[17] What further concerns a lodge under dispensation is referred to a special chapter in a subsequent part of the work. [18] It is well known, although it cannot be quoted as authority, that the Athol Constitutions expressly acknowledged the existence of this prerogative. See Dermott's Ahiman Rezon. [19] Book of Constitutions, edit. 1767, p. 222. [20] Book of Const., p. 233. [21] Book of Const., p. 313. [22] Book of Constitutions, p. 319. [23] Preston, p. 237, ed. 1802, (U.M.L., vol. iii., p. 223). [24] Book of Constitutions, p. 247 [25] The existence of this prerogative is denied by the Grand Lodges of Missouri, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Massachusetts, while it is admitted by those of New York, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Vermont, Mississippi, Ohio, New Hampshire, Maryland, Indiana, Texas and Florida; in the last two, however, subject to limitation. [26] That is, the one who has longest been a Freemason. [27] Book of the Lodge, p. 115 (U.M.L., vol. i., book 2, p. 78). [28] It was abolished in New York in 1854. [29] This is a small chest or coffer, representing the ark of the covenant, and containing the three great lights of Masonry. [30] "What man is there that hath a new house and hath not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it." Deut. xx. 5. [31] De Syned. Vet. Ebræor., 1. iii., c. xiv., § 1. [32] Cicero, Brut. i. [33] See such a form of Dispensation in Cole's Masonic Library, p. 91. [34] Preston, Append., n. 4 (U.M.L., vol. iii., pp. 150, 151). [35] Book of Constitutions, orig. ed, p., 70 (U.M.L., vol. xv., book 1, p. 70). [36] General Regulations of 1722. A subsequent regulation permitted the election of a candidate, if there were not more than three black balls against him, provided the lodge desired such a relaxation of the rule. The lodges of this country, however, very generally, and, as I think, with propriety, require unanimity. The subject will be hereafter discussed. [37] Every lodge shall annually elect its Master and Treasurer by ballot. Such Master having been regularly appointed and having served as Warden of a warranted lodge for one year. _Constitutions of the Ancient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, published by authority of the United Grand Lodge of England_, 1847, _p_. 58 (U.M.L., vol. ix., book 1). [38] The Wardens, or officers, of a lodge cannot be removed, unless for a cause which appears to the lodge to be sufficient; but the Master, if he be dissatisfied with the conduct of any of his officers, may lay the cause of complaint before the lodge; and, if it shall appear to the majority of the Brethren present that the complaint be well founded, he shall have power to displace such officer, and to nominate another. _English Constitutions, as above, p._ 80 (U.M.L., vol. ix., book 1). [39] It is not necessary that he should be a Past Master of the lodge.