Masonic Notes And Queries.

Since the introduction of Christianit y , the use of the right hand in contracting oaths has been continued , but instead of extending it to heaven , or seining with it a horn of the altar , it is directed to he placed upon the Holy Scri ptures , which is the universal mode at this day iu all Christian countries . The antiquity of this usage may be learned from the

fact that in the code of the Emperor Theodosius , adopted about the year 538 , the placing of the rig ht baud on the gospel is alluded to , and iu the code of Justinian , whose date is the year 526 , the ceremony is distinctly laid down as a necessary part of the formality of the oath .

The constant use of the right hand iu the most sacred attestations aud solemn compacts , was either the cause or the consequence of its being deemed an emblem of fidelity . Dr . Potter thinks it Avas the cause , and he supposes that the right hand was naturally used instead of the left , because it Avas

more honourable , as being the instrument by which superiors give commands to those below them . Be this as it may , it is well-known that the custom existed universally , and that there are abundant allusions , in tho most ancient writers , to the junction of right hands iu making compacts . The Romans had a goddess whose name was Fides , or Fidelity , Avhose temple Avas first consecrated by Nil ma . Her symbol was two right hands joined , or

sometimes two female figures holding each other by the right hands , Avhence in all agreements among the Greeks and Eoinuna , it was usual for the parties to take each other by tho right hand , iu token of their intention to adhere to the compact . The joining of the right hands was esteemed among the Persians and Parthiiius as conveying a most

inviolable obligation of fidelity . Hence , when King Arbatunas desired to hold a conference Avith his revolted subject , Asineus , Avho was in arms against him , he dispatched a messenger to him with the request , Avho said to Asineus , " The king- hath sent 3 'ou his right hand aud security , "—that is , a promise

of safety in going and coming . And Avhen Asineus sent his brother Asileus to the proposed conference , the king met him and gave his right hand , upon which Josephus remarks : — "This is one of the greatest force there with all these barbarians , and affords affirm security to those who hold intercourse

with them ; for none of them will deceive Avhen once they have given 3-011 their right hands , nor will anyone doubt tneit- fidelity when that is once given , even though they were before suspected of injustice . ' ' It is thus apparent that the use of the right haud , as a token of sincerity aud a pledge of fidelity , is as ancient as it is universal , a fact which will account for the important station which it occupies among the symbols of Freemasonry .

EVERY SOCIETY Every society of Avhich the members are observers ¦ of the Moral Law , and believers iu the Great Architect of the Universe and the soul's immortality , may form , themselves into a true Freemasons' Lodge . — OlIAllLES PlIRTON CoOPEH .

THE BAUIIUTTE AND THE MONASTERY . Some German writers attribute the religious spirit pervading the present institution , and the

ecclesiastical style of address bestowed on the officers in tho Lodges to the close connection maintained between the bauhutte and the monasteries . —Masonic extracts . —CHA . EI . ES PURTON COOPER . ALLEGATIONS AND NEGATIONS . The columns of our periodical during the last threo

years have abounded in allegations aud negations , almost all having this distinctive character that they are the mere opinions of zealous contributors , unaccompanied by the smallest attempt to uphold them in the way customary in literature of all kinds ; words , indeed , are not Avanting ; but learning , * * * *; but logic * * *; and composition , and grammar are not unseldon execrable . — A PAST PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER .

"ALL ONE TO PREEMASONRY . " Au Entered Apprentice finds it asserted " that Christian , Jew , Turk or Hindoo , are all one to Freemasonry . " " See Preemasonry is not a lieli gion , " ' ¦ ' . Freemasons' Magazine , " vol . 20 , page 1 S 5 . My young friend inquires if the assertion is

correct . What follows Avill enable him to judge for himself . A christian is not admissable into a Jewish Preemasonry , or into a Mahommedan Preemasonry . A Jew is not admissable into a Christian Preemasonry , or into a Mahommedan Freemasonry .

A Mahommedan is not admissable into a Christian Freemasoniy , or into a Jewish Preemasonry . When the Jews aud Mahommedaus are admitted into the Christian Preemasonry of England , it is under the Constitutions of 173 S . True Preemasonry has never been known to exist in union with Hindooism . — A PAST PROVINCIAL G IIAND MASTER .

CONTRADICTION IN TERMS . Au Entered Apprentice good naturedly suggests that a contributor should amend his favourite saying , aud substitute the Avord " Atheistic Preemasonry . " —A PAST PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER . SCURRILOUSNESS .

Brother , —The scurrilousness of former times was sometimes associated Avith wit aud genius , although unworthiiy employed ; but the scurrilous-: ness which AVJ witness is associated with stupidity and coarseness , aud nothing better . —A PASS PROA ^ INCIAL GRAND MASTER .

THE ABBE GRANDI . DIER , Page 229 . In the letter by the Abbe Grandidier , dated " Strasbourg , November 24 th , 1778 , " there are some statements which are certainly true as e . g . when he speaks of our system of Speculative Masonry as " that celebrated society transmitted to us from Englandwhich

, bears tho name of Preemasonry . " The statement further on that " the founder of Preemasonry was not a Frenchman , " is scarcely so correct , however , unless it can be SIIOAVU that Uesaguliers ,. one of its founders , was not a Frenchman ; for it ia generally considered that he Avas . Again ,, the Abbe says ,

"This much boasted society of Freemasons is but a servile imitation of an ancient and useful fraternity of actual Masons , whose head-quarters were formerly