THE

HISTORY

OF

FREE MASONRY,

DRAWN FROM

AUTHENTIC SOURCES OF INFORMATION;

WITH

AN ACCOUNT

OF THE

GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND,

FROM ITS INSTITUTION IN 1736, TO THE PRESENT TIME,

COMPILED FROM THE RECORDS;

AND

AN APPENDIX

OF ORIGINAL PAPERS.

EDINBURGH:

PRINTED BY ALEX. LAWRIE AND CO.

FOR ALEX. LAWRIE, BOOKSELLER AND STATIONER
TO THE GRAND LODGE OF SCOTLAND,

NO. 24. PARLIAMENT SQUARE;

AND

LONGMAN AND REES, LONDON,

7412

HARVARD COLLEGE

NOV 12 1924

LIBRARY

Subscription fund"

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

GEORGE EARL OF DALHOUSIE,

GRAND-MASTER ELECT;

AND

THE OFFICE BEARERS AND MEMBERS

OF THE

GRAND LODGE

OF

SCOTLAND,

This Work is Inscribed

By their Obedient

And

Obliged Servant,

ALEX. LAWRIE.

PREFACE.

FROM the events which have lately taken place in Europe, the History of Free Masonry has a claim upon the public attention, to which, at another period, perhaps, it might not have been entitled. The history of a peaceful institution, whose proceedings are concealed from the public eye, can be interesting only to its own members, who are solicitous about the honour and advancement of their order. But, whenever it influences the opinions and practices of men; whenever it contributes to the disturbance or degradation of kingdoms; and whenever it is deemed an instrument in the promotion of those great revolutions, which involve, in their consequences, the happiness of individuals, and the stability of nations, it may then arrogate some title to public attention. That such allega