Ms. Masonic Constitutions (Or Charges) No. 1.

of lectures some neiv symbols . Thus to him is ascribed the adoption of the " lines parallel , " as a symbol of the two Saints John , and the " theological ladder . " Dunckerley AAiote nothing of great importance . His contributions to Masonic

literature seem to have been confined to a couple of charges or addresses , delivered in 1757 and in 1769 , and to a brief chronological sketch of the Order of Knights Templars , AA'hicli Avas published in tho 3 rd volume of the Freemason ' s Magazine . Ho

AA'as also the author of some Masonic poetry , and two of his odes are inserted in Noorthouck's edition of the Book of Constitutions . But his most effective labors Avere almost altogether esoteric ancl his instructions oralancl . his industry in this

, AA'ay seems to have been indefatigable , and his influence extensive . The results arc felt , as has already been said , to the present day . His popularity as a lecturer is to be attributed to the active character of his

mind , and his thorough mastership of tho subjects AA'hicli he taught , and the fluency of his delivery . His conduct Avas irreproachable , and hence ho Avas fortunate in securing the esteem and regard of the Craft and the

friendship of the most distinguished masons Avho Avero his contemporaries . Preston styles him " that truly masonic luminary , " and Oliver says that "he AA'as tho oracle of the Grand Lodge ancl the accredited interpreter of its Constitutions . His decision ,

like the laAV of the Mecles ancl Persians , was final on all points , both of doctrine and discipline , and against it there AA'as no appeal . "

Were I to attempt a comparative estimate of his character as a Masonic scholar , in reference to his predecessors , his contemporaries , and his successors in English Masonry , I should say that he Avas the superior of both Anderson and Desaguliers ;

but inferior to Preston , to Hutchinson , ancl to OliA'er . Among his contemporaries he certainly had a vrell-dcscrved reputation , and is clearly entitled to the appellation that Avas bestoAved upon him , of being a learned and philosophical Mason .-Mackey ' s National Freemason .

Ms. Masonic Constitutions (Or Charges) No. 1.

MS . MASONIC CONSTITUTIONS ( OR CHARGES ) No . 1 .

THE "YORK MS . No . 1 . " ( MS . "D " HUOHAN ' CATALOGUE ) A . D . 1600 ( CIRCA ) . [ An exact Transcript made from the Original in the Archives of the Grand Lod' / e of England , by Bro . IF " . J . lhighan , P . M ., S / c ]

"AN ANAGRAIME UPON THE NAME OF MASONKIE WILLIAM KAY TO HIS FRIEND ROBT . PRESTON UPON HIS ARTT OF MASONRIE AS FOLLOWETH . H Much might be said of the noble \

•Artt . !> A Crafts thats worth estieming in each part co Sundry Nations Nooblcs and their Kings also O Oh how they sought its Avorth to know .. S 3 Nimrod and Solomon the wisest of ) Mcmjm

all men pj Reason saw to love this Science then w He say noe more less by my shallow verses I H EndeaA'Ouring to praise should blemish Masonrie ,

" THE CONSTITUTIONS OF 'MASONRIE Tho might of the Father of heaven Avith Avisdome of ye blessed Sonne through ye grace of God ancl goodnesse of the holy ghost yt be three psons in one godhead bo Avith vs at our beginning and give vs grace

soe to gover . no A s here in this life yt AVO may come to Ms blessing yt nevr shall have ending : And good brethren and felloAVS our purpose is to tell yu IIOAV and in Avhat manner this Avorty Science of Masonrie AA'as begun and afterward IIOAV it Avas found by

Avorty Kings and Princes and by many other Worshipfull men , And also to them yt bo here Ave Avill declare ye charges yt belonge to every Free Mason to keep sure

m good laith . And therefore take good hoed hereto it is Avell Avorth y to bo kept Avell for yt ye Science is ancient for there be vij liberall Sciences of ye AA'cli it is one and ye names of ye seven Sciences bo these , first Grammer Avch teacheth a man to speak truly and Avrito truly . And ye

second is Rhetoricke and teacheth a man to speak faire plaine in subtile terms and ye third is Diolcctiek or Lodgick yt teacheth a man to discern truth from falshood . And yo fourth is Aiithnietiek that teacheth a man to reckon and to accompt all manni