(afterwards George IV.) as Grand Master of Masons, and the Duke of Clarence (afterwards William IV.) as Grand Principal of the Royal Arch. He was acquainted,' he said "with the artist, who had entrusted the proof to him for a few hours to exhibit to the Lodge.' After the beauty of the design, and chasteness of the execution had been sufficiently admired, the business of the Lodge proceeded.2 "We had three initiations; and after the ceremonics were completed, and the Prestonian Charge read, the R. W. M., turning to the north-east, said, with great solemnity and effect, "Brethren and friends, the usual routine prescribed by our ritual at the initiation of candidates into Masonry having been accomplished, it may be necessary to enter on some special explanation of our rites; that you may not esteem them to be frivolous or trifling; for the minutest observance, which you have this evening witnessed, has its peculiar reference to some dignified virtue; or to some ancient observance which points out a moral duty.' "Perhaps, R. W. Sir,' said Bro. Jones, rising from his seat, I humbly venture to suggest-perhaps you would be kind enough first to explain to the candidates what a Freemason is; for although they may have heard a great deal about Masonry, and may have desired admittance amongst us from a sincere wish of being serviceable to their fellow 2 See the Lithograph of this beautiful Medal, which will be more satisfactory than the most elaborate description. creatures, yet, from a hint which I have just received across the table, they are anxious to know what are the exclusive privileges and characteristics of a worthy Brother.' “I shall have much pleasure,' Bro. Inwood replied, 'in attending to your recommendation.' Then turning once more to the north-east, he said, 'A Freemason, my Brethren, is a free man, born of a free woman, a brother to kings, and a companion to princes, if they be Masons; an assumption which will be illustrated by the Senior Warden, if you will give him your attention.' "The Senior Warden then rose, and said, Brethren, by command of the R. W. M., I will endeavour to explain the hypothesis of our perfect freedom, and our jealousy lest the vicious habits of slavery should contaminate the true principles on which Masonry is founded. You will observe that many of our usages and customs originated at the building of the Temple of Jerusalem. Now our At ancient Brethren, who were employed by King Solomon to work at this famous edifice were declared free, and exempted from all imposts, duties, and taxes for them and their descendants. They were also invested with the privilege of bearing arms. the destruction of the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar, the posterity of these Masons were carried into captivity with the Jews. But when the time of their humiliation was expired, by the good-will of Cyrus they were permitted to erect a second Temple, being declared free for that purpose. Hence we are called Freemasons. The custom of accepting as candidates none but the sons of free women, dates its origin from a much earlier period; even from the time when Abraham held a solemn festival at the weaning of his son Isaac, when Ishmael amused himself by teazing and perplexing the young child. When Sarah was acquainted with this, she remonstrated with Abraham, requesting him to put away the bond-woman Hagar and her son, as they were not competent to inherit with the free-born. She spoke by divine inspiration, as she knew that from Isaac's loins would spring a great and mighty people, who would serve the Lord with freedom, fervency, and zeal; and she feared that if the lads were brought up together, Isaac might imbibe some of Ishmael's slavish principles; for it is well known that the minds of slaves are more contaminated than of those who are born free.' "The R. W. M. then resumed his instructions, by calling the attention of the candidates to the fact that these two persons, Ishmael and Isaac, to whom the Senior Warden has referred, are typical of the Law and the Gospel; the one given by Christ, the other by Moses; and the circumstance has been embodied in Freemasonry to show, that although a person may have been born of a free woman-although he may have been made a Mason, and entitled to all the privileges of initiation-yet if he undervalues these privileges, and neglects to improve his mind by an application of the doctrines and precepts which |