The Election Of A New Pope

wish on the contrary to imitate it on this point and to reenains like it , above all religions . Therefore , my brethren , to resume . Some ofthe considerations which they have maele of some impoitance , have not appeared to us to be of such a nature , as to induce us to accept the adjournment wbich they counselled . We are rather much more favourable , my brethren , to the

immediate discussion of the question , since , as one of the commission has jutliciously observed , there is in the constitution an article which makes it ior us an imperative duty This article is as follows : " Every elemand for mollification of the Constitution taken into consideration by the General As ; embly of the Grand Orient of France shall be discussed in thc Assembly of the

following year , the loeigeshaving been previously consulted . " For all these reasons , my brethren , your commission , by the majority of eight voices against one , have adopted the immediate eliscussion of " Voeu "IX . The firit point being clucielated , my brethren , youi Commission devoted itself to the thorough examination of the " Vceu " itself . You do not expect , doubtless , that I am about to elevelope

here all the reasons which have presented themselves to strengthen its adoption . That would be to give to this report , already too long , but which the short amount of time which I could devote to it die ! ' not permit me to make shorter , a too great extension . Besieles , my brethren , these reasons , you know them ; you have been able to collect them from thc eloquent

discourses which have becn heard in 1865 , in 1867 , anil mote recently still , the last year , in your respective lodges—and your deliberations forwarded to the Grand Orient prove it . You have been able to produce them yourselves , and hear them expressed in such a manner , that at this hour those motives , I assure myself , are present to the minds of you all . Permit me , therefore to confine myself to recapitulate

them readily for you . ' We demand the suppression of the second paragraph of our Constitution , because it appears to us in entire con-Iradiction with thc following paragraph of the said article . We demand this suppression because this formula , it appears to us , must cause very often embarassment for many W . Masters anti many lodges , which in ceitain

circumstances are compelled either altogether to eluelc the law , or altogether to violate it . Ought not Masonry , on the contrary , always to set the example of observation anil respect for the law ? We elemand the suppression of this formulary , because , embarassing for W . Alasters and lodges , it is not less so for many profanes , who , animated by a sincere desire to

make pait of our great and beautiful Constitution , which has becn represented to them with good reason as largeminded and progressive , see themselves , all of a sudden , stopped by this dogmatic barrier , which their conscience does not permit them to piss over . We demand thc suppression of this formulary , because it appears to us altogether useless , alien to the end which

Masonry follows after . When a society of "Savans " unites itself , so to say , to stuely a scientific question , does it feel itself obligee ! to place at thc bases of its statutes a theological formula of one kind or another ? No , it is not so . They study science independently of every idea , elogmatic or religious . Ought it not to bs the same with Masonry ?

its field is it not sufficiently vast , its domain sufficiently extended , to render it necessary for it to put its foot on a controversy which is rot its aim ? No , let us leave to theologians the function of discussing elogmata . Let us leave to authoritative churches thc rare of formulating their syllabus . But let Masonry remain that which it ought to be , that is to say , an institution

open to all progress , to all moral anel elevated ieleas , to all associations large and liberal . Let it never descend into the burning arena of theological discussions , which have never introduced , believe him who speaks , but troubles and persecutions . Let it guard itself from vvishing to become a Church , a Council , a Synod , for all the Churches , all the Councils , all the Synods , have

been violent and persecuting , and that because they would always take as their basis Dogma which from its nature is essentially inquisitorial anel intolera"t . Let Masonry then hover majestically above all the questions of churches or sects , let it dominate from its elevation all these discussions . L . t it remain a vast refuge , always open to all generous spirits , all conscientious and

disinterested seekers after truth , to all the victims finally of despotism and intolerance . Such is , my brethren , the conclusion to which your commission has arrived , and if , when the question of opportuneness arose we had eight to one , I rejoice to tell you , for all thc reasons I have just recapitulated , we have been unanimous in accepting the following resolution , which

we have now the honour to propose to you : — 1 . —The Assembly , considering that Masonry is not a religion , that it has not in consequence , to affirm in its Constitution doctrines or elogmata , aelopts Vceu IX . 2 . —The Assembly decides that the second paragraph of article 1 of the Constitution shall have the following tenour : " Freemasonry has for its principles absolute liberty of conscience , and human solidarity . "

Such is the report on which the belief in God has been taken out from the French Constitution . Whether our readers can follow thc subtle and specious argument of Bro . Desmons may be a question , but certainly anything more absolutely elestructive of everything , more nihilistic alike in its tendency and its claims , never has been propounded as far as we are aware , by any modern or

ancient writer . If Bro . Desmons ' argument is valid , that even belief in T . G . A . O . T . U . is a dogma inquisitorial and intolerant , one feels tempted to ask what is left us ? Belief in God is not to be propounded , because it is conscientiously objected to by many , and we also fear wc must say , that by the quasi-jesuticil thesis ofjBro . Desmons , French Freemasonry seems to

The Election Of A New Pope

have adopteel the axiom , "That there is nothing new , and ' nothing true , and it don't signify . " A more destructive and tlangerous report , owing to its ability , we have never perused . All English Freemasons we feel sure will at once reject its assumptions anel its conclusions .

Consecration Of The Francis Burdett Chapter, No. 1503.

CONSECRATION OF THE FRANCIS BURDETT CHAPTER , No . 1503 .

On Saturday last , the above interesting Masonic event was held at the Albany Hotel , Twickenham . Amongst those provincial officers and others present were Comps . Colonel Francis Burdett , Granel Superindent ; Davidson , G . H .-, Boyd , G . VjH . G . Buss , G . Treas . ; Levander , G . S . N .:

Pearse , G . Reg . -, W . Hammond , G . Asst . S . ; Wright , G . D . C ; Roebuck , P . P . G . H . ; Stedwell , P . P . G . S . ; Charles Horsley , P . P . G . S . N . ; Cubitt , P . P . G . S . E . ; Laxton , P . P . G . R . ; Brighten , P . P . G . Sword Bearer ; Thiellay , P . P . G . D . C ; Thomas , P . Z . 13 ; N . Potter , P . Z . 19 ; George Kenning , P . G . Dir . of Cer ., P . Z . 192 , & c . ; Sir John Palmer , l-. Z . 382 ; Richards , P . Z . 382 ;

Dicker , P . Z . 382 ; Adams , P . Z . 1237 ; Still , P . Z . 1293 ; Letchworth , M . E . Z . 1237 ; Shervill , H ; Hopwood , H . 13-6 Walls , S . N . 185 , ' & c , ( Freemason ); F . W . Levander , 2 nd Assist . S . 1720 ; Wigginton , Royal Standard ; Knaggs , Royal York ; Tomlinson , 100 ; Cama , H . Court , Motabhoy , and Fraeig , 155 ; H . Court , jun ., 1010 ; W . Taylor , 1194 ; Massare , 1202 ; Ockenden , 1423 ;

Dibdin , P . P . G . O . of Herts . ; Piatt , Prudent Brethren ; Gilbert , £ . G . Tyler . The Consecrating Officers were Comps . Boyd , who officiated as M . E . Z . ; Dicketts , as IL ; Levander . Jas J . ; H . G . Buss , asD . C . Comps . Brighten , Letchworth , Adams , and Walls occupied the position of Organist , P . S ., andthe 1 st and 2 nd Assist ints , the impressive ceremony being

most ably perforeiicd . Comps . Wigginton , Tomlinson , and Cama were respectively inducted into the chairs of First , Second , anel Third Principals . Thc only officers of the new chapter elected were Comps . Court , sen ., S . E ., anil Tayler , P . S . Several propositions for joining and exaltation having been handed in , and the Crnsccrating Officers ele : ted as hon . members , the chapter was closed .

Provincial Grand Chapter Of Middlesex.

PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF MIDDLESEX .

A convocation of this Provincial Grand Chapter was held at the Albany Hotel , Twickenham , on Saturday 23 rd ult ., The Prov . Granel Chapter was opened by the M . E . Prov . Grand Supt ., who vvas supported by a full attendance of Prov . Grand Officers . The proceedings were very brief , and

consisted merely of thc reading of the previous convocation , the adoption of the Auditors' report , and the appointment and subsequent investiture of the following Grand Officers for the year , viz : Comps . Boyd , H . ; Richards , , ] . ; II . G . Buss , Treasurer ; Levander , S . E . ; Wigginton , S . N ., Still , P . S ., Dicketts anel Wright , Assistant Sojs ., Letchworth , Registrar , Adams , Swd .-Bearer ,

Hopwood , Standard Bearer , Walls , Organist , Cama , D . C , Gilbert , Janitor . Upon the termination of the proceedings of the grand Chapter , the companions adjourned to the banquet , and at its conclusion the preliminary loyal anel R . A . toasts were given by the W . M . In proposing the health of M . E . P . G . S . of Middlesex , Companion Wigginton expressed the great gratification it had afforded all the

members of the Francis Burelett Chapter anel himself in having their consecration honoured by the presence of the gallant Colonel , who held Masonic sway in this province , stood very high in the Craft , and he , the M . E . Z ., believed that he would in time also hold a very distinguished position in thc Royal Arch . This prosperous state of affairs he said , was mainly due to the great popu ' arity

enjoyed by their amiable ancl ze-alous chief ; and in conclusion hc charged them to recci . e and drink the toast with that amount of ethusiasm which the theme so deservedly demanded . In his reply , thc M . E . G . S . impressed upon the members of the chapter which hael that day been consecrated under very auspicious circumstances , the necessity for aelopting every reasonable precaution in the

election of their member * . It was highly essential that the higher degrees should only be conferred upon brethren whose characters would not only bear the strictest scrutiny , but who would be likely ultimately to reflect credit upon those degrees . In conclusion , he expressed the great pleasure it had given him to have becn enabled to be present that day in oreler to inagurate a new accession to the roll

of the Provincial Chapter * . "The Consecrating Officers " was acknowledgeel at length by Comps . Boyd anel Buss . The health of " The M . E . Z . " followed , and drew in response a very able speech from Comp . Wigginton . As the hour was advanced , and as so many companions had to leave for town , the remaining toasts were both in number and matter greatly curtaileel . " The Visitors "

was acknowledged by Comps Sir John Palmer , and two subjects of H . l . M . ' s Indian Empire . The health of " The Officers " followed , and was responded to by Comps . Brighten , Tomlinson and Court . The Janitor having been called upon to discharge his duty , the proceedings , which were from first to last highly successful , terminated . The first regular meeting of No . 1505 , will be held on the fourth Wednesday in the present month .

PRESENTATION TO A MUSICAL LIVERPOOL BROTHEII . —As Bro . Joseph Queen , of the Emulation Lodge , No . 1303 , has retired from the conductorship of the Liverpool Vocalists' Union ,-which occupies the very first place amongst male glee singers in that county , the

members of the Union recently entertained him at dinner , and took occasion to present him with a valuable electroplated tea and coffee service , in recognition of the invalu . able services he had rendered to this splendid combination of voiefs .

Provincial Grand Chapter Of Suffolk.

PROVINCIAL GRAND CHAPTER OF SUFFOLK .

The Province of Suffolk , which has five chapters o f Royal Arch Masons—one in Woodbridge , three in Ipswicln anil one in Bury—now owns ' . its Grand Chapter , and at its head has one of the hardest working anel most respected members of the Craft . In obtaining as the Grand

Superintendent of the province Comp . the Rev . C . J . Martyn , Past Grand Chaplain , Deputy Provincial Granel Master of Suffolk , and Past Grand Principal Sojourner , the companions are to be congratulated , and the proceedings of Saturday may be considered as an indication of the satisfaction experienced by the members in his selection , and augurs well for the prosperity of Royal Arch Masonry . As

stated by Comp . Martyn during the afternoon , it would have been a great pleasure to them all to have had their Provincial Grand Master as the head of the chapters , but Bro . Lord Waveney has not taken the Royal Arch Degree , and his lordship consequently requested Comp . Martyn to assume the responsibility of ruling the Provincial Grand Chapter . The Grand H . of the Supreme

Grand Chapter , Comp . Lord Skelmersdale , very kindly attended for the purpose of the installation of Comp Martyn , wh ' ch took place in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall , Ipswich ( kindly lent by the Mayor , C . H . Cowell , Esq . ) , on Saturday afternoon . The chamber presented a splendid appearance when set out in full chapter form , with the companions , numbering seventy-two

seated around . The chapter was attended by M . E . Comps . —The Right Hon . Lord Skelmersdale , Grand IL , G . S . W . Lane . ; Rev . C . J . Martyn , P . G . P . S ., P . Z . ; W . P . T . Phillips , 81 ; J . N . York , 1008 ; B . Gall , 81 ; Dr . W . P . Mills , 225 ; Rev . R . N . Sanderson , 959 ; S . H . Wright , 37 6 ; N . Tracy , 376 ; J . Pitcher , 376 ; J . A .

Pettit , 950 , ; A . Barber , 225 ; G . Cressvvell , 959 ; J . B . Fraser , 376 ; H . Luff , 376 ; W . H . Lucia , 1008 ; A . Barfield , 19 ; T . Grimwood , 81 ; T . Robb , 22 J , A . Fleming , 376 ; F . Binckes , 10 ; W . Wilmshurst , 81 . Comps .- —A . Barnes , B . D . Gall , and C . F . Browne , of the Royal York Chapter , 81 , Woodbridge ; W . Daking , G . Abbott , and T . J . Wentworth , of the St . Luke ' s

Chapter , 235 , Ipswich ; J . H . Staddon , A . Gamman , W . Clarke , W . Spalding , A . De George , T . R . Elkington , W . B . Jeffries , R . Allen , S . R . Anness , R . Anness , J . M . Harvey , S . Shortridge , W . H . Spicer , W . T . Jobson , W . G . Cunnold , W . Boby , H . C . Casley , J . Walker , J . K . Sidgwick , A . A . Seaborn , A . J . Grirnwade , H . W . Hitchcock , and H . Ribbans , of the Royal Sussex Chapter ,

376 , Ipswich ; W . D . Paine and A . A . Bennett , of the Royal Alexandra Chapter , 959 , Ipswich ; W . Armstrong , R . Evans , F . W . Joy , J . Shepherd , T . F . Lucia , E . King , W . Patrick , and the Rev . J . T . Hassall ( P . G . Chaplain ) , of the White Rose Chapter , 1008 , Bury St . Edmund ' s ; and the following visitors—C . L . Lilley , 12 ; T . f . Railing , W . Richey , G . Smith , C . Ellis , F . Wheeler , G . H .

Grimwood , and H . Welham , of Chapter 51 , Colchester . The Royal Arch Chapter was opened by the M . E . Z . of the oldest chapter in Ipswich ( the St . Luke ' s ) , Comp . Dr . Mills , assisted by the M . E . Comps . Fraser and Sanderson . Upon the entrance of the Grand H ., Lord Skelmersdale , the companions saluted him in due form , and he accepted the chair which Ccmp . Mills resigned .

His Lordship congratulated the companions upon the progress of Masonry in the province . He had maele a promise to Comp . Martyn that he would install him as the P . G . S ., and he was pleased to be present in fulfilment of that promise . The M . E . Comps . Mills and Pitcher presented the M . E . Comp . Martyn to the Granel H ., anti thc patent ,

dated 30 th June , 1877 , authorising the constitution of the P . G . Chapter , was read . The Grand H . then installed Comp . Martyn , and congratulated him upon the position he had attained . He had watched his progress in Masonry with interest , and was sure the Grand Z . could not have found one better qualified to occupy the office .

E . Comp . Clarke , who acted as M . C . during the ceremony , then proclaimed the M . E . Comp . Martyn obligated , invested , and installed as the Provincial Grand Superintendent of Suffolk . Thc P . G . S . announced that he had selected the M . E . Comp . W . P . T . Phillips as Prov . Grand H ., and the M . E . Comp . York as Prov . Grand L , and said he thanked all

the companions heartily and sincerely for the honcur which hael been conferred upon him , anel felt prou . l to be installed by Lorel Skelmersdale for such an important province as Suffolk , and with God ' s will he would devote himself to furthering the work of the province . He referred to the difficulty he had experienced in selecting officers out of the very large

number of Past Principals , but said he thought in choos - ing the Z . of the olelest chapter as H ., and a P . Z . anel founeler of the youngest chapter in the province as J ., hc had ac ' ed satisfactorily . He hoped to advance those brethren deserving of advancement , and he woulel be grateful for the assistance ond co-operation of thc companions at all times . He thanked all for their presence .

and particularly Lord Skelmersdale for coming at great inconvenience to himself . His Masonic and Parliamentary duties , they all knew , were heavy , and he ( the P . G . S . ) was sure he would be but expressing the sentiments of them all when he returned the M . E . Comp . their hearty thanks . He moved that the first resolution entered upon the minutes of the P . G . C . be a vote of thanks to his Lordship

for his attendance . The motion was seconded by the P . G . H ., Comp . W . P . T . Phillips , and carried unanimously . The Grand H . ( Lord Skelmersdale ) saiel he had great pleasure in coming down to Suffolk again . He thought j he had now a right to consider himself affiliateel to the province , anti that he might consider himself as one o