The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

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Chapter 10 - Conclusion
to over-value the old doctrines, in contrast to the Grand Orient de France who
broke them for humanitarian values. The landmarks are "tradition," a thing that is
sacred to the Freemasons, first of all the American and English ones. The natural
opponents of tradition and universality are innovation and change. Although one
might argue that renewal is necessary if the wisdom of the ancients is to be not
only remembered, but also lived out in the present time, some Masonic writers
express their unwillingness to accept any up-dating of rituals, rules, and customs.
In Mackey's Encyclopædia of Freemasonry and its Kindred Sciences, there is the
following entry under "innovations": "There is a well-known maxim of the law
which says Omnis innovatio plus novitate perturbat quam utilitate prodest, that
is, every innovation occasions more harm and disarrangement by its novelty than
benefit by its actual utility." 1995 The encyclopedia further explains that
[t]his maxim is peculiarly applicable to Freemasonry, whose system is
opposed to all innovations. Thus, Dr. Dalcho says, in his Ahiman Rezon
(p. 191), "Antiquity is dear to a Mason's heart; innovation is treason,
and saps the venerable fabric of the Order."
In accordance with this sentiment, we find the installation charges of
the Master of a Lodge affirming that "it is not in the power of any man
or body of men to make innovations in the body of Masonry." 1996
If the statement by Dalcho stood alone, it would mean that all inventors of
new Masonic rituals and degrees were traitors to their institution. However,
Mackey avoids the issue by concluding that the phrase "body of Masonry" refers
to its "landmarks," which are declared unalterable, and that the "non-essentials,
such as the local and general regulations and the lectures, are not included in this
term." 1997 However, the landmarks are a rather ambiguous term, nobody knowing
exactly what they are, and several Masonic jurisdictions other than the American
one do not believe in their existence at all:
What are the landmarks? Is a question often asked, but never
determinately answered. In ancient times, boundary-stones were used as
landmarks, before title-deeds were known, the removal of which was
strictly forbidden by law. With respect to the landmarks of Masonry,
some restrict them to the O. B. 1998 signs, tokens, and words. Others
include the ceremonies of initiation, passing, and raising; and the form,
dimensions, and support; the ground, situation, and covering; the
ornaments, furniture, and jewels of a Lodge, or their characteristic
symbols. Some think that the Order has no landmarks beyond its
peculiar secrets. It is quite clear, however, that the order against
1995 EFKS, p. 353.
1996 Ibid.
1997 EFKS, p. 353.
1998 "O. B." means "obligation."