Masonic Notes And Queries.

steamer . So with our Speculative Freemasonry ; in 1671 , we find Masonic lodges in many quarters , but where among them all do we find one of our speculative system ? Yet now in 1871 , we find speculative lodges everywhere . In or about 1830 , there might be seen many old

sailing vessels being transformed into steamers by having the necessary new apparatus fitted into them ; just as in 1730 there might be seen many of the old operative lodges , or Masonic friendly societies , being transformed into speculative lodges , owing to the new doctrines and ceremonies being adopted by them .

The old sailing vessels , and the old operative lodges had many things in common with the new steamers , and the new speculative lodges , yet the introduction of new motive powers into the two former caused such an essential transition , that the change can never be properly or fairly designated a "Eevival , " seeing that

it was so radical as to constitute a revolution . Iu fact this transition was so radical as regards " lodges , " that it formed the cause of the well-known 1738 anti-Masonic bull being issued . —W . P . BTJCHAIT . ST . THOMAS'S . In the late fearful gale , the French Masonic Hall ,

at St . Thomas ' s , in the West Indies , was much injured . MASONIC INTERVENTION . During the recent revolution , or incipient war , in the State of Panama , in Columbia , a leading citizen having been imprisoned on suspicion , the Lodge at Panama , memoralised the President , who was also a Mason , and he was released . —S . X .

Masonic Sayings And Doings Abroad.

MASONIC SAYINGS AND DOINGS ABROAD .

I tell some Masons that they are too communica tive about things Masonic ; I have met those who unbosomed themselves too readily on the hare assertion that I was a Freemason . Too much stiffness and suspicion are as remote , if not more so , from

genuine Masonry , as the former of these defects . The poet Burns , who was wiser in theory than successful in practice , said . — " Ayo free , aff ban' your storytell , When wi' a bosom crony , But still keep something to yoursel '

Ye scarcely tell to ony Conceal yoursel' as weel ' s you can Frae critical dissection But keek through every other man Wi sharpened , sly inspection . " There are great powers in secrecy , and I hope if

any leaky brother reads this it will not be lost on him . —Masonic Mirror . A Correspondent to the " Western India Record " "writes from London that on visiting a Lodge of Instruction , they taxed him Is . 6 d . admission fee .

Masonic Sayings And Doings Abroad.

Mahommedan Freemasonry is said to be widely distributed in Persia and Arabia . In Persia it is estimated thrt there are about 50 , 000 Mahommedan Freemasons . In Arabia it is estimated that there are about 20 , 000 Mahommedan Freemasons .

The Plumb.

THE PLUMB .

This is an instrument for the operative craft of workmen , aud is indispensable in erecting a perpendicular wall ; but with the Masonic fraternity it serves a nobler purpose . Every Mason is in duty hound to have his symbolical plumb—to observe its teachings . Masonry , iu its lessons of truth and wisdom , tells its members to observe a perpendicular attitudeto he morally just aud upright . In these lessons , there is uo

permission given to lean to the right or to the left . As the the wall of the operative Mason is insecure it if leans , and is not upright , and will , in time , fall , so must that person surely come to naught whose life is not sustained and supported by " Justice , Fortitude , Prudence and Temperance . " A man must observe justice , for that highly renowned principle never leans , hut stands erect for truth and right . The plumb teaches the lessons of true Masonic fortitude . A

true Mason must not yield to any adverse attacks of the world , whether they come from the enemies without tbo Masonic Craft , or foes within the fold . Our uprightness will shield us when unjustly assailed . If wo truly walk by the plumb , truth will , in time , vindicate the supremacy of right . Falsehood , treachery and inhumanity , may , for a time , smother truth and hinder justice from taking place , but , as truth is immutable and eternal , it will triumph in a glorioue . victory . The plumb , in its symbolical meaning , teaches prudence . This is one ofthe indispensable lessons that must be heeded .

It is the narrow path and straight course to a higher order of integrity . The valuable Masonic meaning of tho plumb , includes this cardinal virtue . The neophyte cannot build his Masonic edifice without becoming prudent . He must he prudent in what he learns , in what he does , what he says , and howhe employs his time . And in all this , he must never loose sight of that strict integrity , tlie foundation upon which a true life depends .

Tbo plumb , among its lessons immediately after crossing the threshold of the temple , reminds tho youug student of the importance of intemperance . He is taught that in order to livetho life of a true and upright Mason , he must not yield to appetite or passion . He must learn to govern his passions and control his appetite . No man is worthy to be a Mason who docss not , or will not strictly adhere to temperance ; for intemperance is one of the growing sins of the worldand produces

, the worst of consequences . No man can erect a strong moral edifice , that will withstand the ills of life , unless he fortifieshimself firmly against intemperance . He must not allow himself to be swerved in the least to an occasional indulgence . There is no safety in lending a listening ear to the syren's song . The plumb is of no practical utility , if its symbolism is not observed . When temperance is disregarded , the kindnesses o £ humanity are cheeked ; tha liberality of Masonry becomes

circumscribed , and the moderation which evinces its worth in dis regarded ; truth is not vindicated uor wisdom obtained . Tho heathen poet , Horace , illustrates the high and loftyattainments reached by the one who is true to inorri integrity :

" The man in conseions virtue bold , Who dares his secret purpose hold , Unshaken hears the crowd ' s tumultuous cries , And the impetuous tyrant's angry brow defies . Let the loud wind that rules the seas , The wild , tempetuous horrors raise ,-Let Jove's dread arm with thunders rend the spheres , Beneath the crush of words undaunted he appears . " —Mystic Star .