The Mark Degree.

The measures adopted by the Mark Masons in 1856 were precisely similar to those adopted by , The members of the four London lodges in 1717 . The seceding members in 1739-40 .

The Knights Templar in 1790 . The members of the two London Grand Lodges in 1813 .

The members of the Ancient and Accepted Rite in 1846 . Only with this advantage on the side of the Mark Masons as compared with one or more of those bodies that there was no superior authority

claiming legitimate jurisdiction over them to whom they could be opposed , and therefore by parity of reasoning , the constitution of the Grand Lodge of Mark Masters of England and AVales , & c , is as sound , legal , and valid , as that of either of the

above supreme bodies the constitution of which has never been questioned . 2 . —The position of the Grand Mark Lodge with reference to the United Grand Lodge of England is precisely analagous to that of the

Grand Conclave of K . T . and tbe Supreme Grand -Council 33 ° . All three are bodies ruling over degrees not recognised by the United Grand ( Lodge of England , and therefore not only independent of , but not in communication ivith her ,

though the members of all , are not only not antagonistic to her , but are numbered with the best , and most valued of her subjects .

But , it will he retorted , the Grand Mark Lodge of England is not only not recognised by the United Grand Lodge , but is not recognised by , or in communication with , any supreme Masonic body in any country , even where the Mark Degree is acknowledged and practised as an essential part of pure and ancient

Masonry . To this I answer tbat tbe Grand Mark Lodge of England has only been in existence 13 years , and is encountering , and has yet to encounter , tbe prejudices with which all young governments are regarded . It

is but recently that conventions bave been concluded by tbe English Grand Conclave with those of Scotland and Ireland ; and , I believe , tbe same may be said of tbe relations between tbe Englisb Supreme Grand Council aud the Councils of France and other

countries . I believe the time will come ivhen recognition and communion will be gladly extended to , and heldwith , the Grand Mark Lodge of England , wbich as a jSupreme Masonic Body with jurisdiction over nearly 100 lodges—increasing annually—comprising many noblemen and brethren of position , influence , and

learning , cannot long remain 'in an isolated condition . But , whether this be so or not , we ( I speak on behalf of the members of the Grand Mark Lodge ) we are comparatively indifferent . We have faith in the

essential importance of the degree , not caring to quarrel with those who withhold concurrence in our opinions . We are prepared to prove tbe antiquity of the degree as practised universally down to 1813 , utterly rejecting the absurd and insulting hypothesis

set up by one or two leading opjsonents as to its origin , and tbe motives of those by whom it is said to bave been founded , and patiently waiting the time when our labours will meet with a fitting

recompense . Before quitting this part of my subject , let me direct attention to the position of the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland with reference to the Grand Lodge of Scotland , which , however , does not operate as a bar to the recognition of the power exercised by Supreme Grand Chapters in England and elsewhere .

Why the Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland decline recognition of the Grand Mark Lodge of England , it is difficult to state , as it would naturally have been thought tbey would bave been but too glad to hail the formation of a body charged with the care of a degree which tbey' consider of value and

importance , in a country where it was otherwise neglected and ignored . The probable surmise is , that they have some fear that to do so would give offence to the Grand Lodge of England . Why there should exist any grounds for such a fear

is matter of surprise and regret . In our legislation there is on no point so much anxiety evinced as to guard most studiously against any infringement of rites , ceremonies , regulations , constitutions , and

practice of tbe United Grand Lodge . Although maintaining the intimate connexion between the Fellow Craft and tbe Mark Degree , we do not allow the latter to be conferred upon any brother who is not a Master Mason , nor do we permit any brother to be installed Master of a Mark Lodge unless he

has previously filled the chair of a Craft Lodge . Amongst the members of tbe Mark Degree are found in large numbers earnest and liberal supporters of the noble Masonic Institutions , and I fearlessly assert that amongst them are also found as loyaldevoted

, , constitutional subjects of the M . W . G . M . of English Craft Masons as can be met with elsewhere . Thus much for the present . Hereafter I may recur to this subject .

IT is related that a pupil of the Deaf and Dumb Institution at Paris , being asked " AVhat is Eternity ? " replied with a richness and force of conception rarely equalled , "It is the life of the Almighty . "