The Teachings Of Freemasonry.

value , and incapable of producing even a temporary , much less a lasting , effect on the understanding and on the conscience , by degrees , their beauty , their power , their aptitude , became more and more appreciable , and it is my firm conviction that that heart must indeed be cold and dead which cannot derive benefit from a constant regard of themfrom inquiry

, into their hidden meaning , and from the instruction conveyed in their moral application . Let it be fully understood that the Masonic obligations abrogate nothing from Divine truth , from the influence of Christian principles . They furnish additional motives to purity of life and conduct , of which frail human

nature stands greatly in need , for different minds receive impressions- of infinite variety , and the more numerous the incentives to virtue , the more likel y is it that the main object will be attained . It is very easy for those who understand us not , to sneer at our symbols and allegories , to make li ght of our pretensions , as a newspaper critic has clone in a review of one of my Masonic publications , in the following terms : —

" The Doctor gravely argues that a man acquires deeper views of the watchfulness of Providence , by contemplating at his lodge meetings a glaring eye , such as that which Grimstone uses to illustrate the advertisements of his eye snuff ; that a useful lesson in moderation is inculcated by fixing observation upon

a pair of Masonic compasses , which , if true , would render architects' journeymen the most prudent and economical individuals in existence ; that a man walks all the more uprightly for having a p lummet-line always in his mind ' s eye , as is the case with bricklayers' labourers ; and that morality is ensured by the occasional inspection of a builder ' s square . "

This short extract from a long article is sufficient to show the animus of the writer . Setting aside the form of ridicule with w hich he has invested these remarks , we confess we are " puerile " enough to assert that the habit of " observation " just described , if carried out by the aid of Masonic li ght , and in the spirit

of docilit y , inquiry , and a desire to receive practical benefit therefrom , would conduce to the advantages named . Let the man who can so treat the matter as a jest enter our Order and pursue the study into its varied ramifications , moral , social , intellectual , and philosophical , and we verily believe he would repent

in sackcloth and ashes . Nay , more , we have seen those who " came to scoff remain to pray . " We have witnessed instances in which lig ht and irreverent conduct on first entering the precincts of the lodge at initiation have speedily been laid aside , yielding to impressions which no thoughtful mind and plastic

heart can resist . Freemasonry is aptly described as " a j > eculiar system of morality , veiled in allegoi-y and illustrated by symbols . " Yes , it is especially so ; but those allegories and those symbols will be useless to each of us , as to those referred to by the critic whose words

have been quoted , if we study them not by the aid of our science , if we remain content with the good fellowship , the kindheartedness , the benevolence , which are also characteristics of the Order . We are instructed to know ourselves , to dive into the inmost recesses of our hearts , " to keep down all vain ancl inordinate desires , " to probe our consciences , to obey their gentle whispers , to regard our relation to the

The Teachings Of Freemasonry.

Eternal , and to form the most lofty conceptions of that Divine Being , who , in the figurative language of the sacred law , " rideth on a swift cloud ; " who "is seen in the whirlwind and the storm ; " and who " hath prepared his throne for judgment . " Let us look to it that we neglect not so to cultivate the science as to

obtain at least some of the advantages which it affords . I have had time merely to glance at one important feature of our institution , and now conclude by requesting you , my brethren , not to consider what has been said as an exposition , but merely as a text , which may expand to an unlimited extent ; and the

more you do so , the better will you be enabled to comprehend the true end and aim of Freemasonry , to carry out its spirit , to understand its hidden mysteries , to believe in its Divine origin , to appreciate its privileges , to render it practically \ iseful to yourselves , and to make its influence felt in the world .

Her Majesty's Father On. Masonic Templary.

HER MAJESTY'S FATHER ON . MASONIC TEMPLARY .

[ Sir Knt . J . Rankin Stebbmg alluded , at the last meeting of Grand Conclave , to a letter he had seen from Prince Edward to Sir Knt . Dunckerley , M . E . and S . G-. M . The original is in the possession of Sir Knt . Forbes , of Portsmouth , and is addressed to Bro . Dunckerley , who was Prov . Grand Master and Grand Commander ' of Hampshire , besides two or three adjoining provinces .

It is very interesting as shewing the view of Ereemasonry entertained by the illustrious father of her present Majesty and Grandfather ofthe Prince of Wales , as well as the close connection between Grand Lodge and Knight Templary . The following is the letter referred to -. — The following letter from . Prince Edward was read in

open chapter , on the return of the knights companions from the Temple Church , when a Grand Conclave was opened . " Quebeck , 27 th October , 1792 . " Dear Mr . Dunkerley , —I have the pleasure of acknowledging the recipt of your two kind letters of the 28 th May and 21 st July . I request that you express to the noble Knights my

particular thanks for their most acceptable present of your portrait ; it is a masterpiece of execution and extremely like . You may be assured that I value it doubly , as being their gift , and remembrance of you . I hope yon are sufficiently acquainted with my sentiment of regard ancl esteem for your person , so that I trust my repetition on that head will be needless . Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to hear of the advancement of that Orderwhichin humble opinionis of

, , my , all Masonry the most valuable . I believe I mentioned to you at Carlton House my good predillections for the lodges of that high order , being decorated with complete hangings adapted to the class of the Craft . Pray let me have your opinion and that of the Knights on the subject , for on my return to England , which I hope will be in 179-1 , or 1795 , I should be pleased to find this idea carried into execution for the Grand Conclave . I

have received the different Masonic papers with which you . favoured me . In answer to your kind inquiries after my health , I have the pleasure of informing you that it continues good , notwithstanding the prodigious variation in this climate from the month of June to that of October . I shall now , with the sincerest wishes for your health and happiness , conclude with subscribing myself ,

" Your most truly , devoted , " and obedient humble Servant and Brother , " EDWARD , Colonel of the Royal Fusiliers . " Thomas Dunkerley , Esq . " It is desirable to know into whose hands the papers , & c , ofthe late Joseph Hume , M . P ., fell at his decease , for as he was the active and worthy executor of his late Royal Highness , the Duke of Kent , there might , possibly , be preserved jsome of Duuckerley ' s letters and other