The Principles Of Masonic Law: A Treatise On The Constitutional Laws, Usages And Landmarks Of Freemasonry

by Albert G. MacKey

Soon after the publication of the edition of 1769 of the Book of Constitutions, the Grand Lodges of America began to separate from their English parent and to organize independent jurisdictions. From that period, the regulations adopted by the Grand Lodge of England ceased to have any binding efficacy over the craft in this country, while the laws passed by the American Grand Lodges lost the character of general regulations, and were invested only with local authority in their several jurisdictions.Before concluding this introductory section, it may be deemed necessary that something should be said of the "Ancient Landmarks of the Order," to which reference is so often made.Various definitions have been given of the landmarks. Some suppose them to be constituted of all the rules and regulations which were in existence anterior to the revival of Masonry in 1717, and which were confirmed and adopted by the Grand Lodge of England at that time. Others, more stringent in their definition, restrict them to the modes of recognition in use among the fraternity. I am disposed to adopt a middle course, and to define the Landmarks of Masonry to be, all those usages and customs of the craft--whether ritual or legislative--whether they relate to forms and ceremonies, or to the organization of the society--which have existed from time immemorial, and the alteration or abolition of which would materially affect the distinctive character of the institution or destroy its identity. Thus, for example, among the legislative landmarks, I would enumerate the office of Grand Master as the presiding officer over the craft, and among the ritual landmarks, the legend of the third degree. But the laws, enacted from time to time by Grand Lodges for their local government, no matter how old they may be, do not constitute landmarks, and may, at any time, be altered or expunged, since the 39th regulation declares expressly that "every annual Grand Lodge has an inherent power and authority to make new regulations or to alter these (viz., the thirty-nine articles) for the real benefit of this ancient fraternity, provided always that the old landmarks be carefully preserved." Download The Principles Of Masonic Law Now!

Genres: Reference, Philosophy

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Albert Gallatin Mackey was a medical doctor and Freemason who served as Grand Lecturer and Grand Secretary of The Grand Lodge of South Carolina, as well as Secretary General of the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States.

Reviews

[Ron James Sonnier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masonry

Well written with discerning observations relevant to a supposed secret society. In actuality much of Free and Accepted Free Mason Lodges and historical as-well-as judicial applications advancing brotherhood and the craft. I personally like the way loyalty and fraternity is addressed with dignity and respect for all is presented without discrimination. Recommend Readers mature age 26+

[E. Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masonic Governance

This book gives good insight to the overall governance of freemasonry. However it is more geared to the Scottish Rite it seems but the principles are universal. Very enlightening.

[Abel Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting reading. It left me wanting to know more, I thought there were portions described in the book where the rest of the information was left out.

[Top Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Truth. Someone in the ranks has broken formation and given this great description of the shadowy Masons. ooooh

Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation that traces its origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons, which from the end of the fourteenth century regulated the qualifications of masons and their interaction with authorities and clients. The degrees of freemasonry, its gradal system, retain the three grades of medieval craft guilds, those of Apprentice, journeyman or fellow (now called Fellowcraft), and Master Mason. These are the degrees offered by craft, or blue lodge Freemasonry. There are additional degrees, which vary with locality and jurisdiction, and are now administered by different bodies than the craft degrees.

The basic, local organisational unit of Freemasonry is the lodge. The lodges are usually supervised and governed at the regional level (usually coterminous with either a state, province, or national border) by a Grand Lodge or Grand Orient. There is no international, world-wide Grand Lodge that supervises all of Freemasonry. Each Grand Lodge is independent, and they do not necessarily recognise each other as being legitimate.

[William H. Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Junior Wardens Should Read This!

Senior Deacons and Junior Wardens in Texas lodged should read this book to learn the intent, context, and underlying purpose of the Constitution and Laws of the Grand Lodge!

[Richard Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's one of the books for Freemasons. Hard to understand and follow unless your one.

[Chris Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and detailed treatment of a wide range of topics in Masonic jurisprudence. A little on the dry side but a lot of the information should be known by all Masons even if they never have cause to rely upon it.