Page 96 - Amo Amass A-muse is some of the fruit of a lifetimes love of Freemasonry - the Lodge of Nine Muses No. 235

96 Amo Amass A-Muse - Lodge of the Nine Muses

In 1765 was published “Jachin and Boas.” It also went through several editions. It claimed
that it was Freemasonry both Antient and Modern, and occasionally mentioned that the
Antients did this and the Moderns that. In the early parts of the nineteenth century,
William Finch published rituals for Modern Lodges and he gives a long list of those
Lodges which bought copies. 75
From about 1768, some Lodges began to hold instructional meetings which led later
to Lodges of Instruction, whilst others obtained the aid of almost professional Masons
as Masters or Secretaries to perform the ceremonies. In 1792, The Grand Lodge of the
Antients authorised what was called “The Nine Worthies” to visit their Lodges and secure
uniformity in their work.
After the Union of 1813, a temporary Lodge of Reconciliation was formed to
standardise the ritual between Antients and Moderns. This was rehearsed for brethren to
hear, and members travelled all over the country to demonstrate it, but it was forbidden
for notes to be made. Despite this, our present system of Lodges of Instruction and printed
rituals have been evolved from it and many Lodges have rehearsals as well.
However, brethren, ritual and ceremonial are only the ‘outward and visible sign’. Word
perfection and exact drill is not an aim in itself, but memorising it and delivering it with
feeling helps to impart those great Masonic Truths which is one of the three reasons for
our Society.

P.J.D. August 1980, revised August 1983