Digest of Masonic Law; Being a Complete Code of Regulations, Decisions and Opinions, Upon Questions of Masonic Jurisprudence

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1863. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... master mason, capable to undertake the Lord's work.--DerMott, 1756. By the ancient regulations, the physical deformity of an individual operates as a bar to his admission into the fraternity. But in view of the fact that this regulation was adopted for the government of the craft, at a period when they united the character of operative with that of speculative masons, this Grand Lodge, in common, it is believed, with most of her sister Grand Lodges in this country and in Europe, has authorized such a construction of the regulation as that, where the deformity does not amount to an inability to meet the requirements of the ritual, and honestly to acquire the means of subsistence, it constitutes no hindrance to initiation.--Const. Mass. By the ancient regulations, the physical deformity of an mdividual operates as a bar to his admission into the fraternity. But as this regulation was adopted for the government of the craft, at a period when they united the character of operative with that of speculative masons, this Grand Lodge authorizes such a construction of the regulation as that, when the deformity of the candidate is not such as to prevent him from being instructed in the arts or mysteries of Freemasonry, and does not amount to an inability honestly to acquire the means of subsistence, the admission will not bo an infringement upon the ancient landmarks, but will be perfectly consistent with the spirit of our institution.--Const. Maine. The applicant must be hale and sound, so as to be capable of gaining a livelihood for himself and family, and to perform the work of a member in the lodge.--Const. Penn. No individual, physically so deformed as to disable him from honestly acquiring the means of subsistence, or who may be incapacitated to become a useful memb...