Masonic Duties.

man . It clearly is not proposed that we should seek to become acquainted Avith God by mere speculation and metaphysical research , but by the contemplation of His glorious perfections , and His grand designs in the kingdoms of nature and

of grace , as they stand in connection Avith that eternal life after which our hopes aspire . The infinity of God , the aAvful grandeur of Him Avho fills all space and governs all the Avorks of His material and intellectual creation , must

for ever transcend the limited capacities of finite creatures . An impenetrable veil is draAATi before the throne of Him , whom Ave are yet to bound to adore as the great Author of our being and the gracious Saviour of our souls . But sufficient

information is afforded to guide us to such , conclusions respecting Him as may best promote our fulfilment of the duties we owe Him , and our acceptance of the blessings AA'hich He bestows on us . If He makes all his glory to pass by us ,

it is because Ave are not able to endure the sight . Let us , then , submit to this Avisdom of our Heavenly Father ; and Avithout murmuring

that the full light of His presence cannot be seen by mortal eye , let us use the light He has given us and Avalk as children of that light . Is it not suited to such a discipline of our reason and affections as may fit us for a higher Avorld ,

that humility and submission to the Avill of our Creator should be enforced upon us now ? The child that should refuse to obey the discipline of a parent time till the propriety of that discipline could be argued , Avould scarcely be a model of

filial love or duty . Are Ave not often , brethren , too ready to pamper that pride aud . self-conceit of human nature , and to follow the "visionary fancies of our imagination

rather than the steadfast Avord of eternal truth ? Like the Syrian leper , do Ave seek our health and cure in the proud Avaters of Damascus rather than wash in the despised stream of Jordan , though appointed by a prophet ' s voice ? Be it our duty ,

then , as Masons , to revere that sacred volume of revealed truth , and amidst the cavils and scepticism of the world Avithout , hold fast without Avaverinothe holy precepts and practice it enjoins , and the Divine authority AA'hich it claims . Thus shall Ave

imitate the course of the wise men AVIIO came from the East to the " brightness of the rising" of the " greater than Solomon , " the Prince of Peace , followed in faith over many a rugged mountain , the leading of the Star of Jacob , and rejoiced

Masonic Duties.

Avith exceeding great joy ; they " fell down and worshipped" in unfading hope the new-born King Avho was to be a " light to lighten the Gentiles ;" and led by the Di-vine spirit of charity , "they opened their treasures and presented unto Him

gifts—gold , and frankincense , and myrrh . " Brethren , we may seek to " go and do likewise , " and then our years will not have been consumed in vanity , nor shall we , as men or Masons , have lived in vain .

Masonic Notes And Queries.

MASONIC NOTES AND QUERIES .

LET S SEE OURSELVES AS OTHERS SEE VS . The following article appeared in the Monthly Magazine and British Register for October , 1798 . It contains some items that will prove interesting nowa-days : —¦

" To the JEclitor of the Monthly Magazine . " SIRS , —Agreeably to my promise , I now send you some particulars on the subject of the abuses of Freemasonry . " From about the year 1760 , this Order has greatly declined in England ; I mean with respect to its

reputation . Indeed , the causes of its declension may be traced somewhat further back . In the year 1739 a great breach Avas made in the society by tbe setting up of an independent Grand Lodge , the members of which called themselves Ancient Masons , and treated their brethren who adhered to the neiv regulations as

juniors and innovators , while these again , being more numerous and more powerful , anathematized the ancients as schismatics , if not indeed as impostors .. The dissension between these two societies was very bitter and . unbecoming , ancl so continued for many years . This naturallbegat in the minds of those

y who belonged to neither , a contemptuous idea of that extraordinary pretension to brotherly love and charity which Avas set up by both parties . The multiplication of lodges was the source of considerable irregularities ,

in consequence of Avhich many were yearly struck off the list , and offending brethren Avere expelled . These things Aveakened the reputation of the Order very considerably , especially when it was observed that immorality Avas a less cause of offence being taken by the heads of the Fraternity , than a non-compliance with certain rules ancl orders of little moment . In

the year 1747 , a circumstance occurred which greatly injured the interests of the society , at least for a time . It had been usual for tbe Grand Lodge on their anniversary meeting to make a very pompous procession from the hall in which the }* met for business , and which was generally one of the city halls , to the

tavern Avhere the business of the day was concluded . About the time of the Grand Feast in that year , some disappointed Masons ( as it is said ) caused a whimsical procession to parade most of the streets of London , made up of an immense number of the lowest of the rabbleas chimney-sweepersdustmen

, , , & c , clothed with the regalia of the Order , and preceded by a numerous train of musicians , playing charmingly on salt-boxes , bullocks ' -horns , with marrow bones and cleavers , & c . This motley crew , some on