Correspondence.

Ao . 4 , Masonic Metrics . —This is a nice subject , and strictly Masonic . The individual contributions of members and non-members , archaeologists , architects , ecclesiologists , collectors , observers , will bring in rubbings and casts . There are lots of

marks in Scotland : send them up . The German marks are very interesting : make some for them . Some of the walls of our noble building will look a gigantic page of hieroglyphics . No . 5 , Brasses and Rubbingsillustrative of

, Masons and Masonry . This offers scope again , and our Avails will be papered with all kinds of queer figures in lampblack and heel-ball . No . 6 , Ancient and Oriental Illustrations oj Masonry . Here besides papers we shall be favoured

with casts and marbles , of triangles ,. and triple triangles , and triple T from Egypt , Carthage , Assyria , Greece , Rome , India , and every Mussulman country .

This is but a very imperfect sketch of what will be done within a very feAV years , if Ave once alloAv it to be begun . Such a design may be to a certain extent defined as unmasonic , which is a strong objection . Since

the existence of Masonry in London and Great Queen-street , such a thing has not been clone , aud therefore it is unmasonic . People have talked and written about the formation of Masonic learning but it has ended in talk . Preston left money for

a- Prestonian lecture , and Dr . Oliver wrote books , but the Craft has not followed the example .

The thing is , hoAvever , so easy , that nothing but a miracle saves us from the infliction . The state of the old building Avas a preservative for many years , but now that there is a neAV building there will be a clamour to' bring the archives out from

their dignified repose , and make them what is called accessible to brethren . It is thus the Government hasgraduall ybeenhoundedon ; and papers which nobody could see at one time are IIOAV thrown open for Avhat is called literary research—to wit , the Record Office , the Will Office , the State Paper Office .

Such a proceeding would ill become a mystic societ y like Freemasonry , Avhich has its OAVU priA r ate ways of promoting the public good . I am , Dear Sir and Brother , Yours fraternally , P . M .

The Origin Of Freemasonry.

THE ORIGIN OF FREEMASONRY .

TO THE EDITOIi OF THE HHEEaTASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIEEOE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Symbolical or speculative Freemasonry taken in its entirety forms a series of historical aud religious dramas , and the scene and action of the three blue degrees , from which all the others spring , are laid at the period of the completion

of King Solomon's Temple , and the unities of time and place are as strictly adhered to as the most classical critic could desire . It is obvious that the introduction of the Christian

religion Avould have been completely out of place in a drama commemorating events which occurred centuries before the Christian era . Craft Masonry could therefore only teach those great moral truths which form the basis not only of revealed religion , but the practice of which has always

been inculcated by every creed and philosophical system laid down by the uninspired pages of antiquity for the government of mankind ; therefore , carefully excluding all religious discussions , she embraces the great principles both of natural and revealed religion '

as a foundation admirably adapted for that grand and sublime scheme Avhich seeks to include all nations , races , and Languages in one bond of universal brotherhood .

I shall be hereafter able to show that , whilst keeping clear , of all controversy , and excluding from her outward ceremonies all symbols calculated to occasion religious discord , her founders have never for a moment lo 3 t sight of the grand truths of Christianity , the doctrine of the Trinity in Unity , and the Nativity and

Passion of our Lord and Saviour , which is to be typically recognised even in the setting out of the furniture of the lodge , the number and functions of the officers , and the ritual from the first entry of the Entered Apprentice to the fiual completion of the

three degrees in the mysterious ceremony of the third , the high grades then carry on the history of the Jewish people to the exodus and return from their captivity in Persia , the discovery of the volume of the . Sacred Law in the ruins of the first temple , and the building

of the second , and finally to the fulfilment of all types and prophecies in the great sacrifice offered up on Mount Calvary , embodied in the exquisite mysteries of the Rose Croix degree . Yours fraternally , ROSA CRAJCIS .

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THE most lieautiful thing on earth is the human soul , for it is the soul that beams through the eyes . It is the mind and heart that is stamped upon tho features . It is the spirit which gives expression to the face . And this , which is most desirable , is most attainable . Exr-EMEXCE teaches , it is true , hut she never teaches in time . Each event brings its lesson , and the lesson is remembered , hut the same event never occurs again .