ARCHITECTURE IS SYMBOLICAL.

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proceeding unfettered to heaven. It is this which stamps itself on the spirit of the beholder, however little he may himself be capable of analyzing his feelings when he gazes on those far-stretching columns and airy domes. But this is notable; every part of the structure is as symbolical as the whole; and of this we can perceive many traces in the writings of the times. The altar is directed towards the rising of the sun, and the three great entrances are meant to express the conflux of visitors from all the regions of the earth. Three towers express the Christian mystery of the triune Godhead; the choir rises like a temple within a temple, with redoubled loftiness; the shape of the cross is in common with the Christian churches even of the earlier times. The round arch was adopted in the earlier Christian architecture, but laid aside on account of the superior gracefulness supposed to result from the crossing of arches. The rose is the most essential part of all the ornaments of this architecture; even the shape of the windows, doors, and towers may be traced to it, as well as the accompanying decorations of flowers and leaves. When we view the whole structure from the crypt to the choir, it is impossible to resist the idea of earthly death. leading only to the fulness, the freedom, and the solemn glories of eternity.

A writer in the Builder in referring to the ORIENTAL SOURCE OF WESTERN ARCHITECTURE, says, 'I remember once standing before the magnificent front of Peterborough Cathedral with an old Indian officer, when he said, "Why this is just what we see throughout the East; huge pointed portals running up to the top of the building; spires, pinnacles-everything like the minarets; the aspiring character of Mussulman architecture."

And

this style came into general use shortly after the great Crusade. We do not say that the dogma, post hoc, ergo propter hoc, is always correct; but surely it is in this

instance.

While noticing the various styles of architecture, it may not be out of place to refer to what may be con

sidered the oldest in existence-the pyramidal and as belonging to that character, Mr. FERGUSON, in his 'Handbook of Architecture,' says, 'Whatever value may be placed upon the Buddhist monuments as works of art, there can be no question of their historical value. Of the styles still practised it is the oldest, having been constantly in use for more than 2,000 years; and it is the style of a religion, which even now, when its greatest glory has passed away, still reckons

among its votaries, if not the greatest, at least as great a number of followers as any religion that exists on the face of the globe.'

Of Masonic symbols we may notice one on the front of the Tomb of Solon at Dagon Lu. Solon flourished 600 years B.C.

CHAPTER XIII.

THE THIRD DEGREE, OR THE MASTER MASON.

'Everyone shall answer these three questions: How hast thou entered? How hast thou wrought? How hast thou lived? and if he can assoile these, and hath laud therein, he may be raised, and honoured, and rewarded.'-ANCIENT MS.

THE Fellow-Craft who is duly qualified by time, on presenting himself as a candidate for the Third Degree, has to submit himself to an examination of his qualifications as a Craftsman, which examination proving satisfactory, he is duly admitted as a Master Mason; just as the Apprentice was duly examined to test his qualification for that of the Fellow-Craft. This custom (which is universal in Lodges) is simply another form of the examinations in operative days, when essays were given those desirous of being 'passed,' so as to test their efficiency as Masons.

In this degree, which is the perfection of symbolic or ancient Craft Masonry, the purest truths are unveiled amid the most awful ceremonies. Hutchinson says, 'The Master Mason represents a man under the Christian doctrine, saved from the grave of iniquity, and raised to the faith of salvation.' The Third Degree, when taken into connection with the other two, proves that Freemasonry embraces a fund of information, that not only tends to modify the manners and disposition of mankind in this world, but possesses a direct influence on their preparation for the world beyond the grave.

In treating with propriety on any subject, it is neces