Sketches Of Notable Masonic Works.

thought necessary to maintain the harmony and well being of each particular organised body , aud upon the neglect of attendance of either Master or Fellow ( when duly summoned ) a severe censure was incurred , until he could prove unto the whole lodge that pure necessity was the motive of his absence . "

" It is heartily to be wished that the knowledge of geometry and architecture , together with the rest of the sciences were the only entertainment of our modern lodges . If so , what is often unhappily substituted in their places would not j >

revail as it does , neither ought a man to attain to any dignity in Masonry without first having a competent knowledge in the liberal arts , and I am sorry to say that so few of that stamp are to be met with iu the lodges of this great * metropolis ,

which defect is certainly owing ( as heretofore observed ) to the imprudent choice and introduction of their members , for every man formerly ( though perhaps of a good aud moral reputation ) was not admitted into the Craft , nor allowed to share the

benefits of our noble institution , unless he was endued with skill in Masonry , as he might thereby be able to improve the art either by plan or

workmanship , or had such an affluence of fortune as should enable him to employ , honour , and protect the Craftsmen . I would not be understood by this , to mean that no citizen or reputable tradesmen should receive any of our benefits , but on the

contrary am of opinion that they arc valuable members of the commonwealth , and in consequence would prove real ornaments ; but how ridiculous is it to see daily so many persons of low life introduced amongst us , aud when they are

admitted into the company of their betters by the assistance of Masonry , they too often act beyond their capacities , and ( if the expression may be allowed ) soon turn Mason mad , and under pretence of searching for knowledge , they fall into scenes of

gluttony or drunkenness , and thereby neglect their necessary occupations , and injure their families , which is not consistent with tho known

laws , Constitutions , and principles of all true brethren . " " The by-laws aud genera regulations of tho lodges iu this city are exceedingly well calculated

for good management of the Craft , but what avails the best contrived and most salutary laws if they are not put into form and properly executed ? To pass over indiscretions is in some measure granting a sanction or approbation of them ,

wherefore it highly concerns our worthy Master to let no crime remain unrebuked , but duly to admonish the offender , and if he repeats his transgression , to inflict such punishments as they and the brethren shall judge necessary . "

" Having now described the cause of the present decay of Freemasonry , together with some remarks , which I hope will be found useful to the brethren , I shall give them the following friendly admonitions , and then conclude . — "As the Craft hath subsisted from times

immemorial , and contains the most glorious precepts of morality and virtue , let not the malicious world have cause to blame us for any base or degenerate actions , but let us industriously pursue the unerring rule which the Almighty Architect hath given us ; let us be united in one sacred bond of love and

friendship , and , if there is contention amongst us , let it be in striving who can outdo each other in acts of religion , mercy , charity , and all other good offices . " " Let us all endeavour to deserve the following

true character : — " If nil the social virtues of the mind , If an extensive love to all mankind , If hospitable welcome to a guest , And speedy charity to the distressed , If duo regard to liberty and laws ,

Zeal for our King , and for our country ' s cause , If these are principles deserving fame , Let JIasons then enjoy the praise they claim . "

Chips Of Foreign Ashlar.

CHIPS OF FOREIGN ASHLAR .

BY J . A . H . No . 8—A DAY WITHBKOTIIEK FINDEL . Among the Masonic celebrities of the present day—English , French , German and Americanthere is one name which succeeding generations

will hold in pre-eminent honour—the name of the great historian of Freemasonry Bro . J . G . Findel of Leipzig . With readers of the FKEEHASONS MAGAZINE the name of Bro . Findel may truly be said to be " familiar iu their mouths as household

words" aud wherever the circle of the mystic tie has extended , the life aud labours of this excellent brother are known and appreciated . From Berlin to Leipzig is a long distance , but