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Article THE HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY. ← Page 3 of 6 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The History Of Freemasonry.
Such distinctive treatment of subjects is one of the main features in the arrangement of Bro . Gould's History , and we cannot but feel grateful that he has adopted this plan of laying his facts before his readers . It has been too often the fault of Masonic writers—perhaps done advisedly—to scatter through their books facts dealing with a
given subject , so as to render the looking for them sorely trying to the temper ; and , when found , they prove to be mere statements , without any reference to where they have been obtained , and often without any foundation in fact . A regular arrangement of subjects has been sketched out and
followed by Bro . Gould , and as far as possible he has gone to original sources , or to the fountain-head , for information . In all instances references are given , so that it is left within the power of everyone to follow in his foot-prints and collate with the original authorities
all statements and quotations . The ancient Mysteries , & c , having been discussed , the next chapter in the order of arrangement is one of the most valuable to students of Masonic records , and , at the same time , we feel sure was one of the most laborious in its compilation . It deals with the records of the
legendary history of the foundation of the science of Masonry , otherwise called the " Old Charges . " Bro . Gould correctly informs us that " By no other craft in Great Britain has documentary evidence been furnished of its having claimed at any time a legendary or traditional history . " The same want of legends apparently apjjlies to the crafts
in other countries , except in the case of the Gompagnons . Of these " Charges , " probably read to an appi'entice on his being initiated , we have a list headed by a short discussion on their probable connexion with the legends of the Gompagnonage , and other matters connected with their discovery , age , etc .
Beginning with the Halliwell MS ., or Masonic Poem as it is generally called , dating from the beginning or middle of the fourteenth century , Bro . Gould describes all the copies now known , giving in every instance a reference whenever printed copies are to be found . The history of each , so far as it could be obtained , is added ; and
when it is considered that the enumeration of fifty-one copies of the Charges occupies eighteen pages , we can form an idea of the amount of patience and labour expended on this small portion of the book . After having thus carefully considered these records in their position as manuscripts alone , their contents and points of divergence are
discussed , and Bro . Gould arrives at the conclusion " that they had a common origin , just as they were designed to serve a common purpose , " and , he adds , " the majority being over two hundred years old , and all being copies of still older documents . "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The History Of Freemasonry.
Such distinctive treatment of subjects is one of the main features in the arrangement of Bro . Gould's History , and we cannot but feel grateful that he has adopted this plan of laying his facts before his readers . It has been too often the fault of Masonic writers—perhaps done advisedly—to scatter through their books facts dealing with a
given subject , so as to render the looking for them sorely trying to the temper ; and , when found , they prove to be mere statements , without any reference to where they have been obtained , and often without any foundation in fact . A regular arrangement of subjects has been sketched out and
followed by Bro . Gould , and as far as possible he has gone to original sources , or to the fountain-head , for information . In all instances references are given , so that it is left within the power of everyone to follow in his foot-prints and collate with the original authorities
all statements and quotations . The ancient Mysteries , & c , having been discussed , the next chapter in the order of arrangement is one of the most valuable to students of Masonic records , and , at the same time , we feel sure was one of the most laborious in its compilation . It deals with the records of the
legendary history of the foundation of the science of Masonry , otherwise called the " Old Charges . " Bro . Gould correctly informs us that " By no other craft in Great Britain has documentary evidence been furnished of its having claimed at any time a legendary or traditional history . " The same want of legends apparently apjjlies to the crafts
in other countries , except in the case of the Gompagnons . Of these " Charges , " probably read to an appi'entice on his being initiated , we have a list headed by a short discussion on their probable connexion with the legends of the Gompagnonage , and other matters connected with their discovery , age , etc .
Beginning with the Halliwell MS ., or Masonic Poem as it is generally called , dating from the beginning or middle of the fourteenth century , Bro . Gould describes all the copies now known , giving in every instance a reference whenever printed copies are to be found . The history of each , so far as it could be obtained , is added ; and
when it is considered that the enumeration of fifty-one copies of the Charges occupies eighteen pages , we can form an idea of the amount of patience and labour expended on this small portion of the book . After having thus carefully considered these records in their position as manuscripts alone , their contents and points of divergence are
discussed , and Bro . Gould arrives at the conclusion " that they had a common origin , just as they were designed to serve a common purpose , " and , he adds , " the majority being over two hundred years old , and all being copies of still older documents . "