"There is sound sense in this Cornish Mason's letter; and we will lay it before our readers, in the hope that by means of simultaneous admonitions or memorials from the provincial lodges, this retrograde step may be atoned for before it be too late.”

As we said this the clock struck four, and being thus disappointed in our intention of writing an introduction to the Doctor's article, we are under the necessity of substituting the above conversation, although it reveals somewhat too freely the mysteries of an editor's sanctum. But before we submit the paper to our reader's perusal, we would premise that the author has a new work in the press, to be called " The Book of the Lodge; or, Officer's Manual," which has been forwarded to us in MS. for inspection. It is purely practical, and contains every species of information that can be required to render a brother perfect in all the details of Craft Masonry; and we venture to predict that it will become a text book in every lodge throughout the universe. As a work of reference it is invaluable; and we should have considered such a manual in the early period of our masonic career, when genuine masonic knowledge was difficult of attainment, as being worth its weight in gold.—E». F. Q. R.

CHAPTER III.

"It is a fundamental rule of their government, that no conclusion can be made in any thing that relates to the public till it has first been debated three several days in the council; and never to debate a thing on the same day in which it is first proposed; for that is always referred to the next meeting, that so men may not rashly, and in the heat of discourse engage themselves too soon; which may bias them so much, that instead of considering the good of the public, they will rather study to maintain their own notions; and by a perverse and preposterous sense of shame, hazard their country, rather than endanger their own reputation, or venture the being suspected to have wanted foresight in the expedients that they proposed at first. And, therefore, to prevent this, they take care that they may rather be deliberate than sudden in their motions."-SIK THOMAS MORE'S UTOPIA.

"Your obedience must be proved by a close conformity to our laws and regulations; by a prompt attention to all signs and summonses; by modest and correct demeanour whilst in the lodge; by abstaining from every topic of religious or political discussion; by a ready acquiescence in all votes and resolutions duly passed by the brethren; and by a perfect submission to the Master and his Wardens whilst acting in the discharge of their respective offices."-CHARGE TO AN E. A. P.

"Qui cupit optatam cursu contingere metam,
Multa tulit fecitque puer, sudavit et alsit.”—HOR.

Ir is an axiom universally admitted, that the practice of moral and social virtue will conduce to the promotion of human happiness. Whatever, therefore has a tendency to enfore such a practice, will be entitled to the praise of conferring essential benefits on mankind. And that this is true with respect to Freemasonry, it will be my next business to prove.

In order to preserve society in a healthful state, it is necessary that regularity and order be strictly enforced by a due observance of the laws, without which, confusion and debauchery of every baleful kind would soon be introduced, to the destruction of that peace and harmony which are blended in the details of masonic government, as being absolutely required to produce the comfort and happiness of its members, and the general well-being of the institution. The same may be said of the community at large. Courtesy to each other, obedience to the laws, and submission to the powers that be, are equally urgent to secure the public welfare.

It will be unnecessary to enlarge upon this point, because the evils of insubordination are universally known and lamented. The man who sets at defiance the laws under which he lives and by which he is pro

tected, be his station in life whatever it may, has no regard for the rights and property of his neighbour. What at first was simple fraud becomes dishonesty. A defect in the accredited rulers and governors of any society, induces distrust and disaffection, as insubordination sometimes terminates in rebellion; and the chain of crime leads on by gradual links to every species of disorder; which is destruction of human happiness. Whatever may have a tendency to prevent such unhappy results must he considered of great public utility. And such is Freemasonry, as will appear from a very slight view of the laws and constitutions of the Order.

These laws and constitutions have been constructed on the principle of preventing the commission of crime; thus rendering punishment unnecessary. It is not often that the extreme penalties of the Order are inflicted on Masons, because admonition is generally sufficient to produce the desired effect. "If a brother err, admonish him,-perhaps he may be saved," says the most sacred of all books. In like manner the Constitutions of Masonry provide, that if a brother shall behave in such a way as to disturb the harmony of the lodge, he shall thrice be formally admonished by the W. M.; and if he persist in his irregular conduct, he will be subject to punishment according to the provisions named in the by-laws of the lodge, except it shall be considered necessary or prudent to report the case to the P. G. Master. But no member can be expelled without due notice being given him of the charge which has been preferred against him, and of the time appointed for its consideration, that he may have a full opportunity of proving his innocence. And in no case can a brother be excluded from his lodge on any charge, except a statement of the cause of his exclusion be forwarded to the Grand and P. G. Masters.

This is in strict conformity with the ancient charges of Masonry, which conclude with these truly excellent directions:-"All these charges you are to observe, and also those that shall be communicated to you in another way; cultivating brotherly love, the foundation and cape-stone, the cement and glory, of this ancient fraternity; avoiding all wrangling and quarrelling, slandering and backbiting; not permitting others to slander any honest brother, but defending his character and doing him all good offices as far as is consistent with your own honour and safety, but no farther; that all mankind may see the benign influence of Masonry, as all true Masons have done from the beginning of the world, and will do to the end of time.'

These appropriate lessons are reduced to practice, and beautifully illustrated in the government of the lodge. Here we find power blended with gentleness, justice with mercy, and strict discipline tempered by harmony and peace. A disposition which produces that concord and agreement amongst the brethren which have characterised the proceedings of Masonry from its first institution, when the absence of metal tools was intended to symbolize the harmony and union of the members, and have caused it to outlive all other societies of a similar nature which have severally risen, flourished, and decayed, throughout the whole of its quiet and steady progress along the resistless stream of time.

Its operation has realised the picture of a well-regulated and happy society, described by a writer of the last century, where order and harmony are preserved, where peace, tenderness, love, and affection reign, untainted with discord, unembittered by strife or animosities, because

there is a constant and unwearied endeavour to serve and oblige each other. Such a society is doubtless a sight well pleasing in the eyes of that God who formed the members of it. It is an emblem of the whole frame of nature, the glorious fabric of the universe, built by the divine Architect, whose Wisdom ordained its symmetry and proportions; by whose Strength each part is made to be perfect in itself, and to contribute at the same time to the Beauty, magnificence, and duration of the whole.

Obedience and subordination are virtues which will conduce, in an eminent degree, to the production of this desirable state of order and happiness. And it is an established principle in Masonry, that "such is the nature of our constitution, that as some must of necessity rule and teach, so others must of course learn to submit and obey. Humility, in both, is an essential duty." The most ancient charges provide "that every Master Mason and Fellow that hath trespassed against the Craft shall stand to the correction of other Masters and Fellows to make him accord;" the laws against Master and Fellow being equally stringent. The above virtues, therefore, in both are absolutely requisite to produce the regularity and order which constitute the distinguishing excellence of a lodge of Masons. Society cannot exist without subordination. States and empires fall into ruin and decay, if deprived of the master-hand which presides at the helm to pilot the vessel in safety. The members depend on the correct conduct of the head, as the head depends on the obedience of the members. If law be violated or duty neglected by either party, nothing can be expected to ensue but anarchy and confusion; and this in Masonry would destroy the character of a lodge. Without these ingredients the cup of bliss would be imperfect; as may be evidenced by the degraded state of those who have set these virtues at defiance. They linger through a miserable life, in continual dread lest the laws they have renounced should rebound with fatal violence, and crush them into ruin. Peace is a stranger to their hearts, and they increase the evil tenfold by endeavouring to drown their apprehensions in the turbid ocean of intoxication. But a habit of obedience produces a meek and quiet spirit, extracts all bitterness from the dream of life, and by a well regulated system of mutual forbearance and subordination, produces that peace of mind which passeth all understanding.

In the details of the masonic Order this virtue is carried out to its utmost perfection; and by habituating the fraternity to an experience of its salutary effects, they are disposed to extend its practice to all the affairs of life; thus affording an example to others of the comfort and happiness which it superinduces. Masons are taught to "rule and govern their passions, and to keep a tongue of good report;" and while they obey this salutary injunction, they impart a silent lesson to the community amongst which they live, of the serenity of mind which is sure to spring from a strict observance of discipline and social order.

The beautiful arrangement which distinguishes all the proceedings of a lodge of Masons, will be illustrated by the opinion of an experienced Grand Master (H. R. H. the late Duke of Sussex), who thus instructed the brethren, ex cathedrâ :-" It must afford un-initiated individuals matter for deep reflection and consideration, when they see persons of a variety of opinions, of different feelings and religions, entertaining, in fact, all the differences upon politics and religion which are the most capable of exciting the passions, and arraying man against man, assembling together in one great cause, and, burying all ninor feelings, join

cordially in the great work of benefitting society at large, by contributing not only their exertions, but their example, in the promoting of everything that is liberal-everything calculated to heighten the character of man. If brethren, when they enter this society, do not reflect upon the principles on which it is founded; if they do not act upon the obligations which they have voluntarily undertaken to discharge, the sooner they retire from the Order, the better it will be for Masonry, and the more creditable for themselves. I am satisfied that the brethren whom I am now addressing do not want any such exhortation. But I think it necessary to impress upon them these facts, because, not only from the high position which I hold, but likewise from the number of years which I have had the honour of belonging to our noble institution, I may be allowed to express my opinion as to the duties which every member of the Craft is bound to perform. When I first determined to become a Freemason, it was a matter of very serious consideration with me; and I can assure the brethren that it was at a period when I had the power of well considering the matter; for it was not in the boyish days of my youth, but at the more mature age of twenty-five or twenty-six years. I did not take it up as a light and trivial matter, but as a grave and serious concern of my life. I worked my way diligently, passing through all the different offices of Junior and Senior Warden, Master of a lodge, then Deputy Grand Master, until I finally closed it by the proud station which I have now the honour to hold. Therefore, having studied it, having reflected upon it, I know the value of the institution; and I may venture to say, that in all my transactions through life, the rules and principles laid down and prescribed by our Order have been, to the best of my faculties, strictly followed. And if I have been of any use to society at large, it must be attributed, in a great degree, to the impetus derived from Masonry."

In a lodge the strictest government is displayed. Every officer has a place assigned to him. He knows it, and faithfully performs its duties. The Master stands in the east, to instruct by his wisdom; the Senior Warden in the west, to support by his strength; and the Junior Warden in the south, to adorn by his beauty. Even the assistant officers have their specific duties to discharge, and never attempt to exceed them. The brethren listen with attention to the lessons of virtue and morality which emanate from the rising sun, like rays of brilliant light, and learn to profit by obedience and submission to his will and pleasure.

Nothing can be more beautiful than to behold a well-regulated lodge in the exercise of masonic labour. It is a sight which angels would approve. No disputes or contradictions opinions can possibly arise, and

"The only contention 'mongst Masons can be,
Who better can work, or who better agree."

What a French writer says of the delightful plains of Lausanne, will apply to the peace, harmony, and brotherly love, which characterize a Mason's lodge.“ I should wish to end my days in these charming solitudes, far retired from the tumultuous scenes of the world, from avarice and deceit, where a thousand innocent pleasures are enjoyed and renewed without end. There we escape from profligate discourse, from unmeaning prattle, from envy, detraction, and jealousy. Smiling plains, the extent of which the astonished eye is incapable of measuring, and which it is impossible to see without admiring the goodness of the divine Creator; so many different animals wandering peaceably among each other, whose

VOL. VI.

L L

opposite propensities there meet and assimilate; with so many wonders of nature wooing the mind to awful contemplation."

These principles are publicly exhibited in masonic processions, where all is order and decorum. The regulations are so perfect, that everything is precisely where it ought to be. No irregularities are observable, and every individual occupies the station assigned to him according to rank, office, or seniority. It is this which makes a masonic procession such an object of universal interest; and it is totally unattainable by any other order or body of men. The very motion of a body of Masons conveys an idea of peace and tranquillity; and, like Balaam, when viewing the camp of Israel, the spectator is entranced, and ready to exclaim-"How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!"

"How vast must their advantage be!
How great their pleasure prove!
Who live like brethren, and consent
In offices of love!

True love is like that precious oil

Which, pour'd on Aaron's head,

Ran down his beard, and o'er his robes
Its costly moisture shed.

'Tis like refreshing dew, which does

On Hermon's top distil;

Or like the early drops that fall

On Sion's fruitful hill.

For Sion is the chosen seat,

Where the Almighty King

The promised blessing has ordain'd

And life's eternal spring."

BRADY AND TATE'S VERSION OF THE 133rd PSALM.

THE FREEMASONS' LEXICON.

[Translated expressly for the "Freemasons' Quarterly Review."]

(Continued from page 141.)

Stein, der Rohe-oder Bruchsteine. Stone, the Rough or Quarry Stone, Rough Ashler.-We cannot regard the rough ashler as an imperfect thing, for it was created by the Almighty Great Architect, and he created nothing imperfect, but gave us wisdom and understanding, so as to enable us to convert the seemingly imperfect to our especial use and comfort. What great alterations are made in a rough ashler by the mallet and chisel! With it are formed, by the intelligent man, the most admirable pieces of architecture. And man, what is he when he first enters into the world?-Imperfect, and yet a perfect work of God, out of which so much can be made by education and cultivation.

Stein der Weisen-oder Lapis philosophorum. The Philosopher's Stone. This stone has been sought by Freemasons, but with as little success as it was sought for by the alchymists of ancient and modern ages. By this stone is understood a tincture, not only for preserving continued good health, but also to prolong life; the searchers after which are generally called adepts, and many of them have pretended that they had discovered the philosopher's stone; but, like all other mortals, they were subject to disease, and, at the common age, were carried to the grave.

Stern, der Flammende. The Blazing Star is an important symbol;