Post by Tamrin on Sept 16, 2008 13:40:22 GMT 10
Matthew Cooke Manuscript
(translation by Bro. George William Speth - linked above)
(Notes - same link as above)
(translation by Bro. George William Speth - linked above)
(Notes - same link as above)
Many of the articles and points still find their counterparts in our present usages, but these are so obvious that I may be excused from pointing them out. It may be, however, convenient to summarize for easy reference the conclusions I have attempted to enforce. They are
- The Add. MS. 23,198 is a copy of a pre-existing document, a transcript.
- The compiler was himself a follow-mason.
- The compilation consists of two distinct documents,
a. The compiler’s commentary;
b. A pre-existing document, tacked on in its integrity to the former, by the compiler himself. - The second part is the oldest and purest version yet come to light of the Book of Charges, or manuscript "Constitutions of Masonry."
- This Book of Charges had already been enlarged and commented on by previous writers, and our author, to a certain defined extent, copied these.
- He added further illustrations of his own.
- His version has not served as the original of any other manuscript known to us.
- Naymus Greens, some of the particulars connected with St. Albin, Edwin’s authorship of the Book, and the York legend, are of more recent origin.
- The preservation of the word "speculative," in its present Masonic use, is to be ascribed to the Masons themselves alone.
- At the date of this Manuscript there were several copies of the Book of Charges, identical with this one, in circulation.
- The articles are legal enactments and had force as such.
- The points are mere internal arrangements, of no strict legal value, yet enforced on all masons by the ordinary laws of guild life.
- There was no one general assembly for the whole kingdom, but "congregations" were held when and where required.
- That a Grand Master existed in fact, though not known by that name, and for the duration of each assembly only.
- That the freedom of the Craft was conferred at these meetings only;
- and That many of our present usages may be traced in their original form in this Manuscript.