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Article TRUE PHILANTHROPY. ← Page 2 of 2 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 1 Article Original Correspondence. Page 1 of 1 Article THE PROVINCES AND THE CHARITIES. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
True Philanthropy.
and day rooms for seventy-five inmates . In the new wing , which is to be one storey , there will be covered cloisters , so that the inmates may take exercise in all weathers . The flat roof of the building will also be utilized . By the design of the architect , when the new wing is completed ,
the old house may graduall y be rebuilt on to it , thus introducing throughout the building all those hyg ienic arrangements and that sanitary system which are so conducive to a proper use of means in the cure and mitigation of suffering and disease . The new wing will be
called the "Erasmus Wilson " wing . The chapel is to seat three hundred persons . Are we not justified in recording this fact with some pride , as brought about by the munificent ministry of a worthy and distinguished member of our ' Order ? May we not commend his happy
example to others ? And , above all , may we not predicate for such true philanthropy a goodly outcome , a blessed result > In time to come , when many a poor ailing brother or sister of the flesh have had health and strength restored to them at the Sea Bathing Infirmary , at Margate
b y the healing ministration and curative sympath y of that excellent institution , they will remember with gratitude the name of Erasmus Wilson as a sincere benefactor to our common race , as one who wished to " leave the world better than he found
it , " to heal its wounds , to lessen its bitter and appalling afflictions , to remove , if so might be in the good Providence of T . G . A . O . T . U ., its deadly scars , its open shame , and its abounding and often almost incurable evils .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
r ^ Wi elei init hole ! ourselves responsible for , or eevviri approvini ; of , tlie ^ opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in ei spirit of fair play to all , to permit—williiu certain necessary limils—lice discussion . !
WHAT IS FREEMASONRY ? To Ihe Editor of Ihe " Freemason . " Dear Sic and Brother , — The visit of the Supreme Council , 33 ° , of the Ancient and Accepted Rite to Wcstmi-Supcr-IUare on the 22 nd ult ., has causeel the very important question to Le asked by many people ,, who are not members of our Order ,
" What is Freemasonry . ' " I have promised to give an answer to such query , and 1 cannot do better than reply through the columns of the Freemason . The ordinary reply would be that it is " a beautiful system of morality , veiled in allegory , and illustrated by symbols , " yet a far nieire elaborate answer may be given without revealing any i-oint or points , or the ancient
landmarks of the Oreler , for it embraces every part of that noble icience which has existed from time immemorial , a-id under whose- powerful influence wonderful results have 1 c n obtained . We will divide the subject into three separa e and elistinct periods , nr stages , by which the lull knowledge of the science is obtained . The First Degree symbolises man emerging from a temporary state of
darkness nun the light ot truth , encouraging him to a fervent hope of becoming a partaker of the blessings of life eternal . The Second Degree admits him to the great intellectual field of science , which ' 15 unfolded to view , and enables him lo appreciate the goodness , power , and wisdom of the Great Creator , and to read them in the sacad pages of the celestial hemisphere and terrestial world . In
the third stage the aspirant is brought into the sublimity of the science and the full blazj of revelation , for in this Degree we are taught specially to study the hidden mysteries of nature and seience . From vain curio .-itj many cowans strive lo penetrate the arcana uf our secrets , but , happily , such iffuiis have proved fruitless to all who do not possess the master-key , f . nd to such our Order is
always close tylcd . Another class of inquirers are those Masons who have a desire to render themselves serviceable lo their fellow members , but whi . se daily avocation > are too numerous to allow theai time for the close study of Masonic symbolism . To this class of inepiirers I will endeavour to give such practical explanation of celestial symbolism as must sitisfy the intellectual members that
Masonry and astronomy are very closely allied , and perhaps they may be willing to admit that there may be mysteries hidden in the heaven 0 , which "at present they cannot understand . " To follow what I . vish to explain without divulging foibidden points it is necessary to have , a glob ' .: or celestial alias . Presuming such atlas to be before-us , ' I will ask the Masonic student to refer to the Southern
lit misphei leal plate . Around the border we find Roman figures from I . to XXIV . ; these denote the twenty-four hour ' s of the day ; between XVJI . and XVIII ., below the ecliptic , is an altar or pedestal . Between XXIV . and I . is a bo . ik ' , or Biilin , Now with compasses from the ee ) uatorial pole the centre of this JHHia will reach the exact centre of the pedestal , above which are always a pair of compasses , a
sloiumasoii's olel fashioned level , anil near thereto can be iiiund the rule and square . The initiate is the celestial figure , Antouous , and between XIX . and XX . wc observe the . kneeling position of this youlh . Between XIV . and XV . is a large figure possessing two sandals or slippers . Compasses from thepole of the equator will take the heel of the sanelal from the kit foot of this large figure and place it on the little naked right foot of the aspirant . Nowwithso
Original Correspondence.
large a slipper can he move otherwise than " slip-shod ? " and compasses from the equatorial will bring the other large slipper to the initiate ' s left foot . Cowans may sly this slipper affjir is a mere coincidence , but I will ask them to point out , if they can , whether by compasses these slippers may be brought to fit any oth : r leet in the heavens , or if they can find any other slippers in the celestial atlas
than those worn by this great figure . Next to the Northern hemispherical place , and between XIX . and XX , arc Ihc head and shoulders of the aspirant , Antinous , and near 11 . on the equator is a very remarkable knot . Place one point of the compass within the loop made by the knot , and the other point of the compass at Hie equatorial pole , wc can bring the rope or cord to the youth ; does it not
lit his neck precisely like a cable law ? Is this another coincidence ? With compasses from centres we cannot make this rope fit any other neck in the heavens . For the Se-conel Degree , or stage , compasses from the centre of Ihc ecliptic ( not the pole ) will take the ear of corn , which is in the large figure ' s left hand , at XIII . to XXIII ., and there it will be alongside a current of water . This
symbolism all Masons must know without further reference . Much of the working of the Third Degree is slso depicted in the celestial hemisphere , but I may only divulge one paint to the uninitiated . Between IX , and X . is a lion ' s paw , and compasses from the ecliptic centre ( not the pole of the ecliptic ) will place the right hand of the now exalted Mason in the linn's paw . Meire of these points must not be
revealed in a publication , yet f will readily give them to Masonic students who wish to study Masonic symbolism . I hope I have offered sufficient proof that there is a close connection between Frctmisonry and celestial astronomy . I will now give an explanation of symbolical Masonry in connection with terrestial objects . For instance , let us take the blossom of a " I ' assiflora" or passion-flower .
What elo wc find ? Why , that every particle of the blossom of this beautiful , curious , and swcct-scentcil flower teaches Masonic symbolism . Persons unacquainted with-the origin of the discovery of this ilo . vcr have supposed it to be an emblem of the tender passion of love ; all who have taken an interest in the origin cf botanical names will know the name Passion has no reference to the passion of love , but
that it more immediately refers to the last sufferings of our crucified Chrial . In the sharp spines springing from the base of tile pit ils and encircling the corolla wc can readily perceive a vivid representation of the Crown of Thorns ; the three black segments into which the pistil divides itself at the ap .-x are not unlike three large-headed nails , syiiiboli-iiig the three nails by which the feet ami
hands of Christ were secured to the Cross . The calyy , with its three divisions underneath the petals of the corolla , symbolises the W . M . of a lodge anel two Wardens , the three gn-ater and three lesser lights , Ihrcc suppoits , three orniments , thrie moveable and three immoveable jewel 0 , three principal tenets , three rouiiels of the Masonic ladder , three working toota in each Degree , Ihrcc principal orders
of architecture , three important human sciis :-s , three gates of the temple , or sinctum sanctorum , the three colours , white , red , and purple , of Royal Arch Alasons ; the red , blue , anel white silken cord twisted into three strands , and worn round the neck of brethren of the Sat li'nai , convey appropriate ( cachings ; the sacred number three strands first for birth , second manhood , third death , and for life ,
death , and eternity . Next come the ten petals of the corolla of the I ' assiflora , coiresponding in number to the ten leltcrs constituting the name of Hiram Abiff ; they also symbolise the ten Sepheroth , constituting the sacred name ot God . la thtir totality and unity , the ten Sepheroth represent the archetypal man , Adam ( Cadmon . Ten is the most sacred of all numbers , for it forms the beginning
and end of numbers , anel symbolises the Cross . Next is the numbers or glory surrounding " the point within the c ' ucle , " or base of the style issuing from the centre . The point within a circle is a Masonic symbol of great importance ; its cxoteiic explanation is , that the point represents an individual brother , the circle being the boundary line of his duty to God and to man , but the esoteric
meaning is far -different , and would require volumes in itself to- fully explain . On the apex of the style rests the egg-shapped ovary , surrounded by five anthers , and supporting three pistils ; the ovary containing Ihe seed of the I ' assiflora symbolises the universality of Masonry within thei circumference of our terrcsliil sphere . The five anthers typify the five points ' of fellowship , five Masonic orelcrs
of architecture , five senses of hearing , seeing , feeling , tasting , and smelling , the live-pointed star the symbol of health , five F . Cs . —five is a mystical number , being the union of odd and even , representing Ashcr and the four clcmci t ; . . Thc anthers seem to be pierced by their filaments on the sharp points of which they arc poised , at once suggisiing to our minds the five wounds of our crucified
Saviour , who shed his blood on the Cross for man ' s salvation . The three pistils at the apex typify the Z ., Ii ., and J ., of a Royal Arch chapter , the highest position we can of . Uin , in Craft Masonry ( he three principal working tools , compass , triangle , and square , the three Masonic graces , faith , hope , and charity , the equilateral triangle , and the trihedron jof three equal sides ; the pistils symbolise the
Trinity , also the tri-syllabic name , of God , A . N . M ., Al-Om-Jah ; the term I . A . O . pronounced I-Ah-O , contains in itself a deep allegory . The true pronunciation of this sacred , mysterious , ineffable name was known only to three persons , who are saiel to have seen God face to face , viz ., Enoch , Jacob , and Moses , and each of whom in suecession were Granel Masters of our Masonic Oreler .
1 feel that I have already wearied you with the subject ot Masonic symbolism , but what better answer can 1 give the inquirer of ' . ' . What is Freemasonry , " than to bring him into the full blaze of the sublimity of Masonic science , that he may see we have subjects of study other than the Epicurean motto of "Eat , drink , anil be merry , " for Freemasonry admits us to the great intellectual field of science , which may be unfolded to our view , and enables us to
Original Correspondence.
appreciate the wisdom , power , and goodness of the Great Archuect ' of the Universe ; although the feebleness of our nature does not permit us at once to grasp the magnitude of His works , we can feel a special joy in the hope of receiving as a reward for a life well spent in acts of piety , an admission into a mansion , not built with hands , but one eternal in the Heavens , where we shall behold shining that bright morning star , whose rising brings peace and salvation to the faithful .
BENJ . COX , P . M ., P . Z . Weston-Supcr-Marc , Oct . 25 th , 18 79 .
The Provinces And The Charities.
THE PROVINCES AND THE CHARITIES .
To Ihc Editor of Ihc " Freemason . " Deir Sir and Brother , — Being personally desirous of knowing as far as possible the amount of support awarded to the Charities by the several provinces in proportion to the number of their members , I was induced in the intervals of leisure to
calculate the numucr of life votis poss . ssed by each , and the proportion which it bears to the number of lodges . With the idea that it may be interesting to some of your readers I forward the result herewith . This test , though not conclusive , appears to mc about the fairest which can be applied , as although the number of members of individual loelges doubtless varies
considerably , yet by taking the whole of each province we arrive at a very fair average , and , so far as I know , there are no means—open to all—of ascertaining the number of subscribing members of each lodge . The calculations have been made with considerable care , though I can hardly hope that they are entirely free from error , but should be glad to hear if any serious discrepancies are detected .
The numbers of votes are taken from the last published lists , and , therefore , do not include the present year ' s qualifications . Life voles only are counted , as the annual subscribers vary so much from year to year as to be quite unreliable for the purpose . Provinces are placed in order of merit , but fractions of } are counted as J . The following is the result as applied to the Girls ' School : — Number Number Votes
Province . cf of per Lodges . Votes . Lodge . 1 Yorkshire , West ... 06 1484 221 2 Kent ... ... 43 6 55 15 * 3 Suss : x ... ... 20 39 6 15 4 Wilis ... ... 10 141 14 * 3 South Wales ( Eastern ) 13 177 13 $ b Oxfordshire ... ... 9 121 134
7 Surrey 18 241 134 8 Warwickshire ... 30 400 13 ! 9 Norths and Hunts ... 9 112 it ' s 10 Berks and Bucks ... 17 208 12 ^ 11 Lincolnshire ... ... 20 241 I 2 j 12 Gloucestershire ... 14 164 12
13 Hants ami Isle of Wight 31 358 11 J 14 Staffordshire ... 21 236 ni 13 Somcrsit ... . ... 21 2 34 11 Jjii Monmouthshire ... 8 89 11 J 17 Herts ... ... 11 113 ioi 18 Durham ... ... 25 233 91 in Bristol ... ... 8 74 9 $
20 South Wales ( Western ) 9 77 8 J 21 Suffolk ... ... 19 159 8 £ 22 Essex ... ... 17 138 8 i 23 Middlesex ... ... 29 217 7 J 24 Lancashire , East ... 8 9 640 7 J 2 ; Dorset ... ... 13 92 li
26 Leicestershire & Rutland 10 67 6 $ 27 Norfolk ... ... 15 92 6 £ 28 Worcestershire ... 10 57 5 $ 29 Hereford ... ... 4 22 s 4 30 Cheshire ... ... 37 200 si 31 Yorkshire , North and East 26 135 si 32 Cumberland & Westmorland 19 95 5
33 Notts ... ... 9 42 4 $ 34 North Wales and Salop 23 110 44 35 Northumberland ... 18 67 3 } 36 Devon ... ... . 47 158 3 J 37 Lancashire , West ... 80 243 3 }
38 Bedfordshire ... 5 15 3 39 Cambridgeshire ... 4 11 2-J 40 Cornwall ¦ . - .. ... 28 72 2 % 41 Chainnel Islands ... n 24 i \ 42 Derbyshire ... ... 19 23 ij 4 } Isle cf Man ... ... 3 00
04 O 843 s 0 Total Total Average Lodges . Votes . pir Lodge . I will next ask you to publish the result of the same test as applied to the Boys' School . Yours fraternally , A PAST MASTER .
MASONIC IMPOSTORS . To Ihe Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Will you allow mc through the medium of your paper to inform our country brethren that there is a preson named Wilson seeking assistance from town to town ,
staling that he bebngs to the United Pilgrims Lodge , No . 507 , and at the same time to tell them he eloes not belong to our lodge ; in fact , we have not had such a name oh our books for over twenty years . I am , dear Sir , yours very truly and fraternally , JONAS DUCKETT , P . M ., Hon . Sec . United Pilgrims , 507 .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
True Philanthropy.
and day rooms for seventy-five inmates . In the new wing , which is to be one storey , there will be covered cloisters , so that the inmates may take exercise in all weathers . The flat roof of the building will also be utilized . By the design of the architect , when the new wing is completed ,
the old house may graduall y be rebuilt on to it , thus introducing throughout the building all those hyg ienic arrangements and that sanitary system which are so conducive to a proper use of means in the cure and mitigation of suffering and disease . The new wing will be
called the "Erasmus Wilson " wing . The chapel is to seat three hundred persons . Are we not justified in recording this fact with some pride , as brought about by the munificent ministry of a worthy and distinguished member of our ' Order ? May we not commend his happy
example to others ? And , above all , may we not predicate for such true philanthropy a goodly outcome , a blessed result > In time to come , when many a poor ailing brother or sister of the flesh have had health and strength restored to them at the Sea Bathing Infirmary , at Margate
b y the healing ministration and curative sympath y of that excellent institution , they will remember with gratitude the name of Erasmus Wilson as a sincere benefactor to our common race , as one who wished to " leave the world better than he found
it , " to heal its wounds , to lessen its bitter and appalling afflictions , to remove , if so might be in the good Providence of T . G . A . O . T . U ., its deadly scars , its open shame , and its abounding and often almost incurable evils .
Original Correspondence.
Original Correspondence .
r ^ Wi elei init hole ! ourselves responsible for , or eevviri approvini ; of , tlie ^ opinions expressed by our correspondents , but we wish in ei spirit of fair play to all , to permit—williiu certain necessary limils—lice discussion . !
WHAT IS FREEMASONRY ? To Ihe Editor of Ihe " Freemason . " Dear Sic and Brother , — The visit of the Supreme Council , 33 ° , of the Ancient and Accepted Rite to Wcstmi-Supcr-IUare on the 22 nd ult ., has causeel the very important question to Le asked by many people ,, who are not members of our Order ,
" What is Freemasonry . ' " I have promised to give an answer to such query , and 1 cannot do better than reply through the columns of the Freemason . The ordinary reply would be that it is " a beautiful system of morality , veiled in allegory , and illustrated by symbols , " yet a far nieire elaborate answer may be given without revealing any i-oint or points , or the ancient
landmarks of the Oreler , for it embraces every part of that noble icience which has existed from time immemorial , a-id under whose- powerful influence wonderful results have 1 c n obtained . We will divide the subject into three separa e and elistinct periods , nr stages , by which the lull knowledge of the science is obtained . The First Degree symbolises man emerging from a temporary state of
darkness nun the light ot truth , encouraging him to a fervent hope of becoming a partaker of the blessings of life eternal . The Second Degree admits him to the great intellectual field of science , which ' 15 unfolded to view , and enables him lo appreciate the goodness , power , and wisdom of the Great Creator , and to read them in the sacad pages of the celestial hemisphere and terrestial world . In
the third stage the aspirant is brought into the sublimity of the science and the full blazj of revelation , for in this Degree we are taught specially to study the hidden mysteries of nature and seience . From vain curio .-itj many cowans strive lo penetrate the arcana uf our secrets , but , happily , such iffuiis have proved fruitless to all who do not possess the master-key , f . nd to such our Order is
always close tylcd . Another class of inquirers are those Masons who have a desire to render themselves serviceable lo their fellow members , but whi . se daily avocation > are too numerous to allow theai time for the close study of Masonic symbolism . To this class of inepiirers I will endeavour to give such practical explanation of celestial symbolism as must sitisfy the intellectual members that
Masonry and astronomy are very closely allied , and perhaps they may be willing to admit that there may be mysteries hidden in the heaven 0 , which "at present they cannot understand . " To follow what I . vish to explain without divulging foibidden points it is necessary to have , a glob ' .: or celestial alias . Presuming such atlas to be before-us , ' I will ask the Masonic student to refer to the Southern
lit misphei leal plate . Around the border we find Roman figures from I . to XXIV . ; these denote the twenty-four hour ' s of the day ; between XVJI . and XVIII ., below the ecliptic , is an altar or pedestal . Between XXIV . and I . is a bo . ik ' , or Biilin , Now with compasses from the ee ) uatorial pole the centre of this JHHia will reach the exact centre of the pedestal , above which are always a pair of compasses , a
sloiumasoii's olel fashioned level , anil near thereto can be iiiund the rule and square . The initiate is the celestial figure , Antouous , and between XIX . and XX . wc observe the . kneeling position of this youlh . Between XIV . and XV . is a large figure possessing two sandals or slippers . Compasses from thepole of the equator will take the heel of the sanelal from the kit foot of this large figure and place it on the little naked right foot of the aspirant . Nowwithso
Original Correspondence.
large a slipper can he move otherwise than " slip-shod ? " and compasses from the equatorial will bring the other large slipper to the initiate ' s left foot . Cowans may sly this slipper affjir is a mere coincidence , but I will ask them to point out , if they can , whether by compasses these slippers may be brought to fit any oth : r leet in the heavens , or if they can find any other slippers in the celestial atlas
than those worn by this great figure . Next to the Northern hemispherical place , and between XIX . and XX , arc Ihc head and shoulders of the aspirant , Antinous , and near 11 . on the equator is a very remarkable knot . Place one point of the compass within the loop made by the knot , and the other point of the compass at Hie equatorial pole , wc can bring the rope or cord to the youth ; does it not
lit his neck precisely like a cable law ? Is this another coincidence ? With compasses from centres we cannot make this rope fit any other neck in the heavens . For the Se-conel Degree , or stage , compasses from the centre of Ihc ecliptic ( not the pole ) will take the ear of corn , which is in the large figure ' s left hand , at XIII . to XXIII ., and there it will be alongside a current of water . This
symbolism all Masons must know without further reference . Much of the working of the Third Degree is slso depicted in the celestial hemisphere , but I may only divulge one paint to the uninitiated . Between IX , and X . is a lion ' s paw , and compasses from the ecliptic centre ( not the pole of the ecliptic ) will place the right hand of the now exalted Mason in the linn's paw . Meire of these points must not be
revealed in a publication , yet f will readily give them to Masonic students who wish to study Masonic symbolism . I hope I have offered sufficient proof that there is a close connection between Frctmisonry and celestial astronomy . I will now give an explanation of symbolical Masonry in connection with terrestial objects . For instance , let us take the blossom of a " I ' assiflora" or passion-flower .
What elo wc find ? Why , that every particle of the blossom of this beautiful , curious , and swcct-scentcil flower teaches Masonic symbolism . Persons unacquainted with-the origin of the discovery of this ilo . vcr have supposed it to be an emblem of the tender passion of love ; all who have taken an interest in the origin cf botanical names will know the name Passion has no reference to the passion of love , but
that it more immediately refers to the last sufferings of our crucified Chrial . In the sharp spines springing from the base of tile pit ils and encircling the corolla wc can readily perceive a vivid representation of the Crown of Thorns ; the three black segments into which the pistil divides itself at the ap .-x are not unlike three large-headed nails , syiiiboli-iiig the three nails by which the feet ami
hands of Christ were secured to the Cross . The calyy , with its three divisions underneath the petals of the corolla , symbolises the W . M . of a lodge anel two Wardens , the three gn-ater and three lesser lights , Ihrcc suppoits , three orniments , thrie moveable and three immoveable jewel 0 , three principal tenets , three rouiiels of the Masonic ladder , three working toota in each Degree , Ihrcc principal orders
of architecture , three important human sciis :-s , three gates of the temple , or sinctum sanctorum , the three colours , white , red , and purple , of Royal Arch Alasons ; the red , blue , anel white silken cord twisted into three strands , and worn round the neck of brethren of the Sat li'nai , convey appropriate ( cachings ; the sacred number three strands first for birth , second manhood , third death , and for life ,
death , and eternity . Next come the ten petals of the corolla of the I ' assiflora , coiresponding in number to the ten leltcrs constituting the name of Hiram Abiff ; they also symbolise the ten Sepheroth , constituting the sacred name ot God . la thtir totality and unity , the ten Sepheroth represent the archetypal man , Adam ( Cadmon . Ten is the most sacred of all numbers , for it forms the beginning
and end of numbers , anel symbolises the Cross . Next is the numbers or glory surrounding " the point within the c ' ucle , " or base of the style issuing from the centre . The point within a circle is a Masonic symbol of great importance ; its cxoteiic explanation is , that the point represents an individual brother , the circle being the boundary line of his duty to God and to man , but the esoteric
meaning is far -different , and would require volumes in itself to- fully explain . On the apex of the style rests the egg-shapped ovary , surrounded by five anthers , and supporting three pistils ; the ovary containing Ihe seed of the I ' assiflora symbolises the universality of Masonry within thei circumference of our terrcsliil sphere . The five anthers typify the five points ' of fellowship , five Masonic orelcrs
of architecture , five senses of hearing , seeing , feeling , tasting , and smelling , the live-pointed star the symbol of health , five F . Cs . —five is a mystical number , being the union of odd and even , representing Ashcr and the four clcmci t ; . . Thc anthers seem to be pierced by their filaments on the sharp points of which they arc poised , at once suggisiing to our minds the five wounds of our crucified
Saviour , who shed his blood on the Cross for man ' s salvation . The three pistils at the apex typify the Z ., Ii ., and J ., of a Royal Arch chapter , the highest position we can of . Uin , in Craft Masonry ( he three principal working tools , compass , triangle , and square , the three Masonic graces , faith , hope , and charity , the equilateral triangle , and the trihedron jof three equal sides ; the pistils symbolise the
Trinity , also the tri-syllabic name , of God , A . N . M ., Al-Om-Jah ; the term I . A . O . pronounced I-Ah-O , contains in itself a deep allegory . The true pronunciation of this sacred , mysterious , ineffable name was known only to three persons , who are saiel to have seen God face to face , viz ., Enoch , Jacob , and Moses , and each of whom in suecession were Granel Masters of our Masonic Oreler .
1 feel that I have already wearied you with the subject ot Masonic symbolism , but what better answer can 1 give the inquirer of ' . ' . What is Freemasonry , " than to bring him into the full blaze of the sublimity of Masonic science , that he may see we have subjects of study other than the Epicurean motto of "Eat , drink , anil be merry , " for Freemasonry admits us to the great intellectual field of science , which may be unfolded to our view , and enables us to
Original Correspondence.
appreciate the wisdom , power , and goodness of the Great Archuect ' of the Universe ; although the feebleness of our nature does not permit us at once to grasp the magnitude of His works , we can feel a special joy in the hope of receiving as a reward for a life well spent in acts of piety , an admission into a mansion , not built with hands , but one eternal in the Heavens , where we shall behold shining that bright morning star , whose rising brings peace and salvation to the faithful .
BENJ . COX , P . M ., P . Z . Weston-Supcr-Marc , Oct . 25 th , 18 79 .
The Provinces And The Charities.
THE PROVINCES AND THE CHARITIES .
To Ihc Editor of Ihc " Freemason . " Deir Sir and Brother , — Being personally desirous of knowing as far as possible the amount of support awarded to the Charities by the several provinces in proportion to the number of their members , I was induced in the intervals of leisure to
calculate the numucr of life votis poss . ssed by each , and the proportion which it bears to the number of lodges . With the idea that it may be interesting to some of your readers I forward the result herewith . This test , though not conclusive , appears to mc about the fairest which can be applied , as although the number of members of individual loelges doubtless varies
considerably , yet by taking the whole of each province we arrive at a very fair average , and , so far as I know , there are no means—open to all—of ascertaining the number of subscribing members of each lodge . The calculations have been made with considerable care , though I can hardly hope that they are entirely free from error , but should be glad to hear if any serious discrepancies are detected .
The numbers of votes are taken from the last published lists , and , therefore , do not include the present year ' s qualifications . Life voles only are counted , as the annual subscribers vary so much from year to year as to be quite unreliable for the purpose . Provinces are placed in order of merit , but fractions of } are counted as J . The following is the result as applied to the Girls ' School : — Number Number Votes
Province . cf of per Lodges . Votes . Lodge . 1 Yorkshire , West ... 06 1484 221 2 Kent ... ... 43 6 55 15 * 3 Suss : x ... ... 20 39 6 15 4 Wilis ... ... 10 141 14 * 3 South Wales ( Eastern ) 13 177 13 $ b Oxfordshire ... ... 9 121 134
7 Surrey 18 241 134 8 Warwickshire ... 30 400 13 ! 9 Norths and Hunts ... 9 112 it ' s 10 Berks and Bucks ... 17 208 12 ^ 11 Lincolnshire ... ... 20 241 I 2 j 12 Gloucestershire ... 14 164 12
13 Hants ami Isle of Wight 31 358 11 J 14 Staffordshire ... 21 236 ni 13 Somcrsit ... . ... 21 2 34 11 Jjii Monmouthshire ... 8 89 11 J 17 Herts ... ... 11 113 ioi 18 Durham ... ... 25 233 91 in Bristol ... ... 8 74 9 $
20 South Wales ( Western ) 9 77 8 J 21 Suffolk ... ... 19 159 8 £ 22 Essex ... ... 17 138 8 i 23 Middlesex ... ... 29 217 7 J 24 Lancashire , East ... 8 9 640 7 J 2 ; Dorset ... ... 13 92 li
26 Leicestershire & Rutland 10 67 6 $ 27 Norfolk ... ... 15 92 6 £ 28 Worcestershire ... 10 57 5 $ 29 Hereford ... ... 4 22 s 4 30 Cheshire ... ... 37 200 si 31 Yorkshire , North and East 26 135 si 32 Cumberland & Westmorland 19 95 5
33 Notts ... ... 9 42 4 $ 34 North Wales and Salop 23 110 44 35 Northumberland ... 18 67 3 } 36 Devon ... ... . 47 158 3 J 37 Lancashire , West ... 80 243 3 }
38 Bedfordshire ... 5 15 3 39 Cambridgeshire ... 4 11 2-J 40 Cornwall ¦ . - .. ... 28 72 2 % 41 Chainnel Islands ... n 24 i \ 42 Derbyshire ... ... 19 23 ij 4 } Isle cf Man ... ... 3 00
04 O 843 s 0 Total Total Average Lodges . Votes . pir Lodge . I will next ask you to publish the result of the same test as applied to the Boys' School . Yours fraternally , A PAST MASTER .
MASONIC IMPOSTORS . To Ihe Editor of the " Freemason . " Dear Sir and Brother , — Will you allow mc through the medium of your paper to inform our country brethren that there is a preson named Wilson seeking assistance from town to town ,
staling that he bebngs to the United Pilgrims Lodge , No . 507 , and at the same time to tell them he eloes not belong to our lodge ; in fact , we have not had such a name oh our books for over twenty years . I am , dear Sir , yours very truly and fraternally , JONAS DUCKETT , P . M ., Hon . Sec . United Pilgrims , 507 .