Leaders Of The Craft.

a hope that those at the head of affairs may always show as much concern for tho welfare and prosperity of Freemasonry as they appear to clo at the present time .

The Pillars Of The Porch.

THE PILLARS OF THE PORCH .

W HETHER or not we adopt the Solomonic theory of the origin of Free-masonry , the referencea to King Solomon , the Temple in Jerusalem , and events and personages therewith associated , as we find snch references in Masonic ritnal and ceremony , are alike interesting and

significant . The Temple was a notable strnctnre , grand in its proportions , magnificent in its decorations , and touched by a rich , symbolic impressiveness in all its features . It was designed , builded and dedicated , as the House of Jehovah , the dwelling place of the Lord God of Israel !

In that divinely constructed Temple the two columns wrought by Hiram the Builder claim almost the first place of consideration . Indeed , after the Holy of Holies , no other part of the marvellous edifice appeals more

powerfully to the heart and imagination of the intelligent student . The pillars were placed , one npon the right , and the other npon tho left , of the entrance to the Temple Court . Thoy wero constructed of the finest brass , of great height , perfect in symmetry and beautiful in their ornamentation .

There is some difference in the Scripture narratives respecting the precise location , the form , size and purposes of the columns . Biblical scholars have hold to different opinions respecting the points named . Some authorities have held that the pillars were constructed as supports of

the roof of the Temple porch , being placed within the porch at its very entrance . Ferguson , Lightfoot , and other writers who take this view , affirm the necessity of such columns , so placed , to support the high roof , which

otherwise wonld havo beon dangerously weak . Keil , Kugler , and Gesenius , are among the prominent advocates of the other theory , viz ., that the pillars were designed for ornamentation and symbolic purposes , and that thoy stood by themselves in front of the porch .

This view seems to be the bettor supported , on several grounds ; and there is no considerable difficulty involved in its acceptance . It is a well attested fact that the Phoenicians used isolated metal columns aud sacred ornaments , and it is a legitimate inference that Hiram would have been familiar with such a mode of

ornamentation . Tbe probabilities , therefore , are iu favonr of the use as indicated . It seems quite unlikely that whilo all the other supports of the roof of the Temple were of cedar , two of such supports should have been of brass . It is

better on many accounts , especially on account of the height of the pillars , that they should be regarded as isolated columns , standing a little in front of the porch of the Temple .

Adopting the view just stated , there is less importance attaching to the dimensions of the two columns , and we may adopt the figures given in the Book of Kings or the Book of Chronicles , without becoming involved in any trouble respecting the main building . Not to attempt

any explanation of the discrepancy thus appearing—easily explainable , however , on several theories—we may give the following as the supposed measurements : The entire metal pillar was twenty-seven cubits high , including the two members , one of network ornamented with

pomegranates , the other of lily work . If each pillar rested on a stone base of eight cubits , which would not be greatly out of proportion , the whole height wonld be thirty-five cubits , or fifty-two and a half feet , which accords with the statement made in the Book of Chronicles .

According to the Bible accounts , the circumference of each of these columns was eighteen feet , which would seem to make tho columns rather heavy in appearance .

Egyptian pillars , however , were even thicker in proportion to their height . Obelisks and columns scattered along tho Nile show measurements not widely different from those ascribed to the pillars of the porch .

The construction and ornamentation of these brass columns must have greatly taxed the thonght of the designer . Especially did the skill of the artist come into view in the chapiter and setting of the same , which were marvels of emblematic and cunning workmanship . The network of each of these capitals included a representation

The Pillars Of The Porch.

of two hundred pomegranates , in riticulated lines—a sort of las-relief , probably—and setting npon tho chapiters was the " lily work , " consisting , not improbably , of moulded flowers in brass , showing tho famous lotus plant of the Nile .

The Scriptural and Masonio significance of the pillars placed before the porch of the great Temple in Jerusalem , is worthy our attention . Even the names of the columns are suggestive in more than ordinary degree . They were called Jachin and Boaz , the first standing upon the right ,

and the second on the left , as the worshipper entered the court of the Temple . The word Jachin means " God will establish ; " and the meaning of the word Boaz is " in strength . " Hence , if we put together the names of the two columns we have the significant declaration

" God will establish in strength . " Here are set forth two kindred conceptions of Jehovah—power and stability . Taking into account the form of the chapiters , nearly globular , and the ornamental designs thus displayed , the symbolic import of the pillars of the porch becomes more

evident . It is the power and providence of the great Jehovah that is signified by the famous pillars , designated by suggestive names , and every part of the rich and rare ornamentation is in keeping with the purpose thus to declare a fundamental truth of religion .

These important symbols havo been adopted in the system of Modern Freemasonry , and their distinctive import shonld not be obscured . As tho pillars of tho porch are pointed out to the candidate in the Fellow Craft degree , or elsewhere referred to in the ceremonies of

the Craft , and as these symbols are' shown in the Lodge room and regarded by brethren , it is most certainly desirable that they should incite the same thoughts , which we suppose they did in the mind of the ancient Hebrew worshipper . Thus will they serve to promote reverence , trust and faith in the hearts of faithful men toward him who is Sovereign Ruler of the Universe . —Freemason ' s Bepository .

Good-natured people are for ever contriving methods of doing something to cheer tho sick and needy . They give freely enough of thoir own store , and then promote and encourage pretty enticements to others to do likewise . The enticements take various forms , sometimes the form of a bazaar , sometimes a musical , and at other times a dramatic performance . The providing of attractions for

benevolent objects requires both tact and skill . Every straw is not good enough to tickle the publio with , aud it is not every appeal , even for a good object , that succeeds in inducing the public to put their hands in their pockets . To-day there will be " a grand Masonio magical and dramatic garden party" at the Botanical Gardens , Old Trafford , in aid of the funds of the East

Lancashire Systematic Masonio Educational and Benevolent Institution . The entertainment bas not been promoted by tho authorities of the Institution itself , but by a band of business men in Manchester , who evidently delight in providing inducements to the publio to lend a helping hand to benevolent and charitable objects . The helpers invariably receive an ample quid pro quo , the really

benevolent being the actual workers , the Executive Committee , who devise and direct ; and the artistes , professional and amateur , who give their services on the occasion . It wonld be difficult to determine the amount contributed to benevolent purposes by means of this kind , but it is certain that except for the sums whioh these willing workers realise for philanthropic and educational institutions , the

good they effect would be materially diminished . Freemasons are known for the liberality with whioh they contribute to deserving objects , and it may fairly be expected , from the character of tbe attractions provided that the general publio will largely avail themselves of the opportunity of joining them in their effort to do good . In our issue of yesterday we published a summary of

the annual report of the Minnehaha Minstrels , a body of talented amateurs , the proceeds of whose every performance is devoted to charitable purposes . The Minstrels are very popular in Manchester , and their performances are largely patronised and remarkably profitable , and we shall be paying them no idle compliment when we say it is , as a rule , their skill as entertainers which constitutes tbe

magnet , aud not the cause , however worthy , for which they labour . Thoir average receipts during the last four years have risen from £ 85 a performance to £ 1207 . For Mr . Superintendent Bent ' s soup kitchen fund they realised over a thousand pounds , and for the Bailway Servants' Orphanage the troupe have obtained no less than £ 1 , 893 . Over £ 5 , 800 has been obtained by tho Minstrels for

benevolent purposes , and they are entitled to the thanks of tbe community for the self-denial tbey practice for tho good of others-It is very certain that but for the exertions of these talented young men many a good cause would languish for want of funds , and large sums of money indirectly contribnted for relief in various forms would bo employed in less useful and perhaps loss satisfactory directions . —Manchester Courier , ith July .

Death.

DEATH .

SEEX . —On the 6 th inst ., at Ventnor , Islo of Wight , Mario Bertha Anna , wife of John Seex , J . P ., of Roigato and Bonnondsey , oldest daughter of the late Intcndantur Bath Gnstav Bergen , of Stettin , aged 4 G years .