E. H. ADDINGTON

OF THE STATE OF LOUISIANA. 167
most important was separating the people at Eome into distinct classes
according to their several trades. These were denominated colleges and
were recognized by the state as independent associations of workmen.
One was named the college of builders or Masons. To organize the several
colleges, each was required to start with a number sufficient to open
and close its meetings. When organized, the college was not limited as
to the number of its members. Each college controlled its membership
by election; an affirmative, unanimous vote, would admit an applicant
to membership. To form a college of builders it required three to organize,
as three could open and close. This is the number in a Masonic
Lodge to-day. During Numa 's reign, the Builders had a continued existence.
In those days, it must be borne in mind only operative masons were
admitted as members of a lodge. To be a master mason, an education
and long apprenticeship were required. Only by such training could
masons become skilled architects and builders.
When it is kept in mind that during the period of Numa's reign,
and for years previously, few of the common people could read and write,
it is remarkable the wonderful character of the buildings that were
erected in ancient Greece and in Eome, in Tyre, not overlooking the
wonderful monuments built in Egypt, Assyria and Babylon. It is said
some have never been surpassed.
It must be remembered that only those who had served a long apprenticeship
would ever attain the position of a Master Builder. It is
readily perceived that Masonry, geometry and architecture were convertible
terms. The knowledge required to build the great pyramid of
Egypt, according to the plan foundation (9,142 British inches square), the
builder required a thorough mathematical knowledge, as well as astronomical—indeed,
he would be required to know all the sciences as well
as the arts. It required the knowledge of the motion of the earth, its
period around the sun, zodiacal signs, the times of the vernal and autumnal
equinoxes, and other things that must enter into the construction.
When we consider the period of time, 2522 B. C, when such extensive
knowledge was requisite to attain the position of a Master Mason,
well may we wonder as to the extent of learning to attain the position
as a builder, a master. of science, in arts, in morals—indeed in every
branch of learning calculated to advance the apprentice in civic and
intellectual attainments and to open doors that would bring to light laws
governing matter—the earth, the air, the sea—may we not say in truth,
of all the gifts these seven branches of learning were the greatest ever
bestowed upon man!
History informs us that Numa ruled forty-three years; and during
that long period peace reigned at Eome; and the College of Masons continued
to be recognized and protected. After his death it appears that
the College of Masons was suppressed and the members scattered over