THE ARCANE SCHOOLS - Fort Myers Beach Masonic Lodge No. 362

individual independence, Freemasons to build it up" (_Mysteria_, by
Otto Henne Am Rhyn).
[141] For a detailed account of the Duke of Wharton and the true
history of the Gormogons, see an essay by R.F. Gould, in his "Masonic
Celebrities" series (_A. Q. C._, viii, 144), and more recently, _The
Life and Writings of Philip, Duke of Wharton_, by Lewis Melville.
[142] Findel has a nobly eloquent passage on this point, and it tells
the everlasting truth (_History of Masonry_, p. 378). His whole
history, indeed, is exceedingly worth reading, the more so because it
was one of the first books of the right kind, and it stimulated
research.
[143] A paper entitled "An Unrecorded Grand Lodge," by Sadler (_A. Q.
C._, vol. xviii, 69-90), tells practically all that is known of this
movement, which merged with the Grand Lodge of London in 1776.
[144] Nor was that all. In 1735 it was resolved in the Grand Lodge
"that in the future all Grand Officers (except Grand Master) shall be
selected out of that body"--meaning the past Grand Stewards. This act
was amazing. Already the Craft had let go its power to elect the
Wardens, and now the choice of the Grand Master was narrowed to the
ranks of an oligarchy in its worst form--a queer outcome of Masonic
equality. Three months later the Grand Stewards presented a memorial
asking that they "might form themselves into a special lodge," with
special jewels, etc. Naturally this bred discontent and apprehension,
and justly so.
[145] Often we speak of "the York Rite," as though it were the oldest
and truest form of Masonry, but, while it serves to distinguish one
branch of Masonry from another, it is not accurate; for, strictly
speaking, there is no such thing as a York Rite. The name is more a
tribute of reverence than a description of fact.
[146] _Masonic Facts and Fictions_, by Henry Sadler.
[147] _Atholl Lodges_, by R.F. Gould.
[148] William Preston was born in Edinburgh in 1742, and came as a
journeyman printer to London in 1760, where he made himself conversant
with the history, laws, and rites of the Craft, being much in demand as
a lecturer. He was a good speaker, and frequently addressed the Lodges
of the city. After his blunder of seceding had been forgiven, he was
honored with many offices, especially the Grand Secretaryship, which
gave him time to pursue his studies. Later he wrote the _Freemason's
Callender_, an appendix to the _Book of Constitutions_, a _History of
Masonry_, and, most famous of all, _Illustrations of Masonry_, which
passed through a score of editions. Besides, he had much to do with the
development of the Ritual.
[149] The history of the Ritual is most interesting, and should be
written in more detail (_History of Masonry_, by Steinbrenner, chap.
vii, "The Ritual"). An article giving a brief story of it appeared in
the _Masonic Monthly_, of Boston, November, 1863 (reprinted in the _New
England Craftsman_, vol. vii, and still later in the _Bulletin of Iowa
Masonic Library_, vol. xv, April, 1914). This article is valuable as