A Lecture

vellum , in square characters which by express command was to be delivered to such only as were found to be wise among them . This method of proceeding was also observed at tbe building of Solomons' Temple , when it is known the Craftsmen were not to be made Masters , until that glorious edifice should be completed , that so they might

acquire competent skill , and be able to give ample proof of their qualifications . Pythagoras , who flourished about 500 years before Christ , never permitted a pupil to speak in his school till lie had undergone a probation of five years' silence . The Essenes among the Jews ( a sort of Pythagoreans ) bad the following customs : —

When a person desired admittance into their society , be was to pass through proper degrees of probation before he could be master of their mysteries AVhen he was received into the class of novices he was presented with a white garment , and when he had been long enough to give some competent proof of his secresy and virtue , be was admitted to further knowledge . Yet

still he went on with the trial of his integrity and good morals ; and at length being found worthy in every respect , was fully admitted into their mysteries . But before he Avas received as an established member , he was to bind himself by solemn obligations and professions to do justice , to do no wrong , to keep faith with all men , to embrace the truth , to keep his hand clear from

fraudulent dealings , not to conceal from his fellow-professors any of the mysteries , nor to communicate them to tbe profane , to deliver nothing but what he received , as well as to endeavour to preserve the principles that be professed . Every member ate and drank at one common table , and any brethren of the same fraternity who came from places ever so remote were sure to be received at their meetings . The above proceeding is so far from being novel that it is practised in our own nation even at this day in the

learned societies of every denomination . For instance , in academical degrees , there are bachelor , master , doctor ; in the church , the several orders of deacon , priest , and bishop ; in the municipal law , those of student , barrister , and Serjeant ; in the civil law and physic , student , bachelor , and doctor . In each of these the disciple or scholar undergoes proper examinations , and is necessarily

to be found well qualified prior to his admission to any superior rank . And as Freemasonry is in like manner a progressive science , not to be perfectly attained but by time , patience , and application , it is necessary that testimonials of p-oper qualifications should be required for the respective degrees before the candidate can attain them , both in

regard to science and morality , as the honour of the institution should always be a principal object in view to every free and accepted Mason , wb . 'Hight to be well instructed in the scientific knowledge and moral ar . d social virtues peculiar to an inferior before he can be admitted to the more sublime truths of the perfect and well qualified Mason .

The nature of the design leads in the next place to tbe consideration of the name which has been adopted by the institution from its first establishment , and to inform the late initiated brother that this did not arise merely from tbe skill in architecture or the principles of building , but from a more comprehensive acquaintance and knowledge of the sublimost principles of philosophy

and moral virtue , which , however excellontthey maybe in tbe opinion of the learned and judicious part of mankind , cannot be indiscriminately revealed to every one ; lest instead of that respect which they require for want of right understanding and a sound mind , they might not produce their just and necessary consequences ; as even the purest morality and wisest systems have been too often ridiculed by the folly and perverscness of tho ignorant and weak , so little relish have they for things excellent in themselves , so inattentive arc they to the

A Lecture

force of the clearest reasoning , and so enveloped in ignorance and prejudice that nothing is sufficient to convince them . It is not meant that ignorance which implies a want of knowledge , but that effected folly which despises it . For the natural and proper effect of a bare want of knowledge should be that men forbear to pass any judgment upon what they understand not ; that they

neither contend for nor against anything , before they have some reason to determine them so to do , tending to promote the true happiness of mankind in general , and peace and satisfaction of every individual in particular . Had tbe institution contained nothing commendable or valuable in it , it is impossible it should have existed and been patronised by the wise , the good , and the great , in

all ages of the world . For it cannot be supposed that men , distinguished by every accomplishment that can adorn human nature , would embrace or continue in princip les which they found to be erroneous or contemptible , they may assure themselves that if there was no more in tbe institution than has been too often suggested it would have fallen to the ground many years

ago , but the contrary being the case , they may safely conclude that it will continue to exist for ages to come . Tbe name of Mason is not to be considered in the contracted sense of a builder of habitations , but figuratively , and agreeable to the method of the ancient society on which this 'institution is founded ; and taken is this meaning a Mason is one who by gradual advances in the sublime truths aud the various arcs and sciences , which the principles and precepts of Freemasonry tend to inculcate and establish , is raised by regular steps to such

a degree of perfection as to be replete with happiness in himself and extensively beneficial to others . As to the epithet "free , " that evidently owed its rise ts the practice of tbe ancients , who never suffered the liberal arts and sciences to be taught to any butthi freeborn . Having traced back to the earliest ages the use and

meaning of symbols and hieroglyphics , and likewise demonstrated the original intention and use of allegorical figures and ceremonies , and the reasonableness and necessity of progressive degrees to the pursuit of every art and science , no unprejudiced person will think it extraordinary that these customs and ceremonies established and connected with the institution have been most

sacredly and inviolably preserved and adhered to by Masons to this day . But what such customs and ceremonies are , and for what ends and purposes used , never can be known , except by true and lawful brethren . Therefore , however anxious the busy and unifciated ma } ' be to discover the mysteries of the order , all their endeavours must prove ineffectual . They may be assured

that the only means to attain to the knowledge of them are abilities , integaity , firmness , and a due and constant perseverance in the great duties of moral and sscial life in principles of religion ancl virtue , and whatever is commendable and praiseworthy . These are the steps and this the clue that will lead and direct the practisers of such excellencies to the heights of Freemasonry , and

while they adhere to them , will effectually secure to them tbe favour and esteem of every able and faithful brother , and tbe warmest approbation aud satisfaction of their own hearts .

Scientific Meetings For The Week.

SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS FOR THE WEEK .

Monday , Feb . 21 st . —Victoria Institute , at 8 ; London Institution , at 4 ; Medical Society , at 8 ; Entomological Society , at 7 ; Royal Asiatic Society , at 3 . Tuesday , Feb . 22 nd . —Ethnological Society , at 8 ; Institution of Civil ' Engineers , at 8 ; Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society , at 8 . 30 ; Royal Institution , at 3 . Wednesday , Feb . 23 rd . —Arclnuological Association , at S ; Geological Society , at 8 ; Society of Arts , at 8 . Thursday , Feb . 2 Ith . —Zoological Society , at S . 30 . Friday , Feb . 25 th . —Royal Institution , at 8 .