Masonic Jottings.—No. 8.

MASONIC JOTTINGS . —No . 8 .

Bv A PAST . PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER , FACTS . —OPINIONS . A . brother , member of a distinguished metropolitan lodge , writes a somewhat enigmatical letter ; the ensuing is an extract : — " Since a

certain laboured announcement that facts only would be brought to us , we see of facts a strange paucity , but of opinions a number inconveniently largea number that joined with the diversity and the total deficiency of dialectic , appals the most diligent reader . "

BEFORE AND AFTER THE REFORMATION . A Brother thinks that the Speculative element in the Masonry of the lodge was more abundant , although less enli g htened and liberal , before the Reformation , than it was after the Reformation .

THE GRANDIDIER THEORY . The Grandidier theory was adopted first , by Vogel , " Letters upon Freemasonry , " 1737 ; next , by Albrecht , " Materials for a Critical History of Freemasonry , " 1792 .

LOOSES SUBSEQUENTLY TO THE MIDDLE AGES . In the lodges subsequently to the Middle iLges , as the old Masonic Science receded , the science now called Speculative Masonry advanced . SOLOMON WITH A SPRIG OF ACACIA IN HIS

HAND . Solomon , with a spri g of acacia in his hand , may have presided in a lodge of Masons ; but we now know that the Masonry of the lodge could not have been true Freemasonry . It was not until after the Babylonish captivity that the immortality of the soul formed part of the theological creed of a section of the Jews .

THE TYRIANS . The Tynans were Phoenicians , and the religion of the Phoenicians was a Pantheistic Naturalism . The Masonry of the Tyrians could not , therefore , have been true Freemasonry .

PHILOSOPHY . —MASONRY . Philosophy perishes not b y the demolition of the edifice in which it is taught ; and Masonry perishes not b y the dissolution of the lodge . MASONRY . Call Masonry the science b y which the mind -subdues matter . —Old MS .

METROPOLITAN FREE HOSPITAL — -Lord Geoi-go F . Hamilton , M . P . for Middlesex , has kindly consented to preside at the Anniversary Festival of this Charity , on Wednesday , the 18 th May .

The Grand Masonic Allegory.

THE GRAND MASONIC ALLEGORY .

An Address delivered to the Brethren of the Victor la Lodge ,. ( No . 1026 ) , Hong Kong . By BRO . HEXIU' MURKAX , Hist G . IL , China ,. ( Continued from Page 123 ) Brethren , my preliminary observations are

concluded , and we can at last proceed to the examination of that grand allegory , which , step by step , as they toiled onwards , fulfilling the occupations of the Lodge and Craft , was revealed to our devout and ancient brethren . Let us look back six

hundred years , my brothers , and contemplate a lodge of Freemasons engaged in the erection of some stately ancl superb edifice , dedicated to the glory of God and the good of man . Under the guidance of a skilled Master , one to whom the Grand Lodge

has imparted its most precious and cherished secrets ; and of Wardens , selected for their real worth and personal merit only , see the brethren repairing at the suu-rising to their respective stations , and yielding obedience to due direction

with all humility , reverence , alacrity , and love . How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity ! As the work of the twenty ^ four inch gauge , hammer , and chisel ; of the square , level , and plumbrule , proceeds , the

glorious luminary of nature attains his zenith in the heavens ; strai g htway the watchful Junior ' Warden , at the command of the Master , proclaims hi gh twelve , and calls the brethren from labour to refreshment , that pleasure and profit may be

the result , at the same time charging them to keep within hail , so as to return to their duties when called upon . An hour slips away in innocent mirth and easy and free conversation ; the Junior Warden ' s summons is again heard , and labour is

forthwith resumed , until the Senior Warden , marking the setting sun , fulfils his peculiar duty , and closes the lodge by command of the AVorship ful Master . Ni g ht falls , and upon fitting- and proper occasions , the Master and his Wardens ,

always zealous for the due propagation of their art , and the instruction and improvement of the brethren , once more call their fellow labourers together , either to initiate candidates and investigate the princi p les of moral truth and

virtue , or to pass apprentices , and extend their researches in the more hidden mysteries of nature and science . No more 1 for be it rembered that in those ancient days craftsmen were raised only in the Grand Lodge . Brethren , have we no lessons