The Records Of An Ancient Lodge.

to that this form be red by the Grand Master to them that is Chosen to give the word and special Care is to be taken by the Grand Mr and Box Mr that fitt well Disposed persons be Chosen for that purpose GEORGE EASTON Grand Master GILBT BOA Grand Mr .

Decemr The 28 th 1764 . Also agrees that Thomas Man- mend the Masons Loft and Repair the Dammage done to the Tolboath for which he is to be payd out of the pubblick fund . The Company this day has agreed and given to the Widow of John Stewert Three Shillings . The Company has also agreed That The Land Lord where The tlinner is next year to to give no more Bread and Drink before dinner but what The Grand Master and Box masters gives him orders for , and no more but Them is to agree with the Land Lord for the next meetings dinner GILBERT BOA , Grand M .

It Being Represented That James Dougless Mason in Ancrum and Margaret Scirvin Widow of the Deceast William Wallace Mason in Melrose wore persons in need of Charity from the Lodge and The Matter Regularly stated and votted by the members Three present was agreed that the said James Douglass Would have Seven Shillings and the said Margaret Scirvin four Shillings we all Eleven Shillings which the Grand Master appoints The Box Masters to pay to them GEORGE EASTON Grand Master .

Melrose Decemr 29 th 1766 The Company this day have agreed that any member of the Lodge That refuses to pass this clay thats present That is Liable on it being the fourth year since their Entry agreeable to our former Act that they are to be cut off as a member of this Lodge in all TimeThereafter in obedence to the Former Act all thath prepared this day That was liable to it . This day the company have Chosen Walter Rendlson to be ground Master for the Enshewing Year , and George Rendlson'Gilberfc Boa and George Eastown Elder to be Box Mas ' ers for the same year and Nicol Bouer Clerk . The Company Appoints Thomas Marr George Hogg James

Trotter William Johnston ancl James Turnbull with the Old aud new Box Masters to take Inspection of the Box . Also it is Enacted This day That at St Johns day next and every year thereafter *; hat Each member present is to apear and make proeission befor dinner with White Approns and White Gloves and those that do not apear in procession is to pay one Shilling Sterling in to the BOXGEORGE EASTOX Grd Master .

Melrose 27 th Decemr 1765 The Company have Votted and Chosen George Eastoun in Lillicas Leaf to be' Grand Master for the Enshewing year also the present Grand Master makes choise of James Wallace James Pringle and Gilbert Boa as Box Masters and Bouer Clerk and also appoints as a Oommatee to meet tomorrow to see the account cleard viz . George Rendleson Thomas Marr Andrew Pringle Elder Alexr Bunyie alongst with the three Enshewing Boxmasters And also as That Thomas Anderson was guilty of Cursing and Swearing this night and being Resconed for the same and giving satisfaction to the Grand Master and Company but abscond Therefor He is to submit to the Grand Master befor He comes in to the Compony as a member GILBERT ROA G : R :

Melrose Decbr 26 th 1765 Rules for the reight order and Goverment of the Honourable Society of Masons at Melrose , To wit , That no person is to be admited into this society but what is of a bleanless life and Con-• versation , free of open scandle , such as Cursing , Swearing , lieing , Drunkenness , Sabothbreaking , and other such like abomenable practices , for as we onght to have an eye to the glory of God in all our Actions , there for if such persons be admited , which is not only

hurtfull to Society but greatly dishonouring to God for which cause he may justly frustrat all our desines , for promoteing a fund in a Civil way for Reliveing us in destress , when the Almighty is pleased to lay his Afflicting hand upon any of us for as we ought to aknowladgo him in all onr ways , so when their is no person Admited but what is of a good Cbareter and free of such Blemishes as is above mentioned , then we may expect the Ijiisiug of God on our Civil Desinges , and Endevours , for while such is in Society , wo can expect no good but contention and discord of every kind , whereas we ought not to study onr own soculnlar advantad but the common good of the wholeand as much as lyes in us to promote peace

ge , , and unity amongst us , and deteasfc and abhorr Every thing that is Contrary the same , for it is only in this way , that we can expect to propegat this fund for the bublick good and Benifit of us all , and it is wished and desired , that there be any such person among us that they would forsake their ways and Amend , for if they be found out , and Remains Obstevmt they 2 1 " 2