ANCIENT MASONS. In the year 1739 a few breth ren, having violated the laws of Masonry, were expelled from the Grand Lodge, and adopted the bold measure, under the fictitious name of the Ancient York Constitu tion, of constituting lodges, which were pronounced independent of the Grand Lodge. And the latter, for the purpose of producing a marked distinction between the two systems, resolved at length to adopt the expedient, apparently rendered necessary by the emergency, but extremely ill-judged, of introducing a slight alteration into the system, which might have the effect of detect ing the schismatics, and thus excluding them from the orthodox lodges. The resolution was unfortunate, and produced the very evil it was intended to avert. It proved a source of exultation and triumph to the seced ing brethren. They loudly exclaimed against what they called an alteration of the landmarks, as an unprece dented and unconstitutional proceeding; accused the Grand Lodge of having deviated from ancient usage, and confer red upon all its members and adherents the invidious epithet of Modern Masons, while they appropriated to them selves the exclusive and honourable title of "Ancient Masons, acting under the old York Constitutions. cement
ed and consecrated by immemorial observance." Taking advantage of this popular cry, they proceeded to the for mation of an independent Grand Lodge, drew up a code of laws for its government, issued warrants for the con• stitution of new lodges " under the true ancient system of Freemasonry ;" and from the fees arising out of these proceedings, they succeeded in establishing a fund of benevolence, besides defraying the current expenses of the institution.