The Grand Masonic Allegory.

Warden of the work under the Master , he has 3 : een true both to Master and Fellows , has carefully overseen the work in the Master's absence to the Lord ' s profit , and his brethren have obeyed him . At length , being proved the most expert

of the Fellow Craftsmen , he has been himself appointed the Master of the Lord ' s work , and , knowing himself to be able of cunning , he seeks at the hands of the rulers of the Craft permission to participate in those mysterious secrets which

on earth will empower him to authoritatively direct the labours of his brethren , and hereafter will enable him to rise from the tomb of transgression , and shine as the stars for ever and ever . His mind having become fairly and roundly

modelled by virtue and science , he is found worthy , and is raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason . And not too soon ; for age is now creeping upon our brother , and he finds more congenial to his condition the practice of the pencil , the

ekirrett , and the compasses , than the use of those tools which onl y had he previously been entitled to wield . Recognising his Eternal Master ' s

warning , onr brother prepares himself by contemplation for the closing hour of his existence , and deli ghts to trace that straight ancl uucleviating line of conduct marked out for our pursuit in the Volume of the Sacred Law , remembering that

onr words ancl actions are recorded by the Most High , and blessing Him for having of His unerring ancl impartial justice defined for our instruction tho limits of good and evil ; for by this time the Master Mason has learned to feel that

there is an appointed period to man npon earth , and that in the hand oi' God is every living thin" -, and the breath of all mankind , which in a moment go down to the grave . Rut notwithstanding that

that the years draw nigh which have no pleasure in them , the Master Mason finds that so long as he may live , the bonds of duty will not be relaxed ; and that there is still incumbent upon him , in its highest signification , that distinguishing

characteristic of the Masonic heart , which was impressively set forth at his initiation . Let but the Master Mason ' s hand touch that of a brother , and the latter ' s necessities receives instant assistance ; the Master Mason is ever swift on foot t . help ,

aid , and execute benevolence to a fellow creature ; when he offers up prayer to the Throne of Grace he does not forget that our supplications are reciprocally required for each other ' s welfare ; lawful confidence entrusted to his care , he honour-

The Grand Masonic Allegory.

ably preserves ; and the characters of others be does not wrongfully revile . Mindful that his profession is founded upon the pnrestprinciples of piety and virtue , the zealous Masterstrives to measure his actions bytheruleof rectitude , to square his conduct

by morality , and to guide his conversation and his very thoughts , within the compass of propriety . Thus does he hope to discharge his duties with honour and with reputation , and to lay up for himself a crown of joy and rejoicing which shall

never fade away , but which shall continue when time shall be no more . Meek , humble , and resigned , he patiently awaits the arrival of that awful moment when the soul shall take wing to the boundless and unexplored expanse above , The

Master Masson has leazmed , from bright and glorious example , that to the just and virtuous man death has few terrors . Fears of the festering corruption of the grave , or of the loathsome banque t of the woim , cannot disturb his constancy ^ ,

for when gazing upon that mysterious veil of darkness which rests upon the prospects of futurity , he has felt and recognised within himself a vital and immortal principle , inspiring a holy confidence that the Lord of Life will enable him

totrample the king of terrors underneath his feet , and will raise his eyes to that bright Morning ' - star , whose coming brings peace and tranquility to the faithful ancl obedient of the human race . Brethren , the Master Mason , who rightly

understands his art , is by it instructed how to die ; and , therefore , when the dread mandate that the dust shall return to the earth as it was , is issued forth , he can peacefully surrender his soul unto God who gave it , an- " 1 in whose presence dwell the spirits of just men made perfect . ( To be continued . )

The Stuarts And Freemasonry.

THE STUARTS AND FREEMASONRY .

{ Continued from page 110 ) . Notwithstanding Bro . John Tarker ' s remarks , I believe Mr . Pinkerton to he perfectly correct in stating that Freemasonry only dates from 1717 . It was then manufactured by Drs . Desaguliers , Anderson , and Co ., and I am not aware of any of the passwords and signs

which we now have being used by the operative Masous before that date . We have irany words ; the old Masons , as well as the other crafts , had & word , but what it was I cavmot say , and I have had no proof that Bro . Yarker knows . The Stuarts , therefore , before 1717 , could not use what did not exist . As to the remark , " the proof's unfortunately are not susceptible of introduction to your pages , " that , in my eyes , is a paltry dodge ; although I can easily under-