Chips From A Rough Ashlar "Knocked off" by the Gavel of Common Sense; A Discourse on The Ritual & Ceremonial Of Freemasonry, By W. Bro. James Stevens, P.M., P.Z. by STEVENS, James

London : Printed And Published By Bro. Richard Tilling, 55, Warner Street, Gt. Dover Street, Southwark, S.E., 1885 . 0. First Edition. Extract from Preface: "To 'Masons And 'Masons Only.".... If you can not sympathise with that object cast the book aside, it will not interest you. Equally with those who have not seen the LIGHT, and who therefore could not understand its contents, for you there will be "nothing in it." If, on the contrary, you are zealous for the purity of Masonic Ritual you may find a few hints worthy of your attention... James Stevens, P.M., P.Z., Clapham, March, 1885." First edition. Well bound in the original Victorian binding. 8vo. 7.50" x 5.00" x 0.50" . pp.133/[15pp. - Adverts] . Blue cloth covered boards with simple blind stamp decoration, and gilt titles to both front board and spine. Boards lightly rubbed and soiled. Original green patterned endpapers. Unusual bookplate to verso of the front board: "Stewart" Lodge, No. 1960 on the roll of lodges under the United Grand Lodge of England. Book No. s.p in th Lodge Library. Value 4 Rupees." Also; ink library stamp (to endpaper, title and contents): "Lodge Stewart, No. 1960, E.C. Rawal Pindi." Portrait frontis of James Stevens, browned (from a photograph by Boning & Small and engraved by "Harry Stevens Percy Sc.") Clean text throughout, ending with 7 leaves of adverts. A very good copy. ** Adverts present include: E. J. Wrights Pure Transparent Soap; Masonic Publications... Mr. James Stevens, Clapham, London, S.W.; Commercial Union; The Holborn Restaurant; The Freemason's Chronicle; Royal Masonic Institution for Girls 97th Anniversary Festival, Wednesday, May 13th, 1885; Royal Masonic Institution for Boys; James Tree Watch & Clock Maker; Richard Tiling Steam and Color Printer, Lithographer and Account Book Manufacturer. .