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To ADVERTISERS . THE Circulation of THE FREEMASON being now at the rate of nearly Half-a-milliou per annum , offers peculiar facilities to all who advertise . It is well known that the Fraternity of Freemasons is a large and constantly increasing body , mainly composed of the influential and educated classes of society ; and as The Freemason is now the accepted organ of the Brotherhood in the United Kingdom , and also enjoys an extensive sale in the colonies and foreign parts , its advantages as an advertising medium can scarcely be overrated . For terms apply to GEORGE KENNING , 2 , 3 , & 4 , LITTLE BRITAIN , LONDON , E . C .

Foreign And Colonial Agents.

Foreign and Colonial Agents .

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TheFreemason, SATURDAY , J 18 1 S 70 .

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THE FKKEMASO . M is published on Saturday Mornings in time for the early train !; . The price of Tim Fm : ii . MAsn : i is Twopence per week ; quarterly subscription ( including postage ) 3 s . 3 d . Annual Subscription , 12 s . Subscriptions payable in advance . All communications , letters , & c , to be addressed to the EDITOR , J , 3 , and 4 , Utile llritain , E . C . The Editor wilt pay careful attention to all MSS . entrusted to him tut cannot undertake to return them unless accompanied by postage ¦ tamps .

Masonic Progress.

MASONIC PROGRESS .

IT has always been to us a source of pride and pleasure to chronicle the continued progress of the Masonic Order throughout its various branches , more especially when

that progress may be fairly attributed to the genuine spread of Masonic principles , and not merely to the transient popularity of the institution among the thoughtless

many . There can be no doubt that of late years a much higher standard of excellence has been attained in the ceremonial work of

English Freemasonry . Capable Masters are now the rule , and not the exception ; and the consequence is that a deep and vital interest in the Order has been evoked within the more intellectual circles of society ,

Masonic Progress.

an interest which promises to bear in the future abundant fruit for good . In Royal Arch Masonry this is specially observable , and we could easily indicate

several young Masons of but a few years ' standing who are not only thoroughly competent to render the somewhat difficult and dramatic ritual of the degree with

correctness and propriety , but with an elocutionary power and solemnity which put to shame the mumbling , inarticulate utterances of " auld lang syne . "

Instead of the Master Mason reposing quietly within the precincts of the third degree , we now find him at the close of his

twelve months' probation not only willing but eager to advance in the speculative science , and to devote his time and attention to the elucidation of those more

abstract ideas and philosophical truths which abound in capitular Masonry . It is true that we have even now too many drones in the Masonic hive , and some even who , like

the Sanballats of old , profane the good work with scoff and sneer ; men whose evil words and deeds are a perpetual source of weakness to the Craft . But the earnest

workers , the true Masons , will but strive the more zealously to maintain the Masonic system in all its pristine purity , and to realise that vision of perfect brotherhood

which has haunted the souls of all lovers of their kind since the dawn of civilisation . A careful attention to the ceremonial duties of Freemasonry is in itself by no means a

trivial element in Masonic progress ; and , therefore , in order to impress the minds of educated candidates , the officers of a lodge or chapter should be adepts in the work .

More than this is , however , not only desirable , but absolutely essential in every Mason who believes in the exalted mission

of the Craft . An acquaintance with its history , its philosophy , and its symbolism is requisite before a brother can claim the title of an expert Craftsman .

But above all , he must practise those precepts of morality , which at once underlie and crown the Masonic structure ; he must cultivate the arts of peace , he must

cherish the principles of charity and goodwill , and by acts , as well as words , prove that Freemasonry is the guiding spirit of his conduct and life . That there are few

who fulfil all these conditions is but an additional proof of that human frailty which nullifies our best intentions , still it would

be unjust to reproach the Masonic Institution with the errors and shortcomings of its members .

Men arc variously constituted , and in every large body there must be some who from mental infirmity or moral obliquity , are incapable of receiving permanent

impressions for good . However this may be , it is surely the duty of every Mason whose perceptions of right and wrong are clearly defined , to elevate the standard of morality

in those with whom he is so intimately associated . The influence of the Masonic press should also be more freely exercised to promote this object , and the literary

Masonic Progress.

abilities of many of the brethren could scarcely be directed to a nobler aim . It is to be lamented that the higher aspects and the more esthetic tendencies of Freemasonry

are not more generally recognised by the intellectual men within her pale . We have heard a great deal about Rosicrucianism , but the mysticism in which it is almost

impenetrably shrouded , renders a study of its secrets , at best , but an uncertain and barren pursuit . On the contrary , the tenets of Freemasonry , veiled as they may be in

allegory , are yet illustrated by symbols which are intelligible to the feeblest understanding , and whichare eminently calculated to regulate the thoughts and actions of our

daily life . And it is precisely this realism which constitutes not only the visible power , but the secretcharm of Masonic rites . Every effort , therefore , which tends to demonstrate

the importance of the Order as a moral agent , should be distinctly recognised by the various Masonic authorities . " Life , " as the philosopher says , " is not given us for

the mere sake of living , " and in like manner we may say , that the principles of Freemasonry are not meant simply for rehearsal in the lodge , but for exemplification in the

lives of all who profess a knowledge of their profound truth . We rejoice to find that great progress is being made in this direction , and we may safely prophesy that the spirit of

improvement , once awakened , will not be allowed to slumber again . One of the most hopeful signs of this progress is , beyond doubt , the support which is now extended

to Masonic literature ; the day has for ever gone by , when fears could be entertained of the wholesome influence of an honest press , and there is no reason whatever to

suppose that the cause of Freemasonry has suffered in the least , through the publicity given to its proceedings at the present day . Since commencing these observations , we

have learned that a project , which we advocated warmly some time ago is about to be realised , namely , the establishment ¦ of an " Emulation Chapter of Improvement , "

at Freemasons' Hall . This will afford Royal Arch Masons thesame high-class instruction as is now attainable in the Craft under the tegis of the " Emulation Lodge . "

Companion James Brett , assisted by a competent staff of Preceptors , will conduct the various ceremonies of the Order , and the Grand Scribe E ., Comp . Hervey , has

accepted the post of Treasurer . With such able and and estimable men as leaders and guides , a splendid success

may be anticipated , and a further step will then have been made in the direction of Masonic Progress .

WE have received from nn esteemed correspondent in Leeds copies of the addresses given by Bros , the Rev . J . McCron and Colonel G . A . Hanson on the occasion of the presentation by Major-Gencral A . Kiinmcl ofhis bust to the Grand Lodge of Maryland . General Kiinmcl is a Past Grand Master , and has been a member of the

Craft since March , 1819 , in which year he also became adjutant of the 5 th Maryland Cavalry . He has also been on duty and in commission as a Mason and a soldier more than half a century , during which period he had the rare honour of receiving , as commanding officer , General Layfayettc , and also of sitting in the lodge with that illustrious hero and brother .