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The Secret History of the Free Masons. (Briscoe, Sam) 1725

Author:- Briscoe, Sam

Date:- 1725 -

UGLE Classification:- BE 42 BRI - History & Philosophy of Freemasonry: History, Old Charges - Commentaries and general works

WMLMT Classification:- Ritual

Country of Origin:- England -

Order:- Craft (& Freemasonry General)

Details

Being an Arcidental discovery of the Ceremonies made use of in the several Lodges, upon the admittance of a Brother as a Free and Accepted Mason; with the Charge, Oath, and private Articles, given to him at the Time of his Admittance. Printed from the Old Original Record of the Society; with some Observations, Reflections, and Critical Remarks on the New Constitution Books of the Free Masons, written by JAMES ANDERSON, A.M., and dedicated to the Duke of Montague by J. T. DESAGULIERS, LL.D., Deputy Grand Master. With a short dictionary of private Signs or Signals. (Wanting.) The Second Edition. London: Printed for Sam. Briscoe, at the Bell Savage, on Ludgate Hill, and the Sun against John’s Coffee House, Smithin’s Alley, Royal Exchange; J. Jackson, in thePall Mall near St. James’s House; and J. Weekes, at the White Hart, Westminster Hall. 1725. Price One Shilling.

Properties

First edition was issued in 1724; the copy of the Old Charges being known as “Briscoe’s MS.” The value of this pamphlet depends upon what is expected from it. To the instructed Mason, it tells an important tale; but in unskilful hands it will do more harm than good, like most works “of that ilk.” The MS. of the “Old Charges” it preserves is a copy of the Harleian, No. 2054, British Museum. Its rarity is well-known; being familiar to most students only by name. Reprinted by Bro. G. W. Bain, in facsimile, 1891.