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Contents. and ritual are concerned, it is a piain, but deplor- tPAGE. Masonic Discipline and the Ritual-—By Crux 3S1 able case of " Every man his own Instructor," and Grand Chapter of Canada 383 this in an Institution which, in many countries it Gothic Architecture and Operative Freemason ry—By Bro. W. , P. Buclian 384 may be truthfull y affirmed , " the King delightetk. Masonic Celestial Mysteries—By Bro. Henry Melville 387 Masonic Notes and Queries 388 to honour." AVith no datum, no standard , no Correspondence 390 Masonic Mems 392 criterion of what is right, and what is wrong, CEAST LODGE MEETINGS :— the cry of Masons is Da nobis lux, and this, in Metropolitan 392 Provincial 303 an Institution which affixes to the certificates Isle of Man 395 Scotland 305 issued by its supreme authority, the date, A.L.. Channel Islands 30G South Australia 396 However brightly the light may have shone in Mark Masonry .'¦¦¦ ,, . 397 by-gone days, there is very little of it now re- Religious and Military Order of the Temple '..".".' 397 Theatrical aud Musical STotes 397 maining to enlighten its benighted and bewildered Reviews 397 Obituary 398 votaries. When the metropolitan brethren are so Constanthiian Order of the Knights of St. George 398 Scientific Meetings for the Week 390 much in the dark, what must be the con- List of Lodge, &c, Meetings for ensuing week 399 dition of those who are in the provinces ? The To Correspondents 400 excellent letter of a " Provincial Grand Officer " in the last issue full y corroborates the truth LONDON, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1869. of the statements we have persistently and un- weariedly advanced. It has often struck us, when MASONIC DISCIPLINE AND THE considering the inefficient and pitiable condition BITTJAL.—XXIII. to which modern working Masonry has sunk, that the li ght of a M.M. is indeed a "feeble ray." By CRUX . The bitterest enemy of our Order could hardly The first step towards tlie remedy of an evil, is have devised a more biting sarcasm than the in- tlie full perception and knowledge of its nature and troduction of the whole of that beautiful paragraph extent. Unless a person is conscious of his fault into the ceremony of the third degree. How many he, cannot correct it. It is true that he may be a candidate must have given his fullest, but silent assent to the remark as he thought of the person perfectly aware of his defect s, and yet either , who with great difficulty and assistance stumbled neglect or refuse to " depart from his evil ways." through that solemn and dignified ceremonial ! It In that case he is simply laying up for himself is not the physical, but the mental " feeble ray " that punishment, which sooner or later must in- which calls for the greatest fortitude on the part fallibly overtake those who despise the paths of of the candidate. It is high time all this wisdom , and voluntarily stray amid the labyrinths altered ; incompetent and. uneducated officers are of folly. We have now arrived at such a stage of bringing the Craft into contempt even among its our discussion upon the present subject, and have own members. Laxity of disci pline, and a lethargic elicited in their course, such overwhelming evi- administration, which takes no pains to correct dence of the imperative necessfty that exists for errors, reform abuses, or advocate improvement, improvement in the modern Masonic reg ime, that will not advance the internal welfare ol' the Order. it may be truly said of the whole system , corrigen- The pontificial non possumus is an answer that dum, est. We have not the slightest hesitation in may do very well for a time and for certain classes, asserting that the feeling is unanimous, that some- but there are others who do not regard it as a thing ought to be done to impart more uniformity valid reply, and who are able to think, to jud ge,, and regularity to the working of our lod ges. and if necessary to act for themselves. This opinion is held, not alone by brethren who, Resuming our ritualistic criticism , it may be like ourselves, have carefull y studied the whole remarked that the wording of the penalty differs in question , but is shared in by those who can per- different lod ges, so that absolutely, it is a mere ceive, humble as their rank of life may be, the chance whether any two brethren are ever " obli- anomalous ancl contemptible position in which the gated " according to the same formula. This Craft is placed by the indecision, inaction and would be equivalent to administering the oath of apathy of those, who have its affairs in their rule allegiance to one person , in certain words, and to and governance. So far as our rites, ceremonies, another, iu certain others. Comment is snperfluoua, It is difficult for brethren to imagine themselves Initiate the emblematic lights in Masonry, and bound together by the same chain, when the repeated the sentence which follows. The whole forging of it is dependent upon ignorance and in- ceremony is frequently completely spoiled, and competency. A large proportion of W.M.'s are its solemnity and impressiveness destroyed by some about as much fitted to occupy that position as the of the brethren sitting down prematurely, while Khau of Tartary is to fill the primacy. In order others remain in a standing position. Before to entitle a brother to wear the jewel of a quitting the " obligation " we would take the P.M. there ought to be some other qualifica- opportunity of remarking that we have never wit- tion required, than what in in nine cases out nessed its rehearsal, without noticing that but very of ten, is the mere farce of passing the chair. few brethren appear to order correctly. We have Instead of the jewel representing the 47th propo- watched newly-initiated members glancing from sition of Euclid, that usually known as the " Pons one brother to the other, in the vain hope of Asiuorurn" would have been a more appropriate making up their minds which they ought to copy. selection in many instances that have come under If brethren would only bear in mind that the our ovv?i observation. There is besides a g-ood " obligations " in the three degrees are note deal of quiet satire in presenting a man with a " prayers," and that they contain an allusion to jewel, upon which is engraved a of geo- pe nalty, they will have no difficulty in remember- metry, when the recipient probably knows as much ing what is the proper " sign " to show. A word about that science as he does of the " black art." from the W.M. would be quite sufficient to put Might we suggest, that as " Masonry is an art the brethren d' accord in points like these, but founded on the principles of geometry," it would unfortunately that officer is frequently in the same not be asking too much of the candidates for its dilemma himself, and is therefore unable to set honours that they should be able to demonstrate them right, for fear he should make a blunder. that they possess, at least, some elementary know- He therefore very wisely leaves them alone, and ledge of the scieuce before they are decore, as the error is thus perpetuated on all subsequent our French friends term it ? It is not to be under- occasions. In explaining the " three lesser lights," stood by this suggestion that no one but an able a mistake is very often perpetrated. This arises from geometrical! should wear the jewel, but it is the fact that the " point" of the explanation is not intended to signify that one who is totally ignorant understood , nor the peculiar Masonic propriety of it of the principles, practice, propositions, aud ap- perceived. The order of the position and that of the exposition is reversed which is a well kn own Masonic plications of that ancient science should be ex- , facon do purler. The order is " East, south, and cluded from receiving it. No good, earnest Mason west ; sun , moon , and "W.M." There is nothing in- who has the interest of the fraternity at heart, is congruous or uniutelh'gble in this style of language. acquainted with the sections , and can work a lodge It is similar to that employed in geometry under the thoroughl y, is ignorant of the principles and prac- term " invertendo ," and is one of those " niceties " tical application of geometry, although he may of the JRifrual to which we Ziave already alluded , and never have heard of the problem in question, or which we hope will always he retained. It is par- any other of a similar nature. It is not technical ticularly unfortunate that the parrot-like manner in knowledge that is needed to render a brother which the working of a lodge is got up, altogether eligible for distinction, but Masonic knowledge, precludes the possibil ity of the brother either com- and a sincere desire to use " the talents with prehending or appreciating the many beauties of the which God has blessed him " for the benefit of the Ritual. They are oftentimes altogether omitted , Institution and the advantage of its members. slurred over, or delivered in such a manner that they The " obligation " being finished, it is a very become absurd , and pass from the sublime—which they really are—to the ridiculous—which they common occurrence to witness the members of a cer- tainly are not. The transit is hut a step, and it is lodge resume their seats. This is incorrect, ancl the commonest remark in the world that " extremes violates the general rule, which it is very easy for meet." "While no one would lament more than our- any one to remember. This rule is, that when selves the incapacity of a W.M. to appreciate and the candidate kneels , the brethren rise, and when to display the beauties of our ceremonial routine, yet the candidate rises, the brethren sit down. The it must not he imagined that on that account we brethren therefore should not resume their seats, should consider him unqualified for office. All that until after the W.M. has pointed out to the we contend for is that he should he able to do his work accurately, that he should know it, and be able to Mount Lebanon Royal Arch Chapter, No. 101 ; prove that he knows it to the satisfaction of any Convocations held in Masonic Hall, Chatham. In addition to the above, a number of zealous Royal same time if competent Masonic tribunal. At the Arch Masons of St. Stephens, County, have he does not know it, he has unquestionably not the applied to Scotland for authority to open a chapter slightest right to occupy so important a position as in that town ; and some slight progress has been the " chair." made in one or two other parts of the province, towards the organization of Royal Arch Chapters. The recent Confederation of the Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, Nova Scotia and New GRAND CHAPTER OP CANADA. Brunswick has, as you may be aware, directed the We have much pleasure in publishing the following consideration of a vast majority of Royal Arch Masons throughout these provinces to the present position report, taken from the Proceedings of the Grand and future government of Capitular Masonry through- Royal Arch Chapter of Canada for last year. We out the Dominion of Canada. While it is freel y learn that the feeling in favour of a General Grand conceded that the Parent Grand Chapters of England, Chapter for the whole Dominion of Canada is daily Ireland, and Scotland have, in years gone by, when gaining ground, and we feel assured that the Supreme their support was actually required, severally done much to aid and assist chapters, respectively, working Grand Chapters of England, Scotland, and Ireland, under their authority, as well as to advance the true when convinced that under the changed condition interests of our time-honoured institution in this of these Colonies the movement is a proper one, country, yet it is deemed self-evident that the time is will follow the example of Gran d Lodge, and do all rapidly approaching, if it has not already arrived, in their power to aid and assist so noble an under- when our general requirements will demand that "Masonry ' 5 throughout the whole Dominion of taking as the consolidation of capitular Masonry Canada shall be governed and controlled within our within the Canadian Confederation :— own territory. It is not too much, therefore, to irit which underlies NEW BRU-N-SWICK. suppose that the true Masonic sp our Institution, as well in Great Britain and Ireland To tlie Most Excellent' Council, Officers , and Members as in this Dominion , will speedily develope a policy of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Canada .- — which may peacefully bring about so desirable a con- Tour Dispensation for New Brunswick Royal Arch summation. Work " Chapter, formerly working under warrant No. 301, In reference to the diversified systems of " from the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of practised, as well in the British North American Provinces as throughout the whole Continent of Ireland, together with other papers, came to hand during the latter part of June ; and I have now. much America, it would seem desirable and expedient that the Grand Chapter of Royal pleasure in reporting that, at the regular Convoca- delegates be appointed by Arch Masons of Canada to meet in Convention at tion of said Chapter, held in the Masonic Hall, , some centra l p oint with delegates from other Grand Princes-street, in this city—Pirst Principal Z. John , D. Short in the chair—the action relative to change Chapters, to the end that a more uniform system of Work and Ritual may be adopted and that all other of jurisdiction was unanimously confirmed , and the , Dispensation above relerred to was read and ordered matters bearing upon our common interests may be considered so that our whole system of Royal Arch to he received and placed upon the minutes. The , chapter being then opened in due aud antient form, Masonry may eventually be harmonized agreeable to nnder the authority of the Grand Royal Arch the most antient standard. Chapter of Canada, proceeded with the general busi- In view of the rapid progress of Capitular Ma- ness. Three candidates were severally " received and sonry, some chapters are now taking steps to render it imperative that candidates shall be required to acknowledged as Most Excellent Masters," and then " before duly " exalted to the Royal Arch Degree.'' I may exhibit specimens of their skill in the " Art also report that our esteemed Right Excellent Com- being advanced. This appears to be a move in the aid the panion, Thomas Bird Harris, was elected " Proxy right direction , and one that will materially Representative " for New Brunswick Chapter at our Craft. I would therefore respectfully suggest that Grand Chapter. Grand Chapter consider whether or not it is desirable There are at present in New Brunswick the follow- to require that subordinate chapters under this juris- ing Royal Arch Chapters, holding under authority diction shall not confer either the degrees of " Mark " from the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Master," " Past Master," " Most Excellent Master, or until the brother taking the degree Scotland, viz. :— " Eoyal Arch," shall have a satisfactory examination in each Carleton Royal Arch Chapter, No. 47 ; Convoca- passed of the degrees conferred in either Blue tions held in Masonic Hall, St. John. preceding Lodge or under authority of a Royal Arch Chapter Eredericton Eoyal Arch Chapter, No. 77 ; Convo- , cations held in Masonic Hall city of Eredericton. warrant. , submitted. Union Royal Arch Chapter, No. 84<; Convocations Most respectfully EoBMtT MABSHAI I II , held in Massnic Hall Carleton St. John. , , G.S. for New Brunswick. Corinthian Royal Arch Chapter, No. 85 ; Masonic Hall, Hampton, King's County. This Chapter has Office of the Grand Supt. of Canadian Royal Arch been almost dormant for some time past ; there are, Masonry for the Province of New Brunswick, howevfcr, strong indications of early resuscitation. St. John, 22nd July, 1S68. GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE AND OPERA- stances organised more completely than other TIVE FREEMASONRY. trades,* were men skilled in the arts of hewing and setting- stones, acquainted with all recent in- By Bro. W. P. BTJCHAN . ventions and improvements connected with their (Continued from page 362). profession, though always under the guidance of "At a time when writing was almost unknown some superior personage, whether he was a bishop among the lai ty, and not one mason in a thousand or abbot, or an accomplished layman.f In the could ei ther read or write, it is evident that some time of which we are speaking, which was the expedient must bo hit upon by which a mason great age of Gothic art, there is no instance of a travelling to his work might claim the assistance Mason of any grade being called upon to furnish and hospitality of his brother masons on the road ,* the design as well as to execute the work. J and by means of which he might take his rank at " It may appear strange to ns in the nineteenth once, on reaching the lodge, without going through century, among whom the great majority really tedious examinations or giving practical proof of do not know what true art means, that six cen- his skill. For this purpose a set of secret signs turies ago eminent men, not specially edu- was invented , which enabled all masons to recog- cated to the profession of architecture, ancl qualified nize one another as such, aud by winch fdso each only by ancl good taste, should have been man could make known his grade to those of the capable of such vast and excellent designs ; but a same rank without further trouble than a manual little reflection will show how easy it is to design sign or the utterance of some recognized pass- when art is in the right path. word. " If, for instance, we take a cathedral, any one " Other trades had something of the same sort, of a series—let us say Paris—when it was com- but it never was necessary for them to carry it pleted, or nearly so, it was easy to see that, though either to the same extent, nor to practice it so an improvement on those which preceded it, there often as the Masons, being for the most part resi- were many things which might be better. The dent in the same place and knowing each other side aisles were too low, the gallery too large, the personally.-f The Masons, thus from circum- clerestory not sufficiently spacious for the display of the painted glass, and so on, Let us next * And nil this was just as necessary to a travelling shoemaker, suppose the Bishop of Amiens at that period tailo r, or carpenter. f There is another view of tho matter to be taken, however, determined in the erection of his cathedral. It was viz.—Other trades had their secret signs, &c,, which enabled easy for him or his Master Mason to make these their travelling liiemhors to pass themselves oil' as fellows ot such and such a craft, hut tlie great body of the trade was criticisms, and also to see how to avoid these mis- stationary, being so, they would thereby be better aide to keep up any particular ceremonies , and to bo more elaborate, also m none more so than in many cases among operative Masons they could keep up their organisation better for their oft-recur- themselves ; for many operative Masons now know nothing ring trade (iis:-l , '.y.s or processions, &o., whereas the masons whatever of the secrets, password s, &c, of their forerunners being knocked about so much would be move simple in their (which secrets aro part of tlie forms of our speculative Masonry ceremonies, etc. Aijiiin , even when a cathedral was building there now), yet suppose they did know them it would not make them were also other ci-.ifi s, ot course, as well as the stone-masons, any better as workmen. These secrets being merely signs of viz., wrights, g laziers , &e., who would also require their pass- recognition , and of no more value per se than a soldier 's pass- words, &,:. 8.1 that looking at the matter from my stand po i nt, word. now 1 should say that amongst some of the other crafts—several By the way, when Mr. Crce was made a " squareman " in centur ies ago—there would be equally as much, if not even in 1S20 he understood the custom to be old then. There is a Mr. some cases more, ceremony then amongst the Masons. 1 shall Richmond iu Glasgow who has the crown (gilt, and set with be asked , of course, to prove this. Well, I intend to do so as large artificial diamonds and rubies) which the personator of St. as full y as 1 can , and as soon as possible ; meantime 1 have seen Crispin used to wear at processions, above a hundred, years ago. the relies of ancient ceremony iu my own trade, but they are I had the honour of being crowned with it upon my visit. As dying out fast, just as the custom is done away with of having shown in the old Burgh Records, published in the MAGAZINE to j- .in the corporation before being allowed to commence busi- lately, these trade processions were oft-recurring, and great ness. A few days ago 1 met sin old man—a smith. His name affairs in the loth and IGth centuries. is Peter Croe, and he told me he was made a squareman in 1S20, * Although since 1717 the now " Freemasons " have heconie at Coilsiield , near Tarbolton , and received a word, grip, and so well organised, with all their separate degrees, &c, things sign, and took an obli gation—but not on the JJiblel There were somewhat different before then, as we have been lately were other three parties made with him, and gentlemen were finding. also made " squaremen. " Other tradesmen who used the square f 1 have been informed that at this time there were different were al-o made squat-emeu, aud had their apron-\v.i«hii.g. " There galleries set apart for each class of workmen , superintended by was a festival to be held about the same time called the priests, and priests looking after the designs, jxitterns, &z. " coulter heating," a sort of speed-the-pbmgh or festival , this After this, however, as per page 308 of the MAGAZINE for ' J last I suppose held at the beggining of the plonghing season in April 17, we find that " Jolino Gray, Mason," and " maistre of spring. Mr. Cree told me that when travelling as a journey- w-ark," was not only to work and oversee others working, but ^ man smith , the word, &c, was useful in enabling- himself or also to "devyse" or design. Tliis was in 1<184 however, not others to get assistance irom such of their fellow-tradesmen as in the 13th century. But we must examine further into this '..vere broth er squaranen. All this is dying out fast now, and point. takes ; they could easily see where width, could of particular men, but to the united influence of be spared, enpecially in the nave ; how also a the whole public. An intelligent sailor who little additional height and a little additional discusses the good and bad qualities of a ship, length would improve the effect of the whole. does his part towards the advancement of the art During the progress of the Parisian works also of shipbuilding. So in architecture, the merit of some capitals had been designed, or some new any one admirable building, or of a high state of form of piers, which were improvements on. pre- national art, is not due to one, or to a few master ceding examples, and general ly more confidence minds, but to the aggregation of experience, the and skill would be derived from experience in the mass of intellectual execution, which alone can -construction of arches and vaults. All these, of achieve any practically great result. Whenever course, would be adojDted in the new cathedral ; we see any work of man truly worthy of admira- :and without maki ng drawings, guided only by tion, we may be quite sure that the credit of it is general directions as to the plan and dimensions, not due to an individual, but to thousands working the masons mi ght proceed with the work, and in- through a long series of years. troducing all the new improvements as it pro- " The pointed Gothic architecture of Germany gressed, they would inevitably produce a better furnishes a negative illustration of the view which, result than any that preceded it, without any es- we have taken of the couditiens necessary for pecial skill on the part either of the Master Mason great architectural excellence. There the style or his employer. was not native, but introduced from France. " If a third cathedral were to be built after French masons were employed, who executed this it would, of course, contain all the improve- their work with the utmost precision/and with a ment made during the progress of the second, perfection of masonic skill scarcely to be found in and all the corrections which its results suggested ; France itself. But in all the higher elements of and thus, while the art was really progressive, it beauty the German pointed Gothic cathedrals are required neither great individual skill nor parti- immeasurably ifeerior to the French. They are cular aptitude to build such edifices as we find, no longer the expressions of the devotional feel- " In fine arts we have no illustration of this m ings of the clergy and people : thoy aro totally modern times ; but all our useful arts advance on devoid of the highest order of architectural the same principles, and lead consequently to the beauty. same results. In shipbuilding, for instance, if we "The truth of the matter is, that the very pre- take a series of ships from those in which Edward eminence of the great Masonic Lodges of Ger- III. and his bold warriors crossed the Channel to many in the 14th century* destroyed the art. the great line-of-battle ships now lying at anchor When Freemasonryf became so powerful as to in our harbours, we find a course of steady and usurp to itself the desi gning as well as the exe- uninterrupted improvement from first to last. cution of churches and other buildings, there Some new method is tried ; if it is found to succeed was an end of true art, though accompanied by it is retained ; if it fails it is dropped. Thus the the production of some of the most wonderful general tendency constantly leads to progress and specimens of stone cutting and of constructive improvement. And, to continue the comparison skill that ever were produced. This, however, ¦a little further ; this progress in the art is not is ' building/ not architecture ; and though it attributable to one or more eminent naval archi- may excite the admiration of the vulgar, it never tects. Great and important discoveries have no will touch the feelings of the true artist or man doubt been made by individuals, but in these cases of taste. we may generally assume that, the state of science * Seeing these llth and 15th century operative Masonic lodges being ripe for such advances, had the discovery in were so pre-eminent , how comes it that Germany received its one man, it soon would Speculative Masonry from England during last century ? if question not been made by Speculative Masonry had been in existence three or four hun - have occurred to some other. dred years ago we should have expected to have heard of its amongst these great Gorman lod ges. " The fact is that in a useful art like that of especial preservation , f That is Operati ve Masonry, or the association of Operative shipbuilding, or in an art combining use and Masons that is here meant, not Speculative Masonry or what we now generall y understand by the word " Freemasonry ." beauty like that of architecture—that is, when the After the 13th century Scottish Masonry would he more drawn, latter is a real, living, national art—the progress to adopt Continental customs, than English, and thereafter until the 17th century wo find the Scots often, referring to their made is owing, not to the commanding abilities " auld uremics of Ingland. " This decline of true art had nowhere shown pressed in every feature and in every part of itself during the 13th century, with which we are them. concerned at present. Then architecture was " During the previous age almost all the greater truly progressive : every man and every class in ecclesiastical buildings were abbeys, or belonged the country lent his aid, each in his own depart- exclusively to monastic establishments—were in ment, and all worked together to produce those fact the sole propert}^ and built only for the use wonderful buildings which still excite our admira- of the clergy. The laity, it is true, were admitted tion. The masons performed their part, and it but only on sufferance. They had no right to be was an important one ; but neither to them nor there, and no part in the ceremonies performed.. their employers, such as the Abbe Suger, Maurice During the 13th century almost all the great de Sully, Robert de Lusarches, or Fulbert of buildings were cathedrals, in the erection of which Chartres, is the whole merit to be ascribed, but to the laity bore the greater part of the expense,, all classes of the French nation carrying on and shared, in at least an equal degree, in their steadily a combined movement towards a well- property and purposes. In a subsequent age the- defined end. parochial system went far to supersede even the " In the following- pages, therefore, it will not cathedra!, the people's church taking almost, be necessary to recur to the Freemasons nor their entirely the place of the priest's church, a step Masters—at least not more than incidentally—till which was subsequently carried to its utmost, we come to Germany. Nor will it be necessary length by the Reformation, Our present subject, to define who Was the architect of any particular requires us to fix our attention on that stage of building. The names usually fixed upon by anti- this great movement which gave rise to the build- quaries after so much search are merely those of lug of the principal cathedrals throughout Europe the Master Masons or f oremen of the woi-ks, who from the 12th to the 15th century. had nothing to do with the main designs of the " The transition from the round Gothic to the building-s." true pointed Gothic style in the centre of France The above is the whole of " Chapter VIII." I took place with the revival of the national power should also like to give the following extracts from under the guidance of the great Abbe Suger, about " Chapter IX." which treats on French Gothic the year 1144. In England it hardly appeared till the rebuilding of Canterbury cathedral under Cathedrals. The contents referring to the cathe- the guidance of a French architect, A.D. 1175 ; and drals of " Paris—Chartres—Rheims—-Amiens.— in Germany it is not found till at all events, the Other cathedrals — Later style — St Ouen's, beginning of the 13th century, and can hardly be Rouen." said to have taken firm root in that country till a century at least after it had been fairl "The great difficulty iu attemp y established ting to describe the in France. architecture of France, during the glorious period of " In France as in England, there is no one great- the loth century is really the emharras de richesse. typical building to which we can refer as a stan- There are even now some thirty or forty cathedrals dard of perfection—no ITypostyle Hall or Parthe- of the first class in France, all owing their magnifi- non which combines in itself all the excellencies of the style and we are forced therefore to cull from cence to this great age. Some of these, it is true , , a number of exam les, materials for the composi- were commenced p even early in the 12th aud many tion, even in imagination, of a perfect whole.*- were not completed till after the 14th century Germany has in this respect been more fortunate, but all their principal features, as well as all the possessing in Cologne cathedralf an edifice com- more important beauties, belong to the 13th cen- bining all the beauties ever attempted to be pro- tury, which, as a building epoch, is perhaps the duced in pointed Gothic in that country . But even this is onl imitation of French cathedrals most brilliant in the whole y an , history of architecture. erected by persons who admired and understood Not even the great Pharaonic era in Egypt, the the details of the style, but were incapable of appre- age of Pericles in Greece, nor the great period of ciating its higher principles." the Roman empire will bear comparison with the (To be continued.) 13th century in Europe, whether we look to the extent of the buildings executed, their wonderful * This arises iu England from different portions of the cathe- drals being built at different times, and the want of a Grand 1 variety and constructive elegance, the daring im- entire specimen of the , best era, Salisbury 1220 to 1258 being, agination that conceived them, or the power of rather early, had it been 1258 to 1308 we would have expected it to have been better. poetry and of lofty religious feelings that is ex- t Extant edifice of Cologne began about 1270. MASONIC CELESTIAL' MYSTERIES. and shield on the left arm of the Templar of Hieru-salem. Hipparchus, the learned, about 150 By Bro. HENRY MELVILLE . before Christ, arranged the intellectual zodiac PAPER IV. whicli commences on the first of January, in the LABOR OMNIA VINCIT . white horse, Sagittarius, when the last star of the stone gallows is passed by the sun. The Budhists, A province of France anciently according to Upham, plate 10, picture Sagittarius BRITANNIA , j called Armorica, from whence our BRETAGNE . ¦{ island is said to have been first BRITTANY. peopled. — " Bailey's Die," fifth edition . ^. Armorica, or Omorica, means " unbounded space." America was discovered by " Christ's carrier, Christopher" Columbus, "the dove," after a sixth months' voyage. He started from a place abounding with calves, in order to reach ¦el dorado. Fi i. Hengest led the Angles into Britain ! Hengest ff. is a Saxon word said to mean " horse," and he had thus, and , it is well known in what manner the a horse—Horsa—for brother, and the standard of sign is represented on European atlases. "A. his tribe was a white horse, and when these white horse, and he that sat on him had a bow, brothers died they were translated to heaven, where and a crown was given unto him, and he went they may be seen in celestial Philadelphia, sitting forth conquering and to conquer."* The crown ¦on a horse. Stone Henge was erected to per- given to Sagittarius is Corona Australis, the worth- petuate the treachery of Henge-est, who assassi- ess crown of victory, not a gem in it worth insert- nated V ortigern and 460 nobles, on Salisbury ng in the table of stars of the constellation. The Plain. Stone Henge signifies stone gallows.* great grandfather of George the Third, being of Henge means " hang/' and est is the abbreviation Brunswick, of course he was entitled to claim the of Ester our Easterf. As celestially asserted, lwhite horse, but George seems to have been satis- the sun is hang'd, drawn, and quartered at the fied with the lions and unicorn of Britannia,through end of every year, and there he is pendentisqui iwhom, perhaps, though contrary to nali qiie law, Dei, on or under the stone gallows. He is Tolo he claimed France. in the white horse, Sagittarius. Stone Henge is Popular prejudice will not allow Britannia to be the ruin of a magnificent astrolabe, with a perfect of French extraction. The question to be horizon. " Stonehenge stands in the best situation answered, then, is where did she come from ? She possible for observing the heavenly bodies, as there does not belong to the Pantheon, or Lernpriere is a horizon nearly three miles distant on all sides, would give her pedigree. He mentions one Bri- and on either distant hills that might have been tannicus, son of Claudius Cajsar, but does not say so planted as to have measured any number of he was related to Britannia. It is not known degrees of a circle, so as to calculate the right whether Britannia ever had a father or mother, •ascension or declension of a star or planet," p. 63, and although there is a large family of the Bulls, " Stonehenge," 1808. In former ages the sun they are not stated to be the children of Britannia. was hanged just prior to the Easter Passover in Her ladyship is believed to be a virgin, there Aries or Nisan. Whether Heugest or Horsa had being no record of her marriage. She may have any share in the construction of the" white horses had a host of " sons of Britons " as children, and on the hills near Salisbury and elsewhere, is doubt- yet according to orthodox Cruden, would be a ful , but certain it is that the white horse of Hen- virgin as well after as before her bringing' forth . gest was the Royal Arch animal Hipparchus, and Is Britannia of earth or heaven ? If of earth she there in celestial atlases may be seen the red cross must be French. As to heaven, no one would think of takintr Andromeda for the British idol. The * " Oxford Encyclopedia." f Bosworth's Anglo-Saxon Die- * Eev. vi. 2 nearly naked lewd Venus pop ularia as she is, and G H I indicate the teeth.* Mercury, the celestia whose brilliant mirach lias no more discretion Tiler, must have stolen the trident and given it to than Menlcar, the jewel in the swine's snout, both Britannia. Britt. has occasionally a bale of wool, offending the celestial laws. Her mother, Cassio- which she came by honestly, for Opica being by- Q peia, always looks as if she had been crying, and law at 106 with Oapella and David, she obtains saving that she is sitting down with a mystic the wool from the shepherd. The most glorious branch in her hand, she has no other semblance symbol of Britannia is a ship ruling the waves, and to Britannia. There is only one more female pic- when with David she is on board Argo Navis. tured in the heavens, and that is Virgo, the The Budhists represent Virgo in a line of battle Egyptian Isis, and the similitude between her ship—a three decker—with her ports open .-j* and hei Britannic ' majesty is remarkable. Both are grave-looking persons, always respectably though not fashionably dressed ; true, some old plates represent Virgo as enviente, but that is nothing as regards a celestial virgin, as stated by Cruden . In Virgo's right hand, and in the right hand of Britannia, are similar mystic branches. Britt. carries occasionally a pair of scales, and the scales, the libra, are invariably in the possession of Virgo. Without mystery, Opica of Virgo is the bri ght, occidenta l star, which, according to law, sets with the lamb at the sacrifice, when " the sun rig. 3. in his strength," rises opposite. Closing- one sign Montfaucon gives a coin or medal of Britannia or 80 degrees, cliemali of Libz-a is with, say Opica. reclining, with the superscri ption Hispania.J Opica is the denoting brilliant, but it is the little ( What insolence of the Spaniard ; but as the medal crimson flower "h" under the ecliptic, from is au antique, perhaps it was minted while Britan- whence the astronomical points are reckoned. nia was a province of France. (To le confimied.)

MASONIC NOTES AND aUERIES-

TRADE SECK :ETS (p. 348). For some time back, in the Magazine, Bro. Buehau has been asserting that other trades had grips and words several centuries ago ; consequently, he has not been " doubting about trade signs and grips in the middle ages." Perhaps it is a misprint for some other name. There is more in speculative Masonry, however, than a bit of " apron-washing," with its word and grip. 'Will " Observer " kindl y remember this ?—W. P. B UOHAN .

EBEE ASD EEEE-BOEM'. Fig. 2. " Note," page 286, calls attention to Act XV. of the Leges Bui-gorura, page 270. Now this law is as Here is the Budhist Virgo, plate 12, ancl, as old as the time of William the Conqueror, conse- Upham describes, with the crimson flower. At quently, it is a pretty venerable " landmark," and, times Britannia is made to represent Pallas and according to it, our " free- bom " idea is wrong ; it , should be simply " free," and in Scotland what is- for that purpose is furnished with the helmet, called the j 1 of free-horn should be j 1 of breast plate, and shield of Mars, and the spear of freedom. I respectfull y suggest to my American Bootes. Did any one ever see Britannia with a brethren, botb white men and black freed-men , to note this.—W. P. BUOHAN . sword ? No ! because Virgo with the scales and the sword is no longer Britannia, but Themis, whose parents are known as Ccelus and Terra ;* 1 Sam. ii., 13. , t "History of Budhism ," Upham, plate 10. Neptune Aquarius had a trident, and the stars t Plate 110, vol. iii. ST. JOHN, THE PATHOS SAINT OP MASONS (p. 34S) . MASONRY AND PRIESTS. I had only a glance at Bro. Rehold's work, hut, from It is very likely true, as some have suggested, and what I saw then, I should not he inclined to pin my lately Historicus, that the Masonic rituals were faith to all he says, nor to the rest of Bro. Reitatn's first organized by priests in the middle ages. It then. quotation after the first five lines especially. If I becomes a strange thing that, in the ISth and 19th remember correctly, the Aberdeen Masonic Saint was centuries, Popes are found excommunicating Free- Saint John the Evangelist, whose day is 27th masons and their rituals, and in utter opposition to December.* However, 1 am certainly obliged to Bro. them in this day. There is no real reason why priests " Reitam " for his remarks.—W.P. BUCHAN. should not become Freemasons, as some do, and remain good Freemasons and good priests.—A.B. BRO. HERTZVOELD, BRO. PINDEL, AND D. G. M. MAN- NINGHAM. SPECULATIVE MASONRY. The communication of a Past Provincial Grand Bro. Buchan has hardly saved himself here. Bro l "Warden in the north of England has been delivered Hughan says there was not any organization of to me. My answers to his three inquiries are :—First, Grand Lodges or Provincial Grand Lodges before there is nothing in Bro. Hertzvoeld's letter to me from 171 7, and he says there was not the sy stem of three which it can be inferred that he was aware of the dis- distinct and separate degrees. This does not help pute going on amongst us respecting the period at Bro. Buchan. Administration is a very small matter. which speculative Masonry first made its appearance. There are no Provincial Grand Lodges or Gran d His Masonic position is—Member of the Council of Masters iu France, and not properly in the United Ancients of the lodge U Union Moyal. His social States. The three degrees may have been more or position is—Chief Officer at the Ministry of Finance less systematically developed, but the question still in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. West, Bro. remains, " Were gentlemen, for instance, admitted pre- Findel's letter to me has been mislaid. It was written vious to 1717 on a system of ritual identical in con» from Leipzig some time in September or October, stitution with the present rituals ? " The ad mission of and merely informed me that it was his intention to gentlemen may have begun in the middle ages as insert D. G. M. Manningham 's letter of 1757 iu the patrons, and as a consequence of the admission of second edition of the " History of Freemasonry," clerical members.—HISTORICUS. then nearl y ready for the press. Lastly, there is, if SPECULATIVE FREEMASONRY AND BRO. BUCHAN . I recollect right, some sli ght mention of D.G.M. Manningham in " Preston's Illustrations."—C.P.C. I cannot agree at all with Bro. Buchan's statement that —It was not operative Masonry that graduall MASONIC CREDULITY.— THE PIRST GRAND LODGE OE , y ENGLAND . developed itself into speculative Freemasonry," and unless he has evidence which has been denied to other Bro. Banning feeling l y informs you that, as so Masonic students, he cannot be possessed of any much has been written of late tending to undermine authority for such an assertion. Bro. Buchan has the faith of the fraternity in the traditionary not shown viluj operative Masonry should not be antiquity of our Order, he sends a transcript from termed the father of speculative Freemasonry. When one of our standard works as tending to quiet he has done his best to do so, I may have a word to the minds of those who are unsettled on the subject. say on the subject.—W. J. HUGHAN . This proves to be an extract from one of the books of that worthy man and Mason, and most incapable HAUGHPOOT LODGE . critic , Dr. Oliver, repeating Preston, and which recites In common with several Masonic students, I am the tale about King Athelstane making his brother reading the extracts from old records of the above Patron of the Masons at York, with the additional ancient lodge with much interest, and shal l look with fragment,—•" Here many old writings were produced eagerness .for the continuation of such valuable in Greek Latin , , and other languages, from which the excerp ts by Bro. R. S. He has my warmest constitutions of the English lod ges are derived." thanks for so kindly and full y responding to my It certainly is an exceeding ly likely story that such wishes, and I feel certain that I am not singular in MSS. were produced at York, in Greek, or in Chinese thus expressing gratification at these records being either. so carefull y published.—W. J. HUGHAN. A piece of history of this kind is proveable like other history, and Bro. Banning will render good SPECULATIVE PREEMASONRY AND ITS MANU- service to his cause if he will produce one siugle line from a chronicle in Anglo-Saxon or Latin which FACTURERS. justifies any such statement of Preston or Oliver. Speculative Masonry being manufactured about This kind of assertion , without historical proof, in A.D. 1717 , operative Masonry was the ispoen which the case of the tale of Queen Elizabeth and the lodge Doctors Desaguliers and Anderson made use of in at York, has brought on Bro. John Yarker a very administering the new idea.*—W.P.B. reasonable demand for historical evidence in the last THE TEMPLARS AND PREEMASONRY (p. 870) . number of Notes and Queries.—-N.B. I fully subscribe to the truthful, historical, ancl MASOUIC HISTORY V. MASOUIC SECRETS (p. 34J9). consistent remarks of " Historicus." The ideas Whatever punishment might be due to the revealer which he ' so ably expresses are those which I have for of Masonic secrets, the writing of Masonic " history " some time held.—W. P. BUCHAN. is a different matter.—PICTUS . * Perhaps tlie above may explain the Prestoni-.m " 1'uyk " * Yes ; as per foot-note, page 206, September llth. alluded to at foot of page 329 ? TOULMIN SMITH ON " ENGLISH GUILDS. Arch " productions, we at once open the door to these so-called " high ' degrees ad infinitum ; degrees Will Bro. Hyde Clarke kindl inform me who are ' y which, those who have been induced to take them the publishers of the above work that I may order , assert, are simpl " humbug." it ? My bookseller has failed to procure it for me y Yours fraternall so far, and Bro. Hyde Clarke's welcome notes on the y, work, in the Freemasons ' Magazine f or October 6th BE-MARE. , P.S. have made me anxious to see the volume aud stud —I find that it is not necessary to go far to y find proof of my last statement ; for, page 356, at a it carefully.—W. J. HUGHAN . meeting of " Masonic Knights Templar " it was stated QUERY. that " The Knights of the Temple would recollect that Will you kindly answer me the following question they met, not on the level, but on the cross.'' If such in your next number ? The out-going Master has a were the case, they should have gone to the church or not to a Masonic hall right to instal his successor ; but, if he declines to do chapel, , for such an idea is so, either from inability or other reason s, who should entirely opposed to Freemasonry. And, if " the then be asked to perform the ceremony ? the next illustrious Templar believed that he was the pioneer of a grand united chain of Masonrv throughout the P.M., or the senior P.M. of the lodge ?—T.P. 1 The retiring W.M. may request the I.P.M., or any world, ' he has rather queer ideas as to what " Ma- '' other P.M. present who is able and willing, to perform sonry really is. The life and beauty of speculative the ceremony of installation.—ED. F.M. Masonry is its unsectarianistn and universality, cross and cresceut being alike to it. So long as such is the idea, the " grand chain " exists ; but it would seem to he the forte of pseudo-Masonic Knights Temp lar to COEBESPONDENCE. pull down what it is the glory of Masonic Master Masons to build up.—EE-MARK. . The Editor" is not resp onsible for the opinions expressed by Correspondent

1717.

ENGLISH MARK LODGES AND THE MARK TO THE EDITOR OP THE PEEElTASONs' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC HIBEOB. DEGREE. Dear Sir and Brother,—I have met with an in- TO THE IDITOB OP TDE PEEEJIASOSS' MAGAZINE AHD MASONIC HIBKOH. cident which it may be interesting to mention ; viz.: Dear Sir and Brother,—I have read the remarks of Upon 25th October I received a letter bearing the " Crescen t," at page 284, upon the above subject, and Glasgow post-mark, and upon corner of envelope beg to dissent from many of his statements. As to " 1717. " On opening it there was no signature, being the G.L. of Mark Masters being " that lawful aud therein directed to me as a " Correspondent of the constitutional body," I cannot see it. Suppose we Freemasons ' Magazine," and it said :— get up a Grand Lod ge of M.M.'s, another of F.C.'s, " There is a fount about to stream, and so on ? There is a light about to , Then to he told that the " Masonic Knights There is a warmth about to flow, Templar " are " a purely Christian Order, dating only There is a flower about to blow, from the time of the Crusades!" When, mirabile There is a midnight darkness changing dicta Into grey. , they " only " date from last century at the Men of thought and men of action, furthest. Clear the way. Again, says " Crescent," " all degrees, Craft and others, " Aid the dawning tongue and pen, were once worked thus independently before Aid it, hopes of honest men ; the Grand Lodges in Great Britain and other Aid it, paper, aid it, type ; countries were formed!" That is to sav,J before Aid it for the hour is ripe. 1717 ! And our earnest must uot slacken To further criticise an " article " Into play. which contains Men of thought and men of action, such essential mistakes as those alluded to is un- Clear the way." necessary. « l71f ;> The real cure for this matter would be that alluded I have not the slightest idea who it is from , nor is to, at page 311 , b " Beitam," y viz., that the G.L. of any explanation given in it; only, from " 1717 " being England should follow the example of the G.L. of mentioned, I suppose that the date A.D. 1717 is Scotland, and make _ " the Mark " a portion of its referred to; the writer being a'reader of the Magazine ritual, f or, as is well known , , 2ong before auy Grand and possibly a supporter of the 1717 theory. Lodge was formed, the operative Masons used their marks. A motion to this effect carried in Grand Yours fraternally, W. P. BUCHAN. Lodge would soon settle the whole matter, so far as blue Masonry is concerned. It was really most "" unfortunate " that the G.L. of England recognised the Eoyal Arch. Craft Ma- DNIEOEMITY OF BITUAL. sonry being entirely complete in itself ; that is to say, TO TEE EDITOll OP THE PKEE2IASONS ' JIAGAZIlfE AND MASONIC MIHEOB. that any " degree > ' above that of Master Mason is Dear Sir and Brother,—Since the appearance of the simply superfluous, " the Mark " being uuderstood as letter of G. W. Wv page 309, the attention of at any a portion of the Fellow Craft degree. Whenever we rate two Glasgow lodges has been specially drawn to ep beyond blue Masonry and take up with " Eoyal the subject of uniformity, and the suggestions em- bodied in that letter appear to us to he the most moreover, he knows well how to pull each fact to practical that have yet appeared. If uniformity of pieces, and thus more surely estimate its value," ritual is not obtainable on your side of the border, it ISTow, there is in D. G. M. Manningham's letter, is still more lamentably deficient in Scotland, for Freemasons ' Magazine, Vol. 19 , page 133, this pas- here, not only with respect to ritual, but also with sage :—" I conversed lately with one old brother of clothing, " each one does that -which is right in his 90. This brother assures me he was made a Mason own eyes." We cannot speak as you do of the Vlue in his youth, and has constantly frequented lodges degrees, for here Craft Masonry assumes all the till rendered incapable by his advanced age, and never colours of the rainbow, and the materials of the apron heard or knew of any other ceremonies or words may be either silk, satin, or lambskin. These, with than those used in general amongst us ; such forms other and more serious anomalies (to which I do not were delivered to him, and those he has retained." wish at present to allude) arise, as G.W.W. observes, This passage, although at one time it attracted a from "the want of controlling power.'' Clothing good deal of notice, has never been critically may be one of the non-essentials, but that, with examined. Will the able Brother Buchan undertake other proofs of want of uniformity, has tended to make that task ? Does the passage constitute a fact worthy English Masons at times sarcastic on their Scotch of consideration ? D. G. M. Manningham 's letter is brethren, though G.W.W. has ihe candour to say he dated July, 1757. Must it be taken that the " one has seen good working here. old brother of 90 " was " made a Mason '' in the 17th If Bros. Buchan, Scotus, Pictus, Melville, Smith, century ? and, if so, can the " ceremonies and words Lyon, aud other learned Scotch Masons, would join used in general amongst us," and the " forms de- with Bros. Crux, Crescent, Hughan, Yarker, Hyde livered and retained," be understood to mean specula- Clarke, and others, in devoting some of their spare tive Masonry ? time to improving the present position of the Order, Above is verbatim what a distinguished Mason has it might be quite as profitable as speculating on the written, and I now forward it to the editor of our precise time that speculative Masonry dates from. periodical, to be disposed of in such way as, in his The present honour and future prosperity of the discretion, he shall see fit. Order are surely of more importance than guesses, Yours fraternally, however ingenious, concerning the history of the AST ROVINCIAL RAND MASTER . past, especially when we know that our ancient A P P G brethren were so particular that no kind of written or printed documents should be allowed to exist that could in anv way impart a knowledge of our doings AUXILIARY LODGES. ' to the " profane!" TO THE EDITOE OP THE PnEEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MIEBOB. Let us, then, devote ourselves to improving the Dear Sir and Brother,—Iu reply to (JI B.^, in the present position of the Craft ; let the three sister Freemasons ' Magazine of last week, I can inform him Grand Lodges take up the matter in earnest ; let that in Calcutta, where the lodges are worked as the suggested plan, or some other to be evolved, be well as they are in England, that we frequently gave considered fully, discussed fairly, and, when approved (press of business requiring) the three degrees of, acted on. Let us remove the reproach that at on the same evening in separate rooms, the the present attaches to us all, viz., that, while boast- W.M. of the lodge presiding in one room and a ing of belonging to an Order whose branches are P.M., with competent staff, officiating in the other ; spread over the whole habitable globe, with brethren all the brethren being present when the lodge was known to each other in every country of the earth, opened, and all also being present when the lod ge we yet are so ill organized that, not merely on was closed , the Secretary recording on the minutes the different sides of the Tweed or Irish Channel do we records of the officers officiating in each room. Of work differently, but even in the same town, and course the hall was adapted for the purpose, having often even in the same lodge-room , there is a -marked separate entrances, &c, to each room. I cannot distinction iu the ceremonies aud ritual. Here is a understand how the propriety of such an arrangement large field that wants cultivation ; here is a theme for can be questioned. your ablest correspondents. The cry has been started Youis fraternall y, in England it is re echoed from Ireland and it will ; , P.D.D.G.M. meet with a response in the heart of every true Craftsman who hails from Caledonia, as well as— Yours fraternally, PALESTINE EXPLORATION FUND .—An influenti al meet- A SCOTCH MASON. ing was held in the large room of the Town Hall, Newark, Glasgow, November 7th . on Monday last, for the formation of a local association in aid of the exploration of Palestine. The Eight Hon. the Speaker of the House of Commons occupied the chair, in which he was supported by the Bishop of Lin- OUR BROTHER BUCHAK coln, Earl Manners, Mr. Hodgkinson, M.P., Canon Mac- TO THE EDITOR OP THE FllEEMASONS' MAGAZINE AND MASONIC MinHOR. kenzie, and the Bev. M. Miller. Besides these gentle- Dear Sir and Brother —A distinguished Mason men the meeting was addressed by Mr. Grove, the Hon. , and Captain CW. Wilson , E.E. The writes as follows :— Sec. to the Fund , room was crowded, and the statements of the speakers " Our Bro. Buchan has great , and, what is were received with great demonstration s of interest. A better, he has judgment and caution. He comes to powerful local committee was formed, and tho amount no conclusion until he has got at the facts, and until subscribed exceeded £60, a large amount being annual he has ascertained the nature of those facts ; and, subscriptions. LODGE OE STABILITY (NO. 217).—This lodge met at Ander- THE MASONIC MHffiOR. ton's Hotel, -street, on Tuesday, the 2nd inst., at six o'clock, Bro. Edward Hughes ; , W.M., in tlie chair. The lodge was *V All communications to be addressed to the EDITOE, at No. opened, and tho minutes of the previous meeting were read and 19, Salisbury-street, Strand, London , W.C. confivvned. The lod ge was opened in the second degree, and Bros. Coley and Wilson were raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. A I-allo fc then took place for Sir. T. Freelove, which was declared to bo. unanimous in that gentleman's favour. MASONIC MFMS- The WM. begged the assistance of the brethren in establishing THE annual banquet of the Eoyal Union Lodgo of Instruction a charity fund in connection with No. 217, and explained the basis on which it was to he worked viz., a subscri tion of one ¦will take place at Bro. , p Claisen's, Hotel de Cologne, Hayroarket, shilling a week hy each who enrolled himself, and a ballot to on Tuesday, Nov. 23rd, 1S69, at 7 p.m. Tho chair will be taken take place for each £5 or £5 5s., the successful members to have by Bro. Fehrenbacb, W.M. 382, and the vice-chair by Bro. T. A. the choice of tlie Charity connected with the Craft , to which his Adams. name and subscri ption should he seut as a life subscriber ,- so that in a period of two years every one who joined must have his THE Grand Lod ge of Mark Masters of England and Wales name on one of the Charities. The suggestion was warmly ¦will be held at the Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen-street, on taken up by the lodge, more especially by Bro. Taylor, P.M. and Tuesday, the 30tU inst., at 5 o'clock . Sec, who represents the lodg-e at the forthcoming festival of the Benevo lent Institution , and who asked the brethren to A LODGE of Instruction for Mark Masters is held, under support him by subscri ptions. In accordance with notice of the sanction of the Kent Lodge at the Lyceum Tavern, Strand, motion previou sly given, Bro. Siilifimt, P.M., proposed that two every Monday at half-past seven p.m. Bro. Charles Swan is pounds be given to the Benevolent Institution for Aged Free- the preceptor. masons and their Widows. Tliis was seconded , and placed on Bro. Tay lor's list by Bro. Broily, P.M. and Treas., and carried, WE are pleased to observe that the liberal offer of Bro. Lewis unanimously. Nothmg further being offered , the lod ge was and his partner, Mr. Mason , lias been taken up in a closed in due form and with solemn prayer. At the subsequent sp irited ' manner. Our lodge reports show several instances iu which banquet Bro. Read, W.M., Merchant Navy Lodge, No. 781, the warml lodges have resolved to y thanked the brethren for their hospitality, aud congra- purchase copies of those beautiful pic- tulated tho lodge on its excellent working, and the harmony tures, which no doubt will benefit the schools in a twofold now existing. The visitors were Bros. Read, W.M. 781 ; manner ; first, by contributing to the funds ; and, secondly, Richardson and Clements, 7-15; C. Sdyney, 829 ; and Ividd, St .Tohn s. being bung on the walls of the lodge-room , will form a constant ' reminder of the existence of those noble institutions. ST. JAMES'S Vmom LODGE (NO. 180).—This lodge was held at Freemasons' Hall on Tuesday, the 9th inst., when there were WE understand that the Eight Hon. the Lord Eosehill, present—Bros. A. Cameron, W.M.; J. R. Stacey, S.W. ; Herf, eldest son of the Eight Hon. the Earl of Northcsk. is to be J.W.; H. A. Stacey, P.M.; Sec ; Bult, S.D.; Smethett, J.D.; affiliated a member of the Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary 's Chapel), A. Gall'ss, I.G. ; C. Jackson, A. Stoner, T. Simpson , P.M.'s ; and about twenty other members. The visitors present were Bros. No. 1, on the 29th inst., and that the Most Worshipful Grand J. Hidden , J. Wheeler, and W. Whiltington, P.M. 364., P. Prov. Master, the Right Hon. tho Earl of Dalliousie, is to present, G. Sec. of Eastern Division of South Wales. Messrs. Parsons, and perform the rites and ceremonies. Hofsiler, aud Lakin were initinted ; after which Bros. Archer and Hawkins were passed, and Bro. Mierli raised the ceremonies TXLEES of Lod , ges, Janitors of Chapters, Equerries of Encamp- being most ably performed by the AV.M. A petition was signed ments, &c, in England, Scotland , and Ireland, are requested to to tlie Board of Benevolence on behalf of the daughter of a de- forward their names and addresses to tho Publisher of THE ceased brother, who was initiated in 1823. 5 FHEESUSCC'S MAGAZITSE, SO as to the Proprietors to LIOJT AND LAMB LODGE (NO . 192.)—A regular meeting of compile a complete Register and Directory. tins lodgo was held on Thursday, the 4th inst., at the Terminus Hotel, Cannon-street. Tho lodge was opened in due form by Bros. E. King, W.M.,-E. Roberts, S.W. ; Harris, J.W.; Trotfc, S.D. ; Child , J.D. ; Newman, I.G. ; Good year, Treas.; Marsh, Sec. 'Ihe minutes of the last meeting were rea d and confirmed. Bros. Sraft ilasonm Artel! and Younger wore raised to the sublime degree of M. M., and a brother passed to F.C. The lodge was then resumed ill ENGLISH CONSTITUTION. the first degree, and two gentlemen were proposed for initiation, by Bro. J. Harvey, P.M, C.C, and seconded by Bro. W. Baker, METROPOLITAN. A letter was then read from Bro. AV. Farnlield, P. Assist. G. Sec, and the much respected Secretary to the Benevolent Insti- ST. THOMAS'S LODGE (N O. 143). —This old lodge met for the tut'on for A ged Freemasons, soliciting a stewa rd for tlie above commencement of its season on Saturday, the 4