Ancient And Modern Mysteries.

ANCIENT AND MODERN MYSTERIES .

BY BRO . ROBERT AVEXTWORTII LITTLE , President of the London Literary Union , Editor of " Tlie Rosicrucian , " & c . { Continued from page 240 . ) Among the ancient Jews we find there were many sects , some of a secret character like the Essenes , and

others which made an open profession of their peculiar doctrines , like the Sadducees . The orig in of the former sect is unknown , but certain writers maintain that it may be traced to the Kassideans , a fraternity of pious men who devoted themselves to the service of the Temple .

From Mackey ' s " Lexicon of Freemasonry , " I extract the following information respecting the Essenes , it being more copious than the account given by Dr . Olivorln his Dictionary of " Symbolical Masonry" : — "They were divided into two classes , speculative and operative ; the former devoting themselves to n

life of contemplation , and the latter daily engaging in the practice of some handicraft . The proceeds of their labour were , however , deposited in one general stock ; for they religiously observed a community of goods . They secluded themselves from the rest of the world , and were completely esoteric in their doctrines ,

which were also of a symbolic character . ^ They admitted no women into their order ; abolished all distinctions of rank , " meeting on the level , " and giving the precedence only to virtue . Charity was bestowed on their indigent brethren ; and , as a means of recon-nition , they adopted signs and other modes

similar to those of the . Freemasons . Their order was divided into three degrees . When a candidate applied for admission , his character was scrutinized with the greatest severity . I le was then presented with a girdle , a hatchet , and a white garment . Being thus admitted to the first degree , he remained in a state of probation

for one year ; during which time , although he lived according to their customs , he was not admitted to their meetings . At tlie termination of this period , if found worthy , he was advanced to the second degree , and was made a partaker of the waters of purification . But he was not yet permitted to live among them ;

but after enduring another probation of two years ' duration , he was at length admitted to the third degree , nnd united in full fellowship with them . On this occasion he took a solemn oath , the principal heads of which , according to Josephus . { Bell . Jud . II . 8 ) , were as follows : 'To exercise piety toward God , and justice toward men , to hate the wicked and assist the good ; to

show fidelity to all men , obedience to those in authority , and kindness to those below him ; to be a lover of truth , and a reprover of falsehood ; to keep his _ hands clear from theft , and his soul from unlawful gains ; to conceal nothing from his own sect , nor to discover any of their doctrines to others ; to communicate their doctrines in no otherwise than he bad received them

himself ; and , lastly , to preserve the books belonging to the sect , and the names of the angels in which he shall be instructed . ' Philo , of Alexandria , who , in two books written expressly on the subject of the Essenes , has given a copious account of their doctrines and manners , says , that when they were listening to the secret instructions of their chiefs , thoy stood with

' the right hand on the breast a little below tho chin , and the left hand placed along the side . ' A similar position is attributed by Macrobius to A enus , when deploring the death of Adonis , in those rites which were celebrated at Tyre , the birthplace of Hiram the Builder . " ( To be continued . ' )

ERRATA . —AVo regret that the following errors were printed in Bro . Little ' s article , "Ancient and Modern Mysteries , " last week : — " Mnji" should read Magi , " Shebers , " Ghebers ; " inextinguished , " inextinguishable ; " exoteric religions , '' exoteric reli gious ceremonies ; " Paulinius" ( twice ) , Paulinus ; '' emerged , " merged .

THE SUNDERLAND MASONIC HALL COMPANY S LIMITED ) . —The first general meeting of the Shareloldcrs of this Company was lately held at the Queen ' s Hotel , Sunderland , under the presidency of Mr . S . J . AA ' ade , chairman of the Company . The report was read by Mr . It . Hudson , hon . secretary , and showed

that the affairs were in a flourishing condition . It was moved bv the chairman and adopted . The election of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with . Mr . S . J . AVado was re-elected chairman J Mr . AV . II . Crookes , vice-chairman ; Mr . ]> . Hudson honorary secretary ; Messrs . John Bell ,

Robert Dixon , P . Itvistciid .-thl , VV . II . Craven , Tlimnus Uilcv , and Mark Douglas directors ; Messrs . Wood ami Co .. treasurers ; and Messrs . AV . Beattie and Thomas Johnson , auditors . The formation of tlw new Mas > nic Club , which will lie held in the new

bui'ding , was next the subject of discussion , after which a large number of tlie shareholders present , handed in their names to the chairman us members of tlie new club . The proceedings terminated with the UJU . I 1 votes of thankd .

Chapter Of Prudent Brethren, No. 145.

CHAPTER OF PRUDENT BRETHREN , No . 145 .

On Thursday last week a new chapter attached to tho Lodge of Prudent Brethren , and to be called after its name , was consecrated at Freemasons' Hall . This is almost tho latest London Chapter for which a warrant has been obtained , and very few months have

been allowed to elapse between the obtaining of the charter and the launching of the chapter . It starts under most favourable auspices , and in the persons of Comp . J . Boyd , Z . ; G . J . Sharpe , H . ; and AV . Carter , J ., possesses three principals who , being well tried in craft and Royal Arch Masonry , will govern

the companions with firmness and discretion . AVith the assistance also of one of the best of Masons , Comp . G . Slates , as S . E ., nothing is wanted to make this a prosperous chapter but unanimity and zeal on the part of all who join it . The lodge of Prudent Brethren is both a numerous and a prosperous lodge , and as the

chapter has been opened for the purpose of giving an opportunity to Prudent Brethren of becoming Prudent Companions , the members of the lodge will doubtless appreciate the founders' intentions and place their names down for exaltation immediately . The ceremony of consecration was performed by

Comp . J . Hervey , G . S . E ., who took the Z . chair , having Comp . Tepper , as IL , Comp . James Brett , as J ., and Comp . R . AV . Little , as D . C . The musical arrangements were under the direction of Comp . F . W . Taylor , P . Z ., who presided at the harmonium , and the vocal parts were sustained by Comps . Theodore

Distin , Robt . Bamby , and Donald King with remarkable sweetness and exactness . The formal programme observed in the consecration of chapters was strictly observed ; the whole ceremony was most perfectl y performed , and if possible showed a greater degree ol excellence than has ever been attained in the

consecration services . The Principals opened the chapter , and the Comps . ofthe new chapter entered in order , when tbe introductory prayer was offered and the D . C . addressed the Principals , who replied . Thc petition and charter were then read by the S . E ., and the M . E . Z . enquired of the Comps . if they

approved of the Officers named in tho charter . The Companions having signified their assent , Comp . Hervey constituted the Comps . into a regular Chapter . Comp . Brett , the acting J ., afterwards delivered an oration on the nature and principles ofthe institution , and the anthem , " Behold , how good , " jjwas sung . The

dedication prayer , the scripture portions , the " Gloria Deo" anil the further prayers , and the anthem , ' I have surely built thee an house" followed , and the dedication and constitution of the Chapter by the M . E . Z ., with the chant and patriarchal benediction , concluded the ceremony .

Comp . BRETT , subsequently installed Comps . John Boyd , M . E . Z . ; George J . Sharpe , H-, and Win . Carter . J . The M . E . Z . invested Comps . G . Sta : es , S . E . ; II . P . Allender , S . N . ; J . Last , Treas . ; G . Pitt , P . S . ; John Hervey , I . P . Z ., and XV . Y . Laing , Janitor . The other officers were Comps . J . Lancaster , 1 st . A . S . ; J . Bull ,

2 nd A . S . ; W . Watson , Steward , and G . Wood , D . C . The S . E ., * "Comp . States , read a list of thirty-three members of the Prudent Brethren Lodge who were candidates for exaltation at the meeting on December 7 th , and a further list of fifteen Comps . who wished to become joining members . Thc M . E . Z . proposed

and the J . seconded , that Comps . Hervey and Brett , be elected Hon . Members , which was carried unanimously , and Comp . Hervey in replying said , that it had given him great pleasure to give his humble powers in the consecration of this Chapter . He had been ably supported by his Comp . Brett , and the other

officers who had assisted , and he was more then amply repaid by the compliment whi * h the Chapter had paid him by electing him an Hon . Member . Comp . Brett also said that he was proud at being elected an Hon . Member , inasmuch as the founders , petitioners , and members of the Chapter , were all his oldest and most

sincere friends . He was sorry that his engagements would prevent him coming very frequently among them , but he should nevertheless feel that an honour had been conferred upon him by being made a member of this Prudent Brethren Chapter . The M . E . Z . then closed the Chapter , and the next meeting will

take place on the 7 th prox . The following were the Comps . present during the evening : —John Hervey , G . S . E . ; James Brett , P . Z ., 177 ; F . Avrillon , 742 ; AV . Farnfield , P . Z , 6 ; Louis Mercik , Z ., nU ; II . Massey , J ., C 19 ; Theodore Distin , Edmund Bingham , Mclita Chap .. Malta ; John Bovd . M . E . Z . ; Ceo . J .

Sharpe , II . ; W . Carter , J . ; Ceo . States . S . E . ; J . I . a * t , Treas . ; VV . F . Taylor . G ** ; VV . II . l'yno , 5 : 1-1 ; Donald King , 180 ; F . AV . Cilhart , J ., . 0 : VI ; 1 ? . W . Little , Z , 177 ; J . Tepper , Z , S ; II . G Buss , P . Z , 177 ; It . S . Warrington , P . Z ., 8 ; VV . Piatt , P . Z . 11 ) ; John Coutts , Z , 0 S 2 ; C . J . AVatson , P . Z ., 11 ; J .

II . II . DoughiK ' . y , S . E ., JOB ; It . B-n-nbv , 820 ; II . P . Allender . 7-1-J ; I ) . Jl . Still , >) 7 b ; Jas Ilonvood , US . There was no banquet . The chapter furniture , which was of the very finest description , was manufactured b y Comp . Piatt , of G , Beaufort-buildings .

Centenary Of Lodge "Sincerity," Plymouth.

CENTENARY OF LODGE "SINCERITY , " PLYMOUTH .

The members of this lodge , No . 189 , met on Thurs day evening last week , at the Royal Hotel , Plymouth , to hold oue of their annual banquets , and to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of their existence . All the members ofthe Lodge that could attend were present aud the brethren of Lodge Sincerity had

with that liberality which influences the brethren of other lodges , sent out a number of invitations including one to each of the Masters of the other lodges in the three towns . The Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and Lord Eliot , who were members of the lodge , sent letters expressive of their regret at not being

able to be present , as did also Bros . Col . Peard , who isa P . M . ofthe lodge , General Staveley , Capt Shanks , R . M ., and others . There was a good attendance . Amongst those present were thefollowing brethren : — P . P . Balk will , AV . M . ; on his right , R . AV . Rev . J . Huyrdie , M . A ., Prov . G . M . and P . G . Chap . ; R . AV .

Metham , D . P . G . M . ; Rev . Carwithen , P . P . G . C . - , Dr . Dowse , P . M .. P . P . S . G . D , Treas . ; Rae , P . M ., P . P . G . O . Sec , 189 ; on the left , the R . W . Augustus Smith , G . M . of Cornwall ; Bayley , I P . M ., Prov . G . Treas . ; AV . Yates , Prov . J . G . W . of Devon ; Rev . J . E Risk , P . P . G . C . ; Bate , P . M ., P . P . G . R . ; Latimer , P . P . G . S . ; J . J . Clase , P . P . G . D . C . ; R . R . Rodd

P . M ., P . P . G . S . AV . of Cornwall , as S . W . 189 ; Foster , J . AV . 189 ; J . Saw , S . D . 189 ; S . B . Rawling , J . D . ; J . AV . Coffin , D . C , ; G . F . Laitv and E . Bisset , Stewards ; J . C . Radford , P . M ., P . P . G . D . ; J . Sadler , P . M , P . P . G . S . B . ; T . AV . ade , J . Lewis , J . Dampney , R . J . Laity , AV . Roberts , S . Hntchings , R . B . Oram ,

C . G . Gibson , P . M . ; A . N . Innes , M . Coates , G . Jackson , J . Mc . AV . Graham , A . R . Mulley , P . J . Pilditch , R . M . Clay , M . D . ; B . Browning , R . G . Callaway , Langdon Morcom . The following W . Masters ofthe sister lodges : St . John Baptist , 70 ; J . Richards ; Fortitude , 105 , Geo . Hilson ; Harmony ,

156 , It . B . Triplett ; Brunswick , 159 , — Amery ; Charity , 223 , J . M . Hiiley ; St . Aubyn , 954 , J . Ilawtou ; Prov . D . C , Huyshe , 1099 , J . Brown * , Dundas Lodge , 1255 , T . B . Hervey , P . P . G . D . C . ; S . Chappie , P . M , P . P . G . D . C . ; Thomas , Fewens , H . Broad , of Metham Lodge , and Windeatt

-The dinner was an excellent one , worthy , in every respect , ot the character of the Royal , and it was well attended . Bro . AYindeatt presided at the piano , and Bros . Gibson and Laity contributed by their admirable singing to the spending of a most agreeable evening . The AV . M . ( Bro . Balkwill ) proved a most excellent chairman . He is a good speaker , and his

short terse speeches threw nn excellent tone into the meeting . Grace before dinner was said by Bro . Risk , and after by Bro . Carwithen . After the dinner the lodge was close tiled . The Chairman then read letters of apology from absentees who were unable to attend . In the letter from Bro . Shanks he enforced the importance of supporting the Masonic Charities , which he said he should do himself .

The AV . MASTER , in an appropriate and admirable speech , proposed , " Her Majesty the Queen , " which , with all the other toasts , was drunk with due Masonic honours . The Rev . Bro . RISK next proposed the " Prince of AVales aud the Craft , " and at some length eulogised

the Prince for walking nt the tteps of his Royal father , Albert the Good , mentioning several instances of late in which , by his public services , he had evinced a conduct gratifying to the country . The next toast was that of the " Right Hon . the Earl of Zetland , G . M , " which was drunk with

enthusiasm , regret being expressed that this would be the last year in which he would preside over the Masonic body . In responding to thc toast of the R . AV . the Prov . G . M . of Devon , the Rev . J . HUYSHE expressed his gratification at being present at the centenary of

the lodge . He had come down at considerable inconvenience , having to leave on the following morning by G . 45 in order to be at his public duties at 11 o ' clock . After some observations on the pleasure he always felt iu being amongst tbem , the R . AV . brother proceeded to speak on matters of a practical

character . He said that their Province had been charged—not quite fairly be thought—with not giving a proper support to their Masonic charities . There was some truth in the charges , but not so much as had been stated , for they had a Benevolent Fund which no other Province could show ( loud

cheers ) . There were in the Province 37 lodges , and 1 , 600 subscribing members . If they made their contributions from all these lodges Is . more from each member to the Crand Lodge , that would give them 1 , 600 shillings more than was at present subscribed . This would be twice as much as at present and would give them £ l ( i () a year . This might bo

divided into lour parts : Oue part should go to tho Fortescue Annuity Fund , which . stood out prominently before tlie Masonic world . That was a fund of their own . They took care of their own poor brethren ( cheers ) . They li .-id £ 1 , 3110 or . £ 1 , ' 00 invested . If they would add to the proceeds from this fund £ 10 more , they would bo able to put on another annuity , if uot two . Then they should have