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Article THE POPE'S ENCYCLICAL LETTER"DE SECTA MASSONUM." Page 1 of 1 Article THE POPE'S ENCYCLICAL LETTER"DE SECTA MASSONUM." Page 1 of 1 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE. Page 1 of 1 Article PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE. Page 1 of 1 Article Australia. Page 1 of 1 Article THE RED CROSS OF CONSTANTINE IN AUSTRALIA. Page 1 of 2 →
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The Pope's Encyclical Letter"De Secta Massonum."
THE POPE'S ENCYCLICAL LETTER"DE SECTA MASSONUM . "
( Continued from- page 291 . ) But the ev ' il is increased by those dangers to which society , both domestic and civil , is exposed . For , as we have explained elsewhere , there is in matrimony somethin" - sacred and religious by the consent of almost all nations and ages : and by a divine law it has been provided that wedlock cannot be dissolved . If it ceases to be sacred , if it can be undone , disturbance aod confusion in the
family must follow ; with the women losing their dignity , with the offspring uncertain of their safety . But to publicly disregard religion , and in ordering and conducting state affairs to pay no more heed to God than if he had no existence whatever , is recklessness unheard of even by the very Pagans ; in whose minds and feelings not only thc idea of Gods but the necessity of a state religion was so thoroughly fixed , that they thought a city could be more
easily found without a soil than without a God . In reality the fellowship of the human race , for which we are formed by nature , was arranged by God the parent of nature : and from Him as from a fount aiid origin flows the whole power and permanency of the inumerable blessings with which that fellowship abounds . Therefore as we are admonished individually by the very voice of nature itself to worship God with piety and holiness , because we have received
life . and its accompanying blessings from God , " so for the same reasons should peoples and states worship Him . Therefore it is plain that those who wish civil society to be dissociated from religious duties are acting not only unjustly but- also with ignorance and absurdity . But as men are born by the will of God for civil union and association , "and as-the power of ruling is so necessary a bond of civil society that on its removal that society must
suddenly be severed , it follows that be who gave birth to society gives birth also to the rule of authority . Whence it is understood that he in whom 'power is , whoever he is , is God ' s minister . Wherefore , so far as the end and nature of human society require , it is as right to obey lawful authority when issuing just orders as it is to obey the power of God who rules all things : and this is pre-eminently inconsistent with truth , that -it should depend upon the will
of the people to cast off obedience at its pleasure . Similarly no one doubts that all men are equa ] , if their race and common nature , . if the final end to be attained by ' each , if the rights and duties which flow spontaneously from that end , be considered . But because the talents of all cannot be equal , and man differs from man * in strength of mind orbody , and there are very many dissimilarities of character , will , and nature , on this account nothing is so
repugnant to reason as to wish to embrace all things with a single idea and to transfer that equality complete in all points to the regulations of civil life . Just as the perfect condition of body consists of . thc union and connection of the different members , which though different in form and use yet when united and arranged in their places produce a combination of beauty , strength , and usefulness : so in a state the dissimilarity of men who are as it were its parts
is well nigh boundless : and if these men should be reckoned equal and each should follow his own pleasure no form of state could be more misshapen : if however degrees of dignity , studies ,, and arts be distinguished , they would fitly unite for the common good ,- they will have the ¦ appearance of a well-ordered , state , and one in harmony , with nature . . _ _ But from these seditious errors which we have described
the utmost dangers are to be feared by States . For on the removal of the fear of God and respect for thc divine laws , on the contempt for the authority of princes , on the allowing and approving of lust for sedition , on fhe granting of full license to the passions of the people * , bridled only , by the fear . of punishment , there must , of necessity ensue a Change and ' overthrow of all things . Indeed , this change and overthrow is deliberately planned and admitted by very manv of the
allied societies of Communists and Socialists : and let not ' the sect of Freemasons disclaim connection wilh their designs , when it specially favours their plans , and has the chief ' points of its doctrines in common with them . But if they do not at once nor in all places carry their attempts to an extremity , this must be attributed not to their own discipline or will , but to the virtue of divine religion which cannot be extinguished , and also to the saner part of mankind , who
refuse to pqt on the slavery of secret societies and who boldly oppose their insane efforts . And would that all men would judge a tree by its fruits , . and recognise the seed and beginning of the evils which arc pressing , of the dangers which are impending ! VVe Wave to deal with a deceitful and treacherous enemy , who by pandering to the ears of peoples and princes has capti' vated them both by soft sayings and ( lattery . By
ingratiating themselves with men . of rank by a pretence of friendship , Freemasons have had this in view—to have the powerful alliance and assistance of these men lor overthrowing the Catholic faith : and that they might influence them the more , they have accused the Church with obstinate calumny of enviously striving with princes for regal rights and power . Meanwhile , having sought safety and audacity by these arts , they have begun to have great weight in ruling States , but
they are ready to shake the foundations of empires , and to censure , accuse , and drive out the chief men of a State whenever its administration seems different from their wishes . Just so have they deluded the people by their ' flattery . By calling in sounding terms for liberty and public prosperity , and saying that it is owing tothe Church and princes that the people are not snatched from unjust slavery and want , they have imposed upon the populace , and
have instigated it by a thirst for revolution to attack the power of both . But nevertheless their expectation of the hoped for advantages is greater than the reality : nay rather , the common people , suffering worse oppression are for the most part forced to be without those very alleviations of their miseries , which they would find with ease and abundance , if matters were rrrangedaccording to christian ordinances . But as many as strive against the order
arranged by divine providence , usually pay this penalty for their pride that they meet with a wretched and miserable fortune in tlie quarter whence they rashly expected pros' perity and success . But the Church , because she especially and pre-eminently orders men to obey God the Prince of Princes , might falsely ' and without cause be thought to be envious of the civij power or to be arrogating . to herself a . partof the rights of princes . Nay rather , that which it Is fair to render to
The Pope's Encyclical Letter"De Secta Massonum."
the civil power , this the church plainly decrees should be rendered with a conviction and consciousness of duty . But because she derives her right to rule from God himself , she is a great accession of dignity to the civil authority , and no slight assistance in acquiring the respect and good will of citizens . She is also the friend of peace , the promoter of concord , she embraces all men with the affection of a mother : and being intent only on assisting mankind , she
teaches that justice should be combined with clemency , empire with justice , laws with moderation : that no man ' s rights should be violated , that public order and tranquillity should be respected , and that the want of the wretched should be alleviated as fair as possible in private and in public . Here we may quote Augustine " Sed propterea pitta nl , velpulari vol tint , chrhtlanam doctrinam utilitnli non convenire reipublicce , quia , nolunt stare rernpublieani
firmilatc virtutuni , sed impunitatc mttorum . ( Epist . exxxvii ,. al . iii , ad Volusianum c . v ., . 11 . 20 ) . And with this knowledge it would be most in keeping with statesmanship and most essential to the common safety , that princes and peoples should not combine with Freemasons to shake the Church , but with the Church to weaken the attacks of the Freemasons . However it may end , it is our duty , Reverend -Brethren ,
in the presence of an evil so serious and already too widely spread to apply ourselves to seeking remedies . And because we understand that the best and surest hope of a remedy is in the power of divine religion , which Freemasons fear the more in proportion as they hate it , for this reason we deem the chief point to be that we should call in the aid of that , most wholesome power against the common foe . Therefore whatever the Popes Our Predecessors have
decreed to hinder the designs and attempts of the sect of Freemasons : whatever they have ordained to deter or recall persons from societies of this kind , each and all we ratify and confirm by- Our Apostolic authority . And in this matter , relying most of all on the goodwill of christians , we pray and enlreat them individually by their own safety to scrupulously avoid even the very least departure from thc directions of the Apostolic Chair on this matter . ( To be continued . )
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Gloucestershire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE .
The annual meeting of this province took place on the 3 rd inst ., at Stroud , the R . VV . Prov . G : M ., Bro . the Right Hon . Sir Michael Hicks-Beach , Bart ., M . P ,, presiding , supported by the following of-his officers : Bros . | . Brook , Smith , M . A ., J 3 . P . G . M . ; J . Mullings , S 02 , Prov . G . S . W . ; F .
G . Roberts , 100 S , Prov . G . JAV . ; VV . R . Porcher , S 2 , Prov . G . Reg . ; Kev . Dr . Kynaston , VV . M . S 2 , Prov . G . Chap . ; XV . H . Gwinnett , S 2 , Prov . G . Treas . ; E . Trinder , 592 , Prov . G . Sec . ; R . N . Hooper , 1363 , Prov . G . S . D . ; R . A . Matthews , 493 , Prov . G . J . D . ; VV . R . Felton , 24 C , Prov . G . S . of VV . ; J . S . Tanner , 592 , Prov . G . D . C ; E . Hulbert , 1067 , Prov . G . A . D . C ; R . V .
Vassar-Smith , VV . M . 839 , Prov . G . Purst ., Charity Sec . ; W . C . Heane , 10 C 7 , Prov . G . Std . Br . ; J .-A . Matthews , S 2 , Prov . G . Org . A very large number of brethren supported their ruler . The R . VV . Prov . G . M . of Monmouthshire , Col . Charles Lyne , and his Deputy , Bro . S . G . Homfray , P' . A . G . D . C , represented the province of Monmouth , and Bro . the Baron de Ferrieres , M . P ., G . S . D ., P . P . G . R .,
represented Grand Lodge of England . Among the other brethren present were Bros . G .. F . Newmarch , P . D . P . G . M . ; T . E . Dorington , 702 , P . P . G . S . W . ; T . Nelson Foster , S 39 , P . P . G . S . W . ; J . Walker , M . A ., S 2 , 24 G , P . P . G . S . W . ; T . Taynton , P . P . G . S . W . ; \ V . Cowie , 702 , P . P . G . J . W .
VV . P . Want , 761 , P . P . G . J . W . ; II . Jeffs , 493 , 1005 , P . P . G . J . W . ; T . Partridge , M . D ., 702 , P . P . G . J . W . ; R . VV . White , S 39 , P . P . G . J . W . ; A . V . Hatton , 40 , 3 , P . P . G . J . W . ; VV . Warman , 702 , P . P . G . J . W . ; VV . Forth , 24 G , P . P . G . R . ; M . F . Carter , P . P . G . R . ; W . L . Bain , S 2 , 246 , P . P . G . R . ; Rev . Dr . Millar , P . P . G . Chap . ; Rev . Dr . Lynes , M . D ., 1067 , P . P . G . Chap . Lincolnshire
F ; J . Blake , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . Bubb , S 2 , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . Bruton , S 39 , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . Bryan , S 39 , P . P . G . J . D . ; E . Lawrence , 24 G , P . P . G . J . D . ; VV . II . C : Fisher , 702 , P . P . G . S . W . ; J . S . VV . Pearce , 270 , P . P . G . S . W . ; J . Naysmith , 13 G 3 , P . P . G . S . W . ; A . C . Wheeler , S 39 , P . P . G . D . C ; C . Tudway , 592 , P . P . G . D . C . ; G . Tomes , 1005 , P . P . G . D . C . j VV . II . James , 502 , P . P . G . D . C ; Dr .
Gregory , 246 ,- 900 , P . P . G . D . C ; J ; Trinder , 592 , P . P . G . D . C ; T . G . Seymour , 13 G 3 , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . S . Olver , 702 , P . P . G . S . B . ; A . * H . Turner , P . P . G . S . B . ; L . Millman , S 55 , P . P . G . Purst . ; E . C Sewell , P . P . G . Purst . ; T . Cadle * 10 G 7 , P . P . G . Purst . ; E . Kimber , 702 , P . P . G . P . ; and others . Provincial Lodge having been opened in due form , the
Provincial Grand Master , in sympathetic terms , proposed a vote of condolence with the Oueen , H . R . H . the Duchess of Albany , and H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , on the death of-the late Duke of Albany . This was seconded by the D . Prov . G . M . and a'dopted . The Prov . Grand Treasurer and the Charity Secretary then read their respective reports , the Treasurer's showing
a consideraDie balance in hand , whilst that , of the Charity Secretary was of an especially satisfactory character' , lt showed that there had been a steady increase in the voting power of the province at the elections of the Masonic Institutions , and that during the past year , though the province had been called on to make no special effort , there had been about £ 1250 subscribed in support of the Charities of the
Order . Both reports were adopted , on the proposal of the Provincial Grand Master , who paid a- warm compliment to the Charity Secretary upon the work , on behalf of the Charities which he had taken up so thoroughly as a labour of love , and discharged so efficiently . Incidentally Sir Michael Hicks-Beach stated that he had promised to take the chair at the Festival of the Royal
Masonic Benevolent Institution next February , when he hoped to be supported by the ' province in the same generous spirit as when he presided at the kindred Festival of the Girls' School , three years ago . The announcement was received with applause , and was followed by a proposal by the D . Prov . G . M . that the sum of £ 74 ios . ( to make up 100 guineas ) should be voted
towards the funds of the Benevolent Institution , in further endowment of the chair of Provincial Grand Lodge . This was carried by acclamation , and Sir Michael thanked the lodge for this commencement Of the subscription list . Bro . Gwinnett was re-elected by acclamation Treasurer for the ensiling year , and Bro . Phillips , was again appointed Tyler . After other business had been disposed of , the Prov .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Gloucestershire.
Grand Master proceeded to the appointment and investiture of his officers for the year as follows : Bro . T . Partridge , M . D ., P . M . 702 , P . * P . G . J . W ... Prov . G . S . W . „ R . V . Vassar-Smith , W . M . S 39 ,. - P . P . G . P Prov . G . J . W . ,, George Norman , I . P . M . 24 G ... Prov . G . Reg .
„ Rev . T . M . Middlemore-VVhithard . Chap . S 2 Prov . G . Chap . „ VV . H . Gwinnett , P . M . S 2 , P . G . T . Prov . G . Treas . „ E . Trinder , P . M . 592 ...- ... Prov . G . Sec . „ H . Small , VV . M . 7 G 1 Prov . G . S . D . „ H . C . Frith , I . P . M . 1005 Prov . G . J . D : „ J . A . Matthews / I . P . M . 493 ... Prov . G . S . of VV . -
„ II . Stephens , I . P . M . 702 Prov . G . D . C . „ F . A . Carter , VV . M . 1067 ... Prov . G . A . D . C . ,, R . Blizard , W . M . 951 Prov . G . Swd . Br . „ F . Millman ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br .
„ G . C . Hewett , W . M . 13 C 3 ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ Williams Prov . G . Org . „ VV . P . Hadley , I . P . M . 270 * ¦ ... Prov . G . Purst . „ I-I . Phillips ... ... ... Prov . G . Tyler . Provincial Grand Lodge having been closed , the brethren dined together at Badbrook 1 lall .
Australia.
Australia .
¦ [ l-ROJI OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT . ] THE ROYAL ARCH . IN VICTORIA .
A REMARKABLE GATHERING . MELBOURNE , March 7 . On thc 2 ist of February , in thc old Masonic Hall , Lonsdale-street , Melbourne , was held what may truly be termed without any exaggeration thc most imposing gathering of Royal Arch' Masons ever witnessed in
Australia . Nay , 1 may go further and say I never saw anything like it in England , even in Grand Chapter . The occasion was the exaltation of Sir VV . J . Clarke , Bart ., RW . Provincial Grand Master of Victoria * under the Irish Constitution , and designated to the same ofiices under the English and Scottish Constitutions by H . R . H . the Prince of Wales and the Earl of Mar and Kellie . Very
appropriately our eminent brother chose the Irish Washington Chapter , No . 3 GS , and the work of . the evening was accordingly . held under its banner . This , the only Irish Chapter in Victoria , works under the Washington Lodge warrant , combined with it being a Mark Lodge . The convocation in the evening in question proved a sort of revival for the Washington Chapter , for several of its members
last year went over to the so-called Victorian Cortstitution . The ceremony was worked under the presidency of thc chapter ' s First Principal , and the other ofiices were filled for the occasion by Principals and Past Principals » belonging lo the English chapters in Melbourne , whilst the Irish ritual was replaced by thelEnglish . Considerably . over
1 . 00 companions were present , nearly half of them Principals , and that particular part of the ceremony , so well knovvn to Royal Arch Masons , you may imagine was imposing and striking in the highest degree . Two other candidates were exalted at the sanle time , and I should think they will remember their exaltation to the Supremo Degree as the * red letler event of their Masonic career .
The Red Cross Of Constantine In Australia.
THE RED CROSS OF CONSTANTINE IN AUSTRALIA .
Last week I had the honour of introducing the Red Cross of Rome and Constantine into Australia , under dispensation from the Grand Imperial Council of the Order in London . Hitherto the chivalric degree had been unknown in Australia proper , although there . are several Conclaves
working in New Zealand . The first assei . nbly wassummoned at the Duke of Rothesay Hotel , Melbourne , and eight candidates presenting themselves , they were duly installed and proclaimed sir knights , amongst them being the ISiit . Grand Secretary of the English Constitution ( who is designated the first M . P . S . ) , the District Grand Senior . Warden of the English Constitution ( who is designated the
first V . E . ) , the District Grand Organist , E . C , and others . The title of the new conclave is the Melbourne , and the assemblies are to be held in the new Freemason ^ ' Hall , in Collins-street East , particulars of which I gave in my last "jottings . " The next assembly will be held in about a month , when a number of other candidates will be -installed , the conclave consecrated , and the two oflicers enthroned and consecrated . It is expected that SfrVV . J . Clarke will
join the Order , in which case the sir knights will suggest that the Grand Imperial Council give him the rank of Intendent-General , say of Australia . The inauguration of the Red Cross Order here , I can safely say , is very encouraging , and the Melbourne Conclave will be successful . The working of the-degree , so far as could be managed under such " solitary **' . circumstances , was productive of much interest and pleasure to the candidates . VVhat will it be , though , with a full set of oflicers in working order ?
MELBOURNE . —Combermere Lodge ( No . 752 ) . —The installation festival in connection with this flourishing Victorian lodge under the English Constitution was held on Thursday evening , the 17 th of April , in the Masonic Hall . The previous evening there had been an emergency meeting for the purpose of clearing off passings and raisings , and there was also an initiation . Bro . Joseph Rothery , 12 G 7 , now in Australia , who had received his two degrees
at home , was raised to the Third Degree , by arrangement . On the installation night the gathering was one of the largest ever held in connection with a private lodge in Melbourne , more than 150 brethren being present in the middle of the business , whicli was opened by Bro . Dr . J . J . Eardley Willmott , W . M ., P . M . 1222 . Three affiliating brethren were balloted for and accepted , after' which the R . W . Dist . G . M . of Victoria , Sir VV . J . Clarke , Bart ., of 752 , and his officers were announced , and received with all
the honours . The visitors were present in great force , including Bros . Dr . H . St .-John Clarke , Dep . Dist . G . M . of Victoria ( E . G . ); Col . Browerigg , Past Dep . G . M . of the Punjab ( E . C ) , nephew of Bro . General Brownrigg , R . W . Prov . G . M . of Surrey ; G . Baker , Dep . Provi G . M : of Victoria ( I . C ); and J . Cahill , Sub . Dist . G . M . of Victoria ( S . C . ) _ . _ ** * The installation ceremonies were undertaken- by the VV . M ., who installed his successor , Bro . W . F . Lamonby
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Pope's Encyclical Letter"De Secta Massonum."
THE POPE'S ENCYCLICAL LETTER"DE SECTA MASSONUM . "
( Continued from- page 291 . ) But the ev ' il is increased by those dangers to which society , both domestic and civil , is exposed . For , as we have explained elsewhere , there is in matrimony somethin" - sacred and religious by the consent of almost all nations and ages : and by a divine law it has been provided that wedlock cannot be dissolved . If it ceases to be sacred , if it can be undone , disturbance aod confusion in the
family must follow ; with the women losing their dignity , with the offspring uncertain of their safety . But to publicly disregard religion , and in ordering and conducting state affairs to pay no more heed to God than if he had no existence whatever , is recklessness unheard of even by the very Pagans ; in whose minds and feelings not only thc idea of Gods but the necessity of a state religion was so thoroughly fixed , that they thought a city could be more
easily found without a soil than without a God . In reality the fellowship of the human race , for which we are formed by nature , was arranged by God the parent of nature : and from Him as from a fount aiid origin flows the whole power and permanency of the inumerable blessings with which that fellowship abounds . Therefore as we are admonished individually by the very voice of nature itself to worship God with piety and holiness , because we have received
life . and its accompanying blessings from God , " so for the same reasons should peoples and states worship Him . Therefore it is plain that those who wish civil society to be dissociated from religious duties are acting not only unjustly but- also with ignorance and absurdity . But as men are born by the will of God for civil union and association , "and as-the power of ruling is so necessary a bond of civil society that on its removal that society must
suddenly be severed , it follows that be who gave birth to society gives birth also to the rule of authority . Whence it is understood that he in whom 'power is , whoever he is , is God ' s minister . Wherefore , so far as the end and nature of human society require , it is as right to obey lawful authority when issuing just orders as it is to obey the power of God who rules all things : and this is pre-eminently inconsistent with truth , that -it should depend upon the will
of the people to cast off obedience at its pleasure . Similarly no one doubts that all men are equa ] , if their race and common nature , . if the final end to be attained by ' each , if the rights and duties which flow spontaneously from that end , be considered . But because the talents of all cannot be equal , and man differs from man * in strength of mind orbody , and there are very many dissimilarities of character , will , and nature , on this account nothing is so
repugnant to reason as to wish to embrace all things with a single idea and to transfer that equality complete in all points to the regulations of civil life . Just as the perfect condition of body consists of . thc union and connection of the different members , which though different in form and use yet when united and arranged in their places produce a combination of beauty , strength , and usefulness : so in a state the dissimilarity of men who are as it were its parts
is well nigh boundless : and if these men should be reckoned equal and each should follow his own pleasure no form of state could be more misshapen : if however degrees of dignity , studies ,, and arts be distinguished , they would fitly unite for the common good ,- they will have the ¦ appearance of a well-ordered , state , and one in harmony , with nature . . _ _ But from these seditious errors which we have described
the utmost dangers are to be feared by States . For on the removal of the fear of God and respect for thc divine laws , on the contempt for the authority of princes , on the allowing and approving of lust for sedition , on fhe granting of full license to the passions of the people * , bridled only , by the fear . of punishment , there must , of necessity ensue a Change and ' overthrow of all things . Indeed , this change and overthrow is deliberately planned and admitted by very manv of the
allied societies of Communists and Socialists : and let not ' the sect of Freemasons disclaim connection wilh their designs , when it specially favours their plans , and has the chief ' points of its doctrines in common with them . But if they do not at once nor in all places carry their attempts to an extremity , this must be attributed not to their own discipline or will , but to the virtue of divine religion which cannot be extinguished , and also to the saner part of mankind , who
refuse to pqt on the slavery of secret societies and who boldly oppose their insane efforts . And would that all men would judge a tree by its fruits , . and recognise the seed and beginning of the evils which arc pressing , of the dangers which are impending ! VVe Wave to deal with a deceitful and treacherous enemy , who by pandering to the ears of peoples and princes has capti' vated them both by soft sayings and ( lattery . By
ingratiating themselves with men . of rank by a pretence of friendship , Freemasons have had this in view—to have the powerful alliance and assistance of these men lor overthrowing the Catholic faith : and that they might influence them the more , they have accused the Church with obstinate calumny of enviously striving with princes for regal rights and power . Meanwhile , having sought safety and audacity by these arts , they have begun to have great weight in ruling States , but
they are ready to shake the foundations of empires , and to censure , accuse , and drive out the chief men of a State whenever its administration seems different from their wishes . Just so have they deluded the people by their ' flattery . By calling in sounding terms for liberty and public prosperity , and saying that it is owing tothe Church and princes that the people are not snatched from unjust slavery and want , they have imposed upon the populace , and
have instigated it by a thirst for revolution to attack the power of both . But nevertheless their expectation of the hoped for advantages is greater than the reality : nay rather , the common people , suffering worse oppression are for the most part forced to be without those very alleviations of their miseries , which they would find with ease and abundance , if matters were rrrangedaccording to christian ordinances . But as many as strive against the order
arranged by divine providence , usually pay this penalty for their pride that they meet with a wretched and miserable fortune in tlie quarter whence they rashly expected pros' perity and success . But the Church , because she especially and pre-eminently orders men to obey God the Prince of Princes , might falsely ' and without cause be thought to be envious of the civij power or to be arrogating . to herself a . partof the rights of princes . Nay rather , that which it Is fair to render to
The Pope's Encyclical Letter"De Secta Massonum."
the civil power , this the church plainly decrees should be rendered with a conviction and consciousness of duty . But because she derives her right to rule from God himself , she is a great accession of dignity to the civil authority , and no slight assistance in acquiring the respect and good will of citizens . She is also the friend of peace , the promoter of concord , she embraces all men with the affection of a mother : and being intent only on assisting mankind , she
teaches that justice should be combined with clemency , empire with justice , laws with moderation : that no man ' s rights should be violated , that public order and tranquillity should be respected , and that the want of the wretched should be alleviated as fair as possible in private and in public . Here we may quote Augustine " Sed propterea pitta nl , velpulari vol tint , chrhtlanam doctrinam utilitnli non convenire reipublicce , quia , nolunt stare rernpublieani
firmilatc virtutuni , sed impunitatc mttorum . ( Epist . exxxvii ,. al . iii , ad Volusianum c . v ., . 11 . 20 ) . And with this knowledge it would be most in keeping with statesmanship and most essential to the common safety , that princes and peoples should not combine with Freemasons to shake the Church , but with the Church to weaken the attacks of the Freemasons . However it may end , it is our duty , Reverend -Brethren ,
in the presence of an evil so serious and already too widely spread to apply ourselves to seeking remedies . And because we understand that the best and surest hope of a remedy is in the power of divine religion , which Freemasons fear the more in proportion as they hate it , for this reason we deem the chief point to be that we should call in the aid of that , most wholesome power against the common foe . Therefore whatever the Popes Our Predecessors have
decreed to hinder the designs and attempts of the sect of Freemasons : whatever they have ordained to deter or recall persons from societies of this kind , each and all we ratify and confirm by- Our Apostolic authority . And in this matter , relying most of all on the goodwill of christians , we pray and enlreat them individually by their own safety to scrupulously avoid even the very least departure from thc directions of the Apostolic Chair on this matter . ( To be continued . )
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Gloucestershire.
PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE .
The annual meeting of this province took place on the 3 rd inst ., at Stroud , the R . VV . Prov . G : M ., Bro . the Right Hon . Sir Michael Hicks-Beach , Bart ., M . P ,, presiding , supported by the following of-his officers : Bros . | . Brook , Smith , M . A ., J 3 . P . G . M . ; J . Mullings , S 02 , Prov . G . S . W . ; F .
G . Roberts , 100 S , Prov . G . JAV . ; VV . R . Porcher , S 2 , Prov . G . Reg . ; Kev . Dr . Kynaston , VV . M . S 2 , Prov . G . Chap . ; XV . H . Gwinnett , S 2 , Prov . G . Treas . ; E . Trinder , 592 , Prov . G . Sec . ; R . N . Hooper , 1363 , Prov . G . S . D . ; R . A . Matthews , 493 , Prov . G . J . D . ; VV . R . Felton , 24 C , Prov . G . S . of VV . ; J . S . Tanner , 592 , Prov . G . D . C ; E . Hulbert , 1067 , Prov . G . A . D . C ; R . V .
Vassar-Smith , VV . M . 839 , Prov . G . Purst ., Charity Sec . ; W . C . Heane , 10 C 7 , Prov . G . Std . Br . ; J .-A . Matthews , S 2 , Prov . G . Org . A very large number of brethren supported their ruler . The R . VV . Prov . G . M . of Monmouthshire , Col . Charles Lyne , and his Deputy , Bro . S . G . Homfray , P' . A . G . D . C , represented the province of Monmouth , and Bro . the Baron de Ferrieres , M . P ., G . S . D ., P . P . G . R .,
represented Grand Lodge of England . Among the other brethren present were Bros . G .. F . Newmarch , P . D . P . G . M . ; T . E . Dorington , 702 , P . P . G . S . W . ; T . Nelson Foster , S 39 , P . P . G . S . W . ; J . Walker , M . A ., S 2 , 24 G , P . P . G . S . W . ; T . Taynton , P . P . G . S . W . ; \ V . Cowie , 702 , P . P . G . J . W .
VV . P . Want , 761 , P . P . G . J . W . ; II . Jeffs , 493 , 1005 , P . P . G . J . W . ; T . Partridge , M . D ., 702 , P . P . G . J . W . ; R . VV . White , S 39 , P . P . G . J . W . ; A . V . Hatton , 40 , 3 , P . P . G . J . W . ; VV . Warman , 702 , P . P . G . J . W . ; VV . Forth , 24 G , P . P . G . R . ; M . F . Carter , P . P . G . R . ; W . L . Bain , S 2 , 246 , P . P . G . R . ; Rev . Dr . Millar , P . P . G . Chap . ; Rev . Dr . Lynes , M . D ., 1067 , P . P . G . Chap . Lincolnshire
F ; J . Blake , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . Bubb , S 2 , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . Bruton , S 39 , P . P . G . S . D . ; J . Bryan , S 39 , P . P . G . J . D . ; E . Lawrence , 24 G , P . P . G . J . D . ; VV . II . C : Fisher , 702 , P . P . G . S . W . ; J . S . VV . Pearce , 270 , P . P . G . S . W . ; J . Naysmith , 13 G 3 , P . P . G . S . W . ; A . C . Wheeler , S 39 , P . P . G . D . C ; C . Tudway , 592 , P . P . G . D . C . ; G . Tomes , 1005 , P . P . G . D . C . j VV . II . James , 502 , P . P . G . D . C ; Dr .
Gregory , 246 ,- 900 , P . P . G . D . C ; J ; Trinder , 592 , P . P . G . D . C ; T . G . Seymour , 13 G 3 , P . P . G . S . B . ; J . S . Olver , 702 , P . P . G . S . B . ; A . * H . Turner , P . P . G . S . B . ; L . Millman , S 55 , P . P . G . Purst . ; E . C Sewell , P . P . G . Purst . ; T . Cadle * 10 G 7 , P . P . G . Purst . ; E . Kimber , 702 , P . P . G . P . ; and others . Provincial Lodge having been opened in due form , the
Provincial Grand Master , in sympathetic terms , proposed a vote of condolence with the Oueen , H . R . H . the Duchess of Albany , and H . R . H . the Prince of Wales , on the death of-the late Duke of Albany . This was seconded by the D . Prov . G . M . and a'dopted . The Prov . Grand Treasurer and the Charity Secretary then read their respective reports , the Treasurer's showing
a consideraDie balance in hand , whilst that , of the Charity Secretary was of an especially satisfactory character' , lt showed that there had been a steady increase in the voting power of the province at the elections of the Masonic Institutions , and that during the past year , though the province had been called on to make no special effort , there had been about £ 1250 subscribed in support of the Charities of the
Order . Both reports were adopted , on the proposal of the Provincial Grand Master , who paid a- warm compliment to the Charity Secretary upon the work , on behalf of the Charities which he had taken up so thoroughly as a labour of love , and discharged so efficiently . Incidentally Sir Michael Hicks-Beach stated that he had promised to take the chair at the Festival of the Royal
Masonic Benevolent Institution next February , when he hoped to be supported by the ' province in the same generous spirit as when he presided at the kindred Festival of the Girls' School , three years ago . The announcement was received with applause , and was followed by a proposal by the D . Prov . G . M . that the sum of £ 74 ios . ( to make up 100 guineas ) should be voted
towards the funds of the Benevolent Institution , in further endowment of the chair of Provincial Grand Lodge . This was carried by acclamation , and Sir Michael thanked the lodge for this commencement Of the subscription list . Bro . Gwinnett was re-elected by acclamation Treasurer for the ensiling year , and Bro . Phillips , was again appointed Tyler . After other business had been disposed of , the Prov .
Provincial Grand Lodge Of Gloucestershire.
Grand Master proceeded to the appointment and investiture of his officers for the year as follows : Bro . T . Partridge , M . D ., P . M . 702 , P . * P . G . J . W ... Prov . G . S . W . „ R . V . Vassar-Smith , W . M . S 39 ,. - P . P . G . P Prov . G . J . W . ,, George Norman , I . P . M . 24 G ... Prov . G . Reg .
„ Rev . T . M . Middlemore-VVhithard . Chap . S 2 Prov . G . Chap . „ VV . H . Gwinnett , P . M . S 2 , P . G . T . Prov . G . Treas . „ E . Trinder , P . M . 592 ...- ... Prov . G . Sec . „ H . Small , VV . M . 7 G 1 Prov . G . S . D . „ H . C . Frith , I . P . M . 1005 Prov . G . J . D : „ J . A . Matthews / I . P . M . 493 ... Prov . G . S . of VV . -
„ II . Stephens , I . P . M . 702 Prov . G . D . C . „ F . A . Carter , VV . M . 1067 ... Prov . G . A . D . C . ,, R . Blizard , W . M . 951 Prov . G . Swd . Br . „ F . Millman ... ... Prov . G . Std . Br .
„ G . C . Hewett , W . M . 13 C 3 ... Prov . G . Std . Br . „ Williams Prov . G . Org . „ VV . P . Hadley , I . P . M . 270 * ¦ ... Prov . G . Purst . „ I-I . Phillips ... ... ... Prov . G . Tyler . Provincial Grand Lodge having been closed , the brethren dined together at Badbrook 1 lall .
Australia.
Australia .
¦ [ l-ROJI OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT . ] THE ROYAL ARCH . IN VICTORIA .
A REMARKABLE GATHERING . MELBOURNE , March 7 . On thc 2 ist of February , in thc old Masonic Hall , Lonsdale-street , Melbourne , was held what may truly be termed without any exaggeration thc most imposing gathering of Royal Arch' Masons ever witnessed in
Australia . Nay , 1 may go further and say I never saw anything like it in England , even in Grand Chapter . The occasion was the exaltation of Sir VV . J . Clarke , Bart ., RW . Provincial Grand Master of Victoria * under the Irish Constitution , and designated to the same ofiices under the English and Scottish Constitutions by H . R . H . the Prince of Wales and the Earl of Mar and Kellie . Very
appropriately our eminent brother chose the Irish Washington Chapter , No . 3 GS , and the work of . the evening was accordingly . held under its banner . This , the only Irish Chapter in Victoria , works under the Washington Lodge warrant , combined with it being a Mark Lodge . The convocation in the evening in question proved a sort of revival for the Washington Chapter , for several of its members
last year went over to the so-called Victorian Cortstitution . The ceremony was worked under the presidency of thc chapter ' s First Principal , and the other ofiices were filled for the occasion by Principals and Past Principals » belonging lo the English chapters in Melbourne , whilst the Irish ritual was replaced by thelEnglish . Considerably . over
1 . 00 companions were present , nearly half of them Principals , and that particular part of the ceremony , so well knovvn to Royal Arch Masons , you may imagine was imposing and striking in the highest degree . Two other candidates were exalted at the sanle time , and I should think they will remember their exaltation to the Supremo Degree as the * red letler event of their Masonic career .
The Red Cross Of Constantine In Australia.
THE RED CROSS OF CONSTANTINE IN AUSTRALIA .
Last week I had the honour of introducing the Red Cross of Rome and Constantine into Australia , under dispensation from the Grand Imperial Council of the Order in London . Hitherto the chivalric degree had been unknown in Australia proper , although there . are several Conclaves
working in New Zealand . The first assei . nbly wassummoned at the Duke of Rothesay Hotel , Melbourne , and eight candidates presenting themselves , they were duly installed and proclaimed sir knights , amongst them being the ISiit . Grand Secretary of the English Constitution ( who is designated the first M . P . S . ) , the District Grand Senior . Warden of the English Constitution ( who is designated the
first V . E . ) , the District Grand Organist , E . C , and others . The title of the new conclave is the Melbourne , and the assemblies are to be held in the new Freemason ^ ' Hall , in Collins-street East , particulars of which I gave in my last "jottings . " The next assembly will be held in about a month , when a number of other candidates will be -installed , the conclave consecrated , and the two oflicers enthroned and consecrated . It is expected that SfrVV . J . Clarke will
join the Order , in which case the sir knights will suggest that the Grand Imperial Council give him the rank of Intendent-General , say of Australia . The inauguration of the Red Cross Order here , I can safely say , is very encouraging , and the Melbourne Conclave will be successful . The working of the-degree , so far as could be managed under such " solitary **' . circumstances , was productive of much interest and pleasure to the candidates . VVhat will it be , though , with a full set of oflicers in working order ?
MELBOURNE . —Combermere Lodge ( No . 752 ) . —The installation festival in connection with this flourishing Victorian lodge under the English Constitution was held on Thursday evening , the 17 th of April , in the Masonic Hall . The previous evening there had been an emergency meeting for the purpose of clearing off passings and raisings , and there was also an initiation . Bro . Joseph Rothery , 12 G 7 , now in Australia , who had received his two degrees
at home , was raised to the Third Degree , by arrangement . On the installation night the gathering was one of the largest ever held in connection with a private lodge in Melbourne , more than 150 brethren being present in the middle of the business , whicli was opened by Bro . Dr . J . J . Eardley Willmott , W . M ., P . M . 1222 . Three affiliating brethren were balloted for and accepted , after' which the R . W . Dist . G . M . of Victoria , Sir VV . J . Clarke , Bart ., of 752 , and his officers were announced , and received with all
the honours . The visitors were present in great force , including Bros . Dr . H . St .-John Clarke , Dep . Dist . G . M . of Victoria ( E . G . ); Col . Browerigg , Past Dep . G . M . of the Punjab ( E . C ) , nephew of Bro . General Brownrigg , R . W . Prov . G . M . of Surrey ; G . Baker , Dep . Provi G . M : of Victoria ( I . C ); and J . Cahill , Sub . Dist . G . M . of Victoria ( S . C . ) _ . _ ** * The installation ceremonies were undertaken- by the VV . M ., who installed his successor , Bro . W . F . Lamonby