Unveiling The Reredos In Gloucester Cathedral.

The usual evening service was then proceeded with , Dr . Wesley ' s well-known service in F being used . The Rev . Precentor Clark intoned the service . The First Lesson was read by the Dean , and the Second by the Bishop . After the third Collect . Bach ' s anthem , "Blessing , glory ,

wisdom , and thanks , " was sung . This grand work , oi iginally written for eight voices , which is generally considered one of Bach ' s finest , among his many tine productions , was perhaps the most impressive portion of the musical service . Especially was this the case in the fine

chorale , " To Father , Son , and Holy Ghost , with the magnificent ending , in full harmony , " Hallelujah . Amen . " The verse parts were taken by Master Thomas ( treble ) , 15 . Gay ( alto ) , Mr . Hargrave ( tenor ) , and Mr . Woodward ( bass ) . The grand Old Hundredth Psalm was then sang

according to the old version , not only m regard to harmony , but also as to time . This is wholly at variance with modern ideas , which find it impossible to accept a style , in which each verse occupies about 75 seconds in the singing . The Rev . C . Raikes Davy , who wore the

insignia of Past Grand Chaplain of England and Provincial Grand Chaplain and a large number of Masonic jewels , then preached the sermon . He took his text from the 90 th Psalm and 17 th verse , " Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us ; yea the work of our hands to

establish thou it . " The rev . gentleman said : Such was the pious inspiration of Moses , the man of God , when he concluded the aflecting review which this Psalm contains of the shortness and frailty of mail ' s mortal life anil mortal labour , in contrast with the eternity and nnchangeableness of God . After the ceremonial in which we have

been engaged this day , what more becoming words can we utter when we come before the Lord than these ?— " Let the beauty ofthe Lord our God be upon us ; and establish thou the work of our hands upon us ; yea the work of our

hands , establish thou it . " To us , my Masonic brethren , who have taken a prominent part in its proceedings , it must afford peculiar gratification that our Order has been privileged to engage in this work and labour of love in connection

with this temple and its worship ; and others who are here present , and particularly those wdio are in any way connected with this Cathedral —this ancient city—and the county of Gloucester must rejoice in the endeavour that has been made to adorn this sacred buildinsr and to

promote the glory of the most High . And here a question may naturally arise—one which has often been asked , and one which is not easily answered— " What is Freemasonry ? " I purpose , therefore , in the first place , to offer a few remarks on the nature and origin of our society ; as on this

occasion so many of its members are assembled within these hallowed walls , which were originally designed andcxecuted by our Masonic fraternity many centuries ago to perpetuate the blessings of religion , and to transmit them to us and to generations yet unborn . Now , Freemasonry ,

in its primary signification , is an Art and Science as ancient as it is useful andextensive . ltsantiquity and utility is generally acknowledged in most parts of the habitable globe . AVe may trace its foundation from the commencement of the world Ever since symmetry began and

harmony displayed its charms our Order has had a being . No art or science preceded it . It has existed for ages through various countries , languages , sects , and parties , up to the present period . It is so established that it may endure till time shall be no more . In our own country

and in our foreign dominions it has nourished , and still continues to flourish , under the protection and guidance of some of our greatest statesmen , of our nobility , and even of Princes of the Royal Family . Yet it is a remarkable fact , that , though

Freemasonry is so universally prevalent , the outward world is but little acquainted with its general principles , and totally ignorant of the more truly valuable parts of our time-honoured institution . A well-known learned author has given us an instance of the truth of this statement in

his definition of the word Freemason . " One of a numerous society who prof"ss having a secret to keep . ' But had he known anything at all of the subject , had he been favoured with one glimpse within the veil which hides our converse from the rest of mankind , had he been

Unveiling The Reredos In Gloucester Cathedral.

in the least acquainted with our esoteric teaching , he never would have uttered an idea so erroneous . If the essence of Masonry consisted in tie knowledge of any particular secrets or peculiar forms , or imaginary benefits , it might indeed be alleged that our pursuits are trifling

and superficial . But this is not the case . Our ceremonies are the only keys to our treasure . From the lessons which they inculcate the wellinformed Mason derives instruction . They are laid before him for inspection . He views them through a proper medium . He adverts to the

circumstances which gave rise . He dwells upon the tenets which they convey . Finding them replete with useful information , he prizes them as a sacred trust . Being convinced of their propriety , he estimates their value accordingly . Such is the nature of the teaching of our lodges , which ,

like the Adyta of the ancient temples , are hid from the eyes of the uninitiated . But as to the possession of a secret unknown to the rest of the world , we profess nothing of the kind . Such a supposition is utterly absurd . It is true that all our affairs and transactions are conducted in

secret , but we do not on that account pretend to be better or wiser than our fellow creatures . Let us look at the present state of society in general . The diffusion of knowledge is a remarkable feature of the times in which we live .

Thc strong barriers which formerly confined the stores of wisdom have been broken down ; old establishments are adapting themselves to the spirit of the age ; new establishments are rising ; schools are introducing new systems of instruction ; bt oks without number are rendering every

man ' s lis , side a school , either for good or evil . From a ' . i these causes there is growing tip an enlightened public opinion , which quickens and directs every art and science , and . through the medium t f the press , Is now becoming the governing influence-in all the affairs of men . In

the earl y ages of society men were destitute of these methods of dilf ' using knowledge , which we now so super-abundantly enjoy . The few discoveries in Art and Science which were then made were necessarily confined to a small number of individuals . In those times the

pursuit of Science was a secondary consideration to public utility and the necessities of life . As architecture was the first occupation of mankind even in a rude state , for protection and support ,

so it is superior to every other mechanical profession . As men extended their dominion over the works of Nature , greater efforts of human skill would be demanded , and those who required the assistance of Art would alone endeavour to

obtain it . The information which they acquired individually would be imparted to others of the same profession as themselves , and thus associations would be formed for the mutual communication of knowledge and the mutual improvement of its members . Hence originated particular societies of men to whom scientific

knowledge was confined , and which gradually developed themselves , and combined to form an institution that has been sanctioned by ages , embracing individuals of every nation , of every religion , and of every condition in life , all united as brethren—considering that they are springing

from the same origin , are partakers 01 , ae same nature , are sharers of the same hopes , and are destined to the same end . Thus in the earliest ages of antiquity our fraternity was founded . To it scientific knowledge was originall y confined . This was communicated with the

greatest care and circumspection—not in schools or academies , but in certain fraternities , the rulers of which instructed their disci ples , and concealing their teaching , by hieroglyphics , symbols , allegories , and figures , such as they alone could explain . By this means they conveyed their

knowledge , and handed it down to posterity . In process of time these societies gradually developed themselves and combined to form an institution which , like the electric telegraph , girdles the world with its magnetic influence , and extends from pole to pole . By secret

and inviolable signs , carefully preserved among our fraternity , it becomes an universal language . Beside the common ties of humanity , we are bound by still stronger obligations to kind and friendly oilices . The universal principles of our Art unite in one indissoluble bond of affection , men of the most

Unveiling The Reredos In Gloucester Cathedral.

opposite characters and habits , and of the most distant lands . The Briton meets a brother among the remote Chinese , the wild Arab , and the American savage . In every nation a Mason may find a friend , and in every clime a home . Such is the nature of Freemasonry , and he who cultivates this Science , and acts agreeably to the

character of a Mason , finds a subject of contemplation that is inexhaustible and ever new . It not only enlarges the mind and expands its powers , but raises it above this world upwards towards heaven . Though it is based on morality and science , it does not end here . Having inculcate moral duties and led to the advancement of

the intellectual faculties in the paths of science , it rises by degrees to higher and more heavenly themes . ( To be continued . )

Reviews.

Reviews .

A valuable little shilling book for tounsts has just been issued b y Messrs Cook & Son , the well known excursion agents , and at the present time , when so many are preparing to visit the Vienna Exhibition will prove a very valuable source of information . It comprises a Time-Table for

all the principal railways , steamers , and diligences , ice ., on the Continent . The Tourist is informed of the quickest mode of reaching the principal cities of the Continent from London , and Paris , without the trouble cf hunting up the times of the trains from point to point from the general tables .

The special features which distinguished this book from its colleagues are : —the omission of all small and unimportant names of p laces , which in existing time tables serve only to perplex the traveller , in the airangemcnt ofthe time tables ,

a mode very little known has been adopted , one list of names of stations serves for both the up anil down lines , or out and home journeys . The tables being read downwards in the one case , and upwards in the other . This arrangement reduces the matter to one half . The tables are

illustrated with eight sectional maps , showing tin different routes , & c .

BOOKS RECEIVED . The Old Faith and the New , by D . F . Strauss Record of Draught of AVater of Sea-going Ships , leaving ports in the United Kingdom . The People ' s History of Cleveland , by Bro . G . M . Tueddcll .

Descriptive notice on the Theatrico Historical Religions Labarium . Abstract of the Proceeedings of the ( irand Holy Koyal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania for 1872 . Boletitn do Grande Oriente do Brazil .

Obituary.

Obituary .

AVe regret to announce the sudden death of Bro . J . N . Garrod , which took place at his residence , AVyndham House , St . John ' s AVood , on Thursday . Bro . Garrod was a member of the Common Council for the ward of Aldersgate , which he had represented since i 8 ( 5 o . He had

long been known in Aldersgate as one who took an active part in parochial affairs , and will be long remembered there for his many acts of kindness . It was with him that the idea originated of presenting the " Aldersgate Window "

to the new library at Guildhall , and he showed a lively and practical interest in its erection . Much sympathy has been expressed for Mrs . Garrod and the famil y in their sudden and painful bereavement .

HOI . I . OWAY ' S OiNTMKNT AM ) 1 ' n . i . s : Healing not Harmful ¦ . —Persons striving tn Ihe honestly ami to pay tlicir way , have these never fnilinjr remedies within reach , which , used as directed , successfully dispose of a serious illness at a trifling- expense . No application has met with the same universal nppiobation , for curing all external ailments as that which this umrueut has received .

. Skin soies , deep tilceis , foetid iliscliarges , hums , blistered surfaces and many similar affections are lit once southed and put on the road to soundness liv Mollnivay's Ointment . With Ids Ointment and his I'ilN . ( i : e wealthy may sate tlicniseltes much sulfeiine ; and the jiour may help themselves tn health , since these medicaments are reason , able in price and can be purchased in every hamlet . AUVT