taking accurately the various dimensions of the stones, bricks, foundations, and walls, and compar'ing them together, will discover something more 'certain and exact.

"The Roman Cubit therefore consists of 18 Uncia, ' and the sacred Cubit of 25 Uncia of the Roman Foot; and consequently those Cubits are to each ' other in round numbers as 2 to 3 very near. And 'this proportion is used by Josephus, out of regard 'to the greater expedition in computing the bulk of 'the buildings. For writing to the Romans,' he everywhere puts three Roman Cubits for about two sacred Cubits, except in some of the most ' eminent dimensions of the temple, properly so called, and set down in scripture, in which case he thought proper to retain the sacred Cubit. This 'will appear by comparing the Cubits of Josephus with the sacred Cubits of the Talmudists, in the following table :

'Thus likewise, where Josephus in a round number makes the Exhedras thirty Cubits, we must 'write twenty sacred Cubits, or more exactly twentytwo; and the like reduction is necessary in all the ' other numbers of Josephus.'

LETTERS OF THE FREEMASONS.

I.

(1866.)

'SIR,-I have been reading your work on the Pyramid, and have been very much amused. 'Had you been a Freemason, or studied the rites ' and ceremonies of the ancient mysteries, you 'would have had no difficulty in understanding 'what the Pyramids were built for. They were

simply places for initiating the neophytes in-and as the mysteries in every country were funereal,

the use of the sarcophagus is easily explained. 'Should you care to investigate this hypothesis-if 'what is certain can be called a hypothesis-you may read to advantage the Rev. Dr. Collier's

History of Initiation, and Faber's Mysteries of 'the Cabiri, and Pagan Idolatry.

'Freemasonry was the original of the "Mysteries." 'A pure society was in existence on the plains of 'Shinar (before the dispersion) in which Divine 'truths were taught by means of symbols. After 'the dispersion the same symbols were used all ' over the world, but the true interpretation of 'them was gradually lost; except amongst the

1 Our Inheritance in the Great Pyramid.

'Essenes. If you read Josephus's account of that 'sect, you will be greatly entertained, and you will 'find evidence of the fact that they were Free

masons. The initiated easily understand his 'allusions: the "profane" do not.-I am, yours truly,' (Signed) OXONIENSIS,' 'P.S.-Extract from Greaves (Pyram. vol. ii. 'p. 34) :

6.66

"The places of initiation were indifferently a pyramid, a pagoda, or a labyrinth, furnished ""with vaulted rooms, etc."'

"Pits or wells were occasionally used in the "the mysteries."-Faber's Pagan Idolatry, vol. iii. 'p. 187, etc. etc.

The Pyramids, Cave of Elephanta, etc., the 'Round Towers of Ireland (built by pupils of Zoro'aster) were all places of initiation.'

II.

‹ Halifax, Nov. 21st, 1866.

'MY DEAR SIR,-Do you remember my borrow'ing a Manual of Freemasonry from you, and being greatly surprised at finding certain symbols that 'had attracted my attention previously, and my predicting to you that the day would come when my studies would throw a new light on the history ' of the Pyramids? I told you when the prediction ' was fulfilled I would remind you of it.

I forget the correct date, but it was soon after

you and I left Poplar Grove. Important dis'coveries have recently been made in Egypt, which ' render our conversation at that time of interest.

-I am, yours truly,

(Signed) R. G. HALIBURTON.

'Please write on the other leaf and return this ' with your reply-as I wish to use them both.

'JOHN M'GREGOR, Esq., Halifax.'

(Mr. Haliburton is not a Freemason.)

III.

'HALIFAX, Nov. 21st, 1866.

DEAR SIR, I have a very distinct recollection ' of my lending you a Manual of Freemasonry, and ' of the conversation to which you refer, which took place in 1853.

'My Manual was burned with your library 'January 1st, 1856.

I am glad to find that your expectations have been realized in so singular a manner.-I am,