Notices Of Meetings,

Confidence Lodge of Instruction , No . 193 . —The weekly meeting was held at Bro . Chard's , Abohnrch-lane , on Wednesday . As announced last week , tho ceremony of raising was rehearsed , in a very able manner , by Bro . Berrie as W . M . We congratulate him upon his efficiency , and urgently recommend thoso brethren seeking instruction to attend this Lodge , which is conducted under tho able

presidency of Bro . Gottheil . The sections in connection with the degree were worked by Bro . Gottheil , assisted by the brethren . The remaining officers were Bros . Cohen S . W ., Blackball J . W ., Tolles S . D ., Corner J . D ., Croaker I . G ., Christopher Tyler , Gottheil P . M ., Constable Treasurer . The following brethren -were also present . — Bros . W . W . Morgan , Abbott , Boss W . M . 185 , W . D . Bailey J . D . 185 , D .

Posener J . W . 185 , E . T . Bloomfield P . M . 185 , G . S . Pare S . D . 185 , S . L . Hickman W . "M . 188 , and several others . We were gratified at hearing the formula of closing down the Lodge , which is so seldom gone through in regular form ; it was carried out with such exactitude that the pleasure was greatly exhancecl . Bro . Cohen was unanimously

elected W . M . for the ensuing week , and Bro . Constable is to work the ceremony of installation ; after -which the first degree will be worked . A vote of thanks was accorded the W . M . for bis genial conduct and able performance of the duties of the chair , it being tho first time he had officiated therein .

Tyrawley Lodge , No . 217 . — This Lodge held its monthly meeting on Wednesday , 8 th September , at Dillon-terrace , Ballina . Present—Bros . P . L . Petrie W . M ., M . Scott S . W ., P . Atkinson J . W ., J . E . Dnrgeon Sec ., JamesBeatty S . D ., Wm . BeattyJ . D ., D . TaylorI . G ., Eobert Massey Tyler . P . M . ' s Bros . Gilbert , Eeid , T . Scott and Petrie .

Business—Night of meoting was changed from second Wednesday to second Monday in each month . Bro . C . Petrie was raised to tho sublime degree of Master Mason . Dr . Thomas Boyd , having been successfully ballotted for , was admitted to E . A . degree . Ballot for affiliation of Bro . Eussell 411 , Drogheda , was also successful .

DrogedaLodge , No . 411 . —This Lodge held its regular meeting on Thursday , 9 th September , at the Masonic Hall , Drogheda . Present —Bro 3 . JeffersW . M ., Whitty S . W ., Dean P . M . as J . W ., Preston as Secretary , Harbinson P . M . as S . D ., Griffin J . D ., Appleyard as

I . G ., Browne Tyler . P . M . s Bros . Morion , Harbinson and Dean . Business—Three new members were proposed for initiation , ballot in each case to take place next regular night of meeting . Bro . Hatch was raised to the high and sublimo degree , and afterwards saluted .

St . John ' s Lodge , No . 795 . —The regular meeting of this Lodge was held on Tuesday , the 14 th inst ., at the Eay Mead Hotel , Maidenhead , Bro . G . Bubb P . M ., in the absence of the W . M . Bro . C . W . Moule jun ., occupied the chair , J . Sadler S . W ., H . H . Hodges P . M . Secretary , C . Gammon P . M . Treasurer , J . E . Fonlger P . M ., and several brethren were present . The Lodge was opened , and the

minutos were confirmed . Bro . C . S . Dugan was raised to the sublimo degree of Master Mason . Bros . Burgan , Bell and Sherman were passed to the degree of Follow Crafts by Bro . G . Bubb P . M ., whose correct working was listened to with attention . The election for W . M . then took place , and Bro . J . Sadler S . W . and I . P . M . of the Highgate Lodge ( who on tho previous evening had installed his successor in that Lodge )" was unanimously elected . Bro . C . Gammon P . M . was

unanimously re-elected Treasurer , and Bro . Nowoll Tyler . A sum of £ 7 wa 3 voted from the funds of the Lodge to the retiring W . M . Bro . C . W . Moule . The Lodge was then closed , and tho brethren sat down to banquet , where , under tho genial presidency of Bro . C . Gammon P . M ., the usual loyal and Masonio toasts were given , and the brethren returned to town , in a saloon carriage specially provided for the brethren by the E . W . Sir Daniel Gooch D . P . G . M . for Berks and Bucks .

Dalston Lodge of Instruction , No . 975 . —At the weekly meeting held on the 8 th inst ., the fifteen sections were worked to celebrate the first anniversary of the Lodge , Bro . W . Gilchrist P . M . 933 in the chair , Bro . Fieldwick I . G . 1361 S . W ., Bro . Lee W . M . 1524 J . W . 975 Junior Warden . Thero was a large attendance of the brethren , and all expressed themselves gratified at the skilful Masonic working . Votes of thanks were unanimously given

to the W . M . and the visiting brethren for their services . Several brethren were elected joining members , and the Lodge was closed and adjourned . This highly prosperous Lodge of Instruction , although only established twelve months , numbers over sixty members , and has been well attended every Wednesday evening throughout the past Tyear ; a fact which speaks well for the interest taken in our ancient Craft in Dalston and its neighbourhood .

Burdett CouttS Lodge , No . 1278 . —The regular meeting of this Lodge was held on Thursday , the 16 th , at the Approach Tavern , Victoria Park . Wo regret that space prevents our giving detailed particulars of the proceedings , which were of a very interesting character . There were present the following brethren : —Harris W . M ., Crutch S . W ., Toy J . W ., Crouch S . D ., Lazarus I . G ., Gilchrist Tyler ,

Terry P . P . G . D . C ., Herts Treasurer , Verry P . M . Sec , also P . M . ' s Ashburner and Lloyd , besides an array of visitors numbering twenty . Upon the confirmation of the minutes Mr . Aitken was initiated , and Bro . Ferry passed . The following were ballotted foras joining members , Bros . J . J . Berry S . W ., and T . Jennings , both of the Yarborough Lodge .

A vote of thanks was recorded on the minutes , and offered to Bros . Terry and Verry , for their able and energetic efforts in carrying out the arrangements for the presentation of the Album to the Baroness Burdett Coutts . The installation ceremony was performed b y Bro . Jas . Terry with more than usual ability , who placed Bro . Crutch in the chair of K . S ., according to ancient rite . The W . M . appointed the

Notices Of Meetings,

following as his officers , Bros . Toy S . W ., Crouch J . W ., Terry Treasnrer , Verry Secretary , Lazarus S . D ., Christian J . D ., Gross I . G ., Barker W . S ., Gilchrist Tyler . All business being ended , the brethren adjourned to banqnot , provided by the host , Bro . T . Lloyd , in tho most recherche' style . Tho nsual loval and Masonic toasts wore gone

through with strict brevity , and quito in accordance with the views wo entertain . The W . M . performed his duties with proficiency , and fully realised the expectations of the brethren . One fact was particularly noticeable—tho various officers wore letter perfect in their duties , and we have no hesitation in saying that such heads as gnide this Lodgo

will ensure this happy condition while they last . Bro . Terry was very facetious in his criticisms of the Officers of tho Lodge , and created much amusement ; as did the many others who contributed songs and recitations . The brethren adjourned at an early hour , much pleased with the proceedings .

Addiscombe Lodge , No . 1558 . —Thisveryyonng Lodge , only two weeks old , met on tho 11 th inst ., at the Alma Tavern , Addiscombe , for the first time after the consecration . Bro . Turquand , the newly installed W . M ., presided , assisted by Bro . Mullott S . W ., J . Parson Smith J . W ., and the rest of the officers . Five gentlemen were initiated by the W . M ., who performed his task with more than average ability . This

Masonic saphnghas o very chance of speedily gaining strength , especially when watched over by a brother whose earnestness of character is sufficient guarantee of the nursling being caref nlly attended to . A plain but ample repast followed the labours in the Lodge , after which the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were proposed and responded to ,

the name of His Eoyal Highness being received with prolonged acclamations , and heartfelt wishes were expressed for a successful voyage and safe and speedy return to his native shores . Amongst the visitors wero P . M . ' s Bros . Dr . Dickson , E . Gottheil , Drew , and Bro . Brownson J . W . of the Gore Lodge .

Masonic Power.

MASONIC POWER .

THAT the institution of Freemasonry is one of great influence will readily be admitted by all who are acquainted with its mystic organisation ; but it is not , as some suppose , an institution of sinister power , for , though it doubtless benefits many of its members in their business interests , this is not its mission or its special purpose . Many men who are not Masons , as the world knows , do just as well in the fortunes of trade and business as any that aro Masons , and

therefore it should not bo alleged that Masons snpport ono another in business and in pursuit of office and place , for it would not bo true . Indeed , we should be glad to soo moro mutual support in business among the Craft than generally obtains in these days , as it would give a much brighter reflection upon the practical workings of tho Order than we now see .

To be sustained in either his business or office a Mason must be something else than a mere member of the Craft . If he is a true man , imbued with the spirit and principles of Masonry , he will be found right in any position , and he may hope for success in any calling or undertaking . In Masonry , as it is in other institutions , the spirit and manners and principles of tho man givo him success much moro

than any nominal relationship ever can do . The power of Masonry , where ifc has any , is chiefly found iu its fraternities and charities , and these many never experience , because they so act as to ask no favours of any one . They are Masons because they love the principles and philosophic teachings of the Order . They have seen something of its work , and they have joined the association

because they believed that the organisation is one of brotherly love , relief and truth . All such connections as these show its great moral power , as well as its distinguished relative worth . As an institution of patronage , wo believe the Masonic is not even as good as many others , for anything like clanishnoss or partiality or especial patronage , except for cause , is contrary to the spirit and

general teachings of tho mystic circle . Masonry loves to show its power , especially in grand humanities and in free and generous fraternities , where liberality of sentiment is intelligently tolerated , and where none is made a favourite at tho expense of the many . Intelligent qualifications , of course , givo prominence in any association , and so it often is in Masonry , and yet at

the same time personal ambition and sinister aspirations are considered at all times out of order . As an organisation of moral power it perhaps stands unequalled , for its obligated intelligence is more binding and of stronger influence upon the general actions of life than those of any other society with which we aro acquainted .

This power no doubt makes many better men and better citizens than they would havo been if they had never become Masons . Yet we yield the point that true and honourable men anywhere are as good as any Masons , though they never belonged to tho fraternity . Tho Mason may probably understand more of the systematic theory of fraternity and charity , and yet he may not excel his ontside brother

in any of life's higher nobilities . It will therefore be seen that some men are good Masons in spirit and principle and honour who never were Masons , while others have utterly failed to become Masons though they have taken all of its degrees . The seed sown by the mystic fraternity can only germinate and grow in good soil , and this may be given as the reason of that Masonic defectiveness we sometimes see , and which at times reflects

such great dishonour upon the fraternity itself . Making no pretensions to civil power or government , or any attempts at theological or religions dictation , it quietly takes its position in society and goes on in its work without any boastings or display , or ever asking for a word of praise from any class of men , whether they are in power or out of it . As harmless to the outside world as the child at the breast of its