On The Probable Origin Of Freemasonry.

a native of the Island of Cos and prominent on account of his attainments in medical science , was called in to remedy the ravages of the epidemy . He at once complied with the request , and was of incalculable service to the afflicted city . The

gratitude of the Athenians was such that they decreed his initiation in the mysteries of the nation . « -

When Alexander the Great , during his campaigns in Persia , approached the City of Jerusalem , the high priest , clad in his pontifical garments , went out to meet and salute him . When the conqueror descried at a distance the venerable

patriarch wearing the insignia of his office , he ordered his soldiers to halt , advanced towards the high priest , bowed and saluted him respectfully , conferred with him , and then -withdrew . This singular occurrence took place in the year 383 A . C .

The Romans who succeeded the Grecians in the empire of the Universe , derived from the Grecians , the Oarthagenians , and even the Jews , the knowledge of the mysteries known to those nations . He who reads with a critical eye and with the

acumen that the knowledge of the institutions of Freemasonry alone can give him , the history of the Romans , will meet with many striking facts by which the existence of Freemasonry may be demonstrated .

In general we are justified in believing that most Roman Generals were not only Masons , but also great promoters of the mystic art amongst their fellow-citizens and the inhabitants of ancient Britain . Albeit the Bretons were all but unknown

to the Romans previous to the invasion of Julius CaBsar , there are substantial proofs to show that long before that time this barbarian people had some knowledge of Freemasonry . * It is assumed that the Druids , who were the

priests of ancient Britain and Gaul , received their governing principles , rites , and ceremonies from Pythagoras . As instructors of the people they enjoyed the most unbounded respect and veneration . According to ancient history it is an averred fact that they were , to a certain extent , acquainted

On The Probable Origin Of Freemasonry.

with geometry and natural history , and believed in the immortality of man's soul . In each nation there was an arch-druid who exercised sufficient authority to enjoy a great ascendancy and cause his counsel to prevail whenever the public welfare

was at stake . It was a uniform practice amongst them , whenever they were intrusted with the tuition of young men , to retire to some remote placa and there to reveal to them their mysteries . This leads us to infer that certain mysteries unknown to the generality of the people , constituted a part of their ceremonies .

Pythagoras is considered the founder of the Institution of the Druids , and as it is assumed that he was a Mason , we take it for granted that his disciples , the Druids , must also have been acquainted with Masonry . We find that Masonry

existed among the ancient Britons and Gauls , . previously to their conquest by the Romans . But be that as it may , there is no country in which it has flourished to a greater extent , none which has bestowed greater boons on mankind than Great

Britaiu . By reason of the protracted struggles betweenPicts , Scots , Britons , Saxons , and Danes , Masonry does not seem to have been cultivated extensively in that island until the year 550 of the Christian Era . At that epoch St . Augustine fled

with several brethren from Italy to England , where he devoted his time and talents exclusively to the interests of Christianity and Masonry . St . Augustine superintended personally the laying of the foundation-stone for various edifices . ( To be continued ) .

Social Responsibilities.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES .

Vice is a monster of so frightful mien , As , to be hated , needs but to be seen ; Yet seen too oft , familiar with her face , We first endure , then pity , then embrace . —Porn . How painful is it to recal the incidents of a life misspent , to weigh the actions of such an

one as has " hid his talent , " instead of usefully employing it , and then to contemplate his position when he must again meet his Lord , and give an account of himself . There are undoubtedly myriads who make but a very partial use of the

faculties and opportunities Avith which they have been endoAved by the Great Architect of the Universe , but very few Avho stand forth in such appalling salience of inutility as one Avho has but lately passed aAvay .