On The Probable Origin Of Freemasonry.

-arcks became convinced under the influence of the teachings of Masonry , that they were not higher ifcb & n their fellow-men , and resigned Masonic dignities in favour of more experienced workmen , submitting themselves to their directions without

¦ grumbling . Since the reign of King William III ., the Institution ia general has maintained itself in a flourishing . state in the Island of Great Britain . In many ¦ other countries of Europe , the Order has enjoyed

-. similar prosperity and equal protection . JVeernasonry was introduced into the United States soon after the establishment of the Order in Europe . In 1733 , the Grand Lodge of England granted a charter to certain brethren resident

at Boston , Mass ., with the power to open Ma-» sonic lodges throughout America , according as opportunities mig ht , occur . By virtue of this charter , lodges were established in various parts of the American colonies , the Canadas , and some

parts of the West Indies . In 1773 , a decree was issued by the Grand Lodge of Scotland , appointing . the Rev . Bro . Joseph Warren , of Boston , Grand . 'Master of all Masons of the Continent of America . "When hostilities broke out betAveen the American

. colonies and the mother country , the progress of . Freemasonry was in a certain measure hemmed in . -until the re-establishment of peace ; but ever . 'Since that epoch oar Institution has continued to ¦ develope itself , and acquired high distinction and

celebrity . We need not dwell any further on the "iiistory of Freemasonry in the United States , the subject being sufficiently familiar to all wellinformed brethren . Still , we owe ifc to the reader .. to state here thafc the great , the immortal

Washington was a firm , zealous , and most active protector of the Institution ; that those statesmen of -whom the country is most justly proud , have been , .. and are still , members of the Craft ; and that many preachers of Holy Writ , prominent for . 'their piety , heartily adhere to fche tenets of

Freem & somy . In this sketch we have endeavoured to lay before : fche reader a concise and truthful history of the . origin of our Order ; it will tend to convince hiin of its great antiquity and of its rapid diffusion throughout the globe . Of the many conclusions to

¦ sdiicli this brief abstract may lead us , Ave will speak only of the one Avhich is most important in a . social point of viev / , viz ., that this institution has "been , during the very darkest ages of the world , a anediuin for the teaching of the arts aud trans-

On The Probable Origin Of Freemasonry.

mission of the same to posterity . In those ages in which barbarism triumphed over civilisation , Masonry rescued that knowledge without which mankind would have been entirely incapacitated for all further progress . Every one of the adherents endeavoured to conserve thafc noble science , which has contributed so much to the welfare and the

felicity of the human race . When Christianity dawned , and the extravagant enthusiasm of ancient superstition was quelled . Freemasonry commenced to propound its doctrines , and joined Christianity with a vieAV to the realisation of that important

and Avholesome change Avhich then took place in society . In this respect the coincidence of the effects is the most convincing proof of the coincidence of the principles . This coincidence appears most remarkably in the Saxon Heptarchy .

At the very time Avhen those petty kings were converted to Christianity they embraced and patronised Masonry . The combined effects of Christianity and Freemasonry in all its purityalways produce effects beneficial to society . Even the

savage of the wilderness Avho has received his degrees regards as a brother the civilised Mason . In Freemasonry , all distinctions of nationality , creed , or colour are happily forgotten , and the grand object in the attainment of which all

concur , is the VA-elfare and happiness of mankind . Ifc follows that an immense field is open fco the . assiduous labours of the Craft . The world is the

grand theatre in AA'hich Masons are called upon to SIIOAV the benevolence of their hearts , and practice works of charity in favour of the human race . If we discharge faithfully and in full sincerity our great and important duties to God , to our

neighbours , and ourselves , we shall pave the way to a NBAV Jerusalem , which will be the everlasting and indestructible reward of the just . — Esptejo Masonico .

The Pope And Freemasonry.

THE POPE AND FREEMASONRY .

We now give the third oF the series ol letters upon the subject , by our able and much respected Bro . the Rev . J . Milner , B . A ., Chaplain , R . N . SIE—I have not been able to procure any books Avhich will aid me in replying fully and

satisfactorily to Mr . King's assertion that Freemasons have borrowed their symbols from the Gnostics , so I must do the best I can without assistance , and fulfil my promise to the best of my ability in this my last letter on what to me is a most interesting subject of study .