Preface

'
fffy 'fol^c^^'
G K N K R A L HISTORY,
CYCLOPEDIA
AND
DICTIONARY
OP
FREEMASONRY;
CONTAINING
AN ELABORATE ACCOUffT OF THE RISE AM PROGRESS OF FREEMASONRY,
AND
ITS KINDRED ASSOCIATIONS-ANCIENT AND MODERN.
ALSO,
DEFINITIONS OF THE
TECHNICAL TERMS USED BY THE FRATERNITY.
BY ROBERT MACOY, 33°,
AUTHOB OP
The Boole of the Lodge, ifaxonie ifanual, True Jfanonie Guide, Vocal Manual, eU.; Past Deputy
Grand Mister of New York and Nora Smlia, P,txt Grand Secretary of New York, Grind
KtcorJf.r of the Grand Comnumdery of New York, Rrjtrtfentatirt of the Grand Lodget
of Wufonirin, Illinoit, and Nova Scotia, of the Grand Cammanderie* of Tennestee
and Texas, and the Grand Council of New Brunswick, etc.
Jllnstratcb null) npunub of 300 (Engramngs.
NEW YORK: MASONIC PUBLISHING COMPANY,
626 BROADWAY.
1872.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, by the MASONIC PUBLISHING AND MANUFACTURING CO.,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.
Stack Annex
PREFACE.
TO supply, to some extent, the increasing demand for knowledge, by students in the science of Freemasonry, and to keep step with the irresistible progress of our institu- tion, were the impelling motives that induced the undersigned to undertake the arrangement of a work of this character. Dr. OLIVER'S Dictionary of Symbolical Masonry, notwithstand- ing its value and usefulness, falls short of the present wants of the Fraternity. Dr. ALBERT G. MACKET'S Lexicon of Freemasonry, better adapted to the requirements of the Fraternity in the United States than any other work of the kind heretofore published, is also deficient in many respects. The present volume is intended to remedy many of the defects and omissions of its predecessors, and to exhibit, in a form of easy reference, the latest developments and progress of the institution, and the results of more recent investigations. It contains a comprehensive explication of the whole system of Freemasonry, and of kindred or similar associations — ancient and modern — being a careful con- densation of all that has ever been written on the subject; intelligible to the Fraternity, and mysterious to the profane. My purpose will be effectually and very satisfactorily an- swered, if the definitions here given of the technical and other terms of Masonry, shall prove of sufficient value to 1
20(5331
VI PREFACE.
irwluco the reader to increase his stock of knowledge by a reference to other works, where the subjects are more thoroughly discussed, or to confirm the more advanced Mason in the truth of those noble principles of the Craft, to the study of which he has devoted his time and talents.
In the preparation of the History of the Masonic Institu- tion, every available means has been adopted to obtain the most reliable information whereon to found a truthful chronicle of its origin and early progress throughout the several parts of the world. The many and almost insur- mountable difficulties in arriving at precise dates, when the materials are scattered in different places, or mixed with doubtful circumstances, are sufficient to almost deter any writer from attempting the undertaking. Notwithstanding the uncertainty with which much of the matter of history is surrounded, a diligent and careful examination of the materials, the probabilities of statements possessing the germs of truth were too convincing to be set aside without calm reflection and mature consideration. With these views the history in the accompanying pages is offered to the Fraternity, in the hope that it will prove satisfactory and useful.
I have been greatly assisted in the arrangement of this work by Bro. AUG. C. L. ARNOLD, LL. D., whose knowledge and correct discrimination upon subjects connected with the history and science of Freemasonry and its kindred associations, will be a guaranty for their correctness. To Bro. JOHN W. SIMONS, Past Grand Master of New York, whose knowledge of the arcana of Masonry is not excelled by any writer of the present age, I am also indebted for many valuable articles and excellent suggestions. To these and other brethren who have kindly aided me I tender my hearty thanks.
Again asking the fraternal indulgence of the brethren for whatever defects may still be apparent, the work is re- spectfully submitted to their inspection.
ROBT. MACOY.
G-ENEKAL
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
" Of all the institutions which have been established for the purpose of improving the condition of mankind, Freemasonry stands lire- eminent in usefulness as it is in age. Its origin is lost in the abyss of unexplored antiquity. No historical records, no traditionary accounts, can with certainty point out the precise time, the place, or the partic- ular manner of its commencement. While some have endeavored to discover its footsteps amongst the master-builders and artists ensured in the construction of the first Jewish temple, others have attempted to trace it to the Eleusinian mysteries, which air said to luue taught the immortality of the soul and the other sublime truths of natural religion. Some again have ascribed its rise to the sainted heroes of the Crusades; while others have endeavored to penetrate the mysteries of the Druids, and to discover its origin amongst the wise men of that institution." — DE WITT CLINTON.
THE difficulty of arriving at the precise time, place, or circumstance in which Masonry or its true prototype began, has been encountered by every writer upon the subject. Some, over-anxious for the dignity of the fraternity, have rep- resented it as coeval with the world.* Others, more moder- ate, find its origin in the religious mysteries of the ancient world, and particularly in a supposed branch of those reli- gious associations formed by the architects of Tyre, who, under the name of the " Dionysiac Fraternity," constituted an association of builders, exclusively engaged in the con- struction of temples and other prominent edifices in Asia Minor, and who were distinguished by the use of secret signs and other modes of mutual recognition. Without adopting any untenable opinions, we are justified in avowing that the institution must have been framed by a people who
* Anderson, Preston, and many other Masonic writers claim for the order the highest antiquity. Preston is particular in his expressions as to the origin of the institution, by saying : " From the commence- ment of the world, we may trace the foundation of Masonry." lie un- doubtedly meant that its principles were coexistent with the universe— for lie qualifies the preceding sentence by the following expressions : " Ever since symmetry began, and -harmony displayed her charms, our order has had a being." Regarding THUTH as the sun of the Masonic system, around which all the other virtues revolve, we may trace then its origin to GOD — the fountain of all truth, with whom there is no con- fusion or disorder, but perfect symmetry and harmony. In that sense the origin of Freemasonry maybe reconciled with the" commencement of the world."
g GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
had made considerable advance in science. The Egyptians, in the time of Moses, were proficient in all the arts and sciences,* as the gigantic works constructed in those early ages, still existing, prove. Their language was mystical, and their priests secured the mysteries of their religion from the knowledge of the vulgar or uninitiated by symbols and hieroglyphics, comprehensible alone to those of their order. The fraternity of ancient Egypt was denominated the Hiero- Laotomi, or Sacred Builders. They .were a selected caste, and connected with the government and priesthood, being in fact Masons of the priestly order; whilst the ordinary Masons or artificers were of an inferior caste.f The intent and purpose of those stupendous fabrics, the pyramids, waa a great mystery, and a mystery. they still remain.
Moses was initiated into the secrets and mysteries of the priestly order when in Egypt, and some have imagined that the Hebrews assisted in the construction of the pyramids ; but, in all probability, these wondrous efforts of Masonic skill were hoary with age when the children of Israel settled in the land of Goshen, and were emblems of sublime truths to a civilized nation when Abraham was a wanderer in the wilderness.
By Egyptian colonists, according to our biblical chronol- ogy, the arts were carried to Greece two or three centuries before the age of Moses. By the Israelites a purer knowledge of building was carried to the promised land ; and when they became a settled people, the remembrance of the beau- tiful and stupendous edifices they had seen in Egypt, led them to attempt constructions suited to their future home. But it is evident that by the death of their great master, Moses, the Israelites were not in full possession of the knowl- edge requisite to complete the glorious fabric which the G. A. O. T. U. had in vision to King David directed his son Solomon to erect ; as we find by Holy Writ, that " the wisest man" needed the assistance of the King of Tyre. Tyre and Sidon were the chief cities of the Phoenicians : the latter boasts an antiquity anterior to any other whose site can be dc'termined. It was a place of considerable importance in
** " The Egyptians are described to us as being the first people who advanced to any high degree of knowledge in astronomy and science ; and hence they acquired the means of discovering and proving the existence of the Divinity, and worshipped the Author of those sublime works which they contemplated." — DR. ASHK.
f Champollion says : "A theocracy or government of priests waa the first known to the Kiryptians, and it is necessary to give the word liricxtM i, ic acceptation that it bore in ancient times, when the ministers •if religion were also the ministers of science and learning; so that they united in their own persons two of the noblest missions with which men could bo' invested — the worship of the Deity, and the cultivation or science."
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY. 9
the time of Joshua, who speaks of it as "great Sidon." Hence ..it is evident that the Phoenicians were far advanced in the arts of life, when the Israelites reached the promised land. When Solomon was about to build the temple, he communicated to the King of Tyre his wish to enter into an engagement for a supply of timber, knowing, as he said, " that there is not amongst us any that can skill to hew timber like the Sidonians." The answer of the Tyrian king is remarkable: "I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir ; my servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea, and I will convey them by sea in floats, unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and I will cause them to be discharged there." ( 1 Kings, v. 8, 9). Solomon was highly pleased with the answer of the Tyrian king, and in return he made him yearly pres- ents of the most costly kinds. Hiram sent him also a man of his own name, a Tyrian by birth, but of Israelitish parent- age, who was honored by his king with the title of father, and is called Hiram Abiff,* the most accomplished designer and operator then known in the country, who in Solomon's absence filled the chair as Deputy Grand Master, and in his presence was the Senior Grand Warden, or Principal Sur- veyor and Master of the work. That no confusion might arise, owing to the great numbers employed, King Solomon selected those of most enlightened minds and comprehensive understandings, religious men, and zealous in good works, as masters to superintend the workmen ; men skilful in geometry and proportion, who had been initiated and proved in the mystical learning of the ancient sages — those he made over- seers of the work. To carry on this stupendous work with greater ease and speed, Solomon ordered all the craftsmen, as well natives as foreigners, to be numbered and classed as follows, viz :
Ilarodim, princes, rulers, or provosts 300
Menatzohim, overseers 3,300
Ghiblim, stone-squarers 80,000
The levy out of Israel, at work in Lebanon 30,000
113,600
Besides the ish sabbal or men of burden, the remains of the old Canaanites, amounting to seventy thousand, who are not numbered among the Masons.
* This inspired Master was, without question, the most cunning, skilful, and curious workman that ever lived, whose abilities were not confined to building only, but extended to all kinds of work, whether in gold, silver, brass, or iron. From his designs, and under Ins direction, ull the rich and splendid furniture of the Temple and iu> sever.d appendages was begun, carried on. and finished.— KM ;n;
1*
10 GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
The older traditions of Masonry say, "that the only actual Freemasons who were present at the building of the Temple, were the three thousand three hundred overseers, mentioned in 1 Kings, v. 16, added to the three hundred who were called Gl iblimites, and were in fact masters over all the operative Masons employed in the work."
This arrangement produced the happiest effects, and in- troduced among the fraternity that perfect harmony and universal brotherhood which is so often referred to in our ancient charges.*
Masonic tradition says that the workmen were divided into classes or degrees, and to each class were assigned dif- ferent methods of recognition. There is no doubt that there was an organization among the Jews which extended beyond Judea. The Bible exhibits them mixing themselves with the Tyrians or Dionysian artificers, notwithstanding the ordinary repugnance of the Israelites toward strangers, and that they recognized each other by words and secret signs similar to those employed by natives of other coun- tries. There was also between the Jews and Tyrians a conformity of allegorical taste, particularly in all that af- fected sacred architecture.
So perfect was the organization among the vast num- ber of workmen, and so systematic the distribution of labor, that Solomon's Temple, with all its gorgeous splendor and minute ornaments in detail, was finished in little more than seven years from the laying of the foundation-stone ; while the Temple of Herod, where the same accurate arrange- ment did not exist, occupied thirty-six years ; that of Diana, at Ephesus, two hundred years ; St. Peter's Cathedral at Rome, one hundred and fifty-five years; and St. Paul's in London, thirty-five years in building.
Many of Solomon's Masons, before he died, began to travel. The royal descendants of King Solomon continued to occupy the throne and patronize the noble art of Free- masonry until the reign of Josiah, the last king of Judah. With no people did the Masons se^m to exercise a greater or more beneficial influence than the Gentiles. The Syrians built a lofty temple, and a royal palace at Damascus, and other cities on the coast and throughout Syria.
* They were instructed to " salute one another in a courteous manner, calling each other brother; freely giving mutual instruction, ns might be thought expedient, without being overseen or overheard, and without encroaching upon each other, or derogating from that respect which was due to any Brother, were he not a Mason ; for although all Masons are, as Brethren, upon the same level, yet Ma- sonry takes no honor from a man that he had before ; nay, it rather adds to his honor, especially if he has deserved well of the brother- hood."— ANCIENT CIIAHGES.
GENERAL HISTORY OP FREEMASONRY. 11
About thirty-five years after the death of Solomon, the Temple of Diana, built by some Japhitites, in the days of Moses, was burned down, and the kings of Lesser Asia re- built and ornamented it in the most splendid manner. This temple was regarded by all as pre-eminently magnificent, and hence became the third of the seven wonders of the world.
In the twelfth year of Jotham, king of Judah, A. M. 3256, Sardanapalus was besieged by his brothers Eser and Nabo- nassar, until, in despair, he burned himself, and all his treasure, in the old palace of Nimrod, when the Assyrian Empire was divided between Tiglath Pul Eser and Nabo- nassar. In the days of the latter Prince, who ruled over Chaldea, much attention was given to the study of astrono- my, and so great was the advancement made in the science that after-generations styled this the astronomical era. In one of the degrees of Masonry we have a tradition that after Noah safely landed on Mount Ararat, and offered up sacri- fice to God on an altar which he erected, that he turned his attention to the cultivation of the earth for one hundred years ; wbon, his posterity becoming numerous, he ordered them to disperse themselves and take possession of the earth according to the partition which he made ; that they traveled a westerly course until they came to the plains of Shinar, when they counseled together, and, fearing the consequences of a separation, and being desirous to establish for them- selves a name, built the city of Babylon and the Tower of Babel.
We will not attempt to trace Masonry into every country, and point out the various cities that were built or adorned by the traveling Masons who had assisted in the erection of Solomon's Temple, but will be content to look at some of the more prominent places.
Masonry not only flourished in Eastern Asia, but it took a westerly direction also. Boristhenes, in" Pontus, was built about the period of which we are writing. Prusias and Chalcedon, in Bithynia, Constantinople (then called Bizan- tium), and Lampsacus, in the Hellespont. The travelers also penetrated into Rome, Ravenna, Florence, and many other cities in Italy; Granada and Malaga, and other cities of- Spain ; and also on the coast of Gaul.
In A. M. 3416, or B. c. 588, four hundred and sixteen years after the completion of the Temple, the powerful array of Nebuchadnezzar entered Jerusalem, after a protracted siege and took all the sacred vessels, removing the two famous pillars, Jachin and Boaz, robbed the city and the king's pal- ace of all the riches they contained, and then set fire to the Temple and city, overthrew the walls of the towns, and car- rie I away thousands of the people cap*ives to the city of
12 OKXEUAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
Babylon, among whom were many of those noble-hearted Giblemitea who descended from the builders of Solomon's Temple. And Masonic tradition informs us that they con- tinued to hold secretly their Lodge meetings, and, in this way. taught their children the secrets of Masonry and the principles of the revealed religion of their fathers ; for it will be remembered that, previous to the fall of Jerusalem, the power and authority to transcribe the law were confined to the Scribes, and hence but a small portion of the people were in possession of a copy, every copy found having been destroyed by the infidel invader. The captive Jews, there- fore, could only perpetuate their religion by teaching it to their children from tradition, as they did Masonry. All the captive Masons were compelled, for the space of fifty-two years, to devote their time, labor, and skill in finishing and ornamenting the buildings which the king of Babylon and his predecessor had commenced, as also the erection of new ones. In this way the Chaldean Masons, who wrought with the captive Jews, perfected themselves in architecture, for the results of their joint labor made Babylon the fourth of the seven wonders of art and the boasted mistress of the world. Thus labored and toiled the true descendants of the children of Israel, borne down with oppression and slavery, and often denied the privilege of worshiping the God of their fathers. But their long sufferings were destined to re- sult in good ; for the very opposite effect to that sought by the king of Babylon was the result of their long and painful captivity, for when the proclamation of Cyrus was issued for the liberation of the Israelites, according to the word of God, these architects were better prepared to return to the land they so much loved, and lay the foundation for the rebuild- ing of the Temple and the, city of Jerusalem.
In 536 B. c. the Jews were liberated from Babylonish cap- tivity by Cyrus, king of Persia, who, in the first year of his reign, issued theWbllowing proclamation: "Thus saith Cyrus, king of Persia : The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth ; and he hath charged me to build him a house a.t Jerusalem, which is in Judea. Who is there among you of all his people ? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judea, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel, which is in Jerusalem."
These "glad tidings of great joy" were received by the liberated captives with shouting and praise — for they were permitted to return to their former homes. Forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty of the exiled Jews re- paired, in the same year, from Babylon and the neighboring cities to Jerusalem. The leaders of these were Zerubbabel, Joshua, and Ilaggai, who perform an important part in the Uoynl Arc}} degree. •
OENEKAL H18TOUY OF FKEEMASONRY. 13
From this period the fraternity of traveling Masons passed into Greece, Rome, Spain, and other countries, where their services could be employed in the erection of the famous edifices for which the ancient world is justly celebrated.
In passing, in this brief outline, from the condition of the fraternity in what we may properly denominate the ancient history, we will endeavor to trace its progress from that period to the more enlightened days of modern architecture, and the cultivation of the arts and sciences, in such chrono- logical order as will give the most concise historical facts in detail — these facts being based upon substantial documents and the principal monuments erected by the traveling opera- tive fraternities or Freemasons. In '715 before the Christian era, the Roman Colleges of Constructors were established, composed of men learned in all the arts and trades necessary for the execution of civil, religious, naval, and hydraulic architecture, with their own laws and judges — laws based on those of the Dyonisian artificers, whose mysteries had spread among the principal peoples of the East. Numa Pompilius, in founding these colleges, made them at the same time civil and religious societies, with the exclusive privilege of build- ing temples and public edifices — their relations to the state and the priesthood being precisely determined by the laws. They had their own jurisdiction and laws ; at their head were presidents called Masters, Overseers or Wardens, Censors, Treasurers, Keepers of the Seals, Archivists, and Secretaries ; they had their own physicians and serving brethren, and paid monthly dues. The number of members to each col- lege was fixed by law. Composed, principally, of Greek artisans, they surrounded the secrets of their art and doc- trines by the mysteries of their country, and concealed them in symbols borrowed from these mysteries and from their own arcana, one of the characteristics of which was the sym- bolic employment of the utensils of their profession.
710. Numa, the great legislator Avho founded the colleges, at once assigned them^ labors of more than ordinary impor- tance. First, the enlargement of the capitol, then the com- pletion of the temples dedicated to the Sun, Moon, Sat- urn, Mars, and other divinities, commenced xinder Romuhu and other Sabine kings. On the termination of these labors Xuma directed the construction of temples to Faith, to Fi- delity, to Romulus, and Janus, the god of peace, specially adored by Numa ; he caused the city to be fortified, and sur- rounded it with walls. He also continued labor on the fa- mous temple erected by Romulus to Jupiter, on the spot where his army, about to flee, was induced to fight by the prayer addressed by Romulus to that deity. The great num- ber of temples established in Rome since Romulus are due to the custom that the general-in-chief should erect a tempi*
14 GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
to the deity invoked by him in the course of a victorious battle ; this also explains the number of temples erected to the same divinity. They were learned in the religious or symbolic teachings of the period as well as in the arts and sciences.
010. Under the reign of the elder Tarquin temples were erected to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva ; he caused the erec- tion of a city wall of hewn stone (614), a sewer for improv- ing the health of the city, and many other public monu- ments. The first circus was constructed by his order.
580. Servius Tullius again enlarged Rome by the addition of three neighboring eminences, which he surrounded by a wall : he also built temples to Fortune and Diana.
500. Building of the temples of Vesta, Hercules, Pallas, and Minerva, under Junius Drusius.
490. The consuls Sempronius and Minucius cause the building by the colleges of constructors of two temples, one dedicated to Saturn, the other to Mercury : they also estab- lish the Saturnalian feasts.
451. Creation of the law of the Twelve Tables, the VHIth relating to the colleges of builders.
390. Taking of Rome by the Gauls and destruction of va- rious monuments.
385. The ruined monuments are rebuilt, and new temples constructed under F. Quintius, who dedicated them to Mars, Juno, Health, and Concord.
312. The first paved road was constructed by the colleges, under the orders of Appius Claudius, who had it extended to Capua. The first great aqueduct was built at this time.
290. The temple to Romulus, under the title Quirinus, was built, and in it was placed the first sun-dial, due to the con- BU! Sp\irius. Carvilius, who also built a temple to Fortis- Fbrtuna, to contain the spoils taken from the Etruscans. A temple in honor of Esculapius is built on an island in the Tiber.
285. The fraternities of builders, as they were then called, attached to the Roman legions, establish themselves in Cisal- pine Gaul (Venezia and Lombardy), on the conquest of that country by the Romans; these fraternities, a detachment of which accompanied each legion, were charged with the duty of drawing plans for all military constructions, such as in- trenched camps, strategic roads, bridges, aqueducts, dwell- ings, etc. ; they directed the soldiers and laborers in the actual execution of these works ; and they also made the in- struments of warfare. So far as related to matters directly pertaining to the war, they were under the orders of the gen- orals or chiefs of the legions, but in all other matters enjoyed iheir peculiar privileges. Composed of artists and learned
GF.NK1.AL HISTORY OF FREEMASONJIY. 15
men, those fraternities propagated not only a knowledge of the G.'. A. . Cv. T.-. U.'. but a taste for the proprieties of life, and for literature and the Roman arts, wherever that nation bore its victorious arms. They also taught the vanquished and the oppressed the pacific element of the Roman power — art and civil law.
375. The conquest of nearly all of Cisalpine Gaul (Sardi- nian States) introduced the building fraternities, never re- maining inactive, and ever rebuilding in better style those monuments which the legions had destroyed.
250. While Cisalpine Gaul was being covered with mili- tary colonies surrounded by fortifications, executed by the fraternities, who constructed within them habitations and palaces for the military chiefs, other legions push their con- quests beyond the Alps, into Transalpine Gaul and Spain. The first causeway was built from Rome through Gaul, to the valley of Ostia.
225. The fraternities of builders continued to follow the legions and fulfil their mission ; yi Spain they founded Cor- dova ; in Gaul Empodorum, where they built a famous cir- cus, to which the consul Flaminius gave his name.
220. The Romans, attacked by Hannibal, built, after his retreat, and in memory of that occurrence, a temple to Ridi- cule. A grand strategic road was constructed by the Roman soldiers, under direction of the colleges. Flaminius, the cen- sor, built a circus in Rome.
210. During the second Punic war the colleges, having nothing to do at Rome, where no buildings were in progress, journeyed to the conquered provinces.
200. The Roman people decided to build a temple to Mars and another to Romulus and Reims, the founders of Rome. These two temples were nearly completed during the same year.
148. The first marble temple was due to General Metellus, who consecrated it to Jupiter, after his victory over the king of Macedonia ; he built another temple at his own expense, which he dedicated to Juno ;. also a remarkable sepulcher, bearing his own name.
125. The legions, having taken possession of Helvetia, for- tified themselves, and by gradually enlarging founded a num- ber of cities.
121. A Roman colony, commanded by Marsius, founded Narbonne, which became the principal stronghold of the Romans, until the time of Augustus. The Consul Opimius caused the erection at Rome of the first basilic; to him is also due the elevation of a temple to Concord.
101. Marius, after his victory over the Cimbres and Teu- tons, caused the erection in Rome, under the special direction
16 GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
of the architect Musius, of two temples, one dedicated to Honor, the other to Virtue.*
79. Herculaneum, an ancient city, containing many monu- ments erected by the building fraternities, was buried under the lava of Vesuvius. Pompeii, not less celebrated than Herculaneum, and whose monuments were fully equal to those of 'Rome, likewise disappeared beneath the ashes and lava from an eruption of Vesuvius in this year.
60. Julius Cesar became master of Transalpine Gaul (France, Belgium, and Switzerland), after ten years of struggles, during which, according to Plutarch, more than 800 Gallic cities were devastated. Cesar gave occupation to the corporations in Gaul as well as others summoned by him to rebuild these cities, aided by his soldiers.
55. Britain, which at this time was partially conquered, received strong re-enforcements of builders sent to establish more extended fortifications. Under command of Julius Cesar, one of the legions pushed forward into the interior of the country, and, to defend jLhemselves, formed an intrenched camp with walls, inside of which, as elsewhere, habitations, temples, and aqueducts appeared. And from it arose Ebo- racum (York), a city celebrated in the history of Freema- sonry.
50. While Julius Cesar, pursuing his conquests, destroyed all the Celtic monuments and Druidical altars, Pompey caused the building in Rome of numerous temples and the famous marble amphitheater, capable of holding thirty thou- sand persons ; he also caused the completion by the fraterni- ties of builders of the no less famous highway from Italy across the Alps into Gaul. When Julius Cesar returned to Rome he also built various temples to Mars, Apollo, and Venus. He sent all the colleges actually in Italy to Carthage and Corinth to raise those cities from their ruins.
45. The Roman senate, after the civil war, directed the colleges of constmictors to build various monuments in honor of Julius Cesar ; among others four temples, to Liberty, Con- cord, Happiness, and Mercy.
42. The Triumvirs caused a temple to be erected to Isis, and another to Serapis.
37. The Roman legions, stationed on the banks of the Rhine to guard the Gallic country against the continual ag- gressions of the Germans, found at various points intrenched camps, which became important colonies. Cologne thus be-
* Up to this period architecture had preserved the Etruscan charac- ter, and the attempts to embellish the temples and other edifices con- Bisted only in ornamenting them with statues and other objects taken from subjugated countries, especially Greece ; but from this time for- ward the predilection of the Romans for Grecian architecture became dominant, and the Etruscan was abandoned.
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY. 17
gan, and was afterward invested vith the rights ol a Roman city under Claudius.
35. The Pantheon was finished under Marcus Agrippa, who also construe ted magnificent baths, which bore his name. The great Cisalpine highway was continued by hia orders, under direction of the corporations.
32. The legions established in Paris erected, alongside of the Gallic altars, temples to Isis and Mithra.
30. The reign of Augustus was fertile in splendid monu ments. The building fraternities were greatly augmented, and a certain number formed special colleges devoted to naval and hydraulic architecture. The great learning of these men initiated in all arts, the generous principles pro- fessed by them, their mysterious organization, surrounded them with so much consideration that many distinguished men sought to participate in their privileges. The most im- portant monuments erected by them at this period were, at Rome, the temple to Jupiter, the theater commenced under the consulate of Claudius Marcellus, the mausoleum bearing the name of Augustus, two triumphal arches also bearing his name, two Egyptian obelisks : in Roman provinces we will only mention the temple of Clitum at Foligni, of Jupiter at Pozuoli, the triumphal arch at Susa. In Gaul a large num- ber of less pretentious monuments ornamented the cities re- built or founded by the Romans. A part of the high roads, and notably that of Emporium near the Pyrenees, were due to the orders of Augustus. The friends of this emperor ri- valed him in building sumptuous monuments; Statilus Taurus built an amphitheater; Marcus Phillipus a temple to Hercules; Munatius Plancus one to Saturn; Lucius Carnifu- cius one to Diana; Lucius Cornelius Balbus finished his great theater in stone.
In the first year of the Christian era Augustus caused the building of a temple in honor of his friends Caius and Lucius, the remains of which are known as the square house.
5. The Jewish architects received protection at Rome, where, under Julius Cesar, they were allowed to establish synagogues. Admitted to the colleges of builders, they im- parted to them a knowledge of the Hebrew mysteries.
10. Vitruvius Pollio, the celebrated architect, in his works on the subject, mentions the brilliant state of the art at Rome during this period, and speaks of its doctrines as vailed in allegories and symbols.
14. The palace of the Cesars, commenced under Tiberius, continued under Caligula (37), and finished under Domitiau (81). Tiberius built a triumphal arch in honor of his brother Claudius Drusus, also one to Augustus and another to Castor.
'25. The bridge of Rimini begun by Augustus was finished by Tiberius, who also built temples in honor of Proserpine, Juuct, and the goddess of Concord.
18 GENERAL HISTORY UF FREEMASONRY.
41. A superb aqueduct erected under Claudius, bears his name.
43. Detachments of builders from the fraternities along the Rhine were sent by the Emperor Claudius to Britain, where the legions experienced great difficulty in maintaining themselves against the incursions of the Caledonians ; they constructed a number of fortresses beyond the camps.
50. At this time architecture reached its culminating point in Rome ; the colleges, discouraged by the despotism of the erar.orors, who gradually deprived them of their privileges, lost their cultivated taste. The monuments of this period were far from attaining the elevated character which placed them among the most sublime creations of human intelli- gence. The same decay was observed in the Grecian monu- ments, from which the Romans had borrowed their finest models. The principal cause of this decay was the fact that the most skillful and highly educated architects were sent by Julius Cesar or Augustus into the conquered provinces to build imposing monuments, in order to give the people an elevated idea of the arts and sciences possessed by the con- querors ; to inspire them, in shoi't, wfth admiration. The colleges, concentrating, as they did, among their members most of the acquirements of that time, undoubtedly added as much by their labors to the glory and power of Rome as was contributed by force of arms. Among the architects, or magistri, as they were called, of this period, a number busied themselves by writing for the information of their distant brethren works on the theory and rules of their art. The most celebrated of these were Vitruvius Pollio, Fulvitius, Varron, Publius and Septimus. The works of the first only survive.
54. Various temples, baths, and acqueducts constructed under Nero, who, after burning the city of Rome, and de- stroying many fine monuments, built his celebrated golden palace.
70. Flavins Vespasian constructed the Coliseum, at which 12,000 Jewish prisoners worked. It held 110,000 persons, but was not completed till the reign of Titus (80).
98. Under Trajan was built the famous circus capable of holding 260,000 persons.
120. Under the reign of Adrian many new and costly tem- ples were erected at Rome, particularly the one devoted to the service of Venus. The superb column in honor of Ulpius Trajanus, the emperor, was constructed by the most distin- guished of the builders by order of Adrian. He also con- structed the mausoleum, known to this day as the castle of St. Angelo. The celebrated architect Apollodorus, to whom was due the honor of arranging the plans of that buildinor was banished for having uttered sv»me t;u-ts not pleasing tu
TK1UMPHAL AKCH OF TITUS, AT HOME.
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY. 21
the emperor. Adrian, with great industry and a display of unusual ability in architectural knowledge, visited the vari- ous provinces of his vast empire. In Britain he ordered the construction, by the fraternities of builders, many of which accompanied him, of an immense wall, which, extending from the Tyne to the Gulf of Solway, thus crossing the country from east to west, to protect the military colonies from the continual invasion of the Scots and other clans. Asia is indebted to him for many valuable public monuments ; but it was Greece that was particularly favored with his remark- able abilities as an architect, throughout which country he ordered the erection of many of her most celebrated temples, such as the Pantheon and the temples to Jupiter Olympus with its 122 columns.
130. After the fall of the Roman republic all the corpora tions founded at the same time as the colleges of builders, bj Numa Pompilius, lost their ancient privileges. The colleges were somewhat restrained by Trajan and Adrian, notwith- standing most of their privileges were left that their talents might still be employed.
140. During the reign of the Emperor Antonius, temples were erected to Mars, besides many others for civic purposes. Another great wall was built in Britain, where the Roman legions were constantly menaced by the marauding bands that then infested the country. About this period the Ma- sonic fratei'nities, the remains of the ancient Roman colleges of builders, who, in the time of the Christian persecutions ordered by Nero, Domitian, and Trajan, sought refuge in those provinces the most distant from Rome, and which were governed by men more humane than the emperors, that those beautiful masterpieces of architectural grandeur were erected.
166. The greater part of the members of colleges at Rome embraced Christianity. The Emperor Marcus Aurelius, irri- tated at the progress made by this new doctrine, and deter- mined to destroy it by force, ordered during this year fresh persecutions against the Christians, in consequence of which many of them residing in Gaul took refuge with the corpora- tions in Britain, where greater protection was afforded them than elsewhere. The Christian Masons at Rome sought in the catacombs a secret asylum from the edicts fulminated against them, and an escape from the tortures to which they were condemned. In these dark vaults they met with their co-religionists. During the ten years of persecution under Marcus Aurelius they transformed the catacombs into churches, ornamented with sarcophagi and encaustic paint- ings ; their faith inspired these Christian artists to build thapels and altar* on the tombs of the martyrs.
180-275 This period is marked in the history of arcl'itect uiv
£2 GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
by cne of the most sublime conceptions of the artistic genius of the builders, executed under the reign and by the orders of the Emperor Aurelian — the two temples of Helios at Pal- myra, which, in beauty and grandeur, surpass those of Heli- opolis. The larger of these temples had 464 columns, many of them from a single block of marble. The total number of columns decorating the two temples and the galleries be- longing to them was 1,450.
287-290. Carausius, commander of the Roman fleot, took possession of Britain, and declared himself emperor. To con- ciliate the Masonic fraternities, then wielding an immense in- fluence in the country, he restored their ancient privileges ; since which time they have been called privileged or Free- Masons, to distinguish them from those not thus entitled.
293. Albanus, a converted pagan, was, by order of Carau- sius, decapitated on account of his faith. In this manner a grand master of Freemasons became the first Christian mar- tyr in Britain.
296. The city of York, in which many Lodges of Freema- sons were established, was selected as the residence of Con- stantius Chlorus, who came to Britain, after the death of Carausius, to assume the control of the government of the country.
300. At this time there were in Rome more than 500 tem- ples, 37 gates and triumphal arches, 6 bridges, 17 amphi- theaters and theaters, 14 aqueducts, 5 obelisks, many monu- mental columns, mausoleums, baths, and sepulchers, all of which were built by the fraternities, or colleges of archi tects.
303. Under the reign of the Emperor Diocletian there were erected, in many of the Roman provinces, numerous aqueducts, temples, and costly baths, by the fraternities that remained in the country. This emperor was particularly distinguished for his atrocious persecutions of the Christians, many of whom were executed with cruelty in the more dis- tant provinces. Notwithstanding the humanity of the ruling governor of Britain, the Christians, of whom a great number were members of the Masonic fraternities, f -und it necessary to seek refuge in Scotland and many of the adjacent islands, where they were permitted to enjoy their religion and study the arts of architecture. Many of these ai'tisans attached to the colleges established at Rome also fled to the East, or buried themselves within the catacombs — their usual place of refuge in times of religious persecution — where many of them perished.
313. End of the persecutions against the Christians by edict of Constantine, who declared Christianity the religion of the State.
325. T'uj Church of the Lateran at Rome built by order
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY 23
of Constantino, and one dedicated to St. Paul, in the form of a cross. The form of the Greek cross used by the Chris- tian architects was chosen by them, not because it was ordered by Constantine, but because of its mysterious rela- tion to the religion of all nations, and as a part of their sym- bolism and the secret teachings of their colleges. It formed the ground-plan of the temple at Jerusalem, and represented unity and trinity. For the general details of their edifices, Solomon's Temple served as a model, being recognized as a masterpiece of architecture, and the first temple erected and dedicated to one God.
360. The Emperor Julian built a magnificent temple and fast baths at Paris, where the remains still exist.
600. Foundation of Canterbury Cathedral and that at Uochester (602).
605. Foundation of St. Paul's Church, London.
620. The corporations are exclusively engaged and di- rected by the religious orders. An abbot or other ecclesi- astic generally presided in the lodges, and was termed ven- erable, or worshipful Master.
925. At this period every considerable town in Britain had its lodge of Freemasons ; but their relations to each other were not intimate, which is explained by the wars and divi- sions of five centuries and seven kingdoms. During the Danish war, when the monasteries were destroyed, the fra- ternity suffered an irreparable loss in the destruction of all their documents. Athelstane, grandson of Alfred the Great, educated by the priest-architects, caused his son Edwin to be instructed in the art, and named him Grand Master. He convened a general assembly at York, to whom he submitted a constitution, which was discussed and accepted.
960. On the death of Athelstane the fraternity were again dispersed, many of them passing over to Germany and re- maining there, under the name of Rrothers of St. John.
1001. In the early years of this period the world was in a measure paralyzed by the idea that the end of time had ar- rived ; but at last, getting the better of their superstitions, especially as the earth continued to revolve on its axis, so- ciety awakened from its lethargy, and from that time (1003) our modern civilization may be said to date.
1250. A remarkable period, in which were conceived the plans of those wonderful sanctuaries of the Almighty which are the admiration of posterity for their gigantic dimensions and the harmony of their proportions. The plans of the cathe- drals of Cologne, Strasburg, Paris, Rlieims, Rouen, Beauvais, Amiens, and others of which the foundations were laid toward the close of the Xllth century, but which were finally executed on a larger scale and in a different style
24: GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
from the original design. The striking analogy between these monuments and those which followed, up to the XV th century, is explained by the bond of fraternity which united the Masons of all countries who had received their instruc- tions from the central school in Lombardy, continued at Cologne and Strasburg, and further by the obedience of the members to the laws which governed them in the construc- tion of all religious edifices, from which they were only al lowed to depart in the details of ornamentation.
1272. The construction of Westminster Abbey was com- pleted this year, under direction of the grand master Giffard, Archbishop of York.
1275. A Masonic Congress was convoked by Erwin de Steinbach for the resumption of the long-interrupted labors of the Strasburg cathedral on a grander scale than that upon which the foundations were laid in 1015, and a part of the church erected. Architects from many countries arrived in Strasburg, formed, as in England and according to ancient usage, a Grand Lodge, and bound themselves to observe the laws and regulations of the craft. Near the cathedral was a wooden building (lodge), where the meetings were held and where all matters in relation to the building were discussed. Erwin de Steinbach was elected to preside, and at the meet- ings held a sword in his hand and was seated on a dais. Words and signs were invented, partly those used in Eng- land. Apprentices, Craftsmen, and Masters were received Avith peculiar symbolic ceremonies, beneath which were con- cealed or indicated the secrets of architecture.
1310. The construction of the magnificent cathedral of Cologne, begun in 1248, gave to its lodge a certain superiority and made it the school where Masons of other countries came to study this masterpiece. The German Masons, recognizing that superiority, gave it the title of Grand Lodge (Haupt- hutte), and the master architect was regarded as the master of all Masons in Germany.
1312. A small number of Templars, escaped from the per- secutions of Philip, king of France, and the Pope, Clement V"., took refuge in Scotland, before the death of their Grand Master, Jacques de Molay (1314), and found an asylum in the Masonic lodges.
1314. The Lodge of Kilwinning, in Scotland, founded during the building of the abbey of that name in 1150, as- sumed the rank of Grand Royal Lodge of Herodom, under authority of Robert Bruce, who also founded an order of the same name for the Masons who had fought for him.
1350. The York Constitutions were revised during the
•A' 1-M ward III. In an appendix it is prescribed.
aiuung other things, that in future at the makincr of 4
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY. 25
brother the Master of the Lodge shall read to him the Con- stitution and Ancient Charges.
1502. A Lodge of Masters convened June 24, ander direction of Henry VII., moved in procession to lay the corner-stone of a chapel at Westminster, bearing the name of Henry VII.
1535. The intelligence spread by the lodges formed out- side of the corporations awakened the suspicions and hatred of the ultramontane clergy, who accused them both openly and in secret of aiding the reform of Luther, who was said to belong to them. They were accused by the priests of seeking to introduce schisms into the Church and sedition among the people, of hatred against the Supreme Pontiff and all sovereigns, and, finally, of a desire to reestablish the Order of Templars, and to avenge the death of their Grand Master on the descendants of the kings, who were the cause of it. It is said that a convention of these associations was held at Cologne June 24 in this year, at which Herman V., Bishop of Cologne, presided, when they drew up a docu- ment announcing their doctrines and the aim of their associ- ation, so that if the intolerance of their fellow-citizens should prevent them from maintaining their organization they might propagate their doctrines in other parts of the globe. That document was the Charter of Cologne.
1561. Queen Elizabeth of England, being suspicious of the Masons, sent a detachment of armed men to break up the annual assembly at York. The officers sent for this purpose made so favorable a report that the queen revoked her order, and ultimately became the protectress of the Fraternity.
1607. Freemasonry flourished in England, where, under the reign of James I., who declared himself their protector, it acquired fame and importance, and many gentlemen and persons of mark were initiated. The high consideration ac- corded the Craft at this period was further augmented by the election of the celebrated architect Inigo Jones to the dignity of Grand Master, who infused great spirit into the lodges.
1646. The Masonic corporations in England, in whicli for a long time the majoi'ity had been composed of learned men, artists, men eminent for knowledge and position, who were received as honorary members, and termed accepted Masons, no longer busied themselves with the matei'ial and primary object of the association. It was at this time that the celebrated antiquary Elias Ash mole, who founded the museum at Oxford, having been initiated, rectified and com- posed the formula for the society of Kose-Croix, consisting of ceremonies based on historical allusions, and the com- munication of signs of recognition after the manner of the
26 GENERAL IflSTOltY OF FKEEMASONRY.
Freemasons, This labor inspired him with the iiifea ol com- posing new rituals for the Masons, and accordingly he composed and substituted for the rituals in use a new mode of initiation, based, in part, on old Anglo-Saxon and Syriac manuscripts, partly on the Egyptian, mysteries, and on what he supposed to have been the form of initiation among the Roman architects. These rituals were adopted by the Lon- don lodges, and soon after throughout England.
1650. Freemasonry, in England, took a political bias; after the decapitation of Charles I. the Masons of England, and particularly those of Scotland, partisans of the Stuarts, labored in secret for the re-establishment of the throne destroyed by Cromwell. They used the mystery surround ing their assemblies to lay their plans in security. Unable to admit all Masons to their projects, they composed superior degrees to the initiates, in which they alone unfolded their plans. It was by the influence of these men, placed in high position, that Charles II., initiated during his exile, was- raised to the throne in 1660, and it was by this monarch that Masonry was termed the Royal art, because it had principally contributed to his restoration.
1663. General assembly at York, Charles II. presiding, who confirmed the Grand Mastership of Henry Jermyn, Count of St. Albans, and conferred on him the Order of the Bath. The assembly passed a series of regulations, all in conformity with past events, and maintained the high degrees. The preponderance of Accepted Masons became more evident : but having no longer to struggle against
7 O ~ ~~f •— '
political events, the superior degrees assumed a universal and humanitarian tendency. Cultivation of the arts and sciences, and sociability, under noble and elevated forms, became the features of their meetings.
1666. The great fire in London, which destroyed forty thousand houses and eighty-six churches, gave a new impetus to architecture. The local craftsmen being unable to meet the demand for labor, others were called in from all countries. They united in a Lodge, under the authority of Sir Chris- topher Wren, architect of St. Paul's, who furnished plans for rebuilding the city.
1685. James II., Grand Master of the Order of Herodom of Kilwinuing, founded by Robert Bruce, King of Scotland, in 1311, in favor of the Freemasons who had fought under his banners, reestablished the Order of Knights of St. An- drew, which had been suspended, and the possessions of which were confiscated during the Reformation. It was the inten- tion of the king to have made this Order a sign of distinction and reward for Masons in part icular, and it is probable that but for his misfortunes he would have returned their prop perty.
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY. 27
1 700. The Masonic corporations, except in England, were dissolved, and even in that country they were no longer busy with operative Masonry.
1703. Notwithstanding the zeal displayed by Grand Mas- ter Wren, the number of Masons was continually diminishing. The annual feasts were completely neglected, and the four lodges remaining in London deserted. Differences of opinion among the Fraternity respecting the propriety of extending its privileges to others than those educated in the science of architecture prevented the increase of its membership, and little progress was made until after the death of Grand Master Wren (1716).
1717. The four lodges in London determined to elect a new Grand Master, and form a Grand Lodge. They, therefore, convened a general assembly of the Masons in London and its vicinity, and constituted a central authority under the title of " The Grand Lodge of England," recognizing only the three symbolic degrees. George Payne, elected Grand Mas- ter, got together a great quantity of ancient manuscripts, charts, rituals, and documents on the usages of the Fra- ternity, which, added to those iu possession of St. Paul's Lodge, were to form a code of laws and doctrines, certain of which were to be published.
1720. The Grand Lodge having constituted several subor- dinates, in which many persons of distinction were initiated, the Grand Lodge of York became jealous of its rival, an u. proscribed its members. About this time the institution met with a severe loss in the destruction of important manuscripts committed to the flames by over-scrupulous members of St. Paul's Lodge, who were alarmed at the proposed publicity about to be given them.
1721. Freemasonry began to extend to the continent. One Lodge was founded at Dunkirk and another at Mons. The Grand Lodge adopted various regulations concerning the government of the lodges, and regularity of their work. The rights of the Grand Master were determined, and he was ac- corded the right of naming his successor in case of his dis- mission or non-election. George Payne, having been again elected, gathered such documents as had escaped the flames the preceding year, and from them drew up a historical sketch of the society, which he submitted to the Grand Lodge with certain regulations. This was referred to the committee, who further referred it to Bro. Anderson, and he, after revising it, was authorized to publish it (1722).
17'21-l72c Masonry introduced in France, and several lodges constituted.
1729. The activity of the English lodges and their attrac tivcness stimulated the Masons of Ireland to greater zeal
28 GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
and they established a central authority by the name ol " The Grand Lodge of Ireland."
1732. The Grand Lodge at York, to which belonged the Masons calling themselves ancient, and whose constitution was more in accordance with the old corporations, recog- nized the necessity of conforming to the new order of things as more clearly expressed in the London Constitution.
1733. The first Provincial Grand Lodge in America was constituted at Boston.
1735. The first persecutions against Masons in modern times commenced by the States General of Holland, which interdicted Masonic assemblies.
1736. The Scottish Grand Lodge at Edinburg, in view of the prosperous state of the English lodges growing out of their constitution °.nd Grand Mastership, became desirous of introducing the same system, but was prevented by the hereditary office of patron, created by James I., for the Roslin family in 1430. The then Grand Master Baron Sinclair, of Roslin, consented to resign. The four oldest lodges in Edinburg called a general assembly, thirty-two lodges being represented, and the Baron having resigned his Grand Mastership and all the privileges attached to it, a regular Grand Lodge was formed, and he was elected its first Grand Master.
17o8. The Pope, Clement XII., issued a bull of excommu- nication against the Freemasons, which was followed by an edict of Charles VI., forbidding Masonic meetings in the low countries of Austria.
August 15, in this year, Frederick II., King of Prussia, was initiated.
1739. The Grand Lodge of England was accused of changing the ceremonies and ritual, introducing innovations, and of having named Provincial Deputies with power to establish lodges in the South of England, the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of York. A schism was the result, and a new Grand Lodge was formed with the designation of " Ancients." The Grand Lodges of Ireland and Scot- land sympathized with the ancients, but the moderns were decidedly the most successful.
In the same year Cardinal Ferraro, in an edict intended to
Erevent any misunderstanding of the Papal bull against the 'reeraasons, explained it to mean that " no one should dare to unite, assemble with, or affiliate in, the society, nor be present at its meetings, under penalty of death and confisca- tion of their goods, without hope of remission or pardon : that all proprietors were forbidden to allow any Masonic as- sembly on their premises under penalty of having their houses demolished,, being fined and sent to the galleys."
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONBY. 29
1740. At this time there were more than two hundred lodges in France, of which twenty-two were in Paris.
1744. The Lodge of the Three Globes at Berlin, founded by Baron Bielefeld in 1740, was raised to the dignity "f a Grand Lodge by Frederick the Great^ldng of Prussia, who was elected Grand Master, and continued in office till 1747.
1751. At this period Freemasonry had found its way into all civilized countries. Its humane and elevating principles, its dogma of liberty, equality, and fraternity, alarmed the kings and clergy, and they sought to arrest its progress. Edicts were fulminated against it in Russia (1731), its meet- irgs forbidden in Holland (1735), and at Paris (1737, '38, '44, '45), its members arrested and persecuted at Rome and Florence, their meetings forbidden in Sweden, at Hamburg, and Geneva (1738) ; the Inquisition cast them into prison and caused the executioner to burn the books which treated of its doctrines. The Inquisition also caused knights who had been present at Masonic meetings to be perpetually ex- iled to Malta (1740). In Portugal, unheard-of cruelties were practiced against them, including condemnation to the galleys, at Vienna (1735) ; even the Sultan undertook to an- nihilate them (1748). As a worthy climax to this series of persecutions, Charles, king of Naples, forbid the practice of Masonry in his states ; Ferdinand VII., king of Spain, forbid Masonic assemblies under penalty of death ; and Pope Bene- dict XIV. renewed (1751) the bull of excommunication against the Freemasons, issued by Clement XII. in 1738. But all this violence failed to check the progress of the insti- tution, which spread over the face of the globe with a rapidity which nothing could stop. Notwithstanding Benedict's bull, Masonry was openly practiced at Tuscany, Naples, and sev- eral other parts of the Italian peninsula. Even at Rome there were lodges which hardly took the trouble to conceal themselves.
1754. A chapter of the high degrees was founded at Pans, by the Chevalier de Bonneville, under the title of Clermont. In it was revived the Templar system, invented by the parti- sans of the Stuarts.
1755. The Grand Lodge of England first issued individual diplomas.
1756. The English Grand Lodge of France, founded in 1736, and which assumed this title in 1743, cast oft* its alle- giance to England and assumed the title of Grand Lodge of France. The disorders which had arisen under the Grand Mastership of Prince de Clermont were continued, and even augmented. By warrants delivered to Masters of lodges, as well by herself as by the Lodge of St. Andrew of Scotland, at Edinbnrg, Musonic authorities of all kinds were multiplied
3U GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
fin France; illegal warrants were delivered by pretended '.Masters of lodges; false titles were fabricated; antedated charters, bearing falsehood on their faces, weie set afloat without any notice on the part of the Grand Lodge. When she declared her independence she also announced her inten- tion of adhering to the Scottish custom of giving personal warrants to Masters for life, thus putting the climax to the existing disorder. The result was that these Masters gov- erned their lodges according to their own caprice, giving warrants to other Masters at Paris and in the provinces, who, in turn, constituted others; other bodies rivaling the Grand Lodge were formed as Chapters, Councils, Colleges, and Tribunals, at Paris and elsewhere, and they likewise established lodges and chapters. So much confusion resulted that even in France it was not known which was in reality the legitimate body.
1750. Foundation of the National Grand Lodge of Italy, dissolved in 1790. In the same year the Grand Lodge of the United Provinces (Holland) was formed.
1762. Baron de Hunde introduced in Germany the rite of Strict Observance (so-called Templar System), which he had obtained from Paris.
1763. The two factions into which the Grand Lodge of France had been divided in 1761 reunited, but they were unable to stay the tide of disorder which they had previously Bet in motion.
1764. A person by the name of Johnson, a secret agent of the Jesuits, professing to have plenary powers from the au- thorities of the Kite of Strict Observance, established chap- ters of the Templar System particularly at Jena, where he called a Ma: onir Congress Dec. 25, 1763. He professed to have the sole power of creating knights by virtue of patents from unknown authorities residing in Scotland. lie con- voked a second congress in 1 764, to which the Baron de Flunde was invited, and who at first believed in Johnson's authority ; he sub-equently, however, exposed him as an im- postor, and, at a congress held at Altenberg, in 1765, the Baron himself was elected Grand Master of Templars.
• 765. Foundation of the RoyalYork Grand Lodge at Berlin
1772. Foundation of the Grand Orient of France.
1783. Foundation of the Eclectic Grand Lodge at Frank tort, which promulgated a new rite made up from the va- jjety then existing, and hence called eclectic.
1785. Congress of Paris, called ostensibly to reduce to . fder the chaos produced by the numerous systems intro- duced into Masonry. Without good results.
1789. Edict of the Emperor Joseph II. suppressing the lodges throughout his dominions.
GENERAL HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY. 3l
1800. The rites and systems of high degrees introduced in the course of the last century, and which had the gre-i.test success were : 1. The Scottish Rite in Seven JJegrees, brought from England by Doctor Ramsay, in 1736 ; 2. The. Rite of Sicedenbftrg, first introduced at Avignon, in 17>0; 3. The System of Strict Observance, by Baron de Huiide, 1754; 4. Schroder's Rite (rectified Rose-Croix) with magic theosophy and alchemy, Berlin, 1766. Subsequently modified and adopted by the Grand Lodge of Hamburg ; 5. Clerks of Strict Observance, in the interests of Catholicism, 1767 ; 6. Swedish Templar Rite, by Zinnendorf, Berlin, 1767 ; 7. Illuminati of Bavaria, a political society under Masonic forms, 1 776 ; 8. The Martin System, a variant of" the Scottish rite, 1767; 9. The Golden Rose-Croix System, founded in 1616, by Valentine Andrea, a profound philosopher, and revived under Masonic forms in Germany, 1777 ; 10. T/te Scottish Rite in Nine Degrees, by Fessler, 1V98. All these rites or systems, as well as those growing out of them, have either become extinct or been greatly modified.
1 804. Foundation of a Supreme Council in France by the Count de Grasse Tilly.
1813. Union of the two Grand Lodges in England. In the act of union it is expressly stated that ancient and true Freemasonry consists of but three degrees : Apprentice, Fel- low-Craft, and Master.
1814. Edict of Pius VII. against the Freemasons, pro- nouncing infamous penalties, even to death and the confisca- tion of the property of its members. It is needless to add that the accusations contained in this document against the society are entirely without foundation.
1822. Ukase of the Emperor of Russia against the Free- masons.
1824. Edict of the King of Portugal against Masonic assemblies.
1825. Imposing solemnity at Boston in honor of Bro. Lafayette.
1826. The Pope renews the edict of Pius VII. against the Freemasons.
1828. Edict of the king of Spain against the Masonic Fraternity.
1832. Foundation of the Grand Orient of Belgium at Brussels.
1836. Contestations and discussions arose among the German Lodges, especially those at Berlin, in regard to the admission of Israelites. Some lodges refused to initiate them, and others to. admit those who had been regularly ini- tiated elsewhere. Addresses were presented by Jewish orethren showing the opposition of this conduct to the true
52 GENEllAr, HISTORY OP FREEMASONRY.
principles of Masonry ; but without result, and the same state of affairs continues now.
It seems strange that in these enlightened days u preju- dice dating from the middle ages should still sway the minds of men, and stranger still that the Masonic world should not raise its voice against it.
1850. At this period we find Freemasonry spread over the surfece of the globe. In Europe it was nearly every- where flourishing, protected, and respected. England, Ire- land, Scotland, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Prussia, Saxony, the lesser German States, France, Switzerland, and a portion of Bavaria had about 3,000 lodges governed by 21 Grand Lodges. On the other hand, it was prohibited in Russia, Austria, and their dependencies ; in the kingdoms of Naples and Sardinia, at Rome, in Tuscany, Spain, and Portugal.
In Africa there were lodges in Algeria, at Alexandria, Cape Town, and other points. In North America it was everywhere known, and lodges were constantly springing up.
In South America, beginning at a later date, it was nevertheless making great progress. It had also been established in Asia and the Ocean islands. So that the number of lodges on the globe were computed at 5,000, of which 3,000 were in Europe, 1,400 in America, and 600 in other parts of the world. Thus, in the course of a century, Freemasonry was propagated over the surface of the globe, scattering in its path the seed of civilization and progress, and impressing on its adepts lessons of truth which have been crystallized into deeds in their intercourse with the world. Little wonder that the partisans of an old and effete order of things, astonished by its peaceful transformations, should oppose, with all their might, the establishment and development of this institution. The influence of Masonry on social progress would unquestionably have been greater had it not, in the last century, been paralyzed by the intro- duction of numberless incoherent systems, which, essentially contrary to its spirit, destroyed the uniformity and equality on which it rests. These systems gave to Freemasonry a different direction from that indicated by its doctrines, and thus rendering it an object of suspicion to governments, were, in part, to blame for the persecutions levelled against it. It was often abused and assimilated with secret politi- cal and religious societies which assumed its name and covered themselves with its mantle to attain an end they dared not avow, such as the Rosicrusians and Illuminati. But when the society shall have got rid of the heteroge- neous elements which introduced disorder and hindered its action and influence, nothing can stop the beneficent influ- ence it will exercise on society in general.
GENERAL HISTOKY OF FRKEMASONRY.
33
The best evidence that may be adduced in favor of thj beneficent influence of the institution, is seen in the recent opposition it has elicited from the weak and narrow-minded individuals who make no pretensions to any notion beyond an idea single to a selfish and proselyting ambition. Yet, not withstanding the objections thus raised, the order will move on, spread and flourish. Here we propose to give, in a suc- cinct form, an account of the organization of Grand and Subor- dinate Masonic bodies, dates of introduction into the several parts of the world, so far as the history could be obtained au- thentically, and such other facts relative to the progress of Ma sonry as are deemed worthy of record in a work of this kind.
AFRICA. Freemasonry was in- troduced into Africa about tho year i73G, and is now well known in the European colonies along the coast; the charters for holding lodges emanated from England, France, and the Netherlands. At Monrovia, iii the negro state of Liberia, there are lodges of colored Masons, not recognized by the whites, but work- ing under a Grand Lodge of their own.
ALABAMA. Freemasonry was introduced into this State by virtue of charters granted from the Grand Lodges of South Carolina and Ten- nes.-,ee, dates not known.
The GRAND LODGE for the State was organized June 1-t, 1821.
The GRAND CHAPTFR was organ- ized June 2, 1827.
The GRAND COUNCIL of Royal and Select Masters was established in June, 1827.
The GRAND COMMANDEKY, Knights Templar, was organized Nov. 29, I860.
ARKANSAS. The GRAND LODGE of t'ais State was organized Feb. 22, 1832, the centennial anniversary of Washington's birthday.
Tho GRAND CHAPTER of Royal Arch Masons was organized April 28, 1851.
Hugh de Payens Commandery, Knights Templar, organized Dec. 20, ]?j53.
ASIA. The introduction of Ma- sonry had its origin in 1728, by warrant from the Grand Lodge of England. The first Lodge was established at Calcutta, by Sir Geo.
Pomfret. In Canton, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and other cities of China, lodges are to be found, working under the English Constitution. In Asia Minor, at Smyrna, two lodges, one working in the English and the other in the German language. In the East Indies there is an English Provincial Grand Lodge, with fifty subordinate lodges. Lodges are established by the Grand Lodge of Scotland in Bengal, Bombay, and Arabia. The Grand Lodge of the Netherlands, and the Grand Orient of France, have subordinate lodges in Java, Sumatra, and Pondiche'ry. There is scarcely a town in Hindos- tan in which there is not a Lodge. In the East Indies two Masonic periodicals are published "The In- dian Mason," at Bombay, and "The Masonic Record."
AUSTRALIA. Freemasonry was introduced on the islands of this ex- tensive country by the Grand Lodge of England soon after its discovery. There are lodges now established in Nfw South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, Van Dieman's Land, New Zealand, West Australia, Tasmania, the Sandwich Islands, Tahati, and other parts of the territory, by tho Grand Lodges of England, Scot land, Ireland, France, and California.
AUSTRIA. The establishment ot Freemasonry in Austria was accom- panied with great difficulty. The first Lodge was opened in Vienna in 1742, under a warrant from the Grand Lodge of Germany at Berlin. But this body was compelled tn cflase its meetings through tln> IB
GENERAL HISTORY OF VKKE
fluence of the papal church authori- ties. In 1762 several lodges were established in Vienna and Prague, which, notwithstanding the hostility of the church, increased so exten- sively as to defy its power. The lodges then existing in Bohemia, Hungary, and Transylvania, de- clared their independence of the Grand Lodge at Berlin, and in 1784 established a Grand Lodge of Aus- tria, with its seat at Vienna.
BAVARIA. The institution of Freemasonry was introduced into Bavaria about the year 1746, and flourished with moderate success until the introduction of the socie- ty of the Illuminati, in 1776, when Freemasonry became oppressed be- cause of the attempt of the origin- ator of the Illuminati to engraft his system upon the Masonic rite. In 1784 the lodges voluntarily sus- pended operations until 1806, when the influence of the institution was again felt throughout the kingdom. The Grand Lodge is located at Munich.
BELGIUM. In 1721 the Grand Lodge of England constituted the first Masonic Lodge in Belgium, at Mons, under the title of Perfect Union. In 1785 there were sixteen lodges established throughout the kingdom. At this period the lodges were composed of the elite of the nation ; but, as the sentiments of the brotherhood had become very liberal and patriotic, in May, 1786, the Emperor Joseph II. abolished all the lodges in Belgium except three. Most of them, however, opntinued their meetings in secret. During the French revolution all the lodges were interdicted, and not until 1798 did they resume operations, but with limited op- portunities. In 1814 these lodges declared themselves independent of the Grand Orient of France, and in 1817 organized a Grand Lodge for Belgium and the Netherlands. After the separation of Belgium from the Netherlands in 1830, the latter de- Bired to be entirely independent of the other, which was mutually agreed to. In 1835 most of the lodges placed themselves under the protection t_f King Leopold. In
1817 the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish rite was established in Brussels, while the Grand Orient, located also at Brussels, has exclusive control over the symbolic degrees. The two bodies maintain toward each other brotherly intercourse, so that the members of the Grand Orient having the high degrees are considered, on that account, members of the Su- preme Council.
BOHEMIA. In 1749 the Grand Lodge of Scotland instituted a Lodge in Fragile, Bohemia. The order was highly prosperous until the commencement of the French revolution, when it was suppressed by the Austrian government. On the restoration of peace and the rights of civil law, the Order has been reestablished, and is highly successful.
BRAZIL. The introduction of Freemasonry into Brazil began as early as 1816; but, owing to the powerful influence of the church authorities, the Order ceased its work until 1820, when several lodges were established there. In 1822 the Grand Orient was founded.
CALIFORNIA. Freemasonry was introduced into this State in 1849 and 1850, by warrants from the Grand Lodges of the District of Columbia, Connecticut, Missouri, and New Jersey. A convention of delegates from all the lodges in tha State was held in the city of Sacra- mento, April 17, 1850, and on the 19th of that month a Grand Lodge for the State of California was es- tablished in ample form. Jonathan