Our Fifth Volume.

OUR FIFTH VOLUME .

WE open tho FIFTH VOLUME OP THE FREEMASONS CHRONICLE in a period pregnant with great events , and characterised by unusual doubt , apprehension , and uncertainty . The political horizon is overcast with clouds , and the most weather-wise observers are baffled in their attempts to pierce the surrounding gloom , and discover

some indication of our probable whereabouts and destination . At one time the talk is all of imminent war , of legions marshalling in arms to oppose legions as vast , of the deadly and undying hatred of hostile races and rival creeds , of the failure of diplomacy , and the final departure

of its agents and ministers . A moment after we are told , that peace is almost certain , that tho negociations are progressing as favourably as one could wish , that powers suspected of cherishing warlike designs are exhibiting unexpected magnanimity and moderation , and that a few days

more will bring relief to the present pent-up condition of public feeling by the completion of a real and satisfactory settlement of the questions in dispute . In tho meanwhile , by the proclamation of our Sovereign as Empress of India , oh the first day of the new year , England declares to all the

world that she will suffer no aggression in this or any other of the lands under her dominion ; and that while she covets not the possessions of her neighbours , and desires to live on terms of amity and brotherhood with them all , she is prepared and resolved to maintain her position , whenever and by whomsoever it may be menaced .

Amid such grave and portentous subjects of interest , while Nations seem tottering to their fall , and the lives of perhaps a million human beings hang upon the word of a single despot , " the whisperings of our petty burgh , " the

scraps of intelligence indicating the vitality and constant growth of our Order appear , by comparison , insignificant . Yet are they not so . By and bye these vexed questions between Russian and Turk will be laid at rest and

forgotten ; whilst Freemasonry will only have become the stronger , and its roots and branches more widely spread , for the lapse of time . The principles of the Craft , like the first principles of religion , are planted too deeply in the human heart to be ever uprooted . And whilst the spread

of education will only add to the number of our brethren throughout the world , we may hope that it will ultimatel y render impossible the gusts of passion and deadly hatred which now , from time to time , sweep over the earth , scattering ruin and desolation in their path .

The I our Volumes of the CHRONICLE which have now been issued contain a record , as full and accurate as we could make it , of a most important epoch in the History of the Craft . Daring that period , the number of Masonic Lodges in England has been largely augmented ; on the

Continent a like vitality has everywhere been apparent , more particularly in France , Germany , and Italy ; whilst in the Western "World , Freemasonry has advanced with giant strides . For ourselves , we have ample reason for self-congratulation . The constant and increasing favour

shown to the CHRONICLE are an evidence that our efforts to uphold the standard of the Fraternity , and to afford a trustworthy record of its proceedings , have not been without success . We ask our readers for a continuance of their

sympathy ; and to the Craft in general we look with confidence for increased support and consideration . If we are not prodigal of promises for the future , it is because we feel that the best guarantee of our devotion to Freemasonry is to be found in the Four Volumes of the CHRONICLE

Our Fifth Volume.

already issued . With resolve tinimpaired and hope unchecked , we enter undismayed upon the labours and responsibilities of a FIFTH V OLUME .

Northmen Lights.—No. I.

NORTHMEN LIGHTS . —No . I .

A GBAND LIGHT . CONSIDERING the energy that the men of the " North Countree " impart to everything they undertake , it is no wonder that Freemasonry should flourish

amain in the North East Corner of our tight little Island . Its geographical position is singularly appropriate for the foundation of our institutions , and the brethren seem to be devoted heart and Soul to the ancient customs and

established usages of our mystic order . Certainly nowhere Under the broad rule of the united Grand Lodge of England is Masonry making more progress . The sons of " Northumbrian bleak shores " are second to none , not only in the solid support they give our Great Charities , but in the

practical manner in which all provincial concerns are managed . Little is known of the great amount of good work done , for these canny men of the North are not given to trumpet forth their deeds , and , wonderfully enough ( in these days ) , rather eschew publicity , and evince a

singular desire not to appear m print . It is a positive fact that very many of the brethren shrink from having any Masonic proceedings reported . Like the Eastern sage , their motto is , " Say little , and do much . " Here also , strange to relate , testimonials and presentations are all but

unknown , brethren , after filling the highest offices in Lodge or Chapter , work their hardest in the cause of charity , do their utmost for the welfare of those over whom they preside , and further the interests of the Craft generally , by establishing new Lodges and Chapters ; never

looking for a higher reward than the pleasure of doing their duty , and receivingthe approbation of their fellows . No doubt in all this they are behind the South , yet still it is not to be regretted , for the funds , in consequence , are generally in . a flourishing state , and ready for any emergency , and

when needed they are dispensed with a lavishness well worthy of emulation . Who shall say how much of this prosperity , this good management and general well being is due to the kindl y influence of the genial nobleman who is at the head of the Province , and than whom a brighter

Masonic light scarcely shines ? An exalted position , a historical name , for centuries entwined in the affections and linked with the fortunes of the count y , a liberal hand , and a manner so winning that all are charmed by it , have doubtless done much to cement and knit the brethren of the Province together .

Had our Right Worshipful Brother been born to less exalted fortunes , his love of the Craft , together with hia great Masonic ability , must have placed him in the foremost ranks of our Order . The manner in which he performed his duties when W . M . of the Alnwick Lodge ,

No . 1167 , was as surprising as it was gratifying ; to see one so highly born evince such knowledge of real working Masonry , and the instruction he then imparted to those who were fortunate enough to be members , will never be

forgotten , for it has been instrumental in creating a body of officers who can hold their own against all comers . Many remember , with pleasure , the lucid explanations he was wont to give the initiates and candidates for the several degrees , on many points of our Ritual and History thafc