Professor Robertson On Freemasonry.

and he does so very methodically , the following being his syllabus , or rather programme : — " First , I have been compelled to point out the nature of the primitive religion , the defection of heathenism , and the relations of the celebrated Eleusinian mysteries , from which Masonry claims to

derive its system , both to the primitive revelation on the one hand , and to Paganism itself on the other . The appeal which this Institution makes to what it calls the more spiritual Induism , is then examined . " " Next , I give a rapid sketch of Masonry , showing

how it evolved from the associations in the Middle Ages , till , in the time of the English CommouAvealth , it assumed a political form . Then I trace its history from that period down to the middle of the last century , Avhen it incurs the formal censures of the Church . Afterwards , I endeavour to justify the

judgments of the Church in respect to all secret societies , and especially to those who , like the higher Masons , the Illuminati , the Jacobins , and the Socialists , aim at a total relig ious and social revolution . I show how utterly inconsistent with the Christian relevation are the very pretensions of Masonry .

Then I explain why so many estimable individuals , and some holding a high social position , were members of the Masonic Order . Afterwards , I show that a large portion of Masons in eA'ery countrj * , and especially in this empire , as they occupied the lower

grades of the Order , knew nothing of its ultimate tendencies . The dangers of Masonry , even to those in the inferior degrees , are then considered . "Next , I analyse its constitution , and then its religion , and subsequently its historical doctrines . " ( To be continued . )

Ears Of Wheat From A Cornucopia.

EARS OF WHEAT FROM A CORNUCOPIA .

By Bro . D . MuiuiAY LYON , one of the Grand Stewards in tlie Grand Lodge of Scotland . CRAFTSMEN ' S ESSAYS . A clause in one of the Statutes promulgated in 1598 by James VI . ' s Master of Work , for the

regulation of Masonic affairs in Scotland , runs thus : — " . . . that na man be admittit without ane Essay and sufficient tryall of his skill and Avorthynes in his vocatioun and craft . " In our Masonic researches Ave have not been able to

discover any written description of such Essays of an earlier date than 1765 ; While seaichino- for material AvhereAvith to frame the communication anent the probable date of the second Charter grnted by the Scottish Craftsmen to St . Clair of Roslin , for Avhich in August last we received the thanks of the Grand Lodge of Scotland , and Avhich

Ears Of Wheat From A Cornucopia.

paper appeared in a recent number of this MAGAZINE , Ave found in the records of the Ayr Squaremen Incorporation frequent mention of Essays being- required of applicants for the freedom of the Graft . Here are two such : —

" Air , Oct ., 1765 . " The Deacon represents that , in consequence of a meeting the 16 th of September last , the Tred , after Mathew Hand , journeyman wright in Air , had given iu his speaking plack in order to be admitted a Erieman in the Squaremen Incorporation of Air , as a *

Wright in the house and shop Avaj ' , the Deaconappoints a quorum of his number to appoint him an Essay , Avhich they did as follows : a bound door with three pannells , two standing and one l ying—the door about 6 foot high and two foot S or 9 inches broad ,, sprung on both sides or one side as he sail please ; also a Tea table about 31 inches in diameter and

pillar and three claAvs , and the cape to be fixed on the pillar ' s head . The said Mathew to be attended by John Shearer aud John Kennedy . " At next meeting , the Essay pieces Avere produced ,, and by a plurality of votes passed . One of the minority , however , took a protest against the Essay

on the ground of the door not being sufficiently made . A feAV months afterwards applicant again offered at the Incorporation Board , and offered payment of his entry-money , at the same time protesting against their not passing his Essay piece . The Deacon

declined admitting him until he should produce the door , Avhich he subsequentl y did , and , it being declared to be sufficiently made , the Essayist Avas admitted on payment of 10 lb . Scots to the box , 6 d . to the clerk , and 2 d . to the officer .

" March 23 , 1767 . " The Deacon represents that John Hunter , mason , has given in his speaking plack , the 7 th March . The Deacon appoints for an Essay Piece a pair of Concave . Jambs , 3 foot , aud the Avideness the same . " After inspection the work Avas declared to be

properly done , and applicant was accordingly admitted ' a Freeman . A parallel to these Essay pieces of Operative Craftsmen is presented in the examination for advancement in lodges of symbolical Masonry .

What Is The Good Of Freemasonry ?

WHAT IS THE GOOD OF FREEMASONRY ?

By Bro . J . 0 . PAEKINSON , P . M . and Treas . 181 . Extolled as the true faith , denounced as an . offshoot of Satan , praised by croAvned , and banned by tonsured heads , dreaded as a subtle political engine , and admired for its profound indifference to politics , the essence of goodness according tosome men , and the spirit of evil if you listen to