Freemasonry In China.

thank you to apply it to the top of the stone and report to me whether it is correct . G . S . W . Right Worshipful Sir , I have tested the stone with the level and find it truly and properly aid .

Prov . G . M . Bro . Deputy . The square being the proper jewel of your office , I will thank you to apply it to those parts of the stone which should be square and report to me whether or no they are correct .

D . Prov . G . M . Right Worshipful Sir , I have tested the stone with the square and find it truly and properly laid . The Prov . G . M . then said : Brethren , fully assured of your skill in the Royal Art , it only remains for me to finish the work . He then struck the

stone three times with the mallet , saying : I declare that the squaring of this stone is correct , and that the Craftsmen have done their duty . May this undertaking , thus commenced in order , Tbe conducted speedily and successfully to its

conclusion , and may the stone laid this day prove the foundation of an Edifice whence shall emanate words of life and light to us and to those that shall come after us . The Prov . G . Dir . of Cers . then called for three

cheers , which were given with a hearty good will , the band playing a lively air . The Prov . G . M . then called upon the Prov . G . Supt . of Works for the plans , and after ascertaining from Mr . Consul Winchester that these had met

with his approval , returned them to the Prov . G . Supt . of Works enjoining upon him the utmost care and diligence in the prosecution of the work . The corn , wine , and oil were then handed to the D . Prov . G . M ., Prov . G . S . W ., and Prov . G . J . W .

respectively , who in turn handed them to the Prov . G . M ., who proceeded as follows , pouring each as mentioned .

" Corn , the symbol of Plenty ; Wine , the symbol of Joy ; and Oil , the symbol of Peace . I now strew on this stone , with the prayer that these ( symbols may each be realised in the prosecution of the work , [ and peace , plenty , and good will reign

here and amongst us for ever . " The Prov . G . M . then anointed the stone copiously with oil , saying : "Furthermore , in like manner as Jacob anointed the pillar of stones sleeping upon which he had dreamed that he saw

the gates of heaven , calling the place Bethel or the House of God , so do I now anoint this stone with with pure oil , praying that in the building which

may arise from it may be found good and true men and men that fear God . " The 2 nd anthem was then sung as follows , to the tune of Devizes : — After which the P . G . M . spoke as follows : —

Mr . Consul Winchester and Gentlemen Trustees , —It is customary , and indeed , almost necessary , on occasions like the present , to offer a few explanatory remarks upon the forms and ceremonies made use of by us , and witnessed by many

perhaps for the first time ; and to enlarge upon the forms and ceremonies made use of by us , and witnessed by many perhaps for the first time , and to enlarge upon the uses and benefits of our Institution , throwing

aside for the moment the reserve and silence with which we are wont to veil the subject . My time is too short to enter upon a disquisition upon the Order generally , or I might endeavour to show you how far and how essentially it differs , in its

moral organisation and benevolent character , from all other human societies , both from the simplicity of its principles and their natural and complete adaptation to the desired end . I will content myself with observing that our Institution is founded upon the sacred law , giving us a guide for our

feet , and setting before us the hope of eternal life ; equally distinct from bigotry and fanaticism , teaching us to act justly , to love mercy , and to walk humbly in our allotted path , and willingly to draw all people , of whatever clime or colour

within its charmed circle , standing , not as a rival but as a handmaid and support of true religion . Our symbols are our poetry , and from the sublimity of their nature ancl the aptitude of their application , possess the quality as we conceive of

exalting the character of our Order to the highest point of beauty and usefulness . Of the symbols brought prominently before you to-day , the principal ones , besides the corn , wine , and oil , which were explained in their application , are the square ,

level , and plumb rule ; and while perhaps many saw in these but the common implements of the architect , we recognise them as emblems of great moral principles and duties . The square , as a symbol of morality , pointing out the volume of the

sacred law as the true guide to life and conduct , ancl inculcating faith in God , hope in eternal life , and charity towards all mankind ; the Level as a symbol of equality , teaching that all men are equal before Him who causeth the sun to shine as well on the humble cottage as on the abode of wealth