The Pope And Mediaeval Freemasons.

the relations existing between the conventual institutions and the Freemasons had so far progressed that these builders were known throughout France and Germany as conversi burbati fratres , or converted bearded brothers . Tinder ecclesiastical and evidently Pontifical sanction

, they still remained under sacerdotal control , and were unqualifiedly subjected to Church government and direction , although by express permission of episcopal authority , these fratres or brothers were allowed to wear the peculiar secular costume which

distinguished the Masonic guild at a later period of the Middle Ages . History attests with unequivocal certainty that as early as the year 1090 , the barbati fratres used marks of a specific character , hewn upon stones , for purpose of proprietory distinction .

In the year 1099 these craftsmen in the Low Countries had evidently advanced to an open rupture with the Church , and assumed the privilege of concealing their secret arts from the clergy . A Frisian master , by the name of Pleber , in the year alluded topledged his head by way of

, forfeit to successfully execute certain work which clerical authority deemed impossible . The enormous compensation demanded upon perfecting this exhibition of skill , induced the bishop to cajole Pleber ' s son into betraying the secret of the abstruse

principle by which the work was accomplished , which disclosure of craft arcanaarchanwn magisterium—so enraged the master builder that he killed the bishop . The first authentic evidence attesting the decided tendency of these fratres to

abandon ecclesiastical jurisdiction , is to be found at this period , when the Church or canonical authorities granted permission to the laity to use their skill upon the condition that the craftsmen should not be

required to construct machines for the destruction of human life—machinae mortiferae . A century later the Abbe William of Premontre attempted to reduce the guild again to Church discipline , and issued an order that these barbati fratres , bearded brothersshould shave off their beards .

, They peremptorily refused and threatened , if the edict were made mandatory , to set fire to every cloister in the country . This order and prompt refusal marked the absolute severance of the guild ofMediseval

The Pope And Mediaeval Freemasons.

Masons from sacerdotal control , and with the same ended for ever the direct or indirect authority of the Roman Pontiff over the craft .

Education.

EDUCATION .

( From Swnnysidc Gill , a Blank Verse Poem , by GEORGE MARKHAM TWEDDELL . ) THE stunted Oak , that strives to grow above

Thy rocky waterfall , oh Simnyside 1 But ' s dwarf d for want of genial soil in which To spread its roots , reminds me of my race—Those more than " hearts of oak " •—who might have been

Expanded like the goodliest forest tree In beauty and in joy ; yea , might have been The strength and power for good in this our realm , Had education of the truest kind

Taught them to use their faculties aright ; Had fostering care developed the rich mines Of more than gold or diamonds which lie hid In human souls : hut who are stunted

now—Dwarf d to deformity—for lack of soil In which the roots of true nobility In man or woman may find nutriment . 'Tis well to cultivate each yard of soil

For corn , and fruits , and flowers ; it is well To probe the earth for minerals that may Be fused to human use ; but it is vain To prate of " wealth of nations" in our pride—Yeabloated ignorance—if we despise

, , Neglect , or scorn , the meanest child that ' s born Of meanest parents ; for there is a wealth To be developed by all nations yet In whose bright rays all other wealth will pale .