The Solomonic Origin Of Freemasonry.

literature of Freemasonry is the disintegration of its historical elements , so that what is pure and recognised history may be separated from what is merely mythical or symbolical . The legends are all still retained , but they are beginning to be

regarded , not as the foundations of history , but as the material for the development of symbolism . It would not be well for the philanthropic tendencies of the instiution if its legends and myths were to be eradicated . Such iconoclasm would result in its

eventual destruction , because these myths and legends constitute the very essence of its symbolism , and it is its symbolism that gives to Freemasonry all its identity- — separating it in character and design from every other secret association—and all its beauty as the most perfect of all human

inventions for the teaching of truth . William Taylor , in his History of German Poetry , has expressed his regret that the Protestant Reformation did not begin in Italy rather than in Germany , which would have been the case if it had been

delayed for a few years . He thought that the ideality of that Southern people would have preserved many beautiful and useful symbols in the religious service of the Church , which were needlessly rejected by the unimaginative Teutonic mind . So , too , the early Puritans of New

Englandcon-, founding the symbolic teaching of tho cross as the emblem of man ' s redemption with its adoration by the Papists , cut its figure from the national standard of England ; and the disciples of Knox in Scotland , while properly abolishing the corruptions

of the Roman worship , unfortunately extended their destructive energies to the classical specimens of sacred art which adorned the old cathedrals .

There is little fear that such a mistaken spirit of iconoclasm will ever distinguish the reformation of Masonic literature . Masons have been too well imbued with the symbolical idea , its true use and import , ever to make the mistake of rejecting its mythical legends because they are to be no

longer received as authentic histories . Therefore , I say that , while juster and more rational views of Masonic history are now beginning to be entertained , its legends will always remain as a part and parcel of its intellectual structure . Even the important legend of the third degree may no

The Solomonic Origin Of Freemasonry.

longer be regarded as an historical narration . We may fail to find the event corroborated by contemporaneous authorit y , sacred or profane , and yet the legend will never be abolished . It will continue to be taught as an essential part of Freemasonry , as the legend " by excellence" on which

the whole system of symbolic instruction is founded , and as something that cannot be cast away without casting away with it tho whole system of Masonic philosophy . There is a puerile credulity which holds every myth to be a history , and finds no

difference in the proofs that make the Duke of Sussex to have been a Grand Master , and those adduced to bestow the same title on Adam , our common father . Now the scholars who are waging at this day energetic and successful war against this Masonic superstition as it may well be

called , must not be supposed to be desirous of abolishing the system of Masonic symbolism . On tho contrary , they would leave that system precisely as it is , but they would give to it a newer and truer character . They are no iconoclasts . They break no images . They leave every image

standing in its niche ; but they view the image in its real light . They continue to repeat and to teach the myths and legends ; but they no longer repeat or teach them as historical narratives , but simply as developments of a symbolic idea . Sowhile the

, ignorant Catholic peasant falls down and worships the Madonna of Raphael , the more enlightened Protestant views and admires it as a work of art , and derives from it suggestive ideas of the human love and human character of the Holy Child ,

and of the maternal sympathies of the Holy Mother . —New England Freemason . ( To be continued . )

Down By The Sea.

DOWN BY THE SEA .

Tired and sick of the dusty town , Longing for quiet , I hurried down , Hoping to find sweet Lilian free—F ; ee to accept my love and me , Down by the sea . I read her name in the register ,

Took tea , then went in quest of her ; But learned , by some young people ' s talk , She had gone upon the beach to walk , Down by the sea .