Music—Its Place And Influence.

MUSIC—ITS PLACE AND INFLUENCE .

From the FKEEMASONS' REPOSITORY . rT is a mutter of congratulation that Masonry includes within its broad sweep almost every branch of learning , and that it specially rocoRuiy . es and commends the liberal arts and sciences . The exoeedigly practical natnre of Masonry is not to be gainsaid , for its great watchwords are love , sympathy and mutual helpfulness anion ?

Brethren , and its true character is not made manifest unless diligent attention is given to tho discharge of tlie duties thus signified ; bnt beyond these linos , ifc calls attontion to various fields of mental investigation , nnd ever seeks to stimulate tho thonght of its followers to an intense activity . In the enforcement of tho lessons of the second degree , tho attention of tho Craftsman is particularly directed to themes

of far reaching import , and he is bidden to apply himself so far as possible to a study of tho great questions of science aud philosophy , that in this way he may enlarge life on its superior side and attain highest blessedness . Tn the same line of illustration , the advantages which attach to tbe liberal arts are pointed out , and the candidate is urged to recogize tho wide scope of the Institution into which ha has

been admitted . Music is ono of the arts thus brought to the notice of the Fellow Craft Mason . lb is defined in the ritual as " tho art of forming cou cords , " and as the art which gives " grace to numbers and harmony to mind . " It is commended as worthy to be associated with astronomy , mathematics , literatnre , and other potential helps that fnmish supplies

to the nobler nature of man . That mnsic is deserving of such recognition is made evident when we consider its character and influence , and tho important place whioh it bis always hold among the most enlightened nations of earth . The sentiment of mnsio seems to be an instinct of tho humau soul—one of God ' s royal gifts , intended to mi . nister alike to man ' s aasthetic nnd moral onltnre , and to promote his

true happiness . Its place , therefore , is in the front rank of the liberal arts , for it oxercises an influence of almost universal power—an in . fluence that is as delightfnl as it is instructive and helpful to the children of earth . This has beon tho general testimony of the great leaders of thought in all ages . In classic days , Plato said , " If you would know whether a State is well governed , yon mast look into the

condition of its music . " Martin Luther , storn iconoclast that he was , declared of music , " It is the only art that can calm the agitation of the human soul . It is one of the most magnificent presents God has given to man . " Napoleon the First said , "Of all the liberal arts , mnsic has the most potential influence over the passions , and is tho ono art to which tho teacher and tho legislator ought to give tho greatest

attention . " Addison spoke of music as being " almost all we have of heaven on earth ; " aud Shakespeare mado an appreciation of music to be in some sense a criterion of virtue , declaring that " he who hath no music in himself , and is not moved by concord of sweet sounds , is fit for treasons , stratagems , and spoils . " Similar testimony may bo gathered from all lands and ages , so confirming what is almost a

selfevident proposition , that mnsic is one of the most potent forces to affect the feolings and affections of men—to mould the character and guide the conduct of lifo , besides affording a sweet ministry of joy , peace , and pure delight to appreciative souls . It is interesting to note the history of an art so generally eulogized tis a means of power and blessing to men . We do not know where or

when music bad its beginnings . Doubtless it has been evolved from a lower to a superior state . Like nil other arts , it has passed through various periods of growth , change , development . It is probable that the human voice was not as richly gifted and trained in the first ages as now , nor was there any such variety of tnnsieal instruments in use . Tho monotone sounds of the voice , tho beating upon a rude kind of a

drum , or the sighing of the wind as it swept over the strings tightly drawn from one support to another , may have been the rndimental endeavours at musical expression . But progress was quickly made , and Egypt in its best days was distinguished for tho variety and grandeur of its music . In the time of the Pharaohs , there were choirs of trained singers in Egypt , while a number of instruments of a most

elaborate character were used in the discoursing of sweet sounds . In some excavations recently made on the banks of the Nile , an ancient tomb was uncovered , whereiu was found a sculptured representation of a harp somo seven feet in height , having twenty-one strings , thus showing that the ancient Egyptians wero privileged to hear musical sotmds extending through a much wider range than what is afforded

by tho modern instrument . The cithera was one of the musical instruments made use of by this nncienfc people , and hnndrods of trained performers with thousands of skilful vocalists united in tho producing of harmonious sounds on the occasions of the grpat Festivals . Tn the timo of Pythagoras , traditionally associated wit h Masonry , grpat attention was given to music , and the . school of this eminent philosopher

was intended toteach the " mn « ie of the splierns —thit -11 things in the outward nnrVerso move in harmony , and have their da" relation tn the science ofnnmhers . Pythagoras had a noble , beautiful f < Vn . ot celestial harmony , which ho nnfoldpd to his dis ip ' e * . to whom he commended astronomy ond music as the mnst excellent /> f all the a . 't « nd sciences . When Egyptian civilisation was at its cnlmi- jit'iv

point , then music was most exalt * d , and it « influence wa « most msirk ' d among the people . The same mny be said in regard to both Greece and Koine , though it does not nppesir that either of thpse nation ? advanced as far as Egypt in musical knowledge , or were so thoroughly moved and enptivated by tho art . The ancient Hebrews obtained their knowledge of mnsic during tho

"mo they pprved tho Phnroahs . They wero versed in the hearts of the * '? vptians when they crossed tho Tied Sea and entered upon t' . eir long journey to Palestine . Thus even in the wilderness we find the poon ' p chanting the hymns of praise , obtaining both a pa riotic and a reli . J- 'tous inspiration from thoso musical exorcises in which thev engager ? , fhns Miriam led in that song of triumph which commemorated the deliverance of her people , chanting the words which Moses had written

Music—Its Place And Influence.

for tho occasion . Coming down to the clays of Israel ' s greatness , when Solomon lived and ruled , and built the Temple , wo find Tlobrew mnsic of a mmt excellent and varied character . The ouo hundred and fiftieth Psalm shows how numerous were thi instruments made use of in rendering music at that time , whilst the ceremonies connected with the dedication of tho Temple , and the worship therein carried on , make

it evident that mnsic held a high placo of regard , and was considered an important adjunct to both patriotism and piety . Such is the art which has been preserved and handed down to us as a blessed ministry of social , mental and moral benefit . It i 3 an art which wo slnll appreciate more and more as wo give it recognition ,

and bring its power into use . Masonry pnts the stamp of its approval upon music . It commends not only in word , but provides for this art a placo in the rendering of its ritual and tho enforcement of its lossons , as it likewise invokes its aid on sooial and public occasions . Masio is the ally and interpreter of Masonry as it is of true religion . May its influence always be appreciated in both of these departmants .

Ancient And Primitive Rite Of Masonry. (Memphis And Mizraim.)

ANCIENT AND PRIMITIVE RITE OF MASONRY . ( MEMPHIS AND MIZRAIM . )

THE consecration of a Mystic Temple for tho Province of Middieses was performed with the public ceremonials of the Rite , at 77 . } Bishopsgnte-streefc within , on Tuesday evening , 15 th inst ., two of tbo Graud Officers attending specially for the purpose . The principal duties devolved upon tho M . III . Sov . Grand Master Bro . John Yarkor 33 , who performed tbe ceremonial of purification by firo , whilst that by water was performed by the V . III . Bro . A . D .

Loewenstark 33 . Able assistauce was rendered by 111 . Bros . James Hall 32 , W . Stephens 30 , Young 30 , the last named presiding afc the organ . The beautiful and effective ceremony having been completed and the Temple proclaimed duly consecrated in A . and P . form , 111 . Bro . Jas . Hill as P . M . W . proceeded to instal and invest the Officers of the Rose of Sharon Chapter , No . G , and the ceremonial being

well enunciated and tho paraphornalia of the Chapter most complete , tho effect was generally admitted to be extremely grand and imposing . The following is the list of Officers : —III . Bro . and Sir Kt . Hy . Meyer 32 M . W ., Jas . Hill 32 I . P . M . W ., W . J . Meek 31 Kt . S . W ., B . Meyer 31 Kt . J . W ., Hy . Stephens 30 Kt . Orator , Ed . Hamson 30 Kt . Treasurer , A . P . Little 30 Kt . Conductor , TV . Beasly

30 Kt . Archevist , R . Marshall 30 Captain of Guard , T . Sims 30 Guard of Tower , G . C . Young 30 Organist , J . J . Marsh 30 Sentinel . ' Before closing , the ceremonial agapto was observed , and tho Temple proceedings wero bronght to a close amidst general congratulations at the successful issue of this the first consecration of a Temple for the Province of Middlesex .

The banquet , which was of the most re ' eherchd character was served in tho Throno Room of Crosby Hall ( tho Ancient City Palace of Richard III . ) , and after the usual routine toasts , in returning thanks for that of tbo Sov . Sanctuary , the M . III . G . M . Bro . John Yarker 33 expressed his great gratification at the excellent progress which the Rose of Shai'ou Chapter No . G had made iu so short a time , and

his general satisfaction at the completeness and order of the whole arrangements . Ho assured the members present that nothing should bo wanting on his part to assist them both by counsel aud active support . In conclusion , he invited the members of the Rite to study it thoroughly , so as to be able to answer and silence all cavillers ; assurtbem that there was a very sufficient why to be given for every

wherefore , or ho would uot himself have beeu a member , and claiming that what the best Masonic critics were now only beginning to admit the A . and P . rite had exhaustively considered and settled to their own satisfaction at least some generations back . And this referred particularly to the question of Egyptian Archtoology . 111 . Bro . A . D . Loewenstark 33 ° , responding to the toast of the Grand Officers , said that he saw no reason why the Rite shonld not have a great future

before it , as the universality of its ceremonials enabled it to rdmib to the high grades of Masonry brethren of all religions creeds , and expressod his satisfaction at thus becoming a participator in them . 111 . Bro . James Hill responded to the toast of the Officers , and expressed their determination to make their Chapter , Senate and Council , an efficient working body . Bro . Scard responded to the toast of the Visitors , and expressed their admiration of tho beautiful ritual and the general arraugement of the ceremonial .

TBURO CATHKDKAL .-. V' the l-i-n- ie-tins' f P . vv ..- L . I . re OI Fivema-MiH , „ n the minion of Ur-. R-ii'u 11 •¦ . I . !' . ' ! . R and P . P . n . n . C . Suffolk , the . < r „ ,, ,, f fl-.- ; ii : i .. ; i , . ' -d tow-mis the Masonic rnemniiil in > lr Osii-li -Ir-i- -. ¦>• ¦•! ; : ' ' ' Tywai-dretit-i Chapter

of Rova t \ r-h Mas-ui * a fir Mi -.- s nn -- 1 ' 'en -i i a-, mi the morion of file same brntluT . was U' > a .. i'tiO'i- < l-. » ' ' '¦< ' ¦ ' r the sinie good object . T ' sums have . ilrc / . vly bee-i f . ir ¦ > vi ( , > ¦ < i > tn- E irl of Miv in r Kdg . I'fltnbe , Prov . Grand Vlnsrer . noil it ¦ hn i .- > I a the fj-ilg- 'S I ' the province will hart -n tn f . l !< nv s .. go . ' t nn . ximtde .

HoLimvAY ' s PILLS . —Tho Gran't Sue-ret . —Wi-h tho variable 'eraperatn' -o of tli s countr . 11 health , will creep in nn ' ess t . lie blood from timo to timo be purified and noxious matt . ci-s l > o exp 'II - ( I from the body . In this tbe public may be its own phvsician . H llowav ' s Pills m-iy ho pure-used at a trifling cost ; instructions for taking them will be furnished with the Pills , and a little Attention , ivith few instructions , will enable persons to keen themselves in health under very trying circumstances . These Pills net as alteratives , tonics , tiad aperients . Hoiloway ' s medicine should be ready for instant administration when the slightest symptom gives warning of approaching indisposition .