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Article MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES. ← Page 2 of 2 Article Literature. REVIEWS. Page 1 of 3 →
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Masonic Notes And Queries.
CltlJISON AND GREEN ISORDEl-ED APEOX . AVhat degree is it that uses an apron with crimson and green borders ?—Jxo . 15 . O . —[ Our querist has not described it rig htly ; if should have been "an apron bordered with a crimson riband from one and a half to two inches broad , having a green rosette on the centre ofthe Hap , and one near each of the lower angles . " Then the apron is for a member ofthe councils of thc Knihts of
g the Mast , and AVest . They also wear a sash of crimson four inches - iro . 'ul , hung over the left shoulder , and descending across the breast to the ri ght side , where , at or near thc extremities , there is a green rosette ] .
SIE RICHARD STEELE . Have we any right to boast of tlie celebrated Sir Richard Steele , the colabrateur of Addison , as being a member of the Craft ?—P ED A . r , ocn . s . MASONRY nUIUNG THE INTERREGNUM . _ Inigo Jones is reported to have been the Grand Master at the time of Charles the First ' s martyrdom , and that during the usurpation the Lodges met privately for mutual improvement . Can any authorities be pointed out that bear on this assertion . —T . JOKES .
MASONIC SONG ON THE BATTLES OF ALMA AND INKE 11 MAN . At the close of the Russian war I heard a song sung in a Lodge which had reference to the heroes of Alma ancl Inkerman , but I am unable to charge my memory with a single line of it , yet I know it was Masonic . Perhaps you , or some of your correspondents , can help me to it . —XXIII FOOT . —[ Perhaps the song in question is called "A Toast , " written by Bro . Robert Fisher , of Lodge No . 70 G , and printed at p . 149 of the Masonic Mirror for 1855 . The burthen slightly varied , to each of the three verses , is the following : —
Green be the memory of the brave , the foremost in the van , Tho Masons ivbo { or freedom died at Alma , Iiitevmaim !" HIGH GRADES . What are the degrees which a Rose Croix Chapter can confer ? I have taken this degree , the eighteenth , I believe , but I want to know what are the intermediate steps ?—ROSE CROIX . —[ It is not
impossible that " Rose Croix" has taken this degree ; but it seems very improbable that he should not know what his Rose Croix certificate states . He may have taken the degree very lately ancl not yet received that diploma , and if so , upon his sending his name and address to us , in confidence , he shall be answered fully ; but wc are inclined to look upon the query with suspicion , anil when we suspect , wc practice a Masonic virtue—silence ] .
GENTILE , . IEWISII , AND CHRISTIAN MASONRY . In conversation with an elderly brother he used thc uncommon terms to me , of Gentile , Jewish , and Christian Masonry . Politeness withheld me at the moment from asking an explanation , for several other brethren had addressed him , and I found no opportunity afterwards . Perhaps you , or some of your contributors , can enlighten me as to the exact meaning of these three divisions
, I having always believed Masonry to be universal , and apart from all sectarian denomination?—ALPHA . —[ Among the Scottish , Irish , continental , and American Masons , we believe this classification does exist . AVith us it cannot , because by the Book of Constitutions ive only acknowledge the three degrees , and that of the I lol y Royal Arch . Yet , to a certain extent , we are not as catholic as our correspondent imagines , for no Royal Arch Companion
will deny that the ceremonies of that degree are Judaical ; but , as we shall uot enter upon the subject more fully here , we would point out to " Alpha" how the assertion of the brother he alludes to is correct . The three degrees , E . A ., F . C , and M . M ., are essentially gentile , or catholic , i . e ., universal . The Jewish arc those of Mark , Past , Most Excellent Masters , and Royal Arch Masonry , with other collateral degrees , not much known in England . Aud the Christian degrees are those ofthe orders of knighthood , such as the . Kni ghts Templar , Knights of Malta , Rose Croix , & c ]
ROSE CROIX , OK ROSY CROSS . AVhich is the right description , Rose Croix , or Rosy Cross?—A . A . A . —[ They are two distinct orders . The Rose Croix is the Croix Jlouge of the continental Masons , and the eighteenth degree of the Ancient and Accepted Rite . The Rosy Cross is peculiar to Scotland ; and the supreme head of the order is the king of Scotland , or in default , and by the terms of the union , the king of England . Rose Croix members are admitted members of the "Royal Order , " as it is termed , or Rosy Cross , upon the payment of red ded fees . ]
Literature. Reviews.
Literature . REVIEWS .
The History of Freemasonry and of the Grand Lodge , of Scotland , S , -c , < 5 'c . By AVILLIAM A LEXANDER LAURIE , Secretary to the Grand Lodge of Scotland , F . R . S . A ., & c , & c . [ Second Notice ] . HAVING in thc first part of his work considered the ancient history of the Order , the author now proceeds to sketch the
progress of the royal art through the middle ages to the present day . Here , of course , we are naturally introduced to those fraternities of travelling Masons who have sown the seed of instruction in so many nations of Europe . During the time that these were spread over the continent , enriching its cities with their architectural labours , and improving society by their cultivation of the liberal sciences , they were favoured with especial privileges and
consideration by the heads of the Romish church . This seems strange enough ivhen we recollect how unfriendly in the sequel have become the relations between the two bodies , but the explanation of the paradox lies in the combined circumstances that the comparatively restricted power and influence of the body of Freemasons at that period was not sufficient to alarm the papal hierarchy ; and next , that the abilities ancl genius of the
craftsmen were necessary to sustain the pride of the mighty churchmen in the construction of those edifices , the elaboration of ivhich ( in many instances ) was intended as much for the glorification of the priestly builder , as for honour to tlie Being to ivhose praise
they were professedly erected . In our own country particularly ( as well as in Scotland ) the principal examples of the glorious Gothic architecture—which , beyond all doubt , is the most elevating and appropriate style , for religious edifices which the world has ever seen—bear undoubted evidence of having been designed and reared by skilful masters of our royal secrets ; and , at the same time , the various potentates ofthe ancient church ofthe realm—Bishop
this , or Abbot such an one—under whose auspices the work was nobly carried on , have raised to themselves by this means a monument" cere peremiws" on which their names shall he handed down to admiring posterity . But this condition of affairs , as our author judiciously , and with probability argues , was brought to an end by the increasing numbers of the Masonic brethren , ancl the cessation of a demand for their services ; while the efforts of
the brethren of our Order , in the cause of education , science , general enlig htenment and p hilanthropy ivere distorted and misconstrued by the papal body into heresy of the worst kind . The animus against Freemasonry ivas increased by the well known tendency of the Order to resist , directly as well as indirectly , every species of temporal and spiritual tyranny ; thus the dislike and fear ofthe Romish church grows stronger in each succeeding age , until it at length culminated in downright persecution and denunciation .
In the 3 'ear 1140 , a body oi skilled Masons , who liad escaped from the turmoils ofthe continent of Europe , arrived in Scotland , ancl on its western coast , in the time-honoured but humble village of Kilwinning , found a safe retreat . In this manner , says our author , Britain became the sanctuary of those glorious precepts and secrets ofthe brotherhood which in after years were so widely spread and so deeply venerated in foreign lands where they had been either neglected or completely unknown ; while the comparative pcaccfiilncss of their new abode enabled tlie brethren to consolidate and disseminate the ancient lore of which they were
the custodians . Bro . Laurie here enters into a long and learned disquisition upon the order of Knig hts Templar ; the objects of which he maintains , were purely and solely Masonic , lie says : — " It is almost beyond a doubt that their chief and primary intention was to practise and preserve tho rights and mysteries of Freemasonry . AVe know at least that they not onl possessed the mysteriesbut
pery , formed the ceremonies and inculcated the duties of Freemasons ; ancl it is equally certain that the practising of these rites could contribute nothing to the protection and comfort ofthe Catholic pilgrims . Had they publicly avowed the real object of their institution , instead of that favour which they so long enjoyed , they would have experienced the animosity of the Church of Koine . But as they were animated with a sincere regard for the Catholic faith , and with a decided abhorrence for the tbat trans
infidel possessors of Judea , it was never once suspected they - acted any other business at their secret meetings but that which , concerned the regulation of their Order , the advancement of religion , and the extirpation o £ its enemies . The prodigies of valour which , tliey exhibited against the infidels ; the many charitable deeds which they performed towards the distressed pilgrims ; and tbe virtues which adorned their private character , procured for them from the rulers of Europe
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Masonic Notes And Queries.
CltlJISON AND GREEN ISORDEl-ED APEOX . AVhat degree is it that uses an apron with crimson and green borders ?—Jxo . 15 . O . —[ Our querist has not described it rig htly ; if should have been "an apron bordered with a crimson riband from one and a half to two inches broad , having a green rosette on the centre ofthe Hap , and one near each of the lower angles . " Then the apron is for a member ofthe councils of thc Knihts of
g the Mast , and AVest . They also wear a sash of crimson four inches - iro . 'ul , hung over the left shoulder , and descending across the breast to the ri ght side , where , at or near thc extremities , there is a green rosette ] .
SIE RICHARD STEELE . Have we any right to boast of tlie celebrated Sir Richard Steele , the colabrateur of Addison , as being a member of the Craft ?—P ED A . r , ocn . s . MASONRY nUIUNG THE INTERREGNUM . _ Inigo Jones is reported to have been the Grand Master at the time of Charles the First ' s martyrdom , and that during the usurpation the Lodges met privately for mutual improvement . Can any authorities be pointed out that bear on this assertion . —T . JOKES .
MASONIC SONG ON THE BATTLES OF ALMA AND INKE 11 MAN . At the close of the Russian war I heard a song sung in a Lodge which had reference to the heroes of Alma ancl Inkerman , but I am unable to charge my memory with a single line of it , yet I know it was Masonic . Perhaps you , or some of your correspondents , can help me to it . —XXIII FOOT . —[ Perhaps the song in question is called "A Toast , " written by Bro . Robert Fisher , of Lodge No . 70 G , and printed at p . 149 of the Masonic Mirror for 1855 . The burthen slightly varied , to each of the three verses , is the following : —
Green be the memory of the brave , the foremost in the van , Tho Masons ivbo { or freedom died at Alma , Iiitevmaim !" HIGH GRADES . What are the degrees which a Rose Croix Chapter can confer ? I have taken this degree , the eighteenth , I believe , but I want to know what are the intermediate steps ?—ROSE CROIX . —[ It is not
impossible that " Rose Croix" has taken this degree ; but it seems very improbable that he should not know what his Rose Croix certificate states . He may have taken the degree very lately ancl not yet received that diploma , and if so , upon his sending his name and address to us , in confidence , he shall be answered fully ; but wc are inclined to look upon the query with suspicion , anil when we suspect , wc practice a Masonic virtue—silence ] .
GENTILE , . IEWISII , AND CHRISTIAN MASONRY . In conversation with an elderly brother he used thc uncommon terms to me , of Gentile , Jewish , and Christian Masonry . Politeness withheld me at the moment from asking an explanation , for several other brethren had addressed him , and I found no opportunity afterwards . Perhaps you , or some of your contributors , can enlighten me as to the exact meaning of these three divisions
, I having always believed Masonry to be universal , and apart from all sectarian denomination?—ALPHA . —[ Among the Scottish , Irish , continental , and American Masons , we believe this classification does exist . AVith us it cannot , because by the Book of Constitutions ive only acknowledge the three degrees , and that of the I lol y Royal Arch . Yet , to a certain extent , we are not as catholic as our correspondent imagines , for no Royal Arch Companion
will deny that the ceremonies of that degree are Judaical ; but , as we shall uot enter upon the subject more fully here , we would point out to " Alpha" how the assertion of the brother he alludes to is correct . The three degrees , E . A ., F . C , and M . M ., are essentially gentile , or catholic , i . e ., universal . The Jewish arc those of Mark , Past , Most Excellent Masters , and Royal Arch Masonry , with other collateral degrees , not much known in England . Aud the Christian degrees are those ofthe orders of knighthood , such as the . Kni ghts Templar , Knights of Malta , Rose Croix , & c ]
ROSE CROIX , OK ROSY CROSS . AVhich is the right description , Rose Croix , or Rosy Cross?—A . A . A . —[ They are two distinct orders . The Rose Croix is the Croix Jlouge of the continental Masons , and the eighteenth degree of the Ancient and Accepted Rite . The Rosy Cross is peculiar to Scotland ; and the supreme head of the order is the king of Scotland , or in default , and by the terms of the union , the king of England . Rose Croix members are admitted members of the "Royal Order , " as it is termed , or Rosy Cross , upon the payment of red ded fees . ]
Literature. Reviews.
Literature . REVIEWS .
The History of Freemasonry and of the Grand Lodge , of Scotland , S , -c , < 5 'c . By AVILLIAM A LEXANDER LAURIE , Secretary to the Grand Lodge of Scotland , F . R . S . A ., & c , & c . [ Second Notice ] . HAVING in thc first part of his work considered the ancient history of the Order , the author now proceeds to sketch the
progress of the royal art through the middle ages to the present day . Here , of course , we are naturally introduced to those fraternities of travelling Masons who have sown the seed of instruction in so many nations of Europe . During the time that these were spread over the continent , enriching its cities with their architectural labours , and improving society by their cultivation of the liberal sciences , they were favoured with especial privileges and
consideration by the heads of the Romish church . This seems strange enough ivhen we recollect how unfriendly in the sequel have become the relations between the two bodies , but the explanation of the paradox lies in the combined circumstances that the comparatively restricted power and influence of the body of Freemasons at that period was not sufficient to alarm the papal hierarchy ; and next , that the abilities ancl genius of the
craftsmen were necessary to sustain the pride of the mighty churchmen in the construction of those edifices , the elaboration of ivhich ( in many instances ) was intended as much for the glorification of the priestly builder , as for honour to tlie Being to ivhose praise
they were professedly erected . In our own country particularly ( as well as in Scotland ) the principal examples of the glorious Gothic architecture—which , beyond all doubt , is the most elevating and appropriate style , for religious edifices which the world has ever seen—bear undoubted evidence of having been designed and reared by skilful masters of our royal secrets ; and , at the same time , the various potentates ofthe ancient church ofthe realm—Bishop
this , or Abbot such an one—under whose auspices the work was nobly carried on , have raised to themselves by this means a monument" cere peremiws" on which their names shall he handed down to admiring posterity . But this condition of affairs , as our author judiciously , and with probability argues , was brought to an end by the increasing numbers of the Masonic brethren , ancl the cessation of a demand for their services ; while the efforts of
the brethren of our Order , in the cause of education , science , general enlig htenment and p hilanthropy ivere distorted and misconstrued by the papal body into heresy of the worst kind . The animus against Freemasonry ivas increased by the well known tendency of the Order to resist , directly as well as indirectly , every species of temporal and spiritual tyranny ; thus the dislike and fear ofthe Romish church grows stronger in each succeeding age , until it at length culminated in downright persecution and denunciation .
In the 3 'ear 1140 , a body oi skilled Masons , who liad escaped from the turmoils ofthe continent of Europe , arrived in Scotland , ancl on its western coast , in the time-honoured but humble village of Kilwinning , found a safe retreat . In this manner , says our author , Britain became the sanctuary of those glorious precepts and secrets ofthe brotherhood which in after years were so widely spread and so deeply venerated in foreign lands where they had been either neglected or completely unknown ; while the comparative pcaccfiilncss of their new abode enabled tlie brethren to consolidate and disseminate the ancient lore of which they were
the custodians . Bro . Laurie here enters into a long and learned disquisition upon the order of Knig hts Templar ; the objects of which he maintains , were purely and solely Masonic , lie says : — " It is almost beyond a doubt that their chief and primary intention was to practise and preserve tho rights and mysteries of Freemasonry . AVe know at least that they not onl possessed the mysteriesbut
pery , formed the ceremonies and inculcated the duties of Freemasons ; ancl it is equally certain that the practising of these rites could contribute nothing to the protection and comfort ofthe Catholic pilgrims . Had they publicly avowed the real object of their institution , instead of that favour which they so long enjoyed , they would have experienced the animosity of the Church of Koine . But as they were animated with a sincere regard for the Catholic faith , and with a decided abhorrence for the tbat trans
infidel possessors of Judea , it was never once suspected they - acted any other business at their secret meetings but that which , concerned the regulation of their Order , the advancement of religion , and the extirpation o £ its enemies . The prodigies of valour which , tliey exhibited against the infidels ; the many charitable deeds which they performed towards the distressed pilgrims ; and tbe virtues which adorned their private character , procured for them from the rulers of Europe