Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
REVIEWS .
All Books intended for Keview should bo addressed to the Editor of The Freemason ' s Chronicle , 67 Barbican , E . C . Our Red Coats and Bine Jackets . By Henry Stewart . London John Hogg , Paternoster Row . BOOKS on battles have always a peculiar charm for boys . And hero wo have a volume which for beauty of stylo and finish is sufficient to
dazzle tho eye and to whet the kecuest admiration of tho English youth . It is essentially one such as wo can imagine the successful pupil receiving at the hands of his school examiner with a gleeful twinkle in his eye as he turns over its gilded covers and peers inside at its richly coloured embellishments . And as he meanders through its pages , rich with stories of " adventure by flood and field , " we
can realise with what pride and avidity ho will peruse the accounts of brilliant exploits which are emblazoned on tho flag of that empire upon whose might the sun never sets . In panoramic style are recorded tho principal achievements of tho British arms , both by land aud sea , from the time of the opening of tho great war with France , in 1793 , down to the signing of the peace treaty with King
Coffee , of Ashantee . There can be no greater help to the juvenile mind , whilst mastering tho history of his own as well aa of other countries , than to be on familiar terms with the names of great men who have led onr armies across far-off battle-fields , and our sturdy cruisers abreast every sea . And the object of the compiler of this most acceptable volume seems to bo to enumerate in pleasant
conversational manner tho salient features of both naval and military en . gagements in which the British services have taken so prominent and victorious a part—giving vividness and variety to tho narrative by the introduction of anecdotes and short accounts of personal valour . Considerately eschewing lengthy details as to the political complications which induced the wars recorded—and through which young
readers cannot be expected to wade—Mr . Stewart tells a round unvarnished tale of tho several conflicts which have left thoir mark upon the naval and military annals of tho past centnry , increasing the usefulness of his work to the general reader by adding a chronological list of engagements , which renders the whole a handy book of reference . Fully half the volume is occupied iu relation of the most
prominent incidents of tho French and Peninsular wars ; and although military operations were not then on such a scale of magnitude as in the present clay , nor the weapons of warfare so deadl y , yet from that fact alone thero are afforded more personal instances cf British pluck and obstinacy such as lend a spiciness to talcs of war . The account of the battle of Waterloo is written in
heroic and stirring language , a graphic description being given of the arena of that glorious triumph , the mere mention of which even yet causes a " flush to glow from cheek to brow " whenever tho tale is told amongst Englishmen . Considerable attention is also paid to tho leading features in tho Crimean campaign , most of which are within the recollection of comparatively young men ; and the details of the storming of the Alma , tho Balaclava Charge , the Battle of Iukermann ,
and the capture of Sebaatopol arc admirably told , interspersed with stirring incidents and records of personal valour . Taken altogether , this book is just such an one as tho ordinary English youth will covet , whether for beauty of exterior , which makes it an ornament to the drawing-room table , or for the exciting and interesting character of its contents . It is a most judicious compilation of historical facts , aud it bristles throughout with the most tolling passages of incident and adventure .
The Secret of Success ; or , How to Get on in the World ,. By W . H . DAVENPORT ADAMS . London : John Hogg , Paternoster Row . THE object of this bulky aud handsomely got-up volume is not exactly that which its title at first blush might suggest to many minds . It points out no royal road to a Monte Christo ' s hoard of wealth , or to a philosopher ' s stone that shall turn everything it
touches into gold . Legions of quack nostrums havo been issued from time to time , professing in their varied departments to show how " good luck " may be attained , and giving " straight tips " as to how a speedy ascent may be gained to the pinnacles of fame and fortune-. These , however , have invariably been emanations from men who have painfully found life to be a delusion and a snare , who
have either missed or Wilfully deserted the paths of moral rectitude , and whose counsel , therefore , has only served as the Will-o ' -the-wisp to allure others into the fens and morasses of disappoinment . Mr . Adams candidly asserts at the outset that he has discovered no shorter or easier pathway to worldly success than before existed ; and that if any reader takes up his book in the hope of learning somo
new way of money-making , somo fresh exposition of the gospel of getting-on , he may find himself disappointed . Plain , homely , and eminently practical expositions of the principles which should guide our evory-day life are embodied in this comprehensive treatise ; and though most of them are well-worn , and almost universally acknowledged , we find them , alas ! too little practised in the common
dealings of this competitive age . To start with , of course , the writer points out that , in order to ensure success in any grade of life , the mens sana and corpore saw must be indissolnbly blended , and thus ho directs attention to the complete culture of tho physical , moral , and intellectual faculties of the individual . Very often materialistic success proves nothing more than deplorable failure ; and the great
secret of success , he argues , lies in the cultivation of tho habits of diligent application , temperate living , aud high thinking . It is perfectly true that these doctrines and precepts have been preached exhaustively enough by moralists and philanthropists for years , but such truths cannot be too frequently set before readers of every class and age . To the young they serve as a healthy stimulus to high aims and lofty ambitions ; to "children of large growth" they
Reviews.
' — !¦ ' »» supply tho brake-power against recklessness and haste , as well as incentives to wisdom . We aro not of that class who would cram all manner of " goody" and impossible maxims into tho mental capacity of onr rising generation . But inasmuch as an occasional tonic , administered even in homoeopathic doses , is essential to physical health , so aro words of wisdom and wholesome counsel of priceless
worth in tho moral training of thoso who aro about to set out up'in the stormy sea of life . Referring to the objection which may bo mado to his volume , that it traverses much of the same ground as that already covered by Smiles , in his " Self Help , " and others , Mr . Adams points out that his work , on tho other hand , devotes a considerable space to illustrations from tho departments of business
and commerce—departments which have hitherto , at least for such purposes , been comparatively overlooked ; and it pursues more than one conrso of inquiry which previous writers have scarcely glanced at . He anticipates another obvious objection by sotting forth that , although the volurao before us says nothing absolutely now—that it repeats truths which have become commonplace—yet truths of
such importance cannot bo too frequently repeated . Ho says : — " This repetition may impress minds which havo not been impressed , and they may bo accompanied with fresh examples , or presented in newer forms , so as to arrest the attention of the careless , or suggest to the thoughtful new lines of reflection . " After a careful perusal of the work in hand , we havo no hesitation in expressing our opinion
that it is one we should like to see in the hands of every young man as he sets forth on tho threshold of active business life . Thore is a robust manliness in tho stylo of the writer ' s diction which is simply contagions , and a more occasional glance at its pages cannot fail to give elasticity and moral tone to tho thoughts aud actions of tho reader . It must not bo supposed that the book is a mere homily of
moral precept and instruction , for throughout tho whole of its pages there runs a silver thread of interesting narrative , such as admirably sustains the reader ' s attention ; whilst the examples given of tho achievements of eminent men in all conditions of life aro most entertaining as well as instructive . There aro also illustrations and anecdotes without number , setting forth how essential it is to
economise time , and make good use of it when thus saved—the choosing of right starting-points in life , and tho cultivation of worthy friendships—rthe value of resolution , moral accuracy and uprightness in our business habits—and a host of other directions , pointing like finger-posts along tho road to success . We feel perfectly assured that tho more extensively this admirable book is
read the greater will be its influence for good , and wo heartily commend it to the attention of our readers of every clas * . The work presents ns with a compilation of a vast amount of valuable information , evidently the result of the reading and observation of many years ; and no one can peruse its pages without deriving intellectual benefit . But , unlike manv works of similar aim that we have seen
in too past , and which we have had to struggle through with serious visage , this volume is spangled throughout with cheery incidents and sketches of humour which render palatable truths that may perhaps havo lost their attractiveness by frequent repetition . The work is commendable in every respect , and forms a very acceptable present , especially to young men of thought ami good sense .
Obituary.
Obituary .
WE regret to announce the demise of our late respected Brother John Johnson , which melancholy event occurred on the 29 th ult . in his fifty-first year , after a short illness . Tho funeral took place at Abney Park Cemetery on the 2 nd inst ., where many marks of respect testified to the great esteem in which Bro . Johnson was held . Tho funeral cnrlcge was followed by a numerous assemblage of the
employe ' s of the Gas Light and Coke Company , of which onr esteemed brother was engineer . There was also a large attendance of brethren of the Lodges and Chapters to which he belonged . Among tho many floral wreaths borne npon the coffin was one of acacia , which was respectfully placed there by Bro . T . W . Adams I . P . M . of 1023 , of which the deceased Brother was a Founder and J . W . Our Brother
was initiated in the Era Lodgo 1423 in 1875 , and his active interest in tho Order may be judged from the fact of his l > oiii _ r a Founder of West Smithfield Lodgo 1 ( 323 , Evening Star Lidgel 7 lf > , Hammersmith Mark 211 , West Smithfield Mark 223 , and ' the Era Chapter 1423 . He was a Life Governor of all our Masonic Charities ,
already a past Steward , and bad only recently represmited the West Smithfield Lodge at the Festival of the Royal ' as mic Benevolent Institution , when he was able to take upon his list about seventy guineas . The Craft has sustained n great loss in consequence of our lato Brother's career of usefulness being thus cut short . We sympathise most deeply with his widow ancl three children in their bereavement .
Cryptic Degrees.
CRYPTIC DEGREES .
A meeting of the Grand Masters Council , No . 1 , was held at the Masonic Rooms , 2 Rod Lion-square , on Wednesday , the 2 nd inst . Present-Bros . T . C . Walls Rt . 111 . Dep . Master , Thos . Poore as Conductor of Works , II . R . Cooper Smith as Captain of the Guard , D . M . Dewar Recorder , F . Davison G . Treasurer , R . Berridge , E . Latchworth , R . H . Thrupp , Robert Roy , & c . Bros . W . J . Hickman ,
W . Klingenstein , George Kenning , Alfred Williams , Fcntham Hedges were severally admitted to the Degrees of Most Excellent , Royal , Select , and Super Excellent Master , the ceremonies being impressively rendered by the Right HI . Dop . Master Bro . Walls , assisted by Bros . Poore and Cooper Smith . The next meeting was fixed tor Thursday tho 8 th May , on which day , after the reception of candidates , the Annual Festival will bo held ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Reviews.
REVIEWS .
All Books intended for Keview should bo addressed to the Editor of The Freemason ' s Chronicle , 67 Barbican , E . C . Our Red Coats and Bine Jackets . By Henry Stewart . London John Hogg , Paternoster Row . BOOKS on battles have always a peculiar charm for boys . And hero wo have a volume which for beauty of stylo and finish is sufficient to
dazzle tho eye and to whet the kecuest admiration of tho English youth . It is essentially one such as wo can imagine the successful pupil receiving at the hands of his school examiner with a gleeful twinkle in his eye as he turns over its gilded covers and peers inside at its richly coloured embellishments . And as he meanders through its pages , rich with stories of " adventure by flood and field , " we
can realise with what pride and avidity ho will peruse the accounts of brilliant exploits which are emblazoned on tho flag of that empire upon whose might the sun never sets . In panoramic style are recorded tho principal achievements of tho British arms , both by land aud sea , from the time of the opening of tho great war with France , in 1793 , down to the signing of the peace treaty with King
Coffee , of Ashantee . There can be no greater help to the juvenile mind , whilst mastering tho history of his own as well aa of other countries , than to be on familiar terms with the names of great men who have led onr armies across far-off battle-fields , and our sturdy cruisers abreast every sea . And the object of the compiler of this most acceptable volume seems to bo to enumerate in pleasant
conversational manner tho salient features of both naval and military en . gagements in which the British services have taken so prominent and victorious a part—giving vividness and variety to tho narrative by the introduction of anecdotes and short accounts of personal valour . Considerately eschewing lengthy details as to the political complications which induced the wars recorded—and through which young
readers cannot be expected to wade—Mr . Stewart tells a round unvarnished tale of tho several conflicts which have left thoir mark upon the naval and military annals of tho past centnry , increasing the usefulness of his work to the general reader by adding a chronological list of engagements , which renders the whole a handy book of reference . Fully half the volume is occupied iu relation of the most
prominent incidents of tho French and Peninsular wars ; and although military operations were not then on such a scale of magnitude as in the present clay , nor the weapons of warfare so deadl y , yet from that fact alone thero are afforded more personal instances cf British pluck and obstinacy such as lend a spiciness to talcs of war . The account of the battle of Waterloo is written in
heroic and stirring language , a graphic description being given of the arena of that glorious triumph , the mere mention of which even yet causes a " flush to glow from cheek to brow " whenever tho tale is told amongst Englishmen . Considerable attention is also paid to tho leading features in tho Crimean campaign , most of which are within the recollection of comparatively young men ; and the details of the storming of the Alma , tho Balaclava Charge , the Battle of Iukermann ,
and the capture of Sebaatopol arc admirably told , interspersed with stirring incidents and records of personal valour . Taken altogether , this book is just such an one as tho ordinary English youth will covet , whether for beauty of exterior , which makes it an ornament to the drawing-room table , or for the exciting and interesting character of its contents . It is a most judicious compilation of historical facts , aud it bristles throughout with the most tolling passages of incident and adventure .
The Secret of Success ; or , How to Get on in the World ,. By W . H . DAVENPORT ADAMS . London : John Hogg , Paternoster Row . THE object of this bulky aud handsomely got-up volume is not exactly that which its title at first blush might suggest to many minds . It points out no royal road to a Monte Christo ' s hoard of wealth , or to a philosopher ' s stone that shall turn everything it
touches into gold . Legions of quack nostrums havo been issued from time to time , professing in their varied departments to show how " good luck " may be attained , and giving " straight tips " as to how a speedy ascent may be gained to the pinnacles of fame and fortune-. These , however , have invariably been emanations from men who have painfully found life to be a delusion and a snare , who
have either missed or Wilfully deserted the paths of moral rectitude , and whose counsel , therefore , has only served as the Will-o ' -the-wisp to allure others into the fens and morasses of disappoinment . Mr . Adams candidly asserts at the outset that he has discovered no shorter or easier pathway to worldly success than before existed ; and that if any reader takes up his book in the hope of learning somo
new way of money-making , somo fresh exposition of the gospel of getting-on , he may find himself disappointed . Plain , homely , and eminently practical expositions of the principles which should guide our evory-day life are embodied in this comprehensive treatise ; and though most of them are well-worn , and almost universally acknowledged , we find them , alas ! too little practised in the common
dealings of this competitive age . To start with , of course , the writer points out that , in order to ensure success in any grade of life , the mens sana and corpore saw must be indissolnbly blended , and thus ho directs attention to the complete culture of tho physical , moral , and intellectual faculties of the individual . Very often materialistic success proves nothing more than deplorable failure ; and the great
secret of success , he argues , lies in the cultivation of tho habits of diligent application , temperate living , aud high thinking . It is perfectly true that these doctrines and precepts have been preached exhaustively enough by moralists and philanthropists for years , but such truths cannot be too frequently set before readers of every class and age . To the young they serve as a healthy stimulus to high aims and lofty ambitions ; to "children of large growth" they
Reviews.
' — !¦ ' »» supply tho brake-power against recklessness and haste , as well as incentives to wisdom . We aro not of that class who would cram all manner of " goody" and impossible maxims into tho mental capacity of onr rising generation . But inasmuch as an occasional tonic , administered even in homoeopathic doses , is essential to physical health , so aro words of wisdom and wholesome counsel of priceless
worth in tho moral training of thoso who aro about to set out up'in the stormy sea of life . Referring to the objection which may bo mado to his volume , that it traverses much of the same ground as that already covered by Smiles , in his " Self Help , " and others , Mr . Adams points out that his work , on tho other hand , devotes a considerable space to illustrations from tho departments of business
and commerce—departments which have hitherto , at least for such purposes , been comparatively overlooked ; and it pursues more than one conrso of inquiry which previous writers have scarcely glanced at . He anticipates another obvious objection by sotting forth that , although the volurao before us says nothing absolutely now—that it repeats truths which have become commonplace—yet truths of
such importance cannot bo too frequently repeated . Ho says : — " This repetition may impress minds which havo not been impressed , and they may bo accompanied with fresh examples , or presented in newer forms , so as to arrest the attention of the careless , or suggest to the thoughtful new lines of reflection . " After a careful perusal of the work in hand , we havo no hesitation in expressing our opinion
that it is one we should like to see in the hands of every young man as he sets forth on tho threshold of active business life . Thore is a robust manliness in tho stylo of the writer ' s diction which is simply contagions , and a more occasional glance at its pages cannot fail to give elasticity and moral tone to tho thoughts aud actions of tho reader . It must not bo supposed that the book is a mere homily of
moral precept and instruction , for throughout tho whole of its pages there runs a silver thread of interesting narrative , such as admirably sustains the reader ' s attention ; whilst the examples given of tho achievements of eminent men in all conditions of life aro most entertaining as well as instructive . There aro also illustrations and anecdotes without number , setting forth how essential it is to
economise time , and make good use of it when thus saved—the choosing of right starting-points in life , and tho cultivation of worthy friendships—rthe value of resolution , moral accuracy and uprightness in our business habits—and a host of other directions , pointing like finger-posts along tho road to success . We feel perfectly assured that tho more extensively this admirable book is
read the greater will be its influence for good , and wo heartily commend it to the attention of our readers of every clas * . The work presents ns with a compilation of a vast amount of valuable information , evidently the result of the reading and observation of many years ; and no one can peruse its pages without deriving intellectual benefit . But , unlike manv works of similar aim that we have seen
in too past , and which we have had to struggle through with serious visage , this volume is spangled throughout with cheery incidents and sketches of humour which render palatable truths that may perhaps havo lost their attractiveness by frequent repetition . The work is commendable in every respect , and forms a very acceptable present , especially to young men of thought ami good sense .
Obituary.
Obituary .
WE regret to announce the demise of our late respected Brother John Johnson , which melancholy event occurred on the 29 th ult . in his fifty-first year , after a short illness . Tho funeral took place at Abney Park Cemetery on the 2 nd inst ., where many marks of respect testified to the great esteem in which Bro . Johnson was held . Tho funeral cnrlcge was followed by a numerous assemblage of the
employe ' s of the Gas Light and Coke Company , of which onr esteemed brother was engineer . There was also a large attendance of brethren of the Lodges and Chapters to which he belonged . Among tho many floral wreaths borne npon the coffin was one of acacia , which was respectfully placed there by Bro . T . W . Adams I . P . M . of 1023 , of which the deceased Brother was a Founder and J . W . Our Brother
was initiated in the Era Lodgo 1423 in 1875 , and his active interest in tho Order may be judged from the fact of his l > oiii _ r a Founder of West Smithfield Lodgo 1 ( 323 , Evening Star Lidgel 7 lf > , Hammersmith Mark 211 , West Smithfield Mark 223 , and ' the Era Chapter 1423 . He was a Life Governor of all our Masonic Charities ,
already a past Steward , and bad only recently represmited the West Smithfield Lodge at the Festival of the Royal ' as mic Benevolent Institution , when he was able to take upon his list about seventy guineas . The Craft has sustained n great loss in consequence of our lato Brother's career of usefulness being thus cut short . We sympathise most deeply with his widow ancl three children in their bereavement .
Cryptic Degrees.
CRYPTIC DEGREES .
A meeting of the Grand Masters Council , No . 1 , was held at the Masonic Rooms , 2 Rod Lion-square , on Wednesday , the 2 nd inst . Present-Bros . T . C . Walls Rt . 111 . Dep . Master , Thos . Poore as Conductor of Works , II . R . Cooper Smith as Captain of the Guard , D . M . Dewar Recorder , F . Davison G . Treasurer , R . Berridge , E . Latchworth , R . H . Thrupp , Robert Roy , & c . Bros . W . J . Hickman ,
W . Klingenstein , George Kenning , Alfred Williams , Fcntham Hedges were severally admitted to the Degrees of Most Excellent , Royal , Select , and Super Excellent Master , the ceremonies being impressively rendered by the Right HI . Dop . Master Bro . Walls , assisted by Bros . Poore and Cooper Smith . The next meeting was fixed tor Thursday tho 8 th May , on which day , after the reception of candidates , the Annual Festival will bo held ,