foregoing 26 resolutions are recommended by the Grand Lodge to all Warranted Lodges, as most useful and necessary at this time.

Given under my hand this Sixth day of July, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-two, and in the year of Masonry, 5772.

[Signed] William Dickey, G.S."

But it happens that the Minden was an Irish and not an English Lodge, and William Dickey was Grand Secretary of the Schismatic or Irregular Grand Lodge of England, which carried on a rivalry with the Original or Regular Grand Lodge of England throughout the second half of the last century, and until the fusion of these two bodies in 1813.

66

The Schismatic Grand Lodge of England issued a common form" of By-laws, which it recommended to the use of its subordinates. One of these forms, no doubt, was passed on by another Army Lodge, holding under the Schismatics, which had always the larger number of English Military Lodges under its banner-or some joining brother of the Minden may have brought it with him from his former Lodge.-R. F. GOULD.

NATIVE AFRICAN FREEMASONRY.-The following letter was addressed to Brother Holmes, our Local Secretary on the Gold Coast. "Christiana, 1st March, 1890,-I have to tell you of a coincidence which happened to me during my late stay in Liberia. I had occasion to go into the interior up the river St. Paul, and I visited amongst others the King of the Daw or Day people. He is generally called thn Bromley King. On approaching him he received me by first making the first Masonic Sign, and being a Mason I returned the same sign. He seemed then much pleased with me, and I quickly tried to find out how he learnt it, and if they had a brotherhood. Shortly after his brother came in, and I observed on his wrist a large ivory ring, with the usual Masonic Signs engraved upon it. I could not, however, trace out how he got to know the Masonic Sign except that the ring was a proof of his dignity, and formerly belonged to the King's deceased father and forefathers. The age of the ring seems to be at least more than one or two hundred years.

"In visiting the interior I have often got the impression that Masonry is common amongst the different tribes. In the Sénégal Districts, especially, I have seen proofs among the natives in connection with Freemasonry, and you yourself will doubtless have heard natives in " custom-keeping," and at other times give the latter part of the Fire.' I should much like to know if you have ever met with the above Masonic Signs from natives in your travels amongst them. The question is how has Masonry got into these remote districts? Have these tribes been connected with, and removed from the East to West of Africa? Perhaps your Masonic literary friends might be able to throw light on this important question.-JUST. WRIGHT.

EFFIGY OF A MASTER MASON.-Dr. Eduard Uhl, of Vienna, has kindly forwarded me a photograph of a part of the beautiful Stefans-Dom or Church of St. Stephen in that city, a portion of which I have attempted to reproduce in the accompanying pen and ink sketch. I append a part of the doctor's description.

Accompanying photograph represents the socalled organ-base in the last bay of the north aisle of the nave. The building of this base was begun by Master George Oechsel, who however was supplanted before its completion by Master Anton Pilgram, who then finished it. The bust in high relief below it represents, in all probability, Master Oechsel. Pilgram has preserved his own memory in connection with this organ-base by his master-mark, which is to be found on a stone shield which does not form a portion of the structure, but is suspended from a nail driven into the crown of the vaulting. The legend under the bust also refers to Pilgram, Master] A[nton] P[ilgram], 1513.”

In the right hand of the effigy, is a large pair of compasses, which, owing to the position occupied by the photographer, is unfortunately hidden from view.-G. W. SPETH.

MASONS' MARKS.-In my paper on Masons' Marks and Masonry, I gave copies of several of great antiquity which had been found in Egypt by Mr. Flinders Petrie, who had kindly given me permission to use them.

Since that time he has published another volume, describing his further excavations at Kahun, Gurob, and Hawara,—excavations made with so much care as to be models which should be followed by all future explorers.

Amongst the illustrations which he gives, (all measured and drawn by himself,) are several of Marks of various kinds, the most remarkable being those of which I send you tracings from his engravings, and which show that some of our most characteristic signs were used at a much earlier date than I had ventured to put them.

The extremely careful methods which Mr. Petrie took, as described in the above volume, to identify the position and surroundings of each specimen, prevent there being any doubt as to its antiquity; and the marks above-named as sent to you may safely be assigned to the age of the 12th dynasty, the date of which is variously given by Dr. Brugsch (quoted by Mr. Reginald Stuart Poole) as B.C. 2781-2466, and by Marrette as 3064-2214. So that it may safely be placed in round numbers at about 2500 B.C. Thus, having these Marks dated at so early a period, it becomes very interesting to learn their probable origin. Mr. Flinders Petrie's views on this subject are very important, and he will, I am sure, pardon my sending to you a copy of some portions of his lately published volume which relates to them, and in which he gives a large series of Marks of the 12th dynasty.

He states at page 43, that an analysis of these characters (which I trust that he will make at some future time)" will occupy weeks and months, but my present duty is to place them before those who can discuss them with all the collateral information." He further states "that the historical development, as at present generally accepted, shows that, at least, we must expect to find the Phoenician alphabet in course of evolution at or before 2000 B.C., and the Cypriote alphabet already established then."

The very confusion of these Marks is the best proof of their age being anterior to the clean division into the separate well-defined alphabets that we know in later ages."

"But these Marks do not stand alone; they must be taken with many proofs of foreign inhabitants in both Kahun and Gurob."

"So far as a temporary working hypothesis may be permissible, it seems most likely that during the war of the last king of the 11th dynasty with the lords of the North' (a name which always means the Egean peoples-at least in later times) the Egyptians became acquainted with the Mediterranean races. Perhaps at first as captives

"These labouring foreigners were, very probably, not educated to the complex Egyptian system of writing, but lived only with Egyptian masons. From these masons they may have learned the use of Masons' Marks, which were originally formed from hieroglyph and to which many of the signs here bear a resemblance. Then these marks came to be used for the sounds attached to them, and so at last words were written down in the new signs. These signs were carried out into the Mediterranean in the commercial intercourse which went on, and then rose from a mere workman's convention into the sole mode of writing, and thus fonnded the alphabetical system. It is plain that similar causes may have been at work with Cypriotes and Phoenicians in Babylonia, and that some of the signs found here may have been brought in from similar developments there in progress."

Mr. Petrie further gives another table of marks of the 18th dynasty, most of which are well known to Masons.-T. HAYTER LEWIS.

A-A.

MASONS' MARKS.-I send you copies of a few marks which I saw on Ashlar Stones at Furness Abbey, a fortnight ago, when I was going through the ruins. Some of them I do not remember to have seen before.—Yours fraternally, T. B. WHYTEHEAD.

1 * * * IX R XM Z A

MASONS' MARKS AND TOMBSTONES.-I remember some time ago being in the Churchyard at Wootton, near Northampton, and seeing there an old tomb-stone just at the west of the Church; on it were cut very plainly and well, various masonic emblems, but whether FREE, or working, I cannot now remember. Could you get some neighbouring Brother to take a rubbing before the traces are lost? The place is about two-and-a-half miles from Northampton, and the stone is flat on the ground.

At Filongley Church too, near the City of Coventry, I had pointed out to me by the foreman of works, many of the old Masons' Marks when the Church was restored a very few years ago. There seemed to be two distinct kinds, one on the face of the stones, and the other more deeply cut generally on the lower side. Would it not be well to ask through the Transactions any Members to take notes wherever a restoration is going on, especially as to marks of all sorts.-W. HAMMOND.

WILLIAM OF WYKEHAM, AND THE REGIUS MS.-There is a curious coincidence between these which I think is worth being noted in your pages. I am inclined to conviction that the great architect and the writer of the poem were contemporary, and certainly the motto assigned to Wykeham is found in the poem, where at line 726 we read,—Gode maneres maken a mon. The arms of Wykeham are described as,-Two chrevronels or carpenters couples between three roses. Motto: Manners makyth man. Much of the Masonic value of this coincidence is lost by the fact that the line is interpolated from "Urbanitatis,' though some may consider that as remedied by the allusion in the arms to carpenters couples. Having just completed a reperusal of your two commentaries to the Regius and Cooke MSS., I may perhaps be allowed to add that I become more and more convinced of the reliability of their conclusions, and more especially as all the known facts of Masonry would seem to dovetail therewith. It is curious that both MSS. would seem to refer to two varying Athelstan Constitutions, and taking the Poem as Northumbrian, the probabilities are that Athelstan would first grant Masonic privileges in the district of his royal City of Winchester, and then upon visiting York confer them upon the architectural school of Edwin. The author of the preface to the Cooke MS. would seem to have clumsily dovetailed the Solomon legend, transmitted to Charles Martel, between the Euclid and St. Alban portion of another version of the Athelstan laws, similar to the "Alia Ordinacio" which begins line 471 of Regius." Coming to the more modern Charges we find the Lansdowne and the Antiquity MSS. beginning a new school by omitting the Euclid legend entirely, and broadening the Invocation to "Almighty God of Jacob."-John Yarker.

THE MATTHEW COOKE MS.-There are a few errors in the Transcript (Reprint Vol. II.) of this Ancient Masonic Work, which I note for the purpose of correction.

The Transcript.
Whowe
lynyalle

Line 31

159

388

you

731

dispending

The Original. Who we [were] linyalle

yov

dispendyng

bi.

owt

Line 31 should read "who were the founders thereof," which is similar to line 80, we were the founders thereof."-JNO. LANE.

THE SOCIETY AND BROTHERHOOD OF COMPASS BROTHERS IN LÜBECK.-In the Museum at Lübeck are two jewels which were the property of the last two members of this medieval society, Herr Von Heintze and Herr Von Evas, both at different times Burgomasters of the Town, and the latter of whom died in 1862, the former earlier in this century.

About this society not a great deal is known, but there seems good evidence that it was of a different nature to the innumerable religious brotherhoods in the middle ages, and that although it may perhaps not be possible to establish any connection between this society and

Freemasonry, yet the circumstances and facts relating to it are such that they may prove not uninteresting to students of the history of the Craft.

The following paragraphs are a rough translation of information to be found in the Hansische Geschichtsblätter; in the second Blatt dealing with "Das Lübeckische Patriziat," by Herr Von Wehrmann.

"Before the year 1377 are found no traces of societies, excepting the various Chapters which were more of the nature of a Verbindung or Association than anything else, with the one exception in 1290 of mention made of the 33 men in Lübeck, known as the Lübeck Councillors (Rathsmänner) or Consules Lubicenses.

"In 1379 is the first appearance of a regular Society (Geschlossene Verbindung). This was founded by Boldewinn Speggeler, and eight others.

"This Society came to an agreement with the Franciscan monks that they should read Mass to members of the Society or Brotherhood, or to those who were about to become members in the Catherine Church, also daily for the welfare of their souls, (täglich in Seeleheil Messe) and that a monk's burial should be given the Brothers of this Society; further that they should receive all members into the co-operation of their good works (alle Mitglieder in die gemeinschaft ihrer guten Werke aufzunehmen).

"The difference between the title of this and other Brotherhoods (Bruderschaften), is that mention is not made of a Bruderschaft alone, but always of a Society and Brotherhood (Selschop unde Bruderschop), in which title it will be seen the worldly character finds expression first, and then the spiritual, and this perhaps not unintentionally. Later the word "bruderschop" is left out in the documents, and only the title "selschop" or "societas remained.

"And in Lübeck it was a very unusual title for a co-operation, only much later the corporation of shipowners called themselves the Schiffergesellschaft.

"The avowed raison d'être of this society was to make a position of their own, in fact a particular caste, and to assume a particular rank which was naturally to be higher than the others.

"Their distinguishing sign was an open ring as the symbol of the Trinity, with a pair of compasses from which the Society obtained the name of Societas circulieferorum or circulum Geretitium, also Zirkelbruderschaft (Compass Brotherhood,) Zirkelgesellschaft.

“And in 1429 it was enacted by a Statute that the members were always to carry the compasses. Later too, collar chains were made with compasses joined to one another by eagle's tails (Adlerschwänze) which were worn on festivals in honour of the Emperor.

"In 1485, Frederick II., in answer to their petition, gave them particular privileges, in consequence of which an imperial crown was added over the ring of their emblem. The Imperial privilege referring to the jewel, runs as follows: den obgemalten Ring mit einem Zirkel allein oder den mehr, so viel sy wollen, und zwischen jedwedem Ring einen Adlerschwanz in einer Gesellschaft oder halstandweise und vornen herab un einen ring und Zirkel hängend um den hals ob den Kleider zu einer jeden Zeit wan des einem jeglichen füglich ist, um allen enden und orthen zu tragen."

[Of the chains, not one is in existence, but there are a few to be seen in old pictures of brethren of this society.]

Further in Grundliche Nachricht von der Kaiserl: feegen in des H. R. Rechtsstadt Lübeck" by J. V. Malla, published in 1787. "The whole Bürgerschaft was made up of 12 Collegiis, of which only the first seven were eligible for the Town Council, and of these from the first two were most often chosen the Burgomaster, the Compass Society being the first of these.

"The Society's accrued privileges were confirmed and enlarged by Emperor Fredinand II. in 1636, Ferdinand III. in 1641, Leopold in 1709, Joseph 1. in 1778, Joseph II. in 1778.

"In 1499 they bought a house which in 1777 was rebuilt. [This house is in the Königstrasse, and now the Town Archive House. On the top of the front wall of the house, facing the street, may be seen two draped female figures, reclining on each side of a device, the left hand one holding an instrument in her hand like a nail, or chisel, and and in the right hand a bundle of rods. The device is a triangle with a halo round it over a pair of scales. From below in the street one cannot observe any characters on the triangle, but not improbably on nearer inspection would be found the same as on the jewel.]

"The Society met in their Chapel in the Catherine Church twice a year, both sexes, on the Monday after Trinity, and Monday after First Sunday in Advent, um die Begängnisse für die aus ihrer Brüderschaft verstorbene zu begehen" (to pray for those brothers who had departed), and these meetings were in accordance with the statutes of 1429. So also was the yearly meeting on the festival of the Holy Trinity on the so-called Olansberg before the Mühlenthor, when they held a 'solemn festival' feast (feyerliches festmahl ausstelleten), which on account of their emblem, was called the Zirkeltag, i.e., Compass-day.

"The alms and charities disbursed were so extensive that every week not fewer than forty were benefited thereby."

In the catalogue of the Museum a translation of the description of the jewel runs as follows:-No. 802, Insignia Order of the Compass-brothers in Lübeck. Over the imperial crown is a triangle with the name of God in blue enamel, [the name is written in Hebrew characters]; underneath the same hangs a circular ring open at the bottom (ein unten offen gelassenen zirkelreif) inside which is an open pair of compasses. On these is the date 1485, on the ring one can read "Ordo Equestr. S. S. Trinitatis fundet 1379 amt Imper." all worked in gold.

In Heintze's jewel, which is the smaller of the two, the inscription is at the back, In Evas' on the front of the ring. In Evas' too, the triangle is placed apex downwards, and the date 1485 appears on the front of the cross-piece of the compasses. The triangle of blue enamel is in each case surrounded by a gold halo also triangular.

In later years nothing much is recorded that is interesting, except for one or two attempted secessions by members who wished to set up a trading association "Kaufleute Gesellschaft," and in the wars at the beginning of this and the end of the last century it seems to have come to an end, partly because eventually membership became more or less hereditary, and the families in which it was so died out.

The W.M. of the Lübeck 3. Welt Kügel Lodge says that neither Herr Von Heintze nor Von Evas were members of any Lodge in Lübeck, and that the Town Archivist, Herr Von Wehrmann has not succeeded in finding out more about the Society, but that by reason of its antiquity it cannot, it his opinion, be connected with Masonry.-E.W.D.

THE OLD MASONIC CHARGES, INDENTURE, AND FREEDOM.-I recently came across a 60 years' old Indenture and Freedom of the City of York, which I send you for consideration of the bearing these may have on the Old Charges on which you are commenting. The portions which I copy are a printed form clearly of much older formula than the date of the documents. The following questions arise:-1. How far back, at York or elsewhere, can we carry this particular form of Indenture, and the right it confers of City Freedom, on completion of the seven years' Apprenticeship? 2. What is the relationship existing between the terms of this form of Indenture, and what is called the Apprentice (Masonic) Charges of the 17th century,-probably of North Country origin? 3. What species of relationship at York or elsewhere exists between this form of Apprenticeship and City Freedom, and the more ancient independent Guild life of the time of Athelstan, as represented by the Charges you have published? I may add for your better comprehension that this particular Indenture was drawn in 1830, and by it a country yeoman, on the 1st November, apprentices one of his sons to learn "the Art, Trade, or Mystery of a Joiner and Cabinet Maker," and pays a premium of £15, and a further sum of £14 on the completion of one year. It is then taken to the authorities of the city and endorsed, "City of York, Nov. 30th, 1830. This Indenture Registered. Robt. Davis, Common Clerk of the said City." On the 26th July, 1841, the released apprentice (as such) receives the Freedom of the City, signed by the above Robert Davies, as "Town Clerk of the said City." He evidently might have had it a few years earlier, or in 1838. Yours fraternally, JOHN YARKER. INDENTURE FORM. day of

THIS INDENTURE made the

in the

year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, and in the Year of our LORD, one thousand eight hundred and one Part, and

BETWEEN

of the

hath

Put and bound himself and with him after the manner of an apprentice

of the other Part; WITNESSETH, That the said of his own Free will, and with the Consent of the said Apprentice to and with the said