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not to correct evils by inflicting greater ones , but by tho power of of superior over inferior intelligence—that power which mind has over matter . What then may we not hope from the influence of our sublime teachings in our

own country , when wo see the gradual encroachments which are being made upon our civilisation by tho disorderly dements of society , who have selected this land of universal freedom and suffrage for the consummation of

their designs against civilised society , thus mistaking liberty for licence . The greatest and best minds of ancient and modern times have been and are patrons of our wise and conservative institution . From Moses , who led

the Children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage , and established a civil polity among his people , down through the ages to Solomon , whose wisdom we are led to believe developed the system which was an improvement on the

civilisation which preceded it , and which the intervening centuries have not been able to obliterate , Freemasonry has marched near the front line . We can trace by authentic history , from ancient to modern times , the close

relationship of Masonry with the processes of civilisation . From Washington , who guided the American people and planted them upon the plane of political emancipation and started them on the road to power and political greatness , through

a long line of distinguished Americans , Masonry has kept company with the best thought and wisest statesmanship that civilisation has demanded . May this thought ever actuate Masons . However traditional may be the story of

the preservation of that great light which we recognise as the corner-stone of our Institution , the results of its teachings have been as effective in the elevation of mankind to

a higher plane mentally and morally , as if the fact were proved beyond the possibility of a doubt at ou . r regular assemblages for work .

Companions , you will observe that I have deviated slightly from the regular annual address , and hinted at some things on which it may be well for Royal Arch

Masons to ponder . If , however , Masonry is to cut any

figure m the future as a great moral conservative force , any departure which will cause our Order to rise and meet the demands of tho hour , is not only justifiable , but an imperative duty . As a striking fact which may inspire us

to look ahead of the present and prepare us to perform our part well in affairs which none can evade , a lesson may be learned from a single race of people which is to-day a living * link between the past and the present . " The civil

polity of the Israelites , under the leadership of Moses , was founded in tho midst of moral , physical aud intellectual decay . " Tbey emerged from Egyptian darkness , where for ages they had been held in bondage ; but during all this

period of time these people were preserved by their strict moral and physical code . They possessed poets , priests , prophets and kings ; and whether we are to attribute their progress in those dark ages to the special favour of

Providence , or tho ability to inaugurate a wise statesmanship , the fact remains . The effects of the civil polity of this people wero demonstrated in the wisdom of Solomon , and through two thousand years of persecution havo survived

and are a living activity in our present civilisation . The story of Israel , old though it be , is an instructive lesson , which may be studied with profit by a generation which is inclined to " believe that all wisdom was rocked in i ts

cradle , and will be buried iu its grave . " In view of consequences which these reflections suggest as possible , why may not Masonry put in its plea for the higher interests of humanity in tho preservation of human

rights , m the advancement of science and art , and in the propagation of social , moral , and intellectual elevation ? Must wc ask , has Masonry any other mission than to

follow its ceremonials , or is it to bo a living activity in the progress of civilisation ? I believe it has , and that it should become the duty of Royal Arch Masons to keep abreast of the best thought of the aye . If traditiou bo

correct , its mission was not only to benefit its immediate members , but that its influence should radiate and bring into accord with its advanced thought those outside its immediate circle . It follows as lie-lib follows darkness ,

that any great conservative force will extend its influence to surrounding object : ? . Thus ib should be with Masonry . Organised for tho protection of its members , it has extended its influence over many lands , and has performed

a part in civilisation . Its mission , I trust , is not yet exhausted , although coming in contact with the active forces of the present age . Our Fraternity should not rest on the accomplish © 1 good

Appear At The Front.

of the past , but appear at the front to discharge tbe duties of tho hour . Royal Arch Masons should be living witnesses of the good intent of the Ordor . In this manner we will convince the world that the cause of humanity will

never suffer at our hands , and that civil liberty will always find its firmest supporters among Free and Accepted Masons .

The following lines , which will be fresh to many of our readers , appear in a Masonic book bearing date New-Haven

( Conn . ) 1820 . ENTERED APPRENTICE SONG .

Just straight from his home See yon candidate come , Prepar'd for the time and occasion : Of all that can harm , We will him disarm , That he no way may hurt a Frea Mason .

His eyes cannot search Out the way of his maroh , Nor yet where his steps he must place on : When him we receive He cannot perceive How he came to be made a Free Mason .

Then he'll danger defy , And on Heaven rely For strength to support the occasion , With the blessing of pray ' r He banishes fear , And undaunted is made a Free Mason .

When he makes his demand , By the Master ' s command , To know if he ' s fit for the station , Around he is bronght , ¦ Ere be get what he sought From a free and an accepted Mason .

When girded with care , By the help of the square , The emblem of truth and of reason , In form he is plac'd While to him are reliears'd The mysteries of a Free Maaon .

Then full in his sight Doth shine tho grand light , To illumine the works which wo trace on ; And now , as his due , He ' s cloth'd in full view With the badge of an accepted Mason .

Now , hark ! we enlarge On the duties and charge , Where hia conduct and walk he must place on Then our rights we'll fulfil , And show our good will To a free and an accepted Mason .

The Mayor Of Derby And Freemasonry.

THE MAYOR OF DERBY AND FREEMASONRY .

IT is pretty generally known that the recently-elected Mayor of Derby ia aa active member of tho Masonic body . His Worship was initiated in the Arboretum Lodge eight years ago , and since that time he has steadily pursued his course through the various offices leading to the chair . He now occupies the position of Immediate Past Master . On Wednesday , the 14 th inst ., tbe brethren of the Arboretum met for the first time since the elevation of Bro . Woodiwisa

to tho chief magistracy , and in proposing the health of the Past Master ? , the W . M ., Bro . J . Whitaker Brigg , made allusion to the distinguished honour which had been conferred upon one of the most energetic members of the Lodge . The speaker warmly eulogised Bro . Woodiwiss ' s labours on behalf of the Craft , and predicted that ,

in tho discharge of his public duties , he wonld secure the Fame amount of confidence and respect that he had obtained as a Freemason The ioast was enthusiastically honoured , aud Bro . Woodiwiss , in his acknowledgment of it , spoke of the great pleasure he had derived from his association with Masonic work . With reference to the

distinction which had been corner- cd npon him—the highest distinction which a man could receive at tho hands of his fellow citizens—he could only say that his aim would he to discharge the duties which devolved upon him in the same spirit , and with the same desire to promote tho well being cf his follow ? , which had actuated bira aa a Freemason .

We understand that "The Quiver" Christmas Number will b * " " published next week , under the title of " Christmas Arrows . "It will be enlarged this year to SO pages in place of 64 pages as hitherto .

ITottow . vrs Puts . —Kervonsness and want of Energy . — "When first the nerves feel nnftrung , and lisMcssness supplants energy , it is the ' right time to take some alterative as Holloway ' s Pills to prevent disorder running into disease . These excellent Pills corref-t ali irregularities and weaknesses . They net so kindly , yet so energetically on tho functions of digestion and

assimilation , that the whole body is revived , the blood is rendered richer and purer , tho muscles become firmer and stronger , and the nervous and absorbent systems ar « invigorated . Tlie . se Pills are suitable for all classes and all ages . Thoy have a most marvellous effect on persons who are out of condition ; they soon rectify whatever is in fault , restore strength to the body and confidence to the inind .