And give relief to misery; -

The poor oppress'd with woe and grief,

Gain, from our bounteous hand, relief.

To all well-disposed and charitable Masons.

VI. THE MASTER’s SONG.

TUNE, Goddess of Ease,

Genius of Masonry, descend,

And with thee bring thy spotless train;
Qur sacred rites do thou attend,
Whilst we adore thy peaceful reign;
14? MASONIC SQNGS,

Bring with thee Wirtue, brightest maid,

Bring Love, bring Truth, and Friendship here,
While social Mirth shall lend her aid,
To smaoth the Wrinkled brow of Care,
Smooth the wrinkled brow of Care,

Come, Charity, with goodness crown'd

Encircled in thy heav'nly robe, •

Diffuse thy hlessings all around, * * *

To ev'ry corner of the globe:

See, where she comes with pow'r to hless,
And in her hand she grasps a heart,
Which wounded is at man's distress,
And bleeds at ev'ry human smart,

Tho' Envy mischiefs may devise,

Tho' Falsehood be thy deadliest foe,
Thou Friendship still shalt tow'ring rise,
And sink thine adversaries low:
Thy well built pile shall long endure
Thro' rolling years preserve its prime;
Upon a rock it stands secure,
And braves the rude assaults of Time,

Ye happy, few who here, extend

In perfect lines from East to West,
With fervent zeal the Lodge defend,
And lock its secrets in each breast:
Since ye are met upon the Square,
Bid Love and Friendship jointly reign,
Be Peace and Harmony your care,
Nor break the damauline chain. . . .
Behold the Planet, how they m9Ye:
Yet keep due order as they runs.
 MASONIC-SQNGS, 143

Then initate the Stars above, £ 1:

And..shing resplendent as the Sun:2:... . . .
That when our Sons like us shall meet, . "
Our glorious deeds they may rehearse;
* * ** ** * * * -- * -
* . ..
And say, their Fathers were so great
That they adorn'd the Universe.
...O. . . THE to Asr. ::::: ... *

To him who all things understood; 2. '

To him, who found the Stone and Wood,
And him who luckless spilt his blood, ' ' '.'
In doing of his Duty.” * . . . . . ;
. . . . ." . . . . ...' " * * * * 2. ;: * * *
... == 0: , , ... ', a di

vii. THE waRDENs song,**

* - - - ***** 2: .
From henceforth ever sing,... . . . .
The Craftsman and the King,... . . . . e.

With poetry and music sweet, ... a ''''

Resound their harmony complete:::::::::# ... ,
And with geometry in skilful, hand, - **

Due homage pay,

Without delay, .. - -

To the King and to our Master Grand;

He rules the free-born sons of art,
By love and friendship, hand and heart.

CTH.O.RUS,
Who can rehearse the praise,
In soft poetic lays,
Or solid prose, of Masons true,
Whose art transcends the common view;
Their secrets ne'er to strangers yet expos'd,
Reserv'd shall be, ... i. . . .

By Masons free, ->

-
144 MASONIC SONGS.

And only to the Ancient Lodge disclos'd;

Because they're kept in Mason's heart,
By Brethren of the Royal Art. . . . . . ."
To all those Kings, Princes, and Potentates, who have en
couraged the Royal -**
Art. * *

VIII. THE FELLOW-CRAFT's song.

Hail Masonry! thou craft divine! ... ,
Glory of earth, from Heav'n reveal’d!'
Which doth with jewels precious shine,' .
From all but Masons eyes conceal’d. . . .
Chor. Thy praises due who can rehearse,
In nervous prose or flowing verse.

As men from brutes distinguish'd are,

A Mason other men excels; -

For what's in knowledge choice and rare,

Within his breast securely dwells.
Chor. His silent breast and faithful heart.
Preserve the secrets of the Art.

From scorching heat and piercing cold,

From beasts whose roar the forest rends;
From the assault of warriors bold,
The Mason's Art mankind defends.
Chor. Be to this Art due honour paid,
From which mankind receive such aid.

Ensigns of state that feed our pride,

Distinctions troublesome and vain;
By Masons true are laid aside,
Art's free-born sons such toys disdain.
Chor. Ennobl’d by the name they bear,
Distinguish'd by the badge they wear,
 MASONIC SONGS. 145
Sweet fellowship from envy free,
Calm converse of the brotherhood;
The Lodge's lasting cement be,
Which has for ages firmly stood.
Chor. A Lodge thus built, for ages past
Has lasted, and shall ever last. . . . .

Then in our songs be justice done, . . .

To those who have enrich'd the Art;
From Adam down until this time, , ,
- And let each brother bear a part. . . . . .
Chor. Let noble Masons' healths go round,
Their praise in lofty Lodge resound.
To the Right Worshipful Grand Masters, Atholl,
Do Nough MoRE and HUNTEEY.
*

- .*.
Ix. THE ENTERED APPRENTICE’s song.
Come let us prepare,
We Brothers that are,
Assembled on merry occasion;
Let's drink, laugh, and sing,
Our wine has a spring,
Here's a health to an accepted Mason.

The world is in pain,

Our secrets to gain,
And still let them wonder and gaze on;
Till they're brought to light,
They'll ne'er know the right
Word or sign of an accepted Mason.

'Tis this and ’tis that,

They cannot tell what,
146 MASONIC SONGS.

Why so many great men of the nation.

Should aprons put on, 3
-

*
-

,
To make themselves one,
With a free and accepted Mason.

Great Kings, Dukes and Lords, ".

Have laid by their swords,
Our myst'ry to put a good grace on; : " :
And thought themselves fath'd; " '
To hear themselves mań'd' " " " '
With a free and an accepted Mason. " ":
- * * ** - - • ** * r *

Antiquity's pride : * ** *
We have on our side, ... .
Which maketh men just in their station;"
There's nought but what's good,
To be understood, .
By a free and an accepted Mason.

We'rejust
And truetoand
the sincere,
fair, *
• *
-->

They'll trust us on any occasion; *

No mortal can more,

The ladies adore,
Than a free and an accepted Mason."

Then join hand in hand, *

- *** *

By each Brother firm stand,

Let's be merry and put a bright face on;
What mortal can boast,
So noble a toast,
As a free and an accepted Mason.
[This last verse is thrice repeated, in due form.]
To all the Fraternity round the Globe.
 'MASONIC SONGS. < . 147 r
X. SONG.

The same Tune as the Fourth Song.

On you who Masonry despise,

This counsel I bestow;
Don't ridicule, if you are wise,
A secret you don't know:
Yourselves you banter, but not it;
You show your spleen, but not your wit,
With a fa, la, la, &c. -

Inspiring virtue by our rules,

And in ourselves secure;
We have compassion for those fools
Who think our acts impure:
We know from ignorance proceeds
Such mean opinion of our deeds.
With a fa, la, la, &c.

If union and sincerity

Have a pretence to please,'
We Brothers of Freemasonry
Lay justly claim to these.
To State-disputes we ne'er give birth,
Our motto friendship is, and mirth;
With a fa, la, la, &c.

Some of our rules I will impart, ,

But must conceal the rest; *

They're safely lodg'd in Masons' hearts,

Within each honest breast: -

We love our country and our king;

We toast the ladies, and we sing.
With a fa, la, la, &c.
To the Worshipful Grand Wardens.
2 D
148 MASONIC SONGS. '

XI. SONG.

By Mason's Art th'aspiring domes,

In stately column's shall arise;
All climates are their native homes,
Their well-judg’d actions reach the skies:
Heroes and Kings revere their name,
While Poets sing their lasting fame.

Great, noble, gen’rous, good, and brave,

Are titles they most justly claim;
Their deeds shall live beyond the grave,
Which those unborn shall loud proclaim;
Time shall their glórious acts enrol,
While love and friendship warm the soul.

To the perpetual Honour of Freemasons.

XII. THE PASTMASTER's SONG.

TUNE. Rule Britannia.

E'er God the Universe began,

In one rude heap all matter lay,
In one, in one rude heap all matter lay;
Which wild disorder over-ran,
Nor knew of light one glimm'ring ray;
While in darkness o'er the whole,
Confusion reign'd without control.

Then God arose, his thunders hurl’d,

And bade the elements arise;
In air he hung the pendent World,
And o'er it spread the azure Skies;
Stars in circles caus’d to run,
And in the centre fix'd the Sun,

- -
- - ---------
 MASONIC SONGS. 149

Then Man he call'd forth out of dust,

And form'd him with a living Soul;
All things committed to his trust,
And made him Lord of all the whole;
But ungrateful unto Heav'n
He prov’d, and was from Eden driv'n.

From thence proceeded all our woes,

Nor could mankind one comfort share;
Until Freemasons greatly rose,
And form'd another Eden here;
Where true pleasure ever reigns,
And native Innocence remains.

Here chrystal fountains bubbling flow,

Here nought that's vile can enter in;
The Tree of Knowledge here does grow,
Whose fruit we taste yet free from sin;
Whilst sweet Friendship does abound,
And guardian Angels hover round.

THE To Ast.
May no Freemason e'er repine at fate,
But learn contentment in the humblest state;
In Lodge may strict obedience be his plan,
Since disobedience was the fall of Man.
- -

XIII. THE JUNIOR WARDEN's SONG.

TUNE. He comes, &c.

Unite, unite, your voices raise, , ,

Loud, loudly sing Freemasons praise;
Spread far, and wide, their spotless fame,
And glory in the sacred name;
150 MASONIC SONGS."

Behold, behold the upright band,

In Wirtue's paths go hand in hand;
They shun each ill, they do no wrong,
Strict Honour does to them belong; a
Honour, &c.
1

How just, how just are all their ways,

Superior to all mortal praise; . . . . . .
Their worth, description far exceeds,
For matchless are Freemasons deeds;
Matchless, &c.
* * * * *

Go on, go on, ye just and true, £

Still, still the same bright paths pursue;
Th’ admiring world shall on ye gaze,
And Friendship's altar ever blaze;
- Friendship's, &c.
*
. . .. . ..

Begone, begone, fly discord hence,

With party rage and insolence;
Sweet peace shall bless this happy band,
And freedom smile throughout the Land;
r" Freedom, &c.

-THE ToAST. . . .

Iay Mirth in our Lodge-continually reign,

tnd Masons their Freedom for ever maintain.

xiv. THE FELLow CRAFT's song.

TUNE, Sailor Jack.
Tho' millions 'gainst the Craft unite,
-
: Their union is but vain, -

* In vain they ridicule that light, -

Which they can ne'er obtain; -

 MASONIC SONGS. <151

Our secrets we can keep with ease, . ...

For they're lock'd up with iv'ry keys, .
Fa la la la la la la. . .. . .
*, * : : ;

We never fail to show respect,

To whom respect is due; . . .

The Indigent we ne'er neglect,

We're to each other true : . . . .”.
Mankind distress'd partake our store, , ,
And want goes smiling from our door. . . if
-
-
-
. . . . . .'; ' '.
Our Charity quite unconfin'd * . . . ..

Spreads East, West, North and South;

Expressions tender, good and kind,
Proceed from ev’ry mouth:
And men may make, by means like these ..
Five talents ten, whene'er they please.

We're always pleas'd when Vice does smart, .

Yet feel for others' woe; :
But doubly pleas'd when the proud heart
Be humbl’d and brought low; -.' '
We always pity where we can, - - -

Abhor the guilt, but love the Man. ***

Malicious Men may still conspire, ".
In vain they shoot their darts; * **
We know they see, and must admire
The goodness of our hearts; * * .
Their schemes to blast a Mason's name
Serve only to increase their fame. . . ..

We're open, gen'rous,9 and sincere, ,

pen, g -
, , -
We mean to do no wrong;.
152 MASONIC SONGS.

Our Guides, the compass and the square, .

Yet don't to us belong: *

By one we live, by t'other move,

And all our lives are spent in love.

May ev'ry Brother here agree

To take his glass in hand,
And drink a health, with three times three,
Unto our Master Grand;
With pens of gold record his name,
In that great book, the book of Fame.
Fala lala alala.

xv. THE ENTERED APPRENTICE’s song.

Tune. Rural Felicity.

Ye dull stupid Mortals, give o'er your conjectures,

Since Freemason's secrets ye ne'er can obtain;
The Bible and Compass are our directors,
And shall be as long as this world does remain:
Here Friendship inviting, here Freedom delighting,
Our moments in innocent mirth we employ;
Come see Mason's felicity,
Working and singing with hearts full of joy.

No other Society that you can mention,

Which has been, is now, or hereafter may be,
However so laudable is its intention,
It cannot compare with divine Masonry;
No envy, no quarrels, can here blast our laurels,
No passion our pleasure can ever annoy:
Come see, &c.
 MASONIC SONGS. 153

To aid one another we always are ready,

Our Rites and our Secrets we carefully guard;
The Lodge to support, we like pillars are steady,
No Babel confusion our work can retard: ;
Ye Mortals come hither, assemble together,
And taste of those pleasures which never can cloy;
- Come see, &c.

We are to the Master for ever obedient,

Whenever he calls to the Lodge we repair;
Experience has taught us, that 'tis most expedient
To live within Compass, and act on the Square:
Let mutual agreement be Freemason's cement,
Until the whole Universe Time shall destroy:
* Come see, &c.

THE TO AST.

May no Freemason ever step awry, -

But walk upright, and live as he should die.

xvi. THE TREASURER's song.

TUNE. Hearts of Oak.

No sect in the world can with Masons compare,

So ancient, so noble's the badge that they wear,
That all other Orders, however esteem’d,
Inferior to Masonry far have been deem'd :
We always are free,
And for ever agree.
Supporting each other,
Brother helps Brother,
No Mortals on Earth are so friendly as we,
 154 MASONIC SONGS."

When first attic fire mortal's glory became,

Tho' small was the spark, it soon grew to a flame;
As Phoebus celestial transcendently bright,
It spread o'er the World a fresh torrent of light.
Chor. We always, &c.

The greatest of Monarchs, the wisest of Men,

Freemasonry honour’d again and again;
And nobles have quitted all other delights,
With joy, to preside o'er our Mystical rites.
Chor. We always, &c.

Tho' some may pretend we've no secrets to know,

Such idle opinions their ignorance show,
While others, with raptures, cry out, they're reveal’d,
In Freemason's bosoms they still lie conceal’d.
Chor. We always, &c.

Coxcomical pedants may say what they can,

Abuse us, ill use us, and laugh at our plan,
We'll temper our mortar, enliven our souls;
And join in a chorus o'er full flowing bowls.
Chor. We always, &c.
*>
- - ,
-
- . XVII. THE HOD CARRIER's SONG.

TUNE. Balance a Straw.

When the Sun from the East first salutes mortal eyes,
And the skylark melodiously bids us arise,
With our hearts full of joy we the summons obey,
Straight repair to our work and to moisten our clay;
With our hearts full of joy we the summons obey,
Straight repair to our work and to moisten our clay,
 MASONIC SONGS. l55

On the Tressel our Master draws angles and lines,

There with freedom and fervency forms his designs;
Not a picture on earth is so lovely to view,
All his lines are so perfect, his angles so true.

In the West see the Warden submissively stand,

The Master to aid, and obey his command;
The intent of his signals we perfectly know,
And we ne'er take offence when he gives us a blow.

In the Lodge sloth and dullness we always avoid,

Fellow Crafts and Apprentices all are employ'd; *

Perfect Ashlars, some finish, some make the rough plain, -

All are pleas'd with their work, and are pleas'd with their
gain. -

When my Master I've serv'd seven years, perhaps more,

Some secrets he'll tell me I ne'er knew before, *
*

In my bosom I'll keep them as long as I live, *

And pursue the directions his wisdom shall give. . . ..

I'll attend to his call both by night and by day,

It is his to command, and 'tis mine to obey,
Whensoever we meet I'll attend to his nod,
And I'll work ’till high twelve, then lay down my hod.
\
-
*

XVIII. SONG.

TUNE, Frisky Sue. :

Fidelity once had a fancy to rove,

And therefore she quitted the mansions above,
On earth she arriv'd, but so long was her tour,
Jove thought she intended returning no more..
- Derry down,#" down, derry down.
2 -
*
 1.56 MASONIC SONGS.

Then Merc'ry was hasten’d in quest of the Dame,

And soon to this world of confusion he came;
At Paris he stopp'd, and enquired by chance,
But heard that Fidelity ne'er was in France,
Derry down, &c.

The God then to Portugal next took his rout,

In hopes that at Lisbon he might find her out;
But there he was told, she had mock'd Superstition,
, And left them for fear of the grand Inquisition.
- Derry down, &c.

*. £ Being thus disappointed, to Holland he flew,

*****And strictly enquird of an emineut Jew;
* When Mordecai readily told him thus much,
Widelity never was lik'd by de Dutch.
• Derry down, &c.

Arriving in London, he hasten’d to Court,

Where numbers of little great men do resort,
Who all stood amaz'd, when he ask’d for the Dame,
And swore they had scarce ever heard of the name.
Derry down, &c.

To Westminster Hall next the God did repair,

|
*:

In hopes with Dame Justice she might be found there,

For both he enquir'd, when the Court answer'd thus,
The persons you mention, Sir, ne'er trouble UlS.
- Derry down, &c.

Then bending his course to the Cyprian grove,

He civilly ask'd of the young God of Love;
The urchin replied, could you think here to find her,
When I and my Mother you know never mind her.
- Derry down, &c.
 MASONIC SONGS. 15

In one only place you can find her on Earth,

The seat of true Friendship, Love, Freedom, and Mirth,
To a Lodge of Freemasons then quickly repair,
And you need not to doubt but you'll meet with her there.
* Derry down, &c.

THE TO AST.

May the Goddess Fidelity never depart,

But continue her reign in each Freemasons heart.
2:
*.

XIX. SONG.

Some folks have with curious impertinence strove,

From Freemasons bosoms their secrets to move,
I'll tell them in vain their endeavours must prove,
Which nobody can deny, &c.

Of that happy secret when we are possess'd,

Our tongues can't explain what is lodg'd in our breast,
For the blessings so great it can ne'er be express'd, .
Which nobody can deny, &c,

By friendship's strict ties we Brothers are join'd,.

With mirth in each heart and content in each mind,
And this is a difficult secret to find.
Which nobody can deny, &c.

Truth, charity, justice, our principles are,

What one doth possess the other may share,
All these in the world are secrets most rare.
Which nobody can deny, &c.

While then we are met, the world's wonder and boast,

And all do enjoy what pleases each most,
158 MASONIC SONGS.

I'll give you the best and most glorious toast.

Which nobody can deny, &c.

Here's a health to the gen'rous, the brave, and the good,

To all those who think and act as they should,
In this the Freemason's health's understood.
Which nobody can deny, &c.

To all true and faithful Brethren, &c.

XX. SONG.

TUNE, Young Damon once the happy Swain.

A Mason's daughter fair and young,
The pride of all the virgin throng.
Thus to her lover said:
Tho' Damon I your flame approve,
Your actions praise, your person love,
Yet still Pll live a maid.

None shall untie my virgin zone,

But one to whom the secret's known,
... Of fam'd Freemasonry.
In which the great and good combine,
To raise with generous design,
Man to felicity.

The Lodge excludes the fop and fool,

The plodding knave and party-tool,
That liberty would sell;
The noble, faithful, and the brave,
No golden charms can e'er deceive,
In slavery to dwell.
 MASONIC SONGS. 159

This said, he bow’d and went away,

Applied, was made without delay,
Return'd to her again;
The fair one granted his request,
Connubial joys their days have blest,
And may they e'er remain.

To Masons, and to Masons' bairns,

And women with both wit and charms,
That love to lie in Mason's arms.

xxi. song. . .
A health to our sisters let's drink;
For why should not they
Be remember'd, I pray, •

When of us they so often do think. .

"Tis they give the chiefest delight;

Tho' wine chears the mind,
And Masonry's kind, -

These keep us in transport all night."

To all the Female Friends of Freemasons.

==

XXII. SONG.
|
TUNE. The merry towd Horn, f

Sing to the honour of those

Who baseness and error oppose; , ,
Who from sages and magi of old,
Have got secrets which none can unfold;
160 MASONIC SONGS.

Whilst thro' life's swift career,

With mirth and good cheer,
We're revelling
And levelling
The monarch, till he
Says our joys far transcend
What on thrones do attend,
And thinks it a glory like us to be free.

The wisest of kings pav'd the way,

And his precepts we keep to this day;
The most glorious of temples gave name
To Freemasons, who still keep the same;
Tho' no prince did arise,
So great and so wise;
Yet in falling,
Our calling
Still bore high applause,
And tho’ darkness o'er-run
The face of the sun,
We diamond-like blaz'd to illumine the cause.

To him that first the Work began, &e.

XXIII. SONG.

Hail secret art! by Heav'n design'd

To cultivate and chear the mind;
Thy secrets are to all unknown,
But Masons just and true alone.
-

CHORUS.

Then let us all their praises sing,

Fellows to peasant, prince, or king,
Fellows to peasant, prince, or king.
 MASONIC SONGS. 161

From West to East we take our way,

To meet the bright approaching day;
That we to work may go in time,
And up the sacred ladder climb.
Chor. Then let us all, &c.

Bright rays of glory did inspire,

Our Master great who came from Tyre;
Still sacred history keeps his name,
Who did the glorious temple frame.
Chon. Then let us all, &c.

The noble art divinely rear'd,

Uprightly built upon the square;
Encompass'd by the powers divine,
Shall stand until the end of time.
Chor. Then let us all, &c.

No human eye thy beauties see,

But Masons truly just and free;
Inspired by each Heav'nly spark,
Whilst Cowans labour in the dark.
Chor. Then let us all, &c.

To the Memory of the Tyrian Artist, &c.

XXIV. SONG.

TUNE. The Entered Apprentice.

Come are you prepard
Your scaffolds well rear'd,
Bring mortar and temper it purely;
'Tis all safe I hope,
Well brac'd with each rope,
Your ledgers and putlocks securely,
162 MASONIC SONGS.

Then next your bricks bring,

It is time to begin,
For the sun with its rays is adorning;
The day's fair and clear,
No rain you need fear,
'Tis a charming and lovely fine morning.

Pray where are your tools,

Your line and plumb-rules.
Each man to his work let him stand, boys,
Work solid and sure,
Upright and secure,
And your building be sure will be strong, boys.

JPray make no mistake,

But true your joints break,
And take care that you follow your leaders:
Work, rake, back, and tueth,
And make your work smooth, -

And be sure that you fill up your headers.

To the Memory of Vitruvius, Angelo, Wren, and other

Noble Artists, &c.

XXV. SONG.

TUNE. On, on, my dear Brethren.

The curious vulgar could never devise,

What social Freemasons so highly do prize :
No human conjecture, no study in schools,
Such fruitless attempts are the actions of fools.

Sublime are our maxims, our plan from above,

Old as the creation, cemented by love,
 MAsoNIC soNGs. 163

To promote all the virtues adorning man's life,

, Subduing our passions, preventing all strife.

Pursue, my dear brethren, embrace with great care,

A system adapted our actions to square;
Whose origin clearly appeareth divine,
Observe how its precepts to virtue incline.

The secrets of nature king Solomon knew,

The names of all trees in the forest that grew;
Architecture his study, Freemason's sole guide
Thus finish'd his temple, antiquity's pride. .. •

True ancient Freemasons our arts did conceal,

Their hearts were sincere and not prone to reveal;
Here's the widow's son's mem'ry, that mighty great sage,
Who skilfully handled, plum, level, and gage.

Toast next our Grand Master of noble repute,

No Brother presuming his laws to dispute;
No discord, no faction, our Lodge shall divide;
Here truth, love and friendship, must always abide.

Cease, cease, ye vain rebels, your country's disgrace,

To ravage, like Wandals, our arts to deface;
Learn how to grow loyal, our king to defend,
And live as Freemasons, your lives to amend.
To the Ancient Sons of Peace.

XXVI. SONG.

To the foregoing Tune,

We Brethren Freemasons, let's mark the great name,

Most ancient and loyal recorded by fame:
2 F
164 MASONIC SONGS.

In unity met, let us merrily sing,

The life of a Mason's like that of a king.

No discord, no envy, amongst us shall be,

No confusion of tongues, but always agree;
Not like building of Babel, confound one another,
But fill up your glasses, and drink to each Brother.

A tower they wanted to lead them to bliss,

I hope there's no Brother but knows what it is;
Three principal steps in our ladder there be,
A myst'ry to all, but to those that are free.

Let the strength of our reason keep th’ square of our heart,
And virtue adorn ev'ry man in his part:
The name of a Cowan we'll not ridicule,
But pity his folly, and count him a fool.

Let's lead a good life whilst power we have,

And when that our bodies are laid in the grave,
We hope with good conscience to Heav'n to climb,
And give Peter the pass-word, the token and sign.

Saint Peter he opens, and so we pass in,

To a place that's prepar'd for all those free from sin;
To that Heav'nly Lodge which is til'd most secure,
A place that's prepar'd for all Mason's who're pure.

To all pure and upright Masons.

 MAsoNIC soNGs. 165

XXVII. SONG.

TUNE. What tho' they call me Country Lass.

What tho’ they call us Mason-fools,

We prove by geometry, our rules
Surpass the arts they teach in schools,
They charge us falsely then:
We make it plainly to appear,
By our behaviour every where,
That when you meet with Masons there,
You meet with gentlemen.

'Tis true we once have charged been,

With disobedience to our queen,”
But after Monarchs plain have seen,
The secrets she had sought. -

We hatch no plot against the State,

Nor 'gainst great men in power prate,
But all that's noble, good and great,
Is daily by us taught.

These noble structures which we see,

Rais'd by our fam'd society, ,

* Queen Elizabeth hearing the Masons had certain secrets that could
not be revealed to her [for that she could not be Grand Master], and being
jealous of all secret assemblies, &c. she sent an armed force to break up
their Annual Grand Lodge, at York, on St. John's Day, the 27th of Decem
ber, 1561. Sir Thomas Sackville, then Grand Master, instead of being dis.
mayed at such an unexpected visit, gallantly told the Officers, that nothing
could give him greater pleasure than seeing them in the Grand Lodge, as it
would give him an opportunity of convincing them, that Freemasonry was
the most useful system that was ever founded on divine and moral laws.
The consequence of his arguments were, that he made the chief men Free.
masons, who on their return, made an honourable report to the Queen, so
that she never more attempted to dislodge or disturb them, but esteemed
them as a peculiar sort of men that cultivated peace and friendship, arts
and sciences, without meddling in the affairs of church and state,
166 MASONIC SONGS,

Surprise the world; then shall not we,

Give praise to Masonry,
Let those who do despise the art,
Live in a cave or some desart,
To herd with beasts from men apart,
For their stupidity. -

But view those savage nations, where

Freemasonry did ne'er appear,
What strange unpolish'd brutes they are;
Then think on Masonry.
It makes us courteous men alway,
Gen'rous, hospitable, gay,
What other art the like can say;
Then drink to Masons free.

Prosperity to the most Ancient and Honourable Croft.

t-re

XXVIII. SONG.

Glorious Craft, which fires the mind,

With sweet harmony and love;
Surely thou wert first design'd, |

A fore-taste of the joys above.

Pleasures always on thee await,

Thou reformest Adam’s race;
Strength aud beauty in thee meet
. . Wisdom's radient in thy face. . .
---
Arts and virtues now combine,"
Friendship raises chearful mirth
All united to refine,
Man from grosser parts of earth
 \

MASONIC SONGS. 167

Stately temples now arise, ''

And on lofty columns stand;
Mighty domes attempt the skies;
To adorn this happy land. \ .

:. . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . . ."
... To the Secret and Silent, &c. &
**** * . . . . .. . . . . . ."

XXIX. SONG.

*
... Come, come, my Brethren dear,
Now we're assembled here, a
: Exalt your voices clear, * ... . . . . . .
With barmony; . .
Here's none shall be admitted in,
Where he a Lord, a Duke, or King,
He's counted but an empty thing, :
Except he's free. , , , , ,
.. . . . . . .
* : * * *, , , ,

cHorus. ,
Let ev'ry man take glass in hand,
Drink bumpers to our Master Grand,
As long as he can sit or stand,
With decency.
* * - *
r
* *** -
*** * * **** * *

**

By our art we prove," . . . . ..

Emblems of truth and love, # to:
Types given from above,' ' ' ' "
To those that are free;
There's ne'er a King that fills a throne,
| Will ever be ashamed to own, -

Those secrets to the world unknown,

But such as we.
Chor. Let ev'ry man, &c. -
168 MASONIC SONGS, ,

Now, Ladies, try your arts, , , ...

To gain us men of parts, . . . . .
Who best can charm your hearts,
Because we're free; -

Come take us, try us, and you'll find,

We're true, we're loving, just and kind,
And taught to please a Lady's mind,
By Masonry.
Chor. Let ev'ry man, &c.
cRAND chorus.
GoD bless King GE of GE, long may he reign,
To curb the hostile foe that's vain, ".
And with his conqu'ring sword maintain
Freemasonry. . . . .

#To the King's good health;

The Nation's wealth;
The Prince, GoD bless,
The Fleet success;
The Lodge no less, ,
of f. : : -

it , , ,=

xxx, song. -

With plumb, level, and square, to work let's prepare,

And join in a sweet harmony; . . . . .
Let's fill up each glass, and around let it pass,
To all honest men that are free.

- - - - chorus. -

Then a fig for all those, who are Freemasons foes,

Our secrets we'll never impart;
But in unity we'll always agree,
And chorus it-Prosper our Art,
 MASONIC SONGS. 169

When we are properly cloth'd, the Master discloses,

The secret that's lodg’d in his breast;
Thus we stand by the cause, that deserves great applause,
In which we are happily blest. . . .

Chor. Then a fig for all those, &c.

The Bible's our guide, and by that we abide,

Which shows that our actions are pure;
The compass and square, are emblems most rare,
Of justice our cause to ensure,
Chor. Then a fig for all those, &c.

True brotherly love, we always approve,

Which makes us all mortals excel; . .
If a knave should by chance, to this science advance,
Such a man with one voice we'll expel, " :
Chor. Then a fig for all those, &c.
.* * *

Our Lodge that's so pure, to the end will endure,

In virtue and true secrecy;
Then let's toast a good health, with honour and wealth,
To attend him whose hands made us free.
Chor. Then a fig for all those, &c.

To each true and faithful heart,

That still preserves the sacred Art.

XXXI. SONG.

King Solomon, that wise projector,

In Masonry took great delight;
And Hiram, that great architector, ! . .
Whose actions shall shine ever bright:
170 MASONIC SONGS.

From the heart of a true honest Mason, -

There's none can the secret remove;

Our maxims are justice, morality,
Friendship, and brotherly love.
CHORUS.

Then who would not be a Freemason,

So happy and jovial are we;
To Kings, Dukes, and Lords, we are Brothers,
And in every Lodge we are free.

We meet like true friends on the level,

And lovingly part on the square;
Alike we respect King and beggar,
Provided they're just and sincere:
We scorn an ungenerous action,
None can with Freemasons compare;
We all strive to live within compass,
By rules that are honest and fair.
Then who would not be a Freemason, &c.

Success to each Ancient Freemason,

There's none can their honour pull down;
For e'er since the glorious creation,
These brave men were held in renown:
When Adam was King of all nations,
He formed a plan with all speed,
And soon made a sweet habitation,
For him and his fair partner Eve.
Then who would not be a Freemason.

Like an arch well centented together,

So firmly connected we stand;
And lovingly drink to each other,
With plumb, line and level in hand;
 MASONIC SONGS. 171

*Till the world is consum’d by fire,

And judgment is pass'd on us all,
There's none shall come into our secrets,
Nor we from Freemasonry fall.
Then who would not be a Freemason.

To all those that live within compass and square.

XXXII. SONG.
TUNE. By Jove I'll be free. ,

Of all institutions for forming the mind,

And making us to every virtue inclin'd.
None can with the Craft of Freemasons compare,
Nor teach us so truly our actions to square.
For it was ordained by our Founder's decree,
That we should be loyal, be loving, and free.

In harmony, friendship, and concord we meet,

And every Brother most lovingly greet; *

And, when we see one in distress, we impart

Some comfort to cheer and enliven his heart;
Thus we always live and for ever agree,
Resolvd to be loyal, most loving and free.

By points of good fellowship we still accord,

Observing each Brother's true sign, grip and word
Which from our Great Architect was handed down,
And ne'er will to any but Masons be known;
Then here's to our Brethren of ev'ry degree, .
Who always are loyal, and loving, and free.

Thus we interchangeably hold one another,

To let mankind see how we're link'd to each Brother
2 G - -

*
172 MASONIC SONGS.

No monarch the mystical knot can untie,

Nor can prying mortals the reason know why:
For our hearts, like our hands, united shall be;
Still secret, still loyal, still loving, and free.

To all free and social Masons, &c.

xxxIII. soNG.
By Brother J–C—.
TUNE. Rule Britannia. **

When earth's foundation first was laid,

By the Almighty Artist's hand;
'Twas then our perfect laws were made,
Establish'd by his strict command.
Hail! mysterious hail! glorious Masonry,
That makes us ever great and free.

As man throughout for shelter sought,

In vain from place to place did roam;
Until from heav'n he was taught
To plan, to build, and fix his home.
Hail! mysterious, &c. -

'Twas hence illustrious rose our art,

Now made in beauteous piles t'appear,
May it to endless time impart,
Our privileges great and rare.
Hail! mysterious, &c. “” . . * ** *

Well are we fam'd for ev'ry tie,

By which the human thought is bound,
 MASONIC SONGS.

Love, truth, and friendship, socially,

Join both our hearts and hands around.
Hail! mysterious, &c.

Our actions still by virtue blest,

And to our precepts ever true;
The world admiring shall request * *

To learn, and our bright paths pursue.

Hail! mysterious, &c.

To all true Masons and upright,

Who saw the East where rose the light.

XXXIV. SONG.

Guardian genius of our Art divine,

Unto thy faithful sons appear;
Cease now o'er ruins of the East to pine,
And smile in blooming beauties here.

Egypt, Syria, and proud Babylon,

No more thy blissful presence claim;
In England fix thy ever-during throne,
Where myriads do confess thy name.

The sciences from Eastern regions brought,

Which, after shone in Greece and Rome,
Are here in several stately Lodges taught;
To which, remotest Brethren come.

Behold what strength our rising domes uprear,

*Till mixing with the azure skies;
Behold what beauties through the whole appear,
So wisely built they must surprise.
174 MASONIC SONGS.

- Nor are we only to these arts confin'd,

For we the paths of virtue trace; e

By us man's rugged nature is refin'd,

And polish'd into love and peace.
To the increase of perpetual Friendship, and Peace among
- the Ancient Craft.

XXXV. SONG.
TUNE. Rule Britannia.
To Masonry, that gem divine
Which sparkles on creation's breast,
The willing homage of the tuneful N, NE
Shall be in grateful strains express'd.
Hail with rapture the Mason's mystic art,
Which swells with joy each Brother's heart.

O'er ev'ry region of the earth

Our social banners are unfurled,
And each proclaims of Masonry the worth,
Which with its arms infolds the world.
Hail, &c. . ..

Philanthropy each bosom warms,

Where the Masonic treasure lies;
And Charity with her benignant charms,
Our base and ornament supplies,
Hail, &c,

The Mason, friend to all mankind,

To all his free assistance gives;
Nor is it to the human race confin'd,
For lo! he feels for all that lives.
Hail, &c.
 MASONIC SONGS. 175

XXXVI. SONG.

Eer since the Temple first was rear'd

Has Masonry extended,
The widow's son so much rever'd
The sacred art amended;
He wrought by compass, and by square,
By level and by plumb, Sir,
For neither axe, nor hammer there,
Was heard within the dome, Sir.

CHORUS.

Then O' support, with hand and heart,

Be mindful of its glory;
Freemasonry that sacred Art,
So long renown'd in story.

Full oft has persecution strove

To crush our sacred Order,
By those who either curious prov’d,
Or, those who lov’d disorder;
But all such efforts are in vain,
Whilst Faith. aud Truth we nourish;
Again we'll show them, and again,
That Masonry shall flourish.
Chor. Then O! support, &c.

E'en Kings, by evil men advis'd,

Freemasonry suspected,
But for a moment tho' despis'd,
When known, 'twill be respected.
- -
176 MASONIC SONGS.

E’en good Queen Bess her Courtiers sent,

Resolv'd on our dismission;
They came, return'd, the Queen content,
Said, ‘Let them have permission.’ *

Chor. Then O! support, &c. -

And now, while some of every band,

'Tis feared are dissaffected;
Freemasonry most firm does stand,
By King and law protected;
Then let us fill a bumper glass,
And drink it whilst we stand, Sirs,
With proper honours let it pass, |

The Rulers of our Craft, Sirs.

Chor. Then O ! support, &c.
-

XXXVII. SONG.

Divine Urania, virgin pure :

Enthroned in the Olympian bow'r,
lays!
I here invoke thy
Celestial Muse awake the lyre,
With Heav'n-born sweet Seraphic fire,
Freemasonry to praise. |

The stately structures that arise,

And brush the concave of the skies,
Still ornament thy shrine;
Th'aspiring domes, those works of ours,
“The solemn temples—cloud-capt tow’rs,”
Confess the Art divine,

With prudence all our actions are, |

By Bible, compass, and by square, . . . |

In love and truth combin’d ; -

 MASONIC SONGS.

While justice and benevolence,

With fortitude and temperance,
Adorn and grace the mind.
Let Masonry's profound grand Art,
Be rooted in each Brother's heart,
Immortal to remain;
Hence for ever mayst thou be
Beyond compare, O Masonry!
Unrivall'd in thy reign.

XXXVIII. SONG.--THE FAREWELL. .

BY RoBERT BURNs. *

TUNE. Good night and joy be wi' you a'.

Adieu ! a heart-warm fond adieu !

Dear Brothers of the mystic tye |
Ye favour’d, ye enlighten’d few,
Companions of my social joy!
Tho' I to foreign lands must hie,
Pursuing fortunes slidd'ry ba',
With meiting heart and brimful eye,
I'll mind you still tho' far awa’.

Oft have I met your social band,

And spent the chearful festive night;
Oft, honor'd with supreme command,
Presided o'er the sons of light:
And by that hieroglyphic bright,
Which none but craftsmen ever saw!
Strong mem'ry on my heart shall write,
Those happy scenes when far awa'.
178 , MASONIC SONGS.

May freedom, harmony, and love,

Unite you in the grand design,
Beneath th' omniscient eye above,
The glorious Architect divine!
That you may keep th' unerring line,
Still rising by the plummet's law,
Till order bright completely shine,
Shall be my pray’r when far awa’.

And you farewell whose merits claim,

Justly that highest badge to wear !
Heav'n bless your honour'd, noble name, ,
To Masonry and Scotia dear !
A last request permit me here,
When yearly you assemble a',
One round, I ask it with a tear,
To him, the bard that's far awa’.

XXXIX. A ROYAL ARCH SONG.

Father Adam created, beheld the light shine,

God made him a Mason and gave him a sign,
Our Royal Grand secret to him did impart,
And in Paradise often he talk'd of our Art.

, Then Noah found favour and grace in his sight,

He built up an ark by the help of our light;
In clouds, GoD his rainbow then set, to insure
'That his mercies and cov'nants should ever endure.

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, partook of the same,

And Moses, that excellent Mason of fame,
Whom God had appointed his chosen to bring
From bondage, and humble proud Egypt's great king.
 ..MASONIC SONGS. 179

Bezaleel and Aholiab were likewise inspir'd . . . .

By the spirit of wisdom, and for it admir’d,
Well skill'd in all workmanship curious and true,
Of scarlet and purple, fine linen and blue,

In the wilderness taught by our great Architect, ,

A grand tâbernacle they then did erect,
And vessels they made of gold that was good,
Wrought silver, brass, stones, and fine shittim-wood,

Then Josliua was chosen to have the command,

Who led them all safe into the holy land; ... s.
And to show that the LoRD would his mercies fulfil,
Sun and moon at the order of Joshua stood still.

Next David and Jonathan a cov'nant made,

By the son of great Saul he ne'er was betray'd;
And tho' strange yet its scriptural truth that I tell,
That the love of Saul's son did all women's excel.
- - -
> *

David's heart sore did ache this kind love to return,

When for Saul's seven sons the LoRD's anger did burn;
Then the sons of great Saul king David did take,
But spared Mephibosheth for his oath's sake.

Our noble Grand Masters appear next in view,

Who built up the temple so just and so true,
The pattern which David from GoD had receiv'd,
Who, not suffer'd to build in his heart was sore griev'd.

Our secret divine which lay long conceal’d,

By a light from above unto me was reveal’d;
Surpris'd at the radiance with which it did shing,
I felt and confess'd it was something divine.
2 H
I80 MASONIC SONGS.

Then having pass'd three, and both offer'd and burn'd,

I soon gain'd admittance on that holy ground,
And reveal’d unto me were the myst'ries sought,
Tho' the light was by darkness comprehended not."

Being thus consecrated I soon did accord

To acknowledge Jehovah for GoD and for Lord,
Believ'd him the source of the light that did shine,
And confess'd him to be our Grand Master divine.

Then join hands and hearts your voices to raise; :

With the whole of creation unite and sing praise;
To the power divine all glory be given, ". . . . . . . .
By men upon earth, and by angels in heaven.” ". .
.*,: ~.
- -
*. . . .. . *
*, *, * = .. . . . . . . . . ."

XL. SONG.' 5 -

By Brother LAU. DERMoTT.

Tune. Mutual Lore. #

. As Masons once on Shinar's plain,

Met to revive their arts again,
Did mutually agree,
So now we're met in Britain's isle,
And make the Royal Craft to smile.
In Ancient Masonry. ,
*. -

The Masons in this happy land,

Have reviv'd the Ancient Grand,
- And the strong Tuscan laid;
Each faithful Brother, by a sign,
Like Salem's sons each other join,
And soon each Order made.
 * MASONIC SONGS. . 181.

Thrice happy, blest fraternity, ..

Whose basis is sweet unity,
And makes us all agree; . . . .
Kings, dukes, and lords, to us are kind,
As we to strangers, when we find
Them skill'd in Masonry. >

How happy are the ancient brave, , ,

Whom no Cowan can deceive,
And may they so remain;
No modern Craftsman e'er did know,
What signs our Masters to us show, .
Though long they strove in vain.

My Brethren all take glass in hand,

And toast our noble Master Grand,
And in full chorus sing:
A health to Ancient Masons free,
Throughout the globe where'er they be,
And so God save the King.

To all Ancient Masons, wheresoever dispersed or oppressed,

round the globe.
. .

XLI. SONG.

By the same. ”
TUNE. Ye mortals thqt love drinking,

Ye ancient sons of Tyre,

* . . In chorus join with me:
And imitate your sire, .
Who was fam'd for Masonry:
182 MASONIC SONGS.

His ancient dictates follow,

And from them ne'er depart:
Let each sing like Apollo,
And praise the Royal Art.

Like Salem's second story, ,

We raise the Craft again,
Which still retains its glory,
The secrets here remain
Amongst true Ancient Masons,
Who always did disdain :
These new-invented fashions, :
Which we know to be vain.

Our Temple now re-building,

You see Grand *Columns rise;
The MA G1 they resembling,
Mankind both good and wise;
. Each seems as firm as Atlas,
Who on his shoulders bore .
The starry frame of heav'n:
* What mortal can do more?
. ...

Come now my loving Brethren,

In chorus join all round;
With flowing wine full bumpers,
Let Masons' healths be crown'd;
And let each envious Cowan,
By our good actions see;
That we are free and loving,
By art of Masonry.

* Grand officers.
 MA$QNIC, SONGS. 183

.." . . . . . XLII, SONG.

'Tis Masonry unites mankind,

To gen'rous actions forms the soul;
In friendly converse all conjoin'd,
One spirit animates the whole. . .. .

Where'er aspiring domes arise,

Wherever sacred altars stand;
Those altars blaze unto the skies,
Those domes proclaim the Mason's hand.

As passions rough the soul disguise,

Till science cultivates the mind;
So the rude stone unshapen lies,
Till by the Mason's art refin'd.

Tho' still our chief concern and care,

Be to deserve a Brother's name;
Yet ever mindful of the fair,
Their kindest influence we claim.

Let wretches at our manhood rail;

But they who once our order prove;
Will own that we who build so well,
With equal energy can love.

Sing Brethren then the Craft divine,

Blest band of social joy and mirth;
With choral sound and chearful wine,
Proclaim its virtues o'er the earth.
184 MASONIC SONGS."

XLIII. SONG.

By Brother JoHN JAckson, S.G. W.

See in the East the Master plac'd,
How grateful unto us the sight:
His Wardens just he doth intrust,
His noble orders to set right, , , .
Where'er he list, his Deacons straightway run
To see the Lodge well til'd and work begun.

Like Tyre's sons we then pursue

The noble science we profess,
Each Mason to his calling true,
Down to the lowest from the best.
Square, plum, and level, we do all maintain,
Emblems of justice are and shall remain.

King Solomon, the great Mason,

Honour unto the Craft did raise;
The Tyrian Prince and widow's son,
Let ev'ry Brother jointly praise: -

Drink to the memory of all the three,

And toast their names in glasses charg’d full high.

XLIV. SONG.

By Brother J. CARTwRIGHT.
TUNE. Smile Britannia,

Attend, attend the strain

Ye Masons free, whilst I,
To celebrate your fame,
Your virtues sound on high;
Accepted Masons, free and bold,
Will never live the dupes of gold.
 ..MASONIC SONGS. 1 S5

Great Solomon, the king,

Great Architect of fame, ' ,
Of whom all coasts did ring,
Rever'd a Mason's name. . . .
Like him accepted, free, and bold, ".
True wisdom we prefer to gold.

Since him the great and wise, " : .

Of every age and clime, . .. . .. .
With fame that never dies, " " ", ,
Pursued the Art sublime; \ . . . . .”
Inspir’d by heav'n, just and free,
Have honour'd much our mystery. '
- -
** -

The glorious paths of those, ; : ... . . .. .”

With heav'n-born wisdom crown'd;
We every day disclose, . . . . . . . ...
And tread on sacred ground; ' 'f
A Mason righteous, just, and free, * "T
Or else not worthy: Masonry. . ...; if
. . . . aid ".
, , ,,
XLV. SONG. ‘.

By the same. *
*
*

TUNE. The Bonny Broom.

To Masonry your voices raise,

Ye Brethren of the Craft;
To that, and our great Master's praise,
Let bumpers now be quaff'd : - -

True friendship, love, and concord join'd,

Possess a Mason's heart;
Those virtues beautify the mind;
And still adorn the Art.
 186 #IASONIC SONGS.

CHORUS, . . . ;

Hail! all hail! my Brethren dear,. . .

All hail to ye alway; . . . ‘. . ;

Regard the Art, while ye have life,

Revere it every day.

Whilst thus in unity we join,

Our hearts still good and true;
Inspir'd by the grace divine,
And no base ends in view; -

We friendly meet, ourselves employ, ,

T'improve the fruitful mind; ** *
With blessings which can never cloy, . . . .
But dignify mankind.
Chor© Hail! all hail! &c. . . . . . . . an '
-
. . . .'; #
No flinty hearts amongst us are, . . . . "
We're generous and kind; ' ...
The needy man our fortunes share, . . . . . .
If him we worthy find: , , . . . .''

Our charity from East to West,

To each worthy object we
Diffuse, as is the great behest,
To every man that's free.
Chor. Hail! all hail ! &c.

Thus bless'd and blessing well we know,

Our joys can never end;
For long as vital spirits flow,
A Mason finds a friend.
Then join your hearts and tongues with mine,
Our glorious art to praise,
Discreetly take the generous wine,
Let reason rule your ways.
Chor. Hail! all hail! &c.
 -

MASONIC SONGS. - 187

, , XLVI. SONG. : , so . . . . . .
How bless'd are we from ignorance free,
And the base notions of mankind, ... ?"
Here every virtuous moral deed * ...
Instructs and fortifies the mind; . . . . .
Hail! ancient, hallow'd, solemn ground, ...
Where light and Masonry I found.

Hence vile detractors from us fly, ...

Far to the gloomy shades of night, *
Like owls that hate the mid-day sky,
And sink with envy from its light; -

With them o'er graves and ruins rot, *

For hating knowledge you know not.

When we assemble on a hill,

Or in due form upon the plain, .
Our Master doth with learned skill,
The secret plan and work explain:
No busy eye, nor Cowan's ear,
Can our grand myst'ry see or hear,

Our table deck'd with shining truth,

Sweet emblems that elate the heart;
While each attentive list'ning youth *

Burns to perform his worthy part,

Resolving with religious care,
To live by compass, rule, and square.

Our Master watching in the East

The golden streaks of rising sun,
To see his men at labour plac'd,
Who all like willing Crafts doth run,
Oh! may his wisdom ever be,
Honour to us and Masonry,
2 I
188 MASONIC SONGS.

Not far from him as Gnonom true,

Beauty stands with watchful eye,
Whose chearful voice our sprits renew,
And each his labour doth lay by ;
His kind refreshing office still
Inspires each Craft in Mason's skill.

See in the West our oblong's length,

The Brave Corinthian pillar stands
The Lodge's friend and greatest strength,
Rewarding Crafts with lib'ral hands:
Sure this our Lodge must lasting be,
Supported by these columns three.

Each Roman chief did proudly view

Their temples rising to the sky, -

And as the nations did subdue,

They rais'd triumphal arches high;
Which gave us Masons such a name,
As vies with mighty Caesar's fame.

The kings who raised Diana's columns",

With royal art, by skilful hands,
As priests accorded in their volumes,
And poets sing to distant lands:
Th'adoring world that did them see,
Forgot th' enshrined deity.

Such is our boast, my Brethern dear,

Fellows to kings and princes too,
The Master's gift—was proud to wear,
As now the great and noble do;

* The Temple of Diana at Ephesus.

 MASONIC, SoNGs. 189
The great, the noble, and the sage, *

Masons rever'd from age to age.

choRUs. .
Then to each Brother in distress,
Throughout all nations, parts or climes,
Charge, Brethren, to this quick redress,
As Masons did in ancient times;... . . .
From want and hardships set them free,
Bless'd with health and Masonry. . . .
-
, *
r, a * * * * * * * - - -
* **

Nor once forget the lovely fair, . . .. .

Divinely made of Adam's bone;
Whose heavenly looks can banish care,
- And ease the sighing lover's moan, i.
To them who soft enjoyment brings * ..."

Us heroes, architects, and kings.

... ** * * -

XLVII. SONG.
By Brother RoPERT M*CANN, P. M. of Lodge No. 244.
TUNE. Can you to the battle go.

Hail Masonry, thou source divine,

Of pure and solid pleasure,
With friendship's chain, our hearts entwine,
Thus prove our joy, and treasure.
Thine influence shed, on each freeman,
Who walks the line of duty,
And form his conduct on the plan
Of wisdom, strength, and beauty.
cHorus. *

May Craftsmen all, thy maxims hold

Through life on all occasions,
19ó MAsONIC soNGs:

In virtues cause upright and bold, s -.' : -

Like good and faithful Masons. " " ' ".

How happy we, thy votries are, *** *

How great our satisfaction, "

with lights so bright, with rules so rare".
To regulate each action-- " ". . "
strict justice ought our lives to sway, “
With honour pure, in this state," " , |
Sweet peace should bless our level way,
And truth our words should dictate. **

Chor. May Craftsmen all, &c.''” ”. .

Our Lodge is ty'd, our minds thus tyle,
Shut out each wild intrusion,” ".
May knowledge bright, upon us smile
To guard us from delusion.” “****
May every Brother here below,
Who just and upright now stands,
* From labour to refreshment go,
To the temple made without hands. . . ..
.
; : *** ** **

J
FINAL chorus.
- , , ), ***** ..' . . . .. |
W here Joys eternal, ever reign,', ".
*** * **
And nought from them can sever . ..
With the world's Grand Master to remain
For ever and for ever. . . . * . ."

... xlviii. song. " '

Come fill up a bumper, and let it go round,
Let mirth and good fellowship always abound;
And let the world see,
That Freemasonry ; :

Doth teach honest souls to be jovial and free.

 MASONIC SONGS. 191.

Our Lodge, now compos'd of honest free hearts,

Our Master most freely his secret imparts; *
And so we improve " " " -
: In knowledge and love, " ' ".
By help from our mighty Grand Master above.
- -

-- -- - * * * * *> , -

Let honour and friendship eternally reign, ''

Let each Brother Mason the truth so maintain;
While all may agree," .

That Freemasonry,
Doth teach honest souls to be jovial and free.
-
* -
-

! -

In mirth and good fellowship we will agree,

For none are more blest or more happy than we,
And thus we'll endure,
While our actions are pure,
Kind heaven those blessings to us doth insure.
:=

xLIx. song. fe

Hail! sacred art, by heav'n design'd

A gracious blessing for mankind; ,,
Peace, joy, and love, thou dost bestow,
On us thy votaries below.

Bright Wisdom's footsteps here we trace,

From Solomon that prince of peace;
Whose glorious maxims we still hold,
More precious than rich Ophyr's gold.

His heavenly proverbs to us tell,

How we on earth should ever dwell i.
In harmony and social love, -

To emulate the blest above.

192 MASONIC SONGS,

Now having wisdom for our guide, . . , ,, ,

By its sweet precepts we'll abide 5:... .. .
Envy and hatred we'll dispel,” ". -

No wrathful fool with us shall dwell.

- - ..f ... ... ". . . .
Wain, empty grandeur shall not find
Its dwelling in a Mason's mind: two
: A Mason who is true and wise, i... ."
Its glitt'ring pomp always despise.
* * * * * -

Humility, love, joy and peace,

Within his mind shall fill their place
Virtue and Wisdom thus combin'd,
Shall decorate the Mason's mind.
*
*** **

.. . = . "

L. soNG. ** *

TUNE. God save the King.

Hail! Masonry divine,

Glory of ages shine, -

Long may'st thou reign; -

Where'er thy Lodges stand - ,

May they have great command, . |
And always grace the land,
Thou art divine.
*
Great fabrics still arise,
And grace the azure skies,
Great are thy schemes;
Thy noble orders are
Matchless beyond t-compare,
- .." *> . .

No art with thee can share,

Thou art divine.
 MASONIC, SONGS. 193

Hiram, the architect, *-* * * *# 3. **

Did all the Craft direct,” “ . . . * * *

* How they should build; : " ". . . .

Solomon, great Israel's king, * * * * *
Did mighty blessings bring,
And left us cause to sing,
Hail! Royal Art. -* *
* * * * * **

LI. SONG. . . . .. ... * ...

Let Masons be merry each night when they meet, t

And always each other most lovingly greet,

Let envy and discord be sunk in the deep . . .
By such as are able great secrets to keep,
Let all the world gaze on our Art with surprise, -

They're all in the dark till we open their eyes.

Whoever is known to act on the square,
And likewise well skill'd in our secrets rare, -

And always respected, whether wealthy or poor,

And ne'er yet was careless of matters that's pure,
Their actions are bright, and their lives spent in love,
At length will be happy in the Grand Lodge above.

We are brothers to princes, and fellows to kings,

Our fame thro’ the world continually rings;
As we lovingly meet, so we lovingly part,
No Mason did ever bear malice at heart;
The fool that's conceited we'll never despise,
Let him come to the Lodge, and we'll make him more wise.

The sanctum sanctorum by Masons was fram’d,

And all the fine works which the temple contain'd,
 194 MASONIG SGNGS.

By Hiram's contrivance, the pride of my song,

The noise of a tool was not heard along;... . . ;
And the number of Masons that round it did move,
By him were directed, inspir'd from above. . .
* *

- -
*-

LII. SONG.

If unity be good in every degree,

What can be compar'd with that of Masonry:
In unity we meet, and in unity we part;
Let every Mason chorus–Hail! mighty art!
Let every, &c.

The vulgar often murmur at our noble art,

Because the great arcanum we don't to them impart;
In ignorance let them live, and in ign'rance let them die,
Be silent and secret, let every Mason cry.
Be silent, &c.

Let a bumper be crown'd to the art of Masonry,

And to each jovial Brother that is a Mason free;
We act upon the square, on the level we'll depart,
Let every Mason sing,—Hail! glorious art!
Let every, &c.

LIII. SONG.

TUNE. The Miller of Mansfield,

How happy a Mason whose bosom still flows

With friendship, and ever most cheerfully goes;
The effects of the mysteries lodg'd in his breast,
Mys:'ries rever'd and by princes possest,
 MASONIC SONGS, 195

Our friends and our bottle we best can enjoy, i... :

No rancour or envy our quiet annoy; -

Our plumb, line, and compass, our square and our tools,
Direct all our actions in Virtue's fair rules... ...
-

- .. . ..
To Mars and to Venus we're equally true,
Our hearts can enliven; our charms can subdue; , , ,.
• Let the enemy tell, and the ladies declare.
No class or profession with Masons compare;
To give a fond lustre we ne'er need a crest,
Since honour and virtue remain in our breast;
We'll charm the rude world when we clap, laugh, and sing,
If so happy a Mason, say who'd be a king?

LIV. A NEW MASON's SONG.

As long as our coast does with whiteness appear,

Still Masons stand foremost in verse;
Whilst harmony, friendship, and joys are held dear
New bands shall our praises rehearse.

CHO RUS,

Though Lodges, less favour'd, less happy, decay,

Destroy’d by old time as it runs;
Tho' Albions, Gregorians, and Bucks fade away,
Still Masons shall live in their sans.

If Envy attempts our success to impede,

United we'll trample her down;
If Faction should threaten, we'll show we're agreed,
And Discord shall own we are one.
Chor. Tho' Lodges, &c.
2 K
196 MASONIC SONGS.

Whilst with ardour we glow, this our Order to raise,

Promoting its welfare and peace;
Old Masons return, our endeavours to praise,
And new ones confirm the increase. * •

Chor. Tho' Lodges, &c.

Go on, cry our parents, for Time is your friend,

Its flight shall increase your renown;
May Mirth be your guest, smiling Bacchus attend, -

And joy all your meetings shall crown. . . .

Chor. Tho' Lodges, &c.
- -

LV. SONG.

When a Lodge of Freemasons are cloth'd in their aprons,

In order to make a new Brother,
With firm hearts and clean hands they repair to the stands,
And justly support one another. -

Trusty Brother take care, of eves-droppers beware, ,

'Tis a just and a solemn occasion;
Give the word and the blow, that workmen may know
You are going to make a Freemason.

The Master stands true, and his officers too.

While Craftsmen are plying their station;
The Deacons do stand, right for the command
Of a Free and an Accepted Mason.

Now traverse your ground, as in duty you're bound,

And revere the most sacred oration,
That leads to the way, and proves the first ray
Of the light of an Accepted Mason.
 MASONIC SONGS. 197

Hieroglyphics shine bright, and light reverts light,

On the rules and tools of vocation,
We work and we sing, the Craft and the King,
'Tis both duty and choice in a Mason."
- • *• * * .. .. .
* * * * * * .

What's said or is done is here truly laid down,

In form of our high installation, ... . . ."

Yet I challenge all men to know what I mean,

Unless he's an Accepted Mason. "r

The ladies claim right to come into our light,"

Since the apron they say is their bearing:
Can they subject their will, and keep their tongues still,
And let talking be chang'd into hearing. . . .

This difficult task is the least we can ask *

To secure us on sundry occasions, -

When with this they comply, our utmost we'll try

To raise Lodges for Lady Treemasons.
"Till this can be done, must each Brother be mum,
BeTho'
just, the fairandonekind,
true, should
but wheedle
still bearand teaze one,
in mind, s

At all times, that your are a Freemason.

.. ... .; ti

LVI, soNG. - = ,

Ye thrice happy few,

Whose hearts have been true, , , , ,
In concord and unity found; # , , , ;
Let's sing and rejoice,
And unite ev'ry voice, , - . . .

To send the gay chorus around. .

 198. MASONIC, SONGS,

chorus. -

For like pillare we stand,

An immoveable band,
Cemented by pow'rs from above; -

Then freely let's pass,

The generous glass, ... f
*

To Masonry, friendship, and love.

The grand Architect,

Whose word will erect
- Eternity, measure and space, i

First laid the fair plan,

On which we began, ... .
Cement of harmony and peace.
Chor. For like pillars we stand, &c.

Indissoluble bands, .
\ , Our hearts and our hands.
In social benevolence bind;
For true to his cause, ...,
. By immutable laws,
A Mason's a friend to mankind,
Chor. For like pillars we stand, &c.

Let joy flow around,

And peace olive-bound,
Preside at our mystical rites,
Whose candour maintains
Our auspicious domains,
And Freedom with order unites.
Chor. For like pillars we stand, &c.

Now let the dear maid,

Our mysteries dread,
 MASONIC SONGS." 199:

Northink them repugnant to love; " . .;

To beauty we bend, -

a. ... And her empire defend, ... . . .

Her empire deriv'd from above.

Chor. For like pillars we stand, &c.

Then let's all unite,

Sincere and upright,
On the level of virtue we stand;
No mortals can be
More happy than we, -

With a Brother and friend in each hand.

Chor. For like pillars we stand, &c.
--
*- -

* ** * * * . . . .

LVII. SONG.

Whoever wants wisdom, must with some delight,

Read, ponder, and pore, noon, morning and night,
Must turn over volumes of gigantic size,
Enlighten his mind, tho' he put out his eyes.
- Derry down, &c.

If a general would know how to muster his men,

by thousands, by hundreds, by fifties, by ten;
Or level his siege on high castle or town,
*
He must borrow his precepts from men of renown.
.. . * * * Derry down, &c.
* ~ * ** *

Would a wry-fac'd physician or parson excel,

In preaching or giving a sanctified spell; . .
He first must read Galen or Tillotson through,
E'er he gets credentials or business to do.
Derry down, &c.
2OO MASONIC SQNGS.

But these are all follies Freemasons can prove, ...

In the Lodge they find knowledge, fair virtue and love;
Without deafning their ears, without blinding their eyes,
They find the compendious way to be wise. -

- , , , Derry down, &c.

. .

LVIII. SONG.

Come, ye elves that be,

Come follow, follow me;
All you that guards have been,
Without, and serv'd within:
Sing, let joy through us resound,
For all this Lodge is sacred ground.
Guides too, that firies are,
Come five by five prepare : . . . . . -

Come bring fresh oil with speed, i.

Your dying lamps to feed; , , - * . . ."

All trimm'd in new and glitt'ring light, . . . . .

To welcome garments that are white.

... Come seraphs too that be at . .

Bright rulers, three by three, , , , , -

Attend on me your queen, : *

Two handmaids led between : ...

Whilst all around this health I name,
Shall make the hollow sounds proclaim.

Whilst we who sing and love,

* And live in springs above; ... ..., , ,
Descend, descend do we, -

... . . . . With Masons to be free: .

 MASONIC SONGS. , 201

Where springs of wine revive each face,

And streams of milk flow round the place.

Whilst cherubs guard the door,

With flaming sword before;
We through the key-hole Creep,
And there unseen we peep:
O'er all their jewels skip and leap,
And trip it, trip it, step by step.

Or as upon the green,

We fairies trip unseen, *

So here we make a ring,

While merry Masons sing;
Around their crowns we whirl apace,
And not one single hair misplace.

Now as for Masonry,

Although we are not free,
In Lodges we have been,
And all their signs have seen.
Yet such love to the Craft we bear,
Their secrets we will ne'er declare.

LIX. SONG.

- TUNE. The Mulbrery Tree.

Ye sons of great science, impatient to learn,

What's meant by a Mason you here may discern;
He strengthens the weak, is a guide to the blind,
And the naked he clothes, and befriends human kind.
 202 MASONIC SONGS.

- C.H. O.R.U.S.

All shall yield to Masonry,

Bend to thee, blest Masonry;
Matchless was he, who founded thee,
And thou like him immortal shall be.

He walks on the level of honour and truth,

And shuns the vile passions of folly and youth;
The compass and square all his actions improve;
And his ultimate object is brotherly love.
All shall yield, &c.
*.

By feeling inspir’d, he doth bounty impart,

For charity reigneth at large in his heart;
The indigent Brother reliev'd from his woes,
Feels a pleasure inferior to him who bestows.
All shall yield, &c.

In the temple of truth he nobly shall rise,

Supported by that which Solomon did prize;
Thus rear'd and adorn'd strength and beauty unite,
And he views the fair structure with inward delight.
All shall yield, &c.

With fortitude blest, he's a stranger to fears,

And govern'd by prudence, he cautiously steers;
*Till temperance shews him the part of content,
And justice unveil'd gives a sign of consent.
All shall yield, &c.

Thus a Mason I’ve drawn and set forth to your view,

And envy must own that the picture is true;
Then members become, let's be brethren and friends,
There's a secret remaining will make you amends.
All shall yield, &c.
 MAsoN1c songs. 203
EX. SONG.

TUNE. God save the King.

Let Mason's fame resound
Through all the nations round,
From pole to pole;
See what felicity,
Harmless simplicity,
Like electricity,
Runs through the whole.

Such sweet variety

Ne'er had society
Ever before;
Faith, Hope, and Charity,
Love andsincerity, •

Without temerity
Charm more and more.

When in the Lodge we're met,

And in due order set,
Happy are we;
Our works are glorious,
Deeds meritorious,
Never censorious, - | | |
But great and free. . #

- . . " - . - i. .
When Folly's sons arise, . . .
Masonry to despise,
Scorn all their spite; . . .
Laugh at their ignorance,
Pity their want of sense, -

Ne'er let them give offence, * *

Firmer unite. * . .

- Q \, * * -
204 MAsoNIC songs..

Masons have long been free

And may they ever be
Great as of yore;
For many ages past,
Masonry has stood fast, ..
And
f
may its glory last
- *.
*Till Time's no more,

LXI. SONG.

TUNE From the East breaks the Morn.

When the Deity's word

Through all Chaos was heard,
And the Universe rose at the sound,
Trembling Night skulk'd away,
Bursting Light hail'd the day,
And the spheres did in concert resound.
Then the Grand Architect,
In omnipotence deck'd;
Into order the mass did compound;
Deem'd the Sun King of Light,
Crown'd the Moon Queen of Night,
And the Earth with an atmosphere bound.
Mighty Man then was form'd,
With five senses adorn'd, -

Which the noble five Orders expound;

With the birth of the Sun
Architecture begun,
And ’till Nature expires t’will abound.
 MAsoN1c songs. - 205

Bible, compass, and square,

As our emblems we wear,
The bright symbols of wisdom profound;
And while these are our guide, -

Ev'ry Myst'ry beside

As a foil to our Art will be found.

- *->

LXII. SONG.

TUNE. Attic Fire.

Arise, and blow thy trumpet, Fame,

Freemasonry aloud proclaim
To realms and worlds unknown:
Tell them ’twas this great David's son,
. The wise, the matchless Solomon,
Priz’d far above his throne.

The solemn temple's cloud-capt towers,

Th'aspiring domes are works of ours,
By us those piles are rais'd:
Then bid mankind with songs advance,
And through th' ethereal vast expanse
Let Masonry be prais’d;

We help the poor in time of need,

The naked clothe, the hungry feed,
'Tis our foundation stone;
*

We build upon the noblest plan;

For Friendship rivets man to man,
And makes us all as one.

Still louder, Fame! thy trumpet blow;

Let all the distant regions know
206 - MAsoN1c songs.

Freemasonry is this:
Almighty wisdom gave it birth,
And Heav'n has fix’d it here on earth,
A type of future bliss' .

LXIII. SONG.

• An Allegory on Charity.
Tune. How happy a state does the Miller possess.

As poverty late in a fit of despair,

Was beating her bosom and tearing her hair,
Smiling Hope came to ask—what her countenance told
That she lay there ex piring with hunger and cold.

Come rise? said the sweet rosy herald of Joy,

And the torments you suffer I'll quickly destroy;
Take me by the hand, all your griefs I’ll dispel,
And I’ll lead you for succour to Charity’s cell.

On Poverty hobbl’d, Hope soften’d her pain,

But long did they search for the Goddess in vain;
Towns, cities, and countries, they travers'd around,
For Charity's lately grown hard to be found.

At length at the door of a Lodge they arriv'd,

Where their spirits exhausted the Tyler reviv'd,
Who, when ask'd (as twas late) if the dame was gone homef
Said, “No; Charity always is last in the room.”
-

The door being opened, in Poverty came,

Was cherish'd, reliev'd, and caress'd by the dame;
Each votary likewise, the object to save,
Obey'd his own feelings, and chearfully gave.
 MAsoNIC songs. • 207

Then shame on the man who the science derides,

Where this soft-beaming virtue for ever presides;
In this scriptural maxim let's ever accord
“What we give to the poor, we but lend to the Lord.”

LXIV. SONG.

TUNE. Hearts of Oak.

A system more pure ne'er was modell’d by man,

Than that which we boast as the Freemason's plan;
It unites all the world by the strongest of ties,
And adds to men's bliss, while it makes them more wise.
From the Prince to the Boor, -

Be he rich, be he poor,
A Mason's a Brother,
And each will help t'other,
So grateful the tie is of Freemasonry:
That hence flow the purest enjoyments of life,
That banish’d from hence are dissention and strife,
That the lessons are good, which we practice and teach,
Are truths that our foes vainly try to impeach.
From the Prince, &c.
The greatest of Monarchs, the wisest, and best,
Have Masons become, and been true to the test 5
And still with that sanction our rights are pursu’d,
Admir’d by the wise, and approv’d by the good.
From the Prince, &c. -

The task were too tedious the deeds to record,

of the great and the good, that our annals afford,
If a word, let us utter this truth to mankind, -
There's no temple more pure than the true Mason's mind.
From the Prince, &c. - -
208 AIASONIC SONGS.

LXV. SONG.

TUNE. In Infancy.

Hail Masonry ! thou sacred art,

Of origin divine! -

Kind partner of each social heart,

And fav’rite of the Nine ! -

By thee we're taught our acts to square,

To measure life's short span,
And each infirmity to bear,
That's incident to man.
Chor. By thee, &c,

Tho' Envy's tongue should blast thy fame,

And ignorance should sneer,
Yet still thy ancient honor'd name
Is to each Brother dear:
Then strike the blow, to charge prepare,
In this we all agree, .

* May Freedom be each Mason's care,

“And ev'ry Mason free.”
Chor. Then strike the blow, &c.

LXVI. SONG.

TUNE, Contented I am, &c.

Grave business being clos'd—and a call from the South,

The bowl of refreshment we drain:
Yet e'en o'er our wine we reject servile sloth,
And our rites'midst our glasses retain.
* My brave boys.
 MASONIC SONGS. .” 209

With loyalty brightened, we first toast the King

May his splendour and virtues entwine!
And, to honour his name, how we make the Lodge ring
When the King and the Craft we combine!

May the Son's polish'd graces improve on the Sire

May the arts flourish fair round this Isle
And long our Grand Master, with wisdom and fire,
Give beauty and strength to the pile!

The absent we hail tho’ dispers'd round the ball

The silent and secret our friends— -

And one honest guest, at our magical call,

From the grave of concealment ascends.

Immortal the strain, and thrice awful the hand,

That our rites and libations controul,
Like the Sons of Olympus'midst thunders we stand,
And with myst’ries ennoble our bowl.

What a circle appears, when the border entwines--

How grapple the links to each soul! -

'Tis the Zodiac of friendship, embellish’d with signs,

And illum’d by the Star in the Pole.

Thus cemented by laws unseen and untiew,

The Universe han gs on its frame,
And thms secretly bound, shall our structure be shewn,
Tillcreation shall be but a name. - -

My brave boys.
210 MASONIC ANTHEMS.

I. HYMN.

Composed for and sung at one of the Lodges, on St. John's Day.

Let there be light, th’Almighty spoke, .

Refulgent streams from Chaos broke,
T illume the rising earth;
Well pleas'd the great Jehovah stood,
The power supreme pronounced it good,
Then gave the planets birth:
In choral numbers Masons join,
And bless and praise this light divine.

Parent of life! accept our praise,

And shed on us thy brightest rays,
That light which fills the mind;
By choice selected, lo! we stand,
By friendship join’d—a social band,
That love—that aid mankind.
In choral numbers, &c. *

The widow’s tear, the orphan's cry,

All wants our ready hands supply,
. As far as power is given;
The naked clothe, the captive free,
These are thy works, sweet Charity,
Reveal’d to us from heav'n.
In choral numbers Masons join,
And bless and praise this light divine.
 \

MASONIC ANTHEMS. 211 . .

II. ANTHEM,

Grant us, kind Heav'n, what we request

In Mason RY let us be blest; *

Direct us to that happy place,

Where Friendship smiles in ev'ry face;
Where freedom and sweet innocence

Enlarge the mind, and cheer the sense." \

Where scepter'd reason from her throne

Surveys the Lodge, and makes us one;
And harmony delightful sway,
For ever sheds ambrosial day;
Where we blest Eden's pleasure taste,
Whilst baimy joys are our repast.

Our Lodge the social virtues grace,

And wisdom's rules we fondly trace;
While nature opens to our view,
Points out the path we should pursue; . . w

Let us subsist in lasting peace,

And may our happiness increase. >

No prying eye can view us here,

No fool or knave disturb our cheer;
Our well-form'd laws set mankind free,
And give relief to misery:
The poor oppress'd with woe and grief, *

Gain from our bounteous hands relief.

-

III. ANTHEM.
Oh, Masonry ! our hearts inspire,
And warm us with thy sacred fire; ,
Make us obedient to thy laws,
2M
212 MASONIC ANTHEMS:

And zealous to support thy cause;

For thou and Virtue are the same,
And only differ in the name.

Pluck narrow notions from the mind,

And plant thelove of human kind; .
Teach us to feel a Brother's woe,
And, feeling, comfort to bestow:
Het none, unheeded, draw the sigh,
Nor grief unnotic'd, pass us by.

Let swelling pride a stranger be,

Our friend—compos'd Humility; w

Our hands let steady Justice guide,

A Temp'rance at our boards preside;
Let secrecy our steps attend,
And injur'd worth our tongues defend.

Drive meanness from us—fly deceit,

And calumny, and rigid hate;
Oh, may our highest pleasure be,
To add to man's felicity:
And may we as thy votries true,
Thy paths, oh Masonry, pursue.
 MAsoN1c opes. 213
I. ODE.

* By Brother J. CARTwRight,
RECITATIVE •

Bless'd be the day that gave to me

The secrets of Freemasonry;
In that my sole ambition's plac'd,
In that alone let me be grac'd;
No greater titles let me bear, .
Than what's pertaining to the square
AIR.

Tho’ envious mortals vainly try,

On us to cast absurdity,
We laugh at all their spleen;
The leveld man, the upright heart, . -

Shall still adorn our glorious art, -

Nor mind their vile chagrin:

The ermin’d robe, the rev'rend crozier too,
Have prov’d us noble, honest, just and true.
CHORUS.

In vain then let prejudic'd mortals declare * -

Their hate of us Masons, we're truly sincere;

If for that they despise us, their folly they prove,
. For a Mason's grand maxim is brotherly love;
But yet, after all, if they’d fain be thought wise,
Let them enter the Lodge, and we'll open their eyes.

II. ODE.

Wake the lute and 'quiv'ring strings,

Mystic truths Urania brings;
214 MASONIC ODES,

Friendly visitant to thee,

We owe the depths of Masonry:
Fairest of the virgin choir,
Warbling to the golden lyre;
Welcome here thy art prevail,
Hail! divine Urania hail |

Here in Friendship's sacred bow'r

Thy downy wing'd and smiling hour;
Mirth invites, and social song,
Nameless mysteries among:
Crown the bowl and fill the glass,
To ev'ry virtue, ev'ry grace;
To the Brotherhood resound
Health, and let it thrice go round.

We restore the times of old,

The blooming glorious age of gold;
As the new creation free,
Blest with gay Euphrosyne:
. We with God-like science talk,
And with fair Astrea walk;
Innocence adorns the day,
Brighter than the smiles of May.

Pour the rosy wine again, .*

Wake a louder, louder strain;

Rapid Zephrys, as ye fly,
Waft our voices to the sky;
While we celebrate the nine,
*And the wonders of the trine,
While the Angels sing above,
As we below, of peace and love,
 MASONIC ODES. 215

III. ODE.

By Brother Edward FENNER.

With grateful hearts your voices raise,
To sound the great Creator's praise,
Who by his word dispell'd the night,
And form'd the radient beams of light:
Who fram'd the heav’ns, the earth, the skies,
And bid the wond’rous fabric rise,
Who view’d his work and found it just,
And then created man from dust.
Happy in Eden was he laid,
Nor did he go astray,
Till, by the serpent, Eve betray'd
First fell and led the way
But falling from this happy plain,
Subject to various wants and pain,"
Labour and art must now provide, :
What Eden freely once supply'd;
Some learn'd to till th’unwilling ground;
Some bid the well-strung harp to sound;
Each different arts pursued and taught,
Till to perfection each was brought.
Masons pursue the truth divine,
We cannot go astray,
Since three great lights conjointly shine
To point us out the way.
Sion appears, rejoice, rejoice,
Exult, and hear, obey the voice,
Of mercy and enlightening grace,
Recalling us to Eden's place;
With faith believe, and hope pursue,
And mercy still for mercy shew,
 A 216 JMASONIC ODES,

s Proclaim aloud with grateful theme,

The great Redeemer's blessed name.
The Eastern star now shews us light,
Let us not go astray;
Let Faith, Hope, Charity unite,
To chear the gladsome way.
2

IV. ODE.

Long hath the curious world with prying eye,

Tried to find out the Mason's mystery,
But tried in vain, abortive thus their aim,
They join with one consent to damn our fame;
As fancy dictates each declare their thoughts,
And thus in various forms attack our faults;
The prudish matron vows 'tis strange, ’tis rude,
The ladies from our Lodges to exclude. -

What can it mean—why sure there's something done,

Which we should blush to see and they to own;
The stuttering blockhead, aiming at grimace,
With mouth distorted, and unmeaning face,
Exclaims with transport he has got a hint,
And is convinc'd, egad; there's nothing in't.
Another, wiser than the rest, conjectures,
• That though these Masons boast of private lectures,
He, for his part, believes it all a jest,
They only meet to drink, to sing, and jest,
This and much more too tedious to relate,
The talking gossips ignorantly prate;
While we secure, on Innocence rely,
And all their satire, wit, and spleen defy,
Conscious of this, we've no opprobious ends,
Are to the Fair, to Truth, and Virtue, friends;
And after all their wise conceits are weigh’d,
Spite of the tales of Pritchard, Plot, and Slade,
They ne'er can know how a Freemason's made.
 •

MASONIC PROLOGUES. 2[7

PRoLoGUES AND EPILOGUEs.

I. PROLOGUE.
Spoken by Mr. GRIrriTR, at the Theatre Royal,
IF to delight and humanize the mind,
The savage world in social ties to bind;
To make the moral virtues all appear -

Improv’d and useful, soften’d from severe:

If these demand the tribute of your praise,
The teacher's honour, or the poet's lays;
How do we view them all compris'd in Thee,
Thrice honour'd and mysterious Mason RY |
. By Thee erected, spacious domes arise,
And spires ascending, glittering in the skies;
The wond’rous whole by heav'nly art is crown'd,
And order in diversity is found;
Through such a length of ages, still how fair,
How bright, how blooming do thy looks appear;
And still shall bloom.—Time, as it glides away,
Fears for its own, before thine shall decay;
The use of accents from thy aid is thrown,
Thou form'st a silent language of thy own:
Disdain'st that records should contain thy art,
And only liv'st within the faithful heart.
Behold where kings and a long shining train,
Ofgarter'd heroes wait upon thy reign,
And boast no honour but a Mason's name.
Still in the dark let the unknowing stray;
No matter what they judge, or what they say;
Still may thy mystic secrets be conceal’d,
And only to a Brother be reveal’d.
 218 MASONIC PROLOGUES.

II. PROLOGUE.

As a wild rake that courts a virgin fair,

And tries in vain her virtue to ensnare,
Though what he calls his heav'n he may obtain,
By putting on the matrimonial chain:
At length enrag'd to find she still is chaste,
Her modest frame maliciously would blast;
So some at our Fraternity do rail,
Because our secrets we so well conceal,
And curse the sentry with the flaming sword,
That keeps eve-droppers from the Mason's word;
Though, rightly introduc’d, all true men may
Obtain the secret in a lawful way,
They’d have us counter to our honour run;
Do what they would blame us for when done;
And when they find their teazing will not do,
Blinded with anger, height of folly show,
By railing at the thing they do not know.
Not so the assembly of the Scottish kirk,
Their wisdoms went a wiser way to work:
When they were told that Mason's practis'd charms,
Invok'd the de'il, and rais’d tempestuous storms,
Two of their body prudently they sent,
To learn what could by Masonry be meant.
Admitted to the Lodge and treated well, -

At their return the assembly hop'd they'd tell.

We say nea mere than this (they both reply'd)–
Do what we've done, and ye'll be satisfy'd.
III. PROLOGUE.

As some crack’d chymist of projecting brain,

Much for discovering, but more for gain,
. . With toil, incessant labours, puffs and blows,
In search of something nature won't disclose,
* -
 MASONIC PROLOGUES. 2I9.
*

At length his crucibles and measures broke,

His fancy'd gain evaporates in smoke.
So some presumptuous still attempt to trace
The guarded symbol of our ancient race;
Enwrapp'd in venerable gloom it lies,
And mocks all sight but of a Mason's eyes;
Like the fam'd stream enriching Egypt's shore,
All feel its use—but few its source explore.
All ages still must owe, and ev'ry land
Their pride and safety to the Mason's hand,
Whether for gorgeous domes renown'd afar,
Or ramparts strong to stem the rage of war;
All we behold in earth or circling air,
Proclaims the power of compasses and square.
The heav'n-taught science, queen of arts appears,
Eludes the rust of time, and waste of years.
Through form and matter are her laws display'd,
Her rule's the same by which the world was made,
Whatever virtues grace the social name,
| Those we profess, on those we found our fame;
Wisely the Lodge looks down on tinsel state,
Where only to be good, is to be great.
Such souls by instinct to each other turn,
Demand alliance, and in friendship burn;
No shallow schemes, no stratagems nor arts,
Can break the cement that unites their hearts.
Then let pale envy, rage, and every name,
Of fools mistaking infamy for fame;
Such have all countries and all ages borne,
And such all countries, and all ages scorn;
Glorious the temple of the sylvan queen,
Pride of the world at Ephesus was seen,
2N
 220. MAsoNIC PROLOGUES.

A witless wretch, the Pritchard of those days,

Stranger to virtue and unknown to praise,
Crooked of soul and fond of any name,
•
Consign'd the noble
Vain madman if so monument
thinking totodestroy,
flame:

The Art which cannot but with nature die.

Still with the Craft, still shall his name survive,
And in our glory his disgrace shall live;
While his Cowans no more admittance gain,
Than Epramites at Jordan's passage slain.
*>

IV. PROLOGUE.

You've seen me oft in gold and ermine drest,

And wearing short-liv'd honours on my breast;
But now the honourable badge I wear,
Gives an indelible high character;
And thus by our Grand Master am I sent,
To tell you what by Masonry is meant.
If all the social virtues of the mind,
If an extensive love to all mankind,
If hospitable welcome to a guest,
And speedy charity to the distress'd,
If due regard to liberty and laws,
Zeal for our King and for our country's cause,
If these are principles deserving fame,
Let MA sons then enjoy the praise they claim:
Nay more, though war destroys what Masons build,
E'er to a peace inglorious we would yield,
Our squares and trowels into swords we'll turn,
And make our foes the wars they menace, mourn;
For their contempt we'll no vain boaster spare,
Unless by chance we meet a MAsoN there.
 MASONIC PROLOGUES, 221

v. PROLOGUE.
While other sing of wars and martial feats,
Of bloody battles and of fam'd retreats,
A nobler subject shall my fancy rancy raise,
And MA son RY alone shall claim my praise:
Hail! Masonry thou royal art divine,
Blameless may I approach thy sacred shrine;
Thy radient beauties let me there admire,
And warm my heart with thy celestial fire:
Ye wilful blind, seek no your own disgrace,"
Be sure you come not near the hallowed place,
For fear too late your rashness you deplore,
And
Withterrors
joy, myfeel, by you
faithful unthought
Brethren herebefore.
I see, r

Joining their hearts in love and unity;

Endeav’ring still each other to excel
In social virtues and in doing well:
No partyjars, political debate,
Which often wrath excites, and feuds create;
No impious talk, no wanton jests nor brawls,
Are ever heard within our peaceful walls;
Here, in harmonious concert friendly join,
The prince, the soldier, tradesman, and divine,
And to each other mutual help afford;
The honest farmer and the noble lord.
Freedom and mirth attend the chearful bowl,
Refresh the spirits, and enlarge the soul;
Refreshment we with moderation use,
For temperance admits of no abuse;
Prudence we praise and fortitude commend,
To justice always and her friends a friend:
The scoffing tribe, the shame of Adam's race,
Deride those mystries which they cannot trace;
 222 MASONIC EPILoCUES:

Profane solemnities they never saw,

For lying libels are to them a law;
The books of Masonry they in vain explore,
And turn mysterious pages o'er and o'er,
Hoping the great arcanum to attain,
But endless is their toil, and fruitless all their pain;
They may as well for heat to Greenland go,
Or in the torrid regions seek for snow;
The Royal Craft the scoffing tribe despise,
And veil their secrets from untutor'd eyes.

I. EPILOGUE.

spoken by Mrs. THURMono, a Mason's wife.

With what malicious joy, e'er I knew better,
Have I been wont the Masons to bespatter;
How greedily have I believ'd each lie
Contriv'd against that fam'd society; A

With many more complaints—’twas very hard,

Women should from their secrets be debarr'd,
When kings and statesmen to our sex reveal
Important secrets which they should conceal,
That beauteous ladies by their sparks ador'd
Could never wheedle out the Mason's word;
And oft their favours have bestow'd in vain,
Nor could one secret for another gain:
I thought, unable to explain the matter,
Each Mason sure must be a woman hater:
With sudden fear, and dismal horror struck,
I heard my spouse was to subscribe the book.
By all our loves I beg'd he would forbear;
Upon my knees I wept, and tore my hair.
 MASONIC EPILOGUES. 223

But when I found him fix’d, how I behav’d,

I thought him lost, and like a fury rav'd;
Believ'd he would for ever be undone,
By some strange operation undergone.
When he came back, I found a change ’tis true,
But such a change as did his youth renew :
With rosy cheeks and smiling grace he came,
And sparkling eyes that spoke a bridegroom's flame.
Ye married ladies, ’tis a happy life,
Believe me, that of a Freemason's wife,
Though they conceal the secrets of their friends,
In love and truth they make us full amends.

II. EPILOGUE.
s

Spoken by Mrs. Horton.

Where are these hydras let me vent my spleen; ©s.”
Are these Freemasons ? Bless me! these are men :
And young and brisk too; I expected monsters:
Brutes more prodigious than Italian songsters. .5
Lord, how report will lie, how vain this pother;
These look like sparks who only love each other! ”
[Ironically.
Let easy faiths on such gross tales rely, .
'Tis false by rules of physionomy, *
I’ll ne'er believe it, poz, unless I try:
}
. In proper time and place, there's little doubt
But one might find they wond’rous secrets out;
. I shrewdly guess, egad! for all their shyness,
They’d render signs and tokens too of kindness;
If any truth in what I here observe is,
They'll quitten brother's for one sister's service.
224. MASONIC EPILOGUES.

But hold, wild fancy, whither hast thou stray'd?

Where man's concern'd, alas, how frail's a maid!
I'm come to storm, to scold, to rail, to rate,
And see, th’ accuser's turn'd the advocate.
Say to what merits might I not pretend, -

Who, though no sister, do yet prove your friend:

Wou’d beauty thus but in your cause appear,
'Twere something, Sirs, to be accepted there:
[Pointing to the boxes.
Ladies, be gracious to the mystic arts,
And kindly take the gen’rous Mason's parts;
Let no loquacious fop your joys partake,
He sues for telling, not for kissing sake:
Firm to their trust, the faithful Craft conceal;
They cry no roast meat, fare they ne'er so well;
No tell-tale sneer shall raise the conscious blush,
The loyal Brother's word is always—hush.
hat though they quote old Solomon's decree,
And vainly boast that through the world they're free;
With ease you’ll humble the presumptuous braves,
One kind regard makes all these freemen—slaves.
*>

- III. EPILOGUE.

Oh! pray pardon my hurry,–indeed I'm so heated !

Well—to see with what insolence women are treated;
I protest what this ' apron’d fellow has said,
Has put the whole Epilogue out of my head:
Good lack!’twas the fairest, prettiest petition,
That you Masons repeal your old stale prohibition,
And grant to us females an equal admission.
} -

“What shall they,” says yon brute, “on our Lodges

intrude,
“Whom the Church, and the Bar, and the Senate exclude?”
 MASONIC EPILOGUES. 225

Struck dumb at this insult, with mortification,

Still hither I flew to give vent to my passion;
But here each mild Brother wears a kind face,
That I feel more inclin'd, in the Epilogue's place,
Thus coolly and fairly to argue the case. .
}
To these you aver we have no right of common,
Like the crown of the French, fruit forbidden to woman,
For the Church you object, with (be sure) deep discerning,
That, we fail of your meekness, your grace, and your
- learning; -

At the Bar—it perhaps may be urg’d that our clack

Would confound right with wrong, or turn white into black. '
You might question our conscience to either fee pliant, .
Or doubt our concern for the wrongs of a client.
In the Senate—when women sit there (you will say)
Poor ruin’d Old England may rue the sad day:
For a title the Sex MAGNA CHARTA may barter,
Or the great BILL of R1GHTs for a ribbon or garter;
But whilst Man, mighty Man, at the Bar shall preside,
Guard the fold of the Church or the State-rudder guide,
In security, doubtless, Religion shall smile,
And Law and sweet Liberty brighten our isle.
Yet, O ye select ones, who boast of you feeling, "
Your charity, candour, and fair open dealing;
Ye Masons ! come, now, for you reasons, and tell us
Why you from you Order for ever expel us?
Is it some treas'nous plot that you wickedly dive in *
No-plot would have call'd for fine female contriving,
Or is it for fear we should blab all you know?
No—you'll own we can keep some few secrets from you.
Or is it—but hold—I’ve a tale in my head,
('Tis a story, mayhap, you have formerly read)
*

226 MASONIC EPILOGUES.

How Samson was wheedled and teaz'd by his wife,

'Till he gave up his secret, his strength, and his life.
Alas! if like Delilah, thus we should court ye,
Till our piano charm you out of your forte;
Who knows and I fairly (acknowledge my fears)
But, like her, we may bring an old house o'er our ears ?
Then be warn'd, O ye fair; curiosity cease,
Let us leave them their mystries and secrets in peace;
And with candour confess the men most to your mind,
Whom secrecy, truth, and fidelity bind.
The fruits of their UNIoN our blessing shall prove,
For the heart that buds friendship must blossom with loves
 SOLOMON's TEMPLE,
AN ORATORIO.

DRAMATIs PERson E.

Solomon, the Grand Master.

High Priest.
Hiram, the Workman.
Uriel, Angel of the Sun.
Sheba, Queen of the South.
Chorus of Priests and Nobles.
--

ACT I.
SOLOMON.

Recitative.

Conven'd we're met—chief oracle of heav'n,

To whom the sacred mysteries are given;
We're met to bid a splendid fabric rise,
Worthy the Sov’reign Ruler of the skies.

High Priest.
And lo! where Uriel, Angel of the Sun,
Arrives to see the mighty business done.
Air.

Behold he comes upon the wings of light,

And with his sunny vestments cheers the sight.
2 O
 soloMo'N's TEMPLE,
URIEL,

Recitative.
The Lord supreme, grand master of the skies,
Who bid creation from a chaos rise;
The rules of architecture first engrav'd
On Adam’s heart.

Chorus of Priests and Nobles.

To heav'n's high architect, all praise,
All gratitude be given;
Who deign'd the human soul to raise,
By secrets sprung from heav'n.
solo Mon.
Recitative.
Adam, well vers'd in arts,
Gave to his sons the plumb and line:
By Masonry sage Tubal Cain,
To the deep organ tun'd the strain.
Air.
And while he swell'd the melting note,
On high the silver concords float.
--> -t.
* H1GH FRIEST.

Recitative unaccompanied.
Upon the surface of the waves,
(When God a mighty deluge pours)
Noah, a chosen remnant saves,
And lays the ark's stupendous floors.
*
TJ R1E.L. . .. "" ' *f

Air. -

Hark from on high, the Mason-word!

* David, my servant, shall not build
 *AN or ATorro. " 229
“A Lodge for heav'n's all sov’reign Lord,
‘Since blood and war have stain'd his shield;
‘That for our deputy, his son,
‘We have reserv’d—Prince Solomon. Dacapo.
Chorus of Priests and Nolis.
- Sound the great JEHOVAH's praise! f
Who bid young Solomon the Temple raise.
solo Mon. . . #

Recitative. -

So grand a sructure shall we raise,

That men shall wonder, angels gaze!
By art divine it shall be rear'd,
Nor shall the hammer's noise be heard.

Sound the great JEHOVAH's praise, -

Who bid King Solomon the Temple raise.

URIEL.
fêecitative.
To plan the mighty dome,
Hiram, the Master-mason's come.
UR1EL.

- Air.
We know thee by thy apron white, *

We know thee by thy trowel bright,

Well skill'd in Masonry.
We know thee by thy jewel's blaze,
Thy manly walk and air; •

Instructed thou the Lodge shalt raise,

Let all for work prepare,
 solo MON's TEMPLE,

HIRAM.

- Air.
Not like Babel's haughty building,
Shall our greater Lodge be fram'd:
That to hideous jargon yielding,
Justly was a Babel nam'd:
There Confusion all o'erbearing,
Neither sign nor word they knew !"
We our work with order squaring,
Each proportion shall be true.
SOLOMON. .
Recitative.
Cedars, which since creation grew,
Fall of themslves to grace the dome; b, ...
All Lebanon, as if she knew * -- *

The great occason, lo, is come. --

URREL. . . . . . . .
Air.
Behold, my Brethren of the sky,
The work begins worthy an Angel's eye. ... -

Chorus of Priests and Nobles.

Be present all ye heavenly host;
The work begins, the Lord defrays the cost.
-

ACT II.
MESSENGER.

Recitative. :

Behold, attended by a numerous train, . .

Queen of the South, fair Sheba, greets thy reign!
In admiration of thy wisdom, she
Comes to present the bended knee. . . . .
 AN: ORATORIO.' . . 231 =
so LoMon to Hiram.
Receive her with a fair salute,
Such as with Majesty may suit. . . . . . .
, - - “HIRAM. -

Air.
When allegiance bids obey,
We with pleasure own its sway.
Enters HEBA attended.

Obedient to superior greatness, see

Our sceptre hails thy mightier Majesty.
S.H. E. B.A. . .

- - Air.
Thus Phoebe, queen of shade and night -
Owning the sun's superior rays;
With feebler glory, lesser light,
Attends the triumph of his blaze:
Oh, all-excelling Prince, receive -

The tribute due to such a King;

Not the gift, but will, believe,
Take the heart, not what we bring. Da capo.
- solomon.
Recitative.
Let measures softly sweet,
Illustrious Sheba's presence greet.
SOLOMON."
•

Air. .
Tune the lute and string the lyre,
Equal to the fair we sing:
Who can see and not admire;
Sheba, consort for a king!:
233 solomon's TEMPLE,
Enliv'ning wit and beauty join,
Melting sense and graceful air;
Here united powers combine,
To make her brightest of the fair. Da capo.
SOLOMON.

Recitative.

Hiram, our brother and our friend,

Do thou the queen with me attend. - .

SCENE II.

View of the Temple.

FIGH PRIEST.

Recitative. - a ** *

Sacred to heav'n, behold the dome appears!

Lo, what august solemnity it wears; *

Angels themselves have deign'd to deck the frame,

And beauteous Sheba shall report its fame,
Air.

When the Queen of the South shall return

*
To the climes which acknowledge her sway;
Where the sun's warmer beams fiercely burn,
The Princess with transport shall say: is
Well worthy my journey I’ve seen, .

A monarch both graceful and wise,

Deserving the love of a Queen,
And a Temple well worthy the skies. Da capo.
Chorus.

Open ye the gates, receive the Queen who shares

With equal sense your happiness and cares.
 AN on Atonio. 288

HI RAM.

Recitative.

Of riches much, but more of wisdom see;

Proportion'd workmanship, and Masonry.
HIRAM.

Air. -

Oh! charming Sheba, there behold

What massy stores of burnish’d gold,
Yet richer is our Art;
Not all the orient gems that shine,
Nor treasures of rich Ophir's mine,
Excel the Mason’s heart;
True to the fair he honours more,
Than glitt’ring gems or brightest ore,
The plighted pledge of love: -

To ev’ry tie of honour bound,

In love and friendship constant found,
And favour'd from above.

soLoMo N and SHEBA.

- Duet.
Sheba. One gem beyond the rest I see,
And charming Solomon is he.
Solom. One gem beyond the rest I see,
Fairest of fair ones, thou art she.
Sheba. Oh, thou surpassing all men wise.
Solom. And thine excelling women's eyes.
H 1 R A M.

Recitative.
Wisdom and beauty both combine;
Our Art to raise, and hearts to join - - - - -
234 solo MON's TEMPLE,

Chorus. -

Give to Masonry the prize.

Where the fairest choose the wise;
Beauty still should wisdom love;
Beauty and order reign above.

THE END.

- wa
wa- -
Printed by Brother T, HARPER, Jun. 4, Crane Court, Fleet Streets