of Just-Perfect-Regular, and closing the division by placing it under the superintendence of its Ruler. When the sacred character of the Lodge has been satisfactorily exemplified, we naturally pass on to the work performed within its precincts; the most important part of which is the admission of candidates into the Order. This always is or ought to be performed with due solemnity, and a strict attention to the conditions prescribed by the laws of Masonry for the qualification and reception of an aspirant. Hence the THIRD PART, which occupies eight Lectures, will explain these important requisites with characteristic minuteness.

The FOURTH PART contains five Lectures, and exhibits the candidate as matriculated, and standing on the floor of the Lodge in a posture perfectly erect and square; his body being typical of mental integrity, and the position of his lower extremities indicating the anticipated rectitude of his actions, as a practical exemplification of the precepts which are promulgated from the Chair of the Lodge. Here the working tools are brought into requisition, and their operative and speculative use and application clearly demonstrated, while the duties and responsibilities of an exoteric acolyte, as well as the moral and Masonic virtues of his station, are fully explained. He perceives some faint traces of an universal language, and is placed as a corner-stone of the edifice to imbibe the emanations of Wisdom, which stream in brilliant coruscations from the genuine source of Light and Truth.

The FIFTH PART, containing six Lectures, is

devoted to the communication of such knowledge as is absolutely essential to every well-disposed Brother who wishes for advancement in the Order. The interior contents of the Lodge are discussed, and the Jewels, Points, and Luminaries are brought before the eye in bright and lively colours. In a word, this part will be found to contain a lucid. exposition of what is denominated the Masonic Trasel, Trestle, or Tracing-board, on which the candidate ought to pass a satisfactory examination before he is entitled to claim admission to the step of a Fellow-craft, which forms the staple of the ensuing Part, and produces ten Lectures.

Now, before I proceed with my explanation of the analysis, it may be useful to observe that at the present day many intelligent Brethren entertain some misgivings respecting the actual number of Masonic degrees which originally existed in the speculative science. I have, therefore, thought it expedient to open my SIXTH PART with an historical inquiry into this disputed subject, which will probably throw some light on the quæstio vexata of Masonic antiquity, and place the Order on its proper basis as a scientific institution. It will also appear from the Lectures which form this portion of the work, that there existed amongst our Brethren in the last century two discordant opinions on the origin of the Pass-word, one party making it a triad and the other a dyad-both being founded on real occurrences in Jewish history. These discrepancies I have impartially examined, as well as sundry traditions on cognate subjects, which, even at the begin

ning of the present century, amused some imaginative Brethren, whose wisdom was eclipsed by their credulity, and whose curiosity blinded their judgment.

A few of these traditionary puerilities, including exercitations on the coffin of Adam, the pillar of Noah, the rod of Moses, the Lodges of Solomon, the chief foundation-stone of the Temple, the precious stones with which it was decorated, the cost of the edifice, the daily wages of the masons, the marriage of H. A. B., &c. &c., I have omitted altogether, for I cannot consent that Freemasonry should be accounted a gigantic myth. The days are come when the Real must supersede the Ideal. Truth cannot always be at a discount amongst us, nor Fable the acknowledged basis of the system. To be accepted and esteemed by the outer world, Freemasonry must, ex necessitate rei, renounce its indefensible theories, and trust its celebrity to the firm and immovable pillar of unquestionable and unquestioned verity. The ground must be cut from under the quibbling cowan, and he must be made to know and confess that his objections are nothing better than "the baseless fabric of a vision." Masonry of the past must be purified from all fabulous relics of a superstitious age, that the residuum may be beautifully and transparently bright and

clear.

The

Such a reform, however, can only be produced by the action of Grand Lodge. Individual interference would be equally illegal and ineffective. Onward is the watchword, and all attempts at retrogression must be for ever abandoned. We have

the good fortune to live in an age where the slow coach has been superseded by the rapid transit of the railway train, and the feeble glimmer which satisfied our forefathers has given way to the brilliant jets of gas which illuminate our dwellings and public thoroughfares. Wherever we turn our eyes, we see developed the most striking symptoms of progress in all earthly pursuits, and Freemasonry must not lag behind. The prosy essayist and the stupid bigot must be disarmed, and Masonry accounted a religious as well as a moral institution. Not a religion-but decidedly impregnated with the purest Christian ethics.

Other traditions, invested with somewhat greater probability, were adopted by our ancient Brethren, because they were founded chiefly on real events in Scripture history, although sadly perverted by Talmudical dreamings. They amused our great-grandfathers; but their day is past. We live in a period of scientific research and mathematical demonstration, which has opened the eyes of mankind to the truth. The glitter of these fables has led to their detection; and, in common with many other superstitious observances, are dismissed from the Ritual and well-nigh forgotten.

In announcing these opinions, it may be that many worthy Brethren will differ with me. I cannot help it. Nor do I quarrel with any one for an honest expression of his sentiments, provided it be done in a candid and brotherly manner, unaccompanied by the bitterness of party feeling, and purely with a view of eliciting truth. Non omnia possu

mus omnes. I have recorded my belief freely and faithfully, after an experience of more thau half a century, and an intimate acquaintance with the minutiae of the system, as practised not only before the union, but at the present day; and, as an octogenarian, I trust I am correct in predicating that the removal of opinions thus matured is an occurrence very unlikely to happen.

The unexplained traditions above alluded to have inclined the outer world to class Freemasonry with the tales of "faerie land," or the goblin stories of Baron Grimm, which is a grievous mistake; for it is in reality a beautiful system, veiled indeed in allegory, but including a morality, indicated and illustrated by a series of significant symbols, which the present volume is intended to exemplify. Let the anti-Mason read it attentively, and how inveterate soever his prejudices against the institution may have been, if he possess a moderate share of candour, he will speedily renounce them, and perfect his knowledge by enrolling his name under the banner of the fraternity. To return to our analysis.

Having explained the grand Triad of the intermediate grade, viz., the Pillars of the Porch, the Winding Staircase, and the Middle Chamber, I pass on to PART SEVEN, which, in nine Lectures, illustrates the sublime ne plus ultra of the Order.

Unfortunately, we are staggered on the threshold by a stumbling-block relating to the antiquity of the Third Degree, which crosses our path and creates considerable embarrassment. Its remote origin, as well