045845 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY THIS BOOK IS ONE OF A COLLECTION MADE BY BENNO LOEWY 1854-1919 AND BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY ! DATE DUE Miiy^ 4L: Awl Ig 16 "■''8>Cwv^ TO TIE MOST WORSE. THE GRAP LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS, (M. WORSH. BRO. WILL. PARKMAN, GRAND M.) : THIS WORK IS MOST BESPECTFULLY AND FKATERNALLT DEDICA-TED. TO J. G. FINDEL, Worstipful Sir and Brother. Tour highly esteemed favour of Feb. 23, is received, and the inti- mation therein contained of yonr intention to dedicate your proposed English edition of a standard work upon Freemasonry, to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, we deem a high compliment. Dating as far back as 1733, the M. W. Gd. Lodge of Massachusetts, has the honor to be the oldest 6d. Lodge in America, she can therefore also assure you, that it has been the practice of this venerable Gd. Lodge, to disseminate masonic knowledge and principles, to their fullest extent. We gratefully accept your flattering honor of the dedication. With sentiments of the highest esteem and masonic regard, in behalf of the Gd. Lodge of Massachusetts, I am Fraternally Tours William Parkman, Grand Master. Preface. i write a Universal History of the Freemasons' Fraternity, founded upon precise dates and authentic facte, was formerly considered as a task presenting so many difficulties, that the chevalier de Bonneville deemed ten men's lives a period scarcely equal to the undertaking. And indeed, the literature of Free- masonry is so profuse, yet withal so defective in many i'espects, that for several divisions of the subject, reliable data are want- ing altogether ; the historical materials have been hitherto scat- tered about in so many different plaees, or mixed up with dubious and contradictory statements, and above all, the origin of the order has been so veiled in the > darkness of mystery, that the observation above quoted has some foundation in truth. After the many and meritorious works in which Anderson, Preston, Laurie, Krause, Kloss, Keller, and others have elucidated single sections of Masonic History, thus involuntarily paving the way to a more comprehensive narration, Br. J. G. Findel, author •of a History of German Literature and editor of the "Bauhulte'\ which of all the German Masonic periodicals enjoys the widest circulation, has been the first to collect the rich materials accumu- lated by his predecessors. These he has brought to the test of a sound and sober criticism, and has reduced them to order, so that the reader has for the first time a complete and reliable Universal History of Freemasonry. More than many others, we ■could mention, Br. Findel is possessed of the requirements VI necessary for such an undertaking. Besides possessing a con- siderable amount of learning, of which he has given many proofs, his connection with Masonic Brethren all over the world, and the having had placed at his disposal the rare treasures hitherto buried in various libraries, have furnished him with the facts necessary to ensure completeness in his compilation, while his enthusiastic ardour for the welfare of the Fraternity, tempered by a most impartial love of truth, has produced a style, as worthy the dignity of science, as it is clear and attractive to the general reader. No wonder that such a book, delineating as it does the most important and powerful instrument of civilization, which Las materially improved social life and contributed to raise Ihe moral ' tone and culture of the people, should greatly interest the minds of the serious and thinking public; and this has been more sig- nally the case, since the powerless anathema of the keeper of the Holy See at Rome has lately spread a new halo of hgfat around it, instead of annihilating it in the destructive fire of its wrath, as was intended, — no wonder that such -a book was received wjth general alpplause, and that its first edition was speedily sold. Many and loud are the voices proceeding from the interior of the Fraternity itself, declaiming against the secrecy of the masonic institution, because injurious to the welfare of the Uniou;. and though we do not agree -to all advanced by them, we readily allow that but few, and they among our less intelligent and in- structed Brethren, continue to desire that Masonic History should be kept secret from the public at large. How would it be pos- sible to make any portion of historical science keep pace with the progress observable in the rest of human information, if the scrutinizing eye of sound criticism w.ere excluded from it? And is it not contrary to the leading idea of the Fraternity, which invites all mankind fully to participate in- its blessings, to keep the world in general ignorant of the origin of this benevolent institution and of the events which have marked its progress VII and to leave them to adopt the errors disseminated by our enemies, together with all the fabricated legends of the High Degrees at the very head of the order? Convinced that these questions must be answered in the affirmative, Br. Findel has written his book not only for the more limited circle of initiated readers, but has rendered it accessible to any person- desirou^ of instructing himself, following herein the example of the Grand Lodge of England, who published in 1723 the Book of Constitu- tions, and the works of Masonic writers most in repute, some of whose names we have already cited above. If the history of our Order, as it is called by many, is interesting to any person of good education, it ought to be preeminently so to an Englishman. The flower of the nobility, the greatest excellence and genius amongst the commoners in the three United kingdoms, have belonged to it and played a con- spicuous part in its pages, so that in fact its history may be said to form no inconsiderable portion of the History of England. This influence of Masonry has been deservedly appreciated by modern writers, and Hermann Hettner, one of the best ainong the German authors who have written on English Literature, has devoted a chapter of his book to the subject. As in England Freemasonry developed itself into a union' embracing all mankind, so England has been the cradle of Masonic History; as in tho^e German lodges which preserved the Old Charges intact, the spirit of Masonry more prevails over the mere rehearsing of the ritual than it does in the country to which we are indebted for those landmarks, and as, it must be confessed, for the last 30 or 40 years historical science has been somewhat neglected' by our English brethren: therefore they doubtless will thank Br. Findel for imparting to them the fruits of his own and his predecessors' indefatigable studies. By a happy coincidence the following translation was made by a descendant of two dignitaries of the Grand Lodge of Eng- land, now residing in Berlin, who has brought to the task an inherited interest in the subject treated of, and who, with a vm sufficient knowledge of the German language, has combined that fluency of style without which even the richest contents could not attract a reader of cultivated taste. It may then be hoped that this general and satisfactory survey of the History of Freemasonry offered in the present translation of Br. Findel's ably conducted volume, will enable um bers to accomplish with ease that which hitherto has been vouchsafed to only a few, and to these only after the most painstaking exertions. No better service could be rendered to -the cause of Masonry; those -who by this work have gained an insight into the very essence, form, and significance of our order, cannot do otherwise than enrol themselves henceforth among the list of its warm friends and admirers ; and those who are already adepts in the Royal Art, must try to preserve for it that pure and simple dignity of form which has been handed down to them by their forefathers. Berlin, November 1865. Charles ran Dalen. Contents. Page Introduction . . 3 -FreemaBOni-y. — The Masons work. — The Lodge. — The organisation of the hrotherhood. The Historians of Masonry ^ 13 Various Opinions in regard to its origin; Anderson; Oliver; Ramsay; Grandidier; Krause: Schauherg; Kloss and other modern authors. The Early History of Freemasonry. A. The Legend of the Craft 33 B. The "Steinmetz'en" of Germany 42 Indications of a close connection with Freemasonry ; the Middle Ages ; the Roman and Gothic Style; the Guilds; the Bauhutten or Lodges; the hrotherhood of the German „Steiumetzen", their customs, constitutions, aymholism, usages and history. C. The Building Corporations of England 72 The English Lodges ; the masonic Constitutions ; history of the build- ing societies in England and Scotland; the Kilwinning legend. D. The first germ of a general confederacy including all mankind 97 The Examination ; history of the 16th and 17th century : state of civi- lisation J fhe Augustan style ; In. Jones ; Tal. Andreae and the Rosicru- cians ; the Accepted Masons ; El Ashmole ; the English Deism ;. bomenins ; Dr. Plot ; Sir Christ. "Wren. The History of Freemasonry. First Period. From 1717— 1783. A. England 143 The first Grand Lodge; the book of Constitutions; the old Lodge at York ; the Modem and Ancient Masons ; the lodge of Antiquity ; the Royal- Arch Degree; progress of Masonry till 1783. B. Ireland 198 The Grand Lodge and its history. C. Scotland .- . . . .202 The Grand Lodge and its history from 1736—1783. D. France 211 Masonry 1725; the Grand Lodge; the High Grades ai^d their influence; the Grand Orient; &c. E. Germany 249 The first lodge; Frederic the Great; Francis of Austria; Baron Hund and the Strict Observance; Stark and the Clerici; Weishaupt, Knigge and the lUnminati; Zlnneudorf and the Swedish system; the Convent at Wilhelmsbad ; etc. F. Masonry in the North, a) The Netherlands 329 b) Denmark 332 c) Poland . . • • ^34 d) Russia ...... • • 336 e) Sweden .... • 3*0 Freemasonry in the South. a) Switzerland .... . • • 350 b) Italy c") Spain . d) Portugal . H. America 354 361 368 366 Boston; Washington and Franklin; Pennsylvania; New -York ^ progress of Masonry. I. Masonic Literature 377 The works on Freemasonry in England (Anderson, Scott, Calcott, Pil- chard, Preston, Hutchinson), in France and Germany (Lessing, Baron Snigge, Bode), the masonic periodicals. A retrospective view . . . 389 Second Period. From 1781—1813. Introduction ... 397 A. England 399 Order of JIarodim ; the, Freem. School for Girls ; Prince of Wales ; Ko- bison ; the Union. B. Scotland 414 C. France 422 The Revolution; the Philalethes; the Anc. and Ace. Rite; Napoleon, the Knights Templars. ' D. Germany 451 The eclectic Union; Fessler and the Gr. L. .,Royal York" at Berlin; F. L. Schroeder at Hamburg; Zoellner and the Gr. Nat. Mother lodge_ of the 3 Spheres at Berlin; Masonry in Austria. E. Freemasonry in the North. a) Belgium .... ... . 493 b) Holland . . . 494 c) Denmark . . . .... 497 d) Sweden , . . 498 e) Poland . ... 501 f) Russia 502 F. Freemasonry in Ihe South. a) Switzerland 507 b) Italy .... . .... 509 c) Spain . . 512 d) Portugal .... 512 G. America 515 Massachusetts; the general Grand Lodge; Maryland etc. H. Freemasonry in Africa, Asia, and Australia . . ... 519 I. The Literature 519 Works on Prcem. in Fngland, France, Germany (Goethe, Herder, Wie- land, Fessler, Krause etc.); the masonic Periodicals. Third Period. From 1814—1861. Introduction .... . 541 A. England g^^ Flourishing state of Masonry; Bro. Cruciiix; the Earl of Zetland etc. ' XI Page B. Ireland 553 C. Scotland ... '. '. 555 D. France ; . . . 560 The Or. Orient, the Supr. Coneeil; Murat; Magnan. E. Germany . 588 Prom 1814—1847; the Tear 1848; chi-istian and uniwrsal Masonry; the Union of German Masons; Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg etc. F. Freemasonry in the North. a) Belgium 618 b) The Netherlands 623 c) Denmark 625 d) Sweden ; • • 626 e) Poland '. 627 f) Russia 627 G Freemasonry in the South. n) Switzerland ... . .... 630 b) Italy 637 c) Spain 639 d) Portugal 641 e) European Turkey .... 643 H. North America . . . _ 644 History of all the Gr. Lodges in the United States from 1814—1864. I. South America 662 K. Africa, Asia, Australia . .... . . . 655 L. "Iffasonic Literature . . .... 657 Literatur in England (Oliver), Prance (Clavel, Behold etc.), Germany (Kranse, Kloss, Marhach, Keller, ^eydel, Schauberg, Merz- dorf etc.). The Freem. Magazine, the Triangel, Monde Maf., Freem. Gazette, the Freem. Calendars etc. Beview of the Grand lodges . . 673 Conclusion . 677 Appendix ' 681 Examination of a German Steinmetz; The Constitutions of Strassburg; Examination of the English Masons ; the Old Charges of 1723 ; the ancient Begulations of 1721 ; History of the Knights Templar and their asserted Successors; the Charter of Cologne; the spourlousness of the so-called Constitutions of 1786 of the anc. aud ace. Scotish Kite. Introduction. Freemasonry and its Organisation. — The Historians of Masonry. Pindel, History of PM. From its very first existence the Society of Free- masons has attracted the observation of the world; it has been very suggestive to, and been thought worthy of the attention of many of our best and most able men, and has secured to itself the sympathy of well cultivated minds of all ranks and conditioiis. Without protection either from Church or State, scarcely tolerated in many countries, sometimes even cruelly persecuted and oppressed, it has, notwithstanding, in the course of a few centuries, from an inconsiderable number of true and sincere fol- lowers, increased to an association extending over the whole of the civilised world, including within its fra- ternity several thousand men of the most varied shades of opinion and of religion, who in this community, ex- empt from the restless agitation of active life, have united to exercise a salutary influence over one another, by elevating mind and soul to purer, clearer, and sublimer views of mankind in general, and their own individual existence. Although much has been done to bring it into dis- repute, and to cast unworthy suspicions upon its efficiency and its tendency, yet it not only still exists, but has in the course of years, enlarged its sph^e, and developed its resources, and has in no small degree contributed to raise the tone of social life, and assisted in the moral improvement and general culture of the people. Being based upon eternal truth and the unchangeable require- ments of our nature, it has,* notwithstanding its manifold errors, faithfully fulfilled its pacific and exalted mission, inclining its members to love and charity, to moral courage and fortitude, to truth and the conscientious discharge of known duties; it has comforted the af- flicted, brought back the erring to the pftth of vii-tue, dried the tears of widows and orphans, and is the parent of many an institution for benevolent purposes. The great and mighty ones of the earth have joined them- selves to the fraternity, simple-minded citizens have under its influence been made to feel their own innate dignity, friendship has seen many a smiling blossom flourish on its stem, and good and virtuous men, sepa- rated by the conventionalities of social routine-, have here found themselves imited for noble aims and pur- poses, who might otherwise have never been brought together. The vast proportions which this Society has assumed, the mystery involving its origin and early development, the different forms it has adopted in different countries, not only with^regardtoits constitution, but also to the customs in- corporated with it, the destruction of many manuscripts, together with other circumstances have rendered an inves- tigation and a reliable delineation of its history, exceedingly intricate, but by no means impossible. The aeai of a few de- voted inquirers has shed light upon the chaos of contra- dictory opinions, elicited facts, and made whs'le epochs emerge from the obscurity surrounding them. — It is upon the auihority of some valuable works issued in the course of the present century, that is had been possible to produce a history of Freemasonry. Before proceeding however to a more detailed description of it, it is first 5' necessary to say a few words concerning the nature of Freemasonry and the organisation of the Society. Freemasonry. Frsemasonry, which by its followers is most justly described as an art, as thei Eoyal art, is to the Masonic Brethren, what religion is to the Church, what the- substance is to the form. The former is everlasting and unchangeable, the latter is dependent upon the va- riations to which time, place, and persons are exposed. Up to the commencement of the present century, scarcely any but Germans expressed any very clear ideas concerning the nature of this Society, and amongst the first who deserve to be especially mentioned are L e s s i n g in his "Ernst and Falk", H e r d e r in "Adrastea", Krause ajid Fessler , and of still more recent date O. E. Funkhanel, O. Marbach, and Rud. Seydel are con- spicuous ; the latter especially in his work "Discourses on Freemasonry to reflective Non-Masons", which was re- ceived with well-merited approbation, has shown how the present nature, form, and efficiency of the Fraternity logically follows out of the essential idea of Freemasonry itself. — As Freemasonry is not a dogma, but an art, working only upon man's intellectual faculties, it cannot be taught fully in words; by active participation in. Freemasonry itself, by social intercourse with its members, must it be learned and tested. Seydel says that Free- masonry is that disposition of the mind, in which the good or spiritual instinct prevails over its antagonistic principle i. e. over egotism, and this mastery obtained by our higher instincts, in however slight a degree, is the only qualification insisted on, in order to be received into the Masonic Fraternity. The Masonic The purcst- and most perfect exemplification Fraternity. ^£ j.g]jgioyg impulse, of goodnesB, of piety, of holiness cannot be concentrated in a single individual,. but only in a Society of individuals, organized on this- firm basis, that all its members agree on this one point, viz: that they do not seek their own selfish interests, but the general and spiritual good of the whole, accord- ing as it is assigned to each individual to see, apprehend, and demonstrate, that he endeavors to mortify through life all selfish impulses, every thing tending to disunion both in himself and around him, that the universal and intellectual advantage- of all • may prevail, and become the fountain whence each derives happiness. From this Fraternity then they are not excluded whose creed is difi'erent, but only those whose nature and desires are opposed to this. This union of all unions, this association of men, bound together in their struggles to attain all that is noble, who desire only what is true and beautiful, who love and practise virtue for its own sake — this is Masonry. It is the most comprehensive of all human confederacies, the outward circle, enclosing and concentrating all smaller ones within its precincts, and therefore the purest and sublimest form of human association, there being really no other moral and religious union, which like this is based on the purity and genuineness of the divine in- stinct within us, which is the groundwork in the character of all good men. — Therefore is Freemasonry the most perfect representation of that inward wrestling for the reunion of the scattered sparks of divine light, for the reconciliation between God and his creatures, between man and his fellow-man, and therein too, lies its histo- rical and intellectual title to be called into existence. Here do we find the contradictions between Mankind and the history of the human race reconciled ; the virtuous out of the multitude are here gathered as in a Temple the band of faithful believers, as well as the isolated individual. — However these contradictions are by no means permitted to remain quietly in close proximity 7 hut each member forms one of an alliance united for mutual instruction and interchange of thought, for the polishing down of all that is harsh and inharmonious; that in loving fellowship they may approach more nearly to their ideal, until at length all incongruities are rebon- •ciled and made to accord in sweet harmony. The Work of Life, progrcss, and activity are better suited " *'*"'"• to us mortals, than the assertion, the work is •complete, there is no more that we can do. Our Fra- ternity has not yet reached perfection, but is still deve- loping and extending. The ideal excellence after which it aspires is that condition in which God's will is the will of all mankind. Moral perfection as it is the ^im of the human race, is also its aim. The Mason for his part must with hand that is never weary, and an ■ever watchful eye, in close communion with his Brethren strive to attain this design. Above all he must begin with himself if he wishes to carry out the moral and intellectual advancement of the human species; he must ■endeavor to arrive at self-knowledge and incessantly aspire to perfect himself, that the gladdening, blessed, and inspiring principle of love within him, may be gradually disencumbered of the fetters of selfishness, aensuousness, and supineness ■which bind it, then will his aim be to diffuse truth, beauty, and goodness around liim in his daily life and to further the welfare of mankind in obedience to God's law, and with no selfish end in view. The Lodge. The place in which the Freemasons assemble to work in common is called a Lodge, and the assembly itself, in which the precepts of Masonry are propounded and mutually practised, bears the same name. Men having but one, purpose, have found themselves in one Lodge, longing to reach the highest' and best this earth has to offer. All that has been acquired in their mental struggles with mucli toil and labor, may here in the Lodge be very appropriately deposited and presented for the profit and delight of each other, to the mutual advantage both of themselves and; their brethren, either by making them aware of their own progress or by placing before them the stirring example of others, so that the words ofSchleiermacher may be well applied ito the Lodge: "To -present a life passed accorcjing to the dictates of reason and godliness, is regarded by each member as a study, an art, and therefore engages each one to strive to perfect himself in some one particular. A noble emulation prevails in the Fraternily, and the desire to offer something which may in some degree, he- worthy such an assembly, incites each one faithfully ■ and assiduously to appropriate to himself whatever seems to be marked out for him in his particular sphere. — The more ready the members are to communicate their thoughts to each other,, the more perfect will be their fellowship. No one member has his knowledge from himself alone, he is at the same time a participator in the knowledge of others." Thus the Lodge is an active Institution, not merely for the bringing together of. faithful friends in a Society modelled according to the perfection of good Fellowship,, but likewise for the purpose of educating its members- for the world, for mankind. In this sense Lodges may be called veritable workshops, in which the members- work, in order that the type of human nature, in its- original purity, of which in the manifold changes and. aiTatilations humanity is subject to, much has been lostj may be restored and revived, first in the narrow circle of the Fraternity, and further perfected when actively working in concert, to be still more widely disseminated,, and made attainable to all mankind. — To this ex- planation of Freemasonry, we will add a few remarks. touching its relation to Church and State and its- out- ward fornaw, The Position of "phe position Freemasonry assumes towards towardsthe State, the State is a perfectly friendly one, as one of its fundamental laws prohibits all political discussions^ educating its- members to become good citizens, en- joining them to promote the general welfare, and fostering in them conformity to law, and the love of good order. Whatever difference of opinion we may express upon other points .(as freedom of conscience is by us accorded to every one), yet herein are we aU of one mind, viz: that we patronize the arts and sciences,, and demand the practice of the social virtues, faithfully and con- scientiously avoiding giving offence to any government whatsoever, under which we may assemble peaceably in due form. Therefore it is the interest of every State to favor Freemasonry/ — as Lessing. correctly, observes: "Wherever Freemasonry has appeared), it always has been the sign of a healthy, vigorous government, as it is even now the token of a weak and timid one, where it is not sanctioned." This opinion has been confirmed at different periods by competent authorities. Position of Fre^- Frccmasonry takes a similar position masonry towards , ^~^. i • i i Oa the Church. to the (Jhurch, as IS does to . the tetate. All doctrinal tenets it makes it a rule to leave un- touched, keeping aloof from all rehgious entanglements, which the numerous sects have fabricated, esteeming and honoring every form of faith, insisting above all. things that its members should display Toleration and Charity in thei^ daily Life. — Genuine masonry has to deal with man as man, and by making its followers, good men, it necessarily trains them to be good members of the re- ligious communities to which they belongt The hostile attitude assumed by the Cathohc and other Churches towards Freemasonry (wherever it has not been aban- 10 doned) is not, nor ever -will be a proof of the michievous tendency of this Institution, but only of unfounded mis- representations and inventions, and above all ignorance of its real nature and influence. Neither is there any foundation for the often repeated reproach that Freemasonry favors religious indifference; it relies chiefly on connecting mankind with that com- mon link, which is the groundwork of all religions; for the only thing it takes into consideration, is the inward moral worth of its followers, leaving to each one his own individual opinion. Thus Freemasoniy is neutral ground for all political opinions and religious creeds, and within its Fraternity all political and religious controversies, which ^so greatly embitter life, and set mankind at variance, are happily avoided. The Organisation A Lodge is foiTncd by the assembling of of the Order. ^ sufficient number of members (the number is determined by law), who upon proving satisfactorily, that they possess the necessary intellectual capacity, and have substantial means sufficient, apply to some properly constituted Grand Lodge, praying it to constitute them a regular Lodge, and to grant them a charter accord- ingly. The Grand Lodge, as the supreme administrative power, grants them this, if no obstacles stand in the way, and consecrates the new Lodge, which henceforth has to conform to the Statutes and Bituals delivered over to it, and is then immediately received by all Lodges throughout the world, as a regularly constituted Lodge, and enjoys all the privileges of the same. Lodges which are defectively constituted are called irregular or un- warranted Lodges, and their members are not admitted as visitors into regularly formed Lodges. The Lodges, called St. John's Lodges, are so named because they reverence St. John the Baptist as their 11 patron, and are divided into three degrees, the apprentices, the fellow-crafts, and the master-masons. Lodges which during war work in the field are called Field Lodges. Each Lodge bears a symbolic name, to which is added the name of the place where it holds its sessions; for example "Eleusis of Taciturnity" at Bayreuth. At the head of each lodge is a Board of officers elected by a majority of votes. The afi'airs of the Lodge are under the direction of the Worsh. Master (Master of the Lodge) and under him the Deputy and two wardens. Besides the three original degrees in accordance with the spirit of Freemasonry, there exist in some branches of the Fra- ternity the so called higher degrees which are conferred in the Scotch or St. Andrew's Lodges, also in the Chapters, but which are foreign to the real spirit of Freemasonry, and an innovation which crept in at the time of Masonic degeneracy. All business, initiations, and promotions take place in the Lodge. Every regularly initiated Freemason, has free admittance into any Lodge in the world, and meets therein a brotherly welcome. All the St. John's Lodges under the direction of a Grand Lodge, form a league, called also a rite or system, and most of the Grand Lodges are placed in communication with each other by means of representatives (who act as ambassadors), exchanging the records or minutes of their transactions. At the head of the Grand Lodge is the Grand Master assisted by a Board of grand officers, which is the case in every St. John's Lodge. — The Gr. L. is composed either of representatives or proxies from subordinate Lodges, and of officers chosen by them, and has either a fixed place for its assemblies, chiefly in the capital of the country, or meets at different places in rotation. Those Lodges which are united to a Grand Lodge have a constitution in common, which being al- 12 most ererywhere imbiied with the spirit of Liberty, Equal- ity-, and Fraternity, has an absolutely democratic basis. — In some Grand Lodges it is true, a more hierarchical form of government is adopted, little suited to the dignity of free men. — In Freemasonry, the fundamental idea i& that of a general priesthood, capable of voluntary actitfa, and of self-government — therefore the Grand Lodge should not be a court of jurisdiction, and still less a dogmatic body, but a purely administrative and representative body, all governmental and legislative sovereignty being vested in the subordinate Lodges The unity of the Masonic Fraternity is entirely an in- tellectual unity depending upon harmony of thought; there is not such a thing as a supreme power in which the whole authority of the Fraternity is vested alone; Certain fundamental laws have an authoritative influence over the whole Fraternity, but besides these every Grand Lodge and every subordinate Lodge has by-laws of its own to which every brother as long as he remains a member must conform as well as conscientiously, sub- mit to, and practise the duties he has solemny promised to fulfil. The duties of a Freemason, far from being opposed to his duty to God, to himself and others, do but. invest these obligations with a more sacred character. Members who are guilty of repeated vio- lations of the laws of the Fraternity, or of conduct un- suitable to the dignity of the Institution, must in case the admonitions and corrections of their Brethren prove ineffectual, be turned out of the Lodge and consequently out of the Fraternity. (Freemasonry lives and instructs in Emblems and Sym* bols in which the leading idea is that the Freemasons are in reality a company of real Masons, their object being the erection of a spiritual Temple. Every Freemason and every Lodge must strive to attain Light, Truth, and 13 •Virtue, which is the reason that the Lodge ia ^-egardeid as the centre and source of Light, and as the Worsh. Master takes his seat in the East, it is called "Orient". Most of the Symbols have been tafceni from theatftols of operative Masons, and . have been made ,to bear a deeper and spiritual meaning. Besides the general working Lodges, wliich are Lodges of initiation and instruction, sometimes extraordinary Lodges meet, ag for example Festival Lodges and jFuneral Lodges, the kMtter in memory of decfi'ased Brethren. Having in the preceding pages explained the nature of Freemasonry, and given a general idea of the cha- racter of the Institution, the history of which we are about to OQCupy ourselves with in the following p^ges, we will, first make a passing inquiry into the progress of Masoni(3 historiisal science, . i. The Historians of ISasonry. The history of Freemasonry -^ long veiled in mys- tery, interwoven with legends > purposely distorted by misrepresentations, has, through the profound and con- scientious research of some few solitary and unprejudiced brethren, acquired of late years, a sure foimdation upon scientific principles. This more especially refers to. the origin of the Fraternity, concerning whicii, even to this very day, the most confused, ridiculous, and discordant opinions prevail. Blinded by > absnid selt conceit, and an eccentric desire to prove the extreme antiquity of the In'gtitutifi^i,, many have strenuously combated the idea that the Fraternity originated in the Operative Masons ; 14 or seeing that the ancient symbolical marks and cere- monials in the Lodges, bear a very striking ressemblance to those of the mysteries of the ancients, have allowed themselves to be deceived and led astray, imagining they can trace back the history of the Craft into the cloudy mists of antiquity. Instead of endeavoring to ascertain how and when, these ceremonies were introduced into our present system, they have taken it for granted, they were derived from the religious mysteries of the an- cients. Each fancied resemblance or agreement with some symbol or pretended custom of the ancient mysteries, is considered as a safe guide, a close connexion is im- mediately inferred, which not unfrequently involves an entanglement in unessential particulars, having not the slightest bearing on the subject. Bro. Anderson, who with the sanction and ap- proval of the fii'st G. L. compiled a "Book of Consti- tutions" commences his work with a history of the Fraternity, borrowed from an ancient book of Constitu- tions, which is nothing more than a history of Archi- tecture, and a reproduction of the "Legendof the Cor- porations", handed down by the ancient operative Masons. It begins with Adam, who, most probably, it is thought, instructed his sons in Geometry and its application to various arts, and continues with a review of the deve- lopment of Architecture, down to the 17th and 18tL centuries. A learned brother, Rev. Geo. Oliver*) with all gravity, places the origin of Freemasonry even prior to the Creation, tracing its germs back to the very honeymoon of Paradise, informing us that Moses was Grand Master, Joshua his Deputy, and Aholiab and BezaJeel Grand Wardens ! 1) "The Antiquities of Freemasonry etc., from the Creation of the VSrarld" etc., by G. Oliver. London, 1823. Pag. 26, sq. 258. 15 Other masonic authors attempt to fix the origin of Masonry somewhat later, one attributing it to the fol- lowers of Pythagoras, another to the Essenes and first Christians, as does the Swedish system; many EnglisK brethren and one American brother J. W. S. Mitchell*), bring it down to the period of the building of Solomon's Temple; Thomas Payne ^) and others ascribe it to. the Druids, Danse de Villoison, to the city of Her- culaneum, or else to the time of the Crusades, which likewise the Knights Templars especially think proper to adopt. It was in 1740 in France, that a Scotchman,. Ramsay first suggested the possibility that the origin of the Fraternity iflight be in the time of the Crusades,, for before that period no mention whatever was made of any connection between the Masonic order and the order of Knights Templars. — Afterwards this fable as- sumed a more tangible form, in the higher degrees of several Masonic rites , and thus received fresh en- couragement. The first writer on the subject of Freemasonry who ventured to hint at the existence of a historical connection between the Fraternity of Freemasons and that of the stone-masons was the Abbe Grandidier '), a Non-mason, who, while engaged on his "Essai hi-r stoTique et% topographique sur la GathSdrale de Stras- bourg, Strasbourg, 1782", had occasion to examine the archives of the Cathedral and the various manu- 1) The history of Freemasonry and masonic Digest etc. 2 vols^ Marietta, 1859, p. 50 ff. 2) See Heldmann, „Die drei alleslen geschiclMichen Venkmale- (tef teutschen FrMrBrudertchaft sammt Grundziigen zu einer aUge- meinen Geschichte der FrMrei. Aarav, 5819. Sauerldndei: P. 9. — 3) Histoire des cultes et cirimonies relig. Tom. f. 16 ;scripts therein preserved. According to K 1 o s s *) he first published his conjecture in the "Journal de Namci/, 1779", and in the "Journal de Monsieur", as also in a private letter to a lady, dated 24* Novbr. 1778, which vras subsequently published in De Luchet's "Essai sur la Sects des IlluminSs, Paris, 1789". The London "Freemasons Magazine" for June 1859 contains a trans- lation of this interesting letter, from which we make the following extract: "Strasbourg, Nov. 24., 1778. "You, madam, have doubtless heard of that celebra- ted society transmitted to us from England, which bears the name of Freemasonry. Its members are spread throughout Europe, and are much more numerous than perhaps either the honour or the interest of the asso- ciation require. I shall not here, however, speak of this body in terms either of eulogy or of satire. I shall not even inquire into the motive for the inviolable secrecy which it demands, or the peculiar oath which belongs to it. I am not initiated into its secrets, and I find myself unworthy to "see the light". I know not whether aU is tranquil, "as in the valley of Josaphat, where no woman ever tattled". The fair sex may indeed complain of the vigorous laws which exclude them from beholding the "sun, the moon, and the Grrand Master of the Lodge"; it is a new injury that man has done them in believing them incapable of preserving a secret. "I may further confess that the founder of Free- masonry was not a Frenchman, such an institution being repugnant to the heart and character of our countrymen. I shall no longer seek its origin in the constructipii.of the ark of Noah, who they say was „a most venerable Mason"; or in that of the temple of Solomon who passes 1) Vie Fr^maurerei in Hirer wahren Bedeutung. Berlin, 1865. 17 Tvith them as "the most excellent Mason." I should take •care not to search for it in the history of the Crusades, there to discover the fir^ Masons in those crusading barons whom some suppose to have been engaged in the "divine or royal art" of rebuilding the temple ; nor should I look for it in those ancient soldiers of Palestine who were called Knights of the East and of Palestine. These ridiculous opinions, which the Freemasons themselves do not dare to present, except under the veil of allegory, do not deserve to be revealed by one of the profane. I dare flatter myself, madam, that I can present to you a more probable origin for the association. It is not to be found either "in the east or the west;" "the Lodge is well tiled" — it is not that which will furnish me the proofs of my statement. I have not had the happiness to ~wo.rk from "Monday morning to Saturday night" ; but I hold in my "profane" hands authentic documents and real records, dating more than three centuries back, -which enable us to see that this much boasted society of Freemasons is but a servile imitation of an ancient and useful fraternity of actual masons whose head-quar- ters were formerly at Strasbourg." "The Cathedral of Strasbourg, and above all its tower, begun in 1277 by the architect Ervin of Stein- bach, is a masterpiece of gothic architecture. This edifice as a whole and in its details, is a perfect work, and worthy of admiration, it has not its equal in the world. Its foundation has been so solidly placed that, notwith- standing the fragile appearance of its open work, it has resisted, even to the present day, storms and earthquakes. This prodigious work spread far and wide the repu- tation of the Masons of Strasbourg; The Duke of Milan in 1479 wrote a letter to the magistrates of the former town, in which he asked of him a person capable of directing the construction of a superb ghurch which he Findel, History of FM. '^ 18 wished to build in his own capital. Vienna, Cologne^. Zurich, andFribourg constructed towers in imitation of that at Strasbourg, which was not finished till 1437, but they neither equalled it in height, beauty, or delicacy^ The masons of those different fabrics and their pupils — spread over the whole of Germany — to distinguisb, themselves from the common workmen, formed them- selves into the fraternity of masons, to which they gave- the German name of Hiitten, which signifies Lodges, but they all agreed to recognize the authority of the ori- ginal one at Strasbourg, which was named Haupt-H'dUe or Grand-Lodge. In the course of time the project was^ conceived of forming a single society for all Germany,, but this plan was not fully developed till twenty years- after the construction of the tower of Strasbourg. The different masters of the individual Lodges assembled at Ratisbon, when they drew up, on the 25th of April 1459^ the Act of Fraternity, which established the chjef of the cathedral of Strasbourg, and his successors, as sole and perpetual Grand-Masters of the fraternity of Freemasons of Germany. The emperor Maximilian confirmed this- proceeding by a diploma given to Strasbourg in 1498^ Charles V., Ferdinand^ and their successors renewed it from' time to time. This society, composed of masters,, companions, and apprentices, formed a particular juris- diction; and the body at Strasbourg embraced all thosft of Germany. It held its tribunal in the Lodge, and judged without appeal all causes brought before it, according to. the rules and statutes of the fraternity j these statutes were renewed and printed in 1563. The Lodges of the Masons of Suabia, Hesse, and Bavaria, Franconia, Saxe,. Thuringia, ' and the provinces on the banks of the Mo- selle, acknowledged the authority of the Grand-Lo'dgft • of Strasbourg. Even in the present age the masters of the establishment of Strasbourg condemned to the penalty 19 of a.^ fine the Lodges of Dresden and Nuremburg, which was paid. The Grand-Lodge of Vienna, which founded Lodges in Hungary and Syria, and the Grand-Lodge of Zurich which governed all those in Switzerland, referred to the Mother Lodge of Strasbourg in grave and dif- ficult cases. „The members of this society had no communication with other masons who merely knew the use of the trowel and mortar. They adopted for characteristic marks all that belonged to the professioiij which they regarded as an art far superior to that of the simple labouring mason. The square, level, and compasses be- came their attributes. Resolved to form a body distinct from the common herd of workmen, they invented for use. among themselves rallying words and tokens of re- cognition, and other distinguishing signs. This they cal- led the sign of words, das Wortzeichen, le salut, der Gruss The apprentices, companions, and masters were received with ceremonies conducted in secret. They took for their motto „liberty", and it is said they sometimes re- fused to acknowledge the legitimate authority of the magistrates. „You will doubtless recognize. Madam, in these par- ticulars, the Freemasons of modern times. In fact the analogy is plain — the same name, 'Lodges', signifies the place of assembly; the same order in their distribu- tion; the same division into masters, companions, and apprentices; both are presided over by a Grand-Master. They have both particular signs, secret laws, statutes against the profane; in fine, they can say one to the other 'My Brethren and my companions know me for a Mason'." These hints, thus thrown out by the Abb^ Gran- didier, were first adopted by Vogel in his „Briefen aier die Freimaurerei" , 1785, and afterwards by Alb re cht 2* 20 in his "Materialien zu einer la-itischen Geschickte der FVkmaurerei" , 1792, but without producing the de- sired results, the opinions of their authors being un- supported by the necessary documentary evidence. At the beginning of the present century a sincere desire to investigate the origin, history, and principles of Masonry began to be manifested among Grerman Masons, and the first attempt was then made to com- pile, select, and submit to critical examination the sT3attered opinions of masonic authors. Prominent among those who undertook this task were Bro. Schneider of Alteiiburg, who published the result of his researches in the "Altenburger Constttutionsbuch" and in the "Journal fiir Freimaurer" ; Bro. Krause, who in his voluminous and valuable work "Die drei dltesten Kunsturkundeii der Fyeimaurerbruderschaft" 2 vols., has collected and care- fully criticised the authentic documents of the Fraternity to which he at the time had access, elucidating and completing them by arduous historical research and un- wearied industry ; Mossdorf, the author of "MittheUungen an denkende Freimaurer" and the editor of "Lennmgs Encyhpaedie fiir Freimaurer^'; Heldmann, the author of "Die 3 aliesten geschichtltchen Denkmale der teutschen Freimaurer-JBruderschaff; and F. L. Schroder, who has left us the result of his investigations in the "J/a- terialien. zur GescMchte der Freimaurerei" , a work which, as it is published for the Masonic Historical Societies of Germany, is unfortunately accessible only to a select few. The only complete and connected history, however, was contained in the manuscript work of J. A. Fessler "VersucTi einer critiscJien Geschickte der Freimaurerei und der Freimaurer-Brvderschaft von den dltesten Zeiten his aufdas Jahr 1812," a very few copies of which are extant. Enlightened and zealous Brethren subsequently con- tinued to build on the foundation here laid, and the 21 persuasion, that the Craft did not originate as Eamsay represents it in his fable, (invented to serve some ppli- tical purpose,) in any Order of Chivalry whatsoever, but in the building fraternities of the Middle ages, gained ground, and became doubly confirmed and strengthened. These researches having made the intimate con- nection between Freemasonry and the Operative Masons of the Middle ages exceedingly probable, Krause's work, previously mentioned, still further confirmed the sup- position, for he sought to trace back its history to the Building Corporations of the Romans, an idea still enter- tained by Brothers Schauberg and Em. Rebold*)^ .even in our own day. These Roman Corporations were, at any rate, a medium, necessary for the connecting the Lodges of the Middle ages with the mysteries of the Ancients, therefore we will dwell a little longer on this Hypothesis of Krause's. The Architectural „Collegia" of the Romans^) en- joyed the privilege of a Constitution of their own, and were recognized by the State as a legal body. They were placed under their own officer, Aedilis, who was skilled in Architecture ; and according to Vitruvius' state- ment (in the time of Augustus) the Members were re- quired to be well skilled and to have a liberal education. Upon the overthrow of the Republic, when all other Corporations lost their privileges, owing to the des- potism of the Emperors, the thirst of the Rulers for splendor and renown caused the collegia to be conr firmed in nearly all their former rights and privileges. 1) See Sebold, Bistoire generate de la Franc-Mafonnerie; Paris 1851 and: Histoire des trois Grand-Logei dc France; Paris 1864. 2) The Article headed „Collegia" in the Eccyclopedia of Ersch and Gruber (by Bahr) is not complete ; see : Krause, Die drei dltesten Kunst- vrkunden, 2. Aufl. II. Bd. 2. Abth. S. 92. 22 Three members were, at least, required to form a College, and no one was allowed to be a Member of several Colleges at the same time. The Members, after hearing the reports of their Officers and deliberating thereon, carried their resolutions by a majority of votes; and in the same manner Members were enrolled and officers elected. The custom which prevailed among the Operatives of the Middle Ages, we find likewise here, viz. that besides the legitimate Members of the corpora- tion, lay or amateur Members (Patrons) were admitted. The Corporations held their meetings in secluded rooms or buildings exclusively appropriated to that purpose, and most of them had their own schools for the instruction" of apprentices and lower grades of workmen. They had also their own peculiar religious ceremonies and priests; also an exchequer belonging to the Corporation, an Archive, and their own seals. The Members took an oath mutually to assist each other; indigent Members received relief, and on their demise were buried at the expense of the Corporation. They kept registers of the Members (si- milar to the lists or directories of the Lodges) some of which are still extant. They had also their records, their Masters (magistn), Wardens, (decuriones), Fellow- crafts and Apprentices, Censors, Treasurers, Keepers of Archives (taJmlmrii), Secretaries {scribae), and Serving Brethren; their tools and working-implements had be- sides a symbolical meaning ; and .in religious matters they were tolerant. The Members called themselves CoUega, Incor- poratus or CoUegiatus, the name of Brother not be- coming general till the Christian Masonic Fraternity adopted it. One of the Roman Colleges, the Dendrophori or Tree-bearers, was originally divided into different parts and thus distributed amongst all the Colleges and Mysteries; 2^ but was afterwards united in one Body (corpus) with those of the Fabrorum or Masons, a circumstance that is ^aid to have facilitated the transmission of the doctrines of the heathen philosophical schools and mysteries into the Roman Building Corporations, which were -the most xlistinguished and numerous of all those existiftg in the were expecting the end of the world and the last judgment. But when the dreaded year had run out its course satisfactorily, every one seemed to breathe 54 more freely; with ardent zeal old churches were torn down, and in their stead new and more magnificent ones erected. The erection of these edifices united Masons, espe- cially Stone-masons together, in large numbers. As they were so long engaged on the same building, the work- men were brought in to very close contact; the practise of the same art, their uniting to carry out the same design, the combination of their artistic faculties, united them still more, and was the cause that gradually there arose from their body, the fraternity of German Stone- masons. According to an old tradition, the handicrafts were first created into a brotherhood in Magdeburg Oathedral, to which event the date 876 is most un- accountably fixed, whereas the building was not com- menced till 1211. There is however no particular historical importance attached to this tradition. Milner-in his "history of Winchester" says that Bishop Lucy in 1202, established a company of workmen for the furtherance of the building of his Cathedral, and that most likely they were the originators of the fi:a- ternity of Freemasons. Other English authors bring down this event to the reign of Edward III. Gunn (on Gothic. Archit.) re- marks: "These immense works (in Saxon style) produced -a host of artificers, from amongst whom — in imitation of the fraternities already established — companies, aca- demies, schools, and corporations were formed. — An oath of secrecy was administered to the initiated, a veil of mystery was spread over their meetings, a new light was kindled by their means, and valuable discoveries ■extensively diffused". In Germany the Fraternity of Masons was most undoubtedly, a still earlier product of the spirit of association of the 10th and 11th centuries, as was like- 55 wise tke Saxon element in Architecture, the most crea- tive in regenerating the art. Therefore we are justified in supposing that the fraternity of Stone-masons existed at the time of the erection of the Cathedrals of Hildes- Jieim 1061, of Naumburg, Speier, Bamberg &c., although most likely these guilds were more thoroughly per- fected at a later date, at the period when Gothic archi- tecture flourished. This event perhaps we may venture to assert, was when the Cathedral of Cologne was built^ at least another tradition, independently of the one mentioned above, refers to this city, and more espe- cially to the celebrated scholastic Philosopher Albertus, Count of Bollstadt, usually known under the name of Albertus Magnus, who in 1249 resided in Cologne^ ^nd is pointed out, as the real inventor of the German (gothic) style of architecture. "Albertus *) recalled into life" says Heidelo£F*) "the symbolic language of the an- cients, which had so long lain dormant, and adapted it to suit architectural forms, where it rendered excellent service, figures and ciphers being adopted as abbreviations, instead of the circumstantial rules prescribed in Archi- tecture, more especially, as in the societies of Architects, they were not allowed to draw up the fundamental laws of the Albertine architecture in writing, for in order not to be profaned, it had to be kept most strictly se- 1) Albertus was born in Lauingen in Snabia in 1205, studied in Fadua, entered the order of Dominicans in 1223,^ and taught in the schools of that order in Hildeaheim, Eatisboji, Cologne, and Paris (perhaps also in Strasburg). In the year 1249 he became head-master of the school in ■Cologne, and 1260 bishop of Batisbon, whence after two years' sojourn he returned to Cologne. He was a scholar of considerable note. Be- sides Theology, he taught Moral and Natural Philosophy, and Mathe- thematics. His great chemical and mechanical skill caused him to be .suspected of witchcraft. He died in 1280. 2) Heideloflf, Bauhutte des Mittelalters. Nurnberg 1844. p. 10. 56 cret. — For this reason symbols were made use of This symbolic language, because of the facility with which it could be turned to account, has always been highly esteemed, and to understand it was looked upon as a point of honor. These symbols were likewise applied as a rule and guide in the practice of art ; to those who understood them, they facilitated the work, as by their means, an insight was. afforded into the shortest way of understanding its aim and execution; from this artistic language the buildings were constructed. The spirit which imbued this secret doctrine worked effecti- vely in the " Bauhiltten" ] for no apprentice was ad- mitted, who was not endowed with good sound judg- ment and a certain amount of knowledge, for by such the symbolic language would be more readily understood, than by those who were entirely uncultivated. — The esteem in which they were held, and the feeling of self- reliance with which this inspired them, kept them from communicating the consecrated language to the unitiated; besides which these symbols served as a me- dium of intercommunication in the then imperfect state of the art of writing, for the Mason would not have had time, means, and opportunity to learn this ; while on the other hand, having as it were, to entertain himself "with those signs and emiblems, which he had daily before his eyes in his artistic occupations, he could, even when engaged in his work, profit by the instruction and sug- gestions of his more experienced comrades." It is even asserted, that Albertus Magnus designed the plan of Cologne Cathedral, which is by no means impossible, as very probably, owing to his great fondness for architecture, he may have belonged to the guilds. It is likewise said*) that he altered their constitution, 1) W-iozer, ]. c. page 54. 57 giving them new laws. But it is very difficult to de- termine by historical investigation what share he had therein ; whether he only gave an impetus to a scientific apprehension of the language of symbols, or whether he threw a light upon the hidden creative power contained in these symbols, making them clear, and capable 61 being efi^ectually worked out. Bro. Winzer is of opi- nion, the advantage resulting to us is this, "that as in Cologne Cathedral, the G-othic style is fully carried out in every part, the deeper ' significaition to be under- stood under these rules and appropriations was revealed. We must however bear in mind the meaning at that period attached to the \fford science, in which allegory and symbol were the leading features; from the time of the crusades to the Middle Ages, these mystical characteristics are to be found ; wherin the wisdom drawn from the Judaism of Arabia with interpretations taken from the Old Testament, constituted the highest flights of philosophy, then do we exactly know of what those rules,, and -that system of Architecture consisted. Mathematical axioms and geometrical figures, garnished with mystical hints, biblical allusions and interpretations, whence the gothic proportions were derived and upon which they were based, with the rules prevalent in the gothic style, formed the innermost and secret aim of. the whole design." . Extension . Favored by the predilection for building of the Fraternity, prevailing in the 13th and 14th centuries, architects every where found employment, and it not unfrequently happened, that they were invited by othfer builders to go to foreign countries. Thus, in the course of time, in Italy, France and England, splendid buildings were erected by Germans *). — But in Germany espe- i) See Dallaway, Discourses upon Architecture, p. 406; 58 cially, did they travel about and disperse themselves in all directions. — In consequence of which, as early as the 13th century, there were Stone Masons' „BavhiMe(f established in Magdeburg, Lubeck, Bremen, Cologne, Halberstadt &c. German architecture however, did not long continue to flourish, and as it declined, the Bau- hiitten declined too, and fell into disorder, to put a stop io which, in 1459, the masters of nineteen different Bau- hiitten in Southern and Central Germany united themselves and,' April 25th, in Ratisbon wrote down the re-modelled laws^ entitling them "ordinances". These Statutes were afterwards altered many times and in 1498 were confirmed by the Emperor Maximilian I. and by several successive Jimperors. The Members of the legally constituted autonomian confederacy (Masters, Parlierer [Speakers] , journeymen,) acknowledged as superiors the Workmasters in the principal Lodges in Strasburg, Vienna, Cologne, Bern and afterwards Zurich, — but the highest referee of all, was the Master of the principal Lodge in Strasburg Minster; all disputes amongst the members were by him*) adjusted. The BauhUtten in Lower Saxony, in Magdeburg, Halberstadt, Hildesheim, and many other cities, were not represented in this Stone-Mason congress, nor was their attendance solicited. — It was not till some years later that a copy of the new code of laws, drawn up in Strasburg, was sent to them, accompanied Zamodia the German at Pisa; John and Simon of Cologne at Burgos in Spain; Otho, a German artificer in the building of Westminster &c. 1) This was likewise the case, when Vienna and Zurich themselreB in important and doubtful causes referred to their mother College »t Strasburg. See Schopflin, Alsatia lUustrata. Kr. Urk. 2 vol. p. 243. Schopflin says amongst other things: "We know, that the fraternity of Freemasons, which spread itself throughout Europe, owed its origia and organisation to the Stone Masons of Germany." 59 ■with the request that they would join the fraternity. -Instead of doing so, however, they held a congress Aug. 24th and Sept. 29th 1462, at Torgau, and drew up a special code *) of their own, which never received legal confirmation. — The fraternity employed in the building of Strasburg Minster were the first in Ger- many to call themselves Free-Masons', for such as had formerly been under the direction of the monks, had been merely termed fraternities under such and such •a saint, and even the original company of Architects -at Strasburg before the year 1440 bore the name of Brothers of St. John. The organraatjon Let US now tum to 'the actual organization '^""'"''' andsystem^) of theFraternityitself Wherever a master had a building in the course of erection, there were always workmen in great numbers, and the' German Stone-masons formed a sort of canfratermttxs together, binding themselves by an oath; to which union besides the confederates, amateurs were also admitted, if they only consented to enter the Brotherhood, and submit to its laws. — Among the privileges granted these ama- teurs were, a participation in the administration of justice, (in conformity to established custom) a share in the election of officers, in the banquets, and in works of charity. — At the head of the fraternity, there was, in compliance with ancient usage president, i. e. Master of the chair, chosen by vote, for his deserts; be was elected annually, and adjusted all diflferences, •conformably to the observances, practised among me- -chanics, and the rights of Stone-masons ; the rest of the 1) See the laws of the Stone-masons of the year 1462 from the Ko'chlitz copy in "Communications from the Society of Grerman Masons", vol. I., 2. Part. 2} Winzer, 1. c. Page 55. — Pallou, 1. c. Page 212. 60 Brethren were equal, aijd as such entitled to equal pri- vileges. I The Fellow-craft was obliged to instruct his brother , gratuitously in his art, therefore to communicate to hikn every thing in which he was himself skilled, and this knowledge was only to be imparted to such, as were acknowledged as Brethren. A meeting was convened every month, in which the affairs of the society were discussed, sentence was passed on the offenders agaihst the laws, and last of all a banquet took place. Th& chief festivals of the Stone-masons, were on St. John the Baptist's Day — and the one designated the Day of th© "four crowned martyrs", the especial patron saints of the Stone-masons. Whoever had served his time and finished his travels, sent in his name to the Lodges; if found t* have been irreproachable in his conduct, he was accepted, upon payment of his fees and upon his taking the vows of obedience and secrecy. — Besides these monthly meetings every principal Jjodge held a chief meetiilg at least once a year (Hohe Morgensprache). When after- wards the masters excluded the Fellow-crafts from these meetings, from two to four principal meetings were held a year, and the quarterly meetings of the Grand Lodg^ of the present Freemasons are a continuation of these; the Fellow-crafts continued to have monthly meetings,) and in this as well as in the reception of new members, th^y retained a part of the ancient custom. — The meetings and judicial sittings were opened and. closed by.ia catechism or dialogue between the presiding' Master : and his Wardens. It was not till after his admission into the fraternity, i. e. so long as the Lodges flourished, that the newly made brother, was initiated into the secrets : — instruction was given in Allegory and the symbols in use in mo- numental architecture, and the explanation of the signi- fication of many architectural adornments was taught, 61 -and he learnt in accordance with the rules of art, himself do sketch, plans so as to pave the way to his one day ob- taining the Mastership. The Saxon Style of architecture, and with it the ancient language of symbols, was preserved in the old <3rerman Bauhutten till the time of the Eeformation, but when the fraternity was on the decline, the assemblies aimed Jess at improving and perfecting art, than at preserving the ceremonies, and accommodating disputes within their ■own independent jurisdiction. What they had learned, they retained, but there was no perceptible progress, consequently they retrograded. After the Reformation, when the building of Churches almost entirely ceased, and the symbols were seldomer explained, the Stone- masons degenerated more into mechanics, and as a matter of > course their ceremonies, which were not clearly understood, resembled more nearly those of other handi- ■erafts, and lost their meaning, especially as in many places, the Stone-masons were jncorporated with the jnagonic guilds. This was, however, not exactly the case in England; though by degrees they gradually sunk to the grade of mechanics, yet they kept up their cere- monies, so that, when the present fraternity of Free- masons was established, these were still in use, and needed only to have a different signification attached to them. 3. The customs and symbols of the German Stone-masons. A complete insight into the customs in use among the fraternity of Stone-masons, into their origin and pro- gress, will most likely never be vouchsafed to us. Never- theless, we know enough to decide that in all e^ential particulars they are the product of German soil; even the English catechism, as preserved to us amongst the 62 Sloane Manuscripts No. 3329, contains passages referring, to the ancient German Vehmic courts (Vehme). *) We will leave undecided whatFallou asserts, that the form of initiation amongst the Stonemasons is an imitation of the rite of consecration of the order of Benedictines. The Fellow-craft when he had served his time, and was desirous of being admitted into the Fraternity, was obliged, as in other guilds, to prove that he was of re- spectable parentage, born in wedlock and bore a good reputation (there were some trades, which were thought dishonorable, and on that account their sons were ineli- gible as members of a guild). — Most of the statutes re- quired expressly that they should be free-born, of blameless reputation, possessing capacity both of body and mind. — The candidate then received a sign, his peculiar mark of honorable distinction, which henceforward he had to cut into every work in which he was engaged. — The brother,, who proposed his admission, had likewise to become security for his good eonduct. — On the day fixed the candidate went into the house, where the assembhes- were held, where the master of the chair had had every thing prepared in due order, in the hall of the craft,' the brethren were then summoned (of course bearing no weapons of any kind, it being . a place dedicated to peace), and the assembly was opened by the Master, who first acquainted them with the proposed inauguration of the candidate, despatching a brother to prepare him. The messenger, in imitation of an ancient heathen custom, suggests to his companion, that he should assume the demeanour of a supplicant; he is then stripped of all weapons, and every thing of metal is taken from him; he is . divested of half his garments, and with his eyes 1) Secret Criminal courts of justice, established in Germany during the middle ages. 63 bound, and breast and left foot bare, he stands at the door of the hall, which is opened to him after three destinct knocks. — The Junior Warden conducts him to the Master, who makes him kneel and repeat a prayer. The Candidate is then led three times round the hall of the guild, halting at last at the door, and putting his^ feet together in the form of a right angle, that he may in three upright square steps place himself in front of the Master. Between the two, lying open on the table, is a New Testament, a pair of compasses, and a Mason's square over which in pursuance of an ancient custom, he stretches out his right hand, swearing to be faithfol to the duties to which he pledges himself, and to keep secret, whatever has been, or may be hereafter made known to him in this place. — The bandage is then removed from his eyes, the three great Lights are shewn him, a new apron bound round him, the password given him, and his place in the hall of the Guild pointed out to him. The manner of knocking and gripe of the hand were and are the same as those now used by the apprentices in Freemasonry. After the Master has enquired, if any one has any thing else to submit to the decision of the. assembly, he closes the proceedings with the usual knocks of the Stone-masons^ hammer. At the banquet which invariably cucceeds the re- ception of the candidate, which feasts were always opened and closed with prayer, the chief-master proposes to drink the health of the newly accepted brother in the drinking cup oft he Brotherhood called "Willkommen" to which the brother replies by drinking to the welfare of the whole fraternity. At that time, as now, and in all other guilds, healths were drunk with three times three ; the cup was taken hold of with a glove, or pockethandkerchief ; the cover lifted off; and lastly it was carried to the lipsj 04 the cup was emptied in three separate draughts and re- placed on the table in three motions. When a Fellow-craft was on his travels, and wished to visit the Lodge of any place for the first time, he knocked three times distinctly approaching ,with three upright regular steps, the Master or Speaker, (Polirer, a corruption of ParUerer) who supplies the place of the Master in his absence, and also addresses strangers, the other Fellows all standing round, their feet placed at right angles. The salutations of the travelling Fellows are: God greet you, — God guide you, — God reward you — Master, Parlierer, and all good comrades. Upon which the Master or Parlierer retixrns thanks that the appren- tice may know, which is the chief, then he continues ■''the Master N.N. sends you a greeting!" This is a summary account of the customs usual amongst the German Masons on the admission of a candidate. Whoever wishes to know more on the subject, is referred to the works of Fallou and Winzer and likewise to Appendix A: "Examination of German Stonemasons." Symbolism. Together with the customs which the Stone- masons received, and upon which they greatly improved, there were likewise secret teachings in architecture, and mystical numbers handed down to them, which they em- ployed in their buildings. The numbers 3, 5, 7, and 9, were especially sacred, as were also the colors gold and azure which bore a symbolic allusion to their art, and white to their secret association. The "interlaced cord" which is to be found sometimes as an adornment over portals, has reference to this last. The following articles were their most expressive and peculiar symbols : the com- passes, square, the thone-hammer or gavel, and foot rule, all which had in the Bauhiltten an especial meaning conferred on them. As in the Church the Priest took his place in 65 the East, so in the Hutte did the Master of the chair; the wardens of the fraternity sat in the West facing the East. These three principal officers were emblematical of the three pillars in the Bauhutte: Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty, and served too as types of the Brother- liood. With regard to the symbolising of the masonic im- plements it was not alone a characteristic of the times, but by example it was made incumbent on all; for the Stonemasons were by no means the first, who symbolised the instruments of their trade ; though indeed above all other guilds they had most especial cause to invest them with a far higher worth, and to refer them to a spiritual building; for it was a holy vocation to which they de- voted themselves. By the erection of a house to God's service, the Master Mason did not alone perpetuate his own name, but assisted also to the glorification of the greatest of all Beings, to the Spread of the knowledge of Christianity, and stimulated to the practice of Christian virtue and piety. Intimations of their secret Brotherhood and of the symbols known to them are to be found on all their monumental buildings, as well as of their religious views, which were entirely opposed to the prevailing corruption of morals of the clergy every where, as well as to the strict orthodox doctrines of the Church. — In the St. Se- baldus Church in Nuremburg is a carving in stone, re- presenting a nun, in the lewd embrace of a monk. In the large Church at Strassburg, in one of the transepts opposite the pulpit, a hog- and a goat may be seen carrying a sleeping fox, as a sacred relic; a bitch is following the hog; in advance of this pro- cession is a bear with a cross, and before the bear a wolf holding a burning wax taper. Then follows an ass, who is reading Mass at the Altar. In the Cathe- Pindel, History of Freemasonry. 5 66 dral of Wiirzburg are to be found the significant columns J. and B. which were in the porch of Solomon's temple. In the Church of Doberan in Mecklenburg ') there arc many double triangles placed in a significant manner, three vine leaves in masonic fashion, united by a cord, and symbolic ciphers on the columns; there is further a beautifully preserved Altar piece which apprizes us of the religious views of the architect. In the foreground tiiere are priests turning -a mill, grinding dogmatic doctrines therein. In the upper part of the picture is the Virgin Mary with the child Jesus, having a flaming star on the lower part of her body. At the bottom of the picture is a representation of the Lord's Supper, in which are the Apostles in the well known Freemasons' attitude (fee. In another gothic Church is a satirical de- lineation of the over-shadotring of the Holy Ghost; a picture of Mary, from beneath whose dress issues a leathern pipe, up to the picture of the Holy Ghost; in the Cathe- dral of Brandenburg a fox in priestly robes is pi-eaching to a flock of geese ; in the Minster at BernC) in a pictm-e of the last judgment, tie Pope is amongst the damned. The corporations of Architects existed when the orthodox Church was at the very height of its glory, and the Papacy probably in the .plenitude of its power, but at the same time shfe had to Wrestle with a widely spreading enlightenment, and with many communilies of so-called Heretics, Gnostics and Manichees, and some too who held Christian opinions in all their original purity, as for instance the Cathari, the Albi- genses, the Waldenses, Paterini; the votaries and adhe- 1) See „The Church in Doberan, described in reference to Free- masonry by Brother Paetow, Orator in the Lodge of three Stars in Rostock ill the Preimaurerzeiiung 1858 Kr. 49. (the Church was 6on¥ecrated in 1368.) 67 rents of these various denominations wandered into every part of Europe, forming new communities, not only receiving noblemen, freemen, citizens, and mer- chants into fellowship with them, but monks, abbots, and bishops. Reason was every where arming herself in silence, to defend the oppressed kingdom of God, and in the midst of intellectual darkness to preserve the light of truth. Excommunication, interdict, and the funeral-pile were insufficient to suppress and hinder the rapid development and spiritual emancipation of the human race. The Grerman Stonemasons could not remain ignorant of these struggles, and there is not the least doubt, that some of them even secretly played their part, as the „Wahrzeichen" (Signs) of which we have just made mention, and which we might have very considerably multiplied, most amply testify. The Masons, by reason of the nature of their art, were continually brought into contact with all classes and conditions of men; they had a personal knowledge of the nature of the Church, and well knew the d«generat;y of the clergy. They were far ahead of their contemporaries in general knowledge and education; and in their travels to and fro, not only throughout Europe, but sometimes extending to the far East, they became familiar with widely-differing religious views, and obtained a clearer conception of Christianity. They had also learned to practice toleration, and their Lodges became a sure place of refuge for those, whom religious fanaticsm persecuted on account of their opinions. — All who were good and true, and well skilled in the art, were received among them, and were protected from the persecutions of the Church, and of the blood-thirsty In- quisition, which could be the more readily done by them, as no class or condition could possibly dispense with the operative Masons, and having the secrets of their art to 68 preserve, they were not so open to the suspicions of the Church 1). 4. The Dissolution of the Fraternity. The decline of the German Brotherhood 2) went hand in hand with the decline of the desire to erect new buildings, added to which, the art of printing rendered education more general, and the Universities spread every- where more universal enlightenment. The Eeformation gave a clearer insight into every branch of science, bestow- ing fresh vigor on all mental struggles, but at the same time diminishing the respect hitherto shewn to sym- bolism and art. The farther the Reformation extended, the fewer the churches and monasteries which were built, and the greater the number of builders thrown out of employment. Then followed the Thirty Year's War, during which all building was discontinued. In 1681 the ancient city of Strasburg fell into the hands of the Fi-ench, and the German princes, so often deceived by the intrigues of Louis XIV. and jealous of his power, sought hy every possible means to circumscribe his in- fluence in Germany. Their attention must necessarily have been attracted to a community like that of the Masons, the members of which scattered throughout 1) Notwithslanding this, however, the fraternities existing as early as the year 1189 were proliibited by the council of Bouen (Cap. 25), and the same was most clearly expressed at the council of Avignon in the year 1326 where (Cap. 37) it is said, the members of the fraternity met an- nually, bound themselves by oath mutually to love and asist each other, wore a costume, had certain well-known and characteristic signs and counter- signs, and chose a president (Majorem) whom they promised to obey. 2) See Heldmann 1. c. pag. 337. — In France, the Building Asso- ciations flourished for a time, but about the beginning of the \.&^ century, gradually declined, and finally united with the city guilds or corporations. They were entirely abolished by Francis I. in 1539. (Rebold, hUt. gen. pag. 75.) 69 Germany; and bound together by the closest ties, still owed allegiance to the mother-lodge of Strasburg, then under French jurisdiction. By a decree of the Imperial Diet, March le"" 1707, all connection of the German Stone-masons with the Haupt-Hiitte of Strasburg was formally interdicted. Attempts were made to establish a National Haupt-Hutte for Germany, but without success; and disputes and dissensions arose among the various Lodges. In consequence of these difficulties, as well as of numerous complaints concerning abuses which had gradually crept into the craft, the Imperial Edict of Aug. 16'^ 1731; abolished all Haupt-EilUen, as such, transferring to the government alone the adjudication of all disputes between the guilds and crafts. It was also ordained that all distinction between the Salute-masons (Grussmaurer) and the Lettermasons ( Brief maurer) should thenceforth be dropped, and that for the future no new Master should be sworn to conceal the secrets of the craft. Nevertheless the association was still continued in secret, and still retained the distinction between the Gruss- and the Brief-Maurer, their own administration of justice, and their subordination to the Haupt-Hiitte. This is the case, even in the present day, in many places in Germany. For example the Saxon Stone-masons even now regard the Strasburg Hutte (Lodge) as their chief Lodge. The last regular legislative assembly of the German Stone-masons was held in the year 1563. Much light has been thrown upon the traditions, history, usages, and customs of the craft during the past few years. Eeichensperger lately discovered at Triers the Ar- chives or Guild chest of the Stone-masons' Company, which is said to have contained many valuable manuscripts ; among others, one dated Oct. 30"" 1397. In the city Library of Triers is still preserved the record book of 70 the Stone-masons' court, embracing a period of several years from 1670 — 1721 and containing much valuable and interesting information concerning the ancient customs and usages of the craft. 5. Constitutious of the Steinnietzen ot Strasbnrg. At this day we have no authentic documents which refer to the organization of the German Stone-masons' Fraternity, during the most flourishing period of its existence. It was only when the ancient forma had commenced falling into disuse, when the taste for forming leagues and confederacies was on the wane, and when the true comprehension of the meaning of the ancient ritual, usages, and discipline was beginning to disappear, that the Masons felt the necessity of endeavoring to prevent the total extinction of their society, by re-establishing the ancient land-marksj by excluding all foreign elements from the craft, and by compelling all the Stona-Masons to belong to the Guild or Fraternity. For this purpose, they assembled together in the year 1459, and resolved to renew and revise their ancient constitutions. These statutes which are undoubtedly based on the ancient customs and laws of the craft, were discussed and agreed on, at two assemblies of Masters and Fellows, "held in the manner of a Chapter", ("in Kapitelsweise" ) the first at Eatisbon on Easter day 1459, and the second shortly after at Strasburg, when they were definitively adopted and promulgated. The spirit of the German Imperial Constitution is plainly to be seen in all its features The expression "in Kapitelsweise" which is used by no other Guild, is derived from the convent meetings of the Benedictine monks, which were termed "Capitula" or Chapters. All the precepts of these Statutes, which were kept secret from the profane, and were read at 71 least ouce a year in the lodges, refer especially to the moral, obligations of the brethren to one another , and breathe throughout, a spirit of brotherly love, strict integrity and morality. This ancient document was printed from a well authenticated manuscript of the Haupt-Hutte at Strasburg, appearing inHeldmann's "three most ancient historical memorials of the German Fraternity of Freemasons" (Aarau 1819), then in Krause's Urkunden II. 1., in Heideloff's "Bauhutte des Mittelalters" (Nurnberg 1844), in K.loss' "die Frei'maurerei m. ikr&r wahren IB'sdeutung" where it is compared with the English corporation laws (page 108) and finally- extracts have been taken from it by Fallou (L. c.) and in W. Keller's brief survey of the general history of Freemasonry. The Maupthiiffe in Stragburg took advantage of the pyeaence of the Emperor Maximilian to obtain a confir- mation of their Statu^tes in 1498, or perhaps oijy an abridgement of them, which were afterwards submitted to other Emperors to receive their sanction likewise. But the whole of these different confirmations, as they merely repeat the words of Maximilian I., were only bestowed upon th,e ancient Statute of the year 1459 which, it is worthy of remark, bears the most ancient date of any authentic document extant, and only a little later than the Halliwell document -^ The revised Statute of the year 1463 contains a repetition of the former laws of 1459, with a few addition^, which time and circumstances and greater experience rendered necessary. To this revised Statute is wanting the ecclesiastical preface and the mention of the "four crowned martyrs", the Patron saints of the Fraternity.*) 1) The Legend of the "four crowned Martyrs" together with the decrees of the imperial diet which prohibited all connexion with the Hauptkutte are to be found in Kloss 1. u. page 257. 72 The BauMtten in Northern Germany determined at Torgau in 1462, as has been already mentioned, upon having a new Constitution for themselves. We subjoin an abridgment of the Constitution of Strasburg in Appendix B. 0. The Building Corporations of England. 1. The Fraternity of English Architects. When in the fifth century, Britain became the spoil of Northern warriors, all progress in the arts was nipped in the bud. The various works of architecture erected by the Romans were destroyed. ' Civilization remained at a stand still, or to speak more correctly, relapsed into barbarism, as in other Roman provinces which were tottering to their fall. The half-savage conquerors of the land, the rude Angles and Saxons, like all other nations in a state of infancy, destroyed what they knew not how to prize, until finally, under the gentle influence of dawning Christianity, the manners of the people became more gentle, and more humane views began to prevail. The people commenced improving their public and private buildings, and to rebuild and repair those which had been destroyed by the ravages of time and war. Alfred the Great, the founder of Oxford University (872 — 900) and a patron of the arts and sciences, devoted much attention to architecture. It did not escape his observation, that in the buildings completed in his reign, that unity of purpose was wanting, which is so 73 necessary in architecture. During the reign of Athel- stan, many skilful architects came from foreign lands especially from France and Germany/ where at this time, the art of building had already made some pro- gress. The German cus- As had been formerly the case, so in toms in England, j^ter timcs, the construction of all religious buildings in England was under ecclasiastical supervision. Among those especially noted for their architectural skill was Dunstan, a Benedictine monk, Archbishop of Canterbury (946), Oswald, Bishop of Worcester, and Ethelbald, Bishop of Winchester. From the sixth to the ninth centuries many British monks travelled to Ger- many, in order to propagate the Christian religion, and we frequently find them in diiferent parts of Europe, engaged in the erection of Churches and monasteries. Towards the end of the thirteenth century, and at the beginning of the fourteenth, German architects and workmen were invited to come to England and Scotland, so that there was a constant communication between the architects of England and the continent. The German element had already been introduced among the English Masons, when the Normans became masters of the country, and the Danes and Saxons had usurped all crafts and trades. This peculiarity became even still more marked when the Gothic (Saxon) style, which as we have shown, was originally the peculiar secret of the German Stone-masons, began to be adopted in England. There is now scarcely a doubt that a large proportion of German workmen were employed in the construction of the Gothic edifices of England, erected during the fourteenth century, and it is even supposed that the principal Architects were German Masons. The constant recurrence of such names as Schaw, J. Swalwe, Stephen Lote, W. Ambler, Joh. Bald, J. Beyst, Rob. 74 Brekeling, Derlyng, Evers, Felter, Fubrig etc. seem, to furnish testimony of the fact; all ecclesiastical buildings were erected under the authority and management of "the Bishops, and the architects themselves played a very subordinate part, having to cede their renown as Artists to their patrons. Therefore were the names of the Ar- chitects but seldom mentioned. When we take into consideration the very large number of extensive buildings erected during the four- teenth and fifteenth centuries in England and >Scotland, which must have required numerous craftsmen and many years for their completion, we must arrive at thje conclusion that the native artisans could not possibly have sufficed for the work. This is admitted by all the English historians. "In every country where the temporal and" spiritual jurisdiction of the Pope was acknowledged", says Br. Stephen Jones*), in accordance with Br. Laurie, "there was a continual demand, pai-tioulairiy during the twelfth century, for religious structures, and consequently for operative Masons" "There was no kingdom in Europe where the zeal of the inhabitants for Popery was more ardent, the King and nobles more Uberal to the clergy, or the Church more richly endowed than in Scotland. The demand therefore, for elegant cathedrals and ingenious artists must have been proportionally greater here than in other countries, and that demand could be supplied only from the trading associations on the Continent. When we consider, in addition to these facts, that the Society monopolized the building of all the religious edifices of Christendom, we are authorized in concluding that -the numerous and elegant specimens of Architectu.re which still adorn various towns in Scotland were erected by 1) Encycl: London, vol. XiV. S, Mossdoi-f, Mittheitmgen pa,g.l5e. 75 foreign Masons*), who introduced into the is- land the customs of their order." And again the London Architect Wyatt Pap- worth, remarks: (L. c.) "Bearing in mind the very great numbers of foreign workmen who settled in this country before and during the sixteenth and the very early part of the seventeenth centuries, bringing with them the trade traditions and usages of the German , Flemish, and Dutch provinces ; we may think that these workmen joining some of the Friendly Societies they found existing, have probably formed the foundation for the above recorded meetings." It appears therefore certain, that the German „8iem- metzen" did travel to England and Scotland, and that they brought with tbem and introduced among the English Masons the peculiar usages and customs of their Lodges. The Engiisii Masona. As in the case of the German Stone- masons, so did the English Masons at an early period form fraternities or associations, the members of which recognized one another by secret signs and tokens. But the latter were never so free and independent as the former, and were continuaJly more or less under the surveillance of the government, possessing merely the right to assemble in a body, to levy contributions from their members, choose their Masters and Wardens, and hold their regular meetings and banquets. Meetings were held regularly, wherever buildings were in the course of erection. Their Lodges were at sunrise, the Master taking his station in the East, and the Brethren forming 1) Preston, Illustrations of Masonry; 15 Edit, page 12" says: "The Lodges in the very earliest times", were under the guidance of foreigners, and were therefore seldom visited. He here refers to the sixth century, hut on page 128 he continues,: „many foreigners came to England, who introduced the Gothic style of architecture". 76 a half-circle around him. After prayer, each craftsman had his daily work pointed out to him, and received his instructions. At sunset they again assembled after labor, pray£r was offered, and their wages paid to them. In stormy weather, the craft assembled in a convent- hall, or some other sheltered place, but in fair weather their meetings (Lodges) were hold in the open air, gene- rally on the top of the hill, were no one could listen to theii' proceedings *). Before opening the Lodge, guards were stationed to keep off eavesdroppers and to prevent the uninitiated ,from approaching. When the Lodge took place in the open air, this was scarcely possible ; but more practicable in rainy weather, when the meetings were held in co- vered buildings. The old Masonic expression "it rains", formerly used to denote the approach of a listener, but now almost obsolete, is derived from the punishment inflicted on an eavesdropper when caught, namely to be placed under the eaves of the house in rainy weather, until the water ran in at his shoulders and out at his shoes. The word "Free mason". Free-stone-mason (one who worked at the free-stone, ornamental stone, in contra- distinction to the rough-mason, the common mason) occurs for the first time in the Statute 25. Edward III. (1350). In this and in many subsequent Acts, the Free- masons are treated like all the other guilds ; the rate of wages is fixed by law, and they are even sometimeB forbidden. to leave their places of residence without the permission of their lords, or of the , authorities ; being considered as bondsmen of the soil. As early as 1360 "Congregations, chapters, regulations, and oaths," were forbidden among them, and this ordinance was subse- 1) "Biograpb. Britann". X. p. 590. — „Biog. of Wren'' 77 quently renewed and stringently enforced. Hence we see, that they were not the favorites of kings, princes, and nobles, which the historians of Freemasonry would so gladly claim for their. Grand Masters, but the law seems rather to regard them as assembling merely for the purpose of obtaining an increase of their wages ; their secrets and their exact meaning remaining unknown to all the world. In 1389, it was enacted that, in case of resistance, the Justices of the Peace might call in the assistance of the Sheriff of the County, or the Mayor of the City, or the Alderman of the town; they must there- fore have been present at their Quarterly Meetings. The most ancient Constitution of 1427, and Anderson following its lead, attempt to turn this circumstance into an honor for the Fraternity, leading us to suppose that these various officers were present in the capacity of initiated brethren. But we cannot believe that, at that period, amateurs could have been present as Accepted Masons, or, as honorary members. Now and then pos- sibly, those patrons, who were nominated by the King to superintend the erection of buildings might have been present at a meeting, but they had certainly no know- ledge of the secret customs and usages of the craft ^). 1) In 1558 immediately after her accession to the throne, Elisabeth revived a decree which had been formerly passed, forbidding all unlaw- ful . and rebellious meetings ; if then the incident mentioned by Masonic historical writers as occurring December 27"' 1561 be true, viz: that Elisabeth was desirous of breaking up a Meeting of Freemasons, which took place at York, but was prevented by Lord Sackville who was pre- sent, becoming their security with the Queen, yet it does not necessarily follow, as has been assumed, that he was present as an Accepted Mason, but he may have been at the winter Quarterly Meeting of the St. John's Festival, as an enthusiastic amateur of the Art of Architecture, which history pronounces him actually to have been. (Kloss, die Freimaurerei in Hirer wahren Bedeuiung, p. 299. 78 In 1495 all artisans and workmen were again for- bidden to use "liveries, signs, and tokens". In 1548 all the building crafts mere permitted to freely practice their art, in aU the kingdom; but this license was again re. yoked in the following year, except so far as concerned the city of London. It is evident therefore, that the Freemasons were at all times considered as a mere guild, and were as such subject to the laws relating to the guilds. Masonic legislation in That the English Freemasons and Oer- Engiand and Germany, ujan Stoncmasons Were actually branches of the same Fraternity, can no longer be doubted, more especially when we consider the striking resemblance which exists between the old English Constitutions and the Regulations of the German Steinmetzen. The Prin- cipal points in which they differ are in the duration of the term of apprenticeship, the English Statutes re- quiring seven and the German jive years' service, and the necessity the German Masons were under, as soon as they became journeymen, of travelling for two or more years, before they could be made Masters; while in England the apprentice, having faithfully served his allotted time, could at once become a Fellow-craft and then Master, without further probation, provided his skill and means sufficed, and that he inspired the Master builders with confidence in him. The German Masons were, in a great measure, more free and independent than their English brethren, who were continually under the supervision of the government ; the latter were how- ever more solicitous concerning the mental advancement, the artistic development, and the moral worth of their apprentices than the former. As strict morality was made such an indispensable condition to be observed by every member of the Lodge, the Fraternity have exer- cised a great and salutary influence over the middle 79 classes, by the spread and maintenance of these prin- dples. Within the fraternity itself, there appears to have been dimng the whole of the Middle ages, only one form of initiation, one kind of ceremony observed by the Stone-masons in Germany, as well as by the Freemasons in England; all the Brethren were on an equal footing, and the Master only meant that member of the craft, who was elected by vote, to preside in the Lodge. The three degrees of apprentice, fellow-'craft,. and master, were only applied in reference to their art. The apprentice engaged to acquire the knowledge essen- tial to his calling. A pass-word was given him, that he might obtain entrance into the building which w as- being erected. His work consisted in having to learn every thing relating to his art, and in aiding its de- velopment by his personal exertions: when his progress was manifest, and he had behaved himself in all re- spects discreetly, he was chosen as a fellow-craftsman; single pieces of work were given him to perform, and he was appointed instructor to some of the apprentices. When he could undertake the erection of a building^ without assistance, he was made a Master. The design of the building was sketched out by the Master (Archi- tect) himself, who either superintend'ed the work, or else provided some other Master (Surveyor) to conduct it. Admittance into the Fraternity and the promotions therein, were all attended with their properly ap- pointed ceremonies, all being carried on by word of mouth. — The customary forms, signs, and pass-words- in use had all to be leai'ned by heart, to prove their being real members of the order. "These three significant elements", remarks Br. G. Kloss, "the equality of the members of the guild, the solicitude for their improvement in the technical part of their art, the strict regard paid to the moral coiiduct of 80 individuals, have been the solid basis cm which the per- manent progress of the guild in England is founded; though it may be that they have not effected much towards the advancement of the magnificent works characterising the period of the middle ages, when archi- tecture was at its height. These characteristics of the English masonic legislation, assured to the guild the possibility of renewing their strength at any time, — the guild did not consist only of the Stone-masons, but included likewise the whole company of builders — and the fortunate circumstance that they could never be, in- corporated by the State into any exclusive society with selfish aims, (those rare cases when they may be found united to a single town, can scarcely be reckoned) enabled them to form combinations with other corporations, and with persons of different ranks and corporations having architectural skill, and a predilection for building. By these. means, they always had it in their power to acquire fresh knowledge, and as according to the natural course of all human efforts, the period of the total decline of the architecture of the middle ages, would have caused them to sink into complete insignificance, the support of this adventitious element from without, taken from the best intelligence of the whole of the English nation gave them fresh vigor, and like the Phoenix they sprang into new life and appeared on the great stage of the world, under the form of modern Freemasonry." 2. The constitutions of (lie Englisli Masons. The English Stone-masons, like their German brethren,^ wrote down their laws from time to time, in wliich per- petual reference can be traced to the constitutional laws of a similar date. The most ancient of the documents, as yet known to us, is that of the antiquarian H alii well) 81 a Non-Mason, which lie found in the ..British Museum under the form .oi itn ^ancient parchment manusciript ') in duodecimo, and ; to; quote the wowis lofi the. -discoverer: "could not liave been > written later than the latter half of the fourteenth century" (1356t-1400); but Brother Kloss^) is of opinion that it iwas written between 1427 — 1445 — and he founds his belief on the. result of ■the decrees of Parliamentfrom 1425— 1427 (L. c. p. 270) and thinksj and probably he is in the right, that the -Halliwell document could not .have been written before -the publishing of ■ the laws of 1427, nor after 'tliose ^f 1444—1445. This document contains besides its -general title {Hie incipiunt cons titutiones artis Geometria.e secundum Euclidem) 790 lines in old English verse; first comes (Line 1— ^86) the ancient Legend, then in :too divisions, the laws in fifteen articles, and fifteen i^additional resolutions, these latter entitled "p lures Constitution drawn up under Edwin (or Athelstan) in the Fabric Rolls of York Minster published by the Surtee's Society (Durham. 1859). 3) The learned Antiquary and Historian of York,- Br. Drake, in his speech in 1726 does not say a word of an original Constitution or of Krause's Document. 4) In the Minutes of the year 1761 about the "re-opening of the Grand liodge ;. of York" there .is no reference made to it, nor in the written Protest against the Grand Lodge in London. 5) In the Inventoiy extant in 1777 about the Archives of the former Grand Lodge, it is not specified either. 6) About ten years ago, one of the Berlin Grand Lodges made diligent in- quiry about this Document of Krause's. Thereupon the present Treasurer and Past Master, Br. Cowling, in vain made searching investigations of the librarian of theMinster, and of two most celebrated antiquarians, who most decidedly doubted its existence. 7) Br. Stonehouse, who supports this pretended Latin translation, is enth-ely 97 ixnknown in York. 8) In the year 1806 an "architectural' Sociefy" in York did not exist. And if "summa societas -architectonica" be the same as Grand Lodge, neither did ■that exist at that period. 9) The ancient Constitutions already known agree with each other in some particulars, -and are therefore an indirect testimony against it. Con- sequently there can scarcely be a doubt that there does not exist a Masonic Constitution of the year 926. Should however an original be found similar to Krause's trans- lation, yet it could lay no claim to be called a York Constitution. D. The first germ of a general con- federacy including all mankind. 1: Introduction. . Grermany has to thank Henry the Fowler {"Heinrioh dem VogelsteUer" ) for the regulating the just rights of the citizens, and awaking in them a spirit of industry, a,nd in England Edward III. (1327—1376) brought these things to still greater perfection. It did not escape his penetration, that of all branches of industry Archi- tecture was the one that was pursued with the greatest order and zeal, as likewise an excellent public spirit prevailed amongst the architects themselves, who on all occasions behaved as good and obedient subjects. He ascribed this perfection, and most justly so too, to the laws laid down by the Freemasons. Being a noble patron of the arts and sciences, he was solicitous that the ancient fundamental laws of the Frater- Findel, History of Freemasonry, 7 98 nity should be revised and improved, and he also patro- nised the Lodges. In his reign John de Spoulee, called the Master of "Giblim", rebuilt St. George's Chapel. In 1363 a decree was issued, to compel every artist and handicraft to keep to some one profession (mystery), whatever he thought proper to choose. At this time, says Preston, the Lodges were numerous. He alsa gives (L. c.) the following, which is worthy of notice: "An old record of the Society runs thus: "In the glorious reign of King Edward III., when Lodges were more frequent, the Right Worsh., the Master and Fellows with consent of the lords of the realm (for most great men were then Masons) ordained: That for the future, at the making or admission of ' a brother, the Constitution and the Ancient charges should be read by the Master or Warden. That such as were to be admitted Master-Masobs, or masters of work, should be examined whether they be able of cunning to serve their respective lords, as well the lowest, as the highest, to the honour and worship of the aforesaid Art, and to the profit of their lords; for they be their lords that employ and pay them for their 'service and travel. The following particulars are also contained in a very old MS., of which a copy is said to have been in the possession of the late George Payne, Esq., Grand ^ Master in 17 18: "That when the Master and Wardens meet in a Lodge, if ne^ be, the sheriff of the county, or the mayor of the city, or alderman of the town, in which the con- gregation is held, should be made fellow and sociate to the Master, in help of him against rebels, and for up- bearing the rights of the realm. That entered prentices, at their making, were charged, not to be thieves or thieves-maintainers ; that they should 99 travel honestly for their pay, and love their fellows as themselves, and be true to the King of England, and to the realm, and to the Lodge. That, at such congregations, it shall be inquired, whether any master or fellow has broken any of the ar- ticles agreed to; and if the offender, being duly cited to appear, prove rebel, and will not attend, then the Lodge shall determine against him, that he shall for- swear his Masonry, and shall no more use this craft; the which if he presume for to do, the sheriff of the county shall prison him, and take all his goods into the King's hands, till his grace be granted him and issued. For this cause principally have these congregations been ordained, that as well the lowest 'as the highest should be well and truly served in this Art aforesaid, throughout all the Elingdom of England. Amen, so mote it be!" In the reign of Ed"ward's successor, Richard IL, William of Wykeham, the patron of the Masons rebuilt Westminster Hall.*) 2. The Examinati(Hi. In the third year of the reign of Henry VI. (142&), the Freemasons were forbidden to assemble by act of Parliament. 2) -li- lt runs thus: "Whereas, by the yearly congre- gations and confederacies made by the masons in their general assemblies, the good course and effect of the 1) Mr. Wyatt Papworth, Architect, has in a Statement called "the management of English architecture in the Middle Ages" (see Free-Mag. 1860, vol. II., page 89) expressed a doubt whether Wykeham were a Freemason, adding: He believed, that the Masons of that period had none other than such secrets as pertained to their art. 2) See Anderson's Const. -Book. Cooke, Instit. III. p. 19. Mossdorf, p.' 154. — Preston, 1. c. p. 141, 100 statutes of labourers be openly violated and broken, in subversion of the law, and to the great damage of all the commons; our sovereign Lord the King, willing in this case to provide a remedy, by the advice and consent aforesaid, and at the special request of the commons, hath ordained and established that such chapters and congregations shall not be hereafter holden ; and if any such be made, they that cause such chapters and con- gregations to be assembled 'and holden, if they thereof be convict, shall be judged for felons; and that the other masons, that come to such chapters or congregations, be punished by imprisonment of their bodies, and make fine and ransome at the king's will". It was a long time before it was rightly understood why such a very strict act should have been passed, and many an author was inclined therefore to charge the Masons with political intrigues.' But on comparing this law with other Parliamentary Statutes , as Kl o s s has done (p. 275 &c.), the unsubstantial nature of the charge is manifest. The Statute of 1360 — 1361 mentions the prohibition of conffederacies of Freemasons, Masons, and Carpenters, but the whole tenor of it shows that this referred principally to the infringement of the regu- lations concerning wages, which in the Statute of the .year 1425, is clearly expressed in words.*) Anderson says notwithstanding, that under this king, the Masons had much encouragement, and that nothing leads us to suppose that this act of parliament either at that time or under any other king was ever put in practice, and Preston informs us that in spite of this severe law, lodges were held in different parts of the kingdom. Masonic traditions do not afford much information to solve this difficulty ; it may be explained in the following manner. 1) Compare also the statute of 1349 (23. Edward III.). 101 The Batt ' Henry VI. was a child of eight months when Parliament, jjig father died in 1422, and left him as an inheritance England, together with France, which had been conquered as far as the Loire. The dying king appointed the Duke of Bedford Eegent of France, and his brother Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, Eegent of England. The care of the young king's person and edu- cation *) was entrusted to Henry Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester, the Duke's Uncle. The office bestowed upon him did not satisfy the Bishop. Haughtj^ and intriguing, he aspired to the government, and hoped by neglecting the education of the kingj to keep the guardianship of his person the longer in his hands. This priest, on account of his riches, was a very dangerous person, for he did not scruple to make use of bribes, and wanted not followers and agents, who helped him to carry out his schemes. From his nephews and heirs presumptive he did not anticipate much "resistance, but he was mistaken. The animosity between uncle and nephew daily increased, so that at length it threatened to lead to a civil war. Early one morning the bishop, accompanied by his archers, horsemen, and as many of the country people as could be hastily assembled, attempted to enter the city of London by the bridge, in order by a sudden surprise to make himself master of the government. Contrary to his expectations he found the Regent pre- pared to receive him. Humphrey esteemed and encou- raged the municipal trade, and was generally beloved by the citizens, therefore he found in them powerful supporters, they watched over his interests as if they were their own. The Duke was made acquainted with the proposed attack, the night before it occurred; im- 1) See Preston, 1 c. page 143. 102 mediately, the Masons and citizens of Londoh armed themselves. The gates of the city had been closed, to prevent any traitor from warning the enemy. The city at daybreak wore as peaceful an aspect as if not a soul were stirring. But scarcely had the Bishop's troops arrived at the gates of the town, when they were suddenly attacked on several sides at once. A fierce encounter ensued, and a fearful massacre would most likely have taken place, had not Chichely, Archbishop of Canterbury, hastened to the scene of action, and by his presence and eloquence, endeavored to appease the fury of the contending parties. At length he succeeded in his mediation, and it was agreed, the matter should be referred to the award of the Duke of Bedford. That very same day the Bishop transmitted his case to the Duke then in Paris, seeking to win him over to his side, hj pretending, that Humphrey designed to seize upon the person of the young king, and then assume the supreme power. The Duke of Bedford hastened his return and restored peace. The Bishop thought to throw off the heavy charges laid against him, by ac- cusing the Masons of having attacked him when he was making a peaceful entry into the town. The abandoned rabble, he said, had long striven to undermine the faith and prejudice the just rights of the Church. iThe Masons, encouraged and patronised by Humphrey, were enabled to compel the lords of the works to give them high wages, easily permitting themselves to become in- struments in Humphrey's hands, to carry out his schemes of vengeance. In their secret meetings their enterprize was planned, and each conspirator had his part assigned to him. In them Humphrey had an armed power ever ready to overturn the government, whenever a favorable oppor- 103 tunity should offer. The attack just made had only been undertaken to put the strength of the confederation to the test, and the Bishop was convinced that the worst might be feared from them. ■ ' By such cunning and shameless subterfuges did Beaufort attain his end, and help himself out of this diffi- culty. If his representations did not obtain implicit credence, yet at any rate they were calculated to raise auspicious doubts. A tyrant cannot feel unalloyed • con- fidence even in his own brother, and takes notice of the slightest evidence of any thing like treachery. The event which had just taken place, evinced most clearly the existence of an agitated party amongst the people, by whose means Humphrey possessed considerable supe- riority whenever he desired it. Following the wellknown maxim "divide ef impera" the Duke of Bedford deter- mined to weaken the influence of the most powerful, and for this purpose made a scape-goat of the Masons. The Duke of Bedford reinstated his brother in all his rights as Protector and Regent of the kingdom, testifying at the same time his disapproval* of the inde- pendent arming of the Masons, and causing the Parlia- ment to forbid their Meetings. The Bishop on his part made use of all the means, which his influence and riches offered him, to have the prohibition couched in as harsh terms as possible. The members of Parliament though apprehending the indignation of the people at large, saw themselves compelled to pass these acts. The two factions having but little confidence in each other, they each took their servants with them to Parliament, who armed with bats and clubs, stationed themselves at all the entrances. These precautions adopted by each one unanimously, as though agreed on beforehand, gave occasion to much ridicule; the Parliament was called "the Batt Parliament." 104 When the dispute was adjusted^ and the Duke of Gloucester had reassumed the office of Kegent, he did not venture to overthrow these acts of Parliament, as thereby he would only have excited the ill-will of the constitutionahsts, and would have placed new weapons in the hand of the enemy. But he never permitted the law to be carried into execution, and though it was not repealed, yet it was unnoticed. . The Freemasons had the less to fear, because the Ardibishop of Canterbury, men- tioned above, was their friend and Patron. One branch of the episcopal power kept the other in check. To avoid giving public offence the general meetings were for a time suspended, but the Lodges remained in full activity. We must leave it undecided, whether these meetings for the increase of wages, were the same as the regular Lodges held according to the usual custom of the Bav^ hiitten. Anderson, in his edition of the Book of Con- stitutions of 1738, has quoted the Register of William Molart *) Prior of Canterbury (which however since the appearance of the work, has nowhere met with con- firmation) whom he says mentions that an honorable Lodge of Freemasons was held in that town in the year 1420 under the patronage of Henry Chichely, Arch- bishop, whereat were presetit : Thomas Stapylton Master,. a Warden, fifteen Fellow-Crafts, and three accepted ap- prentices. "We are inclined to think" says Wyatt Pap- worth, "that the lodge, or whatever it may be called, is simply the staff formed to carry on the works at those cathedrals, as already shown at York, and were quite distinct from the trade guild or company which 1) William Molash, Prior from 1428—38 was esteemed for the rs- sistance he rendered during the rebuilding of the Cathedral, for his libe- rality, and the purify of his life. Woolnoth, Canterbury. 105 might have been in existence in those towns at the same periods. In fact, each cathedral had its own staflf of per- manent workmen, and "took on" additional hands whenever the edifice was to be added to, or to be rebuilt. In my previous paper I explained that the household of the monarch comprised an office for carrying out royal works ; and many of the King's masons have been mentioned herein. A Guild of Masons was undoubtedly in existence in London in 1375, 49th Edward III., when an enact- ment was passed by the whole assembled comn^onalty of the city of London, transferring the right of election of all the city dignitaries and officers, including members of Parliament, from the ward representatives to the trading companies; a few members of which were directed to be selected by the masters or wardens to attend GuUd- hall for election purposes. A list of the number of per- sons chosen by the several mysteries to be the Common Council the next year, 1376, shows that the companies sending members were increased from thirty-two to forty-eight; they sent 148 members; the masons sent four members and the freemasons two members, thus establishing the fact of two societies. It is stated by ' my authority (Herbert, Hist, of the Twelve Gr. Livery Comp. of London) that the latter, the freemasons, merged afterwards into the former, the masons; the time of this amalgamation, however, is not named, but it may' per- haps have occurred between the above date of 1376 and that of 1421 — 2, 9th Henry V., for in a document in the possession of the Brewers' Company, of that year, the masons stand 29th on a list of 112 companies, while the freemasons are not mentioned. Halliwell in- stances a single statement, that "a company of Under- masons was formed in London, 12th Edward IV." 1473, fifty years after the date of the above-named list. The incorporation of the Masons' Company in London is some- 106 times stated as having taken place as late as 1677 or 1678, but this date is without doubt the period when its charter was renewed by Charles 11. It is worth noting that Stowe remarks, "they were formerly called freer masons." <" It is apparent from a law published in the 15th year of the reign of Henry VI. (1436—1437) that there were fraternities existing at that time, who were judicially proceeded against. This law runs thus: "Whereas the masters, wardens, and people of the guilds, fraternities, and other companies incorporate, dwelling in divers parts of the realm, who make among themselves many un- lawful and unreasonable ordinances, as well of many such things whereof the cognizance, punishment,, and correction all only pertaineth to the king, lords of franchises, and other persons — and made for their singular profit and common damage to the people." There- ■ fore has been ordained: All such wardens are to bring their letters patent to the justices and others, where such guilds, fraternities, and companies be, for their approval. A subsequent act of Parliament of the year 1495 (Heniy VII.) speaks of: "Ordinances which were enacted for the punishment of rioters and the unlawful assembling of corporations and the like, who in an unlawful manner confer and receive liveries, signes, and tokyns" &c. Anderson's and Preston's works contain the un- authenticated and scarcely credible statement that king Henry ^imself (1442) was initiated into Masonry; Preston even adds, he presided in person over the Lodges,, and nominated Wm. Wane fleet. Bishop of Winchester, Grand Master, which is certainly a mistake, as at that time it was not customary to call any one by the name of "Grand Master." The Examination. Upon this pieco of information and upon the Masonic Legend of the Guilds is based a certain 107 composition, which it must be owned is cleverly got up, and which for a long time was regarded as a most im- portant document, but is now proved not to be a geunine one. It appeared in the year 1753 in the Qentlemaris Magazine, and is said to have been first printed at Frank- furt 0. M. in 1748; but of this printed publication, as yet no copy has been found any where, neither is it very likely that a deed of the like importance should reach England by way of Grermany. However, it found ad- mittance in the book of Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of England, and in many other masonic works. In Ger- many, Bi'others Krause and Fessler especially made it known, by having it printed in their works, with ex- planations. In Krause's "Kunsturkunden" (Vol. I.) it is called : ''The most ancient catechism (lecture) concerning the origin , nature , and aim of the Fraternity of Free- masons, being a copy taken in 1696 of the Manuscript in the hand-writing of King Henry VII., preserved in the Bodleian library 'in Oxford, generally named the Free- masons-Trial, or Examination". The following is the history of this ancient and fabu- lous Document. This Manuscript in the King's hand- writing is .said to have remained concealed in the Ar- chives of some convent till the year 1536. About this period, Henry VIII. appointed the Monasteries to be searched, and commissioned John- Leyland, a learned man, to examine and save such books and records as were valuable among them. Leyland is said to have found the Manuscript in a bad state of preservation, to have copied it, and then given it to the Bodleian Library at Oxford. Here however it again, lay hidden, till it was discovered by the celebrated Locke in 1696, and a copy of the same sent by him to the Earl of Pem- broke with notes of Locke's own attached to it. The letter supposed to have been written by Locke, precedes 108 the Manuscript; this latter is thus headed: "Certayne Questions, with Answeres to the same, concerning the Mystery of MaQonrye ; writtene by the hande of kinge Henrye, the sixthe of the name, and faythfullye copied by me Johan Leylande, Antiquarius, by the commande of his Highnesse"- ^) 1) We -will here communicate a few passages from this "Examina- tion": The second question in which it is asked where the science of Masonry began, is thus answered : "Ttt dyd begynne with the fyrste memie in the este, which were before the ffyrste menne of the weste, and comynge westlye ytt hathe broughte herwyth alle comfortes to the wylde and comfortlesse". To the fifth question amongst other things it is said, the Masons had only ■ liept back such secrets which "wythouten the techynges to be joynedde herwythe in the lodge, oder soche as do bynde the freres more strongelyche togeder, bey the proffytte and commodytye comynge to the confrerie herfromine". Question 6th : Whatte artes haueth the mafonnes techedde mankynde? Answer: The artes agricultura, architectura , astronomia, geometria, numeres, musica, poesie, kymistrye, governmente, and relygyonne. Question 8th: What dothe the ma^onnes concele and hyde? Answer: Thay concelethe the arte of fiyndynge neue artes; thay conselethe the art of kepynge secrettes &c. and at last "the skylle of becommynge gude and parfyghte wythouteg the holpynges of fere and hope ; and the universelle longage of ma^onnes. ' Question 10th: Dothe all ma^onnes kunne mora than odher menne? Answer: Not so. Thay onlyche haueth recht and occasyonne more than odher menne to kunne, butt manye doeth fale yn capacity, and manye more doth want industrye, thatt ys per necessarye for the gaynynge all kunnynge. Question 11th : Are ma9onnes gudder menne than odhers ? Answer : Some mafonnes are not so vertuous as some odher menne; but, yn the moste parte, thay be more gude than they woulde be yf thay war not ma^onnes. Question 12th: Doth ma^onnes love eidther odher myghtylye as beeth sayde? , Answer: Tea verylyche, and yt may not odherwise be: For gude menne and treu, kennynge eidher odher to be soche, doeth always love the more as thay he more gude. 109 Krause and Fessler*) considered this document as a genuine one; the former however was somewhat at a loss to account for its form and origin ; and acknow- ledged, that the language was more ancient than that of the fifteenth century, and that the Questions and Answers were well-weighed and systematic to a most remarkable degree. He got over these difficulties however, somehow or other, as well as the superstitious passages contained in it, yet for all that, confesses the possibility, that at some period ov other this document may be declared as spurious. The first who declared this document to be "counter- feit" and "dust and nothing but dust" was G.E. Lessing.^) The Manuscript itself does not exist') and is nowhere to be found. Leland's copy has in vain been sought in the Bodleian Library, and Dallaway with great justice calls attention to the facts that 1) it could scarcely be possible that there ever existed a copy in the hand-writing of the Bang, as at that time there were but few men of high rank who could write legibly; 2) that neither in Locke's.letters nor in his works is there any mention of his initiation into Masonry. In the Manuscript cata- logues of Leland and Bodley, the Manuscript in question is not mentioned, which also makes it very suspicious, i'urther, against the genuineness of this "Examination" W. Keller has cited the following: a) First the contents. What is become of the secret knowledge, spoken of (Quest. 8) and what proof have we of their ever having possessed it? It looks very much as if this' deed had been got up at the time of the appearance of the High 1) See FeBsIer's complete works; Freiberg 1807 vol. III. page 127 &c. and page 157 &o., as also his „Versuch e. krit. Gesch." III. Part., where- in is his controversy with Lessing. 2j See "Ernst u. Palk, Gespr. f. Freimaurer" 5. Gespr. 3) See Dallaway, Discourses, p. 429. 110 Degrees, the more surely to ensure their being accepted in England. How well they succeeded in this aim, is proved by the Royal-Arch-Degree springing into life soon afterwards, having been prepared by the so-called ancient Masons. — b) Had the Masons possessed secret knowledge at that time, the well-known natural philo' sopher El. Ashmole, a great friend of alchemy, would after his initiation in 1646, have regularly visited the meetings, and not several years afterwards, and then only once. — c) That it was just in the reign of Henry VI., whom Shakspeare calls an "effeminate prince like : a School-boy" that the strictest laws were issued against the Masons and their meetings, and these laws were not repealed. Finally d) the Halliwell Constitution does not agree with this one, and the Editor has in vain sought in the Bodleian library for such a document. There is no reliance whatever, therefore, to be placed, on any assertions, based on this spurious document; they all crumble to dust. Not even in England doefe any well-informed Mason of the present day believe in the genuineness of this bungling composition.. Before pursuing the History of Freemasom-y in Engr land further, we will first glance at the position it oc- cupied in Scotland. 3. Scotland ami the Lcgeml of Kilwiuiiing.') The early history of this country is lost in the misty haze of legendary lore. It is not till the fifteenth century^ that we can obtain the least reliable information touching^ 1) We here transcribe what Kloss says in his "History of Free- masonry in Scotland" 1150 — 1786, who has especially drawn his infor- mation concerning the ancient history of Freemasonry from Andersoii, from the descriptions in the Freem. Pocket Comp., 2. Ed. Edinb. 176i and from Calcott's candid Disquisition, London 1769. HI the fraternity. From the statements of Anderson and Laurie/ it seems evident that at a very early period, the Masons had either voluntarily resigned, or had been deprived of their ancient right of electing their own functionaries, and of admimstering justice in their own courts of judicature. At their head they had a Patron, who though elected by the Fraternity, yet it was at the suggestion of the Crown, being taken from the nobility or superior clergy, and their choice confirmed by the sanction of the King. These Patrons were empowered, to adjust any differences that might arise either among the Masons, or between the Masons and their employers, and since the reign of James I. (1430) they had received an annual sum of four pounds Scot, and likewise a fee at the initiation of every new Member, in right of their office. Two Charters which Laurie*) publishes, prove that it was not till James the sixth ascended the Eng- lish throne, and appeared to have lost his interest in Freemasonry in Scotland, that the Scotch Fraternity chose William Sinclair of Roslin, his heirs and suc- cessors to be their Patrons and Judges. In, the first of these deeds, (which bears no date, but appears to have been written soon after the Union of the two Crowns), it is expressly stated that the appointment of William Sinclair was with the advice and consent of William Shaw, surveyor to his Majesty, who had most likely been commissioned to do so. The second Deed bears the date of 1630, and is merely a confirmation and repetition of the first, which was destroyed with other Documents by fire in the Castle of Roslin. The Pocket Companion and Calcott remark: "William St. Clair, Earl of Orkney and Caithness, Baron of Roslin, 1) See Laurie's hist, of F.-M. and the Grand-Lodge of Scotland. 2. Edit. 1859 and Merzdorf's Translation. Cassel 1861. 112 received a letter of grace from James II. (1441) appoint- ing Mm to this office. By his presence he animated the Lodges to fresh vigor, spread the knowledge of the art, and built that Master-piece of Gothic architecture, the Chapel of Roslin. The Masons then began to exert a beneficial influence throughout the whole country; and many stately, and noble buildings were erected by Princes and Nobles, during the time Roslin was Grand Master. Another Document made this office hereditary to the heirs and successors of this William St. Clair in the Barony of Roslin, in which noble family it has continued without interruption, until within the last few years. The Barons of RosUn have ever since been the Patrons of the Masons" &c. "They held their grand courts, or in Masonic language, their Grand Lodge met at KUwinniag in the Western county, where it is asserted that the Masons of Scotland first held regular and permanent Lodges; indeed, we are assured that in this place the royal art first made its appearance". Both the above-mentioned Deeds clearly demonstrate the decline ^ of Masonry in Scotland, and the ignorance of the Brethren there, during the first half of the seven- teenth century. With ingenuous candor they accuse themselves of incorrigibly bad-conduct, and the greater part of the Masons commissioned by the different Lodges to draw up the Deeds, were not even able to write, but were oblige(^ to have them drawn up and signed in their names, by a notary. Under such circumstances it was impossible that the Fraternity at that time, could have commanded much respect in Scotland; and this may be the reason why — with the exception of the Patrons nominated by the King, and the Judges and Overseers appointed by them — there is no mention of any ac- cepted masons, till about the middle of the seventeenth' century. The Masters of the Lodges, who were deputed 113 -to sign the deeds, before referred to, were all Working Masons, and most probably all the Lodges then consisted ■of such members.*) Neither in the Copland nor Roslin deeds is there mention made of any others than, Patrons, Protectors, and operative Masters ; so that these appoint- ments must not be thought to be connected in any way with the later institution of Grand Master and Provincial Grand Master, as Anderson, Laurie and some others consider. It was not till the close of the . sixteenth century, that persons who were not Masons by profession, were accepted in the Scotch Lodges. For example in the year 1641 Robert Moray, Quarter Master General in the Army, was elected Master Mason in the Lodge of St. Mary's Chapel, Edinburgh. It is very doubtful whether the Fraternity, as Laurie states, held their regular an- nual meetings at Kilwinning, or as Anderson says, in Stirling and Aberdeen — for it is-but natural to suppose that there were but comparatively few masons, who could bear the expence of such a journey once a year. Every Legend must have some particular spot to point to, as the place where it originated, otherwise being but a creature of the brain, it quickly vanishes ; but with regard to this Legend, there is no necessity to enquire too closely into its historical foundation. Kloss remarks that the inventors of Masonic Le- gends were so blind to what was immediately before their eyes, and so limited in their ideas that, instead of connecting them, with the period of the Introduction of Christianity, and with the monuments of Roman antiquity, which were either perfect or in ruins before them, they preferred associating the Legends of their Guilds with ^) This is confirmed by Calcott iu an admonitory remark. S. Kloss, Hist, of Scotland, page 263. Pindel, History of Freemasonry. 8 114 some tradition or other. The English had the York Legend, reaching as far back as the year 926. The German Mason answers the question touching the origin of his Art, by pointing to the building of the Cathedral of Magdeburg (876); and the Scotch Mason refers only to the erection of Kilwinning (1140). That more recent Masonic authors give credence to such tales, and relate •them again with, all, seriousness, is inexcusable. Any~ ancient Scotch Chronicler could have pointed out edifices employed for Christian worship of an earlier date; as for example in Aberdeen 1017, in Dunsinnan 1040 &c., but Legends are stubborn things, when they have once forced themselves into a locality. Anderson speaks very cautiously concerning Kilwinning. The Pocket Companion and Calcott refer to the Kilwinning Legend more in detail, but with equal circumspection, and behold,, a whole generation later Laurie relates it with great circumstantiality, subjoining to it many customs and regulations which it can be proved were not knowij till after the year 1716; and very recently an attempt has been made to honor Stirling *) with venerable antiquity and a Masonic Order of Chivalry. If the Lodge of Kil- winning had documents announcing her great antiquity, she . would certainly have produced them in the year 1743. Laurie says on this point: "The minutes of the Lodge of St. Mary's Chapel, which is the oldest Lodge in Edinburgh, reach as far back as the year 1598; but as they record only the ordinary proceedings of the Lodge, we cannot derive from them any definite in- formation respecting the customs and condition of the Fraternity". And in another place: "A letter 1) See Bauliiittc, 1860 Nr. 11 auci 16 and in Freem. Magfiz. I860,, the supposed inncient Constitution o' tlie Lodge of Stirling, communicated by Br. Dyson. 115 was read from the Lodge of Kilwinning complaining that they were only placed second on the Roll, while, being the Mother Lodge of Scotland, they were entitled to the first place. The Grand Lodge decreed that as the Lodge of Kilwinning had produced no document to show that they were the oldest Lodge in England, and as the Lodge of St. Mary's Chapel had brought records bearing the date of the year 1598, the latter had an undoubted right to continue first on the Roll". "The conduct of the Grand Loge on this occasion in no way contradicts what has been Stated in the general history respecting the antiquity of the Kilwinning Lodge. It was well| known and universally admitted that Kil- winning was the birth-place of Scottish Masonry ; but as the records of the original Lodge were lost, the present Lodge at Kilwinning could not prove that theirs was the very identical Lodge, which had first practised Free- masonry in Scotland". After reading these weighty passages, we must ask with Kloss, what reply is to be given to the Fable of the so-called Scottish Degrees, and every thing relating to them? In what direction have the alleged secrets of the original Lodge of Kilwinning wandered, to which these Scotch degrees seem to refer? And in what did these secrets consist? How poor must "have been the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1743, in rightly constituted and en- lightened Brethren, who it might be imagined ought to be well-acquainted with the higher degrees, and capable of mounting the pulpit and expounding the source whence this supposed Masonic wisdom flowed, and instruct their untutored brethren in the Grand Lodge concerning it! And even as late as 1804, how ignorant was Laurie him- self of the secret history of the Order! The fact is that neither he nor the Grand Lodge of Scotland, recognized the so-called Scotch degrees, nor the fable of the origin 8* 116 of Scotch Masonry at Kilwinning, and the secrets originating therefrom; and both were perfectly in the right. 4. England in the period of Transition. (From 1600—1716.) The history of Freemasonry in England in the be- ginning of the seventeenth century, by no means abounds in important outward events — Preston, with the ex- ception of the names of the leaders in the Fraternity, and the enumerating of certain buildings, knows of nothing worthy of being specified — yet for the internal develop- ment of the Brotherhood it was of the utmos^ importance. The Augustan Style. Until the sixteenth century, the Saxon (Gothic) style of architecture prevailed in England and in the North generally. In Italy however in the com- mencement of the fifteenth century they had returned to the Augustan style, whence it afterwards made its way to England. Several British travellers when journeying in Italy ad- mired the recently erected works of art there, and on their return to their native country, reported concerning them, as well as brought drawings of them. The then Patron*) of the Freemasons (up to the year 1567), Sir Thomas Sackville, devoted 'the whole of his attention to this object and induced many men of fortune and taste to undertake similar journeys, having the like purpose. Still more would have been accomplished, had Elizabeth shown any taste for architecture.. inigo Jones. She died unmarried and was succeeded by James I. in 1603, the son of Mary Stuart, who reigned over both kingdoms. This King when in Scotland showed a great love for this art, and as his mother had brought 1) Preston 1. c. page 154. 117 Architects with her from Paris, he became, through them, intimately acquainted with the spirit of the newly -revived Roman style of Architecture. About this time William Herbert, Earl of P embr ok e returned from his antiquarian researches in Italy. A very talented young painter of London, Inigo Jones, had accompanied him on his travels. His zeal was kindled by the splendid buildings of the school of Palladio, he devoted himself especially to study them, and to him we owe the introduction of the Augustan style of Architec- ture into England, which almost entirely superseded the Gothic style. On his return to England he was appointed General Surveyor of the royal buildings, which were being constructed, and under the auspices of the King was elected Patron of the Freepiasons, over which he presided, between the years 1607 — 1618. The Lodges were consti- tuted upon the model of the Italian seminaries of in- struction. He invited ingenious Italian artists to Eng- land, and distributed them among the different lodges. In the presence of the King he laid the foundation-stone of the Banquetinghouse at Whitehall, and it is said, introduced many eminent, wealthy, and learned men into the Fraternity as honorary members, and at the same time formed regular lodges of instruction.*) The Quarterly The customary, general, annual Meetings, Meetings. for the .purposo of ensuring uniform pro- gress in all the Lodges, did not satisfy him, and they were therefore at his suggestion, appointed to take place every quarter. In this way did the quarterly meetings of the Chief-Lodges first originate, which are still retained, noth- withstanding the different aim and purpose of the Free- 1) This communication as well as what precedes it, is supposed to have been contained in a Manuscript by Nicholas Stone, which was burnt in 1720. 118 masonry of the present day. The days fixed upon by Jones: were June 24th — Michaelmas Day — Decem- ber 27th — and the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary (March 25th). The festivals, including the Banquet, lasted from noon to midnight; however they were afterwards shortened, being found inconveniently long. The meetings were no longer held in the halls of the Cloisters, but in Hotels. , , The workinff-masons who shewed but Gonsequeuces of the o Introduction of the new little skill, worc gradually kept at 'a ®'^'°' distance from the Lodges and sent back to their respective Guilds, and those pupils who displayed a more receptive turn of mind were greatly encouraged; they alone were patronised by the heads of the Fraternity and entrusted with the construction of public buildings. In this way Inigo Jones and his successors established a complete revolution in the character of English Architec- ture, as already mentioned, and in the place of the Grothic style spread the knowledge of the modern imitation of the ancient Roman style, called Renaissance. Instead of the buttress, plain walls with pilasters were seen; instead of the pyramids ambitiously rising towards heaven, a. drooping Italian cowl was set upon the top of the fragile littls tower ; the tall slender pillars, which supported the arched roof of the church, disappeared, and ornaments of tasteless scrolls supplied their place. Thus did German art, so honored and revered, sink to the tomb, the Fraternity on this account, undergoing a mighty revolution ; the first visible consequence of this change, was that the ancient Church symbols, which formed the principal paJ-t of the secret instruction im- parted in the Lodges, lost their practical worth. Added to which, the study of ancient classic authors had caused Philosophy to soar into new and unexpected regions, the investigation of physical science had opened a 119 wider field of thought, and since the Reformation all ecclesiastical and social relations generally had experienced a complete transformation. Mankind were anticipating in advance the silent efforts of the Stone-Masons. The liberal religious opinions held by them concerning the dogmas and discipline of the church, the tyranny of the Papal See, and the immoral lives of the priests, which they had before only ventured to express in those biting caricatures, the so-called marks, introduced into their buildings, they could now openly and publicly avow ; there was no longer any necessity for secrecy. The consequences which the stormy contests between the religious parties gave rise to, the temperate frame of mind encouraged by the Reformation, did not afford that animation to the exercise of their art, which they had formerly possessed. It is easy to conceive that under such discouragements the bond uniting the Brotherhood, became less and less binding. In the mean while however, circumstances had in- tervened, which in their consequences proved to be of immense importance, in paving the way to the establish- ment of the present institution, and opening a new era in the history of the Fraternity. Accepted Hitherto the Fraternity, with the exception of Masons, tijg ecclesiastical and secular Patrons of the craft, was composed wholly of actual workmen, masons, stone-cutters, and carpenters. Towards the close of the sixteenth and beginning of the seventeenth century, per- sons who were not operatives, began to be admitted as members of the Freemasons' Fraternity, thereby infusing into it intelligence, fresh life and vigor; this it was alone which saved the institution from sinking into oblivion. The records of St. Mary's Lodge, at Edin- burgh, which is acknowledged as the oldest lodge in Scotland, inform us that Thomas Bosswell, Esquire, of 120 Auchinleck, was chosen as Warden of the Lodge in the year 1600, and that Eobert Moray,* Quartermaster-general of the Scottish Army, was made a Master-Mason in 1641. It also appears from the Diary of the learned antiquary Elias Ashmole that he was made a Mason in a Lodge at Warrington, Lancashire, the 16th October 1646, as is indicated in a Manuscript written by himself,*) but he did not there find, what he most likely sought , an occult science ; for it was not tiU the year 1682, that he again attended a Lodge. These are the three oldest authentic names of non-operative members of the Fraternity. Sub- sequently, according to Preston, after the Earl of Pem- broke had been placed at the head of the Fraternity, many learned, wealthy, and eminent men, were admitted to tBe society, and contributed not a httle to give it an entirely new character. They were distinguished from the working Masons by the appellation of accepted Masons. At this period those additional clauses were annexed to the "Old Charges", which had nothing to do with the working masons. The influence of these additional members was sen- sibly felt in various ways; for though perhaps they did not assist the working masons, in the erection of their buildings, yet their wealth, education, social position, and political influence were beneficial to the Institution. They^ introduced new views, new necessities, and above all a reforming, progressive element into the lodges, which in the course of the seventeenth century, especially towards its close, became more and more imbued with the spirit 1) In Aahmole's Diary we find the foUowiDg. "I was made a Free- masou at Warrington , Lancashire, with Colonel Henry Manwaring by Mr. Richard Penket, the Warden, and the fellow-crafts, on 16th October 1646. — Jn the Biographia Britanica he is alluded to thus: "on 16th October, he was chosen as a member of the ancient and venerable society of Freemasons, which he considered as a mark of great honor." 121 of the age, and with the a meliorations resulting from more careful culture. Political views. In coDsequence of the Civil wars, which for a time overtbrew Royalty and set the whole country in a state of ferment, proving particularly unfavorable to the arts, Freemasonry could not but suifer; with regard to the assertion , that the Mason's in the time of Crom- well, took an active part in the political') events of the period, it can only be said, that there is not the slightest foundation for such a declaration, and that it belongs to those creations of the brain, which are adopted without any proof. It could have been no easy matter, to substitute all of a sudden entirely different motives of action, and completely to transform the whole in- stitution, without exciting remark and stirring up olSpo- sition in the Fraternity} the members, doubtless differing in their political opinions, added to which, the Lodges were far too few in number, to enable them to engage in any very comprehensive or important, political under- taking. We must not suppose that at that time the whole country was covered by a net-work of Lodges, well organised and working in combination ! The Meetings 1) It IB said (and even Brothers Fessler and Schroeder shared in this belief, which they sought to establish by the explanation of the Scotch degrees) that after the beheading of Charles I. in 1649 many of the nobility were admitted into the Fraternity, that they might there in a secure place of concealment endeavor to bring about the re-establish- ment of monarchy and the restoration of the fugitive prince. The oath of initiation was through their means made more severe and solemn in its tone, the ceremony of admission altered, and the degrees of fellow- crafts and Masters created. All the symbols adopted by the latter bore political allusions. On the accession of Charles II. (1660) Freemasonry received the name of "Koyal-Art" out of gratitude for the services ren- dered, and more in the like strain. Others again are of opinion that only the Scotch Masons were in the service of the Crown, but that the Eng- lish Masons were made use of by Cromwell. 122 of the Masons at that stormy period, took place less fre- quently and were attended by but few members; the fraternity had lost its attractive power, and the ancient ceremonies were to many, divested of all their charms. These few general observations confirmed by Masonic History may be sufficient for the refutation of the views cited above, we have however a still more decided proof of the fact, that our forefathers remained faithful to their vows strictly forbidding all political discussions in their assemblies, in the letter*) of Dr. Knipe of Oxford, to the editor of the biography of Elias Ashmole. It is there said: "There is no doubt to be made, that the skill of masons, which was always transcendently great even in the most barbarous times ; their wonderful kind- ne^ and attachment to each other, how different soever in condition; and their inviolable fidelity in keeping religiously their secrets, must expose them, in ignorant; troublesome, and superstitious times , to a vast variety of adventures, according to the different fate of partiesi and other alterations in government. By the way it may be noted, that the masons were always loyal, which exposed them to great severities when power wore the appearance of justice, and those who committed treason punished true men as traitors. Thus, in the third year of Henry VI. an act passed to abolish the society of Masons, and to hinder under grievous penalties, the holding chapters, lodges, or rather regular assembhes; yet this act was afterwards virtually repealed, and even before that. King Henry and several lords of his court became fellows of the craft. During the period of civil discord which succeeded, the Freemasons in this kingdom bore the general name of Yorkists, and as they had 1) Preston's, Illustrations &c., page 160. — See Ashmole'a life in the collection of the Lives of remarkable men. IV Vol. 123 obtained special favor from Edward VI. so did likewise the sagacious Henry VII. deem it more advisable to declare himself a great friend of the Masons, and urge upon their acceptance a large number of his friends, than by ill-advised persecution to make them his enemies, as has been done by some of his ancestors, so that his own emissaries were never wanting in their Lodges. As this society is very ancient, indeed it even reaches further back than any Documents extant, it is no wonder, that in its history many Fables are to be met with, and taccording to my judgment a cunning author would have employed his time far better in throwing light on the history of St. Alban, or on the death of Prince Edwin, as both subjects would completely have exercised his ingenuity, than in undervaluing as he has done, the merits of a society, of whose institutions and adventures he seems to have known little enough, and with whose history and bearing Mr. Ashmole was far better aquainted, and at the same time perfectly satisfied" &c. Dr. Plot. The "cunning author" here mentioned is Plot, Professor of Chemistry, and Keeper of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, a Non-Mason and most decidedly hostile to the Fraternity, who in his natural history of the county of Stafford, ') makes the following interesting remarks touching the customs of the Masons of that period. In it we may notice that he attacks the Ancient Constitutions, already known to us, consequently his knowledge is derived from the same source as that of Brother Anderson. Plot writes: "Among the customs prevalent in this county they have one viz.- the' receiving of people into the Fraternity of Freemasons, which seems to be more frequently the case in this moor-land district 1) The natural History of Stafifordshire by Robert Plot. L. L. D. keeper of the Ashmolean Museum, &c. Oxford, 1686, page 316. 124 than anywhere else, though however I have noticed that the custom is more or less general throughout the whole country; for I met lyith persons of the highest rank, who thought it no scorn to belong to this society.*) Nor indeed had they any cause to do so, if the Fraternity possess the antiquity and consequence ascribed to it, in the large parchment volume in their possession, containing the legend of the Guild and the laws of the Masons. This history is not derived alone from the sacred writings but also from profane history especially, having been brought to England by Saint Amphibalus, and firsjt com- municated to Saint Alban, who made Masonic laws, and was appointed paymaster and inspector of the royal buildings, giving them charges and establishing usages as he had been taught by Amphibalus. These were afterwards confirmed by King Athelstan, whose youngest son Edwin was a great friend to Freemasonry, himself subscribed to the laws, learned the ceremonies, and received a charter from his father. He arranged the meeting of the Lodges at York, and ordered that all the ancient books belonging to their craft should be likewise brought, and from these he formed laws and ceremonies, as seemed to him adapted to their then cir- cumstances. These laws are some of them written down in the parchment roll or volume, and thus was the Masonic craft established in England. Herein is also recorded that these laws and rituals were afterwards read by King Henry VI., and his counsel, and approved of by them, both for the Master and fellows of this most honorable craft. "When any one is admitted into this society a meeting or Lodge (as it is called in many places) is 1) We shall Boon find, that the Fraternity had risen materially since 1666. 125 convoked, which consists of at least five or six of the elders of the confederapy; they and their wives receive a present of gloves from the candidate and are enter- tained with a collation of some sort, regulated according to the usages of the place where they may happen to be. At the close of the repast, the ceremony of initiation begins, which consists principally in the communicating cf certain secret signs , whereby they recognise each other any where, and are therefore sure of protection wherever they may travel; for when any one appears, and makes these signs to any member of the society who is an accepted Mason, though mutually unknown to each other, yet is the latter compelled to attend the summons, in whatever company or in whatever place he may be, should he have to descend from the top of a Church steeple*) to do so, (whatever disadvantage or prejudice he may incur) he must find out what his wants are and assist him; for example if he is in want of work, he is bound to supply him with some, or in case 1) Plot has two sources "whence he has derived his communication, ■viz: a copy of the old Constitutions and a Manuscript of the signs and usages of the Freemasons. This latter authority is most probahly in the British Museum in the volume entitled: "Soundry Papers and Notes. on Natural History", Sloane M. S. Nr. 3329, which originated at the end of the 17th Century, and most assuredly is a valuable contribution to the -knowledge of the ritual of the Society of Free and Operative Masons of England (see Appendix C). As this volume is almost exclusively devoted to physical science, and as there is also in the volume a catalogue headed "Dr. Plot's Catalogue" and further Plot in his natural history of Staf- fordshire (1686), agreeing with ourmasonic man us crip t, mentions lhat five or six Brethren form a Lodge, and that the Freemasons upon recognising certain signs , were compelled to hasten to one another's assistance, "should they even have to descend from the top of a church steeple", an expression to be found nowhere else, I have come to the conclusion that the said M. S. was found amongst the papers which Plot left behind him, on his death, and was one of the fountains whence his Communications on Freemasonry were derivedt 126 he cannot do this, he must furnish him with money, or support him in some other way, until work is found for him. This is one of their articles; and another is, that they should give to the Masters the best advice in their power, and make known to them the fitness or unfitness, of the materials in use, or should they discover any fault in the carrying out of the building as given in the place, they should modestly point it out to them, that Masonry be not dishonored; and many such regulations which are generally known, and which I have my reasons for con^ sidering as far worse than these, as bad perhaps, as the history of the craft itself, for I know of no other so false or loose as is this one" &c. Afterwards Plot attacks the Edwin Legend, as well as the assertion that Henry VI. approved of the laws and usages of the Masons , which however we will omit here. Before resuming the thread of our historical narra- tive, it is necessary to contemplate more closely the agents which especially effected the transformation wrought in the Fraternity of Freemasons. These agents were, besides the spirit of the age and the tendency of lite- rature in general, the writings of Comenius, Bacon, Dupuis, and the pamphlets and meetings of the Rosi- crucians. England in the In Order Completely to understand this 17th century, pgpiod of history WO must endeavor to._ place its principal features clearly before us. The whole spirit of the English nation had at this period taken a new direction, preparing itself as it were, to cast aside its ancient superstitions, and to cultivate the rich fields of natural philosophy. This resolution to throw off every bur- densome yoke, introduced by Bacon in philosophy, and by Cr omwellinpolitics,soonpervaded the entire generation.') 1) See Th. Buckle, History of Civilisation in England. 127 The desire of the people to submit their opinions to the ordeal of a thorough investigation, spread rapidly under the reign of Charles II., and was universally manifested every wherd, and in all things. Opinions, which for centuries had been regarded as indisputable truth, were overthrown, because they rested on a wrong foundation. It had availed but little, that Galileo had knelt before the Inquisition, his whole soul being greatly agitated, and had there solemnly abjured his inward conviction, touching the motion of the earth, as erroneous and con- trary to the teachings of Holy Writ; for the earth,- together with Galileo and his judges, was rolling its onward course. Bacon's empirical philosophy was im- proved upon by Hobbes, and Cartesius' idealism founded on speculation, by Mallebranche, and more especially by that intelligent and acute reasoner B. Spinoza. About this period scepticism arose, which afterwards developed itself into Deism. Just at the time when the sceptical chemist Robert Boyle was engaged in his philosophical researches, Charles 11. founded *) the Royal Society with the avowed design of prosecuting effectually the ad- vancement of natural experimental philosophy, and of establishing certain, and correcting uncertain theories in philosophy. As a necessary result of the bold, investi- gating, and reformatory spirit which had thus seized upon the three great domains of theology, science, and politics, the great legislative reforms which marked the reign of Charles II. sprung into life. The censorship of the press was abolished, personal liberty assured, and finally the Act of Toleration was passed (1699). The great questions referring to religious and political free-' 1) Mitchell erroneoasly says in Lis History &c., vol. I., pag. 212, that the Royal edict referring to this Society was issued in favor of the Freemasons. 128 dom, which abroad were fought out with weapons of iron and steel, were here being simultaneously battled for, with spiritual weapons. But when at last the din of war, and of civil discord had died away, it became apparent, that even in its very midst a delicious fruit had .been ripening, viz: the longing desire after the attainment of inward peace, from which as a necessary consequence the society of Freemasons is descended. The Eosicvucians. Bcsidos the Current of events just pointed out there were others, likewise tending to the same end, and to which we can find a solution by observing the characteristics of the age. Since the time of the cru- sades, a fondness for mystery and mystic science, im- ported from the East, had crept into almost every branch of European social life. In England too, there was in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries the Arabian Mysticism, a compound of Physics, Theosophy, and Magic, Chemistry and Alchemy, Astronomy and Astrology, which had been taken up with great eagerness. Had not astro- logical chimeras found a support even in Tycho de Brahe himself! With regard to Alchemy, its earhest adherents were of opinion, that their art could only be acquired by supernatural inspiration, and that it could be historically proved, as having been known to the first inhabitants of this earth. Authentic historical proof, however, is first to be found four centuries after Christ, when the opinion arose , that from bodies which con- tained neither gold nor silver, these precious metals might ■ be produced by art. Towards the close of the sixteenth, and the beginning of the seventeenth century, "several associations were formed, partly for religious purposes, and partly for the transformation of the precious metals, as for instance the followers of Theophrastus Paracelsus, the Eosicrucians and other sects. Some few individuals were before their age, and being deep 129 reasoners had risen above the superstitions surrounding them, but the results of their superior enlightenment were by no means common property. The hypercritical investigations of the Eabbis and of the New-Platonists, found numerous friends; the most extravagant superstition was, even >by the well informed, regarded as a subject demanding curious inquiry; theosophic phantoms of the brain, mixed up with the freest and most unscrupulous of religious opinion?, found credence everywhere. The origin of the society of the Rosicrucians may have been in Germany about the year 1600. The first written account concerning it appeared in 1614. Their principal work entitled: "General Eeformation of the wide world, together with the Fama Fraternitatis of the esteemed order of the Rosicrucians, addressed to all the learned men and crowned heads of Europe" (Cassel, 1614) was followed by a perfect inundation of writings on the Society of tlie Rosicrucians (see Kloss, Bibliography, page 176 Nr. 2430 &c.). In the "EcJio"^) pubHshed in 1615, the laws of the Rosicrucians are communi- cated for the first time. In the "Fama Fraternitatis" or "discovery of the Society", the fabulous history of a certain Christian Rosenkreuz is related, who collect- ed in the East a great treasure of the deepest mysteries, which were found in his tomb 120 years after his death. 1) Echo of the esteemed order E. C. highly favored by God, i. e. "Exemplary Proof" &c. (Kl. 2455), wherein all kind of ancient mysteries are treated of, which Jesus is said to have imparted to his disciples, and these again to others We consider this work as somewhat important on account of the origin of the Swedish system. ■Notwithstanding the dash of the order of Enights' Templars observable in it, yet it is essen- tially founded on the order of the Eosicrnclans; the more ancient manu- scripts of this order agree most remarkably with this one, and we imagine that the founder of the system, while working it out, must have relied almost entirely upon such antecedents. Findel, History of Freemaflonry. 9 130 Inspired by his spirit, the fortunate discoverers had founded the order' of the Eosicrucians , hoping by its means to spread the blessed doctrine into every land. vai. Andreae. A Suabian clergyman, the learned and in- tellectual ValentineAndreae, born 1586 and died 1654, wrote a Satire entitled the "Chemical "Wedding of Christian Rosenkreuz" (Strasburg 1616), directed against the mad freaks of the Alchemists and the Eosicrucians, which they did not understand, however, but took it all in as Gospel. This book teeming with Theosophy and Alchemy, had most unprecedented success, and in a very short space of time went through four editions. The Eosicrucian order was here so beautifully embellished, that the desire to be initiated in it, increased every where, especially in the Ebine country, which was the chief seat of the society, and the members did not then cease to be duped, even when the author himself dT'ew aside the curtain, and declared*): "It was allajoke, people had been sufficiently hoaxed, and the farce was at an end." His other writings "Turris BabeT' and "Mythologia Christiana", wherein he most unmercifully ridiculed the Eosicrucians, passed away without effecting their object f the order having been once established, was not to be dissolved by satii-ical writings ; only they sought to defend themselves against similar attacks in future by somewhat altering the name of the Firm. F. E. C. instead of meaning roseae ci-ucis was explained thus: Fratermtas Boris Cocti, i. e. Society of boiled dew, being only another name for the Philosopher.'s Stone. About the year 1620, Andreae founded a "christian Fraternity", with 1) The solution to the riddle, which the author reserved to himself, lay in the choice of the word "Rosenkreuz" , which had reference to his family seal — a St. Andrew's Cross with 'four Roses — and which he chose as the symbol of his fictitious mysteries. 131 a view to the impi-ovement of ecclesiastical discipline, ^nd to turn the thoughts of christian theologians from the quibbles of the schools, to vital religion, that of the heart and of action. For a long time he was esteemed the real founder of the Kosicrucian order. From Germany this theosophic and hermetic Society spread itself rapidly throughout Holland, Italy, and Eng- hjnd, some pointing to a certain Christian Rose, others to C. L. von Bergen, as their founder. If the credulous were honest followers of the hermetic sciences, the more cunning amongst them in default of the Philosopher's Stone, sought as an indemnification to rob the credulous. The faithful Urf (Orvius), in the preface to one of his works, has frankly exposed the cunning doings of these Rosicrucians. But the most melancholy examples .even, were not sufficient to open the eyes of the people. In England the soil had been well prepared for the Rosicrucian seed, by Dr. Rob. Fludd, commonly known as a Fluctibus, a London Physician, and the chief oracle of the British mystics and theosophists. The Fama fraternitatis immediately on its appearance, awaken- ed such enthusiasm in him, that from that hom* he became the champion of the Rosicrucians and defended them in special apologetic publications (1616). He differed from it though in one point, he did not trace the order back to Christian Rosenkreuz, but to a very ancient symbol indeed : "the cross of Christ stained by his rose- red blood". Bacon, Dupuy The Writings of Bacon, Dupuy, and & comeniuB. Comcnius, could not have done otherwise than exercise an influence upon Freemasonry, and con- tribute to its final transformation. Dupuy 's celebrated work, "History of the Condemnation of the Temjplars", which had appeared in 1650, made a great noise in the world, and was republished in 1685. drawing public 9* 132 attention to the usages and regulations customary in that order of chivalry which had once been so celebra- ted, and on its decline so notorious, and wherein doubt- less was much that was congenial and which could be turned to account. Bacon's work "the NeTir- Atlantis" contained unmistakable allusions to Freemasonry, so that Br. Nicolai was misled to the adoption of that now completely refuted opinion, that Freemasonry owed its origin to this novel *). It is however especially remarkable that the German scholar Job. Amos Comenius (born in 1592 at Mwnitz in Moravia, died in 1671, and was in England in 1641) in his Opera didactica has passages' which are word for word like those in Anderson's book of Constitutions. From Fulneck, the principal residence of the Moravian Brethren, where Comenius was preacher and teacher, he went in 1627 to Lissa, whence he obeyed a summons inviting him to England, where his Prodromus Pansophiae had appeared in 1638, that he might place the schools there on a better footing. The matter was debated in Parliament; the civil wars however, compelled him to quit England. His works, notwithstanding, were much read at that time, and after his death, his. philanthropic doctrines, and his cosmopolitism, found entrance everywhere. His Panegersia is, as he himself says, "A deliberation, dedicated to mankind in general, concerning the improvement of human affairs". 1) Bacon therein speaks of an island called BensaUm and a secret society. The island of Bensalem is described as a territory well known to mankind, but Solomon's Temple, and the occupation of the college of Ihe six days of Creation, are supposed to be unknown to the rest of the world and only revealed to the initiated. The members of the college find in the sea a sacred chest of cedar-wood, out of which springs forth a green palm-branch, and in the chest were found the books forming the Bible. The Elder, King and Lafrgiver, will not consent that the secrets of this Island be betrayed to strangers. The Members of the coUege'. are called brethren &c. 133 Deiam. The last, and at the same time most decisive agent in accomplishing the transformation of Masonry, was that intellectual movement known under the name of English Deism, which boldly rejected all Revelation and all religious Dogmas, and under the victorious banner of reason and criticism, broke down all barriers in its path. Peers of the realm fought in the ranks of the Deists, as well as the simple artisan. Every thing that civilization and learning, sagacity and fertility of thought could offer, was at that time employed in the struggle for and against Deism, its chief supporters b^ing Toland, Collins &c. and the period when it flourished the most, is exactly pointed out by the Act of Toleration, passed in the year 1689. It cannot be denied that there is to be found a certain spiritual connection between this movement,, and the Fraternity of Freemasons, as it after- wards appeared; this connection strikes you with great force in Toland' s "Paniheisticum" when 'you come to the description *) of the Socratical society and their. feasts. The liturgical form of the brethren of the order of Socrates, begins thus: Question : Hare the uninitiated been removed ? Answer: The doors are closed, and every thing is in due order. Ques. : Under what auspices do we open this Society? Answ. : Under the auspices of Philosophy. Ques.: To whom must this Assembly, to whom must all our thoughts, w:ords, and actions be continua;lIy devoted? Answ.: To the threefold aim of the wise: truth, freedom, virtue &c. 1) See "der englisclie Deismits und die Freimaurer-Brudersohaft" by Dr. Merzdorf, ia the Bauhut{e 1860, page 338. 134 Influence on the This intellectual Revolution must ne- doctrine and costoms. ccssarily have cxercised an important influence on the Fraternity of Masons, and we cannot doubt that it contributed essentially to its final trans- formation from an operative to a universal, speculative, society. At such a time, as this, when it was tottering to- its fall, it must have been very sensible to outward in- fluences, and much that was new, and foreign to the original institution, may have crept in unperceived. The commingling of the "accepted" with the working Masons, which we remarked upon in a former paragraph, must also have had a very important influence on the Frater- nity, on account of the superior education, wealth, and social position of the former class. These "accepted" brethren now brought forth from the ancient gaiild-chests the mouldering records of the Lodges, and revived the old traditions; usages, and customs of the fraternity, rejecting what seemed to them unsuitable for the age in which they lived, or else remodelling to make it suitable. This occurred in the latter part of the seven- teenth century from 1650—1700. At any rate, the Cate- chisms (rituals) in use having been transmitted orally, had given rise to several various readings as well as some alterations, and most probably too, the three grades in the profession were incorporated, at that time, into the fraternity as the three degrees. From the Sloan^ M.S. (Appendix C.) it is unequivocally proved, that there already existed sufficient indications on which subsequently to found the three degrees. But we will leave this question undecided. With regard to the actual history of the interior working of the Lodges themselves at that time, we must rest satisfied, with these general intimations, as the information concerning its outward forms is so exceedingly scanty. Let us now resume the thread of 135 our narrative, as we have been somewhat anticipating events. Laws of 1663. Once morc before that important step above mentioned, of religions toleration was taken, the Masons bestirred themselves. On the 27'th December 1663, a general assembly^) was held, at which Henry Jermyn, Earl of St. Alban's, was elected Grand Master, who appointed Sir John Denham, knt, his deputy and Mr. (afterwards Sir) Christopher Wren*) and John Webb, his Wardens. Among other regulations made at this assembly were the following:^) 1) That noe person of what degree soever, be made or accepted a Freemason unless in a Lodge of five*) members, whereof one to be a Master or a Warden in that limit or division where such Lodge is kept, and another to be a craftsman in the trade of Freemasonry. 2) That noe person hereafter shall be accepted a Freemason, but such as are of able body, honest paren- 1) Preston, I. c. page 161 and Freem. Quarterly Reyiew 1836, page 288. 2) Halliwell remarks in the 2nd Edition of his "Early History &c." that Wren (according to an old Manuscript in the Royal library) was not initiated into Freemasonry until May 18. 1691. Anderson here, as well as elsewhere, has made alterations, conformable to the spirit dominant in the Grand Lodge. He was commissioned by it under Crawford in 1735, to note down the ancient Patrons of the Masons, and especially the former and present Qrand Masters and wardens, so as to afford to the modern arrangements something like an historical basis ; accordingly in his edition of the Book' of Constitutions of the year 1738, he transformed the foimer Patrons iulo — Grand Masters, and the Masters and Superintendents into Grand- Wardens, and the like, which were unknown until the year 1717. ^) We give these regulations as they are found in the Barleian Manuscript, that being, according to Kloss, the most reliable text. ^) Anderson has here made use of the ezpression, "except in ». regular lodge". 136 tage, good reputation , and observers of the laws of the Land. 3) That noe person hereafter who shall be accepted a Freemason, shall be admitted into any Lodge or assembly until he hath brought a Certificate •) of the time and place of his acceptation, from the Lodge that accepted him, unto the Master of that Limit or Division, where such Lodge was kept; which sayd Master, shall enrol the same in a roll of parchment to be kept for that pur- pose, and shall give an account of all such acceptations at every general Assembly. 4) That every person who now is a Freemason shall bring to the Master a note of the time of his acceptation, to the end the same may be enrolled in such priority of place as the Brother shall deserve, and to the end that the whole Company and fellows may the better know each other. 5) That for the future, the sayd Society, Company, and Fraternity of Freemasons, shall be regulated and governed by one Master 2), and the assembly and Wardens, as the said Company shall think fit to appoint at every yearly general Assembly. 6) That noe person shall be accepted a Freemason, or know the secrets of the sayd Society, until he has first taken the oath of secrecy hereafter following: "I, A. B. doe, in the presence of Almighty God, and my fellows and Brethren here "present, promise an'd declare, that I will not at any time hereafter, by any Act or Circumstance whatsoever, directly or indirectly ■ I 1) Here for the flrst time do we And the order that a Mason must he provided with a Certificate, a written legitimation. 2) Anderson has instead of this "Grand Master" and "so many Wardens" &c. and instead of the 6th Art. of the Harleian Manuscript: "No person shall be accepted unless he be above 21 ySars of age." 137 publish, discover, reveal or make known, any of the secrets, priviledges, or Counsels of the Fraternity or fellowship of Freemasonry which at this time or any time hereafter shall be made known unto me; so helpe mee God and the holy contents of this book." Sir chr. Wren. In 1666, whon Thomas Savage, Earl of Rivers, was Patron of the Masons, the few Lodges then existing, partially revived, in consequence of the •demand created by the great fire of London, which destroyed one hundred churches, and thirteen thousand bouses. Sir Christopher Wren, surveyor-general of the royal buildings, and a celebrated architect, not only drew up the plan for the rebuilding of the city, but superintended the work and the restoration of St. Paul's Cathedral from 1667 to 1675. El. Ashmole, who since bis initiation had not visited any of the Lodges, records in his diary of March 10th 1682 that he appeared in a Lodge in London. "I was" he continues "the senior fellow among them, it being thirty-five years since I was admitted. There were present, beside myself, Mr. Thomas Wise, Master of the masons' Company, and seven more ■old freemasons." Anderson says that Wren*) was made Grand Master in 1685 which however was impossible as it was not till 1691 that he was initiated. Most probably, he was, in default of some high Patron, chosen as President of the Society, in which office he took so little active share, that he was quite passed over when the Grand Lodge was founded in 1717, which in consi- deration of his great reputation would certainly not have been the case, had he shewn any special zeal in behalf *) Even in England those who are not Freemasons doubt about Wren's having been Grand Master, and consider Halliwell's statement aa the correct cue. See Freem. Mag. June 1859, page 1005, and "Building ISews" of May 20th. 138 of the Fraternity. Wren outlived the founding of the Grand Loge; he died at the age of 92 in February 1723. During the building, the old Lodge of St. Paul's, (afterwards the Lodge of Antiquity) met regularly, but even then the people manifested an uneasy spirit, and a new party arose disputing about the possession of the throne, which again disturbed the social intercourse existing between those employed in erecting the public buildings. In 1688 James II. fled, and William of Orange ascended the throne. During his reign social intercourse was kept up between the Lodges ; but after his death, in 1702, they again decreased. The city of London arose ane'flr from its own ashes, St, Paul's Church was almost completed; foreign architects by degrees left' the town, and gave up their connection with the Lodges. For a long time there had been no meeting of the Lodge at York, as most of the members were engaged on he ' buildings in London. Extension of Masoury during the reign of QueenA nne the Society, made no very considerable progress; which even Preston concedes; on the contrary, it gradually declined. Sij" Christopher's age and infirmities drew off his attention from the duties of his office, and the number of the brethren had become so much reduced, that, in order to prevent their total extinction, a proposition was made, and afterwards agreed to, "that the privileges of Masonry should no longer be restricted to operative Masons, but extend to men of various professions, profvided they were regularly approved and initiated into the order." Here then we are at the end of Ancient Masonry. The operative Masons, who for a long time past had been gradually decreasing in numbers, now acknowledged, by the above resolution, that it was out of their power^ as operative Masons, to continue the existence of their 139 fraternity any longer; they had fulfilled their mission, by carefully preserving their ancient laws, traditions, and ceremonies, and transmitting them as an eritage to the Grand Lodge of England. ' The long contemplated separation of the Freemasons from the operative guilds was now speedily carried into effect, and the Institution made rapid strides towards complete and perfect transformation. From the materials, slowly, surely, and regularly prepared, far back in the medieval twilight of the Middle Ages, carefully cherished and handed down to posterity by the old building asso- ciations of Germany and England — arose a new and beautiful creation. Modern Freemasonry was now to be taught as a spiritualizing art, and the fraternity of operative masons, was exalted to a Brotherhood ofi symbolic builders, who in place of visible, perishable I temples, are engaged in the erection of that one, invisible, eternal temple of the heart and mind. The History of Freemasonry. First Period. (From 1717—1783.) A. England. 1) The Establishment of moderu Freemasonry. The small remnant of the ancient "Bauhutten" formed partly of operative Masons, and partly of the friends of architecture or of accepted Masons, dragged on a miserable existence at the beginning of the 18th century. The Stonemasons, having completed the buildings they had begun to erect, were dispersed, some of them taking up any employment they could find, and many of the „accept- ed" Masons, it is said, busied themselves with Rosi- crucian philosophy, i. e. with Alchemy and Theosopliy, wliich however by no means promoted social intercourse. These too dispersed themselves, whenever they thought they had found a. way to carry out theii- schemes for themselves alone. The York Lodge and the Lodges in the South of England, which besides were by no means numerous,*) had scarcely resumed their former appearance, when they decreased to such a degree that there were only very few indeed left. As early as the reign of James IL, says Preston, Masonry was very much ne- glected, and even after this period no visible progress was made, the annual festivals seemed entirely to, have died out. 1) Anderson and Preston both agree in this. 144 Thus matters stood with regard to Masonry, when in the year 1714 king George I. ascended the throne. There were notwithstanding many noble minds of all creeds, and differing in their religious and political views,, who wearied with the fierce contests to which party spirit had given rise, were yearning for a haven of rest, where they might find that repose and strength, which should fit them for a superior sphere of activity. Besides, the "accepted" Brethren among the Freemasons, would doubtless feel most sensibly, the danger threatening the Institution, which had been promoted by them, and would cherish the fervent wish to reform and reorganise it, in accordance, with the spirit of the age. Establishment of the This then took place forthwith as first Grand Lodge, several Brethren united for this purpose^ for example King, Calvert, Lumley, Madden &c. At their head was Dr. J. Theophilus Desaguliers, who was a very celebrated natural philosopher, Member of the Royal Academy of sciences, and who afterwards became one- of the most active members of the Fraternity. He was chosen Court Preacher *) to the Prince-Royal and holder- 1) Desaguliers was a calvinist, whilst Anderson was a preacher iit the English High Church. ' John Theoph. Desaguliers was the son of a French Protestanfr' clergyman, and was bom atEochelle in 1683. After the Edict ofNanteSf he with his father came to London in 1685; afterwards he finished his- educatioQ at Oxford, and in the course of time attained considerable- notoriety as a mathematician and natural philosopher. In 1705 he gave a course of public lectures on experimental philosophy. In 1717 he was appointed chaplain to the Prince of Wales, at London, where he carried ' on his lectures, and acquired great celebrity. Persons of all classes of society attended his lectures. (Buckle in his work on "History of Civilisation" calls him the first, who popularized natural philosophy.)' His fame by this time had spread throughout Europe. In 1723 he was commissioned by Parliament to devise a plan for heating and venti- lating the house of commo'ns, which he effected in a very ingenious manner. 145 of several benefices, to whom thes King often showed marks of favor, liking to discourse with him upon natural philosophy, and likewise by the King's order Desaguliers gave regular lectures to the royal house upon experi- mental philosophy. Greo. Payne, a learned antiquarian, was his chief supporter, as was also Dr. James An~ derson, a theologian. After the preliminary tasks assigned to the committee had been settled and approved, the four Lodges of London united, viz: those which met, 1) At the Groose- and Gridiron Alehouse in St. Paul's Church-yard; 2) At the Crown Ale house, in Parker's lane, near Drury-lane; 3) At the Apple-tree Tavern, in Charles Street, Covent Garden; 4) At the Rummer- and Grapes Tavern, in Ohannel-Row, Westminster. In February 1717 at the said Apple-tree tavern above mentioned, some old Brothers met and having voted the oldest Master-mason then In 1730, by invitation of the Dutch mathematicians, he visited the Hague, «nd there and at Rotterdam spent a year. He died 1743. There are some occnrrences in the life of Desagaliers, which merit particular attention, as having exercised a peculiar influence on the Masonry of his day. His love of mechanics, and the prominent part which that science plays in operative Masonry, no doubt induced him to become a member of the fraternity. He soon, however, found that the brethren ceuld teach him nothing. On the other hand the spirit of toleration which he found prevailing among the members of the fraternity, peculiarly grateful to one who bad himself suffered from religious in- tolerance, inspired him with the idea of reconstructing the society on a basis which should unite together in harmony those who were divided by religious and political schisms. In carrying out his plan, he was materially aided by the high position he occupied in society, and by the wide-spread acquaintance he enjoyed. As a French refugee, he was of eourse a zealous Protestant, and this fact must have influenced him in making alterations in the ritual of Masonry, in which several changes were made subsequent to the revival of 1717, for the purpose of divesting it of some of the lingering remnants of Romanism." (See: Masonic Eclectic, vol. I. Nr. 4.) Findel, History of FreemanOnry 10 146 present into the Chair; they constituted themselves a Grand Lodge, pro tempore in due form, and forthwith revived the Quarterly Communications of the Officers of Lodges, resolved to hold the annual Assembly and Feast, and then to choose a Grand Master among them- selves till they should have the honor of a noble brother at their head. Accordingly on St. John Baptist's Day, June 24*), the brethren again met, and by a majority of hands, elected^) Mr. Anthony Sayer, Grand Master of Masons, who being forthwith invested with the badges of office and power by the said oldest Master, and in- stalled, was duly congratulated by the Assembly, who paid him homage. Capt. Joseph Elliot, and Mr. Jacob Lamball, carpenter, he elected Grand Wardens. The most important step had now been taken for the due conservation of the Institution. Then it was that Freemasonry, as it is understood at the present day, dawned into existence. Retaining the spirit of the ancient Brotherhood, their fundamental laws, as well as their traditional customs, yet were all united in resigning Architecture and. operative Masonry to the station to which they belonged. The customary technical expres- sions, which were excellently well-suited to the symbohc architecture of a temple, were retained, but figuratively, and withal bearing a higher signification. The fraternity of Freemasons was now separated from Architecture, forming an association having purely social aims and therefore capable of spreading itself to all quarters of the globe: it became the common property of all mankind. The moral edifice to be erected, should, 1) This day has since been celebrated everywhere as the day of the anniverary of the Society of Freemasons. 2) See Anderson and Preston 1. c. as also: Kloss, History of Free- masonry in England, Ireland and Scotland, drawn from authentic docu- ments &c. Leipzig, O. Klemm. 147 like to the material edifices of the Masons, have the general good of all mankind in view; the improvement of the m^embers of the fraternity sh'ould manifest itself by their growth in self-knowledge, voluntary activity, self-government, as well as in the practice of all the virtues; the society should make men of all conditions better citizens, more zealous in the discharge of their official duties, better fathers, husbands, and friends. Freedom of will is here presupposed as a necessary possession,, for being free from great vices, passions, and prejudices, is the only thing to make a man capable of receiving superior cultivation, or leading him gradually to the attainment of perfection. ■"A Mason," say the Old Charges, "is obliged, by his tenure, to obey the moral law ; and if he rightly understands the art, he will never be ""a stupid atheist, nor an irreligions libertine. But though in ancient times masons were charged in every country to be of the religion of that country or nation, whatever it was; yet it is now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that religion in which all men agree, leaving their particular opinions to them- selves, that is, to be good men and true, or men of honor and honesty, by whatever denominations or persuasions they may be distinguished; whereby masonry becomes the center of union, and the means of conciliating true friendship among persons, that must otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance." Thus the idea of Freemasonry is as sublime and magnificent, as it is true to itself, rooted and grounded in the very being of Man. The Union Such an Universal association was most of Unions, essentially necessary. Amongst all men of- generous minds, capable of practising self-denial, and wishing to promote the general good of all mankind, there is a secret affinity; they resist all exclusiveness, 148 and wish to enter into a bond of love with any one having the like inclination. All other associations depending upon similarity of calling, or of rank, upon political opinions, patriotic sentiments , or religious creeds, suffer m-ore or less from exclusiveness. Against all these and similar partition walls, is an association required, which shall possess a code of laws embracing as wide a range as possible, having regard alone to the inward worth of the individual; an association which shall stand above all others, removing or ameliorating all that is prejudicial, and guarding it from becoming an object of hatred, contempt, and persecution. This union of unions, which imites all good men into one family, in which the prin- ciple of equality together with brotherly love, i. e. love of the human race, is the predominant one, and the end and aim of all its moral influence on others, this is Free- masonry. Its unity does not depend upon the mere binding by oath; but an alliance voluntarily entered upon is one of pure love and friendship. A warm loving heart, and a fixed pui'pose to strive after what is good and right, is the only sohd possession, upon which Masonry founds happiness , the firm neutral basis , where every variety and difference of opinion is made to accommo- date itself, in the struggle after the knowledge of the truth, the cultivation of the beautiful, and the practise of virtue. In this association, which unites all parties and denominations, and reconciles all opposing interests, can man fulfil those duties imposed by all religions. The zealous activity of the Grand Lodge caused Masonry to develop itself rapidly in England, and it immediately met with a favorable reception in Europe, and all other parts of the World. Among a variety of re gulations which *) were pro- 1) Preston transfers this regulation respecting the constructing of new lodges to the first meeting, but this resolution was firsj taken some- 149 posed and agreed to at this meeting, was the following; "That the privilege of assembling as Masons, which had hitherto been unlimited, no longer rested in the power of the Fraternity generally, but that every lodge to be hereafter convened, except the four old lodges, at this time existing, should be legally authorised to act by a Warrant from the Grand Master for the time being, granted to certain individuals by petition, with the consent and approbation of the Grand Lpdge in communication, and that without such Warrant no lodge should be here- after deemed regular or constitutional. In consequence of this regulation, some new Lodges were soon after convened in different parts of London and its environs. The Masters and Wardens of these Lodges were commanded to attend the meetings of the Grand Lodge, make a regular report of their proceedings, and transmit to the Grand Master from time to time, a copy of any bye-laws, they might form for their own government, that no laws established among them might be contrary to, or subversive of, the general regulations, by which the fraternity had been long governed. It was at the same time ') resolved that the privileges granted to the four old Lodges should be continued to them for ever. In consequence of which, it was signified in confidence to these Brethren: "That every privilege which they collectively enjoyed, by virtue of their im- memorial rights, they should still continue to enjoy; and that no law, rule or regulation to be hereafter made, should deprive them of such privilege, or encroach on any la"ndmark, which was at that time established, as what later in 1723. Formerly a sufficient number of Masons met together within a certain district, had ample power to make Masons, and dis- charge all the duties of Masoui^, without any warrant or Constitution. 1) See Preston, Illustr. 15. Ed. p. 183. 150 the standard of masonic government." The four old Lodges then agreed to extend their patronage, coun- tenance, and protection to every new Lodge which should be hereafter constituted agreeably to the new Regulations of the Society. Matters being thus amicably adjusted, the Brethren of the four old Lodges at large, considered their attendance on the future communications of the Society as unnecessary, thereby giving the other Lodges tacitly to understand, that they trusted implicitly to their Masters and Wardens, resting satisfied that no measure of importance would be carried without their approbation. The officers of the old Lodges however soon began to discover, that the new Lodges being equally represented with them at the Grand Lodge, in process of time would so far outnumber the old ones, as to have it in their power, on a future occassion, by a majority, to subvert the privileges of the original Masons of Eng- land, therefore with the concurrence of the Bretlu-en at large, they very wisely formed a code of laws for tlie future government of the Society. The annexed con- ditional clause was added, in which it was agreed that the Grand Master for the time being , his successors, c.nd the Master of every Lodge to be hereafter con- stituted, should engage to preserve and keep sacred and inviolable in all time coming. Every annual Grand Lodge has an inherent power and authority to make new regulations, or to alter these, for the real benefit of this ancient fraternity; provided always that the old landmarks be carefully preserved; and that such alterations and new regulations be propo^d and agreed to at the third Quarterly -Communication prece- ding the Annual Grand Feast, and that they be offered also to the perusal of all the Brethren before dinner, in writing, even of the youngest apprentice; the approbation and consent of the majority of all the 151 Brethren present beiiJig absolutely necessary to make the same binding and obligatory." 1718. George' Payne, the second Grand Master, was elected June 24th 1718; he felt the importance of in- quiring into the history. of the association, which had just stepped forth with renewed vigor and activity; therefore he earnestly desired that the Brethren would bring to the Grand Lodge any old writings or records concerning Masons and Masonry, to shew the usages of ancient times; and in consequence of this general inti- mation, as is recorded in the book of Constitutions in this same year, several copies of the Gothic constitutions were produced, collected, arranged, and digested. 1719. On the 24th of June 1719, another Assembly and Feast was held, when Brother Th. Desaguliers was unanimously elected Grand Master. The Lodges were now ') visited by many old ^) masons who had long neglected the Craft ; several noblemen were -initiated, and a number of new Lodges were constituted. At the feast of his installation, Th. Desaguliers introduced the old, regular, and peculiar toasts or healths of the Free- masons. 1) Anderson and Preston. ^ 2) Such old Brethren, who had long neglected the craft, could not have been numerous, and it was impossible that the Knights Templars or any former knights of Freemasonry could have been perpetuated amongst them , especially as they were not united in Lodges , and the treacherous nature of their memory must be taken into consideration. "If these individual remaining brothers", says Kloss "History of Free- masonry in England," page 28, "delivered up between the years 1716 — 23, any very especial mystery, which however would have to be proved by original documents; yet it could not be a tradition coming from the Mother Lodge of alll the Freemasons on the continent, but a totally different communication , founded neither upon the ancient regulations, nor the old charges. 152 The general Gcorge Payne, who on the 24th of June regulations. 1720, amid the "customary expressions of mirth, love, and concord", was re-elected, revised, arran- ged, and digested the decrees of the Grand Lodge hitherto issued,') and formed the groundwork of that inestimable collection of the thirty-nine General Regulations, which in 1721 were approved of by his successor. Anderson however was commissioned, "to compare these with the ancient Documents and very ancient customs of the Fraternity, to arrange and digest them, and to prepare them for the use of the Lodges in and around London and Westminster." These general Eegulations, called "ancient regulations", in contradistinction to those which were afterwards added, were made to suit the organisation of the Grand Lodge. The single Lodges had to sacrifice some of their former independence, Tyhich signified the less, as at first the Grand Lodge was com- posed entirely of representatives from the Lodges. These Regulations are destined partly for the better arrangement of internal aflfairs, partly for the purpose of doing away with certain abuses which had crept in, partly also they regarded the ancient customs, whose revival had been considered as necessary. We communicate these Regu- lations in the Appendix, ^l This year the fraternity sustained an irreparable loss, for several valuable manu- scripts, (regulations, charges, secrets, and usages) parti- cularly one written by Mr. Nicholas Stone, the Warden under Inigo Jones, were too hastily burnt by some scrupulous Brothers, who were alarmed at the threatened proposal of making them public. St. Johns Day Li Juuc 1721 J oh n, D uk c of M ou tagu 6, "21- was elected Grand Master, the first chosen from the nobility. We here subjoin from the Book of 1) See Book of Constitutions, from 1723 and 1738. 2) Se'e Appendix E. 153 Constitutions the description of this St. John's Festival^ because it is the first one communicated by Anderson. It runs thus: "Grand Master Payne, and his Wardens, with the past Grand Officers and the Masters and Wardens of twelve Lodges,' met the Grand Master Elect at the Queen's Arms Tavern in St. Paul's Churchyard, where the Grand Lodge was opened in ample form; having confirmed the election of Brother Montagu, several gentlemen were initiated into Masonry, and among the rest Philip Lord Stanhope, afterwards Earl of Chester- field. From the Queen's Arms the Grand Lodge marched in procession in their clothing to Stationers' Hall in Ludgate street, where they were joyfully received by one hundred and fifty Brethren, properly clothed. After grace had been said, they sat down to an elegant repast, according to ancient masonic usage, and regaled them- selves with all cheerfulness and joy of heart. When the feast was concluded, and grace had been said, the past Grand Master Payne made the first procession round the Hall, and having returned to "his place, he proclaimed ajoud James Duke of Montagu, his successor for the ensuing year, and having invested His Grace with the ensigns of his office, installed him in Solomon's Chair, placing himself at his right hand, while the assem- bly acknowledged the authority of the Duke with all due homage, and joyful congratulations at the re-estab- lishment of Masonry in all its splendor. Immediately afterwards the Grand Master Montagu, as if quite unpremeditatedly, nominated Dr. John Be al, ■ deputy Grand Master, who was invested and installed by Br. Payne in the Chair of Hiram Abiff to the left hand of the Grand Master. In the same manner His Grace appointed Jos. Villenau, Master of the Festivals'), 1) There were at that time no Stewards. 154 and Thomas Morrice, a Stone-mason, to be Grrand War- dens, who were invested and installed by the past Grand Wardens, and received the customary salutations and congratulations." When the Grand Master Montagu, with his Brethren in Office, had made a second procession round the Hall, Brother Desaguliers made an elegant oration *) on the subject of Masonry. Perfect concord and harmony, the eflFect of brotherly love, prevailed, and then the Grand Master thanked Br. Villenau for his able manner in which the Festival had been arranged by him, and com- manded him in his capacity of Warden , to close the Lodge at the proper time." The Constitution. On the 29th of September the same year, Brother J.Anderson was commissioned to re^'ise, arrange, and digest the Gotliic Constitutions, _ old Charges, and General Regulations, and from them to devise a Con- stitution which should include what was contained in the ancient Books generally, but at the same time altered to suit the different circumstances *) in which the Frater- nity now found itself. Anderson worked so expeditiously that on the 27th of December of that same year, it was concluded, and handed over to a Committee of fourteen learned Brethren, who by command of the Grand Master, were to make their report upon it. On the 25th of March 1722, the Committee reported to the Grand Lodge, that they had perused the Manuscript of Brother Ander- son, containing the History, Charges, Regulations, and Master's Anthem, and after some amendments had ap- proved thereof, whereupon the Lodge begged the per- mission of the Grand Master to allow the whole to be 1) It is greatly to be regretted that this important speech is un- known, and most probably is lost to us for ever. 2) The order he received runs thus: "Tou are to order and arrange the ancient Gothic Constitutions upon a new and better syatem." 155 printed. On the 17th of January 1723, it was delivered over to the representatives of twenty Lodges, who were connected with the Grand Lodge. When it had been accepted and approved of by these, it appeared in print in the same year under the title of "The Constitutions of the Freemasons &c." London, 1723. Before entering more fully into the contents of this book, we must mention a division which arose among the Brethren, immoderate ambition being the occasion, which however was soon happily adjusted. In the b«ginning of January 1722, the Duke of Montagu was chosen again as Grand Master, for the following year. The Duke of Wharton and his adr herents were highly displeased at this, it having been intended to put up the latter Duke as a candidate. Therefore the Duke of Wharton caused himself to be proclaimed Grand Master, in an assembly which he had convoked for this purpose, a choice which of course was greatly disapproved of by the regular Lodges, it being considered by them as contrary to their constitution. But to avoid disunion, the Grand Master Montagu called together, a meeting of the Brethren, and resigned his office in favor of his opponent *), who however fully sensible of 4he impropriety of his conduct, publicly ac- knowledged his error, promising in future a strict con- formity and obedience to the resolutions of the Society. Then he was regularly invested and installed in the presence of the representatives of twenty five Lodges, and concord and harmony again restored. Desaguliers became his Deputy Grand Master. 1) The Duke of Wharton, at that time twenty two ~years of age, was an eccentric person, and extremely ambitious. Some years afterwards, when his fortune had become much impaired, he retired to Spain, became a Soman Catholic, and ended his restless career, in a Spanish Monastery, in, the thirty second year of his age, March 31st 1739. 156 On that very same day, January 17th 1723, in which law and order obtained such a signal victory. Free- masonry acquired a fresh security for its permanent duration, for Bro J. Timson, Grand Warden, presented to the Brethren a printed Copy of the new Book of Constitutions, which was then approved and confirmed by twenty Lodges.*) "Then indeed," says Anderson, "did Freemasonry flourish, being possessed of Union, Concord, and numerical strength. Many of the nobility and gentry of the first rank, were desirous of being admitted into the Fraternity, together with many learned men, mer- chants &c., who found that a Lodge is a safe and agree- able resting-place after the severe discipline of hard study, or the fatigues of business, free from political and party strife. Consequently the Grand Master saw himself obliged to constitute more^) new Lodges, visting them regularly every week accompanied by his Deputy and Wardens." The above-mentioned Constitution has been ever since regarded as a most important Document, as the legal foundation in fact of the Fraternity of Freemasons, under the form it should retain in tJie future. That the laws and regulations therein contained, were really those which were found in the ancient Documents, and in use up to that period, the official character of the Book of Constitutions itself is a sufficient security on the one hand, as well as the repeated assurances of Anderson and Desaguliers, that every thing was retained that was reaUy ancient and authentic in^the old Con- stitutions, and on the other hand the full and complete investigation of Kloss, who compared them with the old 1) Touching the names of those who signed the Book of Constitutions, as well as the extract from the minutes of the year 1723, see Kloss, History of Freemasonry in England, page 45 &c. 2) He formed eleven new Lodges in London. 157 Constitutions themselves, has established it beyond a doubt. The Grand Lodge of England was fully entitled to pro- pose the fundamental laws to the fraternity, for she was the first regularly organised masonic association on the whole terestrial globe. This iirst edition of the Book of Constitutions, which is the most remarkable and the rarest, contains, on -little more than 100 pages in quarto, besides the dedi- cation written by Br. Desaguliers, the following: 1) A brief history of Freemasonry from the creation of the world, i. e. a history of Architecture taken from the Legend of the GuUds; 2) The fundamental laws called the old Charges; 3) The ancient general Regulations, compiled by Br. G. Payne, to which is annexed 4) the Approbation of the Book. Lastly come four masonic songs. The well instructed Freemason ought to know these fundamental laws and old regulations, therefore we subjoin them complete, in the Appendix D. The Duke of Wharton was followed in his office of Grand Master by Lord Dalkeith, and to him suc- ceeded in the year 1724 Charles Lennox, Duke of Kichmond, under whose administration the Committee of Charity was instituted, which had been proposed by his predecessor in Office, and had met with general approbation (Nov. 21st). — This Committee of Charity has a general fund at their disposal for the support of faithful Brethren, who have met with reverses of fortune or become poor and which since its foundation by twenty seven Lodges on the 25th of November 1729, has done an immense deal of good, *) and our English Brethren 1) Several thousand pounds are distributed annually, and yet the funds have, especially within the last few years, considerably increased, through the annual contributions of the Brethren. For a more complete 158 have a right to be proud of this institution. It soon became of essential use, in 'maintaining legal authority in the Grand Lodge, and is so to the present daj. The resolution passed by Brother Lord Paisley on the 27th of November 1725, was a very important one, and of great assistance in the propagation of Free- masonry (New Eegulation 13) : "The Master of a Lodge together with his Wardens, and the requisite number of Brethren, assembled in due form, can create Masters and Fellow-Crafts", as before this, only the Grand Lodge had had the right to confer these two degrees.*) The Brethren were now in possession of their past History. "Their ancient fundamental laws were formed from those ancient Constitutions, which were then laid aside, their old regulations supplied those deficiencies in the fundamental laws, which it was impossible to have conceived would become necessary, and arranged the outward intercourse to be maintained between the Lodges; the new regulations prove that continual progress accord- ing to the spirit of the times, has always been had in view, without infringing the ancient landmarks; the newly established Charity fund was a means of uniting the somewhat separate interests of individual Lodges;, it was then, and has been ever since, a most eflFective aid in carrying out one of the three chief aims of the association, viz: relief in time of need. As the ad- ministration of the affairs of the different Lodges became more arduous, the Grand Lodge conferred upon individual Lodges authority to advance FeUow-Crafts and Masters, as they might judge fitting and right. The passing of this resolution was the same in effect as declaring Free- aecount of this institution see Preston Illustr. p. 194, and Kloss's Hist. of Freem. in England, page 58. 1) At that time only a very small number of Brethren had obtained the degree of Master. See KIoss, 1. c. page 60 and 61. 159 masonry to be of age, and capable of acting indepen- dently, and the duty was imposed upon her of no longer confining herself within the narrow limits of her native town, but of spreading herself over the whole surface of the globe, and as a preliminary movement in this direction, we find her in 1725, establishing her first Lodge in Paris. Since this period she has well deserved that adorning epithet, so fittingly bestowed on her, Masonry universal; for she became an association into which all upright and honorable men and of good reputation might enter, and there united by the bonds of brotherly love, mutually assist each other in the constant practise of truth and virtue, having in view the fulfilment of their momentous calling, the uniting of what was divided." (Kloss.) Ritual and Degrees. With regard to the Ritual we know, that in the first period of the existence of the Grand Lodge, it was very short and simple. Originally, it seems, there was but one degree of initiation in the year 1717; the degrees or grades of Apprentice, Fellow, and Master were introduced ju^ before the year 1720. Before this the Master was merely a Fellow-Craft, chosen from among his brothers and Fellows, to preside over the Lodge, and give them necessary instruction for their work.*) The XIII. Old Regulation of the year 1720 states that: Apprentices must be admitted Fellow-Crafts and Masters only here, i. e. in Grand Lodge. This Regulation shows, that the three degrees were then in existence. As we have seen, the Grand Lodge arrived at full perfection only by degrees, by returning to the ancient customs and Regulations. It is therefore not impossible that she first introduced the three degrees in 1) "And also he that were most of oonying echold be governor -of ye werke and soholde be callyd maister &c." The History and Art. "The most expert 'of the Fellow Craftsmen shall be chosen or appointed the Master" &c. Anc. Charge V. 1723. 160 the year 1720, or perhaps only improved upon them. We must not however, therefore come to the conclusion, that other secrets and higher degrees were likewise un- known to the Freemasons of that period. The ancient Masons, as well as the Grand Lodges of Ireland and Scotland, had at first only the three original degrees; higher degrees were nowhere in existence. On the other hand it is just possible, that the three degrees were known in former times, but as the Masters and Fellow-Crafts were comparatively few in number, there- fore no mention was made of them. It is highly probable, that the ritual of both degrees, i e. fellow-craft and master, espepially that of Master, received very con- siderable additions between the years 1720 — 23. The Gormogonea. At the cud of this paragraph we will just mention a Society which was^ founded about the year 1724, from very equivocal motives, and known under the name of the Gormogones,*) and against which, most probably until the year 1725, many oT the laws issued by the Grand Lodge were directed. The names and birth-places of the persons belonging to this order were written in cipher, and it is said the order was brought by a Chinese Mandarin (a Jesuit Missionary?) to Eng- land, it being in great repute in Cliina (Rome), and had as well as Freemasonry, a secret of a very extraordinary kind. "The only subject of conversation, which was expressly forbidden, was the politics of their own countiy." From this we perceive clearly, that this Society could have nothing to do with Freemasonry, the latter for- bidding all political discussions. It appears that it still eiisted in the year 1730, and held a chapter at the 1) See KIoss, 1 c. page 90. ri6i Gastle-Tavem, London, subject to the "Sub-Oecumenical- Volgi" (the supreme chapter) in Rome or Paris; in the year 1738 however, it was dissolved. Brother Kloss supposes, and not wholly without foundation, that these Grormogones may have been an attempt of the Jesuits, by the help of the Freemasons' ceremonies, to win the credulous over to Catholicism, and to regain their lost dominion in England. Most likely the noliorious Ram- say, the inventor of the so-called higher degrees, and an adherent of the Stuarts, had something to do witli the matter. 2) Further dcrcloitmciit of Masonry in Eiiglaiiil. (1726-1763.) The first Grand Lodge held after the accession of his Majesty George 11. to the throne, the first King, who in all the meetings of the Masons was honored after the manner') usually adopted by them, took place on the 24th of June 1727, the Earl of Inchiquin, Grand Master. At this meeting it was resolved to extend the pri- vilege of voting in Grand Lodge to Past Grand Wardens, that privilege having been heretofore restricted to Past Grand Masters by a resolution in 1724, and. to Past Deputies by another resolution in 1726, and the propa- gation of Freemasonry beyond the precincts of London was favored by the installation of Provincial Grand Masters. In the year following (1728) Lord Colerane being Grand Master, Dr. Desaguliers moved, that the ancient office of Stewards, whose co-operation had been very much wanted at the three previous festivals, should be revived; their number was restricted to twelve, to be elected annually. I) Scott, pocket companion. Fin del, History of Freomasonry. 162 Masonry, continued to increase perceptibly. Lord Colerane granted a Constitution to a Lodge in Madrid, and his successor James King, LordViscount King- ston, nominated Brother George Pomfret the first Pro- vincial Grand Master of Bengal (India). January 29th 1730 Kingston delivered over the Hammer to his successor the Duke ofNorfolk, being desirous himself to travel to Ireland, where in Dublin, April 6th 1731, in a properly constituted Grand Lodge, he was elected Grand Master, in due form. No Grand Lodge had up to this period existed in Ireland. Tho Furniture The Grand Master last mentioned presented of a Lodge, to the Grand Lodge , the veritable ancient sword of Gustavus Adolphus, and of the brave Duke Bernhard of Weimar from Venice, which was ever after used as a Sword of state, and thus the first desire «'as excited to possess outward adornment; soon aftei-wards, in 1731, the resolution was passed, that "No one except the Grand Master, his Deputy, and his Warden, should be permitted to wear their jewels in Gold fastened roiind their necks by a blue riband, and white leather aprons with blue silk" &c. In this year there appeared, for the first time , surreptiously, the ritual of the Grand Lodge in Prichard's "Masonry dissected," which we will hereafter examine more closely. Privileges of When Lord Lovel, afterwards Earl of ihe steward.,. Leicester, was installed Grand Master on the 27th of March, the Fraternity received a mark of distinction, between the 14th of May, and the 24th of Juni 1731, which in its after-effects was of im- mense service in causing the greater spread of the association, as well as for the greater esteem which in consequence, was universally vouchsafed to it, viz: the initiation of his Royal Highness Francis, Duke of Lorraine, afterwards Grand Duke of Tuscany and -163 Emperor of Germany, which took place at the Hague, by a deputation £pom the English Grand Lodge, amongst them Desaguliers. Of the resolutions which were passed at this period, we especially note the following, that all the past Grand Masters and Deputy Grand Masters were nominated per- petual members of the Committee of Charity, that they might furnish a more exact knowledge of the necessities and merits of the applicants. Again, the Minutes of the Quarterly Meetings were no longer copied down in writing, but engraved in copper and sent to the individual Lodges; on the 2nd of March 1732, it was agreed on the motion of colonel Pitt, a Steward of the Grand Lodge, that in future each Steward should have the privilege of nominating his successor at every sub- sequent Grand Feast, which unfortunately led to the for- mation of an aristocracy within the Lodge, and paved the way to the most melancholy dissensions. The Committee Under the Grand Master Lord Viscount of Charity. Montagu (1732) great tranquillity reigned, and Freemasonry was in such a flourishing condition that in London alone eighteen new- Lodges were, estab- lished, and seven in different parts of the kingdom, in the course of the year. The Earl of Strathraore suc- ceeded (1733), during whose administration we first meet with Brother John Ward, amongst the Stewards, who was likewise Grand Warden, and whose name appears everywhere in the annals of Masonry, where a truly masanic action was to be performed. Towards the close of the year (December 1733) the privileges of the Com- mittee of Charity were so materially extended, that the Grand Lodge, to a certain extent, voluntarily delivered over to them the residue of that independence which had been left to it, in the passing of resolutions. This innovation, viz: the extension of the Committee for the 164 administration of the Charity Fund, into a Meeting of Master Masons, on whom power was conferred to make arrangements of the greatest importance, and to prepare new resolutions, which not alone virtually annulled the authority vested in the Grand Lodge, but likewise greatly endangered the equality of the Brethren in the different Lodges. Under Brother Strathmore the first regular Lodge was founded in Germany. Innovations. In the courso of the year 1734, when the Earl of Crawford was Grand Master, who was espe- cially zealous in the cause of Masonry and of the Charity; Brother James Anderson was ordered to prepare a new edition of the Book of Constitutions for the press, mate- rials for which he had in readiness. It did not make its appearance till 1738, most likely dekyed in conse- quence of the grievous events which like a storm were gathering around the Fraternity, threatening to disturb its peace, and which were sought to be averted by the passing of the resolution (New Regulation VIII.) against the illegal conventions of Masons, "who have lately met secretly and to the discredit of the Society have initiated persons into Masonry on small and inadequate fees." Every one taking part in those irregular initiations should not be permitted to hold office, nor participate in the Charity Fund. While Crawford was Grand Master he appointed three Pjovincial Grand Masters, one for Lan- cashire, a second for Durham, and a third for Northum- berland, which Preston looks upon as an encroachment on the jiu'isdiction of the Lodge of masons in the city of York, but he is decidedly in the wrong. The fact is entirely overlooked, that in the year 1734, there were already five Lodges in Lancashire and Durham, consti- tuted in 1729 by the London Grand Lodge, as also in Scarborough, in the county of Yorkshire , which might, long before this, have raised the dissatisfaction of the 165 York Lodge. We will hereafter more attentively con- sider the Lodge of York; for the present we have more innovations to take note of, which most undeniably were the cause of the' dissensions, which afterwards broke out. We mean the extraordinary privileges, which in 1735; .under the Grand Master Viscount Weymouth, were granted to the newly created Stewards' Lodge, which was permitted to send a deputation of twelve members to the Grrand Lodge, having the privilege of voting as individuals, and wearing distinctive aprons and ribands, as it was resolved that in 'future all the Grand Officers should be elected out of that body. The office of Steward, which was a very expensive one, became, by this means, a system of favoritism, in which the aristocracies of nobi- Hty and wealth had the preference, though totally opposed to the liberal spirit of Masonry. The Grand Lodge, says Kloss, ^) first introduced into Masonry that axiom, so abundantly practised in the .so-called higher degrees, that the more largely a brother contributes, the greater his weight in the Lodge. The red color, adopted by the Stewards , may be traced to the same spirit, as this color had been likewise used by the so called Scottish degrees since 1740. Before the year 1731 this color was unknown amongst the Masons. This unjust pre- ference shown to the Stewards excited loud but righteous indignation among the Brethren, and such a disturbance ensued, that Ward had to get up and make a speech calling for "Decency and moderation." The Fraternity, meanwhile, continued the work of organisation, and on the 6th of April 1736 John Campbell, Earl of Loudon, Grand Master, ''John Ward being in the chair, a regu- lation for the despatch of business containing ten articles, was proposed by him, and afterwards incorporated in 1) L. c'page 131. 166 the Book of Constitutions, as New Regulation 40, and as a proof of its well-tested judiciousuess , Dermott ac- cepted it unaltered in his Code (Regulation 28). New Edition of the The year following 1737 the Society Book of Constitutions, ^^^g greatly honored , when under the Grand Master, the Earl of Darnley, in a Lodge held for the purpose at the Palace of Kew by Brother Desa- guliers. Prince Frederick of Wales was initiated a Mason. He unfortunately died in 1751, just at a period, when he might have been of infinite service to the Fraternity. In the Quarterly Meeting of the Grand Lodge January 25th 1738, the new book of Constitutions was agaia submitted, approved of, and orders issued for itsTbeing printed. But as its completion and publication was delayed till the end of June of that year, the Grand Master, the Marquis ofCarnarvon, afterwards Duke of Chandos, who had been appointed in the interim , was obliged likewise to signify his approval, as Br. Wharton had done before -him.*) By order of the Grand Lodge it was dedicated to Brother Frederick Prince of Wales. The names of Brothers Desaguliers and Payne, are a sufficient guarantee that in this edition, there is but little altered of the ancient traditions of Freemasonry, as well as the manner in which the ancient Charges themselves are conceived, of which only No. I, 11, IV, 2 have under- gone slight alterations. In Charge IV 2. one passage, displeasing to the Grand Lodge of Ireland respecting Catholicism, which may also not have .been quite agree- able to some English brethren, was left out; Charge 11. was curtailed to suit the period, when the Book was 1) See the sanction in the Book of Constitutions itself, as also Kloss' Hist, of Engl, page 138. 167 compiled, and Charge I. in accordance with the ancient statute, and by virtue of the authority vested in the Grand Lodge was so far altered, that by appealing to the articles of Noah against every ecclesiastical con- fession of faith whatsoever, it clearly demonstrated that Freemasonry would engage in no religious controversy of any kind. This Edition was translated in 1741 into German, and in the beginning of the century, when an authentic history of Freemasonry was greatly needed, it became the leading star to guide mankind to a clear knowledge of true Masonry. Under Carnarvon two Provincial Grand Masters were constituted, one of which was in the West-Riding of Yorkshire. About this time many irregularities are supposed to have arisen. We can now occupy ourselves exclusively with the examination of these events, as the time from 1740 — 1754 is wanting in any occurrence of general interest, and every thing bearing any reference to the development of Masonry in Russia, Germany, America &c. will be treated of in the history of the Craft in these countries respectively. We will only just remark very briefly a prohibition issued in the year 1741, forbidding all publicity to any thing relating to Masonry, and in the following year a caricature appeared, representing a mock Masonic procession, which led to a resolution being passed, that public processions should be discontinued, and that the laws of the Committee of Charity were collected in 1747. As the Grand Master W.Byron was long absent, the Grand Lodge was for five years, until 1752, without a President, and doubtless during this Interregnum many abuses crept in, which were certainly not very conducive to the proper development of Masonry in England. The numerous new regulations which were introduced, caused dissatisfaction, as the rights of indi- 168 vidual Lodges were more and more encroached upon, ajid the Grand Lodge was made gradually to assume the character of an independent and arbitrary power A sort of hierarchy had arisen in the Lodges; eircum-' stances had materially altered many things; the annual Feast, which had been originally a great day of recon- ciliation, had degenerated into a revel. 3) The Lodge of York^ iiiiil the so-called „ Ancient Masons". Many masonic authors tell of various abuses which had crept in between the years 1739 bis 1772, upon which however no clear and satisfactory light can be thrown. The year 1739 is usually regarded as the one in which they first appeared, though this is not exactly correct; for the new sect, which under the name of the ancient Masons caused so much trouble, did not arise till a later period, and have been erroneously associated with events of an earlier date. We think we can trace these irregularities to three different causes, viz: first the unauthorised initiation of individual Masons, then the critical relations with the York Lodge, and finally the innovations of the sectarians. iiregniar The ancient Constitutions of the Masons initiations, -which had been drawn up many centuries previously, had been a binding law to all Lodges, until they were superseded by the Book of Constitutions which Anderson had compiled at the instigation of the Grand Lodge in the year 1723, and introduced in their place. Only twenty Lodges, however, ratified them, five Lodges would not accede to or sign them. Many mem- bers of the ancient fellowship of Masons had not at- tached themselves to any Lodge whatever, and amongst those who had, there were many Brethren who greatly desired a return to the old Constitutions and former ie9 independence. This occasioned many of the Brethren who had retired from the Lodges, and several isolated Masons, of their own authority and contrary to the existing laws, to undertake the initiation of Members, and to form Lodges, against which irregularities ener- getic measures were taken by the Grand Lodge. The exertions made in this direction were successful; by the 29th of January 1731, the before mentioned refractory Lodges had either vanished entirely, or had joined the rest of the Society. No more- thought was bestowed upon them. The book of Constitutions gave the assu- rance on the 29th of January 1731, that the irregular Lodges had returned to their allegiance. The York Lodge. In the shircs and counties the ancient Lodges of the operative Masons seem for a long time to have taken no notice of the Grand Lodge of London, perhaps because the metropolis had not previously ackno^Yledged the right of the architectural corporations to establish themselves where they chose. Whether they continued to exist long after the new organisation of Freemasonry, we do not know. The York Lodge is the only one of whom it is known: yet it numbered but few Members and exercised no influence whatever. From a document in the Archive of the Union-Lodge of York, still extant, written on a narrow strip of parch- ment with the superscription „Minutes", it appears, that from 1712—1730, there was a Lodge at York, which between 1712 — 16 had only one, or at most, two yearly meetings, and that from 1717 — 21 there were no meet- ings held at all. It is impossible to ascertain whether they had continued to meet uninterruptedly from the thirteenth century up to this date, or what had been their fate all that time; Preston's account is in many respects inexact. They permitted the establishment of the Grand Lodge of England without opposition; and 170 even quietly looked on, while the Grand Lodge in 1724 formed a regular Lodge at Durham.>'yet this circum- stance; as well as the growth of the London Grand Lodge, seems to have stimulated the Brethren of York to bring more life into their Lodge. From 1722—23 only three meetings had taken place; in the years 1725 and 1726 they suddenly displayed such activity that they met eleven and thirteen times. The revivifying element in the York Lodge was Br. Drake, the cele- brated antiquarian, whose initiation took place in 1725. The title "Grand Master" was at first, from 1712—23, not applied in York, the chairman styling himself "Pre- sident". When Anderson's book of Constitutions became known, a change was made. In the Minutes of the 10th of August 1725, William Scourfield is mentioned as Worshipful Master, and Brothers Mars den and Rei- noldson as Wardens. In the Minutes of the 27th of December 1725 however, Br. Ch. Bathurst was unani- mously chosen Grand Master and made Brothers Drake and Pawson, Wardens (these two had only been ini- tiated in the September of that same year), Mr. John- son his Deputy, Scourfield, Treasurer, and Inigo Russel, clerk, for the ensuing year. This day, December the 27th, the Society marched in procession to Merchants -Hall, where after a Great Festival, a Grand Master was elected. The speech of the Junior -Warden *) (of Orand -Warden no mention is made in the Minutes) is not to be found, as no minutes were taken of the Festival of Dec. 27th 1726, leaving a rather long interval unnoticed, though we have a notification of the Festival previous, viz. Dec. 22. 1) A Speech delivered to the W. and anc. Society of free and aco. Masons at a Grand Lodge, lield at Me; chants-Hall in the City of York on St. John's Day, Dec. 27th 1726. By the Junior Gr»nd Warden London 1729 (1727). 171 Before making any further remark upon this year 1725, so memorable for the Lodge of York, we must record that whereas, previously, the Meetings had been held in private houses, in 1725 they were transferred to hotels (Star Inn and White Swan); further, that at first the appellations Society and Fraternity (also Com- pany) of free Masons was made use of, in the Minutes of July 21st 1725 we for the first time read the ex- pression: „Society of free accepted Masons"; that pre- viously it was the initiation of Persons, but from 1725 of Gentlemen and that finally in 1722 — 23 Brethren seem to have attended the Meetings as visitors.*) The fact, that they had first to undergo an Examination before they were admitted, proves that the usages and cate- chetical formula of- the York Lodge must have been identical with the one used by the Grand Lodge of London. In the year 1725 the title "Grand Master" was adopted in York, and Brother Drake for the first time delivered a speech, because he ^) had heard that in most of the Lodges in London, and in many other parts of the kingdom, it was customary to deliver a lecture at each Meeting, either upon Geometry or Architecture. In consequence of the great liberality of Br. Bathurstj.a festivity took place for the first time,' and also in this year a kind of Constitution consisting of nineteen articles was sketched out, which, under the title of "Old Rules of the Grand Lodge at York 1725" still exists 2), 1) Id the Minutes of Jan. 10th 1722 — 23 it is said: „At the same time the following Persons were acjjnowledged as Brethren of this an- cient Society: Ed. Winwood" &c. And of Feb. 4th: „At the same time and place the two persons whose Names are underwritten were upon their Examinations received as Masons, and as such they were accordingly introduced and admitted into this Lodge." 1) See the speech quoted above. 2) The introduction runs thus : „Articles agreed to be kept and ob 172 on a large sheet of parchment, signed by eighty nine Brethren. Br. Drake, in accordance with the Grand Lodge of London, in his speech held in 1726 calls brotherly love, relief and truth, the three great characteristics of the association. Relying upon the Legend of the Guild he says that the first Grand Lodge ever held in England was held at York. "This is sufficient to make us dispute the superiority with the Lodges at London: but as nought of that kind ought to be amongst so amicable a Fraternity, we are content that they enjoy the title of Grand Master of England; but the Totius Angltae we claim as our undoubted right." This passage proves seroed by tlie Ancient Society of Freemasons in the City of York and to be subscribed by every member thereof on their Admittance into the said Society." We here transcribe some of these Articles: 1) Inprimis that every first Wednesday in the month a lodge shall be held at the house of a brother according as their turnus shall fall out. 3) If any brother appear at a Lodge that is not a Subscriber to these Articles, he shall pay one shilling. 4) The Bowl shall be filled at the monthly lodges with Punch once. All Bread, Cheese, i and Tobacco in, common &c; 7) Timely Notice shall be given to all the Subscribers, when a brother or brothers are to be made. 8) Any brother or brothers presuming to call a lodge with a design to make a Mason or Masons without the Master or Deputy &o. for every such offence he shall forfeit the sum of five pounds. 9) An hour shall be set apart at each Lodge to talk Masonry. 14) No Person shall be admitted as Brother of the Lodge, but. after having been strictly examined. 15) No more persons shall be admitted as brothers of this Society, that shall keep a public house. 16) These articles must be laid on the t;ible at the meeting of every Lodge, that the Members may make use of the Siime, and the clerk shajl read them aloud, when any new Brother is made, 173 that in 1726 the York Lodge lived in peaceful nnion with the Grand Lodge of London; as does another, that at that time persons were present who were not employed in building but yet were accepted Masons, viz: where the speaker turns to the working Masons, and recommends them to read through the Constitutions, and then to those, "that are of other trades and occupations, and have the honor to be ad- mitted into this Society", and last of all to the "Oent- lemen", who are recommended to attain to '^SQme know- ledge of the arts and Sciences". Here not alone the enemies outside the Lodge are intimated, but also false Brethren within. It most manifestly points to Br. Scour- field and the schismatical Lodge formed by him, con- cerning which the Minutes of July 6th . 1726 communi- cate the following: "Whereas it has been certified to me that Mr. Wm. Scourfield has presumed to call a Lodge and make Masons without the consent of the Grand Master or Deputy, and in opposition to the 8th Article of the Constitutions, I do with the consent of the Grand Master and the approbation of the whole Lodge declare him to be disqualified from being a mem- ber of this Society, and he is hereby for ever banished from the same." "Such members as were assisting in constituting and forming Mr. Scourfield's Schismatical Lodge on the 21th of the last month, whose names are John Carpen- ter, W. Musgreve, Th. Albanson, and Th. Preston, are by t^ie same authority liable to the same sentence, yet upon their acknowledging their error, in being deluded and making such submission as shall be judged requisite by the Grand Master and Lodge at the next monthly Meeting shall be received into the favor of the brother- hood, otherwise to be banished as Mr. Scourfield, and their names to be erased out of the Roll and Articles." 174 We will here observe that Scourfield was formerly chairman of the Lodge, but at the last election was chosen only Treasurer. Dec. 13th 1726 a Lord, Viscount Irwin, was sworn (not initiated) into the Fraternity. After the minutes of Dec. 22nd of the same year, a considerable space is left in the page, and then follow the minutes of June 21st 1729, wherein it is said, two Gentlemen were received into the St. John's Lodge, and their election confirmed by vote: Edw. Thompson, Esq., Grand Master, John Willmers, deputy Grand Master, G. Rhodes and Rey- noldson, Grand Wardens. The Grand Master on his part appointed a Committee of seven brothers, amongst whom was Drake, to assist him in the management of the Lodge and every now and then support his authority in removing any abuses which might have crept in. The Lodge however was at its last gasp, therefore the Committee seem to have effected but little ; for May 4th 1730, it was found necessary to exact the payment of a shilling for all officers of the Lodge, who did not make their appearance, and with this announcement the Minutes close. The "Mother Lodge" as Drake calls it, — at this period she was a childless mother, i. e. having no daughter Lodges — , which in 1726, "was sufficiently awakened and animated by the consoling presence of many a worthy son", but now, as the officials must actually be threatened with the terrors of the law, to compell them to appear, the York Lodge ceased to hold any Meetings. But it must not be supposed that all the activity of the Freemasons in York was put a stop to, on this account; for even in the year 1734 many Brethren at their own request, received in London a chai'ter for the institution of a Lodge at York (Crawford, Grand Master in the South). Another Lodge was constituted in the West Riding of Yorkshire by the London Grand 175 Lodge in 1738.*) "Since that circumstance" says Pre- ston, "all cori'espondence between the two Grand Lodges has ceased," an assertion which lacks foundation; and most likely he has been mistaken in the period of time, for we find in the year 1767 a most friendly correspon- dence going on between the two Grand Lodges. After the ancient York Lodge had remained a certain time inactive, it was reopened March 17th 1761 by six of its former surviving Members under the name of Grand Lodge. How far they were entitled to assume this designation, is, as we have seen from the foregoing history, more than doubtful, and was entirely founded upon the legendary and improbable tale that a "general assembly" had taken place formerly in York. A Grand Lodge in the modern acceptation of the term had never taken place at York, and the isolated or Mother Lodge, which dates from a very early period, had until the year 1730 neither made nor constituted any other Lodge, and it was not until the publication of the London Book of Constitutions in 1723, that it laid any claim whatever to the appellation Grand Lodge of all England. Even then the name Grand Lodge was previously only an empty title. The remark to be found in the Minutes of the Archives of the Union Lodge begins thus: "The Ancient Independent Constitution of Free and Accepted Masons belonging to the City of York, was this day revived by six surviving Members of the 'Fraternity, who opened the Grand Lodge at the house of Henry Howard in Lendall: when it was further agreed that it should continue to be held for the future there only, 1) The publishers of the London Book of Constitutions of the year 1738, Ward and Chandler, had also a business in York. (See. the title of the Const. Book.) 176 the second and last Monday in every month." Grand Master Br. Francis Drake; Deput. Grand Master Br. George Reynoldson; Grand Warden Br. G. Coates and Thomas Mason, and Brothers Chr. Coulton and Martin Crofts. Eleven Brethren, visitors, assisted at this Meet- ing, of whom Br. Tasker was made a Member of the Lodge, and Grand Secretary of the same. Br. Howard too joined, and five candidates were proposed. These were initiated May 23rd , and advanced into the "second degree, May 11th. Br.' Mayer was raised Master Mason. (Before this no mention is made of second -and third degrees in the York Minutes.) At the opening of the Lodge there were made cer- tain Rules and Orders to be inviolably observed. These Minutes do not offer much worth communicating. June 8th a Br. Preston was present, June 13th a Br. Calcott. In the year 1762 a Br. Morrit was Grand Master; after a banquet partaken of by all present the Lodge was opened. Jan. 31st 1764 Freemason Glees and Songs were purchased for the use of the Lodge. In the years 1765— 67 Br. Palmes- Grand Master, Fr. Agar, Deputy Grand Master; Br. Drake is seldom mentioned. A correspondence with the Grand Lodge of England in London in the year 1767, proves that the York Lodge was then on the best of terms with the former. Br. Lambert, Grand Secretary at York, wrote to Br. Spen- cer, Grand Secretary in London, that the Lodge No. 259 in Stonegate, York, which was established under the Constitution of the Grand Lodge in London has been discontinued, and that the most ancient Grand Lodge of all England, which has been a working Lodge in , this town from time immemorial, is now the only Lodge there. Br. Lambert further stated: "This Lodge acknowledges no superiors and owes subjection to none; she exists in her own right, giving Constitutions 177 and Certificate, in the same way as the Grand Lodge of England in London has asserted her claims there from time immemorial. Her Charity Fund she distri- butes herself according to true Masonic rules. The seal of the Lodge is three royal Crowns, with the !super- scription "Sigillum Edwmi" &c. Doubtless the Grand Lodge of London will pay all due respect to all the Brethren made by this Lodge) who has alwiays shown all due respect to the Brethren who work under the Constitution of the London Lodge. It will always be the endeavor of this Grand Lodge to promote the honor and dignity of Masonry in general, for she is most cautious whom she admits as Members, and never ini- tiates a Mason, but on true and worthy motives. In all that appertains to the general good, and especially that of the Fraternity at large, this Grand Lodge is ever ready to work in concert with the one in London, and demonstrate all proper respect for any inforination or advice she may impart. The Grand Master &c. send brotherly greeting." From December 1767 the Minutes were more regular and complete, the Secretary Br. Lambert received for his careful assiduity in the dutjes of his office the sum of five guineas. July 31st 1769 Br. Atkinson, a visitor from Ripon, requests a Constitution and perinission to open a Royal Oak Lodge in Ripon, which was unanimously granted. Br. Atkinson was appointed Chairman, Br. G. Dawson senior Warden. Another Constitution was granted Oct. 30th 1769 to Brothers Cateson, Revell, and Ketar for the Lodge ''Crown" at Knaresborough , after these Brethren had been advanced to the degree of Master at that same Meeting. In December 1770 a procession to the Church of Findel, History of Freemasonry. 12 178 St, Jdiu tobk placej where a Brother preached frxjm; the iext /?God -is love"-; Br. Sir Th. Gascoigne wasiap-/ pointed Grand Master. Many Brethren from York as Tsrell as the Daughter I»odges of the Grand Lodge, esta- blished at)Eijion, Knaresborough, and Inniskilling were present at -this Pestival. Charitable -gifts were bestowed, upon Institutions and upon individual brothers. In 1774 -Br. Preston became a Member pro tempore; Brl Stapilton Grand Master. At, the end of the Minutes,; which are brought do\yn to Dec. .12tL 1774,- there is a Gatalogae of Effecta &e. of Jan. 1776. A list of Mem- bers.: reachiiig to the year 1773, contains the names of 124 Brethreii; another list is brought down to the yflar 1778. : . The Lodge appears to have existed up to this period, but .only vegetated,; not flourished; at any rate, we mustsay^ the fact, that in 1777, in -York, the newly: established. Union Lodge, which still -exists, being con- stituted by. the Grand Lodge of -England, and not by her, casts an unfavorable light upon her. Nevertheless she opened a comnmnication with* the Lodge of Anti- quity, and was .upon the point of granting, or perhaps did actually grant her a Constitution. The. roughdraught is still existing and is of the year 1778; the petition is signed by sixteen brethren from London, amongst whom is Br. W. Preston. Of the.jyear 1779 there exists. th&.i roughdraught of a very remarkable manifesto, throughout which the Grand Lodge of the so-called York Brethren, in London, is confounded ; nKth the regular Grand. Lodge. This Manifesto is said to have been printed, after having been brought., under the" consideration of a committee of Brethren j(Smith, Lakeland, Parker, Woley), Among other things we find therein: "And whereas not only all the; printed Histories of Masonry, but also the Old 179 Eecords, testify that the Masonic government of this kingdom was established at the City of York/' Then follow extracts from Preston, and the incident, which occurred in Queeii Elizabeth's reign. The regular Grand Lodge, which was formed in London out of the four ancient Lodges, was called Nominal Grand Lodge, and erronneously stated of her, that she bo/e the name of Grand Lodge of Ancient York Masons. The Manifesto refers to a passage in the Constitution Book of North- ouck published in 1784 (probably in an earlier edition), which says: "The ancient Masons of York had only one Lodge which still exists; there are however but very few Masons in it, and it will most probably soon be dissolved." This dissolution, as likely soon to take place, is called in question, though it subsequently' actu- ally -occurred. From the whole contents of the Manifesto it is very apparent, that the authors knew nothing at all of the former fraternal alliance between the York Lodge and the regularly constituted London Grand Lodge, which friendship is particularly dwelt upon in Br. Drake's speech in 1726, and in the letter of 1767, nor did he know anything of masonic affairs in London altogether. In another place it is said : "York, where the original laws and the true Tenets of the Masonic System have been h and are inviolably maintained," whilst in London, "they have adopted measures altogether arbitrary and repugnant to the principles of the Masonic Institution, whereby the true spirit of free Masonry in the South of England has been subverted." The Lodge of Anti- quity is therein pointed out as the "only regular Lodge in London", and then follows : "We . have authorized and empowered the Master, Wardens, and Members of the said Right Worsh. Lodge of Antiquity, to assemble and act as a Grand Lodge of free and accepted Masons, for all that part of England situated south of the river 12* 180 Trent." This would be the first example of the installa- tion of one Grand Lodge by another! The confusion of ideas the author of this Manifesto displays, which however never seems to have been published, is only to be accounted for in this way, that on the one hand the Lodge of Antiquity brought an action against the regularly constituted Grand Lodge of England {moderns), and the York Lodge on their part having heard, that there was in London a Grand Lodge, which was called the Ancient York Masons, declared it to be an unlaw- ful usurpation. That the Lodge of York never stood in any alliance or connection whatever with the so-called ancient Masons, is beyond a doubt, and Br. Kloss's expositions ') on this point, are proved to be perfectly correct. The Eoyal-Arch degree was introduced into York in 1768, but the order of Knights -Templars in 1780. Br. Woodford says, that the latter most likely existed somewhat before this date, though not long before; the copy of an original Constitution for "a Lodge of Knights of the holy tabernacle of Jerusalem" with alterations and proposed improvements, still exists. The ao-caUed An examination into the first beginning Aadent Masons, ^nd development of a Society of Freemasons in England, bestowing upon themselves the title of Ancient Masons, most decidedly opposed to the Grand Lodge of London, established in 1717, and the Masons supporting it, who were contemptuously called Mo- dern Masons by these pretended Ancient Masons, presents one of the most difficult problems to solve,, 1) KlosB, History of England. Treatise on the Ancient Masons. Page 321. 181 which an inquiry into the condition of Freemasonry during the laat century, has to offer; and yet it must not be passed over, firstly because the history of the fraternity would not be complete without it, and secondly, because at the commencement of the present century, this question was made a matter of searching inquiry by many honorable and sagacious Brethren in Germany, and has exercised a most important influence upon the subject of Freemasonry in general. We will begin our recital with an account, furnished by Preston, adding thereto" the result of Kloss's researches. The former says: "A number of dissatisfied Brethren, having separated themselves from the regular Lodges, held meetings in different places, for the pur- pose of initiating persons into Masonry, -contrary to the laws of the Grand Lodge. These Seceding Brethren, taking advantage of the breach, which had been made in the friendly intercourse between the Grand Lodges of London and York, on being censured for their conduct, immediately assumed at their irregular meetings, convened without authority, the character of York Masons. Mea- sures were adopted to check them, which stopped their progress for some time, but, taking advantage of the general murmur spread . abroad on account of some innovations that had been introduced, and which seemed to sanction an omission of, and a* variation in, the ancient ceremonies, they rose again into notice. This imprudent measure of the regular Lodges, offended many old Masons; but through the mediation of John Ward, Esq., afterwards Lord Vise. Dudley and Ward, matters were accommodated, and the Brethren ^eemiiigly recon- ciled. This, however, proved only a temporary suspen- sion of hostilities; for the flame soon broke out anew, and gave rise to commotions, which afterwards mate- rially interrupted the peace of the Society." 182 "Lord Raymond was succeeded by the Marquis of Carnarvon in May 1739; and under his brdship's auspi- ces the Lodges were numerous and respectable. Not- withstanding the flourishing state of the Society, however, irregularities continued to prevail, and several worthy Brethren, still adverse to the encroachments on the established system of the institution, seemed to be highly disgusted at the proceedings of the regular Lodges. Complaints were preferred at every succeeding Com- mittee, and their conferences were fully employed in adjusting differences and reconciling animosities. More secessions taking place, it became necessary to pass votes of censure on the most refractory, and enact laws to discourage irregular associations of the Frater- nity. This brought the power of the Grand Lodge in question ; and, in opposition to the laws which had been established in that assembly, Lodges were formed without any legal warrant, and persons initiated into Masonry for small and unworthy considerations. To disappoint the views of these deluded Brethren, and to distinguish the persons initiated by them, the Grand Lodge readily acquiesced in the imprudent measures which the regular Masons had adopted, measures which even the urgency of the case could not warrant. Though this had the intended effect, it gave rise to a new subterfuge. The Brethren who had seceded from the regular Lodges immediately announced their independence, and assumed "the appellation of Ancient Masons. They propagated an opinion, that the ancient tenets and practices of Masonry were preserved by them: and that the regular Lodges, being composed of Modern Masons, had adopted new •plans, and were not to be considered as acting under the old establishment. To counteract the regulations of the Grand Lodge, they instituted a new Grand Lodge in London, professedly on the ancient system 183 ■ and, ; Contrary to .their duty as Masbus,. uBder tHat iassijiined banner constituted several new Lodges, in op- position to the: regular established' anthbrity.; These ir- regular proceedings they pretend i to:, justify under the feigned sanction .of ih& Ancient: Yvrh 'Constitution; ..and many gentlemen of reputation, being deceived by this artifice,, were introduced aiaong i them, so that their [Lodges daily increased. Without .avthoritt/ from the Grand Lodge in York, or from any other established power in Masonry, these refractory Brethren persevered in the measures they had adopted, formed committees, held communications,^ and^ even app'oihted annual feasts. ;Under the false appellation of the York' Banner, they gained the. countenance of the Scotch and Irish Masons, who^ placing implicit confidence in the representations made to them, heartily joined in condemning the mea- sures of the regular. Lodges in London, as tendings in their opinion, to introduce novelties into the Society, and to subvert the original plan of the institution. The .'irregular Masons in London having thus acquired a no- minal establishment, noblemen of both kingdoms, unac- quainted with the origin of the separation, honored them with their patronage, and some respectable names arid Lodges were added to their list." Thus far Preston. Br. G. Kloss in the treatise ,"0n the ancient Masons" mentioned above, has closely investigated the subject, and the following is the result of his researches. First of all, it seems contrary to all :known historical precedent, that any subject which from the years 1739 — 42 was a controverted point, should have been identical with the Ancient Masons, who .appeared ten years later. Those changes and alterations in the ancient customs, of which the Grand Lodge. of England was accused, were: 1) The introduction of various colors in the dress of the Masons (March 17th 184 1731); — 2) the establishment of the Stewards' Lodge and the privileges accorded to them, viz : that the Grand Officers were elected out of that body; — it must be owned innovations totally opposed to the Masonic spirit of Equality, but by no means a sufficient reason for causing disunion in the Fraternity. On the 28th of June 1739, there were no particular changes made in Free- masonry, neither was there at that time any other Grand Lodge, nor any other regular Lodge in London. The book of Constitutions assures us, that Dec. 12th 1729, the refractory Masons . had submitted themselves. The English Grand Lodge was in 1751 on the very best of terms with the Grand Lodge of Ireland, and the Grand Lodge of Scotland had in 1740 given no cause for dissatisfaction, in masonic matters, for in this year, she proposed to the English Grand Lodge mutual correspondence. When Ward was Grand Master, from 1742—44, there reigned complete peace in the frater- nity; the English Grand Master Keith (1740) and Strathmore (1744), both natives of Scotland, had been previously Grand Masters in Scotland, and had seen no cause to refuse to fill the same office in Lon- don. The separation was however near at hand; Fie- field d'Assigny wrote a book *) in 1743, which is now not known, wherein he very much recommends to the English a higher degree which was nearly related to the Scotch degrees known on the Continent; the war in Flanders, from 1741—48, brought the English and French Masons into closer proximity, who had then an opportunity of becoming acquainted- with the newly devised, so-called high degrees; and with the invasion of the Pretender Charles Edward Stuart, 1745—46, an 1) I have, in vain, sought the book in the British Museum. J. G. F. 185 oflPshoot ■was probably transplanted into Scotland. The seeds thus disseminated, had the more time to thriv^, as the Grand Master Byron, from 1747 — 52, was con- stantly absent from the country, and the Grand Lodge became completely powerless, as no regularity in the business was observed. The Grand Lodge of 1747 made some alterations in the outward forms, and though they were but trifling, they caused the publication of the "Thinker upon Freemasonry" and other controversial treatises in 1752, and in 1755 the war-cry of the dis- sentients, was sounded "Universal Masonry", and Equa- lity of all Brethren in the Lodge, exciting to revolt, . and pointing to the Royal-Arch-Degree in the back- ground as the reward. In the year 1756 Dermot wrote the Book of Laws Ahiman Reson, for these sece- ders, and in 1762 they had their own ritual, which was made known and circulated, as well as the degree of "Pastmaster", which had been created. They had, how- ever, no Grand Master of noble birth, and the number of their Lodges scarcely amounted to five; at length in 1772 the Duke of Athol became their Grand Master. This put the finishing stroke to their apostasy; and the Grand Lodge of the so-called "Ancient Masons" received a formal recognition from the Grand Lodges of Ireland and Scotland. Br. Jethro Inwood, Provincial Grand Chaplain for Kent, in a curious composition,*) dedicated to the Duke of Athol, mentions the subject, and most deci- dedly pronounces against the so-called York Masons, by describing their origin as "of yesterday". •The ancient and This disuniou in the English Fraternitv, the new English , . , , i -n -loio i i /v system. which Jastcd till 1813, caused two diiierent 1) Masonic ITiiioD, an address to his Grace the Duke of Atfaol. London 1804. 186 .systems to, arise, the so-called old English or York system, and the new English or London system. One .benefit accrued to the Fraternity from these dissensions, tiiat much valuable light was thrown upon the History and Constitution of the English Brotherhood, which without these migfit probably have long remained hidden to us. The two systems differed in their rituals or initia- tory customs. The Apprentice's Catechism by Prichard .contains the work of the English system, and therefore the most ancient masonic ceremonial in use. Prichard testifies to the simplicity and brevity of the more an- cient Liturgy, when he says: "In our times Masoniy is not composed of Artificers, as was the case tmder the original system, when there were only a few cateche- tical questions necessary, to enable any one to judge if a man had sufficient skill as an operative mason. _The expression "free and accepted Masons" (as it is at present) , was first heard within the last few years" &c. Until the appearance of the so-called "ancient Masons", the customs contained in Prichard's Masonry dissected, were the only ones practised by the Grand Lodge, and her daughter Lodges, which is confirmed by numerous hints and allusions in English writings and speeches. _ The more modern Ritual, i. e. that of the so-caUfid Ancients, is to be found in three works not published before 1762, viz: in "Jachin and Boas" &c.i), "The Three distinct Knocks" &c.*), and "Hiram or the Grand .Master-Key" &c., which all agree together. We repeat, that the simpler one, catechism of the Moderns, is the more ancient, but that of the Ancients is the more re- cent ; the former contains only 92 Questions, and to most 1) See Kloss, Biblgr. No. 1887. 2) L. c. No. 1888. 187 of them quite short Answers, the latter, on. the contrary, has 108 Questions) and the Answers much more in detail. 4) The further deTelopmcnt of Freemasonry. (1754—1783.) We have been somewhat anticipating events in our former section, therefore we must now retrace our steps. In 1754 we see the Marquis of Carnarvon at the head of the English Fraternity, with Br. Thorn. Manning- ham as Dep. Grand Master, who clearly saw the threa- tening danger, and took precautions accordingly. As many' Lodges in the Land had their name on the matri- culation book, though they had long ceased to, work as Lodges, and others, having the patents of Constitution received from the Grand Lodge, might easily pass. over to the camp of the enemy, a resolution was passed June 27, 1754,'Manjiingham in the chair, "that every Brother was according to his ability to make inquiries as to the conduct and bearing of the country Lodges,, and hand in their statements at every Quarterly Meeting ; and that all such Lodges, concerning which no satisfactory re- port could be made, should have their names erased from the list." This resolution was in many places carried out. -Further, it was determined at the instigation of Br. J. Scott, that a new edition of the Book of Constitutions should be prepj^red, i. e. Anderson's book should be revised, and supplied with the necessary changes and additions; the officers of the Grand Lodge and other Brethren well- informed, upon the subject, formed a Conimittee for this purpose. In this new edition, conducted by Br. Entick (1756) which like the former one, immediately received the sanction of the Grand Lodge, a return was made to the "old Charges" contained in the Constitution book of 1723, as the fundamental laws of the ancient, genuine i88 Freemasons, thereby doing away with the alterations which had been adopted since the last publication in 1738. Previously in 1754, Scott had these "ancient Rules" of 1723, printed in his edition of the "Pocket Companion." The schiBm. Carnarvon was very active in the cause of the Fraternity, and under his direction several resolutions were taken, to avert the threatening storm, or to render it ineffectual, but it was too late. The Deputy Grand Master, Manningham, brought an accusation against "cer- tain Brethren, who had formed and assembled themselves into a Lodge, denominating themselves ancient Masons, wishing thereby to put a stop to their proceedings". The further consideration of the subject was postponed until the next Meeting, with the hope that the refractory brethren would voluntarily submit themselves, but as these persisted in their disobedience against the decision of the Grand Lodge, their Lodge No. 94 in Ben Jonson's Head, was erased from the Lodge books, and it was enacted that none of the members could be admitted as visitors in any regular lodge, and further, that from henceforth all certificates should be sealed with the masonic seal, and signed by the Grand Secretary. Thereupon ensued the disputes with the so-called ancient Masons. During the three years that Carnarvon was Grand Master, forty lodges were constituted, and nine*) Pro- vincial-Grand Masters, whilst during the five years' ad- ministration of Lord Abe r dour from 1758 — 62 no less than thirteen Provincial Grand Masters were created. His successor. Lord Ferrer in 1762, took but little interest in the business of the Grand Lodge, so that under his auspices the fraternity lost some of its credit. It is worthy of notice that Laurie remarks, that in this year 1) For South-Carolina, South-Wales, Antigua, North-America, Bar- badoes, Cuba, Sicily, Germany (J. A, Hiniiber), Chester. 189 1762, a writiiig to the Grand Lodge of Scotland was addressed from some Brethren in London desiring from her the patent of a Constitution. It was determined to refuse this request, "lest by complying they might inter- fere with the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge." The so- called ancient or York Masons received then, at that time no support from Scotland. Lord Blaney was chosen Grand Master, May 8, 1764, and filled the office three years. During this peniod seventy-one new lodges were established, and twelve Prov.- Grand Masters *) nominated; a new Edition of the book of Constitutions was undertaken in 1767, and the Brotherhood honored by the initiation of the Dukes of Gloucester and Cumberland. The Duke of York was likewise made a Mason in Berlip in 1765. A proposal was made to raise a subscription to supply the Grand Lodge with furniture, but without success. The plan of The Dukc of Beaufort succeeded Lord Incorporation. Blaney, April 27, 1767, and Preston remarks that Masonry flourished under his Grace's patronage. In the beginning of the following year, the Grand Lodge of France seemed desirous of opening a correspondence, which met with a favorable hearing, and towards the end of the year, a plan was brought forward for the incorporation of the fraternity of Freemasons by Eoyal charter. Br. Dillon, deputy Grand Master, gave notice, that the Grand Master Beaufort wished it should it meet with the approbation of the Grand Lodge; he showed the advantages resulting from such a measure, and a plan for that purpose was submitted to the consideration 1) Amongst the number was Thorn. Dunkei-ley for"H''mpshire. He is often mentioned with distinction in the Annals of English Masonry, being one of the chief supporters and promoters of the higher degrees in England. 190 of the Brethren, who cheerfully agreed to it. He like- wise informed them, that he had submitted to the Com- mittee of Charity a plan for raising a fund to build a hall and purchase jewels, furniture etc. for the Grand Lodge, independent of the General Fund of Charity ; the carrying of which into execution would be a proper pre- lu'de to an incorporation. His motion, consisting of seven articles, was accepted, and his plan for the "raising of a funi to build a hall" was printed, and transmitted to all the Lodges on record. From the return of the different Lodges it appeared , that one hundred and sixty-eight had voted for the incorporation, and only forty-three against it, and the majority carried the day. In 1771, a Bill was brought into Parliament by the deputy Grand Master Charles Dillon, for incorporating the Society by act of Parliament ; but on the second reading of the Bill, it being opposed by Mr. Onslow, at the desire of several of the Brethren themselves, who had petitioned the House against it, Mr. Dillon moved to postpone the considera- tion of it sine die-; and thus the grand design of an incorporation fell to the ground. Br. E. G. Miiller, Master of the Caledonian Lodge, a contemporary of Dillon's, speaks of him in the following terms. He is writing to Br. Gogel in Frankfort: "We are wofully plagued with Jesuits. Dillon, who abjured his religion a short. time ago, that he might get elected into Parliament, and his father confessor de Vignole^, have unlimited power in the Grand Lodge, which they maintain by innumerable intrigues, and an excessive abuse of the influence which Dillon's position of Dep. Grand Master affords him." — "He wearies the patience of many upright Masons, who oppose him, disgusts others, employs force to expel those who wUl not suffer themselves either to be wearied out, or disgusted, when the welfare of Masonry is at stake and blinds the rest" etc. .191 Freemason's Lord Petre was chosen Grand Master in- Hail. 1772j when several regulations were made for the better security of the property belonging to the Society, and a committee appointed for the purpose of building a hall. Preston received the sanction of the Grand Lodge, for the publication of his book, "Illustra- tions of Freemasonry"j which favor had only been vouch- safed to the book of Constitutions. > It was proposed and agreed to, that a correspondence should be opened with the Grand Lodge of Germany at Berlin (1773) ; the book, of Constitutions had the new laws and regulations added to it in an Appendix (1775), and the publication of a Freemasons' Calendar determined op in J 776. Previous to this in 1774 that spurious degree of Masonry, called Royal- Arch, had found its way into England. In the mean while the foundation stone of the Hall was laid in solemn form, May 1, 1775. The building went on rapidly, so that May 23, 1776, the Hall was dedicated in masonic form to Masonry, Virtue, and Universal Charity) and Benevolence, in the presence of the Grand Master Petre :and a brilliant assembly of Masons. "It is to be regretted", remarks Preston, "that the finances of the Society will not admit of its being solely restricted to masonic purposes." The Lodge of The activity of the so-called Ancient Masons, Antieinity. ^}jq assembled under the patronage of the- Duke of Athol, a^ain drew upon themselves the attention of the Grand Lodge, and April 7, 1777, it was deter- mined, that "they were not to be countenanced, or acknowledged by any regular Lodge or Mason,/ working under the sanction of our authority". G. Montagu, Duke of Manchester, soon became Grand Master, during whose administration, the tranquillity of the Society was much interrupted by private animosities and disscusions,- arising among the members of the Lodge of Antiquity (No. 1), 192. on account, of some of the proceedings, of. the Brethren of that Lodge, wishing, as it would seem, to come to an open rupture with the authority to whom they, owed allegiance ; for without previous permission of the Grand Lodge ,\they marched in full masonic costume to St. Dunstan's ,phurch, and back again to the Mitre Tavern, which was Justly regarded by the Committee of Charity as a violation\if the regulations passed in 1754. The Lodge of Antiquity, which had now for more than sixty years, been a participator in the resolutions passed in the Grand Lodge, and like the four ancient Lodges had renounced all claim to former privileges, suddenly appealed to these immemorial privileges, setting them in opposition, "to the supposed uncontrollable authority of the Grand Lodge." The spirit of party became so \4olent, that the original cause of dispute fVas totally forgotten, and a new subject of controversy.' was only too gladly seized upon. Namely, the Lodge of Antiquity had expelled some of its members for irregular proceedings, and the Grand Lodge ordered them te be again received into the Lodge, which the Brethren most determinately refused to do, declaring every Lodge to be competent, to direct its own members, and to punish for the infringement of its laws. After matters had been agitated to the extreme, the Lodge decided that through the proceedings of the Grand Lodge an encroachment had been made on the ancient constitutions of this Lodge, and it was determined, to withdraw its sanction from the Grand Lodge, and to discontinue the attendance of its Master and Wardens as, representatives at the Committees of Charity and Quar- terly Communications. The Lodge then assumed that authority, which in the course of time, it had voluntarily resigned, published a Manifest in its own vindication, and avowed an alliance with the Lodge of Yorkt This 193 «tate of things coatinued, till the Grand Festival in 1790, ■'Vhen unity was restored, effected by means of our well- known principles, and by a real friend of genuine Ma- sonry, the past master William Birch." The Lodge of Antiquity had never been very closely allied vS'ith the •so-called "ancient Masons." The Royal- Henry Frederick, duke of Cumberland, was Ardi-Degree. nominated Grand Master, May 1, 1782, but in his absence, the Earl of Effingham was appointed acting Grand Master. During his administration a new Edition of the Book of Constitutions was prepared for the press (1784), and what is somewhat remarkable, (most likely private motives were the cause), when Br. <3r. Smith applied for sanction to publish his work on the •"Uses and abuses of Masonry" it was refused him, though, as has been already mentione(^ Preston, and Hutchinson i;oo, for his book the "Spirit of Masonry", had both had it accorded to them. The latter, it 'is true, owed this favor to his having disseminated amongst the English Masons, those mystical tendencies, introduced by means of the Koyal- Arch-Degree. Since the introduction of this degree in England, (for example in the ponstitution book of Northouck) the expression "Order" became generally used, instead of the former customary ones of "Society" or "Brotherhood." The Royal- Arch-Degree, now the fourth degree in England, is in its essential elements decidedly French in its origin, receiving a somewhat different form in Eng- land, with additions from the higher degrees, then flour- ishing on the continent, (Knights of the Burning Buah, Red Cross etc ) and adopted by the schismatic "Ancient Masons", adherents of Dermott, who himself testifies, that this degree was first introduced into Jingland by the Grand Lodge of the Ancient Masons. Ramsay calls the French BoyaU Arche the Non plus ultra of Masonry, Findel, History of Freemasonry. 13 194 and these "Ancient Masons" boasted of their bungling composition, as the "summit and perfection of ancient Masonry", But they are quite in the wrong; for in truth this degree of the Royal Arch, having but little genius in it, and still less good taste, was fabricated from a confused medley of passages from the Bible, drawn both from the old and new Testament, from history and fable^ from religious dogmas, and masonic tradition; the un- prejudiced observer cannot here discover the true prin- ciples of freemasonry either in their primitive purity, or comprehensive fulness, nor is there any improvement in the outward form or ceremonial, but only a falling off from the substantial groundwork of Masonry, as it once stood. Br. G. Kloss fixes the date of the introduction of the RoyaJ Arch into England, in the year 1744, though more probably it was not untU 1752, and is of opinion, that the English first became acquainted with it, during the Austrian war of Succession, between the years 1741 to 1742. In the year 1766 the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of England, in a letter addressed to the Provincial Lodge of Frankfurt o. M. dated June 7, calls the floyal Arch, "a Society, which we do not acknow- ledge, and which we regard as an invention j designed for the purpose of infroducing innovations amongst the Brotherhood, and diverting them from the fundamental rules which our ancestors laid down for us." However, it appears to have made its way into- the Grand Lodge of England between 1772 — 74 partly in consequence of the election of a Grand Master from the nobility, the Duke of Athol, by the so-styled Ancient Masons in 1772, and this Royal-Arch was to be regarded as a counter- balance against their power, a means of retaining their own Brethren, and of attracting others to join; partly in consequence of the influence exercised by the 195 members who had left the Gr. Lodge of ancient Masons. When the union of the two Grand Lodges took plac^ in 1813, the original Grand Lodge made the concession to the other, to recognise . the Eoyal-Arch-Degree. Since then it has belonged to the system of the united Grand Lodge, yet in such a way, that all Royal Arch-Chapters work under a Grand Conclave separate from the Grand Lodge. It is perfectly certain, that the Royal- Arch-Degree was not known and practised in England until the middle of the eighteenth century, as there does not exist any earlier Warrant of a Royal- Arch-Chapter , bearing a reliable date. The Royal- Arch color is red, as that of the St. John's degrees is blue, and as the red color was first introduced into Masonry in 1730, when the Stewards of the English Grand Lodge were permitted to wear red ribands, and aprons lined with red, as a mark of distinction, we may conclude that before this, a Royal-Arch Chapter nowhere existed. The red riband adopted by the Ancient Masons, in their new degree, was an imitation of the stewards of the English Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge of the self-styled Ancient Masons, had, in those previous events which had occurred in London, influenced the Griand Lodge of Scotland to espouse their cause, there- fore it was not surprising that the Royal-Arch-Degree soon found a footing there likewise. Br. Laurie, who does not consider the R.-A. to be older than the year 1729, says in "his history, page 429: "Beyond a mere assertion, there is no evidence of any kind of its existence in this country previous ■ to 1743. The Minute-book of ' the Stirling Royal- Arch-Chapter commences at that date." If this date be really correct, which there is some reason to doubt, then it is clear, that this degree was known in Scotland, before it reached England. The denomination 13* 196 Eoyal-Arch for the Lodges No. 77 in Glasgow, and No. 93 in Stirling was for the first time printed in Edinburgh in the Freem. Pocket Companion in 1763. "The Stirling Royal-Arch-Chapter," says Laurie, (L. c), "is certainly the oldest in Scotland, none of the others having evidence of their being instituted until some years afterwards, — some holding Charters from Ire- land, and others without any authority. The Royal Arch did not certainly make its way to Ireland before 1751, perhaps even later; in America we first find it in 1758, and in Germany about 1780 for a short time. There are many disclosures concerning this apocry- phal degree in a pamphlet entitled: "Abstract of the laws of the society of Royal Arch Freemasonry," pro^ bably of the year 1787. On the Title page is this in- scription round an ark: '"Nulla solus extra!' which Br. Bode, who was always haunted by the ^host of a Jesuit, supposes referred to some church, "beyond whose pale there was. no salvation", and therefore imagined that this degree must be in some way connected with the Jesuits. — The first paragraphs of these old laws of 1782 of this degree, have the following: I. "That according to ancient usage, a full Chapter of this highest degree of Masonry must consist of the following persons, viz : three principals, who in assembled chapter are to be all three regarded as its head, two secretaries, two . sojourners, and seventy-two members of the council.*) No legally constituted chapter of this supreme degree, can be composed of more officials, the attendants forming no exception to this rule &c." 1) The order of Asiatic Brethren is likewise regulated by a Sanhe- drim of serenty-two initiated. — Both orders are very similar in their tendency. 197 n. "None shall bfe admitted into this degree, but, men of superior minds and highly cultivated, sincere, generous, noble-minded, and true friends of mankind, and who have passed through the three probationary degrees of Masonry,*) having presided at some Lodge. These must, according to the rules, be proposed and recommended by two or more members of the chapter, elected by ballot, and the choice confirmed by the ge- neral sanction. No Brother admitted under twenty three years of age, unless he be the son of a member of a chapter &c." III. "The three Principals, and all who have ever held this office are addressed as "Most excellent" and the other officials as "excellent"." IV. "The officers must appear at the Chapter clothed in their jewels, and the rest of the Brethren must wear the staff, the badges of their orders, and every thing appertaining thereto &c. — Z (Zerubabel) having his robe of scarlet turned up with purple, and black fur; H. (Haggai) &c. — the secretaries white surplices with red scarfs &c." *) The Legend of the Order is in the time of the second building of the Temple. In 1782 a "supreme Eoyal chapter of Jerusalem" announced itself in London, by a pompous adress,, "wherein," as Fessler remarks, "there are every where indications of the cabbalistic, theosophical wisdom of the "Brethren and Knights Initiated from Asia", together with the scientific leanings displayed by the "Philalethes". 1) Tlie three degrees of Masonry are perfectly independent of any- other, and include within theihselves the whole of Masonry; therefore they cannot be probationary degrees or gradations, but rather every thing^ superadded or appended thereto, is contraband and illegal. ^) Similar vestments are prescribed to be worn by the Asiatic brethren. 198 B. Ireland. 1730—1751. The sources whence we derive the History of Free- masonry in Ireland, are so scantily supplied, that we are not able to do more than furnish a few particulars. Before the year 1730 its history is enveloped in complete darkness; but from accounts handed down to us we are led to conclude that in that year Freemasonry began to struggle into existence. Anderson and Mitchell refer to certain edifices and their artificers, constructed in by-gone centuries, proving however nothing more than that there were iu this country a few active operative Masons, the fraternity being introduced by Scotch emigrants from the north and conquering English from the South. The founding in the year 1726 of a Provincial Grand Lodge at Mun- ster by the English Grand Lodge, mentioned by Mitchell, we may be permitted to doubt, as we find no official documents to confirm the report. We know however, most assuredly, that those brethren living in Ireland .in the year 1730, most probably under the patronage of Lord St. George, established a Grand Lodge of their own, in Dublin, and elected a nobleman as Grand Master, Lord Viscount Kingston, "just one year after his Lordship had been chosen Grand Master in England." ^'He has," continues Anderson, "introduced the same constitutions and ancient customs. Brethren of noble birth have annually succeeded to his place in Solomon's chair; and the Grand Lodge of Ireland is firmly resolved, to persevere in spreading a knowledge of the noble science of Geometric and the Royal Art of Masonry." 199 The saiue year there appeared*) in Dublin the Constitution book of the Grand Lodge, which was merely a revisal of Anderson's work of 1723. The Old Charges are the same as in the English edition, with the excep- tion of Charge VI. 2, where the passage unpalatable to Roman Catholic prejudices has been omitted. Lord Kingston was also Grand Master the following year. In 1732 Br. John Pennell was chosen Grand Secre- tary, and Br. Nettervill, who had been hitherto Deputy Grand Master, was made Grand Master, choosing Br. Lord Vise. Kingsland to be his Deputy Grand Master, the Grand Lodge itself nominating the two Wardens. During the administration of the Grand Master Lord Viscount Mountjoy (1738) a committee of charity was formed by the Grand Lodge, At the election in 1740 Mountjoy announced to the Brethren, that he had in- structed his Deputy Grand Master Callaghan, to nominate a Grand Master. Of the three candidates whom Callaghan proposed, Arthur St. Leger, Lord Viscount Donneraile was «lected, who however, like many of his predecessors, took but little active interest in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge, so that the real direction of the aiFairs ■of the Irish brethren was entrusted to the Deputy Grand Maste.r. The nominated Grand Master, upon vacating tis office, proposed Baron Tullamore as his successor, June 3rd 1741, who was accordingly duly installed June 24th, in the presence of Mountjoy, several Brethren of rank and standing, and the Masters and Wardens of thirty regular Lodges. In 1744 the office of Grand Master was offered to Lord Viscount Allen, which he accepted, and promised the Grand Lodge "that he 1) The Constitations of the Freemasons, contaiuing the History, Charges, Regulations etc. Dablin. J. Watts, 1730. Edited by J. Pennell. 200 would make it his chief ohgecft to promote their prospe- rity, unity, ani harmony. After Allan's death in 1745, the Brethren solicited several former Grand Masters and Others of the nobility to take the chair ; but were every ^here met by a refusal, some alleging their official en- gagements as a reason, and others their constant absence in foreign countries, but very likely the real objection was, that the nobility found but few men of their own I'ank amongst the Brethren, or that these latter were too little educated to attract them. At length an appli- cation was made to the founder of the Grand Lodge, -^ho could not possibly allow the work of his own hands to be left uncared for; and he being a kind and loving brother, aWays anxious to promote the cause of truth, charity, and virtue, promptly expressed his willingness to forward the prosperity of the Institution. He was elected October 15th 1745, though absent, and never made his appearance in the Grand Lodge. As' the number of Lodges and their consequent distance from one another increased, the necessity of a separate conference was felt, wherein the heads of the different Lodges could deliberate. The late Grand Master Wyvill, the then Grand Master Lord Eingsborougb^ and his Deputy, with the Grand Wardens, and other Brethren of distinction, therefore assembled in a regular L6dge in 1749, wete joyfully received by the discou- raged Grtad Lodge, and had the name of Grand Master's Lodge beStoWed upon them, receiving from the other Lodges and their representatives, equally important privileges as those conceded to the Stewards' Lodge in London. In 1750 it was determined to erect a building for their Meetitigs. In 1751, a new book of Constitutions for Ireland *) appeared, from which the preceding state- 1) The Book of Constitutions, for the Use of the Lodges in Irelaud, hy Ed. Spratt. Dublin 1751. 201 ments have mostly been extracted. It is dedicated to the Grand Master KingsbbroUgh, and Spratt remarks therein, among olfher things: "The unceasing -nsits paid, and frequent lectures on Truth, Justice, and Mora- lity, delivered by your Ldrdshijj's Worthy and noble- minded predecessor, reanimated the drooping spirit of the Lodges in this kingdom. It was he, who encouraged the Brethren to make a collection for our pool" and dis- tressed members; and your Lordship, like another sun, beaming with humanity, benevolence and love folloV?^- ing in his footsteps, is laying the foundation of such a superstructure, as in all human probability will not only aid in advancing the prosperity of the Fraternity, but likewise confer honor on the promoters and design- ers of the same. After having remarked that "he is only the conscientious editor and faithful transcriber" of Anderson's work, and that a Committee had been appointed by the Grand Lodge, at which he was called upon to preside, "to compare the customs and regulations in use amongst ourselves, with those of the Brethren in England"; he continues further: "But as no essential difference was discoverable, but such directions as were necessary for the regulation of a Stewards' Lodge (such Lodge being unknown with us), therefore these directions were left out &e." "It may be justly afBymed," remarks Spratt in ano- ther place, with which observation, as we are unable to procure any further information *), we will close this recital, "that Freemasonry has in the last three years up to 1751, attained the highest degree of perfection, yet arrived at in Ireland, as may be seen by the return 1) An application and entreaty made by tbe author both in England and Ireland, concerning any particulars which might be furnished respect- ing Ireland, was completely disregarded. 202 of many Brethren of long standing, who had absented themselves from the Lodges, and had for several succes- sive years, taken no active share in the proceedings, yet now unanimously lend their support to the streng- thening of the Institution. Lodges which have become too numerous for special meetings, have, like the in- dustrious bees, formed themselves into new and regular lodges, for the better carrying out of their designs; many worthy Brethren, in various parts of the king- dom, have applied to the Grand Master, to obtain his sanction to their meetings." C. Scotland. (From 1736-1783.) When Freemasonry was introduced into Scotland, cannot be stated with any certainty; it flourished there during the middle ages, as is evident, from the remains of numerous immense edifices, which are still to be seen. Laurie ascribes its introduction to the wandering frater- nity, who erected the Abbey of Kilwinning. As before stated •), this assertion depends solely upon a Scottich Legend of the Fraternity, deserving no more credit than the Legends of other English or German Fraternities. The Establishment of There is no doubt that at the time the Grand-Lodge. ^f tljg ^^J^j^ ^f ^^^ fo^ Loudon LodgeS into one Grand Lodge, some lodges still existed in Scot- land. The flourishing condition and rapid development of the English Grand Lodge, under the direction of a ') See Scotland and the Legend of Kilwinning. Page 110. 203 Grand Master, awakened in the Scotch Masons the desire to introduce a similar constitution, and, so avert the threatened decline of their order. The office of Patron being hereditary in the family of Sinclair of Eoslin, was an obstacle to this design, which was however soon removed, by William Sinclair hipaself, a genuine Mason, who inherited the virtues, but not the riches of his ancestors; for being compelled to dispose of his estate *), and liaving no children, he was anxious that the office of Grand Master should not be vacant at his death ; therefore he assembled the Lodges in Edin- burg and the neighborhood, October 15, 1736, and re- presented to them the utility that would accrue to the Order, by having a nobleman or gentleman of their own choice as Grand Master, and intimated his intention to resign into the hands of the Brethren every title to that office which he at present possessed. In consequence of this representation, circular letters were despatched to all the Lodges in Scotland, inviting them to appear, to concur and assist in the election of: a Grand Master. On St. Andrew's Day November 30, 1736, thirty -two Lodges appeared, — at their head St. Mary's Chapel- Lodge, then the Lodge of Kilwinbing, and amongst others one of the Journeymen-Masons in Edinburgh, and having heard the deed of resignation '') of William St. Clair, Esq., i) Pocket Companion and Calcott's cand. disq. 2j I, William St. Clair of Roalin, Esq., taliing to my consideration that tlie Masons of Scotland did, by several deeds, constitute and appoint William and Sir William St. Clair of Rosiin, my ancestors and their heirs, to be their patrons, protectors, judges, or masters; and that my holding or claiming any such jurisdiction, right, or privilege, might be prejudicial to the Craft and vocation of Masonry, whereof I am a member — do therefore hereby, for me and my heirs, renounce etc. Written at Edinburgh November 24, 1736. (This deed of resignation does not con- tain a word about a Grand Master!) It may be found printed in full in Laurie's Hist, of Scotland. 204 read, proceeded to the election of another Grand Master; when, on account of the zeal which William St. Clair, Ecq., of Roslin, had always shown for the honor and prosperity of the order, he was unanimously elected to- that high office, and proclaimed Grand Master of all Scotland. Captain John Young was made Deputy Grand Master, who filled this office till 1752, and John Macdour- gall Grand Secretary, till 1754. At the first Quarterly Communication, which wafr held in St. Mary's Chapel, Jan. 12, 1737, all Lodges which were not regularly constituted *), were enjoined to apply for new Warrants, and those which had been properly constituted, were required to exhibit their patents to have them confirmed. Almost all the Lodges applied for new Warrants, and by this ready and volun- tary renunciation of their former rights*), they evinced their steady adherence to the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and acknowledged their willing submission to its jurisdiction and power. The Grand Lodge had or- dained that a fee should be exacted from every person, who had been already initiated into the order, or might hereafter be initiated, for the purpose of establishing a Fund, for the relief of indigent or distressed Brethren; 1) Laurie, History of Freemasonry and the 6. L. of Scotland, 2. ed., Edinburgh, 1859, p. 100 etc. 2) The regularly constituted lodges, and all other subsequently con- stituted ones, did by this act, voluntarily renounce any pre-supposed former rights, and none of them presuming upon ancient constitutions, reserved any especial priviliges to themselves, not even the so frequently mentioned Lodge of Kilwinning. Kloss remarks "Should this last have divulged her pretended secrets, and disseminated them in Europe, un- known to the Grand Lodge of Scotland, such a proceeding would only have merited contempt , and she could not exonerate herself from the imputation of treachery against the new Fraternity, which in such a case might be justly laid to her charge". But this did not occur ; for still in 1817 she recognised no higher degree. See Freem. Mag. 1865. Nr. 294. 205 the Lodge of Kilwinning petitioned that this fee should not be required of the operative Masons, as many of "them ediperieneed difficulty in raising their share of the contributions demanded by their respective lodges. This application of the Masons of Ealwinning was however rejected, and the Grand Lodge decreed, that all who refused to pay their entr3,nce-fee, should receive no aid from the Charity Fund. It had long been customary among the Freemasons to hold their principal assemblies, June 24, St. John Baptist's Day ; it was now resolved by the Grand Lodge, for many reasons, that the annual election should no longer be held on that day, but November 30, the birth- day of St. Andrew, the tutelar Saint of Scotland. This was carried out the following year, when George, Earl of Cromarty, was chosen Grand Master (1737). In the '■course .of the year, it was enacted, that all those Lodges, holding their Warrants from the Grand Lodge, should be enrolled according to seniority, which should be deter- mined by the dates inscribed on their patents. From this, it is apparent, that in Scotland, as well as in Eng- land, there were Lodges, independent of the Grand Xiodge. In the preceding year, it had been determined, that the Grand Lodge should out of the funds at her disposal, pay a certain number of workmen, then employed in building an Infirmary in Edinburgh, if the Committee would, on their part, engage to reserve a room in the edifice, for the reception of a few infirm Masons, who should be recommended by the Grand Master. Circular letters were in consequence addressed to all the Scotch Lodges, requesting their co-operation in this benevolent and necessary work. Liberal donations were received; and Aug. 2, 1738, the foundation stone of the Royal Infirmary was laid, at which the Lodges in Edinburgh, 206 and its neighborhood, together with their Grand Master,, were invited by the committee of the Board of Works, to be present. Laurie (p. 102) gives a circumstantial account of the procession, at which the Brethren appeared in full masonic costume; the festivities were closed by a splendid Banquet, in the evening, for the benefit of the Institution, which was numerously attended. Before the close of the year, it was reported to the (irand Lodge, by the Managers, that out of gratitude to the Society of Freemasons, for their countenance and aid m. the erection of the Eoyal Infirmary, it had been unani- mously agreed upon by the committee, that distressed and infirm Freemasons should aways find r^ady admittance into any of the dormitories of the Hospital; in 1745 one room was appropriated to their especial use. That the junior Grand Lodge saw no cause to bear» any ill-will towards her elder sister, is evident, from her resolving in 1740 to enter into correspondence with her; likewise two of the Grand Masters of Scotland, John,, Earl ofKintore, 1738, and James, Earl of Morton, 1739,. were a few years later, both chosen to fill the same office in England. Since the establishment of the Grand Lodgey the principles of the Craft had been so rapidly spread through every part of the kingdom, that in 1738 it was found expedient to appoint Provincial Grand Masters over particular districts, who were empowered to con- vene general meetings, and to take cognisance of every thing relating to Masonry, within their jurisdiction. Alexander Drummond, Master of Greenock-Kil- winning, was therefore appointed Provincial Grand Master over the western counties of Scotland. Earl Kintore presented £ 10 to the Charity Fund; succeeding Grand Masters subscribed the. same sum, as had done their predecessors, Cromarty and Morton. 207 The oldest Lodge. Nothing of any especial importance took place during the administration of Alex. Earl of Leven (1741), nor during that of his successor William, Earl of Kilmarnock, who was beheaded in 1746, for espousing the cause of the Pretender ; various sums were-subscribed to the Royal Infirmary, and numerous widows, and in- digent Brethren were relieved out of the Charity Fund. In the year 1743, James, Earl of Wemyss, Grand Master, a letter was read from the Lodge of Kilwinning, com- plaining that they were registered the second in the list, and being the Mother-Lodge of Scotland, they were entitled to the first place. The Grand Lodge decreed, that, as they had not been able to produce any docu- ments, to prove that they were the oldest Lodge in Scotland *), and as the Lodge of St. Mary's Chapel could shew records bearing the date 1598, the latter had an undoubted right to continue first on the roU. The next few years wei"e particularly barren in events, although the invasion of the Pretender was not without its in- fluence on Masonry ; at any rate, it is surprising that for thp space of three years, no nobleman was elected Grand Master^). Alexander Drummond, mentioned above, had taken up his residence in Alexandretta in Turkey; in 1747 he obtained full power for himself, and any whom he might nominate to establish Lodges in any part of Europe, or Asia, bordering on the Mediterranean, to superintend the same, and transmit an account of his proceedings to the Grand Lodge. Drummond was the first Provincial Grand Master nominated abroad. 1) The documents belonging to the original Lodge have been lost. 2) Grand Masters: 1746 William Nisbeth, Esq. — 1747 Francis Charteris, Esq. — 1748 Hugh Seton, Esq. — 1749 Thomas Lord Erskine. — 1750 Alex. Earl of Eglinton. — 1751 James Lord Boyd. — 1752 George Drummond. 208 The funds of the Grand Lodge, were in 1749 much impoyerished , by numerous payments made to indigent Brethren, but her power was greatly extended by the erection of new Lodges, and by the confirming of old Warrants •). Another important step was the return of the Grand Lodge to the ancient custom of choosing her own Grand Master, for until 1751 she had always nomi- nated a successor. Lord Boyd (1751) had neglected doing so, therefore a committee was appointed, whose judicious choice gave general satisfaction. While George Drummond was in office, the foun- dation-stone of the Royal Exchange, in Edinburgh, was laid, in the presence of the Grand Master and many of the Brethren of the neighboring Lodges , at which ceremony the officers wore their badges of office, and all Masons were in full masonic costume. Three medals were inserted into the stone, which was gradually lowered, with the inscription underneath, three regular pauses, or intervals, being observed; the Grand Master deposited the Masoruc implements one after the other upon the stone, pouring on wine and oil, and corn '^), uttering with each deposit appropriate sentences. A banquet in the evening closed the festivities of the day, convincing those who assisted at it, of the power and influence of the Fraternity. We may pass rapidly over the events of the next few years, as they offer nothing of importance or of general interest. Persecntions. After the Grand Election in 1754, when James Forbes, Esq., was Grand Master, and D. Dalrymple, 1) Probably those Lodges which had remained separate from the Orand Lodge, sine6 1736. 2) This ceremony was then practised for the first time, but after- wards it became a custom. The Grand Lodge of England first observed it in 1775. 209 deputy Grand Master, upwards of four hundred Brethren walked in procession 1)^ torch-light, from St. Mary's Chapel to the High School; it was ordained also in this jear> that the Quarterly Gommunlcatioiis should take place on the first Mondays in Febi^uary, May, August, and November. The Associate Synod, . which in 1745 had attempted to disturb the peace of the Fraternity, ^nd were especially suspicious about the oath admi- nistered to Masons, recommenced hostilities in 1755, by •drawing up a list of foolish questions, decreeing that "those who I'efused to answer them, should be debarred irom participating in religious ordinances. This decree was printed in the August number of the "Scots Maga-^ zine" 1757, a reply to which appeared in the Edinburgh Magazine of October, entitled an "Impartial Examination of the Act of- the Associate Synod", in which the cause of Masonry is worthily and forcibly advocated; and thus the matter ended. In 1762, when ChaJrles, Earl of Elgin, was Grand Master*), a petition was presented by several London Brethren, applying for a warraiit, which Was, however, refused, as "the Grand Lodge , of Scotland did not wish, by a grant of the kind, to interfere with the authority vested in the Grand Lodge of England". In 1755, she likewise declined to mix herself up in the diflferences, 1) Grand Masters: 1753 Charles Hamilton Gordon, Esq. 1754 ■Sir James Forbes. 1755 and 56 Sholto Charles, Lord Aberdour. 1757 and 58 Alexander, Earl of Galloway. 1759 and 60 David, Earl of Leven. 1761 and 62 Charles, Earl of Elgin. 1763 and 64 John, Earl of Kellie. 1765 and 66 James Stewart, Lord Provost. 1767 and 68 George, farl of Dalhousie (the practice of granting diplomas was introduced into the •Grand Lodge, in his time). 1769 and 70 General J. Adolphus Oughton. 1771 and 72 Patrick, Earl of Dumfries. 1773 the Duke of Athol. 1774 and 75 David Dalrymple, Esq. 1776 and 77 Sir William Forbes Bart. 1778 and 79 the Duke of Athol. 1780 and 81 Alex., Earl of Baloarras. 1782 and 83 David, Earl of Buchan. Fiudel, History of Freemasonry. 14 210 then a^tating the London Grand Lodge, although the so^styled, "Ancient Masons" in their disputes with the regularly constituted (Jra,nd Lodge, had submitted the matter to her for arbitration. While Sir W. Forbes was Grand Master in 1778, there was a Grand Funeral Lodge held Feb. 14, in cionsequence of the, death of William St. Clair, in which Sir W. Forbes in a Funeral Oration of some -length, enumerated the virtues :aad merits of the deceased. Above four hundred of the Brethren were assembled on this occasion. The constitution of the Grand Lodge in Scotland differs but very slightly from the constitution of the modern English Grand Lodge; the same may be said of the "Charges" which are, in a few points, somewhat more stringent. As for example in E^'fiburgt ^^^ its suburbs, twenty-one Brethren were necessary to form a Lodge, and in the country, seven. , Calcott particularly notices the energy, .dignity,^ and decorum, which characterised the proceedings of the Fraternity in Scotland, and it certainly redounds to the credit of the Brethren in that land, that even at that time, they had, what in England down to the present day was a rarity, buildings especially appro- priated to masonic meetings, or else spacious rooms set apart for the purpose, in private houses. 211 D. France. From 1725—1783. 1) The Introduction and de?elopnient of Freemasonry in France. It is iiMpossitle to (ietermine with any certainty, the period of the introduction of Freemasonry into France, as the accounts handed down to. us, are very contradictory, varying -from the years 1721, 1725, ,1727,') and 1732. In an historical notice of the Grand Lodge of France, addressed to her subordinate Lodges, there is a statement) specifying, that Lord Derwentwaters, squire Maskielyne, a lord of Heguerty, and some other English npblemen, established a lodge in Paris in 1725, at Hurre's tavern- Lord Derwentwaters is .supposed to have been the first Grand Master, and this Lodge, is said to have been the first, which received a Warrant from the Grand Lodge of England. It is recorded that other Lodges were established, by, these same authorities, and amongst others the Lodge d'Aumont (au Louis d! Argent) in 1729, in la Rue Bussy ats Landelle's tavern, the documents bearing the date of 1732, as that of their foundation. Anderson in his book of Constituti ons makes no mention of the former Jodge, but only of the latter. The Lodge VAnglaise at Bordeaux (No. 204)' had an 1) See Sceau rompu, 1745, and Eebold, histoire de la Franc- magonnerie. Paris, 1851. ^ 2) Thory, histoire de la fondation du Gr. Or. de Paris, 1812, p. 10. Thory and the TJrand Lodge copy one account, viz: that of the cele- brated astronomer. Brother de Lalande, in the Encyclopaedia (1773). 14* 212 English constitution granted *) it, either in 1732, or in 1746, and in 1735 Charles Lennox, Duke of Richmond, obtained permission to assemble a Lodge in his castle d'Aubigny in France, at least so says Anderson's Book of Constitutions. The laws against The introduction and first development of Freemasonry. JVIasonry in France, was very silently carried on, as nothing was heard of it, till the year 1736.^) Lalande says that in this year Lord Harnouester was chosen Grand Master of the French Masons, by the four Lodges at that time existing, and Lalande calls him the first regurlarly chosen Grrand Master. At first only the nobles solicited and obtained admittance into the Lodges, and as long as this was the case. Free- masonry remained unmolested; Ijut when the middle classes began to. take an interest in it, and the Lodges were gradually formed of less immaculate materials, the expediency of suppressing them altogether, began to be debated. Louis XV,, — urged thereto, as it is alleged, by his Father Confessor and his mistress, — published an Edict in 1737, in which he declared that, as the inviolable secrets of the Masons, might cover some dreadful design, he prohibited ') all his loyal subjects from holding any intercourse with them. All Free- masons belonging to the nobility were forbidden to appear at court. But instead of being discouraged by this prohibition, curiosity was only the more awakened. 1) This, is according to the register of the English Grand Lodge in Loudon; see also Calendrier mac. of the year 1851, iind KIoss, History of Freemasonry in France, I, p. 21, and with regard to the improbability of the date 1688 (a secret sign of the order), p. 23 &e. 2) The "Grundlichm Nachrichten" published between 1738—40 tell us this, as does also, ^^Der sich seWst vertheidigende Freimaurer", 1744. 3) See the "GruiidLichen Nachrichten" cited abovcf as well as the other pamphlet. 213 Lodges were assembled in secret, and the number of candidates for initiation increased daily. The wealthy Englishmen, resident in Paris, warmly defended the cause, nor could they be easily intimidated. One of them had the temerity, boldly to announce publicly, that a Lodge would meet for the purpose of electing a Grand Master. This aroused the vigilance of the Police, who Sept- 10, 1727, surprised some Brethren, assembled at the house of the Wine-merchant Chapelot, who had had the usual erltrance to the Meeting room walled up, and had caused a concealed door to be made. He was condemned to pay a fine, and the Lieutenant of Police, Herault, published the Ritual, which was found amongst the con- fiscated papers. NotwithstancHng this, the Lodges con- tinued to be held, as many tavern-keepers were made Masters of Lodges (unfortunately the Warrants could be purchased!), and for a small indemnification, were will- ing to run all risks. Such Masters of Lodges as these of the French Masons, could not do otherwise than introduce an ele- ment into Freemasonry, somewhat derogatory to its dignity, as their chief care was to provide good cheer. We will not stop to determine whether the masonic appellations for the diflferent things used at table origi- nated at this period, and were then perfected according to the rules of art; suffice it to say, that those who- assumed the lead, at these Lodges, were not of much account, and that the masonic meetings degenerated into assemblies, wherein excess was frequently practised, for the number of the initiated was more considered than their personal worth, and any candidate was accepted if he could only pay the admission fees. The educated Mason kept himself aloof, and Freemasonry became the object of public reprobation. An opera dan- 214 cer, named Sal^^. invented a dance, called the Free- mason's dance, performed by 3X3 persons in the garb of shepherds. The royal prohibition did not produce any very great effect, for we find it announced in a Newspaper of Feb. 12, 1738, that the Freemasons gave a Grand Festival at Luneville, June 24, at which Harnouester resigned his office of Grand Master, and the Duke of An tin was chosen in his stead. Anderson's Book of Constitution, ]7;3-*, tells us that the laws, duties, and regulations of the French Brethren, were in all impor- tant particulars similar to those of the English. The brethren worked then, as in 1740, and even later in the three St. John's Degrees alone. The papal bull. The flame of persecution, which was kindled in France, was not confined to the country, where it originated, as we shall find as we proceed further jn our history. It was the Papal See especially, which threatened its very existence, June 25, 1737, the Pope and his Cardinals Ottobone, Spinola, and Zondedari held a conference at Rome, to which the Inquisitor of the holy office at Florence was summoned, and April 28, 1738, a formidable Bull was issued by Pope Clemens XII., beginning with the words "In eminenti' apostolatus spe- culfi' wherein the authorities, both secular and ecclesia- stic were forbidden on pain of excommunication to enter the society of Freemasons, or to propagate or favor their cause, either in their houses or palaces. In France, where, probably in consequence of several public mani- festations of the protection of Frederick the Great of Prussia, &c., a less determined opposition had been shown to Freemasonry among the upper classes, this Bull 1) was not registered, nor passed into a law, where- 1) Eitiacts from this Bull are to be met with in, several masonic 215 fore the French Fraternity did not eonsidar either this one, or the one issued some years later by Benedict XIV, a,s binding in their country. The association One of the rcsults of . this Ball> was the oftheMopaes. institution of a new association called the Mopses, which was followed by many other similar attempts of the kind.. The customs of this society are contained in a "work entitled "L'ordre des Francmagons trdhi &c."; it is said to have originated in Grermany {Cologne)^ in order to taste those delights: of Free- masonry, which had been threatened ;by the pope. All the members were of the Roman Catholic : persua- ision ; instead of an oatli, their word of honor was taken, and several of the Princes of the German ^Empii-e were Grand Masters of the Order, into which women were admitted as members. Eamaay and the Thory asscrts that in 1742 similar signs High Degrees, of degeneracy appeared in Paris, where de Chambonnet originated the Order of "h, FihcitS", into which men and women were admitted^ and to judge from the documents piieserved, good order and decency were not very carefully maintained. A branch of this order went under the name of "TAncr^', but like its predecessor it soon died out. The Police attempted, though unsuccessfully, to divert attention from the Free- masons, by establishing the "venerable order of the pa- triarch Noah" in 1735 — 42, a purely Romanist institution, which did not by one single allusion intiniate that the Masons derived their origin from the Crusades, but which bore the stamp impressed upon more recent orders of chivalry. *) The soil in which this mass of vanity works ; but the whole of it we only found in Ehrhardt's brief history &c., ■(Latin) and in "Notuma nicht Exjesuit". 1) Further particulars to be found in Kloss, France, page 43, 44. 216 ajad presumptioBf was prodaced, was a consequence of the overburdening the Lodge Mn^ incompetent members^ and the ease with which the apprentices could be ad- vanced, to the degree of Mastar, as wefl as the fact that warranta were sold to undeserving masters of Lodges &c. The Frenefa Masons soon had had enough of masooic ceremonial, but the intrinsic merit of Masonry itself they had not an idea of; for they were, because gf their vanity and partiality for ceremonies, ribands,, and the like outward marks of distinction, only capti- vated with the mere husk of Masonry. Innovaticms found ready admittance. Michael Andr. Ramsay, a Scotchman, in a speech *) delivered by him in the year 1740, encouraged these alterations, in every way prejudieioli to Masonry. He opened the door to the so-called high grades, of which the injurious effects not- withstanding the utmost exertions of genuine Free- masons, are felt to this very day. We have to thank him for introducing the I^egend of the Crusades into- Masonry, for he endeavored to prove its connection, with the Orders of St. John of Malta. The Hospitallers 1) Speech delivered by Mr. de R., Grand Orator of the Order, on the occasion of the reception of the Freemasons, see Almanack des- Coats, 1741, and Lenning's Encyclopedia, III. -viol., p. 195 &c., where the- speech is printf^d ia fall. M» At Jtareaay, a Scotch Baronet, born in 1686, died in 1743 at St. 6frn«iin-ep-Layp ; he resided chjefly in Prance, where he was known- as an historian, a;id obtained some reputation for his "Travels of Cyrus"^ In 1709, the celebrated Archbishop Finelon, converted him to the Boman' Cathoiie faith, and in the year 1724 he was tutor to the two sons of th& Pretender Ghaplea Edward, accompanying them to Bomp, where he pro- bably conceived the idea of enriching Freemasonry with his new system^ of "lis hauls- grades". It has been stated more than once, that he was- in London in 1728, to lay the foundation of this new masonic system,, but KloBS contradicts this; he was only once in England, and that in 1730, to receive the degree of Doctor of law. 217 or Templars are not here noticed, though in his "Rela- tion apologue", EaiBBay often speaks of them dispa- ragingly. The necessary qualifications for admittance into the Order, he says, are — "enlstrged views of the human race, strict morality, inviolable secrecy, and a taste for the fine arts." He adds: "It is necessary to revive and disseminate the ancient maxims, which adapted to man's nature human and divine, have formed the basis of our institution" ; .— "our forefathers (!), the Crusaders, assembled in the Holy Land, fi-om all Chri-' stendom, wished to unite in a Fraternity embracing all nations, that when bound together heart and soul for mutual improvement, they might, im the course of time, represent one single intellectual people." To compass this end, this order joined itself to that of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, afterwards known by the name of the Knights of Malta. "We have," he says in another place, "three divisions in our order, novices or appren- tices, fellows or brethren of the order (praj-^), and pre- ceptors or perfect masters [parfaifs)." Eamsay's corrupt seed, which was sown broadcast, without any proof to support it, soon met with enthu- siastic supporters. A few years after this speech had appeared in Paris, in the Soeau rompu 1745 in answer to a catechetical question, the following was surrepti- tiously inserted; "that therefore the Lodges were dedi- cated to St. John, because the Knights (!) Masons, had in the holy wars in Palastine, joined the Knights of St. John." The historical blunder contained in Ramsay's speech, would soon have been rectified by the Maltese order, and no more would have been heard of it ; but the names which were found in the Knight of the East, in the Scotch degree &c., gave occasion to the elaborat- ing from them the High Degrees. Ramsay pronounces the famous word Kilwinning in Scotland, and the promise 218 which it held out of reviving the order, was in the then state of things, only too alluring. From his speech, and from his conferences with Mr. de &eusau, it is easy to perceive, that Ramsay had in view the collectT ing of money in favor of the Pretender, as well as the forming a more select body among the Brethren. There can be no doubt, that here we have the source of the high grades. Abbd Pdrau's book, which appeared in 1742, called "Le Secret des Fr-Ms.", knows no higher degree than that of. Master Mason, neither does Travenol's catechism (1744). Yet even then mention was made of a reducing the number of Lodges, of a great work of "reformation, which had been long contemplated," and of the adoption of new signs. Nov. 30, 1744, the Lodge "of the Three Globes" in Berlin, made positive proposals for an alteration in the signs of recognition. Thus the initiative was given to a change in existing forms, and this paved the way to the introduction of the high Degrees. Count of cier- The Dukc of Autiu, died in Paris, Dec. 9, MMter. 1736, aged 36. He left behind him a con- federacy without any reliable centre, nor any intimate alliance existing among its brethren. Duke Louis of Bourbon, Count of Clermont, succeeded him as Grand Master. He was chosen by the Masters of sixteen lodges, and was installed Dec. 27, at the same time that a new lodge was formed, "La Goncorde". The new Grand Master, upon whom all the hopes of a reformation in the fraternity were set, had a diffi- cult task to perform. He *) was required to cause a more strict examination of the candidates: , for initiation, 1) Vide Franc-Mafonne, 1744, Par/ait Mapon, and Thory, hist, as well as Kloss, France. Page 54 &c, ■ " 219 to do away with the iniquitous sale of Warrants, and the extravagant expenditure at the festivities, to put a stop to ignorance, regulate the administration of th& funds, in short, put an end to all prevailing abuses, and restore the royal art to its former condition of splendor* and renown. A picture of the then condition of the Lodges may be formed from the fact, that there were no minutes taken of the proceedings of the Lodges, that the Masters of the same (mostly fixtures), disposed and regulated every thing just as they chose, without acknowledging any authority, and enipowered any and every body, to preside at the lodges. Before the year 1744, it had "become a common practise to prepare false documents, and to distribute Warrants bearing erroneous ■ dates, attributing to themselves an origin, as far back as the year 1500, — an employment which in after years, was most successfully pursued elsewhere. The superior authorities, it would seem, did not exert their power and influence, and at first count Clermont was prevented by the court from actively exerting him- self in behalf of the fraternity. The re-establishment of some degree of order, was sought to be effected by the Grand Lodge of France assuming the name of Grand Loge anglaise de France, and publishing^ a book of masonic laws, the first *) edited in France. It con- siated of twenty articles, nineteen of which are taken from the English Book of Constitutions of 1723 & 1738, accommodated to the different circumstances of the French Lodges; the twentieth Article contains this 1) "General regulfttionj, taken from the minutes of the Lodges, for the use of the French Lodges, together with the alterations, adopted at the General assembly of the Grand Lodge, Dec. 11, 1743, to serve as a ruler of action for the said Kingdom." — This important document translated into German, may be found with annotations in the "Zeitschr. f. Freimaurer" , Altenburg, 1836. 220 singulai- and important regulation : "Whereas, for some time past, several brethren, calling themselves "Scotch •Mastiers", declare and lay claim in especial Lodges, to certain rights and privileges, of which no trace is to be 'found in the ancient archives and usages practised by lodges, spread abroad over the whole surface of the earth, therefore the Grand Lodge, for the preserving of that peace and harmony which ought to prevail' amongst Freemasons, does hereby declare, that such Brethren, unless filling special offices in the Grand Lodge or other Lodges, shall not be more highly esteemed thian other apprentices and fellow-cl^afts, and shall be distinguished by no other particular marks or badges than these latter." These regulations have been compared by us, the Dep. Grand Master of the Lodge in France, with the original. La Cour, dep. Grand Master. This official communication is a convincing testi- mony to the fact, that the so-styled Scotch Freemasonry originated about this time, and further inquiry sufficiently proves, that no genuine documents can be produced, to certify that before Ramsay's mischievous speech in 1740, there existed any so-called high degree on any spot of the earth whatever. A passage in the "Parfait M(iqmi\ published in 1744, perfectly agrees with what we have just quoted. It says : "Those Masons, calling themselves Scotch Masters, affirm that they form a fourth degree. As this form, diflfering from Masonry, in many particulars, begins to meet with approval in France, it -will not be distasteful to the public" etc. This book contains the first elements of the degree of "Knights of the East", though under another name. The beginning of So far cvcry thing is perfectly clear ;, the High degrees. ^^^ ^^ g^act details of the origin and introduction of the high degrees, have not yet had suf- 221 ficient light thrown upon them, probably because there -are no records existing. Ever since the banishment of the Stuarts from England in 1688, secret alliances had been kept up between Rome and Scotland, for to the former place the Pretender James Stuart had retired in 1719, and his son Charles Edward was born there in 17.20.; and these communications became the more inti- mate, the higher the hopes of the Pretender rose '). The Jesuits played a very important part in these confe- rences; regarding the reinstatement of the Stuarts, and the extension of the power of the Roman Church, as identical, they sought at that time to make the Society of Freemasons subservient to their ends. But to make use of the Fraternity, to restore the exiled family to the throne, could not possibly have been comtCmplated, as Freemasonry could hardly be said to exist in Scotland then. Perhaps in 1724, when Ramsay was a year in Rome, or in 1728, when the Pretender in Parma *) kept up an intercourse with the restless Duke of Wharton, a Past Grand Master, this idea was first entertained, and then, when it was apparent, how difficult it would be to corrupt the loyalty and fealty of Freemasonry in the Grand Lodge of Scotland, founded in 1736, this scheme was set on foot, of assembling the faithful ad- herents of the banished Royal family in the high degrees ! The soil, which was best adogted for this innovation, was France, where the low ebb to which Masonry had sunk 1) Vide A. von EeumoDt, the Countess of Albany, 2 Vol. Berlin, 1860, Decker. 1. Vol. page 61. 2) L. c. Vol. I. page 67 it is said: "The intrigues and journeyings between Paris, England, and Rome, still continued:. Statesmen, noblemen, negotiators, and adventurers travelled backwards and forwards; we find the Pretender at Parma in an interview with the extravagant duke of "Wharton etc." 222 had paved the way for all kinds of new-fangled notions^, and where the Lodges were composed of Scotch con- spirators and accomplices of the Jesuits. When the path had thus been smoothed by the agency of these secret propagandists, Ramsay, at that time Grand Orator, (an office unknown in England) by his speech completed the preliminaries necessary for the introduction of the high degrees; their further development was left to the instrumentality of others, whose influence produced a result somewhat different from that originally intended. Their course we can now pursue, assisted by authentic, historical informations. In 1752, Scotch Masonry, as it was denominated, penetrated into Germany (Berlin) prepared from a ritual very similar to one used in Lille in 1749 and 1750; in 1743, Thory tells us, the Masons in Lyon under the name of the "Petit Elu" invented the degree of Kadosch, which represents the revenge of the Templars. The order of Knights Templars had been abolished in 1311, and to that epoch they were obliged to have recourse, when after the banishment of several Knights from Malta in 1740, because they were Free- masons, it was no longer possible to keep up a connec- tion with the order of St. John or Knights of Malta, then in the plenitude of their power, under the sover- eignity of the Pope. A pamphlet entitled, "Freemasonry divested of all its secrets" published in Strasburg in 1745, contains the first glimpse of the strict Observance *), and demonstrates how much they expected the Brotherhood to contribute towards the expedition in favor of the 1) Point 6 of these Charges Bays : "Whereas you have promised to manifest all due submission and obedience to the Order in every par- ticular, and if needs be, shed your blood in her behalf, so likewise are yon bound in case of urgent necessity and for the welfare of the Order, to contribute the tenth part of your yearly income for the use and benefit of the Society." 223 Pretender. Another important document *), which Kloss read in the form of a manuscript, and which must have been written before 1751', does not only, trace back Masonry to Palestine and the Crusades, i but likewise mentions several high degrees: "It is weM known that the Order was at first known only in the three first degrees. There are indeed Lodges, such as that of the Lodge Barnabal at Montpellier, for example, which would acknowledge no other degree than these three ; but for those very reasons, which I wish to allege in the Scotch degree, it has been proved, that the order has at all (? !) times consisted of nine degrees, which however have only come down to us gradually, and that we might receive this inheritance, some zealous. Brethren have penetrated into the very heart of the island of Albion, the sanctuary of these sacred degrees. They are: apprentice, fellow-craft, master, perfect master or L-ish architect, master elect, Scotch apprentice, fellow-craft, and master, and knight of the East." In Schroeder's "Materialien", and in Fessler's "critical history of Masonry" this composition is to be found remodelled, most certainly after the year 1751; but in both editions nqt a word is said about the knights Bosecroix (Chevalier de, Rosecroix). But the Scotch-Jacobite Ghapitre primordial of Rosecroix at Arras, pretends to have received its constitution on the fifteenth day of the second month of the year 1745, from the hands of Prince Charles Edward himself^ be- fore his expedition into Scotland , "as a tribute due to the Masons of Arras, for their many proofs of charitable sympathy, manifested during the six months he was resident amongst them." If there were reliance 2) at all 1) Historical tieatise upon Freemasonry, for the use of the St. John's Lodge, at Metz. Origin of the Order etc. See Kloss, France I. p. 72 — 74. .2) Reumont does not mention that Charles Edward was in- Arras at that period ; he seems to say that he resided in the strictest incognito. 224 to be placed in this Constitution, and it is very doubt- ful, whether it is worthy of any, yet the very word primordial would render it extremely improbable that there might have been a former constitution of this chapter in France. sometimes in Paris, and sometimes at the seat of the Duke of Berwick, Fitzjames. L. c. 1. Page 85. Prince Charlfes Edward's expedition, undertaken to recover the throne of Great Britain, Aug. 2, 1745, which terminated fatally at the Battle of CuUoden in April 1746, and the Prince's consequent flight, had drawn the attention of every one towards him. He was then in all the fresh- ness of youth, and a really chivalric prince, and as the inventors of this fable, were looking about for an historical person upon whom to bestow the title of Grand M«ster of Freemasonry or Grand Master of the Knights Templars, so it came to pass that it was reported that he bore these titles. He himself, if we are to credit what Beumont states (L. c. I. vol. Page 239) did really consider himself as hereditary Grand Master in 1783, although it is well known this dignity was conferred on the Sin- «lairs, who had resigned it in 1736, and^hat King Gustavus Adol- phu« of Sweden iu a meeting held Dec. 1, 1783, was by him (! !) appointed as bis "coadjutor and successor in the Grand Mastership, not alone, as he himself expresses , it, for the sake of his political plans, but that, with the assistance of the Lodges, something might be done towards ameliorating the condition of the then Grand Master (Charles Edward)." Previous to this, as early as Sept. 25, 1780, the King's brother, the Duke of Siidermanland, had recourse to him and had received from him an official public reply: "That the complete obscurity in which I am relating your mysteries, prevent me from replyingmore fully, until I myself am further enlightened." Though he perhaps did not seek for enlightenment in these things, yet did he endeavor to illuminate his under- standing in another way; Mahon tells us in his history vol III, he had £ince 1766 become addicted to drinking, and did not even visit the opera without a small bottle of Cyprus wine in his pocket. (Beumont L. c. I. vol, page 189.) In 1772 this hero of the strict Observance and of the fable of the Order, soon became both bodily and mentally little more than a ruin. His love of drink increased to such a degree, that he was intoxicated in the morning, and an old servant of his brother relates that no street porter could have been worse than he was. (Compare Thackeray, Henry Esmond.) 225 The "System of the faithful Scotch" in Toulouse pretends to have derived its Constitution from the same source, in 1747, in which year, it is said, Chevalier Beauchaine founded his order of "Wood- cleavers" (des Fendeurs) which was still in activity in 1809. In this manner did these tares grow and flourish, and the high Degrees were the luckless result! The vivacious Frenchman gave but too willing an ear to such fantastic suggestions, introducing them into the consecrated dominion of Freemasonry. The original three degrees, the nature of which they could not com- prehend, no longer sufficed them; they advanced from 3X3, to 33 and to fill up the measure of their folly, they moimted as high as 3X30. There were abundance of ribands, signs, customs, and offices; this flattered their vanity, and will continue to do so, as long as there €xist persons weak enough and foolish enough, to allow their money to be abstracted from their pockets. French Freemasonry assuming the position we have just described, it is no wonder that it was regarded with suspicion by the police, who, June 5, 1744, renewed a prohibition, which had been formerly issued against the landlords, and soon afterwards dispersed a meeting of forty Brethren. But this was all the persecution «ndured by the Society in Paris. As early as 1746 Prince de Conty was a zealous Mason, and in 1747 Count Clermont received the King's permission to assume the title of Grand Master. Since the introduction of the new book of laws, there were also Deputy Grand Masters, for the banker Baure, Dach^, and La Cour filled the office respectively ; but they had not sufficient authority to stem the torrent of abuses, which were gaining ground. Among the pamphlets, which appeared between the years 1744 and 47, some of which praised, while others blamed the institution, was that of the Abb^ Larudan, Pindel, History of Freemasonry. 15 226 entitled the " Franc- Magon icrasi," which follows in the wake of the priests, in their attempts to impute to the Fraternity the intermeddling with political and religious intrigues, and which pamphlet has since become the chief point, upon which the perpetual enemies of enlight- enment have founded their attacks ever since. The history of the years 1750 — 54 offers nothing worth mentioning. 2) From the institution of the Grand Lodge of France, to the installation of the Duke of Chartres as Grand lHaster. (1755— 73.") The disorder reigning in the Lodges in France, only offered greater facility for the establishment of new Lodges, Chapters, Colleges &c. Nov. 24, 1754 Chevalier de Bonneville had founded a chapter of the High Degrees, composed of "distinguished persons of the court and of the town," in which some elements of the order of Knights Templars *) were introduced, and which was known by the name of the "Chapter of Clermont", because the assemblies were held in the Jesuit college of Clermont. The Jesuits too, — those pious fathers, who are always to be found fishing in troubled waters — had no inconsiderable influence on the working out of this system. The fabulous history, on which the sixth degree is founded, asserts that seven Templars, one of whom was Aumont, took refuge on the island of Mull in Scotland, after the death of the last Grand Master 1) After the three masonic degrees, and the ancient German Scotch Degree, introduced since the year 1742, there came in the rite of Cler- mont the three French high Degrees : Chevalier de I'Aigle Elu, le Cliev. lUustre ow Templier ct le Sublime Chev. Illustre. Vide Kloss, Fr. I, page 85. 227 Molay, who was burned in Paris,' and had found on that island Harris, a Knight Templar, who had escaped there on the breaking out of the persecution. To save them- selves from starving, they had worked as Masons, and revived the Order,*) The members of this Clermont Chapter were mostly adherents of the Pretender. The Grand Lodge In the year 1755, what had hitherto been of Prance, ^jjg Qrand LoQC Anglttise, named itself the Grand Lodge of France, most probably the same day, viz : July. 4, as that on which a Lodge, regularly and expressly assembled for the purpose, signified in the presence of sixty Brethren, Masters, and Wardens, their acceptance of the new book of laws. In this book, con- taining 44 Articles,^) there is mention made of the Scotch Degrees ; ^) from many articles it is quite clear that they were devised for Catholics, and in Art. 11 — in direct opposition to the ancient fundamental laws — it is required that the candidate shall be baptised. The statutes are provided with the mysterious seal of the Scotch Lodge, therefore we may conclude that this degree was acknowledged then. New systems accumu- lated everywhere. The following year even, 1756, the first, regular, high Degree Chapter for France, that of 1) Concerning this order of Templars, and its supposed propagation. See Appendix, 2) Statuts dressis par la Res-p. L. St. Jean de Jerusalem de I'Or. de Paris gouverne par etc. Louie de Bourbon, Comte de Clermont, Gr. M. etc. pour servir de reglement A, toutes celles du Soyaume, . Kloss, L, c. cites several articles verbatim; in France there does not appear to be any copy of it extant. 3) See Art. 23 and 42. "The Scotch Masters shall have the su- preme direction of all the works; they alone can reprove for the mis- takes, which may occur ; they are always permitted to speak, may appear armed, and with their heads covered, and should they be guilty of a fault, can only be called to order by a Scotch mason." 228 the "Knight of the East", was organised, which (accord- ing to Article 7 of their statutes), declared themselves to be "Sovereign and born princes of the whole Order", • and in the course of the year 1758, a new System arose, consisting of 25 degrees,*) which arrogantly styled itself "Conseils des Emperewrs d' Orient et dJOcddent" and its members were "sovereign masonic Princes". It bestowed Warrants of constitution for Lodges of the higher degrees, nominated Grand Inspectors ^) and Deputies for the furtherance of this so-styled "perfect and sublime ma- sonry" throughout Europe, and organised in the interior of France several special councils, as for instance that of "Gonseil des Princes du Royal Secret' at Bordeaux. In 1763 Pincemaille, Master of the Lodge la Gandeur at Metz, began to publish the degrees^) of this system in numbers, which the Grand Lodge, by the payment of 300 francs, in vain endeavored to put a stop to. Amongst these degrees is the "Royal Arch Degree", jind also that of Rosecroix, invented at this period, which, according to Tschudy in his disc, hist, is nothing else than "the Koman Catholic religion incorpoi-ated into a degree." Division into two Between 1760 — 65 these Emperors of the Grand Lodges, jjast and West and sovereign masonic princes, began to be divided amongst themselves, and as both parties had long made the Grand Lodge their field of i) Kloss gives us the names of the degrees in French. L. c. I, page 88 and in Lenning's Encyclopaedia they are in German, I, page 79. — The degree of the "Knight of the East and West" still exists, and Is the 6th degree of the French system, the 15th degree of the anc. and accepted rite, and the 6th and 7th degree of the Swedish system of the Grand Lodge of Germany in Berlin. 2) Brother Stephen Morin received a warrant in 1761. See Kloss and Thory, hist. 3) See Kloss, Bibliogr. No. 1893. 229 battle, it gave rise to divisions. Jn order to put a stop to this, the Grand Lodge issued a decree, Aug. 24, 1766> opposing the high degrees, and prohibiting all symbolical Lodges to acknowledge the usurped authority of the Chapters.*) A great number of Lodges had not adopted these new-fangled notions. The decree was communi- cated to the Grand Lodge of England, who, for the purpose of upholding the views of the Grand Lodge of France, entered into a regulay correspondence with her in 1767, making an agreement together, not to confer any masonic constitution in each others' dominions. But this decree made its appearance too late to be of any use; the hostilities had already led to a separation, and to the founding of a second Grand Lodge; both paijes abused each other in their publications, until the government interfered, and the Grand Lodge in 1767 commanded their meetings to be discontinued. But this did not prevent the expelled members from working in secret, so that between the years 1767 — 71, many new consti- tutions were granted, either by them, or by the assist- ants of the Grand Master, Chaillou de JoinAalle, or by the masters of Lodges. Thirteen Lodges were established in Paris and the provinces, and it is gratifying to per- ceive, that many of the brethren in France, had by no means forgotten their rela ions with England, but seemed to regard the ancient English masonic charge's as still binding upon them. The Grand Master, count Clermont, died June 15, 1771, having done little or nothing for the welfare of the fraternity. Before his dissolution the ancient breth- ren, of the nobility and of the parliament {Empereurs d'Orient) had made several unsuccessful attempts to 1) See Thory, hist, de la fondation du Gr. Cr. (KeprJnted in the Monde Mafonnique, edited hj Dlbach and Favre. N" 7. 230 reorganise the Grand. Lodge. The expelled brethren, the citizens {Chevaliers d' Orient) were not idle either; they gave out, that reforms were about to be set on foot, and managed*) to obtain an audience of the Duke of Luxemburg, declaring themselves to be the very heart and core of the ancient Grand Lodge, commissioned to secure through him the consent of Louis Philippe, Duke of Chartres, afterwards Philippe Egalit^, to his (Louis Philippe's) being chosen Grand Master of France, who accepted the office, and nominated Luxemburg as his substitute. A meeting of the Grand Lodge took place June 21, 1771 ; three of the eldest masters, Puisieux, I'EveiUe and Le Lorrain presided, to which several of the exiled Brethren were admitted. It was determined that the decrees of banishment issued in 1766, should be repealed ^) and declared invalid, and that proper steps should be taken for the appointment of a Grand Master. The Grand Officers were chosen Aug. 14. of that same year, and a new constitution comprised in 53 and 41 Articles, was proposed, accepted, and signed by the Deputy-general. These articles differed from the former ones, in that the representative system was adopted, and the co-operation of all lodges for the settlement of general questions, was established by law. At the «nd of this most eventful year (Dec. 17.), it was resolved, that 22 Provincial Grand Inspectors should be appointed, whose office should continue for three yeai-s, and their duty be, to visit the Lodges, to watch over the execu- tion of the laws, to regulate the purport and value of the works, and to submit to the Grand Lodge at their 1) Memoire juslif. du Ven. Fr. de la Chaussee, 1772. 2) The restoration of the excluded members, was DOt definitively pronounced until Oct. 17, consequently the minutes mentioned abore of June 21, are misdated. 231 ■quarterly meetings, a written account of their proceed- ings. April 5, 1772, the newly-elected Grand Master, the Duke of Chartres, "out of love to the royal art" accepted the office, in ordei', as is stated in the formula of installation, "to concentrate all masonic energy under one single constituted authority". These documents did not refer entirely to the Grand Lodge, but likewise embraced the high degrees of the system of the Empe- rors of the East and West, and by this means was the way paved for the "Souverain Conseil" of the high degrees, to unite itself with the Grand Lodge. This actually took place Aug. 9, and thus the party of the Knights of the East was completely ignored. The Grand Orient The General- Administrator, the Duke of of France. Luxemburg, it is true, accepted the presi- dency of the Lodge of the Emperors of the East, but declared at once, that he did not on that account im- pute any special jurisdiction, precedence, or superiority to this body above that of the Grand Lodge. At the same time that the resolution of Aug. 9. was passed, a committee was formed to take some reforms into con- sideration, which should obviate the evils, caused by certain abuses which had crept in, and a circular *) was issued Sept. 17. to all Lodges, ascribing the divisions to the exclusive privileges claimed by the high degrees. This sealed the fate, of the Masters, chosen for lifetime. Several articles of the new statutes, which should restore to the fraternity their original prerogatives, were dis- cussed in their meetings, held in the course of the year 1773, and March 9, the Duke of Luxemburg in the Chair, 1) See the words of this manifesto, of which Thory takes no notice, hut given by Kloss L. c. page 139. The committee was formed of Brs. Bruneteau, Gaillard, de Boulainvillers, Lacan, Labady, Daubertain, de Toussainct and Lalande. 232 it was agreed by the Grand Lodge, that it should be called Grand Loge Nationale, afterwprds Chand Orient de France. The Masters in Paris do not appear to have recognised immediately, that the privileges accorded to the Lodges in the Provinces, were opposed to their pretensions. They seem however soon to have been enlightened by Br. Lab a dy,*) an active and intriguing man, whereupon a general meeting of the ancient Grand Lodge was convened, June 17, at which several members of the before mentioned committee were pre- sent, and a formula was drawn up, protesting against the reforms which had just been prepared. In a second generel assembly,*) June 20, 1773, every thing was declared to be of no force and voic. "which had p^ready passed in the National Assembly, or might hereafter be passed," and it was determined to call upon aU Masons, to unite themselves to this community, and to beseech the most Worsh., the General Administrator, to take the chair in person, as had formerly been the case, and "in every particular to preserve to the Grand Lodge all its rights and privileges." The new National Grand Lodge (Gr. Or.) in the mean while continued to work uninterruptedly, the chapters of bye-laws and regulations, which had been approved of, were printed, and a circular published, addressed to all the Lodges in the kingdom, giving a summary of their proceedings hither ;o. It therein states : "The masters of the Lodges in Paris, had already acquainted you with the nomination of his Highness the Duke of Chartres to the office of Grand Master, and 1) Labady, Secretary of the Provinces, was suspended; he had a dispute with de la Chaussee. For further particulars see Kloss L. c. page 169 &c. 2) This document is to be found in Kloss, L. i-. I, page 159 &c. 233 the most illustrious Brother, the Duke of Luxemburg,, to that of General Administrator of the Order in France. As circumstances required reforms in the administration of the order, eight commissaries had been deputed in an assembly of the Masters at Paris, specially to in- vestigate the matter, upon which work they had been engaged during six months. The circular invitation^ which you had already received, to co-operate in the installation of a Grand Master, as well as to obtain your sanction to the regulations proposed by the com- mittee, had occasioned your deputation to come to the capital; they have made themselves known, and have convened a meeting, March 5, 1773. In a second assembly, March 8, they had accepted and by acclama- tion confirmed their choice of his Highness, the Grand Master, as also of the General-Administrator, and had concluded in conjunction with the'r Par'i'ian Brethren, to exert t\emselves to promote the welfare of the Order. March 9, the body of depuiies from the provinces, the Genera) Administrator presiding, had assembled and con- ferred with the commissaries chosen by the Masters of the Lodges in Paris." Seven brethren with the General A'dministrator at their head, were sent to the Grand Master, to obtain his approbation, in which they were successfal. "Whereupon the bye-laws projected by the commissioners of the Masters ^rom Paris were submitted to the assembly, and a committee of nine Brethren appointed to examine them. The Masters from Paris, zealously desirous to work for the general benefit,, assembled in five divisions, for the purpose of nominat- ing fourteen deputies, to be their representatives in the general assembly. These, with the deputies from the provinces, and those also from Paris, who together in fact represented the whole body of the Masons in France, under the denomination of "Orande Log& 234 Nationale" have come to the fixed determination, to pass such laws, and to confer upon the Order such a system, as shall most effectually tend to suppress those abuses, which it was believed had become incorporated in the ancient administration. Their chief aim and purpose is to establish equality, and therefore have they summoned the provinces to exercise their rights and privileges in common with the administration." Atten- tion is then drawn to the four first chapters of the Statutes. As the requisite nomination of new officers might disturb the harmony, their appointment is left to the ■Chief- Administrator, "who takes the precedence in all meetings," and thus becomes acquainted- with each member personally. Information is then accorded touch- ing money transactions, which are to be collected and discharged by means of the constitutions, certificates, and principally by the contributions of individual Lodges, under the appellation don gratuit, to the now generally accepted authority called "Gratid Ofient!' The list of the officers forming the Qrand Orient, is composed of many brilliant names; it contains the following : Grand Master, Duke of Chartres ; General Administrator, Duke of Montmorency-Luxemburg; Grand- Oonservator, Count of Buzen9ois; the representative of the Grand Master, Prince de Rohan; Grand Orator, Baron de la Chevalerie; Grand Expert, Prince de Pig- natelly, who in 1770 received from the Grand Lodge in London the patent of a Grand Master for Naples and Sicily &c. The old Grand Lodge, on the other hand, renewed her former protest, and on the 30th of Aug. declared the National Grand Lodge, as unlawful, surreptitious, and irregular, and all Masters presiding, taking part in their decrees, were to be displaced from office, and on 235 the following day, the publication of a history of Free- masonry was announced in these words: "The results of the closest investigation, which will greatly contribute to put an end to the schism which has been introduced, and to undeceive such Masons, as imagine that Free- masonry is derived solely from. England." Whether this history ever appeared, we do not know, but in the same year 1773 there was published the "MSmoire sur I'Msfotre de la Franc-Magonnene," by Br. Lalande, who sup- ported the views of the Grand Orient. This opposition of the ancient Grand Lodge threw many difficulties in the way of the Grand Orient, especially as regards the correspondence, as they themselves scarcely knew their new disciples. All the documents, registers, deeds, and all authentic memorials, had remained in the Secretary's Office of the Grand Lodge ; therefore the new commu- nity could not answer any questions, put to them by lodges, touching their antecedents. The members of the ancient Grand Lodge were neither to be moved by kindness, nor by the most thundering decrees of the Grand 0<:ient, to deliver up their memorials. The Duke of Luxemburg went *) so far, as to procure a warrant from the lieutenant of police, to throw the keeper of the seal, and several other members of the ancient Grand Lodge, into prison. But this violent proceeding did not have any other result, than increasing the enmity between them, and causing the defection of many Lodges; the prisoners were soon discharged by the police and the delivering up of the memorials was only refused with the greater pertinacity. This was the position assumed by Freemasonry in France, in 1773, the same year as that in which in 1) Thory, hist, de la fond., p. 45 236 England innovations and errors had crept in, through the so-called ancient Masons, and in Germany through the "strict observance". 3) From the Installation of the Grand Kaster, to the Intro- duction of the high Degrees of the Grand Orient. (1773—1783.) The new constitution, as did also all the resolutions passed since March 5, only awaited the approval and acceptance of the Grrand Master, to give them legal force. It was therefore deemed expedient (Aug. 30,. 1773), to depute four Grand Officers to go to him, and to request his ratification of the same. The DukCj. however, would not receive the deputation, not so much because of his anger excited at the derisive remarks concerning his new dignity, as beca"use he ardently wished to receive permission again to appear at court. A second attempt met with the like success, and not before Oct. 14, was the deputation admitted to an audience, which congratulated him first on the birth of a son, and then besought him to name a day for his installation. This took place *) Oct. 22, 1773. The offi- cers took an oath, and the Grand Master confirmed the choice of Grand Officers, as well as the new bye-laws and regulations, sealing them with his own seal. After this had taken place, he superintfended the labors of the single divisions, the Chamhre d' Administration, the Gham- bre des Provinces et de Paris, in which latter, the orator Br. Louis le Roi^) said: "The national body has con- 1) According to more ancient statements 22, but according to Thory, Oct. 28. 2) Kloss, L. 0. I, page 190. 237 iided to us the management of the capital city; masonry is therein represented by a vast number of Lodges arid Masons in strange chaos and confusion: she confides herself to our care, to free her from all impurities ; we remove from her every thing that is unbecoming, we reinstate honorable and worthy Masons j we inflame her zeal, we endeavor to introduce regularity in all things &o." From the time of the installation of the Grand Master, the Grande Loge Nationale relinquished this appellation, and adopted that of Grand Orient de France. Those only were accounted regular lodges, which were provided with certificates from the Grand Orient, and the lodges had consequently to procure new warrants; a revision of the high degrees was determined upon, and a committee appointed for the purpose, but the lodges were strictly enjoined to follow the example of the chief community, and to carry on their business only in the three symbolical degrees. It is however remarkable, that notwithstanding this admoni- tion, the Grr. Or., June 10, 1774, entertained the very anomalous idea of lodges of a,doption for women. Provincial lodges. As the holding of the meetings of the Gr. Or. in private houses, was attended with many in- conveniences, an' appropriate edifice was hired, one which had formerly been the Jesuit College, which they moved into Aug. 12, 1774. Br. de Lalande made the ■opening speech, and the Gr. Or. infornaed its subordinate lodges, of this event. For the purpose of lightening the burden of the enormous correspdndeitce, on Oct. 22, 1774, hey again referred to the plan before conceived, of establishing provincial lodges. France, in accordance with one of these proposed plans, was to be divided into 32 generalities ; the capital 238 city of each should form the chief seat of a Provincial Grand Lodge, which should consist of the presiding Masters, the past Masters, and certain deputies. The provincial lodge was to be permitted the appointment of a. deputy to the Gr. Or., and the business department of the new society would be : to superintend the general condition of the institution, its labors, reforms, and the carrying out of the instructions received &c.; to be the arbiters of all disputes, which might arise between Brethren and Lodges, to provide for the election of officers at the appointed time, and for the proper trans- mission of the memorials &c. This plan was approved of, it is true, but met with but little support, so that only from 4 — 5 provincial lodges were established, of which the oldest was that of Lyons. This institution began to be regarded with suspicion by the Gr. Orient, therefore Dec. 29, 1810, it was entirely done away with. In the winter, St. John's Day, Dec. 27, a most im- portant resolution was taken, which must not be passed over. The General Administrator, the General Conser- vator, and the fifteen Grand Officers had received their offices for life from the Grand Master. Luxemburg now proposed, and was seconded by all those interested in the proceeding, that their offices should be held for three years, and the nomination left to the Grand Orient. The Grand Master himself professed his readiness to have a similar change made in his office, but it was not accepted. This festival was rendered worthy of being remembered by an act of masonic beneficence. Thirty-five persons, who had been imprisoned for not paying the money for their children's board and lodg- ing, were set free, and many who for the same cause had been threatened with imprisonment, were by the settlement of the arrears due, delivered from the im- pending danger. 239 The Lodge In the year 1775, as many as 132 Lodges la candenr. }jad joined the Grand Orient, but only one single provincial lodge had been established. At the end of this year, Dec. 25, the Lodge de la Gandeur, at Paris, in which the Marquis de F^nelon had been initiated, was consecrated by the Grand Master in per- son. Among the brethren who attended, one hundred of whom are expressly said to have belonged to the aristocracy, were the Duke de Choiseul, the Marquis de la Fayette, Washington's companion in arms, two princes of Hesse &c. Deeds of beneficence marked every meet- ing of this lodge; likewise thanks are due to it, that through its influence the "persecution against the Free- masons, which had broken out in Naplfes, was pijt a stop to. The strict obaervance Brother von Wciler had, Feb. 27, u. France. ^774^ received from Br. von Hund,. the Grand Master of the "strict observance", the war- rant as Gommissarius generates perpetuus Visitatioms,. and authority to re-establish the second, third, and fifth province of the "strict observance", Auvergne, Occitania^ and Burgundy. Thereupon Weiler, having Prof. H. Ber- nard's ritual of the high degrees with him, translated into French, undertook a sort of missionary journey into France, where the system had taken its rise, and after the lapse of ten or eleven weeks, succeeded in winning over these provinces to adopt the system once more. The Grand Orient, whose chief officers secretly belonged to the "strict observance", resolved May 5, 1755, to unite themselves to these directories, and May 31 of the following year, the treaty of union *) was approved of by a very large majority. As this treaty 1) It consists of 12 articles, and is printed in KIoss, France, page 210. 240 however, had been contracted by masonic communities, whose ritual had been drawn up according to a foreign form, the Rite rSforme de Dresde, a system, the real purpose and aim of which was unknown to the Grand Orient, and which traced its origin to a foreign source, the French national feeling was unpleasantly affected, and it was deemed by the Grand Orient a sufficient reason for inditing a circular epistle, stating their motives for so doing. Many lodges had before this uttered their opinions concerning this deed of union, at the \'Tery outset; the lodge at Eennes called it an unrighteous act, and demanded its abandonment, "as the Grand Orient was not invested with power' sufficient to do so," and by degi-ees the dissatisfaction of the French brethren continued to spread. The provincial Grand Lodge of Lyons especially, most decidedly opposed it, in a series of pamphlets. During the negotiations in the Grand Orient touching the acceptance of the Scotch directories, {of the strict observance) the Grand Master, accom- panied by his wife, made an imposing journey through France, which was of great benefit in confirming and increasing the authority of the Grand Orient. This proved to be so much the more necessary as the ancient Grand Lodge was by no means its only opponent. New superior Shortly after this, in opposition to the for- communities. g^g^ (Q-erman) system of Masonry, a national Scotch system was established; for the Lodge of St Lazarus, instituted by L. Th. Bruneteau, declared herself in 1776 as the mother lodge du Rite Ecossais phihsophique and assumed, the name "du Gontrat socwT. The aims of this system were very similar to those of the German Rosicrucians. At Metz was founded the chapter of "St. Theodor", which acknowledged the revised ritual of Saint Martin; at Arras there was a Scotch-Jacobite chapter ; at Paris the Lodge {A. R. i. e. 241 Amis reunis) had practised since 1773 the ritual of the Philaletheans or seekers after truth, to whose secret -chapters no officer of the Orand Orient was admitted; ^t Montpellier, in 1778, in the Lodge "de la SinciriU des Coeurs", a Rosicrucian chapter was instituted, and the Lodge of Philadelphians at Narbonne, practised the so-styled Rite jmmitif. At Rennes, Masons had united under the title "Sublimes Slus de la viriti" &c.*) Belief in the reality of the high degrees was so firmly rooted in the French Masons, that if dimmed the vision of the most clear-sighted; so that when the idea of knights Lad been exhausted, they easily fell into other absur- dities, such as second-sight, theosophy &c. cagiiostro. All thesc exaggerations and profanations, which were the necessary consequence of the aban- donment of the ancient landmarks and principles of Freemasonry, were far exceeded by the notorious dagliostro.^) This bold, unscrupulous adventurer, whose real name was Joseph Balsamo, was born at Palermo in 1743. To impetuous eloquence he united the most consummate impudence. Having acquired a certain ■degree of medical and chemical knowledge, after having married the beautiful Lorenza Feliciani in Rome, he travelled about, from Lisbon to Petersburg, under as- sumed names, such as the Marquis de Bellegrini, Count ^elix, but chiefly that of Count Cagliostro, plundering all the credulous, sometimes calling himself a maker of gold, sometimes a conjurer, or a dealer in miraculous 1) See Thory, liist. de la fondation du Gr. Or. (Monde Mac. III. vol. page 553.) 2) Vide amongBt others the "Life and deeds of Jos. Balsamo &c." From the law-suit carried on against him in Rome in 1790 &c. Franken- thal 1790. Also the article "Cagliostro" by the Latomia-Society in New Tork in the Masonic Eclectic, vol. I, No. 3. (1860) New York. Find el, History of Freemasonry. 16 242 cures, to restore youth, to prolong life, and re-awaken passions, which had long died out. His disciples attained to a physical new-birth and lived 5557 years, if accord- ing to the directions, they had received, they made use once every fifty years of a cure in the country, which lasted forty days, and were bled, during ftdl moon in the month of May, taking three grains of Materia -prima at several times, drinking distilled water, and eating very little solid food. What he gained elsewhere, was nothing in com- parison to that, which he contrived to extract from the Freemasons. Having in 1770 been initiated into a Lodge- in London, into which he was admitted with the hope of learning something from him of the Rosicrucian tenets, he passed through the three degrees in one day, ini- tiating his wife at the same time, that she might here- after be of use to him, he then went to Grermany,. where he became acquainted with the strict observance, and received instruction fi-om Christ. Nic. von Schroeder in Theosophy and the secret sciences. Armed with all this information, and having in his possession a manu- script, he had bought in England, written by a certain George Cofton, he set about founding a new system of masonry, which was called by him the Egyptian *) masonry, and was afterwards celebrated, especially in France. He was the head, under the title of Qrani Cophta^) (Grandkopt) and his wife Grandkophtin. The members were styled, simply, Kopten and Kopfinnen', for the order was for both sexes, he initiating the men, she the women. In the Woman's Lodge, the presiding 1) This extravagant order continued to exist from about the year 1782—88. — The Jlisraimic system in France (99 degrees) likewisfc styles its ritual, Egyptian. 2) See the Grandlsophta. Comedy in five acts. By Goethe. 243 female was called the "Queen of Sheba". The advan- tages held out to the initiated were, the prolongation of life, a new-birth both physically and morally (the latter consisting in the attainment of original purity), dominion over the world of spirits, and the possession of the philosopher's stone. Longevity was secured by the use of strengthening medicines, and by drinking Egyptian wines, into which stimulants had been pre- viously infused by him, and by ointments for the skin for the "Koptinnen". The science of Theurgy was prac- tically exemplified on children, who having been properly trained for the purpose, were introduced into the assem- blies, and there after innumerable incantations were favored with visions. The philosopher's stone he kindly prepared for his friends, charging them ten times more, than the gold, which he had put in it, was worth. In 1779, Cagliostro introduced his ritual into Mitau in Courland, founding several Lodges there, and so far ingratiating himself into - the favor of Countess E 1 i s e von der Recke, that she recommended him to the Empress Katharine of Russia. However when she dis- covered that he was an impostor, she unmasked him in a pamphlet, which was translated into the Russian lan- guage: "Information concerning the sojourn of the notorious Cagliostro in Mitau in 1779, and of the magic arts practised by him. Berlin 1787." He then wandered to France, where he for the first time, felt himself com- pletely at home. He became there the hero of the day;, he was designated the great or the "divine" Cagliostro, Persons of rank wore his portrait, and that of his wife in rings, snuff-boxes, and fans The nobility pointed to- his bust of marble or bronze, which adorned their state rooms. In 1782, he appeared in Lyons, where he established a "Mother lodge of the Egyptian rite", under the title 1(5* 244 *'the triumph of wisdom" From this one, a numerous family of daughter lodges, were rapidly developed. He gained very considerable sums by conferring constitu- tions on these lodges, besides being well paid by all those, who were admitted members. The Parisians burned with impatience to receive the hero within their walls. At length he made his appearance, and every one was filled with wonder and delight. After such a reception, he presumed, it would be an easy thing to place himself at the head of all the lodges. But in this he deceived himself. By degrees his fraud became manifest; in the affair of the necklace, the police gave him a great deal of trouble, so that he deemed it ad- visable to quit France before the breaking out of the Revolution. He went to London, and thence to Rome, where he hoped to find a new field for his operations. But the Inquisition put a stop to his career; Dec. 27, 1789 he was thrown into prison. After a trial, which lasted many years, the Inquisition condemned him to death, which the Pope changed into imprisonment for life. He died in 1795. The Mot Of the further proceedings of the Grand de semestre. Orient WO will mention : a) the resolution of Feb. 21, 1777, which forbids the Lodges and Masons "to have anything printed until they have produced their Manuscript; b) that the lawful age for the initiation of an apprentice was 21, of a Fellow 23, and of a Master 25. July 3, 1777, the Grand Master appeared for the first time since his installation, in the solemnly adorned ball of the Grand Orient, and for the last time too, as it would seem. "Convinced, by long experience, of the insufficiency of the means hitherto employed, to keep away spurious masons, we do not think we can do -wrong, to ask the Grand Master to communicate to the regular masons a word once in six months, which will 245 make them known as such, to the lodges, which they may. respectively visit." This the Grand Master*) im- mediately did, and since then this Mot de Semestre ha» been communicated every half year. Voltaire's In the following year 1778 the Lodge of imti!i,tion. "Nine Sisters", which had been established, by Lalande, and had been quickly joined by members^ of superior intellectual attainmen.ts, was distinguished by the initiation of Voltaire among their number^ Franklin and Count de Gebelin introduced him into the- Temple; the examination related to mere moral que- stions, and the usual forms were dispensed with. "His^ initiation was a triumph for himself, and of incalculable- benefit to those present." Immediately after his initia- tion he was transferred to the Orient, where the presid- ing master, Lalande, welcomed him. Many persons of distinction, amongst whom we may mention George^ Forster, adorned this lodge, each in his sphere, actively endeavoring to spread the knowledge of the arts and sciences. No meeting was held, without some exposition taking place, either on philosophy, history, poetry, or art, nor any in which considerable sums were not col- lected for benevolent purposes, and reports made con- cerning the appropriation of these sums. At that time lodges of adoption or Women's lodges were convened^ dependent upon this and other lodges, for the purpose of collecting money for the relief of the needy. In this year the Ancient Grand Lodge again made a, move: Jan. 18, 1788, she had published a list of her officers, and continued to do so uniijterruptedly until the breaking out of the Revolution. A copy of their -Statutes, accompanie/i by a circular epistle, was likewise 1) Thory erroneously fixes the date of the communication of tliia Parole to Oct. 22, 1773. 246 published, which is so much the more interesting, as from it we learn, that since 1773, none of their doings had been made public. In a simple and moderate tone, which contrasts pleasingly with that assumed by the Grand Orient, they therein strive, to establish their rights. Kloss gives this singular document in its en- ti rety. Towards the end of the year 1778, the Scotch •directories in Auvergne and Burgundy invited to a Con- vent National des Gaules in Lyons, which assembly was actually convened in Nov. and Dec. The name of ^'Templars" was exchanged for that of "■Chevalier bien- Jaisant de la sainte citS", and some unimportant changes in the ritual of the "strict observance" were made, without however causing any breach with this latter. -The Martinists. The Centre from whence these ''■Chevaliers hienfaisants" dealt out their sublime wisdom was from "the Lodge "des Amis rSunis" in Paris, mentioned above, they on their part being enlightened by a small number of most intimate and confidential friends, formerly attached to the degree of the "Philosophes inconnus" but afterwards to the "Philalethes", calling their union a "divine order". The symbolic books, in which this ■order vouchsafed to manifest the only true light, to 4he masonic world, were the celebrated work: "Error «nd Truth'' {Des Erreurs et de la VSritS), translated by ■Olaudius into German, and "The true pictm-e of the relations between God, Man, and the Universe" (Tableau naturel etc. entre Di'eUjl'hom.me etl'univers). The most con- spicuous disseminators of this light were the Brothers "Villermoz, St. Amand, Count de Lerney, Saint Martin &c. ^rom this latter, the adherents of this" mystical-theo- sophic system received the name of Martinists. L. C. de Saint Martin, born at Amboise in 1743, died at Paris in 1803, was a French officer, who made 247 himself known as a disciple of Martin Paschalis and of rJacob Boehnie, some of whose writings he translated, obtaining for the extravagant notions of his master a favorable hearings on account of his general knowledge and pleasing exterior. He transferred some of his ideas to Masonry, which he regarded as an emanation from the deity, forming a new system of ten degrees in two Temples. The first Temple consisted of: 1) Apprentice ^^ 2) Fellow ^ 3) Master — 4) Ancient Master — -5) Elected one — 6) Grand Architect — 7) Mason of the Mystery.— The second temple embraced: 8) Prince ^f Jerusalem — 9) Knight of Palestine — 10) Kadosch ^r Saint. — This system was afterwards reduced to seven degrees, and bore the name of "Eccossisme rSformS de St. Martin". In 1778^ in the convent of Lyons, it became united to that of the French branch of the -"strict observance". 1) All these different chapters and lodges were inde- pendent of the Grand Orient ; they refused all connection with it, and frustrated every attempt that was made to comprehend them within its jurisdiction. All these impediments made the Grand Orient less presumptuous in her tone, or at least ca,used her to rchange her line of policy. She declared to the various .masonic directories, independent of her, that it wa,s not .her intention, nor did it lie in her power, to declare herself the supreme authority of all the masonic frater- nities in France; that she accorded to every one free leave, to seek elsewhere for that light, which she could jiot herself bestow. Her jurisdiction extended solely over those Lodges having the French ritual, and her .dominion was based simply upon the free will of her 1) For further particulars of St. Martin, see "Handbl£. of Frce- dcnaaonry", I, 282: 248 adherents &c. With these and similar declarations did she seek to lull the suspicions of the Directories of the- other systems. But in secret she was more than ever active in carrying out her former plan. Trinmpii of the The mania for higher degrees, continued higi Degrees, ^o be in the asccndant, and the respect shewn to such as adopted them, became every day more positive. -To counteract this, the Grand Orient deter- Tnined to abate some of her masonic strictness, audi likewise accept the high Degrees. A revision of her system was debated on, but again abandoned, as the committees were not inclined to incorporate the high degrees, in their system. In 1782 however a commission was appointed under the title "Ghamhre des Grades" ,- which after having been occupied five years with these degrees, submitted the result of their labors to the Grand Orient. Four high degrees were proposed, viz: Elw, ' C'kevalter d' Orient, Eccossais, and Chevalier Rose- Croix j which being compiled from all the other degrees, were- supposed to contain the quintessence of masonic science. The Grand Orient approved of the proposition, submitted by the commission, and immediately declared that these were the only high degrees, which could be accepted by the lodges under her jurisdiction. The introduction of these four high degrees into French Masonry was attended with most prejudicial consequences. Most of the St. John's Lodges regarded these regulations as an absurd innovation, and the directors and members of the high degrees, saw in it a profanation of their mysteries. Consequently the new system was every- where rejected, and even in France very few Lodges accepted it. Notwithstanding this, the Grand Orient carried on her scheme uninterruptedly, and were so fortunate as to induce the Directors of some other systems, so far to unite with them, as to acknowledge^ 249 ■the Grand Orient, the chief of all the Lodges of sym- bolic Masonry in. France, for which concession the Gt. Or. guaranteed,, neither to disturb them in the practise of their ritual, nor to hinder their distributing letters of affiliation for the higher degrees of their- system.*) Associations of this kind were, it is true, nothing more than mere peace compacts, but at any rate, they secured to the Gr. Orient this advantage, that, diminishing the number of her enomies, and being supported by the appeased directories, she was placed upon a more equal footing with the Grand Lodge,^ which in 1781 had again given tokens of existence, and in 1783 had issued to her subordinate lodges her long promised report of her doings, in the publication ^'Instruction Historique". Thus stood the two chief lodges in continued mutual opposition to each other, and to- single lodges of direction, till at length the French Revolution put an end to all disputes, but at the same time snapped the bands of the fraternity in twain. E. Germany, (1736-1783). 1) Indroduction and first propagation of Freemasonry. The German fraternity of Stonemasons, was not itt a condition to develop new vigor, nor promote th& •interests of Freemasonry to any very considerable degree; it vegetated in secret under the pressure of prohibitory laws, and the yoke of party spirit. But the; 1) Etat dn Grand Or. de France. T. IV. 2. p. 19. 250 iroad and comprehcDsive signification which the Eng- lish constitution imparted to the fraternity, interested -every one in its favor, fulfiUing the desires of all those in Germany, who were longing for the uniting of all right minded people, to practise what was right, and to carry out the ideal of earthly perfection. Among the Hasons initiated in England, were no inconsiderable number of Grermans of good family, who were all more or less zealously engaged in producing an entrance of the brotherhood into Germany, which became so much the easier after the election of the king of Hanover to the English throne, and the active commercial inter- -course kept up between the Ijsro nations. Even as early ■as 1730, we find everywhere in North, West, and Cen- tral Germany ') members of the society, wherever they met, whether in their travels or in watering places, uniting together, and forming temporary lodges, which -only required hastily improvised arrangements and equip- ments.*) Their work consisted in the communication of mutual, masonic intelligence, in reading aloud the Book of constitutions, and in catechising. In 1733 the ■Grand Master, Brother Count Strathmore, granted per- mission to "eleven German gentlemen and good breth- ren" in Hamburg, to found a permanent lodge, con- cerning which however we possess no further informa- tion ; it being not till 1737 that a lodge without a name :first came into active operation in that town. In 1741 it assumed the title of "Absalom", after Brother Liitt- mann had in 1740, received his patent of Provincial <3rrand Master, from England; this name it still bears; in the same year (1741) the proceedings of the Prov. 1) See W. Keller, Hist, of Freemasonry in Germany. 2) See "Freemasonry in the O. of Hannorer. 1860." P. 1. Hist, •of Fr. Voigts. 251 Or. Lodge of Hamburg and of Lower Saxony were opened. It was the most ancient masonic Mother Lodge in Germany. Brother H. W. von Marschall, who in 1737 had been nominated by the Grand Master Darnley, Provincial Grand Master in Upper Saxony, does not • -appear to have displayed especial zeal in the cause. Frederick the Freemasoury first enjoyed consideration and Great. ^ firm footing in Germany, when the highly- lifted Crown-prince, afterwards King Frederick II. of Prussia, was initiated. Without his influence, Masonry in Germany would, have hardly met with support, nor have been very extensively disseminated; this example soon induced many other German princes to do as he had done. These persuaded the nobility around them to join, and thus it happened, that at the close of the Seven years' War, it was regarded as a mark of noble iirth or of high breeding, to belong to the Fraternity. Upon occasion of a visit *), which Frederick Wil- iiam, accompanied by the Crown-prince, paid to the Prince of Orange at Loo, in Geldern, the conversation -during dinner, turned upon Freemasonry. The king, who had already heard of it as an English invention, but in consequence of his orthodox views on religion, -and of the distrust excited in his mind towards it, by the clergy, could not tolerate it, spoke of it slightingly -and harshly; while Count von Lippe-Buckeburg, who w^as present, defended it with such ingenuous ardour, that the Crown-prince soon expressed a wish, to be received into a fraternity, which owned amongst its jnembers, men who were such sincere lovers of truth. The Count raised difficulties, and represented to him 1) See "Freemasons Library. Berlin, 1792. 3rd Edition. I. Piece." Page 57; — "2?er Ziegeldecker im 0. von Altenburg, Von LiUzelborger." 1836. 9. Piece. 252 the danger to which such a step might expose him^ But nothing daunted Frederick, and it was therefore agreed that on his return his initiation should take- place at Brunswick, and a Deputation of the Hamburg Lodge "Absalom" was ordered to be there in readiness. Brunswick was the place chosen, as it was hoped that, as many strangers were present, it being the annual fair, the initiation might the more easily be concealei from the cognisance of his suspicious father. The less his parent durst know of the matter, the better pleased. did the son become with the inauguration, which was consummated on the night of Aug. 14, with closed doors, in the presence of Brothers von Bielefeld, von Oberg, von Lowen, von Kielmannsegge, von Lippe- Btickeburg &c., according to the ancient usages.*) The initiation of his companion, Count von Wartensleben,. took place immediately afterwards. About four o'cioek- in the morning, this memorable deed was concluded. Very soon after his return home, a lodge was secretly organised in the castle of Rheinsberg, and the number of members made privy to the transaction was aug- mented, and when, in 1740, Frederick ascended the throne, he himself wielded the hammer, and conducted the first work with his own hand at the castle in Char- lottenburg, June 20. In that same year Sept. 13, at his instigation, a new Lodge was established in Berlin, which was called "zu den drei WeUkugeln" (the three Globes), and in 1744 it was advanced to be the Grand. Mother Lodge. The King assumed the office of Grand- Master, and continued to bear the title, even though during the Seven Years' War and the cares that govern- ment entailed on him, he was prevented from attending- 1) Frederick had begged to be treated like any other person. See: Keller, Deutschl., page 182. 253 "to his masonic duties; but in 1747, for the actual trans- action of business, a vice-Grand Master was nominated> the Duke of Holstein-Beck, when the statutes were revised, a suitable place for their meetings engaged, «,nd the finances regulated. Francis I. What the protection of Frederick the Great had been for Freemasonry in Prussia, was in like manner secured in Austria by the favor of the Emperor Francis I. Born Dec. 8, 1708, he was in 1731, when Duke of Lothringen, first made an apprentice and then ■a fellow, at the Hague, the Duke of Chesterfield in the dhair, and afterwards became Master, in London, under ■the name of "Brother Lothringen.^^ His wife Maria Theresa looked with disfavor on the Fraternity, but it throve notwithstanding, and many Lodges were silently formed in the capital of the Austrian dominions, as also in Prague, and other towns. Imbued with the spirit of his times, it is true, that Prancis shewed but little taste for the homely simplicity ■of Freemasonry, being far more inclined to the absur- -dities of Alchemy; still however we do not find him ■only at his crucible, but wherever he could be active in Freemasonry. He zealously promoted the cultivation of 1;he fine arts, shewed toleration in religion, relieved the poor, and more than once placed his own life in peril, when he endeavored to rescue the unfortunate ones from perishing, at the conflagration in Vienna, and at the inundation of the Danube. To the tutor of Iris iighly gifted son he wrote: "My son shall be instructed in history in such a way that the faults and evil deeds of the monarchs of the earth, shall no more be con- cealed from him, than their virtues." When in 1737 he assumed the government of the Duchy of Tuscany, he aiot merely put a. stop to all persecution of the Freemasons in his dominions, but took their part against the clergy. 254 New Lodges. In the rest of Germany the Institutioa advanced much more rapidly. The Margrave of Bay- reuth, who had been initiated in Berlin, founded, in 1741^ the Grand Mother Lodge of "The Sun" {Zur Sonney at Bayreuth, whence proceeded, in the same year, the- St. John's Lodge "Eleusis zur V erschwiegenh.eii'' \ Brother G. L. Mehmet von Konigtreu, who had been initiated in Hamburg, established 1744—46 the Lodge "Frederick" in Hanover, which is still in operation; Brother von Rutowsky, Lieut. General, and subsequently Provincial Grand Master in Upper Saxony, had formed several lodges in Dresden in 1738 and 39, whence, in 1741,. proceeded the present Lodge of "Minerva of the three- Palm trees" in Leipzig. In the year 1742 at Frankfurt o.M. the Lodge of "Unity" appeared, and there shot up around many spurious lodges, which was the more easily effected, as many Warrants of lodges were handed over to individuals, and a solid controlling central point was wanting. All the German lodges, at first only knew the thi-ee St. John's degrees; the Constitution book of the Grand Lodge of England was the base of their operations,, and was considered as their only Statute-book, though,, most assuredly, there soon arose the necessity of having by-laws to meet the peculiar exigencies of certain localities. The Ritual, which Prichard had published in his work "Freemasonry dissected", was taken as a rule of guidance, and was joined by way of appendix to the translation of the English book of constitutions,, which had appeared at Frankfurt o. M. in 1741 and 42. As at first, in many places, only Masons were made, the initiation into the Fraternity did not immediately confer the right of being admitted members of a lodge; this often took place only when they had received the Master's degree and after it had been put to the vote. 255 The single lodges being very independent, it was most natural, that they should dispose their affairs as seemed best in their own eyes, which much disturbed the har- mony of the whole. The various rituals in use are thus, easily explained.*) Greater intellectual activity in. the lodges, could not be looked for, while these general initiations and advancements continued, though the Lodge- in Naumburg required from its members the acqidsition of useful knowledge, and the handing in of at least one written lecture during the year, while in Brunswick in 1763, masonic meetings were convened weekly, for the- purpose of learning and advancing the royal art. That in this earlier period, persons from the upper ranks more especially joined the society, is manifest from what has been already stated ; unfortunately it was only the opulent, who could share in the business of the lodges, as on account of the small number of members,, the frequent and even magnificent donations demanded and bestowed, and the really splendid banquets which took place, it was altogether a very expensive under- taking. It seems too that from the very beginning, the lodges themselves preferred looking to the higher classes and rich merchants for support, rather than to the people and the citizens ; as for example, in Brunswick ^) it happened that a tradesman wishing to be made a Mason, was supported by the nobility among the mem- bers, but rejected by the citizens. As the Brotherhood were bound to pay more regard- to the disposition and worthiness of the applicant, than to his high birth, this exclusiveness was unpardonable,. 1) See Eckstein, Hist, of the Freemasons lodge in Halle; Merzdorf,, Hist, of Freemasonry in Oldenburg; Lachmann, Hist, of Freennasonry in Brunswick ; Polick, Hist, of Freemasonry in Mecklenburg &c. 2) See Lachmann, L. c. page 15. 256 ■ and moreover, the healthy practical good sense of people from the middle ranks of life would have pre- served the lodges from many errors, into which in the succeeding years they fell. 2) Further spread and derelopinent of German Hasonry. Scarcely had the high degrees taken root in France, ^when, with all their attendant evils, they were surrepti: tiously transmitted to Grermany. But before examining further into its introduction and advancement, we will first dwell upon the propagation in Germany, of Masonry in general. Berlin. The Grand royal Mother Lodge "zu den ^rei Welthugeln" (of the three Globes) in Berlin, imitat- ing the example set them by the Grand Lodge of England, organised a Stewards' Lodge, to manage the financial affairs of the society. This occasioned great luxury to be displayed at their festivals, exhausted the treasury, and was an inducement to members join- ing, who did not prove a desirable acquisition. To prevent persons unlawfully constituted, from sharing in the business of the lodges, a new sign was adopted, and communicated to the other lodges. Hamburg and Frankfurt agreed to do the same, and the latter, as an extra precautionary means *), gave to its members in the way of certificate, an impression of the seal of the Grand Lodge, on the reverse of which the names of ihe Master and Wardens were recorded. But neither this arrangement, nor another proposition made by Brother von Heinitz in Brunswick in 1762, that all Tegularly constituted lodges should enter into correspon- dence, ever met with general approbation. As the King 1) See Keller, L. c. page 102. 257 could not, for want of time, pay much atisentioh to the affairs of the Lodges, and the Vice Grand Master Holstein-Beck was dead, the Great Mother Lodge had in 1755 no superintendent; although the revised statutes prohibited any fresh election of officers before Michael- mas, yet the senior master Brother Sarry made pre- parations in May for nominating a Vice Grand Master, and the choice fell on Brother von Rammelsberg. This conduct caused a rupture: many of the Brethren protested against the proceeding, and the Lodge "la petite Concorde" constituted in 1754, by the Mother lodge, declared the election unlawful, renounced all fellowship with the others, celebrating the feast of St. John in Charlottenburg, and all the solicitations of the Mother Lodge proved of no avail. In the mean time, Brother von Rammelsberg performed the duties of his office to the satisfaction of all, and in a spirit of brotherly love. A Lodge of French brethren formed in Berlin, in J 760, obtained permission in the following year to include Germans among its members; they changed their name to that of "de l'Amiti6 aux trots Colombes", and at a proposal, made by one of the Chairmen of the Grand Mother Lodge, Brother von Printzen, they declared themselves willing to unite with the two other Lodges in Berlin. The Lodge "la Coricorde" likewise expressed her readiness to do the same, provided a less circum- scribed constitution were accorded her, that she should be considered as the eldest daughter Lodge, and that the Lodge "la Filidt^' ^) founded by her in Magdeburg, should be recognised as regularly constituted. Therefore May 20, a general lodge of officers was held; the plan submitted to their consideration by Brother von Printzen, (highly esteemed both as a man and a Mason), was 1) Now called "Ferdinand zur Gluckseligkeit" . Fiudel, History of Freemasonry. 258 accepted, and a superior masonic tribunate, composed of one Grand Master and two Grand Wardens, was appointed, for the purpose of settling any disputed ques- tions, which might arise. This institution did not long continue to exist, and the endeavors of the Mother Lodge, to draw her daughter lodges into closer union with herself, were also fruitless. However, from 1763 — 64 several new lodges were formed, in Aschersleben, Hirschberg, Danzig, Stettin &c. Hanover. The lodge „Frederick" in Hanover did not make immediate use of the Warrant, granted her in 1744, but it first came into active operation in 1746, for the ecclesiastical court of that town had instituted an inquiry*) against the Theologian Kirchmann, who had been initiated in Harburg, and it had forbidden all clergymen to belong to any fraternity whatever, which proceeding raised considerable distrust in the mind of the public. In consequence of this, the existence of a lodge was at first kept as secret as possible. In the year 1747, the lodge „Frederick", with the approbation of the Prov. Grand Master Liittmann, established a so- called deputation lodge ^) in Gottingen, bearing the same name, but which however') in 1753 was dissolved;, the very active new Master in the chair, Br. Hiniiber conferred a warrant on Brother J. F. R. von Sporcke, for the establishment of a deputation lodge in Vienna, May 22, 1753, which likewise remained in operation only for a few months. In the year 1755, the lodge broke ofi^ its relations with the one in Hamburg, and 1) See „Freemasonry in Or. Hannover. Page 3. 2) The members did not compose a separate lodge, and had to transmit their entrance fees to the Mother lodge, but had the right to make Masons. 3) See Spangenberg, Hist, notice of the Lodge "Augusta" in Got- tingen, 1860. Page 3. 259 Br. Hiniiber received from London full power to open a Provincial lodge, with the right of electing its own Grrand Master. It was opened Aug. 18, 1762. The business of the lodges, if a very short period of time is excepted, was carried on in the German language, and only in the three symbolic degrees; although between 1750 — 53, even these were seldom pr9,ctised, yet the Brethren occupied themselves in a most praise-worthy manner, in the performance of deeds of benevolence. The war, which had broken out, . and had overrun the streets with the enemy's troops, com- pletely put a stop to work, until 1758, as all masonic meetings, "with the enemies of their country" were to be strictly avoided. Frankfurt o. M. By the Frankfurt o. M. lodge, one was formed at Marburg, as well as one in Niirnberg, in 1761, called '^Joseph zur Einigheif ; but of the inward working of these lodges here and elsewhere, not much can be communicated. In 1763 the lodge "Zur Einig- keit" revised its laws, and it was determined that from henceforth work should be carried on alternately in the German and French languages, and tliat in future the Secretary should, as often as time permitted, read aloud some portion of the laws, that the Brethren might become acquainted with them, and act upon them. Germany in the The fact that the first German lodges isth century, chiefly bore French names, and carried on their business in the French language, i's not difficult of explanation, when the public, and especially literary circumstances of the age are taken into consideration. In the middle of the century, Latin was the universal language of the learned, while French was the collo- quial tongue in general use among the higher classes, of which the Fraternity was chiefly composed. The German language and literature, still succumbed to the 17* 260 overweening influence of foreigii nations, and had scarce- ly begun to aspire to a more advanced cultivation, or to aim at national self-reliance. The general culture of the people was unsatisfactory; intellectual life every- where was struggling and seeking new paths, nor did public ■ life oflfer any thing especially attractive. In the field of politics, the rotten and decayed machinery of the constitution seemed only to be waiting for a shock from without, which was not long in coming, to fall to pieces entirely; in the single states, the governments were all-powerful, with hardly any limit set to their encroachments; of a healthy tone of mind, or of any self-dependence, there was scarcely a trace to be met with; in the mercantile department it is true, some sub- stantial efforts were being made, but there were innu- merable difficulties to fight against, and but very equi- vocal, partial, and self-interested support, vouchsafed on the part of the governments; in social life, there was more solicitude and good will displayed to ameliorate the industrial and agricultural interests, and to remove other serious evils, than judgment manifested in choos- ing means to effect this; in the lower classes, dulness, coarseness, and incompetency were almost universal; the separation between the upper and middle classes was most strictly marked; there was corruption and depravity at the courts, and a well educated middle class only just springing into being. The state of civi- lisation in the beginning of the 18th century was bar- barism, smeared over with a little French varnish, from which not even the learned scholar was wholly free. Leibnitz, one of the founders of modern philosophy, who was desirous of making science more available in every-day life, and not confined to the studio, had as little power to pierce through all this, as had Thomasius, who declared war against the superstition prevalent in 261 his day. In two departments however, religion and music, a better spirit held sway, and by degrees the germs of a more vigorous life were discernible in other things. Lessing appeared, suggesting and transforming in every direction, a beacon light in the literary atmo- sphere; Kant laid the foundation of a new epoch in philosophy; when Frederick the Great ascended the throne, the oppressed state of Germany suddenly received fresh material for complete reconstruction. This great King, both military chief and philosopher, saw and understood the calamities which were the characteristics of his century, and sought as far as lay in his power, to bring suitable remedies to ameliorate them; like a sublime meteor, he arose in the political horizon, dis- persing light and elasticity throughout the world, the real hero of enlightenment. He gave Ms people freedom of the press and of doctrine, animated the industrial ^.rts, advanced science, won the esteem of foreign coun- tries, and inspired his own people, and finally all Ger- many, with confidence and proper national pride. He was likewise the main pillar of German Freemasonry; to his protection we are chiefly indebted, that it struck root and throve on German soil. of^s^eem*'"" Though Frcemasonry in Germainy found in Gemany. much Sympathy and approval from some, yet there were others again, in whose minds it raised only suspicion and mistrust, invective and persecution. The Church and state above all looked upon this new and mysterious institution with envious jealousy, and sought its annihilation. Catholics were suspicious of it, because it came from hated protestant England, the protestant clergy " deemed it redolent of Deism and hostile to Christianity and religion in general, and the popular superstition found delight in inventing and pro- pagating stories of its dealing in magic and witchcraft, i&c 262 The veil of secrecy which was thrown over their meetings, and the close reserve, observed by its mem- bers concerning their proceedings, led to the conclu- sion, that there was something suspicious and criminal in their designs, while the first of the old charges, expressly stating that no particular profession of faith was required to qualify the candidate for initiation, drew upon them the reproach of coldhearted in- diflference. Although, at that period, but few pas- sages were known out of the Book of Constitutions, or of the Freemasons' songs, and these few were but partially understood, it was foretold from them, "the unspeakable troubles which would assail the orthodox believer, the beginning of which tribulation was now before the door." It was boldly asserted in 1742: "But this will I maintain, that the Freemasons are really naturalists, who in public shew only a lukewarm regard for religion, and in private mock and despise it, who deny, that the commandments of Grod are binding on man, yoking themselves with unbelievers, erecting an altar of their own, and casting off their allegiance to Grod." Other writers called all Freemasons "Indepen- dents, Deists, and Libertines", and such like names. There were however some amongst the Non-masons, who were well-meaning and impartial judges. Thus for example, in 1754, Ehrhardt L. c. p. 105, pronounced it as his opinion of the first § of the ancient charges: "These words clearly prove, that in this society, religion is not at all discussed. If from this fact, we are -led to the conclusion, that because able men were initiated without regard to their religious opinions, that there- fore no notice was taken of religion, I apprehend we should be very wide of the mark. The real fact of the case seems to be, that they wish to accord to every man perfect freedom of conscience in matters of religion; 263 Not, because they regard all doctrinal points iwith supreme indifference, but because they wish every accepted form of worship whatever, to stand on its own merits. And can any thing be more just ; than this ? They only insist on the command "Love thy neigbbur as thyself, and this must be an active love, the chief attribute of which is to be patient with the erring. Even supposing some persons should be admitted into the order, who honor and worship the Almighty in an erroneous manner, yet does the society bear patiently with their errors, without in the least approving of them." 3) German Freemasonry in its deepest humiliation. As in England, so likewise in Germany, the simple yet comprehensive symbols used in Freemasonry, at first played a very subordinate part; no attempt was ever made to explain their meaning, but it was deemed sufficient to confine the work of the lodge to reading aloud the Constitution book and the catechism. Amongst the German Masons, there were most likely many, who/, rightly comprehending the aim and purpose of the institution, only regarded the emblems and hieroglyphics, either as very secondary adjuncts,, or as an agreeable method of separating the more select circle of the Fra- ternity from the great whole, and as a means of uniting them more closely together, or enabling reflective minds to penetrate into deeper truths, and of stirring up eacb individually to the performance of worthy deeds. Many however were not satisfied with these bare hints, and the, origin of the Fraternity and its conne;xion with the working Masons, of which circumstance thc' brethren of rank were ashamed, having fallen into oblivion, the symbols begun to have a meaning attached to them. 264 which however could not be dooie, without lapsing into many errors. The very simplicity and homeliness of these fundamental rules, gave occasion to the supposi- tion, that a great secret must be involved in iheta, which was only revealed to a very selciCt few, amongst the initiated. This supposition was greailj strengthened: by Ramsay's well known ^eech and its reference to the Crusades, and it was farther heighteaed by tha close intimacy kept up between Grermany and France, especially by means of the apostles and masonic emis- saries, who accompanied the French troops and diplo-' matists to Germany in the Seven Years' War, and poisoned the atmosphere of our Lodges. This mania for superior enlightenment caused investigations to be made in England and Scotland; but the answers, which were received &om the two Grand Lodges, denying the existence of the high degrees, did not have a tran- quillising effect. Every one was absorbed in ancient Manuscripts, inscriptioDs, and such like trash, and each for himself, in his own way, saw in them just what he sought: the Alchemist found his universal remedy and solvent; the visionary, caba^t, or professor of the mysteries of Jewish traditions, and Ae theosophist descried the threefold curse of hell, the unveiling of the secreta of the universe, of prophecy, and the revelations in the> Apocalypse; the hypercritical historical investigator — the continuation of the ancient heathen mysfcerieB, of the Gnostics, the Knights Tempbire, and the order of the Sosicrucians. Cunning deceivers employed this love of the marvellous, and desire for occidt wiadomy for their own purposes, manufactured systems of all kinds and degrees, for all wants and necessities,, and in every possible direction, offering their wares for sale, and obtaiwbg of the credulous .Frenchman and the unauspeetiag German, and subsequently in Sweden, 265 England, and America, a good price for such goods; Everf braggadiocio had his adherents in the last century, and every apostle his disciples. As distinct, historical information, touching the origin of Free- masonry, was not to be had, the illusive prospect of discovering in Scotland the source of the "high" degrees, gained almost universal credence. In order fully to comprehend the entanglements, in which the masonic brotherhood were now involved, we have only to figure to ourselves, that besides the struggle for greater enlightenment, freedom, and knowledge, alchemy and mystic philosophy, blossomed with unchecked luxu- riance. Whilst unsparing critics were endeavoring to demolish all the stronghold* of romantic delusions, yet a* the same time a long succession of eccentric pheno- mena, and romantic events, marked the whole course of the 18th centuiy. Great and noble characters, poets, philosophic reasoners, and artists, meet us side by side wifh adventurers and charlatans of every description; in the midst of deeds reflecting honor on humanity, we descry monstrbus excrescences of frivolity, mysticism, artifice, and low cunning. We must not therefore be srarprreed, when we find all these elements in the lodges, amd the^ more so, because a society, which does not kaow its owft bi8tory> is never safe from abuse. Besides the modem Knights Templars, w'« see the Jesuits, the EoeicrtieiaBB, and the Illuminati &c. disfiguring the fair fac© of Freemasonry. ThajoBidts. Many masonic authors, who were fully cognizant *) of the events of the period and knew ') Knigge in bis excellent work: "Contribution to the history of modern masonry in nine discourses." Berlin, 1786. P. 53 &c. ; Nico- ai &c. ; Bode, who saw Jesuitism in every thing, is not even here referred to. In the French lodges, in the decenniums before the break- 266 exactly all the incidents occurring, positively assert tliat then and still later the Jesuits exercised a perni- cious influence, or at least endeavored to do so, upon the fraternity. These assertions are not entirely without foundation, for the pious fathers love to interfere with every thing ; especially when we reflect, that many . of the systems and new emblems then bursting into life, most unmistakably point to the priests, as well as the certainty, that at the time when the Order of the lUu- minati was originated, they really did succeed in pene- trating into the Bavarian lodges — yet for aU this, we must receive such reports very cautiously, and seek for proof for whatever we find asserted. Jesuits were not always active, where it is affirmed that traces of their handiwork were visible, and in most cases, where proofs of their interference were undeniably apparent, it was not the Order in general, which had been at work, but only individual members of it, and friends of the society. If Jesuits could obtain the good-will of the fraternity of Freemasons, they would doubtless not care to place obstacles in its way, as the former could never know, whether in the future they might not make some use of the latter. Fessler, who knew the Jesuits inti- mately, expresses his opinion pretty freely in many places, of how wrong it is always to be suspecting Jesuitism, and laughs at such for their suspicious. scqtch lodges. The first distinct trace of French influence on German masonry, we find in Dresden, where masonic names were very early given to members. The first Scotch Lodge (V Union) originated in Berhn, in 1742, from members of the Lodge "the three Globes"; then followed one in 1744, in Hamburg, which Brother Count ing out of the Revolution, there were a great number of clergymen, and in England the Crormogones. 267 Schmettau established, and soon afterwards a second was formed "Judica" ; and at length one at Leipzig in 1747 (Apollo), and in 1753 at Frankfurt o. M. (la 8m- ciriti). All these Scotch Lodges seem to have been but little visited, and not to have exercised any very considerable influence on the St. John's Lodges; but from this period *) we may date the use of the appel- lation "hochwurdig (right worshipful)" in > the rough minutes of the lodges, instead of the more simple one of "ehrvmr^g (venerable)". St, Andrew being the patron Saint- of Scotland, and of the Lodges, the new degrees manufactured in France were called not alone Scotch, Jbut St. Andrew's degrees. ' . . While the German lodges on the whole remained attached to ancient and genuine Freemasonry, some few brothers longed ardently for new resolutions, for reports from Scotland, and for the attainment of higher and secret knowledge. With these, adven- turers such as Rosa and Johnson found a ready reception. Ph. Sam. Eo8a. Bcforc the War Baron H. W. von Mar- schall had been initiated into Freemasonry in London, and afterwards at St. Germain-en-Laye in France, he was consecrated by the adherents, of the Pretender, in the masonic order of the Temple, and it was this Brother, who transplanted this order to Germany. ' After an adventurous life, chiefly passed in foreign countries (France, England, and Denmark) he in 1749, established in Naumburg the Lodge of "the three Hammers" to which he imparted the high degrees, as he had received them. When however he penetrated more cloflely into their pui-port, he declared himself dissatisfied with them, transferred the Lodge to Br. von Hund, withdrew 1) Keller, L. c. P. 118. 268 entirely from any participation in Masonry, and died in 1762 or 1759. This first attempt met with but little success. That made by the Marquis de Lerney, who went to Berlin as a prisoner of war, taking with him documents from the Chapter of Clermont, succeeded better, for he, in conjunction with Br. von Printzen, established a chapter of his own. Phil. Samuel Rosa, who was first Counsellor of the Consistory and superintendent*) in Anhalt-Cothen, but since March 20, 1737, had been created rector of the cathedral of St. James, and had been initiated in the Lodge of "the three Globes", was made use of by this chapter, as a messenger to spread the knowledge of Masonry, and being a most engaging, captivating and crafty man, he partly succeeded in doing so. Br. von Printzen made him perpetual General Legate of the Grand Chapter in Jerusalem^), and armed with the right of esitabliahing '1) Fb. S. Bosa, born at Ysenburg, was on account of an intiigae with Widow Hanlsewitz in 1743, displaced from office, upon which he took to the making of gold in Jena, Vienna, Halle, and Potsdam. He sojourned some time in Halle, and was chosen deputy Master, and W. M. of the lodge there. In the year 1754, he cheated the privy chamberlain, Fredersdorf, in Potsdam, of pretty considerable sums, by pretending, that be could transform metals without the aid of fire or coals; for that the prima materia of gold, was to be sought in the sun-beam &c. When Fredersdorf discovered the fraud, and would not draw forth any more money, Bosa, being in debt, had to take to flight. The conferring of the high degrees, he made use of as a lucrative way of earning a livelihood, and is said to have assured his brethren in Rostock &c. that St. Christopher would bring them the sum of 199,000 ducats in the current coin of the realm. — See Lenning's Encycl. Ill, p. 239 &c.; Br. F. A. Eckstein's, Hist, of Freemasonry in Halle. 1844. P. 36 &c. ; Br. Folick, Hist, of Freemasonry in Mecklenburg, I, p. 25. Hist, of the Lodge Charles of the three Griffins, in Greifswald, by Trep- tow & Loose. 1863. P. 11 &c. 2) Bosa called himself Eques hierosolymitanus, magister Prior capi- tuH Halmsis, legatus capituli Bierosolymitani Berolinnsis supremi et primi nationis Germanicae. 269 subordinate institutions, he travelled through a part of Germany, went to Stettin, Riga, Eostock, Greifswald, Konigsberg, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Brunswick, Ham- burg, Dresden, Bayreuth &c., and made himself at home, wherever he came. Wherever it was possible, he gave instructions in his arts, of compounding and preparing abortive medicines, and the like, and practised them himself too pretty freely, and when he was found out, he absconded. Over the chapter of Zion, in Jena, founded by him in 1744, he exercised great influence. In Halle' he remained till 1765, even after the affair with Johnson. What ultimately became of him is un- known. — A new ignis fatuus began to shew its Hght. Johnson. In September of the year 1763, a quite unknown person made his appearance in Jena under the false name of Johnson, who by sheer impudence obtained immense sway over men's minds. Who this man originally was, long remained problematical, until Br. Dr. Eckstein in Halle (L. c. p. 48) proved that he was an adventurer of the name of Leuchte, who had been a long while employed at the Mint in Bernburg, practising alchemy besides, but had afterwards entered a Wiirttemberg Volunteer corps, had been made priso- ner, and conveyed to Berlin, and having obtained his liberty, had gone to Jena. In his wanderings he pro- bably acquired the information necessary to play his part. He passed himself off for a Grand Prior, sent by the heads of Freemasonry in Scotland, to institute reforms in the German lodges, and asserted that the fraternity was nothing else than the order of Knights Templars propagated in secret. In Jena, to "the sound of militaiy music" he caused the Berlin warrant of the hierosoly- mitan Grand chapter to be torn in pieces, the seal cut off and burned, then he commanded Rosa to be brought before him, humiliated him, and even blinded the eyes 270 of Hund, who began to doubt of his mission as Grand Master. In a Grand Chapter in Naumburg, Nov.. 11, 1763, these proceedings were communicated to all the lodges, and a general meeting proposed in Altenberge, near Jena, to which they were invited by Johnson, May 15, 1764. Many lodges sent in their constitutions,! several members came, and were received with revel and riot, proselytes were admitted, and as Johnson pretended that Prussian emissaries lay in wait for him, brethren, fully accoutred, were appointed as sentinels,, and the rest ordered to assemble on preconcerted signals. Johnson having delayed to impart that higher knowledge,- to which he had pledged himself, a general mistrust was excited. When von Hund, at length, became con- vinced that Johnson had nothing to communicate and that he had cheated several brethren of large sums of money, he accused him in round terms. Johnson was completely at a loss, he begged for a delay of 24 hours, to free himself from the charges laid against him, which were granted, and which he wisely employed in securing a hasty flight. Feb. 24, 1765, he was seized in Alsleben; some brethren in Weimar had him confined in the Wart- burg, where his maintenance and his sentinels were paid for out of the treasury of the Order; he died in 1775.*) The well-meaning brethren, who in AUenberge had recommended blind obedience, were not only deceived, but likewise plundered of their money; they sighed in secret, with the exception of Professor Woo g in Leipzig, who gave a circumstantial^) account of the extortion. Of Johnson's declarations we will communicate the 1) See the articles Johnson and Convent of Altenberge in Handb, der Freimaurerei. 2) See the paper written by Prof. Woog in the Journal fur Frei- maurer. Vienna; 5786. Ill Year. 3 Quarter. P. 147. 271 following, taken from Woog's account, which will amply suffice. "The Grand Prior had said, that the Grand Master von Hund commanded 26,000 men, for he had from the Order several thousand louisd'ors yearly; round about the convent a high wall was erected, which was guarded day and night ; the English navy was in the hands and under the direction of the Order, which like- wise possessed manuscripts written by Hugo de Paga- nis; their treasury was only in three places in the world, in Ballenstadt, in the icy mountains of Savoy^ and in China; whoever drew upon himself the displeasure of the Order, perished body and soul." But enough of this ! Let us now turn to the Rosi crucians. . The new or German order The EosicrUCiaU Order of the 17th of Golden Eosicmcians. ccutury ^) differs essentially from the more modern one of the 18th century. The aim, at first, of this latter was nothing less, than the support and advancement of Catholicism; when this religion- manifested a determination, entirely to repress liberty ©f thought, and the healthy development of man's reasoning faculties, by a systemati- cally planned, and obstinate opposition to the march of intellect, the Rosicrucians soon en- larged their designs likewise to check if possible, the progress of this widely spreading enlightenment. In the year 1714, S. Richter published a book in Berlin, under the name of Smcerus Senatus (the truly recon- verted) : "A true and matured preparation of the philo- sopher's stone, by the order of the Golden Rosicrucians", wherein laws were communicated, which bear unmistak- able evidences of Jesuitical intervention. For instance the 2nd article says, that Papists can no longer be excluded from the order. In the 25th Article, all newly 1) See p. 128. 272 admitted members, shall have seven tufts ef ha^ir tjut oflF their heade, which amounts to about the same <}aaa~ tity as that of which the Romanist clergy w«re shorn, to produce the Tonsure. Further, each member shall practise inviolable secrecy, and be obedient to "a sacred assembly". But the Order was not fully perfected, till the latter half of the 18th century (after 1756), and that in the South of Germany. Dr. Schleiss of Lowenfeld, at Sulzbach in Bavaria, called Phobron in the order, and Dr. Doppelmayer of Hof, were stars of the first magnitude in this new order; besides these two, we may mention: Schrepfer in Leipzig, Keller in Satisbon, and F. J. W. Schroder in Marburg, but above all WoUner in Berlin. J. G. Schrepfer. The first who bocamc publicly an apostle of the new Golden Rosicrucian order , was John George Schrepfer, a native of Niimberg. In 176i5> he opened a Caf^ in Leipzig, and established there a so-called "Scotch" lodge, in which, by his ghosts and apparitions, he deceived many of the credulous, and even some men not entirely devoid of understanding. He affirmed that he was in the possession of many more important secrets *), than any German lodge had, which nation he abused in no measured terms, and pretended that he had been deputed by the superior masonic authorities, to destroy the system of the strict observance. His chief art consisted in the exorcising of departed spirits. One of Schrepfer's most zealous disciples was Job. Rud. von Bischofswerder, who first served in the Prussian army, and then became lord chamberlain to Charles, Duke of Courland, a most enthu- siastic Freemason. The Duke sent him May 31, 1773, 1) See Schlegel's Journal and Supplement of his intercourse with Schrepfer. Berlin and Leipzig, 5806. 273 with a power of attorney, to Schrepfer, to inquire into ■the new secrets *). Brother von, Bischofawerder was not a visionary enthusiast, but fond of good-Uving; he had studied in Halle, and most likely saw through Schrepfer's designs, but wished to learn from him bow to call up spirits, to make gold, and to prepare an ointment, which should ensure youth and strength. Happily Schrepfer's juggling tricks were not long played off upon the credulous; he was overwhelmed with debts, and in dread of being unmasked and. pu- nished, so he shot himself Oct. 8, 1774, in the Rosen- thal, near Leipzig. From a letter written by Schrepfer himself in 1774, to a Prussian clergyman, we learn, that he was an emissary of that power which worketh in darkness (the Jesuits!). This letter was published in 1786, in the July number of a Berlin monthly publication, Schrepfer was only 35 years old at the time of his death. Schroeder had, in a very mysterious^) manner, through some unknown alchemist, become acquainted with the order of the Rosicrucians, and the three *) first ■degrees in it, and strove zealously to promote its pro- pagation, until he lost his teacher, or rather the address of the person to whom he was to write. Of Keller in Ratisbon, Fessler had received accounts, "from very rehable sources," out of which we cull the following, Keller, it is said, knows Schrepfer's doings most minute- ly; but in his opinion, they are all evil and objection- 1) From communications received in writing from Br. Pahlmann. M. D., W. Master of the Lodge "Teiitonia" in Potsdam, who has in hia possessession the will, the minutes of the opening of the same, and several original documents in writing, referring to the same subject. 2) See Lenning, Encycl, III, page 345. 3) The order had nine degrees, like the Swedish system. Findel, Hiatory of Freemasonry. 18 274 able in the highest degree. In Naples and especially in Padua, there were people who carried on the good work"; France would have nothing to say to it; Cyprus was well-disposed towards it, but had nothing to do with Sweden; what Gugomos says of it, is false, and the man was a great deceiver. Real science consisted in the knowledge of nature, and how we could be brought nearer to its Creator. The Urim and Thumim was the acquaintance with the threefold supernatural light, whereby one could investigate the origin of aU things, the past, the present, and the future. The aim and purpose of the order, is besides the study of natural philosophy, the universal association of all nations. woiiner. The cxcrtions of the heads of the high order of the Brotherhood in southern Germany, caused it to take root in Lower Germany, especially in Ham- burgh. In 1773 it appeared in Silesia, in 1777 in Berlin, and soon afterwards in Potsdam, which it made its head-quarters. The high order regarded the three degrees of Freemasonry only as conferring a right of entrance, and the members boasted *) in their writ- ings, of being immediately descended from the more ancient Rosicrucians, of possessing all their secrets, and of preserving amongst them the only solution to the symbols in Freemasonry*); consequently they looked upon themselves as the legitimate heads of the order. 1) See Lenning, Encycl. Ill, p. 260 etc. and Knigge, Contribution to modern history. P. 119. 2) The explanation of the hieroglyphics of the three masonic degrees, in accordance with the spirit of the "highly enlightened" Brotherhood, is to be found completely and edifyingly stated in the secret history of a Rosicrucian, p. 245 etc.; the fictitious history of Freemasonry invented by this order, may be read in the "Compass of the Wise". Berlin, 1782. Page 23 of the preface. 275 During the war, von Bischofswerder became ac- quainted with the Crown Prince, Frederick William, and gained his confidence. By his influence in 1782, Wo liner was appointed professor of political science to Frederick William, and initiated into the order of the Rosicrucians. As Bischofswerder shunned placing himself too prominently forward, 'the very able Wollner put himself at the head of the new order, and bore in the three different degrees the three several names of Chrysophiron, Heliconus, and Ophiron. He entered *) into correspondence with the members at a distance, and greatly promoted the extension of the order. He was especially fortunate in winning over Frederick William, and entrapping him to become a member. He was initiated in 1782 under the name of Or- mesus magnus, and the intelligence of the event was communicated to all the brethren, with a command to offer up solemn prayers and intercessions, for "a most useful member, who under the name Ormesus had shortly before become actually attached to the order". As soon as this important acquisition was known in Berlin, open war was waged against the pernicious doings of the Rosicrucian obscurants: In the "BerUner Monatsschriff edited by Biester and Gedicke, the order was declared to be the invention of the Jesuits ; in it was collected together all the evidence of the attempts, which had been made at proselytising from 1783—86, and others were encouraged to contribute what they knew on the subject, so that similar information poured in from all sides. The supremely enlightened fraternity were so imprudent, as to publish a refutation, written by Wollner, under the name T— y. A discontented 1) This is to be found in the ivriltcn manuscripts communicated by Br. Puhlmann, M. D. 276 brother, a Herr von Reibnitz, took the opportunity, in the August of 1785, in the same monthly publication, to lay bare the efirontery of the order, and the way in which they played the fool with their followers, and so effectually, that if we except the remarks about the Jesuits, nothing could be said in reply. The Crown Prince was. attached heai't and soul to the institution; after he ascended the throne, in 1786, W o liner *) obtained great influence in state-affairs. The Order was not only exposed to attacks from with- out, but bore within itself the seeds of its own destruction. It looked gloomy and dubious enough, even in its chosen place of residence, and when it became incontrovertibly evident, that the order would never succeed in subjugating the German Lodges to its yoke, a command, in 1787, came from Southern Germany, enjoining a cessation of all its active proceedings, just at a time, when the credulous were anticipitating the 1) Job. Christ. WoUner, born May 19, 1732, studied theology, was appointed in 1759 preacher on an estate near Berlin, and after- wards a canon in Halberstadt. In 1786 he received from King Wil- liam III. of Prussia the situation of privy conselior of finance, and was raised to the aristocracy, for the King wishing to oblige the unknown chiefs of the order, thought he could not do this better than by bestow- ing marks of distinction upon their superior director. In 1788 he became minister of state, and was placed at the head of ecclesiastical affairs. He conducted the whole of the business of the order, while von Bischofswerder did the same for the Eosicrucian Lodge in Pots- dam. Wollner assumed the name of "Eques a Cuba" in the order of "the strict observance. Self-interested, and with inordinate ambition, yet was his social life blameless. He was u conscientious follower of the orthodox church, though its discipline did not satisfy him. The noto- rious religious edict of July 9, 1788, w.is cunningly introduced by the unknown chief i. e. by Wollner. Br. Puhlmann, M. D., says of it: "I can point out exactly how it originated ; it belongs to the Rosicrucian order. — After the King's demise Wollner received his dismissal; he withdrew to his estate Gross-Riez. where he died Sept. 11, 1800. 277 last and most important disclosures of that new and general plan, which had been promised them. In the North, the Eosicrucians held up their heads a short time longer, till at length, after the Prussian rrown had changed hands, it died out there too, in 1797 — 98. Tte consecrated Knigiits Before bringing this paragi'aph to a ana Brethien from Aaia. closo, we must notice One other branch of the Eosicrucians, which likewise threatened to cor- rupt the Lodges, for like the stem of which it was an offshoot, it was mystic and alchemistic in its tendency, viz: the Asiatic brethren, or Knights and Brethren of St. John the Evangelist from Asia. The founder or rather propagator and chief apostle of this sect was the gentleman of the bed-chamber, and counsellor of the Duke of Coburg-Saalfeld, Baron Hans Heinrieh von Ecker and Eckhofen, who was assisted by an Israelite, named Hirschmann, in the remodelling of the ritual. This latter, in the Asiatic order called Ben Bina, intro- duced the cabalistic and talmudic elements, which the ritual contains. Ecker had been made a Freemason and Eosicrucian before this, and for the latter order had in 1779 written, "A collection of the masonic speeches of the ancient system of the Golden Eosi- crucians;" which body had however expelled him for failing in obedience, trust, and peaceful behaviour. In revenge he founded the Asiatic Order, and published the pamphlet: "The Eosicrucians unmasked, by Master Pianco. Amsterdam (i. e. Nurnberg), 1782." The entire system of this order, which was in no degree better than that of the Eosicrucians, was made up of the two probationary degrees, of the seeking and suffering, and then the higher degrees 1) the consecrated Knight and brother, 2) the wise Master, and 3) the royal priest, or the perfect Eosicrucian, or the degree of Melchisedek; from these latter were selected the 278 secret heads of the fraternity. The synod or sanhedrin had to pass sentence according to the code of laws to which it had vowed obedience; at its head were the chief of the order, the Grand Master {Ghacham hakchem, i. e. wise priest), the chief- vicar of the synod, and the chief chancellor of the order. The organisation of the whole was exceedingly complicated. The order pro- posed to itself to further the unity, well-being, and happiness of mankind throughout Europe, which was the reason, that the religious creed of the candidates Avas not enquii-ed into. The youthful Knight, and brother to be initiated, according to the deed of subordination drawn up by the most learned directors of the seven invisible churches in Asia, had to vow perfect sub- mission and implicit obedience to the laws, and to remain faithful to them all his life, not to inquire, by whom the secrets were conveyed, whence they came now, or might come in the future. The book "des Er- reurs et de la v4rite" was held in much honor, and warmly recommended by the order. Before the convention of Wilhelmsbad, Ecker had established several Asiatic colonies, and many of his most intimate friends were won over to the system, Duke Charles of Hesse too; in Hamburg, he appeared, as if sent by a National Congress in Griinstadt, as a regularly constituted deputy Grand Master, and esta- blished there a Melchisedeck Lodge, into which persons were admitted, who were not Christians. Amongst other places, he did the same in Berlin; in spite of all his endeavors, to induce a larger number of Lodges, to join the association, but very few were anxious to sur- render themselves to him for the promised revelation of the meaning of all the masonic hieroglyphics. Gra- dually , there arose from different sides, many voices against the Asiatic system and its founder; even its 279 joint-founder Hirscbmann complained, because the pro- mises which had been made him, were not fulfilled; After the death of its author (1790) his work crumbled to pieces. — Further information respecting this subject may be found in : "Hunter's authentic history of the knights" &c. (1787), in "<^er Asiate in seiner Blosse" etc; (Bremen, 1790), and especially in „die Bruder St. Jo- Jiannes des Evangelisten von Asien" &c. (Berlin, 1803.) 4) The llluminati. German Freemasonry had indeed a difficult school of experience to pass through, towards the close of the 18th century: not merely from the abuses which had crept into it, but from the dangers, which threatened it from without. Against their will, as had been the case -with the Rosicrucians, they were drawn into associat- ing themselves in a dangerous and unnatural way with the order of the llluminati. Origin of mn- IHuminism (i. e. the secret society of the miniam. Enlightened, at first called also Perfectionists), was first originated in the year 1776 by Adam Weis- haupt, Professor of canon and natural right at the uni- versity of Ingolstadt in Bavaria, for the purpose of opposing moral depravity, civilising the members, and securing the general improvement of mankind. Weis- haupt was born in Ingolstadt, in 1758, and educated by the Jesuits. He was an enlightened man, who had the general interests of all mankind at heart, and there- fore an eye-sore to the Jesuits, who after the dispersion of their order in 1773, endeavored to insinuate their emissaries into every seminary of education, and to supplant other teachers. He knew exactly, what was going on, and being well aware of the principles and proceedings of these followers of Ignatius Loyola, he 280 oould not do otherwise than entertain many just mis- givings. He therefore employed his professorship, and the geaieral good-feeling shown towards him, to form an opposition party, in 1775. That this could not be done publicly, was very natural. Whereupon he assembled hi* auditors in private, as if to a repetitorinm, contrived to enter with them into a free discussion of philosophical subjects, recommended them to read Bayle and others, and accustomed them to consider the public events of the day, with a critical eye. He enjoined on them cir- cumspection and secrecy, promised them still higher information, and styled them the Enlightened, or the Hluminati. This club of Students received an addition to its numbers, by the accession of some new members Abroad, and by the establishment of branch Schools in £iichstadt and Munich, and A, regular organisation was imparted to it by the adaptation of masonic rites and Jesuitical rules. A secret community was thus consti- tuted, the purpose *) of which was "to make the per- fecting of the reasoning powers interesting to mankind,, to spread the knowledge of sentiments both humane and social, to check wicked inclinations, to stand up for suffering and oppressed virtue against all wrong, to promote the advancement of men of merit, and in every way to facilitate the acquirement of knowledge and. science." In another place Weishaupt declared, that the order wished to institute important discoveries in every branch of science, to ennoble the members, to form great men, and then to secure to them the reward of this growth in perfection, even in this world. Among other things, a peculiar reckoning of time (the Persian), 1) See Original manuscripts of the Hluminati, discovered by coun- sellor Zwackh and printed by particular desire. 2 vol. Munich. Vol. I. l>age 27. 281 was introduced, towns and members had feigned names- assigned them, selected from ancient geography and history. For example: Bavaria was called Achaia; Austria — Egypt; Tyrol — Peloponesus; Munich — Athens; Vienna — Rome; Ingolstadt — Eleusis, also Ephesus &c. ; Weishaupt was named Spartacus, Zwackh — Cato, Hertal — Marius, Costanzo — Diomede &c. Knigge and At first the Order had no connection what- Fieemaaoniy. eyQ^, with the Freemasons. Neither Weis- haupt himself, nor the earlier members of his society, were Freemasons. Weishaupt was, in 1777, in the Lodg^ 'Theodor of good counsel" in Munich, first made a Free- mason, Zwackh in the year following, at Augsburg. From that tim« forward, a union was sought to be effected with the Fraternity of Freemasons to make it subservient to the purposes of the Illuminati. In Munich and Eichstadt, regularly constituted lodges were esta- blished to be seminaries of the new order. In 1780, Diomede, the Marquis de Costanzo, was despatched to Northern Germany to create ^) societies of Illuminati. The Marquis made there the acquaintance of Baron von Knigge, who when a young man, had been initiated in a lodge of the strict observance in Caasel, but had been far from satisfied ^) with it. Knigge was gained as a disciple, and devoted himself zealously to it, and confiding in Weishaupf s assurances^ 1) See Fessler's critical history (M. S.), Vol. IV, Division 12th, which almost entirely coincides with Kranae's treatise in Lenning's End. Vol. Ill, page 84 &c., as also Schmieder, Hist, of the lUimiinati in "Jeder, AUotria''. 2) He called the Freemasonry of that period (1779) "absurd juggliog^ tricks" and already some time before joining the Illuminati, meditated reforms. — See Knigge's correspondence with Prince Charles of Hesse, communicated by Fr. Voigts in the "Astraa", 1860, page 160 &c. ; 1851, page 176 &c., and 1853—54. 282 lie deemed it ancient and fully developed, without in the least surmising, that through him it was to receive light, form, and stability. In Nov. 1780, he entered into correspondence with Weishaupt, and each letter received, augmented Knigge's enthusiasm and zeal for the lUuminati. In the most considerable towns, in the five circles of Germany, which were apportioned him, many men of repute, learned, and of known probity were admitted as "Minervals", and received the right to initiate. Soon he was beset by se^weral hundreds of men, all demanding to be taught of him, to have their inquiiies satisfied, and to be advanced by his means. The degree of lUuminatus minor, which had been work- ed out by Weishaupt, did not long suffice the wants of these inquirers. Knigge then requested of Weishaupt, a full statement t)f the whole system, and received for answer, the avowal that the order as yet existed only in his brain; that merely the lower classes, the semi- naries had been set up, in a few catholic provinces; but that he had collected the most magnificent materials, for the formation of the high degrees; that Knigge being the most able man for the purpose, whom he had yet met with, he would impart to him all the contents of his papers &c. and besought him to come to Bavaria that they might take counsel together, on all these im- portant points. When Knigge was 29 years old, in Nov. 1781, he commenced his pilgrimage to Bavaria, and became on his journey thither, acquainted with the greater part of the disciples, attached to the order. *) When the two met, it was settled, that Knigge should elaborate the whole system, even to the highest mysteries, that they 1) See Philo'a (Knigge's) ehdliche Erklarung und Antwort. Hanno- Ter, 1778. The best and most credible account, written on the subject. 283 should enter into connexion with the masonic lodges, and that every effort should be made to secure for the lUuminati, an ascendancy in all lodges, whatever their systems. In the Wilhelmsbad convention, about to be opened, Knigge likewise received authority to communi- cate his discoveries to upright men well-informed on the subject, whose accession to the order might be reasonably expected &c. Yet not many joined, , as before admission, the necessary papers were required of him, to legalise his proceedings. Almost all the deputies from the lodges however came, desiring to be initiated. To their request, he did not accede imme- diately, but made them sign a declaration, binding them to secrecy. Amongst those who thus came was Bode, who was present at the Convention in the capacity of deputy from Duke Ernest of Saxe-Gotha, and who was commissioned to carry out the new Lodge-system, which had just been devised. It was Knigge's most ardent wish, to win over this man for the lUuminati, and he succeeded. After the close of the Convention, he was initiated under the name of Amelius, as far as lllumi- natus minor, and Bode was desirous of doing all in his power, to promote the welfare of the order. J. J. Bode. John Joach. Christ. Bode, was born Jan. 16, 1730, in Brunswick, became a counsellor in Hesse-Darmstadt, and celebrated for his translations of English humoristic writings; for a long time under the name of Eques a lilio convalium,, he was a zealous pro- moter, but afterwards an active assistant in causing the downfall, of the strict observance. ') Knigge describes him as a man of fine understanding, and of an inquiring 1) He was first a shepherd's boy: then a musician, a printer, and a bookseller. He died in Weimar, Dec. 13, 1793. For a fuller account of him see: Handbuch der Freimaurerei, Vol. I, page 115. 284 turn of mind; and adds, a great deal of the goo Aj that was in the strict observance, may be attributed to his influence; he was sincere and upright, without disaiiBti- lation, a seeker after truth, and with the exceptioH of the one point, that he saw signs of Jesuits and Jesuiti- cal influence everywhere, free from visionary enthusiasm. He liked to play a prominent part, and was stormy and violent. After having convinced him that no "priest- craft, or idiotic influence of the kind", lay concealed in lUuminatism, Knigge communicated to him his associa- tions, plans, opinions, and designs, as well as his know- ledge of the History of the Fraternity of Freemasons. Bode was then made lllwminatus major and 1. dirigenSy and in a formal agreement promised to work faithfully and earnestly for the well-being of the order, to pro- cure for it a preponderating influence in the new system in the Freemasons' lodges, and to impart to the chiefs of the lUuminati, all he knew touching the origin and history of Freemasonry and the Rosicrucians, a promise,^ which he most assuredly would have fulfilled, if the order, bearing within it, as it did, the seeds of dissolu- tion, had not foundered. The first cause for this, was the rupture between Weishaupt and Knigge. The latter had worked out the whole system, and submitted it to the approval of the Areopagites, and after long delay and deliberation, had at length introduced it into his district. He then indeed set to work earnestly and successfully, trusting most implicitily to the other Areopagites acting in a similar manner, and maintaining the covenant in all points. But Weishaupt singly and alone made alterations and additions, and sent them to the Provincial Directors commanding their insertion. On this account, as well as because of their different opinions on religion, on the ritual arrangements, and on the government of the 285 order, Weishaupt and Knigge were so at variance, that the latter withdrew from all further participation in tiie matter. The BjBtem of Bcforc investigating the causes which led the ninminati. ^.q ^j^^ f^u of the Order, let us examine its whole system more closely. The order was divided into three chief divisions, each having many different sub -divisions: A) Seminaries: 1) Probationary; — 2) Novitiate; — 3) Minerval; — 4) lUumwatus minor; ■ — 5) Magistrate. B) Freemasonry: 1) Symbolic: a) apprentice, b) fel- low-craft, c) Master; • — 2) Scotch: a) lUuminatus major or Scotch Novice, b) Hlwminatus dirigens or Scotch knights. (Both have ap- peared in print.) C) Mysteries: 1) Inferior : a) Presbyter, or Priest degree, b) Ptinceps, or Regent degree ; — 2) Superior : a) Magibs, b) Rex, (These two degrees have never been worked out. In the Novitiate, the candidate did not become im- mediately acquainted with the whole community, but with only one single member of the same, a director, who superintended his studies, and exacted implicit obedience. This director assisted his pupil, when he required help, and promised him a good appointment in the state, in the future. No dangerous maxims were divulged, but rather many were supplied with fresh motives for diligent study. After the probationary degrees, came the masonic degrees, in which all useless members were detained, and only such as showed espe- cial aptitude were advanced in due time. 286 The seeds of its ruin lay in the constitution of the order, which Weishaupt had modelled from the social forms of the Jesuits. The maxim, that the end sancti- fies the means, had been adopted by him, only he wished to employ for good those same means, which the Jesuits applied for evil. This despotic constitution was not only contrary to the real intention of its foun- der, but likewise practically unattainable, in the position the members assumed to the association. A kind of auricular confession was introduced (account given of the progress made in morals and enlightenment) and a perpetual espionnage, and communication of the result of these observations made to the invisible superiors,, which gave rise to a prying, inquisitorial spirit, to distriist and hypocrisy. No money was required on admittance, and on reaching the Regent degree, alt former promises and oaths were cancelled and remitted» which as Knigge remarks *), was a proof of the upright- ness of their intentions, but cannot justify nor undo, all the moral evil, which the previous ill-treatment, they had to endure, was calculated to produce on them men- tally. Under this ritual, good and equitable men could not long remain united; if unassailed by persecution from without, on the part of the government, the order must have . died out of itself. Another principal cause of the inward decay of the order, was the manner in which it was disseminated j contrary to the wish of its founder ^), incapable and 1) Philo's endliclie Erkldrung etc. Page 117 etc. 2) Weishaupt's instructioDS respectiog the Initiations were: "Whoever does not close his ear to the lamentations of the miser- able, nor his heart to gentle pity, whoever is the friend and brother of the unfortunate; whoever has a heart capable of love and friendship; whoever is stedfast in adversity, unwearied in the carrying out of what- ever has been once engaged in, undaunted in the overcoming of diffi- 287 unworthy men were chosen, who entertained either selfish or exaggerated expectations of the association, and brought disgrace upon it. Some of them even inclined to what was positively evil and wrong, as may be gathered from the examination reports. These vici- ous members, most assuredly would have in time poi- soned the institution, founded upon so much nobler motives, and with far superior aims, and have rendered it prejudicial to all mankind, unless a stop had been put to it in some other way. Ai)oiition of the This was however soon brought about. The Order. Jesuits having remarked, that the new asso- ciation was directed against them, did all in their power, to find out what they could about it, and then opposed it. They made use of a very simple method to do this, causing some of their number to be admitted as mem- bers of the Illuminati, and that confidence might be reposed in them, declaimed against the Jesuits, the more quickly to penetrate as high as the Regent degree. As soon as this was attained, they showed themselves in their true colors. In 1783 the bookseller Strobl, Canon Danzer, and Prof. Westenrieder, were the first to denounce the Illuminati and Freemasons, whereupon June 22, 1784, all secret associations whatever, were prohibited by royal edict. The Freemasons and Ulumi- culties; whoever does not mock and despise the weak; whose soul is susceptible of conceiving great designs, desirous of rising superior to all base motives, and of distinguishing itself by deeds of benevolence; whoever shuns idleness; whoever considers no knowledge as unessential, which he may have the opportunity of acquiring, regarding the know- ledge of mankind as his chief study; whoever, when truth and virtue are in question, despising the approbation of the multitude, is sufficiently courageous to follow the dictates of bis own heart, — such a one is a proper candidate." See the selection from the statutes in the '■'■Hand- buch der Freimamerei" under "Illuminati" 28g nati obeyed, and closed their Lodges. Soon afterwards secret deuunciations were issued, called warnings and prohibitions (by Father Frank and Kreitmayr), smd Weisliaupt was dismissed from his office, banished, and forbidden to attempt any defence. Utzschneider, Cos- sandey, and Grunberger, who had retired from the order, but had long manifested a personal spite towards several of the lUuminati, and had secretly informed against it, were summoned as witnesses before a secret tribunal. The most violent persecution was the conse- quence, in which not the slightest shadow of right or justice could be descried. Many most estimable men, who had not high rank and family, influence to fall back upon, were either summarily dismissed without a legal hearing, or banished the country, or imprisoned. Weishaupt fled, and found an asylum with the generous minded Duke Ernest of Gotha, in whose service he remained to the end of his days. The Jesuits and the Gold- and Ilosicrucians in Bavaria, who hated the lUu- minati, triumphed at the successfalness of their machi- nations, at the fall of the order *), and at the persecu- tion, its members had to undergo. The order was composed of no inconsiderable number of members; about 20U0, amongst whom were many clever, learned, and highly esteemed men. 5) The strict observance and Stark's spiritual order of Knights Templars. Let us now resume the thread of our narrative, which we have been somewhat anticipating. 1) After its dispersion many writings about tlie order, were pub- lished, which in "Kloss, Bibliography" No. 3211—3275 (page 211 etc.) are mentioned by name. See also "Catalogue of the books of the Lodge "Pythagoras" in Brooklyn". New-York, 1850. Page 110. 289 von Hun4. Botoii vou Hnnd> boon in 1722, was im-, ^isptttahly the moat aetire instuumfint in spreading the jnaaonie order of the fcoaghits itemplars in Gfcermaay. He was a rich nobleman from Ae Xiausitz, an upright Hind well-meaning man, of moderate iHmderstaadiiig, vain, and fond of adventure,, who at ,20, was admitted into the Erateraity, probably by Erench brethren *), in 1741, and thus brought in contact with the EmgliBh irefugeea Hving in France. Whjist residing in Paris, he received intimations of the existence 'of the order of Ktuights Templars in the Scottish islands, and firmly believing in their genuineness, permitted himself to be nominated ■Grand Master of the 7th (province. After his second j^eeidence in Paris, he returned to his estates^ and there, in J 743, with several of the .Brethisen, who were well* Jinown to him, he began 4o work, and June 24, 1751, he established the Lodge "of the three Pillars" in Kitt- jitz, which forthwith became associated with the Naum- burg Lodge. Mjaay brethren of rank -were made Knights, under the vow of the strictest secrecy, :and were addressed in ihe 'Order by their noms de guerre. According to the plan of operation, accepted by the convention in tJn- Tvurde in 1755, and obeyed by the new Grand Master, the number of the Templars was sought to be multi- plied, hy inducing the then existing lodges to join them, and from these choosing the beat members to be made Knights, and means were at the same time reflected upon, how to increase the funds of the order. In the mean while, Johnson had appeared, and had given the affair a new turn. Von Hund declared 1) See Keller, L. fe., p, 120. (Maurerhalle, 1840, I. 44.) We will here remark that von Hund's visionary fancies and his love of display, led him to become a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Findel, History of Freemasonry. 19 290 Johnson's history of the continuation of the order of Bjiights Templajrs and of the real aim of Freemasonry perfectly correct, but that Johnson had not been sent from Scotland, and no one, excepting himself (von Hund), the actual Grand Master of the order in Germany, had the right to bestow the high degrees. "He *) had as yet kept in the back ground, but now considered it his vocation to appear publicly in Freemasonry, and invite the Brethren, to fulfil their duty, by listening to his instructions." This occurred in 1764, and his coming forward thus, excited as much surprise as joy and hope. Steps were taken to bring about the re-establishment of the 7th province (the order was divided into pro- vinces); knights were dubbed, chapters formed, and von Hund under the name of knight of the sword {Eqties db Ense) was acknowledged Grand Master. As the members of this new system had to render un- qualified obedience, it was called the strict observance, whilst the lodges which remained faithful to the English Eite, were called the late observance. The followers of the former styled themselves "great" Masons, whilst the latter were scarcely recognised as Freemasons, until they had their initiation confirmed by joining the strict observance. The ritual, which underwent many changes, was a compound selected from all sorts of forms, and accord- ing to this the initiations were consummated by the Knight of the sword (von Hund). To the three masonic degrees were added, 4) the Scottish Master, 5) the Novices, 6) the Templars, who were again subdivided into the three classes of the Eques (knight), armiger (armour-bearer) and socius (confederate). As the new system satisfied the requirements of both the ambitious 1) Knigge, L. c, p. 65. 291 and the lovers of mystery, or £is Br. Bode obserVeiy^ accommodated itself to • "the weakness of h^iman nature", and as besides seven young princes were induced to- become members, the strict observance was soon the predominating system in Germany. This was the easier of accomplishment, because at that time Johnson was-- irritating men's minds, and the Clermont-Rosa chapter creating great dissatisfaction. Many persons, otherwise- sound in judgment, seem to have taken up with these extravagant notions; each contaminated the other, and' real masonry, i. e. the simple "Old Charges" thereof,, appeared to be forgotten. The lodges were invited to join, and most of them did so, won' over chiefly by the influence of the clever, eloquent, and worldly-wise Br^ Schubart von Kleefeld {eques a struthione) , putting their signatures to an "act of obedience",*) which made them mere tools in the hands of their unknown superiors.. Division. The whole jurisdiction of the order ex- tended over nine provinces: Aragonia, Auvergne, Lan- guedoc, Leon, Burgundy, Britain, Lower Germany (in- cluding Poland, Liefland, and Kurland), Italy, and Greece. As most of these provinces showed themselves in a short time, unwilling to accept the Rite, it was determined to make another division. Thus: 1) Lower Germany with Poland and Prussia, 2) Auvergne, 3) Oc- citania (?LaDguedoc), 4) Italy and Greece, 5) Burgundy- and Switzerland, 6) Upper Germany, 7) Austria and Lombardy, 8) Russia, 9) Sweden. The Grand Lodge of direction was at Brunswick, presided over by the 1) See this act in G, F. Menge, Geschichte der Loge „Pforie z. T. d. L." in Hildesheim. 1863. P. 81. — They bound themselves to show ready and implicit obedience, the most abject submission, and to the renunciation of their allegiance to the duties and customs of the late observance. 19* 292 G^raad Master Duke Ferdiaand of Brans wict» fraaa 1782^—1793, said to him succeeded Prince Charles of Hesse. Each proviaice had its Grand Master, a pro- viiicial ch^ter, and maijy priors, ^ihefeGtuf es^ and com- manderies &g. Secret superiors (high or unknown su- periors), were said .to guide the order, their designs bei^ag'kept as secret as were their names and persons from the Brethren of lower degrees. *) Consequences "jhe sad consequenccs caused by the in- o*ser«»kcB. trodu'cti'On or the strict observance were soon visible in the G-erman lodges j the knights looked down haughtily upon the brethren of lower degrees, and the Lodgefs, which declined to accept Ihe innovations, and would not join, as for instance those in Frankfurt o. M. and Anspach, were pronounced as spurious; indeed^ disuniotis and petty jealousies were apparent amongst their owii. brethren. The Lodge "of Unity" in Frankfurt, even after some few breliu-en of that place had associated them- selves to Schubart, behaved in «uch an exemplary maur ner, that we have every reason to bestow upon them our especial regard. They remained stedfast to their forjner way of working, and the more effectually to ward off all attacks, they imparted to their Lodge the official character of a Mother Lo^ge. Br. Gogel suc- ceeded after much trouble, in having it patepted by the London Grand Lodge as the Provincial Lo<^e of the upper and lower Ehine and Franconia. The greater to increase the confiision, other new systems arose. For example many disappointed brethren in 1767, separated themselves and, with Br. Koppen at their head, formed 1) The S. I., i. e. Superiores Incogniti (untoowu superiors) has been translated by many masonic authors — who auapeoted Jesuitism erery- where in Societas Jesu (Society of Jesus). the syatem of the "African Builders {AjWeanfsehe B in ovder as i& stated in his official despatch, "to treat ni detail with. 1h& sq^rirituai knights as our plenipatentiary, about alt and eveey titing relating to ike system, in our province and theira lifaewisa" Prangen, and his secretary Jtuiobiy went by w*y of Giistrow to Wismar, where they haid a meetiiKg with Br. von Raven (Prefect of the strict observance)^ who had already been gained over to the cause hy Stark, and the Conference was opened Mardi 8. Both,, Pirangen and Jacobi, were initiated into the spiritual seieo«e, which it is true was not perfectly satisfiictoryv bat was temporarily received, in the hope of further revelations, and on the 22nd upon condition of the inture approbation of the Grand Master, the formal union of the two branches was peoncKmced. In that same year Stark jiemrB^ed to Petersburg for the second time. The Convention It was overywhcrc felt, that the strict ofKohio. observance required better regulations, andJ these were not to be expected from the Grand Master^ therefore a meeting of the directors of the system was agreed on, which took place in June 1772, in Count Briihl's castle, at Kohlo, in the Lausitz. To the surprise of many, Br. von Raven from. Mecklenburg, whom Sttok had induced to join, was one of the number, and hadi brought with him a treaty of union between the clergy and the strict observance, and, ttwigh neither Staark nor Kaven vouchsafed any revelations, this treaty was unhesitatingly accepted. The Duke Ferdinand of BrunS' "*ick, who had joined the association, was nominated Mrperior> remained only Gramd Master of the lodges^ in Upper and Lower Saxony, Denmark, and CourfaHdV, The afipearanoe of power, at least, was willingly accorded liie Grand Master, especially the disposition of the cere- monies and titlesj as the resoluitioiiff determined on were brat little to his< taste *). A complete severing' of them- selves from the secret siasperiors was much desired, aad in the ftrture only superiors of their own choosing were to ' be acknowledged,, and laws were to he passed by vote. . Although Br von Hund only possessed the shadow of power, and his authority was everywhere disputed, yet he was persuaded to disseminate the strict obser- vance, even beyond Germany. For this pupposey Feb. 27,, 1774y he bestowed upon Br. von Weiler (-Ef. a. Spiea aurea) a warrant as General commiissary, with authority, tO! re-establish the system in the 2d, 3d> and 5th Pro- vinces (France), which was aaoom'plis'hed in. a short, space of tinaie. In the convention of Brunswick (1775} he met with a check in his career^ but this did not intimidate him from eontinuing his journey to Italy and' establishing a chapter in Turin. Tie Branswack In the conventiou' of Brunswick which tovention. lag^g^ ^f^^. jf^y 22nd to Jufy 6*h> 1T75, ajud was assembled for the accommodating of several matters, espeeially for the uniting of the different par- ties, Br. von Hund found an opportunity of indiilging^ in his love of outward pomp and show. With their Gmnd Master at their head, the deputies *of 23 lodges- walked in full procession, from the hall of the order, which as 26 German princes belonged to the masonic fraternity^ was most brilliantly adorned for the ooeasion. 1) See (Bode) „Some queetions and considerations,' laid before all German brethren" and „/4llig-em. Handh. der Freimanrerei", I, p. 194. 298 All the Prefects had most urgently required from Br. von Hund some satisfactory proof of being sent by some lawfully constituted authority, that they might come to a correct understanding as to who the unknown supe- riors were. He declared, that in 1743 he had taken the chair in a foreign lodge in Paris, and had there become acquainted with several Scotch brethren, and adherents of the Pretender; from them he had received his first idea of the higher degrees in Freemasonry.' Lord Kilmarnock in the presence of Lord Clifford, had made him a Templar, and introduced him to the Pre- tender. This latter was not expressly pointed out to him as the Grand Master of the Order, but he was given to understand as much. He had afterwards received a Warrant bearing the signature George, and had corresponded with well-known and also secret supe- riors; the chief of his letters had been addressed to Old Aberdeen. After his nomination to the Grand Mastership of the 7th Province, he had, on the death of Brother Marschall, received his matriculation book of the order, which he produced. This however contained nothing but the division of the order into nine provinces. Two letters which he showed as the latest intelligence from the Grand Chapter, contained in incomprehensible, ambiguous terms, almost the opposite of what they were intended to confirm. He asserted moreover, that he was not bound to vouchsafe all these explanations to the Masons, neither would his oath allow of his saying any thing further. This inftrmation and his insufficient warrant, did not tend . to allay the apprehensions of the more intelli- gent brethren; confidence in him was completely lost, he had played his part.*) To restore greater unity to 1) Hund died Nov. 8, 1776 in Meiningen. 299 the wholfl, the seat of government of the order was removed to Brunswick, and it was resolved that two Orand Lodges should be held annually, which should consist of the ancient Scotch chief master, and deputies froin the single lodges. The lodges of the strict obser- vance called themselves thenceforward, "the united ■German lodges." Gugomos. The spiritual Knights Templars had pro- inised in Brunswick to be more explicit in their com- munications. While men were anticipating these most eagerly, a new impostor appeared upon the scene, a gentleman of the bed-chamber von Gugomos. 'This fellow — he was a member of the high degrees of the strict observance under the name of Eques a Gygno tnumpharvte — had the effrontery, to invite the directory •of the order, in a circular epistle *), to a convention at "Wiesbaden, to receive from him the commands and instructions bf the most honorable and esteemed supe- riors. He promised to administer a complete new order of Knights Templars, and that those incorporated in 'it, should be put in possession of the secrets of the most mysterious of all sciences. Expectation was again at its highest pitch. Although Br. Bode had warned every -one against him, as a "coxcomb and boaster, in whom no reliance could be placed," yet many brethren appeared at the summons, among whom were the Rosicrucians, Wollner, Bischofswerder &c., also the "Prince of Hesse and the Duke of Gotha. Gugomos called himself Dux, high Priest of the holy altar of Cyprus, and delegate of the high superiors, and promised the brethren moun- tains of gold; but he opened the meeting with the delivery of such a pack of nonsense, that any unpreju- diced person must have seen through it all. Notwith- 1) See "Sigtiatstern" 3 Part. Berlin, 1804. 300 standing- he found some who believed in Hm. Those present had to bind themselves by new conditions, and to subscribe their names to an ex-tremefy striijgebt ©o-veqant; they must suffer themselves to be locked vp^ fast fbp many hours, and then answer the most dreadful queetions. The more reasonable among the brethren^ perceived the imposition, and therefore insisted on his producing, without further delay, the necessary evidence- o# the truth of his mission. Gugomos had recourse to aU sorts of subterluges, and escaped, as secretly as he could, out of Wiesbaden. In 1781, he eonffessed that all his propositions had been the invention of the devi^ and acknowledged that h&had been employed by wicked men, to carry out their evil designs. It is affirmed that Gugomos owned, that Jesuits bad worked upon him till he had played this comedy, that Preemasoniy might be scattered to the winds. End of the As the Spiritual Kiiights Templars would; spiritual BTanch. jjQt divulge their secrets, and at the same time their declarations and intimations agreed with those made by many others, it was resoh'sd, that the desired Bght should be attained without their aid: the Grand Master, Duke Ferdinand, commissioned Br. von Waehter to go to Florence to the Pretender, and there make diligent search for the invisible superiors. He was said to have returned thence, laden with treasure, it is true^ but without the longed-for revelations; he was obliged to own, that the IVetender knew nothing either of the Order of Knights Templars, nor was he a Freemason.') The spiritual branch had lost all hope after Hund's death, of being believed in any longer, and the more s©>. because the Swedish system, which was just becomii*^ known, placed many obstructions in their path, and 1) See page 224, Note. 301 because their founder Stark was suspected of being in league with the Catholics *), and. many brethren be- came convinced that the whole thing was an iuveation ■of Stark's. From Mitau, where Stark had been from Easter '1777 — 1781, he k%pt up a connection with Prince George A^gustus of Mecklenburg ='), as also with the Hessian prinees, which latter procured him the appoint- ment of chiief-chiapiain in ordinary in Dafmstadt, where be remained till his death, March 1816. Aasociation While the helpless strict observance was ■with Sweden, n i • ,i p , . i OBnventioii "^^ ^^^J" Seeking the pure fountam, whence •of woifeniuttei. issuod their system, the Swedish brethren most unexpectedly announced themselves to be in pos- session of siu-e and reliable information, which under certain conditions, they were willing to communi- cate to their German brethren. One of these condi- tions was, that the jDuke of Sudermanland, who in Sweden had the highest rank, which the order had to bestow, that of Vicarius Balemionia, and was likewise longing to obtain complete control over all the German lodges, should be chosen Grand Master of the seventh province. A union was sought to be brought about, -and the deputies on both sides, in Hamburg, paved the way for it, but confirmation from the prefects was wanting, as a clear explanation of the office of Grand Master was considered as in^ejatively necessary, first of all. The Grand Master, Duke Ferdinand notwith- standing, carried his point, in the Convention in Wolfea- biittel in 1788, and the union appeared to fee effected, j yet such extremely stringent measures were taken by 1) This suspicion ■was well-founded, as is proved by documents in tte possession of Br. Dr. Eckstein in Leipzig. StarTi's funeral service ■was 'CoDdiicted accBrding to -the Roman Catholic j'itual. ^; See his letter t-o him: Fessler, crft. ibfat. LV. — Sigoatstern, lU Vel. 302 the Germans to preseQt the introduction of any ar- bitrary power, that this proving exceedingly distasteful to the proud and headstrong Duke of Sudermanland^ occasioned another plan to be devised. Some prefects protested against this, Berlin and Silesia deserted, and others maintained a complete reserve, but yet the union took place in September 1779. It was. of no long du- ration, for in Germany it was regarded with the great- est mistrust, especially as Duke Ferdinand after having himself been to Sweden to obtain farther information,, came back with the assurance that he had seen and. heard nothing, but a few unimportant additions and changes in the history of- the order, and some empty ceremonies, but no genuine documents, nor a word of' all that had been so freely promised. The strict observance was upon the point of giving- up the ghost. Before hearing sentence of death pro- nounced by her own mouth at the Wilhelmsbad con- vention, we will after a short retrospective survey, turn our attention to a new system, that- of the Grand Lodge- of Germany, practising the Swedish Rite, which was- introduced into Germany between 1770 — 1775, and exer- cised a powerful influence on German Freemasonry. Let us survey the events we have just related onc& more, and we shall be aware, that the predominant feeling is one of deep regret ; particularly if we direct our chief attention to the outward form these errors assumed,, we may perhaps be inclined to turn from them with. aversion. The Lodges in many places were but scantily •visited by their members, as of course the brethren could not get accustomed to the new regulations; the work of the Lodge was spiritless, lacking life and ani- mation; expositions or lectures delivered by individual, brethren, were mostly confined to festive occasions; the necessary discipline was not maintained at the initiations,. 303 for position and fortune unfortunalety guided the choice; vote by ballot (at least in the strict observance) was not the custom, but questions were simply put to the vote. If we take all these circumstances into consi- deration, and dive deep down into the heart of that period, which was one of gradual progress, we shall see everywhere an earnest striving after improvement, a burning desire after the knowledge of the truth, a pro- found, positive, active movement in the Fraternity, to comprehend the actual design and purport of Freemasonry, and of the sources whence its history was derived; we shall see with what zeal most of them were inspired, and with what devotion and perseverance they served the Brotherhood. We know what sums of money were expended and time sacrificed by the Brethren, to im- prove the condition of the Lodges in every possible way; not only were brethren in distress relieved, to- gether with their widows and orphans, but to other needy individuals, assistance was extended. Duke Ferdinand especially dispersed large sums with a liberal hand, partly for benevolent purposes, partly on impostors for the revelation of their pretended secrets. Many brethren took journeys at their own expense, for masonic pur- poses. The Lodge in Brunswick of "Charles with the crowned pillar", established a school in 1770 in which the pupils were instructed free of expense in drawing, French, mathematics &c., and which has been of immense benefit to many; the lodge in Prague founded an or- phanage to John the Baptist in 1773. During the great dearth in the year 1771, many families in the Erz- gebirge in Saxony suffered the extremities of famine ; many were almost starved to death; the poor children were in want of the most necessary clothing, and instruction in the schools was almost entirely suspended. The Dresden Lodges, which had on many previous, cri- 304 tical emergejacies, given the ma&t convincing pr©of of the masonic tvtrn of mind, *) set a siiiJbecri|)llaofn on fa«t to assist in checking the geQer.al miaftry. Tie brethren contributed so liberally, that in 1772, 400 thalers ware received every month, which did not include the nu- merous danations in wearing apparel and provisions «f ■9,11 kinds. The first collection amounted to 6398 Thafers, with single subecriptiows of 30, 50, 60, 90, and 100 Tialers. — The «um total was 17,000 Thalra-s. — The expressions of pure philanthropy with which the as- sembly of ,the united Lodges of .the "three swor4s"j ssad the "true Friends", was Bolemmly opened Jan. 17, 1772, were cai-ried out in practice. They were these: "To relieve the wretched, rescue the suffering, defend the innocent, and rfender mankind as happy as possible, this ought and must be the chief and constant aim of every man, but more especially of every sincere affld genuine mason." — The institution for poor and orphan children which was then founded, became afterwaa^ds, when the charitable originators ,were encouraged in their labor of love, by the mest signal success, "a work which was most intimately connected with iFreeinaaaary", md for the continuation of the same in perpetuity, a build- ing was set apart for the purpose, and as it was stipulated, Aat only children belonging to the Protestant religion were to be admitted, and as Masonry honored every form of religion, a sum was set apart every month, for the education of catholic children." This is now the flourishing "FreemasoBs Institution" in Friedriehstad^ Dresden. ■1) See, "^Oollected report of the Benevolent Funds for the Free- masons in Electoral Saxony from January 17 , 1772 to 1775". TMS unpretending liffle "book is the roost brilliant memorial df masoaie activity. 305 «) Zinnendorf and the drsiad Udge of fiermanj< (Swedish Rite). In that period of time ao favorable to the founda- tion of new systems, viz : shortly before and after 176Q, a new masonic Rite arose in Sweden, exactly suited to the necessities of th-e Brethren there, fornued upon the basis of the strict observance, and of the order ■of Heredoni, a clever union of Templarism and Ro- sicnicianism, a branch of which was transplanted to Oermany by Br. von Zinnendorf*) in 1766. This brother had shown himself dissatisfied with the strict observance on acount of the delay in communicating the knowledge of the spiritual order, although shortly before he had been active in effecting its union with the Grand Lodge of the "three Globes" j he had in- curred much blame for the manner in which he ad- ministered the funds of the order in Berlin, and thus drawn on himself .the displeasure of the Brethren, and 1) John William Ellenberger, who subsequently was adopted by a gentleman called Zinnendorf, whose name he bore, was born in Halle, Aug-. 10, 1731, and for a time a member of the lodge "Phila-