Mediaeval Builders.*

Masons must have been sharply distinct from subordiate guilds . " Lastly , plans for the construction of sacred edifices " appear to have received both the decision and sanction of a fnlly assembled Lodge after careful disenssion and searching inquiry into mathematical possibilities . "

We are further told that " it was no doubt at an early period of the Middle Ages that the typical notion associated with the Solomonian Temple was understood and

transmuted into practical use by the guilds of Masons ;' and that this Temple " was symbolised to delineate the Universe , " the point admitting of no controversy , for reasons which are clearly set forth by the writer .

These remarks , perhaps , are somewhat disjointed , there being much in the intervals between the points we have noticed , which , but for tho demands on our space , we should gladly have referred to . Bnt thoy will serve to show how

careful and elaborate is the inquiry instituted by Bro . Fort , so that what alone remains for as to do is to repeat our advice to Craftsmen to give this interesting essay a thorough and complete examination .

Essay By Bro. Dr. Millman.

ESSAY BY BRO . DR . MILLMAN .

rilHE following interesting essay , which we reprint from JL the Canadian Craftsman , was read by Bro . Dr . Millman at a recent regular meeting of St . George ' s Lodge , No . 42 , London . It is well worthy of perusal , and we cordially recommend it to our readers : —

WORSHIPFUL SIR AND BRETHREN , —Being one of those who suggested that we should have recitations , songs , & c , at our regular meetings , when there was not any other work to occupy our time , I felt it my duty to do something by way of an example , with tbe hope that it

would stimulate others , much abler than myself , to present us with papers of interest and instruction . At the last regular Communication I promised to prepare a short paper , but while doing so , I knew I was undertaking a task very difficult for me to carry out . Like many others

I have devoted very little time to the study of Masonry , have very seldom visited other Lodges , have had little opportunity of hearing Masonic addresses , and I have had only one or two Masonic works to which I could refer .

My paper is merely , therefore , made up with a few ideas from these books , and the knowledge I have gained since I became a member , together with some points which have struck me in connection wifch the Order .

Masonry is defined to be a peculiar system of morality , veiled in allegory , and illustrated by symbols . I consider it more than this . It calls from us one of the greatest attributes man possesses , viz ., faith . The questions a candidate is first asked are— -Do yon believe in the

existence of a Supreme Being ? Do you believe that that Supreme Being will punish vice and reward virtue ? It is certainly gratifying to find our Order , which is so

closely allied to Christianity flourishing as strongly as ever , notwithstanding that infidels , agnostics , and other so-called advanced thinkers , announce thafc Christianity is weakening .

We belong to an Order which is considered not only the most ancient , but the most moral institution that has ever existed , as every character , figure , and emblem depicted in the Lodge conveys a moral lesson and serves to inculcate the practice of virtue in all its genuine profession . Each

of our Lodges stands on holy ground , supported by three pillars—Wisdom , Strength , and Beauty ; and in it is represented a ladder , reaching from earth to heaven , the principal staves of which are Faith , Hope , and Charity ; Faith in the Great Architect of the Universe , Hope in

salvation , and to be in Charity with all men , Above all this , a ladder rests on the volume of the Sacred Law , in which are taught tbe wise dispensations of Divine Providence , and which belief strengthens our Faith . It is in

this Book that the Almighty has been pleased to reveal more of His Divine will than by any other means . It is to rule and govern our faith , while with the well-known symbols of Freemasonry , the Square and Compasses , it is to regulate our lives and actions .

The grand principles on which Masonry is founded , are Brotherly Love , Relief , and Truth . By the exercise of Brotherly Love we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family ; the high , the low , the rich , and the poor , are created and sent into the world for the mutual aid , support , and protection of each other , and tbus men

Essay By Bro. Dr. Millman.

of every country , sect , and opinion are united . To relieve the distressed is a dnty incumbent on every man , aud we should ever be ready to soothe the unhappy and sympa . thize with their misfortune , while Truth is a Divine attribute and the foundation of every Masonic virtue .

In the government of the Fraternity I have quoted Preston . He states : —

Three classes are established amouc ; Masons , nnder different appel . lations . The privileges of each class are distinct ; and particular means aro adopted to preserve those privileges to the jnst and meritorious . Hononr and probity are recommendations to the First Class , in which the practice of virtue is enforced , and the duties of

morality are inculcated , while the mind is prepared for a regular progress in the principles of knowledge and philosophy . Diligence , assiduity and application are qualifications for the Second Class ; in which is given an accurate elucidation of science , both in theory and practice . Here human reason is cultivated by a due exertion of the

intellectual powers and faculties ; nice and different theories are ex . plained ; new discoveries are produced , and those already known beautifully embellished . Tbe Third Class is restricted to a selected few , whom truth and fidelity have distinguished , whom years and experience have improved , and whom merit and abilities have en .

titled to preferment . With them the ancient landmarks of the Order are preserved 5 and from them we learn the necessary instructive lessons whioh dignify the art and qualify the professors to Illustrate

its excellence and utility . Such is the established plan of the Masonio system . By this judicious arrangement , true Friendship ia cultivated among different ranks of men , Hospitality promoted , In . dnstry rewarded , and Ingenuity encouraged .

The members of this noble Order should exemplify the teachings of it by a regular course of life , by being ever willing to act up to its principles , and merit the distinguishing characteristics of every true Mason , viz ., Virtue , Honour , and Mercy .

Having thus , in a cursory manner , shown thafc our Order possesses a perfect government , has grand principles , is founded on a religious and moral basis , and is the most ancient institution existing , and that its members are represented to be men of virtue , honour , and mercy , I ask , is this

all true ? I fully believe it is as to the principles of the Order , but from observation I must state that I do not think the majority of the members come up to what is ex . pected of them , or fulfil the vows they have taken upon themselves . The Order demands that men who are

admitted shall be of strict religious principles , of mature age , of good moral character , temperate , industrious , and capable of earning an honest livelihood . Shall be able to read and write , having no mental defect or physical deformity . Do we find our Masonic brethren , as we meet

them in the journey of life , answering the above description ? Of some , I am afraid we must reply in tbe negative . We should be very careful in the selection of men applying for admission . There is a great responsibility resting with our examining committee . It should be very

careful when inquiring into the history of an applicant to find ont everything about him , and if it find some fault in him , to name the same to the Lodge , even if it consider the

fault trifling ; then the other brothers can better exercise their judgment when casting their ballots . After a ballot is cast let it be final , and let there be no reconsideration , unless some brother announces that he made a mistake in

balloting . Let me here state that while each brother has a vast power conferred on him by the black ball , he should remember that an indiscriminate use of ifc is decidedly wrong . He should consider well fche character of every

applicant . I trust it is unnecessary to remind you that it is entirely wrong for any one to black ball an applicant through any personal animosity . Should there be such a brother , he is certainly guilty of gross nn-Masonic conduct .

The next point : Why do men ask to become members of the Order ? They are prompted to do so by a favourable opinion preconceived of the institution ; a desire of gaining knowledge and rendering themselves more extensively serviceable to their fellow creatures . They must ,

however , arrive at these opinions unbiassed by the improper solicitations of friends and uninfluenced by mercenary or any other unworthy motives . I believe almost every candidate applies with the above good intentions , and if admitted , intends to fulfil all that is implied . At first he is pleased with the workings and surroundings of the

Lodge , and makes noble resolutions to become a true and useful Mason . But it is a common thing to see him before long become indifferent . He finds older Masons neg ligent

of their duties , and he soon forgets to be true to himself , and falls away to become a Mason only in name . Ihe older and more experienced Masons should take the new member by fche hand and lead him kindly along the pafch