Mark Coleman Wallace PhD Thesis - University of St Andrews

Although the author stresses the Grand Lodge’s unswerving loyalty to
the Crown, his declarations smack strongly of Whig sympathies. Highlighting
its moral superiority, the author further states that “fortunately, there were in the
Grand Lodge of Scotland, individuals who, if they could not prevent the
firebrand from being thrown, could at least stop the progress of the intended
conflagration.” 90
The Secession
Notwithstanding such affirmations of masonic loyalty, it became
apparent that the situation had begun to spiral out of control. Similar to its
response during the Maybole Trial, the Grand Lodge adopted a defensive
strategy. Realizing that it was unable to successfully settle the dispute, Inglis
and others ardently defended themselves against any misconduct and argued that
their actions were warranted under the terms of the Secret Societies Act.
On 7 March 1808, the Grand Lodge of Scotland forwarded transcripts of
the case against Dr. Mitchell to the Modern Grand Lodge of England; Appendix
12 attests to the solidarity of the masonic governing bodies, as the Moderns,
Ancients, and the ruling body in Ireland all expressed their approval of the
actions of the Scottish Grand Lodge. Overall, the Modern Grand Lodge of
England is much more vocal than the Ancients in its support of the Scotland.
Furthermore, language and tone are forthright and direct; in no uncertain terms,
the Moderns stated that the Grand Lodge, “representing by regular delegation
the Will of the whole Craft, is the proper and unquestionable depository of such
90 Ibid, 22.
257