and importation of merchandise, and even limited the traffic in a large part of the merchandise of the borough to their members, and then limited the membership.

Other guilds sprang up for different purposes and even seemed to rival the activities of the present in organization. The frith guilds were probably the ✓ earliest organized band of anarchists. They were made up of the unfranchised citizens of the towns

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that is, not members of other guilds — and did a large amount of incendiaryism, especially among the wealthier classes. And that is but one of the numerous secret clubs of the time.

It will thus be seen that the guilds of medieval England covered the activities of almost every or ganization of the present day, and in many instances combined the objects of a large number of societies and associations of today into their one guild, club or lodge. And the germs of both the good and evil to be found in the secret orders of the day, can be easily distinguished across the centuries in the secret meetings of the burghers.

Written by H. E. Agnew, by request.

CHAPTER III.

RISE OF MODERN ORDERS.

Masonry.

Suppose you lived in a country that was with political dissensions; where the people divided on the subject of religion; where Prot and Catholic were ever at each other's throat; Protestants were divided between Church State and "dissenting" congregations; where i Church of State there were "High Churchmen "Low Churchmen;" where the "Dissenters" Baptist and Pedo Baptist; where Calvinism Arminianism at every turn of the road.

Suppose again that you were in a position required you to be away from home very ofter as, from time to time, you stopped among st ers, you should discover that at many places w you were compelled to stay you were not made come because you were not of the same fait your host.

On the other hand, suppose you knew hist ally that there had been a popular order, know the Templars, where each met the other on a

of merit; where creed and dogma were relegated to the realm if the past, and the Bible, alone, as the great light of Truth, was open to study at any time. And suppose in your travels and acquaintance you knew men connected with guilds, who, when traveling in strange localities, always seemed to know just where to stop and, seemingly regardless of personal beliefs, were always made to feel "at home," how would it strike you? Wouldn't it make you think some? Under such circumstances, what would you do?

If you could find congenial company in a similar state of embarrassment, would you not discuss the unfortunate conditions?

In your discussion, would you not revert naturally to the two sources known to you in which there was an evident means of obviating the difficulties in the way? These hypothetical propositions are not based entirely on presumption. They are unquestionably in accord with historic facts.

About three hundred years ago, the conditions alluded to, obtained in all of the countries of christendom, and men everywhere yearned for a haven in which they might rest in peace regardless of creed or color.

Neither the Order of Templars, if restored, nor the Guilds as they existed, were suited to the requirements of this hour, but Free and Accepted

Masonry based upon the practices of older sys adapted to the conditions or the time, has pro a panacea for the ills mentioned.

Masonry does not antagonize religion, bu its attitude, does demand consistency in the tice of religious precepts.

Masonry is a synonym for liberty.

"Masonry is a progression, moral science, ed into different degrees."

"By the exercise of Brotherly Love, we taught to regard the whole human species as family the high, the low, rich and poor; wh created by one Almighty parent, and inhabitan the same planet, are to aid, support and pr each other. On this principle, Masonry unites of every sect and opinion, and conciliates true fri ship among those who might otherwise have mained at a perpetual distance." The order every land, and will exist, at least as long, as conditions that brought it forth. Masonry's be cence is its best eulogy.

ODD FELLOWSHIP.

"Odd Fellows, the name assumed by one of most extensive self-governing bodies in the wor The organization was effected in England Manchester in 1812.

The English Lodge promises "to render assistance to every brother who may apply, through sickness, distress or otherwise, if he be well attached to the Queen (King).

In America, the aura of influence is greater, as the principles embody vastly more. Not only to care for a brother who is sick or in distress, but "to care for the sick; to bury the dead; to provide for the widow and to educate the orphan."

The first lodge organized in America was at Baltimore, in 1819, and in celebrating its ninetieth anniversary, the membership heard with pleasure a narration of records of achievement which filled their hearts with pride.

While the order is non-sectarian and free from political bias, its teachings lead men to an attitude of devotion to God and respect for government.

These results are a natural outgrowth of teachings founded on Friendship, Love and Truth, the three "great links" which bind the world-wide brotherhood in one body or unit.

Friendship.

Friendship is the brightest jewel in memory's

diadem.

"Its holy flame forever burneth.

From heaven it came, to heaven returneth."