The Craft And Its Criticisers.-Ii.

to this end for especial and definite contemplation . As already stated , it is desirable that each one of us should become familiar with the history of the Order and its illustrations , as well as with our peculiar forms and modes of recognition , but it would be absurd to attempt to palm on the world thc idea that in the present day , we conceal from it anything beyond this , though such was not the case in ancient times .

How is it that Masonic knowledge can be maintained with so much secrecy ? The statements just made are a partial answer to this question . There is , moreover , but little motive to reveal ivhat is forbidden , and though some persons do under ordinary circumstances find it difficult to maintain reticence , yet the impressions and religious character of the forms through which every candidate must pass are such as to afford a sufficient guarantee ; and in addition to thishonourand virtueand secrecyareor ought to bo

, , , , , regarded with so much strictness , and so fully and constantly enforced upon Freemasons , that he must indeed be lost to every feeling of self-respect and of his duty to others ivho could violate them in such a manner . It need not be concealed too , that certain obligations are required in a form which cannot but demand and obtain fidelity to them , yet founded on the purest principles of piety and virtue , and quite compatible with civil , moral , and religious duties .

Are there not some dreadful oaths to be taken ? It has just been admitted that no one can be made a Mason ivho is not willing to bind himself according to certain constitutional and authorised forms , but the man ivho does so with thc full intention to act faithfully and honourably , need not fear that he will he called upon to commit himself in any way ivhich is repugnant to his feelings , hostile to bis religious convictions and principles , or inconsistent ivith the duties he owes to himself or his connexions . He will afterwards

be supported by the recollection of his obligations , and led to pause , if on any occasion he should be tempted to step beyond the hounds of prudence and discretion ; thus he will he strengthened in maintaining the ties by which he has bound himself to his brethren , while in carrying them out there is ample scope for the exercise of his own judgment . What security is there that Masonic traditions have not been debased and changed in course of time , especially as written records are not permitted ? As

these do not involve any abstruse or disputed points of doctrine , but consist of a simple narrative of events illustrative of certain ancient records , they have presented no motives for misrepresentation or distortion . On them is founded nothing more than the inculcation of thoroughly moral principles , and even if the whole were incorrect , not the slightest mischief could accrue in any respect . Even suppose them to be mere myths , ivhich there is no reason to believe is the case , they are affecting ancl interesting , and they

bear reference and lead to some of the most important thoughts and considerations that can engage the mind of mortal man . Though known to be merely human inventions and emanations from poetical imaginations , wc should be sorry to lose from literature many of the beautiful allegories and stories detailed in Grecian and Roman mythology ; how much more , then , should we regret to he deprived of any such as those under consideration , which tend to promote virtuous ancl pious thoughts in connexion with events

mentioned in the volume of the sacred law . In distinct countries , and even in portions of our own , different rituals prevail , and many of the minor forms adopted hy us vary ; but throughout the whole runs a connected chain , all have the same foundation , and the landmarks , derived from but one origin , will be found to be strictly maintained . I propose to notice the remainder of the questions enumerated hi a third communication , ¦¦ - II , IL