A Little Friendly Gossip On Some Of The Topics Of The Day.

cation is over , should be drafted to a higher school , where their special talents may be attended to and carefully developed . This remark is meant to apply to girls , as yvell as to boys , To say that we are simply to educate the children in our elementary schools , to be " heyvers of wood and drawers of yvater" for successive generations , is both a fnllv and a wickednesscontrary to everv law of nature . and

of Providence , and directly antagonistic to the whole history of individual rise , of national growth , of actual progress , and of human life . But here yve must stop for to-day . We will in our next paper consider another side of this question , a most important one , yvhich may be not improperly termed the Denominational Vieyv of Education , as it cannot be ignored by any yvho yvish fairly to consider the great subject of education , and , above all , because it deserves most attentive consideration from all true friends of Education .

Reviews.

Reviews .

"MISTRESS HASELWODE , " Tyvo Vols . F . H . Moore Messrs . Remington , and Co ., 5 , Arundel-sireet , Strand . We have received and read this new novel , or rather historical romance . It carries us back to the stirring days of King Edyvard , and yve see before us a picture carefully limned , of eventful episodes and bustling " dramatis persona ? . " " Mistress Hasehvode . " is in fact a

history of the rising of " King Ket , " and a startling representation enough of the horrors and evils yvhich ever follow the outbursts of an unbridled fanaticism , or the outbreak of the furious passions of intestine commotion . When to political animosity is added thc savagery of a morbid and quasi-religious furore , " ill fares it , " ever yvith any land so torn and convulsed , to "hastening ills a

prey . " There can be no doubt , yve apprehend , that the story faithfully represents some of the main incidents in that stormy period , and some of the acts and results of unlicensed and irreli g ie ; us ruffianism . Plunder seems to have been the object then under the mask of lcli g ion , just as plunder still is too often the real object of many , under the guise of hasty change , or yvith the pretext of religious reform . We thank thc author for a sprightly and

yvell written tale , and yve are very glad indeed to commend it to the attention and perusal of our readers . At the same time yve do not profess to admire the action or intolerance of Father S ykes , as , in our opinion , priors and parsons never appear so ill , after all , as when mixing themselves up in purely political matters , though yve all often err in this respect . Thc contemplative layman may oftcn ^ say , " Diable , qu' allait il fairc dans celte galere . "

" WITHIN BOHEMIA . " By H . CUR-WEN . —Remington & Co . We have taken up and put down this book yvith mingled feelings . We do not exactly see why the undoubtedly able writer has given the name of "Life in Bohemia'' to his work , or much less , yvh y he has added the alliteration of " Love in London . " Whether the word "Bohemia " refers

to London , or to some special class of society , yve do not profess to understa / ml , but yve apprehend it is French and foreign , alike in its terminology and its application . His heroes arc many of them interesting young men , but clearly living in " Short-street . " His heroines—yvell ! they are not the girls after our oyvn heart , at least , some of them . And here it is yvhere we think the writer

has erred . If Bohemia and Bohcmianism exist in London , all London is neither the one , nor do its inhabitants follow the proclivities of the other , and thc stories , as stories , might be written of any place or portion of the United Kingdom , as yvell as of and in London . Some of the stories are pretty and interesting , if someyvhat sketchy , yvhile others are someyvhat painful and depressing . There

is abundance of vivacity of language , of elegance of style , and of facile use of yvords . yvhich seem to show that the writer has not put forth all his powers , and is capable of closer studies , and perhaps more effective pictures of human life . Wc think it is a pity , in the present slate of literature , of realistic utterances and sensational tales , to be talking of so much love , & c , to the young . That is a lesson

they learn early enough , very often , so to say , self-taught , and they require neither strange teachers nor foreign interpreters . As it is yve should prefer if our young people were told more of duty and decorum , more of right and truth , more of prudence and propriety , than the often fantastic legends of that little god of heathen mythology , who has done so much mischief , and led astray

so many with misplaced sentiments of ecstatic weakness in this gregarious world of ours . We do not object to the influence of that most potent affection of humanity within due bounds , and at a proper season ; but alas ! it is vain to speak on such a subject to the young , the giddy , and the sentimental . Still , as of old , the youth of both sexes yvill say , " Hoc alterna fides , hoc simplex gratia donat . "

"THE BIRMINGHAM EXAMINER . " —J . Davis , Birnung

ham . We have received No . 2 of Vol 1 of this " monthly magazine of general literature , " yvhich certainly is a very good and , above all , cheap magazine at its price , 6 d . Amid the crowd of monthlies competing for public patronage and claiming individual attention it is , of course , most difficult to say to our many subscribers , " read this or study that . " Literature , like everything else , though it has

no doubt , like everything else too , its " chic" and its " fashion , " its time and its season , its popularity and its hour of success , must follow , yve apprehend , the law of supply and demand , want and satisfying of yvant , meti !* - * and reyvard , effort and approval . It is in vain to craiB : literature doyvn the throats of any , or to claim for it the support of the public when it docs not meet a requirement or satisfy a craving . " Caeteris paribus , " we can consci-

Reviews.

entiously say man )* sincere yvords of commendation and approval of the " Birmingham Examiner " as a candidate for public favour , and as a monthly serial alike interesting and well written . "RHYMES AND SKETCHES TO ILLUSTRATE THE CLEVELAND DIALECT . " By Mrs . G . M . TyvED DELL . We have commended this little yvork before , and yve commend it again to the kind patronage and perusal of

our many readers to-day . It is a genuine little production , marked by truth and ability , by reality and humour , by sound teaching and a good moral ; and yve are very glad in these days of dubious literary productions , and hesitating utterances of a higher excellence , to claim for it the approval and encouragement of all yvho yvish the literature of the hour to fulfil its true end , the intellectual amusement and the moral edification ot all classes .

"THE MASONIC J OURNAL , " LOUISVILLE , U . S . This is a neyv candidate for Masonic support yvhich hails from across the mighty yvaters of the Atlantic , or , as some sentimental persons call it thc "heaving bosom of the mighty ocean . " We heartily yvelcomc its appearance , and wish it all possible success . It appears to be ably conducted and full of promise .

"THE PHILADELPHIA KEYSTONE . " Thc decennial period of this excellent American Masonic paper has been reached . We trust that it yvill arrive at its centennial , though tyvo or three generations of Masonic writers , yvill by fat time be sleeping in their graves . We knoyv of no pane- in the woild yvhich does more honour to

the Masonic flag yvhich it carries so bravely than our able and interesting contemporary , and yve offer to our courteous and kindly confiere , Bro . Clifford P . McCalla , our heartfelt congratulations on thc past and present of the "Keystone , " and hearty good wishes for the future . It is conducted yvith rare ability , and deserves the support of all Anglo-Saxon Freemasons .

"THE ROSICRUCIAN AND MASONIC RECORD . "—Geo . Kenning , 198 , Fleet-street , E . C . The April number of this quarterly serial is noyv out , and yvhich has been delayed owing mainly , yve understand , to the indisposition of one of its able editors , our esteemed Bro . It . W . Little . We hope that he is now better . The Magazine for April keeps up its chaiacter for variety and

ability , and yvhile it may be read by all Masons , especially commends itself to the patronage and perusal of those yvho take an active part in the " high grades , " as they are called . All the articles yvell repay consideration , and the account of poor Bro . Dodd , once Grand Chaplain , though not containing anything novel is interesting . We yvish the Rosicrucian all success .

Earnestness In The Performance Of Masonic Duties.

EARNESTNESS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF MASONIC DUTIES .

In our observations last yveek on "The Social Influence of Freemasonry , " yve endeavoured to shoyv hoyv the usefulness of lodges might be crippled , and noyv we venture to suggest that the efforts of individual members yvould be rendered of more service not only to the Craft in

general , their oyvn lodge in particular , but to them selves , if that yvhich constitutes one of the main elements of success in thc ordinary affairs of life pcivaded their Masonic duties . He worships best yvho labours most , and every one yvho thus proves his allegiance to thc G . A . O . T . U . knoyvs unless zeal and earnestness of purpose give tone and character to the woik he is called on to perform , success rarely *

attends his effoits . Whatever yve have to do must be done " yvith all our might . " We arc enjoined to be " not slothful in business , fervent in spirit , serving the Lord . " A blessing always attends steady , persevering , zealous industry . Labour , if vieyved aright , sweetens existence , alleviates sorroyv , refreshes the weary spirit . It is not life's bitter , but its salt . But there must he heart in it .

Labour is the means de-signed to carry out the great law of progress . If listlessly pel formed , it may be likened toa mill yvheel , ever revoking , ever stationary ; if desire to excel characterize it , to the wheel of the charioteer , bearing him to the coal of his ardent desires . Is the rerrular

attendance at lodge all that is needful ? Does this illustrate the spirit of Freemasonry , which is to visit the fatherless and the yvidows in their affliction , and to keep unspotted from thc yvorld . ' Does this require no zeal , no earnestness of purpose , no buckling on of armour , no constant readiness to see that all have their due ?

All" . Gooodeasymati , in Bunyan ' s matchless allegory , yvould have been a very unwoithy member of a lodge of zealous Freemasons ! Much so-called zeal is expended in yvorking for office . If office is sought as a means to greater , better opportunities for doing good , the ambition so to serve the Alaster is worthily directed ; but they also serve who only stand and

wait , and if this was more felt , we should sec less of thai careless inaction and cool observance of duty yvhich exclusion from office often leads to . All are not granted the gift of directing assemblages , of guiding others , and yet , because imagined ability so to do is not recognised , those to yvhom the position of leaders is given are compelled to use that energy in carrying out details yvhich

should be used 111 directing others . On the principles that as "to the victors belong the spoils , " so the brethren yvho are in positions of honour are expected to be soldiers as well as leaders . Positions of honour—the honours of Freemasonry ! What are they ? the mere insignia of office . The true honours of the Craft

remain yvith those who honour it . Thc G . A . O . T . U . demands of every brother that he must do his duty in whatever position he may be placed and whoso thus acts He yvill honour . We believe there is no higher position in life than that of a Master Mason ; and he who as such conscientiously , earnestly and zealousl y

Earnestness In The Performance Of Masonic Duties.

does his duty , commands the respectof all the brethren and above all the approbation of their and his Master , it may seem amiss in us , in the capacity of journalists , to talk or rather yvrite thus " ex cathedra . " Our excuse must be that it is our earnest desire to see our lod ges living monuments , not coldly observant of manual . ! ,,,.

imbibed yvith a longing , earnest , zealous devotion of the yvork given them to do . Let each in his place exalt it , and so enable himself , and the result yvill be that Freemasonry yvill be exalted and enabled , its opportunities for good increased , and its influence enlarged : —So mote it be . — "New York Square . "

Making Lodge Meetings Attractive.

MAKING LODGE MEETINGS ATTRACTIVE .

Make your lodge meetings attractive and interesting . There are many yvho think that the only meetings worth y of their attention , and yvhich yvill afford anything of interest , are those in which there is what is technicall y called yvork to be done ; or , in other worels , degrees to be conferred . You meet a brother on the street and inquire

" Will you be at the lodge to-night ? " " Well , " he replies , " I hardly know . Is there any work on hand ?" "Yes , " you say , "the Third Degree is to be conferred . " "Oh , is it ? Well , I think I must try and be there . " But if you tell him there is nothing on hand but the regular routine of lodge business , you yvill often hear the reply : " Well , I should like much to be yvith you , but the fact is that I am

so very busy that I do not see hoyv I can spare the time . " Now , it is possible to revolutionize this yvhole matter ; and , by pursuing the proper course , make our ordinary communications—th . ise in yvhich degrees are not to be conferred—the most interesting and attractive of all . In order to do this , study to introduce variety into the exercises of the lodge . Cling to your ritual and to your regular

routine of business , but do not rest satisfied with these . So arrange as to give plenty of time for other matters . The most beautiful ceremonies , yvhen gone through with night after night , again and again , with nothing introduced or added to give variety , yvill , in time , become most terribl y monotonous , and cease to afford either interest or instruction . Stop ever and anon , and enlarge upon the teachings

of our ritual , and thus bring its beauties more prominently to vieyv , and yvrite its truths more indelibl y upon the mind and heart . Do not attempt to do much in one evening , and thus unduly prolong your sessions until the brethren are wearied , and the good yvife at once loses her patience as she sits up until thc small hours of the ni ght ayvaiting your return , and you , by virtue of your late hours , become

unfitted for the labours of the folloyving day . Let the mosl of your flegrej yvork be done at special communications , and thus avoid the necessity of prolonged sessions , and obtain more time at your regular meetings for other matters . Nothing will more effectually deplete our ranks , kill all the interest in our meetings , and embitter the folks at home , than by pursuing the course against yvhich we warn

you . Again , banish all buckram and starch from your midst . While you guard against frivolity , and strive to maintain among the brethren a true Masonic dignity , aim at the same time to draw out and cultivate the spirit of free and easy interchange of opinions , introduce and allow to be introduced any and all topics that can ' consistently be discussed in a

lodge-room . Occasionally bring fonvard themes , theconsideration of yvhich yvill require Masonic research , and thus put our brethren upon a course of Masonic reading that yvill eventually cause them to become yvell instructed in the philosophy , jurisprudence , and history of our Oreler , and make them intelligent , zealous , devoted Masons , and inspire them with an earnest love for the

fraternity and the whole family . How many Masons there are who are hardly aware that Masonry has any literature at all beyond a feyv straggling periodicals ; whereas it counts volumes by the thousand , and sends forth to the yvorld its periodicals in which talent and ability are evinced inferior to none . Masons need these books . and periodicals , and no better

yvork can be done for the fraternity than to send them out broadcast . Every organization is liable to abuse by its enemies just in proportion to the ignorance of its members . We need more reading Masons . In these days , when in many places we are bitterly and persistently assailed , it stands us in hind to be yvell informed with reference to everything pertaining lo the Order . We are blessed with

vast numbers who are intelligent , reading , thinking men , and yet , yvhile conversant with almost every other subject , they are not intelligent in Masonry . When a brother has taken all the degrees , when he has become so thoroughly acquainted with the ritual that every word is at his tongue ' s end , so far is he from being a well-instructed Mason that he has but simply learned the

Masonic alphabet ; he is onl y placed upon good vantage ground for entering upon a course ef Masonic research that yvill amply reward for all the labour he may bestow . Let us keep these facts constantly before thc brethren , and thus spur them up to greater diligence in their efforts for more and further Masonic li ght . —Grand Master Griswold of Minnesota .

PROROGATION . —Tuesday ' s "Gazette contained the fol ! owing :- "It is this day ordered byHer Majesty in Council that thc Parliament be prorogued from Tuesday , August 15 th instant , to Tuesday , October 31 st 187 6 J and that the Ri ght Hon . the Lord Hig h Chancellor of that part of the United Kingdom called Great Britain do cause a commission to he- nrpnur / vl nnH icciipd in the usual

manner for proroguing the Parliament accordingly . " A similar notification prorogues the Convocations of Canterbury and York till Wednesday , November 1 . DAYLIGHT reflected in dark rooms . Gas superseded in day time . Health , comfort , and economy piomoted by adopting Chappuis' Patent Daylight Reflectors . — Manufactory , 69 , Fleet-street , London ,