Freemasonry In China.

Bro . Giles , from whose interesting paper we take these extracts , adds , "I could go on producing a large number of similar quotations from various Chinese authors of note , such as the philosopher Wentzu , fourth century B . C . ; the poet Lin Tsung Yuan , A . D . 773 ; the famous scholar and poet , Su Tung Po , 1086 A . D . ; and can even " shew how this Masonic phraseology has found its p lace in the literary language of China even to the present day . "

But not to weary the reader , I will merely mention that Bro . Giles gives us several proofs of the common use of , to us , familiar Masonic symbolism . Certain Masonic symbols , as the point within a circle , the level like that on a Past Master ' s apron , and even the tau may perhaps be traced . An " apron" is mentioned by Confucius , and au illustration is given by Bro . Giles ; while the Chinese symbol for an axe represents Master Mason , which fact may interest

Bro . Fort , in reference to Thor ' s hammer , and the like . As regards the Triad Society , whatever it be now , many of its ceremonies have a Masonic character , and seem to point to a common ori gin . If they be pre-1717 they are very ancient indeed ; if they are onl y the adaptation of English Masonic verbiage , then of course their value is represented by the " unknown quantity . "

On the whole we are inclined to think , that in China as elsewhere , we are only on the threshold still of Masonic investigation . If the "relics " at Golden Square are veritable ones , and there seems no possible doubt in that respect , Freemasonry had an early existence in China , and , though perverted through the lapse of ages , seems ito illustrate Oliver ' s old theory , of the connection of Freemasonry with primeval religion and the " ancient mysteries , " which at one time were the onl y depositories of any " residuum " of reli gious wisdom , truth , and belief .

Examination Of A Mason.

EXAMINATION OF A MASON .

TN The Flying Post , or Post Master , from April 11 th to 13 th , 172-3 , the fol -L lowing curious tract is found . Bro . R . F . Gould was the first , we believe , to publish "in extenso , "in The Freemason , and to unearth , this "Catechism , " though reference is made in Kloss to a catechism in the Post Boy of 1724-25-26 , and Bro . Hughan and " Masonic Student" mentioned the fact of the existence of the Post Boy . Kloss also alludes to an earlier catechism , though he clearly

had not seen this one . We have thought it well to re-publish it from another transcript for easy reference in The Masonic Magazine , as it has several important points . EXAMINATION OF A MASON . WHEN a Freemason is enter'dafter having iven to all present of the

, g Fraternit y a pair of Men and Women ' s gloves and Leathern Apron , he is to hear the ** #### * belonging to the Society read to him by the Master of the Lodge . Then a Warden leads him to the Master and Fellows , to each of whom he is to say—I fain would a Mason be , As all your Worships may plainly see .

After this he swears to reveal no secrets of the Worshipful Fraternity , on pain of having his Throat cut , and having a double portion of Hell and D amnation hereafter .