The Square In Masonry.

Craft . From the time he first sees the light of Masonry , and notices that it is the chief ornament of the Worshipful Master , until he obtains the honour of a Past Master , when

the simple square is exchanged for the wonderful combination legacy of Pythagoras , the square is ever kept before him in a variety of ways , but , of course , much that could be said of this grand symbol it would not be proper to print .

The symbolic teaching of the square is as ancient as the pyramids , and its ancient sign T ( tau ) takes us back to the time of the ancient Egyptians , and from that time to the present it has ever been the symbol of uprightness . The

T ( tau ) still survives in the Craft according to a great many Masonic scholars , who contend that it is used in an inverted form on the apron of an installed Master , where it is generally but erroneously described as a level .

The square , as used in the Craft , is really what the Greeks called a gnomon , and it has been ingeniously suggested by some writers that the initial letter of this word was the cause of its being used as the sacred symbol found in the centre of the Lodge , and if such was the case it still further carries out the unity of our Lodge symbolism .

It is a curious fact that the Hebrew Tau used to be written as a " multiple " or as a " plus , " and that this particular form of a square was a symbol ' of safety 2 , 500 years ago ( see Ezekiel , ix . 4 ) , the " mark " referred to being Tau , and it is

said by learned students of the Talmud that this symbol was used in the time of Abraham . Hence , from all sources it can be seen that the symbolism of the square is very ancient , and everyone nowadays understands what " a square man " means . The T is found in a triple form in Royal Arch Masonry .

In 1830 a curious relic was discovered in the form of an old brass square containing the inscription : " I will strive to live with love and care upon the level by the square . " This was found under the foundation of an ancient bridge near Limerick , Ireland , and the date on the square being 1517

shows that the teaching of our Masonic ancestors was identical with the speculative application of the working tools of our modern Craft . The angle of the square is an exact submultiple of 360 degrees , and from an operative point of view this is a matter of great importance , as they can be applied to one another on a continuous base without loss of space .

The square in Masonry is , therefore , not only a symbol but one of the working tools , emblem of the Worshipful Master and the second Great Light . So in this also we are reminded once more of our three great duties , viz .: What is due to God , ourselves and our fellow men . — " Tyler . "

LET US CONSIDER . LET us pause and consider seriously what Masonry is doing , and what we are doing for Masonry . Is Masonry maintaining its position , as the most noble Fraternal Institution in the world ? Is it making men better , greater of soul and

broader of mind and heart ? Is it educating men in the cardinal virtues and is such education bringing its fruits ? Is Masonry making the progress it should ? Is it doing its part in urging die world forward ? Is it living strictly up to its tenets in every way ? If it is not doing all this let us ask

ourselves why ? Where , lies the fault ? Are we as members giving to Masonry the effort it has a right to expect of us ? Let us consider well our attitude toward our Brothers , toward the Order m general , and let us begin the new year and the new century with new resolves . Let us become builders in

the truest sense , working shoulder to shoulder to raise little by little an institution of such noble aspect , of such magnificent grandeur , that the whole world must stop to admire . Such , indeed , we all believe should Masonry be , and if we

find that it falls short of attaining the position it deserves , our work for the coming years is to place it where it rightly belongs—to make it a { practical , powerful . Brotherhood , in truth as well as in name . — " Masonic Sun . "

Comp . Charlie Woods has been unanimously elected by the Companions of the Duke of Fife Chapter , No . 2345 , to fill the chair of First Principal during the ensuing twelve months .

We are pleased to see the announcement that Brother Sergt .-Major Duneclift , a member of the Lodge of Sympathy , No . 4 83 , who volunteered for service in South Africa soon after the commencement of the present war , has received a . commission as Lieutenant and Paymaster ,

The Square In Masonry.

Bro . Earl Egerton of Tatton P . Prov . G . M . Cheshire , it will be noted with regret , has been compelled in consequence of ill-health to resign the Chairmanship of the Royal Commission on the Port of London . He has been ordered to take a complete rest from further work for some time .

The Earls Court Lodge of Instruction , a report of a recent meeting of which appears elsewhere in this issue , is held every Thursday evening , at 8 o ' clock , at the Greyhound Hotel , Kensington Square , W . Visiting Brethren are cordially invited , and will , we think , enjoy the fare there provided for them .

Bro . Sir Francis Knollys , K . C . B ., Past Junior Grand Warden has been appointed Secretary to His Majesty King Edward VII .

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THE HolbornRestaurant, LONDON , W . C . " THE HOLBORN" GRILLED DINNER served in THE LADIES' GRILL ROOM from 12 until 3 o ' clock . SPECIMEN MENU . Hors d'Oeuvres , or Soups . Mock Turtle . Spaghetti . Fish . Grilled Plaice and Oil Butter . Entree . Grilled Liver and Bacon . Mashed Potatoes . Joint . Roast Mutton and Red Currant Jellv . Vegetables . Brussels Sprouts . Plain Potatoes . Sweets . Rhubarb Tart . Fruit Jelly . CHEESE . SALAD . BREAD . BUTTER . PRICE 2 s 6 d . TABLE D'HOTE LUNCHEON served in THE GRAND SALON from 12 until 3 o ' clock . SPECIMEN MENU . Soups . Tomate aux Crouton . Paysanne . Fish . Fillet of Sole Maitre d'Hotel . Entree . Lamb's Sweetbreads Jardiniere . Mashed Potatoee . •Joint . Roast Beef and Horseradish . Vegetables . Brussels Sprouts . Plain Potatoes . Sweets . Rhubarb Tart . Fruit Jelly . CHEESE . SALAD . BREAD . BUTTER . PRICE 2 s 6 d . THESE LUNCHEONS ARE SERVED DAILY , from 12 . 0 till 3 . 0 , in the LADIES' GRILL ROOM AJND GRAND SALON , Price 2 s 6 d ; also the TABLE OHOTE DINNER Price 3 s 9 d , accompanied by HIGH CLASS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC , from 5 . 30 till 9 . 30 every evening , in THE GRAND SALON .