The Principles Of Freemasonry.

merely , in its limited sense , but in the most expanded view of it , as comprehending tho sum of all virtues , is our leading princip le , tending to bind us all together by the most sacried ties . This , it need hardly be remarked , was not the distinguishing feature of Jesuitism , and is totally in contradiction to the "kind of social selfeshness

and sectiomal virtue , a subordination of philanthropy to the love of caste" which are falsely imputed to us . If the principles of Freemasonry were better understood in the world than they are , by its adherents as well as by others , men would be aware that its tenets

are such as ought to inspire confidence in its integrity and honesty of purpose , and ivould regard it aud virtue as convertible terms ; whereas it is well known that Jesuitical is tite word employed to designate all that is mean , false , dissimulating and crafty . One of the

leading points in our system is strict performance of "civil duties , hy never proposing or at all countenancing any act that may have a tendency to subvert the peace and good order of society ; by paying due obedience to the laws of any state ivhieh may for a time become the place

of residence or afford its protection ; and above all , by never losing sight of the allegiance due to the sovereign of his native land . " Who , that reads this as a prominent characteristic of our system , can see any similarity to the obnoxious order with which ive are compared ?—since the history of all countries in which it has existed and been permitted to carry ou its intrigues and

machinations , abounds in instances of a contrary character , by the subversion of monarchs , the encouragement of revolutions . , thc formation of conspiracies , the overthrow of social order and government-. A . dtnission among tho Jesuits separated those on whom it laid its srasp and surrounded with its toils , fi-om the interests of society ,

bound them up in a caste , ivhose advantage they ivere to pursue at all times , at all risks , and under all circumstances , and led them into a perpetual warfare against freedom . Each individual was a spy upon his neighbour , while he was in turn watched with equal and increasing

vigilance , though himself unconscious of the fact . Can any one impute such , purposes and such actions to us ? Can ani' one allege , that as Masons , wc are less useful as members of society , less animated by good motives to sock the general welfare of mankind , because wc choose

to unite for purposes especially our oivn , and wliich in no way or degree mil itatc against the promotion of every thing of an elevating tendency , which the wise and the virtuous , whether they belong to us or not , hold to be good , beneficial to the interests of mankind , and in

perfect conformity with the precepts contained iu the Sacred Volume , ? We challenge our adversaries to show that because ive are Masons , we are therefore restricted in our notions , opposed to progress in moraliiy . in religion , -and in knowledge , more adverse to freedom of

everykind , more i ' lfgevful of the social relations , more devoid of syi :- ,,..-u ! r- ¦ . villi our folloiv men . On nil these grounds , llitis cursorily alluded to . ive reject thc idea that the passage quoted is applicable to us

The Principles Of Freemasonry.

as an exclusive order , and desire to add our conscientious belief , that it would be well if all ri ght-minded men would attach themselves to us , would entitle themselves to a participation in our mysteries . Many would then find that their present doubts as to the tendency of the Craft are entirely without foundation , and ivould zealously

assist in making the institution what it is designed to be , the promoter of every moral and social virtue . If they approved of its principles , the reverse of which is almost impossible to such as understand them , and if they found that they were not strictly adhered to b y the more

careless of its members , they ivould add their wei ght ancl influence to induce a conformity between precept and practice , and ivould thus be conferring incalculable benefits on our Order .

Masonic Rambles.—Ii.

MASONIC RAMBLES . —II .

( From a Correspondent . ) Proceeding onwards and guiding my steps in accordance with my object , I found at the George Hotel , at Stroud , a flourishing lodge very well conducted . The officers up to their workbearing evidence of good training , and

, purchasing three copies of the MAGAZIXE . The D . Prov . G . M . had been the W-M . of the Sherborne Lodge , and hence the good condition of matters there , furniture good and appropriate . At Cirencester , the Booms of the Got-teswold Lodge , at the Earn Hotel , arc commodious , but there is an air

about them that ill befits the ceremonies of a Masonic lodge . Mr . Stevens would do ivell to have them better ventilated . The lodge ivas not meeting during my stay , the officers did not appear to possess so much skill as at Stroud , although the 1 ) . Prov . G . M . resides there—three copies of the M . UIAZTXE are subscribed for . At Beading , the Lodge of Union held in a private room , does not meet during the summer months , I presume their ivarrant will permit them the avoidance

—the principal officers chairs in tins lodge are remarkably handsome , but the rooms are certainly the most ill contrived of any I have seen—they did require a new Hall , and though small , it will be a very appropriate building , and reflects great credit on the architect , ( Bro . Claey , of Beading ) , but I hope when they remove the elegant chairsthey will find some vault in which to

, deposit certain transparencies and thericketty pedestals , which only create risibility and wonder , that our brethren there could sanction such slnall attempts at Masonic effect . Tiie arrangements of the new structure , ivhieh is very nearly completed , require amendment at the entrance , —the reception room for visitors or strangers ,

is the same as for candidates , —this mi ght be avoided , the ornaments interiorily and exteriorily include matters relative to TILli GRAND C 1 EAPTLR of R . A . IL ! I learned that a Chapter some years ago had been established there , but was in a dormant state—the opening of the New Building may resuscitate it . Tiie ivorking of the Union Lodge is uudei the direction of Bro . Jordan , and therefore excellent . —Only three copies of the MAGAZIXE are taken in .

At Basingstoke , ( the Ouldey Lodye , held at the Black Boy Inn ) , the arrangements are worst than at Betiding , tho preparing room being down stairs , so that the candidate has to be led along a passage to which there is a public opening , and up the stairs , in the cold draught oi