Masonic Notes.

inonts . If to pass an idle hour to oulige a frienct , or probably to gratify an irregular indulgence , be the only inducement to mix in company , is it surprising that tho important duties of society should be neglected , and that in the quick circulation of the cheerful glass , the noblest faculties should be sometimes buried in the cup of ebriety . Ifc is an obvious truth that tho privileges of Masonry have

sometimes been prostituted for unworthy considerations , and hence thoir good effects havo been less conspicuous . Many have enrolled thoir . names in ' our records for tho mere purposes of conviviality , without inquiring into the nature of the particular engagements to which they aro subjected by becoming Masons . Several have been prompted by motives of interest , and nuury introduced to gratify an idle

curiosity , or to please as jolly companions . A general odium , or at- least a careless indifference , must be the result of such conduct . But the evil stops not here ; persons of this description , ignorant of tho true nature of the institution , probably without any real defect in their OAVII morals , are induced to recommend others of the same cast- to join the society for the same . Hence the true

knowpurpose ledge of the art decreases with the increase of its members , and the most valuable part of the institution is turned into ridicule , while the dissipations of luxury and intemperance bury in oblivion principles which might havo dignified the most exalted characters . But- if some do transgress , no wise man will tli once argue against the institution or condemn the whole Fraternity for the errors of a- few misguided

individuals . Wore the wicked lives of men admitted as an argument against th . e religion ivhich they jirofess , the wisest and most judicious establishments might be exposed to censure . It may be averred , in favour of Masonry , thafc whatever imperfections arc found among its professors , the institution countenances no deviation from the rules of right

reason . Those who violate the laws or infringe ou good order are kindly admonished by secret monitors ; where these means have not the intended effect , public reprehension becomes necessary ; and , afc last , where every mild endeavour to effect a reformation in their conduct is of no avail , they are expelled from the lodge as unfit members of the society . Vain , therefore , is each idle surmise against

the plan of our government ; while the laws ofthe Craffc aro property supported , they will be proof against every attack Men aro not aware that by decrying any laudable institution they derogate from the dignity of human nature itself , and from that good order and wise disposition of things , which the Almighty Author of the world has framed for the government of mankind , aud established as tho basis of the

moral system . Friendship and social delights can never be the object of reproach ; nor car . thafc wisdom , which hoary time has sanctified , bo a subject for ridicule . Whoever attempts to censure -ic ' lint he does not comprehend , degrades himself ; and the generous heart will ji . Vi / the mistakes of such ignorant presumption . Charity is the chief of all the social virtues , and the distinguishing characteristic of tho Mason . This virtue includes

a supremo degree of love to the great Creator and GoA'ernor of the universe , and an unlimited affection for the beings of His creation , of all character and of every denomination . Beings ivho partake of one common nature ought to be actuated by the same motives and interests . Hence to soothe the unhappy , by sympathising with thoir misfortunes , and to restore peace and tranquillity to agitated spirits ,

constitute ihe general and great ends of the Masonic si'stem . This humane , this generous disposition , fires the breast ivith manly feelings , ami enlivens that spirit of compassion which is the glory of the human frame , and ivhich not only rivals , bufc outshines every oilier pleasure that the mind is capable of enjoying . All human passions , when directed by the superior

principle of reason , tend to promote some useful purpose ; but compassion towards proper objects is tho most beneficial of the . affections , and excites more , lasting degrees of happiness , r = s it extends to greater numbers , ancl alleviates the infirmities and evils which are incident to human existence . Possessed of this amiable , this godlike disposition , Masons are shocked at misery under ci'ery form and appearance . When they behold an object pining under a distressed body and ruincl , the healing accents which flow from the tongue

Masonic Notes.

mitigate the pain of the unhappy sufferer , and make even adversity in its dismal state look gay . AA'hen pity is excited , the Mason will assuage grief and cheerfully relieve distress . If a brother be iu want , every heart is moved ; when he is hungry , wc feed him ; when he is naked , we clothe him ; ivhen he is in trouble , we fly to his relief . Thus we confirm tho propriety of the title wc bear ; and

convince tho world at large , that hrotlur , among Masons , is ¦ more than the name . Though our ears arc always open to the distress of the deserving poor , yet charity is not to be dispensed with a profuse liberality on impostors . The parents of a numerous offspring , who , through ago , sickness , infirmity , or any unforeseen accident in lifema } ' be reduced to want

, , particularly claim our attention , and seldom fail to experience the happy effects of our friendly associations . To such objects , whose situation is more easy to be conceived than expressed , we arc induced liberally to extend relief . Hence ive give convincing proofs of wisdom and discernment ; for though our benevolence , like our laws , be limited , yefc our hearts low principallwith affection towards the deserving

g y part of mankind . As useful knowledge is the groat object of our desires , the good Mason diligently applies himself to tho practice which ifc inculcates , and does not permit the difficulties that he has to encounter check his progress , or damp his zeal ; but at all times strives to recollect thafc the ways of wisdom are beautiful , and lead to pleasure . Knowledge is attained by

degrees , and cannot everywhere be found . Wisdom seeks ihe secret shade , the lonely cell , designed for contemplation . There enthroned she sits , delivering her sacred oracles . There let all seek her , and pursue the real bliss . Though the passage be difficult , the further we trace ifc the easier it will become . Hnion and harmony constitute the essence of

Freemasonry ; while we enlist under that banner the society must flourish , and private animosities give place to peace and good fellowship . Uniting in one design , let it be our aim to be happy ourselves , and contribute to the happiness of others . Let us mark our superiority and distinction among men by the sincerity of our profession as Masons ; let us cultivate the moral virtues , and improve in all that

is good and amiable ; lot the Genius of Masonry preside over our conduct , and under her sway let us perform our part AA'ith becoming dignity ; let us preserve an elevation of understanding , a politeness of maimer , and an evenness of temper ; lee our recreations be innocent , and pursued with moderation ; and never let irregular indulgences lead to the subversion of our system by impairing our faculties , or

exposing our characters to derision . In conformity to our precepts , as patterns worthy of imitation , lot the respectability of our character be supported by tbe regularity of our conduct and the uniformity of our deportment ; then , as citizens of the world , and friends to every clime , wc shall bo living examples of virtue and benevolence , equally zealous to merit as to obtain universal approbation .

Architecture And Archæology.

ARCHITECTURE AND ARCH ? OLOGY .

THE STONE OF THE HOUSES OF PABLIAMElSiT . Tho following statement appears in the Eev . John Baine ' s History of Ulytlie , in tlie counties of Nottingham and York ,- —a quarto volume , just published : — " It is known to most of my readers that from the quarries ofthe Duke of Leeds and of Charles AVright , Esq ., adjoining the village of North Aiisfcanin the AVest Biding of

, the county of York , and touching each other , was obtained the stone with which the new Houses of Parliament wore built , and thafc it is beginning to perish . Mr . AVright gave me recently , on the spot , tho following explanation of this fact . In the first place , the contractors took stone , from quarries ofthe duke , which was visibly unsound and of inferior qualityalthough soft to work 2 They won stone

, . . too near the ImssH-edge—to use Mr . Wright ' s own expression—that is , they won ifc from tho surface forwards , driving , so to speak , the quarry before them , instead of working deep from the first . And 3 . The quarries of the Duke were , in