Modern Writers Upon Freemasonry.—Iii.

therefore , it is not fair to give ) , on the subject of Dr . Oliver '' works : — "The Ker . George Oliver in his Mar in Ihe Bast , says ( p . 2 )* 'Freemasonry ivas revealed by God himself to . the first man , ' and that there may be no mistake as to bis real meaning , he subjoins in a note , 'This may appear a hold assertion , hut I am persuaded it is nevertheless true . Placed

in the garden of Eden , Adam would certainly be made acquainted with his tenure , and taught , witli the worship of his Maker , that simple science ol ' morals whicli is now termed Freemasonry . Tin ' s constituted his chief employment in paradise and his only consolation after his unhappy fall , for speculative Masonry is nothing else (?) but the philosophy of mind and morals , founded on the belief of a God , the Creator , Preserver , and . Redeemer , which instructs mankind iu the sublimities of science ; inculcates

a strict observance of the duties of social life ; inspires in the soul a veneration for the author of its being ; and incites to the pure worship of the Great Architect of the Universe . ' " Of all enthusiasts for Freemasonry this writer is the most jmerile as well as the most daring in his assertions . Whatever in any way seems to make for his system he immediately takes for granted Avithout further enquiry ; it suits his or ho fancies it doesand that is quite h

purpose , , enoug for him . Tims he is pleased to tell us the word Masonry is a mere corruption of juaovpavibi —> S « m in medio etc / if—but that an older name for it ivas Ime , or light ; upon this wild assumption he then builds up as wild a theory , interpreting light , wherever the phrase is used by Christ or his apostles , to signify Masonry . See his Antiquities of Masonry , page d . " We must agree with this writer ( whose remarks we think form au

admirable comment on the passage of "Masonic Jurisprudence , " which we last quoted ) , that Dr . Oliver ' s assertions and assumptions are bold ; they are among the boldest we have ever met : he must indeed have been easy of "persuasion , " but we may hope that he has now learned better policy , and' that as he recommends others not to introduce " whimsical theories , " so he has now given up tho practice either of introducing them or believing them himself .

As to the system of refreshments in vogue with our ancient brethren , it may havo suited the spirit of the age in which it prevailed , but we think that the present system of introducing whatever refreshment is provided after business is over , is far preferable . Page 216 , With regard to amendments , riders , & c , on motions iu private business , it is a pity that Dr . Oliver has taken a dinner as the

example ; however , we will give his own words : — " The motion being seconded , it is competent for any brother to move an amendment , which being also duly seconded , another amendment maybe moved on it under certain restrictions ; - ] : and if an amendment be put and negatived , another may be made on the original motion , provided it varies from that which has been already lost . The following case will illustrate the subject and show what is the usual practice iu our Lodges . A . moves that a dinner shall take place on tlw 2 titii of March ; B . moves as an amendment , to hold it on the 1 th of April ; C . wishes to move another amendment