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Article TRACES OF CRAFT MASONRY IN THE ANCIENT RELIGION OF CHINA. ← Page 2 of 2 Article CORRESPONDENCE. Page 1 of 3 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Traces Of Craft Masonry In The Ancient Religion Of China.
" do I find coincidences , but I find tho explanation of many of our rites giving a more philosophic reason for them than is to be found in the modern ritual . " The second letter of the 10 th December last enters more fully into tho subject . One of the strongest points Bro .
Alabaster points out is that , in the most ancient times , " the first care of the founder of a new dynasty " was to build a " Lodge or symbolic building to serve as a monument of the philosophy and religion , of which he was high priest and head , " three of these , being the Lodges of
the three first dynasties , being "figured in Duhalde . " Then " one of tho oldest offices is that of Grand Architect —not a mere Superintendent of Works —but " an officer selected for his wisdom to superintend the erection of these symbolic Lodges . " Of the "four square cube as the
symbolic altar , one such altar may bo seen at Peking , where it stands as the " symbol of nature , " and is known among foreigners as " the Altar of Earth . " The " Compasses , the symbol of tho circle by which they represent the Divinity , by which all is encircled and restrained in place ,
the endless near beginning of all , "these are still perpetuated in Peking , there being in the " Circular Temple" an " Altar of Heaven , " which , with that of earth , form the two altars of the State Religion brought down from the highest antiquity . Among the symbols are the skirret , as indicated in
a certain Chinese character , meaning " the sources and origin of things , " and the gavel , " which , I think , may be shown to be the same used b y the ancient monarchs in the State Religious Services as a sceptre and mark of authority . " And besides tho aprons , to which allusion has already
been made , jewels , or carved pieces of jade , are spoken of as being used as " insignia of office , " and being " returned when the Grand Master the Emperor died , and accepted by his successor to such as he confirmed in office . " Amongst other points of similarity are mentioned the " common
doctrine that the N . E . marks the commencement and the S . W . the end of things , and also that of " tho Brotherhood of mankind , the Emperor and his ministers being but the ablest workmen directing and carrying on the common weal" for the common welfare .
I In the course of the discussion that followed , Bro . Kingsmill D . G . S . W . expressed his disagreement with Bro . Alabaster as to tho degree of antiquity which ho assigned to these symbols , on the ground that Chinese literature did not take its rise more than five or six centuries before
Christ . At that time there was a rich store of myth and legend , which has been fortunately preserved , and deep in this it is Bro . Kingsmill ' s opinion will bo found the origin of tho symbolic use of the Square and Compasses . Amon g the other attributes of the Emperor Shun wero the Siuen-ki
and Yuh-wang , tho Circle and Rule , which in origin , as well as etymology , are identified with the Chakra and Cangkha of Vishnn . Both Shun and Vishnu wero associated with the ancient solar cult which , some three
thousand years since , swept over Asia from west to east , and to this period , thinks Bro . Kingsmill , must be referred the symbolic use of the Square and Compasses , while "in the discus and conch of Vishnu and the
corresponding circle and gemmous rule of the Chinese Shun , " is the germ of the principal symbols of modern Freemasonry . " A Bro . Rivington also spoke to the similarit y "between the symbols of Masonry , those of the Egyptian Hierophants , and of Brahmanism , " and of the last to those of the Chinese religious symbols .
While , as with reference to the recent alleged discovery of Masonic Emblems in Egypt , we are inclined to be cautious in accepting suggestions of the character above indicated , it cannot but strike us , and , no doubt , the great majority of our readers , that these coincidences , for
a knowledge of which we arc indebted to Bro . Alabaster ' s study of Chinese literature , are very curious—the symbolic meaning of tho Square and Compasses , the Skirret , the Altar , & c , especially so . We should like to hear the opinion of brethren in England who have been in
Chinawe know there aro many such of great distinction among ys—and who , from their acquaintance with the Chinese language and customs , are competent to offer such opinion .
HOLLOWAY ' S OINTMENT AJTD PILLS . —Though it is impossible , in this climate or changing temperatnro , to prevent ill-health altogether , yet its form and trequency may bo much mitigated by the early adoption of remedial measures . When hoarseness , cough , thick breathing , and the attending slight fever indicate irritation of tho throat or chest , Hollowny ' s Ointment should bo rubbed upon these parts without delay , and his Pills taken in appropriate doses , to promote its curative action . No catarrhs or sore throats can resist these remedies . Printed directions envelope every package of Holloway's medicaments , which aro suited to all age 3 and conditions , and to every ordinary disease to which humanity is liable .
Correspondence.
CORRESPONDENCE .
We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Cor » respondents . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications . All Letters must bear the name anl address of the Writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith .
ROYAL MASONIC PUPILS' ASSISTANCE FUND . " ; To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAB Stu AND BROTIIEK , —I do not see how it i 3 possible thero can be two opinions as to the advisability of establishing such a Fund aa yoa described last week or how , with tho influential support which has been enlisted on behalf of the Proposed Pupils' Assistance Fund , there can be the slightest donbt as to tho success of tho movement . It wa 3
pointed onfc by Lord Itosslyn at Inst year's Festival of tho Royal Masonic Institution for Boys that something -was needed in order to complete the good work so successfully carried out by that and its sister Institution for Girls , that something being a fnnd set apart for assisting pupils on leaving school . Tho hint or suggestion would seem to have taken a firm hold on tho minds of many among tho noble
lord ' s audience , and probably among thoso who , though not present at that Festival , subsequently obtained , through the Masonic press , a knowledge . of what was said on that occasion . I judge so , at least , from the position in which things now aro , with a Fund of tho character intended in course of organisation , and backed up by such an array of supporters as it has been rarely my lot to witness . However , now
that the preliminary meeting has been held , I fancy I shall not seem , to be too sanguine in anticipating that , though it will necessarily occupy some time ere this new Fund is in good working order , early in the course of nest , if not in the current , year it will be available for the purposes proposed . As these have already been sufficiently described by you , I need not occupy your valuable space
in doing so again ; bat I should like , with your permission , to say a few words on ono portion of tho scheme which seems to have attracted a considerable share of attention , although by its adoption the promoters have been charged with having made a " complete change of front , " which implies that the promoters or propounders of tho scheme have given up their original intention in favour of another
of a totally different character . In tho present case , for instance , it is generally , I believe , understood , and I have nowhere seen it officially denied , that the establishment of a Pupils' Assistance Fund was intended to meet the particular need pointed out , as I have said , by Lord Eosslyn at tho Boys' School Festival last year ; in other words , to provide an Assistance Fund for the benefit of those pupils
of either School who on leaving might need assistance in starting them in life . Now this purpose still remains , but thero has been superadded to it a plan for helping thoso candidates for admission into our Schools whom tho fortune of tho ballot may leave oat it \ tho cold , and vrho , after a period of hope , more or less prolonged , may at tho age of eleven find themselves excluded from the benefits offered by these
schools . But tho extension of a plan so as to include something additional to the original idea does not amount to a " changeof front . " "Were it the present purpose of tho promoters to help tho unsuccessful candidates instead of retiring pupils , they would have laid themselves open to tho chargo , bnt a body of men havo full liberty to enlarge the scope of their original intention and yet retain
intact their character for consistency . Speaking for myself alono , I think the idea a 3 now officially explained is very much hotter , and far worthier , therefore , of support than it was at first described . The number of pupils has been greatly increased during the past few years , but in spite of this thero i 3 almost always a formidablo list of unsuccessful , many of whom after three , four , and even more
attempts break down altogether , tne only result to them being a keen sense of disappointment and the sympathy of their friends . Now in the case of these unfortunate children , what a boon it would bo to them in after life if they could obtain some slight assistance towards their schooling . I judge , from tho station in life of many of tho candidates' parents , that , had they lived or remained fairly prosperous ,
their children would have received a Middle Class education , tho cost of which , though varying in different parts of London and the Provinces , is nowhere very high . I think I am right in saying that at tho City Middle Class School , Cowper-sfcreet , City-road , the cost per boy does not exceed £ 5 per annum , tho fees being twenty-five shillings a term—thrco terms to the year—while books , & c , absorb
the balance . Tho expense at the Camden Town School for Girls is about the same , and every ono knows there are , all over London , innumerable Seminaries , Institutions , Schools , and tho like , whore the charges are about the same , or but slightly in excess . Ilerc , then , is an opportunity for assisting thoso who , when their names are placed on the list of candidates , aro adjudged by the
School authorities to bo worthy of assistance . Tho cost of helping ( say ) ten unsuccessful boy and girl candidates would at this rate amount only to £ 50 a-year , or not many pounds more than is expended on the maintenance and education of one successful one . Something of this kind is done by certain local Masonic Educational Institutes , and it is found to answer excellently
well . Of course it falls very far short of the benefits derived from our Schools ; but on tho principle that half a loaf is hotter than none , education without maintenance is better than no education at all , Moreover , there are cases in which the smaller help is preferred to the greater . Many parents would rather have their children brought up under their own immediate supervision , and this can be done if
they go to the school in the vicinity of their homes . Others , again , like their children to bo trained at schools patronised by people of thoir own religious faith . Then , the brethren living in the noighhood , can , if they are so minded , take an active interest in tho young folks' progress . In short , if tho help afforded is of a somewhat limited character , considered pecuniarily , it has many good points to recommend it . As to how the selection of unsuccessful candidates
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Traces Of Craft Masonry In The Ancient Religion Of China.
" do I find coincidences , but I find tho explanation of many of our rites giving a more philosophic reason for them than is to be found in the modern ritual . " The second letter of the 10 th December last enters more fully into tho subject . One of the strongest points Bro .
Alabaster points out is that , in the most ancient times , " the first care of the founder of a new dynasty " was to build a " Lodge or symbolic building to serve as a monument of the philosophy and religion , of which he was high priest and head , " three of these , being the Lodges of
the three first dynasties , being "figured in Duhalde . " Then " one of tho oldest offices is that of Grand Architect —not a mere Superintendent of Works —but " an officer selected for his wisdom to superintend the erection of these symbolic Lodges . " Of the "four square cube as the
symbolic altar , one such altar may bo seen at Peking , where it stands as the " symbol of nature , " and is known among foreigners as " the Altar of Earth . " The " Compasses , the symbol of tho circle by which they represent the Divinity , by which all is encircled and restrained in place ,
the endless near beginning of all , "these are still perpetuated in Peking , there being in the " Circular Temple" an " Altar of Heaven , " which , with that of earth , form the two altars of the State Religion brought down from the highest antiquity . Among the symbols are the skirret , as indicated in
a certain Chinese character , meaning " the sources and origin of things , " and the gavel , " which , I think , may be shown to be the same used b y the ancient monarchs in the State Religious Services as a sceptre and mark of authority . " And besides tho aprons , to which allusion has already
been made , jewels , or carved pieces of jade , are spoken of as being used as " insignia of office , " and being " returned when the Grand Master the Emperor died , and accepted by his successor to such as he confirmed in office . " Amongst other points of similarity are mentioned the " common
doctrine that the N . E . marks the commencement and the S . W . the end of things , and also that of " tho Brotherhood of mankind , the Emperor and his ministers being but the ablest workmen directing and carrying on the common weal" for the common welfare .
I In the course of the discussion that followed , Bro . Kingsmill D . G . S . W . expressed his disagreement with Bro . Alabaster as to tho degree of antiquity which ho assigned to these symbols , on the ground that Chinese literature did not take its rise more than five or six centuries before
Christ . At that time there was a rich store of myth and legend , which has been fortunately preserved , and deep in this it is Bro . Kingsmill ' s opinion will bo found the origin of tho symbolic use of the Square and Compasses . Amon g the other attributes of the Emperor Shun wero the Siuen-ki
and Yuh-wang , tho Circle and Rule , which in origin , as well as etymology , are identified with the Chakra and Cangkha of Vishnn . Both Shun and Vishnu wero associated with the ancient solar cult which , some three
thousand years since , swept over Asia from west to east , and to this period , thinks Bro . Kingsmill , must be referred the symbolic use of the Square and Compasses , while "in the discus and conch of Vishnu and the
corresponding circle and gemmous rule of the Chinese Shun , " is the germ of the principal symbols of modern Freemasonry . " A Bro . Rivington also spoke to the similarit y "between the symbols of Masonry , those of the Egyptian Hierophants , and of Brahmanism , " and of the last to those of the Chinese religious symbols .
While , as with reference to the recent alleged discovery of Masonic Emblems in Egypt , we are inclined to be cautious in accepting suggestions of the character above indicated , it cannot but strike us , and , no doubt , the great majority of our readers , that these coincidences , for
a knowledge of which we arc indebted to Bro . Alabaster ' s study of Chinese literature , are very curious—the symbolic meaning of tho Square and Compasses , the Skirret , the Altar , & c , especially so . We should like to hear the opinion of brethren in England who have been in
Chinawe know there aro many such of great distinction among ys—and who , from their acquaintance with the Chinese language and customs , are competent to offer such opinion .
HOLLOWAY ' S OINTMENT AJTD PILLS . —Though it is impossible , in this climate or changing temperatnro , to prevent ill-health altogether , yet its form and trequency may bo much mitigated by the early adoption of remedial measures . When hoarseness , cough , thick breathing , and the attending slight fever indicate irritation of tho throat or chest , Hollowny ' s Ointment should bo rubbed upon these parts without delay , and his Pills taken in appropriate doses , to promote its curative action . No catarrhs or sore throats can resist these remedies . Printed directions envelope every package of Holloway's medicaments , which aro suited to all age 3 and conditions , and to every ordinary disease to which humanity is liable .
Correspondence.
CORRESPONDENCE .
We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our Cor » respondents . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications . All Letters must bear the name anl address of the Writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith .
ROYAL MASONIC PUPILS' ASSISTANCE FUND . " ; To the Editor of the FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE . DEAB Stu AND BROTIIEK , —I do not see how it i 3 possible thero can be two opinions as to the advisability of establishing such a Fund aa yoa described last week or how , with tho influential support which has been enlisted on behalf of the Proposed Pupils' Assistance Fund , there can be the slightest donbt as to tho success of tho movement . It wa 3
pointed onfc by Lord Itosslyn at Inst year's Festival of tho Royal Masonic Institution for Boys that something -was needed in order to complete the good work so successfully carried out by that and its sister Institution for Girls , that something being a fnnd set apart for assisting pupils on leaving school . Tho hint or suggestion would seem to have taken a firm hold on tho minds of many among tho noble
lord ' s audience , and probably among thoso who , though not present at that Festival , subsequently obtained , through the Masonic press , a knowledge . of what was said on that occasion . I judge so , at least , from the position in which things now aro , with a Fund of tho character intended in course of organisation , and backed up by such an array of supporters as it has been rarely my lot to witness . However , now
that the preliminary meeting has been held , I fancy I shall not seem , to be too sanguine in anticipating that , though it will necessarily occupy some time ere this new Fund is in good working order , early in the course of nest , if not in the current , year it will be available for the purposes proposed . As these have already been sufficiently described by you , I need not occupy your valuable space
in doing so again ; bat I should like , with your permission , to say a few words on ono portion of tho scheme which seems to have attracted a considerable share of attention , although by its adoption the promoters have been charged with having made a " complete change of front , " which implies that the promoters or propounders of tho scheme have given up their original intention in favour of another
of a totally different character . In tho present case , for instance , it is generally , I believe , understood , and I have nowhere seen it officially denied , that the establishment of a Pupils' Assistance Fund was intended to meet the particular need pointed out , as I have said , by Lord Eosslyn at tho Boys' School Festival last year ; in other words , to provide an Assistance Fund for the benefit of those pupils
of either School who on leaving might need assistance in starting them in life . Now this purpose still remains , but thero has been superadded to it a plan for helping thoso candidates for admission into our Schools whom tho fortune of tho ballot may leave oat it \ tho cold , and vrho , after a period of hope , more or less prolonged , may at tho age of eleven find themselves excluded from the benefits offered by these
schools . But tho extension of a plan so as to include something additional to the original idea does not amount to a " changeof front . " "Were it the present purpose of tho promoters to help tho unsuccessful candidates instead of retiring pupils , they would have laid themselves open to tho chargo , bnt a body of men havo full liberty to enlarge the scope of their original intention and yet retain
intact their character for consistency . Speaking for myself alono , I think the idea a 3 now officially explained is very much hotter , and far worthier , therefore , of support than it was at first described . The number of pupils has been greatly increased during the past few years , but in spite of this thero i 3 almost always a formidablo list of unsuccessful , many of whom after three , four , and even more
attempts break down altogether , tne only result to them being a keen sense of disappointment and the sympathy of their friends . Now in the case of these unfortunate children , what a boon it would bo to them in after life if they could obtain some slight assistance towards their schooling . I judge , from tho station in life of many of tho candidates' parents , that , had they lived or remained fairly prosperous ,
their children would have received a Middle Class education , tho cost of which , though varying in different parts of London and the Provinces , is nowhere very high . I think I am right in saying that at tho City Middle Class School , Cowper-sfcreet , City-road , the cost per boy does not exceed £ 5 per annum , tho fees being twenty-five shillings a term—thrco terms to the year—while books , & c , absorb
the balance . Tho expense at the Camden Town School for Girls is about the same , and every ono knows there are , all over London , innumerable Seminaries , Institutions , Schools , and tho like , whore the charges are about the same , or but slightly in excess . Ilerc , then , is an opportunity for assisting thoso who , when their names are placed on the list of candidates , aro adjudged by the
School authorities to bo worthy of assistance . Tho cost of helping ( say ) ten unsuccessful boy and girl candidates would at this rate amount only to £ 50 a-year , or not many pounds more than is expended on the maintenance and education of one successful one . Something of this kind is done by certain local Masonic Educational Institutes , and it is found to answer excellently
well . Of course it falls very far short of the benefits derived from our Schools ; but on tho principle that half a loaf is hotter than none , education without maintenance is better than no education at all , Moreover , there are cases in which the smaller help is preferred to the greater . Many parents would rather have their children brought up under their own immediate supervision , and this can be done if
they go to the school in the vicinity of their homes . Others , again , like their children to bo trained at schools patronised by people of thoir own religious faith . Then , the brethren living in the noighhood , can , if they are so minded , take an active interest in tho young folks' progress . In short , if tho help afforded is of a somewhat limited character , considered pecuniarily , it has many good points to recommend it . As to how the selection of unsuccessful candidates