Freemasonry In Scotland. No. I.

In this country Mason Lodges were , jirior to the absorption of the Operative element accustomed to meet for initiation in kirks , the upper chambers of dwelling houses , or at secluded places in the open

fields . The records of some of our preeighteenth century Lodges show this to have been so . In the secession of the Journeymen Masons of Edinburgh from Mary ' s Chapel , it Avas held to be an

aggravation of their rebellion that they met for Masonic purposes in a " public change house . " But after tho erection of Grand Lodge the custom became common , and has ever since existed in greater or less

degree . Of the halls Avhich have been acquired by our Lodges , very few are kept for the exclusive use of the Craft , ancl in consequence their interior arrangements are sadly out of keeping Avith the ostensible

object of their consecration . There are of course exceptions to this remark ; several of the lodges in Edinburgh ancl Glasgow , and one or two in the provinces , having halls strictly appropriated to Masonic

purposes . Floor-cloths bearing the symbols of the Craft are seldom seen in our lodges . Their use Avas forbidden by Grand Lodge more than a century ago . Instrumental

music is not unfrequently employed to give increased effect to our secret ceremonial . This is not , as is generally supposed , quite a novelty in Scotland . The example Avas set by one of the Edinburgh lodges ( St .

David ) as early as 1744 , in Avhich year it ivas presented with an organ hy one of its members . In some lodges the Avant of instrumental music is supplied by psalms being sung at certain stages in the

initiation service . But these are exceptional cases . Music in our lodges is as a rule confined to convivial and festive occasions . There Avas a time Avhen Masonic songsproductions abounding with extravagant

allusions to the symbols and princi ^ les of the Craft—alone Avere sung in the convivial meetings of lodges . Each had its songbook , Avhich Avas always ot hand in cases of sudden eclipses of the memory . Burns

contributed one purely Masonic soi g , in which his use of the phrase " grand design " betrays an acquaintance Avith the early Masonic poets . As his " FareAvell to the Brethren of St . James ' s Lodge , Tarbolton , " excels all other efforts hi the same

direction , its reproduction can never be cut of place when treating of Masonic "harmony . " It is now almost the only song of the land Avhich has retained its hold upon such meetings .

" Adieu ! a heart warm fond adieu ! Dear Brothers of the mystic tie ! Ye favour'd , ye enlightened few , Companions of my social joy . Tho' I to foreign lands must hie , Pursuing Fortune ' s slidd ' ry ha' , With melting heart and brimful eye , I'll mind you still , tho' far awa ' .

Oft have I met your social hand , And spent the cheerful , festive night ; Oft , honoured with supreme command , Presided o'er the sons of light : And by that hieroglyphic bright , Whii-. h none but craftsmen ever saw ! Strong mem'ry on my heart shall Avrite

Those happy scenes , Avhen far awa' . May Freedom , Harmony , and Love Unite you in the Grand Design , Beneath th' Omniscient Eye above—The glorious Architect divine ! That you may keep the unerring line ,

Still rising by the plummet ' s law , Till order bright completely shine , Shall be my prayer when far awa ' .

And you , farewell ! whose merits claim , Juslly that highest badge to wear ! Heav ' n bless your honour'd , noble name , To Masonry and Scotia dear ! A last request permit me here , When yearly ye assemble a' ,

One round—I ask it with a tear-To him , the Bard , that's far aiva' . " The sitting on " refreshment" in o | en lodge , and the Avearing of party-colou . tid