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so many generations. In the lower degrees, it is too often the practice to leave too much to the ignorance and undisciplined imagination of the presiding officers. Many who are appointed teachers of our mysteries, seem to exercise little thought or common sense in the exercise of their duties; and like the mechanical artist devoid of genius, servilely copy the defects and errors of their instructors, and, misunderstanding, pervert and torture into unmeaning nothingness the most beautiful truths communicated to them. I should say much more if I were not afraid of being heard by those who are uninitiated; because "men are apt to deride what they do not understand; and the ignorant, being not aware of the weakness of their minds, condemn what they ought most to venerate.*"

The fate which has attended our traditions, is not a singular one. In the traditions regarding the early histories of ancient nations, as recorded by Herodotus and other standard authors, we find analagous adn.ixtures of fables and perversions of facts. As in the legends of Freemasons, so in those of nations of the most remote antiquity, a less than a Lord Bacont can readily discover that such legends are not the invention of ignorant imposture, as many, unlearned and vulgar, imagine, and some plume themselves on having, as they absurdly suppose, discovered, but a most ingenious contrivance to convey important facts and wholesome truths by veiled types and allegories.

It betrays ignorance and defective research to argue, that the first three degrees as we now have them, contain the whole of Freemasonry. Within the last two hundred years, there was a time, when in a certain part of Europe, all the secrets of those three degrees were communicated in one ceremony. From the premises furnished by this isolated fact, we would arrive at the sophistical conclusion that there is only one legitimate degree in Freemasonry! It would be manifestly improper on any public occasion, as it is and should be inconsistent with my design on this occasion, to particularize on this point. Suffice to say, that separate and distinct traditions and consequent truths and duties, form the groundwork of the different degrees: to mix and blend which together, would render the whole a confused and unintelligible mass. It would, indeed, be morally impossible to teach a tithe of what relates to our Institution, and which every zealous and true Brother would desire and ought to know and understand, in the usual period allotted to conter the three degrees in question. Some of our degrees are only honorary and official, and bear no comparison in number with those cultured by our ancient Brethren. Among our most ancient Brethren the Egyptians, the mysteries were communicated in ninety or more distinct ceremonials.

The Master's degree was instituted before the Dionysian artists (of whom Huram, or Hiram, was one,) arrived at Jerusalem. The Dionysian mysteries may with propriety, be termed Gentile, while the same mysteries modified by Solomon, deserve the name of Jewish. How absurd the error of the Prussian Masons, to exclude the Jews from their Lodges! This remark is applicable to the Ineffable degrees also, which are founded on occurrences which took place at the time of, or shortly after, the building of the first temple; and at the same time our teachings are intimately connected with the Dionysian, the Elusinian, the Essenean, and Pythagorean mysteries; which have all one common origin, and were all less corrupted and are now less perfectly understood, than many flippant writers would have the world believe. All genuine Freemasonic degrees, whether ancient or modern, have a strict and unmistakeable reference to the act, as well as the art or science of building. The sacred structures of modern as well as of olden times, in their numerous and minutest parts, ornamental as well as useful, from their chief corner stones to their highest pinnacles pointing

*St. Cyril, A. D. 412, in his 7th Book against Julian.

+See his "Wisdom of the Ancients."

From Urim, or light.

heavenward, are all made tributary to the symbolization of our mystic Order.* It is nevertheless true that in the most remote times, even as in the present, the preservation of the arts and sciences, was not the exclusive object of Freemasonry. The doctrines of the unity of the Godhead, the knowledge of the true God, (whom the multitude ignorantly worshipped,) his nature and perfections, and the doctrines of life and immortality beyond the grave, and of universal love, were taught in our mysteries; that love which is real Christianity, has ever been and is now the grand object of our Order in all its departments. We fraternize with our Brethren of every nation who possess the religions sentiment, no inatter under what name. "To do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God," is the requisition alike of Freemasonry and true religion. Love to God, or piety; love to our neighbors, or charity; and duty to ourselves, or self-perfection, is the religio or tie which binds us together. We consider that faith the soundest which serves to foster "love to the Brethren." Where Freemasonry exists in its genuineness, it will stand this test. Faith and love when of God, will be in unity. What is true of Freemasonry in general, is true of that department of it with which we are now engaged.

"To works of art her merit 's not confined,
She regulates the morals, squares the mind;
Connects with care the sallies of the soul,
And points the tide of passion where to roll.
On virtue's tablet marks her moral rule,

And forms her Lodge an universal school."

Said our sublime and Rev. Br. Dalcho, "I know of no institution in which benevolence so pure, and philanthropy so disinterested, are taught in obedience to the cominand of God, nor where, but in the gospel, the social and moral duties are enforced by such awful sanctions, as in the Lodges of the Brotherhood." If it is our province to inculcate religious and moral precepts, we pretend to no exclusive powers or rights in this respect-at the most to such only as are co-ordinate with, though independent of, other institutions. We propagate our tenets by establishing Lodges and giving instruction therein on our peculiar plan.

The worshippers at our altars must come voluntarily, or not at all. They must be inspired with a sincere desire to be duly called by legal authority to act with zeal and integrity in an exalted department of Freemasonry, to participate in the dignities and privileges of Prince Masons. To all such, if they have the well kuown necessary pre-requisites, we will cheerfully open the portals of our temple, conduct them to its inmost penetralia, its most secret vaults and its highest stories.. "As a test of our true prosperity, we place more reliance upon the quality than the quantity of our members. We hope never to forget, that genuine Masonry is unobtrusive; that in its true spirit, it is pure as the dew of heaven, free and refreshing as its vernal breezes, a divine manna for the clear-sighted to gather, every one according to his own taste, some more, and some less; giving freely, as we freely receive, without forcing on any what in its primitive purity best recommends itself. Viewing Masonry in this, its true character, we shall continue, as heretofore, to pursue without obtrusion the even tenor of our way, avoiding, as professors, teachers and regulators of our sublime Order, the unbecoming practice of attempting to make proselytes."

“What remains for us to do?" but that all the days of our lives we should

*As one among the many coincidences between ancient and modern sacred architecture, I would refer the inquiring Brother to the hieroglyphical figure or device called "vesica piscis," (Designa circino invariato tres piscium vesicas) which prevailed in the middle ages. This device entered into the design of the central room in the great Egyptian pyramid, constituted a sign of recognition among the epopts, and was connected with the entire train of Masonry which that pyramid embodied and comprised.

+See Circular issued by the Northern Sup. Gr. Council of the U. S., on the 1st May, 1845.

practice virtue, fly vice, and abide in the house of JEHOVAH with pious awe, and in solemn silence work at his holy Temple!

"Let us extol Him who rideth in the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before Him."

"A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widow, is God in his holy habitation."

"He has given us the treasures of darkness, and the hidden riches of secret places."

"He setteth the solitary in families. He bringeth out those that are bound in chains."

"Our ELOHIM, in Thee will we trust." "Be unto us STRENGTH, a refuge, a fortress, and deliverer." "His truth shall be our shield and buckler." "May we dwell in the secret place of the Most High, so that we may abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

"Teach us so to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto WISDOM." "And let the BEAUTY of the Lord be upon us. Establish Thou the work of our hands; yea, the work of our hands, establish Thou it." "So mote it be."

CORRESPONDENCE.

Mansfield, La., July 16, 1848.

BR. MOORE :-Dear Sir:-Perhaps it may not be uninteresting to you, to receive a few lines on the Masonic doings at Fort Jessup, the place where American troops formerly quartered; and to learn that our beloved cause is prospering there. Fort Jessup and the vicinity may be considered as actually rising, and the inhabitants thereof in a state of moral advancement. It argues well for any people when they freely come forward, and, in the mystic tie, bind themselves to that Order, whose tenets are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth; and whose cardinal doctrines, Faith, Hope and Charity. This old military depot is situated in Sabine Parish, where a Lodge of ancient Free and Accepted Masons has been organized and called after the name of the Parish, and is working under a dispensation from the Louisiana Grand Lodge of A. Y. Masonry. This, so far as my knowledge is concerned, is the first body of Masons established in the State, apart from the city of New Orleans, which has obtained authority to work from the new Grand Lodge. At the first communication, six petitions were handed in for initiation. At the second there were present and assisted in the labors, Br. Norman and myself, from the Lodge at this place; Br. Weatherhead and Rev. Mr. Warriner, W. M. of Milam Lodge, Texas. In order to secure the assistance of their visiting Brethren, as well as being induced by the great amount of labor on hand, the Lodge proceeded to initiate, pass and raise five of the candidates whose petitions had been acted on. At the same meeting, thirteen applications were received for admission into our Order. Five others have since been initiated.

It was pleasing to notice that the Lodge were determined to have among them none but men of substantial morals. One of the applicants for initiation into our Order, had been occasionally in the habit of "spreeing," but was, in other respects, unobjectionable; and they would not, for a moment, entertain his petition till he had given a solemn pledge that he would do so no The communication was one of great interest-a more complete blending of hearts and minds I never saw, It would have done your good

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heart good to have been present and participated in our labors on that solemn and interesting occasion. To see an aged Brother arise, after the ceremonies of initiation were over, and embrace his son, with tears of joy starting from his eyes, was enough to convince any body capable of being convinced, that there is something excellent in Masonry, which cannot be described. It may be felt, but not told.

The following are the officers of the Lodge:-Rev. J. N. Hammill, W. M. ; S. Phifer, S. W.; J. D. Tucker, J. W.; J. Harris, Treas.; J. B. Stoddard, Sec. ; C. Beck, S. D.; J. H. Thompson, J. D.; Rev. N. J. Alford, Chaplain; S. W. Camp, Tyler.

Yours, truly and fraternally,

A. S. FLOWER.

Lafayette, Ala., June 20, 1848.

COMP. MOORE,-The noble cause of Masonry here is progressive. We are adding to our numbers gradually persons of good morals and high respectability, such as we doubt not will make good Masons, and take great pleasure in conforming to all the ancient usages and customs of our time-honored Institution. Our Lodge (Solomon's, No. 74,) will celebrate the anniversary of St. John the Baptist, on the 24th inst., by a procession, address and dinner, the latter to be paid by subscription. I am not in favor of drawing on our Lodge fund for such purposes, preferring that it should be held for the relief of worthy Brethren, their widows and orphans. We shall organize a Chapter in this place next month, by the name of Concord Chapter, No. 37. Yours, fraternally, J. W. BAChElder.

Clarksville, Tenn., July 14, 1848.

BR. C. W. MOORE,-The Lodges and Chapters of this part of the world were never more prosperous than at the present time. The membership is increasing in all that I know, and it may in truth be said that the elevating influence of the principles inculcated by the Order are seen and acknowledged by all the intelligent and unprejudiced of the uninitiated. I hope you will not consider it flattery when I say that the Magazine has done much, very much to bring about this result. The Masonic information diffused through its columns is diffused through no other periodical, and without it we should be destitute of most invaluable information. I hope your subscription will be so enlarged as to justify you in increasing its size.

Truly and fraternally,

E. HOWARD.

Frederickton, N. B., Aug. 10, 1848.

SIR AND Bro.:-I have the pleasure of informing you that the Craft in New Brunswick is still increasing in numbers, and steadily advancing in public estimation.

A new Lodge, No. 811, has recently been chartered for Woodstock, about sixty miles above Frederickton, where, also, a Lodge was formerly in operation, but yielded to the simoom of antimasonry.

We have commenced the erection of a Masonic Hall in Frederickton. It will be a plain but appropriate building, and entirely suited to our purposes. The lower part is designed for public lectures, &c.

Respectfully, your ob't serv't,

R. W. CHARLES W. MOORE, Esquire.

ROBERT GOWAN.

Penn Yan, N. Y., 1847.

BRO. MOORE,I am requested to ask the two following questions, to which answers are respectfully requested in the Magazine:

1st. Can the degree of Royal and Select Master be conferred in the Chapters in this State by those in possession of them; and how many of each are required to be present to confer the degrees?

2d. Is a Brother who has regularly received the degree of Past Master, eligible to the post of Master of a Lodge, without having served as a Warden or Master, aside from any express constitutional provision?

The "Ancient and Honorable Fraternity" continues to grow and flourish in our midst. A new Lodge has been recently established at Dundee, Yates co., 14 miles from us, known as "Reading Lodge, No. 223.”

Yours, fraternally,

JOHN L. LEWIS, Jr.

1. There formerly was a Grand Council in the State of New York. If it is still in existence, it would not be competent for the Chapters to confer the R. and S. degrees. Otherwise, it would be.

2. We are inclined to the opinion that the usage in this country, at least, has established the principle, and that he would be eligible. This, however, was not the ancient practice; but the rule seems not to be very positive. We owe our correspondent an apology for neglect.-ED.

Kingston, Canada, July 18, 1848.

BR. MOORE, I am happy to say that the Craft flourish in Kingston. St. John's Lodge is not going backward. The Duke of Leinster Lodge is also in full work, as also the Meridian Lodge, attached to the 20th Regt., now in garrison here. A Chapter is attached to St. John's-also flourishing.

Yours, &c.,

S. D. F.

Warren, R. I., July 3, 1848.

BR. MOORE,—Excuse me for intruding upon your time for a few moments. I have been studying Masonry to the best of my abilities, and now want to know how far Ancient Masonry goes;* and whether you consider the Royal and Select Masters' degrees as essential to the completion of the Temple ?+Secondly,―Is a Master Mason eligible to a Lodge of Perfection, without going through the Chapter? My reasons for asking the last question are, that in your Magazine, vol. vi., No. 5, I found a list of Masonic degrees, with a note referred to from the list of degrees in the Lodge of Perfection, saying, start from the Master's." By answering the above, you will oblige A YOUNG MASTER MASON.

"these

*Ancient Craft Masonry consists of the first three degrees. There are innumerable other degrees, more or less ancient,-some going back, in their ritual, even as far as the Temple of Solomon. To discuss the credibility of these, and to attempt to separate the grain which lies buried amid an interminable load of chaff, would require more time and room than we can give to the subject. We recommend our correspondent to continue his studies, and to read such works on the subject as are most reliable.

+The Royal and Select Masters' degrees, in their ritual, are connected with the completion of the first Temple, and are illustrative of that event.

In the Northern, and we believe the same is true of the Southern Jurisdiction, none but R. A. Masons are admitted to a Lodge of Perfection. Prior to the present arrangement of R. A. Masonry, the case stood differently, and M. M. were admitted. We think they are, at this time, in Europe. The degrees, however, start from the M M., and so count, without any other reference to the Chapter, Councils, or Encampments, than that intimated.

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